High-quality Belt and Road cooperation creates new opportunities for win-win development

16:26, December 06, 2024 By He Yin ( People's Daily

Photo shows a view of the Friendship Square in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which is part of the Chinese-aided Addis Ababa riverside green development project. (Photo/Zhao Xiaoyu)

On December 2, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the fourth symposium on Belt and Road construction work in Beijing and delivered an important speech.

He acknowledged the major achievements in Belt and Road cooperation and made comprehensive arrangements for promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in the present and near future, providing important guidance and charting the course forward for promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in the next golden decade.

As changes of the world, the times and history unfold, Xi's groundbreaking proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become a milestone of historic significance in the history of human development.

Since the BRI was put forth in 2013, the Belt and Road cooperation has consistently embraced the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefits. It has stayed committed to the principle of "planning together, building together, and benefiting together." The sectors and scope of Belt and Road cooperation have continued to expand, while the level of cooperation has been further elevated.

The cooperation has demonstrated greater international appeal, influence, and rallying power, and has made major achievements, making China's contribution to enhancing friendship with Belt and Road participating countries and boosting their economic and social development.

So far, more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations have signed Belt and Road cooperation documents. China has hosted three sessions of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, and has established over 20 specialized multilateral cooperation platforms under the BRI.

This year, China signed the Belt and Road cooperation plans with countries including Egypt, Timor-Leste, and Peru.

A man competes in a drone assembly and reconditioning contest of the second Belt and Road International Skills Competition at the Chongqing International Expo Center, southwest China's Chongqing municipality, June 25, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Sun Kaifang)

Dilma Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank, said that never before in history has any initiative brought together over 150 countries like the BRI.

Belt and Road cooperation transcends differences between civilizations, cultures, social systems, and stages of development. It represents humanity's joint pursuit of development for all, represents the advancing of the times, and is the right path forward.

Through high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, China shares with the rest of the world the development opportunities of Chinese modernization, injecting more confidence and strength into global peace and development.

Last year, China announced eight major steps it will take to support the joint pursuit of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, demonstrating its commitment to deepening Belt and Road partnerships and building an open, inclusive and interconnected world for common development. With these concrete actions, China has demonstrated its role as a responsible major country.

The BRI and its core principles have been written into documents from the United Nations (UN), the G20, APEC, and other international and regional organizations. Its role as a driver and leader of global development continues to strengthen.

A recent report by Brussels-based think tank Bruegel revealed that since its inception, the BRI has appeared nearly 1,000 times in UN documents, with over 500 mentions in 2019 alone. This underscores the global vision embodied in this Chinese initiative.

Belt and Road cooperation was proposed by China, but its benefits and opportunities are for the world to share.

China and the Belt and Road partner countries have achieved fruitful results in "hard connectivity" of infrastructure. The China-Europe freight train network has expanded to 227 cities in 25 European countries; the Silk Road Maritime routes connect 145 ports across 46 countries globally; and the Air Silk Road links 104 cities in 54 countries. A large number of signature projects and "small yet smart" people-centered programs have been launched.

Representatives of a Chinese enterprise and a company from a Belt and Road partner country negotiate over a purchase deal at the Shaoxing International Convention & Exhibition Center, east China's Zhejiang province, Oct. 25. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Yongtao)

China and the Belt and Road partner countries are also steadily advancing "soft connectivity" of rules and standards. China has signed 113 standardization cooperation documents with 69 countries and organizations, and inked 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions, with prominent improvement in trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.

China and the Belt and Road partner countries have been deepening "heart connectivity" between peoples. China has set up the Chinese government scholarship Silk Road Program and launched the Action on Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity. The flourishing exchanges between non-governmental organizations, think tanks, media organizations and the youth have composed a symphony of friendship for the Belt and Road cooperation.

Conforming to the new trends of global development, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation is witnessing new highlights and releasing new vitality in green, digital and innovative development. It is injecting fresh impetus into the global economy, creating new opportunities for global development, and building a new platform for international economic cooperation for win-win outcomes among partner countries.

Belt and Road cooperation has entered the new stage of high-quality development. China is ready to work hand in hand with Belt and Road partner countries and continue adhering to the principle of "planning together, building together, and benefiting together," and the philosophy of open, green and clean cooperation, and the goal of pursuing high-standard, people-centered and sustainable cooperation, follow through on the eight major measures for supporting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and focus on connectivity.

China will work to improve and promote the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation mechanism, create new space for win-win development at a higher level and with greater resilience and sustainability.

These efforts aim to support the modernization of countries worldwide and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
S. Korean president to let ruling party decide on his term

Xinhua) 10:28, December 07, 2024

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said on Saturday that he will let the ruling People Power Party decide on his term, indicating his willingness to accept the shortened presidential tenure.

Yoon said in a televised address that he will let the governing party decide on ways to stabilize the political situation, including the remainder of his presidential term, noting that the party and the government will take responsibility together for state affairs.

The embattled president said he was very sorry and sincerely apologized to people who were very surprised by the martial law declaration, noting that he will not avoid his legal and political responsibility for it.

Yoon stressed that there will be no other martial law declaration, bowing his head in front of cameras.

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, planning to vote on it Saturday afternoon.

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party, told reporters that President Yoon's early resignation is inevitable, saying it is impossible for the president to perform his duty normally under the current circumstances.

Han noted that he will try to prevent people from suffering by closely discussing people's livelihoods and significant issues with the prime minister.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, said he was very disappointed at Yoon's address that never measured up to people's minds and further boosted people's sense of betrayal and anger.

Lee emphasized that there will be no other way to stabilize the turbulence other than an immediate resignation or an impeachment of the president, vowing his best efforts to let Yoon step down or be impeached.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
The Non-Governmental Organization "Union of Young Roma from the Republic of Moldova" TARNA ROM is excited to invite your company to participate in our Open Tender(OT) for the provision of vauchers for the whinter cloth OT No. TARNA/MOL/2024/OT/SUPP0002 under UNHCR project.

Romanian:

Asociatia Obsteasca Uniunea Tinerilor Romi din Republica Moldova TARNA ROM are placerea de a invita compania dumneavoastra sa participe la Licitatia Deschisa (LD) pentru furnizarea de vouchere pentru imbracaminte de iarna, LD nr. TARNA/MOL/2024/OT/SUPP0002 in cadrul proiectului UNHCR.

Request for Quotation Details RFQ #: TARNA/MOL/2024/OT/SUPP0002 Currency of Bid (3-letter code): MDL RFQ Issuing Date: 07.12.2024 Bid Validity Period (days): 45 RFQ Closing Date: 15.12.2024 Required Delivery Date: December 2024 RFQ Closing Time: 17:00 p.m Required Delivery Destination: Chisinau, Moldova Questions to the RFQ tarna.rom.pr@gmail.com Required Delivery Terms: 7 days after placing the order

For Tarna Rom to Complete/Pentru Tarna Rom For Supplier to Complete/Pentru Furnizor Item # Description/Descriptie Unit/ Measure Quantity Required/Cantitati Voucher nominal value/ Valoarea nominala a voucherului Discount provided from supplier/reducerea oferita Country of Origin/Tara de origini Number of branches/Numarul de filiale 1 A Voucher for the purchase of winter clothing for children. Un Voucher pentru achizitionarea hainelor de iarna pentru copii pcs 80

NOTE for the Suppliers:



The organization Tarna Rom plans to purchase 80 vouchers for the acquisition of winter clothing for children under UNHCR project. The maximum budget for our tender is 130,000 MDL excluding VAT. We require you to provide a completed table indicating the possible discount, assortment, country of origin, and the number of branches in the Republic of Moldova.

Please note that the committee based on several factors, namely, will determine the final decision regarding the winner of this tender: the provision of the maximum discount, the pricing of the offered assortment, the number of stores, and local production. These factors will be reviewed during an open session of the tender, scheduled for December 16 at 17 00, 2024, after which the final decision will be made.

The organization reserves the right to adjust the number or nominal value of vouchers, either increasing or decreasing it from the initially stated quantity, while the maximum possible budget amount remains unchanged.

In turn, the organization Tarna Rom is committed to sharing its decision with all participants of the tender to enhance the transparency of this procurement process.

Romanian:



Organizatia Tarna Rom planifica sa achizitioneze 80 de vouchere pentru procurarea hainelor de iarna pentru copii in cadrul proiectului UNHCR. Bugetul maximal al licitatiei noastre este de 130,000 MDL fara TVA. Va rugam sa ne furnizati un tabel completat cu indicarea posibilei reduceri, a sortimentului, a tarii de origine si a numarului de filiale din Republica Moldova. Va rugam sa luati in considerare ca decizia finala privind castigatorul acestui tender va fi luata de comisie pe baza mai multor factori, si anume: oferirea celui mai mare discount, preturile sortimentului prezentat, numarul de magazine si productia locala. Aceste aspecte vor fi analizate in cadrul unei sesiuni deschise a tenderului, care va avea loc pe 16 decembrie 2024 la ora 17 00, iar decizia finala va fi luata ulterior.Organizatia isi rezerva dreptul de a modifica numarul de vouchere, fie prin cresterea, fie prin reducerea acestuia fata de cantitatea declarata initial, in timp ce suma maxima posibila a bugetului ramane neschimbata. La randul sau, organizatia Tarna Rom se angajeaza sa impartaseasca decizia sa cu toti participantii la acest tender pentru a spori transparenta acestui proces de achizitie.

Submission of Bid

You must submit one original of the RFQ Bid Form in a sealed envelope, clearly marked with the RFQ number and the Bidders name. The bid can be delivered directly to the tender box, mailed, or delivered by courier services, or alternatively send by email to the following dedicated, secure & controlled email address: tarna.rom.pr@gmail.com

Phone number

+373 79 730876

The following mandatory documents with the compulsory Open Tender Bid Form are to be submitted:

RFQ Form - must be saved in PDF format, signed and stamp by authorized company representative

Majority Owners ID copy (Optional)

Companys Registration Certificate issued by the relevant state authority (Extras)

Tarna Rom Code of Conduct (signed and stamped)

Tarna Rom Annex to Contract (signed and stamped)

Catalogue with prices for the winter cloths.

All mandatory documents you can find here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1E2V1qvmWPJZGKFWBnouo5E5d6PISa4D9?usp=sharing or via request to the email: tarna.rom.pr@gmail.com

Evaluation of Bids

All Bids received and accepted will be evaluated on a line item basis as follows:

Administrative Evaluation: Evaluated to ensure compliance with all the RFQ requirements and to ensure that all Bids and calculations are readable and acceptable.

Technical Evaluation: All Bids received will undergo a Technical Evaluation based on best value for money. Bids that comply with the requested items, specifications, and delivery conditions will be classed as responsive (acceptable). Only Bids classed as responsive (acceptable) will progress onto the Financial Evaluation. Non-responsive bids (not-acceptable Bids) will no longer be under consideration at this stage.

Financial Evaluation: All Responsive Bids will undergo a Financial Evaluation

Contract Award

Under the best value for money principle, Tarna Rom will award the contract to the lowest responsive bid except where other considerations are warranted. These other considerations can be  total cost of ownership; cost of on-going consumables; price vs warranty; quality vs price.

RFQ Enquires

All enquires and questions should be addressed to the email given in the RFQ Details section! All Q&As will be shared with all invited suppliers.

Alexandr Pruglo

Supply Chain Officer 07.12.2024
Boeing's head of government affairs and top lobbyist is leaving effective immediately, the planemaker's CEO told employees in an email Friday.

Ziad Ojakli, who took over as head of Boeing government operations in September 2021 and previously headed Ford Motor and Softbank government affairs offices, is stepping down and will be replaced on an interim basis by Bill McSherry, who oversees the planemaker's state and local government operations, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said in an email.



Boeing has faced a difficult year after a door plug missing four key bolts blew off a new Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jets at 16,000 feet in January.
Meredith Tabbone lives in Chicago, but for the last five years, she's spent countless hours and nearly half a million dollars to build her dream home in Italy. It all started in early 2019 when Tabbone learned about a town in Italy, Sambuca di Sicilia, that was auctioning off abandoned properties starting at 1 euro, or roughly $1.05. At the same time, Tabbone, who works as a financial advisor, was deep into researching her family history. She had just traced her great-grandfather back to the same Sicilian town before he started a new life in America. The coincidence was "too good to be true," and she took it as a sign to place a bid. A few months later, Tabbone became the owner of the 1-euro home. She also bought the building next door and got to work managing a local crew on the massive renovation. Today, Tabbone, 45, uses her Sicily property as a vacation getaway, and she says it feels like a primary residence. The home includes two primary bedrooms, two guest bedrooms, a kitchen with modern finishes, a large dining room with a gallery wall of photography, a library, a living room, a dry-heat sauna and two terraces, including one with a pizza oven and outdoor dining area. In all, she spent roughly $475,000 on her Italian dream home.

Meredith Tabbone spent roughly $475,000 on her dream home in Sambuca di Sicilia. Mickey Todiwala | CNBC Make It

The cost breakdown

While bids for the Sicilian properties started at 1 euro, Tabbone placed a bid of 5,555 euros for her building. With taxes and fees, she spent 5,900 euros (roughly $6,200) to take ownership of the property. She visited her new home for the first time in June 2019. The condition of the property was "dire at best," Tabbone tells CNBC Make It: no electricity, no running water, asbestos in the roof and "probably two feet of pigeon poop on the floor."

Meredith Tabbone bid 5,555 euros on a home, sight unseen, in Sambuca, Sicily, in 2019. Courtesy of Meredith Tabbone

After seeing the space, she also bought the vacant home next door through a private sale with the owner for 22,000 euros (just over $23,000). Combining the two properties meant a bigger renovation budget: Tabbone initially planned to spend 40,000 euros to renovate 620 square feet, but that grew to 140,000 euros to cover 2,700 square feet.

After visiting her original 1-euro home, Meredith Tabbone bought the building next door for 22,000 euros to combine and create her dream vacation home. Courtesy of Meredith Tabbone

By the end of her renovation in October 2023, she spent roughly 425,000 euros, or $446,000. Because the project was delayed by the pandemic and spread out over several years, she was able to pay for it all over time without taking out loans.

Simple, but significant

Tabbone's goal with her Sicilian property was to build a vacation home where she could also host visiting friends and family. To start, Tabbone's renovation team made structural changes like breaking down several walls to open up common areas, leveling the floors across the two buildings, adding steel beams to protect against earthquakes, and adding two terraces.

Meredith Tabbone's home mixes contemporary finishes with the home's original features, like archways and a trough in the kitchen. Mickey Todiwala | CNBC Make It

Meredith Tabbone knocked down several walls to open up her kitchen, dining and living areas. She plans to use her vacation home to entertain local friends and fellow travelers. Mickey Todiwala | CNBC Make It

It was Tabbone's first renovation project ever. She was inspired by her father, who was an architect and died when she was 15. She now calls the home Casa dell'Architetto in his honor. Tabbone says her vision was to design a space that is "simple, but significant," in a nod to "Mad Men'" character Don Draper. The finished project is "a thousand times better" than her original vision, she says. "It's modern, but it's still cozy. And it really showcases all of the best features that were already in the home," like original archways, a trough in the kitchen and a unique staircase.

Meredith Tabbone finished renovations in late 2023 and plans to spend four months out of the year in Sambuca. Mickey Todiwala | CNBC Make It

Now that her home is complete, Tabbone plans to spend four months out of the year in Sicily. She also uses it as a gathering space to host dinner parties with friends she's made in Sambuca. "It's an amazing community" of expats and locals, she says.

Meredith Tabbone says she's never done a renovation project like this before, but she was inspired by the work of her father, who was an architect. Mickey Todiwala | CNBC Make It

One of Meredith Tabbone's favorite features in her Sicily dream home is a dry-heat sauna in one of the guest bedrooms. Mickey Todiwala | CNBC Make It

A bridge between past and future

Tabbone says her Sambuca property is more than a vacation spot. "What this home really means for me is a bridge between my past and my future," she says. "It was a chance to really reconnect with my father's lineage. But it also speaks to my future because it's something that I've created for myself ... where I can think more about enjoying my life and having a better work-life balance." Tabbone doesn't plan to sell the house and has already promised it to a cousin if she passes away first. "After that, it's going to be donated to the village," Tabbone says.

Meredith Tabbone is from Chicago and learned about Sambuca di Sicilia's 1-euro home auction in 2019. Mickey Todiwala | CNBC Make It

Though Tabbone splurged on her home away from home, she says what she's gained from the experience is invaluable. "There's a real sense of community here, so I definitely think people are very happy here," she says. Plus, "I've started to think differently about how I'm building my business, and maybe not having the focus of my life be about work, [but] about just personal fulfillment in general," she says.

Meredith Tabbone has made close friends with locals and fellow foreigners in Sicily. Mickey Todiwala | CNBC Make It
Rebel fighters sit on a vehicle in Homs countryside, after Syrian rebels pressed their lightning advance on Saturday, saying they had seized most of the south, as government forces dug in to defend the key central city of Homs to try to save President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule, in Syria December 7, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Hasano

Syrian rebels battled government forces for control of the key city of Homs on Saturday and advanced towards the capital, Damascus, as front lines collapsed across the country, throwing President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule into the balance.

Since the rebels' sweep into Aleppo a week ago, government defenses have crumbled at a dizzying speed as insurgents seized a string of major cities and rose up in places where the rebellion had long seemed over.

The twin threats to strategically vital Homs and the capital, Damascus, now pose an existential threat to Assad's decades of rule in Syria and the continued influence there of his main regional backer, Iran.

A Homs resident and army and rebel sources said the insurgents had breached government defenses from the north and east of the city. A rebel commander said they had taken control of an army camp and villages outside the city.

State television reported that the insurgents had not penetrated into Homs although it said they were on the city outskirts, where it said the military was striking them with artillery and drones.

Insurgents have seized almost the entire southwest within 24 hours, and they have advanced to within 30 km (20 miles) of Damascus as government forces fell back, rebels said.

Underscoring the possibility of an uprising in the capital, protesters took to the streets in several Damascus suburbs, ripping up Assad posters and tearing down a statue of his father, former President Hafez al-Assad, uncontested by army or police. Some were joined by soldiers who had changed into civilian clothes and deserted, residents said.

However, the state news agency reported that Assad remains in Damascus and the military said it was reinforcing around the capital and south.

The pace of events has stunned Arab capitals and raised fears of a new wave of regional instability.

Syria's civil war, which erupted in 2011 as an uprising against Assad's rule, dragged in big outside powers, created space for jihadist militants to plot attacks around the world, and sent millions of refugees into neighboring states.

Assad had long relied on allies to subdue the rebels, with bombing by Russian warplanes, while Iran sent allied forces, including Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iraqi militia, to bolster the Syrian military and storm insurgent strongholds.

But Russia has been focused on the war in Ukraine since 2022, and Hezbollah has suffered big losses in its own grueling war with Israel, significantly limiting its ability or that of Iran to bolster Assad.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said the U.S. should not be involved in the conflict and should "let it play out".
HOMS, SYRIA - DECEMBER 06: Anti-regime armed groups advancing in Syria's strategically important province of Homs, the gateway to the capital Damascus, on Dec. 06, 2024.

Syrian rebels said they seized control of the southern city of Daraa on Saturday, the birthplace of a 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad and the fourth city his forces have lost in a week.

Rebel sources said the military agreed to make an orderly withdrawal from Daraa under a deal giving army officials safe passage to the capital Damascus, about 100 km (60 miles) north.

Social media videos showed rebels on motorcycles and others mingling with residents on the streets. People fired shots into the air at the city's main square in celebration, according to the videos.

There was no immediate comment from the military or Assad's government, and Reuters could not independently verify the rebels' claim.

With the fall of Daraa, Assad's forces have surrendered four important centres to the insurgents in a week.

Daraa, which had a population of more than 100,000 before the civil war began 13 years ago, holds symbolic importance as the cradle of the uprising. It is the capital of a province of about 1 million people, bordering Jordan.

Daraa's seizure followed the rebels' claim late on Friday that they had advanced to the edge of the central city of Homs, a key crossroads between the capital and the Mediterranean coast.

Capturing Homs would cut off Damascus from the coastal stronghold of Assad's minority Alawite sect, and from a naval base and air base of his Russian allies there.

"Our forces have liberated the last village on the outskirts of the city of Homs and are now on its walls," the Syrian faction leading the sweeping assault said on the Telegram messaging app.

A coalition of rebel factions that include the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) made a last call on forces loyal to Assad's government in Homs to defect.

Ahead of the rebel advance, thousands of people fled Homs towards the coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus, strongholds of the government, residents and witnesses said.
French President Emmanuel Macron, center, poses with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, left, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Elysee Palace, Sat., Dec. 7, 2024 in Paris. Aurelien Morissard | AP Photo

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Donald Trump to Paris on Saturday with a full dose of presidential pomp as the two held a hastily arranged meeting with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy before celebrating the grand reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral. On a day that mixed pageantry with attention to pressing global problems, the once and future American president was warmly embraced by Macron upon arriving at the Elysee Palace. "It's a great honor for French people to welcome you five years later," Macron told Trump. "Welcome back again." Trump said it was a "very great honor" to be there, while hinting at challenges ahead. "It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now. And we'll be talking about that," Trump said. An actual red carpet was rolled out for Trump as Macron bestowed the kind of full diplomatic welcome that France offers sitting American presidents, complete with trumpets blaring and members of the Republican Guard in full uniform. It was a clear sign that even though Trump doesn't take office until Jan. 20, 2025, Macron and other European leaders are already working to win his favor and treating him as America's representative on the world stage. President Joe Biden declined an invitation to attend the Notre Dame ceremony, five years after a devastating fire, with the White House citing a scheduling conflict. First lady Jill Biden was the official U.S. representative in his place.

Ashley Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump attend the ceremony to mark the reopening of Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral on December 07, 2024 in Paris, France. Pascal Le Segretain | Getty Images

Macron and leaders across Europe are trying to persuade the president-elect to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia's invasion. Macron's office said the war, along with conflicts in the Mideast, would be discussed. As Trump arrived at the official residence of the French president, Macron went out of his way to project an image of close ties, offering handshakes and plenty of back-patting for the cameras. In a video posted later on X, Macron could be heard asking Trump: "You remember?" as both men entered a reception room. "I remember," Trump answered. Trump spent about 90 minutes inside, meeting first with Macron before they were joined by Zelenskyy for about 35 minutes. Macron had long planned to meet separately with Zelenskyy. The French president's office said the three-way talks were proposed by Macron and arranged shortly before Trump's arrival. Trump has pledged to end the war in Ukraine swiftly but has not specified how, raising concerns in Kyiv about what terms may be laid out for any future negotiations. A person familiar with Trump's plans had said before the meeting was announced that while Trump and Zelenskyy were attending the cathedral ceremony and surrounding events and probably would interact, Trump's transition team had not worked with the Ukrainians to schedule formal talks. After the place meeting, a Trump senior transition official did not push back on the idea that it had come together at the last minute, but said it had been "discussed fully and agreed to" and that Trump had been "fully briefed" ahead of time. The three leaders spoke in English, and translator was in the room, according to a French official. Accompanying Trump to Paris was a small contingent of advisers that included incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles, along with Steve Witkoff, a longtime friend and real estate investor whom Trump has tapped as his special envoy to the Middle East, and Massad Boulos, who is the father-in-law of Trump's daughter Tiffany and will serve as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. The group did not appear to include anyone with expertise on Ukraine. "United States, Ukraine and France. Together on this historic day. United for Notre-Dame. Let's continue to work together for peace and security," Macron wrote on X afterward.

France's President Emmanuel Macron (C) walks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump (R) and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) after a meeting at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris on Dec. 7, 2024. Julien De Rosa | Afp | Getty Images

Trump's victory last month threw into doubt the Biden administration's flow of money and arms to Ukraine  aid bolstered even more on Saturday by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's announcement of a $988 million package that brings American military support to more than $62 billion since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Trump has characterized Zelenskyy as "the greatest salesman on Earth" for winning billions in U.S. aid. Trump also has said he work out a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within a day of taking office and has promoted his good relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In an effort to build trust with the incoming U.S. administration, Zelenskyy's top aide Andriy Yermak met key members of Trump's team on a two-day trip to the U.S. earlier this week. Macron has argued that Ukraine's defeat or a cease-fire with Russia on unfavorable terms to Ukraine would be viewed as a loss for the U.S. and even Trump himself, according to two European officials familiar with the matter. After arriving at Notre Dame for the ceremony, Trump was greeted by Macron and his wife, Brigitte. He was given prime seating at the service right between them  a better location than Jill Biden, who sat on Brigitte Macron's other side  and many current heads of government and state. Inside, Trump also greeted Zelenskyy as well as Britain's Prince William, who Trump met with later at the British ambassador's residence in Paris. Trump was greeted in the foyer, shook the royal's hand and said "good man, this one." Trump told reporters the Prince of Wales was doing "a fantastic job" before the two went to sit down and talk in a private room reserved for high-profile figures in the residence that once was the Paris town home of Princess Pauline Borghese, the youngest sister French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

Britain's Prince William and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump meet at the residence of the British ambassador to France, on the day of the reopening ceremonies of the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral following the 2019 fire, in Paris, France, December 7, 2024. Aaron Chown | Via Reuters
Pakistan inaugurated a newly-constructed residential complex for Hindu pilgrims and planted 6,000 diverse plants at the Katas Raj Temple complex in Punjab (Pakistan). The Evacuee Trust Property Board reported that the 36-room facility, located next to the Katas Raj Temples, was built at a cost of nearly Rs 6 crore. Located in Potohar plateau region, about 110 kilometres south of Islamabad, the Katas Raj Temple complex, is over 900 years old and is a significant religious site for Hindus.Known also as Qila Katas, the temple complex features multiple Hindu temples connected by walkways, surrounding the sacred Katas pond. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, stated at the inauguration that the facilities have been designed to ensure Hindu pilgrims from around the world, including India, can stay comfortably during their visits, PTI reported."We invite Hindus from Pakistan, India, and across the world to come to the Katas Raj Temples and perform their religious rituals with complete freedom and amenities," he highlighted that the temple complex was a vital cultural heritage site for different faiths.ETPB Chairman Dr Attaur Rehman explained that the addition of the 36 rooms and modern facilities has significantly improved the historic site. In addition to these upgrades, the government has planted 6,000 plants to improve the temple's environment and has ensured the conservation of the heritage site while incorporating modern infrastructure.He mentioned that the ETPB has installed a 40 KW solar power system and added spacious parking facilities to accommodate Hindu pilgrims and tourists visiting from across the globe. Krishan Sharma, the President of the Pakistan Hindu Mandir Management Committee, expressed his gratitude to the government for the improvements at the Katas Raj complex, affirming that Hindu places of worship in Pakistan remain safe.
How closely was this intern  and most interns need more supervision than a traditional employee  monitored? If I wanted to keep financial backers happy, especially when ByeDance is under US pressure to sell the highly-lucrative TikTok, I would not want to advertise the fact that my team let this happen.

Even more troubling is that this intern was technically able to do this, regardless of supervision. The lesson here is one that IT already knows, but is trying to ignore: generative AI (genAI) tools are impossible to meaningfully control and guardrails are so easy to sweep past that they are a joke.

The conundrum with genAI is that the same freedom and flexibility that can make the technology so useful also makes it so easy to manipulate into doing bad things. There are ways to limit what LLM-based tools will do. But one, they often fail. And two, IT management is often hesitant to even try and limit what end-users can do, fearing they could kill any of the promised productivity gains from genAI.
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It says everything when the brutal and apparently targeted assassination of a health insurance chief executive elicits cheers from sections of the American public.

No one even knew who UnitedHealthcare boss Brian Thompson was before he was shot outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning.

Not that people seem to care now. No, many of my fellow Americans are more obsessed with the so-called 'hot assassin'. How young he is; how expertly he cleared his jammed gun to fire off multiple rounds in quick succession; his cinematic escape into Central Park on an e-bike after dumping a burner phone at the crime scene.

He has become a folk hero, something straight out of The Day Of The Jackal. He is being celebrated on social media. Yes, it's a veritable cesspool, but the collective adulation of this killer  however deplorable  is delivering a bracing message.

For far too many Americans the rapacious healthcare industry had it coming. No matter that Thompson, 50, was a father of two sons and leaves a wife who, despite their reported estrangement, lauded him as 'an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest'.

What so much US news coverage has focused on instead is Thompson's salary (more than 7.85million), his alleged role in insider trading and a 2021 plan to refuse payment for A&E visits deemed 'non-critical'.

UnitedHealthcare made 221billion last year. Meanwhile, many of its paying clients  average Americans scraping by  were routinely denied hospital visits, left facing sky-high bills or refused vital medicines. That this was a factor in the killing seems increasingly likely.

The gunman left clues: Live ammo and shell casings with one word written on each  'deny', 'depose', 'defend'.

UnitedHealthcare boss Brian Thompson, 50, was shot outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning

The gunman suspected of killing the health insurance boss. He left clues: Live ammo and shell casings with one word written on each - 'deny', 'depose', 'defend'

A CCTV image shows the gunman walking up to Thompson and shooting him from behind

Those words echo a popular 2010 book titled Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don't Pay Claims And What You Can Do About It.

Thompson was killed in the week another US insurer  one regarded as offering gold-standard coverage  announced it would no longer pay for certain 'anaesthesia care' if surgery went beyond an arbitrary time limit.

This is the double-edged sword of America's privatised healthcare industry. At its best, it's unbeatable. No country in the world can compare. If you're independently wealthy, famous or have a well-paying job with good employment benefits, you'll be in the best possible hands for the least personal cost. You can see consultants the same day  in swanky clinics more akin to hotel suites.

But if you're not a member of the one per cent, you're liable to be screwed. You'll be caught in the maw of a heartless system that will determine what kind of tests you're eligible for, where you'll be treated and by whom, directed by faceless bureaucrats you'll never meet and can never contact.

The system is designed to keep patients, no matter how dire their diagnoses, powerless to fight back or advocate for themselves.

Nearly six years ago, one of my best friends gave birth to twins by planned caesarean at Lenox Hill Hospital  one of New York City's finest, where Beyonce chose to give birth in 2012.

My friend suffered severe complications after the birth. But her treatment was lax and cavalier until a nurse recognised her as the author of a best-selling medical memoir.

Moments later, she was rushed up to the 'Beyonce floor' to be swiftly tended to while patients strolled around in expensive pyjamas, sipped fresh orange juice and ate gourmet meals in capacious private rooms.

The entire experience left her outraged and, yes, feeling powerless.

It's this callous bifurcation of America's rich and poor in matters of life and death that evokes such revulsion.

It's why Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite his crackpot theories, is embraced by so many to lead America's healthcare policies. People are fed up. They want a disrupter like RFK Jr. to take on Big Pharma, which they believe wants to make and keep Americans sick for profit.

It's no accident that after Thompson was killed, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, the insurer that proposed limiting anaesthesia cover, reversed its decision.

The American healthcare industry has a lot to answer for, and it seems the death not of their clients, but one of their own, is the only thing that has them listening.
Nigel Farage this week won 'Newcomer of the Year' at The Spectator's prestigious Parliamentarian of the Year awards, Westminster's version of the Oscars.

The Reform party leader, of course, is no newcomer. He's been a seminal, Marmite figure in British politics these past 15 years. But, after multiple abortive attempts, he finally made it to the House of Commons in July. So, with tongue firmly in cheek, The Spectator designated him the newcomer.

How the audience, dominated by Westminster's Labour-Tory establishment and its media camp followers, chortled. Until Farage made it clear he expects to have the last laugh.

'I've got a bit of a shock for you,' he said while collecting his trophy. 'If you think that I and four other newcomers [his fellow Reform MPs] were a shock, I'm very sorry. At the next election in 2029 or before, there will be hundreds of newcomers under the Reform UK label.

'We are about to witness a political revolution the likes of which we have not seen since Labour after the First World War,' he went on, referring to how in the 1920s and 1930s Labour replaced the Liberals as the country's alternative to the Tories. 'Politics is about to change in the most astonishing way. Newcomers will win the next election.'

Farage returned to his seat in silence. He has few friends among this sort of audience. But it wasn't so much a silent protest as a stunned silence. It had dawned on the room that he might well be right.

Reform won more than 4 million votes  14.3 per cent of votes cast  in the July general election. Thanks to the vagaries of our first-past-the-post voting system, that gave Reform only five seats in the Commons. The Liberal Democrats won 64 seats with a lower share of the vote (only 12 per cent).

Labour's victory was especially lopsided, winning 411 seats (out of 650) with a mere one third of the vote. A lot has changed in the five months since then, largely to Reform's advantage. A new poll this week put Reform on 24 per cent, one point ahead of Labour and only two points behind the Tories (which, given the margin of error, is statistically nip and tuck).

Nigel Farage this week won 'Newcomer of the Year' at The Spectator's prestigious Parliamentarian of the Year awards, Westminster's version of the Oscars

Of course, polls don't matter much this early in a new parliament and this one could be an outlier. But the two big parties would be wise to regard it as a possible harbinger of things to come. Reform scores over 20 per cent in an average of the latest polls.

More important, the omens are propitious for Reform, not so much for Labour or the Tories. Look at the reasons Donald Trump enjoyed such a convincing win over Kamala Harris in last month's US presidential election.

Harris's incumbent Democrats had lost control of America's southern border with Mexico, allowing millions of illegal migrants to pour into the country. A post-pandemic spike in prices, made worse by President Biden's stoking of the economy with massive rises in federal spending, left people bitter about the squeeze on their living standards.

The Democrats piled on the agony by pursuing a net zero carbon emissions strategy which increased energy prices and undermined US business, including the country's huge automotive industry, whose electric vehicles Americans refuse to buy.

Keir Starmer is determined to repeat all the Democrats' mistakes. His government, under the malign influence of energy secretary Ed Miliband, is even more obsessed with net zero than Biden-Harris. Household energy bills are rising again and our car industry teeters on the brink, the dole queue beckoning for thousands of Labour-voting workers.

The self-inflicted burden of net zero means another squeeze on living standards, which are anyway officially predicted to rise only 0.5 per cent by 2030, barely an improvement on the pathetic 0.3 per cent managed by the Tories in the last Parliament.

Starmer inherits record net migration but can't even be bothered to make its reduction one of his so-called 'missions', much less put a figure on any cut.

In normal times, when a government makes such a hash of things, the main opposition party would benefit. But these are not normal times. For with everything Labour is doing wrong, the Tories were there first.

They invented the net zero rules that are pushing up domestic energy bills and deindustrialising the country. They promised countless times to cut net migration to 100,000 a year and never once came even within shouting distance. Their parting gift was net migration of almost 1 million  ten times their target. And, of course, they presided over the worst cost of living squeeze in living memory.

Sir Keir Starmer is determined to repeat all the Democrats' mistakes. His government is even more obsessed with net zero than Biden-Harris, writes Andrew Neil

So even as Labour makes it all worse, why would voters turn back to the Tories, who were previously complicit in everything bad now happening? They are much more likely to vote Reform, which shouts loudest about curbing migration, is opposed to net zero and has clean hands when it comes to living standards.

Red Wall voters in the north of England are also likely to find Reform more congenial. They lent their votes to the Conservatives in 2019 and now have buyer's remorse: they feel badly let down by Boris Johnson and those who followed him.

They're now more likely to switch to Reform, which comes without the Tories' social baggage. In much of the Midlands and North, after all, the Tories are still seen as the 'posh party'.

Labour spin doctors are briefing friendly journalists that all this is fine and dandy: a resurgent Reform will split the Right-wing vote, guaranteeing another Labour victory come the next election, just as the Left-wing split in the 80s between Labour and Social Democrats handed Margaret Thatcher two landslides.

This seriously underestimates the danger Labour faces. Reform is as much a threat to Labour as the Tories, perhaps even more so. At the election, Reform came second in 98 seats, of which 89 are held by Labour. That should send a shiver down Starmer's spine.

The Conservatives have their own misconceptions. Many Tory activists welcome Reform as a way of dragging their party to the Right, absorbing Reform in the process. They don't seem to realise Farage's strategy is to replace the Tories on the Right. Far-fetched? Far from it.

The current two-party system is already on its knees. At the last election, Labour and the Conservatives claimed a combined 57 per cent of the vote, their lowest share since 1918. The most recent poll puts their combined share below 50 per cent.

The British voting system is harsh on insurgent parties like Reform. You can pile up a lot of votes but capture few seats for your pains. But there comes a point, if you can reach it, when a lot starts to fall your way.

The Social Democratic-Liberal Alliance almost broke through in the 1983 election, when it came only two points (25.4 per cent) behind Labour (27.6 per cent). But that was enough to give Labour more than 200 seats, the Alliance only 23. The Alliance was consigned to history.

Suppose Reform was to get closer to 30 per cent come the next election, which is not impossible, and Labour and the Tories floated on either side of 25 per cent, again not impossible.

Using the excellent tools on the Electoral Calculus website, that would make Reform the largest party on 229 seats, with the Tories and Labour languishing on 152 and 146 respectively. If the Tories went into coalition with Reform they'd probably be gobbled up and Reform would emerge as the dominant party of the Right.

Pie in the sky? Perhaps. But Labour seems destined for self-destruction, new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has yet to cut through to the wider public and Farage is nicely placed to make the running, as he already is, even if an 80 million campaign donation from Elon Musk is unlikely.

Reform can campaign in favour of oil and gas in Scotland, the car industry in the Midlands, farmers in rural areas and against immigration and net zero everywhere. Who knows what harvest it might then reap?

When even the denizens of the Westminster village can see the writing on the wall, as they did at that fancy awards ceremony, it's time to take the prospects for Reform seriously.
Kristi McVee was a week into her job as a specialist child interviewer with the Western Australia Police Force when her first sleepover case landed on her desk.

The details were harrowing to her that day, but over time the little girl's story would become all too familiar to the detective senior constable.

The 11-year-old had been staying at her best friend's house while the adults were up all night drinking. After lights out, the kids fell asleep, but the party continued.

She didn't even hear the door opening. Her next memory was of waking up with the man on top of her in the darkness.

As a young mum fresh out of the WA police academy, Ms McVee had never considered that sleepovers could be one of the most dangerous places for a child.

Like most of us, she thought staying the night at a friend's house was just innocent fun - and far less risky than playing outside where strangers are about.

These days she knows better.

Ms McVee now runs Child Abuse Prevention and Education Australia (CAPE), an organisation that educates parents on abuse risks and how to protect their children from predators.

Kristi McVee says sleepovers expose children to a significantly higher risk of abuse - be that from adults in the host family's home or from other children

Each week, dozens of parents ask her whether sleepovers are safe, and her answer to them is always the same: 'Definitely not.'

'Sleepovers have a huge increased risk of abuse - not just from people that the kids are sleeping over with, but also other children,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'All of my experience in the police showed me sleepovers were one of the highest risks for abuse - whether that's sleepovers with family members, sleepovers with friends, sleepovers with people that you don't even know.'

Ms McVee explained there are several risk factors associated with children staying with other families overnight - but if your child insists on going, there are steps you can take to mitigate the risk.

Ms McVee who runs Child Abuse Prevention and Education Australia, said 'sleepovers have a huge increased risk of abuse' (stock image)

If in doubt, host the sleepover

'Some parents don't take the necessary precautions and provide adequate supervision at sleepovers - which makes them a massive risk,' she said.

'When my daughter was younger, I only had kids come to my house.

'She had one or two houses she was allowed to go to and that was because I knew those parents took her safety, and and the risks, as as seriously as I did.'

Tablets in bedrooms is a red flag

To identify potential red flags, Ms McVee urges parents to look for the differences in how children are supervised in other homes.

'For example, I might believe that kids don't get to have iPads or phones in their bedroom. They can only sit in the lounge room and use them,' she said.

'But they go to someone else's house and they've got all of their devices in their bedrooms - so they're up all night looking at websites they shouldn't.'

Ms McVee (pictured during her time as a Western Australia Police officer) has warned parents against letting their young children attend sleepovers

Know every adult and older child who's going to be there - every time

One of the biggest risk factors of sleepovers is the significantly higher potential for sexual abuse. This is an unavoidable fact that comes with letting your child stay over at another house.

With this in mind, the bare minimum you can do as a parent is know every single adult and older child who is going to be around your child.

'You know, 90 per cent of all child sexual abuse is by someone known to your child; it's not a complete stranger,' Ms McVee said.

'It could be older relatives, friends or even their own siblings - 30 to 50 per cent of all child sexual abuse is another child.'

She added the biggest risk of most sleepovers is parents 'don't know who what other adults are going to be in the home or who's supervising them' - because they don't ask.

To identify potential red flags, Ms McVee urges parents to look for the differences in how children are supervised in other homes (stock image)

Make a checklist - get answers and don't compromise

For parents who are considering allowing their child to go to a sleepover, Ms McVee has shared a checklist of questions they should ask the host family.

'One of the first things is asking who's going to be there. Which older siblings, adults, friends are going to be there during the time?' she said.

'What activities they're going to be doing during the sleepover? Are the host parents going to take them out somewhere. If so, are they're going to be with them the whole time?

'Who is supervising them and where? What are the sleeping arrangements?

'Are the kids all sleeping together in the lounge room or are they in bedrooms? Are they out in a tent in the backyard?

'What tech and device rules do the family have? Are they allowed to have their devices overnight or are they getting taken off them at a certain time?'

Ask yourself, are the host parents abuse-aware?

Ms McVee urges parents to ask the family hosting the sleepover tough questions about what they are doing to prevent abuse.

At a minimum, do they teach their own children body safety?

Body safety means teaching kids to recognise their personal boundaries and understand consent. It emphasises the right to say no to unwanted touch, identifying trusted adults, and knowing how to report inappropriate behaviour.

Being ignorant to this basic step to preventing and recognising abuse is a red flag.

Also ask the host family if they are open to children calling home at any time during the stay. A child should never be stopped from contacting their mum or dad.

If you're hosting the sleepover

Ms McVee's advice doesn't just apply to parents releasing their children into another family's care; it also extends to host families who need to thoroughly question if they are providing a safe space.

'I was always very mindful that if I'm asking kids to come to my house, I have to provide a safe environment for them,' she said.

'It's a responsibility we shouldn't take lightly and that we should put more emphasis on. It's our responsibility to ensure all children feel safe with us.'

If possible, delay sleepovers until their teens

The case of the 11-year-old girl was a rude awakening for Ms McVee to the horror thousands of Australian children face.

'I learnt a lot of this stuff in the job as I went along, and my daughter was only two when I joined,' she said.

'I obviously had the blinkers ripped off when I joined. I just think it's not a risk worth taking.

'There's time for sleepovers when they're older - teenagers. Once they're old enough to speak up if something happens, once they've got the confidence to do that, you can allow them to stay over at other people's houses.'
It was once the crown jewel of the Arcadia empire - but when Topshop closed all their stores in 2020, it left a huge hole in London's Oxford Circus.

The following year, IKEA announced plans to take over the 100,000sqft space in Central London - and have since been plagued by seemingly endless delays.

So when the Swedish brand opened their 'Hus of FRAKTA' pop-up at the premises last weekend, shoppers' excitement had reached an all-time high.

But unfortunately for IKEA bosses, the reaction to their mini store, where customers can only currently purchase FRAKTA bags and 'curated' homeware, has been largely underwhelming so far.

Along with a 'press for candyfloss' wall, the pop-up has a 'Blue Edit' display, which pays tribute to the shade of blue made famous by the brand.

Earlier this month, TikTok user Dan Smith filmed a video where he told viewers: 'Oxford Street IKEA is finally here!!'

Sharing a glimpse of some of the small IKEA displays, which were branded a 'mess' by some viewers, the TikToker then filmed himself getting his plastic bag personalised in the brand's 'Atelier'.

Pictured: the 'Hus of FRAKTA' pop-up on London's Oxford Street, which will close next March when the flagship opens

Pictured: the pop-up has a 'Blue Edit' display, which pays tribute to the shade of blue made famous by the brand

Unimpressed with the store, one viewer wrote: 'They got rid of Topshop for that...?'

Another joked: 'Where's the rest of it?'

Meanwhile, a third bemused viewer added: 'Is this the IKEA museum or what?'

The pop-up is expected to run until March 2025 - when it will be replaced by their new flagship store.

What's more, TikTok user Monel Bailey said it 'felt weird' seeing IKEA in Central London in his review video.

After spending 75p on personalising his bag, the social media star - who boasts 13,000 followers - filmed himself receiving a free blue lollipop from behind a mysterious curtain in the store.

The actor then proceeded to move onto the other section of the store, which sells a range of IKEA merchandise and home accessories.

Showing some of the colourful headwear on offer, Monel continued: 'I got myself an IKEA bucket hat, which cost me 9.

Pop-up visitors can get their IKEA bags personalised for 3. Earlier this month, TikTok user Dan Smith filmed a video where he told viewers: 'Oxford Street IKEA is finally here!!'

Unfortunately for IKEA bosses, the reaction to their mini store on Oxford Street - where customers can buy personalised bags - has been largely underwhelming so far

'They were also selling hoodies, T-shirts and totes in all different colours.'

Finally, the TikToker ventured to the simulation part of the store, which is designed to make shoppers feel like they're inside of an IKEA bag.

But while Monel recommended a visit to his followers, viewers weren't impressed by what they saw of the store.

One asked: 'They closed the Tottenham store for this????'

'This just makes me so sad,' another added. 'I want the big Topshop back,' a third moaned.

'Wait, hold up,' a fourth fumed. 'So we have been waiting all this time for this?'

Last year, the retail giant unveiled a 128ft (39m) by 62ft (19m) version of its signature blue Frakta carrier bag covering the scaffolding of the site.

Work on the site, which will fill the vacant shop front that used to house Topshop's flagship store, started in 2022.

Ikea originally said it would open in autumn 2023 before pushing it back a year - a deadline they also missed because of the scale of the refurbishment.

Pictured: TikTok creator Monel Bailey browsed some of the IKEA bucket hats on sale at the pop-up

A large IKEA FRAKTA bag costs 75p to personalise while a medium is 50p. The bag itself costs 3

Pictured: the 'curated' homeware on sale at the IKEA pop-up 'Hus of FRAKTA' store in Oxford Street

TikToker Monel Bailey filmed himself receiving a free blue lollipop from behind a mysterious curtain in the store

In May, the Swedish furniture and homeware giant said the shop will not be opening in Spring 2025 due to the 'hugely complex' nature of the renovation.

It said work across all seven floors of the building - which will create a new Ikea store and four floors of office space - has seen 'significant progress' but faced 'unexpected conditions' during the process.

Ikea said it discovered the need for unforeseen additional work on the lower of two basement levels to control a water leak. Work on this is currently underway.

Peter van der Poel, managing director of Ingka Investments, said: 'Ikea Oxford Street is a one-of-a-kind project, involving the sensitive and sustainable upgrade of a Grade II listed building that is over a hundred years old.

'Following the discovery of an unforeseen water ingress issue, we're now taking vital steps to mitigate long-term flood risk, and to protect and future-proof this historic building for many years to come.'

Peter Jelkeby, chief executive and chief sustainability officer of Ikea UK, said: 'We've been overwhelmed by the interest and excitement generated around our Oxford Street opening.

'The historic nature of the building makes its careful renovation more complex, but we want to ensure Londoners that we're just as excited to open the store as they are to visit it.

'We look forward to doing so in spring 2025 and contributing to a positive future for London's most renowned shopping district.'

Oxford Street was once revered on the global stage, with its shopping opportunities being compared with the likes of Paris and New York but the shift to online shopping and the impact of the pandemic have left the street a shell of its former self.

Ingka Investment, the investment arm of the retail group, bought the Grade II listed building at 214 Oxford Street after Topshop owner Arcadia fell into administration. Pictured, the site of the proposed Oxford Street store

Oxford Street has been overrun in recent years by tacky sweet shops that have replaced household names. Pictured, a large installation representing a Frakta bag is unveiled as Ikea prepares for its 2024 debut on Oxford Street in London

The shopping destination has been overrun in recent years by tacky sweet shops that have replaced household names. Pictured, a large installation representing a Frakta bag is unveiled as Ikea prepares for its 2024 debut on Oxford Street in London

The IKEA pop-up backlash comes after the high street, once considered the UK's premium shopping district, was branded a 'national embarrassment' riddled with tacky American sweet shops and rising crime.

It was once the flagship location for Britain's high end stores but over the years big brands have started to abandon the hub, making it one of the biggest victims of the slow death of UK high streets.

Things were worsened by the coronavirus pandemic, plunging more iconic brands into administration and as a result closing their doors.

In August 2023, Oxford Streets image was tarnished further after dramatic video footage showed dozens of youngsters being chased away by police wielding batons, after widespread calls on social media called on people to 'rob JD sports'.

Some youths were pinned to the floor by officers while others fought back.

Footage of the incident was spread widely on social media apps such as TikTok, leaving some shoppers fearful of attending the street to shop.

Aurora Wei, a 24-year-old post-graduate from Southampton visiting London for the first time, told MailOnline on Oxford Street following the incident: 'To be honest I don't feel safe here which is why I gather my bags close to me. I heard that there's a lot of thieves these days.

'I saw all the chaos here the other day and of course [it affected me when thinking about coming down here]. I was quite worried [after seeing the video] which is why when I bought something I put it in my bag and not here [in my shopping bag].'

Meanwhile Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industry Association, told MailOnline: 'Ultimately the lawlessness experienced in the area will have an impact on customer footfall, and without a robust intervention from the Police, will see one of the world renowned retail areas reduced to empty shop fronts.'
More and more people are becoming aware of the term 'gaslighting', and how it can be weaponised in interpersonal relationships.

But, the term is often misused, according to forensic psychologist and YouTuber Dr Sohom Das, who has previously defined the term, saying: '[It] is a form of emotional abuse that comes from manipulating somebody into questioning their own sanity, their own memories, or their perception of reality.

'It's a deliberate attempt to erode someone's sense of trust in themselves and their experiences. So you can think of it as a covert form of control and domina

Now Birmingham-based expert Dr Lalitaa Suglani has revealed five forms of gaslighting in an Instagram post.

The clinical psychologist, who has some 162,000 followers on the platform, is also the author of High-Functioning Anxiety A 5-step Guide To Calming The Inner Panic and Thriving.

In her post on Instagram, Dr Suglani listed five forms of gaslighting, sharing a brief description for each one.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), to gaslight is to 'manipulate another person into doubting their perceptions, experiences, or understanding of events'.

The APA says: 'The term once referred to manipulation so extreme as to induce mental illness or to justify commitment of the gaslighted person to a psychiatric institution but is now used more generally.

'It is usually considered a colloquialism, though occasionally it is seen in clinical literature, referring, for example, to the manipulative tactics associated with antisocial personality disorder.'

Birmingham-based expert Dr Lalitaa Suglani (pictured) is a clinical psychologist and author of High-Functioning Anxiety A 5-step Guide To Calming The Inner Panic and Thriving

1. Witholding

According to the psychologist, this is when the gaslighter 'refuses to listen or avoids understanding.

2. Countering

This is described by Dr Suglani as when 'they question your memory and recollection of events'.

3. Blocking and diverting

This, said the psychologist, is when they attempt to change the subject and steer the conversation to questioning you instead.

4. Trivialising

Dr Suglani said: '[This is] when they minimise your feelings and emotions. They make you feel meaningless and unimportant.'

Gaslighting can cause major emotional damage in relationships - and can occur within dynamics outside of romantic partnerships

5. Forgetting and denial

'[This is] when they act like they don't remember a situation or conversation that occurred,' wrote the psychologist.

The topic of gaslighting is one that a number of mental healthcare professionals have spoken out about, in an attempt to help educate the public about what the term refers to in.

In a video on his YouTube channel A Psych for Sore Minds, London-based forensic psychologist Dr Sohom Das busted five myths around gaslighting.

Among those five myths, were that gaslighting only happens in romantic relationships (it can happen within other dynamics, including parent-child and between co-workers, for example).

Other myths included that it's a good idea to confront your gaslighter directly, that gaslighting is always intentional; that only people with low intelligence can be gaslighted (anyone can be susceptible) and that gaslighting is a modern phenomenon.
Dear Jana,

Am I normal? Up until last week, I thought all vaginas looked the same. But while I was at a health retreat, I ended up in a sauna full of naked women and realised something - most of them had 'innies' while I've got an 'outie'. Now I can't stop fixating on it.

To be honest, I think innies look so much prettier and I've even started thinking about surgery. Do guys actually care about this sort of thing? None of the men I've been with has ever said anything, but now I'm wondering if they're secretly telling their mates, 'I hooked up with an outie.'

Please tell me they don't care!

Anonymous.

Dear anonymous,

I better bloody hope not, because I have a slight outie myself, and I've always thought it gave me extra tingles down there. And we WANT extra tingles down there. Trust me.

But yes, sure, innies are cute and I get the hype  but just like guys' woody woodpeckers come in all different shapes, sizes and bends, we women would be boring if we all looked the same. Fun fact: even in porn videos, the women tuck them up a little inside themselves so as not to give the appearance of having a (fabulous) labia. Why, women, why?

Mail+ columnist Jana Hocking gives her trademark sassy advice to Aussies needing help with their love lives - or lack thereof

Anyway, in the name of good research, I asked the men (and lesbian folk) among us to weigh in. I asked my Instagram followers a simple question: Would you care if your wife or girlfriend had an outie?

And the results don't lie, my friend a whopping 88 per cent couldn't give a hoot. At the end of the day, I think most gents are just chuffed to be presented with any vagina. Actually, I know that for a fact, because many of them slid into my DMs to let me know.

So, save your pennies for something far better than unnecessary surgery. Blokes couldn't care less. Spend your hard-earned money on better things, like Botox. God bless Botox.

Dear Jana,

I've been struggling with low libido for a few years now and it's causing tension in my marriage. My husband and I have tried therapy, but we still haven't been able to resolve the issue.

Now he's confessed he wants to sleep with other women. He said if I can't accept that, he wants to divorce, and has promised to keep things amicable and fair. I was heartbroken. I pleaded with him to reconsider, but he insists his mind is made up - he can't go on without sex and won't wait for me to change.

He says he'll do whatever he can to make this easier for me, but I feel paralysed. All I want is for him to be patient and stick by me, but that's clearly not an option. He's asking me to decide what I want to do next, and I'm completely lost.

How do I even begin to navigate something like this?

Heartbroken.

This week Jana dishes out some honest advice to a woman facing divorce over her low libido

Heartbroken,

I hate to say it, but I'm on your husband's side for this one. If my partner turned to me and said, 'Sorry, I've shut up shop,' I'd be devastated. Your husband's honesty - while brutal - is something most people don't get in situations like this. He has laid his cards on the table, not in a cruel way, but in a truthful way. And as hard as it is to hear, that's worth at least a sliver of respect.

The simple fact is, a man is not a camel, and I can understand why he wants the occasional sip of water.

Marriage is about give and take, and intimacy is a huge part of that. For him, this isn't just about sex - it's about connection and feeling wanted. Being with a woman who isn't remotely interested in having sex with him has probably destroyed his self-esteem. While his ultimatum - let me sleep with other women or I'll divorce you - may sound extreme, his need for intimacy isn't altogether unreasonable.

That said, I feel for you, too. Low libido can be such a tough thing to deal with. When I was working brutal breakfast radio hours, mine went MIA for a while. It took early nights, eating properly, and yes, even the occasional steamy novel to get back on track. Your libido can absolutely come back, but it takes work - and sometimes professional help. A sexologist or therapist could help you here.

But first, ask yourself: Can you meet him halfway? I'm not saying force yourself into anything you're not ready for, but have you truly explored all avenues? Intimacy doesn't have to start with fireworks - it can be as simple as holding hands more, kissing or having a date night without any expectation of sex.

If that feels out of reach, then ask yourself this: Do you love him enough to set him free? If sex is that important to him and you know it's not something you can prioritise right now (or ever), the kindest thing you can do is let him explore his needs.

It's something to ponder, because asking him to give up sex for the rest of his life is something anyone would struggle with.

Dear Jana,

I've just discovered my husband has been siphoning large amounts of money from our joint account and transferring it to an account I've never seen before.

Now I'm getting paranoid that he's funding a secret affair or stashing cash for a divorce? Or is this some elaborate plan to leave me high and dry?

We've always fought a lot - it's just how our relationship has been from the start - but this feels different. As the primary breadwinner, he's always had control over the finances, but this is too suspicious to ignore.

How would you confront this kind of behavior. Or am I letting my imagination run wild?

Sue.

Sue,

This is suss, suss, suss behaviour. And guess what, you do have a right to ask him where the money is going: If you have a bank account under both your names, legally you can ask. In fact, you should damn well ask. Today.

Time and time again women give away all their financial decisions to their boyfriends and husbands, and where does it land them? Broke. It drives me crazy. I had one friend who bought a business with her partner, worked her butt off and thought it was going swimmingly - until one day he turned around and said, 'We're liquidating the business... oh, and I have a massive gambling problem.'

That poor woman spent the next 10 years paying off a debt that wasn't hers because she never looked at the finances. Don't be that woman.

Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Even if he's not funding a mistress or prepping for a stage-right exit, secrecy around finances is a big no-no.

You say you've always fought a lot - and sure, a little sparring can keep things spicy - but when it comes to money, transparency is non-negotiable. So, what's your next move? Don't go nuclear just yet. You don't want to accuse him of something without evidence - that's just ammo for his side if things go pear-shaped.

Get your receipts. Quietly pull up bank statements and track those transfers. Where's the money going? If you can't access the account yourself, it's time to lawyer up or bring in a financial advisor who can help untangle the web.

Confront with calm. Say a few 'namastes' first and then when you're ready to talk, approach him directly but without drama.

Something like, 'I noticed some large transfers from our joint account. Can you explain what they're for?' If he squirms or throws out a half-baked excuse, you'll know this rabbit hole goes deeper.

If he's dodgy, it's time to protect yourself. Lock down your finances, get legal advice, and start asking hard questions about what you want from this relationship.

In the fine words of Judge Judy, 'Once a woman gives up financial independence to a mate, it's over. You have to be prepared, because if you're not prepared, then you're stuck. and more women have to accept lifestyles that are unpleasant because they are financially stuck.' And she would know. She sees plenty of it in her courtroom.

So, prepare Sue, PREPARE!
When six-year-old child beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey woke on Christmas Day 1996 she was thrilled to find that Santa Claus had left her a new shiny pink bicycle.

The little girl, holder of pageant titles including Little Miss Colorado, tried it out later that day, cheered on by her nine-year-old brother, Burke.

Later, the family went to dinner at the house of some friends. And when JonBenet fell asleep on the way home to their sprawling five-bedroom Tudor-style house in an affluent suburb of Boulder, Colorado, her father John carried her to bed and her mother Patsy tucked her in.

Next day the Ramseys had planned to take a 7am flight, on their private plane, from Colorado to their second home in Michigan, to continue Christmas celebrations with John's two older children from his previous marriage.

New year was going to be spent on a Disney cruise. A snapshot of family life living the American Dream, it seemed.

John, a successful businessman, whose computer company had just passed the $1billion revenue mark, had also been named Entrepreneur of the Year by his local chamber of commerce. Patsy, meanwhile, a traditional stay-at-home mum, was relieved to be in remission from stage four ovarian cancer.

What the couple could not have known, however, was that they had just experienced the last truly joyful and carefree moment of their lives. Instead, they were plunged into a nightmare that continues to blight the family even to this day.

Not only was JonBenet murdered and sexually assaulted  her tiny body left in the basement of the family home and a bizarre ransom note left behind  but the couple, and even their young son Burke, instantly became suspects. In the media frenzy that followed, each was torn apart in the court of public opinion.

Six-year-old child beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey was holder of pageant titles including Little Miss Colorado before she was murdered and sexually assaulted

Nearly three decades on, not only does the murder remain unsolved but the family finds itself dragged before that court once again, with the broadcast of the new Netflix three-part documentary: Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey?

While the series is a sober recreation of the tragic events of that day and highlights the ineptitude of the local police force, it has led to the evidence and reputations of surviving family members being raked over and trashed anew.

So-called TikTok armchair detectives, who were not even born when JonBenet was killed, have been spouting their theories on social media about who they believe really was responsible for the death of this little girl. Fingers are pointing once again at her immediate family, who for 12 years lived under a cloud of suspicion.

It took until 2008 before the Ramseys were publicly exonerated after new DNA evidence, taken from JonBenet's clothing, identified the involvement of an 'unknown male' in her death.

You have to admire, therefore, the bravery of John Andrew Ramsey for speaking out now about the case that has haunted his family for 28 years.

In an exclusive interview with the Mail, the older, half-brother of JonBenet, who was 23 at the time of her murder, described his family's torment and his conviction of their innocence. Speaking from his home in Colorado, he tells me, 'If I'd thought for a minute my father or Patsy or Burke was capable of murder, I'd have flipped on them in a heartbeat.

'There's someone out there who knows something that could help catch my sister's killer. The narrative is that this is an unsolved homicide. We want to keep the pressure on law enforcement and encourage anyone who might have information to come forward.'

John Andrew, now a 48-year-old father of two, believes it is crucial that his 80-year-old father finally knows the truth about his daughter's death. Sadly, it's too late for JonBenet's mother. Patsy died of cancer in 2006, at the age of 49, two years before prosecutors publicly cleared her name.

Understandably keen to protect his own young family, John Andrew is reluctant to reveal details of his life now but tells me he has given up his position in healthcare technology sales to focus on finding the killer, or killers, of his little sister.

JonBenet with her father John, mother Patsy and brother Burke at Christmas in 1993

JonBenet's half-brother, John Andrew, a father of two, is focused on finding his sister's killer

'As crazy as it sounds, it's a full-time job,' he says. His voice still falters as he relives the events of that dreadful day. The facts, as told and re-told by the Ramseys, are as follows:

In the early hours of December 26, 1996, Patsy had gone downstairs to make coffee when she found a handwritten three-page note on the stairs. Claiming to be from 'a foreign faction', the author said JonBenet had been kidnapped and demanded the precise sum of $118,000 in $100 and $20 notes for her return.

The author went on to instruct John to withdraw the money from his bank and on returning home to put the money 'in a brown paper bag'. At an arranged drop-off point he would be 'scanned for electronic devices.'

He or she went on to write: 'Any deviation of my instructions will result in the immediate execution of your daughter.'

Patsy screamed, waking John. He checked JonBenet's bed and found it empty. At 5.52am, Patsy dialled 911.

Within minutes, local police arrived and carried out a cursory search of the three-storey house, assuming this was a kidnap and that JonBenet wasn't there.

John Andrew and his sister Melinda were alerted, and made plans to divert to Colorado.

Meanwhile, John and Patsy waited by the phone. The ransom note had told John to wait for a call, but it never came. It was clear from the outset, he says, that the local police were out of their depth. 'This was a small town police department the day after Christmas when the best and brightest were on holiday,' John Andrew says.

Nine hours later, a female police officer suggested another search of the house. 'I think she was trying to keep Dad busy,' says John Andrew. But when his father John, accompanied by a friend, went to the basement, he made a terrible discovery in a disused boiler room.

JonBenet had been laid on the floor and covered in a blanket. She had duct tape over her mouth, her hands had been tied and a garotte  fashioned from cord and a broken paintbrush  tied around her neck.

Had police conducted a proper search, they would have found the body themselves and sealed off the scene, securing vital evidence. As it was, John was the first to find  and handle  his daughter's body. 'He instinctively picked her up,' John Andrew explains.

The scene of the murder of six-year-old JonBenet in Boulder, Colorado, in 1996

A week before her death, JonBenet was featured in a Boulder Christmas parade - with her name displayed along the side of her float

'He took the tape off her mouth and tried to untie her hands as he took her upstairs. It was quickly determined that she was dead.' An autopsy later revealed that the child had a fractured skull, had been sexually assaulted, and the cause of death was asphyxiation by strangulation.

John Andrew and Melinda arrived at the house shortly after her body was found, and the whole family was driven to stay with friends.

The story was soon leading news programmes with videos of JonBenet, taken at beauty pageants she had competed in, winning titles such as Colorado State All Star Kids Cover Girl and National Tiny Miss Beauty.

Sashaying in high heels, her blonde hair backcombed, and her baby doll-like features adorned in heavy make-up, the videos suddenly seemed a little sinister. Many saw them as evidence of a little girl being sexualised.

Before long, media of all levels decamped to the well-to-do suburb in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. John Andrew is still clearly angry that suspicion fell  and continues to fall  on his father and stepmother.

'To the people who think Dad and Patsy killed JonBenet in some crazy accident and tried to cover it up... are you telling me that they sat in a room with the police for nine hours and kept up this ruse with their daughter lying dead on the floor below? No way.'

Both his father and Patsy were 'out of their minds' with grief, he says, but police were convinced that Patsy had accidentally killed JonBenet and John had tried to cover it up.

Outside offers of help from the FBI and Denver Police Department were turned down, as local police concentrated their efforts on pinning the crime on Patsy, he says.

'JonBenet was tortured... anyone who's seen the autopsy photographs and the deep injuries to her neck will tell you she was tortured. The idea that Dad and Patsy would do that is unimaginable. What happened fits the profile of a sadistic paedophile.'

Criticism was levelled at JonBenet's parents because they refused to be interviewed, but John Andrew says there was a reason for this.

'When JonBenet's body was found, we were with the police for the next 36 hours. They were in the house, monitoring us. We provided DNA, handwriting samples, provided statements. Melinda, Burke and I were all interviewed.

'We gave them every piece of information they wanted. We said 'Whatever you need, we're going to give it to you but we're not going to sit down just to be beat up  that's foolish,'.'

John Andrew puts forward his theory about what happened.

'I think the killer entered the home when the family was out to dinner and waited  and if you look at the behavioural characteristics of a sadistic paedophile they stalk their victims,' he suggests. The fact that John's latest bonus had been $118,000  the exact amount the author of the ransom note had demanded on a notepad that incidentally belonged to Patsy  made the mystery more strange and chilling.

John Andrew says: 'The guy had hours in the home before my Dad and Patsy and the kids got back and the $118,000 would have been on every single one of my Dad's pay stubs in the house.'

The film Ransom starring Mel Gibson as an airline magnate whose son is kidnapped was the number two most popular film in the US at the time, he points out.

'It fuelled the fantasy, no question,' he says.

Another bone of contention were outlandish details aired in the press. 'The headline in one newspaper was 'No Footprints in the Snow' insinuating that it must have been an inside job, but if you look at the crime scene photos you will see that there was no snow around the house. It was a total farce,' says John Andrew.

A week before her death, JonBenet was featured in a Boulder Christmas parade  with her name displayed along the side of her float. John Andrew's father was also lauded at the event for his business acumen and John himself believes this may have been a significant event.

'I don't think the killer actually knew my father, but I think he was jealous of his success and if you couple that with a sexual perversion  the way to hurt my father was through JonBenet,' John Andrew says.

Over the years, the rumours continued to swirl. In 2016, American TV station CBS suggested in a documentary that JonBenet's brother Burke, who was nine at the time of his sister's murder, had killed his sister and conspired with his parents to cover it up.

He won an out of court settlement and did not participate in the Netflix documentary.

For a long time his parents shielded him. The accusations were so outlandish that they're almost hard to take seriously, but the reality is they were hurtful and damaging, John Andrew says: 'He's now a software engineer, has a good job and a group of friends.'

John Andrew sounds emotional again when he speaks about his father, who remarried ten years ago. 'He lost his daughter and he lost his house, his job and his ability to make money. He and Patsy never wanted to go back to the house, so they sold it.'

With the 28th anniversary of JonBenet's death approaching, Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn has released a statement regarding the case.

'The killing of JonBenet was an unspeakable crime and this tragedy has never left our hearts,' Redfearn said. 'We continue to work with DNA experts. This investigation will always be a priority for Boulder Police Department.'

As it will be for John Andrew and his family, who will never give up either. He believes advanced DNA testing could crack the case or someone could finally come forward with vital information.

'We do this because we think we can catch JonBenet's killer. 'I don't think that's impossible.'
Princess Charlene of Monaco and her two children attended the opening of the city's annual Christmas market last night - and it was quite the glittering affair.

The mother-of-two, 46, wrapped up warm in a brown leather bomber jacket as she strolled around the festive fair, which is nestled at the centre of Port Hercule.

The annual Christmas Village typically features stunning illuminations and chalets for all your holiday shopping needs - with a ferris wheel and an open-air ice rink.

Charlene appeared to be without her husband Prince Albert for the outing, but was joined by her nine-year-old twins Gabriella and Jacques.

The former Olympic swimmer was dressed for the occasion in chic, wide-legged trousers and a pair of leather-look boots, which she paired with a cream turtleneck jumper.

She wore her blonde hair in its typical pixie style, and opted for minimal make-up.

Her twins, Gabriella and Jacques, were also in neutral colours for the outing.

Jacques matched his mother in a brown, bomber-style jacket, while Gabriella staved off the cold in a thick, off-white duffle coat - complete with a faux fur-lined hood.

It comes after Princess Charlene and Prince Albert shared their 2024 Christmas card this weeek.

Dressed in winter jumpers and huddled together next to a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, the smiling Monegasque royals, together with their nine-year-old twins, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, appear relaxed and happy in the image.

Princess Charlene looked typically elegant in a pair of straight-leg, brown trousers and a chunky turtleneck knit in a complementary shade.

The former Olympic swimmer teamed her outfit with high-heeled, pointed toe brown leather boots.

With her blonde hair in a relaxed up-do and natural make-up, Charlene, who is usually seen in glamorous ensembles by high-end designers, showed a more casual and homely side of herself in the new photo.

Prince Albert, who, at 66 is 20 years Charlene's senior, looked similarly snug in a cream cable knit jumper - and the couple's twins were also dressed in coordinating outfits.

Gabriella wore a white outfit of trousers and a knit, along with a pair of metallic ballet shoes, while grinning Jacques looked cute in black trousers and an oatmeal coloured jumper paired with brown suede shoes.

Sat in front of a stone fireplace adorned with festive greenery and lit candles in one of the living rooms of the Princier Palace, the family look picture perfect in the image taken by Eric Mathon, the Monegasque royals' official photographer.

The picture, which was posted to the official Instagram account of Monaco's royal family, was captioned: 'The Princier Palace is pleased to share with you the photo of the greeting card of the Princier family.'

It has proved a huge hit with international royal watchers, with over 12,000 likes and hundreds of enthusiastic comments in less than 24 hours.
Queen Mary of Denmark debuted a spectacular new tiara as she hosted a State Banquet in honour of the President of Egypt at the Christiansborg Palace last night.

The monarch, 52, the wife of King Frederik X, celebrated her first year as monarch by unveiling the tiara in an social media video last week, before wearing it for the first time in Copenhagen on Friday.

The reimagined Rose Stone Tiara was repurposed from a historic diamond belt, which was originally created in 1840 and worn by Queen Lovisa, the wife of Frederik VIII, years later.

The Danish Crown Jewels were the star of the show as Mary attended a State Banquet for the Egyptian President Abdel Farrah el-Sisi at Christiansborg Palace last night.

She and King Frederik X were joined by a host of Danish royals, including Princess Marie, the wife of Prince Joachim, and Princess Benedikte, the younger sister of Queen Margrethe.

Queen Mary's glamorous diamond tiara was paired with a dramatic embroidered gown, which featured intricate beading on the arms and high collar.

She wore her hair in a sleek up-do to best showcase the Rose Stone Tiara, and opted for a pair of diamond drop earrings for the international gathering.

The Queen also wore a light grey, silk sash, and a number of medals and brooches.

Queen Mary of Denmark debuted a spectacular new tiara as she hosted a State Banquet in honour of the President of Egypt at the Christiansborg Palace last night

The monarch, 52, the wife of King Frederik X, celebrated her first year as monarch by unveiling the tiara in an social media video last week, before wearing it for the first time in Copenhagen on Friday

Other royals were equally as glamorous for the outing, with Princess Marie, the wife of Prince Joachim, wearing Princess Dagmars Diamond Floral Tiara.

The diadem features two small and three large flowers of diamond. It originally belonged to Princess Dagmar, great-great-aunt to the current King Frederik X.

Meanwhile, Princess Benedikte, the younger sister of Queen Margrethe, showcased the Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg Fringe Tiara. This kokoshnik-style tiara was created by German jeweller Koch in 1905.

Earlier this week, Queen Mary celebrated her first year as monarch in spectacular fashion, unveiling the dazzling tiara repurposed from a historic diamond belt.

The Australian-born royal, known for her penchant for heirloom diadems, has breathed new life into the unique accessory.

The reimagined Rose Stone Tiara was repurposed from a historic diamond belt, which was originally created in 1840 and worn by Queen Lovisa, the wife of Frederik VIII, years later

She and King Frederik X were joined by a host of Danish royals, including Princess Marie (pictured), the wife of Prince Joachim, and Princess Benedikte, the younger sister of Queen Margrethe

Princess Benedikte during the state banquet at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen on the first day of the two-day state visit from the Egyptian President

In a video shared by Amalienborg Palace on Tuesday, Mary is seen bare-faced and casually styled, meeting the jeweller to try on the reimagined Rose Stone Tiara.

The glittering transformation is a nod to tradition, with the Danish Royal Family continuing its centuries-old practice of reshaping crown jewels to suit the times.

'The frame on which the rose stones in the new diadem are mounted was created by jeweller Matias Hasbo Dinesen in consultation with the Queen and the Royal Danish Collection,' the Instagram caption read.

'The rose stone set was created in 1840 as a chain that is mounted around a corseted waist with the large pendant, the corsage, in the middle. The pendant can be divided and used separately as independent brooches.'

Queen Mary's glamorous diamond tiara was paired with a dramatic embroidered gown, which featured intricate beading on the arms and high collar

The Danish Crown Jewels were the star of the show as Mary attended a State Banquet for the Egyptian President Abdel Farrah el-Sisi at Christiansborg Palace last night

She wore her hair in a sleek up-do to best showcase the Rose Stone Tiara, and opted for a pair of diamond drop earrings for the international gathering

Mary's new tiara was crafted using the largest stones from the rose-cut diamond set, which has been the least-worn parure by previous Danish Queens

Indeed, Queen Lovisa, wife of Frederik VIII, is depicted wearing the 'belt' in a portrait from 1911, displayed at the National History Museum at Frederiksborg Castle.

The Crown Jewels available to Mary, as Queen, include four parures that are considered among the most significant treasures of the monarchy.

These jewels, which must remain in Denmark, comprise the brilliant-cut diamond set, the emerald set, the pearl-ruby set and the rose-cut diamond set. Each parure is surprisingly versatile and can be separated to mix and match individual pieces.

Of the four, only the emerald set includes a matching tiara. Mary debuted the emerald jewels in gala portraits, released in April, pairing them with a green gown by Birgit Hallstein.

The Queen of Denmark also wore a light grey, silk sash, and a number of medals and brooches

In a video shared by Amalienborg Palace on Tuesday, Mary is seen bare-faced and casually styled, meeting the jeweller to try on the reimagined Rose Stone Tiara

The glittering transformation is a nod to tradition, with the Danish Royal Family continuing its centuries-old practice of reshaping crown jewels to suit the times

Mary's new tiara was crafted using the largest stones from the rose-cut diamond set, which has been the least-worn parure by previous Danish Queens.

One notable occasion was in 1991, when Queen Margrethe wore elements of the set during a state visit by the Norwegian royals.

She shortened the necklace and pinned the four brooches from the set to her dress.

In 1840, Queen Caroline Amalie commissioned C.M. Weisshaupt to create the rose-cut parure, incorporating diamonds that once belonged to Princess Charlotte Amalie, the sister of King Christian VI.

It includes a long chain originally designed to be worn as a belt around the Queen's corseted waist, a style popular in the 1840s. However, the waist chain fell out of fashion and was rarely used by subsequent monarchs.
Princess Eugenie was one member of the royal family who didn't appear at the Princess of Wales's comeback carol service last night, which was attended by swathes of royals.

Kate Middleton, 42, hosted the 'Together At Christmas' carol service - which will be aired on ITV on Christmas Eve - at Westminster Abbey as she slowly returns to public life after a difficult year.

The Princess of Wales underwent major abdominal surgery in hospital at the start of the year, after which doctors broke the news that they had found evidence of cancer and advised her to undergo a gruelling course of preventative chemotherapy.

She took a step back from public life while undergoing chemotherapy, and has in the latter half of the year started to appear again at a number of royal gatherings.

Last night, Kate was joined by her husband Prince William and their three children - Louis, six, Charlotte, nine, and 11-year-old Prince George.

Other members of the royal family also attended, including Princess Beatrice with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and her stepson Christopher Woolf.

However, her sister Princess Eugenie was not in attendance.

The details around her absence are unclear, but it likely because of her decision to split her time between the UK and Portugal with her husband and two sons, August and Ernest.

Princess Eugenie was one member of the royal family who didn't appear at the Princess of Wales's comeback carol service last night, which was attended by swathes of royals

It is understood that her husband, Jack Brooksbank, works in Portugal with Michael Meldman's Discovery Land Company.

However, she wasn't alone in skipping the event, with the King and Queen also absent.

A royal source told the Express: 'The villa in Portugal is more an investment than anything else and construction hasn't even been completed yet.'

They added, 'It hasn't been purchased as a new home, but more as a holiday retreat and something they can put their money into to protect their assets.'

Earlier this year, Princess Eugenie gave rare insight into her life in Portugal - and her children's favourite pastime there.

The 34-year-old royal revealed that her sons - August, three, and Ernest, one, 'love swimming', despite her being 'scared' of the ocean growing up.

Other members of the royal family also attended, including Princess Beatrice with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and her stepson Christopher Woolf

The details around Eugenie's absence are unclear, but it likely because of her decision to split her time between the UK and Portugal with her husband and two sons, August and Ernest

Princess Beatrice, who is expecting her second child, attending the service last night

She added: 'The sea in Portugal's a little bit rougher. So, we've got out feet in, but Augie is a fish. He literally loves it, and we have whales and dolphins across the walls.'

Eugenie, who is married to Jack Brooksbank, 38, added in conversation with Hello!: 'We've got a book called The World's Wildest Waters, which is backed by Blue Marine Foundation - I see it every morning when Augie's eating breakfast, and he's like, ''Mama!'' and then we go through it.

'The children have to find the creatures in the pictures and the next page is all the facts about the cuttlefish, or the Great White shark or the seal. And Augie loves it.'

Eugenie spoke to the magazine during a visit to Christie's to see Blue: Art, with pieces set to be auctioned off to raise funds for Blue Marine Foundation.

Kate was full of laughter as she chatted to some of her guests at the carol concert, including Paloma Faith

The princess (pictured) has been hands on over every aspect of the service and held regular planning meetings at Windsor

The Princess of Wales sat net to Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, who matched their mother's red ensemble, during the carol concert

Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales during the Together At Christmas carol service

Unlike her children, the eco-conscious royal previously revealed how she was once terrified of the ocean, despite now championing efforts to reverse environmental damage to it.

In June, the Princess took to Instagram to share an adorable childhood photograph of herself at the seaside ahead of World Ocean Day.

The then-young royal grinned towards the camera in the image donning a blue swimsuit and matching bucket hat with a generous layer of sun cream on her face.

Since becoming a mother to her children August and Ernest, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York has taken up environmentalism in the hope of helping future generations.
Once again, Prince Harry played the victim card this week. He was appearing as a guest speaker for the cringingly Left-wing New York Times, at an event heralded as his exposition on 'Mental health, Disinformation and the Pursuit for Justice'.

Harry revealed that since his mother Princess Diana died in 1997, he has been trapped in a world of malicious lies told by the horrid British Press and, more recently, lurid claims on social media. Now he wants to seek 'truth, accountability and ultimately reconciliation' from his various enemies.

Crikey, just when did this soft lad  the son Diana worried about most  born into unimaginable wealth, start thinking he was the reincarnation of Nelson Mandela?

The great South African established the 'Truth and Reconciliation Commission' at the end of apartheid to record the crimes committed under that racist system. It's a bit rich of Harry to talk about 'reconciliation' when he's spent years doing things he should have known were capable of destroying his relationship with his own family.

During the half-hour interview, Harry yet again announced that it took him years of therapy to 'clean the windshield' of his life.

Clearly, given this latest self-pitying performance, that's still a work in progress.

Get a grip, Harry. You're a preposterously privileged posh-boy  and now just another royal hanger-on. I suspect Hell will freeze over before your brother, William, our beloved Kate and maybe even your father and Queen Camilla will ever forgive your betrayals.

Prince Harry talks about his life at an event in New York this week

By contrast, Nelson Mandela established the 'Truth and Reconciliation Commission' at the end of apartheid to record the crimes committed under that racist system

Finally, while Harry was dismissing rumours that his marriage to Megs was in trouble, he was a solo Englishman in New York, while she was at a red carpet event almost 3,000 miles away in Beverly Hills.

Just saying.

Westminster wars

Keir Starmer's 'plan for change' ditched many of his pre-election promises and offered us new homes, more cops, a better NHS and happier kids  adding up to a whole load of hot air. His reboot was reminiscent of Lenin's One Step Forward, Two Steps Back mantra  which ended up failing, as socialists' plans always do.

As for promising 1.5million new homes in this parliament, the only reason we need these houses is Labour has truly lost control of our borders. Under Starmer, small-boat arrivals have reached 20,000  and it was, of course, Tony Blair who first flung open our borders to uncontrolled migration in 2004.

The man who has single-handedly destroyed London, Mayor Sadiq Khan, is up for a knighthood, though I doubt speculation that Rishi Sunak will include Michael Gove in his honours list  the man who stabbed Boris in the back in his failed bid for leadership of the Tories.

Maya shows Klass

Love Island presenter Maya Jama, above, was the epitome of elegance hosting the Fashion Awards at the Royal Albert Hall with a green floor-length gown flowing over her sublime curves.

Meanwhile, Myleene Klass chose an outfit flashing her legs, breasts with a hint of knicker. Clearly, Myleene has never heard Trinny and Susannah's dictum on What Not To Wear: you can do boobs or legs but not at the same time  unless you don't want to look classy.

Shamed Gregg Wallace is 'furious' his MasterChef co-host of 20 years John Torode failed to support him over allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour. Instead, insiders reveal Torode was so unhappy with Wallace's behaviour he 'repeatedly flagged' it to MasterChef bosses  but no action was taken. Someone's got to ask the question: Why did Torode keep putting up with it? Didn't he have a responsibility to refuse to work with a man accused of such things? No wonder MasterChef is now said to be looking for not just one but two new presenters.

Tulisa's lashes survived splashes!

Mystery remains over why Tulisa, above  who left the Celebrity jungle but was expected to stay in Oz until the end of the show  disappeared back to the UK.

I'm more mystified at how she maintained perfect make-up Down Under: arched eyebrows, lip liner and gloss, and those huge tarantula false eyelashes.

As a former lash aficionado, I know they hardly last a week if they get wet, let alone ten days in this year's waterlogged jungle.

And she's supposed to be terrified of spiders!

Meanwhile, Coleen Rooney is pulling out all the stops to be crowned Queen of the Jungle, saving her showering moment until this week, wearing a modest tankini top and skimpy 160 Vix bikini bottoms.

Well, her trim body is certainly preferable to that of the corpulent Rev Richard Coles (or indeed Nigel Farage's naked bottom in the last series). And it's good news for mums everywhere that firm chunky thighs can still be utterly gorgeous.

YMCA's sour note The man who wrote the lyrics for YMCA, Victor Willis, insists the No 1 hit was never a gay anthem, that the song is 'entirely heterosexual' and he'll sue anyone who says otherwise. Good luck with that Vic: as I met the Village People  who made his song famous  in Sydney at the peak of their fame and half were gay as geese. Lie back and enjoy the royalties. As Don McLean said when asked the meaning of his impenetrable hit American Pie, the song means I'll never have to work again. Advertisement

The odds just shortened on who replaces disgraced Huw Edwards as the face of the BBC after it emerged former frontrunner Clive Myrie pocketed at least 145,000 on top of his 310,000 BBC salary for public speaking he 'forgot' to declare to the Beeb. It now has to be a shoo-in for my favourite  Sophie Raworth.

TEDDY TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR PAL Staggering that Aloysius, the original teddy bear from ITV's adaptation of Brideshead Revisited, has been auctioned for 26,000 when my dear departed friend Gary's collection of 200 bears sold for a mere 20, maybe because so many were missing ears or eyes and the moths had got to them. Luckily I kept the only intact one, named it Gary, and he'll sit at his former owner's place at my table this year  the first Christmas without my beloved neighbour. Advertisement

Oppenheimer star Emma Dumont has come out as 'trans masculine non-binary' insisting on they/them pronouns. Brave of them to embrace their identity but when they audition for future roles as a woman, it might make things tricky!
Renee Gosney was 25 when she started experiencing 'strange' symptoms she couldn't quite explain.

It was February, 2019, when the gut pain started. Then came the vomiting, daily bloody noses and uncomfortable bloating.

She had been dismissed by doctors time and time again but after losing 11kg in one month, she headed back to the GP every two weeks to plead her case.

Ultrasounds revealed 'nothing was amiss'. The experts insisted she was fine.

It would be months before Renee found out she had 'rapidly growing' stage three bowel cancer.

Speaking to FEMAIL, the now 31-year-old business owner said the pain was unlike anything she had experienced before.

'I felt like I had a blockage in my gut and the pain was getting increasingly worse. If you stood next to me, you could hear everything that was going on in my stomach,' she recalled.

'Every time I went back to the GP I'd get more pain relief that worked for a few days until my symptoms worsened.

Renee Gosney was 25 when she started experiencing 'strange' symptoms she couldn't quite explain

It was February, 2019, when the gut pain started. Then came the vomiting, daily bloody noses and uncomfortable bloating

'I didn't know this at the time, but I had a tumour that was growing rapidly.'

Renee described the pain as a 'cramping' feeling that was followed by a loud 'gurgling' sound.

'It was very clear to everyone around me that I wasn't well - even though I tried to push through the discomfort,' she said.

'I'd still go to my retail job because I didn't want to seem weak. I'd be in the middle of a task and then just hunch over for a few minutes and deal with the pain until it passed.

'Regular customers would come up to me and say I looked off.'

Her colleagues urged her to go back to the doctor because 'something was clearly very wrong'.

'I was trying to be a tough cookie about it - but in hindsight, I should've just taken the time off. I was worried about losing my job or my sick days making it seem like I couldn't do the job properly and impacting my reliability,' she said.

On 1 April 2019, Renee couldn't take it anymore.

She took herself to the emergency room when her pain turned crippling and she began to lose colour in her face. She took all of her medical documents with her to the hospital and explained her complicated history.

Renee took herself to the emergency room when pain turned crippling and she began to lose colour in her face

Renee described the pain as 'cramping' in her gut followed by a 'gurgling' sound

'They did an X-ray which showed a mass the doctors couldn't identify - it was only after a CT scan the next morning that they found a T4 stage 3 cancerous tumour inside my bowel,' she said.

Renee was in so much pain she could barely process the news.

'My parents were absolutely devastated,' she recalled.

'They were bawling their eyes out and I was trying to comfort them and look on the bright side. We finally knew what was wrong and how to treat it.

'The doctors said they were going in blind because they didn't have time to do many screening tests. My bowel was on the verge of rupturing - they had to get in and take the tumour out as soon as possible.

'I said goodbye to my dad in the pre-operating room and it was the first time it hit me that I could die on the table. A split second later I was being sedated and taken in to the operating room.'

Thankfully, Renee's surgery was successful and the doctors removed a third of her bowel along with some of her lymph nodes.

'My hands and feet got extremely dry (pictured) and I struggled with nausea and vomiting. I felt so unwell all the time,' she said of the chemotherapy

Renee leaned on her loved ones for support during her shock diagnosis and treatment

Testing found cancerous cells in the surrounding area, which led to three months of chemotherapy.

'My hands and feet got extremely dry and I struggled with nausea and vomiting. I felt so unwell all the time,' she said.

After a series of further tests, Renee discovered her cancer was caused by a genetic condition she didn't know she had.

'I have juvenile polyposis, which is a rare condition that increases the risk of developing GI cancers,' she explained. 'I had polyps in my colon which turned cancerous.

'My doctor asked me if I had a history of fatal bowel cancer in my family, and I still couldn't associate myself and my sickness as being cancer because I was only 25.

'However I think the cancer was a blessing in disguise. I've had bloody noses almost every day of my life - and I had no idea what was wrong until I was diagnosed with this.'

After a series of further testing, Renee discovered her cancer was caused by a genetic condition she didn't know she had

She said she was angry at how easily her GP dismissed her symptoms.

'He said it was nothing, and I had a cancerous tumour growing in me,' she said.

'I'm a much better advocate for myself now when it comes to issues with my body. It's important not to shy away from asking questions.

'Cancer doesn't discriminate when it comes to your age - which is something we don't hear enough about.'

Renee shared that she leaned on her loved ones for support during the time.

'I had my dad, my stepmum, my friends, and my partner with me - I'm grateful I wasn't alone,' she said.

'I knew that me being negative about the situation would bring out a worse outcome because I'd be less likely to eat and care for myself.

'Instead, I just focused on giving it my best shot because you don't really have a choice - you just have to go through it.'

Renee urged Australians to always get a second opinion and advocate for themselves

Renee said she was grateful to have people help her through her cancer diagnosis and treatment

Renee struggled with going 'back to normal' after her treatment.

'No one knows how to treat you and it makes you feel like there's something wrong with you,' she said.

She recalled feeling 'fragile' and 'weird'.

'Everyone tried to protect me and help out at every possible moment - which was very kind - but I wanted things to go back to normal.

'Other people have this reaction where they step back after you tell them you have cancer - almost like it's contagious. It makes you feel even more isolated.'

Renee goes back to her doctor for checkups every year and regularly gets polyps removed from her colon.

She is now reminding everyone how important it is to get a second opinion and advocate for yourself if something feels wrong.

'It shouldn't have to get to a point where you're in excruciating pain for you to have things looked at,' she said.

'Be conscious of your family history and never think your age will restrict your chances of getting cancer.'
You may have heard of a foot fetish, but what about a kink for tights, socks and even jeans?

It turns out these are some of the most popular sexual fantasies that Brits are searching for online, according to one popular adult video site, which hosts more than 8million x-rated clips.

The website conducted an intriguing analysis of what its 250,000 daily users search for, stratifying the results by UK city.

The deep dive into the millions of searches on its site this year revealed giantess  which describes a the desire of being stepped on by a female 'giant'  remains the most popular search in the UK overall.

But at a local level other unusual trends have soared in popularity.

One sought-after kink in Brighton is 'smoking'  meaning users enjoy watching sexual content that involve individuals lighting up a cigarette.

Meanwhile those in Birmingham and Nottingham are fans of breasts, searching most often for 'cleavage' and 'big breasts'.

Those in Cambridge fantasise about being cuckolded  watching your partner with someone else, while in Oxford people go wild for 'burping'.

Adult video site Clips4Sale, which hosts more than 8million x-rated clips conducted an intriguing analysis of what its 250,000 daily users search for revealing the most popular kinks in each city

In Liverpool the most searched-for fetish was 'biting', while people in Sheffield were interested in 'spanking'.

Edinburgh folk were fans of sissy; content that features the reversal of traditional masculine and feminine gender roles.

Belfast residents got off on perhaps one of the most unusual kinks  'socks'  while Londoners have a habit of searching for 'tights' and 'feet'.

Similarly, those in Leeds were found to be fans of a foot job and Geordies in Newcastle-upon-Tyne liked sexual content featuring porn stars wearing 'jeans'.

Based on sales data from the adult site Clips4Sale, feet pictures and videos are one of the top 10 most desired fetishes along with 'giantess'.

Overall, the top fetishes by country included 'giantess' for England and Wales, 'wrestling' for Scotland and 'smoking' for Northern Ireland.

Separate analysis from earlier this year looking back at trends over the past 20 years revealed tickling fetishes had been overtaken by searches for more out-there terms, such as farting and bondage.

The analysis also revealed a whole host of obscure fantasies held by global users today, including BBL  a preference for women who've undergone buttock-enlargement procedures.

THE MOST POPULAR FETISHES IN 2024 Bondage Farting Tickling Giantess Female wrestling Face sitting Family taboo Mixed wrestling Foot worship Female domination Advertisement

THE MOST POPULAR FETISHES IN 2004 Tickling Foot fetish Hand job Foot job Bondage Tease and denial Foot Worship Amateur Face sitting BBW Advertisement

Adult video site Clips4Sale (C4S) is celebrated its 20-year anniversary by sharing some of the top 10 fetishes

Another little-known modern term is 'pegging'  the act of a woman penetrating someone, usually a man, with a sex toy.

Meanwhile 'findom' is financial domination, and 'JOI' involves an adult creator telling viewers how to perform self-pleasure.

Superheroines  the erotic attraction to characters and archetypes derived from superheroes in comic books  is also a newfound popular trend.

Bondage is another kink that has become more and more popular over the past 20 years, the analysts say.

The term 'taboo' is also a mainstay; studies have shown that, for some, the more adult content a person watches, the more extreme the theme must be to elicit arousal.

Others such as spitting, smothering and a kink for high heels are not as popular as they were in 2003 when the site first launched.

Brits are among the most prolific porn users in the world, with an average of 16,600,000 searches for adult content made each month.

The adult film industry is estimated to be worth more than 15billion a year.

While thousands of British men and women watch and enjoy pornography without issue, about one in 20 Brits have a porn addiction.

In some of the most extreme cases, experts have treated patients who watch x-rated content for up to 14 hours a day, according to not-for-profit online therapy programme Pivotal Recovery.

However, many suffers understandably avoid seeking professional help out of shame and embarrassment for their affliction or fear of exposure.
Catherine Werner was serving as a foreign security officer in China when she jolted away one night in 2017 to a pulsing, humming sound in her apartment.

With the sound came intense pressure filling the 31-year-old's head. The distressing sound came nightly, along with vomiting, severe headaches, and trouble balancing. Even her dogs began vomiting and shivering.

Her mother would later describe her as 'just a shell of what she was.'

For years, Ms Werner and hundreds of other US diplotmats living abroad have been hit by bizarre and terrifying symptoms known collective as 'Havana syndrome.'

But doctors and government authorities have claimed it's all in their heads, driven by the stress of their jobs working abroad in countries like Cuba and Russia.

As recently as March of this year, a government-backed study found that there were no changes to these patients' brains compared to healthy people.

But this week, a damning new government report said that the condition may have been caused by 'foreign adversaries' infiltrating US intelligence operations.

Living in the same neighborhood as Ms Werner, Mark Lenzi noticed a similar noise, which he described as a 'marble' circling down as 'metal funnel.'

He heard it four times, always in the same place: right above his son's crib as he put him to sleep at night. After that, he and his wife suffered migraines, dizziness, and memory issues.

Mr Lenzi, a 45-year-old intelligence officer at the time who used top-secret electronic, called it a 'directed, standoff attack against my apartment.'

Catherine Werner, 31 at the time, developed symptoms of mysterious Havana syndrome in 2017 while she was working in foreign security in China. Werner is pictured above

Havana syndrome received its name after multiple government personnel stationed at the US embassy in Havana, Cuba, reported symptoms. The above photo shows the US Embassy in Havana, in January 2023

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And one woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told DailyMail.com that after her diplomat husband went to Havana, Cuba, twice in 2016, he became 'miserable, impulsive, and reckless,' demanding a divorce after 17 years of marriage.

He committed suicide in November 2023, leaving behind five children.

These are just some of the 1,500 suspected cases of Havana syndrome, which have hit Americans living in at least 10 other countries, including CHina, Germany, Russia, and Vietnam.

Despite 'profound' and 'disabling' symptoms like persistent dizziness, nausea, and balance issues, experts have failed to find an explanation.

Radiation, chemical agents, and electromagnetic energy have all been to blame, but government officials suspect a more sinister cause.

This week, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence released a declassified report on Havana syndrome, which claimed that 'it appears increasingly likely' that a 'foreign adversary' like Russia or China could have compromised US intelligence networks.

The new report also 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.

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.

Ms Werner's mother, US Air Force veteran Laura Hughes, said that she became concerned about her daughter's health during their frequent video calls in 2017.

She told NBC News: 'She's just a shell of what she was. She was ashen. Her complexion was off. She looked very, very fatigued.'

Ms Werner assumed her symptoms were due to a broken air conditioner in her apartment or Guangzhou, China's, poor air quality.

But as her health declined, Ms Hughes traveled to China to take care of her daughter and buy her a new filter for her air conditioner. She also brought imported food and water, but nothing alleviated the symptoms.

Ms Hughes even began hearing noises herself.

When Ms Werner adopted these two dogs, her mother said the pets soon began vomiting blood and shivering in the apartment

Mark Lenzi, pictured above, lived in the same neighborhood as Ms Werner and developed the same symptoms after hearing mysterious noises while he put his infant son to bed. Doctors said that while they couldn't find an explanation, 'it would be hard not to conclude that there was serious damage to this gentleman's brain'

She said: 'We heard a very high-pitched sound in Catherine's bedroom. And we heard a very low, pulsing sound in the living room.

'Our heads would pulse. You would feel like you would want to regurgitate. You could become instantly paralyzed, instantaneously fatigued."

When Ms Werner adopted two dogs, they shortly began vomiting blood and shivering under the bed. On one occasion, Ms Hughes said she found the two dogs standing just outside the living room and staring at something in unison.

When Ms Werner returned to the US, doctors at the University of Pennsylvania administered a series of tests dubbed HABIT, short for Havana Acquired Brain Injury Tool.

The tests found that she had an 'organic brain injury,' a general term for brain disorders that impair cognitive functioning but do not show any physical changes to the brain.

Mr Lenzi lived in the same neighborhood as Ms Werner and started experiencing the unexplained headaches, memory loss, and trouble sleeping around the same time.

Michael Rey, a producer at 60 Minutes, said in 2021: 'He suffered through migraines, dizziness, [and] memory issues. And his big concern was that nobody believed him.

'He had a very hard time convincing his superiors something was up and this needed to be addressed.'

Mr Lenzi told 60 Minutes that he thinks he was targeted for his work, as he used top-secret equipment to analyze electronic threats to diplomatic missions.

'This was a directed standoff attack against my apartment,' he said.

Though a study of Mr Lenzi done by the concussion group reported that he had 'memory and attention problems; problems in executive functioning, organization, and reading; and increased irritability and poor sleep,' they found no explanation.

Marc Polymeropoulos, pictured above in 2003, developed severe migraines and vision problems while working in Russia. He shared that it 'simply doesn't make sense'

'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"'

Dr Edward Soll, medical director of The Concussion Group and a radiologist who was among those who evaluated Lenzi's brain scans, told CNN: 'There's no smoking gun.

'Still, looking at the compendium of evidence, it would be hard not to conclude that there was serious damage to this gentleman's brain.'

In Russia, over 3,000 miles away from Ms Werner and Mr Lenzi in Russia, Marc Polymeropoulos was struck with severe migraines and vertigo in 2017.

He initially put the symptoms down to food poisoning, but more painful 'attacks' came in the coming days.

Six years later, the pain has developed into a 'vice on [his] skull,' and his vision became so bad at times that he couldn't drive. His career with the CIA was cut short in 2019.

Mr Polymeropoulos told Der Spiegel about himself and other government employees suffering from Havana syndrome: 'We were portrayed as people who had fallen victim to mass hysteria.'

He shared with investigators that he thinks he and the others were targeted by Russian intelligence services, as it 'simply doesn't make sense' otherwise that people who worked in a Russia context were struck down with the mysterious illness.

And the impact of the illness has even destroyed families.

One woman told DailyMail.com that her husband worked for the US government and traveled to Havana twice in 2016.

But later, after 17 years of marriage, he suddenly demanded a divorce.

The woman said: 'After this, his behavior changed drastically for the worst.'

She said he 'went from happy, rational, healthy man to a miserable, impulsive, reckless, promiscuous, addicted man.'

And in November 2023, he took his own life.

Mr Polymeropoulos, pictured in Moscow in 2017, shared with investigators that he thinks he and the others were targeted by Russian intelligence services

The woman said: 'His work is providing benefits to his kids to 'make up' for his death, but they never helped him.'

She claims her husband enrolled in a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2019, which evaluated 81 intelligence workers who claimed to suffer from Havana syndrome.

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.'

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 woman told this website: '[The NIH] stated he had a pre-existing condition. It is a flat-out lie. He had a brain trauma that appears out of nowhere.'

She now is left with a plea: 'What happened to him?'

Some experts have suggested that Havana syndrome is psychosomatic. In 2020, scientists in California and New Zealand argued that the symptoms were a psychological response to the stressful post-Cold War conditions in which diplomats were living as well as rumors of a new and enigmatic sonic device.

They said: The symptoms of the American diplomats in Havana closely parallel those associated with war trauma  right down to the concussion-like symptoms that have often confounded physicians who have misdiagnosed it as brain trauma in the past.

However, a scientific review in 2020 determined that radiofrequency energy, a type of radiation that includes microwaves, was the most likely cause of the injuries.

Now, the new report from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence suggests that foreign interference is to blame.

The subcommittee also urged intelligence officials to revisit previous investigations into Havana syndrome and prioritize care for the patients left suffering.

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.'
More than seven million Americans have some type of dementia and an estimated 12 million will have it by 2040.

As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age there will be a significant rise in the number of people who are elderly, particularly those over 85 years old and at increased risk of developing dementia.

But there is a glimmer of hope.

While the overall number of people living with dementia is expected to increase due to the aging population, the rate at which new cases of dementia are being diagnosed has been declining.

Researchers are now beginning to understand what kinds of medical advances, shifts in public health awareness, and changing rates of dementia-causing chronic diseases have worked, knowing that to home in on what they know is effective will drive a longer-spanning trend in the right direction.

Numerous data analyses have backed up new findings that the rate of new cases of diagnosed dementia in the US and Europe has declined by 13 percent per decade between 1988 and 2015, suggesting that fewer new cases are emerging relative to the growing size of the senior population.

A study also found that a smaller percentage of older adults are currently living with dementia compared to people of the same age in previous decades.

The above shows the prevalence of dementia - proportion of people that have dementia - by year from 2000 to 2016. It reveals a gradual decline in rates

People are more interested in enhancing their personal health and shelling out big bucks to do it than ever before.

With that has come generational shifts in the way people understand their health, thanks to unfettered access to expert advice and how they care for themselves to prevent devastating diseases like dementia.

Researchers from Harvard University identified a 13 percent decline in dementia incidence every decade. That was an average; one study showed a decrease of as much as 19 percent.

If the trend of decreasing dementia rates in Europe and North America continues, it could mean that 15 million fewer people in high-income countries will develop dementia by 2040, compared to earlier predictions about the global impact of the disease.

The Harvard team studied around 49,000 people 65 and up across seven different studies on dementia and its prevalence conducted in the US and Europe. Each study collected data from their subjects for several decades, with some collecting data every few years.

Then, they calculated how dementia risk changed over 10-year periods by analyzing data from multiple 5-year periods within each study.

Lori Chibnik, a biostatistician at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said: The steady decline in incidence over three decades suggests that preventive efforts involving lifestyle education and health interventions such as blood pressure control and antithrombotic medication can offset at least part of the growing burden of dementia from global gains in life expectancy.

Another analysis published in a 2024 issue of The Lancet Public Health concluded that the 27 studies they analyzed, which included public records in the US and Europe, the research consistently reported a declining incidence in dementia.

As exposure to health knowledge has expanded drastically since the dawn of the internet, people have become increasingly interested in their personal nutrition and fitness, family history of certain diseases, how their work lives leave room for fulfilling personal lives, and spending more time with their loved ones.

People are more engaged than ever in improving their personal health by staying up to date with doctor visits and and educating themselves on healthy lifestyle habits

Smoking rates, which contribute to a 30-50 percent higher risk of dementia, have significantly declined over the past two decades

This interest has empowered several generations to make healthier choices to reduce the risk of developing a chronic disease, including dementia.

Rates of smoking  which increases the risk of developing dementia by 30 to 50 percent  have plummeted in the past two decades.

The American Lung Association reported that rates have plummeted from about 43 percent of Americans smoking in 1965 to less than 12 percent in 2022. Over the last five years alone, smoking rates have fallen by 17 percent.

And the percentage of people who currently smoke went down from 27 percent to just over 18 percent over that period.

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Its true that a growing number of people are becoming severely obese worldwide and especially in the US. At the same time, data on wealthy countries, including the US, shows signs that the rate of increase in body mass index (BMI) is slowing down.

Dr Boyd Swinburn, an expert in public health and nutrition at the University of Auckland, told Stat in these places, the real takeoff was in the 80s, 90s, early 2000s and then it started to plateau.

The national obesity rate also fell from last year, which statisticians believe could be tied to Ozempics explosion on the market, alongside that of Wegovy, Zepbound, and Moujaro  blockbuster drugs taken for weight loss.

Improved lifestyle education and widened access to doctor checkups since the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) became law in 2010 have also improved peoples ability stay on top of their health to reduce their risk of dementia-linked chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

Unhealthy arteries are believed to play a significant role in whether a person will develop dementia, particularly vascular dementia.

The above graph shows findings from a new CDC report, which states that obesity rates have fallen for the first time ever, from 42 to 40 percent, though they still remain higher than 2013-2014

Signs are pointing to better nationwide cardiovascular health. The number of American adults with heart disease fell from over six percent in 2009 to 5.5 percent in 2019.

When arteries become hardened or narrowed, blood cannot effectively carry oxygen to the brain, depriving brain cells of what they need to survive.

This can result in coronary artery disease, which increases dementia risk by about 27 percent.

But signs are pointing to better nationwide cardiovascular health. The number of American adults with heart disease fell from over six percent in 2009 to 5.5 percent in 2019.

The Harvard researchers said that its difficult to pinpoint what precisely is causing new dementia diagnoses to fall because so many factors are changing at once, including lifestyle improvements, better education, and health treatments like controlling blood pressure or using medications to prevent blood clots.

Dr Chibnick said: Providing this evidence of a decline is the first step toward elucidating the factors at play behind that decline and eventually effective interventions to promote brain health.
If you want a lesson in what some plastic surgeons have come to call 'undetectable' plastic surgery, then Lindsay Lohan is a good place to start.

The Mean Girls actress, 38, stunned fans late last month at the launch of her new Netflix rom-com 'Our Little Secret' in Los Angeles, where she looked as though she had captured the fountain of youth.

But many were quick to comment about her glow-up, with one saying after watching the trailer, 'Lohan aging like fine wine! Hot damn!' and another saying, 'Lindsay Lohan is looking stunning! Im glad shes doing well.'

New York City-based plastic surgeon Gary Linkov has now revealed the surgeries he believes the icon may have received.

He suggested that she had started recieving lip fillers in her late-teens or early-20s, adding that since then, the 38-year-old actor appears to have had a number of other procedures.

He put her 'refreshed' appearance down to a combination of a facelift to smooth out lines and tighten her jawline, an upper eyelid lift to reduce skin above the eyes, a nose job to make it more streamlined, and a fat transfer to her face to make it appear youthful.

Dr Linkov broke down the cost of each procedure, such as $50 thousand for lip filler over 19 years, a facelift for $80 thousand, and veneers for $40 thousand. In total, he said she likely spent around $275,000 over the years on improvements to her appearance.

Lindsay has hit back at speculation that she had plastic surgeries, with her father Michael Lohan telling Page Six late last month that she has 'never had any work done'.

The actress herself previously credited her appearance to little more than a good skincare routine.

Lindsay Lohan pictured left in Mean Girls in 2004 and right after stepping out for the launch of her new rom-com in Los Angeles last month. Dr Gary Linkov suggested she had likely had lip filler, a nose job, and possibly also a face lift to reduce lines and tighten her jawline. He also suggested she may have had an upper bletharoplasty, to remove skin from the top of her eyes

In a YouTube video, Dr Linkov said that in 2005, shortly after she had done the Mean Girls movie  he saw signs that she had used lip filler.

'I'm noticing some added... projection, of her upper lip in particular, and some of the filler seems to be settling out just above the vermillion border.'

The vermillion border is the distinct line between where the red part of the lip meets the surrounding skin.

In 2011, he noted that her upper lip appeared to be 'heavier'  suggesting more use of fillers  and that in later years there were fine lines appearing on her forehead, which is a natural part of aging.

The fine lines had eased by 2018, however, which led Dr Linkov to suggest that she may have been using Botox during this time.

He further suggested that she had used more lip filler in 2019, at the age of 33 years, saying the size of the upper lip was now similar to the lower lip, and also suggesting she may have used cheek filler as well around this time.

Dr Linkov said Lindsay likely began receiving lip filler when she was 19 and continued to do so for about 19 years

Dr Linkov said that Lindsay appears to have dissolved some of her lip filler in 2022 after nearly two decades of getting the injectables

Viewing photos of her from this year, he added that she had likely had several other procedures.

He said: 'I see signs of a potential endoscopic facelift,' which involves the surgeon making small cuts near the hairline and behind the ear, using a small camera called an endoscope to see the tissue underneath, and then using special tools to move the tissue, tighten the muscles, and remove fat.

Dr Linkov added that she shows less fullness beneath her chin and less pronounced creases running from the side of the nose to the corners of the mouth, also referred to as nasolabial folds.

Dr Linkov added: 'What I'm noticing is there's less submental fullness (fullness beneath the chin) and that there's less pronounced nasal labial fold [that she had previously.

He added: 'And the jawline just looks tighter, it looks tighter than it did in previous years.'

He posited that she underwent an upper bletharoplasty  or an operation to reduce skin above the eyes - in 2022.

That platform of the upper eyelid just appears to be more visible compared to prior.'

And he also suggested she may have had a nose job, saying that the top of her nose just appeared smaller than it was previously.

'I don't think Lindsay ever had a bulbous nose,' he said, 'but it now looks more narrowed and more streamlined'.

He said scars from these procedures were not visible because any from a potential endoscopic facelift would be behind the hairline, while any from an upper bletharoplasty would be hidden because of the way that the skin in the eye folds.

He said Lindsay may have had an upper blepharoplasty, as her upper eyelid appears to show more of the tarsal platform, a typical result from removing excess skin during the procedure, with the scar often hidden in the crease

Your browser does not support iframes.

Dr Linkov was not able to observe Lindsay in person, and instead based his comments on observations from her photos.

Lindsay's father previously said: 'Lindsay never had any plastic surgery done ever.

'Her look [is] so natural  just like her talent', and he added that it was 'disgusting' for people to 'propagate false narratives' about stars.

After questioning, he did concede that the Mean Girls star had done peels, fillers and Botox.

The actor grew up in front of the camera from being a child star to tabloid fodder during her tumultious young adult years, but stepped away from the limelight for a period. Since then, she has recaptured Americans' love of all things nostalgia.

Her return to the big screen has plastic surgeons buzzing about the possible foray into a new era of undetectable plastic surgery, with one esthetician gushing: 'I need to know absolutely everything that occurred between 2018 to 2024 to have this crazy of a transformation. Im in the industry and Im at a loss for words.
I think we all need a Bob break now, dont we?

How can you say that?

His last tour went on for three years, his last song went on for 17 minutes. He knows how to string a thing out.

Heresy! As online music mag Pitchfork put it, the epic Murder Most Foul heralded Bobs new era of octogenarian prolificity.

Once upon a time he dressed so fine: on stage in London, 2019.

Why didnt the 83-year-old play it on the last night of his tour?

As Pitchfork continues, its almost like [the song] is too powerful and foreboding to deliver to an audience.

Thatll be it. Sorry guys, I had a real banger lined up tonight, but Im worried it might be too powerful and foreboding for you.

Anyway, its pointless complaining about Dylan fatigue now because the biopic A Complete Unknown, with Timothee Chalamet as His Bobness, will be in cinemas on 17 January.

The freewheelin Timothee channels the master

The early reviews are good.

Good? Were talking potential Oscar. If Chalamet (who turns 29 this month) wins hell be the youngest leading actor winner ever, beating Adrien Brody by 268 days, says The Guardian.

So, youre a Chalamet nerd too. Back to Dylan. Im guessing youre among the obsessives dissecting his recent tweets.

Of course! I love that Bob has started writing his own posts on X.

Although he has managed to join right at the point other artists are leaving for new platform Bluesky.

Bob Dylan has never been a follower.

Speaking of which, does he follow anyone on X?

Nope  but he has around 450k followers himself. So, what do you think of his tweet Happy Birthday Mary Jo! See you in Frankfort?

I think Bob Dylan cant spell Frankfurt.

Ah, but its also the state capital of Kentucky.

OK, Poirot, but he was due to play in Frankfurt, Germany a few weeks later.

True, and he did indeed send another tweet from Frankfurt.

Thank you.

Dont you want to know what it said?

Um

At the hotel in Frankfurt there was a publishing convention and every room was taken, parties all night. I didnt know there were so many book publishers in the world.

Thrilling stuff

Hang on, Bobs not finished.

Imagine my surprise.

I was trying to find Crystal Lake Publishing so I could congratulate them on publishing The Great God Pan, one of my favorite books.

If this tweet were a song, would it take 17 minutes to perform?

I thought they might be interested in some of my stories, continued the folk-rock legend. Unfortunately it was too crowded and I never did find them.

So, this is the story of a man getting lost in a hotel.

Or is it?

What do you mean or is it?

Dylan likes messing with people.

Does anyone know what was going on?

The Boston Globe contacted Dylans son Jakob to ask if he could help.

And could he?

Like most people, I cant tell you whats going on, he said to the reporter. I cant tell you what thats about. Im not sure.

It seems we can leave that gripping saga there, then.

We absolutely cannot, because now the book world is involved.

Go on

Hi @bobdylan, Thanks for the mention and to everyone who tagged us, wrote Crystal Lake Publishing, before inviting him to contact them.

And did he?

Of course not. Hang on hes just tweeted again. Saw Nick Cave in Paris recently and I was really struck by that song Joy where he sings Weve all had too much sorrow, now is the time for joy. I was thinking to myself, yeah, thats about right.

Is there any chance were going to be spared an era of Bob Dylan, social media commentator?

None. The Times They Are A-Changin.
If youve been served recently in White Stuff by a middle-aged woman with good hair and above-average knowledge of trouser fit, chances are she was no ordinary shop assistant.

But then Jo Jenkins is no ordinary CEO. The boss of this British fashion retailer, which turns 40 next year, spent time anonymously in the Henley and Guildford branches.

I was running around serving customers who didnt know who I was, says Jenkins, in White Stuff cream jeans and sweater. What I learned most was that the mature ladies want style advice.

Sylvia Ezer, 88, modelling White Stuff

From these changing-room chats Jenkins, at 55 a similar age to her average customer, learned that many women want items cut for shorter frames. This has led to the launch of a petite range in 50 stores. You can read all the data you want, says Jenkins, herself 5ft 4in, but theres nothing like serving in a shop. If a customer says, I like it, but it slips off the shoulder, that conversation is invaluable. It was customers, rather than celebrities or influencers, who she turned to for a marketing campaign that went viral.

When White Stuff staff spotted 88-year-old Sylvia Ezer browsing in her local Muswell Hill store in North London last year, they posted her picture on Facebook and got 20 times the normal engagement. The stylish, platinum-haired former teacher became the face of the brand.

Brand CEO Jo Jenkins

When we met Sylvia, looking marvellous in our red coat, it got us thinking about how many more customers were radiant like her. So we put out a casting call in our shops saying if you fancy being a model, sign up. Thousands did. The result: a merry band of customers- turned-models  like Beth, a counsellor from Anglesey, and 50-something couple Peter and Debra, fans of 80s music and hot yoga.

Other shoots have starred wild-water swimmers, roller-skaters and female morris dancers from the Cotswolds jigging in folksy dresses and colourful knits.

Quality, unique, interesting are the three words Jenkins uses to describe the brands DNA. Her strategy is working. Amid the general high-street doom, White Stuff is in rude health, with 121 UK shops and concessions in John Lewis, Next and M&S. Year-on-year sales have risen to 155 million, up 2.4 per cent.

Its a world away from its roots. Founded in 1985 by Brit ski lovers George Treves and Sean Thomas, the catering student and handyman sold T-shirts in the Alps to fund their expensive passion. They called themselves Boys from the White Stuff, a reference both to snow and Alan Bleasdales TV drama Boys from the Blackstuff.

In October this year, after 39 years in business together, Treves and Thomas sold the company to TFG London, which also owns Hobbs, Whistles and Phase Eight, with Jenkins staying on as CEO.

I meet her at White Stuff HQ  in a full-sized replica store filled with Christmas pyjamas, fair isle knits and stripy socks. The team uses the space as a testing ground for what works. Having that wow factor, being able to touch and feel the product, is absolutely fundamental, says Jenkins.

She joined M&S as a junior management trainee straight from school, disappointing her mum by shunning university: Even at 18 my idea of a great day out was shopping. Jenkins then joined Next, where she became a director of womenswear, staying for 16 years while bringing up children George, 21, Frannie, 19, and Lizzie, 16, with property developer husband Karl. Another stint with M&S ended in 2018 when she was poached by White Stuff to be chief executive.

It cant hurt that Jenkinss vast experience and life stage give her an edge over her mostly male retail rivals. As a woman, your 50s is a confident life phase. You know who you are and what youre looking for  yet youre largely ignored and underrepresented. We recognise that.

A year ago, Jenkins did the opposite of most midlife women  upping sticks from her rural Leicestershire home and moving her family to West London. Im not ready for village life. I want to wander out and get a coffee, go to the theatre, not have to drive. Hopefully it means our kids will be nearby for ever. Its a new chapter.

So the next time youre browsing in a London White Stuff store, keep an eye out for the woman on the till. Definitely no ordinary CEO.
We arranged to meet in the bar of Soho House at 8pm. He texted to ask if we were having snacks, or had I eaten? I said, Of course, am starved. When he arrived he was in black jeans, black poloneck: he looked exactly like Daniel Craig as James Bond. Id spent half an hour waiting (Im habitually early), surrounded by chatting couples, and now I was one of them. We went in for dinner, and we had the most frank conversation Ive ever had with a man. Ive always been too unsure to stick up for myself.

Why did you ghost me for four weeks? Id told you I was feeling happy for the first time in my life, and then, nothing.

He said hed read the comments under my column about him standing me up on my birthday. Everyone condemned me. Rightly so, as I let you down. But I have no mistress, no girlfriend. And I need you to be in London. I cant do long distance. I work in the office every day. Youd be giving up so much, your house, your horse. If you lived in London, we would be living together already, Im sure. I want to travel, to one day own a place in Italy, spend months there. (Im picturing Mini Puppy wearing a saddle of ice packs.)

My column had hurt him hugely. But you arent identified, I squeaked. He had told a couple of friends he was seeing me, though, and obviously they did their homework. They told me, You have to get over Liz. She writes about you. And of course they dripped so many negative things about me into his ear; as he said, people love to deliver bad news. He struggles that my online profile is huge.

I am so in love with him, so enjoying feeling normal, dressed up, I told him that before he ghosted me Id been thinking the disaster of leaving London, losing everything, was all worth it as it led me to him. I only met him because a mutual friend had helped me get a mortgage. And then he was gone. I was now in tears, telling him my job means I have no life: You ask how can I be available? This is how.

He said he wouldnt be sitting with me if I wasnt a writer. That if I stop writing, the haters will have won. Do I care? Not really. I am here, arent I?

We go up to my room. He starts kissing me as soon as we get in the lift. We have sex and I find Im clinging on to him.

And then, at 1am, he says something but I cant hear him (my hearing aids whistle when kissed, so were on the bedside cabinet). So Im sitting on the bed in my thong, while he stands next to me, now fully clothed, texting. Its like a crazy romcom.

Him: Im going home now. I dont like the morning, checking out, getting a taxi. Thats why I go now and we make our plan, OK?

Me (Im sorry, Im pathetic): OK, but I want to be with you.

Him: But we are together. Next time, I want you to accept simple and come and stay with me. I love everything about us. You are truly beautiful. Your body is beautiful. Your fame, success, is something I have to understand. I never expected to meet someone like you. So happy you gave me another chance. We start again. But you will sacrifice so much.

Me, 3am, alone: Are you sure you havent gone home as you live with a woman? Feeling vulnerable.

Him: I have no one. Except you. But give me our own private space that you share with no one except me.

The next morning, I text him. Again, sorry I wrote negative things but I was confused by the silence. I could write that we ended it last night due to the distance, my writing? Its my fault you disappeared. We need to spend more time together before I decide about London. You know everything about me, every thought, but I dont know you yet. You can see the turmoil Im in as I didnt touch dinner.

Him: First, thank you for a lovely evening. Yes, I wanted you. As for the column thing, you know how to handle it. I wish I had brought you home last night. To dispel your fears. I agree we need to talk and meet more before making life-changing decisions. I was being selfish.

On the train home, I start ordering festive food from Riverford. Man things. I google Norfolk Island pine trees. My first Christmas in my beautiful house, which is finally finished, and someone to share it with!

And then he texts, I cant do Christmas. But I will message you every night.
The hair product market in the UK is worth 1.4billion a year, and if you love designer grooming products or have got particularly tricky hair to manage, it can feel like you personally contribute at least half of that.

Haircare these days doesnt necessarily come cheap  there are all kinds of expensive oils, lavish shampoos and pricey supplements designed to boost your locks, and thats before you even come to the cost of cut and colour (although my personal feeling is that given your hair is the one thing you wear every day, its ok to spend a decent amount of money at the salon).

However, even the greatest hair stylists will attest that you dont need to spend a fortune on every element of your haircare. In fact, there are some products you can find on the supermarket shelves that will do a brilliant job, and cost a fraction of the price of those from high-end beauty retailers. Read on to find out the supermarket haircare products that the UKs top hairdressers love.

Michael Douglas, mdlondon.com

My favourite supermarket products for making hair feel thicker and fuller are OGX Thick and Full Biotin & Collagen shampoo and conditioner (8 each).

The formulation is fantastic and the fragrance is superb. Its also pH-balanced and has sulphate-free surfactant, meaning that the cleansing element of this product is very specific and accurate  it removes dirt, grease and dead skin from the hair and scalp without removing unnecessary natural oils and colours. Its a great all-rounder and I highly recommend it.

OGX Thick and Full Biotin & Collagen shampoo

Available in Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda and Waitrose

Josh Wood, joshwoodcolour.com

I love Neils Yard Rose Conditioner (11.50). Its a trusted organic brand, and has pioneered the way for more sustainable hair care. Also, the scent is wonderful.

Available at Waitrose

Inanch Emir, inanch.com

I always have tumble dryer sheets in my kitbag. They are great for getting rid of frizz.

Lenor tumble dryer sheets

Available at all supermarkets, from 2.50

Ben Cooke, lockonego.com

The Schwarzkopf Got2b range performs really well. The Volumaniac Mousse (5.95) gives a really big, bouncy blow dry for fine to normal hair. Then to hold it in place I recommend the Glued Blasting Freeze Spray (5.50).

Schwarzkopf Got2b Volumaniac Mousse

My other go to is the John Frieda thickening range. The Volume Lift Root Booster (7.99) is fantastic as the spray format delivers product exactly where its needed.

John Frieda Volume Lift Root Booster

Available at most supermarkets

Luke Hersheson, hershesons.com

L'Oreal Paris Elnett Hairspray (5) is the best hair spray in the world. I would never try to make my own version, as nothing could be as good. The hair gets better the more product you apply, and it brushes out super easily.

L'Oreal Paris Elnett Hairspray

Available at most supermarkets

Nicola Clarke, nicolaclarke.com

If I use supermarket shampoo and conditioner, I like the Aussie brand (4.50 each). It makes the hair soft and malleable, which is great for coloured hair.

Aussie Mighty Mega conditioner

Available at most supermarkets

Ricky Walters, salon64.co.uk

Batiste dry shampoo (3.35) is my go-to supermarket hair product because it delivers instant results that truly make a difference. Its the type of product that professional hairdressers always have in their kit bags for emergencies, and for good reason.

With just a quick spray, it refreshes your hair, absorbs excess oil, and adds volume, transforming limp or greasy locks into a style that lasts all night. Its the difference between your hair lasting through a night out or your blow-dry falling flat within an hour.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Available at most supermarkets

Neil Moodie, neilmoodiestudio.com

'I have a Wet Brush Original Detangler in my kit bag and it's great. It glides so easily through the hair with 45% less breakage. This will also help protect your hair against the dreaded split ends.

Wet Brush Original Detangler

'Alex Brownsell is a renowned hairstylist/colourist and her brand Bleach is one of the best home hair colour brands on the market as she has developed the products herself. I've used these products on myself before when my hair was bleached.'

Bleach London super cool colour

Wet Brush available from Asda; Bleach available from Tesco
Until now, Ed Miliband largely has been silent on new nuclear. Addressing nuke industry bigwigs this week, the Energy Secretary declared that 'nuclear offers huge opportunities for our clean energy mission'.

All that is splendid. However, the snail's pace of British administration, highlighted by the Prime Minister in his 'targets' speech on December 5, always gets in the way.

There are real questions as to how hard Miliband is driving the atomic power agenda. If the UK is to have security of energy supplies, and persists with demonisation of the North Sea, then it is going to need a nuclear baseload.

That is required to keep the lights on, and the electric vehicle network powered up.

In addition, it is also going to entail huge amounts of new electricity to power data centres if Britain is to embrace artificial intelligence and the digital world.

Miliband has bought time by extending the life of old kit at Heysham, Hartlepool and Torness.

Finger on the pulse?: Ed Miliband

That is necessary, because decision making on new nukes has been so slow. The country is dependent on rackety older plants, often subject to closures for safety reasons.

The Energy Secretary made it sound as if Sizewell C was certain to get the 2.7billion of government funding, mentioned in the Budget, to push ahead with development.

Authorisation will have to wait until Rachel Reeves' spending review which is delayed until June 2025.

Meanwhile, the government in Prague is pushing ahead with Rolls-Royce on deploying Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), using turbines pioneered in the UK's submarine fleet.

Britain is in the slow lane persisting with a global auction before giving a domestic champion the go ahead.

SMRs represent a sector where a UK green manufacturing revolution is attainable. The horse has already has bolted to Denmark for windfarms, Sweden and Poland for heat pumps and China for solar panels.

If SMRs are to power a fourth industrial revolution, Britain should take a leaf out of the Czech and US approach and get on with the job.

A decision is promised in the spring. Why are we waiting?

Direct action

Amanda Blanc lost no time in bulldozing Direct Line into doing a deal.

If regulatory approvals are won, Aviva will rapidly secure the reins at the motor insurance pioneer, which was the first UK insurer to spot the opportunity of going directly to the consumer rather than using brokers.

Aviva is to fund the 3.61billion deal using 1.75billion of cash resources and the company's shares.

In contrast to so many recent bids in the UK, the transaction does not involve taking on a debt mountain. Details of how the offer will be implemented are sketchy, but Direct Line HQ is expected be axed, and policies and administration moved onto capable Aviva platforms.

There is unlikely to be any room for Direct Line chief executive Adam Winslow and senior colleagues, emigres from Aviva.

Winslow can comfort himself in the fact that his incentive shares will vest and could be in line for a payout of 3million.

The Aviva-Direct Line deal will face scrutiny by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) amid justified concern that the presence of much bigger beast in the marketplace could mean higher premiums.

There is confidence at Aviva that it can demonstrate to the CMA that there is already ferocious competition in the markets for motor and home insurance.

When examined on a segmented basis, such as EVs, women and younger motorists, there should be no problem. But caution is called for.

Rayner win

In August last year, I was given a forensic tour of Marks & Spencer's flagship Art Decor store on Oxford Street.

I had earlier suggested Britain's favourite retailer was engaged in an act of architectural vandalism.

After viewing the site, with its layers of industrial archaeology and leaking storage rooms, it was obvious that it was no longer fit for purpose.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner deserves praise for giving a three-year delayed rebuilding project the go-ahead.

M&S's next task is to find new premises for a food hall and for its fashion when one of its highest turnover outlets is dismantled.
Embattled Thames Water could be broken up under a takeover planned by investment firm Covalis and French utility group Suez.

Britain's biggest water supplier is scrambling for a multi-billion-pound emergency cash injection to avoid a taxpayer bailout.

Potential bidders for the debt-laden utility also include Hong Kong-based firm CK Infrastructure Holdings, which owns Northumbrian Water.

And Castle Water, a firm co-owned by Conservative Party treasurer and property tycoon Graham Edwards, has proposed pumping around 4billion into Thames Water in return for a majority stake, with a plan for a stock market listing within three years.

Embattled: Thames Water is scrambling for a multi-billion-pound emergency cash injection to avoid a taxpayer bailout

The offer from Covalis, a London-based utility investment firm, involves a 1billion payment up front, plus another 4billion from planned asset sales and refinancing. That could include selling individual pieces of infrastructure such as tunnels, then leasing them back.

But they could also involve hiving off entire regions that Thames Water serves, such as the Thames Valley.

Suez, which runs major water services in France, would act in an advisory role and would not own any shares in Thames Water. The Government would hold a so-called golden share, giving it a seat on the board.

The offer is dependent on regulator Ofwat allowing the firm to slow down its infrastructure investment programme.
The pale, bespectacled young male hospital nurse hovers close by as another shocked family on Ward 4-East mourns the sudden death of a beloved relative.

Its the latest of dozens of mysterious patient fatalities plaguing the Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, between May and August 1992.

None are expected to die when admitted for treatment and most are already preparing to return home.

Frantic hospital staff fear an 'Angel of Death' is lurking among them - and suspicion falls on 26-year-old nurse Richard Allen Williams, who is routinely on duty when the emergency code blue alarm sounds.

Despite being arrested and charged with ten murders years later, Williams was released after spending a year in jail when the charges were dropped. The homicide cases remain open and unsolved to this day.

A bombshell new seven-episode podcast called Witnessed: Night Shift seeks to shine a spotlight back on the chilling case that still haunts an entire community decades on.

And now DailyMail.com can reveal for the first time that Williams, 58, is today living in a sleepy Illinois suburb alongside neighbors who are oblivious to the accusations.

It has also emerged that he went on to become a convicted felon following his release, after a brief stint as a mortician at a funeral home.

Nurse Richard Allen Williams was arrested and charged with ten murders. He was released after spending a year in jail when the charges were dropped

One of the veterans who died under Williams' care was 66-year-old Elzie Havrum - a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient

The Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, was plagued by mysterious deaths between May and August 1992

The unexplained deaths at Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital bear a chilling resemblance to Netflix's The Good Nurse, which is based on Charles Cullen's 16-year murder spree at medical centers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The scandal is also eerily similar to the shocking case of British nurse Lucy Letby, who was found guilty of murdering seven babies in a neonatal unit last year.

Yet in this case, no one has ever been held to account or convicted of a crime.

Rumors about the growing number of suspicious deaths at the VA hospital reached fever pitch in late 1992.

One patient's daughter described to DailyMail.com how she had been preparing to take her father Odas Lesley, 71, who suffered from emphysema, home from hospital in July of that year. Instead she found herself saying a painful and unexpected final farewell.

'He wouldn't leave the room,' Kathy Robbins, 73, of Blue Springs, Missouri, said of Williams. 'He just stood there. It was very creepy. I felt uncomfortable with him in the room. He wouldn't leave us alone so we could say goodbye to daddy'.

Former colleagues have since described Williams as 'bland,' 'passive' and 'non-assertive.'

But after the unexpected death of a 75-year-old veteran, a doctor snapped: 'Richard, why are you killing my patients?'

His remarks helped to spark an internal investigation by hospital leadership, with Williams declaring in an interview: 'I didnt become a nurse to mercy kill or determine when someone would die. Ive been a nurse for seven years. I have never had anything like this happen.

'This has been a blow to my ego. I just can't believe that people think that I've been killing people. Ive been trampled on by everyone,' he added.

Williams claimed he was being set up and pointed the finger at another nurse, who was never considered a suspect.

At first, VA leaders failed to make police aware of the sudden jump in patient deaths.

The VA chief of police was demoted when he tried to investigate. Staff were told to keep quiet or lose their jobs.

Meanwhile, an analysis by Dr. Gordon Christensen - who was leading the investigation and piecing together the mystery - showed the chance of the suspicious deaths not being murder as one in a million.

He believed a killer was likely working in the building but hospital leaders refused to listen.

After Christensen analyzed the statistics, he concluded patients being watched by Williams during his night shift were ten times more likely to die than those being supervised by other nurses on the same ward.

But Williams was allowed to keep working while an FBI investigation was ongoing.

An unnamed nurse who worked alongside him told the FBI: 'It seems like there was always a crisis whenever I worked with Richard.

'There were no normal shifts with him. And there were so many deaths. Way too many.

'Actually I was worried I might get blamed for the patients dying. I was honestly relieved when I took a few days off and the deaths kept happening when I wasnt on the ward.'

Williams eventually left his job under a cloud in early 1993. Despite this he was still given a letter of recommendation by the then hospital director that helped him to get another job at a nursing home 15 miles south of the VA.

It wasn't long before suspicious deaths began happening there too.

Williams worked as director of nursing at Ashland Healthcare nursing home from July 1993 to July 1994. In that 12-month period about 30 residents died. In the 10 months after his dismissal, six patients died.

The county medical examiner called the number of deaths 'statistically significant' but ruled out foul play. A second investigation was launched after details of the deaths at VA came to light but no charges were ever brought.

Prior to working at the VA, Williams had been employed at St John's Health System in Springfield, Missouri, from June 1988 to May 1989. He was fired for falsifying patient records and failing to administer medication.

Williams eventually left his job at the VA hospital under a cloud in early 1993. Despite this he was still given a letter of recommendation that helped him to get a job at a nursing home nearby

Elzie Havrum had emphysema and complained of a headache but was only going to be at the VA overnight before going home. Pictured with his widow Helen

Elzies son David Havrum, 72, and daughter-in-law Sydney, 74, described how they are still haunted by the case today

In March 1993, authorities finally obtained permission to exhume the bodies of 13 of those individuals who died while under Williams' supervision at the VA.

The investigation, involving state officials, the FBI and agents from the Department of Veterans Affairs, produced usable tissue samples from 10 of the exhumed bodies but lab tests failed to reveal a cause of death.

The FBI had concluded that 11 of the 40 reported deaths on Williams' watch were 'highly' suspicious and 22 were 'moderately suspicious.'

An FBI report, obtained by DailyMail.com, details an interview with the nurse in March 1993, during which he declined to take a polygraph test.

When asked if he was responsible for the VA deaths, he responded 'absolutely not'.

'Williams advised that he got into the nursing profession to help and not to kill patients. He stated, 'I know and the man upstairs knows that I did not kill any of those patients,' the report continued.

He added that the situation had 'completely destroyed his life'.

One of the veterans who died under Williams' care was 66-year-old Elzie Havrum - a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He had emphysema and complained of a headache but was only expected to be at the VA overnight before going home.

When he died his family was in stunned disbelief.

In 1998 - six years after Havrum's death - his widow, Helen, won a $450,000 civil negligence suit against the VA hospital. She died in 2018 aged 91.

In her ruling, U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey said a preponderance of the evidence caused her to believe that Williams was responsible for Havrum's death - and that the hospital had enough reason to believe Williams was a danger to his patients but did nothing to stop him.

Judge Laughrey criticized the VA administrators for engaging in a cover-up over Havrum's death on Williams' watch.

The ruling was later upheld by a three-judge panel in 2000 after an appeal was filed.

Elzies son David Havrum, 72, and daughter-in-law Sydney, 74, described to DailyMail.com how they are still haunted by the case today.

Yet despite the resounding victory in the Havrum case, the criminal investigation into the VA deaths stalled.

The case eventually took a leap forward in 2001 with the development of improved forensic techniques, allowing the tissue samples from the exhumed bodies to be properly tested.

The new testing led investigators to accuse Williams of injecting patients with the powerful muscle relaxant succinylcholine to halt their breathing. Nurses had access to the drug at the hospital.

Nine of the tested victims were men aged 58 or above and one was a 69-year-old woman. None had been prescribed the drug by doctors.

It takes just 60 seconds for succinylcholine to take effect and it is rapidly metabolized in the body making it virtually undetectable.

But with the newly developed testing, trace amounts of the chemical were found in the samples from the ten corpses, authorities said.

Death certificates for the ten bodies were changed from natural causes to homicide.

Former colleagues have since described Williams (pictured as a child) as 'bland,' 'passive' and 'non-assertive'

Williams was arrested in July 2002 while working at Panera Bread in St. Louis. Then he was formally charged with killing the 10 patients

A grand jury subsequently indicted Williams, who was 36 at the time.

He was arrested in July 2002 while working at Panera Bread in St. Louis. He was formally charged with killing the 10 patients after investigators concluded they had a solid case and that he was the 'common denominator' in the deaths.

Williams pleaded not guilty. He was denied bail and spent 13 months in Boone County Jail awaiting trial, away from his now ex-wife and son.

Prosecutors said they did not have a motive for the deaths but were confident they had the smoking gun to convict Williams and would be seeking the death penalty.

At the time, lead prosecutor Kevin Crane said the deaths met Missouri requirements for capital punishment, including that they were 'outrageous or wantonly vile... in that they involved depravity of mind.'

In all, 41 patients at the VA had died in 1992 under Williams' care.

Prosecutors prepared their case for trial but in a shocking turn of events it was sensationally upended.

Additional testing of the tissue samples had revealed that the original testing was faulty. The case was dropped a few weeks before trial when Williams' attorney was able to show that a variant of succinylcholine can be found naturally in decomposing bodies.

Don Catlett, Williams' attorney, claimed the charges had resulted from 'junk science' and political pressure in the high-profile, long-running case.

In a letter to prosecutors Dr. Kevin Ballard, who had performed tests on the bodies of some of Williams' patients, said he believed that 'no definitive conclusions can be drawn' from the presence of a relative of the drug in the corpses.

'After lengthy consultation with both scientific and legal experts I have tried, even up to this last moment, to identify a way to maintain this prosecution,' Crane said at the time.

'However, absent additional evidence, the legal standard for proving murder beyond a reasonable doubt cannot be met at this time.

'Now, as it was between 1992 and 2002, adequate evidence to show these veterans did not die of natural causes is once again absent in this case.'

Williams was set free on August 7, 2003 and returned home.

Former prosecutor Kevin Crane wipes his face during a press conference at the Boone County Courthouse in Columbia, Missouri, after announcing he had dropped all 10 murder charges

Family members of victims who were patients at the Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital pictured during a press conference in 2002

Former prosecutor Kevin Crane (left), 62, said: 'I'm sorry for the family members that have gone through a lot. I genuinely thought I was doing the right thing. When I determined that the basis of the case wasn't there I had to dismiss it ethically'

Meanwhile, the families of his former patients continue to seek answers and justice for their loved ones.

'Its hard for people to believe any of it,' said Sydney Havrum. 'Its crazy but you have to get on with your life.

'There will never be justice. I dont think anything is going to be done.'

She blames the prosecutor Crane, now a judge in Boone County, for 'letting the case slip through his fingers'.

Crane, 62, who is due to retire soon, told DailyMail.com: 'I'm sorry for the family members that have gone through a lot.

'I genuinely thought I was doing the right thing. When I determined that the basis of the case wasn't there I had to dismiss it ethically.'

John Kurtz, Helen Havrum's attorney, said he would like to see the case prosecuted again.

'The Havrum case was good enough to convince four judges,' he claimed.

'The case is so old and so forgotten that it hasn't been on anyone's radar for over 20 years. There hasn't been any urgency.'

Kathy Robbins said she has not listened to the new podcast because her father's death is still too painful 32 years on.

'This has been going on forever,' she said. 'I just wish the government would do something but they probably never will.'

Williams is today living in a sleepy Illinois suburb with his sister (pictured)

DailyMail.com can reveal that Williams is today living in a rented apartment in an Illinois suburb with his 65-year-old sister, where he has access to luxury facilities including a swimming pool, movie theatre and pickleball court.

When approached by our reporter, his sister refused to comment. Williams did not appear to be at home.

Sources claimed that Williams, now 58, hasnt worked in years. After his criminal trial collapsed he trained to be an accountant. He has also worked as a mortician at a funeral home in St. Louis and for Panera Bread restaurant.

DailyMail.com can also reveal that in 2009 Williams, then 43, was arrested for stealing over $51,000 in cash from a former employer, Ford Steel, and north of $10,000 from a St Louis-based insurance company, Todd Green International.

A Ford Steel senior manager, who wished to remain anonymous, said of Williams: 'He ran into the bathroom to hide when he knew he was going to be arrested.'

He claimed Williams had previously suggested to his Ford Steel bosses that they take out a $100,000 insurance policy against theft by employees - which they agreed to do.

'He was smart enough to get us the insurance,' he recalled. 'That episode was a sad part of my life.'

Williams later pled guilty to multiple counts of felony theft, according to court records.

He was given probation, ordered to pay restitution of $72,900 but received no jail time. His probation ended in August 2016.

Jake Adelstein, who is behind the podcast about the case, is the son of Eddie Adelstein, 88, the pathologist who initiated the internal hospital inquiry into the deaths at VA in the summer of 1992 and still works at the hospital today.

Adelstein Jr also wrote the 2009 memoir Tokyo Vice that was the basis for the 2022 TV drama of the same name.

He told DailyMail.com there was a 'tide of indifference' among senior management at the Columbia VA but some staff, like his father, stood up to battle 'corruption and cowardice.'

'But when over 70 lives are lost - with no reckoning - the question remains: Why? I hope this podcast ignites the curiosity of someone who might reopen this case', he added.

Journalist Rudi Keller, 63, of the Missouri Independent, spent years covering the VA murders

A bombshell new seven-episode podcast called Witnessed: Night Shift seeks shine a spotlight back on the chilling case that still haunts an entire community decades on

Journalist Rudi Keller, 63, of the Missouri Independent, spent years covering the VA murders.

He said: 'I sat in the courtroom in 1998 when a federal judge said from the bench that she believed Williams murdered Elsie Havrum.

'I became obsessed with this story. I was convinced by 1999 that Williams was guilty. 32 years after the VA deaths there is still no conclusion'.

He believes Williams is guilty, but says there is still 'that one percent' and 'we'll never really know'.

Today, the case of the 40 suspicious deaths at the VA remains open.

In US law there is no statute of limitations for murder - meaning charges can still be brought against a suspect decades later.

Jeffrey Hoelscher, spokesperson for the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, said: 'We are committed to the veterans we serve, as well as their families and loved ones.

'We have and will continue to cooperate fully with the Boone County Prosecuting Attorneys Office should they contact us with any new information or evidence or ask for assistance.'

DailyMail.com has contacted Williams for comment.
Americans are increasingly flocking to the outermost edges of metropolitan areas - beyond the suburbs and into rapidly growing so-called 'exurbs'.

Exurbs are areas typically located 40 to 60 miles from city centers and are often appealing to families seeking more space, affordable homes and a quieter way of life.

The trend has transformed once-sleepy rural towns into thriving cultural communities with booming populations and housing markets.

Many of the most popular exurb hotspots are located in the South.

Anna, Texas, which is located 45 miles north of Dallas, for example, has seen its population soar by a third since 2020, becoming the fourth-fastest growing city in America.

Other popular exurbs include Fort Mill, South Carolina, near Charlotte and Lebanon, Tennessee, near Nashville, and Haines City, Polk County, Florida, which is nestled between Tampa and Orlando.

Once known only for its citrus groves, Polk County gained nearly 30,000 new residents last year, according to US Census Bureau data.

This made it one of the hottest migration destination in the entire country - and as a result, it has seen many of its famous citrus groves bulldozed for new housing developments.

Americans are ditching big cities and flocking to the outermost edges of metropolitan areas - beyond the suburbs and into rapidly growing 'exurbs' (Haines City, FL)

Hotspots include Anna, Texas, near Dallas; Fort Mill, South Carolina, on the outskirts of Charlotte; Lebanon, Tennessee , near Nashville; and Haines City in Polk County, Florida , nestled between Tampa and Orlando

The COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role in the shift to the exurbs, with many people now able to make a living from home thanks to an increase in remote work opportunities.

This means they are no longer tied to big hubs where offices are based.

Skyrocketing housing costs in major cities have also pushed many families to seek more affordable and spacious alternatives.

Exurbs are particularly enticing to those eager to escape the urban grind and enjoy suburban comfort.

But the transformation is reshaping more than just landscapes.

It is changing the demographics and culture of these areas.

In Polk County, the Latino population has surged from one-fifth to more than a quarter in just five years.

The trend has been mostly driven by migration from Puerto Rico and New York.

Other communities across the South are seeing similar changes, with increasingly diverse populations redefining local traditions.

For some newcomers, the slower pace of life requires adjustment.

Marisol Ortega lives in Haines City, which is about 40 miles away from her job in Orlando - but she says it is worth the commute

Today, the former citrus hub has become the hottest migration destination in the entire United States - and many of the famous citrus groves have been bulldozed and turned into bustling housing developments

Exurbs, areas typically located 40 to 60 miles from city centers beyond the suburbs, have lured families seeking more space, affordable homes, and a quieter way of life - ultimately transforming once-sleepy rural towns into booming cultural communities (Pictured: Fort Mill, South Carolina)

But the migration comes with trade-offs, such as longer commutes and adjusting to new cultural norms.

One newcomer, Yeseria Suero, revealed the culture shock of moving from New York.

She is still getting used to the local traditions like early restaurant closures and even simply strangers chatting in grocery stores.

'My kids now say, 'Yes, ma'am,'' she joked.

Others are happy to embrace the trade-offs.

Marisol Ortega, who lives in Haines City, Florida, commutes an hour and a half to Orlando for work but treasures her tranquil home life.

'I love my job. I love what I do, but then I love coming back home, and it's more tranquil,' Ortega told the Associated Press.

Local resident Schuyler Crouch joked: 'The next exurb we are going to be living in is Oklahoma.'

Exurbs have outpaced city and suburb housing markets over the past decade, according to a report by StorageCafe (An old train station in Anna, Texas)

The surge has been driven by rising prices, limited inventories, and shifting homeowner preferences (Overhead view of community in Fort Mill, South Carolina)

A tongue-in-cheek sign referencing what someday might be the heart of the sprawling metro areas of Orlando and Tampa is seen, installed by a private landowner, in Polk City

The trend has increased at such a rate that exurbs have outpaced city and suburb housing markets over the past decade, according to a report by StorageCafe.

The surge has been driven by rising property prices, limited inventories, and shifting homeowner preferences.

Millennials - the largest home-buying generation - are leading the charge in exurb living, seeking larger homes, outdoor space, safer communities and better schools, the analysis showed.

'In a landscape characterized by flexible, work set ups in the post-pandemic search for more space, suburban, and exurban areas are growing faster than urban cores,' Doug Ressler, business intelligence manager at Yardi Matrix, explained.

'High-growth suburbs are emerging in areas with natural scenery, especially appealing to remote workers, as well as in places with high-performing schools, near medium or large metro areas with strong job markets, even when that means paying a premium on housing.'

The research showed that the number of available of properties in exurbs grew by an average of 15 percent over a ten-year period through 2022, while inventory increased by 14 percent in suburbs and 10 percent in principal cities.

During the same period, population growth in exurbs was 16 percent, outpacing the 13 percent growth in suburbs and 9 percent growth in principal cities.

'This suburban boom allows people to enjoy more living space and provides access to more diverse housing, but it also complicates efforts to bring employees back to urban offices', Matrix added.

'The full impact of this major migration shift remains to be seen, as suburban and exurban living continues to reshape residential and work environments.'

Meanwhile, analysis of Census Bureau data by SmartAsset showed that many of America's fastest-growing hotspots were suburbs or exurbs of bigger cities across the Sun Belt.

According to the analysis, millennials - the largest home-buying generation - are leading the charge in exurb living, seeking larger homes, outdoor space, safer communities, and better schools (Lenanon, TN)

Cities on the outskirts of Phoenix, for example, saw much higher rates of population growth than the Valley overall, according to Census estimates in May.

And in November, Buckeye was ranked America's fastest-growing city. Located 30 miles west of downtown Phoenix, it is now outpacing its bigger and better-known neighbor.

Buckeye's population grew by 46 per cent over five years to hit 108,900 people in 2023 the SmartAsset research showed .

That's still far short of Phoenix's 1.65 million people, but Buckeye mayor Eric Orsborn claimed the up-and-comer has more space to grow and 'will be bigger' in the end.
An American man living in the UK has shared his shock at five stark differences between grocery shopping in Britain and back home.

Kobie Jordan, a TikTok content creator known as @kjordyyy, often explores cultural contrasts between the two countries, both through street interviews with Brits and sharing his own experiences online.

In a video uploaded in August, titled 'Grocery shopping in London as an American,' Jordan shared his observations whilst shopping for necessities in his local Sainsbury's supermarket.

Filming his visit, the content creator singled out specific items while weighing up the pros and cons of varieties available in supermarkets in both nations.

The first thing that caught Jordan off guard was the sight of unrefrigerated eggs, as he panned his camera to dozens of cartons stacked neatly on shelves.

He said: 'One of the first things that threw me off: the eggs are not refrigerated.

'Funny enough, I found the eggs last way longer than when I used to refrigerate them. For me, I put them on top of the microwave.'

Next, Jordan noted that UK supermarkets appear to sell food in much smaller portions compared to their American counterparts, adding: 'The UK, you shop way more often, but you buy in smaller quantities.'

Kobie Jordan, a TikTok content creator known as @kjordyyy, has shared his shock at five stark differences between grocery shopping in Britain and back home in the United States

Pointing out that bulk purchases of items like giant condiment bottles were nearly impossible to find in British shops, he joked: 'You can't really buy things in bulk. Here, you can't buy ketchup the size of compact cars.'

Fresh produce in the UK also puzzled Jordan, as he showed bags of potatoes, radish and pre-prepared lettuce as examples with expiration dates just days away.

While displaying the items' "best before" dates of August 11 and August 8, he explained: 'Fresh produce expires more quickly than back home. At the time of filming this, it's August 7th.'

'Most of them won't last more than three days - but back home, our produce is pumped with so much preservatives.'

Panning his camera at crates of baked beans stacked from the floor to the highest shelf in one aisle, he joked: 'But, of course, the bean section has no shortages, and was ironically the item that had the most stock.'

One aspect of UK supermarkets Jordan praised was the absence of hidden taxes.

He said: 'What you see is what you buy. So, if something is 2.75, you're going to leave paying 2.75.

'Back home, there's nothing worse than doing your whole shop and then realising, "Add 6% tax" to anything you buy.'

The first thing that caught Jordan off guard was the sight of unrefrigerated eggs, as he panned his camera to dozens of cartons stacked neatly on shelves

Jordan's observations sparked a lively discussion among viewers, with over 900 Brits, Americans, and even viewers from other countries sharing their thoughts.

Regarding Jordan's observation on taxed goods, a baffled Briton asked: 'Why cant America just put the full price you pay on things, cant be that difficult??'

Regarding produce, one Brit wrote: 'Our produce isn't full of preservatives, it's fresh. the UK has to import everything so it has a shorter life span

Another commented: 'If a "fresh" product lasts longer it probably isn't for a good reason.'

A third wrote: 'The reason why USA plastic packaged fruit/veg lasts longer is simply cause the USA fill the bags with nitrogen & not "air" which also contains oxygen & its stored in the store in fridges.'

Meanwhile, commenters explained that in the US, eggs are washed to remove the protective membrane, which requires refrigeration, while in the UK, eggs remain untreated, allowing them to be stored safely at room temperature.

Regarding his observation on eggs, one Brit wrote: 'Eggs are not in the fridge but everybody I know including me puts them in the fridge as soon as theyre home.'

Another viewer, who claims to live in Africa, said: 'In Africa too we dont refrigerate eggs. Its only in USA and I wonder why?

Jordan's observations sparked a lively discussion among viewers, with over 900 Brits, Americans, and even viewers from other countries sharing their thoughts

However, on American wrote: 'Americans wash the membrane off the egg that requires them to be refrigerated. We do backwards with everything.'

Some viewers, meanwhile, warned Jordan that storing eggs on top of the microwave was a bad idea due to heat exposure, with one writing: 'Don't put anything on top of your microwave it will heat up each time as it gets hot after every use.'

It comes after an American woman living in the UK has revealed the classic British sweets she cannot stand - much to the consternation of her followers online.

Lisa Dollan is originally from Georgia in the United States but moved to Yorkshire after falling in love with her now-husband Paul after they met at a business conference in 2009.

Taking to TikTok, where she has amassed over 1.2million followers under her handle Yorkshire Peach, Lisa shared common British confectionary items that she disliked.
Binky's primal, guttural roar was heard far and wide as he sunk his claws and teeth into the tourist's flesh.

The young tourist screamed in terror, wondering if the polar bear's canines would be the last thing she'd ever see.

All over a close-up photo of the bear.

Moments earlier, the tourist, 29-year-old Australian Kathryn Warburton, foolishly decided that the only picture of Binky worth taking was one that required her to jump two safety rails at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage in July 1994.

It's not clear why she did this. The aggressive polar bear, who weighed 1,200lbs (544kg), already had a bad reputation, having already bitten off a zookeeper's finger 14 years prior.

The keeper said in 1983, three years after he lost his finger: 'Binky is stubborn [and] independent, and he likes to play games.

'When he's really feeling obstinate, he walks halfway into his den and sits down. He knows I can't close it. He's a very smart bear.'

As Kathryn edged closer, Binky matched her movements, eventually sticking his head through the tall metal bars of his enclosure.

Video footage showed Binky howling as several sightseers desperately tried to free Kathryn from the bear's teeth and claws

Australian tourist Kathryn Warburton (pictured) was heavily injured during the bear attack

Binky was seen parading her shoe around his cage

Somehow undeterred, Kathryn pulled her camera up to her face to take the perfect snap.

That's when he pounced.

Video footage showed Binky howling as several sightseers desperately tried to free Kathryn from the bear's teeth and claws.

Tourists tore branches off nearby trees to hit the bear's head as its teeth sunk deeper into Kathryn's body.

A petrified Kathryn can be heard screaming in terror as people around her tried ripping her away from the killer bear.

Eventually, his grips loosens, and Kathryn was ripped away from the life-threatening incident. Kathryn was left with severe bite wounds and a broken leg, and was hospitalised almost immediately after the attack.

But not before Binky showed off his prize.

Minutes after the incident, Binky was seen proudly displaying a shoe he had taken from Kathryn.

Several other tourists were forced to intervene and tear the woman away from Binky

He was known for his temper, having bitten a zookeeper's finger off in 1980

Binky sadly died in 1995 following a suspected parasite infection

Local media reported at the time that the bear kept the woman's shoe for three days before it could be retrieved by zoo officials.

This image splashed newspapers across the world and was broadcast to countless people, who largely stood behind Binky.

Merchandise with Binky's face was sold across the world, with one T-shirt adorning the slogan: 'Send another tourist, this one got away.'

Alaska Zoo's then-director, Sammye Seawell, was harsh in her criticism of Kathryn's decision to jump over two barriers to take a better picture.

In Seawell's words, Kathryn' violated the rules and jeopardised the bear's life.'

Kathryn wasn't the only one, though. Just six weeks after Kathryn nearly died, Binky attacked a group of drunk teenagers who seemingly wanted to swim in the pool in his enclosure.

One 19-year-old was hospitalised with leg lacerations. While Alaska zoo did not confirm that Binky was the attacker, he had blood on his face following the incident, leaving the public to draw their own conclusion.

Sadly, Binky's life didn't improve much after these maulings.

He is believed to have died from a parasite he caught off his cagemate a year after the attacks. Despite his terrifying nature, his memorial service was attended by countless people.
To passersby, it looks like any ordinary wooden barn - but the unassuming exterior hides a chilling truth.

This is the scene of one of the most heinous crimes in American history: the sadistic murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till in the Mississippi Delta.

Till was snatched from his bed by four men after allegedly whistling at a white woman in 1955. He was then dragged into the barn in Sunflower county where he was tortured for hours and lynched before being thrown into the Tallahatchie river.

In his new book, 'The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi,' author Wright Thompson describes how the outhouse is now 'hiding in plain sight, haunting the land'.

Today, it belongs to Jeff Andrews, a local dentist who claims he was unaware of its dark history when he purchased the property.

Eerie images reveal how the space is filled with mundane everyday items that are at odds with its horrific past, including Christmas decorations, a lawn mower and even a cross.

'His Christmas decorations leaned up against the left wall. Within reach lay a lawn mower and a Johnson 9.9-horsepower outboard motor. Gnarled Mississippi River driftwood was stacked in a corner. Dirt covered the spot where Emmett Till died,' Thomspon writes.

But most chilling of all, is a worn notch still visible on the central wooden rafter beam - the exact spot where Till was hanged.

To passersby, it looks like any ordinary wooden barn but the unassuming exterior hides a chilling truth: the heinous murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till

Eerie images reveal how the space is filled with mundane everyday items that are at odds with its horrific past, including Christmas decorations, a lawn mower and even a cross

Author Wright Thompson, describes the outhouse as 'hiding in plain sight, haunting the land' in his new book, 'The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi'

Thompson, a fifth-generation Mississippi Delta cotton farmer, writes: 'Jeff had ripped up the floorboards a few years back and hadn't yet installed anything else in their place. He pointed to the central wooden rafter beam with a notch worn in the center. 'That right there is where he was hung at' he said.'

Despite this, there is no marker or any sort of memorial for the brutal murder of the young boy.

Till, an African American teen, lived in Chicago and was visiting relatives near Money, Mississippi, during the summer of 1955 when the crime occurred.

He had gone to buy candy from a rural grocery store where a white woman called Carolyn Donham, then 21, was working behind the counter on August 24.

Donhamn later accused Till of whistling and flirting with her - viewed as a violation of the South's racist societal codes at the time.

This prompted her then-husband Roy Bryant and brother-in-law J. W. Milam to kidnap and brutally murder the boy just four days later.

The case shocked the world and his devastated mother held a funeral with an open casket to ensure everyone saw what horrors her boy had endured.

Yet Bryant and J.W. Milam were ultimately acquitted of murder. Donham also evaded charges and consequences.

Still today Till's death remains a defining image of the deep racism that penetrated America's South in the 1950s.

In his book, Thompson described what Willie Reed, an 18-year-old witness, saw and heard on the night of the murder.

'Four white men sat shoulder to shoulder in the cab. In the back, three black men sat with a terrified black child. The child was fourteen-year-old Emmett Till. He had two terrible hours left to live.'

'Willie Reed hid between the road and the barn as he heard Emmett Till cry out in pain. Emmett didnt make words, just noises, grunts, wild cries,' he continued.

'A childs voice called out in pain, Lord have mercy!'

Get down, you black bastard! a deeper voice yelled.'

'Mama, save me! the childs voice cried again.'

in August 1955, 14-year-old Till visited to buy candy and after entering the store, he reportedly whistled at Carolyn Bryant, the white woman who worked behind the counter (pictured). He was lynched just four days later

Thompson, a fifth-generation Mississippi Delta cotton farmer, discusses how Andrews himself seems detached from the barn's history

Andrews shockingly claimed that if you were to poll elementary school children, '95 percent of them won't even know who Emmett Till is'

Till's autopsy report would later show a broken skull, broken wrist bones, and a broken femur, presenting like a pistol-whipping.

Reed testified about what he saw in court but was laughed at by the all-white jury, and he later had to flee the state to avoid repercussions.

The barn at the time of the crime was owned by J. W. Milam's brother Leslie.

Andrews is the fourth owner of the barn since Leslie Milam.

Thompson writes that a professor who studies Till once asked him if hed be willing to sell the barn. 'Andrews just shrugged. I like my shed, he replied finally.'

Andrews claimed that his father only told him about the barns history only after hed signed the papers to buy it.

'I didn't even know,' he said. 'Really and truly. I didn't even know about the damn history of the place when I purchased it,' the owner said.

'I didn't find out about that until afterwards. I know my dad knew I was gonna buy that but he never said anything about it. He was around, and hell, he was two miles down the road, so you know damn well he knew all about it. I think he even knew Roy Bryant and J. W. Milam.'

'They're all still blown away that this isn't a big deal to us. It's in the past. I mean, why would we talk about it on a daily basis? We're so stigmatized by what everybody else thinks Mississippi is, but it's like I told them today,' he added.

Andrews shockingly claimed that if you were to poll elementary school children 95 percent of them wouldn't even know the story of Emmett Till.

In April 2023, Carolyn Bryant Donham (pictured), the woman whose accusation against Emmett Till led to his lynching, died at the age of 88 without ever facing prosecution

Bryant's Grocery where Till was accused of whistling at the white owner

A bullet-riddled sign honoring slain civil rights icon Emmett Till

Donham accused Till of wolf-whistling at her in 1955 when he was 14 and she was 21

Thompson also spoke to Stafford Shurden, whose grandparents first bought the house and barn after Leslie Miliam moved out following the trial.

'Hes lived his whole life in a ten-mile circle, except for college, and he never knew Emmett Till was killed in his hometown, or that one of the key witnesses worked for his relatives,' Thompson writes. 'That knowledge never passed a single persons lips.'

He goes on to explain how Shurden had now come to the conclusion that it was indefensible to pretend it didn't happen. 'Now I realize you have to talk about it.'

His grandmother had insisted they move out after only three years because 'something about it disturbed her'.

'She always told me she hated it out there,' Stafford added.

The nearby grocery store where Till was accused of whistling at the owner, meanwhile, is close to disappearing.

Thompson described how there are vines growing over it which are 'the perfect reflection of the erasure, and of the attempt to pretend like none of this happened.'

'Tills murder, a brutal window into the truth of a place and its people, had been pushed almost completely from the local collective memory, not unlike the floodwaters kept at bay by carefully engineered reservoirs and levee walls,' Thompson concluded.
A writer has revealed that he and his wife are fleeing from California to Spain because they are fed up with soaring cost of living and America's obsession with cars.

Rocco Pendola, 49, who has lived in San Francisco and Los Angeles for the last 25 years, has previously stated that these cities 'represent the best of America' in many ways.

But he has now announced on his Substack personal finance blog that he and his wife will be permanently moving to Valencia next month.

The move to Spain's third largest city has been months in the making, with Pendola writing in January: 'When my wife and I decided to move to Spain, I set the goal of celebrating my 50th birthday there. If all goes as hoped, planned and intended, Ill begin the official second half of my life on foreign soil.'

Numerous blog posts revealed that his decision boils down to the cost of living rising beyond what he believes is reasonable and how reliant the US is on cars.

'I might be willing to keep paying a premium to live in [Los Angeles or San Francisco] if not for the perverse and never-ending influence of the automobile on the planet, our safety, and how we function and feel in our day-to-day surroundings,' Pendola wrote in a piece published in SFGate.

Rocco Pendola (pictured) has been a freelance writer for decades and offered two reasons for why he's moving in January from California to Spain

Pendola has spent the last 25 years in California, first living in San Francisco and then in Los Angeles (pictured)

Much of America's car-centric culture stems from how leaders responded to the transportation needs of its citizens post-World War II when the country's population and economy was booming.

With an interstate system that has 46,876 miles of road connecting the streets of nearly all cities, major and minor, Pendola thinks it's clear: you need a car in America.

And that is his main problem with the country.

Pendola wrote that car dependency in the US has led to the 'proliferation of not only suburbia but, in many cases, less dense urban cores.'

'Some urban planning experts believe that San Francisco, Boston and Portland, Oregon, might as well be suburbs relative to their European counterparts,' he added.

After World War II decimated nearly all of Europe and countries rebuilt themselves, those states have gone in a starkly different direction than the US when it comes to how people get around.

Between 10 and 20 percent of Western Europeans use public transit for their commutes, while only 2 percent of Americans do the same.

His move to Valencia (pictured) was spurred on by how reliant the United States is on cars and the high cost of living in most major US cities

Pictured: A section of the brand new National Interstate Highway System in the 1950s

Pendola also views the automobile as a menace to society, both in how they degrade urban residents' lifestyles and kill thousands of pedestrians a year.

In a Substack post from last July, Pendola ranted about how 'you limit yourself' if you don't drive in Los Angeles, where he currently lives.

'You limit yourself when you dont have a car because our public transportation system either doesnt take you places where you want to go or takes you there using a route thats so absurd youd never even consider it,' he wrote at the time. 'Too much time. Too many transfers. Super inefficient and unpleasant.'

Pendola longs to live 'a car-free lifestyle' in a 'built environment that not only encourages and facilitates, but pretty much necessitates walking, biking and taking public transit.'

In San Francisco, where he lived for seven years, he pointed out that there is a fight to close a single city block to cars so it can be pedestrianized.

Meanwhile, cities in Spain like Barcelona and Valencia are pursuing 'superblock' programs that often fashion as many as nine city blocks into a space conducive to people walking and biking.

Two blocks on Hayes Street in Hayes Valley, a neighborhood in San Francisco, became car-free on Fridays and weekends at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporters include restaurants and businesses on the street that had access to a new clientele who were ambling into stores they might not have given a second look if they were zooming by in a car.

People walk the Hayes Street Promenade in San Francisco during the day

This section of road was first closed to cars on Fridays and weekends during the COVID-19 pandemic

Over the years, the street closures were gradually pared back. Now, only the 400 block of Hayes Street can remain closed and just on Fridays from 4pm to 10pm and Saturdays from 10am to 10pm.

The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, headed up Andrew Seigner, wanted to expand the closure back to three blocks.

Pendola spoke to Seigner, who said the overwhelming majority of businesses on the 400 block support closing it to cars permanently.

The opposition to this is led by a group called Hayes Valley Safe, which according to Seigner, is made up of a small handful of businesses that are not on the 400 block.

Pendola found it ironic that 'safe' is in their name, considering that they support letting cars to go through Hayes Street at all times when dozens of people die every year from vehicle crashes in San Francisco.

On what many call one of the deadliest streets in America, Lombard Street has had five deaths within 10 years, with two people killed this past year in the span of 10 days.

Signs were also placed at the intersections where pedestrians were killed, reading: 'This is the site of a fatal traffic crash. Every year, around 30 people are killed and 600 people are severely injured in traffic crashes on San Francisco streets.

'Arguing to keep a street safe by leaving it open to cars sounds odd, if not heartless,' he argued.

Last month, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board allowed the 400 block to close for another year but activists are continuing to fight for a permanent closure.

Lombard Street, which locals call the 'deadliest' street in the city, has a famous steep and winding road section

Walk San Francisco posted signs near pedestrians were killed along Lombard Street

Some businesses say ousting cars and pedestrianizing streets hurts their bottom line, but a study that examined pedestrian-friendly areas in Spanish cities disagreed.

Based on transaction data from a major Spanish bank, researchers found that 'stores located in pedestrian environments tend to record higher sales volumes than stores located in non-pedestrian environments.'

The difference, Pendola says, between Barcelona and Valencia and a city like San Francisco, is that those two Spanish cities are pursuing infrastructure plans that benefit pedestrians citywide - not merely on a single city block.

'I want to move to a place that gets stuff done because Im drained by the piecemeal approach. Random projects throughout large cities that, even if successful, dont change the prevailing lifestyle. The culture,' Pendola wrote.

Barcelona began its superblock program in 2016 and built its first one in 2017. These superblocks don't ban cars entirely, but they're 'often eliminated or calmed on the inner segments and directed to the outer avenues,' Pendola said.

Engineers hope to build 503 superblocks by 2030, which would make '60 percent of the streets previously used by cars would thereby be free for other uses,' according to the city government of Barcelona.

Valencia, where Pendola is moving to in a few weeks, is pursuing similar plans as part of its 2030 Climate Mission.

An overhead view of Barcelona's pedestrian-friendly superblocks. They're bigger than normal city blocks but smaller than entire neighborhoods The city plans to build 503 of them by 2030

For Pendola, there's a certain magic to Valencia and Spain as a whole that makes him want to call it home

But Spain is not just full of better designed cities in Pendola's opinion. For him and his wife Melisse, urban areas there have an indescribable quality that makes them feel like home (even though he is of Italian heritage).

His wife 'described this weird feeling of re-entering Spain from another country and feeling like shes home. While I cant quite put my finger on this feeling and why I also feel it, its palpable,' Pendola wrote in a November Substack article.

Pendola's Substack started out as a personal finance blog for people who believe they will never retire either out of necessity or by choice.

He advocates not banking on a traditional retirement strategy where you invest a portion of your income into a 401(K) and rely on measly Social Security payments.

The situation is bleak for three in ten Americans, who have nothing saved for retirement, let alone 13 times their current gross income that some financial planners recommend.

Barring an unrealistic scenario where a lucky stock pick makes you a millionaire, Pendola suggests people keep their costs low and find a career they can do into old age.

For Pendola, that's writing. It's what he's been doing for more than 20 years and hopes to be able to do it for the rest of his life.

But the first part of the equation, keeping your costs low, fits perfectly with how Pendola's blog has shifted in recent months to chronicle his move to Spain.

He believes moving to Spain will allow him to 'never retire' but still live comfortably - mainly because of the country's lower cost of living.

Housing remains by far the largest annual expenditure for Americans at 32.9 percent.

Rent in Valencia, even on the pricier side, is more than 20 percent cheaper than the median apartment in Los Angeles

Valencia is pursuing similar pedestrian-centered plans as Barcelona as part of its 2030 Climate Mission

In Los Angeles, the median rent for a one-bedroom is $1,853 as of December, according to data compiled by Apartment List.

By comparison, one-bedroom apartments in the city center of Valencia range from 800 to 1400 euros per month ($845 to $1480), according to a ReValencia, a real estate company aimed at expats.

That's 20 percent cheaper than the City of Stars.

For retirees, that should be a siren call. If two people retire at 67 years old - receiving full Social Security benefits - and both live until the average US life expectancy of 77 years old, the difference in how much they will pay is drastic between LA and Valencia.

Over the next 10 years, the Valencia retiree will have spent roughly $178,000 in rent, while the Los Angeles resident will have spent nearly $222,000.

Pendola also recently delved into how much groceries - the third biggest spending category for Americans - cost in Barcelona as opposed to Santa Monica.

While he was in Barcelona in February, he took a recent receipt he had from a Trader Joe's in Santa Monica and bought all the exact same things at a Mercadona store in the heart of the city.

'After making adjustments and running all of the math, the Trader Joes shopping trip cost $57.79, while - after making the currency adjustment - the Mercadona run would have cost $37.59, good for a $20 difference,' Pendola wrote.

'Ill miss you California, but not that much,' he signed off last week.
Once upon a time, vampires were not just screen terrors or the stuff of nightmares.

They were real creatures stalking the peasant villages of Eastern Europe, sucking the blood of innocents wherever they went - or so people, including scientists, thought.

Even doctors and the scientific pioneers of 300 years ago believed in the reality of vampires - and only gradually did they move from the pages of academic journals to novels.

All across Europe, the remains of victims of the vampire mania have been found - some bound to the ground; others with stakes still stuck into them or objects in their mouths.

One example, brought vividly to life in a recent Sky History documentary, was a skeleton of a teenager found in rural Poland with a sickle across her neck and a padlock on her toe.

It was Bram Stoker's Dracula, published in 1897 and named after the nickname given to the real-life 15th century war lord Vlad the Impaler, that brought the myth as we know it to life.

The dawn of cinema added more depth to the Dracula character. Starting with Nosferatu in 1922, there have been hundreds of screen depictions of the world's most famous vampire - not least Christopher Lee's portrayal in ten separate productions.

Now, viewers are being treated to a terrifying re-make of Nosferatu, with Bill Skarsgard taking on the role of the Dracula-like Count Orlok and Lily-Rose Depp portraying his unfortunate victim.

Once upon a time, vampires were not just screen terrors or the stuff of nightmares. Above: Nosferatu, the 1922 silent film that caused a sensation. It was the first screen adaptation of Dracula

All across Europe, the remains of victims of the vampire mania have been found. One example, brought vividly to life in recent Sky History documentary Field of Vampires, was a skeleton of a teenager found in rural Poland with a sickle across her neck and a padlock on her toe

In Stoker's novel, Count Dracula comes to England from his home in Transylvania so that he can find new victims.

He plagues the Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby before he is hunted down by a group led by Abraham Van Helsing.

The novel also stars English solicitor Jonathan Harker, who falls prey to Dracula when he stays at his home.

Stoker's work caused an immediate sensation, and its impact on other fiction and cinema has been almost immeasurable.

In June 1897, an early review in the Daily Mail prophetically said: 'The recollection of this weird and ghostly tale will doubtless haunt us for some time to come.'

In the course of writing his novel, Stoker terrified the residents of Cruden Bay, the Aberdeenshire village where he stayed for a month.

His wife Flora recounted in an interview how he would sit, 'for hours, like a great bat perched on the rocks of the shore'.

She told how Stoker was adopting a form of method acting in an attempt to get inside the mind of the evil Dracula.

The story of the villainous blood-sucking Count who comes to Britain from Transylvania was written by Bram Stoker and published in 1897, Above: Stoker in 1900; the cover of the first edition

In 2011, Italian researchers found the remains of a young woman with a brick jammed between her jaws. Experts said at the time that the discovery was a sign of the medieval belief that vampires were behind the spread of plagues such as the Black Death

In 2014, a skeleton with a piece of brick in its mouth and a stake through the leg was found in northwestern Poland

Much of he fear over vampires was generated by ignorance of both the natural process of corpse decomposition and various diseases that caused symptoms confused with vampiric traits.

'The one constant in the evolution of vampire legend has been its close association with disease,' wrote Mark Collins in his 2010 book Vampire Forensics.

In June 1897, an early review of Dracula in the Daily Mail prophetically said: 'The recollection of this weird and ghostly tale will doubtless haunt us for some time to come'

As as a result, vampire scares would often coincide with outbreaks of the plague.

When the internal organs of a human body breaks down, what is known as 'purge fluid' can leak out of the nose and mouth.

Uneducated people seeing such a horrifying site may have interpreted this fluid to be blood and suspect the corpse had been consuming it.

Similarly, the bloating of a dead body - caused by the production of gases as decomposition took place - was interpreted by some as

A 2016 study told how vampirism was a 'serious subject of medical research' in the 1600s and early 1700s.

Professor Nick Groom of Exeter University told how, on the one hand, vampirism was considered a 'terrifying medical disorder', whilst on the other it was a 'mass delusion fostered by wretched social conditions'.

Medical authorities in the 1670s wrote Latin treatises about grave eating, where the so-called undead were dug up to find they had been eating their own shrouds and even feasting on their own limbs and bowels.

Sightings of vampires were reported in journals and gazettes in Poland and Russia in the 1690s.

The skeleton of Zosia found with a sickle firmly positioned to ensure she would be decapitated if she rose from the dead

The lump of metal that turned out to be an 'incredibly rare' triangular padlock

The creatures were supposed to have sucked the blood of humans and animals, and, engorged, blood would flow from their eyeballs, pores, and other orifices.

Once dug up, their coffins were said to have been swimming in blood.

Local people advised making bread from the blood to protect against 'contracting vampirism.'

By the early 18th century, physicians were looking into reports of undead monsters who feasted on blood.

Such accounts led to bodies being dug up, decapitated, staked through the heart and then cremated to ensure they could not rise again.

Even the physical symptoms of vampire attacks were recorded. They ranged from shivering and nausea to spasms, nightmares and death.

In 1732, there were 17 articles in professional journals, followed by 22 works over the next three years in European institutions.

The London press was reporting at the time of horrifying events in Hungary, where there were 'dead bodies sucking the blood of the living, for the latter visibly dry up, while the former are filled with blood.

Love and Pain, painted by Edvard Munch in 1895, has been interpreted by many as a depiction of a female vampire sucking the blood of an unfortunate lover

Dracula was named after the nickname given to the real-life 15th century war lord Vlad the Impaler (above)

In 2011, Italian researchers found the remains of a young woman with a brick jammed between her jaws.

Experts said at the time that the discovery was a sign of the medieval belief that vampires were behind the spread of plagues such as the Black Death.

And in 2014, a skeleton with a piece of brick in its mouth and a stake through the leg was found in northwestern Poland.

The body was believed to date back to the 16th century and was found during a dig in a cemetery.

The discovery was just one example of dozens of similar burials found elsewhere in Poland and across Europe.

Some feared that people who were considered bad during their lifetimes might turn into vampires after death unless stabbed in the chest with an iron or wooden rod before being buried.

And in 2022, in the small village of Pien in Poland, the remains of an 18-year-old, christened 'Zosia' by archaeologists, were found in a field with a padlock attached to them and a sickle over their neck.

It is believed that the sickle and padlock were fitted by locals to protect them, over fears the 'vampire' girl would rise from the grave.

In what was a loose adaptation of Stoker's novel, lead character Count Orlock - played by Max Schreck - was seen in Nosferatu preying on the wife of his estate agent

Christopher Lee's first outing as the Count kicked off a stint in the role that spanned a total of ten films

A US film poster advertises 1958 film Dracula, which starred Christopher Lee in the lead role

For generations, villagers avoided the site and it has never been built on, whilst the young are taught to avoid it.

Only one such object has previously been found in Poland. Put with the sickle, the discovery is unique in Poland and possibly the world.

Because she died around the time of Swedish-Polish wars, the researchers have speculated that she might have been Swedish and therefore considered an outsider.

The site in Pien has been dubbed the 'Field of Vampires' because around 30 of the skeletons display signs of having been restrained.

The 100 graves also include a partially exhumed child, a pregnant woman, a woman with advanced syphilis and a man with a child's corpse at his feet.

The discovery was extensively revealed in October in Sky History documentary Field of Vampires.

Back in Britain, there was evidence of the vampire terror still causing hysteria in the 20th century.

In 1954, a group of children claimed they had uncovered a vampire in Glasgow's Southern Necropolis cemetery.

The youngsters, aged between four and 14, told of a menacing figure with iron teeth that had killed two boys.

The next Dracula adaption that stood the test of time was the 1931 American version, starring Bela Lugosi as the Count. Above: Lugosi in his role as Dracula is seen in a promotional shot preparing to bite his victim Lucy Weston, played by Frances Dade

Lugosi, who had already portrayed Dracula on stage, was in fact second choice for the role. The first, Lon Chaney, died as the film was going into production

The dramatic make-up returned in 1992 with Francis Ford Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula, which starred Gary Oldman as the Count

As the news spread rapidly, it led to hysteria in the community, prompting police to get involved.

Days afterwards, police were called to a disturbance at the cemetery.

They arrived to find several hundred children armed with wooden stakes, knives and home-made tomahawks as they searched for the rumoured beast.

But it soon became apparent that the children had been scared by an old tomb with iron railings that were perceived as teeth - thus the vampire was just a figment of their imagination.

Much of the blame for the panic was placed on newly-popular US horror comics, such as Tales from the Crypt.
On Monday, 17-year-old hitman Joshua Alexander was jailed for a minimum of 29 years for the murder of mother-of-two Lianne Gordon.

Ms Gordon, 42, was killed when a bullet hit her in the head as she hid behind the front door of her home in Hackney, east London.

Her death was an act of horrifying violence and heartbreaking tragedy - an innocent woman gunned down by thugs in a pointless war she had no part in.

But Judge David Aubrey KC - who was brought out of retirement to oversee the Old Bailey trial - told Lianne's teenager killer: 'The background to your case is sadly all too familiar.

'It is one of turf wars, territory, violence between rival groups and gangs of youths and consequential tragedy and grief.'

The judge also told Alexander: 'Many young black men growing up in Hackney face similar pressures to those that you faced but do not fall prey to such temptations and become assets to their community.'

But why is Hackney such a spawning ground for gangs and turf wars? And who are these gangs and what are their 'beefs'?

In October, MailOnline published a gang map of London, which shows a sinister mosaic stretching across the capital.

Few areas are completely free of gangs, but Hackney is a borough which has more than its fair share - London Fields, Hoxton Boys, Stokey 16, Holly Street boys, Red Pitch, the list goes on.

These gangs frequently attack each other on social media, often in the lyrics of drill songs on YouTube or other platforms, which are accompanied by videos deliberately designed to enrage the enemy.

Lianne Gordon (pictured), 42, had only just returned from a holiday in Jamaica when she was shot through the front door of her Hackney home on December 5 last year

Joshua Alexander (pictured), 17, was jailed for life with a minimum of 29 years after murdering Lianne Gordon in Hackney, north-east London

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Some of these gangs, like Holly Street, are associated with a drill crew called The 98s, the name deriving from the E9 and E8 postcode.

Later this month drill rapper Kay-O (real name Kammar Henry-Richards), who performed with The 98s, is due to be sentenced for the murder of Kacey Boothe, from London Fields, and a plot to murder the intended target Khalid Samanter.

Jurors were told the attack was 'well-planned and carefully orchestrated'.

The rapper boasted about the murder, which took place outside a children's party, in a rap video called Kay-O Laughing Stock, the Hackney Gazette reported.

The lyrics read: 'Big Boothe and Little got hit, same sig, that's a sour family.

'Both got slapped at functions, neck and head, handguns come handy.'

In another version, the lyrics read: 'Big Boothe shoulda lurked, got his neck back ripped. Lil' got burst, shoulda bin with his.'

But tragedies in Hackney go back further than recent tit-for-tat drill rap bloodshed.

In 2010, Hackney's gangs briefly made the headlines after 16-year-old Agnes Sina-Inakoju was shot dead in a chicken shop.

Joshua Alexander was publicly named after being convicted in October of murdering Lianne Gordon (pictured)

Nurse Jackie Finnigan, left, with her best friend Lianne Gordon, seen on the right in this picture

Ms Gordon was shot dead through the front door of her home in Hackney, east London, last December - police are pictured at the scene in its aftermath

Forensic officers at the scene near Vine Close, Hackney, following the shooting incident

The attackers were from the London Fields gang, and Agnes - a promising student who hoped to go to Oxford University - was hit by chance because she was standing near members of the Hoxton Boys.

Her brother, Abiola Inakoju, said: 'Agnes Sina-Inakoju was a very beautiful, friendly, brilliant and intelligent young girl with lots of potential. She was full of ambition.'

It later transpired the gun used to kill Agnes, a 9mm Agram sub-machine gun, capable of firing 800 rounds a minute, had been used in six other shootings and had been traded between the London Fields gang and the Tottenham Turks, a notorious organised crime syndicate.

And a bloody turf war between the Tottenham Turks and Hackney Bombacilar is believed to have been behind a restaurant drive-by shooting which left a nine-year-old girl fighting for her life in May this year.

Joshua Alexander, who will be nearly 50 years old before he is eligible for release, was a member of the Pembury gang, who hailed from an eponymous estate and included among their enemies, London Fields.

The Pembury estate is a mixture of 1930s walk-up blocks of flats and maisonettes built in the 1960s.

In 2011 there were riots on the estate - as in many other places - in the wake of the shooting of Mark Duggan, who was incidentally a member of the Tottenham Man Dem (TMD) gang.

The Hackney Bombacilar clan have been involved in a long running feud with their rivals, the Tottenham Turks for control of the UKs heroin trade

Forensic officers pictured outside Evin restaurant, where a horror drive-by shooting took place in May

A young girl was caught in the hail of bullets, with one said to have lodged in her head, as she was out for dinner with her family at the Evin restaurant in Kingsland High Street on May 29

The girl was shot at Evin restaurant in Kingsland High Street just after 9pm on May 29

Emergency services rush to the scene of the shooting in Dalston, east London

Ever since 2011 there have been plans to regenerate Pembury, or 'Da Bury' as it is known, but so far they have come to nothing.

In 2012, Metropolitan Police Detective Inspector Neil Bradburn said: 'There is some good work going on, and there are some success stories, the problem is I don't think we are getting to some of the kids young enough.

'A lot of these kids are criminalised by the age of 10 or 11, they are lost to mainstream society by the time they are in their teens'.

Alexander was five at the time of the raid, and years later would grow up to join the Pembury gang.

At the time of the Lianne's murder, in December 2023, Pembury gang members used a flat in Bodney Road as a hub for crack cocaine dealing and other nefarious activities.

In March 2023, Alexander spotted Hakim Malone, from London Fields, on a train heading towards Hackney Central station, which Pembury considered their turf.

Gang member Marvin Edokpolo quickly rounded up a posse who attacked Malone as he waited on the platform for a lift.

A 64-year-old woman who was in the lift when it arrived at platform level was confronted with the terrifying spectacle of Malone being attacked with knives and a machete.

Kacey Boothe, 25, was shot and killed as he left a first birthday party at a community centre in Walthamstow

This music video was released just days after the fatal shooting in north-east London in August 2022

One youth in the music video wears a black face mask and holds up gang signs

In the video, an unidentifiable mob surrounds and jumps on an ambulance. They swig from beer bottles and mime shooting each other

Jaheim Thomas, one of four gang members who have since been sentenced for the attempted murder, then shot at Malone, who tried to use the woman as a human shield.

Miraculously the woman was unhurt and Malone survived his injuries.

Alexander was given bail while he awaited trial for the attempted murder of Malone.

Sentencing him on Monday, Judge Aubrey told Alexander: 'You are so embedded in the gang culture and membership of the Pembury gang that you returned to the area of Hackneywhere you and your associates congregated.'

The judge added: 'I am satisfied you had every opportunity to remove yourself from gang life, it was you who decided not to do so, without pressure from others and you knew full well the consequences of that which you were doing.'

On the other side of Hackney Downs Park from the Pembury estate is Amhurst Road, home of the A-Road gang.

The trial heard Lianne Gordon's son, Kaymound Gordon-Harris, 21, had cerebral palsy and was in a wheelchair.

But he was associated with the A-Road and, a few weeks earlier had punched Pembury gang member Elijah Seriki, who he thought was going to pull a knife on him.

Hanzell Greenaway, 18, of Hackney, and Jaheim Thomas, 18, of Hackney, were found guilty of attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, two counts of possession of a pointed or bladed article in a public place, and violent disorder

Elisandro Pinto Alves, 18, of Hackney, was found guilty of attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, two counts of possession of a pointed or bladed article in a public place, and violent disorder. He received 17 years in prison

Marvin Edokpolo, 19 of Dalson Lane, Hackney, was found guilty of attempted murder. He was sentenced to 22 years and three months

The gang's vicious daylight attack shows one of the trio assaulting their victim by the lift

A second gang member arrives with a gun and between them they stab and shoot at their 20-year-old victim

Following a British Transport Police investigation, the four men, aged between 18 and 19, were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court

The incriminating footage, found on a phone belonging to one of the teenagers, helped convict the group, who were collectively sentenced to 77 years in prison for attempted murder

The video shows the chilling moment the gang of teenagers celebrated and danced with a machete not long after stabbing, shooting and almost killing a rival in broad daylight

A-Road gang members would often congregate in Vine Close, close to Kaymound's home.

On December 2, 2023, Alexander and another Pembury gang member went on a 'ride-out', a tactic which has become horrifically common in gang-ridden London.

They rode on pushbikes into Hackney Downs Park and test-fired a gun they had on them.

Then, they rode into Vine Close, but were disappointed to find none of the A-Road faces there. Instead they fired the gun four times in the cul-de-sac.

One of the bullets passed through a car parked on Lianne Gordon's driveway.

Lianne, her two children and more than 20 of her siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, were enjoying a family holiday in Jamaica at the time.

She was working three jobs at the time in order to save up for the holiday, spending precious time with her beloved family.

But only hours after she returned, on 5 December 2023, tragedy would strike.

Judge Aubrey said Alexander was no doubt 'frustrated' his mission three days earlier had been unsuccessful, and on the morning of the murder he sent Kaymound Gordon-Harris a chilling message: 'Tell me where your friends are.'

At 6.30pm, Alexander, alone, cycled back to Vine Close and spotted two suspected rivals, Raheim Tan-Ming and Amani Adams-McGuire.

He fired at them, hitting Tan-Ming in the thigh and Adams-McGuire in the buttock, but they hid behind a car and survived.

Alexander then moved towards Kaymound's house and fired two shots through the front door, which was slightly ajar.

Lianne Gordon was not the intended target but she was shot through the head and died almost instantly.

Judge Aubrey said: 'Her home should have been a sanctuary, a place of safety. It was however where she met her death at your hands.'

In January this year, while he was on remand awaiting trial for murder at Feltham young offenders' institution, Alexander was found in possession of song lyrics which appeared to be a confession to killing Ms Gordon.

The rap lyrics were recovered from the teenage killer's prison cell referring to the shooting - saying that Ms Gordon was 'wigged', the trial heard.

Among the handwritten lyrics discovered was one which read, 'Hus got left all red at the station' - with 'Hus' being the nickname of the man who was the victim of the attempted murder at Hackney Central railway station.

In another lyric he referred to police tape and wrote: 'Their block got taped twice in a week by me.'

The lyrics went on to say, 'Just stepped to the (A) with CR. Now Vine Close is looking all messy', and 'AK mum got wigged'. Jurors heard AK was a nickname of Ms Gordon's son Kaymound Gordon.

Alexander claimed at his trial he had fabricated the lyrics in an attempt to raise his status at Feltham, after being subjected to bullying.

Prosecutor Mark Fenhalls KC put it to him: 'You have invented a story to explain your confession in your lyrics.'

'It's not a confession,' replied Alexander.

But the jury convicted him and on Monday he was locked up for at least 29 years.

Reading out a victim impact statement, Lianne's cousin, Dyonne, said: 'He has shown no remorse. If he had not been apprehended he would have hurt others and maybe killed more.'

'This boy is capable of monstrous acts and cannot be free to harm others. We need justice for Lianne and safety for everyone else.'
Wild footage has captured the moment a group of 'eshay' teenagers squared up to international students outside a major Sydney university.

The teens got into a heated exchange with the Chinese nationals outside a student housing complex in Ultimo, in the city's inner-west.

Five teenagers are seen in a heated exchange with the students before three collected their bikes and moved away, in a TikTok posted this week.

Two of the teens stayed back, prompting one of the international students to pick an item off the ground and lob it at the younger boys.

One of the teens threw his fists in front of his face and began bobbing around on the pavement as his friend egged him on from the sidelines.

He launched into an expletive-laden spray before charging toward the student, who landed a swift kick to his stomach, quickly bringing the dispute to a close.

The group of teenagers were seen yelling over their shoulders as they made off towards Darling Harbour on their bikes.

Aussies were left divided over who was to blame for the brazen daylight brawl.

The teens squared up to the Chinese nationals outside a student housing complex in Ultimo, in the city's inner-west, in vision shared earlier this week (pictured)

Some said the older students should have walked away.

'It's dumb that [the student] didn't walk away. There's already footage of the kids, so report them. Fighting them is just for your ego,' they said.

'Honestly, that kid didn't even want to fight. Could see it in his eyes, just showing off to his friends,' another agreed.

'Try hard kids are everywhere on the east coast now. Parenting fails for sure,' one commenter wrote.

Many labelled the group as eshays, known as members of an unofficial youth subculture with roots in Western Sydney and the graffiti scene.

'Eshays' are known for their affinity for Nike TN shoes, activewear and polo shirts.

Australians have also noted a rise in teenagers or 'wannabe gangsters' posting footage of suspected brawls and bashings to social media.
The heartwarming story of a California sister who found her missing brother 25 years after he vanished without a trace has taken a dark turn.

Thomas Manizak, now 53, was on his way to Newport, Oregon, when he was last heard from on July 30, 1999, aged 28.

But earlier this year his sister Marcella Nasseri stumbled across a photograph published by USA Today that showed him lying in a hospital bed in California.

Manizak, who is now non-verbal, had been at the St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood for weeks after being found sitting on a curb in South Los Angeles and hospital staff were desperate to connect him with a loved one.

'All this time I had been looking for unidentified remains,' his sister, who lives 600 miles away in Lassen County, wrote on a GoFundMe. 'I was delighted to find him alive!'

However, it has since emerged that Manizak is a convicted sex offender who was charged with lewd and lascivious acts and oral copulation with a child under the age of 14 in 1993.

He served three years in prison and was ordered to add his name to the sex offender registry in Lassen County upon his release.

The family said what Manizak did was 'sickening and horrible' and caused a 'huge heartache' for them. But his sister added that 'at the end of the day, he's still my brother.'

Marcella Nasseri had been looking for her brother Thomas Manizak since 1999 when she stumbled across a photograph (pictured) published by USA Today

Manizak, 53, who was non-verbal, had been at the St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood for weeks and hospital staff were desperate to connect him to a loved one in May (pictured: Nasseri and a seven-year-old Thomas)

'I'm not turning my back on my flesh and blood,' she told USA Today. 'I love him and I've been looking for 25 years  all the other stuff is outside noise, he's my brother and I love him.'

Manizak skipped town a few years after being released from jail and failed to register as a sex offender in his new city, which is illegal under California law.

'He went to Oregon and after that, according to his family, he was just kind of a free soul and he just floated around,' Lassen County Sheriff's Department Captain Mike Carney said.

Manizak, who was an avid camper, last contacted his family in August 1999 after he called his mother from a truck stop in Twin Falls, Idaho. He typically phoned his mother twice a week, and said he was on his way to Newport, Oregon.

He was last seen that July when he was 28-years-old.

Manizak was on disability due to a diabetes diagnosis and required two insulin injections per day. But throughout his 25-year disappearance, he did not use his medical card to get his insulin prescription or pick up his disability checks.

Manizak was only identified after his sister spotted his picture online and called the police to alert them that he was her relative. They later learned of his crimes when they ran his name through the system.

Police were originally meant to fingerprint Manizak but failed to do so because he 'wasn't cooperative,' according to Carney.

Manizak, who was an avid camper, had last contacted his family in August 1999 after he called his mother from a truck stop in Twin Falls, Idaho

Manizak skipped town a few years after being released from jail and failed to re-register as a sex offender in his new city, which is illegal under California law

Nasseri plans to fly to see her brother soon and is working to get him moved to a different hospital that is closer to her

'We were told that he was unable to walk and was unable to talk, so I don't know what happened to him,' he told the outlet.

After learning her brother was alive, she sent him clothing, drawing pencils and a sketchpad 'because he loved to draw'.

Nasseri plans to fly to see her brother soon and is working to get him moved to a different hospital that would be closer to her, according to the GoFundMe.

DailyMail.com has contacted the Lassen County Sheriff's Department for comment.
The voice was unmistakable. I hadn't heard the mobile ring, but without question it was my dad on the line: 'Hello, Chris? You there?'

That was how he began every phone call, since his hearing started to go. I usually took it as an instruction to speak up, but this time was very different  because my dad had died a month earlier.

Two thoughts occurred in the same moment. The first was that no one would believe me. I looked around my desk and reached for my pocket digital recorder, the one I use for every interview. I switched it on, hoping to capture proof.

The other thought was that Dad might bristle if I said anything about him being dead. He certainly hadn't been happy about dying: He refused to admit he was ill until bone cancer left him unable to walk.

So, into my mobile, which I'd put on speakerphone on my desk, I said: 'How are things? Are you all right?'

'Yes, I'm fine. It's all right here. Very good, really.'

That gave me an excuse to ask: 'Where are you?'

'Well, it's sort of like a nursing home. A bit better, you know.' He meant it was better than the care home where he'd spent his last weeks. And since there was nothing much wrong with that place, what he really meant was that he was better. He wasn't in pain.

Christopher Stevens with his parents, Peter and Sylvia, in 2022

He sounded old and a little surprised by developments, but not speaking through gritted teeth any more.

'Oh, right,' I said. 'They're looking after you, are they?'

'Yes, they're very good. And you know the best thing about this place? It's not Catholic!'

That made me laugh out loud. And when I laughed, Dad's voice vanished, along with the desk and the phone.

I was in bed, on holiday in Majorca, and it was 3am. I lay there going over the brief conversation, replaying it, wanting to tell my wife, but not willing to wake her. I knew I'd remember every word in the morning  because similar experiences have occurred to me before.

My Dad's voice came to me in a dream, but it wasn't an ordinary dream, the ones that last a few seconds, or perhaps hours, and soon melt to nothing.

For so visceral was the experience that I believe it to be real. You may think me crackers, but I am not alone, as studies have shown that thousands have experienced the phenomenon of ADCs, or After-Death Communications  more of which later.

I can recall the conversation with Dad verbatim, and it was typical of him to make that irreverent joke about his new residence not being Catholic  but it's not a concern he'd ever expressed to me in life, so I couldn't consciously have invented it.

He wasn't religious. He didn't even want a funeral service. But his own parents were strict Baptists, his mum especially, so the thought that they might owe the Pope an apology for following the wrong branch of Christianity would have upset him.

I am a believer myself, and didn't need convincing of an afterlife, but to me this presented hard proof. Every word of that short chat was so vividly evocative of my father  the way he thought, the idioms he used, and his sense of humour.

I was looking forward to getting home and telling my Mum about it. She was in the same nursing home, suffering from vascular dementia  fading in and out, like a radio with a weak signal, but sometimes lucid.

Christopher's dad Peter died of bone cancer while his mother Sylvia died from vascular dementia

Peter with his grandson David, aged 11, in 2007. David is severely autistic and has lived in care since he was 13

A few days before we went away, my wife Nicky and I visited her and she sat holding our hands, talking about Dad. I asked her if she believed they'd meet again. 'Maybe,' she said. 'It'll be lovely to see each other. But if we don't, it doesn't matter, because we won't know about it.'

That's quite a piece of philosophy from someone who at other times was lost in a fog of confusion. It's moving to know that, under the landslide of dementia, some buried piece of her real personality survived.

We saw Mum again, but she slept through our next visit. And that was the last time, because she died two days after we flew home.

I haven't heard her voice in a dream yet, and I don't expect to  it would be out of character. She enjoyed long chats on the phone, but Mum always expected me to ring her  never the other way round. She wouldn't admit it, though. I'm quite sure that her first words when I see her again will be: 'I was just about to call you.'

Perhaps I'm wrong. The first time I heard the voice of someone who'd died, I certainly wasn't expecting it. My Gran, Dad's mother, came straight to the point, just as she did when she was alive. 'You look after them kids!' she told me. This was some 25 years ago when my children were four and six.

She spoke so clearly and suddenly that I was instantly awake. 'I will, Gran,' I said. 'I do.'

Her voice softened. 'Well, just you mind you do,' she said, and she was gone. I can still hear the words ringing now.

Gran had eight children and numerous foster children, well into her sixties, and all her later life until her death aged 98 she 'toured' around the family. She met every one of her great-grandchildren. It was absolutely typical that her only instruction for me would be for their welfare.

On one other occasion, I've been woken by a familiar voice, with a message that was entirely characteristic. My favourite of Dad's brothers was Dennis  he was a talker, like me, and a dog-lover, and a chess player, and we always got on.

He didn't have children, and after his wife Doreen died in 2010 Den was bereft. We saw a lot of him, as he made a brave attempt to move on with life and have a few adventures  he particularly enjoyed visiting cathedrals. Unlike Dad, he was a religious man who found a lot of comfort in prayer, and he had no doubt at all that he and Doreen would be reunited.

We talked so much in those last years that I really did expect to hear from him again. For a couple of months, I'd go to bed wondering if this would be the night. When nothing happened, I felt a little hurt, quite irrationally. But I forgot about it, until more than a year later when, one night, I woke knowing he was there.

I couldn't see him, and I don't think he said anything at first. Although it makes me sound like a Victorian medium, I 'felt his presence'.

Precisely what I said, I can't remember. It was something like: 'Where have you been all this time?'

The British tend to be uncomfortable talking about death, and more so about the supernatural

'You know where I am,' he said, sounding surprised to be asked. 'I'm with Doreen.'

It's easy to be sceptical, of course. Many people will say that I'm simply prone to vivid dreams when I'm grieving, and that my subconscious finds ways to comfort me. There's no way to prove or disprove that.

Dr Rupert Sheldrake, who has studied after-death communications or between humans and their pets, says: 'For materialists, ADCs are nothing but tricks of the memory or hallucinations.

'But for those who believe in the possibility of survival of bodily death, they may be what they seem to be, communications from the departed.' The phenomenon has been widely reported for centuries. Often, it occurs shortly after a death, before friends and relatives have heard the news.

The British tend to be uncomfortable talking about death, and more so about the supernatural. If we experience something inexplicable, we might not talk about it. But when I was writing my biography of the actor Kenneth Williams, his close friend and neighbour Paul Richardson told me how he woke on the night Ken died, and saw him at the foot of his bed.

'I thought I actually saw him in my bedroom, in the early hours of the morning,' he told me. 'But all I could see was his face, grinning. This is absolutely true. I said, 'Go away, go away,' and I didn't think anything else of it.'

The star had suffered a fatal heart attack in his sleep.

The first attempt to collect stories like these was made by three 19th century psychologists, Edmund Gurney, Frank Podmore and Frederic Myers. Their 1886 study Phantasms Of The Living, documented more than 700 cases. Another study published in 1923 found thousands. Other European cultures are more open to the idea than we are.

In 2012, Professor Erlendur Haraldsson at the University of Iceland estimated that 3 per cent of Icelandic people had experienced ADCs. About one in seven of these occurred within 24 hours of death.

The strangest cases I know involve my sons, James and David, and my wife's redoubtable great-aunt, Miss Gwendolyn Williams.

We saw a lot of Auntie Gwen, who was head of the Queen's Nurses in Wales during the early days of the NHS, before we had children. She died from a stroke about three years before James, our elder boy, was born  a great pity, because she would have loved to see Nicky become a mum.

One day when James was about seven, Nicky heard him in his bedroom, talking as though he was chatting to someone. She stuck her head round the door, and asked who he was speaking to. 'Auntie Gwen,' he said, as though it was perfectly natural.

That was bizarre. Neither of us could remember telling James about her, and we didn't have her picture on the wall. But what happened 20 years later was much, much stranger.

Our younger son, David, is severely autistic, and has lived in care since he was 13. His speech has always been very limited, but a couple of years ago he became intensely distressed and stopped talking altogether. We discovered he was being neglected and emotionally abused by staff at the facility and, after a long battle, moved him to a new placement.

With great dedication and patience, the staff at his current home have helped David to feel safe and, with the help of an outstanding speech and language therapist, coaxed him to start talking again.

About four months after David arrived at the new home, his key worker asked us: 'Who is Auntie Gwen? David keeps saying, 'Seeing Auntie Gwen tomorrow'.'

I cannot think of any plausible explanation for that, except the obvious one: Gwen was keeping an eye on David when he needed her most. We can't ask him how he knows about her  his capacity for language is far too limited.

For the same reason, we didn't attempt to tell David that his grandparents had died. They used to visit him regularly, bringing him the flapjacks and Disney videos he loves, but that stopped with the first Covid lockdown.

He's used to people vanishing from his life. But the week after my Mum died, one of his support workers remarked that David had been saying: 'Nanny and Grandpa, silver car.'

Their car was silver. It's tempting to think that they came to visit him. And with the logic of autism, David might assume that they must have come the way they always did... by car.

A few weeks later, David came to our home for a morning. It was the Friday before Mum's funeral and, since my Dad hadn't had a service, many of his family were going to be there too. We didn't talk about this in front of David, of course. But as he collected his things to go, he broke from his routine.

He usually says: 'Goodbye Mummy and Daddy.' This time, he fixed me with a stern look and said: 'Goodbye Nanny and Grandpa.'
A new poll shows that a majority of Republicans support the idea of amending the Constitution to allow President Donald Trump to run for a third term as president.

However, only about a third, 29 percent, of all Americans support changing the Constitution so Trump can run again while a majority, 54 percent, of Americans oppose the suggestion.

A majority of Independents, 54 percent, oppose the idea while just 20 percent support the idea. A significant margin, 26 percent, of Independents remain undecided.

Surprisingly, even 16 percent of Democrats support the idea while 75 percent predictably do not.

The 22nd Amendment was added to the Constitution in response to President Franklin D. Roosevelt pushing aside the precedent of American presidents only running for two terms in office.

Roosevelt ran for a third and fourth term before dying in office in 1945 after winning his fourth presidential election.

The 22nd Amendment states that 'no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice' and 'no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of President more than once.'

The amendment was passed by Congress in 1947 and ratified by the states in 1951.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump dances at a campaign rally

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Trump has joked about running for a third term, but it would require significant bipartisan support to make it happen.

'I suspect I won't be running again, unless you do something,' Trump told members of Congress at a meeting in November who laughed. 'Unless you say, 'He's so good, we have to just figure it out.''

Rep. Dan Goldman responded to Trump's joke immediately by introducing a resolution to clarify the terms of the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution - which states a president can't serve three terms in office.

The resolution clarifies that the two-term limit for presidents applies even if the terms are not consecutive.

Former President Barack Obama also joked about running for a third term when he was in office.

'I actually think I'm a pretty good president, if I ran I would win, but I can't,' Obama joked during a speech in 2015. 'There's a lot that I'd like to do to keep America moving, but the law is the law and no one person is above the law.

Repealing a Constitutional amendment requires support from two-thirds of the House of Representatives and the Senate and three-fourths of the states would have to ratify the proposal.

Franklin D. Roosevelt ran and won four terms as president of the United States, breaking precedent that an American president only served two terms in office

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The Daily Mail / J.L. Partners poll shows that despite winning the 2024 election, the American electorate is still polarized over Trump.

The poll of 1006 registered voters were asked to rank the last nine presidents in order, from best to worst.

Trump has a -15 approval rating as 45 percent placed him among the worst two presidents in modern history while only 30 percent ranked him among the top two presidents in history.

Current President Joe Biden is now viewed as the most unpopular president in modern history with a -30 rating.
Kemi Badenoch has claimed a joke by Sir Keir Starmer about her previously working in McDonalds would have been branded racist if it had been made by a Tory.

The Prime Minister mocked the Opposition leader this week for claims she became working class after securing a job at the fast-food chain when she was a teenager.

Sir Keir told an audience in Buckinghamshire: Its great to be here at the iconic Pinewood Studios, spiritual home of Britains film industry.

The Leader of the Opposition thinks if you do a couple of shifts in McDonalds, you become working class. By that logic, if I keep coming back here, I could be the next James Bond.

Kemi Badenoch worked in McDonald's while putting herself through college in south London, living with family friends. She is pictured returning to a restaurant as a minister in 2022.

In a speech at Pinewood Studios, Keir Starmer mocked Kemi Badenoch for her comments about working at McDonald's

But, speaking at a dinner in Washington DC, Mrs Badenoch hit back, saying: Just this morning the British Prime Minister made a joke about how I worked at McDonalds.

He would never have dared do that if I was a Left-wing activist. And if a Conservative Prime Minister had made those comments about a black party leader, they would have been called a racist and asked to resign.

Labour sources said the PM had been making a joke, saying she became working class after working in McDonalds, rather than mocking the job.

Mrs Badenoch was previously criticised for saying: I grew up in a middle class family, but became working class when I was 16, working at McDonalds. She said it was the first time she had interacted properly with people who didnt come from her background.
President-elect Donald Trump's embattled Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth sure knows how to fight.

It's right there in his bio: Combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan. Two Bronze Stars.

As of Friday, after a round of meetings with Republican Senators who will vote on his confirmation, it seems like he's winning.

Trump posted on Truth Social: 'Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe'

The mainstream media coverage isn't quite as glowing.

Hegseth 'fends off allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and financial mismanagement,' whined an ABC News reporter on Friday.

I'm not the only one getting a strong whiff of deja vu.

During the Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's 2018 confirmation fight, there was an avalanche of claims against the judge ranging from the petty (teenage alcohol abuse) to the initially plausible (sex assault) to the provably false (a gang rape smear).

Hegseth 'fends off allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and financial mismanagement,' whined an ABC News reporter on Friday. I'm not the only one getting a strong whiff of deja vu.

Trump posted on Truth Social: 'Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe' The mainstream media coverage isn't quite as glowing. (Above) Trump is surrounded by Secret Service agents after an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, PA on July 13, 2024

Senate Democrats, including Kamala Harris, lionized Kavanaugh's accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, as a brave #MeToo survivor. Then a scratching of the surface revealed serious flaws in Ford's story.

But before the truth could catch up with the salacious testimony, the hysterical pressure on then-President Trump to pull Kavanaugh's nomination mounted.

Trump could have folded, cut Kavanaugh loose and moved on. Thankfully, he didn't.

Now, once again, those same loathsome tactics cannot be allowed to prevail in a fight of this magnitude. For make no mistake: the campaign to destroy Pete Hegseth is just one facet of a concerted plot to sabotage the incoming Trump administration.

And just like it was with Kavanaugh six years ago, the attacks on Hegseth are being defeated one by one.

His critics first alleged that a tattoo on his chest is suggestive of closeted white nationalist sympathies. Baloney: the 'Jerusalem Cross' is an anodyne Christian symbol that's on display in the Archdiocese of Washington DC.

Perhaps damning  and eerily familiar  is an allegation that Hegseth raped a woman at a political conference in 2017.

The accuser told police that Hegseth forced himself on her in his hotel room after a night of partying. Hegseth says the sex was consensual  though he deeply regrets it.

The woman's police report claims are being repeated ad nauseum in the media, but the fact that law enforcement investigated and declined to press charges is not.

President-elect Donald Trump 's embattled Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth sure knows how to fight. It's right there in his bio: Combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan . Two Bronze Stars.

Nor is it stressed often enough that the accuser suggested to cops that she was drugged by Hegseth, yet her husband told investigators that she didn't appear to be impaired when he saw her shortly after the encounter.

Then the New Yorker Magazine reported that Hegseth was forced out of past leadership positions at two nonprofit veterans advocacy groups for financial mismanagement and unprofessionalism.

Hegseth credibly denies it all. His successor at Concerned Veterans For America (CVA), a vets' charity, says that, when Hegseth left CVA in 2014 to join Fox News Channel, he did so on good terms.

Next came more excessive drinking allegations.

When ten current and former Fox News employees alleged Hegseth was frequently hungover or drinking on the job, none of them went on the record. On the contrary, more than ten other of Hegseth's Fox News colleagues refuted those claims  publicly.

Indeed, after returning from his third deployment overseas in 2014, Hegseth  by his own admission  confronted personal demons. He had divorces and extramarital affairs.

But, by all accounts, he is now a committed churchgoer and in a stable marriage. Up until Trump nominated him, the two-time Ivy League alum was leading a successful career in television journalism.

In some ways, his is a commendable American redemption story, the kind the left would have celebrated if it happened to someone on their team.

His critics first alleged that a tattoo on his chest is suggestive of closeted white nationalist sympathies. Baloney: the 'Jerusalem Cross' is an anodyne Christian symbol that's on display in the Archdiocese of Washington DC.

When ten current and former Fox News employees alleged Hegseth was frequently hungover or drinking on the job, none of them went on the record. On the contrary, more than ten other of Hegseth's Fox News colleagues refuted those claims  publicly.

Make no mistake: the campaign to destroy Pete Hegseth is just one facet of a concerted plot to sabotage the incoming Trump administration.

This comeback tale is inconvenient to powerful interests, like Beltway defense contractors and DC swamp creatures, who'd all like to see more malleable men running the Pentagon.

But this is the fight that Donald Trump was elected to wage  the grueling slog against an entrenched status quo.

Days after the election, prominent Democrats openly discussed ways to hamstring the administration.

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal proposed a raft of executive orders President Joe Biden could decree to 'protect existing structures' and shield career bureaucrats and Justice Department officials.

This week, after our current norms-busting president pardoned his son, we learned that senior White House aides are pushing for mass preemptive pardons to be given to a slew of officials, including former chief medical adviser to the president Anthony Fauci and California Senator-elect Adam Schiff.

These moves are not totally unprecedented. President Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon in the wake of the Watergate scandal, Jimmy Carter granted leniency to Vietnam War draft dodgers and Abraham Lincoln absolved ex-Confederate soldiers for their treason.

These were all people who undoubtedly committed crimes. So what have Fauci and Schiff done?

Leading blue-state governors are also openly plotting.

In California, Governor Gavin Newsom is leading a special legislative session with the aim to 'Trump-proof' his state by raising a $25 million legal fund to stymie federal initiatives he finds objectionable  like the deportation of criminal illegal immigrants.

Hours after the 2024 election, New Jersey's Phil Murphy pledged to 'fight to the death'. Governor JB Pritzker in Illinois ominously warned Trump: 'You come for my people, you come through me.' Humiliated but never humbled, Kamala herself has pledged to 'stay in the fight'.

And this is all cheered on by a compliant mainstream media, more than happy to tout the claims of anonymous accusers when it suits, and willing to ignore allegations when they're inconvenient.

The battle to confirm Pete Hegseth will be just one in a long, long war.

Josh Hammer is the syndicated host of 'The Josh Hammer Show' and senior editor-at-large at Newsweek.
A bid to buy the Observer newspaper was approved yesterday, days after its journalists went on strike in protest at the deal.

Industrial action over two days this week was supported by well-known cultural figures including Grayson Perry, Anne Robinson, Stewart Lee and Michael Rosen.

But the proposed sale by Guardian News & Media to news website Tortoise Media  which boasts 'we don't do breaking news'  was given the green light yesterday.

Union bosses said staff would be angry at the decision that was made despite calls for other options to be considered.

Tortoise Media said it would safeguard journalistic freedom and the editorial independence of the Observer.

It is expected the deal will be signed in the coming days.

Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of Guardian News & Media, said: 'I recognise how unsettling this has been for Observer staff, but we're confident we have agreed the best possible way forward for the title's journalists, its readers and the future of both the Observer and the Guardian.

'It is a model that will see investment in journalism and journalists ... and protects the Observer and Guardian's ability to continue to produce trusted, liberal journalism.'

The proposed sale by Guardian News & Media to news website Tortoise Media  which boasts 'we don't do breaking news '  was given the green light yesterday

It is expected the deal which will see the Observer being taken over will be signed in the coming days

Union bosses said staff would be angry at the decision that was made despite calls for other options to be considered

The Scott Trust, which oversees the independence of the Guardian, said it will become a key shareholder in the new venture. The deal will see 25million in new investment for the Sunday newspaper, with a plan to build a digital brand.

Tortoise Media was launched in 2018 by former BBC executive and Times editor James Harding and Matthew Barzun, a former US ambassador.

The start-up, which specialises in what it calls 'slow news', said it has committed to safeguard journalistic freedom and the editorial independence of the Observer, undertaking to honour the 'liberal values and journalistic standards' of the Scott Trust in their editorial code.

Mr Harding, editor and founder of Tortoise, said: 'We are honoured and excited at the prospect of working together to renew The Observer, a name that represents the best of liberal, pioneering journalism.

'We admire its temperament, both tolerant and humane. We love its appetite for the arts and, of course, food. We promise its readers we will do all we can to live up to its history as a defender of human dignity and to give it a new lease of life as a powerful, progressive voice in the world.'

Matthew Barzun, chairman and founder of Tortoise, said: 'This process revealed the enormous regard and passionate connection so many have to the world's oldest Sunday newspaper.

'I am deeply appreciative of our investor partners, including the Scott Trust, all of whom expect the highest quality independent journalism.

'We are filled with an awesome sense of responsibility as we become a part of its long story and participants in sharing the stories it will long keep telling.'

Anna Bateson, chief executive of Guardian Media Group, pictured, said: 'This investment will preserve the Observer's 233-year legacy and protect the paper's future, ensuring it can continue producing exceptional liberal journalism, online and in print, for years to come'

Anna Bateson, chief executive of Guardian Media Group, said: 'This investment will preserve the Observer's 233-year legacy and protect the paper's future, ensuring it can continue producing exceptional liberal journalism, online and in print, for years to come. Underpinning it all will be a continued commitment to promoting a free press and maintaining editorial independence.

'The deal also supports the long-term success of the Guardian, building on our growth globally and across digital, as we continue to put readers at the heart of our outstanding journalism.'

National Union of Journalists general secretary-elect Laura Davison said: 'Members at the Guardian and Observer will be angry and extremely disappointed that the Scott Trust and GMG boards have chosen to approve the deal in principle to sell The Observer to Tortoise Media despite the union's call for more time to consider this and other options.

'The timing of the decision, before the end of two extremely well-supported days of action, is particularly shabby. The NUJ chapel will be meeting later today to consider their response.'

The two days of strikes this week were supported by a number of politicians and well-known cultural figures including Grayson Perry, Lemn Sissay, Anne Robinson, Michael Rosen and Stewart Lee, and backed by messages of support from stars including Tilda Swinton, Maxine Peake and Armando Iannucci.

The NUJ branch (chapel) at the Observer and Guardian said in a statement that this week's industrial action was backed by 93% of union members and saw support from parliamentarians, union leaders, as well as prominent artists, musicians, actors and other cultural figures.

A spokesperson added: 'We are all equally passionate about preserving the integrity of the world's oldest Sunday newspaper.

Tortoise Media was launched in 2018 by former BBC executive and Times editor James Harding, pictured, and Matthew Barzun, a former US ambassador

'So we were outraged to wake up to news this morning that members of the Scott Trust had chosen to approve the deal while our action was taking place.

'The decision to move ahead with the deal, in principle, underlined their refusal to take on board the well-founded objections and strength of opposition from journalists and readers.

'This chapel is still opposed to the transfer and believes that by ramming this deeply unpopular and opaque deal through they have undermined their values and sparked a crisis in governance, a responsibility that lies at the door of the boards of the Scott Trust and Guardian Media Group.

'The Guardian and Observer has a long and proud history of journalists' participation in the organisation; this has never felt more at risk. We urge the company to pause, reconsider all options and the impact this will have on the standing of the Observer and the long-term future of liberal journalism.

'Two days of strikes take place next week, and the Guardian and Observer NUJ chapel will be meeting to consider further actions.'
My name is Andriy and Im 40 years old today.

The man standing in front of me on a wind-driven hilltop in southern England looks every inch the soldier - Kevlar helmet, camo body armour, AK slung across his chest.

In fact, just a matter of weeks ago, Andriy was a banker - 16 years in risk management. Now, along with dozens of other men just like him, hes learning how to attack a trench.

As any human being, I am scared of going to the front line, he says, then after a deep breath he adds: But I'm sure I can convert my fears into fuel that will spike my best skills and drills in combat.

His helmet hides his brow and an olive-coloured neck scarf covers most of his face, so its hard to read his expression, but his eyes seem to betray a deep sense of unease.

Its not hard to understand why. Three years ago, when Russia marched across Ukraines borders to try and wipe the country off the map, it was met with the kind of heroism that seemed to come straight from the pages of a movie script.

I need ammo, not a ride, was President Zelenskys retort when the Americans offered him a way out of Kyiv on the first day. With leaders like that and an army fighting well beyond what experts thought it capable of, it seemed victory might actually be within reach.

The war is now in a very different place. For all Ukraines bravery, Russias sheer weight of numbers and willingness to sacrifice men over mere feet of ground is starting to tell. Inch by blood-soaked inch, theyre turning the map of the Donbas red.

Only a few weeks ago Ukrainian Andriy was a banker but now he has headed to UK as part of Operation Interflex

The British training programme - which began in June 2022 - has produced 50,000 new recruits for the Ukrainian Army

Meanwhile, each day seems to bring fresh horrors to the battlefield: Human wave meat assaults, FPV drones hunting men for sport, unstoppable hypersonic missiles, and lurking somewhere behind it all, the spectre of nuclear armageddon.

That is the war that Andriy and his new brothers-in-arms are going to fight - a fact he wont quite acknowledge, but which he seems painfully aware of.

I feel like it's every respectable, decent man's job to protect their country and their homeland, Andriy replies when I ask him what he thinks of the war.

Hes in the UK as part of Operation Interflex, the British training programme that began in June 2022 and has so-far turned out 50,000 fresh recruits for the Ukrainian army.

The training is just five weeks long and is designed to get the recruits through their first five weeks of battle - the thinking being that after that theyll either pick up everything else they need to know or the job, or they wont.

When I meet Andriy in mid-October hes already done two weeks which focused on the soldiering basics like operating a rifle, moving across the battlefield, and something the military calls conditioning.

This is designed to adjust civilians to the chaos and blood of battle, essentially so they dont freeze up when confronted by it for the first time.

Pictured: A diagram of an example of trench typical Russian trench system

Ukrainian soldiers in the midst of battle in the trenches as fires erupted and smoke billows into the air

Ukrainian soldiers attacking a Russian trench in the Serebryansky forest

It involves things like completing an assault course that has been smeared with animal guts and blood from local slaughterhouses, whilst instructors shout orders and rifles are let off close by.

How has Andriy coped with that? The training is hard and demanding, he says, as if reading from a textbook. However, I feel like it's actually doing good for me!

Also on-base with us are Ukrainian veterans who are training how to become instructors for the newly enlisted.

Among them is Alexander, who volunteered for the army ahead of Putins full-scale invasion and who has - it seems - survived virtually every major battle of the war.

I was well aware that the full-scale invasion will start sooner or later, he tells me.

So I had a choice to make, whether I'll join the cause once it already starts and basically just die, or I start preparing myself prior to it and join the armed forces of Ukraine as a fully skilled prepared soldier.

I glance over at Andriy and his cohort of new recruits who are now being walked through a trench, learning how to clear bunkers and corners without getting shot.

They dont seem to have heard what Alexander just said, which is probably for the best.

Sergeant Reynolds of the first Fusilier regiment, is among several British trench warfare experts helping train the Ukrainian soldiers

A bunker at the undisclosed location where thousands of Ukrainian soldiers are being trained

He continues: On the first day we had to get into contact with the enemy just a few kilometres from the borderline with Russia. One of the tank convoys was on its way. And we engaged in a firefight with them. One of the forward observers of the convoy located us.

We had to arrange a hasty ambush. We succeeded, successfully destroying the convoy. However, when we were breaking contact with the enemy we had to cross open ground and I got shot in my right side.

Alexander spent two months in hospital, after which he rejoined his unit in time to fight in the Kharkiv counter-attack - the breath-taking dash eastwards in late 2022 that saw Ukraine recapture thousands of square miles of its territory in just a few days.

When that advance eventually stalled on the borders of neighbouring Luhansk oblast, Alexander was sent to the bloodbath of Bakhmut.

What that experience left him with, he says, is a respect for his Russian enemies. If there are weaker or untrained Russians on the battlefield, then he hasnt dealt with them.

I have to respect the enemy's skills in combat, because if you do not respect the enemy and you underestimate them, then that's how you die, he adds.

Trying to get a sense of what the fighting is like, I suggest the West hasnt fought this kind of war for decades. My follow-up question was going to be what we can learn from the Ukrainians, but before I can get there he cuts me off.

The West has not taken part in such a war ever, he tells me, because the war that we're fighting at the moment is the war of drones and robotics.

The Russian bunker ablaze as Ukrainian forces take control of the trench in the woodland in the Luhansk Oblast area

A Ukrainian soldier points his rifle at the Russian trench as they approach in the Serebryansky forest

The task now is very different. For us to hold a position is not a problem. It's fairly easy. The problem is to get to the position and to leave it once you're done.

Especially when you look in the sky and then you see so many drones flying around and you cannot tell apart which ones are yours, which ones are enemy drones. It's very hard to process it.

When I ask if Alexander is afraid of getting killed by a drone, he relies matter-of-factly that he has no right to die until the Russian invasion is over.

Given the battles hes already survived, you get the feeling he really means that.

I wonder whether the same will be true of Andriy and his cohort of conscripts. By now they will no doubt have been deployed to the frontlines.

If they were lucky, they may just be coming to the end of their first five weeks in combat.

Of the two-dozen or so men I saw training that day, how many of them are left - did they actually get to put their training, and how well did it serve them, if they did?

Before we leave, I ask Alexander and Andriy what they would say to the Russians if given the opportunity.

Smoke billows into the air as one military personnel blasts several rounds of ammo into the trench

Smoke rises to the sky as the Ukrainian forces take control of the previously Russian trench

It seems that the answer should be very straightforward and easy, Alexander says. However, it's not the case.

I have seen mass burials of women and children and it is very hard to find the words of how to respond to that. So if I'm completely honest, I probably would not want to say anything.

All I can do now is just keep fighting and keep killing every single one of them that are on my land that have been in my country.

Andriy takes a second to think about it. I was imagining what I can shout into the back of a Russian soldier that's retrieving from the battlefield in fear, he says.

And I just wanted to tell them that we will never forget what they've done to us.

We will never pardon them taking away the childhoods of our kids. And them taking away a peaceful retirement from our parents.
Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz have been forced to slash the selling price of their French villa by $85,000 just days after celebrating her 30th birthday.

The couple, who tied the knot at a lavish ceremony on the Gold Coast in June, have reduced the cost of the three-bedroom abode from $682,000 to $596,500.

The sprawling property, located in Lunas in the historic region of Dordogne in southern France, was first listed in September.

The couple are reportedly hoping to shift the taxpayer-funded chateau before they return to Australia ahead of the birth of their first child, a baby boy.

The home was purchased in December 2023 after Ms Higgins was awarded $2.4million in compensation after she sued the Commonwealth.

Ms Higgins was awarded the payment based on claims her political career was in ruins following her rape in Parliament House in 2019.

The couple paid an estimated $600,000 for the villa after they packed up and moved to France in a bid to start a new life following intense scrutiny in Australia.

The three-bedroom home features two bathrooms, a garage and cellar and traditional large windows that overlook the grounds of the estate.

Pregnant Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz (pictured) have been forced to slash the selling price of their French villa by $85,000 before they reportedly return to Australia

The parents-to-be purchased the home in December 2023 after Ms Higgins (pictured) was awarded $2.4million in compensation from the Commonwealth

The sprawling property, located in Lunas in the historic region of Dordogne in southern France, for sale in September for $682,000 (the estate is pictured)

The home boasts several 19th century-style furnishings including a marble bust, wooden sculptures, demure portraits and decorative antlers.

Chesterfield couches, vases, lamps, and end-tables are also among the decorative elements that complete the elegant interiors of the luxury villa.

A pool and a small lake are also located on the outskirts of the property, nestled in the tight knit community home to less than 600 people.

The home is being sold by real estate firm Agency Eleanor partly furnished, the Daily Telegraph reports.

It was revealed in July that the couple would be forced to sell the home to finance their ongoing defamation battle with Ms Higgins' former boss Linda Reynolds.

Their dream European getaway was cut short after the former defence minister launched legal action over social media posts she claims the couple made, which damaged her reputation.

The latest roadblock comes after Ms Higgins celebrated her 30th birthday with her husband in a winter wonderland style celebration.

The mum-to-be shared a photo holding a red rose as the snow came down outside and a video of Mr Sharaz gleefully throwing snowballs.

The latest roadblock comes after Ms Higgins (pictured) celebrated her 30th birthday in style

The home is packed with several 19th century-style furnishings (pictured)

A pool (pictured) and a small lake is also located on the outskirts of the property

The couple announced in July that Ms Higgins is pregnant, one month after they were married in Queensland.

Ms Higgins won her defamation battle against former parliamentary staffer Bruce Lehrmann, in the Federal Court in April.

Justice Michael Lee ruled that Lerhmann had raped Ms Higgins on the balance of probabilities - the civil standard of proof.

Lehrmann will appeal the damning judgement after the Federal Court ruled he would not have to cover $200,000 surety in order to run the appeal.
A subtle piece of evidence has led Oregon cops to believe a five-year-old autistic boy who was found dead in the woods may have been murdered - casting doubt on his mom's story.

Joshua McCoy was reported missing last month after his mother couldn't locate him when she woke up from a nap - but after a three-day search, his naked body was found in the woods less than two miles from her home.

But investigators have discovered that his bare feet lacked marks that would be present if he had walked to the wooded area himself, leading police to believe something sinister may be at play, People reported.

Additionally, the new search warrant affidavit filed in Coos County this week said that the body - which was found roughly 20 feet off a local roadway - had 'no signs of trauma, no petechiae and no scratches or cuts that would be consistent with Joshua walking through the briars or blackberry bushes'.

The affidavit also highlighted there were tire tracks in the mud near where his body was found as well as on his mother's car tires.

Authorities have yet to release the boy's cause of death.

Joshua was reported missing on November 9 by a friend of his mother who lives in Utah after she called her instead of police, KEZI 9 reported.

Her reasoning for calling a friend instead of law enforcement was said to be because of a past bad experience with the department.

A new search warrant casts doubt on the circumstances surrounding five-year old Joshua McCoy's death who was found naked in the woods less than two miles away from his mother's Oregon home last month

Lawson Amos McCoy, Joshua's father, who hadn't seen his son in a year after moving back to Ohio, has demanded answers after his son's remains were discovered

Angela German, Joshua's mother, told cops more than three weeks ago that she had woken up from a four-hour nap to find her non-verbal son missing from their Hauser home.

The report prompted a search and rescue effort that lasted three days consisting of local and federal authorities working to locate him.

Authorities then announced on November 12 that his remains were located in the Coos County coastal forest.

The new affidavit outlined the fact that German's story changed several times for how long she'd been asleep - eventually telling authorities that she took barbiturates and ketamine to help her sleep.

Lawson Amos McCoy, Joshua's father, demanded answers after he spoke with Oregon Live last month shortly after his son's body was found.

'I want the truth, plain and simple,' he said. 'I don't care about anything else. My baby's gone.'

The 47-year-old father met German when they both lived in Utah before they decided to buy a house together and have a baby.

The pair moved to Coos Bay in a home residing on an isolated stretch of road next to a large pond after German got a job in a local hospital working as a nurse, Oregon Live reported.

Joshua, who was autistic and non-verbal, was reported missing by his mother's friend in Utah after his mother woke up from a nap and couldn't locate him - and after a three-day search, he was found in the Coos County coastal forest

A new search warrant discovered that there were no scratches or bruising on his bare feet which would've been present if he walked into the wooded area himself

While she worked at the hospital, McCoy - who received benefits due to a disability from his service in the US Air Force - cared for their son as a stay-at-home father.

'I nurtured him and bathed him and fed him,' he told the outlet. 'I mean I knew his favorite foods. I knew his favorite colors. I can't believe this has happened.'

But McCoy hasn't seen his son since he left Oregon - and is convinced if he hadn't left, his son would still be alive today.

'He thinks it's all his fault, just because he left JJ,' Joshua McCoy, McCoy's brother, told the outlet.

McCoy's brother also set up a GoFundMe last month to help Joshua's father pay for the funeral costs - which he wished to have back in Ohio to be buried next to his great-grandfather and great-grandmother - as well as therapy for the family members.

Now, some of that money will also go to hiring a private investigator to look into the young boy's death.

The new warrant sought to search German's home and seize her Porsche for forensic testing, as well as search of McCoy's cell phone which was found near Joshua's body when he was discovered, KEZI 9 reported.

McCoy noted how he hasn't had any contact with German since the horrific outcome - and his biggest regret is still leaving Oregon.

Joshua's father, who lived in Oregon and took care of his son as a stay-at home dad before moving back to Ohio, believes that if he never left the home, Joshua would still be alive today

As of now, there is no one in custody and facing charges at this point as well as no named suspects in the case

Gabe Fabrizio, the Coos County Sheriff, said that detectives are investigating his death as a murder case - but remain open to any evidence that refutes it, KVAL 13 reported.

The Department of Human Services in the state are also investigating how Joshua was treated at home by his mother.

Court records showed that the department had recently issued a 'pick up order' after an initial investigation spanning several months looked into German's alleged alcohol use, neglect and mistreatment of her son, KEZI 9 reported.

There is no one in custody and facing charges at this point.

There have also been no suspects named in the case.
Chinese, Vietnamese parties hold 19th theory seminar

Xinhua) 11:19, December 07, 2024

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, and Nguyen Xuan Thang, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and president of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, pose for a group photo with guests attending the 19th theory seminar held by the CPC and the CPV in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Dec. 6, 2024. The CPC and the CPV held their 19th theory seminar here on Friday.

Li Shulei and Nguyen Xuan Thang attended the seminar and delivered keynote speeches.

The seminar's theme was "Improving the development system: China's experience and Vietnam's experience." (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

NANCHANG, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) held their 19th theory seminar on Friday in Nanchang, the capital city of Jiangxi Province in east China.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, and Nguyen Xuan Thang, a member of the Politburo of the CPV Central Committee, chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and president of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, attended the seminar and delivered keynote speeches.

Li said that China upholds and strengthens the overall leadership of the CPC over economic work, adheres to the philosophy of people-centered development and is accelerating the establishment of a high-level socialist market economy. He said the country continuously improves the institutions and mechanisms for high-quality economic development, fosters new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, and will resolutely build a new system of higher-level open economy, to promote sustained and sound economic and social development.

Nguyen Xuan Thang spoke highly of China's remarkable achievements in establishing and improving the development system, and expressed willingness to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties, deepen theoretical exchanges and mutual learning, and push forward the building of a Vietnam-China community with a shared future and the cause of socialism.

The seminar's theme was "Improving the development system: China's experience and Vietnam's experience."

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Nguyen Xuan Thang, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and president of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Dec. 6, 2024. The CPC and the CPV held their 19th theory seminar here on Friday.

Li Shulei and Nguyen Xuan Thang attended the seminar and delivered keynote speeches.

The seminar's theme was "Improving the development system: China's experience and Vietnam's experience." (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, delivers a keynote speech during the 19th theory seminar held by the CPC and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Dec. 6, 2024. The CPC and the CPV held their 19th theory seminar here on Friday.

Li Shulei and Nguyen Xuan Thang, a member of the Politburo of the CPV Central Committee, chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and president of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, attended the seminar and delivered keynote speeches.

The seminar's theme was "Improving the development system: China's experience and Vietnam's experience." (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Nguyen Xuan Thang, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and president of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Dec. 6, 2024. The CPC and the CPV held their 19th theory seminar here on Friday.

Li Shulei and Nguyen Xuan Thang attended the seminar and delivered keynote speeches.

The seminar's theme was "Improving the development system: China's experience and Vietnam's experience." (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
There has been much rhetoric from Sir Keir Starmer about how national security is a foundation underpinning his government.

Yet even with threats to our islands increasing by the day, the Prime Minister is focusing on everything but their defence.

His own veterans minister has warned that our Army would be blown away after just six months of a full-scale war.

So it is inexplicable that when Sir Keir unveiled six priorities to relaunch his stuttering administration on Thursday, bolstering the Armed Forces was not one.

It is, therefore, reassuring that Rachel Reeves is at least aware of the importance of raising defence spending to the benchmark figure of 2.5 per cent of GDP from its current level of 2.3.

While declining to say whether that target would be hit by 2030, the Chancellor deserves applause for her honesty in saying the extra 20 billion a year required would mean cuts to other departments.

But it cant be beyond the wit of our leaders to find the savings needed to upgrade our denuded military to counter the threat posed by Russia and others.

Even with threats to our islands increasing by the day, the Prime Minister is focusing on everything but their defence

Investing in the military helps safeguard our way of life. Labour must bite the bullet and spend billions

There must be oodles of opportunities. For a start, a scythe could be taken to the bloated foreign aid budget.

Billions could be clawed back if idlers were dragged off welfare into work. Not setting up costly quangos could recoup a small fortune. And while it was gladdening to hear the PM rebuke civil service loafers, has he got the spine to cull their numbers to save money? The blunt truth is that if we cant defend the realm against our enemies because of chronic under-funding, the NHS and other services would cease to exist.

Investing in the military helps safeguard our way of life. Labour must bite the bullet and spend billions.

The housing trap

Keir Starmer has vowed to build 1.5million homes in the next five years as one of his key targets

Sir Keir is fond of opining on how too many people in this country have been priced out of the property market.

To solve the acute housing crisis, the PM has vowed to build 1.5 million homes in the next five years. He will do this by neutering the things holding back development  the Nimbys, the bureaucrats and blockers, the planning and environmental rules.

Yet one significant factor goes unmentioned by him: Demand. Housing is profoundly affected by stratospherically high numbers of people coming here.

With net migration nearing one million last year, is it any wonder we have a housing shortage, forcing up prices and rents?

Even then, Sir Keir refuses to make tackling uncontrolled immigration a priority. So he cant complain when people object to their precious countryside being carpeted with new homes to accommodate the influx.

Life term must stay

Valdo Calocane killed 19-year-old student's Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber before fatally stabbing Ian Coates, 65.

The feeble jail sentence handed to Valdo Calocane, for stabbing to death two students and a school caretaker in Nottingham, highlighted a legal absurdity.

The killers mental health condition meant he was charged with manslaughter, not murder  even though he planned the attack and had amassed weapons.

The Government has now asked the Law Commission to review homicide legislation  a move likely to lead to a new second- degree murder category.

The concern is this will erode the promise, made when hanging was abolished, that murder would carry a mandatory life term. Anything less would be unacceptable. For this most heinous crime, the public fully expects the most severe punishment.
There is 'little chance' of Gregg Wallace returning to the BBC as the TV star prepares to blame 'autism' for his alleged inappropriate behaviour.

The MasterChef presenter is not expected to return to the broadcaster, as bosses are reportedly alarmed at the growing wave of complaints against the 60-year-old.

MailOnline revealed last week that although Wallace has never been 'formally diagnosed', his close friends believe he displays 'all classic symptoms' of autism including an inability to judge social situations and having a 'lighter filter on the subject of sex'.

A close therapist friend of Wallace, who did not want to be named, claims the MasterChef judge has never been tested for autism.

This is, they said, due a feeling of responsibility he may have passed down the neurological and developmental disorder to his four-year son Sid, who is severely autistic and non-verbal.

The former greengrocer, 60, announced he was stepping back from the show after nearly 20 years on Thursday while an investigation into his alleged misconduct is carried out.

Wallace last week faced accusations of inappropriate behaviour from 13 people, including Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, over a 17-year period across five shows from 2005 to 2022.

Wallace faces accusations he told a junior female colleague he wasn't wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans, wandered into the studio naked apart from a sock on his penis and mimicked a sex act on a producer when she knelt down to clean his trousers.

Wallace seen with Ms Sterpini at the wedding of Lisa Faulkner and John Torode in Banbury, Oxfordshire, in October 2019

A friend said of Wallace (pictured with Torode): 'Gregg carries many of the autistic symptoms, the people who know him best have been saying it for years'

The latest allegations include one woman who said Wallace groped her, another who claims he pressed his crotch against her while filming BBC show Eat Well For Less and a third who alleged he flashed her in his dressing room.

Despite this Wallace remains desperate to repair his reputation and the investigation's findings are critical if he wants to continue appearing on screen.

He is likely to raise the possibility he has autism with Lewis Silkin, the London law firm hired by Banijay. The suggestion he may never return to the BBC was reported by the Telegraph.

The friend said: 'Gregg carries many of the autistic symptoms, the people who know him best have been saying it for years.

'He's never formally been tested, due a feeling of responsibility over Sid's diagnosis, but he really should be as it may explain a lot about his actions.

'Gregg has form for his inability to read the room, saying things that don't really belong in the moment. He has no filter and in social situations that can become dangerous, especially when it comes to jokes about sex.

'He has a light filter when it comes to sex which is common in people on the spectrum. In the modern world of TV where you can't just dismiss some of his actions as banter.'

It comes as under-fire BBC bosses said MasterChef Christmas specials would be pulled in a major U-turn, having previously said it would continue airing all filmed episodes.

Last year, Wallace was named as an ambassador for charity Ambitious About Autism and has also been praised for raising awareness about the condition by documenting Sid's journey to his social media followers.

However, in February this year, he received a backlash after an interview with the Daily Telegraph went viral after Wallace claimed he spent more time playing computer games than interacting with Sid during an article described as his typical Saturday at home.

MailOnline can reveal Wallace, 60, has never been 'formally diagnosed' with autism, but his close pals believe he displays 'all classic symptoms'

Wallace pictured at home with his wife, Anne-Marie Sterpini

Wallace broke his silence on Thursday after officially stepping down from his position, thanking his fans for their support.

The BBC claims that Gregg walked away from MasterChef after BBC News sent a letter to his agent a week ago on Tuesday, setting out the allegations and giving him a right of reply.

They say he was warned after a complaint was raised in 2018, but new historical claims emerged over the summer of 2024.

Gregg is 'committed to fully cooperating throughout the process', the show's production company Banijay UK said.

Restaurant critic William Sitwell defended Wallace on Friday, revealing in the Daily Telegraph his friend is 'always genuinely interested in the wellbeing of people around him.

'The health, the wealth, or otherwise, of those he works with, of his friends and very large circle of acquaintances. And he's equally open about his own life, sometimes quite extraordinarily so.'

Plus, he also said he tells jokes 'like he's running a Bernard Manning comedy.'

Wallace has denied behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.
The stowaway who hid on a flight from New York to Paris has been freed even though a court heard that she tried to sneak on to planes multiple times before.

Svetlana Dali, 57, was released on her own recognizance and ordered to stay at the house of a friend she knew through church. Judge Joseph Marutollo also barred her from entering any airport.

The federal court in Brooklyn, New York, heard that she had previously tried to get on to planes at multiple domestic airports and an international one.

Her most recent effort was in February this year in Miami when she went into the international arrivals area and walked into a customs zone in an effort to get to departures.

The court heard that Dali, a Russian national, is engaged but her fiance lives overseas.

Dali managed to avoid TSA security and airline checks at New York's JFK airport to sneak on a Delta flight to Paris two days before Thanksgiving.

French authorities refused her mysterious plea for asylum there and the Moscow native arrived back in the United States on Wednesday on a plan after she was removed from an earlier flight for being disruptive.

Svetlana Dali, 57, was allegedly able to get past security checkpoints at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York on Saturday, sneaking on a Delta Air Lines flight headed to Paris

Dali (right), 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

The Russian native was seen in footage begging flight attendants not to 'send her back to America' after she was caught

She was immediately arrested upon landing and taken into federal custody.

The maximum penalty for being a stowaway is five years in prison.

But at Fridays hearing, Judge Marutollo was reluctantly persuaded that she should be freed.

He said that he found himself in a tough spot as he would prefer a third party to guarantee that she would attend court.

This wasnt possible as Dali didnt know anyone in the US who could fulfill the role.

He said he was deeply concerned there is a risk of flight but ordered her released anyway.

She will have to submit to GPS monitoring and a curfew at the residence she will be staying.

Prosecutor Brooke Theodora said that Dalis actions had raised very significant national security concerns and significant public safety risks.

She said: She told law enforcement she tried to travel without a ticket in a number of domestic airports and at least one international one.

According to a law enforcement report from February this year, Dali came into international arrivals at Miami airport and got into a customs area and was trying to get through to departures.

The 57-year-old was arrested at JFK Airport on Wednesday and was charged in federal court with one count of being a stowaway on a vessel or aircraft without consent

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

Theodora said she didnt think Dali was a danger to the community but agreed that she was a flight risk.

Defense lawyer Michael Schneider urged the court to give Dali the benefit of the doubt and said that she understood the gravity of the matter.

Schneider said she would not make things worse for herself by committing another offense and that she didnt even have a passport.

He said that her actions could have been due to a mental health episode and that Dali telling law enforcement about her previous attempts to board planes was down to that as well.

During the hearing, the judge called Dalis friend Silouan Mathew who confirmed on speakerphone that Dali would be staying with him and that they had met through church.

As part of the terms of her release, Dali will have to submit to a mental health evaluation

The hearing was delayed by an hour as Dali was in a hospital and needed to be brought to the court.

She was wearing gray prison-issue pants and a top and had a white medical bracelet on her left wrist.

Dali only spoke through a Russian interpreter to confirm she understood what was going on.

Reports have claimed that Dali, who didnt have a boarding pass, managed to get through a crew member security checkpoint at JFK without having her identity checked.

She went through a regular security line and got onto the plane by going through the gate with a family.

At some point on the flight she reportedly sat in an empty seat but other times she used different bathrooms to disguise the fact she didnt have a ticket, CNN has reported.

Airline security experts have called the incident a wake-up call.

Prosecutor Brooke Theodora said that Dalis actions had raised very significant national security concerns and significant public safety risks

According to a law enforcement report from February this year, Dali came into international arrivals at Miami airport and got into a customs area and was trying to get through to departures

Adding to the concern, Dali's ex-husband has branded her 'a fantasist' who used him to get a Green Card in the US, during an exclusive DailyMail.com interview.

'When I suddenly saw her on TV accused of being a stowaway I thought, I'm not surprised. She's actually very smart, but lives in her own fantasy world,' Mahdi Dali, 62, said.

'I have no idea why she apparently tried to claim asylum in France or why she said only a judge could bring her back to the US. It's as if she's trying to punish the country that opened its doors to her.'

Dali has lived in Philadelphia since her 2014 Moscow wedding to her now ex-husband Mahdi.

She has a daughter and grandchild in Moscow and claims to have been a real estate attorney in the Russian capital.

Dali filed a bizarre lawsuit in Philadelphia claiming she was 'sold for $20,000' by a Russian Federation minister to be a 'slave' to her now ex-husband in America.

It was filed just six days before her attempt to flee to France.

Dali left court with her head down and using a cane to help her walk.

She said she felt bad about being let out as her lawyer led her away.

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 is not 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.'

Because she held a valid US residence, French officials moved to send her back on a return flight to JFK days later, however Dali was intent on remaining outside the US.

In footage from passengers on the return flight, Dali was again seen screaming and protesting her deportation, and said she needed 'asylum.'

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.'
When Dolce & Gabbana get involved, you know its going to be fancy.

And they arent the only high-end brand getting in on this years must-have Christmas dinner gift  a posh panettone.

The Italian classic, which is traditionally made with a light, buttery dough and dried fruit, has been re-invented with boozy flavours such as champagne and passionfruit martini.

Experts say these concoctions are part of a growing trend for newstalgia  where nostalgic traditions are given a modern twist  and increasing demand for attractive Christmas food, driven by social media.

Dolce & Gabbana has released eight flavours of panettone in decorative tins, including a new Sicilian mandarin flavour which costs 58.80 for 1kg.

Meanwhile, Fortnum & Masons 750g triple-chocolate panettone is 50 and its 10kg Ultimate panettone costs 495. All major supermarkets have also embraced the Christmas food trend, offering their own unusual takes.

The prices of the desserts on offer range from a 2 panettone from Asda to the 58.80 Dolce & Gabbana premium pudding

Rosie Taylor with some of the panettones which could replace the Christmas cake this year

Rosie Taylor has sampled some of the panettone's on offer in UK supermarkets

Lidl has luxury gift-wrapped panettone (9.99 for 750g) in flavours such as pear and chocolate, mascarpone and cranberry, and champagne  all imported from Italy.

Others include a limoncello fizz panettone at Waitrose (12 for 750g), passionfruit martini at Morrisons (6.50 for 500g), and tiramisu at Tesco (12.50 for 790g).

Panettone has a long tradition of being exchanged between Italian households at Christmas.

Rich Harding, senior innovation chef at Asda, said: We have seen people moving away from dried fruits in favour of slightly lighter sweet treats  so flavoured panettones are a great way to enjoy [this trend].
A former soldier will face trial over two murders on Bloody Sunday  after his bid to have the case against him thrown out was refused.

The man, who cannot be identified, is accused of murdering James Wray and William McKinney when members of the Parachute Regiment shot dead 13 civil rights protesters in Londonderry in January 1972.

Known as Soldier F in court, the former paratrooper is also charged with five attempted murders. He pleaded not guilty to each of the seven counts as they were read to him during his arraignment inside Belfast Crown Court yesterday.

The veteran sat in the witness box, with a thick, floor-to-ceiling blue curtain shielding him to protect his anonymity. Relatives of Bloody Sunday victims watched from the public gallery.

James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) died on Bloody Sunday in January 1972

Mickey McKinney, brother of William McKinney, speaks to the media outside Belfast Crown Court, where Soldier F has pleaded not guilty to murdering James Wray and William McKinney

The arraignment took place after a defence application to have the case dismissed ahead of trial was refused by judge Mr Justice Fowler.

In June, Soldier Fs barrister made the no bill application, arguing there was an insufficiency of evidence against him.

In response, the prosecution insisted Soldier F was part of a group of paratroopers that entered Glenfada Park North in the Bogside area of Derry and opened fire on unarmed civilians running away from them, with each soldier allegedly firing with an intention to kill.

Delivering his ruling, Mr Justice Fowler said a trial could take place early next year.
A historic Maine home mysteriously caught fire earlier this week, destroying the four-bedroom property as it emerged the owner owes nearly $73,000 in property taxes.

The 2,388-square-foot home caught fire just before 5am on Tuesday with no one was inside at the time, a spokesman from the Bangor Fire Department said.

Owned by James Butler Jr., 63, the Lincoln Street property was declared vacant by the city in 2017, and was later placarded as the home had no active water or sewer connections.

At least six fire departments responded to the blaze, as crews noticed heavy flames appearing from all three stories of the house.

At one point in their rescue, Bangors Assistant Fire Chief, Chandler Corriveau, said the fire 'was so intense' they had to pull responders out of the building.

'Lot of digging, a lot of hot spots, we have tin ceilings, balloon frame construction so the fire ran from the first floor all the way to the third floor and as you can see its a pretty large building,' Corriveau, said.

The cause of the damaging fire is yet to be released.

The owner owes $73,000 in back taxes for two of six Bangor properties he owns, according to the city's treasurer department.

A historic Maine home mysteriously caught fire earlier this week, destroying the 4-bedroom property whose owner owes nearly $73,000 in property taxes. Pictured: The torched vacant 67 Lincoln Street home in Bangor, Maine

James Butler Jr., who owns five buildings and an empty plot of land in Bangor, owes $73,000 in back taxes for two of his six properties, according to the city's treasurer department, a slight decrease from the $84,000 he reportedly owned in 2021. Pictured: The vacant 67 Lincoln Street home before the devastating December 3 fire

Butler's current property tax debt is only a slight decrease from the $84,000 he reportedly owned the city in 2021.

The Hampden-native - who reportedly ran an unsuccessful campaign for Bangor City Council in 2021 - owns properties at 72, 181 and 424 State Street, 125 Warren Street and 67 Lincoln Street as well as an empty lot in the 100 block of Buck Street.

Of the several properties owned by Butler, four appear on the city's vacant list, and the fifth appears to be unoccupied and in a dilapidated state.

City officials found several code violations at Butler's 72 State Street property, which was formerly a dentist office, as they discovered the building 'was not safe for people to live or work,' city solicitor David Szewczyk said.

His third property on State Street, 424, is not listed with the others, yet, appears to be in distress as it presents multiple broken windows, missing shingles and an extremely overgrown landscape, Bangor Daily News reported.

The torched Lincoln Street home is just one of many known vacant properties scattered across the 31,000 population town, as owners - including out-of-state banks - allow the buildings to sit empty for long periods of time, amounting to potential safety hazards and restricting available housing.

Now, 76 properties remain vacant in Bangor, a city official said, noting the affect the vacant properties have on the 'already tight market' and the state-wide demand for housing.

'We have a housing shortage and its not good for the city to have a whole bunch of vacant residential buildings,' Szewczyk said.

The 63-year-old owes approximately $73,000 in back taxes for his 72 and 181 State Street properties, according to the city's treasurer department, a slight decrease from the $84,000 he reportedly owned in 2021

Vacant properties can be added to the city's list in a number of ways, however, once deemed 'vacant' the owner has 60 days to obtain a permit and pay the registration fee.

Such permit is valid for six months, after which fees double for each renewal, capping at $4,000, but a vacant property owner will eventually pay $8,000 annually if the home remains empty for a number of years.

Butler's properties at 72 State Street, 181 State Street and 67 Lincoln Street were registered as such on May 1, however, those registrations expired in November.

Maine law states that if your taxes are unpaid, the collector can sell your home at a public auction on the first Monday in February after the tax was assessed, Maine Legislature reads.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has said Putin 'does not need real peace' after two Russian aerial attacks killed at least 12 and injured dozens more, including a baby.

Shocking images show fires engulfing parts of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, where at least 10 people were killed following a Russian aerial attack on December 6.

Clouds of billowing smoke covered the sky as flames tore through buildings and cars, as emergency responders rushed to the devastating scenes to help the injured.

It is believed two others have been killed in a separate air strike on Zelensky's hometown of Kryvyi Rig yesterday, officials said.

Zaporizhzhia governor Ivan Fedorov confirmed the attack had hit a car garage and a service station, posting images of the inferno and debris strewn across the street,

A total of 24 people have been wounded, including a four-month-old girl and at least two other children aged four and 11, the governor said.

The Ukrainian President has said the attacks showed Russia had no interest in a deal to end its nearly three-year invasion, as Moscow ramps up its air strikes.

'Thousands of such strikes carried out by Russia during this war make it absolutely clear that Putin does not need real peace,' Zelensky said in a post on Telegram.

Ukrainian President Zelensky has said Putin 'does not need real peace' after two Russian aerial attacks killed at least 12 and injured dozens more, including a baby (Pictured: Zaporizhzhia on December 6)

Shocking images show fires engulfing parts of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, where at least 10 people were killed following a Russian aerial attack on December 6

Clouds of billowing smoke covered the sky as flames tore through buildings and cars, as emergency responders rushed to the devastating scenes to help the injured

Pictured: Ambulance paramedics provide first aid to a man injured by a Russian strike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine

'Only by force can we resist this. And only through force can real peace be established,' he added.

Ukraine's national emergency services said on Telegram that the petrol station blaze was extinguished along with blazing six cars.

Another 17 were wounded in the strike on Kryvyi Rig in the centre of Ukraine, the President confirmed.

Among the injured in Zelensky's hometown was a six-year-old boy, Oleksandr Vilkul the head of Kryvyi Rig military administration said.

A three-storey building was destroyed, and residential buildings as well as cars were damaged in the airstrike, according to the agency.

It comes after weeks of sharp escalation in the conflict, with Russia stepping up its attacks on Kyiv's energy infrastructure at the start of winter.

The support of Kyiv's key ally - the US - has been brought into question as Donald Trump's return to the White House looms.

Meanwhile Ukraine's outgunned and outmanned forces have buckled across the eastern front in the face of a grinding pre-winter offensive from Russia.

Moscow said Friday its forces had captured a village near the embattled supply hub of Pokrovsk and another near the industrial town of Kurakhove, gaining further ground in two key areas of the east Ukraine frontline.

It is believed two others have been killed in a separate air strike on Zelensky's hometown of Kryvyi Rig, officials said

A total of 24 people have been wounded, including a four-month-old girl and at least two other children aged four and 11

Ukraine's national emergency services said on Telegram that the petrol station blaze was extinguished along with six cars on fire

An emergency services responder extinguishing a fire following an aerial attack on Zaporizhzhia on December 6

'Thousands of such strikes carried out by Russia during this war make it absolutely clear that Putin does not need real peace,' Zelensky said in a post on Telegram

Vladimir Putin holds a meeting with the Defence Ministry leadership and representatives of the defence industry, in Moscow, Russia on November 22

Another 17 were wounded in the strike on Kryvyi Rig in the centre of Ukraine, the President said said (Pictured: Zaporizhzhia on December 6)

Officials carry the injured man to ambulance following a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia

Emergency services load an individual onto an ambulance following the aerial attack

An injured man being carried via a gurney by officials following the Russian airstrike in Ukraine

Firefighters intervene the fire that broke out in the area following a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia

It comes shortly after Zelensky hinted he would agree a ceasefire deal to end the Ukraine war if Nato agrees to accept his country as a member.

In an interview with Sky News, the Ukrainian president suggested he was prepared to end the 'hot phase' of the war in exchange for membership of the bloc.

He said if the Ukrainian territory he controls was taken 'under the NATO umbrella', he could return the rest, which is currently under Russian occupation, in a 'diplomatic way'.

Zelensky had previously suggested that the war would not end until his country is returned to its internationally recognised borders.

'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 said.

'We need to do it fast. And then on the [occupied] territory of Ukraine, Ukraine can get them back in a diplomatic way.'

The Ukrainian leader was answering questions on what president-elect Donald Trump's desire to end the war would mean for his country.

It has been reported that one of the Republican's plans to achieve this would involve Kyiv ceding the land taken by Russia in exchange for Ukraine's Nato membership.

Emergency services rush to the aid of the injured in Zaporizhzhia on December 6

The blaze continues as emergency responders do their best to help the injured

It comes after weeks of sharp escalation in the conflict, with Russia stepping up its attacks on Kyiv's energy infrastructure at the start of winter

Mr Zelenskys concessions follow a series of disappointments on the battlefield for Ukraine. Russia has taken six times as much Ukrainian territory in 2024 as it did last year.

And the pace of the Kremlins advances has forced Ukraine to send thousands of reservists to reinforce vulnerable areas in the east.

The Kremlins so-called meat grinder tactics have resulted in Russias daily casualty figures breaking 2,000 for the first time, according to figures released in November.

Troops are ordered to charge at gunpoint towards Ukrainian defensive positions, leading to territorial gains but increasingly high losses through death, injury and fleeing from the frontline.

Zelensky's comments also come after an alliance chief assured last month that Ukraine will become a Nato member in the future - but was unable to say when the country might join.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reiterated on October 17 that the war-torn nation's place is among NATO's ranks.

'Ukraine will be a member of NATO in the future,' Rutte said. 'The question is exactly about the 'when'. I cannot answer that now.'

He said Vladimir Putin must understand that 'we are in this, if necessary, for the long haul. And obviously we want to be in a place where Zelensky and Ukraine, from a position of strength, is able to start talks with Russia.'

Analysts expect the next few months to be crucial as both sides jostle for battlefield momentum ahead of what are expected to be peace negotiations imposed by Trump.

Zelensky is set to travel to Paris this weekend for the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral, where he hopes to meet with the US president-elect, a senior Ukraine official told AFP.

A firefighter dousing the inferno with water following the Russian aerial attack on Zaporizhzhia

A view of destruction following a Russian attack yesterday

President Zelensky and Trump meet at Trump Tower in New York on September 27

Trump, a sceptic of US aid to Kyiv, has said he could end the war within 24 hours of coming to office, but has yet to say how he intends to do so.

Zelensky has repeatedly said Ukraine would not be able to hold off Russia's advancing troops without US support.

There are currently fears in Kyiv that Trump could try to force them to accept peace terms favourable to Russia.

Ukraine worries after Trump named Keith Kellogg, a retired general and critic of US military aid, as his Ukraine envoy last month.

President Joe Biden's outgoing administration announced an additional $725-million (568,850,515) military package for the country on Monday.
The EU has exploited the power vacuum in Paris to push through a trade deal with South American countries vehemently opposed by French ministers and farmers.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen jetted to Montevideo, Uruguay, to conclude the trade deal yesterday, which she described as a win-win agreement.

The free trade arrangement, which follows nearly 25 years of negotiations, was agreed at a meeting of the Mercosur trade bloc, which also includes Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

But the deal was agreed while the French government was in a state of paralysis following the resignation of Prime Minister Michele Barnier on Thursday after a no-confidence vote.

President Emmanuel Macron is in talks and said he hopes to announce a successor in the coming days.

News of the deal provoked anger among farmers who fear it will pave the way for cheaper imports.

But the European farmers group COPA-COGECA immediately reiterated its opposition to the agreement and called for a flash protest in Brussels on Monday.

EU countries and the European Parliament must now firmly challenge the terms of this agreement, the group said.

Ursula Von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, delivering a speech in Montevideo, Uruguay

French and Belgian farmers block the border between the two countries with tractors, with a placard reading 'is there a future for us'?

France, which has been rocked by successive protests by farmers saying the agreement would bring unfair competition, has tried to forge a blocking minority of EU countries.

Poland has rallied to Frances side, and Italian government sources say Rome believes the conditions are not met to back the deal. The Netherlands and Austria have also expressed reservations.

Frances minister for trade, Sophie Primas, said of Ms von der Leyens announcement: Today is not the end of the story.... This only commits the commission, not the (EU) member states.

But Germany, desperate to open more trade opportunities amid gloom for its manufacturing sector, had strongly come out in favour of the EU-Mercosur deal, as had Spain.

The agreement would create a sprawling free-trade zone of more than 700 million people.

But the EU-Mercosur deal still needs approval from at least 15 of the European Unions 27 member nations representing 65 percent of the EU population, as well as the European Parliament.

Ms von der Leyen said efforts being made by the government of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to protect the Amazon are welcome, and they are necessary - but preserving the Amazon is a shared responsibility of all humanity.

Responding to European farmers, she told them: We have heard you, listened to your concerns, and we are acting on them. This agreement includes robust safeguards to protect your livelihoods.

The deal, once ratified, would allow the EU to export cars, machinery and pharmaceutical products more easily to South America.

In return, Brazil and its neighbours would be able to sell meat, sugar, rice, honey, soybeans and other products to Europe with fewer restrictions.

Protesters hold a banner reading 'More income for farmers, less speculation' at the Grand Palais in Paris

A man painting a message which translates to 'No confidence vote sends us to the wall', as farmers brick up the office of former president Francois Hollande in Tulle, central France

It comes as UK farmers protesting about inheritance tax changes held demonstrations which closed two of Waless busiest ports on Thursday night - one for six hours.

Farmers gathered at Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, and Holyhead, Anglesey, at 9pm and Fishguard was not reopened until 1am, while Holyhead was shut until 3am.

A spokeswoman for Stena Line, which operates both ports, said one ferry left Holyhead three hours late as a result. It did not reveal any details of disruption at Fishguard.

Farmer Gareth Wyn Jones, among Welsh farmers who have been taking part in protests about the decision to scrap an exemption to inheritance tax for farms being passed down the generations, said: Its time government began listening to the farming community
Donald Trump is backing his decision to pick Pete Hegseth as his Defense Secretary, despite sexual abuse allegations and concerns about his drinking.

Hegseth was nominated to run the Pentagon in the wake of Trump's landslide victory in the presidential election last month, but voters have questioned the decision after the slew of claims about former Fox News host's personal life.

But in a surprising admission, Trump acknowledged he was aware of the drama that's surrounded Hegseth since he was put up for the role, but appeared unfazed by the critics.

'It looks like Pete is doing well now,' Trump told NBC News. 'I mean, people were a bit concerned. He's a young guy, with a tremendous track record actually.

'He went to Princeton and went to Harvard. He was a good student at both. But he loves the military and I think people are starting to see it so we'll be working on his nomination along with a lot of others.'

While he is viewed as a controversial pick in part due to some of his views, like saying women should not serve in combat roles in the military, more significant accusations emerged over the last two weeks.

Among them, claims he would routinely drink on the job, a woman accusing Hegseth of sexually assaulting her in October 2017, and a scathing whistleblower report saying he was forced out of leadership roles at two prominent nonprofit advocacy groups after serious allegations of financial mismanagement, sexist behavior, and intoxication on the job.

The turmoil only worsened when a New York Times report published a 2018 email from Hegseth's mother calling her son an 'abuser of women.'

Trump was confident in his decision to pick Pete Hegseth as his Defense Secretary during an exclusive interview with 'Meet the Press' moderator, Kristen Welker

Donald Trump expressed confidence in choosing Pete Hegseth as his Defense Secretary pick amid a long string of allegations regarding the former Fox News host's personal life resurfaced

Hegseth is on thin ice as reports of excessive alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct have casted doubt on his ability to run the Pentagon

Ten employees of Fox News, both current and former, said that his drinking worried the network - with two of them noting how Hegseth smelled of alcohol before going on air more than a dozen times.

But the president-elect slammed the 'fake news' and insisted the former Fox News host's support is 'strong and deep' as he battles to get the votes needed for his nomination.

In his NBC interview, Trump maintained confidence in Hegseth's ability for the role.

'He's a very smart guy. I've known him through Fox, but I've known him for a long time,' Trump said.

'And he's basically a military guy,' he added. 'Every time I talk to him, all he wants to talk about is the military. He's a military guy.'

The former president also noted how 'a lot of senators call me up saying he's fantastic', NBC News reported.

When Trump was asked if he had any concerns with Hegseth's struggle with alcohol - which Hegseth has since vowed to cut out if the nomination works out - his short answer was no.

'But I've spoken to people that know him very well and they say he does not have a drinking problem,' Trump responded.

In an interview set to air Sunday, Trump said: 'It looks like Pete is doing well now. I mean, people were a bit concerned. He's a young guy, with a tremendous track record actually. He went to Princeton and went to Harvard. He was a good student at both'

Trump continued his support online, sharing on Truth Social on Friday night he fully believes Hegseth is a 'winner'.

'Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe,' he wrote.

'He was a great student - Princeton/Harvard educated - with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill.

'Pete is a winner, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!'

A Trump transition spokesperson also called the claims following Hegseth 'completely unfounded and false', NBC News reported Tuesday.

Ten employees of Fox News, both current and former, said that his drinking worried the network - with two of them noting how Hegseth smelled of alcohol before going on air more than a dozen times

Regarding Hegseth's drinking, Trump said: 'I've spoken to people that know him very well and they say he does not have a drinking problem'

Along with claims of being intoxicated on the job, a string of reports surrounding sexual harassment imposed by Hegseth himself have casted further doubt on his character.

The woman who accused Hegseth of raping her at the Republican women's conference in California in 2017 reported the incident to police - though no charges were ever filed.

During an interview with Megyn Kelly on her show Wednesday, he noted that he thought he 'had to' pay off the woman because he was married and up for a new job - and wanted the allegations to just go away.

The alleged assault was the middle of the #MeToo movement, and Hegseth's lawyer said he was afraid of losing his Fox News position if the allegations got out, so he paid the woman as part of a nondisclosure agreement first reported last month by the Washington Post.

'I paid her because I had to, or at least I thought I did at the time,' Hegseth detailed.

'She got lawyers that reached out to mine and said, "If you don't come forward, and if you don't pay money, then ultimately we're going to out him." We were in the middle of a #MeToo movement. I had a great job at Fox and a wonderful marriage.'

He continued: 'It's not what I should have done 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 purely to try to prevent that.'

Hegseth also paid off a woman who accused him of raping her at the 2017 Republican women's conference in California because he was happily married and up for a new job

The 44-year-old former Fox News host has spent the last week meeting with senators and the president-elect on Capitol Hill to convince them that he's the right choice

The whistleblower report detailed one particularly egregious incident at a Louisiana strip club, claiming Hegseth attempted to join dancers on stage and needed to be physically restrained.

According to the report, his reckless behavior extended beyond public settings, fostering a workplace rife with sexism and impropriety.

It was reported Trump considered an 11th hour move to flip out his controversial pick for friend-turned-rival, Ron DeSantis.

Multiple sources close to the Trump camp told The Wall Street Journal that DeSantis - who ran against Trump in the Republican Primary before dropping out - is the choice to replace Hegseth in his Cabinet.

But 44-year-old Hegseth has spent the last week meeting with senators and the president-elect on Capitol Hill to convince them that he's the right choice.
Devastated dog owners have issued an urgent warning after their pets fell ill after drinking from public water bowls laced with rat poison.

Sophie Watkins was walking her three dogs at the popular Hourglass Reserve, in Cooloongup in Perth's south, last Saturday.

Two of her dogs drank water from a public water bowl before she discovered blue pellets of what appeared to be rat poison nearby.

Ms Watkins quickly rinsed the bowl to remove the toxic substance and reported the the blue pellets to council rangers.

She took her golden retrievers to the Baldivis Vet Hospital with vets discovering the poisonous substance after both dogs vomited.

'It appears the rat bait didn't dissolve in the water and a few pellets they ingested came back up when the emergency vet induced vomiting,' she told Perth Now.

Ms Watkins said it could have been much worse if her pets consumed the pesticide.

'We were extremely lucky and hope no other pups were worse off,' she said.

Jess Cowie's two Staffordshire Bull Terriers fell ill after drinking water from a public dog bowl at Rockingham Dog Beach (one of the dogs is pictured)

Two dogs fell ill after drinking water at Rockingham dog beach, in Perth's southwest (pictured)

Just hours later, Jess Cowie's two Staffordshire Bull Terriers fell ill after drinking water from a public dog bowl at Rockingham Dog Beach.

'The vet says it's most likely from traces of poison. He is doing ok, but still very sick and miserable,' Ms Cowie told Perth Now.

City of Rockingham Council Mayor Deb Hamblin told Daily Mail Australia no further incidents have been reported to rangers and that patrols would be increased in lieu of the incidents.

'Rangers have assisted investigations by checking CCTV footage and canvassing local community members to try to identify any person of interest,' Mayor Hambling said

'This act is abhorrent and we ask that our residents be vigilant when taking their pets out for a walk to ensure their pets are also not victims of poisoning.'

Intentionally poisoning an animal in Western Australia attracts a fine of up to $50,000 or five years behind bars according to the Animal Welfare Act 2002.
The Oxford Union has a reputation as one of the worlds most prestigious debating societies and is a bastion of free speech.

But it has found itself at the centre of a censorship row after publishing muted footage of a debate on genocide.

Jonathan Sacerdoti, a Jewish journalist and Oxford alumnus, was heckled and abused during a speech opposing a student motion branding Israel an apartheid state responsible for genocide.

One woman shouted at Mr Sacerdoti that he was a liar before adding: F*** you, the genocidal motherf*****!

A spokesman for Counter Terrorism Policing South East said it was making enquiries into reports of a person expressing support for a proscribed organisation during the event.

Mr Sacerdoti has now accused the 200-year-old society of airbrushing out the abuse levelled against him by muting parts of a video of his speech uploaded to YouTube.

Around eight minutes into the footage, he says that Israel has given 700,000 tons of food to Gaza, which prompts shouts from the audience.

The Oxford Union is subject to a police probe following a debate which labelled Israel 'an apartheid state responsible for genocide'

Alumnus Jonathan Sacerdoti spoke against the motion, but accused the Union of airbrushing out abuse levelled at him after parts of his speech appeared to be muted in a YouTube video of the debate

Mr Sacerdoti making his speech during the Oxford Union debate opposing the motion

The President of the Union, Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy, can be heard saying the speaker is entitled to be heard in silence before the audio cuts for almost two minutes  at which point Mr Sacerdoti says he was abused.

Mr Sacerdoti last night uploaded his own video of the event, spliced with an audio recording of his speech and mobile phone footage shot by his husband. It shows how his speech was halted by the chaotic scenes.

Mr Sacerdoti said of the chaos: If students today  and especially those in our premier university  cant debate and talk rationally and calmly on a contentious issue, then there is a big problem.

It is the latest in a string of controversial incidents affecting the debating society, which is run by Oxford students. It did not respond to requests for comment.
The principal of Dundee University, who told staff to prepare for 'inevitable' job cuts despite booking 4,300 business class flights to Hong Kong, has quit.

Prof Iain Gillespie stood down from his 305,000-a-year role as principal and vice-chancellor, the university announced yesterday.

It comes just weeks after he told staff that job cuts were 'inevitable', as the University faces a potential deficit of 30million in the next financial year.

However, last week BBC News reported that Prof Gillespie and another staff member expensed a 7,154 business trip to Hong Kong, with business class flights and accommodation included.

It was also reported that business class flights for a trip to China and Dubai were booked costing more than 8,300 before being rebooked with cheaper premium economy flights.

Prof Gillespie has also stepped down from his role as covener of umbrella body Universities Scotland.

Vice-chancellor Prof Shane O'Neill has taken over as principal.

Prof Gillespie served as principal of the university for four years, replacing Andrew Atherton who resigned amid a scandal over rent payments.

Professor Iain Gillespie, former Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee

The University of Dundee reportedly faces a potential deficit of 30million in the next financial year

Mr Gillespies resignation was announced to staff at 10am in an email from chair of the universitys governing body, Amanda Millar, The Courier reported.

Ms Millar said: 'The university leadership group has been working intensively over recent weeks to develop a recovery plan to address this situation.

'Prof Shane O'Neill, as deputy vice-chancellor and provost, will take on the leadership of the University Executive Group.

'I am optimistic that they, working closely with our court, will re-establish a more stable financial foundation to allow the university to flourish again.'

It comes as fellow University president Koen Lamberts has come under fire after he reportedly claimed back thousands of pounds in expenses for business class long-haul flights, whilst forcing students to attend lectures on climate change.

Professor Koen Lamberts, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Sheffield, reportedly claimed 17,598 for upgraded travel in his annual expenses this year.

This included 16,778 on overseas business class flights and another 820 on upgraded train journeys.

He made the claims while Sheffield University faces a 50million shortfall, and is attempting to make 23m of savings in staff costs with a voluntary redundancy programme.

Professor Koen Lamberts, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Sheffield, claimed 17,598 for business travel

Under his management the University of Sheffield introduced modules on climate change - while he jetted off on plush long-haul flights

Psychology specialist Prof Lamberts has previously been criticised in reports for his expenses claims at both the University of Sheffield and the University of York.

In York, he is reported to have claimed more than 20,000 in expenses in a year, much of which was on flights.

But shortly after arriving at Sheffield, the long-haul-loving university boss implemented a regime that saw classes on climate change attached to every degree.

The professor is facing a crisis of leadership after 93.3 per cent of unionised university workers and postgraduate students under UCU, Unite and Unison banners said they had no confidence in him or other senior leaders.

The university, however, says this does not represent the views of the vast majority of staff.
A popular London nightclub has been allowed to remain open after a woman was allegedly raped in the vicinity of the venue last month.

Heaven, in Charing Cross, was told to close for up to 28 days last month following the alleged rape incident on November 1.

The Met Police said a member of the security team was arrested and charged over an alleged incident that reportedly saw a drunk reveller removed from the queue and 'preyed upon' by a bouncer.

Westminster City Council suspended the club's licence following a request from the police, pending a licensing hearing.

Following that hearing, which took place this week and saw management speak to the club's record, the suspension has now been lifted.

A spokesperson for the authority said: 'Having considered all of the evidence presented by Heaven's management, residents and the Metropolitan Police, the council's licensing committee have agreed to lift the suspension of the venue's licence.

'The committee was satisfied that Heaven's operators have demonstrated significant improvements to security and stated that appropriate management plans are now in place for the venue to operate safely.'

Heaven, in Charing Cross, was told to close for up to 28 days last month following the alleged rape incident on November 1

A member of the security team was arrested and charged since the incident. Picture: Stock image of Met Police officers

However, councillors have imposed conditions upon the venue so it can remain open.

These include a 'last entry' of 3am, a ban on queue drinking and revamped security.

The spokesperson added: 'Conditions were placed on the licence to include the enhancement of queue management, improve CCTV coverage and the ability to conduct ID checks to ensure public safety.

'This decision means that the nightclub will be allowed to reopen immediately provided all safety measures are in place.'

According to the Standard, the city council heard how victims of the alleged rape were taken from the club's 'very long queue' while she was drunk and was 'preyed upon' by a bouncer.

Lawyer, Gary Grant, representing the Met Police, said the force did not want the venue to close due to its importance to the LGBTQ+ community.

Mr Grant said: 'What the police have done unapologetically is sought to ensure that the sort of incidents which have led us here will not happen again and the sort of risks to the vulnerable people in that queue are reduced.'

The club said it was 'appalled' by the alleged rape, adding that it would continue to work closely with police.

It claimed to have been 'duped' by the bouncer's use of a forged security licence, and that it had not been aware he was not registered.

'All involved in Heaven are appalled by what occurred and of course gave the police the fullest possible cooperation to bring the offender to justice,' said Phillip Kolvin KC, representing Heaven.

An earlier incident saw three bouncers beating up a customer on the floor. The trio were later fired.
Swarms of police officers in bulletproof vests have stormed a quiet Sydney suburb after reports of a self-harm incident.

It's understood a man shot himself inside a home on Cromer Road in Cromer, on Sydney's Northern Beaches just before 12pm on Saturday.

A police helicopter was also seen circling the scene.

A NSW Ambulance spokesman said four crews attended the home.

NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia that as the incident was self-harm related, no further comment could be provided.
A CNN guest his suggested that UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson may have orchestrated his own assassination.

Law enforcement veteran Neill Franklin told Dana Bash that such an idea was not out of the realm of possibility when he made the claim on Friday.

Bash had asked the former Maryland officer if he believed that the New York Police Department knew the identity of Thompson's shooter.

He said: 'It's a very good possibility that they already know who he is, there's a very good chance of that.

'There have been times when people have orchestrated their own demise for certain reasons.'

Clearly shocked, Bash can be heard saying, 'wow', as Franklin continues: 'I am not saying this is the case', before Bash asks if it relates to insurance purposes.

'Maybe they fear some type of investigation down the road, maybe they want to leave their family in a good light.

'There have been cases when people have orchestrated their own demise, it is a possibility. It cannot be ignored.'

Law enforcement veteran Neill Franklin, seen here, told Dana Bash that such an idea was not out of the realm of possibility when he made the claim on Friday

Thompson, seen here, was gunned down by an unknown assailant on Wednesday morning in Midtown, Manhattan

Franklin continued: 'This is what is digging at me as a former investigator, this guy knew too much about where he was going to be at a specific time.

'It's a very small window, it is not like he was roaming around. He was there, he was laying in wait. Who would have that specific type of information?'

Officers believe they are closing the net on Thompson's killer as the manhunt for him continued on Friday.

Investigators managed to find what they believe to be his backpack inside Central Park on Friday which they are having tested at a lab.

Officers were seen scouring the park near 64th street and Central Park West for evidence relating to the shooter, after he was seen fleeing into the park on a electric bike.

CNN reported that the bag was found by cops on their second sweep of the park, and was placed between boulders just south of the park's carousel.

The NYPD have also given a clearer idea of the killer's movements after he murdered Thompson.

They say he entered the park after the shooting at 6:48am and then was spotted exiting on 77th Street in the Upper West Side of Manhattan oat 6:56am.

Surveillance footage captured him near 86th Street and Columbus Avenue two minutes after he left the park, while still on his bike.

Detectives investigating the murder also found shell casings with the words 'deny', 'defend' and 'depose' inscribed on them

Investigators managed to find what they believe to be his backpack inside Central Park on Friday which they are having tested at a lab. The backpack is seen here

At 7:04 am he then go into a taxi cab at 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue and headed north.

By 7:30 am he had made it to the Port Authority bus terminal in the north of the city where they say he boarded a bus and left the city.

On Thursday officials said the individual had arrived into the city in late November on a bus from Atlanta, Georgia, and had been staying inside a hostel on the Upper West Side.

It was inside the hostel that a flirty exchange with a hostel worker gave police officers their first glimpse at the killer, when he was asked to lower his mask.

The Chief of Detectives with the NYPD Joseph Kenny has said that they believe the assassin is either a disgruntled ex-employee or an angry client.

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.

It was inside the hostel that a flirty exchange with a hostel worker gave police officers their first glimpse at the killer, when he was asked to lower his mask

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 accused of insider trading.

The department launched a probe into whether the private company was unfairly restricting competitors and running a monopoly.
A Nantucket homeowner who ignored a 'sketchy' Airbnb request to rent her stunning home later learned dozens of teenagers broke in and threw a schoolwide party.

Edith Stone Lentini, 47, received a strange request just days before the break-in asking if she would rent the $2.3 million dollar property for a single night to be used for a teen Halloween party.

'Alice' stated in the message that her daughter wanted to throw a 'little Halloween party' for her and her 14 to 15 year old friends on October 28.

She disclosed to Lentini - who bought the three-bedroom home in 2012 - she would be there to supervise the young adults, adding there 'wouldn't even really be a party.'

'They just wanna do a fun dress up get-together to take some pictures and eat some pizza you know?' the rental request read.

'It wouldn't even really be a party. I will leave the house spotless and I'm sure nothing will be ruined,' the message concluded.

Feeling unnerved about the peculiar ask, Lentini did not respond to the message.

But just days later, on November 1, Nantucket Police phoned the 47-year-old, who permanently resides in Armonk, New York, to ask her if she was aware there was a party happening at the 20 Field Avenue home.

A posh Nantucket homeowner ignored a 'sketchy' Airbnb request to rent her million dollar home, only to later learn that dozens of teenagers broke in and threw a schoolwide party. Pictured: The 20 Field Avenue house in Nantucket, Massachusetts

Edith Stone Lentini (pictured), 47, received a rather strange request on Airbnb just days before the break-in, asking if she would rent the $2.3 million dollar property for a single night to be used for a teen Halloween party

Shocked, she began to wonder on at her precious property, but quickly started to put clues.

'Once I put two and two together, it was obviously a child writing the message,' she said. 'Because the end [of the message] was, "Im sure nothing will get ruined." Thats not how you ask a host to rent you out.'

It is likely the Halloween ravers did not take well to being ghosted by Lentini as she is sure it was them who broke into the luxury home through an unlocked window.

The schoolwide costume party was in full swing when police arrived around 10pm, in response to a neighbor's noise complaint.

Lentini flew out to the resort island over the following weekend to assess the damage.

'All day Saturday Im thinking, they spray-painted my walls. My artwork is messed up. I had just renovated the cottage in 2024, my first rental was just in August,' she said. 'I put all of my money into fixing it.'

After she and her husband divorced in 2021, the Armonk-native fought to keep the cottage, a priceless keepsake for her children as her family has been visiting the picturesque island since 1899.

Picturing unspeakably high-priced damages, Lentini was surprised when she finally arrived at the home on November 3.

'I have to say, they did take care,' Lentini told the Nantucket Current.

'They took all the pictures and mirrors off the walls. They took all the pillows off the sofa and put them in the basement. They moved all the furniture aside, rolled up my white carpet and moved it into the screened-in porch, and moved my TV.

'As much as Im upset about this, they did take care of the house. The most damage was just sticky floors. They even put "do not enter" tape around the TV stand,' she added.

As the break-in investigation continued, police uncovered additional details as to how the cunning teens nearly pulled off the brave stunt.

The girl who sent the unusual message to Lentini was found to have posted videos of the home on popular social media platform, Snapchat, showcasing her festively decorating the 5,006 square-foot home.

Officers told her that the kids were just 14 and 15 years old and that their plan entailed having ninth graders come to the house at a certain time, followed by 10th graders at a later time, and so on.

Left in pure shock and worry for her beloved property, Lentini flew out to the resort island to assess the damage. Pictured: Nantucket, Massachusetts, a resort island known for its 82 miles of beaches, lighthouses and picturesque harbor

'The audacity of it and the fact she staggered the grades,' Lentini said.

'But knowing my house was not wrecked, I can take humor from it and say she should really become a party planner. I would hate for this to hinder her in her future.'

The homeowner said all that the partiers left behind were sticky floors, an Amazon monitor and a bottle of Tito's vodka.

'At least they have good taste, Lentini said.

Nantucket Police first learned of the break-in after concerned neighbors reported 'youths in the area making loud noises,' Lt. Angus MacVicar said.

MacVicar added that an 'extensive investigation' is underway, but have not yet determined if any charges would be filed.

'I want to thank my neighbors that they knew enough to call. If I wasnt in a year-round neighborhood, I dont know what would have happened,' Lentini said.

Nantucket Police declined to release the official police report from the incident, citing that all the individuals involved in the incident are juveniles.

'A lot of kids were in attendance, but not all of them are part of the investigation,' MacVicar said. 'They wouldnt necessarily be charged.'

Lentini, who has a 17-year-old and 14-year-old twins, said she does not intend to press charges.
An Aussie dad who bought his 10-year-old daughter a $680,000 home says he did it in order to secure her future amid Australia's deepening housing crisis.

When she's old enough to move in, 10-year-old Victoria will be handed the keys to her home in Frankston, 54km south-east of Melbourne's CBD.

Her dad Bernhard Walther paid $680,000 for the two-bedroom home at auction in October, outbidding two first home buyers.

But he's not sure if Victoria is fully aware of what the purchase means for her future.

'I think she knew it when we said it, but I'm not sure she really recognised it. I would think that kids her age, later on, they will never be able to buy something any more,' Mr Walther told The Age.

'I think a lot of people are (buying property for their children) and I think it's smart to do if you want to look after your kids.'

The family have no mortgage on their current home and spent four years watching the market before they made a move on the Frankston home.

Mr Walther believes property prices will continue to increase as record high and a severe lack of supply combine to create a worsening housing crisis in Australia.

Bernhard Walther (pictured) and his wife paid $680,000 for a two-bedroom home in the Melbourne suburb of Frankston for their ten-year-old daughter

The two-bedroom home is described as 'a charming character cottage with 10ft ceilings and art deco details in the heart of Frankston' on the online listing

Mr Walther said with the state of the Australian property market he doubts his daughter would be able to buy a home in the future. The property the 10-year-old is set to inherit is pictured

They plan to rent the property to tenants before Victoria is old enough to move in.

The home was described in the property listing as 'a charming character cottage with 10ft ceilings and art deco details in the heart of Frankston that perfectly blends vintage charm with modern convenience.'

Over the last four years, the median price for a two-bedroom house in Frankston rose from $480,000 to $580,000.

The house features two bedrooms, one bathroom, sunroom, separate dining room, stained glass front door, double garage and sits on a 600sqm lot within walking distance to Frankston train station, a beach, the local TAFE and a shopping centre.

In November a dad forked out nearly $3million for a home in Sydney's inner west and promptly handed the keys to his daughter.

The father bought the four-bedroom house on 10 Murray Street in Marrickville for $2.912million just 30 minutes after inspecting it for the first time.
Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg has urged Anthony Albanese to declare the targeted attack on a synagogue an act of terror during a fiery address.

The Adass Israel Synagogue, in Ripponlea, in Glen Eira in Melbourne's south-east, was set alight around 4am on Friday morning as worshippers gathered for prayers.

Two people suffered injuries following the attack, which Victoria Police believe was a 'targeted incident'.

Mr Frydenberg on Saturday slammed the Prime Minister for what he felt was a lack of leadership following incidents of anti-Semitism in Australia.

'Prime Minister how did you let it get to this?' he said.

'Where the Australian Jewish community lives in fear... where anti-Semitism has become normalised.'

Mr Frydenberg listed several demands he urged Mr Albanese to act on, the first being to declare the early morning firebombing an act of terror.

'[The prime minister] and his government need to declare yesterday's attack at the Adass Israel Synagogue a terrorist event,' Mr Frydenberg said.

Mr Frydenberg (pictured) held a press conference on Saturday and slammed the Prime Minister over what he felt was a lack of leadership to address incidents of anti-Semitism

Photos from the scene showed the Synagogue well alight (pictured) as firefighters battled to douse the flames as it ripped through the building

'There was a firebombing at a place of worship with people inside, who have been injured as a result and the legislation is very clear.'

Mr Frydenberg, who served as the previous member for the seat of Kooyong, also demanded Mr Albanese implement a national police taskforce to curb anti-Semitism and launch a judicial inquiry into Australian education institutions.

'Please prime minister, see what is happening and act. You and your ministers need to step up, not step back from the challenges we face,' he said.

The Prime Minister told Daily Mail Australia in a statement the attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue was an 'outrage'.

'I want the people responsible caught, charged and to face the full force of the law,' Mr Albanese said.

'Our authorities are working hard to do this and they have my Governments full support.'

Mr Albanese described the incident as a 'deliberate, unlawful attack' on Friday.

He said any attack on a place of worship went against the values Australians uphold during an address in Western Australia later the same day.

'To attack a synagogue is an act of anti-Semitism, is attacking the right that all Australians should have to practice their faith in peace and security,' he said.

The incident drew a strong rebuke from the President of Israel Isaac Herzog, who said he had expressed his concerns and discussed the matter with Mr Albanese.

The former Treasurer urged Mr Albanese to declare the attack on Friday as an act of terror

Mr Albanese described the incident as a 'deliberate, unlawful attack in a statement that was released on Friday (pictured a flowers laid near the Synagogue on Saturday)

Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission Dr Dvir Abramovich labelled the attack a 'national emergency' and urged the government to demonstrate more proactive leadership on protecting the safety of communities.

'This wasn't just an attack on bricks and mortar; it was a strike at the heart of Australian decency and morality,' Dr Abramovich told Daily Mail Australia.

'We are staring into the abyss of unchecked hatred, and yet our leaders are still offering up the same old platitudes.'

Worshippers were forced to flee the building on Friday as 60 firefighters and 17 trucks arrived to combat the blaze.

Photos from the scene showed the synagogue well alight as firefighters battled to douse the flames as it ripped through the building.

Several windows has been smashed with several parts of the exterior damaged by the inferno, which gutted two of the three buildings of the synagogue.

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,' he said.

'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.'

Floral tributes were laid outside the synagogue on Saturday after the building was barricaded by large steel fences.
Aussies have been left perplexed after dozens of sponge-like objects appeared on the surface of the water at an iconic Sydney beach.

The mysterious 'floating cakes' were spotted at Clovelly Beach in the city's east earlier this month and left beach-goers scratching their heads.

Eerie footage captured the objects bobbing on the surface of the ocean as several puzzled beach-goers watched on.

'A bay full of floating cakes, the middle like a sponge. No one has ever seen anything like this, not even the natives,' a video was captioned on TikTok.

One brave swimmer was seen venturing into the water to get a closer look.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Randwick City Council and NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for comment.

Clovelly Beach is a small, picturesque beach about 8km southeast of Sydney's CBD.

@vistasydney Clovelly Beach Sunday afternoon. What happened? A bay full of floating cakes, the middle like a sponge. No one has ever seen anything like this, not even the natives.    -  
America's top internet sleuths have refused to help law enforcement officials track down the assassin of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

The 50-year-old father-of-two was gunned down earlier this week, with the footage of his assassination circulating on social media amidst an ongoing manhunt for his killer.

Typically this type of high-profile violent crime sets platforms including TikTok and X alight with buzz, with amateur internet sleuths hunting to root out the perpetrator.

But many armchair detectives have decided to keep schtum, even as eerie details filtered out earlier this week including a hidden message being left on shell casings at the scene.

One of those who opted to stand aside is Savannah Sparks, who has 1.3 million followers on TikTok.

Sparks tracks down the identities of racists who are caught in viral videos, and according to NBC has been tapped by law enforcement to help train officers on finding suspects online.

When asked by the outlet if she was working to find the suspect in Thompson's murder, she said: 'Absolutely the f*** not.'

Fellow TikTok sleuth, thatdaneshguy, who boasts 2 million followers on his platform posted a video of him being critical of the health care industry.

The 50-year-old father-of-two was gunned down earlier this week, with the footage of his assassination circulating on social media amidst an ongoing manhunt for his killer

Despite the lack of online sleuthing, the New York Police Department released images of the suspect in the case - one of which shows him smiling

One of those who opted to stand aside is Savannah Sparks, seen here, who has 1.3 million followers on TikTok

In it, he said: 'I don't have to encourage violence. I don't have to condone violence by any means. But I also don't have to help.'

Michael McWhorter, better known as TizzyEnt on TikTok, said in a video: 'I have yet to see a single video that's pounding the drum of 'we have to find him,' and that is unique.'

He told his 6.7 million followers: 'I don't think it's that difficult to figure out why. There isn't a single person in this country who hasn't themselves or had someone very near and dear to them suffer from the abysmal thing that is privatized healthcare.

'People everyday are denied for the most ridiculous reasons sometimes even though they should be given care.

'Just deny to deny them then hope that they will die before they can actually get the services that they have paid for.'

The assassination of Thompson has sparked online praise from those angry over the state of health care in the US, some have even made fan art of his killer.

Alex Goldenberg, an adviser at The Network Contagion Research Institute at Rutgers University told NBC: 'The surge of social media posts praising and glorifying the killing of Brian Thompson is deeply concerning.'

This overall disdain has been highlighted in a new Gallup poll released on Friday that found that Americans believe health care quality is at a 24-year-old low.

Michael McWhorter, better known as TizzyEnt on TikTok, said in a video that it wasn't difficult to understand why people didn't want to help find the killer

@tizzyent What happened was horrific and yet the the world seemed to collectively shrug.  original sound - TizzyEnt

Fellow TikTok sleuth, thatdaneshguy, seen here, who boasts 2 million followers on his platform posted a video of him being critical of the health care industry

Sukrit Venkatagiri, an assistant professor of computer science at Swarthmore College, told NBC: 'They don't really empathize with who the victim is in this scenario.

'People are less motivated, from an altruistic perspective, to help this victim in this specific case.'

Insurance companies have also started removing images of their leadership teams from their websites following the killing.

Thompson's company UnitedHealthcare removed his image and other execs from their site on Wednesday, with CVS Health following suit on Thursday.

Despite the lack of online sleuthing, the New York Police Department released images of the suspect in the case - one of which shows him smiling.

Officers believe they are closing the net on Thompson's killer as the manhunt for him continued on Friday.

Investigators managed to find what they believe to be his backpack inside Central Park on Friday which they are having tested at a lab.

Officers believe they are closing the net on Thompson's killer as the manhunt for him continued on Friday. A cop is seen here inside Central Park on Friday evening

CNN reported that the bag, seen here, was found by cops on their second sweep of the park and was placed between boulders just south of the park's carousel

Officers were seen scouring the park near 64th street and Central Park West for evidence relating to the shooter, after he was seen fleeing into the park on a electric bike.

CNN reported that the bag was found by cops on their second sweep of the park, and was placed between boulders just south of the park's carousel.

The NYPD have also given a clearer idea of the killer's movements after he murdered Thompson.

They say he entered the park after the shooting at 6:48am and then was spotted exiting on 77th Street in the Upper West Side of Manhattan oat 6:56am.

Surveillance footage captured him near 86th Street and Columbus Avenue two minutes after he left the park, while still on his bike.

At 7:04 am he then go into a taxi cab at 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue and headed north.

By 7:30 am he had made it to the Port Authority bus terminal in the north of the city where they say he boarded a bus and left the city.

On Friday evening new footage emerged in the minutes after the fatal shooting of the suspect flying up 6th avenue on his electric bike.

The footage, obtained by NewsNation, showed a new angle of his escape path and showed him darting across the street and into the early morning darkness of Central Park.

The NYPD have also given a clearer idea of the killer's movements after he murdered Thompson

On Thursday officials said the individual had arrived into the city in late November on a bus from Atlanta, Georgia, and had been staying inside a hostel on the Upper West Side.

It was inside the hostel that a flirty exchange with a hostel worker gave police officers their first glimpse at the killer, when he was asked to lower his mask.

Prior to the killing he was caught on surveillance cameras inside a Starbucks near the Hilton Hotel where he shoot Thompson.

He is said to have bough two nutrition bars inside the chain alongside a bottle of water that was found at the scene.

The image of the backpack that was found shows what appears to be one of the bars in the side pocket.

The Chief of Detectives with the NYPD Joseph Kenny has said that they believe the assassin is either a disgruntled ex-employee or an angry client.

On Friday night the FBI announced they had also joined in the investigation for the killer, offering a $50,000 for any information that leads to a conviction.

The footage, obtained by NewsNation, showed a new angle of his escape path and showed him darting across the street and into the early morning darkness of Central Park

Prior to the killing he was caught on surveillance cameras inside a Starbucks near the Hilton Hotel where he shoot Thompson, seen here

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.

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 accused of insider trading.

The department launched a probe into whether the private company was unfairly restricting competitors and running a monopoly.
The White House has revealed Representative Jim Clyburn was the key figure who convinced Joe Biden to pardon his son Hunter.

Hunter, 54, was convicted of three felony charges in June after he lied about a gun purchase from 2018 - claiming he was not using nor addicted to any drugs when it was proven that he had an active crack cocaine habit at the time.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday a visit from 84-year-old Clyburn was the deciding factor for the president to go back on his repeated promises.

'This is Clyburn's words: "The president was reticent" when he tried to encourage him to pardon Hunter,' Jean-Pierre said. 'I think that's important to note.'

Biden announced the decision after spending some intense family time on Nantucket over the Thanksgiving break with First Lady Jill Biden, Hunter and daughter Ashley.

His final decision came after he had long been wrestling with what to do about his son for crimes that he committed between 2014 and 2024.

'You heard this president say this many times before, he believes when it comes to family, when it comes to how he moves forward, about thinking about his family, they're the beginning, the middle and the end,' Jean-Pierre said.

'And he wrestled with this,' she added. 'It was not an easy thing for him to decide.'

Biden announced on Sunday that he was pardoning his son Hunter Biden - a decision that he was said to be wrestling with for quite some time

The White House revealed that Representative Jim Clyburn, of South Carolina, was the key figure who ultimately convinced President Biden to pardon his son Hunter

Clyburn - who has long been a voice in Biden's ear - pushed for Hunter's pardon during their talk two weeks ago, she also added.

Jean-Pierre was peppered with pardon-themed questions during Friday's White House briefing, her first chance to field reporters' questions in the briefing room since Biden announced Hunter's pardon on Sunday.

She was given the opportunity to both apologize - and say that the president owed her an apology - for the president's major flip-flip, which she excused by arguing that 'circumstances have changed.'

Jean-Pierre didn't apologize for the president's change of heart and said in her case: 'there's no apology needed.'

'Look, if you look at his statement, it's pretty comprehensive. It's in his own voice. I think it takes you through his thinking. And he did - he wrestled with this. He wrestled with this,' Jean-Pierre said. 'And again, he said, in his statement, in his own voice, that he made that decision this past weekend.'

'And the fact is, when you think about how the president got to this decision, circumstances have changed. They have,' she argued.

Hunter Biden , 54, was convicted of three felony charges in June after he lied about a gun purchase from 2018 - claiming he was not using nor addicted to any drugs when it was proven that he had an active crack cocaine habit at the time

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during the briefing on Friday: 'You heard this president say this many times before, he believes when it comes to family, when it comes to how he moves forward, about thinking about his family, they're the beginning, the middle and the end'

Jean-Pierre also pointed out that Hunter's sentencing was coming up - scheduled for December 12 - so the president decided 'that Hunter and his family had been through enough.'

During the briefing, Jean-Pierre spoke of Biden's conversation with the representative several times - making sure to note that Clyburn, who is one of Biden's top political allies, was a major turning point for the president's decision to go back on his promise to the American people.

When Jean-Pierre was initially asked about an apology - if she was owed one - or did she owe one to the American people, she responded, 'I just laid out the president's thinking.'

'And I know what I said. I know what the president said. That is where we were at the time. That is where the president was at the time,' she argued. 'I am his spokesperson.'

'This weekend he thought about it, he wrestled with it, he wrestled with it and made this decision. That's what I can tell the American people,' she continued.

'I think the American people understand and I think they understand how difficult this decision would be,' Jean-Pierre added.

Clyburn has also pushed the administration to give out more pardons before Biden leaves office since Hunter's pardon, he revealed on Friday.

Additionally, he asked White House officials to convince Biden to issue pre-emptive pardons to several current and former government officials out of fear that they could get tangled in the cross-hairs of Trump's incoming administration, the New York Post reported.

'I also told them that I thought he ought to go even further, because all the noise about Jack Smith and Liz Cheney and Doctor Fauci and all of that,' Clyburn said.

He also signaled this week that he would even be in support of Biden pardoning Trump before he makes his way back to the Oval Office.

When asked about a Trump pardon, Clyburn said: 'Yes, I could, absolutely. Because the Supreme Court has pretty much made it very clear that he is preemptively pardoned of anything he may do as president'.
A 20-year-old woman who says she was forced her into a sex change at age 12 has taken action against a controversial transgender youth doctor.

Clementine Breen filed a medical negligence lawsuit against Los Angeles-based doctor Johanna Olsen-Kennedy on Thursday, claiming she was rushed into irreversible treatment to become male beginning at age 12, which may have left her infertile.

The contentious lawsuit also alleges Olsen-Kennedy - the medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles - administered Breen's care without performing psychological testing or monitoring her mental health and the side effects of the treatment.

Breen's lawsuit details her transitional journey with Olsen-Kennedy at the head, claiming her California clinic first put her on puberty blockers when she was just 12, before starting her on hormone therapy at 13.

At just 14 years old, Olsen-Kennedy's Transyouth clinic then performed a double mastectomy on the developing teen.

Breen's parents had allegedly intervened during their daughter's transition, explaining to the renowned physician that they were concerned about putting their child on the testosterone treatment.

However, Olsen-Kennedy reassured the worried parents that their daughter was experiencing suicidal ideations, despite the fact that the pre-teen hadn't ever had suicidal thoughts or expressed having them.

Still, court papers allege that Olsen-Kennedy told them 'if they did not agree to cross-sex hormone therapy, Clementine would commit suicide.'

A 20-year-old has filed a lawsuit against a top, yet, controversial transgender youth doctor, Johanna Olsen-Kennedy (pictured), claiming the practitioner forced her into a sex change at age 12, now she may be infertile

Clementine Breen (right), 20, filed a medical negligence lawsuit against Los Angeles-based doctor, Johanna Olsen-Kennedy, on Thursday, claiming she was rushed into irreversible treatment to become male beginning at age 12

Adding more fuel to the fire, Breen's doctor's notes failed to include any commentary regarding her alleged 'suicidal thoughts' ahead of her life-altering breast surgery.

The notes documented during Breen's testosterone treatment did however describe her mental state as 'Alert  no acute distress cooperative, smiling,' the Economist reported.

Olsen-Kennedy was also caught in her own web again when, in a letter to a surgeon endorsing 14-year-old Breen's double mastectomy, she falsely claimed the teen has 'endorsed a male gender since childhood.'

Yet, this claim was proven wholly incorrect by Olsen-Kennedy's own notes showing that Breen only began having identity questions months prior to her initial visit at 12-years-old, the Economist reported.

Breen has since backed the doctor's notes claiming she first expressed her 'identity crisis' at 12, recalling an experience in 2016 where she sought advice from a school guidance counselor sharing with them that she might be trans, a lesbian or bisexual.

'I wasnt really sure about my identity at all,' she told the Economist, noting she now believes she had unresolved trauma from violence at the hands of her autistic brother and sexual abuse from someone outside her family at age six.

Additional doctor's notes also revealed that Breen had not seen a psychologist about her newfound feelings, at any point during her care.

The contentious lawsuit also alleges Olsen-Kennedy - the medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles (pictured) - administered Breen's care without performing psychological testing or monitoring her mental health and the side effects of the treatment

Olsen-Kennedy heightened her controversial namesake earlier this year with her refusal to publish the findings of a $10 million taxpayer-funded study showing that puberty blockers did not improve the mental health of kids

The notes exposed how Olson-Kennedy didnt perform a mental-health evaluation herself, despite claiming at the time that Breen met 'the criteria for the commencement of puberty blockers.'

Just three months after her initial meeting with the transgender activist and medical practitioner, Breen received a puberty-blocker implant placed in her arm and less than a year later she began testosterone treatment.

By May 2019, Breen had undergone the double mastectomy as she said the treatments helped her feel better at first but later down the line caused her mental health to turn for the worse.

Breens medical records of the time period now under legal scrutiny demonstrate how she was not questioned her about whether the transition had helped, or harmed her despite indications that things were going sourly.

In 2020, another doctor noted the teen had started 'compulsive cutting to see if he has blood.'

Olsen-Kennedy heightened her controversial namesake earlier this year with her refusal to publish the findings of a $10 million taxpayer-funded study showing that puberty blockers did not improve the mental health of kids.
Three people have died with as many as 20 still missing after a massive explosion tore through a three-storey block of flats in the Hague today.

Huge plumes of smoke billowed from a large hole where the building stood, with an acrid smell in the air early today as firefighters worked to control the blaze.

The blast and resulting inferno destroyed at least five homes but it was not clear how many people were buried in the debris, Mayor Jan van Zanen told reporters.

Police confirmed that three bodies had been pulled from the wreckage, as fears mounted that the toll could rise much higher.

Firefighters tackled the blaze from the ground and from huge cherry-pickers, as ambulances carried the injured to hospital and police helicopters circled overheard.

'It is not known how many people are still under the rubble. But the reality is that there is only a slim chance of survival for them,' said the mayor. 'It is unbelievable what happened there.'

At least four people injured in the explosion had been taken to local hospitals, authorities said.

The cause of the blast was not immediately clear but police appealed for information about a car seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the explosion.

'It was like an earthquake,' said bystander Dimi, 53. 'Something collapsed but we didn't see where it came from. I know these neighbours. My kids go to school with them. My new car has also been seriously damaged,' he added.

Smoke billows and fire continues to rage at the site of the explosion

A person is wheeled to an ambulance following the large explosion in the Hague

Damage to the scene following a massive explosion in the Hague on Saturday morning

'I was asleep and suddenly there was this huge bang,' Adam Muller, a 14-year-old local, told AFP.

'I looked out of the window and just saw flames. It's a massive shock,' he added.

Authorities warned locals to keep their windows shut and shut off ventilation systems due to the smoke.

Forensic investigators arrived on the scene to begin to probe a potential cause of blast, an AFP reporter said.

'Shortly after the explosion, at around 6:15 am, a car drove away at very high speed,' police said in a statement.

'The police would like to get in touch with people who saw this car driving or who may have camera footage.'

The three floors of the building consisted of shops on the ground floors and five two-storey apartments, authorities said, with living rooms on the second floor and bedrooms on the top.

Residents told local media the apartment block was mainly inhabited by elderly people and families with children.

Hospitals in the area were on standby to treat victims.

The city's mayor was on site to coordinate rescue efforts, according to Regio15.

'At this moment, the emergency services are busy rescuing and searching for people and fighting the fire,' said the city's fire service in a statement.

A picture from local news agency ANP showed one person being led away on a stretcher into a waiting ambulance.

Homes on multiple floors appeared to have been destroyed by the explosion, said Regio15.

Early images from public broadcaster NOS showed several dozen firefighters tackling a large blaze and breaking down doors to gain access to the block.

Emergency services block roads and work to extinguish the massive fire, still raging

Firemen try to douse a fire following a fire and an explosion at a residential building in The Hague on December 7

According to local media outlet Regio15, several people had already been rescued

A three-storey apartment block in the Hague partially collapsed December 7, 2024 after a fire and explosion, firefighters said

It is not yet known what caused the explosion or inferno near the Dutch city centre

A picture from local news agency ANP showed one person being led away on a stretcher into a waiting ambulance.

Elite search and rescue teams, specialised in searching for victims in natural disasters and earthquakes, were on their way to the scene with trained dogs, NOS said.

The Hague is the third biggest city in the Netherlands with a population of more than half a million.

It is best known as the home of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and more than 150 international law organisations.
A 61-year-old station worker has died after sustaining serious head injuries during an alleged 'unprovoked' attack in east London, as police confirmed a 28-year-old man was arrested and remains in custody.

Police were called to Ilford railway station at around 8.49pm on Wednesday night following reports of a serious assault involving the Elizabeth Line employee.

Paramedics and London's Air Ambulance also attended, and the man, a customer experiences assistant, was taken to hospital with serious head injuries.

A 28-year-old man was arrested and subsequently charged with Section 18 GBH, Affray and possession of a prohibited offensive weapon in a private place following the attack.

British Transport Police detectives said they would make an application to amend the charges following the victim's death.

Ayodele Jamgbadi, 28, from Ilford, yesterday appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody.

He will next appear at Inner London Crown Court on 7 January, 2025.

One of the victim's colleagues told Metro: 'I don't know why the man attacked him, but it was unprovoked.'

A 61-year-old Elizabeth Line worker at ilford railway station has died after sustaining serious head injuries during an alleged 'unprovoked' attack in east London on Wednesday night. Pictured: A forensic officer searches the scene

Ayodele Jamgbadi, 28, from Ilford, yesterday appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court and has been remanded in custody. Pictured: Police at the scene on Wednesday night

In a separate statement shared on X, a former colleague paid tribute to the customer experiences assistant as 'the most down to earth and friendly bloke you can imagine.'

They added: '[He] never got himself in bother like some staff do, was always chill and a pleasure to work with.'

Maryan Eslamdoust, general secretary of Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA Union), said she was 'deeply saddened' by the news.

In a statement on X, she said: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a transport worker following a violent incident at Ilford station on 4 December. Our thoughts are with his family.

'This underscores the urgent need to expand BTP and make offences against transport workers a specific crime. Action is overdue.'

Mick Lynch, general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), also issued a statement sending condolences.

He said: 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of our member, who died following an attack while at work.

Maryan Eslamdoust, general secretary of TSSA Union said she was 'deeply saddened'

Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT said his union's thoughts are with the victim's family

'The whole union sends its condolences to their family, friends and colleagues at this awful time and everyone's thoughts at RMT are with them.'

In an earlier statement following the man's initial arrest, Superintendent Nick Sedgemore said: 'There is absolutely no place for violence on the railway network.'

On Friday, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said: 'We have specialist family liaison officers supporting the victim's family and our thoughts remain with them at this incredibly difficult time.

'I would like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident and a 28-year-old man has now been charged and remanded in connection. We are not seeking anyone else.'

Anyone with information is asked to call British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or text 61016 quoting 699 of 4 December.
Brits desperately looking to avoid paying inheritance tax could marry their own mother-in-law to dodge Rachel Reeves' raid, financial experts have revealed.

Karen Dovaston, of Dovaston Law and chair of the Law Societys Family Law Committee, told the Telegraph that a legal loophole presents a 'window of opportunity' for people to pass their wealth on to their children without paying tax.

This surprising development followed a reader's comment to the outlet describing his 'cunning plan' to sidestep paying inheritance tax 'while also enhancing the value of my mother-in-law' by marrying her.

'The plan is to divorce my wife and marry her elderly divorced mother. When my new wife/ex mother-in-law passes away, I would be able to inherit her estate tax-free,' reader Andrew wrote.

'I could then gift my newly inherited assets to my first wife, or our children, in the hope and expectation that I won't myself pass away within seven years'.

While estates currently pay 40 per cent tax on assets worth more than 325,000, partners inherit their spouse's wealth without paying tax on it.

Marrying your partner's single mother, therefore, would allow you to inherit her assets without paying a penny, Ms Dovaston said.

Ian Cook, of Quilter, a wealth manager, told the outlet that as a financial adviser, he could now 'potentially be recommending marriage as part of my financial plans because anybody's who's unmarried at the point of death doesn't get that spousal exemption'.

Britons have only been legally allowed to marry their mother-in-law since 2007, and some have already made the most of the change - for financial reasons or romance.

Clive Blunden, from Warrington, Cheshire, made history when he became the first man in 500 years to marry his mother-in-law, Brenda, in 2007, after campaigning to see a change to the law.

The happy couple tied the knot 18 years after they began dating and 22 since he divorced from his then-partner Irene Little.

Clive and Brenda Blunden, from Warrington, Cheshire, in 2007

Irene Little from Irlam, Salford, whose ex husband Clive married her mother Brenda in 2007

Clive, left, made history when he became the first man in 500 years to marry his mother-in-law

The 2007 change to the law, allowing people to marry their mother-in-laws, followed a long campaign by Clive Blunden.

Clive, from Warrington, Cheshire, was arrested in 1997 and faced up to seven years in prison for 'lawful impediment' after the pair announced their plans to marry.

But a 2005 ruling from the European Court of Human Rights paved the way for Clive and Brenda to marry after dating for some 30 years.

Clive's ex-wife, Irene Little, did not attend the wedding and previously said she felt her mother 'totally betrayed' her.

Clive said in 2020: 'People thought we wouldn't last but we are stronger than ever.

'We're together 24/7 and there's a magic to it.'

Brenda added: 'Clive is a gentleman and he looks after me. I can get a bit argumentative but he quietens me down.'

Thanks to the law, people can now also marry their mother-in-laws to circumvent certain rules on paying inheritance tax.

Rachel Reeves on board a train to Leeds, and in interview with the Mail's Jason Groves, Friday

Keir Starmer speaks to staff during a visit to Hitachi in Newton Aycliffe, on December 6

Couples who are married or in civil partnerships can combine their allowances to pass on 650,000.

But any money or assets left to a spouse or civil partner is exempt.

Ancient law that bans marrying your parents-in-law is overturned European human rights judges granted a British woman the right to marry her father-in-law in September 2005. The decision forced the Government to alter British law so that she could become the wife of her ex-husband's father. The couple were banned from marrying due to an ancient law that said parents-in-law cannot marry their sons and daughters-in-law. The Government had claimed the existing law protected the family and morality, prevented sexual competition between parents and children and shielded children from confusion, anxiety and harm. At the time, family values campaigners condemned the Strasbourg judgment. Hugh McKinney of the National Family Campaign said: 'This ruling will remove legal safeguards against such relationships which have been in place for hundreds of years for good legal, sexual and familial reasons.' The seven European judges said the British ban broke Article 12 of the European Human Rights Convention, which gives men and women the right to marry. They said since the couple were already living together, the ban had no bearing on the condition of their family life. Advertisement

Labour has been under fire in recent weeks for an inheritance tax raid that experts warn will devastate family-run companies and farms.

Analysis has found that the introduction of death duties on the assets of family-owned firms could lead to as many as 125,678 job losses over the next five years among mostly small businesses and reduce economic activity by 9.4billion.

A survey carried out by the consultancy also finds that one in five family firms expects to have to take action to avoid the new Inheritance Tax liability of 20 per cent on assets worth more than 1million.

As many as 15 per cent who expect to be hit now say they will sell up completely, while even those below the threshold plan to reduce investment or cut jobs.

Inheritance tax bills are generally expected to rise after the Chancellor determined that unused pensions would be considered part of an estate from 2027.

Tens of thousands of grieving families face a new death duty on pensions and will be dragged into paying the dreaded 40 per cent charge for the first time.

The Treasury will rake in more than 3.4 billion from pension pots in the form of inheritance taxes by 2030, official forecasts reveal.

Currently, private and workplace pension funds do not form part of your estate upon death and have not been liable for inheritance tax.

Pension experts have warned the reform will throw years of succession planning into disarray and many savers will be forced to overhaul their plans for passing wealth down to the next generation in order to shield their retirement pots from the taxman.

Baroness Ros Altmann, a former pensions minister, warned that the move will penalise younger generations and undermine future pension prospects.

She said: 'Taking away the ability for savers to pass on their funds as a pension for their offspring is a really bad decision, in my view.

Pensioners will be encouraged to spend their pension while still relatively young, leaving much less to live on if they survive to older age.'
Russia does not seem 'able or perhaps even willing' to save Bashar Al-Assad, an expert has assessed as rebels continue to make gains in their renewed push in Syria.

Charles Lister, director of the Syria and countering terrorism and extremism programs at the Middle East Institute, told Bloomberg that Assad's future has 'never looked more fragile' as the opposition encroaches on Homs and allied support withers.

Rebels proclaimed a major victory as they took the city of Hama on Thursday, and are now just a few miles from Homs, the last major city on the way to the capital, Damascus.

The lightning advance, little more than a week old, comes as a staggering blow to the Assad regime and his allies in Russia and Iran, marking the fastest battlefield advance by either since since a rebellion against Assad descended into civil war 13 years ago.

While capturing Homs could close the land route between the government and Tartus, home to Russia's only Mediterranean port, Russia appears not to be in a position to help Assad regain ground with focus and resources directed to Ukraine.

'Russia doesn't have a plan to save Assad and doesn't see one emerging as long as the Syrian president's army continues to abandon its positions,' a source 'close to the Kremlin' told Bloomberg.

Iran, likewise, has been hesitant, or unable, to funnel its support to Syria. On Friday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he would would only help Assad 'to the extent necessary', but previously promised to 'consider' sending troops.

Local residents celebrate after opposition forces led by HTS (Hayyet Tahrir al-Sham) took control of Hama city center and surrounding villages on December 6

Rebel forces pressing a lightning offensive in Syria aim to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad's rule, their Islamist leader said in an interview published on December 6

In little over a week, the offensive has seen Syria's second city Aleppo and strategically located Hama fall from Assad's control for the first time since the civil war began in 2011

The capture of Hama has given the rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), control of a strategic central city they never managed to seize before.

Homs is the next target for the rebels, deemed crucial for Assad's hopes of staying in power.

'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,' Jihad Yazigi, editor of the Syria Report newsletter, told Reuters.

It follows a staggering effort to seize Aleppo, the main northern city in Syria, last week as part of a blitz offensive beginning on November 27.

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 forces, suffered catastrophic losses in its war with Israel.

While Hezbollah has reportedly sent 2,000 fighters to Syria, per a source close to the Iran-backed proxy group today, Assad's backing from allies continues to wither.

Rebel forces were just 12 miles (20km) from Damascus by 11am GMT on Saturday, posing an imminent threat to the capital, according to a war monitor and rebels.

The Syrian army reportedly withdrew its forces from all towns about 10km from the capital, a monitor reported soon after.

Video shared on social media by reporters claimed to show regime forces routing on foot from the town of Zakiah, a mere 16 miles from Damascus.

President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly returned to the capital to continue carrying out duties, officials said today following reports he had left.

Meanwhile, Syrians in Jaramana - a suburb of the capital - tore down a statue of Bashar al-Assad's father, Hafez, as some waved the flag of the Druze.

The suburb is still nominally controlled by the Assad regime at the time of writing, and it did not appear to be militant rebel groups (who are still several miles from Jaramana and Damascus - pulling down the statue, contrary to other reports.

Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP that local rebel fighters now also controlled all of Daraa province.

Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, with the Islamist-led alliance that launched the offensive in the country's northwest, said 'we are now less than 20 km from the southern gate of the capital Damascus'.

'The advance towards the capital continues,' he added.

A member of the Syrian opposition stands at an entrance to the Hama governorate on the Damascus-Aleppo International Highway, December 3

An aerial picture shows a car driving past Syrian army military equipment and vehicles that were abandoned on the highway to Damascus, near the town of Suran, on December 3, 2024

NEW - opposition fighters are currently advancing into #Homs city, as the advance into southern #Damascus appears to be triggering a sudden collapse of frontlines. pic.twitter.com/azUiaKPxQs  Charles Lister (@Charles_Lister) December 7, 2024

The Syrian government was also forced to evacuate from its positions in Quneitrea, near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

The Syrian Democratic Forces, the main ally of the US against the regime, meanwhile seized key areas in Deir ez Zor and Raqqa on December 6, making it harder for Iran to move forces in to help Assad or resupply Iranian-backed forces like Hezbollah.

Israel's military now assesses that the rebels pose a direct threat to Assad's rule.

While a weakened Assad regime plays to Israel's interests, there remains debate around sending troops in - amid an ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza and clashes with Iran - and anxiety around helping Sunni jihadists once aligned with al-Qaeda.

Pro-government forces have been backed by intense Russian airstrikes, but rebels continue to push through Assad's lines.

Since Russia does not share a land border with Syria, it also depends on Turkey's goodwill to allow warships to pass through the Bosporus.

While Turkey and Russia were able to work together to broker a truce in May 2020, Turkish forces have backed opposition groups in an effort to displace ISIS.

For Russia, Syria represents a strategic stronghold key to its efforts to project power in the Middle East.

The loss of influence would be 'devastating' for Russia, Nicole Grajewski, fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told the Wall Street Journal.

'To see Russian planes leave Syria as rebel forces move onward towards their air bases, and their assets in Damascus fall, this would be so devastating for the Russian image of itself,' she said.

Anti-government fighters patrol the streets of Hama after they captured the central Syrian city, on December 6

Israeli soldiers sit atop an armoured vehicle near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria Saturday December 7, 2024

National Syrian Army soldiers celebrate in the city after opposition forces led by HTS (Hayyet Tahrir al-Sham) took control of Hama city center and surrounding villages on December 6

'It would be akin to a Saigon moment for them,' she added.

Ukrainian intelligence has assessed that Russian forces have 'suffered significant losses, with some units of the aggressor state surrounded'.

'Hundreds of Moscow troops are listed as missing in Syria,' it reported.

Rebel groups were rumoured to have received operational training from Ukrainian special forces, learning from tactics developed during the war in Ukraine, the Kyiv Post reported.

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.

Iran, meanwhile, has seen its proxies across the region degraded by Israeli airstrikes.

And Syrian troops are exhausted and hollowed out by 13 years of war and economic crises, with little will left to fight.

'The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining whether the rebel offensive poses an existential threat to the Assad regime or whether the regime manages to regain its footing and push back on recent rebel gains,' said Mona Yacoubian, an analyst with the United States Institute for Peace, as reported the Associated Press.

'While weakened and distracted, Assad's allies are unlikely to simply cave to the rebels' offensive,' she wrote in an analysis.

National Syrian Army soldiers celebrate in the city after opposition forces led by HTS (Hayyet Tahrir al-Sham) took control of Hama city center and surrounding villages on December 6

A view of a military airport seized by anti-regime groups in Hama, on December 6

National Syrian Army soldiers celebrate in the city after opposition forces led by HTS (Hayyet Tahrir al-Sham) took control of Hama city center and surrounding villages on December 6

Abu Mohammed al-Golani (AKA Abu Mohammad al-Julani), the main insurgent commander, has vowed to protect Syria's religious minorities as HTS makes gains.

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.

The Institute for the Study of War assessed 'support to the Assad regime will almost certainly fail to stop the opposition offensive at this time unless ground forces are deployed rapidly and in larger numbers'.
Back strains, broken bones and even an amputated leg are among the serious injuries that have befallen undertakers as they shoulder the burden of Britain's obesity crisis.

Injury records disclosed in response to a freedom of information request by the Daily Telegraph show that funeral directors have reported a string of mishaps resulting from the growing weight of coffins.

According to National Health Service statistics, the population is about a stone heavier than it was a generation ago, with the average waistline among middle-aged men measuring roughly 40in, and women coming in at approximately 36in.

And while those figures are placing intolerable pressure on the NHS, it is not just a public health issue.

Two undertakers in Newbury, Berkshire suffered injury after putting a body on a stretcher , with one straining their back and other wrenching a shoulder.

They had tried to move the deceased without the support of colleagues in response to the distress of bereaved family members.

In another incident, a Co-Op employee was forced to undergo surgery on a broken hand after a coffin containing an overweight body slid into his fingers, crushing them.

'The weight of the deceased' caused another Co-op undertaker to injure his back as he negotiated a flight of stairs on the way to a church funeral.

Oversized coffins need to be custom built, meaning additional fees for bereaved family members

Oversized coffins can cost more than double the price of a standard casket

A standard casket typically measures between 24 and 27 in wide, but manufacturers are now producing coffins as wide as 52 in, capable of fitting a person weighing up to 1,000 pounds

In one of the most shocking incidents, an undertaker had to have a leg amputated after bumping into a park bench and sustaining a wound that turned septic.

In one case, three undertakers conveying the body of a 25-stone man all suffered injury after negotiating a flight of stairs.

Trolleys are increasingly utilised to transport heavy bodies, with pallbearers struggling to carry coffins on their shoulders.

The average overweight Brit costs the health service at least 1,000 in healthcare costs per year, a new major analysis suggests.

But those considered very obese, with a body mass index over 40, cost the NHS around 5,000 per head, due to weight-related health troubles.
A grandmother-of-nine will miss Christmas with her family after she was arrested and imprisoned overseas on drug trafficking charges.

Veronica Watson, from the Sunshine Coast, is currently being held at the Santana Women's Penitentiary in Sao Paulo, Brazil - a country with some of the most notoriously overcrowded prisons in the world.

Ms Watson was arrested after local authorities accused her of being a drug runner while she was preparing to leave the country on December 1.

Ms Watson was allegedly found with just shy of 1.5kg of cocaine in a hidden compartment within her suitcase at the airport when customs officials swooped.

Her daughter, Sam, 59, said she was 'in shock' when she discovered her mother had been detained.

She insists her mother could never be guilty because all of her childhood she was against drugs and breaking the law.

Ms Watson never travelled outside of Australia prior to her arrest and her daughter, who lives in Sydney's west, said the whole situation 'doesn't feel real'.

Her mother claims she was lured to Sao Paulo, a bustling Brazilian city of 11million people, by the promise of a business deal she had been offered online which required her to meet and sign some documents in person.

Veronica Watson, from the Sunshine Coast, has been arrested in Brazil after allegedly being found with 1,483g grams of cocaine in a hidden compartment in her suitcase

Sam said she tried warning her mother about the deal as it 'sounded dodgy' but she went through with the trip unbeknownst to her.

'I can't believe she did it,' Sam told 7News.

Ms Watson's husband of 16 years, Stephen, said she had met some people online who promised to pay for her holiday if she went over to sign the documents in person.

He said that he only found out about the trip when Ms Watson asked if she could go to Brazil over dinner one night.

'I said, ''what do you want to go to Brazil for?'' She goes, ''I need to go over there to sign paperwork'' and I said, ''do you even know what you're signing?'',' he explained.

Stephen asked Ms Watson how well she knew the people she'd met online and she replied they had only come into contact recently and that it wasn't a particularly personal relationship.

Ms Watson also informed her partner that the documents would be written in Portuguese and that she would 'have someone there to explain'.

'I said, ''that's not good enough'' ... [but] she was adamant [she would] go,' Stephen added.

Ms Watson is being held at Santana Women's Penitentiary (pictured) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and local authorities have siezed her phone and cut off communications

Now Stephen said he is a 'wreck' and that 'there's no words to explain how devastating' it was that Ms Watson had ended up in jail.

Sam in the last few days received a letter from her mother sent from Santana Women's Penitentiary in which she explained how sorry she was.

'Hi Sam, it's Mum. I'm so sorry this has happened,' she wrote.

'I wasn't aware  Love yous (sic) all very much.'

Her phone has been seized by local authorities so she has no other way of communicating with her family or those outside the prison.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is providing assistance to Ms Watson.

She is now shouldering the prospect of a long and expensive legal battle in foreign country.
The owner of Delco Steaks has caused an uproar in a small Pennsylvania town due to his monster-sized mansion.

In October, entrepreneur Nicholas Reynolds and wife Alana sent a letter introducing their family to members of the Broomall community in Marple Township, Delaware County.

The couple assured they would help shovel snow, jump car batteries and even watch over children at the bus stop in exchange for support on their behemoth project.

'Please be there for us, we need you!' wrote the couple in the lengthy letter.

They also explained that they had decided to move into Broomall after losing their son, Luciano.

But as construction began, town locals were left raging over the size of the 'monstrosity' and an apparent invasion of privacy.

'I want know how this was allowed to get this far? Not only will I not sign his letter that I received but I will sign the petition against the variances that he is requesting!' one Reddit user raged.

'This is right behind my fence and I have lost all my privacy! I feel like its lowered the value of the homes in my area because! Absolutely no one wants to live next to or face this monstrosity! Yes I will be at that meeting opposing everything that hes requesting!

Nicholas Reynolds, the owner of Delco Steaks has caused an uproar in the Broomall community in Marple Township, Delaware County due to his monster-sized mansion

Reynolds builders had already constructed a good portion of the 5,000-square-foot property months before he requested his neighbors support - leading to even more frustration among the community

'My fence that is old was knocked down twice by their backhoe! He even offered to get me a new fence which I highly doubt! Selfish of him to put this monstrosity in this neighborhood!! there are areas in Marple Newtown where they have built beautiful homes and right off Highland Avenue theres a whole development going in he couldve moved there!

'He certainly paints a picture in that letter of the citizen of the month! No one is above the law!!'

Another resident questioned: 'Kind of weird to use a personal tragedy and the connected trauma as the emotional reasoning as to why he needs this house built imo.

'And the very last part reading here in the comments is basically him threatening the neighbors with more construction and bad visuals if they dont support his plan. Also if Im being 1000 percent honest, why is this extra money to rebuild suddenly an issue if having 5 kids wasnt?'

One Redditor who claims to have received the letter revealed: 'We got the letter. I have not heard a nice word about how he conducts business.'

'I feel he got himself into a situation where he gambled on a decision... But, the larger issue is (imo), what would stop someone from doing this again? Building property line to property line?

'Then, again and again. I have no personal experience or opinion of the Reynolds family. I hope a favorable outcome for all parties, is achieved.'

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Reynolds builders had already constructed a good portion of the 5,000-square-foot property months before he requested his neighbors support - leading to even more frustration among the community.

In October, they sent a letter introducing their family to members of the Broomall community

Reynolds builders had already constructed a good portion of the 5,000-square-foot property months before he requested his neighbors support - leading to even more frustration among the community

Township attorney John McBlain noted during the first variance hearing in October that Reynolds had deviated from the housing plan they initially approved

Township attorney John McBlain noted during the first variance hearing in October that Reynolds had deviated from the housing plan they initially approved.

He told members that the home was 'not being built in accordance' with the two site plans Reynolds builders had previously submitted to Marple officials.

Code officials who visited Reynolds construction site in July also revealed that the garages foundation had been poured 'too close to the property line' and found the structures footprint violated several setback codes.

Soon after, township locals launched a petition against the gigantic property and managed to garner around 100 signatures from 80 households.

As a result, Reynolds attorney, the township and neighbors settled on a tentative building proposal that would serve as a compromise at a November 20 zoning board hearing.

According to the new plan, the propertys footprint would shrink by cutting back a section of the garage and the rear porch as well as planting dividers between his property line and another.

However, some residents are being forced to consider other options, such as moving out of Delaware county, in fear that officials will approve Reynolds variances at a December 18 meeting and much of the home will remain standing.
Work has stopped on filling Britain's biggest sinkhole on a residential estate, because Storm Darragh made it too dangerous to continue.

Evacuated residents of Nant Morlais in the village of Pant, near Merthyr Tydfil have been prevented from moving back onto their bungalows until the storm has passed.

Security was tight and no one was allowed within 100 yards of the 50ft-deep hole, which is slowly getting bigger.

But one couple was allowed to briefly return to their home to get clothes and toys for their children.

Locals said thousands of gallons of rainwater was feeding the collapsed culvert every minute and emergency pumps could not cope.

But there was praise for Merthyr Tydfil Council and locals for their strong community spirit by helping victims of the sinkhole which appeared out of nowhere a week ago.

Plasterer Huw Hodges, 65, and his wife Sharon have moved into an Airbnb nearby while the estate they've lived on for 30 years is made safe.

Father-of-one Huw said: 'My next door neighbour's son was the first to see the sinkhole and put a hi-vis jacket over the spot to warn people.

Work has stopped on filling Britain's biggest sinkhole in Nant Morlais in Pant, Merthyr Tydfil, because Storm Darragh made it too dangerous to continue

Nant Morlais, the flooded stream feeding the collapsed culvert with thousands of gallons of rainwater

Two huge yellow cranes are positioned next to the sinkhole along with huge concrete blocks which engineers hope to lower into the cavernous hole to control the water flooding through

'The council was called and cordoned it off - since then it's just got bigger and it's now up to 50 feet deep.

'The houses were built around the culvert, so long term I'm not too worried.

'But I don't know when we will be able to move back in - hopefully it will be before Christmas.'

Asked who was paying for his Airbnb after being forced out of his home, Mr Hodges said: 'We don't know the answer to that yet, we will have to see what happens.'

A statement by Merthyr Council said: 'Due to the current weather conditions, the water level within the culvert has risen and Welsh Water have had to pause their works for a crane to be moved onsite to carry out the urgent stabilisation works.

'The water pumps working to divert the flow of the river are also struggling to cope.

'As of this morning, the sinkhole has increased in size.

'Unfortunately, this means that we are no longer in a position to allow householders from the lower end of the cul-de-sac to return home safely, possibly until early next week.

Huw Hodges, 65, who has been evacuated from his bungalow on the estate and has moved into a nearby Airbnb with wife Sharon

Pipes can be seen running across a nearby main road to ease the pressure of flood water rushing through the sinkhole

The sinkhole in Merthyr Tydfil began as the size of a 'pillow' but quickly escalated and it is still growing, estimated to be up to 50ft deep and 16ft wide

Evacuated residents of Nant Morlais in the village of Pant, near Merthyr Tydfil have been prevented from moving back onto their bungalows until the storm has passed

'However, this timeline will be heavily reliant on weather conditions over the weekend.'

Retired BT engineer Keith Davies, 61, said the stream leading into the collapsed culvert was now a torrent due to Storm Darragh.

He said: 'There's a hell of a flow coming off the mountain - the rain has been incredible. You can hear it, there's thousands of gallons a minute going through.

'They put in pumps to take the pressure off the culvert - there are pipes running over the main road, it's like a by-pass for the water.

'But the pumps can't cope and they won't let anyone move in until the rain stops and it's safe.'

Questions are being asked about the last time the culvert was properly inspected and the local rumour mill says it could be as far back as 2008.

Two huge yellow cranes were next to the sinkhole along with huge concrete blocks which engineers hope to lower into the cavernous hole to control the water flooding through.

Groundwork Mark Jones, 62, who lives 200 yards away, said: 'Everyone feels sorry for the people who have had to move out, but I believe everything that can be done is being done.

'This weather isn't helping - if there's one thing you don't want when a sinkhole appears it is torrential rain.'

Beth Johnson, 58, the nearest resident to the sinkhole not to be evacuated told MailOnline: 'I have been reassured that we are safe here but it's been worrying.

'For us it's the noise of the work and the lights at night. But they've stopped work now, because of the weather.'

Merthyr Council is expected to put out a further statement on Saturday.

Residents are fearing that it could take until after Christmas for the hole to be repaired
Tasmanian nature photographer Joy Kachina has shared incredible images of scoparia on display at the Central Plateau Conservation Area. Source: Supplied/Joy Kachina

In a country striving to combat the many thousands of invasive plant species that wreak havoc across our fragile, unique ecosystems, an Australian wildlife photographer has shown how nature can flourish when left undisturbed by human interference.

Photographer Joy Kachina, from Deloraine in Tasmania, has been documenting Australia's landscape in all its rugged glory for over 30 years.

Speaking to Yahoo News, she explained how despite decades on the job, the extraordinary displays of scoparia at the Central Plateau Conservation Area  a wild place of sub-alpine moorlands in the state's centre  still brings her "to tears".

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Blooming for just "three to four weeks" out of the entire calendar year, Kachina said you've got to be quick to catch a glimpse. But, anyone hoping to witness the extraordinary sight can do so simply by "pulling over on the side of the road".

"You don't need to go off track at all," Kachina told Yahoo. "It's all right there at your feet  it's really special."

Kachina encouraged wildlife enthusiasts to visit the area, which she described as 'breathtaking' but said people should 'leave no trace'. Source: Supplied/Joy Kachina

Spectacular display only in bloom for 'three weeks out of the year'

The Tasmanian said due to the whopping 100mm of rain that fell on the area over the last week, the full "show", which typically begins in summer, has come slightly earlier than usual.

Sharing magnificent photos from the walls of the Jerusalem National Park and Cradle Mountain, Kachina warned that as "breathtaking" as the spectacle may be, it's best viewed from afar, and particularly as scoparia is "very prickly to walk through".

Richea scoparia is endemic to Tasmania. Source: Supplied/Joy Kachina

She explained some of the native trees in the park are well over a thousand years old and play a very important part in protecting other wildlife.

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"It can just bring you to tears," Kachina said. "It takes your breath away, especially when you've got the mist.

"The scoparia and the pencil pines actually support one another  they're like the understory that protect the younger pencil pines that are coming through, and some of them up there are over a thousand years old.

"The scoparia plays a really important role in that protection because the weather up there is really extreme. It's just over 1200 metres above sea level  so always take your jacket when you pop up there, even in summer. "

The scoparia bloom for just three to four weeks out of the calendar year. Source: Supplied/Joy Kachina

Visit but 'leave no trace', nature photographer urges

While the Jerusalem National Park remains unspoiled, Australia is in fact home to over 2,700 invasive plant species, presenting an ever-growing risk for ecosystems, agriculture, and water resources.

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These introduced species often outcompete natives for resources such as sunlight, water, and soil nutrients, leading to the decline or extinction of local flora.

Urbanisation, land clearing and increased trade and tourism can inadvertently introduce new plant species. Disturbed environments are often more susceptible to invasive plants.

In Tasmania, there over 2,000 native plant species, many of them flowering in vibrant displays, especially during spring and summer. Approximately 30 per cent of the state's plant species are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world  including the incredible richea scoparia.

Encouraging enthusiasts to journey to the area to enjoy the remarkable exhibit, Kachina said "take photographs, but leave no trace".

"Stay on track and really take some time to just enjoy what's there for us, because it is so beautiful and it's so healing," she said.

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"We live in such a chaotic world right now where there is just a lot of stress, a lot of anxiety  being able to go out in nature and see these beautiful wildlife displays, it's healing for the soul."

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment?  Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
As Cassandra Baker can attest, not even the prospect of getting caught live on camera is enough to overcome the seemingly unstoppable rise of phone theft on the streets of London.

The 46-year-old mother-of-three was livestreaming a charity walk on Facebook in early December when her broadcast was brought to a premature conclusion by masked thieves.

Baker can be heard shrieking as an innocuous discussion of her dinner plans is interrupted by two men riding mountain bikes, one of whom snatches her phone before the pair make off.

The incident occurred while Baker was walking with her children in the Bromley Common area of south-east London on the evening of Monday 2 December.

She had been raising money for Bromley and Croydon Women's Aid, a charity that supports victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

In the clip, Baker is seen addressing the camera as she pushes a pram and walks alongside her young son while doting on her baby.

'The most adorable baby I could ever wish for,' she muses. 'I'm so lucky. I love my children so much. Nobody's life is perfect, but you've got to count your blessings.'

After wishing her followers a 'magical Monday evening', Baker's thoughts turn to what she plans to cook once home.

A video grab of mother-of-three Cassandra Baker having her phone stolen by thieves on mountain bikes reveals a partial glimpse of one of the masked attackers

Baker, 46, was livestreaming a charity walk for Bromley and Croydon Women's Aid, a charity that supports victims and survivors of domestic abuse

A video grab of the attack, which happened in the Bromley Common area of south-east London

'I'm going to make salmon in the hole,' she adds. 'I'm going to make mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, broccoli with salmon.

'We're pescatarian, so that means we don't eat any meat, we just eat fish and vegetables.'

The mundanity of the moment stands in stark contrast to what follows as the thieves swoop, cutting her off in mid-sentence.

Baker later called for 'more love and kindness' as she took to social media to appeal for information about the identity of her attackers.

'My phone was stolen from my hands on a Facebook live last night at approx 6.30pm, Bromley Common,' she wrote on Facebook. 'Raising money for Bromley and Croydon Women's Aid.

'Does anyone recognise this boy? There were two of them on mountain bikes. Any info, please PM me. Please keep showing my video.

'You can see on the live[stream] at the end the culprit. Please give more love and kindness. It's the only way to stop these things in the future. The world needs more love.'

Police are investigating the incident.

'No arrests have been made in relation to this incident yet,' said a Metropolitan Police spokesperson. 'It is still under investigation.'
Far-right influencer Nick Fuentes posted his mugshot to X just hours after he was arrested for battery.

The 26-year-old was arrested after allegedly pepper-spraying a woman who showed up at his home following his controversial 'your body, my choice' post.

Marla Rose, 57, reported to police that she visited Fuentes' home in Berwyn, Illinois, on November 10 to film his residence after seeing his contentious social media post.

She claimed Fuentes pepper-sprayed her, pushed her onto the concrete and broke her phone. According to a police report filed the next day, Rose showed no visible physical injuries but had 'watery' eyes.

Fuentes was arrested later in November and released the same day. He is scheduled to appear in court on December 19.

He did not speak about the incident but shared mugshots on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, captioning them, 'Free me n****.'

Meanwhile, Rose posted on Facebook, stating, 'It. Is. On. PS  Civil case pending.' Attempts to reach Rose for comment were unsuccessful.

Footage of the altercation has been circulating on social media. In the video, Fuentas opened the door and immediately sprayed the can at the person recording the video on their phone.

Far-right influencer Nick Fuentes posted his mugshot to X just hours after he was arrested for battery

The 26-year-old was arrested after allegedly pepper-sprayed Maria Rose, 57, who showed up at his home following his controversial 'Your body, my choice' post

The camera operator could be heard yelling, 'Hey, what are you doing,' just seconds before getting sprayed.

The phone, still recording, then hit the ground, which Fuentas picked up and took into his house.

The confrontation followed Fuentes' viral Election Day post, 'Your body, my choice. Forever,' referencing abortion policies. The post has garnered more than 99.6 million views.

After it went viral, Fuentes' personal information, including his home address, began circulating online.

Some social media users responded by sharing images of his house, captioned, 'Your house, our choice.'

Fuentes, who previously got into hot water when he threw food at someone at an In-n-Out in 2022, told police he feared for his life after receiving death threats and unannounced visits to his home, attributing the harassment to his political joke.

Another woman passing by Fuentes' house reported seeing a man shoving a woman outside.

When police arrived, Rose and Fuentes were separated for interviews. The report noted Fuentes became 'uncooperative' and refused to answer further questions.

Footage of the alleged altercation has been circulating on social media

In a since deleted Facebook post, Rose admitted her decision to visit Fuentes' house was influenced by his online comments.

She also repeatedly shared his address in the post.
Brodie Hatfield was 14 when he performed the emergency procedure and his heroism has been recognised with an award for bravery.

When his father, Rob, 54, had a cardiac arrest in bed in November last year, his wife Karen attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) but, as she began to panic, Brodie came to the rescue.

The quick-thinking Edinburgh teenager remembered the life-saving technique he had been taught at school and asked his mother to step aside while he took over.

With Mrs Hatfield on the phone to medics, Brodie calmly performed CPR  breaking his fathers ribs in the process.

Brodie was honoured last week at the British Heart Foundations (BHF) Heart Hero Awards.

Brodie, now 15, said: I dont feel like a hero. It was just lucky I knew what to do and I think all kids at school should learn how to do CPR.

His father said: It was a perfectly normal Saturday night, and I just went to bed not feeling any different than normal. The next thing, I was awake and in hospital being told the story about what happened.

When Mrs Hatfield, 45, heard her husband making a strange noise, she tried to wake him. Brodie heard and came through and urged his mother to phone 999.

Brodie Hatfield was just 14 when he saved his father's life by giving him emergency CPR

Brodie won a British Heart Foundation Heart Hero Award for his heroism

She said: Rob at this point was completely still, silent, unconscious. The call operator told me to start CPR and began to talk me through it. I attempted to start it, but Brodie said, I know what to do, Ive done this at school, I can do it.

I was conflicted because I thought it wasnt fair for my child to have to do that to his own father if he wasnt going to make it, but the other part of me was saying I dont think Im doing this correctly. Theres a better chance of a good outcome if Brodie does it.

She added: He was amazing, it as like watching a professional. I think if he hadnt been able to do that, we would have had a very different outcome.

Brodie carried out CPR until paramedics arrived. His father, an electronics engineer, was taken to hospital and put in an induced coma for several days.

He has had a device implanted to monitor his heart and deliver a shock if it detects a dangerous abnormal rhythm.

Mr Hatfield said: Its fantastic that Brodie was able to do what he had to do so quickly. Those seconds counted and made the world of difference.

Im hugely proud of him  that sort of thing stays with you for life, its just amazing. You tell people how your 14-year-old son has done this and find that they are booking themselves onto training courses for CPR.

Brodie has been characteristically modest, and his mother said: Hes never been a bragger. He obviously told his friends, but Ive had parents coming up to me saying they had no idea.

Hero pupil Brodie made his mother Karen (left) and his father Rob (right) hugely proud

Craigmount High School teacher Rikki Breach trained Brodie to do CPR during a science lesson

Biology and pupil support teacher Rikki Breach from Craigmount High School taught Brodie and his S2 year group CPR skills.

He said: My hope is that pupils never need to use their CPR training, but if they ever need to, they can do so effectively.

Brodies dedication to learning CPR and applying it in a real-life emergency to save his fathers life is truly commendable.

There are more than 3,100 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests every year in Scotland. Just one in ten survive.

Immediate CPR and defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival.

BHFs free online training tool RevivR can teach CPR and the correct steps of defibrillator use in 15 minutes. David McColgan, head of BHF Scotland, said of Brodie: He is truly a deserving Heart Hero, and we are full of admiration and pride for his extraordinary efforts.
Syrian rebels have reached the outskirts of Damascus in a lightning push to the capital amid their renewed offensive to topple the Assad regime.

Government forces reportedly withdrew as rebel groups amassed in the city's suburbs, wrestling for control after more than a week of intensified fighting.

Armed groups reached the suburb of Darayya this afternoon, some five miles from the centre, according to the Turkish Anadolu Agency.

'Our forces have begun the final phase of encircling the capital, Damascus,' said rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani today, with the Islamist-led alliance that launched the offensive 10 days ago.

'Damascus awaits you,' HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, said in a statement Saturday addressed to rebel fighters on Telegram.

Syrians still in the nominally government-controlled territory of Jaramana seized the opportunity to pull down a statue of Assad's father as the regime faces collapse.

To the north, rebel troops made a lunge towards the strategic city of Homs, just days after they proclaimed a major victory in the taking of the city of Hama on Thursday.

The staggering assault has seen rebels opposed to the regime make the fastest battlefield advance by either side since the civil war began almost 13 years ago.

Assad's office said today that the President was staying put in the capital and continuing his duties after his children and British-born wife fled to Russia last week, and his brothers-in-law allegedly travelled to the UAE, per Syrian security officials.

Assad's allies in Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, distracted or worn-down by other conflicts, meanwhile showed no signs of intervening.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told CNN that Turkey wishes that neighboring Syria can 'quickly attain the peace and tranquility it has longed for' during 13 years of civil conflict.

He said: 'I want to say this openly: We do not have our eyes on land  not even a pebble  that belongs to another country.'

Local residents celebrate after opposition forces led by HTS (Hayyet Tahrir al-Sham) took control of Hama city center and surrounding villages on December 6

Rebel forces pressing a lightning offensive in Syria aim to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad's rule, their Islamist leader said in an interview published on December 6

Russian president Vladimir Putin meets with Assad at the Kremlin in Moscow in July

Asma al-Assad, wife of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, casts her vote during the country's presidential elections in Douma, Syria, with her husband in this file photo taken in 2021

People in Damascus topple a statue of Hafez al-Assad and wave a Druze flag as rebel forces approach the capital, on December 7

Charles Lister, director of the Syria and countering terrorism and extremism programs at the Middle East Institute, told Bloomberg that Assad's future has 'never looked more fragile' as the opposition encroaches on Homs and allied support withers.

While capturing Homs could close the land route between the government and Tartus, home to Russia's only Mediterranean port, Russia appears not to be in a position to help Assad regain ground with focus and resources directed to Ukraine.

'Russia doesn't have a plan to save Assad and doesn't see one emerging as long as the Syrian president's army continues to abandon its positions,' a source 'close to the Kremlin' told Bloomberg.

What is HTS?

HTS, the group leading the rebel offensive in Syria, is a powerful Islamist organisation that has maintained de facto control of Idlib for several years. The group, led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani, solidified in 2017 as a conglomeration of various Islamist factions but traces its roots to al-Qaeda. HTS' core component arose from a group once known as Jabhat al-Nusra - al-Qaeda's Syrian branch - but later sought to reposition itself as a legitimate Syrian nationalist organisation. It officially severed ties with al-Qaeda and created a civilian arm known as the 'Salvation Government' through which it seeks to govern in Syria, insisting it has no ambition to expand beyond the nation's borders. Initial reports from civilians in Aleppo have appeared to suggest that HTS militants have treated inhabitants well after ousting Syrian government forces. But there are suspicions that HTS' jihadist origins remain and it is still designated a terrorist organisation by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), US, UK and the EU, among others. Advertisement

Iran, likewise, has been hesitant, or unable, to funnel its support to Syria. On Friday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he would would only help Assad 'to the extent necessary', but previously promised to 'consider' sending troops.

The capture of Hama has given rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), control of a strategic central city they never managed to seize before.

Homs is the next target for the rebels, deemed crucial for Assad's hopes of staying in power.

'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,' Jihad Yazigi, editor of the Syria Report newsletter, told Reuters.

It follows a staggering effort to seize Aleppo, the main northern city in Syria, last week as part of a blitz offensive beginning on November 27.

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 forces, suffered catastrophic losses in its war with Israel.

While Hezbollah has reportedly sent 2,000 fighters to Syria, per a source close to the Iran-backed proxy group today, Assad's backing from allies continues to wither.

Rebel forces were just 12 miles (20km) from Damascus by 11am GMT on Saturday, posing an imminent threat to the capital, according to a war monitor and rebels.

The Syrian army reportedly withdrew its forces from all towns about 10km (6.2 miles) from the capital, a monitor reported soon after.

The Syrian defence ministry, loyal to Assad, denied the army had fled positions.

'There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces, present in all areas of the Damascus countryside, have withdrawn,' it said.

The Syrian government was also forced to evacuate from its positions in Quneitrea, near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

The Syrian Democratic Forces, the main ally of the US against the regime, meanwhile seized key areas in Deir ez Zor and Raqqa on December 6, making it harder for Iran to move forces in to help Assad or resupply Iranian-backed forces like Hezbollah.

Reported battlefield advances as of Friday, December 6. Claims are quickly changing

In little over a week, the offensive has seen Syria's second city Aleppo and strategically located Hama fall from Assad's control for the first time since the civil war began in 2011

Assad's office said today that the President was staying put in the capital and continuing his duties after his children and British-born wife fled to Russia last week (pictured together 2021)

Bashar al-Assad (L) with his wife Asma al-Assad arrive at New Delhi International airport, India, 17 June 2008

NEW - opposition fighters are currently advancing into #Homs city, as the advance into southern #Damascus appears to be triggering a sudden collapse of frontlines. pic.twitter.com/azUiaKPxQs  Charles Lister (@Charles_Lister) December 7, 2024

A member of the Syrian opposition stands at an entrance to the Hama governorate on the Damascus-Aleppo International Highway, December 3

Video shared on social media by reporters claimed to show regime forces routing on foot from the town of Zakiah, a mere 16 miles (25.7km) from Damascus.

President Bashar Al-Assad has reportedly returned to the capital to continue carrying out duties, officials said today following reports he had left.

Meanwhile, Syrians in Jaramana - a suburb of the capital - tore down a statue of Bashar al-Assad's father, Hafez, as some waved the flag of the Druze.

The suburb is still nominally controlled by the Assad regime at the time of writing, and it did not appear to be militant rebel groups (who are still several miles from Jaramana and Damascus) pulling down the statue, contrary to other reports.

Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP that local rebel fighters now also controlled all of Daraa province.

Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, with the Islamist-led alliance that launched the offensive in the country's northwest, said 'we are now less than 20 km from the southern gate of the capital Damascus'.

'The advance towards the capital continues,' he added.

A truck pulls the head of another toppled statue of late Syrian president Hafez al-Assad through the streets of the city of Hama on December 6

An aerial picture shows a car driving past Syrian army military equipment and vehicles that were abandoned on the highway to Damascus, near the town of Suran, on December 3, 2024

Syria 's British-born first lady, Asma al-Assad (pictured, file photo), has been diagnosed with leukemia, the Syrian presidency said on Tuesday. The announcement came almost five years after the 48-year-old announced she had fully recovered from breast cancer

A short while ago, an attack was carried out by armed individuals at a @UN post in the Hader area in #Syria.



The IDF is currently assisting the UN forces in repelling the attack.



The IDF is deployed with reinforced forces in the Golan Heights area and will continue to operate  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 7, 2024

Israel's military now assesses that the rebels pose a direct threat to Assad's rule.

While a weakened Assad regime plays to Israel's interests, there remains debate around sending troops in - amid an ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza and clashes with Iran - and anxiety around helping Sunni jihadists once aligned with al-Qaeda.

The IDF announced on Saturday afternoon that an attack had been carried out by 'armed individuals' at a UN post in the Hader area of Syria.

It said it was assisting UN forces in repelling the attack and would continue to operate in the Golan Heights in order to protect Israel and its citizens.

Assadist forces have been backed by intense Russian airstrikes, but rebels continue to push through Assad's lines.

Since Russia does not share a land border with Syria, it also depends on Turkey's goodwill to allow warships to pass through the Bosporus.

While Turkey and Russia were able to work together to broker a truce in May 2020, Turkish forces have backed opposition groups in an effort to displace ISIS.

For Russia, Syria represents a strategic stronghold key to its efforts to project power in the Middle East.

The loss of influence would be 'devastating' for Russia, Nicole Grajewski, fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told the Wall Street Journal.

'To see Russian planes leave Syria as rebel forces move onward towards their air bases, and their assets in Damascus fall, this would be so devastating for the Russian image of itself,' she said.

Anti-government fighters patrol the streets of Hama after they captured the central Syrian city, on December 6

Israeli soldiers sit atop an armoured vehicle near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria Saturday December 7, 2024

National Syrian Army soldiers celebrate in the city after opposition forces led by HTS (Hayyet Tahrir al-Sham) took control of Hama city center and surrounding villages on December 6

'It would be akin to a Saigon moment for them,' she added.

Ukrainian intelligence has assessed that Russian forces have 'suffered significant losses, with some units of the aggressor state surrounded'.

'Hundreds of Moscow troops are listed as missing in Syria,' it reported.

Rebel groups were rumoured to have received operational training from Ukrainian special forces, learning from tactics developed during the war in Ukraine, the Kyiv Post reported.

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.

Iran, meanwhile, has seen its proxies across the region degraded by Israeli airstrikes.

And Syrian troops are exhausted and hollowed out by 13 years of war and economic crises, with little will left to fight.

'The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining whether the rebel offensive poses an existential threat to the Assad regime or whether the regime manages to regain its footing and push back on recent rebel gains,' said Mona Yacoubian, an analyst with the United States Institute for Peace, as reported the Associated Press.

'While weakened and distracted, Assad's allies are unlikely to simply cave to the rebels' offensive,' she wrote in an analysis.

National Syrian Army soldiers celebrate in the city after opposition forces led by HTS (Hayyet Tahrir al-Sham) took control of Hama city center and surrounding villages on December 6

A view of a military airport seized by anti-regime groups in Hama, on December 6

National Syrian Army soldiers celebrate in the city after opposition forces led by HTS (Hayyet Tahrir al-Sham) took control of Hama city center and surrounding villages on December 6

Abu Mohammed al-Golani (AKA Abu Mohammad al-Julani), the main insurgent commander, has vowed to protect Syria's religious minorities as HTS makes gains.

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.

The Institute for the Study of War assessed 'support to the Assad regime will almost certainly fail to stop the opposition offensive at this time unless ground forces are deployed rapidly and in larger numbers'.
Donald Trump has said the US should not get involved in Syria's civil war.

The president-elect's comments come as fighting in the middle-eastern country has ramped up in recent weeks, with rebel forces capturing multiple key cities.

The insurgents have claimed Aleppo and a string of other cities and towns across the countrys northwest and look poised to take the capital of Damascus in a bid to topple Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

But Trump warned the US should have 'nothing to do with' the conflict in a post on Truth Social.

He suggested that the rebels' success if because Russia, a key ally of President Assad, has been preoccupied with the war in Ukraine.

'Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years,' Trump wrote.

Donald Trump has said the US should not get involved in Syria 's rekindled civil war

'This is where former President Obama refused to honor his commitment of protecting the RED LINE IN THE SAND, and all hell broke out, with Russia stepping in.

'But now they are, like possibly Assad himself, being forced out, and it may actually be the best thing that can happen to them.

'There was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia, other than to make Obama look really stupid. In any event, Syria is a mess, but is not our friend [...] this is not our fight.'

The civil war in Syria has been simmering for over a decade, but for a long time there were relatively few gains on either side.

The last time Assad was in serious trouble was 10 years ago, at the height of the countrys civil war, when his forces lost control over parts of the largest city, Aleppo, and his opponents were closing in on Damascus.

Back then, he was rescued by his chief international backer Russia and longtime regional ally Iran, which along with Lebanons powerful Hezbollah militia, helped Assads forces retake Aleppo, tipping the war firmly in his favor.

insurgents have claimed already Aleppo and a string of other cities and towns across the countrys northwest and look poised to take the capital of Damascus

Trump suggested that the rebels' success if because Russia , a key ally of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, has been preoccupied with the war in Ukraine

Russia is preoccupied with its war in Ukraine, and Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of its fighters to shore up Assads forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel.

Meanwhile Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by Israeli airstrikes.

Trump's comments come ahead of his visit to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, where the president-elect is scheduled to appear to commemorate the reopening of the iconic church following a devastating fire in 2019.
Mohamed Al Fayed evaded prosecution by tricking police into believing he had dementia, one of his sons reveals today.

Omar Fayed, 37, said the deception allowed his billionaire father to escape justice over his alleged sexual crimes, now thought to involve dozens of women.

He got off the hook on the grounds he was mentally incapacitated, Omar tells The Mail on Sunday today. But the tycoon didnt have dementia and was really as sharp as a tack.

Sources have told this newspaper that Scotland Yard, which has faced criticism for failing to bring the Harrods owner to justice, is examining the astonishing claim as part of its investigation into those suspected of assisting him in his alleged crimes.

Lawyers for the victims describe Al Fayed as a predator on the scale of Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein.

His youngest son, a tech entrepreneur once set to inherit Harrods, makes the dementia claim in a wide-ranging interview in which he casts light on his fathers motives.

Omar, who was horrified by the abuse claims, said he wished the investigation had been able to take its course when he was still alive and suggests police missed an opportunity to prosecute when allegations emerged in 2017 and 2018, when his father was in his late 80s.

One woman  who claimed she was abused by Al Fayed and made a video statement to police in 2018  was told that Al Fayed was too old to be prosecuted and that he was not in the right state of mind because of dementia.

Omar Fayed, 37, said the deception allowed his billionaire father (pictured together) to escape justice over his alleged sexual crimes, now thought to involve dozens of women

Omar Fayed (pictured) says he can now 'join the dots' about his billionaire Harrods tycoon father

The billionaire Harrods tycoon, who died last year aged 94, was one of Britain's most notorious sex offenders

His youngest son, a tech entrepreneur once set to inherit Harrods (pictured) makes the dementia claim in a wide-ranging interview in which he casts light on his fathers motives

In 2017 Al Fayed was the subject of an expose by Dispatches, the Channel 4 programme. In it, he was accused of sexually harassing young employees, including a 17-year-old he recruited.

At the time, there was an unsuccessful attempt to prevent broadcast on the grounds that Al Fayed was mentally incapacitated.

Last night the documentarys executive producer Tom Porter said: We had our suspicions about whether the claim about illness was genuine but were unable to verify either way.

Bravely waiving her right to anonymity, Cheska Hill-Wood, now 50, told the programme she was a 17-year-old aspiring actress who had recently completed a photoshoot as a debutante when she was approached out of the blue to become Al Fayeds junior personal assistant in 1993.

Al Fayed promptly told her that his eldest son Dodi, a film producer who died with Princess Diana in Paris four years later, might be able to help her acting career.

Ms Hill-Wood went to Al Fayeds flat where he asked her to change into a swimming costume before he filmed her, allegedly so that his son could see her shape.

He then kissed her and, after she pushed him off, barked: If you dont sleep with me, I cant help you. She then fled the flat and did not return to work for Al Fayed.

Ms Hill-Wood said yesterday: Hearing that he faked illness to escape justice is appalling, but totally consistent with the behaviour of this despicable individual who believed he could act with impunity. It is deeply sad for the sake of so many women that he didnt face justice when alive.

She said the attempt to block the programme was a disgrace adding: The legal letter said he had dementia and that we should consider his grandchildren as theyre at school. But I remember thinking at the time that I wasnt long out of school myself when he did what he did to me.

Omar, centre, with his father Mohamed and sister Camilla at a fashion show in New York

Omar his father Mohamed Al Fayed, who may have raped and abused more than 111 women over nearly four decades

Cheska Hill-Wood went to Al Fayeds flat where he asked her to change into a swimming costume before he filmed her, allegedly so that his son could see her shape

Lawyers for the victims describe Al Fayed as a predator on the scale of Jimmy Savile , Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein

She said the Dispatches programme pulled no punches in its portrayal of Al Fayed but did not ignite the scandal in the same way as BBC documentary Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods did this September. No doubt because by then Al Fayed was dead, she said. The tycoon died last year aged 94.

But women did come forward to the police after Dispatches, which was fantastic.

Detectives launched a new criminal investigation last month after identifying more than five suspects who allegedly assisted the Harrods boss in carrying out horrendous abuse. It follows a surge of sex attack claims from a total of 111 victims, with the youngest said to be aged just 13.

Al Fayed was arrested in 2013 over a rape allegation, but never charged.

TV producer Keaton Stone, whose six-year investigation led to the BBC documentary, is among those who have publicly criticised the Met.

He was angry that officers declined to pursue his wife Sophias sexual assault case against Al Fayed in June 2021. Officers cited ill health as the reason Al Fayed was unfit to face charges.

Detectives are now investigating accusations of rape, sexual assault and trafficking spanning almost four decades, from 1977 to 2014.

An internal Met Police review is also being carried out into how the force handled claims about Al Fayed while he was alive, amid allegations of corruption and reports that officers were taking bribes to allow him to continue preying on Harrods staff.

In 2017 Al Fayed was the subject of an expose by Dispatches, the Channel 4 programme. In it, he was accused of sexually harassing young employees, including a 17-year-old he recruited

Scotland Yard approached the Crown Prosecution Service on five occasions between 2005 and 2023 about Al Fayed, but in each case no charges were brought despite mounting concerns about predatory behaviour.

The Met declined to comment on the dementia claim but has said in a statement: No criminal charges were brought against Al Fayed while he was alive and we recognise the impact this has had on many victims.

From the review so far, it is apparent that past investigations were extensive and conducted by specialist teams who sought charging decisions from the CPS on two occasions.

However, we know that contact with and support for some victims at the time could have been improved.

Only after completing this comprehensive review will we fully understand what could have been done differently.
The 433-year-old school of former England rugby star Mike Tindall is set to go co-educational in response to the government's plans to impose VAT on tuition fees.

Wakefield Grammar School Foundation will merge its two single-sex schools together from the start of the 2026 academic year.

The move will see Queen Elizabeth Grammar School for boys combine resources with Wakefield Girl's High School for different portions of student's educations.

This approach will see boys and girls have separate academic lessons from Years 7 to 11 but share extracurricular activities and other topics such as health, social and economic education, before a full merger in sixth form.

Described by the school's foundation as a 'proactive' measure to ensure it remains competitive in attracting students, the schools are set to see a 17 per cent fee increase this January.

According to the the foundation, this is due to the ever-rising running costs and the impending 20 per cent VAT set to be imposed by Labour on school fees.

There had also been plans to ditch the historic names of both schools, but the Telegraph have reported that following pushback from parents due to fears it would dilute school history and tradition, the move has been scrapped.

Instead, both Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and Wakefield Girls' High School, plus the group's Wakefield Grammar Pre-Preparatory School, will all be renamed Queen Elizabeth's School, Wakefield.

Queen Elizabeth Grammar School for boys boasts Mike Tindall as a former pupil

One aggrieved parent drew comparisons between the merging of schools and the controversial Jaguar car rebrand in November.

The parent also voiced their belief that the merger signified the unintended consequences of Labour's tax hike, adding that it would dilute Britain's esteemed educational system.

'For centuries one of the appeals of a great British private education has been knowing that these storied institutions provide a steady guiding hand to shape and mould the next generation', the concerned parent said.

'Parents like me put their money and faith in the belief that these schools will afford an education and history for their children that can be appreciated and valued beyond their own lifetime', they added.

The news of the Wakefield school merger comes off the back of the Girls' Schools Association (GSA) warning last month that the government's plan to impose a tuition tax would have a 'seismic impact' on girls' education.

Other school headmasters have been reacting to the tax, with headmistress Jane Gandee of St Swithun's Girls' School saying that the Labour VAT policy has the potential to create an uneven playing field for girls' education.

According to the 2024 Schools Council's census, there are 101 fully single-sex independent boys' schools in the UK and 155 fee-charging girls' schools, with a number of these also announcing radical changes off the back of the tuition tax.

Prior Park College in Bath is set to end its near-200-year-long affiliation with the Catholic Church as it attempts to attract more pupils, instead shifting its official denomination to the broader umbrella of Christianity.

Wakefield Grammar School Foundation will merge its two single-sex schools together from the start of the 2026 academic year

The decision to make its schools co-educational followed 'months of careful consideration', Wakefield Grammar School Foundation said.

In a statement on its website, they said: 'We are dedicated to maintaining our tradition of academic excellence while adapting to modern educational needs and taking sensible account of societal changes. Women and men are working alongside each other in higher education and the workplace, and it is important that education prepares girls and boys for that'.

From January 1 when the new tuition tax is imposed, fees at the schools will shoot from 5,633 per term to 6,587 for Year 7 students and above.

The treasury have stated their hope that the additional revenue raised from the tax will total almost 2 billion with the help of the removal of business rate reliefs from private schools with charitable status.

Labour has said it will spend the money raised on measures to improve standards in state schools, including the recruitment of 6,500 new teachers by the end of this Parliament.
Donald Trump has been welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron after arriving for the re-opening ceremony of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris.

The pair were pictured embracing and shaking hands in what is the president-elect's first international trip since his landslide victory last month.

Macron first greeted Trump at The Elysee Presidential Palace describing it as a 'great honour', while Trump reciprocated the compliment.

The US president-elect said the pair would be discussing a world that's gone 'a little crazy' in their meeting, where Ukraine's Zelenksy will also attend, before the three head to the Notre Dame for the historic ceremony.

Zelenksy was seen firmly shaking the hand of the Elysee's director of protocol Frederic Billet before entering trilateral talks with the once and future US president as well as Macron.

The surprise meeting is of significant importance, as there are fears Trump, who previously bragged he could end the Russo-Ukraine conflict in less than 24, could try and force them to accept peace terms favourable to Russia.

Post-talks the three world leaders were seen posing alongside one another, with Macron putting a thumbs up to the camera. before heading to the 861-year-old cathedral for its official reopening since 2019.

Donald Trump has been welcomed by President Macron as he arrived at for the reopening ceremony of the Notre Dame cathedral

The pair were pictured embracing and shaking hands in what is the president-elect's first international trip since his landslide victory last month

Post-talks the three world leaders were seen pictured alongside one another before heading to the Notre Dame, as Macron posed a thumbs up for the camera

A photo shows the facade of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, ahead of its official reopening ceremony

Emmanuel Macron welcomes US president-elect Donald Trump before a meeting at he Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris

Images shared to social media revealed that Macron and Trump will be sitting side by side at the historic event, whilst Zelensky will be nearby to their right.

Prince William is also expected to meet Trump in Paris to discuss the US and UK's 'special relationship' on Saturday following the ceremony.

William is travelling to France by request of the Government for the event celebrating the 600m restoration of the landmark cathedral following a devastating fire in 2019.

While in Paris, the Prince of Wales will hold meetings with both Trump and America's first lady Jill Biden who will also be in attendance, Kensington Palace has said.

Although Prince William was expected to meet the current US First Lady before the historic ceremony, he will instead reconvene with her at the ceremony.

Instead of a private chat like the one that had been arranged, the two will speak on the side-lines of the event, Kensington Palace have said.

Their meeting had been impacted due to delays with the Prince's travel because of Storm Darragh, according to the Palace.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives for a meeting with France's President at The Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with the Elysee's director of protocol Frederic Billet

Zelensky is welcomed by Billet before meeting with Macron

Macron poses with US president-elect Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky before a trilateral meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron and US president-elect Donald Trump attend a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier attending the welcome ceremony of Notre Dame in Paris

World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers will gather this evening to mark the occasion, led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich.

Due to poor weather, the entire opening ceremony for 1,500 guests will be held inside the cathedral itself, the French presidential palace and Paris diocese said.

By Saturday morning, organisers said 50mph gusts of wind and heavy downpours would disrupt the evening ceremony.

Notre Dame's rector, Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, says the cathedral is 'more than just a French monument' and a beloved treasure of world's cultural heritage.

'The cathedral is a magnificent symbol of unity,' the rector said. 'A sign of hope, because what seemed impossible has become possible.'

Saturday's events will blend solemn religious tradition with cultural grandeur, starting with Ulrich symbolically reopening Notre Dame's grand wooden doors.

Tapping them three times with a staff crafted from charred wood salvaged from the cathedral's fire-ravaged roof, he will declare the cathedral open for worship once more.

Psalms, prayers, and hymns will fill the cavernous space as the cathedral's thunderous organ, silenced since the fire, is reawakened.

The 8,000-pipe instrument, painstakingly restored and cleaned of toxic lead dust, will respond to the archbishop's invocation, with four organists performing an improvised interplay of melodies.

Arnault family arrive inside Notre Dame Cathedral ahead of a ceremony to mark the re-opening of the landmark cathedral today

Actress Salma Hayek and her husband CEO of Kering Francois-Henri Pinault sit inside Notre Dame Cathedral ahead of the ceremony

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife French-Italian singer and model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy

Former French prime minister Gabriel Attal talks with other guests inside Notre Dame Cathedral ahead of the ceremony

Guests arriving at landmark French cathedral as it prepares to formally reopen its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed it in 2019

More than 20 French government security agents have been helping ensure Trump's safety alongside the Secret Service, according to French national police. A special French police van was providing anti-drone protection for Trump's convoy.

Security was tighter than usual outside the US Embassy and other sites around Paris for the Notre Dame reopening, where dozens of international VIPs were expected.

There are 6,000 police officers, gendarmes and military personnel, which includes riot police and mobile gendarmerie squad and several special unites, the Telegraph reports.

There is a heavy police presence around the Notre Dame as well as on the Ile de la Cite with several access points on the riverside by the cathedral blocked.

An anti-terrorist perimeter will extend across the area as well as a section of the Left Bank quays for the entirety of the weekend.

Macron, who has had an up-and-down relationship with Trump, has made a point of cultivating a relationship with the president-elect since he defeated Kamala Harris in the US election last month.

But his office nonetheless played down the significance of the invitation, saying that other politicians who do not currently hold office had been invited as well.

The iconic cathedral is formally reopening its doors today following an ambitious five-year project to restore a monument that took nearly two centuries to build.

Photo shows the inside of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, ahead of its official reopening ceremony

Millions watched on in horror as an inferno ravaged Notre Dame in April 2019

Prince William (right) accepted an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron (left) to attend Notre Dame's grand re-opening, on Saturday

A view inside Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral before its reopening

Later in the evening, a star-studded concert will take centre stage inside the cathedral and pay tribute to its resurrection and to those who labored to restore it, offering a universal message of harmony.

Pianist Lang Lang, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and soprano Pretty Yende are among the world-famous artists slated to perform.

A spectacular outside concert possibly featuring 'surprise superstars' like Paul McCartney and Pharrell Williams was pulled due to the poor weather, however.

Instead, recordings completed inside the cathedral on Friday night will be shown.

Like the Olympics, images from the Notre Dame ceremony will be beamed to millions of people watching all over the world.

On Sunday, Ulrich will lead the inaugural Mass and consecrate the cathedral's new altar, designed by contemporary artist Guillaume Bardet to replace the one crushed beneath the flaming spire in the blaze.

Ulrich will knock on main front door of Notre Dame with a wooden staff at 8.15pm.

Psalm 121 will then be sung three times inside the Cathedral, and then the doors of the Cathedral will swing open.

Another Mass will take place on Sunday evening, when 2,500 people are expected.

All tickets went within 25 minutes of being offered to Catholics online.

Nearly 170 bishops from France and abroad will attend, alongside priests from all 113 parishes of the Paris diocese.

Buckingham Palace confirmed that William was attending 'on behalf of the United Kingdom', and that he 'will meet the First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, and the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump.'

It was not clear whether Ms Biden would spend anytime with Mr Trump, who arrived at Paris Orly airport just after dawn on Saturday morning, and then travelled to the U.S. Embassy in a 30-car convoy.

American security agents flooded the area around it, and they were supported by their French counterparts.

Smoke billows as flames burn through the roof of the Notre-Dame cathedral on April 15, 2019

A tourist boat cruises on the Seine river in front of Notre-Dame on the eve of its reopening

After five years of restoration, on Saturday, the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral will reopen its doors to the world in the presence of Emmanuel Macron and around 50 heads of state

A light show is projected on the facade of Notre-Dame on the eve of its reopening to the public

French Police officers perform security checks on members of the public near the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, on December 7

Notre-Dame Cathedral is set to reopen early December 2024, with a weekend of ceremonies

Paris police prefect Laurence Nunez said 6000 police and gendarmes were on the streets,.

These included members of the SAS-style GIGN, the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group, who will provide everything from rooftop snipers to helicopter-borne rapid intervention teams.

Mobile weapons systems in the area include Crotale New Generation short-range air defence units.

Groups such as Al-Qaeda and Isis, who have brought terror to the streets of Paris over the past decade, have threatened the Notre Dame opening, meaning 'the terrorist threat is at its highest,' said Mr Nunez.

The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East.

For Catholics, Notre Dame's rector said the cathedral 'carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.'

'It is a magnificent symbol of unity, a sign of hope,' Dumas said.

The range of dignitaries coming to Paris from Africa to the Mideast and the U.S. underline the cathedral's significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace.

The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to embattled Macron, whose prime minister resigned this week, plunging the nation's political scene into more turmoil.

The French president, who has called Notre Dame's reopening 'a jolt of hope,' will address the gathering. He had hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France's unity and resilience under his leadership.

The ambitious five-year restoration timeline, announced just a day after the 2019 fire, had seemed improbable to many.

General view inside Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral before its reopening

A light show is projected on the facade of the cathedral on December 6

A woman takes a video of the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral during the final preparations for its reopening

A view taken from the rooftop of the Hotel Paradiso shows the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, five-and-a-half years after a fire ravaged the Gothic masterpiece, on the eve of reopening ceremonies, in Paris

General view outside Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral before its reopening

Macron's presidency faces its gravest crisis after the government's collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier.

The vote followed months of political gridlock after snap elections. Calls are now growing louder from opposition forces for Macron to resign.

But he vowed in an address to the nation on Thursday to remain in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he'll name a new prime minister within days.

As France struggles with economic woes and mounting social unrest, Notre Dame's rebirth celebrations form a stark contrast to the crisis.

Security will be tight all through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year.

The Ile de la Cite - the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame - will be closed to tourists and non-residents, with access restricted to invitees and those who live on the island.

Public viewing areas along the Seine's southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens.

The archbishop's reopening of the cathedral doors will be followed by a liturgical service and the reawakening of the grand organ, ending with the celebratory concert that will honor Notre Dame's cultural and spiritual significance.

For many, Notre Dame's rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one - after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire.

Following the 2019 fire, nearly $1 billion in donations quickly poured in from around the world, testifying to Notre Dame's universal appeal.
Donald Trump awkwardly shook hands with the leader of France during a visit to Paris to celebrate the re-opening of Notre Dame.

The president-elect met with President Macron as part of the ceremony to commemorate the renovation of the iconic cathedral, which was ravaged by a devastating fire in 2019.

The leaders first vigorously shook hands at Macron's official residence, with Trump clasping the French premier's from above in a bizarre gesture.

A second, even longer handshake took place at Notre Dame where the presidents clasped hands so tightly they almost appeared to be tussling as they jerked their arms back and forth.

The handshakes have been described as a 'power move' by online commenters who pointed out the pair had a history of such behavior.

Trump wrote when he accepted the invitation earlier this week that the French premier had 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!'

He touched down at Paris' Orly Airport on Saturday morning and has more than 20 French government security agents helping ensure his safety alongside the Secret Service, according to French national police.

A special French police van has also provided anti-drone protection for Trump's convoy.

Donald Trump awkwardly shook hands with France's president during a visit to Paris to celebrate the re-opening of Notre Dame

Trump was invited to the ceremony to commemorate the renovation of the iconic cathedral, which was ravaged by a devastating fire in 2019

'President Trump is back to dominating world leaders with his handshake,' one person wrote on X.

'Macron is going to need a hand massage after all that twisting and pulling Trump did to him.'

'Seven years later and the handshake battle continues between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron,' another remarked.

'Trump is going to rip out Macrons arm if they exchange another handshake tonight,' a third joked.

Security is tighter than usual outside the U.S. Embassy and other sites around Paris for the grandiose Notre Dame reopening, where dozens of international VIPs are expected.

Macron, who has had an up-and-down relationship with Trump, has made a point of cultivating ties with the president-elect since he defeated Vice President Kamala Harris last month.

But his office nonetheless played down the significance of the invitation, saying that other politicians who do not currently hold office had been invited as well.

Trump was invited as president-elect of a 'friendly nation,' Macron's office said, adding, 'This is in no way exceptional, we've done it before.'

President Joe Biden was invited as well, but will not attend. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre cited a scheduling conflict and said that his wife, Jill Biden, will instead represent the US.

It will be the second time Trump and the first lady have crossed paths since the election.

The Bidens hosted Trump and his wife Melania at the White House for the traditional meeting between outgoing and incoming presidents.

Trump's visit to France comes as Macron and other European leaders are trying to win the president-elect's favor and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia's three-year invasion.

Trump is going to rip out Macrons arm if they exchange another handshake tonight. pic.twitter.com/JUaeJioZV8  Alex Salvi (@alexsalvinews) December 7, 2024

The dignitaries greeted each other enthusiastically, but with an unusual grasp for their handshake

Notre Dame was officially reopened Saturday following six years of renovations

Ahead of the Notre Dame event, Trump will meet with Macron and the UK's Prince William who is also meeting with Jill Biden, according to the British royal palace.

Macron will convene Saturday with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump also met with Zelenskyy and the two shook hands.

The president-elect has vowed to end the war in Ukraine swiftly, but has not specified how, raising concerns in Kyiv about what terms may be laid out for any future negotiations.

In an effort to build trust with the incoming US administration, Zelenskyy's top aide Andriy Yermak met key members of Trump's team on a two-day trip earlier this week.

A senior Ukrainian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak publicly, described the meetings as productive, but declined to disclose details.

Relations between France and the US during Trump's first term began warmly enough but grew increasingly strained over time.

Macron was the guest of honor at Trump's first state dinner, and Trump traveled to France several times. But the relationship suffered after Macron criticized Trump for questioning the need for NATO and raising doubts about America's commitment to the mutual defense pact.

On the campaign trail this year, Trump often mocked Macron, imitating his accent and threatening to impose steep tariffs on wine and champagne bottles shipped to the US. if France tried to tax American companies.

The gothic masterpiece was obliterated in the fire on April 15, 2019

Trump commended Macron on, ''a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory' ahead of the visit

But Macron was one of the first global leaders to congratulate Trump last month after the election.

Trump was president in 2019 when a massive fire engulfed Notre Dame, collapsing its spire and threatening to destroy one of the world's greatest architectural treasures, known for its mesmerizing stained glass.

'So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris,' he wrote on what was then Twitter, offering his advice to the city.

'Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!' he wrote.

French officials appeared to respond shortly after, noting that 'All means' were being used to extinguish the flames, 'except for water-bombing aircrafts which, if used, could lead to the collapse of the entire structure of the cathedral.'

Last weekend, Trump announced that he intends to nominate real estate developer Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Predecessors in that prestigious role include Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.
Three people have died after an explosion caused an apartment building to collapse in the Netherlands as rescuers fear finding more bodies under the rubble.

Huge plumes of smoke billowed from a large hole where the three-storey block of flats stood in the Hague, with an acrid smell in the air early today as firefighters worked to control the blaze.

The blast and resulting inferno destroyed at least five homes but it was not clear how many people were buried in the debris, Mayor Jan van Zanen told reporters.

Police confirmed that three bodies had been pulled from the wreckage, as fears mounted that the toll could rise much higher with little hope of finding survivors under the rubble.

Firefighters tackled the blaze from the ground and from huge cherry-pickers, as ambulances carried the injured to hospital and police helicopters circled overheard.

'It is not known how many people are still under the rubble. But the reality is that there is only a slim chance of survival for them,' said the mayor. 'It is unbelievable what happened there.'

The cause of the blast was not immediately clear but police appealed for information about a car seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the explosion.

Three people have died after an explosion caused an apartment building to collapse in Hague

Huge plumes of smoke billowed from a large hole where the three-storey block of flats stood

The blast and resulting inferno destroyed at least five homes but it was not clear how many people were buried in the debris, Mayor Jan van Zanen told reporters

'It was like an earthquake,' said bystander Dimi, 53. 'Something collapsed but we didn't see where it came from. I know these neighbours. My kids go to school with them. My new car has also been seriously damaged,' he added.

'I was asleep and suddenly there was this huge bang,' Adam Muller, a 14-year-old local, told AFP.

'I looked out of the window and just saw flames. It's a massive shock,' he added.

Authorities warned locals to keep their windows shut and shut off ventilation systems due to the smoke.

Forensic investigators arrived on the scene to begin to probe a potential cause of blast, an AFP reporter said.

'Shortly after the explosion, at around 6:15 am, a car drove away at very high speed,' police said in a statement.

'The police would like to get in touch with people who saw this car driving or who may have camera footage.'

The three floors of the building consisted of shops on the ground floors and five two-storey apartments, authorities said, with living rooms on the second floor and bedrooms on the top.

Police confirmed that three bodies had been pulled from the wreckage, as fears mounted that the toll could rise much higher with little hope of finding survivors under the rubble

Firefighters tackled the blaze from the ground and from huge cherry-pickers, as ambulances carried the injured to hospital and police helicopters circled overheard

The three floors of the building consisted of shops on the ground floors and five two-storey apartments, authorities said, with living rooms on the second floor and bedrooms on the top

Residents told local media the apartment block was mainly inhabited by elderly people and families with children

Around 40 residents of other blocks near the collapsed building have been evacuated with some taken away by bus to an unknown location

Prime Minister Dick Schoof wrote on X that he was 'shocked by the terrible images of a collapsed apartment building in The Hague'

Dutch King Willem-Alexander wrote on social media: 'We sympathise with those personally affected or are worried about their loved-ones'

Residents told local media the apartment block was mainly inhabited by elderly people and families with children.

Around 40 residents of other blocks near the collapsed building have been evacuated with some taken away by bus to an unknown location.

Hospitals in the area were on standby to treat victims.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof wrote on X that he was 'shocked by the terrible images of a collapsed apartment building in The Hague'.

'My thoughts go out to the victims, all other people involved and the emergency services who are now working on the scene,' said Schoof.

He said he had been in contact with the city authorities and promised any help necessary.

The cause of the blast was not immediately clear but police appealed for information about a car seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the explosion

Emergency personnel work at the scene of an explosion in a residential area in The Hague

The damage caused by the explosion in a residential area in the Hague

Rescuers work at the site of a partially collapsed building after the explosion

A damaged car stands next to a fire truck at the scene of the explosion

Firefighters tackle a large blaze caused by the explosion at the three-storey apartment building

Dutch King Willem-Alexander wrote on social media: 'We sympathise with those personally affected or are worried about their loved-ones.'

The city's mayor was on site to coordinate rescue efforts, according to Regio15.

'At this moment, the emergency services are busy rescuing and searching for people and fighting the fire,' said the city's fire service in a statement.

A picture from local news agency ANP showed one person being led away on a stretcher into a waiting ambulance.

Homes on multiple floors appeared to have been destroyed by the explosion, said Regio15.

Early images from public broadcaster NOS showed several dozen firefighters tackling a large blaze and breaking down doors to gain access to the block.

A person is wheeled to an ambulance following the large explosion in the Hague

Smoke billows and fire continues to rage at the site of the explosion

Emergency services block roads and work to extinguish the massive fire, still raging

Firemen try to douse a fire following a fire and an explosion at a residential building in The Hague on December 7

Emergency services try to extinguish a fire following the explosion

A three-storey apartment block in the Hague partially collapsed December 7, 2024 after a fire and explosion, firefighters said

It is not yet known what caused the explosion or inferno near the Dutch city centre

Damage to the scene following a massive explosion in the Hague on Saturday morning

A picture from local news agency ANP showed one person being led away on a stretcher into a waiting ambulance.

Elite search and rescue teams, specialised in searching for victims in natural disasters and earthquakes, were on their way to the scene with trained dogs, NOS said.

The Hague is the third biggest city in the Netherlands with a population of more than half a million.

It is best known as the home of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and more than 150 international law organisations.
The 'amazing photos' reveal the alien-like transition that has been happening around the country.

You can definitely hear them, but you might not always see them. Especially like this.

Aussie wildlife rangers have shared the incredible and rarely seen moment a cicada sheds its exoskeleton  a key transition into adulthood after emerging from a years-long subterranean stint.

"Two of our rangers snapped these amazing photos," the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service shared on Saturday.

"While were used to seeing cicadas out and about, capturing them at the extraordinary moment when they leave behind their 'nymphal skin' to become an adult is rare," the service said.

Cicadas are the loudest insect in the world  and no doubt you've been hearing them lately. Source: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

If you've been hearing their famously loud chorus in recent weeks, there's good reason for that as there are more cicadas this summer than usual. That's in part due to a big batch of greengrocer cicadas, which have a "unique" seven-year life cycle, emerging this year.

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"Huge numbers of greengrocer cicada nymphs emerge from underground, leading to an explosion of adult cicadas," NSW wildlife officials explained.

"Scientists are still figuring out exactly why this is the case, but some believe this schedule means cicadas avoid peak predator populations."

According to wildlife officials, it's estimated there are as many 1,000 species of cicadas in Australia, but there's still plenty of mystery as only about half of those have been properly described.

One of those scientists desperately trying to describe them (before climate change and habitat loss push them to potential extinction) is Professor David Emery, an insect and parasite expert at the University of Sydney.

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Speaking to Yahoo News Australia after returning from a cicada hunting trip in the NSW Northern Tablelands and Mid North Coast, he said it's been "an amazing year" for observing the species.

"We collect the specimens and describe them before we ruin their environment. Once we know what they are, we put them in museums for future reference," he told Yahoo News last week.

"I'm describing them like crazy as fast as I can. I try to describe four every year, he said. "But we just havent got enough people on the ground looking for them."

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment?  Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
A Texas man was charged with murder after his young friend overdosed on fentanyl while out partying for her birthday.

Erica Russell, 24, was out celebrating her birthday with friends, including her manager Eric Sembera, after getting off a shift at a restaurant in Tomball, near Houston, Texas, in August.

Sembera, 26, allegedly asked Russell if she 'wanted to do a bump' of drugs before he 'dumped' powder onto her phone and she inhaled it, Click 2 Houston reported.

She later nodded off and Sembera took her to the hospital, which they later left against medical advice, investigators said. He dropped his friend and coworker off at her apartment and that was the last time anyone heard from her.

Now, Sembera, who has had addiction problems in the past, faces a murder by fentanyl charge, a first-degree felony, and was arrested last week - four months after her death.

The charge is new, as the law only took effect in September 2023, and has been handed out only a few times.

Sembera's lawyers call the charge 'ridiculous.'

'This is a tragic accident, not a crime,' Mark Thering told Click 2 Houston. 'This wasnt a drug dealer, it wasnt somebody who was pushing fentanyl on people.

Erica Russell, 24, was out celebrating her birthday with her friends, including her manager Eric Sembera, after getting off her shift at a restaurant in Tomball, Texas, near Houston, in August

Sembera, 26, allegedly asked Russell if she 'wanted to a bump' of drugs before he 'dumped' powder onto her phone and she inhaled it. She later died from it. Now, Sembera, who has had addiction problems in the past, faces a murder by fentanyl charge

'Unfortunately, he has had troubles with addiction and hes currently in patient therapy and has been diagnosed with addiction disorder.'

Sembera is out on $100,000 bail, according to Click 2 Houston.

But for Russell's mother, she's been left 'in pain every single day of my life.'

'Losing my daughter, losing my Erica was, theres no comparison,' she said. 'My daughter was out there living her life. And it was the best shes ever done in her life. And I was proud of her.

'I havent figured out how to live without my daughter.'

Russell had only lived in Texas less than a year, her mother told the outlet, and she insisted that if her daughter had known what the substance was, she wouldn't have taken it.

'It is a death sentence. If you mess around with fentanyl, theres a huge chance youre going to die,' she said.

Russell's overdose was the second one in Tomball this year and Police Chief Jeffrey Bert said this is 'grippingly frightening for people.'

Russell had only lived in Texas less than a year, her mother told the outlet, and she insisted that if her daughter had known what the substance was, she wouldn't have taken it

Russell's overdose was the second one in Tomball this year

Tomball Police have responded to dozens of calls over the years, many involving young people, and had to use Narcan at least 35 times in the last two years, Click 2 Houston reported.

In 2020, the department opted to sell off its gyrocopters in turn for a narcotics K9 unit, which has helped with more than 150 drug-related cases, according to Bert.

This year, police have taken more than 300 grams of the substance off the streets of Tomball.

'From my seat, not just as a cop, but as a dad of four beautiful daughters, I think its essential, I think our nation has to recognize and that this is an epidemic,' Bert said.
The fiance of a teacher found with 20 stab wounds in what was controversially ruled a suicide has broken his silence for the first time in almost 14 years.

Ellen Greenberg, 27, was found dead on the kitchen floor of her apartment in Philadelphia in the middle of a blizzard on January 26, 2011.

She had 10 stab wounds to her neck and the back of the head, and 10 to her stomach, abdomen and chest with a 10-inch knife still plunged into her heart.

Greenberg's fiance Samuel Goldberg called 911 saying he found her in a pool of blood after forcing his way inside the apartment when she wouldn't answer.

Assistant Philadelphia Medical Examiner Marlon Osbourne initially ruled her death a homicide, but changed it to suicide after a meeting with police and prosecutors.

Goldberg insisted to police that his fiancee took her own life, and stuck to that narrative in his first public comment on Greenberg's death.

'When Ellen took her own life it left me bewildered. She was a wonderful and a kind person who had everything to live for,' he wrote in a statement to a CNN investigation.

He told police he returned from the gym at the bottom of their building and realized he had locked himself out, and was worried when he couldn't get hold of her to let him in.

Ellen Greenberg was 27 years old when her fiance Sam Goldberg found her dead in the kitchen of her Philadelphia apartment on January 26, 2011

Greenberg's fiance Sam Goldberg told police he broke down the door, which was locked from the inside, found her, and attempted CPR while on the phone with 911

Goldberg has spent the past decade as a target of suspicion by those convinced Greenberg was murdered and didn't reach around her body to stab herself over and over.

He has never been charged, and moved on with Caroline Fay Shnay, the daughter of well-off real estate agents, whom he married at the Plaza in New York City on January 11, 2014, almost exactly three years after Greenberg's death.

'When she died a part of me died with her,' he added to CNN.

'Unimaginably, in the years that have passed I have had to endure the unimaginable passing of my future wife and the pathetic and despicable attempts to desecrate my reputation and her privacy by creating a narrative that embraces lies, distortions, and falsehoods in order to avoid the truth.

'Mental illness is very real and has many victims.

'I hope and pray that you never lose someone you love like I did to a terrible disease and then be accused by ignorant and misinformed people of causing her death.'

Goldberg is increasingly in the minority in his insistence that Greenberg killed herself, particularly given the number and location of her stab wounds.

'Now remember, shes not using her left hand. Thered be blood on itTheres no blood on that left hand. So how do you even do that? How do you get your arm back there?' Dr Wayne Ross, a forensic expert who analyzed the case for Greenberg's family, told CNN.

'We got an exemplar police officer, of a similar build, height, arm length. And we had her try to reconstruct... We gave her the knife, and see if she could actually contort herself in these positions. And she couldn't.'

Greenberg's parents Joshua and Sandee have spent the 13 years since, and hundreds of thousands of dollars, trying to reverse the death certificate change to suicide

Greenberg's parents Joshua and Sandee Greenberg have spent the decade since her death, and hundreds of thousands of dollars, trying to reverse the suicide ruling and in July had a major victory in that effort.

They said Greenberg began feeling nervous and anxious in the months before her death.

Friends told her parents that they too noticed a change, and that she increasingly deferred to Goldberg on decisions she would once have made for herself.

Joshua earlier explained to DailyMail.com that his daughter wanted to quit her job, leave Goldberg and move back to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with her parents.

Her parents made her a deal that she could come home if she saw a psychiatrist about what was troubling her, and she agreed.

Psychiatrist Ellen Berman saw Greenberg three times, diagnosed her with anxiety, and prescribed her Ambien and Klonopin - but was very clear that she wasn't suicidal.

'Sandee and I both believe Ellen was going to go home that day,' Joshua said.

'She had taken off the engagement ring, had packed up her makeup, which was very valuable to her, and she was planning to leave.

'And I think things didn't work out well, and she never made it home.'

Ellen's parents Sandee and Joshua Greenberg tell DailyMail.com they have 'a mountain of evidence' to prove their daughter was murdered

Where is Sam Goldberg now? Greenberg's parents said Goldberg sporadically kept in touch with Sandee for two or three years after her death. 'At the end of the conversation, I would always say, you know, Sam, this was not a suicide, we know this is not,' she told DailyMail.com 'He never responded, and he would just hang up.' The last they heard from him was in 2013 in an email telling them he was getting married. Goldberg married Caroline Fay Shnay, the daughter of well-off real estate agents, at the Plaza in New York City on January 11, 2014, almost exactly three years after Greenberg's death. Sam Goldberg with wife Caroline Shnay Goldberg and their child in a 2017 Facebook photo Shnay told a blogger in 2017 about how she quit her career as a fashion buyer after 12 years to be a full-time mother to her daughter Lola, who was born in late 2015. 'Today Lola is 18 months and I stand by this decision. I admit, there are many challenging days and I often remind myself that this day, this time in my life will not last forever,' she said 'What they say about motherhood is true, the days are long, the years are short.' Shnay said Goldberg was 'hands on, and present, a true life saver' 'He is also a star in the kitchen. Besides from me breastfeeding Lola for her first five months of life, Sam has cooked most of her meals that are not from an Annie's box,' she said. Martin Shnay and his daughter Caroline Shnay attend Alice + Olivia pop-up store opening at Scoop on November 20, 2009 The couple live in a two-bedroom apartment in Grammercy Park they bought for $1.8 million in 2017. Goldberg is a film and TV producer whose credits mainly consist of little-known independent titles. Greenberg's parents said they hadn't kept up with his life since then, and didn't care to. 'I don't think it's any of our business, I don't know what he does. There's no interest on my part about what his life is like,' Joshua said. Advertisement

Greenberg's parents have fought for years to get her manner of death in the autopsy report and death certificate changed from suicide to homicide or undetermined.

After amassing a wealth of evidence pointing to homicide, they sued the ME's office and Osborne in 2019 but were rejected by the Commonwealth Court last September.

But the Pennsylvania Supreme Court granted their request in July to hear an appeal as a 'matter of statewide importance'.

The couple filed a second lawsuit in October 2022 claiming a coverup by police and the medical examiner's office amounted to intentional infliction of emotional distress.

They claimed police committed major blunders in the first days after Greenberg's death that 'embarrassingly botched their investigation'.

Instead of continuing with the homicide investigation, they instead conspired to cover it up by having her death ruled a suicide, the lawsuit claimed.

The lawsuit accused the defendants of asking the court to 'whitewash their conduct and perpetuate the concealment of their criminal misdeeds without taking responsibility for their abhorrent wrongdoing or the severe harm attributable to their unspeakable criminal actions' by dismissing the case.

The alleged cover-up was 'orchestrated' by Sam Gulino, Philadelphia's then-Chief Medical Examiner, and police including Sergeant Tim Cooney and Detective John McNamee.

Then-assistant ME Marlon Osbourne, who performed the autopsy, and pathologist Lyndsey Emery were 'drawn willingly into the conspiracy', the document claimed.

'We're smiling, we're very optimistic... I hope we're making our daughter proud. There's been a lot of frustration, but we haven't given up,' Sandee said

The documents accused them of 'heinous acts' and 'unforgivable misconduct', and claimed the case had cost Greenberg's parents $600,000 and counting.

Their lawyer Joseph Podraza wrote in the filing that the cover up spanned years, and was only discovered during depositions for their other lawsuit in 2021.

'[Her parents] believed Ellen's manner of death was predicated on a misunderstanding by the Medical Examiner's Office or, at worse, a difference of opinion,' he wrote.

The lawsuit explained how police failed to properly secure the crime scene, and did not take Goldberg's clothes or photograph him despite the blood on his hands.

Goldberg previously told authorities he broke down the door, which was locked from the inside, found her and attempted CPR while on the phone with 911.

However, the interview with Goldberg was delegated to non-homicide detectives with the assumption her death was a suicide.

Then on January 27, police let Goldberg's family into the apartment unsupervised to take property, and had a crime scene cleanup crew sanitize it before they arrived.

Osborne did not find the 10 stab wounds in Greenberg's neck and back of her head and realize it was a homicide until later that day, by which time CSU had little to work with.

Soon after Osborne called Greenberg's death a homicide, police 'spread misinformation' in the press to 'perpetuate the myth of Ellen's death as a suicide'.

The documents claimed this was to 'deflect attention away from PPD's grossly substandard work, which they never disclosed'.

Gulino said he and Osborne were then summoned to an 'unusual' meeting with the police and DA's office.

'[It's] clear that they were presenting information because they felt that the manner of death was different from what had been ruled,' he said in depositions.

Joshua said the family would change a longstanding precedent if it won, and hoped Greenberg's cause of death would at least be changed to 'undetermined'

The documents claimed police gave the pair information they knew to be false to pressure Osbourne into changing his homicide determination.

'Gulino supported changing the manner of death from homicide, warning Osbourne that "if it remains homicide, someone could be unduly incarcerated and/or wrongful charges adjudicated against them",' they claimed.

The lie, the documents claimed, was police claiming they confirmed a doorman was with Goldberg when he broke the door down - despite him never saying so.

This became a pivotal moment in the case and was a key factor in the manner of death being changed to suicide.

'[It] was important to find out if it was broken, if anyone was there to see it be broken, or is it just the story we're getting from the decedent's boyfriend that it was broken by him,' Osbourne said in depositions.

'[It] doesn't seem like anyone else could have been in the room to inflict those injuries other than Ms. Greenberg herself, and that is how I came to the conclusion of suicide.'

But the doorman, Phil Hanton, submitted a signed statement saying he wasn't there and never left his post as he was the only one on duty.

Cameras in the building also showed Hanton did not go upstairs with Goldberg.

Goldberg told police he had gone to the gym downstairs about 4.45pm and couldn't get back inside the apartment when he returned half an hour later

Goldberg is now a married father-of-two working as a film and TV producer in Manhattan. He married Caroline Fay Shnay, the daughter of well-off real estate agents, at the Plaza in New York City on January 11, 2014

The documents also claimed Osborne fabricated a story about taking a section of Greenberg's spinal column to renowned neuropathologist Lucy Rorke-Adams.

Bizarrely, he claimed he put it in a jar and walked it through heavy snow to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where Rorke-Adams worked.

Osborne claimed she looked at it and could see the spinal cord itself wasn't cut, so Greenberg wasn't paralyzed and could have kept stabbing herself.

However, Rorke-Adams never billed for the consultation or wrote a report, and years later said she had no memory of the entire episode.

'Osbourne's claims about Rorke-Adams are phony, as a jury could reasonably conclude,' the documents argued.

'Even Gulino knows this and, at different times over the years, expressed skepticism to others about Osbourne's claims of Rorke-Adams' involvement.'

'Without the lies, Osbourne could not walk back his determination Ellen was murdered based on the overwhelming medical evidence of homicide obtained at her autopsy.'

Gulino was so skeptical of Osborne's story that he secretly had Emery examine the section of Greenberg's spinal column kept in storage.

Emery told the deposition that the wounds on the spinal column and the dura didn't have any hemorrhaging around them.

'Lack of hemorrhage means no pulse,' she said.

'There is no hemorrhage. There is no tissue injury, which I know, then, by looking at it under the microscope.

'So I have all of this evidence that says there is no - there's no hemorrhage or reaction to any of these changes in the spinal cord.'

Podraza replied: 'So what you're saying is, Ellen would have been dead when this was administered?'

Emery confirmed, 'Yeah'.

Greenberg's body was also covered in 11 bruises on her arm, abdomen, and leg at varying stages of healing, which her father claimed had to be from abuse over a long period of time

The documents explained she told Gulino about her findings and told the deposition 'he ordered her not to write a report or otherwise record the findings from her examination'.

'They instead concealed Emery's findings, content with misleading the world and Ellen's family into believing Ellen's death was a suicide,' it claimed.

'Allowing a murderer(s) to remain free, and without a thought about the severe emotional consequences they were inflicting on Josh and Sandee, parents who were and are desperate to know why their only child died so gruesomely.'

Gulino claimed he intended to record Emery's findings in a written report shortly after Emery shared them, the documents stated.

But he didn't because he was 'specifically instructed by a Philadelphia solicitor not to prepare anything in writing' because the Greenbergs had filed a lawsuit.

Gulino also 'does not deny telling the officers that he was inclined to amend Ellen's manner of death to something other than suicide but was instructed not to by a City's Solicitor'.

A month after Emery's deposition, she made a written declaration saying she didn't fully grasp the scope of the question and there were three more reasons there could have been no hemorrhaging.

Podraza and Greenberg's parents don't buy it, with the documents calling it 'a sham, a fabrication contrary to Emery's sworn testimony'.

'The declaration is merely a poor attempt at subterfuge to cloud Emery's unambiguous May 11 testimony on the 1.1cm wound,' it claimed.

A crime scene analyst hired by the family noted that Ellen had been moved. She was found seated on the floor, propped up against kitchen cabinets, yet a streak of coagulated blood ran in a horizontal line from her nose to her ear

This graphic shows knife wounds Ellen suffered to her neck and chest, that pierced her brain and severed her spinal cord

The documents explained Emery's deposition was the first time the Greenbergs realized there was a cover up, a decade after her death.

'[They] learned that no matter how compelling or conclusive their evidence, these officials would never allow Ellen's manner of death to be changed,' it claimed.

Joshua vented his frustration at the city sending an army of lawyers to block them at every turn.

'We have had to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and 13 years trying to get justice for our daughter,' he told DailyMail.com.

'And it could have been handled right away without spending a hell of a lot of money and a lot of time.

'How much is the city spent on this? How much is the city wasted, time wise, where they could be doing more beneficial things to the citizens of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania?

'What they're covering up, I don't know. Are they covering up police inadequacy and mistakes? Are they covering up some other personality or person?

'I don't know, but it's a cover up. There's a mistake somewhere here, a big f**king mistake.'

Another graphic show's Ellen's spinal cord had actually been severed and her brain pierced in two forceful stabs to the neck. She could have neither defended nor harmed herself after those blows

Greenberg's parents spent years conducting their own investigation with private detectives, several pathologists, and photogrammetry recreating each of the 20 stab wounds.

'This is not something we thought, in a million years, we would ever be doing or would ever happen. We thought there was a very bright future. We were planning for future generations never expecting her life to end like this,' Sandee said.

'It took years for us to piece this together. At the beginning I was sitting up at night looking at reports with a centimeter ruler trying to figure out how that really translated into how shallow or deep the incisions were on my child's body.

'We realized we needed to get experts to help us do this so that's what we did.'

DailyMail.com conducted its own investigation in 2020, speaking with the experts the Greenbergs employed along with others - all of whom agreed the case wasn't as open and shut as authorities insisted.

Much of the suspicion has fallen on Goldberg, who is now a married father-of-two working as a film and TV producer in Manhattan.

He has never spoken publicly about his fiancee's death, and never been outright accused of causing it.

'Police murder investigations usually start with the people who are closer in relation to the victim,' Joshua said.

He added that given the number of wounds, there could have been a second attacker with a murder weapon that was never found.

Ellen had been stabbed ten times in the back of her neck and head and ten in her stomach, abdomen and chest and a knife was still plunged in her heart

Greenberg's body was also covered in 11 bruises on her arm, abdomen, and leg at varying stages of healing, which her father claimed had to be from abuse over a long period of time.

'I think those those injuries are crucial to the whole thing,' he said, adding that covering up the abuse could be a motive for murdering her.

Joshua said his daughter's behavior changed and she wanted to quit her job, leave Goldberg and move back home with her parents, and they had agreed to take her in.

'Sandy and I both believe Ellen was gonna go home that day,' he said.

'She had taken off the engagement ring, had packed up her makeup, which was very valuable to her, and she was planning to leave.

'And I think things didn't work out well, and she never made it home.'

Police claimed the bruises were likely from playing contact sports, or doing yoga or pilates - none of which Greenberg did.

'The whole thing is baloney,' Joshua said.

Greenberg's parents also insisted she was not suicidal, but she was nervous and anxious in the weeks leading up to her death.

The door had a swing lock that Greenberg's family said was barely damaged and not in the right way for it being kicked in

Sam Goldberg (right) is seen with friends and family in a 2009 Facebook photo posted by his sister

Friends told her parents that they too noticed a change, and that increasingly she deferred to Goldberg on decisions she would once have made for herself.

Her parents made her a deal that she could come home if she saw a psychiatrist about what was troubling her, and she agreed.

'Ellen's behavior had changed, and the police tried to say that she was crazy and suicidal. Well, she wasn't,' Joshua said.

'I made an agreement because she wanted to come home and I wanted to take care of her, but I didn't want her to lose her job if she didn't have to.'

Podraza also said the FBI searched her computer and didn't find any suicide-related searches.


Scotland's beleaguered arts quango has landed a windfall from the SNPs disastrous Budget  despite facing criticism for funding a pornographic sex show.

Creative Scotland received a 28 million public cash boost on Wednesday, even though it is understood to be facing the axe.

The arts body will be at the centre of a government review after it was found to have funded a porn film.

It is also alleged to have censored gender-critical feminists.

Artists have lined up to condemn Creative Scotland as secretive and ideologically driven, while Harry Potter author JK Rowling said it was rife with illiberalism and cronyism.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison appeared to disregard such concerns as she delivered her Budget last week.

Official documents show it will receive 80 million next year, compared to 51.4 million this year.

Last night a writer who was targeted by a member of Creative Scotlands staff over her gender- critical views hit out at the move.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling slammed the illiberalism and cronyism' at Creative Scotland

Jenny Lindsay, author of Hounded: Women, Harms and the Gender Wars, said: I welcome the funding boost to the sector.

But without significant reform and engagement with those of us who have been highlighting our concerns about the climate of fear and self-censorship around certain issues, this will be a lost opportunity.

'What is actually happening with the proposed review?

Scottish Tory culture spokesman Murdo Fraser said: Given the controversy surrounding funding Creative Scotland, SNP Ministers must ensure they deliver value for money for the taxpayer.

It is just common sense that taxpayer funds shouldnt have been squandered on a porn film at a time when the SNPs financial incompetence has left Scotlands finances in a shocking state.

In September, Culture Secretary Angus Robertson announced a review of Creative Scotland to ensure its operations are optimal to the needs of the culture sector.

This came in the wake of Mail on Sunday investigations which uncovered concerns over alleged mismanagement at the quango.

We disclosed how an employee tasked with helping authors tried to prevent at least one bookshop from stocking Ms Lindsays book as she deemed it transphobic.

Another incident involved arts worker Rosie Aspinall Priest, who is the partner of a Creative Scotland official who helps make decisions on grants for projects.

Poet Jenny Lindsay has called for reform of the arts quango after she was targeted for her views

Scottish Conservative Murdo Fraser has demanded the body deliver value for the taxpayer

She accused David Greig  the artistic director of Edinburghs Royal Lyceum Theatre  of voicing support for allegedly transphobic views on social media posts, while he was awaiting the outcome of a funding application.

Earlier this year, Creative Scotland handed 84,000 of public money to a sex show.

After an outcry over the decision, bosses claimed there had been confusion over terminology used in the funding process.

They said the application by the films director Leonie Rae Gasson did not make clear live sex acts would be featured  despite the mention of genital contact  but agreed to withdraw the funding.

Mr Robertson last week said the review into the quango will begin early next year and will aim to publish its recommendations in the summer.

A government source previously said: This will not be a review to fix Creative Scotland  Creative Scotland is over.

Creative Scotland last night welcomed the funding boost.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: It is routine for public bodies to undergo reviews and while that process is ongoing we expect their work to continue.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has survived an impeachment vote in parliament following his short-lived attempt to impose martial law earlier this week.

But the leader of his own political party said the president would eventually have no choice but to step down from his position.

Yoon's People Power Party boycotted the impeachment vote, put forward by the main opposition Democratic Party, and the motion was scrapped after not enough lawmakers participated.

After the vote, however, People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon said it had been decided that Yoon would resign.

'The declaration of martial law was a clear and serious violation of the law,' Han told reporters.

Han has a history of clashes with Yoon, however, and it was unclear if he was speaking for all PPP members.

Yoon shocked the nation late on Tuesday by imposing martial law, giving the military sweeping emergency powers to root out what he called 'anti-state forces' and overcome obstructionist political opponents.

He rescinded his order six hours later, after parliament defied military and police cordons to vote unanimously against the decree.

Protesters hold candlelights and placards calling for the impeachment of South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol

Yoon addressing the nation on December 7, when he announced his shock decision to declare martial law and grant sweeping emergency powers to the military

Yoon's sudden declaration plunged South Korea, Asia's fourth-largest economy and a key U.S. military ally, into its greatest political crisis in decades.

Following his shock announcement of martial law in a late-night television address on Wednesday, the military said activities by parliament and political parties would be banned, and that media and publishers would be under the control of the martial law command.

Yoon did not cite any specific threat from the nuclear-armed North, instead focusing on his domestic political opponents. It is the first time since 1980 that martial law has been declared in South Korea.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Assembly, waving banners and calling for Yoon's impeachment.

The president has now said he would put his fate in the hands of his party, which Han said was effectively a promise to leave office early.

'The People Power Party will pursue an orderly departure of the president in order to minimize confusion for the people,' Han said.

He added that until Yoon leaves, he would be 'effectively excluded from his duties, and the prime minister will consult with the party to manage state affairs'.

The opposition Democratic Party ridiculed that idea as 'absurd and illegal.'

'Neither the people, nor the law, nor anyone has given Han the power to remove (Yoon) from office,' the party said in a statement, saying impeachment is the only way.

Asked when Han will announce a roadmap for ending Yoon's term early, a source close to Han said it was too early to say.

The opposition needed at least eight votes from Yoon's party to reach the two-thirds majority needed to impeach him. Only three members of the PPP stayed to vote for the motion after the majority of its lawmakers walked out.

The party said it could not allow a repeat of the 2016 impeachment of then-President Park Geun-hye, who left office after months of candle-lit protests over an influence-peddling scandal. Her downfall triggered the implosion of the party and a victory by liberals in presidential and general elections.

Opposition Democratic Party members of parliament gather after the vote to impeach Yoon failed in the National Assembly

Police officers block protesters outside the National Assembly after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law

Soldiers try to enter the National Assembly building in Seoul on December 4 2024, after South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law

Speaking after the vote, its spokesperson Shin Dong-uk said: 'We cannot repeat the tragedy of paralysis of state affairs and suspension of constitutional government through the impeachment of the president.'

Following Yoon's shock announcement of martial law in a late-night television address on Wednesday, the military said activities by parliament and political parties would be banned, and that media and publishers would be under the control of the martial law command.

Yoon did not cite any specific threat from the nuclear-armed North, instead focusing on his domestic political opponents. It is the first time since 1980 that martial law has been declared in South Korea.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Assembly, waving banners and calling for Yoon's impeachment.

In scenes reminiscent of the protests against former president Park, tens of thousands of demonstrators holding candles and lights flooded the streets outside parliament on Friday and Saturday nights.

According to an opinion poll released by polling firm Real Meter on Thursday, 73.6% of respondents favoured impeaching Yoon, while 24% opposed impeachment.

Protester Choi Yong-Ho, 60, said he was furious at the prospect that the impeachment motion would not succeed, but vowed to keep coming to future protests.

'We have to make our voices heard,' he said.

Saturday's televised address was Yoon's first public appearance since he rescinded the martial law order.

'I leave it up to my party to take steps to stabilise the political situation in the future, including the issue of my term in office,' he said, promising there would be no second attempt to impose martial law.

Han said after the address that the president was no longer in a position to carry out his public duties and his resignation was now unavoidable.

Han said on Friday that Yoon was a danger to the country and needed to be removed from power, increasing the pressure on Yoon to quit.

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik using the gavel to announce that a confidence vote cannot take place as the quorum was not reached

One PPP member who participated said he had voted against impeachment, despite adding he did not believe Yoon was suitable for the office.

If Yoon leaves office before his single five-year term ends in May 2027, a presidential election will be required by the constitution within 60 days of his departure.

Martial law has been declared more than a dozen times since South Korea was established as a republic in 1948, the last time being in 1980.

In Tuesday's declaration, Yoon made the sudden move in response to unspecified threats from 'North Korean communist forces' and 'to eradicate the shameless pro-North anti-state forces'.

He also accused the National Assembly of launching an unprecedented number of impeachment efforts against members of his administration, effectively paralysing key operations, and of handling the budget in a way that undermined the fundamental functions of the government, including public safety.
A refugee who was allowed to stay in Scotland after he and his family staged a hunger strike has been exposed as one of Britains worst tax cheats.

Serbaz Kamil won support from campaigners and politicians during his protest outside government offices in Glasgow in 2018, claiming: We have done a lot for this country.

He convinced SNP Ministers Humza Yousaf and Ivan McKee to help  the latter personally lobbying the Home Secretary on his behalf  as well as then Labour MP Paul Sweeney.

But even as the Iraqi businessman pleaded for public backing, he was secretly ripping off the taxpayer, The Scottish Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Kamils company, SK & SA Ltd, was named and shamed last week by HMRC.

Between 2015 and 2018, the online retail firm  run from the family home in the citys East End  deliberately defaulted on paying 139,185 and has now been hit with an 80,031 penalty too.

HMRC publishes details of those who try to evade large amounts of tax, to serve as a deterrent to others.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser said: Left-wing politicians who championed his cause must be feeling embarrassed after it turns out his company evaded tax.

Serbaz Kamil staged a hunger strike to stay in the UK, but has now been outed as a tax cheat

Former Labour MP, now MSP, Paul Sweeney backed Mr Kamil's campaign to stay in the country

Its quite right HMRC calls out those shamelessly dodging tax. Hopefully this cash can be recovered so it can be used to support public services.

The disgraced businessmans father came to Glasgow around 25 years ago, claiming to be a Kurdish freedom fighter fleeing Iraq.

More of the family came to join him and were given refugee status, entitling them to stay in the UK for five years. In 2012, they were given temporary leave to remain for a further 12 months.

Kamil, his three brothers, sister and mother applied for permanent residency, but the Home Office spent years failing to deal with the paperwork, which led to their hunger strike in June 2018.

During the 24-hour stunt they held placards outside immigration department offices in Glasgow. Kamil  who said a driving conviction was counting against his bid  told the BBC: We deserve, to get permission to stay. We feel this is our country.

'And I believe we have done a lot for the country. I have a successful business in Scotland.

Younger brother Daban added: We pay taxes.

'The Home Office cant treat us like this any longer. Within 24 hours, they were offered a meeting with officials.

Mr McKee  now Public Finance Minister  had said: I have written to the Home Secretary asking that they look into this case.

Backed by politicians from various parties and the Scottish Trades Union Congress, the Kamils had their demands met within weeks.

Mr Sweeney, who championed their cause when a Glasgow MP, had said: There is a great irony that people with so much to offer this country have been treated so shabbily by its institutions.

But the true irony was that Kamil was already defrauding the country that had welcomed him. He established SK & SA Ltd in 2015.

It sold household goods via Amazon and by the time of the hunger strike the firms accounts showed assets of 1.1million  though debts of 1.3 million too.

Scottish Tory Murdo Fraser said politicians who supported Mr Kamil must be embarrassed

SK & SA Ltd went into liquidation last July. In between times, though, HMRC launched its probe and uncovered the tax liabilities.

Since winning the right to stay in Scotland, two of Kamils brothers have set up businesses, one selling used vehicles, the other a car wash whose accounts are overdue.

HMRC would not comment on Kamils case, but naming and shaming only happens if a firm has avoided at least 25,000 of tax, has not been frank with investigators at the start of a probe, and been penalised at the end of it.

Kamil  now living in London  said he had acted in good faith and his company had contributed 464,000 in tax over the years.

The firm collapsed when Amazon suspended it due to a customer complaint over an electric blanket that caught fire. Kamil claims this left him depressed and in debt.

He added: My accountant did explain to HMRC the situation. It was not done deliberately.

Mr McKee said: The UK asylum system is not fit for purpose. As a local MSP, it is my duty to represent constituents failed by Westminster.

Mr Sweeney, who is now an MSP, was asked for comment.


An SNP-run council which claims to be locked in a cash crisis and is considering hiking local taxes is set to enrol staff on woke unconscious bias training (UBT) courses.

Town hall chiefs in Argyll and Bute could ask staff to learn about politically correct causes such as white privilege and toxic masculinity in a move critics fear is a distraction from their actual jobs.

It comes as the council estimates it is facing a 9million budget black hole for next year and is seeking to raise council tax by at least five per cent to pay for it.

The Scottish Government last week lifted a council tax freeze allowing local authorities to hike rates as high as they see fit.

Next month, Argyll and Bute will also take a decision on whether to impose a visitor levy to help rake in more funds.

Yet despite swingeing tax rises, bosses are planning to shell out on a cadre of trainers to challenge its staff members unknown biases in relation to minority or protected groups, according to procurement notices seen by this newspaper.

Last night, director of the Free Speech Union in Scotland, Fraser Hudghton said: Unconscious bias training is the preferred means of the woke Stasi to get us all confessing what terrible beings we are.

'The problem is its a lot of garbage and only increases prejudice where previously there was none.

Leader of the SNP-run Argyll and Bute council Jim Lynch is considering the staff training

Fraser Hudghton of the Free Speech Union, Scotland, has hit out at the plans

Scottish Conservative Alexander Stewart suggested the council should consider its priorities

Tory MSP Alexander Stewart said: SNP-led Argyll and Bute Council should be upfront as to why they think spending money in this way is a priority.

UBT is designed to change attitudes towards groups who suffer discrimination. However, some evidence suggests it may be ineffective  and even reinforce harmful stereotypes.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission found there is potential for back-firing effects when participants are exposed to information that suggests stereotypes and biases are unchangeable.

Argyll and Bute Council said: We are exploring options for training in a number of areas and no decision has been taken yet.
A man called his wife for help when his boat began to take on water and he knew it was going to sink, before he disappeared.

Benjamin Godwin, 35, was out on his boat alone on a 'cold windy evening' in Choctawhatchee Bay in the Florida Panhandle on Tuesday when he got into trouble.

With water submerging the stern, he called his wife Jessica Godwin in Freeport and told her he was trying to bail out the water with a five-gallon bucket.

Jessica called 911 and the Walton County Sheriff's Office rushed to the bay to rescue him, but found no sign of him in the three-foot choppy 55F water.

Godwin's boat was found hours later, barely afloat with the bow almost underwater, but it was empty. The bucket was discovered floating in the bay.

His body was found by a dive team on Thursday after police, his brother, and other family spent days on the water looking for him.

Benjamin Godwin, 35, called his wife Jessica Godwin (pictured together) and told her he was trying to bail out the water with a five-gallon bucket

Godwin, 35, was out on his boat alone on a 'cold windy evening' in Choctawhatchee Bay in the Florida Panhandle on Tuesday when he got into trouble

'His brother and other family members have spent every moment possible since Tuesday night trying to locate Ben who, they say, grew up on the bay and loved being on the water,' police said.

Conditions on the water made boating and swimming difficult, even for experiences skippers like Godwin.

His friends and family are trying to raise $25,000 to pay off his mortgage, hold his funeral and bury him next to his father, and provide for his family as he was the sole income earner.

Additional funds would be placed in a trust for his two-year-old son Wyatt to pay for university, buy his first home, or use for retirement.

'Ben was on the water almost daily. He loved to fish, boat and search for Native American pottery and arrowheads along our shorelines,' his friend Mike Brown wrote.

'He regularly traveled up the local rivers exploring nature. A place he felt most at home.'

The Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are investigating Godwin's death.
The family of a station worker who died in an alleged 'unprovoked' attack in east London have paid tribute to 'the most loving person' - as the suspect is set to spend Christmas on remand.

Jorge Ortega, 61, died in hospital on Friday night following a serious assault at Ilford railway station on Wednesday evening.

Police, paramedics and London's Air Ambulance attended the scene and Mr Ortega, an Elizabeth Line employee, was taken to hospital with serious head injuries.

Mr Ortega's son paid tribute to his father, who he described as a 'devoted' husband, dad and grandfather and a 'most loving person'.

'Our dad was the most loving person, the kindest soul you could have the pleasure of meeting', he said. 'Everyone who has met our dad or who has ever worked with him over the years will tell you this.

'He had a brilliant mind, enjoyed cooking, loved drawing, and was highly skilled in art. He was an amazing family man and would always put other people first.

'He loved his grandchildren, and in turn, they adored our dad. He was totally devoted to our mum and loved her beyond what words can describe.

'Having been together for over 38 years, he is an example of what a great man should be like and a role model that we highly look up to.

Jorge Ortega, 61, died in hospital on Friday following a serious assault at Ilford railway station

Ayodele Jamgbadi, 28, from Ilford, yesterday appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court and has been remanded in custody. Pictured: Police at the scene on Wednesday night

A forensic officer searches the scene at Ilford Station following the attack on Wednesday night

'We can only hope to be like him. Dad is and will always be in our hearts.'

Ayodele Jamgbadi, 28, from Ilford, was arrested and subsequently charged with Section 18 GBH, Affray and possession of a prohibited offensive weapon in a private place following the attack.

British Transport Police detectives said they would make an application to amend the charges following the victim's death.

He appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court yesterday and was remanded in custody.

He will next appear at Inner London Crown Court on 7 January, 2025

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Paul Attwell, said: 'This was a horrific and tragic incident which has resulted in a man losing his life.

'Our specialist family liaison officers are providing support to Jorge's family. Please can I ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.'

Andy Lord, London's Transport Commissioner, said: 'It is a tragedy that our colleague, Jorge Ortega, has died after being assaulted while at work. I can't begin to imagine what his family and friends are going through, and our thoughts are with them and his colleagues during this terrible time

'This was an appalling attack whilst our colleague was doing their job helping customers travel around London. Everyone should be able to go about their day without fear or intimidation and it is unthinkable that someone could lose their life due to unprovoked violence while doing their job.

'The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues is paramount, and we are fully supporting the British Transport Police with their investigation'.

The 'unprovoked' attack on the father and grandfather happened on Wednesday evening

British Transport Police detectives said they would make an application to amend the charges following the victim's death. Pictured: Police at the scene on Wednesday evening

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the incident 'absolutely tragic'

Maryan Eslamdoust, general secretary of TSSA Union said she was 'deeply saddened'

Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT said his union's thoughts are with the victim's family

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote on X: 'Absolutely tragic news. Nobody should have to face any violence at work - and certainly not something as shocking as this.

'My thoughts are with the victim's family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time'.

In a statement shared on X, a former colleague paid tribute to the customer experiences assistant as 'the most down to earth and friendly bloke you can imagine.'

They added: '[He] never got himself in bother like some staff do, was always chill and a pleasure to work with.'

Maryan Eslamdoust, general secretary of Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA Union), said she was 'deeply saddened' by the news.

In a statement on X, she said: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a transport worker following a violent incident at Ilford station on 4 December. Our thoughts are with his family.

'This underscores the urgent need to expand BTP and make offences against transport workers a specific crime. Action is overdue.'

Mick Lynch, general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), also issued a statement sending condolences.

He said: 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of our member, who died following an attack while at work.

'The whole union sends its condolences to their family, friends and colleagues at this awful time and everyone's thoughts at RMT are with them.

Anyone with information is asked to call British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or text 61016 quoting 699 of 4 December
Syrian opposition fighters have reached the suburbs of the Damascus capital for the first time since the region was recaptured by government troops in 2018, as president Bashar Al-Assad's regime nears collapse.

One resident said the city was on edge, with security forces on the streets and many shops running out of staple foods.

The Syrian army withdrew from much of the country's south on Saturday but later said it was fortifying positions in the Damascus suburbs and in the south.

Syrian rebel commander Hassan Abdul Ghany has also said that insurgent forces have 'fully liberated' Syria's central city of Homs.

The fall of Homs and threat to the capital now pose an immediate existential danger to the Assad dynasty's five-decade reign over Syria and the continued influence there of its main regional backer, Iran.

The most powerful insurgent leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, said in a statement that rebels were on the cusp of taking the whole country and 'the end of the criminal regime is near'.

The government's abandonment of the key city after less than a day of fighting leaves Assad's 24-year rule dangling by a thread with insurgents also advancing towards the capital Damascus.

Seizing Homs, an important crossroads between the capital and the Mediterranean, effectively cuts off Damascus from the coastal stronghold of Assad's minority Alawite sect, and from Russia's air and naval base.

A giant portrait of Syrian president Bashar Assad sets on a building, as empty streets seen in Damascus, Syria

A military vehicle belonging to the Syrian regime forces and seized by anti government forces burn after it was hit by regime forces in the Hama governorate

A military vehicle belonging to the Syrian regime forces is pictured abandoned on the side of a road in the Hama governorate, on December 7

People ride a tank in the Syrian southern city of Daraa on December 7

A government armoured vehicle burns as rebels ride along the road south of Hama, in the south of Syria

Anti-regime armed rebels fire their weapons into the air in victory after capturing Hama

The fall of Bashar al-Assad's routine appeals all but assured (pictured: rebels ride past a damaged government vehicle in Hama)

The Syrian army and security commanders left Homs on Saturday by helicopter for the coast while a large military convoy withdrew by land, a senior army officer said. Rebels said they were entering the city centre.

Thousands poured onto the streets there to celebrate, residents said.

Homs residents and rebels said the insurgents had captured the central prison and were freeing thousands of detainees. Residents said state security and intelligence personnel had evacuated their offices after burning papers.

Syria's state news agency denied reports that Assad had already fled to Russia claiming he continued to govern from Damascus.

However, following the statement claiming it was 'false news', a source has told CNN that Assad was 'nowhere to be found' at his usual residences in the capital.

Lebanon said it is closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for a main one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria because of the security situation on the Syrian side.

The rapidly developing events in Syria have again put the region on edge.

Government forces reportedly withdrew as rebel groups amassed in the city's suburbs, wrestling for control after more than a week of intensified fighting.

Armed groups reached the suburb of Darayya this afternoon, some five miles from the centre, according to the Turkish Anadolu Agency.

'Our forces have begun the final phase of encircling the capital, Damascus,' said rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani today, with the Islamist-led alliance that launched the offensive 10 days ago.

'Damascus awaits you,' HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, said in a statement Saturday addressed to rebel fighters on Telegram.

Syrians still in the nominally government-controlled territory of Jaramana seized the opportunity to pull down a statue of Assad's father as the regime faces collapse.

The staggering assault has seen rebels opposed to the regime make the fastest battlefield advance by either side since the civil war began almost 13 years ago.

Assad's office said today that the President was staying put in the capital and continuing his duties after his children and British-born wife fled to Russia last week, and his brothers-in-law allegedly travelled to the UAE, per Syrian security officials.

Assad's allies in Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, distracted or worn-down by other conflicts, meanwhile showed no signs of intervening.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told CNN that Turkey wishes that neighboring Syria can 'quickly attain the peace and tranquility it has longed for' during 13 years of civil conflict.

He said: 'I want to say this openly: We do not have our eyes on land  not even a pebble  that belongs to another country.'

Local residents celebrate after opposition forces led by HTS (Hayyet Tahrir al-Sham) took control of Hama city center and surrounding villages on December 6

Rebel forces pressing a lightning offensive in Syria aim to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad's rule, their Islamist leader said in an interview published on December 6

Russian president Vladimir Putin meets with Assad at the Kremlin in Moscow in July

Asma al-Assad, wife of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, casts her vote during the country's presidential elections in Douma, Syria, with her husband in this file photo taken in 2021

People in Damascus topple a statue of Hafez al-Assad and wave a Druze flag as rebel forces approach the capital, on December 7

Charles Lister, director of the Syria and countering terrorism and extremism programs at the Middle East Institute, told Bloomberg that Assad's future has 'never looked more fragile'.

Russia also appears not to be in a position to help Assad regain ground with focus and resources directed to Ukraine.

'Russia doesn't have a plan to save Assad and doesn't see one emerging as long as the Syrian president's army continues to abandon its positions,' a source 'close to the Kremlin' told Bloomberg.

What is HTS?

HTS, the group leading the rebel offensive in Syria, is a powerful Islamist organisation that has maintained de facto control of Idlib for several years. The group, led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani, solidified in 2017 as a conglomeration of various Islamist factions but traces its roots to al-Qaeda. HTS' core component arose from a group once known as Jabhat al-Nusra - al-Qaeda's Syrian branch - but later sought to reposition itself as a legitimate Syrian nationalist organisation. It officially severed ties with al-Qaeda and created a civilian arm known as the 'Salvation Government' through which it seeks to govern in Syria, insisting it has no ambition to expand beyond the nation's borders. Initial reports from civilians in Aleppo have appeared to suggest that HTS militants have treated inhabitants well after ousting Syrian government forces. But there are suspicions that HTS' jihadist origins remain and it is still designated a terrorist organisation by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), US, UK and the EU, among others. Advertisement

Iran, likewise, has been hesitant, or unable, to funnel its support to Syria. On Friday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he would would only help Assad 'to the extent necessary', but previously promised to 'consider' sending troops.

The capture of Hama has given rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), control of a strategic central city they never managed to seize before.

Jihad Yazigi, editor of the Syria Report newsletter previously told Reuters: '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.'

It follows a staggering effort to seize Aleppo, the main northern city in Syria, last week as part of a blitz offensive beginning on November 27.

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 forces, suffered catastrophic losses in its war with Israel.

While Hezbollah has reportedly sent 2,000 fighters to Syria, per a source close to the Iran-backed proxy group today, Assad's backing from allies continues to wither.

Rebel forces were just 12 miles (20km) from Damascus by 11am GMT on Saturday, posing an imminent threat to the capital, according to a war monitor and rebels.

The Syrian army reportedly withdrew its forces from all towns about 10km (6.2 miles) from the capital, a monitor reported soon after.

The Syrian defence ministry, loyal to Assad, denied the army had fled positions.

'There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces, present in all areas of the Damascus countryside, have withdrawn,' it said.

The Syrian government was also forced to evacuate from its positions in Quneitrea, near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

The Syrian Democratic Forces, the main ally of the US against the regime, meanwhile seized key areas in Deir ez Zor and Raqqa on December 6, making it harder for Iran to move forces in to help Assad or resupply Iranian-backed forces like Hezbollah.

Reported battlefield advances as of Friday, December 6. Claims are quickly changing

In little over a week, the offensive has seen Syria's second city Aleppo and strategically located Hama fall from Assad's control for the first time since the civil war began in 2011

Assad's office said today that the President was staying put in the capital and continuing his duties after his children and British-born wife fled to Russia last week (pictured together 2021)

Bashar al-Assad (L) with his wife Asma al-Assad arrive at New Delhi International airport, India, 17 June 2008

NEW - opposition fighters are currently advancing into #Homs city, as the advance into southern #Damascus appears to be triggering a sudden collapse of frontlines. pic.twitter.com/azUiaKPxQs  Charles Lister (@Charles_Lister) December 7, 2024

A member of the Syrian opposition stands at an entrance to the Hama governorate on the Damascus-Aleppo International Highway, December 3

Video shared on social media by reporters claimed to show regime forces routing on foot from the town of Zakiah, a mere 16 miles (25.7km) from Damascus.

President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly returned to the capital to continue carrying out duties, officials said today following reports he had left.

Meanwhile, Syrians in Jaramana - a suburb of the capital - tore down a statue of Bashar al-Assad's father, Hafez, as some waved the flag of the Druze.

The suburb is still nominally controlled by the Assad regime at the time of writing, and it did not appear to be militant rebel groups (who are still several miles from Jaramana and Damascus) pulling down the statue, contrary to other reports.

Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP that local rebel fighters now also controlled all of Daraa province.

Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, with the Islamist-led alliance that launched the offensive in the country's northwest, said 'we are now less than 20 km from the southern gate of the capital Damascus'.

'The advance towards the capital continues,' he added.

A truck pulls the head of another toppled statue of late Syrian president Hafez al-Assad through the streets of the city of Hama on December 6

An aerial picture shows a car driving past Syrian army military equipment and vehicles that were abandoned on the highway to Damascus, near the town of Suran, on December 3, 2024

Syria 's British-born first lady, Asma al-Assad (pictured, file photo), has been diagnosed with leukemia, the Syrian presidency said on Tuesday. The announcement came almost five years after the 48-year-old announced she had fully recovered from breast cancer

A short while ago, an attack was carried out by armed individuals at a @UN post in the Hader area in #Syria.



The IDF is currently assisting the UN forces in repelling the attack.



The IDF is deployed with reinforced forces in the Golan Heights area and will continue to operate  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 7, 2024

Israel's military now assesses that the rebels pose a direct threat to Assad's rule.

While a weakened Assad regime plays to Israel's interests, there remains debate around sending troops in - amid an ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza and clashes with Iran - and anxiety around helping Sunni jihadists once aligned with al-Qaeda.

The IDF announced on Saturday afternoon that an attack had been carried out by 'armed individuals' at a UN post in the Hader area of Syria.

It said it was assisting UN forces in repelling the attack and would continue to operate in the Golan Heights in order to protect Israel and its citizens.

Assadist forces have been backed by intense Russian airstrikes, but rebels continue to push through Assad's lines.

Since Russia does not share a land border with Syria, it also depends on Turkey's goodwill to allow warships to pass through the Bosporus.

While Turkey and Russia were able to work together to broker a truce in May 2020, Turkish forces have backed opposition groups in an effort to displace ISIS.

For Russia, Syria represents a strategic stronghold key to its efforts to project power in the Middle East.

The loss of influence would be 'devastating' for Russia, Nicole Grajewski, fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told the Wall Street Journal.

'To see Russian planes leave Syria as rebel forces move onward towards their air bases, and their assets in Damascus fall, this would be so devastating for the Russian image of itself,' she said.

Anti-government fighters patrol the streets of Hama after they captured the central Syrian city, on December 6

Israeli soldiers sit atop an armoured vehicle near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria Saturday December 7, 2024

National Syrian Army soldiers celebrate in the city after opposition forces led by HTS (Hayyet Tahrir al-Sham) took control of Hama city center and surrounding villages on December 6

'It would be akin to a Saigon moment for them,' she added.

Ukrainian intelligence has assessed that Russian forces have 'suffered significant losses, with some units of the aggressor state surrounded'.

'Hundreds of Moscow troops are listed as missing in Syria,' it reported.

Rebel groups were rumoured to have received operational training from Ukrainian special forces, learning from tactics developed during the war in Ukraine, the Kyiv Post reported.

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.

Iran, meanwhile, has seen its proxies across the region degraded by Israeli airstrikes.

And Syrian troops are exhausted and hollowed out by 13 years of war and economic crises, with little will left to fight.

'The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining whether the rebel offensive poses an existential threat to the Assad regime or whether the regime manages to regain its footing and push back on recent rebel gains,' said Mona Yacoubian, an analyst with the United States Institute for Peace, as reported the Associated Press.

'While weakened and distracted, Assad's allies are unlikely to simply cave to the rebels' offensive,' she wrote in an analysis.

National Syrian Army soldiers celebrate in the city after opposition forces led by HTS (Hayyet Tahrir al-Sham) took control of Hama city center and surrounding villages on December 6

A view of a military airport seized by anti-regime groups in Hama, on December 6

National Syrian Army soldiers celebrate in the city after opposition forces led by HTS (Hayyet Tahrir al-Sham) took control of Hama city center and surrounding villages on December 6

Abu Mohammed al-Golani (AKA Abu Mohammad al-Julani), the main insurgent commander, has vowed to protect Syria's religious minorities as HTS makes gains.

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.

The Institute for the Study of War assessed 'support to the Assad regime will almost certainly fail to stop the opposition offensive at this time unless ground forces are deployed rapidly and in larger numbers'.
Police have begun searching Central Park Lake as part of the manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's assassin.

Divers were spotted in the water on Saturday afternoon near the Bethseda Fountain.

Investigators confirmed that the search is related to Wednesday's 'brazen, targeted attack' which claimed the life of the 50-year-old insurance executive.

It comes hours after authorities found the backpack of the suspected shooter in Central Park.

The search is less than half a mile from where the backpack was discovered hidden between two rocks, close to the central park Carousel.

New York's mayor Eric Adams said the 'net is tightening' around the UnitedHealthcare CEO's killer as he revealed police now have a name for the suspect.

Adams told the New York Post that the cops have made significant developments with the case.

He spoke as the search for Thompson's killer enters its fourth day but said that the authorities will not disclose the suspect's identity at this stage.

Police have begun searching Central Park Lake as part of the manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's assassin

Divers were spotted in the water on Saturday afternoon near the Bethseda Fountain

The search is less than half a mile from where a backpack believed to belong to the killer was recovered

'We don't want to release that now,' the mayor said. 'If you do, you are basically giving a tip to the person we are seeking and we do not want to give him an upper hand at all.

'Let him continue to believe he can hide behind the mask. We revealed his face. We're going to reveal who he is and we're going to bring him to justice.'

Thompson was gunned down on Wednesday as he headed to an investor conference at the New York Hilton Midtown Manhattan.

His killer fled the scene on an e-bike and was spotted heading towards Central Park.

He has baffled detectives by managing to evade capture for the last four days thanks to what appears to be a meticulously crafted disappearing act.

The suspect is understood to have arrived in New York last month via Greyhound bus which began its journey in Atlanta.

He checked into an Upper West Side hostel and was spotted at various locations around the city prior to the killing, including a Starbucks near the crime scene which he visited moments before he struck.

Brian Thompson was shot to death on Wednesday morning while on his way to the Hilton hotel in midtown

Police are struggling to identify the killer, despite the execution taking place in one of the busiest and most heavily surveilled cities in the world

Police sources said casings were found at the scene with the cryptic messages left on them

However, he paid in cash and has taken pains to ensure he could move about relatively undetected.

The public got its first glance at his face on Thursday, when the NYPD released images of him checking into his hostel where he briefly removed his balaclava to flirt with the receptionist.

Investigators believe he has since fled the state after he was spotted arriving at a Port Authority bus terminal and not seen leaving.

A motive is yet to be released, however police found bullet casings at the scene inscribed with the words 'deny', 'depose' and 'defend'.

The messages bear similarity to Jay Feinman's 2010 book 'Delay, Deny, Defend', which details 'why insurance companies don't pay claims and what you can do about it.'
The charity group behind the blue trees wants to help change 'outdated attitudes' when it comes to talking about, and treating, mental health.

The blue trees are meant as a symbol of the largely hidden problem that continues to plague Australia. Source: Blue Tree Project/Facebook

It's not a sight you expect to see but trees are turning blue all over the country. In fact, more than a thousand now have the eye-catching appearance.

If you've seen such a thing and wondered why, you're not alone.

"We were driving one afternoon when we spotted a blue tree," a Canberra woman wrote recently in a Facebook group for bird enthusiasts. It prompted her to Google the phenomenon, but was taken aback by the "overwhelming" negativity others in the group expressed about the peculiar trend.

"The blue tree stuff is nonsense, it's environmental vandalism ... Completely ruins the natural beauty of an area too. A ridiculous trend," one person chided.

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"It completely screws the ability for insects to use and camouflage on the wood," another claimed.

What the woman ultimately learned, as she tried to appease the critics, was the fact the blue trees are a symbol spread by an Australian charity in a bid to promote awareness and conversations about mental health. The person behind the Blue Tree Project, CEO Kendall Whyte, started the organisation a year after losing her brother to suicide in 2018.

"Like many initiatives there will always be people who don't connect with our cause and mission," she told Yahoo News Australia. "However, the support over the last six years has been overwhelmingly positive."

Exclusively focused on dead trees, there are now blue stags on every continent. Source: Blue Tree Project/Facebook

Brutal statistic shows the need for 'confronting' social conversation

Pointing to the fact that suicide is the leading cause of death in Australians aged 15-49, as recorded by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the charity seeks to end the social stigma of mental health issues and holds workshops with corporate partners designed to better equip Australian workers to confront the difficult issue.

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"Outdated attitudes are still deeply ingrained across Australia, which is preventing many from seeking support," Kendall said.

"Education is crucial, not only in shifting old attitudes, but also up-skilling ourselves to have the harder and more confronting conversations in life."

The idea of painting trees stems from a practical joke her late brother once played by painting a tree on the family's West Australian property to surprise their father.

The group now has 1,318 registered blue trees  which are exclusively dead trees known as stags  mostly dotted around WA and other Aussie states.

"There is now a blue tree on every continent of the world  making us a global movement," Kendall told Yahoo.

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The organisation promotes the importance of funding for preventative measures to help bring down the rate of suicide in the country.

"Often we don't realise how important our overall well being is, until it's too late, and significant support is needed to get back on track," Kendall said.

Christmas can be 'difficult' time for many Aussies

With Aussies gearing up for the festive season, the public is being reminded to check in with friends and loved ones as Christmas can sometimes be a difficult time for those struggling with their mental health.

"Particularly those who are struggling, or who are isolated, or are in conflict with their family and others, it's often a really difficult time," Professor Ian Hickie, the Co-Director of the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney previously told Yahoo News.

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"The health care system goes on holiday and many of the people who provide them with support, those services, are reduced to emergency services.

"Many people who need support, get less support during that period, and the period in which they're often feeling more isolated and have more difficulties."

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
America's worst mayor Tiffany Henyard has broken her silence after suffering an epic meltdown following a political caucus.

The Dolton mayor lost the Democratic nomination for Thornton Township supervisor on Tuesday night - a position she held since 2022 - after the township held an intense caucus instead of a primary election.

The decision caused Henyard to have an epic meltdown where she was seen yelling at her opponent Napoleon Harris, a state senator who had the right to decided whether a nominee is determined through a primary or caucus.

After many months of criticism from her constituents, Henyard has finally broken her silence as she threatens legal action.

Henyard had been left off the April primary ballot for the Democratic party caucus vote.

'It was voter suppression, and we have a problem with that,' Henyard told ABC 7 Chicago. 'They are neglecting their duties as a trustee, and they should be removed from office due to it.

She insisted she'll be on the ballot come April for the township supervisor position, which she holds in addition to her mayoral position.

'One hundred percent confident that I will be,' she said. 'They did a lot of illegal actions, which my lawyer is drawing up the lawsuit currently.'

America's worst mayor Tiffany Henyard has broken her silence to threaten legal action after her name was left off the April primary ballot for the Democratic party caucus vote. 'It was voter suppression, and we have a problem with that,' Henyard said

She has warned that Thornton Township may have to shut down if insurance isn't approved by the board after two trustees have boycotted multiple meetings, according to the outlet. Nothing can be done without them as they do not have enough members to conduct business.

Trustee Chris Gonzalez said he chose not to attend to block Henyard from appointing a new trustee that would give her more power to continue her reign of chaos.

'If she gets that third spot, then it's kind of free reign everything... finances, hiring firings things like that,' the trustee told ABC 7. 'We just feel it's important a to get it to the people to make that choice.'

But Henyard said Gonzalez's and Trustee Carmen Carlisle's absences could get the township shutdown as they currently do not have any insurance.

'How do we operate? We have our vehicles, we have people who come inside our buildings. If you fall, how do we pay for it? We're not covered. So now what? We have to pull it out of our general fund?' the Dolton mayor questioned.

'Don't create chaos. Don't hurt the residents because you all think you hurt me. You're not. You're hurting the people.'

However, many of her residents would say she creates chaos, as her track record is damningly low.

In October, the well-dressed mayor was booed out of a town meeting by furious residents.

The decision caused Henyard to have an epic meltdown where she was seen yelling at her opponent Napoleon Harris, a state senator who had the right to decided whether a nominee is determined through a primary or caucus

She insisted she'll be on the ballot come April for the township supervisor position, which she holds in addition to her mayoral position

Henyard arrived at the village board meeting an hour late and was met with outraged residents, reported WGN.

Despite the meeting's location being moved to the local park district facilities after Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raouls Office found Dolton had violated the states Open Meetings Act, Henyard tried to hold a separate board meeting at Village Hall, according to WSL.

Eventually, she made her way to the park district building and announced that she was vetoing everything the board had already voted on.

'I just want to come here and lay the law down as it relates to what's going on in our village, where we are, and where we're going,' Henyard said.

Village trustees voted to address Doltons deficit - which is estimated at $2.8million this year - and approved steps to stop several high-profile vehicle leases.

She has been shrouded in controversy including getting evicted from her home for owing over $3,300 in rent payments.

She also threw an $85,000 party for her town in September even though she has been cut off from spending by the state for sinking her town into debt.

The event cost about $50,000 in taxpayers' money to cover performances and more than $35,000 on activities, equipment and staff.

'Don't create chaos. Don't hurt the residents because you all think you hurt me. You're not. You're hurting the people.' However, many of her residents would say she creates chaos, as her track record is damningly low

She's know for her outrageous spending, including throwing an $85,000 party for her town in September even though she has been cut off from spending by the state for sinking her town into debt

In August, the Illinois State Comptroller cut off funding to Dolton after Henyard failed to hand over finance reports for the use of about $135,000.

Susana Mendoza, the comptroller, threatened to fine the town $78,600 if Henyard did not turn over the reports.

The self-proclaimed 'Super Mayor' has a history of absurd spending habits that involve the misuse of the town's funding - plunging the small town $5million in debt.

The Democrat was elected in 2021 and is Dolton's first female mayor.
Donald Trump was forced to sit just one seat away from Jill and Ashley Biden at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, and the internet did not hold back about the cringeworthy seating arrangement.

The president-elect met with President Macron as part of the ceremony to commemorate the renovation of the iconic cathedral, which was ravaged by a devastating fire in 2019.

However, Trump was not seated with his usual circle of friends, such as tech billionaire Elon Musk.

Instead, he found himself seated between French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, with the first lady and her daughter also in the same row.

At one point, Trump and Jill were spotted in a conversation, with the educator seemingly doing her best to maintain a smile.

MAGA supports rushed to the comments on X to make their opinions known about the awkward moment.

'That's gotta be awkward LOL,' said one user.

'How much did it cost the American taxpayers on Air Force One to fly Jill?? Nobody cares about the fake doctor and her daughter,' said another.

'Meanwhile, Joe is back at the house sleeping,' chimed a third.

Trump was stuck in a very uncomfortable seating arrangement while at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, and the internet did not hold back their opinions

The president elect found himself seated between French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, while, Jill and Ashley Biden, were also seated in the same row

'Trump has the seat of honor, between President Macron and his wife... you can tell who's in and who's out!!' said a fourth.

Trump and Macron were photographed embracing and shaking hands - for quite a long time - during the president-elect's first international trip since his decisive victory last month.

The meeting began at The Elysee Presidential Palace, where Macron warmly welcomed Trump, calling it a 'great honor.' Trump returned the sentiment, highlighting the significance of their discussions.

During the meeting, Trump noted that they would address pressing global issues, describing the world as having gone 'a little crazy.'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, was also in attendance, was seen firmly shaking hands with Elysee protocol director Frederic Billet before entering discussions with Macron and Trump.

This three-way meeting has drawn global attention amid concerns that Trump, who previously claimed he could end the Russo-Ukrainian conflict in under 24 hours, might pressure Zelensky into accepting peace terms favoring Russia.

Following the talks, Macron, Trump, and Zelensky posed together, with Macron giving a thumbs-up to the camera. The leaders then proceeded to the 861-year-old cathedral for its official reopening after extensive restoration efforts following the devastating 2019 fire.

Social media images revealed Macron and Trump seated side by side at the event, with Zelensky positioned nearby on their right.

From the left, Congo's President Denis Sassou Nguesso and his wife Antoinette Sassou Nguesso, Ashley Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Brigitte Macron, US President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron

Donald Trump awkwardly shook hands with France's president during a visit to Paris to celebrate the re-opening of Notre Dame

Prince William also met Trump in Paris on Saturday, with reports he was there to discuss the 'special relationship' between the US and the UK.

The Prince of Wales attended the ceremony at the government's request to celebrate the $800 million restoration of Notre Dame.

The two shared a warm and firm handshake at the historic re-opening of the Notre Dame in Paris.

While in Paris, William will also hold one-on-one meetings with Trump and the first lady.

While in Paris, the Prince of Wales was anticipated to hold a meeting with current US First Lady Jill Biden ahead of the Notre Dame event, but the pair will now be having a private chat on the side-lines of the ceremony, Kensington Palace has said.

Their private chat didn't go ahead as originally intended due to William's travel being impacted by Storm Darragh - which has battered parts of the UK - the Palace confirmed.
Influencer Dominique Brown has died at the age of 34 reportedly from a severe allergic reaction at an industry event.

Brown was at a BoxLunch event on December 5 when she unknowingly ate food that she was allergic to, according to other attendees.

Numerous influencers who were present at the scene said the item she ate was unmarked and she had allegedly been told that the food item did not contain the ingredient she was allergic to before suffering the reaction.

A X user, who goes by @hideyagrannies, claims that Brown was her mother's best friend for the past decade and that she was reportedly allergic to peanuts.

The young adult also sensationally claimed that when the influencer asked to be taken to a hospital, 'everyone said no and took pictures first'.

'She was my moms best friend of 10 years. She asked if there was peanuts in the food and everyone told her no. When she instantly felt bad she asked someone to take her to the hospital, everyone said no and to take pictures first. So sad,' they said.

DailyMail.com has reached out to BoxLunch's parent company, Hot Topic, for a comment.

Brown was known to be a Disney-inspired influencer and went by HellooDomo on Instagram.

Influencer Dominique Brown has died at the age of 34 from a severe allergic reaction at an industry event

After her tragic death, her brother Patrick Ramos took over her profile and shared a statement.

'I wanted to take a a moment to say thank you to her social media fam for showing her so much love and light,' he wrote.

'Disney did bring her joy, but it was unparalleled that she found a community who loved her and Disney as much as she did.

'I will miss my sister and best friend and that infectious smile she always had. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart.'

It remains unclear where the event had been held.

This comes months after a New York University doctor died after Disney restaurant staff ignored her nut allergy and served her contaminated food, her distraught husband alleged in a new lawsuit.

Kanokporn Tangsuan, a 42-year-old medical doctor at NYU Langone in New York, and her family had dined at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Disney Springs on October 5, where she had a deadly allergic reaction.

Brown was at a BoxLunch event on December 5 when she unknowingly ate food which she was allergic to, according to other attendees

Numerous influencers who were present at the scene said the item she ate was unmarked and she had allegedly been told that the food item did not contain the ingredient she was allergic to before suffering the reaction

Brown was known to be a Disney-inspired influencer and went by HellooDomo on Instagram

Jeffrey Piccolo, the doctor's husband, filed a wrongful death lawsuit last week in Florida, claiming Walt Disney Parks and Resorts was negligent and failed to properly train their staff about food allergies.

He was seeking in excess of $50,000 from Disney for mental pain and suffering, funeral expenses, medical expenses and loss of income.

But Disney initially sought to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit by the family of a New York University doctor because of a loophole in their terms and agreement conditions.

The House of Mouse argued the case should be sent to arbitration rather than a jury trial because the terms and agreements of creating a Disney account includes a 'binding arbitration clause,' court records show.

'Walt Disney Parks and Resorts nonetheless improperly attempts to negate this distinction by making the preposterous argument,' Piccolo's lawyers said.

Tangsuan was a medical doctor at NYU Langone in New York and her husband is seeking in excess of $50,000 from Disney

Jeffrey Piccolo (left) filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Disney after his wife Kanokporn Tangsuan (right) died from an allergic reaction

In a May 31 filing, Disney cited that Piccolo created a Disney+ account in November 2019 and bought tickets to Epcot in 2023, which required him to agree to their terms and conditions.

When signing up for a free trial of streaming service, Disney argued Piccolo agreed to the terms of their 'Subscriber Agreement' which include an arbitration clause in Section 7 titled 'Binding Arbitration and Class Action Waiver.'

'[The section] applies to "all disputes" including those involving "The Walt Disney Company or its affiliates." Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is an affiliate of The Walt Disney Company,' the company said.

Tangsuan and her family had dined at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant (pictured) in Disney Springs on October 5, shortly before she had a deadly allergic reaction

They also said Piccolo agreed to the 'Walt Disney World terms' when he purchased park tickets for him and his wife in September 2023 which include the same arbitration clause.

Disney also noted by agreeing to the terms he represented his deceased wife while doing so.

'Whether Piccolo actually reviewed the Disney Terms is also immaterial,' said the company.

Piccolo's lawyers argued Disney gave up their right to seek arbitration when it filed its first answer to the lawsuit without bringing the matter up.

However, following the backlash, Disney agreed that the lawsuit could proceed, saying in a statement to DailyMail.com that the company would 'waive its right to arbitration'.
A two-year-old boy had been chasing a paper plane caught by the wind moments before he was fatally run over in a school car park.

Muscab Khalif followed the paper plane into the path of the oncoming car outside Durack State School in East Brisbane on November 28.

Muscab had been accompanying his mother Saharah Lge to pick up his two older sisters.

Muscab's father, Mohamud Khalif, said his partner screamed 'stop, stop, stop' but the car continued on unaware they had even struck the boy until about 400metres further when another motorist alerted them to the tragedy.

Mr Khalif was at a nearby shopping centre when he received the frantic call from his partner about the accident.

In his haste to get to the scene, he jumped in a taxi rather than run back to his car.

The school's principal performed CPR on Muscab on a grassed area of the car park near Avocet Street as paramedics arrived.

'I've seen a lot of blood in war camps in Sudan. I was a logistics officer... Such death hurts, it really hurts,' Mr Khalif told the Courier Mail.

Muscab Khalif followed the paper plane into the path of the oncoming car outside Durack State School in East Brisbane on November 28

Mr Khalif said Muscab had recently received his graduation certificate from the pre-prep program at the school where his sisters Maud, 6, and Maida, 4, also attend.

The parents are trying to explain to the two girls what happened to their brother.

'They miss their brother deeply, and it breaks my heart to see their confusion and sadness,' Mr Khalif said.

'He was loved by everyone at school, and his kind spirit touched so many lives.'

The family thanked emergency services and the dedicated staff at Durack State School for their support.

Muscab was farewelled by his family in a funeral service held at Kuraby Mosque on November 30.

Mr Khalif said his son was a 'precious gift' who brought joy and laughter

The school's principal performed CPR on Muscab on a grassed area of the car park near Avocet Street as paramedics arrived

'A sweet soul who touched our lives in a way we will cherish forever,' he said.

Only a week before the tragedy, Muscab had visited the beach for the first time during a family trip to the Gold Coast, where Mr Khalif said his son had been too scared to go in the water.

Mr Khalif said Muscab's siblings ask where their brother is.

'They miss their brother deeply, and it breaks my heart to see their confusion and sadness,' he said.

'He was loved by everyone at school, and his kind spirit touched so many lives.'

Mr Khalif met his wife and moved to Australia from Kenya in 2016.

Their three children were all born in Australia.

Mr Khalif said just before his son died he found $4 that he had given Muscab 'tucked safely' in his 'little pocket'.

The grieving dad said he would keep the money always as a keepsake of the last happy moments he spent with his son.

Queensland Police said they are investigating the circumstances of Muscab's death and are seeking further information and witnesses.

No charges have been laid.
The picturesque Wailuku River, a popular tourist destination on the Big Island of Hawaii, hides a deadly secret.

Over the past 29 years, 27 people have lost their lives after being swept by the river's current.

The river's allure lies in its stunning waterfalls, including the iconic Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots, a series of terraced pools formed by ancient lava flows.

However, the strong currents, underwater hazards and sudden flash floods make the river a dangerous place, even for experienced swimmers.

Despite prominent warning signs urging people to stay on designated trails and behind railings, some choose to disregard these precautions.

Notable tragedies include the death of a San Diego couple who were swept away by a current near Rainbow Falls in November 2017.

The woman, 62-year-old Gladys Novinger of Spring Valley, California, was found in the pool below the falls and rescued by the fire departments helicopter before being pronounced dead at the hospital.

Her husband, 61-year-old George Novinger, remained missing until December 1, when his body was discovered at the base of a 35-foot cliff along the shoreline in Wainaku, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

The picturesque Wailuku River, a popular tourist destination on the Big Island of Hawaii , hides a deadly secret

Pictured: 37-year-old Adam David Broom who died at the Wailuku River in March 2022, His body was found floating face down at the base of the falls

In another incident in March 2022, 37-year-old Adam David Broom also fell victim to the river's strong currents and fell over Rainbow Falls.

Responding to reports of a body floating face down at the base of the falls, rescuers airlifted him from the water and transported him to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The most recent fatality at Boiling Pots occurred in September when 42-year-old Stanley Walker II of Pensacola, Florida, was pulled under the rapids. His body was later recovered 30 feet underwater.

Despite its name, Boiling Pots is not actually hot.

On calm days, the pools resemble bubbling pots, but during turbulent conditions, the waters appear to boil.

Even on serene days, swimmers have drowned, caught by powerful currents and a treacherous underwater terrain of tunnels, ridges, and shelves.

Hawaii County Councilmember Jennifer Kagiwada said helicopters and other emergency personnel will soend hours and days searching for people.

The most recent fatality at Boiling Pots occurred in September when 42-year-old Stanley Walker II of Pensacola, Florida, was pulled under the rapids

Pictured: Gladys Novinger 61, and her husband George, who both died in November 2017 in the Wailuku River

Despite prominent warning signs urging people to stay on designated trails and behind railings, some choose to disregard these precautions

'Since about half the deaths in this part of the river were visitors and half locals, it is important that everyone becomes aware of the dangers here. Some very strong swimmers have died, along with visitors with fewer water skills,' she told SF Gate.

This approach has been effective in other hazardous areas. At Oahus Olomana Trail, six hikers died over 13 years, but fatalities ceased after a sign was installed two years ago. Similarly, handmade signs along Kauais Kalalau Trail remind visitors of past deaths, encouraging them to carefully assess conditions before crossing streams.

Hawaii Fire Department Chief Kazuo Todd, however, emphasized that while additional signage is helpful, it cannot be placed at every risky location along the river. Public education about the dangers is crucial.

'Educating friends, family, relatives that are visiting, or even just people getting off of various ships that are coming to port as part of the tour operations,' Todd told Hawaii News Now.

Kagiwada, who convened a community meeting in November to discuss the proposed new sign, is actively liaising with the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources, the agency responsible for managing the state park, and sharing feedback and concerns from local residents.

The DLNR has acknowledged community input and noted that any approved sign revisions could take weeks to produce and install, with specific dates and locations yet to be determined.
Senator John Fetterman has slammed New York magazine for saying the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was, 'inevitable'.

The Pennsylvania Democrat blasted the outlet in an post on X on Saturday in which he decried 's**tty takes' on the murder.

Thompson, 50, was gunned down steps away from a Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan in the early hours of Wednesday. His attacker remains at large despite a massive manhunt.

'No shortage of s**tty takes on the 2024 election or on this assassination,' Fetterman said.

'The public execution of an innocent man and father of two is indefensible, not 'inevitable.' Condoning and cheering this on says more about YOU than the situation of health insurance.'

His comments came after New York published an article titled, 'The Shooting That Was Inevitable. Our political system is breaking down. Now it has killed.'

A motive has not been released by police, however bullet casings found at the scene were inscribed with the words 'deny', 'defend' and 'depose'.

The messages bear similarity to a 2010 book by Jay M Feinman called 'Delay, Deny, Defend', which details 'why insurance companies don't pay claims and what you can do about it.'

Senator John Fetterman has slammed New York magazine for saying the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was, 'inevitable'

Thompson, 50, was gunned down steps away from a Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan

Thompson's killing has placed the healthcare insurance sector under the microscope amid speculation the gunman had a vendetta against his company.

UnitedHealthcare was recently forced to shutdown comments on its social media pages after it was inundated with irate comment from patients who allege their medical claims have been denied.

On other corners of the internet, many people have been openly cheering Thompson's death and have styled the killer as a vigilante figure.

A UnitedhealthCare post paying tribute to the late executive attracted callous comments and more than three thousand 'laugh' emoji reactions.

On Saturday, Mayor Eric Adams said the 'net is closing in' on the culprit as he revealed that police now have a name.

The city leader said it will not be released at this stage as investigators are hoping to catch the killer off guard.
Bashar Al-Assad has been mocked after rebels unearthed a photo of the Syrian president wearing nothing but a tiny pair of Speedos.

Following a lightning rebel advance in Syria last week, Jihadi rebels came across a photo of the Syrian leader scantily clad as a young man.

The image shows the dictator posing alongside three other people in swimsuits as they are perched on the side of a boat in the night.

The picture quickly gained attention on social media, with one person writing: 'A picture found in the palace of the idiot and criminal Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo.'

The funny reaction online comes amid reports from Western officials that Assad's government could fall within the next week.

It has now been revealed that Syrian government forces have abandoned the key city of Homs after less than a day of fighting, leaving Assad's 24-year rule dangling by a thread with insurgents also advancing towards the capital Damascus.

Since the rebels' sweep into Aleppo a week ago, government defences have crumbled at dizzying speed as rebels seized a string of major cities and reignited a rebellion in places it had long seemed dead.

The fall of Homs and threat to the capital now pose an immediate existential danger to the Assad dynasty's five-decade reign over Syria and the continued influence there of its main regional backer, Iran.

The most powerful insurgent leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, said in a statement that rebels were on the cusp of taking the whole country and 'the end of the criminal regime is near'.

A picture believed to be showing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad wearing only speedos is taken by Rebels following the capture of his palace in Aleppo

The images of Assad wearing speedos has generated ridicule on social media

Western officials have claimed that Assad's government could fall within the next week

Residents in Hama set ablaze a large banner bearing a picture of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad hanging on the facade of a municipal building

Assad's government may be on the verge of collapse, foreign officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity. One U.S. official put the potential timeframe at five to 10 days while another said Assad could be ousted in the coming week. A Western official agreed with the latter assessment.

Seizing Homs, an important crossroads between the capital and the Mediterranean, effectively cuts off Damascus from the coastal stronghold of Assad's minority Alawite sect, and from Russia's air and naval base.

The Syrian army and security commanders left Homs on Saturday by helicopter for the coast while a large military convoy withdrew by land, a senior army officer said. Rebels said they were entering the city centre.

Thousands poured onto the streets there to celebrate, residents said.

Homs residents and rebels said the insurgents had captured the central prison and were freeing thousands of detainees. Residents said state security and intelligence personnel had evacuated their offices after burning papers.

Earlier today, it was reported that Syrian opposition fighters reached the suburbs of the Damascus capital for the first time since the region was recaptured by government troops in 2018, as Assad's regime nears collapse.

One resident said the city was on edge, with security forces on the streets and many shops running out of staple foods.

The Syrian army withdrew from much of the country's south on Saturday but later said it was fortifying positions in the Damascus suburbs and in the south.

Syria's state news agency denied reports that Assad had already fled to Russia claiming he continued to govern from Damascus.

A giant portrait of Syrian president Bashar Assad sets on a building, as empty streets seen in Damascus, Syria

A military vehicle belonging to the Syrian regime forces and seized by anti government forces burn after it was hit by regime forces in the Hama governorate

A military vehicle belonging to the Syrian regime forces is pictured abandoned on the side of a road in the Hama governorate, on December 7

People ride a tank in the Syrian southern city of Daraa on December 7

However, following the statement claiming it was 'false news', a source has told CNN that Assad was 'nowhere to be found' at his usual residences in the capital.

Lebanon said it is closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for a main one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria because of the security situation on the Syrian side.

The rapidly developing events in Syria have again put the region on edge.

Government forces reportedly withdrew as rebel groups amassed in the city's suburbs, wrestling for control after more than a week of intensified fighting.

Armed groups reached the suburb of Darayya this afternoon, some five miles from the centre, according to the Turkish Anadolu Agency.

'Our forces have begun the final phase of encircling the capital, Damascus,' said rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani today, with the Islamist-led alliance that launched the offensive 10 days ago.

'Damascus awaits you,' HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, said in a statement Saturday addressed to rebel fighters on Telegram.

Syrians still in the nominally government-controlled territory of Jaramana seized the opportunity to pull down a statue of Assad's father as the regime faces collapse.

People ride a tank in the Syrian southern city of Daraa on December 7

A government armoured vehicle burns as rebels ride along the road south of Hama, in the south of Syria

Anti-regime armed rebels fire their weapons into the air in victory after capturing Hama

To the north, rebel troops made a lunge towards the strategic city of Homs, just days after they proclaimed a major victory in the taking of the city of Hama on Thursday.

The staggering assault has seen rebels opposed to the regime make the fastest battlefield advance by either side since the civil war began almost 13 years ago.

Assad's office said today that the President was staying put in the capital and continuing his duties after his children and British-born wife fled to Russia last week, and his brothers-in-law allegedly travelled to the UAE, per Syrian security officials.

Assad's allies in Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, distracted or worn-down by other conflicts, meanwhile showed no signs of intervening.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told CNN that Turkey wishes that neighboring Syria can 'quickly attain the peace and tranquility it has longed for' during 13 years of civil conflict.

He said: 'I want to say this openly: We do not have our eyes on land  not even a pebble  that belongs to another country.'

Charles Lister, director of the Syria and countering terrorism and extremism programs at the Middle East Institute, told Bloomberg that Assad's future has 'never looked more fragile' as the opposition encroaches on Homs and allied support withers.

While capturing Homs could close the land route between the government and Tartus, home to Russia's only Mediterranean port, Russia appears not to be in a position to help Assad regain ground with focus and resources directed to Ukraine.

'Russia doesn't have a plan to save Assad and doesn't see one emerging as long as the Syrian president's army continues to abandon its positions,' a source 'close to the Kremlin' told Bloomberg.

Iran, likewise, has been hesitant, or unable, to funnel its support to Syria. On Friday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he would would only help Assad 'to the extent necessary', but previously promised to 'consider' sending troops.

The fall of Bashar al-Assad's routine appeals all but assured (pictured: rebels ride past a damaged government vehicle in Hama)

Local residents celebrate after opposition forces led by HTS (Hayyet Tahrir al-Sham) took control of Hama city center and surrounding villages on December 6

Rebel forces pressing a lightning offensive in Syria aim to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad's rule, their Islamist leader said in an interview published on December 6

Russian president Vladimir Putin meets with Assad at the Kremlin in Moscow in July

Asma al-Assad, wife of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, casts her vote during the country's presidential elections in Douma, Syria, with her husband in this file photo taken in 2021

People in Damascus topple a statue of Hafez al-Assad and wave a Druze flag as rebel forces approach the capital, on December 7

The capture of Hama has given rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), control of a strategic central city they never managed to seize before.

Jihad Yazigi, editor of the Syria Report newsletter previously told Reuters: '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.'

It follows a staggering effort to seize Aleppo, the main northern city in Syria, last week as part of a blitz offensive beginning on November 27.

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 forces, suffered catastrophic losses in its war with Israel.

While Hezbollah has reportedly sent 2,000 fighters to Syria, per a source close to the Iran-backed proxy group today, Assad's backing from allies continues to wither.

Rebel forces were just 12 miles (20km) from Damascus by 11am GMT on Saturday, posing an imminent threat to the capital, according to a war monitor and rebels.

The Syrian army reportedly withdrew its forces from all towns about 10km (6.2 miles) from the capital, a monitor reported soon after.

The Syrian defence ministry, loyal to Assad, denied the army had fled positions.

'There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces, present in all areas of the Damascus countryside, have withdrawn,' it said.

The Syrian government was also forced to evacuate from its positions in Quneitrea, near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

The Syrian Democratic Forces, the main ally of the US against the regime, meanwhile seized key areas in Deir ez Zor and Raqqa on December 6, making it harder for Iran to move forces in to help Assad or resupply Iranian-backed forces like Hezbollah.
Social media is abuzz with users critiquing the Duchess of Sussexs wardrobe since she quit as a working royal - with countless videos on YouTube about her fashion fails.

While many still praise Meghan's glamorous wardrobe, she was recently criticised over her red Carolina Herrera gown - with its plunging neckline, daring front slit and ill-fitting bodice - which she wore to the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles gala last month.

Fashion stylists dubbed the altered 4,730 poppy red dress one of her biggest fashion faux pas and said it was inappropriate for the event, which started early at 5.30pm.

One TikTok user said: The Carolina Herrera number she chose was so inappropriate for a childrens event that it can only be described as shockingly revealing.

'Were talking bare shoulders, arms and even a flash of leg that should have been reserved for a late-night adult dinner party, not a wholesome charity gathering for kids.

'Its almost comical that a dress that cost so much can end up looking so tacky. It might look better on somebody else but on Meghan it looks like it was made for a different body type with better posture.

But Meghan is not the only royal who has struggled dressing for her body shape.

Here, former Dior model and personal stylist Emma Davison, who trained at the London College of Fashion, analyses some of the Firms biggest hits and flops - and how best to dress for their particular body type.

Meghan wears the plunging red Carolina Herrera dress to the children's charity gala in October

Princess Beatrice - Body Shape: Hourglass

When Beatrice arrived in a carriage at Ascot on June 18, 2019, she colour coordinated her 189 Maje pale blue dress with her sister Eugenies teal Calvin Klein shift.

Princess Beatrice's blue dress at Meghan and Harry's wedding (right) was the showstopper of the day, while her Ascot dress (left) was ill-fitting

But the embroidered guipure lace did nothing to enhance her hourglass figure.

By contrast, the stunning 7,000 Roksanda Ilincic teal Viola dress she wore to Harry and Meghan's wedding really plays to her strengths. The fit-and-flare design shows off her tiny waist, accentuated by the billowing sheer sleeves.

Now she has put fashion stylist Olivia Buckingham on the payroll, we are unlikely to see the first mistake again.

Certainly her wardrobe at this years Royal Ascot was widely admired and earned her top position on society magazine Tatlers best-dressed list. If you an hourglass, like Beatrice, fluid fabrics will always be more flattering, Emma says. This pastel blue laced dress from Maje sits on top of her, rather than working with her curves. And Im not a fan of the angular sleeves.

By contrast, the stunning Roksanda teal dress she wore to Harry and Meghan's wedding really plays to her strengths. The fit-and-flare design shows off her tiny waist accentuated by the billowing sheer sleeves.

Queen Camilla - Body Shape: Apple

Its now 25 years since Charles and Camilla made their first public appearance at her sister Annabels 50th birthday party - but she is not immune from the odd fashion disaster.

The difference in Queen Camilla's appearance is quite striking: just changing the shape of her gown to suit her shape makes her look so svelt and glamorous

While the red dress she wore to the Annual Royal Variety performance on December 6, 2016, did nothing for her figure, she looked perfectly elegant in a maroon Fiona Clare gown at the Buckingham Palace state banquet for the President and First Lady of Korea on November 21, 2023. Credit to her dresser Jacqui Meakin.

Camillas a bit lost in this lace dress, explains Emma. It lacks structure which I feel Camilla needs.

'Im not keen on this wide, scooped neckline, something she frequently favours. It narrows the width of her shoulders and throws up shadows around her neck. Weve also lost any kind of waist as the detail sits too low.

'I much prefer a neat neckline on Camilla. The empire cut highlights the narrowest part of her which, along with the puffed sleeves, gives shape and balance to her frame. By far her best dress style.'

Princess Eugenie - Body Shape: Pear

Eugenie was literally swamped by the emerald green Fendi couture dress she wore to a Vogue World: London event on September 14, 2023 - her first public appearance since giving birth.

Eugenie looked stunning in the Cefinn dress (right), Samantha Cameron's fashion label, as it accentuated her tiny waist

In contrast, the 440 Cefinn Mia forest green belted silk satin midi dress she wore to Ascot on June 20, 2019, suited her petite figure.

Certainly, her stylist Sarah Price has encouraged her to wear more fitted dresses.

While a stunning colour, I cant understand why anyone thought this green Fendi gown was a good choice for Eugenie, says Emma. Its hard to see where she starts and the dress ends.

'When youre styling a pear shape, all the focus and detail should be on the top half of the body. All weve got here is a lot of ruching and Eugenie smothered in fabric.

'The neckline and the cut of sleeves is awkward, giving the impression of sloping shoulders and no waist.

'The forest green dress by Cefinn Mia does the exact opposite. The first thing we see is her tiny waist. Tick one. The capped sleeves provide more structure to the shoulders. Tick two. While the fluid skirt skips harmlessly over her, the widest part of her hips. Tick three. Love this dress.'

The Princess of Wales - Body Shape: Column

While Kate rarely puts a foot wrong in her fashion choices, the 2,400 Eponine London green shift dress she wore to a primary school in Wembley on February 5, 2019, does not define her tiny waist enough.

These two green dress shapes could not have been more different. It's clear that the Emilia Wickstead number suited Kate's 'column' shape and gave her the illusion of curves and a defined waist

However, the 1,380 Emilia Wickstead green Denver dress that she chose for the Wimbledon singles final on July 10, 2021, gives her the suggestion of an hourglass figure.

Its frankly hard to find fault with anything Kate wears, being the fabulous clothes horse that she is, admits Emma, but these are good before and after examples of how to dress a column shape.'

'Columns dont have natural curves, so you have to find a way to create them. The straight up and down Eponine shift dress isnt terrible, but it does nothing to help to thwart the column look.

'The dress she wore to Wimbledon this year, on the other hand, with its cap sleeves and generously full pleated skirt, provide the illusion of curves and a defined waist.

The Duchess of Sussex - Body shape: Inverted triangle

As an inverted triangle, Meghan has broad shoulders and slim hips. But she does not always dress for her body shape.

These two white dresses show how important it is for Meghan to dress according to her body shape and the Karen Gee dress, right, flatters her svelte figure

While she looks boxy in the 4,265 ivory floral-embellished Valentino shift dress she wore to the Global Citizen Live Concert on September 25, 2021, the 523 Karen Gee pencil dress she wore to the Admiralty House reception in Sydney on October 16, 2018, flatters her shape.

This Valentino dress does Meghan absolutely no favours, says Emma. She often wears short dresses, but the danger of this style is that it foreshortens her body.

'She ends up looking quite square and shapeless. The Karen Gee shift dress on the other hand is one of her most flattering styles.

'The clean lines elongate her frame giving her that ideal one to three ratio. The wide straps minimise the broadness of her shoulders, while the ruching gives her a waist. She should stick with this style more often.

Zara Tindall - Body shape: Column

What a difference a decade - and a good stylist - makes. When Zara turned up at Royal Ascot on June 16, 2015, wearing a canary yellow Paul Costelloe dress, it did nothing for her figure, and even sparked rumours she was pregnant.

Zara's style transformation from chrysalis to butterfly is down to her Australian stylist, Annie Miall who also styles TV host Natalie Pinkham, and is truly remarkable

In contrast, the 1,900 Laura Green Masai dress she teamed with Sarah Cants 900 Rosa Hat ticked all the boxes.

Zara credits her transformation from chrysalis to butterfly to Australian stylist Annie Miall, who also styles TV host Natalie Pinkham.

You can wear fitted or short but not both, says Emma. This body con dress gives the impression that Zara is pregnant - she wasnt.

'It doesnt speak Royal or formal.' However, I love her in this soft apricot midi dress. Its more grown-up but still feminine and appropriate for the occasion. She looks tall and willowy. The thin belt emphasises her waist while the puffed chiffon sleeves keep the dress youthful.

Contact Emma on https://emma-davison.co.uk
Tom Parker-Bowles has revealed his mother and the King have gone through a 'hell of a two years' marked by significant health challenges, as he looks forward to spending his first Christmas at Sandringham with the royal couple.

The 49-year-old food writer and restaurant critic for The Mail On Sunday opened up about the Queen, who has been recovering from a bout of pneumonia since returning from a royal tour of Australia and Samoa, as well as his step-father, King Charles, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February.

Despite the chest infection temporarily ruling her out of royal duties, Tom described his mother as a resilient woman.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, he said: 'She went back to work before she should have done but she's fine. She's tough. She hates that she missed Remembrance Sunday. That's a big day for her.

He added that 'nothing's changed' since Camilla became Queen, except that she works 'harder' and jests he is often unaware what her movements are - at times only discovering she is on a royal visit outside the UK when he turns on the television.

Meanwhile, Tom previously confirmed the King's cancer treatment is 'going well', according to doctors.

But it is clear the pair have together struggled with health concerns and it has prompted him to think differently about spending time with the monarchs over the festive period.

A Christmas spent at Sandringham, the Norfolk country home of Charles III, will be in stark contrast to his typical experience spending the day with his former wife, ex-fashion editor Sara Buys, and their teenage children Lola and Frederick.

Tom Parker-Bowles has revealed his mother and the King have gone through a 'hell of a two years' marked by significant health challenges, as he looks forward to spending his first Christmas at Sandringham with the royal couple

Queen Camilla has been recovering from a bout of pneumonia since returning from a royal tour of Australia and Samoa, while his step-father, King Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February

For that, he would normally don tracksuit bottoms and head to the pub, but this year he's been advised they will be attending church and to bring a suit and dinner jacket.

Perhaps the formalities have stopped Tom from spending Christmas with them in other years, but he recognises 2024 has been different.

He explained: 'My mum said 'I'd love you to come, I haven't had Christmas with you for a long time'.

'It has been a hell of a two years for them. The older you get, the more conscious you become of mortality, especially with illnesses and the rest of it.'

The food critic said he enjoys a good relationship with the pair and things have settled down since his mother married the King in 2005, though he still remembers a more chaotic time.

In particular, he recalled the intense scrutiny following revelations by the British tabloid press in 1993 that his mother was having a relationship with the then Prince of Wales.

Tom was a student at Oxford University when the scandal broke.

He described the treatment of his mother as 'barbaric'.

Tom has previously called the King 'the kindest, most knowledgeable, lovely man' and praised the monarch's relationship with Camilla - describing the pair as 'very well suited'

'It was horrific, and you are protective of your mother. Counting how many paps were at the gates, to see who was watching us and taking photographs: it was all as normal as bacon and eggs in the morning.

'You didn't think of it in any other way (but) It was barbaric,' he told the Telegraph.

'I learnt a long time ago not to put my fat fingers into the world of William and Harry. But it was appalling what they went through.'

Camilla divorced Tom's father, Andrew, in 1995, with Charles finalising his divorce to Diana a year later.

Those were painful years, recalls Tom, but today he has much respect for his step-father.

In a recent interview with Hello! magazine, the restaurant critic called the king 'the kindest, most knowledgeable, lovely man' and praised the monarch's relationship with Camilla - describing the pair as 'very well suited'.

Tom also revealed how his children call Charles 'Uppa' and how they 'have grown up with this man that they all love and think is wonderful.'

The writer equally appreciates that Charles is a staunch supporter like himself of the plight of farmers, as well as his love for organic food.

Tom revealed his mother, Queen Camilla, had requested that he spend Christmas with her and King Charles III at Sandringham this year

And surprisingly, Tom - who has written five cookbooks and won the Guild of Food Writers award in 2010 for his writings on British food - revealed that King Charles III is in fact an expert on cheese.

He told The Telegraph: 'There is no man - and I'm not being oily - who knows more about cheesemaking. If he wasn't the King, he would be a fantastic food writer.'

Tom, who appears regularly as a critic on Masterchef, has just published his latest book, Cooking and the Crown.

The cookbook explores 200 years of British royal recipes and Tom says he not only received the nod from Charles and Camilla, but also the late Queen Elizabeth II shortly before her death in 2022.

He says he only met the late monarch twice in his life - and each moment was equally memorable.

Their relationship, he adds, was somewhat 'removed'.

Tom divulged: '[I met the Queen] once when I was eight and I was scared, so I curtseyed rather than bowed, and again at my mother's wedding, where my sister and I went for a fag and heard her voice behind us saying 'are you lost?'
With their overabundance of colourful, eye-catching apps, it comes as little surprise that we spend a quarter of our waking lives on our smartphone.

But you may not have haven't noticed that these little icons  fetchingly arranged in grid-like stacks on our displays  are constantly competing for taps.

In fact, popular apps, from WhatsApp to X, Instagram and Spotify have been deliberately designed to draw our fingers to them, psychologists reveal.

For example, WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger are made to look like buttons, which research shows we love pressing buttons right from childhood.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk's X, which got a new name and logo last year, has a big X marking the spot, like a helicopter landing pad for our fingertip.

Meanwhile, Spotify kind of has the appearance of a fingerprint reader and YouTube has a the play icon right in the centre  both instinctively luring taps.

Dr Anastasia Dedyukhina, a digital wellbeing expert and director of the Consciously Digital Institute, said engaging, attractive icons make us 'more likely to tap and use the app'.

'Overall, shapes like circles, rounded edges, or shading make app icons feel like buttons, which makes people want to press them,' she told MailOnline.

Popular apps, from WhatsApp to X, Instagram and Spotify have been deliberately designed to draw our fingers to them, psychologists reveal

'Facebook's rounded F in a square looks like a button, making you want to tap it, while Amazon's smiley arrow feels friendly and looks like a handle on a package, matching their delivery theme.

'On Instagram, the camera icon reminds people of old Polaroid cameras, which feels nostalgic, and the bright colors make it look fun and exciting.'

Many app icons feature circles, such as Messenger, WhatsApp and Spotify, which taps into a innate desire since infanthood to touch spots, but others have non-circular patterns too.

After Elon Musk purchased Twitter, he renamed it and changed the app's logo from a bird to an X, which may have been part of an internal strategy to draw our fingers.

Dr Daria J Kuss, professor in psychology at Nottingham Trent University, said many apps such as X 'use simple and recognisable symbols and icons which are familiar to us'.

'Smartphone apps are designed in such a way to grab attention and stand out to ensure that users engage with it,' she told MailOnline.

Dr Jay Olson, a postdoctoral scholar at McGill University's department of psychology in Canada, said changing app icons 'can definitely influence behaviour'.

'Some companies do A/B testing of different app icons,' he told MailOnline.

X marks the spot: Elon Musk 's X has a big X marking the spot, like a helicopter landing pad for our fingertip. Changing the app from Twitter (with a bird icon) to X (with an X icon) may have been a deliberate move to make it more clickable

Why do we like pushing buttons? Research suggests we like pushing buttons from childhood, even when we know we're not supposed to. In the late 1800s, it was found children would push buttons - like honking horns and ringing doorbells - especially when their parents didnt want them to. It's thought pleasurable tactile sensations are gained from the touch of a button. But by pressing them repeatedly in our daily lives, we've been conditioned to expect buttons to give is what we want. This may explain why we get so frustrated when buttons do not work. Advertisement

'For example, they may test two different designs of an icon in the App Store and then keep whichever one leads to the most downloads.'

WhatsApp is a good example of a highly clickable app because the circular speech button in the centre has been made to look like a button.

Research suggests we like pushing buttons from childhood, even when we know we're not supposed to.

Professor Rachel Plotnick, a cultural theorist at Indiana University Bloomington, thinks buttons 'encourage consumerism' and are ubiquitous from an early age.

She pointed to Amazon Dash, a discontinued gadget from that let users re-order their favourite items with the push of a button, from Heineken beer to Tide laundry powder.

'Social media is generally designed around a buttonization mentality,' Professor Plotnick  author of 'Power Button: A History of Pleasure, Panic and the Politics of Pushing'  told MailOnline.

'We tap buttons to order products and call for a ride, we press buttons to express our feelings (through emojis, thumbs, etc., ) about posts and shared content and we click buttons to complete forms and apply for jobs and to communicate.

'Historically, button-pushing has long been associated with pleasure, instant gratification, and rapid communication.

Research suggests we like pushing buttons from childhood, even when we know we're not supposed to (file photo)

Button-pushing fuels consumerism according to one expert. Pictured, Amazon Dash which let users re-order their favourite items with the push of a button

'Anything that can be done with just the push of a button is perceived as easy, automatic, and desirable.

'Id wager that social media companies like Facebook, WhatsApp, Spotify, and YouTube are all playing on this cultural fascination with buttons and our desire to push them.

'But this might make it that much more difficult to stop using these platforms, even when we feel like we need a break.'

Research last month revealed the average Briton spends four hours and 20 minutes on their phone per day  around a quarter of our waking lives.

In total, women spend four hours and 36 minutes online per day, while men spend four hours and 3 minutes online per day, the Ofcom report found.

Meanwhile, a 2022 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health linked compulsive use of a smartphone with 'burnout'.

Burnout is defined as a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that can occur when you experience long-term stress and feel under constant pressure.

TV presenter Carol Vorderman recently said she turns her smartphone off for 12 hours a day to help her avoid 'burnout' following a health scare.
Talk of nuclear war has once again ramped up since outgoing US president Joe Biden approved Ukraine to fire American-made missiles deep into Russia.

If Vladimir Putin were to follow through on his threats, the below map shows the states most and least at risk of a nuclear attack.

The Midwest would be a prime target because it houses the country's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch facilities and taking them out early would be a strategic advantage for any foreign adversary.

With this as their starting point, researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst mapped how wind patterns would have carried the fallout on each day alongside the amount of radiation exposure that would reach the rest of the US.

The researchers based their results on enemies targeting the 450 ballistic missile silos because detonating just two would have the equivalent explosion of 100,000 tons of TNT.

They found people living along the East Coast would be the least at risk of being hit due to the distance from the bomb site and nuclear fallout zone.

The safe zone range would extend from Maine to Florida and cover a few inland states including Indiana, Michigan and Alabama.

Those living on the West Coast would also be less affected by a nuclear fallout including Washington, Utah, California and parts of southern Texas.

However, the map only looked at the initial impact and it's estimated that the nuclear winter that would follow would kill at least one billion Americans.

The map predicts that Americans living on the east and west coast would be least impacted if another country initiated a nuclear attack on the US

Those living in states like Florida, southern Georgia and California would likely only be hit with .001 of radiation which is the annual limit for the public

Experts have expressed that 'nowhere is truly safe' if such an attack took place, adding that a nuclear attack on the silos would detonate one or two of America's own intercontinental missiles.

Christian Appy, the director of the Ellsberg Initiative for Peace and Democracy at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, told Newsweek that immediately after an attack, 'even a relatively 'small' nuclear war would cause a nuclear winter famine that would kill at least a billion people [worldwide].'

The exposure to radiation poisoning would also put another 300 million Americans at risk of death in the four days following a nuclear attack.

Even low levels of radiation poisoning can cause nausea, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, skin damage, seizures or comas.

Landlocked states like Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri would be decimated in the immediate aftermath of the explosion.

Meanwhile coastal states like Oregon, Washington, Florida and New York might be able to bide their time for at least four days, before radiation poisoning spread to those areas.

The initial impact would put three million people living around the silos at risk of receiving eight grays (Gy) of radiation in the four days following the attack, resulting in certain death - one Gy is enough to cause radiation sickness.

However, because of their distance from the epicenter, people living in some East Coast states like Florida and southern Georgia would be hit with as low as .001 Gy's of radiation.

A secondary map predicts the worst-case scenario following a nuclear strike on the 450 ICBM silos in the western United States. This level of radiation would kill 300 million people

Talk of nuclear war has once again ramped up since outgoing US president Joe Biden approved Ukraine to fire American-made missiles deep into Russia

The annual public limit is .001, while .05 is the annual limit for radiation workers.

This is still enough to cause health issues and possible death, but the reduced amount of radiation would put residents living in those areas at a significantly lower risk.

At high enough doses of penetrating radiation, these symptoms can start within minutes and can be deadly.

The map showed anyone living in the Midwest would likely be immediately killed, with Montana, North and South Dakota, Nebraska and parts of Colorado, Wyoming and Kansas being the hardest hit.

Although the population density in those states are low compared to other neighboring states, the winds could carry the radioactive material across the entirety of the US.

Appy told Newsweek that is is 'morally repugnant to think about the safest places to survive a nuclear war' because 'a major nuclear war would throw so much soot and debris into the stratosphere that it would produce a nuclear winter that would kill all or nearly all of those who survived the blast, firestorms, and radiation of the war.'

Using weather patterns recorded through 2021, scientists simulated the aftereffects of an 800-kiloton warhead hitting every one of the 450 silos at once to cripple the US arsenal.

'They thereby averaged the impact of shifting winds on radioactive fallout across the continent,' according to a report by Scientific American.

The warning comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree last month that updated the country's policy on using nuclear weapons.

The revised doctrine asserts that Russia 'reserves the right' to use nuclear weapons to not only respond to a nuclear attack from another country, but also in response to a 'critical threat' to its 'sovereignty and territorial integrity.'

The Kremlin initiated the doctrine revision after President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use US-supplied long-range missiles as the war between the two countries hit 1,000 days.

The US Department of Defense told DailyMail.com it was unable to comment on nuclear projections or the likelihood of a Russian attack on US soil.
This week, an asteroid slammed into Earth's atmosphere and exploded in a ball of fire above Siberia.

From the time the space rock was spotted by NASA to the time it hit Earth, space agencies around the world had just seven hours to react.

Luckily for Earth, this asteroid was only 70cm across and burned up harmlessly in the air - but for asteroid hunter Franck Marchis, this was too close for comfort.

Dr Marchis, senior astronomer at the SETI Institute and founder of the UNISTELLAR citizen astronomer network, told MailOnline: 'If it had been slightly bigger, that would been a very different story.'

While institutes like NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) keep a close watch for any space rocks that threaten Earth, there simply aren't enough people watching the sky to catch everything.

If scientists want to save humanity from a potential 'city killer' asteroid we need years of warning, not a handful of hours.

The solution, according to Dr Marchis, is to enlist amateur astronomers to fill in the gaps left behind by the professionals.

Dr Marchis says: 'Asteroids can come at any moment towards Earth. Having eyes on the sky everywhere in the world allows us to track them.'

Professional asteroid hunter Franck Marchis says that governmental space agencies like NASA and ESA can't protect Earth from an impending asteroid impact alone

Franck Marchis (pictured) senior astronomer at the SETI Institute and founder of UNISTELLAR, told MailOnline that the only way to protect Earth from asteroids is for civilians to spot the threats that NASA misses

What's the risk of an asteroid hitting Earth?

On Christmas Day, 2004, while most of us were busy opening presents and enjoying time with our families, Dr Marchis was facing down a potentially deadly threat.

NASA had spotted a large space rock, known as a Near-Earth Object (NEO), and sent out a call for astronomers to take a closer look.

After taking measurements of the asteroid's course and calculating its orbit, Dr Marchis and other astronomers came to the sobering realisation that it was headed right for Earth.

At around 400m in diameter, the asteroid, known as 2004 MN4, was a true city killer capable of punching through the atmosphere and hitting the planet with devastating force.

To make matters worse, Dr Marchis predicted that there were only four to seven hours before impact.

He says: 'The community was freaked out, for several hours we had no idea if it was going to hit the planet or not.'

Thankfully, it turned out that the initial observations had been wrong and 2004 MN4 merely skimmed by the planet without colliding.

Just like the film 'Don't Look Up', on Christmas Day 2004, Dr Marchis detected an asteroid that was predicted to collide with Earth. However, unlike the film, Dr Marchis spotted the 400m-long space rock when there were only four hours before it was expected to hit

This week an asteroid exploded over Russia. The asteroid was discovered early Tuesday morning by a NASA-funded telescope only seven hours before it hit the atmosphere

How big is the risk of an asteroid impact? Space rocks approaching Earth's orbit, known as near-earth objects (NEO), are carefully monitored by NASA and the European Space Agency. There are 36,765 NEOs, 2,442 of which are classified as 'potentially hazardous'. However, there are currently no asteroids big enough to cause serious damage to Earth on a collision course with the planet in the next 100 years. The bigger risk is of a smaller, fast-moving asteroid which might hit before it can be detected. This would only need to be about 20-40m in diameter to cause serious damage. Advertisement

However, for seven hours on Christmas Day, there were only about 400 people in the world who knew just how close Earth had come to total disaster.

He says: 'I think when you see something like that, you realise that this is possible and you realise the potential impact of it.'

Each day, the Earth is bombarded by an estimated 100 tonnes of material from space, most of which are no larger than a grain of dust and burn up harmlessly in Earth's atmosphere.

However, astronomers have discovered 36,765 NEOs, including more than 11,000 which are over 140m across and 868 larger than a kilometre.

Of those, 1,714 are on the 'risk list' meaning that there is a non-zero chance of a collision with Earth.

With space around Earth so full of potential threats, near misses are not entirely uncommon.

Last year a 130m-wide space rock named 2019 OK travelling at 88,500 kmph (55,000 mph) passed within just 72,500 km (45,000 miles) of Earth - extraordinarily close in astronomical terms.

Nor do asteroids need to be as large as 2003 MN4 to cause absolute devastation.

In 2004, Dr Marchis detected the asteroid 400m-wide 2004 MN4. At the time, calculations suggested it may hit Earth within hours of its discovery

The Chelyabinsk meteor (pictured) which injured over 1,600 and damaged over 7,000 buildings in 2013 was believed to be just 18m in diameter.

The 5 asteroids that could hit Earth 1. Bennu: 1,574 ft Odds of collision: 1/2,700 on September 24, 2182 2. 1950 DA: 6,561 ft Odds of collision: 1/34,500 on March 16, 2880 3. 2023 TL4: 1,083 ft Odds of collision: 1/181,000 on October 10, 2119 4. 2007 FT3: 2,165 ft Odds of collision: 1/11.5 million on October 5, 2024 5. 2023 DW: 166 ft Odds of collision: 1/1,584 on February 14, 2046 Advertisement

For instance, the Chelyabinsk meteor which injured over 1,600 and damaged over 7,000 buildings in 2013 was believed to be just 18m in diameter.

Dr Marchis says: 'An asteroid of over 120 metres will impact our planet every 10,000 years on average.

'This shows that, if we want our civilisation to last for a long period of time, we need to look around us and characterise those objects.'

How can we save Earth from a devastating asteroid impact?

After the Christmas Day scare, Dr Marchis says he realised that small groups of professionals simply weren't up to the task of defending the entire planet.

'There are multiple stations around the world, professional telescopes, that detect and characterise objects but most of them are located in the same area,' Dr Marchis says.

'It means that if an asteroid is coming to us from over Japan or Russia there is nobody looking in this direction, so we still have what we call dark zones.'

The novel solution was that, instead of having a handful of massive advanced systems, you could fill the dark zones with small, cheap telescopes to watch the whole sky at once.

Dr Marchis' initial plan was to place a series of small satellite telescopes in orbit (pictured) to detect incoming asteroids. However, this was deemed too expensive

Dr Marchis says: 'We quickly realised that having an entire worldwide array of telescopes capable of watching all of the sky all of the time would help.'

Back in 2014, Dr Marchis thought that the best way to do this would be to surround the planet with a network of orbiting telescope satellites.

However, before the days of reusable rockets, nobody was interested in funding a vast satellite constellation and Dr Marchis now calls the idea his 'sci-fi' project.

Unable to put his telescopes in space, Dr Marchis ultimately settled on the next best thing: putting them in as many homes around the world as physically possible.

In 2015, he founded UNISTELLAR which makes relatively cheap telescopes 'smart telescopes' which can track objects in space and share their measurements with a network of amateur astronomers.

These observations allow average civilians to light up the world's dark zones and keep a watchful eye on anything that could pose a threat to Earth.

When NASA or ESA's wide-angle telescopes spot something bright and fast moving through the sky they send a notification to a database called the Minor Planets Centre.

Dr Marchis says: 'Based on about five or six observations they tell other people: "Hey, there is an asteroid coming to us and it could be potentially hazardous."

Instead of going to space, Dr Marchis founded Unistellar which sells telescopes (pictured) that automatically share data on the objects they observe with a network of amateur astronomers. This allows scientists to gather lots of observations of potentially hazardous objects

'Amateur astronomers including those in our network get this notification and use our telescopes to refine the observation.

'It's by combining all those eyes together that refines the predicted orbit of the asteroid and confirms whether it is an asteroid rather than a piece of rocket.'

In the case of spotting a dangerous asteroid, the impact will first be confirmed by NASA's Sentry and ESA's Meerkat prediction systems.

Then Dr Marchis and the other members of UNISTELLAR would bring their predictions to the UN's International Asteroid Warning Network to coordinate the response.

This was exactly what happened with the asteroid COWECP5 which dramatically exploded over Russia this week.

The asteroid was spotted by a NASA-funded telescope in Arizona about seven hours prior to impact.

Amateur astronomers in Japan and Australia then used their smaller telescopes to work out exactly where and when it would hit.

This time, it was determined that the space rock would burn up in the atmosphere so the issue was not escalated to the UN but, if it had been bigger, it would have been these citizen scientists' observations which determined the areas to be evacuated.

The Earth frequently faces near misses from hazardous asteroids. This year four 'potentially hazardous' asteroids passed Earth within a 12-hour window. The largest was the 'city killer' asteroid 2002 NV16 which is taller than the Blackpool Tower

The future of planetary defence

However, if humanity is to survive into the future, we need to do more than just know when Earth is about to be hit by an asteroid - we need a way of stopping it.

'The good news is that, two years ago, we made an experiment showing that we can deflect an asteroid if we know well in advance that such an impact will happen,' Dr Marchis says.

'And that's changing a lot about how we think about this problem.'

The experiment Dr Marchis refers to is NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) which slammed a fast-moving satellite into the side of a distant asteroid.

Although the results will be confirmed in 2026 by ESA's Hera mission, the early results show that the asteroid was indeed bumped out of its orbit.

And, as the satellite collided with its target, it was telescopes in the UNISTELLAR network that recorded the impact as it happened.

These observations provided the first images of the plumes of dust and debris caused by the collision which showed that the $324.5 million (253.5 million) mission had been a success.

NASA's DART mission used a small fast-moving satellite to slam into a massive asteroid. This test showed that it is possible to knock an asteroid out of a collision course with Earth

Dr Marchis says that he wants to expand the amateur astronomer network to detect potential targets for deflection missions. Projects like the DART mission (pictured) could be a vital line of defence against space rocks but only if there is enough prior warning

It was even the hard work of citizen scientists which provided the data that proved humanity really could push a dangerous asteroid out of the way.

Dr Marchis says that the goal is now to expand the UNISTELLAR network so that amateur astronomers can start to identify any asteroids that could pose a threat.

He says: 'What we need to do is map the entire surroundings of Earth to find all those bodies 120m or larger because, as soon as we know that one of them could impact our planet, we just have to send a spacecraft over to deflect it.

'We do more observations in a year now than we have done over the past 200 years but we could still do better.'

For example, there are still vast dark zones over the developing countries where Earth just can't see what is coming its way.

Dr Marchis says that the only solution is to either 'win the lottery' to fund his satellite telescopes or get more amateur astronomers involved in planetary defence.

He concludes: 'If people like astronomy or if they want to do something more meaningful in their life they should really look at what we do in citizen science.

'This is a movement which is going to change the way we progress as a civilisation and UNISTELLAR is proof that every human can make remarkable discoveries that will one day change humanity.'
If you're a foodie  go to Chile.

That's the advice from TikTok traveller Chris Joondeph (@authentic_traveling) and it's definitely worth noting, because he's a self-confessed gourmand, has visited 166 countries, and tells MailOnline Travel in a chat about his globetrotting dining experiences that Chilean cuisine is the most underrated on the planet.

He also reveals his thoughts on Kenya's goat head soup, why he's especially fond of Nigeria  and not just because you can get meals there for a dollar  and other countries worth going to for their cuisine.

But first  just what is it about Chile's food that's so alluring?

He says: 'Nobody really knows about Chilean cuisine and it's so good! They love to eat these massive sandwiches with freshly cooked meat, sauerkraut and covered in homemade mayonnaise. They're so delicious and comforting. Chile has a lot of unique foods but you'd likely never see a Chilean restaurant outside of Chile. It is definitely worth visiting for the food.'

Where else makes the foodie destination hotlist?

Argentina does. In the capital, Buenos Aires, Chris recommends getting a bife de chorizo (sirloin steak) with a glass of Malbec from one of the many steakhouses'.

Mexico is also on the list. Here, try tacos al pastor (pork tacos)', says Chris, who adds that they're 'most popular in Mexico City but can be found around the country.

Chris Joondeph has visited 166 countries and shares his favourite spots with MailOnline. He says Chile, where he's pictured above, has the most 'underrated' cuisine

LEFT: Chris says Chilean cuisine is 'so delicious and comforting'. RIGHT: Chris enjoyed Chile's 'massive sandwiches', which contain freshly cooked meat and sauerkraut and are 'covered in homemade mayonnaise'

Chris gives Hawaii the thumbs up, too. Here, try the Loco Moco, which he describes as a hamburger patty on top of white rice topped with a sunny-side-up egg and covered in gravy.

Thailand is the only Asian country to make the hotlist. Chris says: Cant go wrong with a pad Thai from a street kitchen or my favourite from the north, Khao Soi, a kind of curry soup with noodles.

In Peru, Chris loves the ceviche - fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, onions, chilli peppers and spices, along with the pisco sour (a Peruvian cocktail made from pisco, lime juice, angostura bitters and egg white).

Lebanon and Syria also gain a spot on the hotlist for the best shawarma (thinly sliced meat) in the world, but Chris also recommends trying muhammara - a flavourful dip made from roasted red peppers, walnuts and pomegranate molasses'.

He regards Nigeria, meanwhile, as something of an unsung tourism hero.

He reveals: 'It's one of the most populous countries in the world, but it's rarely featured in travel content. I enjoyed exploring the country and seeing places that get almost no foreign tourists.'

It's also a bargain. In a TikTok video, Chris shows viewers everything he can eat in Nigeria for just $1/79p/900 naira. Chris explains: 'I consult with a local on this and they take me around to find the absolute cheapest food possible to get the most out of my one dollar.'

In the video, Chris enjoys a Nigerian sausage roll, puff puff doughnuts, rice, spaghetti and beans with an egg and cow skin, corn on the cob with African pear, a bottle of Coke, and pork cooked in a spicy palm oil stew - all for the low price of less than $1. The best of his bargain treats? The puff puff, which Chris describes as a simple street food made from fried dough, which is so sweet and delicious.

LEFT: Chris in Argentina, which he says has some of the world's best food. RIGHT: Chris in Nigeria, which he describes as one of his favourite destinations

LEFT: In one video Chris shares how much food he can eat for $1 in Lagos, Nigeria. RIGHT: Chris buys puff puff doughnuts as part of his Nigerian meal and says they are 'sweet and delicious'

Chris, whos from Denver, adds to MailOnline: 'Compare this to a country like Switzerland or Scandinavian countries where you can barely buy a meal for $20 (15.82). Even the grocery stores in these countries are prohibitively expensive. My whole travel philosophy is about finding local experiences where regular people might eat, so I don't necessarily go for very expensive meals.'

Chris's travels have led to him tasting some of the world's more unusual delicacies, such as Kenya's goat head soup.

The intrepid traveller explains: 'It's a popular Kenyan drink made by boiling goat head and other parts of the animal in large drums. The soup is then poured into plastic canisters, shaken to incorporate air and served in cups.

'It can be drunk straight or with hot pepper. It looks like a milkshake and tastes like every part of an animal was just put in a blender and combined together. I call it the Kenyan protein shake. I probably wouldn't try it again but it was an interesting experience.'

Chris, 34, reveals that his foodie experiences, from the mouthwatering to the bizarre, don't necessarily happen by accident. He rolls up his sleeves on Google beforehand, explaining: 'I do a lot of research before a trip to try and find the places that locals like to visit. This is typically somewhere cheap with a lot of foot traffic. It is easy to identify these on Google because they have a high number of ratings compared to others. This means they're generally more popular.

'I try and go to these places, with large numbers of reviews, since they have been around the longest and form the institutional eateries of certain cities. I will also determine a list of top dishes I need to try and identify restaurants that serve those dishes so I can be sure to tick everything off my list.'

Chris reveals that there's very little he's turned his nose up at on his travels. 'I really like food, so there isn't much I don't like,' he comments. However, he has been struck down with food poisoning, despite being mindful of what he's eating and where.

The traveller explains that to keep stomach bugs at bay, he obeys the 'boil it, peel it, cook it, or forget it' mantra, adding: 'You want stuff that is cooked and still warm as the heat is going to kill the harmful bacteria. If not cooked, you want something that is freshly peeled or you can peel yourself.

Chris sampled 'goat head soup', a popular local drink in Kenya. He says it 'tastes like every part of an animal was just put in a blender and combined together'

'Another tip is to go to crowded places. If a street food vendor has no people patronising them it might be for a reason. If another one is busy, I am much more likely to go there.'

Despite the perceived risks of eating street food abroad, Chris says he's found that 'nice restaurants or home-cooked meals' tend to 'pose the biggest risk'.

Assuming he's stomach-bug free, what's next on the travel menu for Chris?

To keep the passport stamps coming.

He adds: 'I have always had a desire to see more of the world starting from a young age. I've set my sights on trying to visit [every country] and I am nearly there, with roughly 30 to go.'
Many a mistake can be forgiven, but an ex-stewardess has revealed one action on a plane that is so 'ridiculous' and 'crazy' it could result in a lifetime ban from flying.

Skye Taylor, 49, from Southampton, spent 17 years working as a stewardess, beginning at low-cost airlines and working her way up to a job at Virgin Atlantic.

She hung up her flying boots just over a year ago and is now spilling the beans on the behaviour by other cabin crew influencers that have left her 'horrified'.

Skye told MailOnline: I was watching one TikTok the other day, and I was absolutely horrified.

'An influencer stepped over the markings [on the runway], the safety area, and everyone was like oh wow, that's incredible.

But she was right near the engine, it was ridiculous.'

The former flight attendant was however left even more aghast by another influencer.

She said: Ive seen quite a lot of other things that makes me think, Oh my God!

Skye Taylor, 49, from Southampton, spent 17 years working as a stewardess, beginning at low-cost airlines and working her way up to a job at Virgin Atlantic

She hung up her flying boots just over a year ago and is now spilling the beans on the behaviour by other cabin crew influencers that have left her 'horrified'

In another video an influencer was like writing on the mirror or something in the bathroom - and I was just like that could end up as a massive security risk.

Because it has been known that messages have been left for, you know [dangerous people] and I think a lot of the time people, I don't want to say it because I'm old, but it's like a younger generation thing.

I think sense goes out the window.

It's safety at the end of the day, something could happen to you or you could put that aircraft in danger, and I've seen it a lot.'

Skye believes that some influencers have become more brash and daring just to get others to watch their videos without thinking of the serious consequences.

Doing that to get views, that's ridiculous,' she continued.

It's crazy, plus you'll probably get a lifetime ban from flying as well.

We have to report that straight away and it doesn't matter [what the message says] because they'll [police] decode things differently to us.

Skye believes that some influencers have become more brash and daring just to get others to watch their videos without thinking of the serious consequences

Skye, pictured in her uniform, says of younger cabin crew members potentially putting the plane at risk with their actions: 'I think sense goes out the window'

The police or the aviation authority will look at things differently to say, the normal person.

In February this year, a United Airlines flight was forced to land in Chicago after someone wrote a bomb threat on a mirror in one of the planes lavatories.

The plane was later found to be clear of any threat.

Want to hear more from Skye? She posts on TikTok under the username @slkye_taylor_xx and Instagram at @skye_taylor_xx.
Going on safari was once the reserve of the elite  way beyond the budget of everyday holidaymakers.

Not any more. As international air fares have fallen, breaks to see the Big Five of lions, leopards, elephants, African buffalo and rhinos have opened up to all.

Trips to countries across Africa from Kenya and Tanzania to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa  as well as wildlife-rich nations in Asia including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Malaysia  have become possible for less than 2,000 with flights, hotels and game drives included.

Here weve chosen 18 of the best budget options...

SERENGETI BARGAIN

Explore Tanzanias spectacular animal kingdom on a six-day trip from 1,205pp. Begin in Tarangire National Park, where elephant herds roam free, before heading to the Serengeti to catch a glimpse of lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos, plus cheetahs, hyenas and more than 500 bird species. A visit to Ngorongoro Crater, a huge volcanic caldera thats home to rhinos and zebras, is included.

Book it: Five nights from 1,205pp in total, comprising three camping nights, two hotel nights, some meals, park fees, game drives and transfers (from 691pp, bookallsafaris.com), combined with Heathrow-Kilimanjaro flights (from 514pp return, ethiopianairlines.com); add-on days possible.

SOUTH AFRICAN SAVINGS

Zebras in Kruger National Park and, below, the Royal Kruger Lodge and Spa

Jet to Johannesburg on a six-night safari staying at the Royal Kruger Lodge & Spa within South Africas Bushveld nature reserve. Expect to see lions, zebras and giraffes during three game drives at Kruger National Park, as well as elephants and  if youre lucky  rare black rhinos. Unwind at sunset with a G&T or two at the charming thatched-roof resort.

Book it: Six nights from 1,328pp full-board including return flights, transfers, three game drives, a wildlife discovery walk, bottle of sparkling wine, sunset aperitif and one-hour massage (holidaypirates.com).

DIY IN NAMIBIA

See hyenas at Etosha National Park and stay at Okaukuejo Camp, below, from 20 a night

Navigate the deserts of Namibia on a self-drive safari in a Toyota Hilux 4x4 equipped with a rooftop fold-out tent, cooking hob and refrigerator. Set off from Windhoek, the capital, and enjoy a scenic four-hour drive to Etosha National Park to spot zebras, giraffes, lions and flamingos, while staying overnight at campsites. At Okaukuejo Camp, a viewing platform offers fantastic night-time vistas of elephants and rhinos at a watering hole.

Book it: A week from 1,294pp in total, comprising Toyota Hilux rental (from 393, camperdays.co.uk), camping at Okaukuejo Camp (from 20 a night, etoshanationalpark.co.za), and Manchester-Windhoek flights (from 781pp, lufthansa.com).

TANZANIAN TREAT

The crystal clear waters of Zanzibar and, below, tourists having breakfast on a jeep safari in the Selous Game reserve

Go on safari in Tanzania and enjoy a beach getaway in Zanzibar  all for under 2,000. Start with two nights by the white sand beaches at Reef & Beach Resort before venturing to the mainland for two days of game drives plus a boat safari in Nyerere National Park spotting elephants, hippos, lions, crocodiles, wild dogs and black rhinos. After three nights at Africa Safari Selous in the bush, you then return to Zanzibar for more beach relaxation.

Book it: Seven nights from 1,729pp including all flights, transfers, game drives, boat safari, a bush walk and most meals (secretescapes.com).

MAASAI MARA MARVEL

Uuncover the best of Kenyas famous Maasai Mara and the lesser-known Lake Nakuru National Park on a quick turnaround  super cheap  safari. Enjoy four game drives spotting big cats in the bush, while at certain times of the year you can see the great migration of more than a million wildebeest, zebras and others.

Book it: Three nights from 637pp in total, comprising stays at Lenchada Tourist Camp in Maasai Mara and the Golden Palace Hotel in Nakuru, transfers, game drives and meals (from 231pp, bookallsafaris.com), plus Heathrow-Nairobi return flights via Jeddah (from 406pp, saudia.com); add-on days are possible.

TEMPTING THAILAND

Elephants at Khao Sok National Park, Thailand, and a 'luxury tent' in the park, below

Relax in the vibrant beachfront city of Phuket, Thailand, where the rainforest meets the sea, followed by a journey into Khao Sok National Park for a canoe safari and jungle trek. This culminates with one night in a luxury tent at the Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp and a visit to an elephant park, with a chance to feed them.

Book it: Seven nights from 1,185pp including accommodation, return Heathrow flights, activities, meals and transfers (flightcentre.co.uk).

JUNGLE AND CITY

Safari and city come together on this 11-day adventure in the wilds of Malaysian Borneo and the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysias capital. Encounter orangutans, monkeys, whale sharks and tropical birds in Borneo where you can snorkel among rich corals and unwind on white sand beaches.

Book it: Ten nights from 1,559pp including accommodation, flights, transfers, activities and some meals (travelbag.co.uk).

KENYA CALLS

Dive into Kenyas Maasai Mara on a game drive in search of lions, then take a cruise on Lake Naivasha spotting hippos, giraffes and birds. Theres also an early game drive to see rhinos in Lake Nakuru National Park followed by an overnight stay in a Maasai village with a cooking class.

Book it: Seven nights from 1,414pp in total, comprising a tour including five nights camping, one bush camp and one hotel night, transfers, game drives and meals (from 1,008pp, intrepidtravel.com), combined with Heathrow-Nairobi return flights via Jeddah (from 406, saudia.com).

BUDGET TIGERS

Enjoy luxury for less on this tailor-made tiger safari in Tadoba National Park, India. The action-packed trip features eight safaris in eight days. Experts guide you through the dazzling biodiversity of Tadoba, one of Indias biggest and oldest national parks with a thriving tiger population. Stay in a first-class lodge hidden deep in the forest near watering holes.

Book it: From 1,721pp for seven nights in total, comprising hotel and lodge accommodation, transfers, meals and game drives (from 1,300pp, responsibletravel.com), plus Heathrow-Delhi flights (from 421 return, airindia.com).

LOW-COST ADVENTURE

Get up close to Victoria Falls, raft the Zambezis whitewater or try bungee jumping on this eight-day journey through Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. In Kasane, unwind with an optional safari or a sunset cruise along the Chobe River. Continue to the Okavango Delta for a wildlife walk and go on a mokoro (dugout canoe) ride to a bush camp, with an evening by the campfire.

Book it: Seven nights from 1,959pp including camping accommodation, flights, transfers, activities and most meals (theadventurepeople.com).

PICTURE PERFECT PRICES

Unleash your inner photographer on this ten-day safari in India, designed for wildlife picture taking. Travel around Kanha National Park, in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, home to tigers, leopards, monkeys and rare swamp deer. The action-packed itinerary includes 11 game drives, staying in lodges along the way.

Book it: Nine nights from 1,571pp in total, comprising accommodation, transfers, activities and meals (from 1,150pp, responsibletravel.com), plus Heathrow-Delhi flights (from 421 return, airindia.com).

ENTICING KILIMANJARO

Hop on a five-night safari in Kenya featuring six game drives. This extensive time in the bush doesnt mean a hefty price as the trip is from 1,599 per person including flights which must be booked separately. Witness the otherworldliness of Lake Nakuru National Park, known as the pink lake for its rose-coloured water  home to white and black rhino. Also spot elephants and marvel at the view of Mount Kilimanjaro, across the border in Tanzania, from Amboseli National Park.

Book it: Five nights from 1,847 in total, comprising accommodation, transfers, meals, game drives and park fees (from 1,193pp, bookallsafaris.com), plus Heathrow-Nairobi flights (from 654 return, kenya-airways.com); add-on days are possible.

LEOPARDS FOR LESS

Combine leopard spotting in Yala National Park with a relaxing stay at an eco lodge surrounded by 25 acres of rewilded elephant habitat. This trip goes beyond the typical four-wheel-drive safari, though it includes three of those as well. You are taken on daily guided walks through the beautifully untamed bush.

Book it: Four nights from 1,580pp in total, comprising accommodation, transfers, activities and meals (from 935pp, responsibletravel.com), plus Heathrow-Colombo flights (from 645 return, srilankan.com); add-on days possible.

CLASSIC KENYA

This eight-day Kenyan safari encompasses a full-day game drive searching for iconic wildlife in the Maasai Mara. Cruise along Lake Naivasha with a local guide spotting hippos, zebras and giraffes. Then embark on an early morning game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park for a chance to see black and white rhinos.

Book it: Seven nights from 1,968pp including one hotel night, six nights camping, flights, transfers, activities and meals (theadventurepeople.com).

SRI LANKA SPECTACULAR

Explore the best of Sri Lanka on this eight-day trip featuring sacred sites, historic cities and a train ride through tea plantations  bookended by safari excursions. Your first game drive launches in Minneriya National Park, famous for the worlds largest elephant gathering, while the second unfolds in Yala National Park with its leopards and sloth bears. Theres also a visit to a baby elephant rescue centre in Udawalawe.

Book it: Seven nights from 1,659pp including accommodation, flights, transfers, activities and some meals (travelbag.co.uk).

LOTS IN BOTS

Spot elephants, crocodiles, hippos, buffalo, wild dogs and lions during game drives on a super-speedy, three-day safari in Chobe National Park, Botswana. Theres also an abundance of birds, such as herons and kingfishers, which can be spotted during a three-hour river cruise. The final day includes another game drive or boat cruise before visiting Victoria Falls.

Book it: Three nights from 1,077pp in total, comprising a tour including tented accommodation, transfers, meals, game drives, boat cruises and park fees (from 442pp, bookallsafaris.com), combined with Heathrow-Victoria Falls flights via Addis Ababa (from 635p return, ethiopianairlines.com); add-on days possible.

SAVE ON NEPAL

Immerse yourself in the Nepalese wilderness during a nine-day escape from 1,586pp including four nights in Kathmandu, the capital, two nights in the wildlife-rich Chitwan, and two nights in Pokhara. Begin with a guided tour of Kathmandus sacred temples, then head to Chitwan for a safari (possibly spotting Bengal tigers), canoeing and visits to elephant/crocodile breeding centres. End with two nights in Pokhara in the beautiful Himalayan foothills.

Book it: Eight nights from 1,586pp in total, comprising hotels and tours (from 810pp, bookallsafaris.com) and Heathrow-Kathmandu flights via Istanbul (from 776 return, qatarairways.com).

TOP FAMILY SAFARIS

Join a 12-day overland tour through South Africa and Eswatini, with game drives in four national parks. Go in search of the Big Five in HluhluweImfolozi Park and kayak in Kosi Bay, a grazing area for hippos.

The wildlife watch continues in Kruger National Park, followed by a village homestay.

Book it: Eleven nights from 1,952pp in total, comprising one hotel night, six nights camping and four nights at a chalet lodge, transfers, game drives and most meals (from 1,505 (intrepidtravel.com) plus Heathrow-Johannesburg flights via Addis Ababa (from 447 return, ethiopianairlines.com).
Netflix fans are raving over a 'top tier, ten out of ten' movie and are urging everyone to 'stop what you're doing and go watch it'.

The action thriller, released in 2009, was directed by F. Gary Gray, who also directed Straight Outta Compton and The Italian Job.

Its writer, Kurt Wimmer, directed sci-fi greats such as Equilibrium, UltraViolet and the 2020 remake of supernatural horror Children of the Corn.

The pair joined forces on a film that fans are now calling the 'best ever' since it found its home on Netflix.

Law Abiding Citizen follows Gerard Butler's character, Clyde Shelton, who is relentless in his pursuit of revenge on the people who slaughtered his wife and daughter in a home invasion.

But it is not enough to satiate his need for payback and so he simultaneously goes after the police officials, including attorney Nick Rice played by Jamie Foxx, who could not deliver justice to Clyde's satisfaction.

Law Abiding Citizen follows Gerard Butler 's character, Clyde Shelton, who is relentless in his pursuit of revenge on the people who slaughtered his wife and daughter

He simultaneously goes after the police officials, including attorney Nick Rice played by Jamie Foxx, who could not deliver justice to Clyde's satisfaction

The action thriller, released in 2009, was directed by F. Gary Gray, who also directed Straight Outta Compton and The Italian Job

The film's star-studded cast also includes multi-award winning actress Viola Davis, who plays the mayor, Leslie Bibb, who plays Rice's assistant Sarah Lowell and Bruce Gill as District Attorney Jonas Cantrell.

On LADbible's Netflix Bangers page on Facebook, one film buff said: 'Shot Caller was one of the best movies I've ever seen on Netflix. Anymore movies like this?'

'It was pretty decent. I think Law Abiding Citizen is a tad better,' another recommended.

'Both are really good!' a third agreed.

Some took to social media site, X, to gush about the action thriller after watching it on Netflix.

One wrote: 'Law Abiding Citizen is a top 10 movie of all time.'

A second said: 'Law Abiding Citizen is almost a classic film and it's performance by Gerard Butler is Oscar-worthy.'

'Law abiding citizen is one of the greatest movies ever made. Real cinema,' a third posted.

Others said it is a 'phenomenal movie' that 'doesn't get enough credit' and dubbed it 'top tier'.

Law Abiding Citizen is available to stream on Netflix.
Robert Irwin has allegedly gotten in hot water with his mother Terri over his rugged new magazine photoshoot.

The TV presenter, 21, debuted a very handsome new look as he ditched his signature Australia Zoo khakis while posing for Stellar Magazine over the weekend.

He showed off his modelling credentials in the dapper new cover shoot, which saw him sport an array of suave outfits as he put his best fashion foot forward.

In the magazine spread with the apt title 'a grown-up conversation with Robert', the conservationist showed off his muscular frame in a white vest top and washed-out jeans.

He also sported an edgy leather jacket as well as a suave Calvin Klein denim ensemble as he took a career step into modelling.

Though he sent tongues wagging with the shoot, his momager Terri, 60, was said to have been less than impressed by what she deemed to be 'thirst trap' photographs.

Robert Irwin (pictured on November 27) has allegedly gotten in hot water with his mother Terri over his rugged new magazine photoshoot

The TV presenter, 21, debuted a very handsome new look as he ditched his signature Australia Zoo khakis while posing for Stellar Magazine (pictured) over the weekend

A source exclusively told Daily Mail Australia that Robert has 'upset' Terri with the magazine cover shoot, which came out on the same day as his 21st birthday on Sunday.

'Terri Irwin has been quick to point out that the recent photoshoot has come off as a 'thirst trap' for her son and that hasn't sat well with her,' the source claimed.

'The famous momager usually is across everything that her children Bindi and Robert put out into the media but somehow a series of photos got over the line, breaking one of her golden rules on not ''sexualising'' the Irwin brand.

'Everything is connected back to the Australia Zoo and family friendly branding, even the team behind the Im A Celebrity machine know that Terri doesnt want Robert positioned as a ''sex symbol''.

'I think Terri felt blindsided by these pictures and the new attention Robert has been getting by new fans,' they added.

The source also claimed that the photoshoot has carved out newly-single Robert's place as 'Australia's most eligible bachelor'.

'The comments section from ''thirsty Mums'' in their thirties has been the most entertaining to read. No wonder Terri is anxious,' they said.

It is not the first time Robert has dabbled in fashion as he made his runway and modelling debut during the Melbourne Fashion Festival earlier this year.

Though he sent tongues wagging with the shoot, his momager Terri (pictured) was said to have been less than impressed by what she deemed to be 'thirst trap' photographs

He channelled his inner James Bond as he took to the Suit Up runway, swamping his usual zookeeper attire for a series of very dapper suits.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Irwins' representatives for comment.

Robert's career has been going from strength to strength this year since he was signed up as the host of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Australia.

He has also been single following his split from his girlfriend Rorie Buckley in February and confessed that dating hasn't been easy in a TV appearance earlier this month.

'That's an interesting world to navigate as well with [being in] the public eye and that sort of thing,' he said on the Today show.

Admitting that he was not seeing anyone at present, Robert was asked about what he was 'looking for' in a partner.

'I'm one of those people who is kind of gonna let it happen, I'm gonna let that unfold as it will,' he shared.

'I look at my parents as inspiration and I look at my sister [Bindi Irwin and her husband Chandler].'

It is not the first time Robert has dabbled in fashion as he made his runway and modelling debut during the Melbourne Fashion Festival (pictured) earlier this year

Robert, dubbed 'Australia's most eligible bachelor', been single following his split from his girlfriend Rorie Buckley (both pictured) in February

'I know there's someone out there, but they are going to have to be a goer, they are going to be in this lifestyle, it's here, it's there, it's everywhere but I would definitely one day love to, of course, share this wonderful life with someone special,' he added.

Robert and Rorie were believed to have been dating since November 2022, but didn't go Instagram official almost a year later in August 2023 as they kept their romance low-key.

The duo were last seen together in January looking smitten as they jetted out of Melbourne following their appearance at the Australian Open, but they split just weeks later.

Rorie reportedly completed an Irwin-approved 'wildlife warrior boot camp' before she and Robert became an official couple.

In December, Woman's Day claimed that Rorie had to win over the family by having a willingness to get out into nature.

The couple went on crocodile research trip together where they uncovered 'critical data' for the Wildlife Warriors' Worldwide foundation, impressing Robert's mother Terri with her dedication to Australian wildlife.

Robert and Rorie, who is the niece of legendary Australian actor Heath Ledger, both grew up in the public eye after suffering the devastating loss of a family member.

Heath was at the top of his Hollywood career when he was tragically found dead in January 2008 following an accidental prescription drug overdose.

Robert's father Steve Irwin, known to the world as the 'Crocodile Hunter', died aged 44 on September 4, 2006, after being pierced in the chest by a stingray.
Alison Hammond shocked fans this week when she revealed that she achieved her staggering 11-stone weight loss without the use of Ozempic.

The This Morning presenter weighed 28 stone at her heaviest but was spurred to lose weight after the death of her beloved mother Maria - who had raised concerns over Alison's pre-diabetic diagnosis.

Yet losing the weight was no mean feat for Alison, who has been vocal about her struggles with disordered eating.

Alison, 49, previously credited her weight issues with a traumatic childhood incident and also revealed that she suffers from PTSD after cruel schoolyard taunts about her size.

In her autobiography, You've Got to Laugh, she claimed it was the actions of her father Clifford that led her to overeat, revealing he threatened to beat her if she didn't clear her plate.

Recalling an incident when she was eight-years-old, Alison explained: 'Mums great cooking came into its own when she made her Sunday roast, but this Sunday I reached a point when Id had enough to eat.'

Alison Hammond shocked fans this week when she revealed she achieved her 11-stone weight loss without Ozempic and she previously revealed that childhood trauma sparked her battle (left on Monday, right in 2021)

Alison previously claimed it was the actions of her father Clifford that led her to overeat, revealing he threatened to beat her if she didn't clear her plate when she was eight years old

Alison's father Clifford threatened to beat her if she didn't clear her plate. The drug smuggler, who lived in Jamaica but would visit Alison in Birmingham often, died in 2020

While she claimed her mum had no issue with her leaving some food, she continued: 'My dad looked up. Eat the rest of your dinner, he said sternly. I shook my head. Ive finished. I dont want any more.

'Eat your dinner, now. His eyes bored into me and then he started taking his belt off.

'My eight-year-old self did a quick calculation: If my dad beat me with his belt, my mum would try to protect me and he would overpower her. Im going to have to eat this food, I thought.

'To keep the peace, and out of self-preservation, I ate every last bit of my dinner.'

Alison revealed that when she recalled the incident to a therapist he suggested that it was the root of her issues of food.

She revealed: 'When I explained what had happened, he suggested Ive carried that moment through my life ever since.

'I went away and thought about what hed said. It made a lot of sense. I never leave anything on my plate, and thats maybe one reason why Im a big girl.

'That Sunday lunch left a psychological imprint: I finished my food to protect myself and something about that experience set up a lasting link in my brain between eating and self-preservation.

'Once you make a connection like that, you should be able to do something about it, and I think Ive let it go... up to a point.'

Clifford - a drug smuggler who lived in Jamaica - passed away in June 2020, just four months after Alison's mother Maria lost her battle with liver and lung cancer.

Alison was brought up single-handed by her mother, Alison still had contact with her dad, telling of one occasion he visited from Jamaica (pictured with mum Maria)

Alison shared: I never leave anything on my plate, and thats maybe one reason why Im a big girl. That Sunday lunch left a psychological imprint' (left, in 2002, right in 2017)

Alison also revealed that she suffers from PTSD after being bullied about her weight, saying that the boys at school would call her an 'elephant'

In her book, Alison opened up about her relationship with her 'shady' father - who would visit Alison and her mother when he was in the UK.

Alison was raised by her mother in Birmingham while Clifford had another family that he lived with in Jamaica but imported trucks between the UK and the Caribbean,.

Reflecting on one of his visits, she wrote: 'One day, he came straight to our house from the airport. See these boots?! he said, grinning down at his feet. "These are the most expensive pair of snakeskin boots in the world". "Why are they so expensive?" my mum asked. He bent down, unzipped a boot and a load of ganja fell out.

'That was my dad! Cliff was charismatic and charming, but he was naughty. Hed illegally bring drugs into the country in the days when people could get away with it, before they introduced sniffer dogs and body scans at the airport.'

Despite her fondness for her father, Alison confessed that she was 'embarrassed to admit' that the rolls of cash that he gave her mother upon his visits were probably earned from 'smuggling ganja', with the star remarking: 'So shady!'

In her book, Alison - who shot to fame on Big Brother in 2002 - explained how Clifford 'definitely had the lifestyle' and would shower her with gifts and treat her to Chinese takeaways, which at the time was be considered a 'luxury'.

And while she was treated like a princess by Clifford, the businessman was treated like a 'king' in his native Jamaica, with his powerful presence leaving residents 'uneasy' - most likely due to the shotgun he carried around with him.

She said: 'You could tell by the way people spoke about him that he was respected and feared in the community. They called him Mr Hammond and you could see the unease in their eyes when they spoke to him. Im not surprised, either, because he drove everywhere with a massive shotgun tucked under his pick-up truck. He didnt mess around.'

The star has been candid about her weight struggles over the years and previously admitted she was 'so embarrassed' by her weight when she weighed more than 20 stone (pictured in 2014)

Alison also revealed that she suffers from PTSD after being bullied about her weight.

She told The Mirror: 'At school, when boys made nasty comments about my size, it mostly didn't affect me because comedy and retorts were my armour.

'I now though have PTSD over being repeatedly called an elephant. One time, a boy said, 'I didn't realise elephants were brown' and it hurt me on another level.

'Now, whenever I hear people talking about elephants, I panic, thinking they're talking about me.

'I went on safari and was looking to see if anyone was comparing the elephant with me. I haven't got rid of that fear. Maybe I need a bit of therapy.'

The former Big Brother star opened up about her weight loss this week in a chat with Good Housekeeping UK as she explained that the key to her success was simply cutting out sweets, fatty foods and exercising with a personal trainer.

Admitting that weight-loss jabs weren't for her, she shared: 'I think that, for people who need to use them, theyre a good thing - but for me, as soon as I hear any scare story, I get frightened.

'So I havent wanted to use them, but thats not to say I wouldnt in the future, and I certainly wouldnt look down on anyone who did.'

Alison admitted she is trolled on a daily basis about her size but refuses to slim down for others as she likes taking up 'a little bit of extra space in the world' (pictured in 2004)

She added: 'My mum had type 2 diabetes and she was worried for me, so when I then found out that I was pre-diabetic, that was frightening.

'I thought: "I have to be an adult about this". The sweets had to stop  and the fatty foods.

'Twice a week, I see my personal trainer and I have a couple of weights in my bedroom. I walk, I stretch and sometimes I do a bit of yoga.'

Amid her body transformation, the broadcaster opted to sell off her old size 26 clothes earlier this year for charity in memory of her late mother, who passed away from Liver Cancer in 2020.

The star has been candid about her weight struggles over the years and previously admitted she was 'so embarrassed' by her weight when she weighed more than 20 stone, she joined Weight Watchers in 2019 to focus on her health.

Alison admitted she is trolled on a daily basis about her size but refuses to slim down for others as she likes taking up 'a little bit of extra space in the world'.

Speaking to Lorraine Kelly and her daughter Rosie Smith on the What If? podcast, Alison said she is going to try and eat healthier to avoid knee pain but added 'we're all going to die eventually'.

She vowed to live her life to the 'fullest' and promised that she was going to have a 'wonderful life' in the candid chat.

Alison, who is loved for her sunny disposition, said she wanted to prioritise her health and wellbeing whilst juggling her on-the-go lifestyle.

Alison, who weighed 28 stone at her heaviest, has now revealed that her key to success was simply cutting out sweets, fatty foods and exercising with a personal trainer (R, pictured in 2019)

Admitting that weight-loss jabs weren't for her, Alison said: 'I think that, for people who need to use them, theyre a good thing - but for me, as soon as I hear any scare story, I get frightened (pictured in 2021)

She said: 'I want my journey to empower others to think about making changes to their lifestyle to become the best version of themselves.'

Alison, who replaced Matt Lucas as a co-host of The Great British Bake Off in 2023, previously explained how she now has a strict rule on cake tasting after gaining a stone while filming.

The TV presenter originally said she only agreed to join the show 'for the cake' - but now she's realised she has to curb the tasty treats.

Alison has decided to self-impose a limit of sampling only winners' creations and those bakes which are awarded Paul Hollywood's famous handshakes.

She told the Off Menu podcast: 'I just started filming Bake Off. I've never seen the tent so cold. It was freezing, absolutely freezing. I had my thermals on underneath my dress.

'But I love that show for the cake. People don't realise I am literally there for the cake. After every bake you're allowed to taste every bake and last year I put on a stone.

'It's taken me a year to take that stone off.

'So now I'm only eating if they get a handshake or the winner of a section. But anything else sorry, I'm not going there. As soon as it goes in my mouth I swallow it - I love it.'
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise's daughter Bella shared a rare selfie with her nearly 56,000 Instagram followers ahead of the weekend.

The 31-year-old lifelong artist is the adopted daughter of the former couple, who were married from 1990-2001.

Taking to Instagram Stories, she uploaded a snapshot of herself at Florida's Imagine Museum, where her artwork is on display.

Standing next to her framed green, yellow, and white abstract work, Bella smiled softly while dressed in a white tank top that bared her tattooed arms.

'This lil' guy made it to @imaginemuseum,' she wrote in white font across the image.

In addition to Bella, Cruise and Kidman also adopted Connor, 29, during their marriage.

Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise's daughter Bella shared a rare selfie on Instagram with her nearly 56,000 followers ahead of the weekend

The 31-year-old lifelong artist is the adopted daughter of former couple Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman

Cruise, 62, is now also father to daughter Suri, 18, with ex Katie Holmes, 45, and Kidman, 57, shares daughters Sunday Rose, 16, and Faith, 13, with husband Keith Urban, also 57.

Bella's featured artwork was shared on Instagram back in July, with the creative using a single caterpillar emoji as a caption.

She has been 'drawing ever since her wee hands could pick up a pen,' according to her official website.

The site also noted that she began creating art with pen and paper before growing to incorporate other mediums, including digital.

Nicole reportedly has a strained relationship with her two older children.

The children have not been pictured with their movie star mother since 2007.

In 2018, Kidman told Who that she is protective of her relationship with the kids.

'I'm very private about all that. I have to protect all those relationships,' she said.

However, the mom-of-four added, 'I know 150% that I would give up my life for my children because it's what my purpose is.'

Nicole and Tom pictured with adopted kids Bella and Connor in 1996 in Sydney, Australia

Nicole, Bella, and Connor seen in December 2004 at a Lakers game on Christmas day

Nicole's mother Janelle Ann Kidman died on September 7 at age 84; pictured with her mother in 2018

Nicole's mother Janelle Ann Kidman died on September 7 at age 84.

The Big Little Lies actress announced the news of her mom's death via Babygirl director Halina Reijn, who read a statement on her behalf during a Venice International Film Festival panel.

Her message, delivered by Reijn, read, 'Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed.'

Leaving the event early, Nicole explained via the note, 'I am in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me and she made me.'

It was added, 'I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina, the collision of life and art is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken.'

She later took to Instagram to share a thank you note with her 10 million followers while sharing throwback photos.

'My sister and I along with our family want to thank you for the outpouring of love and kindness we have felt this week,' she wrote in a joint post with her sibling Antonia Kidman.

'Every message we have received from those who loved and admired our Mother has meant more to us than we will ever be able to express.

'Thank you from our whole family for respecting our privacy as we take care of each other ,' the caption ended.
Chris Pine's new brunette beauty mystery girl has been revealed.

The 44-year-old actor - who attended the star-studded Brunello Cucinelli dinner - was seen leaving the Chateau Marmont with a younger stunner in Los Angeles Thursday night.

DailyMail.com can reveal that his the mystery companion he has been seen with on recent outings is 29-year-old designer Keana Sky Wenger.

Not much is known about the brunette beauty but she has been seen with Chris for over a year including a romantic trip to Portofino back in September.

The couple was first romantically linked in August 2023 when they were seen on a boat trip.

On this outing Keana sported a long grey coat over shimmering knit maxi dress featuring a glittered striped detailing.

Chris Pine's new brunette beauty mystery girl has been revealed as they were seen leaving the Chateau Marmont with a younger stunner in Los Angeles Thursday night

DailyMail.com can reveal that his the mystery companion he has been seen with on recent outings is 29-year-old designer Keana Sky Wenger

She teamed the look with a pair of black leather heels as she left the celeb-favorite haunt.

The Los Angeles native's brunette tresses were worn down as they flowed down her shoulders.

Keana showcased her natural looks by wearing minimal make-up topped off with a swipe of red lip.

Chris looked dapper at the event as he rubbed shoulders with A-listers including Oprah, Kevin Costner, and Sharon Stone.

The Star Trek star donned a sleek navy blue smoking jacket over matching top.

He added some contrast in the form of white trousers which were perfectly pressed along with a pair of dark grey suede loafers.

Chris' greying locks were combed to the side as he sported a bit of grizzled stubble.

He and his partner have kept a low-profile since first being spotted together more than a year ago.

Not much is known about the brunette beauty but she has been seen with Chris for over a year including a romantic trip to Portofino back in September

On this outing Keana sported a long grey coat over shimmering knit maxi dress featuring a glittered striped detailing

Chris looked dapper at the event as he rubbed shoulders with A-listers including Oprah, Kevin Costner, and Sharon Stone

The Star Trek star donned a sleek navy blue smoking jacket over matching top

The Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves star previously dated actress Annabelle Wallis (pictured in Scotland back in June) for four years

The Hollywood fixture wined and dined her in Milan back in June, taking her with him to a Ralph Lauren dinner during Milan Fashion Week.

And they're sometimes seen stepping out for dates in Los Angeles, where they met at Saffy's.

According to DeuxMoi, the two met when Chris' girlfriend was hosting at the popular LA haunt.

'Apparently, things got pretty serious after their initial meeting, because according to reports, the hostess actually quit her job at Saffys not long after their [Milan] trip,' the outlet reported.

The Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves star previously dated actress Annabelle Wallis for four years.

The two ended their relationship in 2022.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 5, HAVAL, the SUV-dedicated brand under Great Wall Motor (GWM), officially put the second-generation HAVAL H9's diesel-powered edition onto the market. The new product is available in two trim levels, with a price range spanning from 233,900 yuan to 247,900 yuan.

HAVAL H9; photo credit: HAVAL

The HAVAL H9 is HAVAL's first mid-to-large seven-seat SUV. Hitting the market in November 2014, it was initially priced between 229,800 yuan and 272,800 yuan. After several updates, it welcomed its all-new generation in September this year. On September 25, the second-generation HAVAL H9's gasoline-powered edition went on sale, featuring significant design and interior upgrades, along with a larger body and a 2.0T gasoline engine.

Regarding its exterior, the diesel-powered edition shares a similar design to its gasoline-powered variant. The front face incorporates a four-section chrome grille, accentuated by rivet detailing and an embedded "HAVAL" logo. Flanking the grille are retro-inspired square headlights, which house round LED daytime running lights. The lower front bumper features a skid plate, emphasizing the vehicle's off-road capabilities.

As for the side profile, the HAVAL H9 diesel-powered version maintains the traditional body-on-frame design, with a straight character line running the length of the vehicle. The model is exclusively equipped with 18-inch wheels, while the gasoline-powered variant offers three options of wheel sizes.

The vehicle measures 5,070mm in length, 1,960mm (or 1,976mm) in width, and 1,930mm in height.

At the rear, the vehicle carries a side-opening tailgate with a distinctive large spare tire and vertically aligned taillights that enhance visibility when illuminated.

HAVAL H9; photo credit: HAVAL

Inside, the diesel-powered vehicle features a large, full-digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch central touchscreen. Below the touchscreen are physical buttons, which are also placed around the gear shift area. Besides, an off-road grab handle in front of the passenger seat further emphasizes the vehicle's off-road nature.

Concerning the powertrain performance, the model is powered by a 2.4T diesel-fueled engine delivering a maximum power of 186 horsepower and a peak torque of 480Nm, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and a TOD (Torque On Demand) intelligent four-wheel-drive system. The vehicle's combined fuel consumption is 8.9L/100km under the WLTC test cycle. In comparison, the gasoline-powered variant is equipped with a 2.0T engine that pumps out 165 kW and 385Nm, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Its combined fuel consumption is 10.7L/100km under WLTC conditions.
Rebel Wilson looked sombre as she stepped out in Los Angeles on Friday just days after detailing her heartbreaking family news.

The Australian actress, 44, kept it low-key as she stepped out solo to grab a cup of coffee during her casual outing.

She cut a sporty figure in an all-black activewear set, made up of a V-neck T-shirt, fitted leggings and an oversized zip-up hoodie.

The Pitch Perfect star shielded her eyes with a pair of aviator shades and tied her golden locks back in a loose ponytail for the laidback outing.

It comes just days after Rebel shared her heartbreak after her beloved grandfather passed away at the age of 97.

She took to Instagram last week to share the sad news as she paid tribute to her grandfather in the post.

Rebel Wilson looked sombre as she stepped out in Los Angeles on Friday just days after detailing her heartbreaking family news

She cut a sporty figure in an all-black activewear set, made up of a V-neck T-shirt, fitted leggings and an oversized zip-up hoodie

Sharing a picture of herself and her elderly relative, Rebel wrote: 'RIP Poppy - 97 years young. The best grandpa!'

Just days earlier, Rebel had spent Thanksgiving with her wife Ramona Agruma and their daughter Royce, two.

Rebel took to Instagram to give a rare insight into their family festivities as they celebrated on a yacht.

In one photo, Rebel and Ramona cuddled up on board the yacht before the fashion designer took a dip.

Another image showed the delighted actress helping her toddler daughter walk along a picturesque beach.

'Happy Thanksgiving everyone. So grateful and lucky to have such an awesome family! Love you all so much,' she wrote in her caption.

Some of the photographs in the gallery also appeared to be throwback snaps from her recent wedding to Ramona.

The couple said 'I do' at a destination wedding on the Italian island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea in September.

The Pitch Perfect star shielded her eyes with a pair of aviator shades and tied her golden locks back in a loose ponytail for the laidback outing

It comes just days after Rebel shared her heartbreak after her beloved grandfather passed away at the age of 97, with the star sharing a tribute to social media

Just days earlier, Rebel had spent Thanksgiving with her wife Ramona Agruma (pictured) and their daughter Royce, two

Rebel took to Instagram to give a rare insight into their family festivities as they celebrated on a yacht (She is pictured with her daughter Royce)

A source previously told DailyMail.com that the couple planned to tie the knot in a 'super romantic' and intimate ceremony surrounded by their nearest and dearest.

It was the perfect fairytale location for the couple to exchange vows as they notably holidayed in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, just days after going Instagram official with their romance in 2022.

The comedian and her partner were reportedly supposed to get married in a 2025 beach wedding but Rebel decided to move up the date.

The couple first met in 2021 and announced their engagement in February 2023. They welcomed their daughter Royce in November 2022.
Gino D'Acampo is reportedly being slowly sidelined by ITV amid a string of inappropriate behaviour claims.

It is understood the Italian chef was secretly ditched from Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip after refusing to sign a morality clause in his contract.

A morality clause, also known as a morals clause, is a provision within a contract that requires an individual or party to adhere to certain behavioural standards. The clause gives the other party the right to terminate the contract if the first party behaves in a way that negatively impacts the other party's reputation or image.

The TV star, 48, has also been put on a language and behavioural course by concerned executives, The Sun has revealed.

Gino has been accused of jokingly flashing and crew members on his show Emission Impossible with Fred Sirieix were reportedly offered counselling.

A source told the publication: 'Whilst Gino is very well-liked by some, he has fallen out with many. He loves a party and, ultimately, refused to sign the morality clause in his contract which would keep him on the straight and narrow. This was the final straw and the decision was made to part ways.

Gino D'Acampo is reportedly being ditched by ITV amid string of inappropriate behaviour claims

It is understood the Italian chef was secretly ditched from Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip (pictured) after refusing to sign a morality clause in his contract

'He was quite stroppy on the set of Emission Impossible and, following an accident on set, the crew were offered therapy because they found the resulting fall-out very hard.

'Filming was halted and Gino was put on a training course.'

The source explained Gino has a sporran, the pocket on a Scottish kilt, which he calls Justin Beaver and regularly flashes.

MailOnline have contacted Gino's and ITV representatives for comment.

A spokesperson for ITV told The Sun: 'We made our position clear following the outcome of our KC Review last year after which we said, "We are completely committed to creating an environment where everyone is treated with respect and feels able to give of their best".

'Our promise to those we work with is that where a complaint is made, or serious concerns raised, we will always investigate and if we find that something inappropriate has happened, we will take action.

'We will continue to develop our efforts to give junior colleagues the confidence to speak up if they have something to raise.

'Following the review we reiterated our expectations and introduced Conduct and Standards Guidelines for On Screen Personalities which outlines our expectations in terms of behaviour, and have also previously offered training in language and behaviour, either directly or through our third party producers, where appropriate.

Gino has been accused of jokingly flashing and crew members on his show Emission Impossible with Fred Sirieix were reportedly offered counselling

Gino is due on air next year for a series of Family Fortunes which has already been filmed

'We also outline our expectations to third party producers of commissioned programmes, to ensure they have in place appropriate procedures that comply with our Code of Conduct with a view to effectively safeguarding contributors and production staff.'

Gino is due on air next year for a series of Family Fortunes which has already been filmed.

Last November Gino was caught with cannabis in his luggage by sniffer dogs as he flew into the UK after filming with Gordon and Fred.

Gino was allegedly given a warning and a source reported that he called Gordon and Fred the following day to explain he had been smoking it to help his bad back, as they added that he was released by police 'without issue'.

It is claimed Gordon and Fred were both angry about the situation, particularly as Gordon has always been vocal about his anti-drugs stance.

Meanwhile the star found himself at the centre of complaints from staff left feeling 'uncomfortable' by his behaviour towards them back in March 2023.

The Mail on Sunday understands that employees working on Gordon, Gino & Fred: Road Trip had made their concerns known to producers.

One source said that 'some people' who work with him do not like how he operates both on set and at extra-curricular events such as wrap parties.

The news followed Gino admitting that he has decided to quit the show, saying he doesn't want 'stressful' contract talks to ruin his friendship with his co-stars.

Although the complaints are not thought to be a contributing factor to his decision to leave after four series, they have been noted by bosses at Studio Ramsay  the company founded by Gordon Ramsay that makes the programme.

A show insider said: 'Crews, contributors and television executives see how Gino behaves. It is much discussed around the industry, which isn't ideal.'

While father-of-three D'Acampo did not respond to an opportunity to comment on the complaints yesterday, a source on set did admit that the accusations could be a 'generational issue' and that the 46-year-old thinks of himself as a 'cheeky Italian chappy'.

They said: 'Gino has an old-school attitude and often thinks he is being funny when perhaps those who are somewhat younger than him would take a different view.

'There are times that he has made people feel uncomfortable but there is currently the whole millennial versus older generation thing going on in television at the moment.'
Miranda Otto has revealed whether she would ever consider returning to The Lord Of The Rings franchise.

The Australian actress, 56, famously portrayed trailblazing Rohan shieldmaiden Eowyn in the original trilogy, taking on central roles in The Two Towers and The Return of the King.

The role kickstarted her career and propelled her into global fame and her time on set is still one of her fondest memories during her decades-long Hollywood career.

Miranda recently returned to Middle-earth as she lent her voice to narrate the upcoming animated spin-off movie The War of the Rohirrim, slated for release on December 12.

Now, she has hinted that her work on The Lord Of The Rings may not be done as she would be willing to return to screens as Eowyn alongside her original castmates.

Teasing a reunion, she told the Herald Sun: 'I would love to work with them all again, but it would have to make sense for the character.'

Miranda Otto has revealed whether she would ever consider returning to The Lord Of The Rings franchise

The Australian actress, 56, famously portrayed trailblazing Rohan shieldmaiden Eowyn in the original trilogy, and she has hinted that she would be open to playing the heroine once again

Reflecting back on filming the original trilogy, Miranda admitted she wishes she'd appreciated the transformative era more as she deemed it a once in a lifetime experience.

'I just think all the time I wish I'd had more people come and visit me when I was there on set because it was such an extraordinary experience, and I don't think anyone will have that experience again,' she explained.

'It was extraordinary to watch all these people come together to make something that was almost impossible to make.'

She didn't comment on whether she would be open to making an appearance in director Peter Jackson's upcoming The Lord Of The Rings spin-off movie.

Peter will be serving as a producer on the upcoming prequel, entitled The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum, which is slated for a 2026 release.

News of the brand new film was confirmed by Warner Bros. Discovery's CEO, David Zaslav, during the company's first-quarter earnings conference call back in May.

It is not the only new The Lord Of The Rings spin-off in the works as it was reported that several other projects are also 'now in the early stages of script development'.

The Hunt For Gollum will also mark the return of Andy Serkis, who will both star as the Middle-earth mainstay, direct the upcoming feature, and serve as one of its executive producers.

She didn't comment on whether she would be open to making an appearance in director Peter Jackson's upcoming The Lord Of The Rings spin-off movie

Peter will be serving as a producer on the upcoming prequel, entitled The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum, which is slated for a 2026 release, with Andy Serkis also reprising his role

Andy will once again be working with Peter, who has directed each movie in The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit film series, which are based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien.

The filmmaker's frequent writing partners, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, will also be involved with the project 'every step of the way'.

Jackson, Walsh and Boyens issued a statement in which they described themselves as 'life long fans of Professor Tolkien's vast mythology'.

They stated: 'It is an honor and a privilege to travel back to Middle-earth with our good friend and collaborator, Andy Serkis, who has unfinished business with that stinker  Gollum!'

Plot details about the upcoming entry in The Lord Of The Rings franchise are currently being kept under wraps.

Warner Bros. Discovery will be competing with Amazon Studios, which is developing its own universe based on The Lord Of The Rings book series.

The company released The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power on Amazon Prime Video in 2022, and it quickly became the most popular series on the streaming service.

The second season of the program, which has become the one of the most expensive shows ever made, premiered in August of this year to smash hit reviews.

The sprawling series is said to have cost upwards of $150million per season, with the streaming service believed to be committing $1billion to the show in total.
Jamie Foxx reveals that he was in a coma during his health scare according to an audience member who was in attendance live for the filming of his new Netflix special.

The 56-year-old Oscar winner filmed his upcoming special - titled Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was - in Atlanta, Georgia back in October.

An attendee named Demecos Chambers told People magazine on Friday that Jamie told the audience he was 'literally seconds and moments away from death' when he collapsed in April 2023.

Demecos said of the talented star on stage: 'It was just pure exhaustion. His body was just exhausted due to him getting up there in age, and his body just faltering out on him.'

Jamie was in Georgia filming his upcoming Netflix feature Back In Action with Cameron Diaz at the time of his medical incident but he did not collapse on set of the film.

Demecos explained: 'When he passed out, he thought he was just out for a few moments.

Jamie Foxx reveals that he was in a coma during his health scare according to an audience member who was in attendance live for the filming of his new Netflix special - titled Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was - which was filmed in Atlanta, Georgia back in October

'He basically passed out in an elevator and he thought he woke up a couple hours later. Well, he was actually in a coma and didnt wake up until a few weeks later.'

The audience member revealed that one of Jamie's daughters would strum the guitar for her dad. The talented actor is father to 30-year-old Corrine and 16-year-old Annalise.

Demecos said: 'She's playing one of their favorite songs or whatever on a daily basis. And he said that's the only thing that he could recall hearing in his sleep, and it brought him essentially out of his coma.'

The audience member went on to reveal that when Jamie woke up he went to a rehab facility and had to work on his motor skills as he 'had to start from day one.'

Fans of Jamie should expect his signature humor to be a very big part of the show despite the serious nature of some of the content.

Demecos said: 'While he's telling the story, he's throwing bits in there left and right.

'It's stand-up comedy. He's dancing a little bit. He's playing songs on the piano.'

In the special - which releases next week - Jamie expresses deep gratitude to those who prayed and supported his recovery, turning his performance into a touching thank you to his fans.

An attendee named Demecos Chambers told People magazine on Friday that Jamie told the audience he was 'literally seconds and moments away from death' when he collapsed in April 2023

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.'

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.'

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

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.

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).'
Former Made In Chelsea star Kimberley Garner sent temperatures soaring as she hit the beach in Florida.

The reality star turned swimwear designer, 33, who is enjoying a family holiday, looked incredible as she flaunted her washboard abs in a tiny bikini.

She showcased her glowing tan in the stylish two-piece that featured a paisley print and consisted of a scoop top and matching thong bottoms.

Kimberley left her long tresses to fall naturally behind her shoulders and completed her daytime ensemble with a white sarong and oversized sunglasses.

The reality TV star showcased her natural beauty as she went makeup-free for the stunning snaps and could be seen sipping on some water.

In another image, Kimberley looked engrossed on her phone texting somebody and in another, she sat on the sun lounger with her phone pressed to her ear, seemingly engrossed in a conversation.

Former Made In Chelsea star Kimberley Garner sent temperatures soaring in a tiny printed bikini as she hit the beach in Florida

The reality star turned swimwear designer, 33, who is enjoying a family holiday looked incredible as she flaunted her washboard abs in a tiny bikini

It comes after the reality star revealed that she has a new man in her life and is dating handsome trader William Claeyssens de Tena, 30.

Stepping out with him at the Chain of Hope Gala Ball for the first time, she spoke exclusively to the Mail on Sunday and confirmed her relationship status, revealing the budding romance was going well, and she was happy.

We met through friends just last week, so this is our second date, she added.

Kimberleys boyfriends Instagram says he divides his time between Marbella and London, and he appears to enjoy the high life - sailing, shooting, and attending events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed being some of his hobbies.

It comes after she recently revealed that she had 'just broken up with someone'.

Kimberley's last known romance began last summer, when it was revealed that she was going out with financier Andreas Anthis, but the pair broke up in April with Kimberley calling it the right decision .

Kimberley was spotted for the first time with Andreas Anthis last July, as they packed on the PDA while walking her dog Sasha in London.

The reality star previously dated her MIC co-star Richard Dinan.

Kimberley left her long tresses to fall naturally behind her shoulders and completed her daytime ensemble with a white sarong and oversized sunglasses.

The reality TV star showcased her natural beauty as she went makeup-free for the stunning snaps

In another image, Kimberley looked engrossed on her phone as she texted somebody whilst she stood barefoot in the sand

She toted her belongings in a brown woven bag as she enjoyed some downtime with her family

Kimberley first found fame on Made In Chelsea and has made a name for herself as a successful swimsuit brand entrepreneur

She recently spoke about how she used to pretend to be an intern when she first started the business as nobody took her seriously

She also revealed she has bought a new house last week in Belgravia, London, and was excited to be living back in the UK after putting her Miami beach house on the market, a decision which she says was not driven by the presidential race because she was happy with the result.

I just bought a new property in Belgravia, so I have been working for the last two months and had my head down, she said.

This is my first night out in two months.

I am selling my flat in America, so I am actually moving my money from the US to London.

I love it in America, but I just love British culture  we are fabulous. We have our culture, history, accents.

I love our traditions here and feel it is very elegant. It is where I grew up, I went to boarding school here and think it is amazing.

The socialite looked to be glowing with happiness as she celebrated the annual Christmas lights switch-on event on the Kings Road, Chelsea, last month.

Kimberley first found fame on Made In Chelsea and has made a name for herself as a successful swimsuit brand entrepreneur.

She recently spoke about how she used to pretend to be an intern when she first started the business as nobody took her seriously.

But despite getting her break on the show she has no desire to go back saying I havent watched it for years.

I am a grown up. I love my life now and dont need the drama.

Despite getting her break on the show she has no desire to go back saying I havent watched it for years

In another image she sat on the sun lounger with her phone pressed to her ear, seemingly engrossed in a conversation

The designer is expanding her range to include a line for men that will let them match their trunks with women's bikinis

Kimberley has been spitting her time between her native London and the coastal city since she bought the pad in December 2018.

But she has now listed the stunning abode for sale with an asking price of $1.29 million.

The designer is expanding her range to include a line for men that will let them match their trunks with women's bikinis and revealed she would love actor Jacob Elordi to model them but had not approached him.

The annual Chain of Hope Gala Ball celebrated a quarter of a century of 'mending little hearts' and, in 2023, it raised over 1.6 million for children with heart disease in developing and war-torn countries. According to its website, each year between 500 and 600 guests attend the Ball , from all over the world.

Past attendees have included Royalty, celebrities, fashionistas and world-renowned physicians in addition to a core group of international high net worth individuals.
Former Eastenders star Shona McGarty has dropped a major hint that she could be swapping drama for the dance floor in next year's series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Shona, 33, who played Whitney Dean on the BBC soap for 15 years, revealed she's been approached to appear on the prime time show several times, but always turned it down due to anxiety.

However, after a year of exciting new challenges, the actress has now said she finally feels ready to take on the glitzy BBC competition.

Speaking to Revamp about being offered the position, she said: 'I have been several times, but I turned it down personally because of my anxiety.

'I think it just got in the way. I would think, "I can't do it," or, "It's not the right time". I just panicked, and I kick myself for it now But now that I'm older, I'm like, you know what? I'll do it. I feel like everything happens for a reason.'

MailOnline has contacted a representative for comment.

Former Eastenders star Shona McGarty has dropped a major hint that she could be swapping drama for the dance floor in next year's series of Strictly Come Dancing

Shona, who played Whitney Dean on the BBC soap for 15 years, revealed she's been approached to appear on the prime time show several times, but always turned it down due to anxiety

Shona bid farewell to EastEnders earlier this year, with her character Whitney leaving Walford to start a new life with her baby, Dolly, and foster daughter, Britney.

Her departure marked the end of an era, as she had been on the show since 2008 and became a household name for her dramatic storylines, including Whitney's relationships and struggles.

Since leaving the soap, Shona has thrown herself into a new career on the stage, taking on the lead role in the hit play 2:22 A Ghost Story.

The production, known for its rotating celebrity cast, has previously featured stars such as Cheryl, Harry Potter's Tom Felton, and One Tree Hill's Sophia Bush.

While Shona has described working in theatre as daunting, she has also admitted she has relished the experience.

She told The Sun: 'We've had some really great audiences so far. They all laugh and get shocked at different things in the show, which keeps us on our toes  you never know how they will react. It's scary.

'No matter how many times we do it, I always get butterflies in my stomach and think something could go wrong. But when we get into it, it is great, and I'm really enjoying it.'

Her newfound confidence could explain why she's now seriously considering taking on Strictly.

Shona bid farewell to EastEnders earlier this year, with her character Whitney leaving Walford to start a new life with her baby, Dolly, and foster daughter, Britney

Her final episode's in May, saw Whitney's partner and father to her newborn Dolly, Zack Hudson, break her heart after he cheated with childhood pal Lauren Branning

Fans are already speculating about the possibility, particularly after Shona recently teased a return to EastEnders for the soap's upcoming 40th anniversary celebrations in February.

'I wouldn't say no,' she said. 'I'd do anything to celebrate EastEnders. It's such a special show.'

Her character's departure was named the 'end of an era' by fans who were left 'crying' as they struggled to watch.

But, luckily for Shona soap bosses have left the door open, with Whitey moving to Wakefield to be closer to her brother, Ryan Malloy.

'I left on the bus and not under it, so for that I'm really grateful,' the soapstar told The Sun.

'I would absolutely go back to EastEnders - it's 16 years of creating a family, I grew up on that show.'

Shona added that she has maintained a good relationship with EastEnders, but there is no scope for her to return right away.

She said: 'I wouldn't say no to [going back for EastEnders' 40th anniversary], I definitely would because I would do anything to celebrate EastEnders.'

Shona explained how she thinks her character could have saved 'poor' Bianca Jackson who was recently attacked by killer Reiss Colwell.

Since leaving the soap, Shona has thrown herself into a new career on the stage, taking on the lead role in the hit play 2:22 A Ghost Story

The 40th anniversary episode will broadcast live from BBC Elstree Centre in February, 2025.

Whitney made her debut in 2008, aged 16, and has been at the centre of multiple explosive storylines over the last 16 years.

Her final episode back in May, saw Whitney's partner and father to her newborn Dolly, Zack Hudson, break her heart after he cheated with childhood pal Lauren Branning.

Unable to cope with the betrayal, she decided it was her time to say goodbye to her home in Walford and move to Wakefield to be closer to her brother, Ryan Malloy.

The new mother's big plans were initially overwhelming, but she felt reassured when her adoptive mother, Bianca, offered to join her.

This plan soon crashed and burned as Whitney felt betrayed once more when she learned Bianca knew all along about Zack and Lauren's secret and didn't tell her.

Her character's departure was named the 'end of an era' by fans who were left 'crying' as they struggled to watch

Whitney refused to let Bianca join her and decided to leave alone with Dolly and her foster child, Britney Wainwright.

Before jumping on the bus to escape the heartache and suffering, Whitney attempted closure by meeting with Zack and Lauren separately.

After an emotional final goodbye at her leaving do in the Vic, residents walked Whitney to her bus stop and soap extras gave her a hug and kiss on the way.

Whitney held her head high and quietly sobbed as she made her way through the square for the final time - a scene so emotional that fans at home were reduced to tears and begged for her return in the future.
Hailey Bieber enjoyed an early girls' dinner with a pal on Friday night ahead of her highly-anticipated red carpet comeback.

The 27-year-old model met up with pro surfer Kelia Moniz at a popular sushi joint in Los Angeles.

For her night out, Hailey kept it low-key in a black leather jacket with a glamorous black fur collar.

The Rhode skincare founder paired her trendy outwear with baggy light wash jeans and loafer shoes.

She accessorized with dark sunglasses and a designer purse as she wore her honey-brown hair down.

Hailey is set to attend the iHeartMedia 102.7 KIIS-FM Jingle Ball at LA's brand new Intuit Dome on Friday night  marking her first red carpet since the birth of son Jack Blues.

Hailey Bieber enjoyed an early girls' dinner with a pal on Friday night ahead of her highly-anticipated red carpet comeback

The model is set to present at the music event, which will feature performances by SZA and Tate McRae.

On Thursday, a source close to Hailey exclusively told DailyMail.com: 'She plans on making a splash and looking sensational, it will be a big deal.'

She will be 'showing off her newly slim post-baby body,' it was added.

The star welcomed son Jack Blues in late August with pop star husband Justin Bieber.

The iconic holiday show will also include special appearances from Nikki Glaser, Flavor Flav, Madison Bailey, Kelly Bensimon, Tamra Judge and Teddi Mellencamp.

There will also be Ali Larter from Landman, Tori Spelling, Joan Vassos from The Bachelorette and Chock Chapple in attendance.

The star-studded lineup for this year's show includes SZA , Tate McRae, Meghan Trainor, Kane Brown, Benson Boone, Madison Beer, Shaboozey, T-Pain, Paris Hilton and NCT Dream.

The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour stops will be part of the exclusive network special airing December 18 at 8:00 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on ABC, next day on Hulu.

For her night out, Hailey kept it low-key in a black leather jacket with a glamorous black fur collar

ABC will exclusively air the 'iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2024' holiday special on December 18 and next day on Hulu.

Bieber has managed to stick to her usual beauty routine since giving birth.

The model has been married to pop star Justin Bieber, 30, since 2018. She gave birth to son Jack Blues Bieber in August.

Bieber has so far managed to maintain the same skincare regimes that she carried out before and during her pregnancy because it all fits 'perfectly' into her new life as a mother.

She told Glamour UK: 'Honestly, I do feel like my beauty routine is fairly the same as it was my whole pregnancy  and even before.

'Right now, my routine in the morning is basically just hydration, a little vitamin C if I remember to do it and SPF, and then it's like I brush up my eyebrows and we're out.'

'That was kind of how I did things before and it fits perfectly into the way that life is now,' the New York native added.

Hailey is set to attend the iHeartMedia 102.7 KIIS-FM Jingle Ball at LA's brand new Intuit Dome on Friday night  marking her first red carpet since the birth of son Jack Blues; seen in 2023

'She plans on making a splash and look sensational, it will be a big deal,' a source told DailyMail.com on Thursday; Hailey seen in a throwback snap

Hailey shared a rare glimpse of her three-month-old baby boy Jack Blues in a sweet family snap with her husband Justin Bieber; seen in December

But the entrepreneur has urged her fans to think about all parts of their body when it comes to skincare and found that a new 'mom hack' is always making sure that she carries her design of body butter with her amongst the baby's things to stop her own skin from drying out.

She said: 'When you think about keeping the skin nourished and healthy as you are getting older, you do think about your neck, your chest, your hands, your body.

'My new mom hack is that I throw the mini Barrier Butter into my little changing bag that I have with me when I go anywhere. And then I have it for my hands.

'When you spray hand sanitizer  I'm doing that every three seconds these days  you get so dry,' Hailey said.
Jessica Chastain got emotional on stage as she was honoured with the prestigious 38th American Cinematheque Award on Friday.

The 47-year-old actress wiped tears from her eyes and clutched her chest as she received the gong, which was presented to her by Sebastian Stan.

She follows in the footsteps of stars who have previously won the award, including Eddie Murphy, Al Pacino, and Denzel Washington.

Celebrated for her work across film, television, and theater, Jessica holds an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a Drama Desk, 5 Critics Choice, and three SAG Awards.

Some of her most notable roles include her captivating portrayal of Tammy Faye Bakker in The Eyes of Tammy Faye, the astronaut Melissa Lewis in The Martian, and the enigmatic Murph in Interstellar.

In an interview with The Canadian Press on the red carpet, she said: 'I'm very surprised and honoured by this esteemed organisation to acknowledge the work that I've done. I'm quite moved by it.'

Jessica Chastain got emotional on stage as she was honoured with the prestigious 38th American Cinematheque Award on Friday

The 47-year-old actress wiped tears from her eyes and clutched her chest as she received the gong, which was presented to her by Sebastian Stan

Speaking on stage as he presented her with the award, Sebastian said: 'Truly, it goes without saying that she's one of the bravest, fearless, most honest artists we have and she also happens to be one of the most caring and generous people I've ever known.'

Jessica, 47, put on an elegant display in a sleeveless, black dress with rhinestone embellishments that sparkling under the lights as she walked the red carpet outside the event.

For the gala, she styled her fiery red tresses in a pinned-back, half-up and half-down hairstyle with voluminous waves.

The Mothers' Instinct star  who joined the fabulous stars, which included Brooke Shields and Sarah Hyland, at opening night of Sunset Boulevard on Broadway  looked radiant in a stunning makeup look complete with rosy blush and a glossy, mauve pink lip.

She accessorized with dangling diamond earrings and silver bangle bracelets, which complemented the details of her stylish garb.

At the award ceremony held at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, Sharon Stone, 66, made her captivating entrance in a edgy-chic dress.

She follows in the footsteps of stars who have previously won the award, including Eddie Murphy, Al Pacino, and Denzel Washington

She said: 'I'm very surprised and honoured by this esteemed organisation to acknowledge the work that I've done'

Jessica Chastain and Sharon Stone turned heads in glamorous gowns as they led the stars at the 38th American Cinematheque Awards on Friday

The gunmetal-colored, fully-sequined gown featured a corset-inspired bodice, long-sleeves and a figure-hugging, mermaid-style skirt.

Stone paired the mesmerizing dress with a black, fur shawl, which she draped over one shoulder.

The Basic Instinct star  who is rumored to be dating Yellowstone star Kevin Costner  completed her monochromatic, dark and sultry look with black, satin clutch and onyx pearl earrings.

She slicked back her bob and rocked a smoky eye paired with a bold, red lip.

Jessica brought along her family for the gala.

She was joined by her husband Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo, her grandmother Marilyn Herst and mother Jerri Chastain for the special occasion.

The Oscar winner also posed for a photo with Oppenheimer producer Charles Roven, who was honored with the Power of Cinema Award.

Jessica, 47, put on an elegant display in a sleeveless, black dress with rhinestone embellishments that sparkling under the lights as she walked the red carpet

For the gala, she styled her fiery red tresses in a pinned-back, half-up and half-down hairstyle with voluminous waves

The Mothers' Instinct star looked radiant in a stunning makeup look complete with rosy blush and a glossy, mauve pink lip

She accessorized with dangling diamond earrings and silver bangle bracelets, which complemented the details of her stylish garb

She had diamonds wrapped around her wrist and a massive sparkler on the middle finger of her right hand

She was joined by her husband Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo, her grandmother Marilyn Herst and mother Jerri Chastain for the special occasion

At the award ceremony held at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, Stone, 66, made her captivating entrance in a edgy-chic dress. The gunmetal-colored, fully-sequined gown featured a corset-inspired bodice, long-sleeves and a figure-hugging, mermaid-style skirt

Stone paired the mesmerizing dress with a black, fur shawl, which she draped over one shoulder. The Basic Instinct star completed her monochromatic, dark and sultry look with black, satin clutch and onyx pearl earrings

Annabelle Wallis, 40, looked stunning while in attendance at the gala and modeling a black, satin gown.

The Peaky Blinders star slipped into the figure-hugging, low-cut dress.

She looked ethereal with her blonde tresses styled in bouncy curls, swept to one side.

Sebastian Stan, 42, looked dapper in an all-black ensemble for the star-studded soiree.

The Apprentice star paired an open blazer with a basic button-down and fitted trousers for his look.

As he walked the red carpet, the Marvel alum posed with his hands in his pants pockets for an effortlessly stylish look.

Bryan Cranston, 68, was also spotted in attendance in a sharp suit.

The Breaking Bad star wore a navy blue tuxedo jacket with black lapels, which matched his bowtie.

He donned a white button-down shirt with blue pants and matching dress shoes.

Annabelle Wallis, 40, looked stunning while in attendance at the gala and modeling a black, satin gown. The Peaky Blinders star slipped into the figure-hugging, low-cut dress

She looked ethereal with her blonde tresses styled in bouncy curls, swept to one side

Sebastian Stan, 42, looked dapper in an all-black ensemble for the star-studded soiree. The Apprentice star paired an open blazer with a basic button-down and fitted trousers for his look

As he walked the red carpet, the Marvel alum posed with his hands in his pants pockets for an effortlessly stylish look

Bryan Cranston, 68, was also spotted in attendance in a sharp suit. The Breaking Bad star wore a navy blue tuxedo jacket with black lapels, which matched his bowtie

He donned a white button-down shirt with blue pants and matching dress shoes

Michael Gandolfini, 25, looked stylish and sharp in a dark gray, check-patterned blazer with matching trousers. The Many Saints of Newark star paired the suit with a white button-down and shiny, patent leather dress shoes

At the gala, Chastain was feted as the 38th recipient of the American Cinematheque Award and posed with her award

She flashed her bright smile as she cradled the trophy

The Oscar winner also posed for a photo with Oppenheimer producer Charles Roven, who was honored with the Power of Cinema Award

Later, Roven was seen posing with Eric Nebot, Mark Badagliacca, the CFO and EVP of Paramount Pictures as well as Rick Nicita after receiving his award

Michael Gandolfini, 25, looked stylish and sharp in a dark gray, check-patterned blazer with matching trousers.

The Many Saints of Newark star paired the suit with a white button-down and shiny, patent leather dress shoes.

The American Cinematheque is a non-profit, founded in 1984, that showcases 1,500 films a year, programming year-round at three Los Angeles theaters  the Aero, the Egyptian and the Los Feliz 3.

The annual awards show raises money to keep those films in front of an audience.

The honorees are feted for their extraordinary careers and passion for cinema.
Pilates queen Bernadette Fahey has taken to social media to share intimate snaps of her honeymoon after tying the knot with businessman Jordan Sukkar last week.

The 35-year-old influencer showed off her incredible figure in a gallery of pictures featuring a range of skimpy swimwear while holidaying with her beau on Hamilton Island.

In one snap, the svelte fitness guru can seen posing under a tree in a white halter neck bikini that leaves little to the imagination.

Another snap features Bernadette modelling a stripped knit beach dress featuring a daring cut out across the breast line which she paired with a matching bikini.

She also included playful snaps in which she can be seen frolicking on the beach with her new husband.

In one of the pictures, hunky Jordan can be seen holding Bernadette in his arms on a beach as the pair toast each other.

Pilates queen Bernadette Fahey has taken to social media to share intimate snaps of her honeymoon after tying the knot with businessman Jordan Sukkar last week. Both pictured

The 35-year-old influencer showed off her incredible figure in a gallery of pictures featuring a range of skimpy swimwear while holidaying with her beau on Hamilton Island

In one snap the svelte fitness guru can seen posing under a tree in a white halter neck bikini that leaves little to the imagination

Bernadette also shared a photo that appears to be the stunning ocean view from the honeymooners accommodation.

Meanwhile, the social media star revealed that not all has gone to plan for the couple's special time together.

'Honeymooning on Hamilton Island - not pictured me sick in bed with the flu,' she told followers on her Instagram on Saturday.

It comes after Bernadette shared details of a wild 'recovery' party at Icebergs in Bondi Beach last weekend.

After wearing a breathtaking bridal gown for her nuptials the blushing bride opted for something a little more daring for the bash.

The blonde beauty turned heads in a very racy white lace dress that showed off her incredibly toned figure.

The completely see-through frock featured a revealing bodysuit with a skirt overlay.

And the blushing bride risked a major wardrobe malfunction as the cups of her dress sat perilously off her shoulders.

In one of the pictures hunky Jordan can be seen holding Bernadette in his arms on a beach as the pair toast each other

The social media star revealed that she has caught the flu during the getaway

A ruched skirt sat low on Bernadette's hips, creating the appearance of a full gown as she cuddled up to her new husband Jordan.

The newlyweds were attached at the hip and were seen sharing a passionate kiss as they partied with their friends, enjoying pricey dishes as the drinks flowed.

At one point, a guest could be seen taking control of a microphone as they began belting out some tunes which had guests up out of their seats and dancing.

Sydney socialites flocked to the Italian restaurant to celebrate their recently married friends including entrepreneur Montarna Pitt and personal trainer Charlotte Barge.

Kinesiologist Harriet Williams and Monday Swimwear general manager Britt Gallagher were also in attendance.

Bernadette and Jordan, COO of Buildcorp were married in a star-studded ceremony at Scots College in the upmarket suburb of Bellevue Hill on Saturday evening.

The bride stunned in a sleeveless satin gown from Steven Khalil with layered skirting and delicate lacy detailing at the bodice.

Jordan opted for a classic groom look, with black tuxedo worn with a white dress shirt and bow tie.

Among the A-list guests was Dina Broadhurst who wore a see-through red dress with a visible black G-string.

Also at the nuptials was Jade Yarbrough who stunned in a chic, structured green gown.

She mingled with her sister Jasmine and her husband, Today show star Karl Stefanovic, who was dapper in a tux.

Anthony Bell and new wife Annika Bell were also in tow, fresh from their own recent high end wedding.

Model Montana Cox wore a bright pink gown and looked stunning with her hair tied high and tight.

Justin Hemmes and pregnant partner Madeline Holtznagel arrived late, showing up during the reception according to onlookers.
Catherine Zeta-Jones cut a glamorous figure in a black lacy gown as she joined her husband Michael Douglas at the Women In Cinema event in Saudi Arabia on Friday evening.

The couple, who celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary last month, looked loved-up as ever as they posed for snaps together on the red carpet at the The Red Sea International Film Festival event.

Catherine, 55, looked incredible in a long-sleeved mesh dress, which featured a floral embroidered design and a flowing cape.

The actress exuded Hollywood glamour as she accessorised with sparkling silver and red drop earrings and a bangle on her wrist to match.

She completed her sultry look by styling her raven hair in loose waves and sporting a glamorous palette of makeup, to showcase her age-defying looks.

Meanwhile, her acting legend husband, 80, looked smart in an all-black suit to stay on theme with his wife.

Catherine Zeta-Jones cut a glamorous figure in a black lacy gown as she joined her husband Michael Douglas at the Women In Cinema event in Saudi Arabia on Friday evening

The couple, who celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary last month, looked loved-up as they posed for snaps together on the red carpet at the The Red Sea International Film Festival event

The couple seemed to be in high spirits as they graced the star-studded event, which was also attended by the likes of Eva Longoria, Cynthia Erivo, and Emily Blunt.

Red Sea International Film Festival is a film festival launched in 2019 and held in Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia.

The festival mainly focuses on new storytelling trends, as well as emerging talents from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world and the rest of the Global South.

It's Catherine and Michael's second appearance at the festival, as they attended the opening ceremony on Thursday night.

Catherine commanded attention in a strapless royal blue gown, impeccably tailored to hug every inch of her incredible curves.

The show-stopping number boasted a front slit to flash a glimpse of her toned legs and a dramatic matching cape, which flowed behind her as she walked.

The Oscar winner boosted her height with bejewelled high heels that wound around her ankles, and added more sparkle with a diamond bracelet, earrings and several rings.

While Michael cut a typically dapper figure by his wife's side, wearing a classic black suit completed with a collared shirt and tie.

The couple's smitten appearances come just weeks after they marked their milestone anniversary together by sharing a slew of poignant photos from their wedding day in 2000.

Catherine, 55, looked incredible in a long-sleeved mesh dress, which featured a floral embroidered design and a flowing cape

The actress exuded Hollywood glamour as she accessorised with sparkling silver and red drop earrings and a bangle on her wrist to match

She completed her sultry look by styling her raven hair in loose waves and sporting a glamorous palette of makeup, to showcase her age-defying looks

The couple seemed to be in high spirits as they graced the star-studded event, which was also attended by the likes of Eva Longoria, Cynthia Erivo, and Emily Blunt

Red Sea International Film Festival is a film festival launched in 2019 and held in Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia

The festival mainly focuses on new storytelling trends, as well as emerging talents from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world and the rest of the Global South

It's Catherine and Michael's second appearance at the festival, as they attended the opening ceremony on Thursday night

Catherine commanded attention in a strapless royal blue gown, impeccably tailored to hug every inch of her incredible curves

Catherine took to her Instagram to post a snap of her sharing a sweet kiss with Michael following their extravagant ceremony at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

While other shots showed the pair embracing as they slow danced at the reception and walking down the aisle together after exchanging their vows.

The Chicago star captioned the stunning snaps: '24 years ago, I said, I do. Happy Anniversary darling Michael. Our love is like a hole in one. You have to see it to believe it.  love you'.

Michael also took to his own Instagram to share a photo of him with his beautiful bride on their big day, and wrote: '24 years ago my darling; wow was I a lucky guy! Happy Anniversary Catherine! '

Catherine and Michael are the proud parents of son Dylan, 24, and daughter Carys, 21, while Michael also shares son Cameron Douglas, 45, with his ex-wife Diandra Luker.

The pair met in 1996 at the Deauville Film Festival, while Michael was promoting A Perfect Murder and Catherine was there for her film, The Mask of Zorro.

Michael immediately became enamoured by the dark-haired beauty and asked his publicist to arrange a meeting.

Catherine previously recalled: 'I had been told Michael Douglas wanted to meet me. I was a little nervous because I didn't quite know what he wanted to meet me about'.

The couple's smitten appearances come just weeks after they marked their milestone anniversary together by sharing a slew of poignant photos from their wedding day in 2000

Catherine took to her Instagram to post a snap of her sharing a sweet kiss with Michael following their extravagant ceremony at the Plaza Hotel in New York City

Michael proposed to Catherine, who is 25 years his junior, at his Aspen home on New Year's Eve in 1999 with a $1 million diamond ring (pictured 2003)

However, soon after they met that night, Michael famously told her: 'You know, I'm going to be the father of your children.'

He recalled she was not charmed by his cheeky move and told him: 'I've heard a lot about you, and I've seen a lot about you, and I think it's time that I say goodnight.'

The Fatal Attraction sent Catherine flowers the next day to apologise and they soon struck up a close friendship.

Previously telling Larry King about how things turned to romance, Catherine explained: 'Nine months later, I'm still having long conversations with him on the phone, having great dinner dates, constantly wondering, "Why are we not together?"'

'We looked at each other one day and said, "We're having a lot of fun together,"'

Michael then proposed to Catherine, who is 25 years his junior, at his Aspen home on New Year's Eve in 1999 with a $1 million diamond ring.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 4, Contemporary Amperex Energy Service Technology Ltd. (CAES), a wholly-owned subsidairy of CATL, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with CITIC Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., a financial leasing platform wholly owned by China CITIC Bank, according to a post on CATL's WeChat account.

Photo credit: CATL

Both parties aim to promote the development of modular battery swapping ecosystem, enhancing the expertise and diversity of battery swapping services. Besides, they plan to offer users a more convenient and efficient energy replenishment experience, accelerating the widespread adoption of this battery swapping technology.

Through the partnership, the duo plans to cooperate in financial leasing field, exploring the full value chain of financial needs within the modular battery swapping ecosystem. Through resource sharing, information exchange, and talent collaboration, they aim to develop innovative cooperation models that benefit both parties. This initiative is dedicated to reducing the cost of vehicle ownership for consumers using battery swapping services, optimizing the capital structure of battery banks, and accelerating the commercialization of battery swapping technology.

To solve the problems of range anxiety, inconvenience of refueling, and high total cost of ownership, CAES rolled out its innovative modular battery swap solution EVOGO in January 2022. CITIC Financial Leasing, rooted in its core leasing business, serves the national strategy with high-quality and distinctive financial services, and possesses unique professional advantages in green leasing.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the integration of battery swapping ecosystem development and financial innovation. It reflects growing social recognition of the commercial value and technological advancements in battery swapping business model, paving the way for the continued growth of the new energy battery swapping industry toward high-quality development.
Jamie Oliver has shared his eight-year-old son River's scathing comment about his success as a chef.

The celebrity chef, 49, has attained global fame with his numerous television shows, cook books, and restaurants over the past three decades.

However, Jamie admitted his son - who he shares with wife Jools Oliver, 50, - isn't too impressed with his career's trajectory.

'The other night River said, and I have no idea where it came from, "Daddy, do you possess a Michelin star?"' he recalled on The Graham Norton Show on Friday.

'I was like, "No, I dont really like all that fancy food," and he shook his head and said, "You dont like fancy food?"'

Jamie laughed and admitted: 'I actually felt like I hadnt worked hard enough!'

Jamie Oliver revealed his son River isn't impressed with his career as a chef (pictured on The Graham Norton Show on Friday)

The eight-year-old questioned why his father didn't have a Michelin star

Jamie admitted it made him feel like he 'hadn't worked hard enough'

The Naked Chef star appeared on the chat show alongside Sigourney Weaver, Nicholas Hoult, comedian Lolly Adefope, and Coldplay's Chris Martin.

He also talked about his new cookbook Simply Jamie, explaining he wants to encourage the latest generation to appreciate cooking.

People are cooking less than ever  we have a fourth generation who have not learnt to cook so I want to hold peoples hands so they can get most out of food, waste as little as possible, and save money.'

Jamie shares River and four other children with Jools - who he married in July 2000 in Essex.

They are parents to Poppy, 22, Daisy, 21, Petal, 15, and Buddy, 13.

Buddy has chosen to follow in his father's culinary footsteps, even releasing his own cookbook.

'Buddy's been my shadow in the kitchen since he was tiny and he has always found cooking a real adventure,' Jamie recently shared on Instagram.

'As a dad who cooks it's been such a joy to watch and be a part of his journey learning new skills and cooking new dishes.....just look at those pics of baby Buds!!!'

The chef shared the story with Sigourney Weaver, Nicholas Hoult, and Lolly Adefope

The 49-year-old pictured with River

Jamie and his wife Jools have five children - Poppy, 22, Daisy, 21, Petal, 15, Buddy, 13, and River

Discussing his cookbook, the teenager previously said: 'None of [the recipes] are fancy or hard to do  you'll find things like easy breakfasts, meatballs, pizza and some sweet treats.

'I just hope people enjoy giving them a go."

Jamie and Jools renewed their marriage in the Maldives in 2023 with their children.

The chef admitted he was initially 'embarrassed' about the ceremony but ended up 'probably enjoying [the day] more than anyone'

Speaking on the Newlyweds podcast he told hosts Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo: 'We were going to renew our vows at 20 years and then Covid happened.

'So, it was at 23 years. The girls were leaving for university and stuff, so it did feel like the nest was starting to break up.

'We'd never been on what you would call a posh holiday, so we went to the Maldives.

'I was a bit embarrassed about the whole thing, if I'm really honest.

'I wasn't so into it until we got there, and then when we got there, I think I probably enjoyed it more than anyone. It was just so nice.'

The couple went on to exchange vows for second time earlier this year in Las Vegas to mark their 24th anniversary.
Joe Swash was involved in a terrifying car crash on Saturday, as he shared a video of his vehicle after it was hit by a lorry.

The TV personality, 42, left fans worried after he posted a shocking Instagram story of the damage done to his car after the collision.

In the short clip, which he has since deleted, his battered vehicle was parked on the side of the motorway next to a Scania lorry and had significant scratches and dents along the side of it.

Joe wrote: 'I got hit by a lorry!!! Done the side of my car. F**,' before later adding a second tory to clarify that he was alright.

He posted a black screen alongside the text: 'Don't worry I'm ok! You should have seen the lorry! Lol.'

The former EastEnders actor further reassured fans not to be concerned as he went on to film a video of himself decked up in his panto gear as a 'sneak peek'.

Joe Swash was involved in a terrifying car crash on Saturday, as he shared a video of his smashed vehicle after it was hit by a lorry (pictured in May)

The TV personality, 42, left fans worried after he posted a shocking Instagram story of the damage done to his car after the collision

Joe will star in Beauty and the Beast as Buttons this pantomime season at The Grove in Dunstable and looked elated as he flaunted his blue and gold costume.

He said: 'So I thought I'd give you a little sneaky peek. This is the little number I'm going to be wearing at panto.'

It comes after his wife Stacey Solomon admitted that she 'doesn't get to see' her husband amid his hectic panto schedule.

The TV personality, 35, took to her Instagram last month after attending the Moana 2 premiere in London with their kids to give a relationship update.

It comes after at the start of November Stacey was reportedly left in tears after having what looked like a row with Joe in the street.

Speaking on her Instagram story, Stacey said: 'Home sweet home with my husband who has been estranged. He's doing panto this year which the kids are so excited about.

'But it means that he is in rehearsals every single day and he doesn't finish until January 7. So we don't get to see him.'

Joe responded saying: 'I've had to leave the real world and join panto world. Don't worry mate I will come home one night in my costume and surprise you!'

It comes as Stacey has won a new army of fans with her impressive crafting skills, and once again she is set to show off her talents this Christmas in a new BBC Special.

Joe wrote: 'I got hit by a lorry!!! Done the side of my car. F**,' before later adding a second tory to clarify that he was alright

He posted a black screen alongside the text: 'Don't worry I'm ok! You should have seen the lorry! Lol'

The former EastEnders actor further reassured fans not to be concerned as he went on to film a video of himself decked up in his panto gear as a 'sneak peak'

It comes after his wife Stacey Solomon admitted that she 'doesn't get to see' her husband amid his hectic panto schedule

It omes as Stacey has won a new army of fans with her impressive crafting skills, and once again she is set to show off her talents this Christmas in a new BBC Special

The Sort Your Life Out star has been joined by her husband Joe Swash and their three youngest children for Stacey Solomon's Crafty Christmas, which airs on BBC One on December 18

The Sort Your Life Out star has been joined by Joe and their children as part of the new show Stacey Solomon's Crafty Christmas, which airs on BBC One on December 18.

In first look snaps from the show, Stacey and Joe sport cute festive jumpers as she shares her skills for crafting with her son Rex, four, and daughters Rose, two, and Belle, 22 months.

The one-off special will follow Stacey, Joe and the kids as they hand-make gifts and decorations for their family and friends.

In true Stacey style, there are ideas for all ages, with son Leighton helping Stacey to create personalised Christmas crackers, and Rex getting messy by making marbleised baubles for the tree.

Last month, Stacey was reportedly left in tears after having what looked like a row with her husband Joe in the street.

In a video obtained by The Sun, the mother-of-five was seen being comforted by her reality TV crew as she attempted to hide her appearance in a long brown padded coat.

Recognising the famous couple, who tied the knot two years ago and share three children, an onlooker claimed they saw Joe, 42, storming down the road outside Westcliff on Sea train station in Essex while furiously puffing on a vape after the argument.

They revealed: 'Joe came out of a building on his own and stormed off down the street, he looked upset and was sitting on some steps for a while.

They share three children Rex, four, Rose, two, and Belle, one, plus Stacey has two older sons from a previous relationship, Zachary, 16, and Leighton, 12. Joe also has a son Harry, 16, with his ex-partner

The pair are currently filming for their new Kardashian-style reality show for the BBC named Escape to Pickle Cottage - the name of her 1.2million home in Essex

'Stacey came out of the building in tears and she looked really emotional, she was hugging someone.'

The video showed Stacey embraced in a tight hug before another member of production went to check on Joe.

The onlooker added: 'About 15 minutes later Joe was having an animated talk with the man.

'Eventually Stacey walked towards Joe in the car and shouted something. They ended up leaving separately. It all looked very tense.'

The pair are currently filming for their new Kardashian-style reality show for the BBC named Escape to Pickle Cottage - the name of her 1.2million home in Essex.

The Osbournes' style fly-on-the-wall series sees the pair open the doors to their Essex property, giving an insight into their busy lives and their blended family.

They share three children Rex, four, Rose, two, and Belle, one, plus Stacey has two older sons from a previous relationship, Zachary, 16, and Leighton, 12. Joe also has a son Harry, 16, with his ex-partner.

Stacey and Joe are known to have one of the strongest relationships in the industry.

The former Loose Woman occasionally features Joe in her BBC1 series Sort Your Life Out, but never before have they filmed a reality show dedicated to their own relationship.

The pair frequently document their lives on social media, where Stacey, in particular, boasts a huge six million followers.
Derryn Hinch has revealed that he was admitted to hospital last week with a heart issue.

The 80-year-old has been suffering with atrial fibrillation, also known as an irregular heart beat, and underwent electroshock therapy to reset his heart rhythm.

After being diagnosed a month ago, Hinch was treated at a Melbourne hospital and released the same day.

'I found myself getting short of breath and I thought "this is not normal", so I went to my doctor and had an ECG (electrocardiogram)' he told the Herald Sun on Saturday.

'My cardiologist booked me into hospital and on Thursday they gave me an electric shock to the heart, which is pretty scary, but it worked' he continued.

'It put my heart back into a regular rhythm and I will just see how it improves my breathing in the weeks ahead.'

Derryn Hinch (pictured) has revealed that he was admitted to hospital last week with a heart issue

Hinch said he is recovering well and in 'good shape'.

It comes after the television star revealed he he facing a 'pretty serious' battle with skin cancer.

The Aussie media personality said he is currently undergoing five weeks of daily radiation treatment in a bid to get rid of a melanoma on his forehead.

The cancerous spot just below his hairline was first discovered by doctors in February and he had it removed, but medics weren't able to take out the entire area.

He then visited Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to have a further operation to remove the melanoma and he is now undergoing radiation as 'insurance'.

Derryn said he is taking the medical issue seriously and is just focusing on each day as it comes amid the daily treatment schedule.

'It is not good. I have had two operations on my face and they still have to do radiation,' he told the Herald Sun.

'The only good news is they looked at a spot that I was operated on about eight years ago on the other side (of his forehead) and that is clear.

Hinch said he is recovering well and in 'good shape'

It comes after the television star revealed he he facing a 'pretty serious' battle with skin cancer

'I tick off each day and once that day is gone, it is gone. It is pretty serious but as someone once said, that's life.'

Derryn remained upbeat and said he is 'feeling good' as he has three weeks left of the radiation treatment at Alfred Hospital.

Earlier this year, Derryn revealed that he nearly lost his life during a liver transplant back in 2011 amid his first cancer battle.

The former Senator for Victoria told how he died on the operating table and had to be resuscitated as he detailed how grateful he is for every day of his life.

'I found out from my surgeon, Bob Jones, that I died on the table and they managed to get me back. I am now living 13 years longer than I should have because I carked it,' he told the Herald Sun at the time.

'Since then, I have had a political career, I have been a senator. I have been in the business of journalism for more than 60 years.'

The politician underwent a liver transplant in 2011 after being diagnosed with aggressive cancer, and the organ was donated by the family of Heath Gardner.

But in 2020, the New Zealand-born broadcaster said he hasn't spoken with the Gardner family for more than two years after he began drinking alcohol again following the operation.

'They got very angry when I announced that, 'yes, I have been having a drink again sometimes'. Even though I had my doctor's permission, they did not like that,' he told the Herald Sun's Sacked Showbiz podcast.

'I will always recognise that family for what they did and the fact that without them I would not be here,' he added as he credited their generosity for keeping him alive.
Paris Hilton put on a sparkling display while attending KIIS FM's iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2024 this week.

The heiress, 43, wowed in a plunging silver metallic mini dress with sultry side slits. The mom-of-two paired the look with matching thigh-high boots.

The former reality TV star wore her blonde tresses in a high ponytail. She further accessorized with a silver choker and sparkling sunglasses.

While at the show she was also seen mingling with rapper Flavor Flav, 65, who sported an all-red look.

Paris later hit the stage for an unforgettable performance.

Hilton's second studio album, titled 'Infinite Icon' was released on September 6.

Paris Hilton, 43, put on a sparkling display while attending KIIS FM's iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2024 this week

It marked her first full-length album in nearly 20 years, after her 2006 self-titled debut, which featured the single Stars Are Blind.

Addison Rae, Meghan Trainor and Tori Spelling led the parade of blonde bombshells who trouped across the red carpet at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball.

Held at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, the event welcomed a cavalcade of boldface names to watch a setlist of performers that ranged from Paris to Shaboozey.

Paris' appearance comes after the trailer for her and Nicole Richie's highly-anticipated Simple Life spin-off, Paris & Nicole: The Encore, was released.

The upcoming, three-part show will see the reality legends teaming up again to turn their Simple Life ditty 'Sanasa' into an opera, more than 20 years after they first made it famous on their hit Y2K era series.

A glamorous trailer teasing all the hilarity was released Wednesday - and fans were left 'screaming' and 'physically shaking' in response to the trailer.

In the comments section of Peacock's post promoting the trailer, one fan boldly declared, 'This will heal America.'

'i'm shaking. i'm PHYSICALLY SHAKING,' another proclaimed.

The new trailer captures the women transforming 'Sanasa', the song they sang on the original Simple Life series, into a full-blown opera and returning to the state where their show kicked off, Arkansas.

The three-part reunion special will premiere on Peacock on December 12.

The heiress wowed in a plunging silver metallic mini dress with sultry side slits. The mom-of-two paired the look with matching thigh-high boots

The former reality TV star wore her blonde tresses in a high ponytail

She further accessorized with a silver choker and sparkling sunglasses

Paris posed up a storm backstage

While at the show she was also seen mingling with rapper Flavor Flav, 65, who sported an all-red look

The dynamic duo laughed it up together

Recently the duo admitted 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.

'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.'

Paris later hit the stage for an unforgettable performance

Hilton's second studio album, titled 'Infinite Icon' was released on September 6

It marked her first full-length album in nearly 20 years, after her 2006 self-titled debut, which featured the single Stars Are Blind

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.

'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.'
Kaitlyn Dever has sparked dating rumors with Ethan Dawes during a night out in West Hollywood on Thursday.

The Booksmart actress, 27 - whose mother Kathy passed away in February following a lengthy battle with breast cancer - stopped by the Brunello Cucinelli dinner with the actor at the iconic Chateau Marmont.

As the pair left the event, Dever and Dawes were seen holding hands as they prepared to head to their next destination.

Kaitlyn glammed up wearing a semi-sheer, gold sequin dress that clung to her frame and slipped into closed-toed, tan heels.

She additionally layered the look with a black, leather coat and allowed her brunette locks to flow down past her shoulders in light waves.

Dever opted for minimal accessories to allow her outfit to be the main focal point, and added a pair of dainty earrings for a finishing touch.

Kaitlyn Dever, 27, has sparked dating rumors with Ethan Dawes during a night out in West Hollywood on Thursday

Dawes - who is also known for directing projects such as the series Chicken Girls - opted for a monochromatic ensemble for the evening.

He sported a classic black suit which was paired with a plain, black shirt underneath. Ethan completed the outfit by wearing a pair of black loafers.

The two stars were seen strolling hand-in-hand down a walkway outside of the Chateau Marmont, and at one point, held small smiles on their faces.

The special dinner on Thursday saw a number of other celebrity guests in attendance, such as Sharon Stone, Kevin Costner and Shanina Shaik.

Kaitlyn - who has been nominated for both Emmy and Golden Globe Awards - has remained mostly private about her personal life.

But earlier this year in February, the actress revealed that her mother, Kathy, had passed away at the age of 53 following a 14-year battle with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in a heartbreaking post on Instagram.

Along with sharing an assortment of photos of her mother over the years, the star wrote, 'My mama. My life. My everything. I dont even have the words.'

'Nothing I'll ever say will amount to the gifts you have given me in my life, the boundless joy you brought, the deep, endless, unconditional love you gave me and our family. Your love was everywhere.'

As the pair left the event, Dever and Dawes were seen holding hands as they prepared to head to their next destination

Dever later compared her mother's love to 'sunshine' and added, 'You were everyone's favorite. You are my favorite. The sweetest in the world.'

'I will be broken forever without you and I don't know how I'll go on,' she emotionally continued.

Referencing to her siblings, Kaitlyn wrote, 'I'm grateful that you gave me Mady, Jane, and Dadwe'll always have each other to lean on because of you. You were the greatest mom and wife anyone could ever ever ask for.'

'Thank you for fighting so hard for us for so long. I am forever, forever, grateful for the special time we got to spend with you, sweet mamait will never be enough.'

'I miss your smile, your sense of humor, your hugs, your kisses, getting to hold your hand, more than anything in the world. You made everything better,' the actress continued.

'My sweetest, beautiful girl. My best friend Oh how much I love you. What a gift it is to love you. I love you forever and ever, Mom. .'

Dever has since uploaded additional tributes to her late mother and earlier this week, wished Kathy a 'heavenly birthday' on Instagram.

The actress has been keeping busy and will appear in a number of upcoming projects next year.

Earlier this year in February, the actress revealed that her mother, Kathy, had passed away at the age of 53 following a 14-year battle with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer

Kaitlyn was cast in the second season of HBO Max's hit series, The Last Of Us, and portrays the character of Abby - a skilled soldier

Other stars that will appear in the upcoming season include Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Rutina Wesley, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Catherine O'Hara and also Jeffrey Wright; Pascal and Ramsey seen above

She was cast in the second season of HBO Max's hit series, The Last Of Us, and portrays the character of Abby - a skilled soldier.

According to an official description, she is 'a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she love.'

Other stars that will appear in the upcoming season - which will premiere sometime in 2025 - include Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Rutina Wesley, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Catherine O'Hara and also Jeffrey Wright.

The character of Abby prompted differing reactions from players of the video game - with co-creator Neil Druckmann sharing in the past that he had received death threats.

Isabela Merced - who is playing the role of Dina in the show - stated on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that Kaitlyn 'had to be extra secured by security when it came to the filming of this.'

'There's so many strange people in this world because there are people that actually genuinely hate Abby, who is not a real person. Just a reminder: Not a real person.'

Dever also took on a leading role in the upcoming Netflix limited series titled, Apple Cider Vinegar, which is slated to drop on the streaming site in 2025 - although an exact date has yet to be revealed.

In the show, the actress plays Belle Gibson - an Australian wellness influencer 'who claims to have cured her terminal brain cancer through health and wellness,' per a synopsis on Netflix's Tudum website.

'As it turns out, Belle has never actually been diagnosed with - or cured of - the malignant brain tumor that she shares with the world through social media, the mobile app she develops, and its companion cookbook.'

Along with Kaitlyn, other stars that were cast in the project include Alycia Debnam-Carey, Aisha Dee, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Mark Coles Smith, Ashley Zukerman, and Susie Porter.

Dever also took on a leading role in the upcoming Netflix limited series titled, Apple Cider Vinegar, which is slated to drop on the streaming site in 2025 - although an exact date has yet to be revealed; seen in October in NYC

In 2022, she won the Hollywood TV Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series and or Movie for her performance in Dopesick (seen above)

Last month, a first look of the limited drama series was released - but Dever's Australian accent left fans divided.

One fan on X said that her delivery was 'wrong' and added, 'It's not bad, but the way she delivered the lines in that trailer make it sound a bit like she was having to think about it too hard, the cadence isn't natural.'

Another typed out that, 'There are plenty of Australian actors who would have done a much better job.'

However, others came to the star's defense with one penning, 'This is a fine Australian accent.'

'It's just for the wrong age group, region and social class. Gibson has a really distinct "desperate striver from just outside Brisbane" accent.'

Dever is known for appearing in an assortment of projects, such as Booksmart, Dopesick and Ticket To Paradise.

In 2022, she won the Hollywood TV Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series and or Movie for her performance in Dopesick.
Strictly Come Dancings Oti Mabuse was the ninth campmate to be voted off Im A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here on Saturday evening.

The 34-year-old professional dancers exit reveals the three finalists as Coleen Rooney, 39, Danny Jones, 38, and Reverend Richard Coles, 62.

Oti was greeted over the bridge by her husband Marius Lepure, 42, as the pair shared a passionate kiss after celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary on Friday.

She will be reunited with her daughter of 13 months who she went on the show for, because she wanted to prove, Mum has goals too.

And the Dancing on Ice judge did just that as she quickly became a favourite among her fellow campmates who praised her uplifting and caring nature.

Oti won immunity from the vote until the Cyclone challenge, which she successfully tackled today, after winning a trial on Thursday night.

Oti Mabuse shared a passionate kiss with her husband Marius Lepure as she became the last star to be evicted from the jungle on Saturday evening

She will be reunited with her daughter of 13 months who she went on the show for, because she wanted to prove, Mum has goals too

Dressed in gold hotpants and cape, the mother-of-one called herself Captain Bokke as she joined Coleen, Rev Richard and Danny on the slippery tarpaulin and had jets of water and exercise balls thrown at her.

Speaking to Ant and Dec as she left the jungle she admitted: 'You just come out as a stronger different person.'

The campmates have opened up a lot this year, and Oti explained: 'Yes we cried a lot. Jane got us started and we never stopped! I never knew I was a crier.'

Revealing her worst day in camp she added: 'There was one day I did a challenge, I came and cooked, did a trial and made dinner and then I did a challenge and then Maura threw away the food.

'I just thought, I can't do this anymore and I'm not good at change and I just let it go.'

Discussing what she has learnt about herself as a person she continued: 'I have learnt to be happy with who I am. And that group allowed me to be all different versions of myself. I feel mentally and physically stronger.'

Asked who her winner is Oti appeared torn as she said: 'Coleen is so strong and powerful in her silence and she gets on with it, but I'm going for Danny as my winner.'

Oti was left emotional during her surprise jungle reunion with husband Marius on Friday, after nearly three weeks apart.

Oti was greeted over the bridge by her husband as the pair shared a passionate kiss after celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary on Friday

The dancer hugged campmate Coleen as she prepared to leave the camp

The 34-year-old professional dancers exit reveals the three finalists as Coleen Rooney , 39, Danny Jones , 38, and Reverend Richard Coles , 62, who waved Oti goodbye

Speaking to Ant and Dec as she left the jungle she admitted: 'You just come out as a stronger different person'

Oti won immunity from the vote until the Cyclone challenge, which she successfully tackled today, after winning a trial on Thursday night

The campmates have opened up a lot this year, and Oti explained to Ant and Dec: 'Yes we cried a lot. Jane got us started and we never stopped! I never knew I was a crier'

Revealing her worst day in camp she added: 'There was one day I did a challenge, I came and cooked, did a trial and made dinner and then I did a challenge and then Maura threw away the food'

The former Strictly star, who welcomed a baby daughter with the Romanian dancer, 42, in November 2023, was left stunned when her partner emerged from the trees and threw her arms around him.

Oti gushed: 'Walking through the jungle this beautiful face was the last face I expected to see but the best surprise ever.' before telling him how good he smelt.

Marius was full of surprises and in one pocket had an outfit that their baby had worn the day before, bursting into tears Oti hugged and smelled the tiny baby grow, declaring: 'This is the perfect gift!'

He also produced a brand new diamond ring to celebrate the couple's tenth wedding anniversary, with the dancer placing the sparkler on her finger.

She said: 'This is exactly what I needed to spur me on until the end.' As they went their separate ways, Oti then hugged and kissed him goodbye saying: 'I love you.'

Last week Oti shared her premature birth story with Rev Richard Coles, after previously revealing it left her with sepsis and diabetes.

Chatting with Richard, Oti explained how her baby was placed in an incubator after birth, and as she couldn't hold her she used her voice to connect with her.

She said: 'They find comfort in your voice. For two months, every single day we'd sing church music.'

The pair couldn't keep their hands off each other as Oti exited the jungle

Oti was left emotional during her surprise jungle reunion with husband Marius on Friday, after nearly three weeks apart

The former Strictly star was left stunned when her partner emerged from the trees and threw her arms around him

Marius was full of surprises and in one pocket had an outfit that their baby had worn the day before, bursting into tears Oti hugged and smelled the tiny baby grow, declaring: 'This is the perfect gift!'

Richard shared his own story, saying: 'I remember going once to baptise a little boy, a premature boy, he was born very premature, he was only just alive'

Stopping what he was saying because he was overcome with emotion at the memory, Richard fought back tears, as Oti got up to give him a hug.

He went on: 'I just remember he was this tiny little pulse of life, and David [his then partner] got a pipette of water and we blessed it, and we baptised him and he survived and now he's a healthy young footballer, which is great! But I just felt so it was such a precious thing.'

Oti agreed: 'They are, my daughter was really, really tiny when she was born. It's hell. It's hell to be in the hospital, to hear those sounds, to not see your baby's eyes for a week, it's hell to constantly look for advice from the doctors.'

Trying not to cry, Oti shared what she called the worst thing for her, which was that 'every night, you need to leave them, you need to leave your baby in someone else's hands.'

Saying that she can't wait for Richard to meet her, Oti asked: 'Maybe you can say a prayer over her, I would really love that.'

Richard admitted: 'I've already said a prayer for her actually.' With tears in her eyes, she thanked Richard and gave him a big hug.

Oti has opened up about her body struggles as she admitted she has been called fat after her weight gain during Thursday's episode.

He also produced a brand new diamond ring to celebrate the couple's tenth wedding anniversary, with the dancer placing the sparkler on her finger

Last week Oti shared her premature birth story with Rev Richard Coles , after previously revealing it left her with sepsis and diabetes

Oti gave birth naturally and said she was 'singing Chicago the whole time,' with the problems arising afterwards

Chatting with Maura Higgins, the professional dancer candidly revealed how she used to be unhealthy and underweight as she confessed she even lost her period for months.

Explaining how she was taking laxatives and starving herself, Oti told the campmates: 'I get so many comments about my body,' as she shared that in articles people would say that she's fat.

She continued: 'I used to find it difficult because my weight gain wasn't actually my fault, it was me getting over a weight problem.

'It was me actually not starving myself, not being on laxatives, not smoking, being a vegan.

'It was actually me being healthy for the first time and I really struggled being like why are people calling me fat? Actually, this is the healthiest I've ever been.'

Discussing her intense dancing training, Oti confessed: 'I was underweight, I didn't get my period for months. I didn't eat, we would dance all day, we would drink but we wouldn't eat.

'My ribs were sticking out. And back in those days it was like, "Oh, she's amazing, she's got a nice body" but I was like, "No, but this is me being healthy".'

Supporting the dancer, Maura complimented her as she added: 'And you're beautiful! And you're sexy, you've got the best ass I've ever seen. Let me tell you!'

Empathising with the star, Maura said: 'I get that I'm fat! And then I get that I'm underweight. It's just either underweight or fat. It's never, 'Oh she looks good'.'

Oti added: 'I always get she's loud, she's screeching, why is she always on my TV screen?'

Talking to the camera, Oti said of her and Maura's chat: 'We have so many open and uncensored conversations about what we think about ourselves and our bodies.

'She understands me and she understands how hard it is to get up and wake up in a world where you feel like people don't love you and still fight.

'I know I fight everyday because I know my daughter is watching and I do it for, I don't want her to be fighting generational traumas the way I am.'
Condo residents in Utah have been left blindsided by a huge rise in fees, which could see monthly payments more than double for some.

Homeowners in Bountiful, which is less than half an hour away from Salt Lake City, received a notice that their monthly homeowners association (HOA) fees could soon rise to more than $800.

This hike is largely due to an increase in insurance costs, the residents at Orchard Corners Condominiums were told.

'Rising costs of labor, supplies, contracts, utilities, and a significant increase in insurance -from $17,000 to $108,000 - have created financial challenges that require immediate attention,' the HOA notice states.

Now, panicked residents are worrying about how they will come up with the cash - and what this could mean for the future.

'It's going to be really difficult for us to move when the listing's going to say that we have an $800 HOA,' resident Emily Horne told KSL. 'I feel stuck,' her husband Douglas added.

These residents join hordes of condo owners who are facing a perfect storm of rising fees and insurance costs, which is forcing many to try and flee.

While these issues have largely been concentrated to Florida and parts of Texas, the plight of these residents highlights an expanding real estate crisis.

Emily and Douglas Horne bought their condo almost four years ago, the couple told KSL, and they are currently paying $385 a month in HOA fees.

The suggested new sum of $800 is more than to two-thirds of their mortgage payment, Douglas said.

The old insurance policy for the condo community was recently canceled, according to an August notice obtained by the outlet.

Residents said the policy was canceled after one of the units caught fire and needed repairs.

'I do think it is pretty ridiculous that we all have to pay for that one incident,' said Kelsey Hunziker, who has lived in the community since 2020.

As an alternative to the $800 a month payment, the HOA board has also suggested a smaller 17 percent increase in monthly fees - plus a $3,000 lump sum payment.

Emily and Douglas Horne bought their condo almost four years ago, the couple told KSL, and they are currently paying $385 a month for HOA fees

Homeowners in Bountiful received a notice that their monthly homeowners association (HOA) fees could soon rise to more than $800

'I don't have much of my savings left right now,' Kelsey Hunziker told the outlet. 'It's very rough.'

Calvin Barnett, another homeowner, said he and his family have saved up nearly $3,000, but they were planning on saving it for expenses for a new baby girl who is due in January.

For Hunziker, it is 'horrible timing' ahead of the holidays.

'I don't have much of my savings left right now,' she told the outlet. 'It's very rough.'

It comes as insurance costs are skyrocketing across the country, as natural disasters become increasingly common and insurers flee the most at-risk areas.

While Utah is less at risk of some extreme weather events as states like Florida and Texas, it still saw homeowners insurance rates rise by 20 percent last year, according to S&P Global.

In Florida, in particular, rising HOA fees and insurance costs, devastating natural disasters and new regulations are pushing the real estate market into a downward spiral.

Home sales in five major cities have plummeted amid a snowballing crisis.

Fort Lauderdale, pictured, had the starkest decline in pending home sales over the last year

Florida's state government approved a new law cracking down on older condos after the Champlain Tower South in the Miami suburb of Surfside crumbled in 2021

Fort Lauderdale, a city on Florida's east coast, saw pending sales drop 15.2 percent year over year during a four week period ending on November 10, according to a Redfin analysis.

Some condo owners are listing their properties for 40 percent cheaper than they are worth just to unload them.

And in Miami, residents in two condo buildings are in uproar after being served a huge $21 million special assessment bill for repairs - just 16 years after construction.

Some residents in the Brickell buildings face individual payments of more than $40,000, leaving them feeling blindsided and financially overwhelmed, and some are even considering selling up as a result.
Voicing concern over the state of affairs in the film industry, eminent director R Balki has said there is a subconscious feeling in most filmmakers that the industry is in "danger".

Addressing the annual 'Satyajit Ray Memorial Lecture' at the 30th Kolkata International Film Festival here, Balki on Friday said barring few exceptions the "footfalls in theatres are decreasing.

"There is the subconscious feeling among most filmmakers that the film industry is in danger. Everything has been corrupted and footfalls in theatre decreasing. Maybe 4-5 films are making money among the lot. That is not doing much or helping much to improve the situation," he said.

"We never faced a situation like this earlier.....Without cinema, I have no purpose in life. But when cinema itself is struggling, it becomes hard to keep things going," the maker of films like Cheeni Kum, Paa and Padman said.

Balki, also an ad filmmaker, recalled films of the 70s like Sholay or even Kuch Kuch Hota Hai made 20 years back. "We don't make such entertainers any more," he said, adding in recent times Bahubali was the last blockbuster so far as he is concerned.

Barring a few good ones, "many of the rest are garbage," he said.

"A lot of garbage is being watched, A lot of beautiful films are not being watched," he said.

Stating maestros like Ray would recreate magic on screen in a different era, Balki said "I wonder what Ray would have said today. Ray and other doyens, they were the masters of cinema."

He felt there should be honesty in telling a story and its execution and not resorting to gimmickry and spending a disproportionate amount of money for doing promotion and other related things in the name of attracting audiences to the single screens and multiplexes.

Cinema is commerce. It is a product like soap and toothpaste, he said.

Balki said in their desperation to make money makers of most productions are not bothered about what kind of films the audiences are getting.

He called for a ceiling or regulation on the production budget of a film. If someone has to shell out a high amount for ticket of a movie, he/she has to like the product. Actually, in most of the films the response is not as organic or spontaneous as made out to be, he said.

"The Tamil film industry had devised a rule sometimes back you cannot exceed the budget in making a film. The thumb rule is to reduce the cost. When someone has watched a not-so-good film since you already paid Rs 300, your thinking will be if I don't like I will say I loved the film even if I couldn't like it that much," he quipped.

Even in OTT and reels, quantity has taken over quality as "we are having surplus content," he said.

"We talk a lot about climate change. We must also give a thought about improving the climate of cinema," he said.

Coming to AI, he said "In 4-5 years we have AI coming in. You look up to cinema. AI is not just a tool. I foresee AI will adapt to us and take over everything."

"Tomorrow you have to categorise cinema between manmade and machine-made," he prophesied.
Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee and State BJP MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato were on the same page even as both on Friday advocate recanting --- interim Bangladesh president --- Md Yunus' Nobel peace prize for having failed to contain atrocities on the minority Hindus in that country.

Mahato said that he had written a letter to the Nobel Committee to consider withdrawing the peace prize awarded to Yunus for his failure to ensure the safety of life and property of the minority Hindus of Bangladesh.

"As a Bengali Hindu I am deeply disturbed and anguished at the way the Hindus are being persecuted in Bangladesh  I do not know much of how things take place but I am of the opinion that the Nobel Peace Prize of Md Yunus should be taken back as his Government has not only failed to ensure persecution of the Hindus but also they have allowed the massacre of their lives and properties," Mahato said.

"Peace is past in Bangladesh  the way a Hindu sadhus are being harassed and put in jail without trial  the way the properties of the minorities lives and honour of women are being looted by the fundamentalist forces and the way the Government is sitting unconcerned it shows complicity  hence this letter has been written," he said.

Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee and State Minister Bratya Basu too condemned the attacks on the minorities in that country with Banejree saying that though he could not make suggestions from his position he too did not approve of the mass persecution of the minorities in that country.

"Whatever we are seeing is extremely painful  attack on minorities wherever it takes place is condemnable  Persecution of minorities wherever it takes place is condemnable  it is evident that he (Yunus) has failed to bring peace in his country  everyone knows why he got Nobel Prize for peace  now it seems that a time has come to reevaluate his credentials," Banerjee said.

Yunus and Grameen Bank of Bangladesh were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2006 for their work to "create economic and social development from below."

Senior Trinamool Congress leader and Bengal Minister Bratya Basu too deplored the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh though he tended to avoid the term "Hindu." Basu said, "it is clearly seen that minorities are persecuted  their cause is challenged  if the minorities are massacred like this in your neighbourhood then it will definitely impact peace," adding however that he was not the right person to dwell on the Peace Prize of Md Yunus. "I may have my personal opinions but it will not be proper for me to make any comment on the Nobel Peace Prize," he said.

Incidentally, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee too had demanded intervention of United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Bangladesh a few days ago. Making a speech in the State Assembly she had appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urge the UNO to send peace keeping forces in Bangladesh.

"The Government of India is totally keeping mum on the issue  we respect the Indian government's stance, but atrocities on religious grounds are unacceptable considering the deteriorating situation in that country and attack on the minorities," she had said adding, "the Centre should appeal to the UN to send peacekeeping mission in Bangladesh."
Amid the killing of Hindus in Bangladesh, a delegation of prominent Ulemas and residents of the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah and Basti Hazrat Nizamuddin area met with Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday and demanded a special drive to identify and repatriate Bangladeshis staying illegally in the city. The delegation further demanded that Bangladeshi people should not be given employment by any establishment and those who have given employment to them should remove them.

Meanwhile, sources in the Delhi police said there is not much information about the exact number of Bangladeshis in Delhi. In a statement, the Lieutenant Governors office said, reiterating that they were worried about the situation of their Hindu brethren and other minorities in Bangladesh and worsening state-of-affairs in the country, the delegation demanded stringent action against Bangladesh nationals illegally staying in Delhi. In a letter submitted to Saxena, the delegation said they should not be provided rented accommodation or jobs in any establishment.

According to the statement, the delegation demanded that illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators should not be given houses on rent and those houses who have already rented out their premises should evict them.

Delhi residents must be directed that if they find that any illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators are living in their neighbourhood, they should provide the information in this regard to the police, read the statement. It also said that the Delhi Police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) should be directed to remove any encroachments on government land, footpaths, parks and other public places by such people.

Any documents like Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or any other government document acquired illegally by Bangladeshi infiltrators be cancelled immediately. If any Masjid or Madarsa has given shelter to such infiltrators, they should immediately evict them. A special drive be launched to identify such infiltrators and they be sent back to Bangladesh, the letter read.

Citing a sudden spurt in the number of illegal immigrants in the national capital, Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxenas office has written to the Chief Secretary, Delhi Police Commissioner, and other senior officials, asking them to take urgent action last month. Saxena also directed the civic agencies, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Chief Secretary of Delhi to be on alert as these illegal immigrants may approach them to get fake citizenship and election identity cards. The BJP leaders in Delhi have been accusing the ruling A for patronising the Rohingyas and Bangladeshi living illegally in the city.

Diplomatic ties between the two nations have been strained since Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed interim leadership in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasinas ouster in August. Several Hindus and Hindu organisations have come under attack in Bangladesh since the unceremonial removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Suvendu Adhikari, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP national president JP Nadda, Assam Chief Minister Hemanta Biswa Sharma and several other leaders have also demanded to remove Bangladeshi infiltrators.

It is learnt that there are two crore Bangladeshi immigrants illegally staying in India. The rise in the number of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, which almost equals the size of the entire population of Australia.
The Yamuna Rivers water has become so polluted that it is no longer safe for drinking, bathing, or even irrigation, a shocking revelation made by the Central Water Commissions latest report, Status of Trace and Toxic Metals in Indian Rivers.

The study exposes dangerously high concentrations of heavy metals such as chromium, nickel, and lead, threatening to unleash a public health crisis in cities like Agra and Mathura.

According to the report, water samples collected from three locations in Agra, including Poiya Ghat, and one in Mathura revealed alarming levels of these toxic metals. Agra and Mathura are now ranked among 187 worst-hit cities nationwide, where three or more hazardous metals were found in river water, earning them the grim distinction of having the worst water quality in the country.

The data is damning. In Agra, nickel levels touched 28.87 micrograms per liter, chromium soared to a staggering 135.15 micrograms per liter, while lead reached 23.41 micrograms per liter-several times above permissible limits. In Mathura, chromium was recorded at 138.02 and 0.55 micrograms per liter at different sites, while nickel stood at 56.04 micrograms per liter. Experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such contamination can trigger skin diseases, ulcers, lung damage, weakened immunity, heart conditions, kidney failure, liver malfunction, and even cancer.

What makes the situation worse is that Agras water treatment facilities are woefully unequipped to handle such a toxic onslaught. The citys two major water treatment plants, Jiwani Mandi and Sikandra Water Works, are still stuck with outdated technologies that can only test for basic parameters like turbidity, color, pH, TDS, hardness, coliform, and E. coli. Heavy metal detection is entirely outside their scope. Sikandras 144 MLD MBBR plant, which supplies water to nearly half the city, lacks the necessary filtration systems to remove deadly metals. We currently dont have equipment to detect heavy metals in Yamuna water. Samples are tested at external labs occasionally, but theres no real-time monitoring, admitted Arvendra Rajput, General Manager of the Waterworks Department.

The root cause of this toxicity is an unchecked flow of industrial waste into the Yamuna. Electroplating units, chemical factories, welding and refining plants, foundries, and even the automotive industry are said to be dumping hazardous waste into the river with impunity. Pollution from pesticides, detergents, and fertilizers has further aggravated the crisis.

Environmentalists have slammed regulatory bodies for failing to enforce pollution norms. If the Pollution Control Board claims to have stopped factories from discharging waste into the Yamuna, how are such dangerous levels of heavy metals still present in the river? This report exposes the regulatory failures and calls for immediate corrective action, said Dr. Sanjay Kulshreshtha, an environmental expert.

Echoing similar concerns, environmentalist Shachindra Sharma issued a stark warning: The toxic state of the Yamuna River is a ticking time bomb for both public health and the environment. Strict regulations and immediate steps are essential to prevent irreversible damage.

With the specter of a full-blown environmental disaster looming large, experts are urging swift government action before the Yamuna turns into an irreversible toxic nightmare.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has intensified its attack on the Centre following a series of violent incidents in the city, accusing it of neglecting Delhi's law and order situation ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal expressed grave concern over the worsening law and order situation in Delhi, directly holding the BJP and Union Home Minister Amit Shah responsible. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Saturday met the family of the victims of the Govindpuri stabbing at AIIMS and declared that Delhi has become a crime capital.

The former Delhi chief minister expressed alarm over a series of violent incidents, including a businessman being shot during a morning walk, a senior citizen's murder in Panchsheel Enclave, a surge in extortion calls and a double-stabbing in Govindpuri that occurred this morning

"People are panicked and law and order has been crippled. Senior citizens are frightened, women feel unsafe and gang wars are happening. Drugs are being sold in all corners of Delhi. Where is the Delhi Police? Where is the home minister? Kejriwal said. Over the BJP's claims that Rohingyas are behind some of the crimes, he said, "If they are Rohingyas, why hasn't the home minister stopped them at the Myanmar and Bangladesh borders? And if they've entered Delhi, why hasn't Delhi Police arrested them? Instead of politicising the issue, they should focus on ensuring the safety of Delhi's people." AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, a minister in the party-led government in Delhi, claimed the assailants fired 6-7 rounds of bullets at Jain.In his social media post, Bharadwaj described Delhi as a crime capital.

Lambasting the BJP central government, Atishi asserted that criminals roam fearlessly, and if law and order arent restored, Delhiites will teach them a lesson. She called out the BJP-led Central Government for neglecting its sole responsibility in the capital: maintaining law and order.
In a move to consolidate its political foothold in the national Capital, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has amplified its campaign against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, focussing on what it termed as public dissatisfaction and the promise of a "double-engine government" to transform Delhi. The election office of the BJP for the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls was inaugurated at the Pant Marg headquarters of the party's state unit on Saturday in the presence of senior leaders.

The slogan 'Ab Nahi Sahenge, Badal Kar Rahenge' (will not tolerate now, will bring change) as a theme for the feedback exercise for the manifesto, was given by Panda on the occasion. BJP leaders, speaking on the occasion, said the people of Delhi have had enough and now they want to remove AAP from power to get relief from dirty water supply, damaged roads, expensive electricity and high levels of pollution.

Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva performed a 'havan' along with his wife with the party's state election in-charge Baijayant Panda, election coordination committee chairman and Union minister Harsh Malhotra, MPs, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Manoj Tiwari, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Bansuri Swaraj, Yogendra Chandolia, Praveen Khandelwal and others in attendance.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, while addressing party workers and the press, said there was a "prevailing sentiment of dissatisfaction among the people of Delhi."

Commenting on the poster released by the BJP on Saturday, which says, 'Ab nahi sahenge, badal ke rahenge (we will not tolerate anymore, we will bring change)' Sachdeva remarked that it was the people's slogan.

This is the slogan of the people of Delhi. When we were preparing the manifesto engaging with the people and meeting traders, Residents Welfare Associations, and speaking to the public at large, including those living in slums, everyone shared the same opinion, they want to be free from Arvind Kejriwal. They will no longer tolerate him and want change," Sachdeva said.

He further emphasised that this dissatisfaction has turned into a collective call for change. It is from this sentiment that the call for change has arisen  we will no longer tolerate this, we will bring change, and we will form the BJP government in Delhi, he added.

The BJP has framed its campaign around the idea of aligning Delhis governance with the policies and vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The people of Delhi understand that only a double-engine government, one at the state and the other at the Centre, can bring real development to the national Capital, Sachdeva stated, asserting that Delhis improvement requires synergy between the local and central governments.

Panda and other leaders also flagged off a fleet of vans that will tour across Delhi to gather feedback from the public for the party manifesto for the Assembly polls.

All the vans flagged off from the Delhi BJP office will travel to 14 different districts, where BJP workers will be present. An in-charge has been appointed for each van according to its respective district. Public suggestions will be collected in suggestion boxes placed in these vans, and based on these suggestions, the BJP will prepare its Sankalp Patra for the upcoming 2025 assembly elections, Panda said. Convenor of the Sankalp Committee and MP Mr. Ramveer Singh Bidhuri stated that a better and comprehensive Sankalp Patra (resolution document) will be prepared by the committee.

Elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly are due to be held in February next year. The BJP out of power in Delhi since 1998, is making all-out efforts to end the dominance of the Aam Aadmi Party led by Arvind Kejriwal.

Meanwhile, in a caustic comment over the BJP's slogan, AAP supremo Kejriwal claimed the "will bring change" motto of the opposition party reflected that it intends to stop all the works done by his party's government in Delhi. In a post on X, he said "They have today officially announced that they will change everything. It means, the 24-hour electricity supply will stop and there will be long power cuts with bills of thousands of rupees, free bus travel for women will end, all schools will be ruined, Mohalla Clinics will be shut and free medicines and treatment will stop."He asked people to vote carefully since the BJP has made its intentions clear now.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Saturday urged students to actively participate in politics, cautioning against leaving critical decisions to the "worst kind of people".

Speaking at the Founder's Day celebration of St. Stephen's College , Atishi recounted her time as a student there and how politics was once dismissed as a "dirty business" and an unlikely career choice.

She urged the youth to rethink their perception of politics, emphasizing that meaningful change is only possible through active engagement. India is not destined to stay the same. It can change, and we are the ones who can bring that change. But for that, we must engage with politics and democracy.

The Delhi Chief Minister highlighted the transformative impact of the AAP governments policies, including free bus rides empowering 11 lakh women daily, while reflecting on the struggles and sacrifices her team faced since 2015 in combating vested interests to bring change. During this, Right Reverend Dr. Paul Swarup, the Chairman of the College and the Bishop of Derry, Professor John Burgess, Principal of St. Stephen's College were also present.

Looking back at her time in St. Stephens, the Chief Minister reminisced about being part of the Social Service League, organizing blood donation camps, and holding evening classes for children of the colleges non-teaching staff. This college instilled in us an ethos of service. Today, I urge all of you to carry that ethos forward. Yes, be successful in your careers, but remember that your actions shape the society and country you live in, she said, according to a statement.

She explained that disengaging in politics leaves crucial decisions about education, healthcare, and safety in the hands of others, the statement said."When educated, well-meaning young people stay away from politics, we allow the most important decisions of our lives to be made by the wrong people," she asserted.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said that it is a matter of pride for Madhya Pradesh that Hotel Amaltas is being run only by women. This effort reflects our resolve toward the empowerment of women. Other states will also take inspiration from this initiative. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the inauguration programme of MPT Amaltas the first hotel run by women in Pachmarhi.

Yadav said that the culture of our country is women-oriented. Mother has been given priority in our constellation and solar system also. All the planets are male-dominant but Vasundhara i.e. Mother Earth is dominant. We worship the earth as our mother and seek its blessings. Similarly, in society also the backbone of the family is our mother and sisters. There are more than 200 countries in the world, but India has been given the place of mother. As soon as anyone says Bharat Mata, the slogan of Jai automatically comes. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that our maternal culture and tradition is also reflected in the remembrance of Gods and Goddesses.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Vijaya Jadhav reviewed the progress of the under-construction Medical College in Sector 12, BS City during a meeting held at her office chamber in the District Collectorate. The meeting was attended by senior officials including Additional Collector Md. Mumtaz Ansari, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Chas Pranjal Dhanda, District Nazarat Deputy Collector Vandana Shejwalkar, City DSP Alok Ranjan, and representatives from various departments and agencies.

During the meeting, representatives from KMV Projects Limited, the agency executing the construction, presented a detailed update on the progress of the medical college, including key infrastructure components such as the main building, girls' hostel, and boys' hostel. They highlighted challenges such as encroachments near the site and relocation of electric poles, which were impeding progress.

The Deputy Commissioner instructed the SDO, City DSP, Circle Officer, and BSL representatives to work jointly to resolve these issues in compliance with the rules. She emphasized the importance of accelerating the construction work and directed the agency to deploy adequate manpower and resources to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe.

The meeting underscored the administrations commitment to addressing bottlenecks and ensuring the timely completion of the medical college project, which is expected to significantly enhance healthcare facilities in the region.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav launched the 100-Day Ni-Kshay Campaign on Saturday from Narmadapuram. He stated that this campaign is a positive step towards making the state tuberculosis (TB) free. To make this campaign successful, it is essential to turn it into a mass movement with the participation of all sections of society.

Dr. Yadav emphasized that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had committed in 2018 to eradicate TB from the country by 2025. This campaign is playing a meaningful role in achieving that goal. He mentioned that this initiative, which is starting today, will be launched across 347 districts in the country, including 23 districts in Madhya Pradesh. The objective of the campaign is to identify TB cases, reduce the mortality rate, and decrease the number of new TB cases.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative, under which the state provides nutritional support to TB patients. As part of this program, TB patients receive a monthly supplementary food basket to help strengthen their bodies to fight the disease. He assured the public that TB is no longer an incurable disease and can be treated, urging people not to fear TB.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav mentioned that according to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, all countries have set a target to eliminate TB by 2030, but the central government has set an earlier target of 2025. Efforts are being made at every level to achieve this goal. He further stated that from the year 2015 to 2023, the number of TB cases in India decreased by 17.7%, which is more than double the global decline of 8.3%. This is a remarkable achievement, as the number of TB cases per 1 lakh population in India was 237 in 2015, which has now reduced to 195 in 2023. Madhya Pradesh has played a significant role in this achievement. He also mentioned that the TB mortality rate per 1 lakh population in 2015 was 28, which has now reduced to 22 in 2023. The target is to reduce it to just 3 by 2025.

Chief Minister Yadav highlighted that there has been continuous development in the states healthcare facilities. In addition to government medical colleges, medical colleges in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode have also been started. He said that the states commitment is to ensure that at least one medical college is available in every parliamentary constituency in Madhya Pradesh. The state is making continuous progress in this direction.

CM's appeal to citizens

Chief Minister Yadav appealed to all citizens, public representatives, and both government and non-government organizations to join the 100-Day Ni-Kshay Campaign. He urged them to help TB patients and inform them that TB is no longer an incurable disease; it is treatable.
Scenes of jubilation marked the 21st Convocation Ceremony of Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) in the state capital on Saturday.

A total of 1,558 students were conferred degrees across disciplines, including B Tech, B Arch, B Planning, M Tech, MCA, MBA, M Plan, MSc, and PhD. The highest number of graduates emerged from the B Tech Computer Science and Engineering programme, with 239 students receiving their degrees.

Other significant numbers included 246 M Tech graduates, 167 from B Tech Electronics and Communication Engineering, 80 B Arch graduates, and 40 PhD recipients. On the occasion, Aleti Venkata Santosh was awarded the prestigious President's Gold Medal for academic excellence.

Santosh achieved a CGPA of 9.7 in his B Tech degree programme in Electronics & Communication Engineering.A total of 11 gold medals were awarded across various streams. Notable recipients included Ashutosh Jha (Civil Engineering - CGPA 9.59), Namrata Dwivedi (Mechanical Engineering - CGPA 9.57), Devansh Kapadia (Computer Science & Engineering - CGPA 9.63), and Kalpana Agarwal (MCA - CGPA 9.64).

Six sponsored gold medals recognised exceptional achievements in specialised categories. Namrata Dwivedi also received the H.B. Khurasiya Gold Medal for being the most meritorious female student.

Silver medals were awarded to 11 students for their remarkable academic performances. Animesh Singh (Civil Engineering - CGPA 9.55), Pranav Parashar (Electronics & Communication Engineering - CGPA 9.28), and Shivani Tomar (MCA - CGPA 9.64) were among the recipients.

Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, was the Chief Guest at the ceremony. Special guests included Virendra Prakash Rathi, Co-Founder of Paratech Group of Industries, and Amitabh Jain, Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh.Notably, Jain, an alumnus of MANIT, was also honoured with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.
A court in the district has sentenced Tunesh Ji, also known as Tunesh Uraon, to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of 20,000 for murder. The ruling was delivered by Principal District and Sessions Judge Naleen Kumar on Saturday.

The case dates back to 22nd December 2008, when a first information report (FIR) was filed at the Bhandariya police station by Chandra Dev Yadav, a resident of Tehri. According to the allegations, on the night of 21st December 2008, militant members of the Bhakpa organisation abducted Asharfi Yadav, Vishnu Panika, and Ramesh Panika near Ramesh Panik's home in Barkol village. They reportedly assaulted the trio before attempting to take them to Bolir Road, Deepa Toli. During the altercation, Ramesh Panik and Vishnu Panik were released after being beaten, but Asharfi Yadav was shot and killed, with the assailants fleeing the scene and leaving his body behind.

The motive for the murder was linked to Asharfi Yadav allegedly absconding with 3 lakh and a weapon belonging to the militant group, prompting retaliatory action from the Bhakpa organisation and its affiliates. Following the incident, an FIR was lodged naming several members of the Naxalite group, including Vinay Ji, Barsa Ji, Jagdish Ji, Ritesh Ji, Indrajit Ji, Vishwanath Ji, Keshwar Ji, Dunesh Ji, Dilip Saw, and approximately 30-35 others.

The Bhandariya police conducted an investigation and submitted a charge sheet, which included supplementary charges against Dunesh Ji. The court then framed charges against him and heard evidence from various witnesses. Ultimately, he was found guilty under Section 302 in conjunction with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code. Alongside the life sentence, the court stipulated an additional year of imprisonment should the fine remain unpaid. The prosecution was spearheaded by Additional Public Prosecutor Jagdev Sahu, while Advocate Ashok Pandey represented the defence.
Residents in the Kolar Road area of the state capital were in for a surprise on Saturday morning as legislator Rameshwar Sharma conducted a nearly four-hour-long walking inspection of ongoing development projects in their neighbourhood.

Sharma oversaw the ongoing construction of the Rs 305 crore Kolar six-lane road project, which is nearing completion. The legislator issued directives to officials to iron out deficiencies in the ongoing work and instructed them to expedite the opening of the old Sarvdharma Bridge.

Officials from PWD, the Municipal Corporation, Police, and the electricity company accompanied Sharma as he inspected the Kolar six-lane and Danish Kunj-Shahpura four-lane roads.

The MLA instructed that the work on the Sarvdharma Bridge be completed immediately. He also called for the completion and activation of the street lighting work.

The new Sarvdharma Bridge is fully operational, while repairs are being carried out on the old bridge. One part of the old bridge is still not open to traffic.

Other notable instructions issued by the BJP leader include the rapid construction of parking spaces in the area and the installation of street lights in the high-traffic zones between Sarvdharma and Chuna Bhatti.Speaking at the conclusion of the inspection, Sharma expressed optimism that the entire project would be completed by the New Year.
Mainland students, teachers praise Taiwan visit for strengthening cross-Strait bonds

Xinhua) 13:31, December 07, 2024

BEIJING, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Students and faculty from Chinese mainland universities, who had just returned from a visit to Taiwan, on Friday praised the trip as a meaningful experience that fostered friendship and highlighted the deep connections across the Taiwan Strait.

At the invitation of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, the delegation of 40 participants from seven mainland universities visited Taiwan from Nov. 27 to Dec. 5. They visited six Taiwan universities, a high school, and cultural sites.

"This was an unforgettable journey of hope," said Qiu Yong, Party secretary of Tsinghua University and head of the delegation. He noted that the trip has provided opportunities to experience local customs and make new friends, and promoted cultural and people-to-people exchanges across the Strait.

"We felt the warmth and hospitality of our Taiwan friends throughout the trip," said Li Guangpu, a doctoral student at Tsinghua University.

Wang Tingting, a faculty member at Zhejiang University, highlighted the ease of communication, noting no barriers in language or culture between the two sides. She said exchanging gifts and adding each other on WeChat quickly brought everyone closer.

Xu Yifan, a graduate student from Sun Yat-sen University, said cultural and artistic exchanges were a highlight of the campus visits, often drawing media attention and uniting young people through their shared love for Chinese culture. "It's like one big family with no visible differences," Xu remarked.

Chen Yili, a student from Fujian Normal University who grew up in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, said she has always felt a natural affinity for Taiwan due to shared traditions and cultural ties between Zhangzhou and Taiwan.

Her interactions with Taiwan peers during this visit deepened her sense of connection, and she hopes for more frequent exchanges in the future, Chen added.

"We always had so much to talk about with our Taiwan counterparts, from academic interests and hobbies to life goals. The nine days felt far too short," said Li. He added that as the group visited each school, students from both sides eagerly exchanged contact details and agreed to meet again on the mainland.

"Our contact lists have grown significantly over these nine days," said Wang Chudi, a student from Peking University. "We've all promised to stay in touch and hope to see each other again soon."

Chen Yunlong, a doctoral student from Zhejiang University, emphasized the strong friendships formed during the trip and the mutual desire among young people on both sides to engage in more exchanges.

"Although this event has ended, it's just the beginning. We sincerely hope that youth from both sides of the Strait will grow even closer," Chen said.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
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.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that the industrial area of Mohasa-Babai will become the center of development for the entire Narmadapuram region. This area in the Satpura range is about to make history. Narmadapuram has achieved tremendous success in the Regional Industrial Conclave (RIC). The land for the Mohasa-Babai Solar Energy Park has expanded from 227 acres to 884 acres. Land allotment letters were also distributed for the establishment of 20 industrial units in the RIC. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the groundbreaking ceremony for power and renewable energy equipment manufacturing units in the Mohasa-Babai industrial area.

The ceremony was attended by Public Works Department and Narmadapuram district in-charge Minister Rakesh Singh, Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Member of Parliament Darshan Singh Choudhary, Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Maya Naroliya, MLAs Dr. Sitasaran Sharma, Vijaypal Singh, Prem Shankar Verma, Principal Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Investment and Promotion Department Raghvendra Singh, along with other public representatives, industrial unit representatives, and a large crowd.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasized that the Mohasa-Babai industrial area is poised to create a new history in the renewable energy sector. Over 2,000 crore rupees are being invested in industrial units being set up in this area. Local youths from Sohagpur, Itarsi, Seoni Malwa, Pipariya, and Pachmarhi will benefit from employment opportunities, and migration for jobs from these areas will be halted. Due to the investments made in the RIC, the entire economic landscape of the Narmadapuram region will change in just 2 to 3 years. The hardworking people of Narmadapuram will play a key role in this industrial development. With its rich forest resources, land, and better road and rail connectivity, Narmadapuram is highly suitable for industrial growth.

Yadav further stated that after Ujjain, Jabalpur, Rewa, Gwalior, and Sagar, the 6th Regional Industry Conclave is being held in Narmadapuram. Narmadapuram has achieved the most success in industrial development within a short time. The government has decided to pass on the direct benefits of the industrial parks unique features and financial incentives to investors. In addition, land has been made available to investors at very low rates.

The In-charge Minister for the district and Public Works Minister, Rakesh Singh, said that under the tireless efforts and visionary leadership of Chief Minister Yadav, Narmadapuram is set to undergo a transformation. Dr. Yadav has traveled across the country and abroad, attracting industrial investment and generating employment in the state. With the investment of thousands of crores in Narmadapuram, not only will the youth of the region get employment, but Narmadapuram will also be established as an industrial development hub globally.

Chief Secretary Anurag Jain congratulated the people of the region on the allocation of land for industrial units and said that the establishment of industries in the region would create significant employment. He also thanked Chief Minister Yadav for approving the 884-acre Mohasa-Babai industrial park in such a short time, giving the area a new identity and speeding up industrial development.

He mentioned that a multi-modal logistics park would also be planned here, which would be developed into an ideal industrial park. The entire team, along with industrialists, will work together on this initiative. Jain also highlighted that due to Chief Minister Dr. Yadavs efforts, investors are continuously being attracted to Madhya Pradesh.
Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, Ajay Tamta conducted a meeting to evaluate the implementation of Aspirational District Program on Saturday at Circuit House, Ranchi.

In this meeting Deputy Commissioner Ranchi, Manjunath Bhajantri, Deputy Development Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Yadav, Private Secretary to State Minister Nikhil Saraswat (I.R.S.) Assistant Collector cum Assistant Magistrate Aditya Pandey and Project Director ITDA, Ranchi. Sanjay Kumar Bhagat along with various other officials were present.

In the meeting Tamta reviewed the innovations done in the district and the improvement of health, agriculture, animal husbandry department, women and child development department, education department, financial inclusion, skill development and rural infrastructure through a PPT. Along with this, the challenges faced in the district were discussed by doing an in- depth review on different indicators.

Tamta especially spoke about removing the gaps in the school infrastructure and which major exams the students of government schools have taken after passing 12th. The senior official took information about this from the District Education Officer and issued necessary instructions.

Tamta gave several necessary guidelines to the concerned officials while emphasising on promoting advanced agricultural practices like mulching and drip irrigation, addressing the shortage of health professionals and expediting projects in electrification, sanitation and road development.

Tamta, during his visit, visited the flower cultivation initiative under National Horticulture Mission at village- Hesatu, Panchayat- Gagri, Block-Ormanjhi. Led by progressive farmer Shashi Bhushan Sharan, the project is spread over five acres and showcases the district's progress in sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods. Tamta appreciated the efforts and encouraged all stakeholders to enhance their contribution to achieve transformational development in Ranchi.
In a chilling incident, 22-year-old Sandeep Prajapati was abducted and murdered for standing up to a man who was harassing his sister.

Sandeeps body was discovered in the Ratapani forest, around 50 kilometers from the State capital, five days after he was kidnapped on December 2. The accused, identified as Awakesh alias Awadhesh, is a wanted criminal from Bihar who had been hiding in the Chola Mandir area of Bhopal. Awakesh, who had been harassing Sandeeps sister, reportedly became enraged after Sandeep confronted him and warned him to stay away.

Police suspect that Awakesh orchestrated the abduction and murder to exact revenge.Sandeep, an auto-rickshaw driver, lived in a rented room in the Chola Mandir area, where he first came into contact with Awakesh.

The two had known each other for six years and shared familial connections. However, trouble began when Awakesh began harassing Sandeep's sister, leading to a dispute between the two men.

According to Chola Mandir police station in-charge Suresh Chandra Nagar, Awakesh lured Sandeep on the pretext of meeting him on December 2.

Later, Sandeeps family received a call from his phone, with the caller claiming that Sandeep had met with an accident. The phone was then switched off. The following day, Awakesh called Sandeep's sister, Vandana, demanding a ransom of ?1 lakh for Sandeeps release. However, Vandana recognized Awakeshs voice during the call, as he had been a frequent visitor to their home. She immediately informed her father, who reported the incident to the police.Police tracked the ransom call to Morena, while subsequent calls were traced to Nagpur. Investigations revealed that the SIM card used for the calls was registered in the name of a constable posted in Gwalior, who had blocked the number two years earlier. Despite a massive search operation across Delawadi forest, Nagpur, and Morena, Sandeeps body was found on December 6 in Ratapani forest. Authorities believe he was killed three to four days prior to the discovery.

Awakesh has a history of serious criminal offenses and has been absconding from Bihar for two years, with several cases registered against him. Police suspect that the murder was premeditated, as Awakesh sought to retaliate after being confronted by Sandeep.

Sandeep's grieving family revealed that Awakesh had been close to them for years, and they were unaware of his criminal background. Vandana, who identified the suspect, expressed shock that someone they trusted could commit such a heinous crime. Sandeeps mother is reportedly devastated and has fainted multiple times since the news of his death.

Four police teams, including the Crime Branch, are working tirelessly to locate Awakesh. Raids have been conducted in Kerala, Patna, Morena, and Uttar Pradesh. Inputs have also been shared with Bihar Police to aid in his capture.This case highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked criminal activity and underscores the bravery of a young man who stood up to injustice, paying the ultimate price. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities remain determined to bring the accused to justice.
Where are the bold, thoughtful voices that once defined Indian literature? As commercial pressures dominate, the true art of writing seems increasingly overshadowed, writes Gyaneshwar Dayal

It is a paradox of sorts: while peoples reading habits are at an all-time low, there is a flood of writers producing content on virtually every subject. From fiction and non-fiction to cookbooks and travelogues, the book market is booming like never before.

The Indian publishing industry was valued at approximately INR 500 billion in 2019, with projections indicating growth to INR 800 billion by 2024. This sector significantly contributes to Indias economic development, fostering learning, education, and employment for over 1.2 million people.

Recent reports suggest that the industry is expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 19.4%, with some estimates as high as 25%. This growth is particularly notable in the printbook market, which is anticipated to see substantial increases in value. Educational books dominate the sector, while the increasing adoption of eBooks and digital content is transforming the industry. Despite a decline in print publishing revenues due to shifting consumer preferences towards online books, magazines, and newspapers, the combined revenue from print and digital publishing continues to grow, illustrating that publishing as a whole is not in decline.

India has approximately 19,000 publishers. The publishing industry in India is vibrant but scattered, with no single association having more than 1,000 members. Evaluating publishers can be challenging, as it involves considering factors such as market size, reputation, genres covered, and influence on the literary landscape. Among the prominent names in Indian publishing, Penguin Random House India stands out as a major player, recognised for its diverse portfolio, literary excellence, and global reach. It publishes celebrated authors such as Arundhati Roy and Salman Rushdie, establishing itself as a giant in the industry.

HarperCollins India, established in 1992, is another notable publisher with a strong presence across genres, including fiction, self-help, and business books. It is home to renowned authors like Amitav Ghosh, Chetan Bhagat, and Paulo Coelho. Rupa Publications, one of Indias oldest and most respected publishers, specialises in Indian fiction, biographies, and academic works, with imprints such as Rupa, Oak, and Fingerprint.

Bloomsbury India launched in 2002, has also made a mark in the industry with its high-quality literary fiction, non-fiction, childrens books, and academic texts. Together, these publishers play a vital role in shaping Indias literary landscape and catering to the evolving preferences of readers.

But when it comes to writers it is another story. Given the size of the country, even a small percentage of people trying their hand in writing becomes large in absolute terms. However, not all are equally talented or taught. Of course, creativity cannot be taught in school, but style and form can be. With very few institutions that hone the craft of writing the writing suffers and only a handful of writers stand out in the ocean of mediocrity.

Of course, Books cannot be strictly categorised as good or bad; they are simply those you cherish and those you dont. Some books resonate deeply, while others leave you wondering who they were written for. Even so, labelling a book as bad feels unfair; what one dislikes might be perfect for someone with different tastes or standards. But having said that it is also true some books leave a bad taste in the mouth for almost all.

Though the number of writers is swelling, which is indeed a good thing that cannot be said about the quality of books written by them. There is a growing trend among new Indian authors to just write and have a book under their name. This is perhaps more true of writers writing in English than in other Indian languages. Many recent books feel amateurish and hastily written. Its frustrating to see many careless writings being passed off as literature, leaving readers feeling duped.

Many books are being churned out with similar themes as if other streams have dried up  ala Bollywood which tends to produce similar films after a blockbuster, hoping to cash in on the success. Others who experiment often end up with juvenile themes and shallow characters. It seems the trend began with the overwhelming success of Chetan Bhagat. While Bhagats book was light and entertaining, its success led many aspiring writers to believe they could replicate his formula without effortby simply injecting Bollywood-like cliches into their stories.

Many times writers succumb to commercial temptations, trying to publish which would get them a filmmaker like Slumdog Millionaire after the film adaptations Oscar triumph. Thus, we have a trend: literature crafted to satisfy a superficial public demand, rather than to challenge or inspire.

No doubt publishing is a business like any other and must make a profit. It also has to compete with the readers attention span of human goldfish- the GenZ. But that often comes with a big price tag. Where are the bold, thoughtful voices of Indian literature? Where are the Salman Rushdies, Amitav Ghoshes, R.K. Narayan, and Anita Desais of today? Literature thrives on diversity, but the current scene of Indian writing in English seems weighed down by opportunists chasing fame over craft. And make no mistake this trend is here to stay. It is all over -- visible in the literature festivals even in the reputed ones.

The Allure of Writing Retreats

Writing retreats emerge as havens for writing enthusiasts, offering serene surroundings to inspire creativity and refine their craft

As they say, it is easy to write a book but difficult to make a person read it. To make it readable it needs to be worth the time and effort of the reader  give him or her some insights, information or perspective he didnt have or make him laugh or cry if that is intended. Translating thoughts into words is an art that deserves to be approached with seriousness. To do so, one must often seclude themselves, almost in a spiritual sense, and dedicate their focus to the act of writing.

Writing retreats are an excellent opportunity to refine your skills, learn the ropes, and gain insight into the publishing industry. Mentors, often editors from the industry, along with established writers, offer valuable tips and guidance.

In a world increasingly characterised by distractions, writing retreats have emerged as sanctuaries where budding writers can focus, grow, and thrive. These retreats offer a unique blend of solitude, community, and professional guidance, making them appealing to anyone passionate about honing their craft.

Writing retreats often take place in idyllic settings, mountains, beaches, countryside estates, away from the hustle of daily life. This change of scenery not only inspires creativity but also provides the peace needed to concentrate on storytelling. Many retreats combine workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and group discussions, creating a collaborative yet personal environment. Fortunately, we have many literary retreats to choose from, some good, others very good!

TheWriteScenes Landour Writers Retreat recently unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of inspiration and creativity. Founded by award-winning author Deeba Salim Irfan, this retreat was not just a gathering of minds but a sanctuary for writers from across India, offering them the opportunity to refine their craft in the tranquil surroundings that once inspired the renowned author Ruskin Bond.

I founded the Landour Writing Retreat to provide aspiring writers with the support they need to thrive. Drawing from my own experience as a published and award-winning author, I understand the challenges and rewards of the writing journey. The serene setting of Landour inspires creativity and focus. Beyond Landour, I organise retreats in picturesque locations like Kangra Valley, India, Slovenia and Lapland (Northern Lights) fostering a global community of writers. I also curate the English and Filipino sessions of the Tahbib Literary Festival in Dubai, a platform for diverse voices and literary exchange, Deeba says with a smile and a sense of satisfaction.

The sense of community is another powerful draw. Writing can be a solitary endeavour, and retreats allow participants to connect with like-minded individuals. Writing is a solitary profession. You sit alone with memory and imagination, both equal parts dangerous and exciting. Writing retreats are a warm hand extended in time, nudging you on, picking you up and sometimes, putting you back on track says author and lawyer Sonia Chauhan.

The Landour Writing Retreat is one such retreat. From the hosts to the sessions to the participants, it was a motivating journey. Sharing ideas, receiving feedback, and networking with peers and mentors can be incredibly motivating and lead to lifelong creative partnerships. What participants feel is indeed writ large on their faces, the Landour Writing Retreat was more than a getaway, it was a turning point in my writing journey. I discovered the art of truly listening to my inner voice. The retreats emphasis on discipline balanced with creativity taught me to treat writing as both a craft and a calling. Sessions by seasoned experts from the publishing industry added technical depth, knowledge, and insights into demystifying the process of writing and publishing in India, says Bijetri Roy, an upcoming writer in her own right.

Additionally, retreats often invite established authors, editors, and publishers to guide participants. This access to industry professionals offers budding writers invaluable insights into the craft of writing and the business of getting published.

For many budding talents, the challenge isnt just about writingits about finding the time and discipline to do so consistently. Writing retreats provide structured schedules that balance writing time with relaxation, fostering a productive rhythm. They also encourage writers to step out of their comfort zones, experiment with new styles, and confront creative blocks.

The Landour Retreat was a perfect combination of creativity-sparking processes, sufficient unstructured time to allow writing whenever one entered a flow, and quality discussion time with a bunch of like-minded people who write because they love to, and who felt like long-known friends even though we had all just met. The insights shared by publishing industry professionals at the Retreat were invaluable eye-openers for me, says gratified Nilanjana, an avid reader and a writer.

In recent years, writing retreats have gained immense popularity, driven partly by the rise of remote work and digital nomadism. People now seek fulfilling, creative experiences that go beyond their day-to-day routines. As more people explore writing as a career or serious hobby, the demand for such retreats has surged. This trend reflects a cultural shift toward valuing personal storytelling and self-expression. Networking at retreats is also a valuable opportunity to build connections that could open doors to literary agents, publishers, and collaborative opportunities.

Indias literary scene is a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, marked by its linguistic diversity and exploration of contemporary themes like gender, mental health, and identity. Regional narratives and translations are gaining prominence, while digital platforms and self-publishing empower emerging voices. Young writers experiment with genres like fantasy and speculative fiction, and women authors tackle issues of patriarchy and empowerment. International accolades, such as Geetanjali Shrees Booker Prize win, highlight Indias global literary impact, says Rajul, who is a well-known mentor and editor.

Writing retreats are more than just creative getaways; they are transformative experiences that equip writers with the tools, confidence, and connections needed to succeed. Whether youre an aspiring novelist, a poet, or a memoirist, a writing retreat could be the spark that ignites your literary journey.
The Supreme Court has constituted a special bench to hear a batch of PILs challenging the validity of certain provisions of a 1991 law that prohibits filing a lawsuit to reclaim a place of worship or seek a change in its character from what prevailed on August 15, 1947.

A three-judge bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan is likely to hear the matter on December 12 at 3:30 pm.

The top court is seized of the pleas, including one filed by Ashwini Upadhyay who has prayed that sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 be set aside. Among the various reasons submitted was the contention that these provisions take away the right of judicial remedy to reclaim a place of worship of any person or a religious group.

The matter will be heard in the backdrop of several suits filed in various courts, including related to Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura and Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, claiming that these were built after destroying ancient temples and seeking permission to offer Hindu prayers there. The Muslim side in most of these cases have cited the 1991 law to argue that such suits are not maintainable.

As many as six petitions, including those filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, have been filed against the provisions of the 1991 law.

While former Union minister Swamy wanted the apex court to "read down" certain provisions to enable Hindus to stake claim over the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura, Upadhyay claimed the entire statute was unconstitutional and no question of reading down arises.

The doctrine of reading down a law is generally used to save a statute from being struck down on account of its unconstitutionality.

On the other hand, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind had cited the five-judge Constitution bench judgement in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title case, noting the reference to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, to argue that the law cannot be set aside now.

The top court had on March 12, 2022, sought the Centre's response to the plea filed by Upadhyay challenging the validity of certain provisions of the law.

The petition alleged that the 1991 law creates an "arbitrary and irrational retrospective cut-off date" of August 15, 1947, for maintaining the character of the places of worship or pilgrimage against encroachment done by "fundamentalist-barbaric invaders and law-breakers".

The 1991 law prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

The law had made only one exception -- on the dispute pertaining to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri masjid in Ayodhya.
Two days after being sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday took oath as an MLA along with deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, while the opposition MVA boycotted the ceremony alleging EVM misuse.

The opposition members refused to take oath as members of the of the newly-constituted legislative assembly on the first day of the three-day special session of the House, as they raised question marks over the ruling Mahayuti alliance's massive mandate and the trustworthiness of the electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Fadnavis, Shinde and Pawar were administered the oath of office as MLAs by pro-tem assembly speaker Kalidas Kolambkar soon after the proceedings began at 11 am. Before them, Chainsukh Sancheti, Jaykumar Rawal (both BJP), Manikrao Kokate (NCP) and Ashish Jaiswal (Shiv Sena) took oath as they have been appointed as members of the pro-tem speaker's panel by Governor C P Radhakrishnan.

They were the first to take oath as members of the House on Saturday. CM Fadnavis, who represents the Nagpur South-West assembly constituency, took oath as a member of the state legislature's Lower House for the sixth time, having been first elected as an MLA in 1999. As Fadnavis' name was called out by the pro-tem speaker, he was greeted by members of the treasury benches by thumping their desks.

Some members raised slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji'. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde was also greeted with similar slogans with BJP's Ashish Shelar, Girish Mahajan and Ravindra Chavan, thumping their desks before he took oath. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar sported a traditional red 'pheta' (head gear) with golden border. His party members raised 'Ekach (only one) Dada, Ajit Dada'.

Pawar, who represents the Baramati assembly seat, was first elected as an MLA in 1991. Talking to reporters on the premises of the Vidhan Bhavan about the opposition's boycott, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said, "The MVA has decided not to take oath as members of the house on day one."

"When a government comes to power with such a thumping majority, there are celebrations. But a question arises whether the mandate it received was given by the people or (got with the help of) the EVMs and the Election Commission of India," he said.

The opposition is also protesting against the curfew and arrests made in Markadwadi village in Malshiras assembly constituency of Solapur, where villagers have been demanding a mock poll using ballot papers, Thackeray said.

"We are not taking oath considering the doubts that people have in their mind," he added. In the November 20 assembly polls, the Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP retained power in Maharashtra, pocketing a whopping 230 of the 288 assembly seats. The BJP won 132 seats, the Shiv Sena 57 and the NCP got 41 seats.

The MVA managed to win only 46 seats with Shiv Sena (UBT) getting 20, Congress 16 and NCP (SP) 10. Before the proceedings of the House began, Aaditya Thackeray was seen shaking hands with CM Fadnavis as the two met on the Vidhan Sabha premises. Meanwhile, former assembly speakers Dilip Walse-Patil, Rahul Narwekar, former deputy speaker Narhari Zhirwal, senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, BJP leaders Vijaykumar Gavit, Girish Mahajan also took oath as MLAs. Mahajan took oath in Sanskrit.

The former minister said he has taken oath six times as an MLA in the past and continued to do so for the seventh time. NCP leader Hasan Mushrif took oath with an invocation to Allah. Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Asim Azmi was also administered the oath of office. NCP MLAs sported phetas of pink colour. The pink jacket being worn by Ajit Pawar, especially during the election campaign, has become a talking point in political circles and common people.

It is being seen as Pawar's attempt to reach out to women voters. The Shiv Sena MLAs wore saffron phetas. Before entering the house, Fadnavis, Shinde and Pawar paid floral tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji in the premises of the state legislative assembly.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will embark on a three-day trip to Russia on Sunday to witness the commissioning of a stealth warship into the Indian Navy and hold talks with his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov on the expansion of bilateral cooperation in co-production of military hardware.

The Russian-manufactured multi-role stealth guided missile frigate INS Tushil will be commissioned on Monday in the coastal city of Kaliningrad.

The warship, billed as one of the most technologically advanced frigates globally, is expected to significantly bolster the Indian Navy's operational capability in the Indian Ocean, a region that has witnessed increasing Chinese forays.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi will accompany Singh to the commissioning ceremony.

Defence Minister Singh will pay an official visit to the Russian Federation from December 8 to 10, an official readout said on Saturday.

It said Singh and Belousov will co-chair the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) in Moscow on December 10.

The defence minister's visit to Russia comes five months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Moscow and held summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In the talks, both sides decided to further bolster two-way defence ties.

Singh and Belousov will review the entire range of multi-faceted relations between the two countries in the field of defence, including military-to-military and industrial cooperation, the defence ministry said in the readout.

"They will also exchange views on contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest," it said.

People familiar with Singh's visit said India-Russia cooperation in co-production of military hardware will figure prominently in the talks between the two defence ministers.

"As part of the visit, the defence minister will also commission the Indian Navy's latest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate 'INS Tushil' at Yantra Shipyard, Kaliningrad on December 9," the ministry said.

It said Singh will also pay tributes at 'The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' in Moscow to honour the Soviet soldiers killed during the Second World War.

He is also scheduled to interact with the members of the Indian community in Moscow.
Bihar Police on Saturday dismissed social media rumours about the arrest of Patna-based tutor and YouTuber Khan Sir, stating he had come to a police station on his own accord to express solidarity with protesters detained over an illegal demonstration near the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) office.

Anu Kumari, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Sachiwalay-1, warned of initiating action against the social media handle 'Khan Global Studies' for spreading misinformation about his arrest.

"Police have initiated the process of taking legal action against social media handle 'Khan Global Studies' for spreading misinformation about the arrest of Khan Sir. It's baseless... He has not been arrested," she said.

"People associated with the social media handle are demanding the release of Khan Sir through various posts since this morning," she said.

Patna Police clarified that Khan Sir had come to Gardani Bagh police station after meeting protesters in the locality where they were staging a dharna on Friday evening.

"He was repeatedly asked to leave the police station. On this, he requested personnel of the Gardani Bagh police station to drop him in a police vehicle near his car parked near Atal Path. As requested, he was taken in the police vehicle to the spot where his car was parked. He was neither detained nor arrested," she said.

Khan Sir openly supported the agitating BPSC aspirants following the lathi-charge in Patna on Friday. He reached the dharna site in the Gardani Bagh locality in Patna to express their solidarity with the agitators.

Police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the large group of protesting aspirants near the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) office in Patna, who were demanding withdrawal of "changes" to the rules for the 70th BPSC Preliminary Examination scheduled for December 13.

Police registered a case against agitating students who attempted to block the movement of traffic on Bailey Road near the BPSC office and arrested student leader Dilip Kumar for attempting to organise a protest in the restricted area.

Eyewitnesses claimed that two-three aspirants were injured in the lathi-charge, a charge denied by the officials.

"No protester sustained any injury. Mild force was used to disperse those who tried to break the police barricade," a police officer said.

The protesters were demanding that the BPSC preliminary examination be conducted in the 'one shift, one paper' format, rather than using the 'normalisation of marks' process.

Normalisation equalises scores from examinations held in multiple shifts using a statistical formula.

BPSC said that no changes will be made in the examination process and the old system will be used.

Khan Sir on Friday demanded that a statement be issued by none other than the BPSC chairman ruling out the use of the 'normalisation process' for the examination, and extend the examination date as many aspirants faced technical issues while applying.

The 70th BPSC Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination, scheduled for December 13, will recruit candidates for Group A and B posts. Around five lakh candidates are expected to appear for the exam, which will be conducted across 925 centres.

The BPSC on Saturday clarified that no 'normalisation process' would be followed in the BPSC exam and it will be held on December 13 across the state.
Suneet Varmas Quetzalli collection fuses Mexican craftsmanship with Indian couture, celebrating elegance, heritage and artistry, says SAKSHI PRIYA

Fashion is a language, a story told through fabric and beads, a canvas that speaks of cultures and dreams. When Suneet Varma takes the stage, the fabric transforms into poetry. His latest collection, Quetzalli, unveiled in collaboration with PATRON Tequila, is a masterpiece that bridges continents, blending the fiery soul of Mexico with the intricate elegance of Indian couture. The evening sparkled with sophistication at The Upper House by Tivoli as Varmas designs graced the runway. Each model brought the audience into a world where tradition and innovation existed side by side. The inspiration? A journey to the legendary Hacienda PATRON in Jalisco, Mexico, where tequila is an art form in itself. Quetzalli emerged not as a tribute to tequila but to the shared spirit of meticulous craftsmanship that defines both cultures.

The collection redefined the colour black, giving it depth, allure and richness. Sheer black gowns adorned with intricate lacework were delicately touched with hints of gold that shimmered under the lights, like secrets waiting to be discovered. These werent just clothes; they were symbols of confidence, elegance, and a celebration of womanhood. Accessories played a crucial role, with statement necklaces gleaming in antique gold and belts cinching the waistlines of capes and gowns, adding structure to the delicate. Ornate headpieces gave the models an almost regal aura, transforming the runway into a scene of modern-day queens.

Suneet Varmas artistry lies in storytelling. In Quetzalli, lace represented Mexicos ancient traditions, while embroidery techniques showcased Indias unparalleled craftsmanship. The silhouettes flowed effortlessly, structured yet soft, tailored yet fluid. From tiered skirts with voluminous ruffles reminiscent of traditional Mexican dresses to contemporary separates designed for the modern woman, the collection was versatile, sensual and unmistakably Suneet. Silver, drawing inspiration from PATRONs meticulous tequila-making process, starting with hand-harvested Weber Blue Agave and crafting exceptional varieties like Silver, Reposado, Anejo and the ultra-premium El Cielo, was used to add a touch of refinement and sophistication to the pieces. Sheer capes adorned with metallic motifs floated behind models, reflecting the mystical energy of the Quetzal bird, after which the collection is named.

The collection also celebrated the art of working with feathers in Mexico, known as plumeria. This technique, highly valued in pre-Hispanic and colonial Mexico, was reflected in the dramatic feather details seen on some pieces in the collection. Suneet Varmas use of this ancient art form was a reflection of his respect for both Mexican heritage and the craftsmanship behind each element of his designs. The feather details were used not just as decoration but as an integral part of the concept, evoking the elegance and mysticism of Mexicos rich history.

Varmas designs arent limited by time or trends, they are experiences. Quetzalli is for the woman who wants to walk into a room and own it. Whether its an evening gala, an intimate dinner, or a rooftop soiree, these pieces make the wearer the focus without needing to speak. The grand finale brought the audience to its feet as the designer himself took a bow amidst applause. Dressed impeccably, Suneet Varma acknowledged the partnership that made Quetzalli possible. It wasnt just fashion; it was a celebration of how heritage can evolve and adapt without losing its essence.

Fashion is more than just clothes, its a way of life. Quetzalli captures this ethos, blending two cultures while staying true to artistry. Its about reimagining tradition, embracing innovation, and celebrating the craftspeople who bring every stitch and bead to life. As the night ended, the buzz in the air was filled with admiration for Varmas genius and the journey of Quetzalli. In the hands of Suneet Varma, fabric becomes a storyteller and Quetzalli tells a tale that stays with you long after the runway lights dim. For now, its not just a collection; its a legacy waiting to be adorned.

Suneet Varma says, This collaboration with PATRON Tequila brings together our shared passion for artistry and heritage. The Quetzalli collection reflects a fusion of refined couture and Mexicos rich culture, honoring both PATRONs craftsmanship and my vision for elegance."

Viva la moda, viva la herencia!

PHOTOS: PANKAJ KUMAR
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 began on Thursday.

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.
UPDATE: Barely 2 days before the election and Im glad we have politicians who are making it easy for first time voters to find their precinct even if I cant locate mine on the online precinct finder. I got my voters information card through the help of the mayor of the city I am registered today.

If you cant find your name on the online precinct finder they advise you to go to your local COMELEC office so you can find out if your name is on the master list of voters.



In less than a month, the 2010 Philippine National elections begins. Actually the absentee voting for our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) started yesterday. Some of our friends, families and relatives have cast their votes already and voting and counting of their ballots, since they are still doing a manual voting abroad, will take about a month.

My question is, are you ready to vote on May 10, 2010 Philippine Elections? Do you know what to do and where to go since everything will be very different from the last election because the electronic voting will be now implemented.

Do you know where your voting precinct is?

If not then you can check if your name and precinct appears in this Online Precinct Finder of COMELEC (Commission on Elections). This is where you can find your voting precinct. The Online Precinct Finder will ask your full name (first name, middle name and last name) date, month and year of birth). If you find your name good for you! Write it down and try to scout your voting precinct to make it easier for you on the election day itself. If you didnt find your name (like me) you still have time to pay a visit to your local election offices and ask them where your voting precinct is.

Do you know how to vote on an Automated Election System?





Follow these seven simple steps:

Bring your valid ID and voters ID on May 10, 2010 and go to your voting precinct that you located via the online precinct finder. Get your ballots to the Board of Election Inspector (BEI) who will verify your identity before giving you the ballots. Pay attention to the BEI instructions. Make sure that your ballot has no markings and that the oval shaped thing is not shaded in any way, if so, have your MMS capable cellphone ready, take a photo and return to the BEI for proof. If your ballot is clear of all suspicious marking proceed to the voting area and fill up the ballot. Remember to completely shade the inside of the oval shape mark beside the person you are voting. Take your ballot to the counting machine and feed your ballot right side down and wait for the confirmation message. Go back to the BEI for indelible inking of your index finger.

Good luck and God Bless the Philippines!





Image from GMATV News
Great new for my fellow Filipino who likes to travel a lot! India now offers visa upon arrival in India! The tourist visa upon arrival took effect last January 1, 2011!

Full text of the announcement:

The visa on arrival shall be granted by the Immigration Officers at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata airports and shall be valid for a maximum of 30 days, single entry. The Tourist Visa-on-Arrival shall be allowed for a maximum of two times in a calendar year with a minimum gap of two months between each visit. These visas are non-extendable and non convertible.

Who are eligible:

Filipinos with valid passports with at least 6 months validity or re-entry permit if required

Visiting India for the purpose of tourism (recreation, sight-seeing, visiting friends & relatives).

Fulfills all other criteria for grant of normal tourist visa to India such as assured financial standing (production of confirmed return ticket, or ticket for onward journey within 30 days of arrival at India, proof of availability of sufficient funds to spend in India).

Documents required:

Passport size photographs

Photocopy of the passport

Who are not eligible:

Filipino who was or whose parents or grand parents were born in and was permanent residents in Pakistan,

Persons holding diplomatic/official passports

Persons who are residents or works in India

Persons who are declared persona non grata by the Government of India, and is the subject of a black list or any warning circular or restrictive list.

Fee:

A fee of US$60 per passenger or equivalent amount in Indian Rupees

Please feel free to get in touch with our Documentations Department for further assistance on this and other visa matters.

Documentations Department (Manila): 523-8801 local 8701 to 03 and (Makati): 894-0886 local 1701 to 07

Isnt this a great news? Lets go to India! Finally Ill be able to see Taj Mahal!

What places in India would you like to see?

Stay gorgeous everyone!
I always thought stuffed toys, now more known as plushies are mass produced and machine made. I was wrong, very very wrong. Each of the plush toys you see in the toy store are carefully and lovingly hand-stiched one piece at a time and the process is not easy.

Plush and Play, a social entrerprise born in the GK Enchanted Farm in Bulacan had me experience making one of their plush toys at the SM Megamall Atrium and its not an easy job that everyone could do, especially if you dont have the patience and skill to sew by hand and using a high-speed sewing machine!

I was guided with the process of making the Plush and Play toy where I was given the hand on picking the design I would like to make. It was really an immersion kind of things so that we can appreciate more of whats behind the simple toy and why patronize it.

First was picking a design, then tracing the shape, then cutting it, then sewing it using the high speed sewing machine leaving a small space for putting in the stuffing, then stuffing it, then hand sewing the space you used to fill it with fillers, then hand sew the details like leaves, eyes, nose, mouth, eye-lashes, necktie, ribbons or whatever you want on your plushie.

Honestly, I was not able to finish my plush toy as I did not have the luxury of time that day to finish the entire toy, I was not able to sew the details. It took me 30 minutes to finish sewing the base plush and the leaves on, I picked a mango btw, but I leave it to the Mothers of Gawad Kalinga to finish it for me (I feel bad haha!)

But I saw my Manggo Plushy naming it Manggagawa lol it was cute. Yuki kept it for me! Mine was the one of the right. Pic from Ava!



Which leads me to tell you all the reasons to patronize the Plush and Play toys:

Each toy is carefully hand-stiched with love by Gawad Kalinga Mothers It restores the Filipino samstresses livelihood and pride in their craftsmanship. This gives Gawad Kalinga community mothers a livelihood that they can do at the comforts of their own home. Plush and Play toys are proudly Filipino made and is the first Filipino plush toy brand being sold at Toy Kingdom The Plush and Play toys are based on Philippine symbols and characters to educate the young people of the Philippine heritage and culture.

Would you like to try making your own plushie too?

You can personally try making your own plush toy, just drop by at the SM Megamall Atrium and approach any staff about the The Plush and Play Date activity area. This is the first and biggest toy making activity to date. They will be there until Sunday November 15,2015!

This is something you and your kids can enjoy doing together, this will make them appreciate their plushies more and a very education activity for them too (just guide them with the needles and the scissors can be very tricky to use).

If you want to know more about Plush and Play follow them on their social media accounts @PlushandPlay on Instagram and Twitter.

Stay gorgeous everyone!
Joni Gambosova (nee Hendrick), from Glenville, and her husband Tomas Gambos, from Nove Zamky, Slovakia, tied the knot recently.

Women in Slovakia take on ova at the end of their surnames, hence the differing surnames, explained Joni.

The couple first met in the summer of 2019 while both working as camp counsellors in Missouri, USA.

I was dressed as the character Dobby from Harry Potter when we first met, which helped break the ice and got us talking and laughing with one another, Joni said.

Tomas moved to Ireland four years ago and the couple have been living in Glenville ever since.

He popped the question to Joni after three years together, on a beach while on holiday in Dubrovnik, Croatia. They were married on July 6 in Slovakia.

We had both our ceremony and reception at a gorgeous vineyard venue called Chateau Ruban in a small village called Ruban, said Joni.

Joni Gambosova and Tomas Gambos on their wedding day.

The wedding was attended by the couples closest family and friends.

Unfortunately, my grandparents werent able to make the trip over, so we had the ceremony live-streamed so they could tune in from home and feel a part of the big day, Joni added.

The ceremony was held in both Slovak and English, which Joni said was really interesting for the guests and meant both families could understand everything.

It is tradition for the groom to walk down the aisle escorted by his mother before the bride is escorted down by her father in Slovakia, so we did that, said Joni.

The couple were married at a vineyard.

The bride wore a champagne dress from Say I Do in Midleton. It was one of the first dresses I tried on and I knew it was the one immediately! My shoes were champagne satin heels thrifted from a local charity shop and all of my jewellery was either gifts from family/friends or borrowed from my mother.

My best friends mother is a hairdresser so she did mine and my bridesmaids hair as well as attending the wedding, and my make-up was done by a local make-up artist from Tomas home town. Tomas suit was from Suits.ie in Blackpool and his shoes/accessories were either thrifted or stuff he already owned, the bride said.

Joni Gambosova and Tomas Gambos with their bridal party.

Joni had six bridesmaids, including her sister who was maid of honour.

The reception was held outside at the vineyard in a marquee that was draped with flowers and fairy lights.

It was a gorgeous sunny day so we had to make the most of the weather and have it outside. The venue is also in quite an isolated area so it meant at night-time we could see the stars which was great, Joni said.

The wedding cake was made by a family friend and the couple didnt get to see it until it was brought out to be cut.

Joni and Tomas had no idea what their cake would look like until it was brought out to be cut.

Thankfully, it exceeded all my expectations and was so delicious. We also had a cake made of cheese for people who prefer something a bit more savoury which went down a treat, added the bride.

Their photographer was Martin Zikavsk.

Music was by The Ian Hendrick Band - the brides father is the frontman of the band.

The bride said that writing and saying their own vows was one of the highlights of their day.

Their first dance was to All About You by McFly.

The Cork womans cousins are competitive Irish dancers so they put on a surprise show for the couple.

While the couple said it was hard to pinpoint the most memorable thing about the day, they said that saying their vows was particularly special.

We decided to write our own and there wasnt a dry eye in the room by the end of them, added Joni.

Pictures: Martin Zikavsky (@m.zikavsky on Instagram)
A family living in 60-year-old social housing flats has spent three years begging Cork City Council to move them from a home overrun with rats and prone to damp and mould.

Muhammad Tahir Khan, his wife Mishal Arshad, who is pregnant, their three-year-old son, and Mr Khans elderly parents, live in a two-bedroom council flat on Clashduv Road, in Togher.

The adults are originally from Pakistan, and all are Irish citizens.

All of the residents have medical conditions, either caused or exacerbated by their living conditions. A doctors letter from 2021 urges the council to rehouse the family.

In October, residents in neighbouring flats told The Echo the buildings had gone beyond their expected life-span and were prone to damp, mould and rodent infestation.

According to the councils tenants handbook, tenants are responsible for addressing infestations in their homes, but the Clashduv Road tenants say the rats are coming through their attics and walls from adjoining properties.

Everywhere we have rats, we are overrun, Mr Khan said.

We clean up all the time, but you can see droppings in cupboards every day.

The flat is kept spotlessly clean, and is bright and tidy, but there were fresh rat droppings on the floor of the hot press the day The Echo visited.

Mr Khan said the cold and damp in his familys home is ongoing, and black mould continually returns, despite their best efforts to tackle the problem.

Every two weeks we bleach the walls to try to take off the black mould and repaint the walls, but the mould spreads to the curtains and onto the ceiling, Mr Khan said.

The two-monthly electricity bills for the flat, seen by The Echo, come to approximately 700 each month, and Mr Khan said most of their expenditure is on heating, even during the summer months.

Mr Khan showed The Echo three years worth of correspondence in which he wrote to Cork City Council requesting that his family be rehoused.

I have written hundreds of letters begging the council to move us, and only last month they have offered to rehouse us [on the northside of the city] but because we all have medical conditions we need to be near to CUH [Cork University Hospital] so it is unsuitable to our needs, he said.

In addition to complaints made by neighbouring residents that they are dealing with damp, mould and at infestation, tenants in almost identical nearby council flats at Cherry Tree Road, Hazel Road, Sycamore Place, Maple Place, and Togher Road have also complained of similar problems.

The flats date back more than five decades and have the same three-storey maisonette design as social housing flats elsewhere in the city, including in the Noonans Road area.

Last September, following a campaign by Noonans Road area tenants highlighted in The Echo, Cork City Council said it favoured rehousing the tenants, demolishing the dilapidated blocks, and redeveloping the sites.

In their campaign, tenants protested against rodent-infested, mould-ridden housing conditions subsequently described by the councils then CEO, Ann Doherty, as shocking.

Labour Party activist William OBrien, who last year worked with Noonans Road area tenants to highlight their plight, said it was shameful that Mr Khan and his family had been neglected for so long.

Its awful to think of these poor people being left in these conditions for so long, he said.

I am calling on the council to do the right thing by Muhammad and his family.

A council spokesperson said it had earlier this year taken a targeted approach to internal repair works in the flats, including heating, plumbing, windows, electrical repairs, and mould.

They added that the council had instituted a team dedicated to addressing remaining issues in the flats and staff would be meeting with tenants.

Cork City Council facilitates transfers in line with [its] allocation scheme, they said.

This process requires that tenants engage fully in relation to their needs.
The Corkmas spirit is bringing festive frolics to the heart of the city with numerous events and amenities having opened this week.

Presented by Cork City Council as part of the Corkmas celebrations, the popular annual ferris wheel is back in action on the Grand Parade.

Transforming the skyline and offering incredible views of Cork, a spin on the iconic 32m panoramic wheel is a festive activity suitable for all the family.

Pre-booking for the ferris wheel is available online to ensure a secured time-slot.

Also located on the Grand Parade, the annual Solas lighting installation invites visitors to stroll through an enchanting space, and enjoy watching a kaleidoscope of lights pulse, dimmer, and flash.

Guests can stand within the installation and be absorbed by a 360-degrees light show, where a canopy of overhead orbs create and diffuse a rainbow of colour in time to music.

Christmas Village

A Christmas Village at the Corkmas Festive Market, featuring 20 artisan craft and food traders based in wooden chalets, has also been erected on Emmet Place.

This will be open across the weekend from 10am to 8pm.

A Santa Experience will also take place at the Christmas Village, where little ones still have time to post letters to the North Pole via the special red Christmas letter box, which can be found near Santas cabin on Emmet Place.

Pre-booking for this experience is also available online.

Weather permitting, Maureen OFlynn and the Cork City Musical Society will entertain visitors to the market area today with a live performance.

Additionally, a selection of choirs will also give live performances throughout the weekend outside Cork City Library on the Grand Parade.

Visitors to the city should also watch out for street entertainers marking the path between these Corkmas activity areas.

For further details on Corkmas events, travel information and to pre-book tickets, visit https://www.corkcity.ie/en/a-cork-christmas-celebration.
3:00pm:

A spokesman for Cork Airport said Storm Darragh had led to 11 cancellations and 9 diversions in flights in and out of the international hub.

The cancelled flights included Ryanair flights from Cork to London Stansted, Manchester, Luton, Edinburgh and Bristol as well as KLM flights to and from Amsterdam, Aer Lingus Regional flights to and from Bristol and an Aer Lingus flight to Heathrow.

11.10am:

According to a statement issued at 11am by Cork County Council, the local authority received more than 100 reports of fallen trees and storm debris across the county.

Cork County Council crews were out throughout the night and additional crews were mobilised this morning, a spokesperson said in a statement.

North and East Cork were particularly impacted however reports were received from across the county.

Cork County Council received more than 100 reports of fallen trees and debris overnight and this morning. North and East Cork were particularly impacted however reports were received from across the county.



Council crews and contractors remain on the ground clearing roads and pic.twitter.com/OVGXqvIUJZ  Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) December 7, 2024

Contractors and crews remain on the ground clearing roads and will continue to work throughout the day. Most roads are passable now with care.

Some road closures remain in place where trees have fallen on overhead cables. Cork County Council is working with utility companies to ensure that these roads can be reopened as soon as possible.

The public is advised to report any storm damage to Cork County Councils Out of Hours number 021 4800048.

10.22am

Many households around Cork are among the 400,000 homes and businesses left without power on Saturday morning following a night of winds up to 140km per hour brought by Storm Darragh, the fourth named storm of this years season, which is still passing over Ireland.

The Status Orange wind alert in Cork and other counties was due to expire at 10am this morning but a Status Yellow alert will remain in force until 3pm. A Status Red warning for six counties on the Western seaboard, including Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal, expired at 3am on Saturday morning.

According to Cork City Fire Brigade Second Officer, Victor Shine, the service responded to over 28 calls since 10pm on Friday night.

These included fallen trees, telegraph and electricity poles, fire alarms set off by the storm, medical emergencies and crews are still at the scenes of three incidents where the roof was blown off the house or badly damaged by the storm in and around Cork city.

According to his colleague, Cork City Fire Service Third Officer Gerry Myers, four crews were kept busy the whole night answering different calls relating to Storm Darragh.

We had 28 calls overnight  the most serious was a roof came off in Woodvale in Glanmire around 1.30-2 this morning  theres a second one ready to go, he said.

Overall there were multiple trees down across the city and suburb, ESB cables down that had to be protected until their crews arrived.

We had an unusual one in the Grange area where a man lost two digits because he fell while trying to get home  when he got back to the crew that were nearby, he had lost the tops of two of his digits.

A number of flights, both arrivals and departures, were either cancelled entirely, delayed or diverted on the Cork Airport schedule on Saturday morning. These included scheduled arrivals from Amsterdam, Bristol and London Heathrow. The follow on departures to these destinations were also cancelled and a flight scheduled to land in Cork from Faro in Portugal had to be diverted to Dublin Airport.

ESB Networks crews have been working since early morning assessing the damage, making the network safe, and restoring electricity where safe to do so.

However, an ESB Networks spokesperson said further outages can be expected from potentially damaging gusts.

"Given the extent of the storm, estimated restoration times will be updated throughout the day as fault sites are assessed and restoration work progresses  these will be available on www.PowerCheck.ie."

According to a post by Cork County Council on its social media channels, driving conditions across the county remain challenging with debris and fallen trees.

Theres also significant disruption on rail lines with delays on arrivals to Corks Kent Station and departures from there to Heuston Station in Dublin this morning.

9.34am:

Thousands of people are without power after Storm Darragh swept across Ireland overnight.

ESB Networks confirmed that around 395,000 homes and businesses had been left without power on Saturday morning as a result of the storm.

Crews began assessing damage early on Saturday morning and are restoring supply where safe to do so.

The Echo understands that at least three homes in the city have had their roofs blown off.

There are numerous electricity and telephone poles down, trees with hundreds of fire alarms set off. Cork City fire crews responded to over 30 calls since 10pm last night.

There were reports of fallen trees and debris on many roads on Saturday morning  motorists are advised to travel with caution.

A number of flight cancellations have been announced at Dublin Airport and travellers are advised to check with their airlines before travelling.

Met Eireann recorded gusts of 141km/h at Mace Head in Co Galway at 11pm on Friday night, while gusts of 120km/h were recorded at Shannon, Co Clare, and gusts of 115km/h were reported in Co Cork.

Some roads in Cork, Kerry and Sligo became impassable shortly after the storms arrival due to fallen trees, while other forms of debris including electrical wires posed a hazard.

ESB Networks said the high winds caused damage to electricity infrastructure, particularly in counties subject to the red warnings  Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Wicklow.

ESB said it would publish estimated restoration times as soon as possible.

The entire State is covered by a Met Eireann orange warning for wind. In Munster and Connacht, that warning came into effect at 8pm on Friday and will extend to 10am on Saturday.

The orange alert for Leinster and counties Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan came into effect two hours later at 10pm and will also lift at 10am on Saturday.

A Met Eireann yellow wind warning covering the whole State came into place at 3pm on Friday. It will remain in effect after the orange warnings lift and will be in place until 3pm on Saturday.

A yellow warning for rain in Connacht, and counties Clare, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Louth, Meath and Westmeath came into place at 10am on Friday and will lift at 10am on Saturday.

In the North, the Met Office has issued an amber wind warning covering the whole region from 1am on Saturday to 9pm.

A yellow rain warning came into effect in Northern Ireland at 3pm on Friday and will lift at 12pm on Saturday. A yellow wind warning also came into place at 3pm on Friday.
Plans for a major student development at the site of the former St Josephs convent on Model Farm Rd have been resubmitted to Cork City Council, following An Bord Pleanalas refusal earlier this year.

The plans, lodged by Lyonshall Ltd, which was also behind the Nido Ashlin House development on Bandon Rd, are seeking to demolish the old St Josephs convent to provide for the construction of a 408-bed, purpose-built student accommodation.

This latest submission differs from the previous plans, which were originally submitted in December 2023, as they initially sought the construction of a 450-bed development, but were refused in June of this year.

Speaking to The Echo, the managing director of Lyonshall, Kieran Coughlan, said that he thinks the development would be a plus for Cork city.

While I expect an appeal from everyone that objected before; I do not expect a refusal from planners or the board at this stage, said Mr Coughlan.

We have redesigned it to satisfy the board, and so that the residents [of the area] will be more satisfied [too]: Its been a year in the remodelling, which is a pity for the students who could be living there, but, for now, it would be most unusual to see it refused a second time.

Local councillors have welcomed the new plans to counter the lack of student accommodation in the city, but they have raised concerns about traffic management in the area.

TRAFFIC CONCERNS

Labour Party city councillor Laura Harmon said that while she thinks the injection of further student accommodation is positive for Cork city, she would be concerned about impacts such as added traffic congestion.

There is a need for more student accommodation, but I have concerns about parking spaces and traffic management in Bishopstown and the city, which need to be addressed, she said.

Fianna Fail city councillor Terry Coleman said: I absolutely welcome accommodation of all sorts, but it still has to be in sync with the residential element of the area  consideration has to be taken for what is in close proximity to it.

Accommodation of any type is necessary  student accommodation is also badly required, and [the development] would be located right in between UCC and MTU.

Cork City Council is due to make a decision on the application by early February.

'SECURE ENVIRONMENT' FOR STUDENTS

Mr Coughlan added: We all know that there is a shortage of student accommodation, [and] the most important thing about these schemes that people forget is that they are the most secure environment for a young student to be in  theyre very well managed. Its where Id want my daughter or son to be living.

To get it [over the line] would be a big thing, and [if] we get planning permission in 2025, it should be open in mid-2028, which is a very big delay.

In addition to the construction of the accommodation and the demolition of the old convent, a coffee shop would also be built at the site of the development.

At the time of the refusal, the An Bord Pleanala said that  having regard to the provisions of the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028  the proposed development, by reason of the quantity of studio units, the floor area of individual studio units, the limited communal facilities and the location of the communal facilities in Block 1 only, fails to provide a satisfactory standard of residential amenity for the student population.

Based on this feedback, the latest proposed development would see 42 fewer studio apartments, and would be provided in two apartment buildings reaching between two to five storeys in height.

These buildings would include 57 apartments, ranging in size from three to seven bedrooms, providing 355 bed-spaces, as well as 73 studio apartments, all served by open space and internal student amenities  such as a gym, study areas, and meeting rooms.

Access to the development would be given via the Model Farm Rd by a new vehicular/pedestrian access-way, and would provide for cycle and car parking for tenants.
A player from Cork is celebrating after winning a life-changing 500,000 in Friday nights EuroMillions Plus Draw.

The player purchased the winning quick pick ticket on the day of the draw in Applegreen, North Ring Road, North City Link Road, Ballyvolane.

The winning numbers in the EuroMillions Plus draw were: 10, 14, 29, 38 and 43.

The National Lottery is urging all players in the Cork area to check their tickets carefully and if youre holding the winning ticket, be sure to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie to arrange the collection of your prize.

Emma Monaghan, National Lottery spokesperson said: One player in Cork is waking up 500,000 richer after last nights EuroMillions Plus draw. Can you believe this is Corks fifth EuroMillions Plus top-prize win this year? Incredible.

"Last nights draws also saw over 43,000 players nationwide win prizes. Today, were urging all our players in Cork, especially those who purchased their ticket yesterday in Applegreen, North Ring Road, North City Link Road, Ballyvolane, Co. Cork, to check those tickets carefully and get ready to claim this amazing prize.
A 48-year-old man tried on a 399 suit at Mick Murphys Menswear on North Main St in Cork and left his old clothes in a bundle behind him without paying for the suit  and his temporary release form from Cork Prison was later found with the clothes abandoned at the shop, a court has heard.

The allegation was made by Garda Ronan OSullivan at Cork District Court, where there was an objection to bail being granted to Gerry Foley of no fixed address and Grenville Place, Cork.

The suit was allegedly stolen last Thursday and the temporary release form found in his bundle of clothes at Mick Murphys was issued on December 3 to last until January 6, as part of what was termed pre-release and re-socialisation.

Other conditions required him to be of good behaviour and commit no offences.

Gda OSullivan said Mr Foley tried on the suit at Mick Murphys and also stole 238 worth of clothing from TK Maxx, Cornmarket St, Cork, on Thursday.

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said that unlike some temporary releases from prison, there was no requirement for Mr Foley to sign on at intervals at the prison.

He called the accused to give evidence in the course of the bail application, putting it to him that the gardai were concerned he would steal goods and not turn up in court if given bail.

Mr Foley replied: I will not get into difficulties. I would agree with any terms  sign on, curfew, stay out of all shops.

Judge Mary Dorgan said: This gentleman was left out on TR [temporary release] on December 3. On December 5, he allegedly stole 238 worth of clothing and a 400 suit from Mick Murphys, and it was there that the TR form was found.

While noting that the December 5 charges and otherballeged shop-lifting related to Homesense on Grand Parade on three earlier occasions, were all allegations, Judge Dorgan said: Unfortunately, he was left out on TR on condition that he would be of good behaviour.

Judge Dorgan remanded him in custody until December 12.
A man who was sentenced to six months in jail for dealing crack cocaine and Alprazolam tablets is appealing his jail term.

Alan Coffey formerly of an address at an apartment at Grenville Court, Cork, appealed the sentence to Cork Circuit Appeals Court.

He was sentenced in Cork District Court for having crack cocaine and Alprazolam tablets for sale or supply to others at his apartment on September 4 2022.

Jessica Kelleher, defence barrister, said the 43-year-old was guilty of supply to the extent that he was providing these drugs at a party for friends.

At the time he was using drugs. He is not doing so now. He is in gainful employment. He is currently residing at Simon. He had accommodation through them at Grenville Court but is with the Simon Community since July 2024.

He is doing well in this job. He is in a trusted role in the company, Ms Kelleher said.

Judge Sinead Behan referred to the defendants previous convictions and said, What I am not impressed with is that this was in September and he was in court in July (for an earlier crime).

Ms Kelleher said that totalling all of the time the accused had spent in custody on the present charges it amounted to approximately 12 weeks. She asked if this could be taken into account in this appeal.

The judge said she would need verification by An Garda Siochana of the amount of time the accused had been in custody and she remanded Mr Coffey in custody until December 13 for that purpose.
A Cork man accused of burgling the home of an 85-year-old woman in Mayfield had the case against adjourned until February 11 2025 at Cork District Court.

36-year-old Don Duggan of 65 Ballinderry Park, Mayfield, Cork, will appear again at Cork District Court on that date on the charge which states that he entered the home at Iona Park, Mayfield, on June 28 as a trespasser and attempted to commit the arrestable offence of theft.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that the case could proceed at Cork District Court.

Garda Elaine Murphy said previously that the allegations in the case were that Don Duggan entered the home of an 85-year-old woman through the rear door of the house.

He was disturbed by the daughter of the household and fled out the bedroom window. He was pursued on foot from the scene by the daughter and he ran up Murmount Crescent.

CCTV captured the man running from the scene, Garda Murphy said.

Gardai identified the man on CCTV as Don Duggan. The defendant said it was not him.
Hundreds of Palestinian supporters took to the streets of Cork on Saturday afternoon to participate in the 61st march after the latest escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict began in October last year when Hamas-led militants stormed a rock concert on the border between Gaza and southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians and abducting 250 more.

Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza following the October 7 atrocity, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Since then an incessant Israeli onslaught has led to the deaths of more than 44,000 people with over 100,000 wounded according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The Israeli military said it has killed over 17,000 militants, but it has not provided evidence to support this claim.

At a rally following Saturdays march on the streets of Cork, speakers focused on the BDS movement which asks individuals, companies and State's to boycott, divest, and sanction Israeli companies and Israel itself for allegedly violating International Law amid apartheid, the ongoing slaughter in Gaza, land grabs in West Bank, and mass destruction of civilian infrastructure across the region.

"We are back again, 61 weeks into a genocide, said Kathy Glavanis, the co-chair of the of CorkP Palestine Solidarity, speaking at the rally.

The government has still not responded to the International Court of Justice's ruling that States across the world must take actionable steps to sanction Israel and make sure they are not complicit in the facilitation of this genocide.

"We are a significant part of the supply chain for weapons heading to wars in the Middle East from the US," she said. "As one front closes another opens: Syria has now become the latest victim of this expansionist campaign in the region.

When will the destruction of countries, lives, and infrastructure? When will the lives of Palestinians, Lebanese and Syrian people be seen as equal to ours in Ireland and European countries?"

Asch Ni Fhinn, an unsuccessful candidate for People Before Profit/Solidarity in Cork East in the recent General Election also addressed the rally and was critical of what she described as Government inaction on issues from housing to Irish neutrality.
Gardai have arrested a man following a drug seizure in Cork on Friday.

A search was conducted by Gardai attached to the Cork County Divisional Drugs Unit at a residence in Midleton at approximately 8pm.

Cannabis valued at 40,000 and cocaine worth an estimated 10,850 was seized at the property.

An adult male in his teens was arrested at the scene. He is currently detained at a Cork Garda Station under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.

The drugs seized will now be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for further analysis.

Investigations are ongoing.
And the winner of the 2024 general election was... the Apathy Party.

Yes, a staggering 40.3% of the Irish electorate didnt show up at the polling centre the Friday before last to cast a vote - only fractionally fewer than the total amount who gave their first preferences to both Fianna Fail AND Sinn Fein.

The Apathy Party really should be seeking to lead a coalition in the next government, but I guess that would be just too much like hard work!

Rather belying its name, the party has clearly been working hard and gathering support in recent times, and is surging from strength to strength as a result.

In the last general election in 2020, it mustered 37% of the vote, and in 2016, it was 35%. Go back as far as 1977, and the Apathy Party was on a lowly 23.7%, well below both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Now it stands on 40.3%, with all the indications that it will continue to rise in the years ahead, if left unchecked.

I contacted the Apathy Party for comment, and they promised that someone would get back to me by January... 2026.

Please excuse my flippancy on what is a serious issue, but I wanted to spell out just how poor a reflection that turn-out figure is on Irish democracy - and I needed to find some way to get your attention as clearly almost half of adults in this country find politics, power, and the formation of governments an almighty turn-off.

My question is: How high does that Apathy Party figure have to go, how low must the turn-out be, before action is taken to arrest the slide? I suggest we have reached that point.

And its not as though there wasnt an effort made to mobilise voters.

A public campaign by the Electoral Commission to get people to register to vote - tagline: Your vote is your voice - helped add 400,000 new voters to the register. How many of them applied for the voice and then chose to remain silent?

The media - TV, radio, and newspapers - provided wall-to-wall coverage, and I cant imagine there was a soul alive on November 29 who was unaware an election was taking place.

And yet hordes of people - one and a half million registered voters - made a conscious decision to abstain.

A few excuses were trotted out on behalf of the refuseniks.

It was a wet and miserable day, we were told. It was a lacklustre campaign, lamented some. All the politicians are the same, and the result is a foregone conclusion, suggested others.

That sound you can hear is Michael Collins turning in his grave.

How can we turn this around?

Well, in some countries, such as Australia, voting is compulsory. The system, introduced 100 years ago, has led to the country having one of the highest electoral turn-out rates in the world. Offenders who fail to vote are fined between around 12 - for first-time offenders - and 110.

Interestingly, in Belgium, which has compulsory voting, parties of the right want to abolish it, and parties of the left want to keep it.

Its certainly a good way to concentrate the minds of voters, but Im a little uneasy about fining people who dont vote. It all seems so... autocratic for a democracy.

I also see how it could lead to some odd results, where gimmicky or joke candidates - even the odd gangland leader - are elected by people who dont take democracy seriously enough.

However, what we can and should do to address the slide is try to make voting easier for people.

A good start would be to allow voting to take place over an entire weekend, rather than on one day.

People do lead busy lives, juggling work, family and social commitments, and two full days would offer a larger window for a trip to the poll booths.

The 2020 election was held on a Saturday, and failed to noticeably improve turn-out, but providing a choice of both Saturday and Sunday would be more palatable.

This scenario would also allow the counting of votes to perhaps begin while booths are still open, rather than dumping tens of thousands of votes on officials all at once, making for a more accurate and less strenuous counting system.

An election held over a weekend would also mean schools dont have to close, leaving many parents scrambling for childcare at short notice.

Another way to improve turn-out in elections is to make postal voting easier. Many countries in Europe, including Germany and the UK, allow postal voting for all, and its particularly popular among the elderly.

My mum in England always casts a postal vote, even when she knows she is around on election day - she just likes to get it out of the way and not have to be fretting about getting to the polling station on the day.

Here in Ireland, postal voting is quite restrictive; basically, if you cant be at the polling station on the given day, youre simply out of luck.

There are only a limited set of circumstances where a postal vote might be available to you, and thats only if you get your form in on time - the deadline to do this is a mere 48 hours after the election is called. As the latest election was called on a Friday, this gave people a weekend turnaround. Why make it so difficult?

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns was unable to vote in her Cork constituency in this general election because she was only given short-term notice that her baby wanted out. Being pregnant, apparently, is not one of the exemptions that allow people to apply for a postal vote.

Others have remarked that the postal process is needlessly complicated and restrictive - for instance, your application form for one must be signed by an employer within two days of the election being called.

Several people commented on social media that they were away studying or on holiday on election day, and that wasnt sufficient grounds to be granted a postal vote.

Ah, come on. We need to be doing everything we can to raise that dismal 59.7% turn-out at the next general election.

That also includes keeping an open mind about the eventual use of the internet to vote. Online systems have been trialled in a few countries, but most have decided against adopting it for fear of a security lapse... which makes me wonder if my bank account is secure!

Indeed, Ireland was something of a world leader on this front, and legal provisions were made for electronic voting in an Act in 2000. However, having spent 51million on the machines, it was decided not to use them as they were deemed too unreliable. (A government wasting piles of our money? Heaven forbid!)

Then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern famously railed against this and complained that Ireland was the laughing stock of Europe because voters still use pencils in elections.

But, if the technology one day allows, why not embrace a way of voting at the click of a mouse?

Until that day dawns, we need to extend the window for voting, and make postal voting a viable option for all.

Otherwise, the Apathy Party will end up running the country.
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.

Carrboro, NC sued Duke Energy on Dec. 4 for "the companys decades-long role leading a nationwide climate deception scheme that has worsened the climate crisis, harmed the community and cost the town millions of dollars." Town of Carborro, NC / Facebook

The small North Carolina town of Carrboro has initiated the countrys first climate accountability litigation against an electric utility.

The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, claims Duke Energy waged a deception campaign in order to obscure the climate hazards of fossil fuels. This led to delayed action in curbing planet-warming emissions, which caused the costs of the climate action to increase.

We have to speak truth to power as we continue to fight the existential threat that is climate change. The climate crisis continues to burden our community and cost residents their hard-earned tax dollars, said Mayor of Carrboro Barbara Foushee in a press release from the Center for Biological Diversity. Duke Energys knowledge of the environmental injustice being caused by the use of fossil fuels has unfairly plagued our community for decades. Historically underserved and marginalized communities are facing disproportionate impacts and health risks that are associated with climate change. This was not an easy decision to make but I believe that we must be courageous as we call out these injustices and seek change and accountability.

Carrboro says Duke Energys decades-long role in a countrywide plan of deception harmed the community of approximately 21,000 while costing the town millions.

The legal action claims that top executives at Duke Energy knew for over 50 years that fossil fuels posed risks, but were ringleaders of a far-reaching campaign to mislead the public concerning its climate harms, while also boosting reliance on gas and coal as sources of electricity.

Carrboro has been developing community-based solar programs, funding nature-based solutions for the management of stormwater and implementing climate resilience measures that benefit lower-income residents and small businesses for decades, the press release said.

The Carrboro community has worked for over five decades to protect, conserve and preserve the environment, the ecosystems and the wellbeing of its citizens, said Carrboro Town Council member Randee Haven-ODonnell in the press release. Carrboro is a strong, vibrant community, and Duke Energy needs to be held accountable for the deception and damages its caused and continues to cause. Duke Energys deceptive public campaign erases the progress we strive for to address climate change. Were the little engine that could, and we hope other towns can be, too, and hold their polluting utilities accountable. In Carrboro, were standing up to be the change we want to see in the world.

Duke Energy is the United States third largest-polluting corporation. The company has spent millions on PR firms and industry front groups with the purpose of deceiving the public regarding climate change science, according to the lawsuit. The complaint said Duke Energy has blocked action to combat climate change, which has resulted in significant harm to the town of Carrboro and its residents.

Climate change driven by fossil fuel emissions has led to more severe and frequent storms and flooding in Carrboro and other parts of the U.S., along with record-high temperatures. The climate crisis also brought deadly and destructive Hurricane Helene to the state of North Carolina.

A Duke Energy lineman in the Biltmore Village in Asheville, NC after Hurricane Helene on Sept. 28, 2024. Sean Rayford / Getty Images

Carrboro has had to saddle millions for road repairs, rising energy costs and the cost of other infrastructure to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The lawsuit puts the responsibility for these damages on Duke Energy since the utility giant knew misleading the public and obstructing climate change legislation would worsen climate impacts on the town and accelerate the climate crisis.

This lawsuit exposes Duke Energy executives as using the tobacco scandal playbook. Theyre making the global climate crisis worse despite widespread and accelerating misery, said Jim Warren, nonprofit NC WARNs executive director, in the press release. And theyre still expanding fossil fuels and suppressing renewables  in flat defiance of scientists demanding that we do the exact opposite. We need the judicial system to hold Duke Energy leadership accountable and finally break their corporate control over our political system and public decisions.

Not only has the energy company denied the harms caused by climate change, it claims to be a leader in clean energy. Meanwhile, it continues to build methane-burning power plans while suppressing solar and other renewable sources of energy. It also falsely advertises and promotes methane gas as a solution.

Well soon have a climate denier-in-chief in the White House, but Carrboro is a shining light in this darkness, taking on one of the countrys largest polluters and climate deceivers, said Jean Su, director of energy justice at the Center for Biological Diversity, an advisor on the case, in the press release. Climate action doesnt stop at a national level, and Carrboro is holding Duke Energy and all fossil utilities feet to the fire. This town is paving a way for local governments to drive climate justice despite whos in Washington.

Duke Energy is one of the largest providers of electricity, as well as among the biggest corporate polluters, on the planet. It brings power to 8.2 million customers in six states, including almost all of North Carolina and parts of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Florida and South Carolina.

Dozens of city and Tribal governments and 11 attorneys general across the U.S. have filed suits against oil and gas majors for deceiving the public about the role of fossil fuels in climate change. Multnomah County, Oregon, in October added NW Natural  the regions gas provider  to its lawsuit against fossil fuel companies for the role they played in the areas deadly heat dome in 2021.

This lawsuit represents an incredible opportunity to put an end to corporate deception and enter a new era for Carrboro, said Mayor Pro Tem Danny Nowell in the press release. Its time for us to hold Duke Energy accountable for decades of deception, padding executives pockets while towns like ours worked to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change. This suit will allow the Town of Carrboro to invest new resources into building a stronger, more climate-resilient community, using the damages justly due to our residents to reimagine the ways we prepare for our climate reality.
Japanese actress Miho Nakayama shared a cryptic post on social media, a day before her tragic death.

Captured in her final social media update, Miho shared a glimpse of a contemporary art display she experienced during her time in Tokyo.

The artwork, crafted by the talented French artist Louise Bourgeois, features a haunting piece of fabric. The stitched words said, "I have been to hell and back," and added with, "And let me tell you, it was wonderful."

Miho also mentioned the topic of her mental well-being in the caption of her recent post.

In a translated version, she wrote, "My heart was so overwhelmed for a couple of days I could only talk with my friend I went with."

Upon failing to appear at work on Friday, a staff member visited her residence, only to discover her lifeless body.

Reports from local media indicate that Miho was discovered in a sitting position, leaning forward in the bathtub. Emergency responders were contacted and later verified the actress's passing on the scene.

The night before her death, Miho, who is dubbed as "Japan's Most Beautiful Woman," was said to have communicated with her staff.

Following the news of her demise, local news outlets have shared reports from The Metropolitan Police Department suggesting that the actress might have drowned.

Law enforcement officials have also proposed the possibility that her untimely death could have been accidental or a result of a medical condition.

Miho was scheduled to take the stage for a Christmas performance in Osaka this Friday, but the event was called off prior to the news of her death being disclosed. The cancellation was attributed to poor health.

Miho's exact cause of her death remains unconfirmed.
Saturday, December 7, 2024

Commentary by Edward Segal, a crisis management expert and author of Crisis Ahead: 101 Ways to Prepare for and Bounce Back from Disasters, Scandals, and Other Emergencies.

The timely response to a crisis can enhance an organization's credibility, reputation, and provide assurance to stakeholders that it is doing what it can to address the situation.

Business leaders who doubt the need to act quickly when a crisis hits their companies should consider the actions of McDonald's and the former Archbishop of Canterbury, who headed the Church of England, and how they handled their respective crisis situations.

McDonald's

McDonald's has experience responding to crisis situations, including allegations of sexual harassment, pausing or ceasing operations in Russia after it invaded Ukraine, and upset franchisees.

The company may have drawn on that experience in responding to its latest crisis.

"An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders sold at locations across the United Statessickened at least 104 people, landed 34 in the hospital and caused one death. Cases have been reported in 14 states so far, with the most illnesses in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska and New Mexico," NBC's Today reported.

'We Are Taking Swift And Decisive Action'

Shortly after reports about the outbreak surfaced, Mcdonald's announced on its website that "we are taking swift and decisive action following an E. Coli outbreak in certain states. The initial findings from the investigation indicate that a subset of illnesses may be linked to slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder and sourced by a single supplier that serves three distribution centers. As a result, and in line with our safety protocols, all local restaurants have been instructed to remove this product from their supply and we have paused the distribution of all slivered onions in the impacted area."

In addition to keeping the public posted about its efforts to address the crisis, the company came to the aid of franchises that were affected by the E. coli outbreak.

"In a memo sent to employees and obtained by CNN, McDonald's is spending $35 million on marketing, which includes a value deal focused on its chicken nuggets, plus $65 million directed toward franchisees that have lost business in states where the outbreak happened," CNN reported.

But McDonald's rapid public response to the crisis left something to be desired, according to one public relations expert.

"There are many things [they] did well and could have improved upon in my opinion," Kris Naidl, executive vice president and managing director of public relations at branding agency Laughlin Constable, said in an email interview.

Delayed Communications With Customers

"On Friday, Nov. 1, days after the crisis first emerged for McDonald's, I received my first email message from the company from its app database. I commend them for speaking directly to mea regular visitor who will support their recoverybut why did it take so long?," she wondered.

Keeping customers informed about the efforts to address a crisis can also provide them with a sense of comfort.

"Even if a company doesn't yet have all the answers, a direct communication confirming they are investigating, cooperating and taking swift and decisive action to prevent further consequences would have reassured customers that the company was in control of the situation and that it valued me enough to reach out and ensure I was aware. Earlier communication is nearly always the better choiceespecially when you have a database of likely millions of your ambassadors at your fingertip," Naidl concluded.

What's Needed For A Quick Recovery

"Recovery will require consistent communication about safety enhancements, transparent updates, and, ideally, a willingness to overcorrect to reassure the public. The takeaway here for business leaders is clear: in a crisis, don't just reactbe proactive in restoring confidence, show accountability, and make sure every step aligns with long-term reputation building," Adrienne Uthe, founder and strategic advisor at Kronus Communications, advised via email.

A Failure To Act Quickly

"The archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Justin Welby, resigned [earlier this month] after a damning report concluded that he had failed to pursue a proper investigation into claims of widespread abuse of boys and young men decades ago at Christian summer camps," the New York Times reported.

Keeping Quiet

The investigation "found that he failed to tell police about serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps as soon as he became aware of it," according to the Associated Press.

Time To leave

Welby's failure to act quickly led to calls for him to step down.

A petition calling for Welby's resignation "garnered more than 13,000 signatures in just three days. Several leading clerics also called for him to step down, including [the] Rt. Rev. Dr. Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle, who said the archbishop's position had become 'untenable,' according to Premier Christianity magazine in the UK.

"It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024," Welby said in the statement that was posted on his web site. "I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honored to serve."

Next Steps

A quick response to a crisis should take into account everyone who is affected by the crisis and has an interest in it. That includes staff, vendors, boards of directors, news organizations, and customers.

To ensure that all bases are covered in a crisis, include rapid response provisions in crisis management plans. Then test response times when conducting exercises to gauge the effectiveness of the plans and the teams who will implement them.
The NFU is set to erect thousands of banners across the UK calling on the Labour government to ditch its controversial 'family farm tax' unveiled in the budget.

The union said its new campaign aimed to halt the 'unfair and destructive' changes, which will see a 20% farm inheritance tax in 2026 for assets over 1m.

As part of it, roadside banners will be installed across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland calling on the government to reverse its decision.

The NFU said there would also be gate banners and thousands of car stickers for farmers to place on their gates and to hand out to others.

Materials will come out to farmers from 16 December, with more available in January to purchase at a cost, the NFU said.

"We want our message to be visible all across rural UK, and we need your help to make that happen," the union said.

Farmers have also been urged to meet their MPs, together with their accountants and advisers, later this month and into early January.

MPs needed to see 'first-hand' the data for individual farms, that the 'Treasury lines claiming few farms will be affected by the changes are wrong'.

It comes as the the Conservative's motion to scrap the so-called 'family farm tax' introduced in the autumn budget was rejected by MPs following a debate in parliament.

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.

Despite warnings from rural stakeholders and experts, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Treasury have been accused by the industry of not listening.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said Downing Street had been 'silent' since he met with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last week.

We have been clear that this is a bad policy, built on bad data, and would mark the end of many family farms. It needs to be halted, at the very least for a proper consultation."

Mr Bradshaw said the new campaign would be 'constant', with an aim to build pressure on the government so it would change this 'botched' policy.

The government may well try and draw this out, hoping we will give up over time, but rest assured we are in it for the long haul," he added.

We will make it clear that this issue will not go away and we will not stop until this awful family farm tax is stopped.

The government announced its plans in the budget on 30 October to impose a 20% inheritance tax on farm assets worth 1m or more, from April 2026.

Since then, over 20,000 farmers flocked to a rally in London last month amid warnings about the survival of the family farm and risks to UK food security.

Industry campaigners are in the process of organising new farmer protests across the UK, including in central London, with a date set for Wednesday 11 December.
Anne Hathaway is "desperate to make a Christmas movie".

Anne Hathaway wants to shoot a Christmas film

The Oscar-winning actress has enjoyed a hugely successful career in the movie business, but Anne still hasn't fulfilled all of her ambitions.

Anne, 42, told WWD: "I havent made a great Christmas movie. I know thats a weird bucket list thing, but Im desperate to make a Christmas movie."

The Hollywood star actually feels "amazed" at the route she's taken in her career.

She said: "Theres a lot of different ways your career can go as an actor, and Im very, very, very aware of that, and Im genuinely amazed that this is the version that Im having."

Anne actually feels proud of the "versatility" she's shown as an actress.

The movie star also acknowledged that she's been forced to develop her skills "in real time", having never attended drama school.

Anne explained: "When youre introduced to the world through comedy and drama comes next, which is just what happened to me, I think that versatility becomes something that is a very important part of your skillset.

"Given the fact that I didnt go to drama school, and I did start as young as I did, so much of my learning happened on set in real time in the films that I was in. And it was amazing because so many of the directors that Ive worked with are master directors in terms of the level theyre at with their craft.

"It also meant that I would hunt down a three-scene part in a directors piece if they were amazing, and then I would try to do my best in that work and try to become better in real time on the set that I was on.

"And so Im really excited that Im an actor whos had a career that spans decades, and one of the things that Im just really proud of is that at this stage in my career, directors can see me in a whole lot of different types of parts, and that wasnt something I think anybody anticipated on day one."
Bill Murray believes 'Saturday Night Live' remains as good as ever.

Bill Murray has rubbished criticism of the cast

The 74-year-old actor - who starred on the sketch comedy show between 1977 and 1980 - has rubbished criticism of the show's current cast, insisting that it's still as a good as it ever has been.

Bill said on the 'New Heights' podcast: "People always give me a hard time about, Oh, the original show was so great and its lousy now.' And I say, No, its not. The show thats on now, they do stuff thats just as good as anybody ever did, all the time."

Bill also confirmed that he intends to return for the show's 50th anniversary special.

The Hollywood star shared: "I told em Id like to host one this year. So maybe if I get organised. I think I did it two other times when I was there. Id like to try it one more time. It might be the last time to try it."

In November, Will Ferrell hailed 'Saturday Night Live' as "the hardest but most fun job" of his career.

The 57-year-old actor starred on the long-running comedy show between 1995 and 2002, and Will looks back on that period with a lot of fondness.

He told PEOPLE: "I had a wonderful seven seasons on that show, where I made lifelong friends.

"I knew in that moment it would be the hardest but most fun job I would ever get to do, and I still look back on it that way."

Will also observed that 'Saturday Night Live' has "defined American comedy" for five decades.

He said: "It was the one thing I always dreamed about being a part of. It's kind of enormous to think about in a way, 50 years of what has really defined American comedy."
Michael Douglas has accused Silicon Valley of "dumbing down" the movie business.

Michael Douglas has bemoaned the impact of streaming platforms

The 80-year-old actor has enjoyed a hugely successful career in Hollywood, winning a host of accolades over the years - but Michael believes streaming services have had a negative impact on the film industry in recent times.

He said at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: "The biggest change in my lifetime and career has been digital."

Michael noted that in the 1970s, filmmakers had much more control over the production process.

The actor - who is married to movie star Catherine Zeta-Jones - reflected: "Its gone the other way in terms of both studios or in this case streaming services and now this latest chapter is the advent of Silicon Valley dumbing down and just taking over what we thought was this big industry.

"Between Apple, Amazon and Netflix, the designs of their companies, theyre so huge, they can afford so much."

Michael previously explained that he wants to have "some control" over his image after he passes away.

The legendary actor expressed some concerns about the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the movie industry.

Speaking to the Guardian newspaper in 2023, Michael shared: "You get to an age where you start thinking about your will and estate.

"Now Im thinking Im also going to have to license my name and likeness so the rights go to my family rather than to the metaverse. I see what AI is doing with pictures with text. Its only matter of time before youll be able to recreate any dead person at any age with the voice and the mannerisms, so I want to have some control."
Saweetie has a crush on Tommy Shelby from 'Peaky Blinders'.

Saweetie has a crush on Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders

The 31-year-old rapper - whose real name is Diamonte Quiava Valentin Harper - insisted that while she does not lust after 'Oppenheimer' actor Cillian Murphy specifically, she does have a thing for his gangster alter-ego from the hit drama series.

Asked to name her celebrity crush, she told UsWeekly: "Its [Cillian Murphys] character  not him. Tommy Shelby from 'Peaky Blinders'. Oh, my God, take me away!"

Meanwhile, the 'Best Friend' hitmaker - who released her debut single in 2017 but will only be releasing her first full-length album, titled 'Pretty Bitch Music' in 2025 - was then asked about how much sleep she manages to get and admitted it is usually just four hours, although she would prefer more if possible.

She said: "It really just depends on my work schedules, so its all over. But preferably, I love being a morning bird or early bird.  I tend to get only four hours [of sleep], like last night, because I was at the studio til really late and had to get up really early. But preferably, eight hours."

Saweetie - who was born in in Santa Clara, California - recently returned to her alma mater of San Diego State University almost a decade after her graduation for their homecoming dance and admitted it was "priceless" to be back dancing with the friends from her life before she was famous.

She said: "I recently just went back to SDSUs homecoming and danced with my old dance team and in that moment, it was so priceless.

"I was like, I love these women around me and Im so thankful for our relationship."
Tom Selleck had a "lovely experience" on 'Friends'.

Tom Selleck loved his time on the TV sitcom

The 79-year-old actor appeared in ten episodes of the hit TV sitcom between 1996 and 2000, and Tom still has fond memories of the experience.

The actor - who played Dr. Richard Burke, Monica Geller's love interest, on the show - told Parade magazine: "People talk to me about my role on 'Friends' all the time. It was a lovely experience, something I didnt see coming.

"They just explained this idea and you had to make a leap of faith. They didnt have a script or anything. I remember I was supposed to do three shows, and on the third show at the table read, somebody said, 'Oh, thats right, this is your last show. I wish you could come back.' I said, 'Well, nobody asked me.' So that turned into ten shows."

Asked if he'd like to appear in another comedy, Tom replied: "I would love to do another comedy. The right kind of comedy.

"'Friends' made people laugh and cry at times. Thats the kind of comedy I enjoy doing. 'Three Men and a Baby' had that, too."

Tom has recently starred as Frank Reagan in the CBS police drama 'Blue Bloods'.

The veteran actor would love to star in a spin-off series, admitting that he loves his on-screen character - but Tom is yet to receive an offer from the TV network.

Tom - who also starred in the 2007 crime drama movie 'Jesse Stone: Sea Change' - said: "Im open to suggestions because I love Frank Reagan, but nobodys really asked. I dont see him retiring and going off somewhere. If he goes off to a small town, Id rather do more Jesse Stone movies."
Garment exports from Sri Lanka reached $3,876.5 million during the first ten months of 2024, reflecting a 5.7 per cent increase compared to the $4,215.4 million exported during the same period in the previous year, according to statistics released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

From January to October 2024, textile exports from Sri Lanka saw a year-on-year decline of 14.1 per cent, totalling $248.8 million. During the same period, exports of other manufactured textile articles rose by 6.4 per cent, amounting to $90.2 million, as reported in the Central Bank's publication titled External Sector Performance  October 2024.

Sri Lanka's garment exports rose by 5.7 per cent to $3,876.5 million in Jan-Oct 2024, despite an overall decrease in textile exports by 14.1 per cent. The total combined exports of textiles and garments significantly contributed to the country's industrial exports, which were valued at $8,342.4 million during the same period. Meanwhile, both textile and clothing imports saw increases.

The combined exports of textiles, garments, and other manufactured textile articles accounted for 50.52 per cent of all industrial exports from Sri Lanka during this period. Total textile product exports amounted to $4,215.4 million between January and October 2024, while Sri Lanka's overall industrial exports were valued at $8,342.4 million for the same period.

In October 2024, textile and garment exports rose by 21.8 per cent year-on-year, reaching $431.3 million. By category, garment exports saw a substantial increase of 23.1 per cent, totalling $397.5 million, while textile exports gained 7.4 per cent to $24.5 million. Exports of other manufactured textile articles increased by 10.4 per cent, reaching $9.4 million.

On the import side, textiles and textile articles saw an 18.5 per cent rise, totalling $2,352.9 million, while imports of clothing and accessories increased by 27.7 per cent, amounting to $177.7 million between January and October 2024. In October 2024 alone, imports of textiles and textile articles rose by 21.5 per cent to $272.2 million, while imports of clothing and accessories surged by 40.6 per cent year-on-year, reaching $21.4 million.

In 2023, Sri Lanka's garment exports were valued at $4,440.6 million, a 19 per cent decrease from the $5,483.1 million exported in 2022. Meanwhile, imports of textiles and textile articles dropped by 22.6 per cent to $2,371.2 million, and imports of clothing and accessories declined by 21.1 per cent, totalling $170 million in 2023.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)




While addressing the graduates, Bennett University Chancellor & Times Group MD, Vineet Jain, quoted Maya Angelous timeless wisdom: Do the best you can, until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. Adding a personal touch, he advised, Do not be afraid to take risks. The biggest rewards are often outside your comfort zone." Bennett University, a premier institution of higher education, held its convocation ceremony today, conferring degrees to over 1,225 students across various disciplines. The ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Mr. Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India & South Asia, and Mr. Nitish Mittersain, Founder & CEO, Nazara Technologies, who were conferred Honoris Causa degrees for their exemplary contributions to their respective fields, setting benchmarks of excellence and inspiring countless others.





Lauding the efforts of Bennett University, he said, The university has continuously updated its curriculum to align with the times, most notably through the establishment of the School of Artificial Intelligence. Further, in response to the growing integration of design and technology, the university is also launching the School of Design. These initiatives reflect Bennett University's forward-thinking approach, preparing students to excel in cutting-edge domains and emerging technologies. He further said, "At Bennett University, you have been part of an institution that values learning, innovation, and inclusivity. You have contributed to research and social causes, participated in cultural events and debates, and created a vibrant campus for all to experience. You have been refined by years of learning. You have evolved, forged lifelong connections, and grown. Your life at the campus is - in many ways the foundation for a meaningful life."

The joyous occasion was further amplified by the presence of approximately 1,400 proud parents, who came together to celebrate the achievements of their children. A total of 1,225 (16 PhD degrees, 138 Post Graduate Degrees, 1063 Undergraduate Degrees and 9 Post Graduate Diploma Degrees) graduating students were conferred their Degrees, Merit Certificates in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Engineering Physics, Biotechnology, Management, Law, Media and Liberal Arts along with one Chancellor's Gold Medal, four Chancellor's Silver Medals and seventeen Vice Chancellor's Gold Medals were awarded. During the convocation, Rakshak Raina from Master of Technology (Computer Science and Engineering) was awarded the Chancellor's gold medal for overall performance and academic excellence.

Accepting his honorary doctorate, Mr. Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India & South Asia, shared three guiding principles that have profoundly influenced his life and career. Drawing from Ernest Hemingway's classic The Sun Also Rises, he highlighted the metaphor of lifes gradual and sudden shifts, emphasizing perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges.



He said, The first is belief. And I've always believed that belief comes before ability. Ability from what I know, who I know, and how I'm known as. And then finally, a sense of enough.





Energy and enthusiasm are worth 25 IQ points. The energy you bring to everything is worth 25 IQ points. As Some leaders bring joy wherever they go. Some leaders bring joy whenever they go. You have to choose where you are and choose wisely, he further added.





He concluded with an empowering message: Stay at it. Keep grinding. Keep working on belief, ability, and a sense of enough. Itll feel gradual, but one day, success will appear suddenly. His heartfelt words left an indelible mark on graduates and their families, inspiring them to embrace ambition, resilience, and balance in their lives.

Mr. Nitish Mittersain, Founder & CEO of Nazara Technologies, delivered a profound address upon accepting his honorary doctorate. He condensed his 25 years of entrepreneurial learning into what he called the Three Principles of Life: Passion, Perseverance, and Positivity. He shared how his passion for gaming and technology began at the age of 7 when he started coding primitive games. This passion inspired him to found Nazara at just 19, envisioning India as a global gaming hub. He emphasized, Success rarely comes overnight. The difference between those who make it and those who dont is simply the ability to keep going. Addressing the graduates, he urged them to embrace these three principles: As you step into a world full of possibilities, remember passion, perseverance, and positivity. These are the pillars upon which you can build a meaningful life.



Delivering his annual report on the university, Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Ajith Abraham said, As the new academic year begins, Bennett University has expanded significantly from its initial student body of 200 to 12,000+ (12,011) students spread throughout 7 inter-disciplinary Schools. Focused on positioning Bennett University as a world class center for research and innovation, School of Artificial Intelligence was launched in April 2024 with Prof. Sankar Pal (National Science Chair, GOI) as the Chair of the Board of Studies.



He further added, 26 students from leading international universities, including the University of Birmingham, University of Bradford, University of Notre Dame, and Ca' Foscari University of Venice, have chosen Bennett University for inbound immersion programs. Bennett University's welcomed 100+ renowned academicians, professors and scientists from top universities worldwide this academic year, fostering collaboration and establishing BU as a preferred destination for academic exchange.
He said, "It's my cousin's wedding, so got to be there. It was fun. We had a great time, we had a blast. Celebrations are always fun. I wish the couple well. It has been two hectic days!"

Rana Daggubati opened up about attending his cousin Naga Chaitanya's wedding with Sobhita Dhulipala and said that it has been two hectic days. The actor was attending an event in Delhi where he was asked about the wedding festivities.
Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala visited the Mallikarjun Temple to seek blessings after their wedding. The groom's father Nagarjuna Akkineni accompanied them. Photos and videos of their temple visit surfaced on social media that showed the bride wearing a yellow saree while the groom donned a mundu with a shirt. They sat together with folded hands and performed the Puja with the priest.





View this post on Instagram A post shared by Filmfare (@filmfare)





Chaitanya and Sobhita got married on December 4 in Hyderabad's Annapurna Studios, a venue deeply connected to the Akkineni family's legacy. Their fans got more glimpses of their wedding festivities after Chaitanya's maternal uncle and actor Venkatesh Daggubati shared photos taken before their wedding. He put 'kala tika' on his nephew's cheeks ahead of his wedding and also posed with Rana Daggubati and Chay.

The bride embraced her traditional roots for the wedding and donned a gold Kanjeevaram silk saree. She paired it with a traditional maathapatti, a septum nose ring and layered gold jewellery. The groom, on the other hand, wore a white ensemble.
Santa Monica, California--(Newsfile Corp. - December 6, 2024) - Book Pitchers LLC announces a strategic collaboration with Truman Press to provide book trailer production services. The collaboration includes Truman Press's recent partnership with Wave Magnets, expanding the range of services available to authors.





Book Pitchers LLC and Truman Press are excited to announce their new partnership.

Publishing and Technology Integration

Truman Press specializes in book trailer production and publishing services. Their book trailers combine visual storytelling with marketing strategies to present authors' works to potential readers.

Emma Davis of Book Pitchers LLC expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "Joining forces with Truman Press represents a pivotal chapter in our journey to showcase compelling narratives. Their expertise in producing book trailers that resonate with viewers aligns seamlessly with our commitment to elevating authors' profiles. Together, we're not just promoting stories; we're creating unforgettable experiences."

Book Pitchers LLC, Truman Press, and Wave Magnets Collaboration

The collaboration between Book Pitchers LLC and Truman Press, enhanced by Wave Magnets, provides authors with book trailer creation, marketing campaigns, and distribution services. This combination of services aims to increase visibility for authors' works across multiple channels.

Reflecting on the partnership, a representative from Truman Press remarked, "Our collaboration with Book Pitchers LLC, coupled with our recent alliance with Wave Magnets, is a testament to our dedication to storytelling excellence. We're thrilled to embark on this journey, leveraging our collective expertise to bring authors' visions to life in new and exciting ways."

Additional information about the collaboration is available at www.bookpitchers.com.

About Truman Press

Truman Press provides hybrid publishing services, including book trailer production, publishing, and marketing services.

About Wave Magnets

Wave Magnets provides technology solutions and content focused on publishing and digital media.

About Book Pitchers LLC

Book Pitchers is a dynamic online platform dedicated to the art and craft of pitching books in the right way. Catering to authors, screenwriters, and publishing professionals, Book Pitchers offers a wealth of resources, insights, and strategies aimed at navigating the complex landscape of the book industry. From highlighting success stories of authors who have transitioned their works from page to production to exploring in-depth themes of popular books and providing practical tips for engaging with books creatively, Book Pitchers serves as a comprehensive guide for book lovers and creators alike. Whether looking to celebrate National Read a Book Day by diving into a great story, searching for last-minute book character costumes for Halloween, mastering the art of deception through literature, or uncovering the power of forgery in historical narratives, Book Pitchers is the go-to destination for all things book-related. With a focus on unlocking the potential of every book and its author, Book Pitchers is committed to fostering a community where stories are shared, discovered, and brought to life.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232730

SOURCE: Book Pitchers LLC
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 6, 2024) - Synex Renewable Energy Corporation (TSX: SXI) (the "Company") is pleased to report the voting results of the annual general meeting of shareholders of the Company held on December 6, 2024.

Description of Matter Outcome of Vote



To set the number of directors at six (6) The resolution was passed by the requisite majority. Details of the voting was as follows:



For: Against:



3,963,616

(93.43%) 278,728

(6.57%)



To elect the directors of the Company for the ensuing year All nominees proposed by management were elected. Details of the voting was as follows:







For: Withheld: Daniel J. Russell 3,959,396

(93.33%) 282,948

(6.67%) Tanya L. DeAngelis 3,959,396

(93.33%) 282,948

(6.67%) Richard McGivern 3,963,396

(93.42%) 278,948

(6.58%) Danny Sgro 3,963,616

(93.43%) 278,728

(6.57%)

Murray Margolis 4,233,716

(99.80%) 8,628

(0.20%)

Adarsh Mehta 4,233,716

(99.80%) 8,628

(0.20%)



To appoint Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP as auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and to authorize the directors to fix their remuneration The resolution was passed. Details of the voting was as follows:







For: Withheld:

4,233,724

(99.80%) 8,620

(0.20%)

Synex is a Vancouver, British Columbia based company engaged in the development, acquisition, ownership, and operation of renewable energy projects in Canada. It has ownership interests in 12 MW of operating hydro projects in British Columbia and owns a Vancouver Island grid connection and utility carrying on business as Kyuquot Power Ltd. The Company also has 9.4 MW of construction ready run-of-river projects, applications, and land tenures on another 24 potential hydroelectric sites totaling over 150 MW of capacity, and approximately 16 wind development sites that could provide up to 4,700 MW of clean power in British Columbia. For further information, visit www.synex.com.

(signed) "Daniel J. Russell"

Daniel J. Russell, President

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232917

SOURCE: Synex Renewable Energy Corporation
BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Sartorius AG said that its Supervisory Board resolved to appoint Michael Grosse as member of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer of the company with effect from July 1, 2025, for a term of three years.Joachim Kreuzburg, Chief Executive Officer since more than 20 years, had announced in July 2024 that he will not seek a further extension of his contract, which runs until November 2025, and will continue to lead Sartorius until mid-2025.Michael Grosse (57) has held various management and board positions in the packaging industry for the pharmaceutical and food sector over the past 20 years. From 2020 to 2023, he was Chairman of the Management Board and Chief Executive Officer of Syntegon Technology GmbH. Prior to that, Grosse worked for the Swiss company Tetra Pak for many years, where he became a member of the Executive Board in 2006, and where he was responsible for the expansion of the global service business and held various management positions in product development. Before joining Tetra Pak, Grosse worked in the automotive industry at BMW and Ford.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 6, 2024) - Lodestar Metals Corp. (TSXV: LSTR) (OTCQB: SVTNF) ("Lodestar" or the "Company"), announces that it will be relying on CSA Coordinated Blanket Order 51-913 (the "Order") for an exemption from the requirements to send proxy-related materials (the "Meeting Materials") for its upcoming annual general meeting (the "Meeting") to be held on December 31, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. via telephone conference, due to the current delays and suspension of mail service in Canada as a result of the nationwide strike of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers that commenced on November 15, 2024 (the "Postal Strike").

As set out in the Meeting Materials, shareholders will be asked to consider and approve the following resolutions: (i) set the number of directors; (ii) election of directors for the ensuing year; and (iii) appointment of auditors for the ensuing year and to authorize the directors to fix the auditor's remuneration.

The Company's Meeting Materials, comprising of the Notice of Annual General Meeting, the Management Information Circular, the Form of Proxy, the Form of Voting Information Form and Financial Statements Request Form, are accessible on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at https://lodestarmetals.com. Shareholders of the Company are encouraged to access the Meeting Materials directly through the above-mentioned websites, and registered shareholders and non-objecting beneficial shareholders may contact the Company's transfer agent, Endeavor Trust Corporation, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday at 604-559-8880/toll free 1-888-787-0888 (Within North America) or email proxy@endeavortrust.com to request copies of the Meeting Materials or voting control numbers for voting online at www.investorvote.com. Objecting beneficial shareholders should contact their broker to request their voting instruction forms, voting control numbers and instructions for voting. In the event that the Postal Strike ends prior to the Meeting, the Company will mail the Meeting Materials in the normal course, but there can be no assurance that the Meeting Materials will be received by the shareholders prior to the Meeting.

The Company has satisfied all the conditions to rely, and is relying, on the exemption from the requirement to send proxy-related materials under the Order.

About Lodestar Metals Corp.

Lodestar Metals Corp. is a Canadian mining exploration company. The Company's 100% owned flagship Peny Property comprises 47 mineral claims totaling 11,191 hectares in the Snow Lake District, Manitoba, with access to tier-1 existing infrastructure. The Lodestar business plan calls for a dynamic combination of developing its existing properties, acquisitions, and partnerships to achieve growth. For more information, visit https://lodestarbatterymetals.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Lodestar cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by several material factors, many of which are beyond Lodestar's control. Such factors include, among other things, risks and uncertainties relating to Lodestar's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates.

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232920

SOURCE: Lodestar Metals Corp.
Two prominent figures from the British-Indian community  Tory leader and House of the Lord member Rami Ranger and Hindu Council UK managing trustee Anil Bhanot  had their honours cancelled and annulled by King Charles. Ranger was honoured with UKs highest order known as Commander of the British Empire (CBE), while Bhanot was awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) read more

Two prominent figures from the British Indian community  Tory peer Rami Ranger and Hindu Council UK managing trustee Anil Bhanot  have had their honours revoked by King Charles III. Image courtesy: 5pillarsuk.com, X/@ramiranger

Two prominent figures from the British Indian community  Tory peer Rami Ranger and Hindu Council UK managing trustee Anil Bhanot  have had their honours revoked by King Charles III in a dramatic move.

Ranger, a multi-millionaire and member of the House of Lords, was stripped of his coveted Commander of the British Empire (CBE) title after reportedly bringing the honours system into disrepute.

Meanwhile, Anil Bhanot, a chartered accountant, saw his Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) honour cancelled and annulled, by the King, reported the London Gazette on Friday.

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Both individuals will now be required to return their insignia to Buckingham Palace and will no longer be permitted to make any reference about having an honour.

But what led to this decision, and how have they responded? Heres what we know.

What are CBE and OBE honours?

The CBE, or Commander of the Order of the British Empire, is the highest-ranking honour in the United Kingdom.

It is followed by the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

According to the BBC, the British Empire honours system was established by King George V during World War I to recognise the contributions of individuals who supported the war effort from the home front in the UK (i.e, not on the battlefield).

Today, these awards are given to individuals in recognition of their significant positive impact in various fields.

Why were Ranger and Bhanot awarded?

Rami Ranger was awarded the CBE for his services to British business and community cohesion by the late Queen Elizabeth II in the New Years Honours list of December 2015.

Born in Gujranwala (now in Pakistan) and later moving to Patiala during the partition, Ranger moved to the UK to study law. He went on to establish himself as a successful businessman, founding the FMCG company Sun Mark.

A member of the Conservative Party, Ranger has donated around 1.5 million to the party since 2009. A decade later, he was made a member of the House of Lords.

Anil Kumar Bhanot, meanwhile, was awarded the OBE for his services to the Hindu community and inter-faith relations in the Queens Birthday Honours of June 2010.

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According to The Times of India, Bhanot is a founding member of the Hindu Council UK and a chartered accountant. He also runs a community arts centre in Leicester.

Why was Rangers title revoked?

Rami Ranger was suspended from the Conservative parliamentary party, and his CBE was cancelled and annulled by King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the recommendation of the Forfeiture Committee, following various charges.

Ranger had been under investigation by the Commissioner for Standards for the House of Lords due to accusations of bullying and posting derogatory tweets about Indian journalist Poonam Joshi

He had called Joshi toxic, a total nutcase, and the epitome of filth and garbage. After the incident, Ranger expressed remorse and apologised, as did Joshi for a share of the responsibility for the circumstances which have arisen.

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Further controversy arose when Ranger questioned whether Pakistani-origin BBC staff were behind the allegedly critical coverage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the documentary India: The Modi Question. The Forfeiture Committee received a complaint regarding this matter.

Additionally, the committee obtained a complaint from Sikhs for Justice, a US-based organisation banned in India, after Ranger referred to the group as enemies of India. Another complaint was related to a tweet he made about a trustee of a Southall gurdwara.

How did he respond?

In response to the revocation of his title, a spokesman for Lord Ranger condemned the unjust decision as an attack on free speech, calling the manner in which the CBE was taken shameful.

Lord Ranger has not committed any crime nor has he broken any law. It is a sad indictment that the honours system, which is designed to empower individuals who go the extra mile and as a result contribute a great deal to the nation, should be used to curtail the basic fundamental rights of free speech. Lord Ranger was a worthy recipient of his CBE. The manner in which it has been taken from him is shameful, the spokesman was quoted by GB News.

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He continued: He is looking at all options for redress via various legal avenues open to him and will challenge this unjust decision in order to vindicate himself and clear his name in the UK and abroad.

What happened with Bhanot?

Anil Bhanot told The Times of India that he was contacted by the Forfeiture Committee in January and given the opportunity to make his representations.

He explained that the complaint, accusing him of Islamophobia, was related to tweets he had posted about violence against Hindus in Bangladesh in 2021.

The website 5 Pillars had previously filed complaints about these tweets with the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Charity Commission, but both organisations cleared him on the grounds of free speech.

I thought it would be alright, but apparently not, he said.

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Bhanot stated that he does not know who raised the complaint with the Forfeiture Committee and firmly denies any Islamophobic intent.

At the time our temples were being destroyed and Hindus were being attacked and killed. The BBC wasnt covering it and I felt empathy for those poor people. I felt someone had to say something. It was similar to what is happening now but on a smaller scale. I was calling for dialogue and legislative measures. I did not do anything wrong and I have not put the honours system into disrepute.

Free speech is a thing of the past now in England. I am quite upset about it. Because its an honour, its political, he told the publication. I dont think they looked at my representations at all.

The Cabinet Office guidelines clarify the role of the Forfeiture Committee, stating: The Committee is not an investigatory body  it does not decide whether or not someone is guilty or innocent of a particular act. Instead, it reflects the findings of official investigations and makes a recommendation of whether or not the honours system has been brought into disrepute.

With input from agencies
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol survived an impeachment motion against him in Parliament after members from Yoons People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote, and walked out of the chamber. This came after Yoon briefly imposed martial law, which led to massive protests against him read more

Huge number of South Korean citizens called for Yoon to resign but motion failed on Saturday as members from Yoon's People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote, and walked out of the chamber. Reuters

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stunned the nation and the international community when he imposed martial law and sent troops and helicopters to the parliament.

But what followed was an unexpected twistafter a night of drama and protests, Yoon was forced into a swift U-turn when lawmakers rejected his decree.

The opposition, seizing the opportunity, swiftly introduced an impeachment motion against Yoon in the Parliament. However, the motion failed on Saturday as members from Yoons People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote, and walked out of the chamber.

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Opposition parties, which hold 192 seats in the 300-seat parliament, filed the impeachment motion that needed 200 votes to pass. But almost all 108 members of PPP filed out, while only three of them cast ballots.

The speaker, Woo Won-Shik, even called on the PPP lawmakers to protect the Republic of Korea and its democracy, however, his appeal fell on deaf ears as they failed to return and voting failed to take place.

How did the political drama unfold this week in South Korea? Heres a closer look.

The lead-up

Yoon, elected in 2022, lurches from crisis to crisis and becomes a lame duck after the opposition wins control of parliament in elections in April this year.

For months, some opposition lawmakers accuse Yoon of a slide towards authoritarianism.

One lawmaker, Kim Min-seok, in September even claims that Yoon has martial law in mind, but almost no one takes it seriously.

Yoons midnight shocker

On Tuesday at 10:23 pm, (1323 GMT) Yoon comes on screen to declare martial law to protect South Korea from communist forces.

Yoon, who has been in a legislative dispute over next years budget, says the opposition had paralysed governance and claims parliament is a haven for criminals.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering a speech to declare martial law in Seoul. File Image /

Oppositions defiance

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung livestreams himself being driven to the National Assembly, calling on lawmakers and protesters to join him in opposing the illegal imposition of martial law.

An emergency session is scheduled for later that night, and lawmakers scramble to parliament, some leaping over fences, to vote down Yoons decree.

Troops and helicopters

Helicopters carry special forces to parliament, as other troops scale perimeter fences and smash windows to get in.

Sometime after midnight, soldiers attempt to enter the main parliament, with scuffles breaking out as staffers and lawmakers bar their way with office furniture as barricades.

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As news of Yoons stunning move spreads at home and abroad, thousands of protesters make their way to parliament.

South Korean martial law soldiers leave the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea on December 4, 2024. AP

Turndown

At 1:03 am Wednesday, lawmakers vote 190-0 to nullify Yoons declaration.

Soon after, soldiers begin withdrawing. Protesters chant: Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol!.

We are watching the recent developments in (South Korea) with grave concern, the US State Department says.

Hours pass and finally at 4:20 am, Yoon comes on television again and says he will lift martial law. Protesters celebrate. Yoon goes to ground.

Impeachment motion

As bleary-eyed protesters and lawmakers recover, six opposition parties file an impeachment motion against Yoon at 2:40 pm on Wednesday.

Yoon gravely and extensively violated the Constitution and the law and sought to evade imminent investigations into alleged illegal acts involving himself and his family, the motion said.

Opposition lawmakers also file separate complaints of insurrection against Yoon, his defence and interior ministers and key military and police officers.

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Thousands of protesters begin marching towards the presidential office while others rally at the National Assembly.

Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun offers to resign. Later this is accepted and he is slapped with a travel ban.

Questions raised

On Thursday, the head of Yoons People Power Party (PPP), Han Dong-hoon, says it will block the impeachment motion. Only eight of its MPs need to break ranks for it to pass.

Police announce they are investigating Yoon and others for insurrection, and lawmakers start to grill those involved.

Army chief of staff General Park An-su says he only found out on television that martial law had been declared, and subsequently that he was in charge of the operation.

He said he signed a decree banning anti-government political activities after being told the defence minister had checked its legality.

South Koreas main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung holds a sign reading Investigate his act of rebellion immediately, at a rally to condemn South Korean presidents surprise declarations of the martial law on Tuesday night and to call for his resignation, at the National Assembly in Seoul. Reuters

Hans warning

On Friday morning, Han warns that South Korea is in great danger if Yoon remains in office, implying the president could declare martial law again.

Han says credible evidence suggests that Yoon ordered the arrest of key politicians. A fresh poll Yoons approval rating hits a record low of 13 percent after the declaration of martial law.

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Special Forces Commander Kwak Jong-geun says he was ordered to drag out lawmakers from parliament. Three senior commanders are suspended.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tells his counterpart Cho Tae-yul that Washington expects the democratic process to prevail.

Impeachment looks increasingly likely. Opposition MPs hole up in parliament all night and protesters hunker down outside in freezing temperatures.

With the impeachment vote set for tomorrow, the hours leading up to it are extremely precarious, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung tells AFP.

The D-Day

Despite Hans comments, the PPP decides late Friday that it will still vote against the impeachment vote, scheduled for Saturday evening.

On Saturday at 10:00 am Yoon finally reappears, and in two-minute televised address apologises for the anxiety and inconvenience.

But he stops short of resigning.

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I will not shy away from the issue of legal and political responsibility regarding the declaration of martial law, Yoon says.

I will leave it up to our party to stabilise the political situation in the future, including my term of office, he says.

With input from AFP
Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was gunned down in Manhattan on Wednesday. The incident has unleashed an avalanche of biting humour and scornful commentary over his death. The comments point towards growing anger, frustration and helplessness among Americans towards the nations expensive health insurance industry read more

Brian Thompsons death and the message left at the scene have created an opportunity for many to vent their frustrations about nation's privatised and expensive health insurance companies. Image for Representation. Reuters

When the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was gunned down in Manhattan Wednesday, the tragedy was expected to evoke sorrow and outrage.

Instead, it unleashed an avalanche of biting humour and scornful commentary over the death of the 50-year-old father of two.

A Facebook post mourning his loss, shared by UnitedHealth Group, racked up more than 71,000 laugh emojis as of Friday  dwarfing other interactions before the counter was disabled.

The aftermath here exposes the simmering anger, resentment, helplessness and frustration of millions of Americans with the US health insurance industry that serves as a gatekeeper to its $4.5 trillion health care system.

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Heres what we know.

A burst of anger

Brian Thompsons death ignited a wave of fury on social media, with users directing their anger at health insurers over denied claims and alleged corporate greed.

Wendell Potter, a former CIGNA executive turned whistleblower, told USA Today, Ive been hearing for years now from people frustrated by denials or delays of care. This became an opportunity for people to vent and take out their anger against someone who just became known to them.

People believe that even the words written on ammunition found at Thompsons shooting scene  delay, deny and depose,  echoed tactics insurers use to avoid paying claims.

One social media user remarked, CEOs are making money hand over fistby DENYING care. I feel terrible for his family, but cant say Im surprised.

Others fixated on the killers looks, dubbing him the hot assassin or comparing him to movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Timothee Chalamet.

People believe that even the words written on the killers ammunition found at Thompsons shooting scene  delay, deny and depose,  echoed tactics insurers use to avoid paying claims. AFP

Meanwhile, a young musician named Joe DeVito was going viral with a folk song titled Deny, Defend, Depose, a rallying cry against medical corporate greed, featuring sharp lyrics like, If you aint coughing cash, then go cough in your basement.

Even doctors on one of the internets largest forums for medical professionals joined the fray, posting satirical comments on the medicine subreddit that mimicked the jargon often found in insurance denial letters, such as lack of prior authorisation and failure to prove medical necessity.

For Tim Anderson, the tragedy brought back memories of his wife Mary, who died from ALS in 2022 after facing multiple coverage denials by UnitedHealthcare. All of a sudden, I am fired up again, he told AP.

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Anderson said they couldnt get coverage for machines to help his wife breathe or talk  toward the end, she communicated by blinking when he showed her pictures. The family had to rely on donations from a local ALS group, he said.

The business model for insurance is dont pay, said Anderson, 67, of Centerville, Ohio. When Mary could still talk, she said to me to keep fighting this, he added. It needs to be exposed.

Why are people angry about insurance companies?

Universal healthcare is a standard in most developed nations, but in the US, coverage remains fragmented across private insurers, government programmes, and a significant uninsured population.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, addressed some of the insurance systems most anti-consumer practices issues like, requiring coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Brian Thompsons death ignited a wave of fury on social media, with users directing their anger at health insurers over denied claims and alleged corporate greed. Reuters

Yet, gaps persist, leaving patients grappling with rising costs and complex hurdles like prior authorisations and limited doctor networks.

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Patients are already spending a lot of money on healthcare, and then theyre still facing problems with the service, University of Pennsylvania researcher Michael Anne Kyle told AP.

What is UnitedHealthcares record on insurance claims?

UnitedHealthcare denies approximately one-third of all claims, according to research by ValuePenguin, making it the highest among insurance companies and double the industry average.

Anderson, whose wife faced multiple denials from UnitedHealthcare before her death, admitted his initial reaction to the CEOs shooting was to question if it was linked to a coverage denial. I definitely do not condone killing people, he told AP, but I wondered if somebody had a spouse whose coverage was denied.

People walk past a poster outside the Hilton hotel near the scene where the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson was shot dead in Midtown Manhattan, in New York. Reuters

As the largest US insurer, UnitedHealthcare covers around 50 million people and reported $16.4 billion in profits in 2023. During that year, CEO Brian Thompson earned over $10 million in compensation that included base pay and stock options, sparking further criticism.

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Hans Maristela, a California caregiver, echoed the publics frustration. While he sympathised with Thompsons family, he pointed out the disparity between the CEOs lucrative pay and the financial burdens on patients. Healthcare is a business, I understand, but the obsession with share price, with profit, has to be reevaluated, he said.

With input from agencies
The resurgence of fighting in Syria has brought into focus the role of foreign powers in the country. Nations like the United States, Russia, Iran, and Turkey are entangled in a multi-layered war, each with its own reasons for intervention in the region read more

What started more than a decade ago as a civil uprising has since spiralled into a multi-layered war, with nations like the United States, Russia, Iran, and Turkey entangled, each with its own reasons for intervention in the region. Image for Representation. Reuters

With the resurgence of fighting in Syria, the frontlines of a complex conflict have caught global attention once again, bringing into focus the role of foreign powers in the country.

What started more than a decade ago as a civil uprising has since spiralled into a multi-layered war, with nations like the United States, Russia, Iran, and Turkey entangled, each with its own reasons for intervention in the region.

Heres a closer look at the foreign powers operating on Syrian soil and the interests driving their continued presence in the embattled West Asian country.

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Turkey

Turkey has deployed troops across northwestern Syria - territory held by Syrian rebel groups which rose up against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. Turkey, which firmly supported the 2011 uprising, backs some of these rebel groups.

A key objective for Turkey has been to counter the influence of Syrian Kurdish armed groups that carved out autonomous enclaves along its border during the civil war.

Ankara regards these groups as extensions of the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency within Turkey since 1984 for greater cultural and political rights. However, PKK is deemed a terrorist organisation by the Turkish government.

Another pressing concern for Turkey is the return of some three million Syrian refugees who fled to Turkey during the war, many of them originally from the Aleppo region.

Since 2016, Turkey has launched four military operations in Syria.

The first targeted both the jihadist Islamic State group and the Syrian Kurdish YPG, the leading faction within the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Turkeys presence expanded in 2017 when it struck a deal with Russia and Iran that resulted in Turkish forces deploying at 12 positions in the rebel-held northwestern Idlib region.

This was followed in 2018 by an offensive targeting SDF-controlled Afrin, and another incursion in 2019 into SDF territory between the border towns of Ras al Ain and Tel Abyad.

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A Turkish soldier waves a flag on Mount Barsaya, northeast of Afrin, Syria January 28 ,2018. Reuters

In 2020, Turkey further bolstered its forces in Idlib, sending thousands of troops to halt an advance by Russia-backed Syrian government forces targeting rebel strongholds.

Also read: Why Turkey may benefit from Syrias deadly new offensive

The Syrian government, however, views Turkey as an occupying power.

Russia

Russia intervened militarily on Assads side in 2015, in its biggest foray in West Asia since the Soviet Unions collapse. Operating from an airbase in the western province of Latakia, Russian air power dramatically shifted the conflict in Assads favour.

In coordination with Iran, the intervention built upon a longstanding Russian presence in Syria, dating back to the Cold War when the Soviet Union established a naval base at Tartus on the Mediterranean coast.

Russian forces have also operated on the ground in government-held areas, with Russian military police deployed during attempts to de-escalate clashes in certain regions.

The Kremlin said it will remain steadfast in its backing of Assad, continuing to provide support to his regime.

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Vladimir Putin greets Bashar al-Assad at the Kremlin in Moscow, on Sept. 13, 2021.

Iran and allies

Iran deployed its Revolutionary Guards to Syria as early as 2012 to help Assad, with Lebanons Hezbollaha key Iranian allyplaying a significant role alongside them.

For Iran, Assad is a crucial ally, part of its  Axis of Resistance to Israel and US influence in West Asia. This alliance has enabled Tehran to establish a strategic land corridor stretching from its western border, through Iraq, and into Lebanon.

Iran has consistently described its forces in Syria as providing advisory support at the invitation of the Damascus government. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi noted in a December 3 interview that Tehran would consider sending troops to Syria if Damascus asked.

For Iran, Assad is a crucial ally, part of its Axis of Resistance to Israel and US influence in West Asia. This alliance has enabled Tehran to establish a strategic land corridor stretching from its western border, through Iraq, and into Lebanon. File image/ Reuters

In addition to Iranians and Hezbollah, other Shiite Islamist groups backed by Iran, including fighters from Afghanistan and Iraq, have played pivotal roles in the conflict.

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Recently, Hezbollah withdrew fighters from Syria to Lebanon as its conflict with Israel escalated in mid-October, Reuters reported. Although a ceasefire has since been reached last week, Hezbollah reportedly has no immediate plans to redeploy forces to northern Syria in support of the Syrian army.

The presence of Iranian and Iran-backed forces in Syria has been a big point of concern for Israel, prompting it to carry out frequent airstrikes in Syria.

Also read: Hezbollah sends supervising forces to Syria to defend Homs amid rebel advance

The United States

The US military intervention in Syria began in 2014 with air strikes against the Islamic State jihadist group that had declared its rule over a third of Syria and Iraq.

Initially, a small contingent of US special forces was deployed, collaborating with the SDF to retake territory from IS in Syrias northern and eastern regions.

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In 2018, after declaring that the battle against IS was nearly won, President Trump announced plans to withdraw US troops from Syria.

However, this decision faced significant backlash, with critics warning that it would create a power vacuum for Iran and Russia to exploit. As a result, the withdrawal was delayed, and US forces have remained in Syria, continuing to support the SDF.

Currently, around 900 US troops are stationed in Syria, primarily in the northeast.

US military positions and personnel in northeastern Syria play a crucial role in preventing the resurgence of the Islamic State, US Ambassador Robert Wood told the Security Council on December 3.

In addition to their presence in the northeast, US troops are also stationed at Syrias Tanf garrison, located at the junction of the Jordanian and Iraqi borders. There, they support a Syrian rebel force aimed at countering IS in the region.

However, the Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, regards the US forces as occupiers.

With input from Reuters
The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris will finally reopen to the public today (December 7) after a fire broke out in 2019, almost bringing the renowned structure to the ground. The Gothic-styled architectural marvel, which has been around for more than 850 years, has served as a backdrop to some of historys most defining moments read more

An artist paints a view of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, in front of the cathedral a few days before its reopening, in Paris. The Notre-Dame Cathedral is set to re-open with ceremonies on December 7 and 8, 2024, five years after the 2019 fire which ravaged the world heritage landmark and toppled its spire. AFP

When one thinks of Paris in France, images of the Eiffel Tower, delicious croissants and the Notre Dame cathedral are often the most thought of visuals. And now after five years of reconstruction and restoration, after a deadly fire destroyed it, it will rise from the ashes like a phoenix today (December 7) and become the central character as it reopens to the public again.

Last Friday (November 29), the French President conducted an inspection of the restored cathedral, telling those involved in the repair works that they had done the impossible by healing a national wound after the fire on April 15, 2019.

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The blaze at Notre Dame was a national wound, and you have been its remedy through will, through work, through commitment, he said, adding the cathedrals re-opening on December 7-8 will be a shock of hope.

But what is the history of the cathedral? Why do the French consider it to be a cultural gem? We go back in time to trace the history of this grand architectural marvel and how it came to be integral to Frances history.

The building of the Notre Dame

The Notre Dame de Paris, which translates to Our Lady of Paris has a history that is closely linked to the history of France. Located on a small island called Ile de la Cite  Island of the City  in the centre of the Seine River.

Construction on this cathedral began in 1160 when Maurice de Sully, the bishop of Paris, had the idea of turning the site into a large cathedral. Owing to his friendship with King Louis VII, he convinced him of the plan and work on this structure began. In 1163, the first stone of the building was laid in the presence of Pope Alexander III.

However, it took another 200 years for the cathedral to be completed  in 1345  through which it saw countless modifications.

The building of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris took a whopping 200 years to complete. File image/AFP

Notre Dame: an architectural marvel

The Notre Dame is one of the most notable structures in France, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It is considered one of the first structures to feature flying buttresses. This design was meant to hold the thin Gothic-style walls up and prevent cracks from building in them. Moreover, the flying buttresses were supposed to provide structure support but also add to the cathedrals Gothic style.

Besides the flying buttresses, the Notre Dame consists of a choir and apse, short transept, nave, double aisle and square chapels. The original central spire was removed in the 18th century as it was unstable and a new spire was added during a large-scale restoration in the 19th century, led by Eugene Viollet-le-Duc.

A city view shows the Notre Dame Cathedral as part of the skyline in Paris, France. File image/Reuters

On the western side of the cathedral, stood two massively large Gothic-style towers, each measuring 68 metres tall. Additionally, gargoyles adorned the buildings sides.

Another notable feature of Notre Dame is the stunning rose windows. These large circular stained-glass windows are breathtakingly beautiful and serve a symbolic purpose, depicting biblical stories and saints. The windows are considered masterpieces of medieval craftsmanship.

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A view of windows below the middle-age stained glass rosace on the northern side of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, in Paris. File image/AFP

Notre Dames historical highlights

Since its construction, the Notre Dame Cathedral has been central to some of the worlds most historical events.

For instance, in 1431, Notre Dame served as the location where Henry VI, the king of England, was crowned king of France. In 1537, James V, king of Scotland, married Madeleine of France in 1537 at the cathedral.

During the French Revolution, angry mobs and revolutionaries looted the medieval Gothic churchand even declared that it wasnt a church at all. They destroyed more than two dozen statues affixed to the church facade.

And in 1793, Notre Dame became the site of the Festival of Reason, a revolutionary and anti-religious festival that mocked Catholicism. After these years of turmoil, the cathedral was restored to its former glory and Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself the emperor of France in 1804 at the Notre Dame.

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French President Jacques Chirac accompanied by French and foreign dignitaries and world leaders attend the requiem mass for former French President Francois Mitterrand at Paris Notre Dame Cathedral. File image/Reuters

In the 20th century, Notre Dame was where Joan of Arc was beatified by Pope Pius X. In 1920, she was canonised by Pope Benedict XV.

The cathedral also withstood two World Wars and its bells tolled in 1944 to mark the end of Nazi occupation. In 2001, the bells also tolled to mark the destruction of New Yorks Twin Towers which were attacked in the 9/11 attacks.

The cathedral has hosted the funeral of the French presidents Charles de Gaulle and Francois Mitterrand.

Notably, the cathedral doesnt just serve as a historical marvel but also holds religious significance. Thats because it is home to some of the most valuable artefacts in Catholicism, such as the crown of thorns believed to have been worn by Jesus before his crucifixion as well as the tunic worn by Saint Louis, a 13th-century king of France (Louis IX).

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A fire and a rebirth

It was on April 15, 2019, around 6.30 pm local time that the world looked on in horror when a fire broke out under the eaves of Notre-Dame Cathedrals roof and engulfed the spire and most of the roof. So deadly was it that officials took 24 hours to bring it under control before it ravaged the entire structure.

Smoke billows from Notre Dame Cathedral after a fire broke out, in Paris, on April 15, 2019. File image/Reuters

It was a miracle itself that the blaze didnt ruin the many works of art and religious relics that were inside the structure. Moreover, the cathedrals altar, two pipe organs, and three 13th-century rose windows suffered little or no damage.

While the embers of the fire were yet to be put out, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to renovate and reconstruct the medieval monument within five years. Since then, some 250 companies and hundreds of experts have been brought in for the restoration work, which cost a total of nearly 700 million.

A visitor takes photographs of Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris. AP

Today, the renovated cathedral has an exact copy of the 19th century Gothic spire. Also, the stained windows have been cleaned of stains and a restored organ is ready to play out beautiful tunes again.

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It will be wonderful to see the renovated Notre Dame cathedral once it opens its doors to devotees on December 8 when the first mass will be held.

With inputs from agencies
Elon Musk has warned that Singapore and several other nations are headed towards extinction. Singapores Total Fertility Rate (TFR) hit a historic low of 0.97 last year, marking the first time it has dropped below 1.0. However, this fertility crisis is not limited to Singapore, as similar trends have been seen in countries like South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and China read more

Billionaire businessman Elon Musk has a big warning for Singapore. And many other countries.

He raised concerns regarding Singapores declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR), which dropped to a historic low of 0.97 last year - its first fall below 1.0.

ALSO READ | Why South Korea could become the first country to disappear from Earth

The fertility crisis is not limited to Singapore as similar trends have been seen in South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and China.

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Reports also suggest that India is witnessing a decline in fertility rates.

Whats happening in Singapore? What did Musk say?

Singapore measures the TFR as the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime, similar to the United Nations standard. Official data reveals that the TFR fell to 0.97 in 2023, down from 1.04 in 2022, far below the replacement rate of 2.1 needed for population stability.

People walk along a pedestrian street in the Chinatown district of Singapore. AFP/File Photo

Last month, the Ministry of Manpower said in a statement, The slowing resident population growth and ageing of our population will lead to tightening manpower constraints in the medium term. We will continue to support career transitions into jobs and sectors that are more productive and higher-paying. At the same time, we need to remain open to foreign workers and foreign direct investments to continue to generate good job opportunities for Singaporeans.

The United Nations has also projected that 24% of Singapores population will be senior citizens by 2030, putting the country on the trajectory to become a super-aged society similar to Japan.

Singapores declining birth rates rank among the worlds lowest, with South Korea reporting an even lower TFR of 0.72 in 2023, according to The Straits Times.

ALSO READ | Russia considering a Ministry of Sex. Heres why

Addressing this issue, Indranee, who oversees the National Population and Talent Division under the Strategy Group in the PMO, stated that Singapore faces twin demographic challenges of a persistently low fertility rate and an ageing population.

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Amid these concerns, Elon Musk has addressed Singapores fertility crisis. Responding to a post discussing the nations baby crisis and the possible role of robotics in addressing it, Musk wrote on X, Singapore (and many other countries) are going extinct.

Singapore (and many other countries) are going extinct https://t.co/YORyakBynm  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 5, 2024

What are the reasons for the decline in fertility rate?

According to Indranee, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted many couples marriage and parenthood plans.

She added, Others cite concerns about the financial costs of child-raising, pressures to be an excellent parent, or difficulties managing work and family commitments.

Indranee also pointed to a generational shift in priorities, with young people increasingly viewing marriage and parenthood as less important life goals.

Young people are increasingly viewing marriage and parenthood as less important life goals. Reuters/File Photo

The implications of a declining TFR are serious, she warned. Families are shrinking, and more couples are now responsible for caring for both children and ageing parents. With fewer births, we will face a shrinking workforce. It will be increasingly challenging to maintain our dynamism, attract global businesses, and create opportunities for the next generation, she said.

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Indranee also drew comparisons to South Korea and Italy, where similar trends have led to economic slowdowns, falling wages, and demographic challenges.

Government data shows that more women aged 25-34 are choosing to remain single. Further, marital fertility rates among women in their 20s have declined, contributing to 32% of the overall drop in TFR, Economic Times said in a report. While marital fertility rates for women aged 25-34 fell sharply between 1990 and 2005, a slight recovery was seen in 2023.

ALSO READ | Naidu, Stalin and now Bhagwat flag Indias falling TFR: 8 things to know

Can robots solve the problem?

Singapore is embracing robotics to solve labour shortages and ranks second globally in robot density with 770 industrial robots per 10,000 workers, according to the International Federation of Robotics.

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Despite its small manufacturing industry, the region has robocops, robo-cleaners, robo-waiters, and robo-dogs across its public spaces. Robots are also deployed at Changi Airport for patrolling, enhancing efficiency and reducing dependence on a limited workforce, India Today reported.

Elon Musk, whose company Tesla invests heavily in humanoid robots, views robotics as a potential solution to labour and demographic challenges faced by countries like Singapore.

South Koreas crisis, neighbours face the same problem

Meanwhile, South Korea faces a severe fertility crisis, with its population at risk of shrinking to a third of its current size by the end of the century.

Experts warn that South Koreas population of 51 million could be halved by 2100. AP/File Photo

ALSO READ | China closes thousands of kindergartens due to sharp decline in birth rates

Concerns over national extinction have begun along with debates on how to address the issue and the role of work culture and gender dynamics in the decline.

Data from Statistics Korea, released on Wednesday, revealed an 8% drop in the countrys fertility rate in 2023 compared to the previous year. Experts warn that South Koreas population of 51 million could be halved by 2100 if the trend continues, Al Jazeera said in a report.

Not only South Korea, but its neighbours are also facing the challenge of declining birth rates. In China and Japan, fertility rates reached record lows of 1.09 and 1.26, respectively, in 2022, according to the report.

In Japan, the number of deaths more than doubled the number of births in 2023.

With inputs from agencies
Abby is a 100-pound, butterscotch-colored Boerboel, a thickly muscled canine who loves to romp in freshly fallen snow and snack on plain Timbits.

Shes a service dog, too, and the linchpin between two mothers who share the pain of losing a child.

This connection is seen through a patch sewn on the back of Abbys vest. It shows an Army paratrooper, Abigail Jenks, in dress uniform peering out from under a maroon beret, with the day she was born and the day in 2021 that she died in a training accident.

Abbys owner, Kate Mehnert, is a former Army National Guard member. Her daughter Taylor Messing was killed in a 2010 car crash in rural Niagara County.

Mehnert said she was wracked with depression in the years that followed before learning about Pawsitive for Heroes, which provides service dogs to veterans.

She said having Abby by her side over the last 15 months has helped her feel reborn.

I get out of bed now. I dont wake up crying, she said from GEICOs offices in Getzville, where Mehnert works in IT and Abby has a bed under her desk. I have a new outlook on life.

Jenks mother, Mary Elizabeth Tator, said its comforting that her daughters memory and legacy of service live on through Abby.

Its just an added layer to fill that emptiness in your heart, she said in a video interview last week.

Mehnert, a Grand Island resident, and Tator, who lives near Saratoga Springs, met late last year at a veterans gala here and forged a friendship.

We both truly feel that it was our daughters that brought us together perfectly, Mehnert said. You couldnt have asked for anything more.

Depressions depths

Mehnert, who turns 49 on Monday and is known as Kat to friends and family, joined the Guard when she was 30.

They called me a grandma in boot camp, she said.

Mehnert said she was raised a military brat and had always had an interest in serving and being part of a team.

She said she also thought it could help her be a better person and mother. She had had Taylor when she was just 16.

Mehnert was an information specialist in the Guard, based out of the Connecticut Street Armory, and was still part of that unit on Sept. 25, 2010.

That day, Taylor was one of five people in a sedan driven by a friend who was speeding when he attempted to pass another vehicle, lost control, went off the road and crashed into a tree.

Taylor, then a 17-year-old high school senior, and another passenger died.

She was a social butterfly. She had so many friends and so many people that cared for her, said Mehnert. She recalled learning at her daughters funeral that Taylor regularly stuck up for classmates who were being bullied.

Mehnert had been scheduled to deploy on a humanitarian mission to Afghanistan with her Guard unit in 2011.

I thought, if I wasnt at home and I didnt see the things that reminded me of her, it would help, she said.

However, shortly before their departure, Mehnert was told she wouldnt be joining the mission. Leadership had deemed her unfit to deploy and decided it was best for her to stay home and mourn.

I got very angry and I got really upset, she recalled.

Her daughters death and her frustration with the Guard, which she left in 2015, led her into a black hole of depression, Mehnert said.

She threw herself into her work with GEICO and became active in the offices veterans group.

In November 2022, Mehnert attended a Veterans Day event at the insurers Getzville campus, where she met Chris Kreiger, the co-founder of Western New York Heroes, which assists veterans, and learned about Pawsitive for Heroes.

Kreiger, an Iraq War veteran, helped start the programs after he said he struggled physically, mentally and financially upon his return from service.

It wasnt till I got my first service dog in 2012 that I realized the change it made for me, Kreiger said.

Mehnert said she was transfixed.

Ive been through dozens upon dozens of medications and a couple of dozen therapists. And I think I have tried everything to get over this hump, she said. And it was like this light bulb went off, and Im like, Oh my god, I wonder if Im eligible? Will this help me? Will this make it better? 

When Mehnert asked to speak to Kreiger, he told her the program typically provides dogs to veterans who have service-related trauma or injuries, but he would see what he could do.

He called later to tell Mehnert the organization would help her.

She could do anything

Tator, who is 47 and lives in New Yorks Capital Region, met Kreiger at an annual convention of the states Gold Star Mothers, which represents parents who lost a child serving in the armed forces.

Her daughter was just 17 when she tried joining the Army out of high school, so Tator had to sign the paperwork. Tator said her daughter was drawn to serving as a paratrooper and passed all of the qualifying tests and training.

She exceeded all my expectations. She could do anything, Tator said. She did do anything.

Jenks was a specialist with the 82nd Airborne, out of what is now Fort Liberty in North Carolina, when she suffered her fatal accident on April 19, 2021.

Jenks had asked someone to switch with her so that she could jump from a Blackhawk helicopter for the first time, Tator said.

Jenks had a hard landing, however, falling backward and hitting her head.

While Jenks was still passed out, the wind picked up, dragged her parachute and caused its lines to wrap around her neck, suffocating her.

Concussions arent uncommon for paratroopers, Tator said, but the combination with the windy conditions proved fatal. Jenks was 21 and engaged to a fellow soldier.

Tator said shes glad her daughter didnt suffer or die afraid.

Tator also takes solace in the drawings  dragons, skeletons, animals and other images  Jenks left behind. She started art lessons at the age of 8, her mother said, and thats just like a hobby that she never quit or put down.

At the Gold Star Mothers event, Kreiger asked Tator for permission to name one of the programs service dogs after Jenks. Tator said she didnt hesitate to say yes.

Unbreakable bond

Most Pawsitive for Heroes service dogs are trained by inmates at jails and prisons in the state, living full time with their handlers and speeding up the training process, Kreiger said.

Abby was trained at the Niagara County Correctional Facility where, after five months, Mehnert met Abby and began her own work with the dog.

Mehnert brought Abby home for good in September 2023. Abby helps Mehnert with some balance issues and knows to respond when Mehnert is feeling anxious.

Honestly, Mehnert said, I just use her for love.

Two months later, Mehnert brought Abby to the Western New York Heroes annual Red, White and Blue charity gala, where they met Tator.

The women said they were nervous before their encounter. But some odd points of serendipity helped them form a connection.

Taylor and Jenks had the same birthday, Nov. 18, for example, and Mehnert has a tattoo similar to one of Jenks final drawings.

Were like, this is no coincidence, Tator said. This was meant to be.

The mothers have kept in touch and said their friendship  Mehnert calls it an unbreakable bond  has helped them heal.

I am so happy and thankful that they have come into my life, Mehnert said, growing emotional. And I wouldnt change a thing. Not a thing.
Devendra Fadnavis has made a comeback as the Maharashtra chief minister. He and his two deputies  Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCPs Ajit Pawar  took oath in a grand ceremony in Mumbai. Heres all this and more in our weekly wrap read more

The first week of this years last month was a busy one for India. Maharashtra finally got its new chief minister, 12 days after the voters chose the Mahayuti alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to helm the state.

In Punjab, a man opened fire at former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal as he was carrying out his sewadar duties outside Amritsars Golden Temple. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader escaped unhurt and the assailant has been arrested.

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Ties between India and Bangladesh have become tense since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the then Prime Minister, in August. A rise in attacks on the minority Hindu community has further strained relations between the two neighbours.

Heres all this and more in our weekly roundup from India.

1. BJPs Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtras CM for the third time at a grand ceremony in Mumbais Azad Maidan on December 5. His two deputies, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and Nationalist Congress Partys (NCP) Ajit Pawar, were also sworn in.

For Fadnavis, it was a well-deserving reward. The BJP leader was seen to have sacrificed the CM post to accommodate Shinde when the Shiv Sena leader broke the party and toppled Uddhav Thackerays government in 2022.

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Fadnavis, who is considered the architect of the BJPs resounding victory in Maharastra in the Assembly polls after the Lok Sabha debacle, has finally got his due. We take a look at his journey from CM to Deputy CM and then back in the CM chair.

2. All is not well in Indias neighbourhood. Bangladesh has witnessed a surge in attacks against its Hindu minority since August. New Delhi has expressed concerns about the community being targeted by extremists, while Dhaka has called the claims exaggerated.

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Members of Hindu Aikya Vedika (Hindu United Front) shout slogans condemning the recent arrest of prominent Hindu leader Krishna Das Prabhu and the alleged attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh during a protest in Hyderabad, December 4, 2024. AP

The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former Iskcon Hindu monk in Bangladesh, has further soured the ties between the two neighbours. From the impact on trade ties to tourism, we explain in our report how India is protesting against the attacks on Hindus in its neighbouring country.

3. SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal was shot at by a man identified as Narain Singh Chaura, 68, at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Narain Singh, a resident of Chaura village, was linked to the Khalistani movement in Punjab in the 1980s.

The incident occurred when Badal was performing seva (service) at the holy shrine. The Akal Takht, the supreme temporal body of the Sikhs, has declared him tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) over some decisions by the Shiromani Akali Dal government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017. Heres our story on the alleged assailant who targeted Badal.

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4. Three Indian women have made it to the BBCs list of 100 inspiring and influential women for 2024. Aruna Roy, Pooja Sharma and Vinesh Phogat have been honoured by the British broadcaster.

Born in Delhi, Pooja Sharma gained recognition for performing the last rites of over 4,000 unclaimed bodies in the city over the years. Social activist Aruna Roy is celebrated by the BBC for her commitment to the rights of the poor in India.

Social activist Aruna Roy has been named in THE BBCs list of 100 inspiring women. File Photo/PTI

Wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat is a Congress MLA from Haryana. She joins these two Indian remarkable Indian women in the BBCs 2024 list of inspiring women. We take a look at who these women are in detail in this report.

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5. Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna starrer Pushpa 2: The Rule has been released in cinemas. With this, the wait for fans who were eagerly waiting for the sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise finally came to an end.

However, the craze for Pushpa 2 turned deadly in Telanganas Hyderabad as the movie screening led to chaotic scenes and tragedy. A woman died and her child was critically injured when a stampede occurred at Hyderabads Sandhya Theatre. Now, the police have filed a case against actor Allu Arjun and his security team. But why? We explain in this story.

6. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the future. As the technology advances steadily, AI is becoming a part of our lives. Virtual influencers are garnering popularity across the globe. From AI anchors to the granny who outsmarts scammers, these computer-generated entities have gained attention.

Now, India has got its first AI mom influencer. Kavya Mehra is an AI-driven mom influencer created by talent management firm Collective Artists Network. Dulling the lines between fiction and reality, her personality is based on the real-life experiences of real moms. Heres our story on this AI mom influencer.

This is all we have for you this week. If you like the way we explain things, you can bookmark this page.
The attacks on minorities and rising Islamist fundamentalism are a deep betrayal, reflecting a dangerous drift away from Mujibur Rahmans ideas and the very values that once shaped the Bangladeshi freedom struggle read more

As per media reports, Bangladesh is set to remove the image of the countrys founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, affectionately known as Bangabandhu, from its currency notes. The central bank of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Bank, is stated to have been printing new notes commemorating the July uprising in the countrythe series of student protests that culminated in the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Rahmans daughter, from power and her eventual exit from Bangladesh.

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The so-called July uprising saw a series of violent protests that had the support of vested interests from the West trying to toe the ruling establishment in their line. Awami League supporters, its ideologues, were the prime target of these protestors, who attacked everything that stood for Rahmans version of Bangladesh. Bangabandhus statue was vandalised, and Hasinas house was ransacked. The hardcore feeling of Islamic jihad that was earlier bottled up came out on the streets. Violent fundamentalist mobs were unleashed upon the minorities, primarily Hindus.

Somewhere, amid plunder and lawlessness, the founding ideal of Bangladesh was lost. Rahamans idea of a secular nation, bound together by shared Bengali ethnicity, has been lost, and a resurgence of pre-1971 East Pakistan is apparent, which has doomed the future of not just the minorities but of the whole populace of Bangladesh.

The arrest of an International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das, manifests what has gone wrong in Bangladesh today. Advocate Ramen Roy, who was representing him, was brutally attacked, and his house ransacked by radical Islamists. Roy, battling for his life in the hospital ICU, became the latest symbol of the horrifying impunity that defines minority persecution in Bangladesh. When threats to lawyers escalated, Das was left legally unrepresented in a Chattogram court on Tuesday. Videos circulating online show lawyers openly warning that anyone daring to defend the Hindu monk would face public thrashing. This chilling incident alone lays bare the grim reality for Hindus in Bangladesh today, where justice is not just elusivedemanding it is a risk to life itself.

The attack on Roy is not an isolated incident; it is part of a broader, systematic assault on the countrys 20 million-strong religious minorities. The message is clear: Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists are second-class citizens, and their rights can be trampled with impunity. The Yunus-led interim government, far from addressing the violence, remains a passive spectator as radicalised mobs dictate the law. The ongoing wave of hundreds of attacks against minorities, coupled with a deafening silence from the authorities, reveals a nation that has betrayed its founding principles. How much more blood must be spilled before the world takes notice?

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Several countries have indeed mentioned it, but their responses remain disjointed and insufficient. The United States has called for the respect of fundamental freedoms, with Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasising the importance of religious and human rights. Meanwhile, the UK Parliament held an urgent debate, with members expressing alarm over the attacks on Hindus and the persecution of monks under the interim government. These reactions, while significant, have been piecemeal, failing to coalesce into the kind of global pressure campaign necessary to hold Bangladesh accountable for its egregious treatment of minorities.

Yunus, hailed globally for his work on poverty alleviation, now stands at the helm of a government presiding over rampant human rights violations. His silence and inaction send a chilling message: that the lives and rights of 20 million religious minorities are expendable. Without coordinated international pressure and the threat of diplomatic consequences, the Bangladesh government will continue to turn a blind eye, emboldening extremists and further eroding the safety and dignity of its minority citizens.

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Indias response to the escalating violence against minorities in Bangladesh has been pointed, but it walks a fine diplomatic line. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the attacks on Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists, detailing the horrors of arson, looting, and desecration of temples. This rare public statement underscores the gravity of the situation but also hints at the challenges India faces in addressing it without overstepping its diplomatic boundaries.

Historically, India has maintained close ties with Bangladesh, particularly under Sheikh Hasinas leadership, which saw improved bilateral cooperation in areas like trade, security, and connectivity. However, Hasinas forced resignation and escape to India amid violent protests have strained relations. Indias suspension of visas for Bangladeshi nationals, save for medical emergencies, reflects the growing tensions.

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Hasinas statement, shared by the Awami League, not only called for the release of Chinmoy Krishna Das but also laid bare the systematic targeting of Hindus. In just three days of chaos following her resignation, over 200 attacks on Hindus were reported, resulting in deaths, sexual assaults, and widespread destruction. The scale of violence is unprecedented, with its roots entrenched in historical patterns of majoritarian oppression. For India, the challenge now is balancing its role as a regional power advocating for minority rights with its strategic interests in ensuring a stable and cooperative neighbour. Yet, as the atrocities mount, mere statements of concern may no longer suffice.

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On Friday, a mob attacked three Hindu temples in Chattogram, targeting the Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shani Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple. These attacks occurred in broad daylight, with slogan-shouting assailants pelting the temples with bricks, leaving the religious sites damaged and the local Hindu community gripped by fear. The incident is tied to sedition charges filed against a former ISKCON member, which sparked widespread protests and violence. These attacks on sacred spaces are not just acts of vandalism; they are calculated strikes aimed at eroding the spiritual and cultural foundations of a beleaguered minority.

The night of December 3 saw even more devastating violence in Manglargaon and Monigaon East Gunigram, where over 100 houses and businesses belonging to the Hindu community were attacked, looted, and vandalised. A temple in the area was also damaged, with estimated losses exceeding 1.5 million Bangladeshi taka. The trigger? Allegations of blasphemy against Akash Das, a 20-year-old Hindu villager, for a Facebook postallegations that led to his arrest even before the attacks began. The carnage left countless villagers displaced, fleeing their homes out of sheer terror. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad has condemned these brutal acts and demanded immediate arrests, compensation for victims, and rehabilitation efforts. Yet, the fear that grips these minority communities is not easily dispelled, as the attacks expose a chilling truth: no place, not even the sanctity of ones home or temple, is safe.

There are videos of even Bangladeshi security forces attacking Hindus after they held protests over a social media post. This comes after a Muslim traders alleged derogatory post against ISKCON and Sanatana Dharma.

Amidst the bloodied streets and desecrated temples, Yunuss remarks about the need for accurate reporting and bridging gaps between reality and media narratives reveal a grotesque attempt to gaslight the suffering of Bangladeshs minorities. His choice of words, dripping with indirection, suggests an ugly insinuation that the reports of violence, arson, and murder are exaggerated or fabricated. By focusing on discrediting media coverage instead of addressing the systemic persecution of Hindus and other minorities, Yunus displays not just a failure of leadership but an alarming willingness to trivialise the atrocities unfolding under his watch. This deflection, wrapped in a facade of diplomacy, is a stark betrayal of the very citizens he is sworn to protect, proving him complicit in perpetuating their plight rather than resolving it.

Not to mention the insidious complicity of the left-liberal intelligentsia in our own country, which bends over backward to whitewash the sins of the Bangladesh state. An article in The Indian Express had the audacity to claim, While there has been anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh as part of a broader pattern of lawlessness since the collapse of Sheikh Hasinas government, the violence is not state-sanctioned persecution, especially in comparison to violence against Bangladeshs indigenous people, Indian Muslims or minorities in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. This shameful apologia not only downplays the very real and targeted violence against Hindus but also makes utterly baseless and unnecessary comparisons to Indian Muslims, who are not facing anything remotely comparable to the communal terror unleashed in Bangladesh.

Dragging Indian Muslims into this discourse is a deliberate and disingenuous attempt to dilute the gravity of the atrocities in Bangladesh. To equate their experiences with the horrors faced by Bangladeshi Hindus is not only factually absurd but morally reprehensible. It reveals the extent to which certain commentators will go to shield the Bangladeshi government from scrutiny, even at the cost of trivialising the trauma of an oppressed community.

The further attempt to compare the response of the Bangladeshi interim government with Indias handling of its internal issues is a disgraceful exercise in moral equivalence as well. The statement, Moreover, the Bangladeshi interim government has responded to this violence by establishing a series of meetings on national unity (including with religious leaders) and sending additional forces to secure mandirs across Bangladesh, reeks of disingenuous propaganda.

What is being presented as an effort to restore order is nothing more than a half-hearted attempt to placate religious leaders, while the real issuethe systemic violence against Hindusremains largely unaddressed. If the violence wasnt state-sanctioned, as the article tries to claim, why then does the government need to deploy forces to secure temples in the first place? Is it not the states responsibility to ensure that such violence doesnt occur in the first place?

To then draw a comparison with India is not just an intellectual dishonestyit is an outright distortion of reality. The violence faced by Indian Muslims, particularly in areas like Sambhal, is not of the same scale or nature as the unchecked, state-ignored near genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh. Moreover, India has an active and vocal media, a strong judiciary, and a robust civil society that, while imperfect, does engage in real-time debates on such issues. Drawing equivalence between the two merely distracts from the brutal reality of whats unfolding in Bangladesh and shifts the focus away from the responsibility of Yunus and his administration. Instead of grappling with the horrors in Bangladesh, this narrative misleads by suggesting that India is somehow equally complicit in communal violencewhen, in fact, it is Bangladesh that remains silent in the face of a full-scale, state-ignored assault on its Hindu population.

During the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in India, hundreds and thousands took to the streets sloganeering, Say No to CAA, even though the religious minorities of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh are very much a responsibility of India under the Nehru-Liaquat Pact. However, considering the condition of religious minorities in Bangladesh, we need something far more substantial than the CAA.

The question must be asked: why hasnt the Indian government implemented the provisions of CAA for the protection of religious minorities from Bangladesh yet? Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, there are voices calling for reunification with Pakistana stark reminder of the moral degeneracy that has taken hold in the country. It was the Indian Army that saved Bangladesh from the brutalities of the Pakistani Army during the war for independence. Yet today, Bangladeshs growing anti-India and pro-Pakistan sentiments only serve to tarnish the legacy of that liberation. It is a deep betrayal, reflecting a dangerous drift away from Rahmans ideas and the very values that once shaped the Bangladeshi freedom struggle. One can only hope that the Bangladesh government will take real steps to halt the violence, restore peace, and safeguard its religious minorities before its too late.

The writer takes special interest in history, culture and geopolitics. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The rebel forces in Syria, last week, suddenly opened up another front to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. What began as an Israel-Hamas confrontation in Gaza after the tragic October 7 killing of Israelis by Hamas, the conflict no longer remained confined to Gaza. It spiralled into Iran-backed Hezbollahs stronghold, southern Lebanon. To follow the trail, recently, the Islamist militants in northwest Syria attacked President Bashar al-Assads forces and exercised seizure of territories in a dramatic twist of events. It added increasing fragility to the region. West Asia finds itself in a boil again. The American-Russian rivalries found another theatre to manifest. The inconclusive Russian-Ukrainian war is extended to the Syrian outburst. The situation looks seriously messy.

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Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria, captured the Syrian city of Aleppo in just three days. This has given HTS militants the necessary impetus to march further and intensify the offensive on Assads forces. This armed outfit and its aggression have put Assads forces on the defensive. The rebels have cut off the highway from Damascus to Aleppo to create a sufficient connectivity bottleneck for Assads forces. Against this aggression, Assads ally Russia has swung into action, and airstrikes have intensified. The HTS is trying to find its way through camouflage, but it has captured Hama. This, Assads regime may find troubling.

A two-front war has opened for Russia now. The war fatigue is evident because of the unending war with Ukraine. The Syrian conflict will stress Russia. Therefore, HTSs sudden roll-out indicates the plan to divide Moscows focus. Distractions may disturb Russia. Iran has expressed its will to send its militia to fight for Assad. The US has also swung into action through its airstrike as a response to the alleged attacks on its military base named Euphrates in eastern Syria, citing the reasons of self-defence. This will soon complicate the Syrian situation. It is no longer a local conflagration. It has now involved several international and regional forces. Israel and Turkey are also the regional forces that have interests in the region and share borders with Syria.

The Russian support in 2016 through airstrikes and combing rebel areas could secure the Assad regime in Syria. Since then, Assad had consolidated himself in Syria and continued his unchanging and inalterable government without any opposition. It is important to observe how much Russian help can defeat the HTS and its unpredictable forces.

However, the story of resistance goes back to the pro-democratic demonstration called the Arab Spring in 2011. Assad crushed the waves of this resistance. The unrest it led to pushed Syria to a chronic civil war. Armed factions, the Islamic State and rebel factions, convoluted the Syrian condition irreparably. The Russian and Iranian interventions secured the authoritarian Assad regime. This led to economic crisis, migration, and increasing authoritarianism. The US economic sanction following the failure of the Arab Spring in Syria was highly stressful. The rebel groups were completely shovelled away to the Idlib region in the northwest of Syria. By 2020, the conflict reached a stalemate with the brokering of a ceasefire under Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

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Since 2020, there has not been much conflagration. The recent outburst signifies Assads weakness occasioned by the restrained Russian economic support and rudderless Hezbollah under Israeli attack and sanction-stressed Iranian ineffectiveness. Assads strength depends on its allies. Weakened Iran and fatigued Russia debilitated Assads grit. This created sufficient opportunity for HTS, its affiliates, and collaborators to corner Assad and end the authoritarian regime.

However, it goes without saying that the HTS will not bring democracy to Syria. It will indeed shift Syria from one authoritarianism to another. But this change will restrict Russian interest. The Biden administration, the US deep state, and the military-industrial complex continue to intensify their target on Russia until Donald Trump formally assumes power on January 20, 2025.

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Imposing a two-front war on Russia may force Vladimir Putin to react impulsively or miscalculate the situation. Any miscalculation will enable the US to justify its action on Russia. If this happens, Trump will open his second political chapter with conflict-stressed West Asia. The problem with these radical outfits is that once Pandoras box of violence is opened, it is difficult to control. This will help the military-industrial complex to thrive in a conflict economy.

The Syrian civil war will inflict enough distraction on Iran. This distraction will help Israel to get a breathing space and reorganise and consolidate itself firmly in the region to check Iranian misadventures. Iranian weakness may increase domestic reactions. The repressed groups may re-emerge to bring much-awaited regime change in Iran. The Syrian civil war will weaken the Iran-sponsored axis of resistance. Weak Iran is always good for Saudi Arabia and the UAE to focus on the economic strength of West Asia.

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Coming to Turkey, it exercises its weight in northern Syria. The rapprochement initiated by Ankara with Assad in 2022 was responded to with a precondition by the latter. The precondition was to withdraw Turkish forces from Syria. Nothing significant happened thereafter. Now that HTS has been unleashed, it may help Turkey to push the 3.2 million Syrian refugees to their homeland. The refugee crisis has exacerbated the Turkish economy. Erdogan may use this opportunity to get rid of them. In hindsight, Turkey used the Syrian crisis in 2016 to target Kurdish forces in northern Syria. Kurdish fighters, notably the YPG (Peoples Protection Units), were conceived by Turkey as an extension of the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party), and Ankara targeted to bring to an end the insurgency along the border and weaken Kurdish nationalism. Turkey may use this conflict to underline its benefits. However, if the situation worsens, the refugee crisis may intensify. It may boomerang Ankaras interests.

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However, knowing Assad and its ally Russia and the lethality of counterattack during the Arab Spring, it is pretty early to say anything definitive. Assads usual tactics are to retreat, reorganise, deceive the enemy, and attack vigorously. Assads alleged use of chemical weapons in the war was reported in the previous Syrian Civil War. Therefore, it is difficult to assess the enormity of the war now. Trumps response once he assumes power is yet to be seen. It is quite early to give an opinion. The conflict may lead anywhere.

Jajati K Pattnaik is an Associate Professor at the Centre for West Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Chandan K Panda is an Assistant Professor at Rajiv Gandhi University (A Central University), Itanagar. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
President Yoon Suk Yeol was compelled by the South Korean legislators to beat a hasty retreat and withdraw the martial law within hours of its promulgation. As per recent reports, he has apologised for this move. The proclamation, which had few takers, has now boomeranged upon him as the opposition members plan to move an impeachment motion against the president.

The very existence of a provision titled martial law (Article 77) stigmatises the Constitution of the Sixth Republic approved in October 1987. The South Koreans had to struggle against two back-to-back military dictatorships of General Park Chung Hee (1961-79) and General Chun Doo Hwan (1980-87), extending over a quarter of a century, before they emerged into the daylight of democracy in 1987.

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However, as Hang Sung-Joo (1988) reminds, the Constitution was a product of political convenience and expediency as much as the fruit of a long struggle for democracy at a time when South Korea raced against the political clock. In the backdrop of the countdown to President Chun Doo Hwans expiration of his seven-year term in February 1988 (under the Constitution 80) and the inauguration of the Seoul Olympics on September 17, 1988, South Korea exploded in popular pro-democracy demonstrations (South Korea in 1987: The Politics of Democratisation, Asian Survey Journal, January 1988).

The provision of martial law no doubt antedates the Sixth Republic. It was apparently there in the Constitution of the First Republic (1948), which was largely drafted by Chin-o Yu, Dean of the College of Law and Politics of Korea University, the only professor of constitution in the entire peninsula in those days. It was weaponised by the first president, viz. Syngman Rhee, in May 1952 after his efforts to bring an amendment in the Constitution (1948) abjectly failed in the legislature mostly dominated by independent members. At that time the president was elected by an electoral college comprising the National Assembly in a system approximating parliamentary democracy.

Rhee had always been uneasy with the cabinet system of government and preferred a presidential form of government akin to the United States. Rhee fancied his prospects of being re-elected in 1952 as rather grim. Therefore, in November 1951, he supported a constitutional amendment to elect the president by a popular vote. The motion, however, was handsomely defeated by a vote of 143 to 19 in the assembly. Four months later, in April 1952, when the opposition introduced a motion calling for the establishment of full-fledged parliamentary democracy, Rhee responded by declaring martial law and rounding up assembly members by force.

This time his constitutional amendment to elect the president by popular vote was ramrodded through the assembly, obtaining 163 Yes votes out of a total of 166. In the subsequent popular elections, Rhee was re-elected with 72 per cent of the votes. However, the 1952 amendment limited the Presidential tenure to two terms only. However, Rhee, desirous of unlimited tenure, instrumentalised another amendment in November 1954. In 1956, he could, with a reduced margin of 55 per cent of votes, as his principal opponent Sin Ik-hui, died in the midst of the election campaign. Rhee could ultimately stay in power until April 26, 1960, when he resigned at the age of 85.

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Rhee always loathed his critics and opponents and equated criticism with treason. One could read a similar script in the outburst of Yoon Suk Yeol against the legislators while promulgating martial law. He accused the opposition members of sympathising with North Korea and paralysing the government with anti-state activities. Under Rhees watch, thousands of South Koreansestimates vary widely between 60,000 and 200,000were massacred in 1950 on mere suspicion of being communist sympathisers.

This infamous Bodo League Massacre (1950) during the Korean War (1950-53) was falsely attributed to North Korean leader Kim II Sung whereas the truth was exactly the opposite. This dark chapter of carnage, consistently hidden by South Korea for more than half a century, was brought to light by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission first established in December 2005. North Korea under its tin-pot Communist dictator Kim Jong Un doubtless continues to threaten a democratic South Korea. Yet, the same could not be used to suspend democracy, which the South Koreans have achieved as a result of a long struggle. The expression martial law itself is inconsistent with a democratic constitution in place. All over the world, it is associated with the suspension of democratic constitutions.

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South Korea had to weather two military dictatorships. The longer one was under Park Chung Hee between 1961 and 1979. The schizophrenic Park era should be remembered both for the authoritarianism and the economic miracle he achieved. In the very first year of his regime (1961), he founded two institutions, viz. the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) and the Economic Planning Board (EPB). While KCIA, placed under Parks relative Kim Chong-pil, acted as political police to prevent a countercoup and suppress all potential enemies, the EPB, whose head was made the Deputy Prime Minister, initiated the five-year plans for South Koreas development. The South Korean government became, to quote the then Deputy Prime Minister SaKong Il, an entrepreneur manager. Between 1963 and 1977, public enterprises in Korea grew at an annual rate of 10 per cent.

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The junta under Park drew up a new constitution, which was put before popular referendum in December 1962, where it received 78.8 per cent of the vote. Under the pressure from the United States, an ally of South Korea since the end of World War II, Park retired from the army as a four-star general and ran as a candidate for the Democratic Republic Party (DPR) created by the military leaders (1963-80), in anticipation of returning to civilian politics. Park won both the 1963 and 1967 elections by a slender majority, and there is little evidence to prove that they were rigged. In the 1960s, Park followed a relatively moderate policy, allowing considerable freedom to criticise the government and engage in organisational activities. However, like Rhee before, Park also wanted an unlimited number of terms. Thus in 1969, he amended the constitution to succeed himself for the third time as president in 1971.

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He showed his true colours on becoming the president for the third time. In December, 1971, he proclaimed a national emergency and forced through the National Assembly legislation to control, regulate, and mobilise the people, the economy, the press, and everything in the public domain. In October, 1972, he proclaimed martial law, dissolved the National Assembly, closed all universities and colleges, imposed strict censorship, and suspended political activities. Thereupon, he unveiled a new draft constitution, under which he could be elected as president an unlimited number of times, nominate one-third of members to the National Assembly, and exercise emergency powers at will.

The 1972 Constitution was widely criticised by the civil society and student community, who launched a campaign against it. Park responded first with an emergency decree in January 1974 by outlawing such campaigns and then finally with his draconian Emergency Measure No. 9 in May 1975, which made it a penal offence to criticise the Constitution 72 or even to provide press coverage to any such event. Park justified his tough measures by invoking national unity in the face of an alleged North Korean threat.

Park could brook no dissent in his quest for power. On August 8, 1973, the kidnapping of Kim Dae-jung from his hotel in Tokyo by KCIA agents precipitated a crisis in Japan-Korea relations. Dae-jung, who had unsuccessfully contested against Park in the 1971 presidential elections, had been living in Japan after Park declared martial law and undertook several trips to the USA to attract global attention to the South Korean situation. It was natural for Japan to react against this illegal act of abduction. Park banned the circulation of Asahi Shimbun, the Japanese progressive newspaper, in South Korea.

Park was assassinated on October 26, 1979, ironically in a KCIA safe house in Seoul, shot dead by the Director of KCIA and the presidents security chief. Though the assassin Kim Jae-gyu, considered to be the Presidents closest friend, was hanged to death in 1980, the motives of the assassination remain open to interpretation. It is unclear whether it was a coup attempt, an impulsive step, or protest against Parks dictatorial policies. Five years previously there was another attempt to assassinate Park, by a South Korean living in Japan, in which the first lady perished. Parks assassination came amidst a political crisis.

The new leader of the New Democratic Party, viz. Kim Young Sam, had begun to openly criticise Park in the National Assembly. In his scathing attack, he said that Parks government had become an international disgrace for its suppression of human rights. He said that people should be free to choose a new president through direct elections and be permitted to live without fear. After an outspoken Kim Young Sam was ousted from the National Assembly by the government, all opposition members resigned in protest on October 13, 1979. Students protests had spiralled, leading to the imposition of martial law in the city of Pusan. In fact, when Park was assassinated in the KCIA safe house, it was at a dinner over which the Pusan situation was being discussed. The discussion had turned acerbic before Park was shot dead along with his bodyguards by an agitated Jae-gyu.

The assassination of Park Chung Hee did not mark the end of the repression story in South Korea. General Chun Doo Hwan, who seized power in a military coup (December 12, 1979), was in no mood to allow the students protest that had resumed in 1980. In May 1980, he issued a decree closing down all colleges and universities and prohibiting all political gatherings. All publications and broadcasts were subject to prior censorship, and all criticism of the previous and incumbent presidents was prohibited. Between May 18 and 27, 1980, a huge demonstration ending in a horrible bloodbath took place in Kwangju as a result of conflict between students/local populations and soldiers. One of the demands of the protestors, apart from rolling back martial law, was releasing Kim Dae-jung (the dissenter once abducted from Tokyo under Parks order and now arrested by the Hwan regime).

The soldiers being from Gyeonsang (Kyongsang) Province, from which both Park and Hwan hailed, and the demonstrations being in Jeolla (Cholla) Province, from which Kim Dae-jung hailed, the confrontation took on a bitter provincial colour despite the fact that Gyeonsang, with its biggest city Busan, had suffered equally in agitation against the Park regime. The Kwangju uprising caused (by local figures) 200 fatalities, including 24 soldiers and four policemen. The Kwangju massacres became a turning point in the annals of South Koreas struggle for democracy against martial law.

General Hwan set up the Fifth Republic under a new constitution (Constitution 80) and became its first president. He sought to purify and reform the Parks regime rather than seeking to revolutionise it. Chun wanted to implement a Cultural Revolution, where high government officials, judges, prosecutors, business executives, college professors, and their spouses32,000 persons in allwere exposed to an intensive three-day programme. In August 1980, the government started a massive propaganda campaign under which Bright Society Rallies were organised in major cities and tens of thousands of citizens were mobilised to hear speeches.

The year 1987 witnessed massive student protests for democratisation in South Korea. The protests were triggered by the death of Park Chong Chol, a Seoul University student, due to torture under police interrogation. They assumed special significance as the end of Hwans 7-year presidential term and the Seoul Olympics were due in 1988. The year naturally witnessed an intensification of political activity over the constitutional reforms, which Hwan wanted to avoid, but the opposition parties put on top priority.

Ultimately Roh Tae Woo, whom Hwans party, viz. the Democratic Justice Party (DJP), put up as an official candidate, put forward an 8-point proposal, which was finally accepted by the opposition parties. The most intense bargaining was over direct election to the presidents post, which the opposition parties wanted and got. However, due to a rift in the opposition camp, the two torchbearers of democracy in South Korea, viz. Kim Young Sam and Kim Dae Jung, could not agree on a common candidate. This allowed Roh Tae Woo, the former army general and Hwan protege, to win the December 16, 1987 elections with 36.6 per cent of votes.

South Korea, like Taiwan, is a case where persistent economic development under an authoritarian regime in an Asian country prepared the way for democracy. The recent martial law fiasco proves that South Korea is unwilling to turn the clock back on its history.

The writer is author of the book The Microphone Men: How Orators Created a Modern India (2019) and an independent researcher based in New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
As Syrian rebel forces gain control over the crucial cities of Aleppo, Homs and Dara one of the biggest questions arising out of the situation is can capture the Syrian city of Damascus. Will Bashar al-Assad be able to save his seat or will Syria see a regime change? read more

This aerial picture shows a bullet-riddled portrait of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad adorning Hama's municipality building after it was defaced following the capture of the city by anti government fighters. AFP

Syrian opposition forces claimed on Friday that they have taken over the city of Daraa clutching control over yet another key Syrian city. Interestingly, Daraa was the city where the Syrian uprising first started in 2011. With the capturing of Aleppo, Hama, Homs and Daraa, the biggest question which many are pondering is can the insurgents take over Damascus, the Syrian capital.

The rebels are now battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assads forces from two directions; the north and the south, in an attempt to close in on Damascus. While the Syrian defence ministry is yet to confirm the capture of Damaa, the insurgents released a statement confirming their new conquest.

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Our forces have taken full control of the entire city of Daraa and have started combing through its neighbourhoods and securing its institutions and government offices, local rebel fighters known as the Southern Operations Room said in a statement late Friday.

It is pertinent to note that the southern factions are different from factions in the north led by the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who have already taken two major cities during their offensive. However, both groups have the same goal of toppling the regime. So will Assad be able to save his seat or will Syria witness the rise of the new regime?

Can rebels take over Damascus?

As of now, both the troops have taken over the northwestern and southwestern cities of Syria. But the question of Damascus started to pop up after reports emerged that HTS and its allies had reportedly reached the outskirts of the city of Homs, which is only 100 miles away from the Syrian capital.

As of now, Assads military has showcased negligible resistance. Most of them are poorly trained officers who have been pressed into service, with predictable results.

The question is whether they can continue the momentum and go to Damascus. It looks like a huge groundswell of support for whats happening and that reveals the brittle nature of the regime, Sanam Vakil, the director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at Londons Chatham House told The Guardian.

Capturing of Homs raised fears about Damascus since it is the largest Syrian province which borders Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan. It is pertinent to note that part of Homs city was already controlled by insurgents until a bloody siege in 2014. The city is touted as the gateway to Damascus as well as Syrias coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, both bastions of regime loyalists.

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While it is still unclear if the rebels can take Damascus as swiftly as they took over Aleppo, the success of any such operation could expose the hollow nature of Assads defence forces. Meanwhile, deep divisions among rebel factions can also cause hindrances.

Keeping all the recent developments in mind, Assad is already withdrawing his forces from Syrias east to reinforce those around Damascus. During this process, however, he is ceding key cities such as Deir ez-Zor to Kurdish opposition factions.

There is a clear level of desperation and they are concentrating defence around strongholds. The big question now is what Iran and Russia do, Broderick McDonald, an associate fellow at Kings College London told The Guardian.

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What it means for the greater region of West Asia

In a recent joint statement over the insurgency, foreign ministers of Iran, Iraq, and Syria said that the advance of opposition forces in Syria poses a serious danger to the three countries, threatens the security of their peoples and the region as a whole. The diplomats released the statement following their meeting in Baghdad on Friday.

The three nations went on to describe the Syrian rebel forces as terrorists, emphasising that there is a need for collective action to confront it. Meanwhile, Israel has also instructed its forces to maintain a high level of preparedness and to continuously monitor the developments, in Syria as rebels advance.

The Israeli military is prepared for any scenario and is determined to protect the citizens of Israel and protect Israels security interests at all times, the countrys military said in a statement on Friday. Hence, these concerns indicate how other West Asian nations are also observing developments in Syria very closely.

With inputs from agencies.

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Syrian rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have reportedly begun encircling Damascus, threatening President Bashar al-Assads rule. Government forces and their allies, including Hezbollah and Russia, are scrambling to counter the advance read more

What started more than a decade ago as a civil uprising has since spiralled into a multi-layered war, with nations like the United States, Russia, Iran, and Turkey entangled, each with its own reasons for intervention in the region. Image for Representation. Reuters

Syrian rebels Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied groups, on a lightning offensive through the country, said on Saturday they had started to surround Syrias government-held capital Damascus.

The HTS-led alliances offensive since November 27 represents the most significant threat to President Bashar al-Assads power in years, after Syrias civil war  which began with Assads crackdown on democracy protests in 2011  had been mostly dormant.

- Damascus awaits -

Our forces have begun the final phase of encircling the capital, Damascus, said rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, with the Islamist-led alliance that launched the offensive 10 days ago.

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He had earlier said forces had taken control of the Saasaa (security) branch in the Damascus countryside.

Damascus awaits you, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said in a statement Saturday addressed to rebel fighters on Telegram, using his real name instead of his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani.

- Army denies -

The Syrian defence ministry, loyal to Assad, denied the army had fled positions.

There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces, present in all areas of the Damascus countryside, have withdrawn, it said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor reported government forces were pulling out of towns as little as 10 kilometres (six miles) from Damascus.

- Seven killed near Homs -

Air strikes and shelling by government forces and their ally Russia killed at least seven civilians near the city of Homs on Saturday.

The Britain-based Observatory said government forces had brought large reinforcements to quell the rebel advance on Homs ,as the army sought to slow the rebel advance there, about 140 kilometres from the seat of power in Damascus.

- 2,000 Hezbollah fighters -

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah  a longtime ally of Damascus  has sent 2,000 fighters to a part of Syria near the border with Lebanon, a source close to the group said.

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Hezbollah sent 2,000 fighters to the Qusayr area to defend its positions there and has not yet participated in any battles with Syrian rebels, the source told AFP, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

- Syrian troops flee to Iraq -

Security sources in neighbouring Iraq told AFP the country had allowed hundreds of troops from the Syrian army, some of them wounded, to cross the border.

The soldiers from President Bashar al-Assads forces have fled the front lines and entered Iraq through the Al-Qaim border crossing, said one senior security official, adding that the wounded have been hospitalised in the area.

A second source gave a figure of 2,000 soldiers, including officers, who entered Iraq with the authorities permission.

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- Russia says Syria cannot fall to terrorists -

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Syria must not be allowed to fall into the hands of terrorist rebels.

Its inadmissible to allow the terrorist group to take control of the lands in violation of agreements which exist, starting with the UN Security Council Resolution 2254 which strongly reiterated sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Syrian Arab Republic, Lavrov said at an event in Qatar, referring to a 2015 UN resolution for a political settlement in Syria.

- Qatar says Assad wasted opportunity -

Qatars prime minister said Assad had failed to engage with his people and address issues like the return of refugees during a period of calm in the countrys civil war.

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Assad didnt seize these opportunities to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people, and we didnt see any serious movement, whether its on the return of the refugees or on reconciling with his own people, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani said at the Doha Forum for political dialogue.

Doha had given early support to the rebels in the wake of Assads crackdown in 2011.

- Iran, Turkey, Russia launch dialogue -

The foreign ministers of Turkey, Iran and Russia agreed in Doha to initiate a political dialogue between the Syrian government and the legitimate opposition groups, Irans top diplomat Abbas Araghchi said.

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The three countries have been involved since 2017 in talks that began in Astana, Kazakhstan, seeking a political settlement in Syria.

Russia and Turkey brokered a 2020 ceasefire in Syrias northwestern Idlib region, at that time the last major rebel bastion in the country.
Shortly before the clock hit midnight, the Ministry of External Affairs warned Indians to avoid all travel to Syria as tensions in the West Asian nation escalate read more

As the tensions in Syria continue to escalate, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a travel advisory, urging all nationals to avoid travelling to the Middle Eastern nation. The advisory was issued just a few minutes before midnight on Friday. The situation in Syria continues to remain turbulent as rebel forces gain control over key Syrian cities.

In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Friday. The MEA also issued advisories for Indians who are currently in Syria.

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Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number +963 993385973 (also on WhatsApp) and email ID hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for updates, the ministry wrote. Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights and others are requested to observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum, the statement further reads.

90 Indian nationals in Syria: Randhir Jaiswal

While addressing a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that there are currently 90 Indian nationals in Syria. Out of them, 14 are working on various UN organisations, ANI reported.

We have taken note of the recent escalation in fighting in the north of Syria. We are closely following the situation Our mission remains in close contact with our nationals for their safety and security, Jaiswal said in a presser on Friday.

The warning came after insurgents took over key cities in Syria with many fearing intense fighting in the capital Damascus. On Friday, the Syrian opposition forces took control of the city of Daraa in southwestern Syria. The rebel groups are currently battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assads forces from two directions; the north and the south, in an attempt to close in on the capital.

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Interestingly, Daraa was the city where the Syrian uprising started in 2011. Meanwhile, the Syrian Defence Ministry are yet to confirm whether the rebel forces have taken over the city or not. Our forces have taken full control of the entire city of Daraa and have started combing through its neighbourhoods and securing its institutions and government offices, local rebel fighters known as the Southern Operations Room said in a statement late Friday. Hence, the world will now watch closely which group will emerge as the victor in the Syrian crisis.
The west African country was plunged into instability by a January 2022 coup in which Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba seized power from elected president Roch Marc Christian Kabore read more

Burkina Fasos ruling military leader on Friday dismissed the countrys prime minister and dissolved the government, according to a presidential decree transmitted to AFP.

No reason was given for the dismissal of Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela, who was named as premier in October 2022 after the coup that brought Captain Ibrahim Traore to power.

The prime ministers official functions are terminated, said the decree, adding that members of the dissolved government would carry out ongoing business until the formation of a new government.

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The prime minister had served at the head of three successive governments, surviving each reshuffle.

The west African country was plunged into instability by a January 2022 coup in which Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba seized power from elected president Roch Marc Christian Kabore.

Little more than eight months later, Damiba himself was overthrown by Traore, 36, who now heads the junta regime.

Along with fellow Sahel nations Mali and Niger, which are also led by military juntas, Burkina Faso has seen a surge of attacks by jihadist armed groups.

Nearly two million of its citizens have been forced from their homes by the conflict, which has killed more than 26,000 people since 2015, including soldiers and civilians, according to monitoring group ACLED.
Before the meeting commenced, the Iranian foreign minister said he had very frank and direct talks with his Turkish counterpart and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani read more

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (C), Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (L) and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov meeting during the Doha Forum in the Qatari capital. AFP

Top diplomats from Turkey, Russia and Iran met in Qatar on Saturday to discuss ways to mitigate the crisis in Syria whose key cities have been captured by rebel groups in recent days.

After the discussions in Doha with his Russian and Turkish counterparts, Sergei Lavrov and Hakan Fidan, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the parties agreed on the initiation of political dialogue between the Syrian government and the legitimate opposition groups.

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Before the meeting commenced, the Iranian foreign minister said he had very frank and direct talks with his Turkish counterpart and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

During the meeting, Lavrov said, Its inadmissible to allow the terrorist group to take control of the lands in violation of agreements which exist, starting with the UN Security Council Resolution 2254 which strongly reiterated sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Russia, Turkey and Iran have been involved since 2017 in the so-called Astana format talks seeking a political settlement in Syria.

Meanwhile, rebels have captured the key cities of Aleppo and Hama and are on the doors of Homs.

Rebels claim to have surrounded Damascus

Rebels on a lightning advance through Syria said they have begun to encircle Damascus as government forces denied they had withdrawn from areas near the capital.

Our forces have begun the final phase of encircling the capital, Damascus, said rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, with the Islamist-led alliance that launched the offensive.

The defence ministry flatly denied the army had fled positions near the city.

There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces, present in all areas of the Damascus countryside, have withdrawn, it said.

Hezbollah sends fighters

Hezbollah sent over 2,000 fighters to Syria on Saturday to help President Bashar al-Assad-led administration ward off rebel forces who have taken over key cities of Aleppo and Hama and reach close to Homs.

Hezbollah sent 2,000 fighters to the Qusayr area to defend its positions there and has not yet participated in any battles with Syrian rebels, a source close to the Lebanon-based terror group told AFP.

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With inputs from agencies
For the impeachment motion to be successful, the opposition needs just 8 votes supporting the motion from ruling party lawmakers. With the walkout from PPP, many are speculating that the South Korean president might survive the impeachment vote read more

In a major turn of events, South Koreas ruling party Peoples Power Party lawmakers walked out of the parliament as the countrys National Assembly voted on two crucial bills, one of them being the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The impeachment motion was filed by the opposition parties after Yoon declared a botched martial law across the country.

The move left the country in shambles with the South Korean lawmakers barging into the parliament and calling off the martial law, six hours after it was implemented. Yoon, not only received backlash from the opposition, but his supporters from the PPP also called for his resignation. However, when the motion asking Yoon to step down was introduced in the parliament, members of the PPP stepped outside the voting chamber.

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For the impeachment motion to be successful, the opposition needs just 8 votes supporting the motion from ruling party lawmakers. With the walkout from PPP, many are speculating that the South Korean president might survive the impeachment motion.

How it started

During a plenary parliamentary session held on Saturday, lawmakers of the PPP filed out of a parliamentary hall after casting their votes for the first bill introduced in the session. The bill called for the establishment of a special counsel investigation into First Lady Kim Keon Hees corruption allegations.

However, the bill failed to pass in the South Korean National Assembly by just 2 votes. While 198 lawmakers supported the bill, the motion needed 200 votes to succeed in the parliament. The Opposition has 192 votes with them. Hence, the fate of the South Korean president remains unclear since the opposition needs a few votes for the motion to be passed.

Things changed a little bit when the impeachment motion was introduced in the national parliament. While the whole saga was playing out, one PPP lawmaker did not support the walkout and three lawmakers came back and took part in the voting.

Ahn Cheol-soo was the only People Power Party lawmaker who remained in the voting chamber when the walkout was first staged. Before the voting, he had publicly said that he would back Yoons impeachment. After a while, Kim Ye-ji of PPP also returned to the chamber to vote.

Shortly after that, two more MPs from the party returned to the chamber, garnering thunderous applause from opposition lawmakers. Hence, four PPP members are currently seated in the South Korean parliament. While it is not clear which way these lawmakers voted, if they voted against Yoon, the opposition will need only four lawmakers to successfully pass the motion.

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PPP lawmakers chided by speaker and protesters

While the opposition lawmakers started voting, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik of the Democratic Party chided the PPP lawmakers from walking away. He went on to ask the PPP members to return to the chamber and cast their votes.

The Republic of Korea is a democracy thats made of peoples blood and tears, he said. Are you not afraid of being judged by history, by the people, and by the world? he asked. The Speaker emphasized that taking part in the voting process is the only way to save the democracy in the country. Participate in the voting, thats how you protect our democracy, he remarked.

The PPP lawmakers also received major backlash from protesters who are holding demonstrations outside the countrys parliament. Outside the assembly, at the massive protest rally, a speaker read out the names of every People Power Party lawmaker who walked out.

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Go back in, join the vote, the crowds kept chanting after the speaker read out each name. Soon after this, chants of Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol, impeach Yoon Suk Yeol! were also heard outside the chamber as the protesters surrounded the National Assembly. If the impeachment motion is not passed, Yoon will remain in power. If the lawmakers vote to impeach the president, the case will go to the Constitutional Court.

The South Korean Prime Minister will take over and the elections will be held in 60 days. Meanwhile, the court, which has 6 out of 9 judges, will have 180 days to decide whether to impeach the president or not. Since the motion was proposed on Friday midnight, the deadline to complete the voting process will be until Sunday.

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Amid the chaos, PPP also started holding a party meeting while the plenary session was going on, sparking condemnation from DP. Speaker Woo Won-Shik later mentioned that PPP sent a message that they would not attend the meeting. However, Woo still kept the doors open and insisted that the party would be waiting for the lawmakers to cast their votes. Hence, the fate of Yoon continues to remain hanging.

With inputs from agencies.
WHO joins investigation in DR Congo undiagnosed disease

Xinhua) 13:52, December 07, 2024

KINSHASA, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) is deploying experts to support health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with investigations to determine the cause of a yet undiagnosed disease that has been reported in Panzi, a locality in Kwango Province in the southwest of the country.

The WHO experts are joining the DRC response team and are on their way to Panzi, the WHO regional office for Africa confirmed in a statement on Friday.

An initial local WHO team has been supporting the health authorities in Kwango since the end of November to reinforce disease surveillance and identify cases.

"Our priority is to provide effective support to the affected families and communities. All efforts are underway to identify the cause of the illness, understand its modes of transmission, and ensure appropriate response as swiftly as possible," said WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti.

According to the DRC public health ministry, 394 cases and 30 deaths have been reported so far in the Panzi health zone. Symptoms of the illness include headache, cough, fever, breathing difficulties, and anemia.

A respiratory pathogen such as influenza or COVID-19 is being investigated as a possible cause, as well as malaria, measles, and others. Until laboratory test results are received, the cause remains unclear, said the WHO.

Panzi is a rural community located more than 700 km from the capital of Kinshasa. Access by road is difficult, and the communication network is limited.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Qatar PM Sheikh Mohammed said that while there were some differences in the approach to an agreement by the outgoing and incoming US administrations, we didnt see or recognise any disagreement on the goal itself to end the war read more

Qatars prime minister said Saturday momentum had returned to talks aimed at securing a truce and hostage exchange deal in Gaza following the election of Donald Trump as US president.

We have sensed, after the election, that the momentum is coming back, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani told the Doha Forum for political dialogue.

He spoke as a source close to the Hamas delegation in the talks told AFP that a new round of negotiations will most likely begin in the coming week.

Sheikh Mohammed said that while there were some differences in the approach to an agreement by the outgoing and incoming US administrations, we didnt see or recognise any disagreement on the goal itself to end the war.

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The Gulf emirate, along with the United States and Egypt, had been involved in months of unsuccessful negotiations for a Gaza truce and hostage release after 14 months of war.

But in November, Doha announced it had put its mediation on hold, saying it would resume when Hamas and Israel showed willingness and seriousness.

Sheikh Mohammed said there had been a lot of encouragement from the incoming administration in order to achieve a deal, even before the president comes to the office, adding this had affected Qatars decision to get talks back on track over the past two weeks.

We hope to get things done as soon as possible. We hope that the willingness of the parties to engage in a good faith continues, he said.

The Hamas source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP: Based on contacts with the mediators, we expect a new round of negotiations to begin in Cairo, most likely this week, to discuss ideas and proposals regarding a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange.

The war in Gaza was sparked by Hamass surprise October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

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During the attack, militants kidnapped 251 people, 96 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 declared dead by the Israeli military.

Israels retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 44,664 people, a majority civilians, according to figures from the territorys Hamas-run health ministry which the UN considers reliable.

The US president-elect this week warned on social media of unspecified massive repercussions if the hostages were not released by the time he takes office next month.

Trump has vowed his staunch support for Israel and promised to rein back on occasional criticism voiced by outgoing President Joe Bidens administration.

On Saturday, Qatars premier dismissed the prospect of his country facing greater pressure over the status of its political bureau for Hamas.

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Sheikh Mohammed called the Hamas office, which the Gulf state has hosted since 2012 with the blessing of the United States, a platform to convene between the different parties.

Qatar was not expected to enforce solutions on the Palestinian militants, he added.
Ukraine is shaping up as a major issue in campaigning for Germanys snap election in February, which follows the collapse last month of Scholzs three-party governing coalition in Berlin read more

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is confident he will be able to agree with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on a joint strategy for Ukraine after speaking to him on the phone, Scholz told the Funke group of newspapers.

I am confident that we can develop a joint strategy for Ukraine. My guiding principle remains that nothing can be decided without giving the Ukrainian people a say, he told the paper in an interview.

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He added he had spoken with the future U.S. president in detail and that his team was in a direct exchange with Trumps security advisers.

Ukraine is shaping up as a major issue in campaigning for Germanys snap election in February, which follows the collapse last month of Scholzs three-party governing coalition in Berlin.

Friedrich Merz, the conservative opposition leader who is on course to unseat Scholz, has said Germany should send Taurus cruise missiles. Scholz has opposed such a move, saying it could escalate the war.

Scholz on Monday announced new military aid for Ukraine during a rare visit to Kyiv that he said sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Berlin would stand by Kyiv for as long as needed in the war.
Iran has been a backer of Assad in Syrias long civil war, sending allied forces including Hezbollah and Iraqi militias to bolster the Syrian military. read more

US envoy Amos Hochstein said the situation in Syria, where rebels are pressing a rapid advance that is threatening President Bashar al-Assads grip on power, was creating a new weakness for militant Lebanese group Hezbollah and for Iran.

Hochstein, who negotiated a US-brokered ceasefire agreement in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that went into effect on November 27, said he believed Hezbollah was not yet eliminated but it was rather weakened.

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Iran has been a backer of Assad in Syrias long civil war, sending allied forces including Hezbollah and Iraqi militias to bolster the Syrian military.

Hochstein, speaking during a political conference in Doha, said the situation in Syria would mean it was going to be harder for Iran to supply Hezbollah with weapons there, adding that Iran appeared to be withdrawing its support from Syria, without clarifying how.

Iran has said it is pulling out embassy families but has denied a report by the New York Times that it was pulling out military personnel.

Hochstein added that Hezbollah may not be strong enough to fight Israel or to support Assad but it doesnt take a lot of strength to be a dominant presence in Lebanon so you can also be weakened and still strong at the same time when it comes to the Lebanese context.

Hezbollah sent a small number of supervising forces from Lebanon to Syria overnight to help prevent anti-government fighters from seizing the strategic city of Homs, two senior Lebanese security sources told Reuters on Friday.

The Syrian armys defeats in the past week were not that big of a surprise, Hochstein said, highlighting the armys limited power in comparison with events during the countrys civil war 13 years ago when it had two powers (Iran and Russia) coming to its aid in a very strong way.

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With inputs from agencies
Rebel group, the Syrian Free Army has taken control over Palmyra in the eastern countryside of the Syrian province of Homs. Delegations from Turkey, Russia and Iran are holding a meeting in Qatar read more

Syrian opposition fighters ride along the streets in the aftermath of the opposition's takeover of Hama, Syria, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. AP

Hezbollah sent over 2,000 fighters to Syria on Saturday to help President Bashar al-Assad-led administration ward off rebel forces who have taken over key cities of Aleppo and Hama and reach close to Homs.

Hezbollah sent 2,000 fighters to the Qusayr area to defend its positions there and has not yet participated in any battles with Syrian rebels, a source close to the Lebanon-based terror group told AFP.

The source added that Hezbollah has also sent about 150 military advisors to the country to help the government defend Homs in case fighting erupts there.

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Some parts of Homs seized

Rebel group, the Syrian Free Army has taken control over Palmyra in the eastern countryside of the Syrian province of Homs, news agency Anadolu Agency said.

Local sources reported Saturday that the Syrian Free Army, active in the Al-Tanf region near the Syria-Iraq-Jordan border, has achieved notable progress against regime forces in the eastern Homs countryside.

Rebels claim to have surrounded Damascus

Rebels on a lightning advance through Syria said they have begun to encircle Damascus as government forces denied they had withdrawn from areas near the capital.

Our forces have begun the final phase of encircling the capital, Damascus, said rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, with the Islamist-led alliance that launched the offensive.

The defence ministry flatly denied the army had fled positions near the city.

There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces, present in all areas of the Damascus countryside, have withdrawn, it said.

Turkey, Russia & Iran hold meeting

Meanwhile, delegations from Turkey, Russia and Iran are holding a meeting in Qatar.

A foreign ministry statement said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Russian and Turkish counterparts, Sergei Lavrov and Hakan Fidan, for talks on Syria in the Qatari capital Doha.

The three countries have been partners since 2017 in the Astana process seeking to end the civil war in Syria even if they have supported opposite sides on the battlefield.

With inputs from agencies
The former prime minister is booked in 99 cases in Punjab, 76 in Islamabad and two in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa read more

Former prime minister Imran Khan accused the government of authoritarianism as the number of cases and inquiries against him reached 188.

The data of cases was presented by the Ministry of Interior to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday on order in a petition filed by Khans sister, Noreen Niazi, who sought the details of cases against her brother, Dawn reported.

The former prime minister is booked in 99 cases in Punjab, 76 in Islamabad and two in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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The report said Khan is also accused in seven inquiries by the Federal Investigation Agency and three cases by the National Accountability Bureau.

In addition, the PTI founders appeal against his conviction in the Toshakhana case was also pending before a court.

Meanwhile, the former prime minister talking to reporters in the Adiala Jail on Friday lamented the mounting number of cases against him, saying the government books him in more cases after every protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

As per a post on his official X account, the former prime minister also accused the government of undermining democratic principles and imposing an authoritarian rule.

A 10-year dictatorship has been imposed in the country to keep one man in power after subjugating the judiciary and every other institution through the 26th Constitutional Amendment, he said.

While referring to PTIs protest last month, Khan claimed unarmed protesters were shot at, which was a tragedy. He, however, didnt specify who fired on the protesters.

Khan also said the racial profiling of Pakhtuns in Islamabad would lead to ethnic strife and condemned the action. He claimed several of his partys supporters were still missing, and expressed serious concern over the situation, demanding the government immediately publish data of arrested citizens and record dead and injured brought to hospitals and morgues.

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He reiterated that his party has two demands: a commission led by senior Supreme Court judges to probe the facts about May 9 and November 26 protests and the release of innocent political prisoners.

According to Khan, a committee headed by PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan has been formed for talks on these two points.

If these two demands are not accepted, a movement of civil disobedience, boycott and reduced remittances would be launched, he warned.

Separately, the IHC on Friday expressed displeasure over the arrest of a vegetable seller in connection with PTIs protest.

The accused, Sameer Ahmed, was allegedly arrested at a checkpoint in the F-10 area and later included in the list of unknown persons arrested for their participation in PTIs November 24 protest.

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The petitioner, Ahmeds brother, told the court that was not part of any protest. My brother is a vegetable vendor, I ride a bike, and my father is a driver. We are innocent, and he was picked up unfairly, said the petitioner.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir reprimanded the police for targeting innocent people. He questioned the polices conduct and reprimanded the legal officer of Islamabad police present in the court.

Justice Tahir pressed the DSP legal, Sajid Cheema, to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Innocent people are being arrested and turned into scapegoats, he said, instructing the police to avoid such injustices.

The officer said he was in contact with the affected family and would examine the case.

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Justice Tahir directed the Islamabad High Court Bar Association to assist the petitioner in filing a bail application. The case was subsequently disposed of with instructions for remedial action.

On the other hand, an Anti-Terrorism Court of Islamabad has extended the physical remand of 19 PTI supporters for three days. The political workers were arrested in a case registered at the Secretariat Police Station over violence during the protest, according to Dawn.
Guards personnel, Iranian diplomatic staff, and civilians are also among those being evacuated, according to officials. Some evacuees are being flown to Tehran, while others are departing by land through Lebanon, Iraq, or the Syrian port of Latakia read more

A motorcycle passes a tank, after rebels led by HTS have sought to capitalize on their swift takeover of Aleppo in the north and Hama in west-central Syria by pressing onwards to Homs, in Hama, Syria on Friday. Reuters

Iran has started withdrawing its military commanders from Syria as rebels knock on the doors of Homs, the third key city on the brink of getting captured.

A report by the New York Times quoted sources as saying that among the personnel pulled out of the rebel-hit country are Quds Forces, a branch of Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps.

Guards personnel, Iranian diplomatic staff, and civilians are also among those being evacuated, according to officials. Some evacuees are being flown to Tehran, while others are departing by land through Lebanon, Iraq, or the Syrian port of Latakia.

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Syrian rebels were poised to press their lightning advance on Saturday after reaching the edge of the central city of Homs, with government forces attempting to buttress collapsing frontlines and save President Bashar al-Assads 24-year rule.

Besides capturing Aleppo in the north, Hama in the centre and Deir al-Zor in the east, rebels rose up in southern Suweida and Deraa, saying on Friday they had taken control of the two cities and posting videos showing insurgent celebrations there.

Turkey, Iran and Russia to discuss Syria

Meanwhile, Turkey will attend a meeting with the Russian and Syrian delegations in Qatar on Saturday to discuss the escalating civil war in Syria.

Both Moscow and Tehran have offered military assistance to Assad to help him ward off the rebels while Ankara has supported various rebel movements and looked on their recent lightning advances favourably.

The meeting between the three nations will take place under the Astana process initiated by Kazakhstan in 2017, aimed at achieving a political resolution to Syrias civil war.

Hezbollah sends supervising forces to Homs

A report by Reuters says that Hezbollah has sent a few supervising forces to Homs from Lebanon to Syria to help prevent anti-government fighters from seizing the strategic city.

Homs must not fall, one of the sources told Reuters, adding that senior officers deployed overnight to oversee some Hezbollah fighters who had been in Syria near the border with Lebanon for years.

With inputs from agencies
French President Emmanuel Macron will be holding bilateral talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President-elect Donald Trump as France gears up to re-open the doors to Norte Dame read more

French President Emmanuel Macron and US President-elect Donald Trump shared an awkward handshake the last time the two leaders met eachother. File Image / AFP

French President Emmanuel Macron will be holding separate bilateral meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the re-opening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral on Sunday. The historic church will open its gates once again after a devastating fire left the place in shambles.

It is pertinent to note that this will be Trumps first visit abroad after he won the intense 2024 US Presidential Elections against Vice President Kamala Harris. The visit is also coming a month before Trump will formally assume power as the 47th president of the United States.

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Trumps return to power has made several European nations anxious about the future of American support to Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russia. In the past, Trump has been seen leaning towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, making Zelenskyy nervous about his countrys future. Not only this, NATO is also watching closely how Trump will be dealing with the alliance since there was an emergence of a rift between the two during Trumps first term as the president.

Will Notre Dame dazzle Trump?

The Notre Dame Cathedral has been closed to the public since a massive fire broke out in April 2019. Dozens of global leaders and notable figures, including current First Lady Jill Biden and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, will be attending the re-opening ceremony of the church.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen was also initially slated to attend but cancelled Friday evening. The EU commission president ditched France to head to Uruguay and sign a trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc, which Paris had vigorously opposed in the past.

However, Macron will be more interested in dazzling Trump as Paris looks forward to being a key ally to Trumps US among the European nations. Trump was invited by the French leader after the former won the November 5 polls.

It is an honour to announce that I will be travelling 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 wrote on TruthSocial. The relations between the two leaders have been complex in the past.

In 2017, Macron invited Trump to attend the Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Elysees, during which the two men exchanged a bizarre handshake. Meanwhile, Trump and his wife Melania also hosted Macron and the French First Lady Brigitte for a state visit at the White House in 2018.

Hence, it will be interesting to see how the dynamic between the two leaders changes as Trump gears up to take over the White House.

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The three neighbouring nations, and major partners in commerce, have entered a trade tussle after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to slap tariffs on the countries to the north and the south if they did not clamp down on drugs and migrants coming into the U.S. read more

Flags of the U.S., Canada and Mexico fly next to each other in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. File image/ Reuters

Mexico is doing everything it can to protect a regional trade agreement with the U.S. and Canada, the Latin American nations deputy economy minister said in an interview published on Friday.

The three neighbouring nations, and major partners in commerce, have entered a trade tussle after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to slap tariffs on the countries to the north and the south if they did not clamp down on drugs and migrants coming into the U.S.

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Mexico is working on both issues in order to come to the table to negotiate without obstacles, Luis Rosendo Gutierrez told outlet Inside U.S. Trade.

Since Trumps tariff threat, Mexico has launched an offence on contraband goods from Asia coming into the country, and officials seized a record amount of fentanyl. They have also detained thousands of migrants, vowing to prevent them from making it north.

In a statement issued late Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden thanked Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and the countrys military and law enforcement officials for seizing over twenty million doses of illicit fentanyl.

Mexican officials have been in touch with Trump allies, Gutierrez added, though they have not met with incoming administration officials. The exception is Jamieson Greer, Trumps tapped trade representative, with whom Gutierrez met before his nomination.

Trump, as well as some U.S. industry leaders, have accused Mexico of being a backdoor to Chinese goods and investment, which Mexico has denied.

Screening investments

Mexico is looking to take a cue from the U.S., however, in screening investments coming into the country, Gutierrez said. Mexico is looking to develop a process similar to the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment, he explained.

When asked if that would affect Chinese automaker BYDs plans to build a factory in the Latin American country, Gutierrez responded that Mexico wants to play with the same rules as its trade allies.

Trump had threatened to put a 100% tariff on every single car coming across the Mexican border in response to BYDs plans, though the carmaker has repeatedly said its plant would serve the local market and not the United States.

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Mexico is considering doling out incentives to draw manufacturing investments, Gutierrez said, suggesting Mexico could produce batteries that the U.S. wants to be made regionally.

Corn complications

Mexico is also awaiting the result of a dispute panel under the USMCA trade deal regarding Mexicos restrictions on imports of genetically-modified corn.

Mexico will comply with the panels ruling even if unfavorable toward the nation, Gutierrez said. And depending on the outcome, Mexico will weigh whether it must make changes to a proposed constitutional reform that would bar the use of GM corn for human consumption, the official added.
Austine Tice is a freelance photojournalist who was working for Agence France-Presse, McClatchy News, The Washington Post, CBS and other news organizations when he was detained at a checkpoint in Daraya, a suburb of Damascus, on August 14, 2012 read more

Debra Tice, mother of journalist Austin Tice who disappeared while reporting in Syria in 2012. Reuters

The mother of Austin Tice, the American journalist abducted in Syria in 2012, told reporters Friday that her son is believed to be alive and is being treated well, without providing further details.

We have from a significant source that has already been vetted all over our government, Austin Tice is alive, Austin Tice is treated well, Debra Tice, surrounded by family members, told a news conference in Washington.

We want to be very careful about what we share. He is being cared for and he is well, we do know that, she added.

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Tice is a freelance photojournalist who was working for Agence France-Presse, McClatchy News, The Washington Post, CBS and other news organizations when he was detained at a checkpoint in Daraya, a suburb of Damascus, on August 14, 2012.

Little information has been made public since his abduction. He appeared blindfolded in a video in September 2012, when he was 31, but the identity of the kidnappers remains unknown to this day.

In 2022, US President Joe Biden accused Syria of holding Tice and called on its government to help secure his release. Damascus denied it was keeping any Americans captive, including Tice.

Tices mother declined to say where Tice might be held and added that diplomacy will help win her sons freedom.

Words not bombs, words not guns  that is how Austin is going to come home, she said.

On Friday, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre declined to comment directly on Debra Tices remarks, although she said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who has regularly met with the families of wrongfully detained Americans, had met with Tices family in the afternoon.

I cant even imagine what theyre going through right now as they think about Austin Tice, as they Im sure continue to have hoped and prayed for Austin to come home to them, she said.

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Back in 2020, then-US president Donald Trump had sent Syrias Bashar al-Assad a personal message inquiring about Tice. Trump said he did not know whether the journalist was still alive.

The family comments come less than two months before the inauguration of Trump  on whom Tices relatives are pinning substantial hope after his election  and at a time when Syrian rebels have launched a major offensive, seizing dozens of key cities and towns.

After taking Aleppo, the major city in Syrias north, the rebels are at the gates of Homs, some 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Damascus in a dramatic advance after 13 years of civil war.

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The blast and fire destroyed at least five homes, but authorities have not determined how many people were buried read more

Emergency personnel work at the scene of an explosion in a residential area in Netherlands. Reuters

At least three people were killed Saturday (December 7) when an apartment complex in The Hague collapsed following a massive explosion and fire, officials said, with little hope of finding survivors beneath the rubble.

The blast and fire destroyed at least five homes, but authorities have not determined how many people were buried, Mayor Jan van Zanen told reporters.

Police confirmed that three bodies had been recovered, warning the death toll could climb as rescue efforts continued.

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Zanen reported widespread devastation, with debris scattered across the street, burned-out cars, shattered windows, and thick plumes of smoke filling the air.

Firefighters battled the flames from the ground and elevated platforms, while ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Police helicopters circled overhead as elite rescue teams combed the debris with sniffer dogs.

It is not known how many people are still under the rubble. But the reality is that there is only a slim chance of survival for them, the mayor said. It is unbelievable what happened there.

The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear. Police are seeking information about a car seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the blast.

Van Zanen said the incident involved a small explosion followed by a larger one and a huge fire.

Heavy machinery was brought in after firefighters extinguished the flames, aiding in the search for survivors.

I was asleep and suddenly there was this huge bang, said Adam Muller, a 14-year-old resident. I looked out of the window and just saw flames. Its a massive shock.

With inputs from agencies
News / National

by Staff reporter

Police in Bulawayo are seeking assistance from the public in their investigation of a robbery that took place at a business premise in Western Commonage on 06 December 2024.According to a statement from the police, 10 armed suspects, including individuals wielding three AK-47 rifles and a pistol, launched an attack on six security guards who were on duty at the time. The suspects overpowered the guards before gaining access to the offices within the premises.Once inside, the thieves used grinders to break open cash safes, making off with a substantial sum of money. The stolen cash amounted to USD 7,000 and ZAR 18,000, a significant loss for the business.The police are urging anyone with information regarding the suspects or the crime to come forward. Individuals with any leads are encouraged to report them at their nearest Police Station.Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to apprehend those responsible for the daring robbery.
Armed men intercepted the convoy in the early evening just north of Tera, the report said, adding that several civilians (were) murdered in cold blood. read more

Armed assailants killed 21 civilians in an attack on a goods convoy in western Niger near the borders of Mali and Burkina Faso, AFP cited officials and local sources as saying on Saturday (December 7).

The attack occurred on December 5, targeting transport vehicles traveling from the weekly market in Tera back to Bankilare, according to state broadcaster La Voix du Sahel.

Armed men intercepted the convoy in the early evening just north of Tera, the report said, adding that several civilians (were) murdered in cold blood.

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A source confirmed the death toll, as did another source without providing additional details. State radio described the attackers as armed bandits.

On Friday (December 6), Tillaberi region Governor Colonel Maina Boukar attended the victims funeral in Tera and conveyed condolences from authorities to grieving families, state radio reported.

Violence in a troubled region

Tera, a critical hub for freight traffic, has been the epicenter of jihadist violence in Niger, an area notorious for attacks by militants linked to the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda.

Thousands of trucks carrying goods from Togos port of Lome to Niger pass through Tera, making it a frequent target.

In October, another convoy was ambushed in a major assault, prompting the transport workers union to express alarm over the increasing frequency of such attacks.

Following the July 2023 coup that ousted Nigers democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum, diplomatic tensions forced the country to rely on the Togolese port, shifting routes through high-risk areas in Burkina Faso and Niger.

The Tillaberi region, where the convoy was attacked, is one of two areas where Nigers military is conducting anti-jihadist operations. Near the borders with Chad, Cameroon, and Nigeria, the nation also faces threats from Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Rising death toll

According to conflict monitoring group Acled, jihadist attacks have killed around 1,500 civilians and soldiers in Niger over the past year, a sharp increase from the 650 deaths recorded between July 2022 and 2023.

Nigers security challenges remain severe, with the army frequently reporting convoy attacks attributed to terrorists as the country grapples with growing instability in the Sahel region.

With inputs from agencies
Macron said it was a great honour for the French people to welcome Trump back to Paris for the re-opening of the iconic Notre Dame cathedral, which was devastated by a fire in 2019 during Trumps first term in office read more

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes President-elect Donald Trump as he arrives at the Elysee Palace, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 in Paris. AP

US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday hailed the countrys ties with France as he attended the grand reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral.

In his first international after the US elections, Trump highlighted US and Frances great relationship.

It seems like the world is going a little crazy right now and we will be talking about that, the president-elect said as he met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

Macron said it was a great honour for the French people to welcome Trump back to Paris for the re-opening of the iconic Notre Dame cathedral, which was devastated by a fire in 2019 during Trumps first term in office.

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Over 20 French government security agents have been assisting the Secret Service in ensuring Trumps safety, according to the French national police. Additionally, a specialized French police van has been deployed to provide anti-drone protection for Trumps convoy.

Macron, who has had an up-and-down relationship with Trump, has made a point of cultivating a relationship since the Republican defeated Democrat Kamala Harris last month. But Macrons office nonetheless played down the significance of the invitation, saying other politicians not now in office had been invited as well.

Trump was invited as president-elect of a friendly nation, Macrons office said, adding, This is in no way exceptional, weve done it before."

President Joe Biden, a Democrat, was also invited but will not be attending. According to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, a scheduling conflict prevents his participation, and First Lady Jill Biden will attend on behalf of the United States.

With inputs from agencies
The Special Representatives (SR) mechanism on the India-China Boundary Question was established in 2003 under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and 22 rounds of talks have been held so far read more

The Indian and Chinese national security advisors will meet in Beijing this month, the first time the two officials have held talks in three years under the special representative (SR) mechanism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the SR meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in October. According to a report by the Economic Times, the foreign ministries of the two countries announced the meeting earlier this week and are now planning to set a date.

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NSA Ajit Doval will be travelling to China for the meeting. Following this, a foreign secretary-deputy will be held in Beijing to discuss bilateral ties and ways to improve the Indo-Sino relationship after the successful de-escalation process in the Ladakh border.

What is the SR mechanism?

The Special Representatives (SR) mechanism on the India-China Boundary Question was established in 2003 under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and 22 rounds of talks have been held so far.

The 22nd round of talks between Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor and Mr. Wang Yi, Foreign Minister & then State Councilor were held in New Delhi on 21 December 2019.

What will be discussed in the meeting?

The upcoming SR-level meeting will center on de-escalation, the broader issue of boundaries, and various aspects of geopolitics.

In the 15th SR meeting, India and China agreed to establish a Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC).

The 32nd meeting of the WMCC was held in New Delhi on Thursday where the two sides shook hands on implementing the most recent disengagement agreement in the India-China border.

Both sides assessed the situation in the border areas and reflected on the lessons learned from the events of 2020 to ensure they are not repeated.

They also agreed to maintain contact and highlighted the importance of regular exchanges at diplomatic and military levels.
The New York Police Department had initially offered a cash reward of $10,000 for information leading to the suspects arrest and conviction. On Friday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced to offer up to $50,000 for the man read more

People walk past a poster outside the Hilton hotel near the scene where the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson was shot dead in Midtown Manhattan, in New York. Reuters

Law enforcement agencies have announced a total bounty of $60,000 for any information related to the suspect involved in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Thompson was fatally shot in broad daylight in New York earlier this week and the man suspected to have murdered him is still at large.

The New York Police Department had initially offered a cash reward of $10,000 for information leading to the suspects arrest and conviction. On Friday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced to offer up to $50,000 for the man.

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The FBI is assisting the New York City Police Department in the shooting death of a 50-year-old male victim on the morning of December 4, 2024, at approximately 6:40 am outside of 1335 Avenue of the Americas in Midtown Manhattan, the FBI said in a wanted poster.

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.

Police have released multiple photos of the suspect - who fled the scene, climbed on an electric bicycle and disappeared into Central Park - and have asked the public for help in tracking him down.

Police widen search

New York City police believe the man who fatally shot a UnitedHealth top executive has left the city, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said on Friday, as the hunt for the gunman passed the crucial 48-hour mark.

Investigators on Friday recovered from Central Park a backpack they believe to be the suspects, CNN reported, citing unnamed police sources. The discarded backpack, potentially loaded with evidence, was missed on a first pass but found on a subsequent, expanded search through the 843-acre (341-hectare) park, CNN said.

New York Police Department Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, in the same interview, said the video shows the suspect climbing into a taxi that took him to a Port Authority bus station near the George Washington Bridge in Upper Manhattan.

With inputs from Reuters
Francis 10th consistory to create new princes of the church is also the biggest infusion of voting-age cardinals in his 11-year pontificate, further cementing his imprint on the group of men who will one day elect his successor. With Saturdays additions, Francis will have created 110 of the 140 cardinals under 80, thus eligible to vote in a conclave read more

Pope Francis is installing 21 new cardinals, many of whom are key figures in his reform agenda: A Dominican preacher who acted as the spiritual father for Francis recent gathering of bishops, a Neapolitan street priest like himself, and a Peruvian bishop who has strongly backed his crackdown on abuse.

Francis 10th consistory to create new princes of the church is also the biggest infusion of voting-age cardinals in his 11-year pontificate, further cementing his imprint on the group of men who will one day elect his successor. With Saturdays additions, Francis will have created 110 of the 140 cardinals under 80, thus eligible to vote in a conclave.

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This consistory also brings the number of voting-age cardinals well over the 120-man limit set by St. John Paul II. But 13 existing cardinals will turn 80 next year, bringing the numbers back down.

This consistory is notable too because the 21 men being elevated arent the same ones Francis named Oct. 6 when he announced an unusual December consistory.

One of Francis original picks, Indonesian Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur, the bishop of Bogor, asked not to be made a cardinal because of his desire to grow more in his life as a priest, the Vatican said. Francis quickly substituted him with the Naples archbishop, Domenico Battaglia, known for his pastoral work in the slums and rough parts of Naples.

Which country gets the most new cardinals?

Battaglia is one of five Italians getting the red hat, keeping the once-dominant Italian presence in the College of Cardinals strong. Turin is getting a cardinal in its archbishop, Roberto Repole, as is Rome: Baldassare Reina, who on the same day Francis announced he was becoming a cardinal also learned that Francis had promoted him to be his top administrator for the diocese of Rome.

Francis, who is technically bishop of Rome, has been conducting a years-long reorganization of the Rome diocese and its pontifical universities. Reina  who is also grand chancellor of the pre-eminent Pontifical Lateran University  will be expected to execute the reform.

Another Italian is the oldest cardinal: Angelo Acerbi, a 99-year-old retired Vatican diplomat. He is the only one among the 21 new cardinals to be older than 80 and thus ineligible to vote in a conclave. Francis picks on Saturday also include the youngest cardinal: the 44-year-old head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Melbourne, Australia, Mykola Bychok.

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Yet another Italian is one of two Vatican priests who do jobs in the Holy See that dont usually carry the red hat: Fabio Baggio is undersecretary in the Vatican development office. Francis also decided to make a cardinal out of George Jacob Koovakad, the priest who organizes the popes foreign travels.

Other picks have high-profile roles in Francis reforms.

The archbishop of Lima, Peru, Carlos Gustavo Castillo Mattasoglio, made headlines recently because of an extraordinary essay he penned for El Pais newspaper in which he called for the suppression of an influential Peruvian Catholic movement, the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, which also has a presence in the U.S.

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Castillo called the group a failed experiment of the church in Latin America, one of several conservative, right-wing movements that cropped up in the 1970s and 1980s as a counterweight to the more left-leaning liberation theology.

My hypothesis is that the Sodalitium obeys a political project, Castillo wrote. It is the resurrection of fascism in Latin America, artfully using the church by means of sectarian methods.

Francis has recently expelled the Sodalitiums founder and several top members following a Vatican investigation.

What are the geographic breakdowns?

Castillo is one of five new Latin American cardinals named by historys first Latin American pope. They include the archbishop of Santiago del Estero, Argentina, Vicente Bokalic Iglic; the archbishop of Porto Alegre, Brazil, Jaime Spengler; the archbishop of Santiago, Chile, Fernando Natalio Chomali Garib and the archbishop of Guayaquil, Ecuador, Luis Gerardo Cabrera Herrera.

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Francis has long sought to broaden the geographic diversity of the College of Cardinals to show the universality of the church, particularly where it is growing. Asia got two new cardinals: Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, the archbishop of Tokyo; and Pablo Virgilio Sinogco David, the bishop of Kalookan, Philippines. Africa also got two new cardinals: the archbishop of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Ignace Bessi Dogbo, and the bishop of Algiers, Algeria, Jean-Paul Vesco.

There hasnt been an African pope, but its a possibility in the church, Dogbo said in an interview on the eve of his installation. And I think that this eventuality  which is not necessarily a demand  if this eventuality were to arise, the universal church would have to be ready to take it on.

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Francis also tapped the archbishop of Tehran, Iran, Dominique Joseph Mathieu, the bishop of Belgrade, Serbia, Ladislav Nemet, while the lone North American cardinal named is the archbishop of Toronto, Frank Leo.

The Lithuanian-born cardinal-elect, Rolandas Makrickas, has a special job in this pontificate: As the archpriest of the St. Mary Major basilica, he hosts Francis every time the pope returns from a foreign trip, since the pope likes to pray before an icon of the Madonna in the church. Additionally, Makrickas oversaw a recent financial reform of the basilica and would have been involved in identifying the future final resting place for Francis, since the Argentine pope has said he will be buried there.

The popes preacher

Perhaps the most familiar new cardinal to anyone who has been following Francis reform agenda is the Dominican Timothy Radcliff, the spiritual father of the just-concluded synod, or gathering of bishops. The years-long process aimed to make the church more inclusive and responsive to the needs of rank-and-file Catholics, especially women.

A British theologian, the white-robed Radcliffe often provided clarifying, if not humorous interventions during the weeks-long debate and retreats. At one point he set off a mini-firestorm by suggesting that external financial pressures influenced African bishops to reject Francis permission to allow blessings for gay couples. He later said he just meant that the African Catholic Church is under pressure from other well-financed faiths.

As the synod was winding down, he offered some valuable perspective.

Often we can have no idea as to how Gods providence is at work in our lives. We do what we believe to be right and the rest is in the hands of the Lord, he told the gathering. This is just one synod. There will be others. We do not have to do everything, just try to take the next step.
Influential Russian war blogger Rybar, who is close to the Russian Defence Ministry and has over 1.3 million followers on his Telegram channel, said Moscows forces were facing a grave threat read more

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu watch servicemen passing by as they visit the Hmeymim air base in Latakia Province, Syria December 11, 2017. Reuters

Two strategically-important Russian military facilities in Syria and Moscows very presence in the Middle East are under serious threat from rapidly advancing insurgents, Russian war bloggers have warned.

With Russian military resources mostly tied down in Ukraine where Moscows forces are rushing to take more territory before Donald Trump comes to power in the U.S. in January, Russias ability to influence the situation on the ground in Syria is far more limited than in 2015 when it intervened decisively to prop up Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

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Rapid advances by the insurgents threaten to undermine Russias geopolitical clout in the Middle East and its ability to project power in the region, across the Mediterranean and into Africa. They also risk dealing an embarrassing setback to President Vladimir Putin, who casts Russias intervention in Syria as an example of how Moscow can use force to shape events far away and compete with the West.

But Russian war bloggers, some of whom are close to the Russian Defence Ministry and whom the Russian authorities allow greater freedom to speak out than the military, say the most immediate threat is to the future of Russias Hmeimim airbase in Syrias Latakia province and to its naval facility at Tartous on the coast.

The Tartous facility is Russias only Mediterranean repair and replenishment hub, and Moscow has used Syria as a staging post to fly its military contractors in and out of Africa.

Influential Russian war blogger Rybar, who is close to the Russian Defence Ministry and has over 1.3 million followers on his Telegram channel, said Moscows forces were facing a grave threat.

In reality we need to understand that the insurgents will not stop, Rybar warned.

They will try to inflict the maximum defeat and the maximum reputational and physical damage on the representatives of the Russian Federation (in Syria) and in particular to destroy our military bases.

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Relying on the Syrian army alone was a lost cause, he added, saying it would continue to fall back unless properly supported by the Russian air force and specialists.

The Russian Defence Ministry could not be reached for comment on a non-working day. The Russian Embassy in Damascus has advised Russian nationals to leave Syria.

Asked on Saturday in Doha about the fate of the Russian bases, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he was not in the business of guessing what would happen, but said Moscow was doing all it could to prevent terrorists from prevailing.

He said he was not worried about how events in Syria would affect his own reputation or that of Russia, but was worried about the fate of the Syrian people.

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RUSSIAN FORCES BADLY EXPOSED, SAYS BLOGGER

The Russian air force has been helping government forces launch air strikes against insurgents and the Kremlin has said it still supports Assad and is analysing the situation to see what help is needed to stabilise the situation.

However, Russias Fighterbomber war blogger, who has over 500,000 followers, said Moscows forces in Syria were badly exposed and that losing the Hmeimim airbase would mean losing the ability to carry out air strikes which he said was 75% of Moscows capabilities there.

The Hmeimim airfield is not a multi-storey industrial project with basements. It is a field with lightly assembled buildings on top, which will cease to function as soon as the enemy gets within artillery or drone flight range, he said.

The situation with the naval base in Tartous is about the same. Of course, it can be defended and held for quite a long time if there is someone and something to do it, but it will either not be able to function at all, or in a very limited way.

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Nor, he warned, would a full evacuation of all of Russias military equipment be possible if it became necessary.

Therefore, the main task of our forces in Syria is to prevent the enemy from entering Latakia, even if we have to temporarily give up the rest of the territory.

With over 600,000 followers, war blogger Starshe Eddi said Russia had paid a heavy price for a foothold in Syria.

Ten years there, dead Russian soldiers, billions of roubles spent and thousands of tonnes of ammunition expended - they must be compensated somehow and somehow, he wrote.

The only thing that cangive us a chance to compensate for the current failure and the resources we have used up is our retention of the Latakia and Tartous provinces.

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Igor Girkin, a prominent Russian ex-militia commander who fought in Ukraine and who is serving a four-year jail term after accusing Putin and the armys top brass of mistakes in the Ukraine war, said Moscows position in Syria had always been exposed from a reinforcement and supply point of view.

Now our enemies have naturally decided to take advantage of our weakness at the moment when we are busy on the Ukrainian front, he wrote from prison.

We are overstretched. The defeat of the Syrian side will also be our defeat.
Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, a senior member of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led alliance said we are now less than 20 km from the southern gate of the capital Damascus. read more

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. Reuters

Syrian rebels, who recently mounted a lightning offensive in the country and took control of Aleppo and Hama, were just about 20 kilometres from the capital city of Damascus on Saturday (December 7).

AFP cited Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, a senior member of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led alliance as saying we are now less than 20 km from the southern gate of the capital Damascus.

The alliance has already dealt significant blows to Iran and Russia-backed regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

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According to Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Britain-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the insurgent forces have snatched control of the entirety of the Daraa province from the government.

With inputs from AFP
The ongoing battle for Homs, 100 miles north of Damascus, is becoming increasingly critical. A rebel victory in Syrias third-largest city could split Assads territory in two, isolating the capital from regime strongholds along the Mediterranean coast read more

Insurgents pushed into the suburbs of Damascus on Saturday (December 7), marking a dramatic escalation in Syrias conflict and prompting the government to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country.

The rebel advances, confirmed by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander, follow the Syrian armys withdrawal from significant parts of the countrys south, leaving vast areas, including two provincial capitals, in opposition hands.

The insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group a faction with al-Qaeda origins met little resistance as they moved closer to the Syrian capital.

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It was the first time opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area after a prolonged siege.

Panic grips Damascus

In the capital, residents rushed to stockpile essentials, with thousands fleeing to the Syrian border with Lebanon. A resident told The Associated Press that many shops were shuttered, and those that remained open quickly sold out of staples like sugar, with prices soaring to three times their normal levels.

The swift rebel advances have thrown the city into disarray. State media attempted to calm fears by refuting claims circulating on social media that Assad had left Syria, insisting he remains in Damascus performing his duties.

Regional dynamics shift

The insurgents gains coincide with shifts in the regional balance of power and the distraction of Assads key allies. Russia, which has supported Assad with airstrikes since 2015, is heavily engaged in its war in Ukraine, Washington Post reported.

Iran, another critical backer, is increasingly focused on its conflict with Israel, which has intensified strikes against Iranian assets and its proxy Hezbollah, which also has forces in Syria.

The ongoing battle for Homs, 100 miles north of Damascus, is becoming increasingly critical. A rebel victory in Syrias third-largest city could split Assads territory in two, isolating the capital from regime strongholds along the Mediterranean coast.

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With inputs from agencies
The attackers targeted a Frontier Corps checkpoint in Bagam, roughly 200 kilometers (125 miles) south of Peshawar. The wounded were transported to a military hospital for treatment. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack read more

Relatives transport the body of a victim of a gunmen firing incident, after collecting it from a hospital, in Parachinar, the main town of Kurram district of Pakistan. Representative image/AP.

Armed men attacked a checkpoint in northwest Pakistan, killing six security personnel and wounding seven others, a police official said Saturday (December 7).

The assault occurred in the Kurram district, an area that has recently witnessed deadly sectarian violence. At least 131 people have been killed in clashes between Sunni and Shiite communities in recent weeks.

AP quoted Saleem Khan, a local official, as saying that the attackers targeted a Frontier Corps checkpoint in Bagam, roughly 200 kilometers (125 miles) south of Peshawar. The wounded were transported to a military hospital for treatment. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

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The attack comes hours after a grand jirga an assembly of leaders that makes decisions based on consensus indefinite ceasefire in Kurram. The ceasefire currently in place is holding, and Saturdays attack is reportedly not linked to the sectarian unrest.

Separately, an intelligence official reported that an ongoing operation against the Pakistani Taliban in the Tank district has killed 20 militants in the past 24 hours, including a key commander.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to brief the media, said the militants were responsible for attacks on security forces, extortion, and targeted killings of civilians.

Kurram and Tank districts are both located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which shares a border with Afghanistan.
In his first public appearance after causing havoc across the country, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologised for imposing the botched martial law. The proclamation came hours before the countrys National Assembly votes on an impeachment motion against him read more

Days after jolting the country with a botched martial law, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said that he is sincerely sorry for making the controversial move and causing havoc across the nation. In his address to the nation, Yoon pledged not to make any such attempts in the future but fell short of stating whether he would step down from office.

The proclamation from the South Korean leader came as his Opposition pushed an impeachment motion against him and his supporters demanded his resignation. I am sincerely sorry and apologize to the people who must have been very surprised, Yoon said in a televised public address, hours ahead of a parliamentary vote on an impeachment motion against him, Yonhap reported.

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This was Yoons first public appearance after he declared martial law on Tuesday, which was called off by the South Korean lawmakers in six hours. In his address, Yoon mentioned that he imposed martial law due to desperation and acknowledged that the decision was abrupt.

Time is ticking for Yoon

The South Korean president admitted that the abrupt move to call for martial law in the country caused concerns and inconvenience to the people, insisting that it was unwarranted. While he did not mention if he would resign from office, Yoon vowed to leave all decisions, including his term, to his People Power Party to stabilize the nation.

I will not avoid legal and political responsibility related to this martial law declaration, the South Korean president remarked. Meanwhile, Yoon is losing support even from the leaders of his own party, which is currently ruling the country.

Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, told reporters on Saturday that an early resignation (of Yoon) is unavoidable, adding the president is no longer in a position to perform his duties effectively. The comment came after Yoons national address as the opposition-controlled National Assembly is set to vote on a motion to impeach him later today.

When asked about the prospects of introducing a constitutional amendment to shorten the term of the South Korean president, Han said that the party would deliberate on the matter and discuss the best course of action. It is pertinent to note that at least 8 PPP lawmakers need to cross the aisle for the opposition impeachment motion to be successful in the national assembly.

In light of this, the head of the main opposition party, the Democratic Party, urged the PPP to support the motion. While speaking to reporters after a meeting with party members at the National Assembly, Rep. Lee Jae-myung, the head of the Democratic Party said: Rather than predicting the outcome, it is imperative that the motion is approved.

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Yoon was elected as the president of South Korea in 2022, if he manages to save his seat, he will stay in power until 2027. As per the countrys Constitution, the president is not allowed to run for office again.
Opinion / Book Reviews

In a shocking and spine-chilling development, four individuals have been implicated in the violation of 380 mass graves at Restland Memorial Park in Harare. The disturbing actions, which include digging up graves, removing and discarding human remains, have led to a wave of outrage across the city. The heinous acts came to light when one of the suspects, reportedly haunted by visions of dead people, came forward to reveal the macabre activities.Police learned of the grave desecration after Tinashe Chiguma, aged 32, confessed to seeing visions of deceased individuals who demanded answers about the whereabouts of their remains. In his report, Chiguma named his accomplices, including Edwin Muronzi, the alleged mastermind behind the operation. Muronzi, whose age has not been disclosed, is said to have employed several gravediggers, paying them between US$15 and US$20 for each grave they prepared. The gravediggers would then excavate graves, collect skeletal remains, and pack them into empty cement bags or wrap them in burial clothes before discarding the remains in a nearby dam or trench behind the cemetery.The suspects are also accused of reselling the graves to new clients, promising them fresh burial plots while obscuring the fact that the graves had previously been disturbed. The police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify the specific graves involved and to track down the remaining suspects, identified only as Kevi, Shumba, and Dread.National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the arrest of Chiguma and three other suspects: Moses Gwanya (19) and Kudakwashe Humure (21). Nyathi also explained that police, along with forensic scientists, are working to identify the tampered graves and trace the victims families for proper identification.According to a police statement, the suspects would dig up graves at Muronzi's instruction and clean the disturbed sites before reselling the plots. In addition to the skeletal remains, they allegedly discarded traditional artifacts buried with the bodies, further compounding the gruesome nature of the crime.The police have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspects and help with the ongoing investigation. Those with information are urged to contact the National Complaints Desk or report to the nearest police station.The case has left the Harare community in shock, with many expressing outrage over the desecration of the resting places of the deceased. Investigations continue as authorities work to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The Met Office warned that people in the parts of the UK could face extreme disruption and danger to life as Storm Darragh wreaked havoc across the country overnight read more

Millions were warned to remain indoors by authorities after Storm Darragh battered parts of the United Kingdom overnight. The heavy rains left thousands of people without power. Not only this, trains in several regions have been cancelled as authorities issue a rare red weather warning.

According to British news outlet The Telegraph, the emergency alerts for heavy winds started coming at 1 am (local time) on Saturday. The weather warnings were issued for people residing in parts of Wales and south-west England. The Met Office eventually warned that people in the region could face extreme disruption and danger to life. The authorities noted that the winds were flowing at 90 mph.

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Residents were also urged to avoid driving and asked to remain indoors until the situation is better. In light of the treacherous storm, thousands of people across Northern Ireland, England and Wales were left without power as they braced for the storms impact.

Storm Darragh wreaks havoc

As of 5 am (local time), UKs National Grid stated that more than 12,600 premises had lost power in the Midlands and south-west and more than 20,000 homes had been disconnected in Wales. A note on the Northern Ireland Electricity Networks website said the authorities are still unable to provide estimated restoration times.

Due to the number of faults we are currently experiencing on the network, we are unable to provide an estimated restoration time for your electricity supply at this time, the note read. We are working to restore supplies as quickly and safely as possible, the body added.

Meanwhile, Network Rail Wales said that all train services west of Cardiff were suspended until further notice. The rail officials mentioned that they are suspending the lines due to falling trees blocking the line.

Separate yellow and amber warnings were in place for most of England, Wales and Southern Scotland until 6 am local time. Flood alerts have also been activated in several regions. It is pertinent to note that in the UK, Red warnings are serious weather alerts issued by the Met Office and are only reserved for very dangerous weather, where people should take direct action to keep themselves safe.

The red warning will be in place until 11 am (local time) on Saturday. This is the first time the alert was issued since Storm Isha, which brought destructive winds to the north of England and Scotland in January. Two people died during the storm.

With inputs from agencies.
Daraa was dubbed the cradle of the revolution early in Syrias civil war, after activists accused the government of detaining and torturing a group of boys for scribbling anti-Assad graffiti on their school walls in 2011 read more

This aerial picture shows a bullet-riddled portrait of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad adorning Hama's municipality building after it was defaced following the capture of the city by anti government fighters. AFP

Syrian government forces have lost control of Daraa city, a war monitor said, in another stunning blow for President Bashar al-Assads rule after rebels wrested other key cities from his grip.

Daraa was dubbed the cradle of the revolution early in Syrias civil war, after activists accused the government of detaining and torturing a group of boys for scribbling anti-Assad graffiti on their school walls in 2011.

While Aleppo and Hama, the two other main cities taken from government control in recent days, fell to an Islamist-led rebel alliance, Daraa fell to local armed groups, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

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Local factions have taken control of more areas in Daraa province, including Daraa city they now control more than 90 percent of the province, as regime forces successively pulled out, the Britain-based Observatory said late Friday, which relies on a network of sources around Syria.

Daraa province borders Jordan.

Despite a truce brokered by Assad ally Russia, it has been plagued by unrest in recent years, with frequent attacks, clashes and assassinations.

Waves of violence

Syrias civil war, which began with Assads crackdown on democracy protests, has killed more than 500,000 people and forced more than half the population to flee their homes.

Never in the war had Assads forces lost control of so many key cities in such a short space of time.

Since a rebel alliance led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched its offensive on November 27, the government has lost second city Aleppo and subsequently Hama in central Syria.

The rebels were on Friday at the gates of Homs, Syrias third city, as the government pulled out its troops from Deir Ezzor in the east to redeploy towards to the centre.

In an interview published on Friday, the leader of HTS, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, said the aim of the offensive was to overthrow Assad.

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When we talk about objectives, the goal of the revolution remains the overthrow of this regime. It is our right to use all available means to achieve that goal, Jolani told CNN.

HTS is rooted in the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda. Proscribed as a terrorist organisation by Western governments, it has sought to soften its image in recent years.

According to Fabrice Balanche, a lecturer at Frances Lumiere Lyon 2 university, HTS now controls 20,000 square kilometres (more than 7,700 square miles) of territory, nearly seven times as much as it did before the offensive started.

Sudden withdrawal

As the army and its Iran-backed militia allies pulled out of Deir Ezzor in eastern Syria, Kurdish-led forces said they crossed the Euphrates and took control of the territory that had been vacated.

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The Observatory said government troops and their allies withdrew suddenly from the east and headed towards the oasis town of Palmyra on the desert road to Homs.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who are backed by the United States, expressed readiness for dialogue with both Turkey and the rebels, saying the offensive heralded a new political reality for Syria.

The rebels launched their offensive the same day a ceasefire took effect in neighbouring Lebanon in the war between Israel and Hezbollah.

The Lebanese militant group has been an important Assad ally, alongside Russia and Iran.

Turkey, which has backed the opposition, said it would hold talks with Russia and Iran in Qatar this weekend.

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Ahead of the talks, the top diplomats of Iran, Iraq and Syria met in Baghdad, where Syrias Bassam al-Sabbagh accused the governments enemies of seeking to redraw the political map.

Irans Abbas Araghchi pledged to provide Assads government with whatever (support) is needed.

Fear

In Homs, scene of some of the wars deadliest violence, tens of thousands of members of Assads Alawite minority were fleeing, fearing the rebels advance, residents and the Britain-based Observatory said.

Syrians who were forced out of the country years ago by the initial crackdown on the revolt were glued to their phones as they watched current developments unfold.

Weve been dreaming of this for more than a decade, said Yazan, a 39-year-old former activist who now lives in France.

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Asked whether he was worried about HTSs Islamist agenda, he said: It doesnt matter to me who is conducting this. The devil himself could be behind it. What people care about is who is going to liberate the country.

On the other side of the sectarian divide, Haidar, 37, who lives in an Alawite-majority neighbourhood, told AFP by telephone that fear is the umbrella that covers Homs now.

The army shelled the advancing rebels as Syrian and Russian aircraft struck from the skies. At least 20 civilians, including five children, were killed in the bombardment, the war monitor added.

Massive blow

At least 826 people, mostly combatants but also including 111 civilians, have been killed since the offensive began last week, according to the Observatorys figures, while the United Nations said the violence has displaced 280,000 people.

Many of the scenes witnessed in recent days would have been unimaginable earlier in the war.

In Hama, an AFP photographer saw residents set fire to a giant poster of Assad on the facade of city hall.

Our joy is indescribable, and we wish this for every honourable Syrian to experience these happy moments that we have been deprived of since birth, said Hama resident Ghiath Suleiman.

Online footage verified by AFP showed residents toppling a statue of Assads father Hafez, under whose brutal rule the army carried out a massacre in the city in the 1980s.

Aron Lund, a fellow of the Century International think tank, called the loss of Hama a massive, massive blow to the Syrian government.

Should Assad lose Homs, it wouldnt mean the end of his rule, Lund said, but with no secure route from Damascus to the coast, Id say its over as a credible state entity.
The swift rejection and failure of Yoons move partly stems from that painful history, which millions of South Koreans can still vividly recall. There have been more than a dozen instances of martial law being declared since South Korea was established as a republic in 1948 read more

About 1,000 students carrying banners reading Down with Pres. Chun Doo Hwan and Assume responsibility for Kwang Ju Massacre confront riot police throwing tear gas shells during a protest at Yonsei Univ. in Seoul, S.K. May 11, 1985. File image/ Reuters

When President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, for the first time in South Korea since 1980, 70-year-old Lee Chul-Woo was reminded of his youth, much of it spent protesting right-wing military strongman rule.

The swift rejection and failure of Yoons move partly stems from that painful history, which millions of South Koreans can still vividly recall. There have been more than a dozen instances of martial law being declared since South Korea was established as a republic in 1948.

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Lee, a supporter of main opposition party leader Lee Jae-myung who has been going to protests calling for Yoons impeachment in the past few days, said he participated in pro-democracy student protests in the 1980s and was beaten and arrested by soldiers, an experience that still gives him cold sweats and nightmares.

When (Yoons) martial law failed, I was somewhat relieved, whenever I hear martial law I do think of the old days, the oppression of human rights, Lee said.

Hundreds of people are estimated to have died or gone missing when the South Korean military violently put down an uprising in Gwangju in May 1980, which began in response to General Chun Doo-hwan establishing a military dictatorship and declaring martial law in the same month.

The event, seen by some as a precursor to the transition to a democracy in 1987, has since been memorialized as a painful reminder of the countrys road to becoming a liberal democracy.

Lee, a retired teacher, recalled how troops in Seoul entered the grounds of the university where he was studying with machine guns and tanks during the Gwangju massacre.

When troops were sent to the National Assembly on Tuesday night to enforce Yoons orders, Lee said he thought about the death toll in Gwangju and how he was grateful that the troops this time were not as ignorant as they were in Gwangju.

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Echoes of authoritarian past

In an unscheduled late night television address on Tuesday, Yoon had said martial law was necessary to protect South Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces and to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people.

His branding of critics and opponents as North Korean or communist sympathisers echoes language used by South Korean governments before 1987 to justify crackdowns on dissent, alienating voters like Lee who suffered under right-wing authoritarian governments.

When I see this guy now, his mindset is from the 60s and 70s, Yoon Suk Yeol cant escape that era, Lee said.

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While Lee is hopeful that younger Koreans take his place at protests, he said he would protect the National Assembly with his own body if a martial law were to be declared again.

Now that I am over 70, I have lived enough, right? Young people should not be sacrificed, people like us have to make sacrifices, he said.
Amid growing pressures to call elections in Bangladesh, reports are emerging that the countrys interim chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, is contemplating forming a national govt comprising several political parties, except Sheikh Hasinas Awami League read more

Bangladeshs Interim Advisor Muhammad Yunus is reportedly contemplating forming a government without the presence of leaders from ex-PM Sheikh Hasinas Awami League. The Nobel laureate has been facing pressure from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to call an early election in the country after violent protests toppled the Hasina administration and left Bangladesh in shambles.

According to a report from The Economic Times, Yunus has been exploring the idea of forming an interim government which will comprise several political parties minus the Awami League. As per the report, the interim advisor is also toying with the idea of luring some of the AL members to leave the party.

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The speculations are in line with the proclamations made by Yunus in the past. In an interview with the Financial Times in October, Yunus said that there is no place for Hasinas fascist Awami League in Bangladesh politics.

What is Yunus planning to do next?

Citing some unnamed experts, The Economic Times reported Yunus is planning to form a government comprising leaders from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamist parties and figures who are opposed to Awami League. What is concerning is the fact that the leaders of these parties may not have a positive outlook towards India.

Ties between India and Bangladesh reached an all-time low after New Delhi raised concerns over the plight of Hindus in the neighboring nation. The issues were raised after several Hindu temples and Hindu neighborhoods were vandalized, with the Yunus administration not even batting an eyelid.

Interestingly, Yunuss experiment is not new for Bangladesh. In the 1970s, Gen Ziaur Rahman gathered anti-AL and anti-India leaders to create BNP. Later Gen HM Ershad [formed the] Jatiya party after taking over power.

However, the experimentation is coming at a time when Yunus is facing pressure from political parties to hold elections. BNP is mulling to cash in on the anti-AL sentiments instead of delaying elections as it feels delay will dent their popularity, The Economic Times reported.

As per the report, the idea of Yunus and his supporters however is to adopt a minus 2 formula and exclude AL and BNP despite the fact that the latter played a key role in ousting Hasina.

How Awami League has been left behind from the very beginning

Hasinas party has been cornered right from the moment Yunus started his nation re-building process. While speaking to FT, the 84-year-old openly declared his disdain for the party. In the short run, definitely she has no place - the Awami League doesnt have a place - in Bangladesh, he told the British daily.

They controlled the people, they controlled the [political] machinery, they controlled the institutions to enhance their interest. No fascist party should be in existence in a democratic system, Yunus furthered. The assertion can be seen with the fact that Yunus did not add any members from Hasinas party in the interim cabinet.

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On Wednesday, Yunus spoke to several political parties, seeking suggestions on how to deal with the bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh. The meeting however did not include the Awami League and its allies. The meeting also excluded Hasinas allies Jatiyo Party of the late General Hossein Mohammed Ershad. Following the meeting, advisor of law affairs Asif Nazrul said that the meeting did not include fascist parties.

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 honor of Bangladesh, Nazrul told reporters after the meeting.

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The meeting was held ahead of Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misris visit to Dhaka, which is scheduled to take place on December 9. Misri will be visiting the country for Foreign Office Consultations during which he is expected to raise Indias security concerns.

With inputs from agencies.
Luke Runyon/The Water Desk

Attendees of the Colorado River Water Users Association watch negotiators Estevan Lopez of New Mexico and Becky Mitchell of Colorado speak on a panel Thursday at the Paris Hotel and Casino. The Upper and Lower basin states are at an impasse about how cuts will be shared and reservoirs operated after 2026.
Deputy Minister Anna Radwan-Rohrenschef takes part in International Conference to Enhance Humanitarian Response in Gaza

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

04.12.2024

The ministerial conference, organised at the initiative of Egypt and with the support of the UN, was held in Cairo on 2 December 2024. Its main purpose was to build political support for an end to the Gaza conflict and strengthen humanitarian efforts, as well as mobilise additional resources to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Countries participating in the conference, including Poland, expressed their readiness to provide additional resources for this objective. In her speech, Deputy Minister Anna Radwan-Rohrenschef underlined Poland's support, including financial support, for the aid-related efforts of United Nations organisations operating in and for Gaza, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

- This year, we have committed an additional USD 2 million for Gaza - 1 million in response to the call from the World Food Programme for Gaza, and another 1 million for the UNRWA. An additional quarter of a million dollars will go to UNESCO, and we will also contribute to the budget of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). In total, Poland's aid to Palestine this year will amount to USD 4.7 million. Despite all the obstacles, we have been present locally, with the Polish Humanitarian Action and Caritas Poland implementing humanitarian projects in the food and healthcare sectors - said Deputy Minister Anna Radwan-Rohrenschef.

The conference was attended by representatives of around 70 states, as well as representatives of UN agencies and international and humanitarian organisations.

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Minister Radosaw Sikorski attends meeting of NATO foreign ministers

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

04.12.2024

The head of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated in a North Atlantic Alliance meeting of foreign ministers, held in Brussels on 3-4 December 2024. The main topic of the discussions was the consequences and implications of the Russian war against Ukraine for Europe and the world.

Ministers discussed further actions to ensure the security of NATO members. Minister Sikorski outlined Polish expectations for next year's NATO summit in The Hague, including the expected response to threats from Russia and the importance of continued support for Ukraine.

During a meeting with Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha - organised within the framework of the NATO-Ukraine Council and attended by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas - discussions focused on the current situation on the frontline and Kyiv's current needs. The head of Polish diplomacy stressed Poland's unwavering readiness to support Ukraine and to cooperate with Poland's allies in this regard, pointing to the central role of NATO-EU cooperation in providing comprehensive support to Poland's neighbour, which will be one of the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2025.

NATO foreign ministers also met with King Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss the current situation in the Middle East. The talks also addressed the destructive actions of Russia and its partners, contributing to the destabilisation of both Europe and the Middle East. The NATO allies praised Jordan's commitment to cooperate with the Alliance, agreeing that the announced opening of a NATO liaison office in Amman should further strengthen this partnership.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the head of Polish diplomacy also attended a meeting with the ministers of foreign affairs of the Baltic states, Nordic states and Germany. In addition, he also had a conversation with his Czech counterpart. The current security situation in Europe was at the centre of all discussions.

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Secretary Blinken's Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 4, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions. The Secretary emphasized the importance of ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches vulnerable civilians in Gaza, including through humanitarian pauses that would allow improved aid movement and distribution. The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed the importance of establishing a path for the post-conflict period that provides governance, security, and reconstruction. The Secretary thanked the Government of Egypt for hosting a conference on the humanitarian response in Gaza earlier this week and for the important role Egypt continues to play to help expand humanitarian access and stop the fighting in Sudan. On Syria, the Secretary urged de-escalation, protection of civilians and minority groups, and a return to a political process consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 to end the conflict once and for all.

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U.S. Support for Georgian People

US Department of State

Press Statement

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

December 4, 2024

The United States has been a partner to Georgia and the Georgian people for more than 32 years. Our partnership has been rooted in our shared love of freedom and democracy and a desire to see Georgia in the Euro-Atlantic family. We have worked hand-in-hand with successive Georgian governments and the Georgian people to develop Georgia's economy, improve its education system, enhance defense capabilities, and expand its health and agriculture sectors. The United States has been a strong supporter of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and our commitment to the brave people of Georgia and their Euro-Atlantic aspirations is ironclad.

The United States strongly condemns the Georgian Dream party's brutal and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens, protesters, members of the media, and opposition figures. We call on Georgian Dream to cease its repressive tactics, including its use of arbitrary detention and physical violence, to attempt to silence its critics. We are particularly concerned by reports of serious injuries sustained by people at the hands of law enforcement. Those detained for exercising their human rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression must be released immediately, and officials responsible for the unlawful use of force must be held fully accountable.

The United States stands in solidarity with the Georgian people and their democratic aspirations. Those who undermine democratic processes or institutions in Georgia - including those who suppress Georgian citizens' right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression - will be held to account. In addition to continuing our previously announced comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation, the United States is now preparing to use the tools at our disposal, including additional sanctions.

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Acting Under Secretary Bass' Meeting with Moldovan Foreign Minister Popsoi

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 4, 2024

Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass met with Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi today in Washington, D.C. The Under Secretary congratulated Foreign Minister Popsoi on Moldova's recent passage of the referendum enshrining the strategic goal of EU membership in its constitution. The Under Secretary and FM Popsoi agreed to open negotiations on a charter that would elevate bilateral ties to the level of Strategic Partnership. Under Secretary Bass also announced the Department approved Moldova's request to open a consulate in Chicago.







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Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela Before Their Meeting

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Auberge de Castille

Valletta, Malta

December 4, 2024

PRIME MINISTER ABELA: So Secretary Blinken, first of all, thank you for being here. It is indeed a great pleasure to welcome you to Malta. Your visit here reflects the enduring and robust ties between our two nations, rooted in shared values and mutual respect, and the respect also that we have for fundamental human rights.

Under the administration of President Biden, our cooperation has reached new heights, reaffirming our mutual commitment to promoting peace, security, and the principles of democracy, rule of law as well, and human rights, as I have already just mentioned. These values remain at the core of our enduring partnership. Whilst we wish we could have achieved more during our time on the United Nations Security Council, we are very proud of the opportunities we have had to collaborate and support each other's efforts, as we have discussed earlier at my office. The United States' unwavering backing of Malta's role as chairperson-in-office of the OSCE has been invaluable, strengthening our collective ability to address regional security challenges and advance conflict resolution as well.

The partnership between Malta and the United States extends well beyond government relations, thriving on vibrant people-to-people connections, dynamic business collaborations, and cultural exchanges that deepen our bond, with approximately 246,000 Maltese or of Maltese descent residing in the U.S., the third largest Maltese diaspora globally, concentrated in New York, Michigan, San Francisco, and Florida. Our shared heritage further strengthens this relationship.

Of course, Malta is eager to expand mutually beneficial economic ties by fostering deeper cooperation in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, AI, film, ICT and digital communication, health, education, and the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries.

Malta hosts several U.S. companies locally, operating across various sectors. U.S. FDI in Malta amounted to approximately $2.34 billion in 2021; today it has increased further. Key investments include the Malta Drone Centre, Crane Currency, Baxter, Cardinal Health, and others also. Tourism, which is of course very important economically for us, represents significant opportunities, particularly in niche markets. Inward flows are back to pre-pandemic levels - we're very happy for that - offering mutual benefits, especially in the cruise line industry.

Together we are addressing global challenges, and we're very happy for that, from ensuring stability and security to fostering prosperity and resilience. As we approach the final period of your tenure, I look forward to further exchanges and also to continue taking this relationship forward. Thank you indeed once again for being here.

SECRETARY BLINKEN : Well, Prime Minister Abela, colleagues, thank you so much. Thank you, first of all, for your extraordinary hospitality. But even more than that, thank you for the friendship, the partnership, that we've built between Malta and the United States. And I have to say, Prime Minister, it's been extraordinary what Malta has done with the OSCE, stepping in, really, pretty much at the last minute to take on the chairmanship-in-office, and not only to take it on, but to do it so well in a very challenging time. We gather here, thanks to you, thanks to your team, and I'm hopeful and confident that we can carry the work of the OSCE forward. That would not be the case had Malta not stepped up.

And similarly, we've been grateful for our collaboration on the United Nations Security Council. And the fact that you've taken on both of these assignments at the same time I think speaks volumes. And as you put it, our own partnership between the United States and Malta has only grown stronger and grown deeper, and I'm determined that that continue. And certainly I'm going to commend that to our successors.

You mentioned foreign direct investment and how that's increased. I think that's a very important measure because you only get that investment when there's trust and when there's confidence, because people have to have that confidence in the future. So I think that, in and of itself, is a very strong indicator.

But to you, to all of your team, thank you again for the leadership that you've shown, the partnership you've shown, and the friendship that we have. We look forward to building on it over the next day. Thank you.









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Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Maltese Prime Minister Abela

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 4, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela on the margins of the OSCE Ministerial in Malta. The Secretary and the Prime Minister underscored the strength of the U.S.-Malta bilateral relationship and our shared commitment to advancing OSCE's principles, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and for the human rights of all persons. The two also reaffirmed our commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation to promote global peace, regional security, and rule of law.

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

NATO Headquarters

Brussels, Belgium

December 4, 2024



SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. This is my final NATO ministerial as Secretary of State, so I will be handing over my keys to our apartment in Brussels today and hoping to get the security deposit back after four years. In all seriousness, I am grateful to all of my colleagues here at NATO - the permanent representatives, the foreign ministers, the secretary general, the entire team - for an extraordinary four years, extraordinary work that we've been able to do together to strengthen the security, the well-being of all the citizens we have the privilege to represent. And I especially want to thank Secretary General Rutte, who has hit the ground at a full sprint and is doing a remarkable job already leading this Alliance. I have tremendous confidence in the future of the Alliance under his leadership.

When I began as Secretary of State, NATO had a Strategic Concept that considered Russia a partner, didn't mention China, didn't fully appreciate or grapple with urgent threats like cyber and climate. Here, in 2021, I set out President Biden's vision to revitalize and modernize this Alliance. And in the four years since, the Alliance has undertaken the most significant reforms and the most significant strengthening that we've seen in decades. Here we are almost four years later - NATO is bigger, it's stronger, it's better resourced to meet the challenges ahead.

None of this was inevitable. It came about because President Biden's leadership, our sustained diplomatic engagement, and building a sense of shared unity and shared purpose. We have a new NATO Strategic Concept. It recognizes Russia as the most direct threat to the Alliance, while highlighting the new security environment that we're operating in with threats from the People's Republic of China, transnational challenges - from emerging and disruptive technologies, climate change, terrorism. In 2020, nine of our Allies were meeting the pledge that they made at the Wales Summit in 2014 to spend 2 percent of GDP on defense - just nine. Today it's 23, and the remainder of the allies are on track to meet that Wales commitment.

We've added two new Allies in Finland and Sweden, immensely strengthening our Alliance for the future. And the Alliance itself has strengthened our defense and deterrence capacity. We've doubled our presence on the eastern flank. We've updated our command structure. We have new defense plans that we're implementing. We've bolstered capabilities across all domains, including cyber space and outer space. These enduring commitments, these enduring investments will help provide security for our citizens for many, many years to come.

Now, there may be no better illustration of Allied unity and Allied determination than the unwavering support that we've shown for Ukraine since the Russian aggression. Putin time and again has sought to break our resolve as well as the resolve of the Ukrainian people. It hasn't happened; it won't happen. In recent weeks, Russia has engaged in dangerous escalations, including bringing more than 10,000 North Korean troops into the fight, lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons in its doctrine, launching intermediate range ballistic missiles with potential nuclear capabilities, ratcheting up threats against Ukraine and its partners, continuing to attack relentlessly the energy grid, using winter as a weapon, trying to turn the lights out and freeze people out of their homes.

Yet today, over 1,000 days since the full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to stand strong, and NATO stands strong with Ukraine. We've provided, through NATO, critical non-lethal support. We created the NATO-Ukraine Council, which met just again here in Brussels. We've launched a new command, the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine command, to coordinate future efforts and to help speed Ukraine's path to membership. The United States has been surging our own resources and security assistance to continue to help build up Ukraine's air defenses, its artillery, its armored vehicles. We are determined - and it's fully my intent and the President's intent - to spend every cent that we have available from the $61 billion that were authorized by Congress in the supplemental appropriation.

With the G7, we're finalizing moving out the door $50 billion secured by frozen Russian assets. At the same time, NATO Allies and partners of NATO are sharing the burden and shouldering even more of the responsibility. Germany, for example, just made a pledge of $680 million in new military aid. Bulgaria, Czechia, Sweden, others providing personnel to this new NATO command. All told, the United States has provided $102 billion in assistance to Ukraine, our allies and partners $158 billion. And as I said many times before, this may be the best example of burden sharing that I've seen in the 32 years that I've been doing this.

And of course when it comes to our own investment, most of it has been invested in our own defense industrial base to produce weapons that Ukraine needs, but those investments are strengthening our defense industrial base and they're providing good jobs in the United States. We welcomed the Ukrainian foreign minister here to NATO, along with the EU's new High Representative Kaja Kallas, and in doing that, we reaffirmed the commitment to Ukraine's defense and to its irreversible path to NATO and EU membership. We continue coordinating to ensure that Ukraine has the money, the munitions, and the mobilized forces to fight as necessary through next year - or to be able to negotiate, but from a position of strength.

Ukraine also shows that European security and Indo-Pacific security are intertwined. Over the past four years, we've had an unprecedented convergence among Allies on the challenges that China poses to transatlantic security, and that includes its critical support for Russia's defense industrial base, which enables Russia's ongoing aggression and intensifies what is the biggest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War. But this growing convergence here in Europe on the challenges posed both by Russia and, in different ways, by China, and then growing collaboration between allies and partners in the transatlantic area and the Indo-Pacific, that is a hallmark of the last four years.

As these threats evolve, as they transcend regions, we've significantly increased engagement beyond NATO, from the Indo-Pacific to the Arctic to NATO's southern flank, reinforcing a 360-degree approach. King Abdullah was just here with us yesterday, and we were very glad to have him at the ministerial. We look forward to opening the NATO Liaison Office in Amman next year - it will be the first in the region - to further strengthen the relationship between NATO and the Middle East. But what I want to emphasize is this: All of these efforts are not taking NATO out of area; out of area has been coming to NATO. And that's why it's so imperative that we work together to strengthen our capabilities, to strengthen our capacity, to strengthen our focus on these different challenges, because they're having an effect within the transatlantic community.

This evolution is critical so that NATO can continue to adapt to the world as it is already and as we see it evolving. We're at a critical moment for Ukraine and for the defense of the transatlantic values on which this Alliance was founded. Over the last four years, as I said, historic strides towards strengthening the Alliance, which has made America and the world safer. I think this is a time for every Ally to lean in, not lean back.

Every dollar that the United States puts into our shared security - whether it's deepening cyber defenses, whether it's strengthening our defense industrial base - it's an investment that redounds to the benefit of people across the Alliance now and for years to come. A stronger NATO means more capabilities to deter aggression, more effective Allies to meet more complex challenges, and the peace and stability that allows our people to pursue fuller lives.

And maybe that's the final and most important point, and I want to emphasize this. In the United States, throughout Europe, around the world, people want peace. They don't want war. They want to avoid conflict. And what's so important to understand about this Alliance is where it came from and what its purpose is.

NATO came together after two world wars as part of a series of institutions that were built to try to ensure that we never had another global conflagration. And what's so unique about NATO is the compact that each of its members make that an attack on one is an attack on all. What's so powerful about that is it tells any would-be aggressor: If you go after one of us, you're going to have to deal with all of us. That is the most powerful deterrent to war breaking out in the first place. That is the most powerful deterrent against aggression. It's not a surprise that Russia has not attacked directly a NATO member.

So when we all talk about this powerful desire to avoid conflicts, to prevent wars, to have peace, the best way to do that is through ongoing investment in the world's most successful defensive Alliance, and that is NATO. Thank you.

MR MILLER: The first question goes to Michael Birnbaum with The Washington Post.

QUESTION: Thanks very much. Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post. Secretary Blinken, President Zelenskyy in the last few days has signaled some openness to abandoning Ukraine's effort to regain all of its territory by force in exchange for NATO membership. I wanted to ask what you thought about that strategy, if you thought that was a good idea, and particularly if you thought it was realistic given that President Trump is about to come into office.

And second, a question on South Korea and President Yoon. I - and maybe some of us in the press corps were with you in March at the Summit for Democracy in Seoul. Was it a mistake in retrospect, to host a democracy summit in South Korea. And are you concerned that Kim Jong-un is going to use this moment of instability in South Korea and transition in the White House to stage a provocation? Thanks a lot.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, Michael. So with regard to Ukraine, the most important foundational proposition is this. Ukraine and Ukrainians will decide their future. Any decisions that are made about how Ukraine engages the Russian aggression, where it wants to go, what it wants to do, these are decisions for Ukraine and its democratically elected leadership to make. And so from day one, we've repeated and we adhere to the mantra of nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Well, Ukraine has to make these decisions.

I think what we're working to do in the time that we have left is to give Ukraine, to give our own country, to give all the allies and partners that support Ukraine the strongest possible hand to use next year and beyond. If Ukraine determines that it needs to continue the fight, we want to make sure it has what it needs to continue that fight - the money, the munitions, the mobilized forces. If it chooses to engage in a negotiation - and that assumes of course that Putin and Russia have any intent of doing that - then, again, we want to make sure it's from a position of strength.

And from my perspective, I think what I'm trying to do, not just with Ukraine but across the board, is to give the incoming administration the strongest hand to play in all of these areas and to pass the baton in a way that they can hit the ground running, because the world doesn't stop just because we have a political transition underway in the United States. So that's what we're focused on, that's what I'm focused on in the remaining time.

When it comes to South Korea, let me just say this. We're obviously watching the developments very closely. This is one of our closest partners and allies around the world. We welcome President Yoon's statement withdrawing the martial law order, and there was a unanimous vote at the National Assembly to reject the decision, and he followed up on that. In our judgment, any political disagreements need to be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.

Korea has been an extraordinary story, an extraordinary success story, over the last three or four decades, and the story that it tells of building this strong democracy - and one, again, where we see the institutions functioning as they should - is one that we thought was important to amplify and to show. And that's - and of course, with Korea wanting to take on the Summit for Democracy, we were delighted at that, and we had a very successful summit. But again, I think Korea is one of the most powerful stories in the world about the emergence of democracy and democratic resilience, and we'll continue to look to Korea to set that example.

MR MILLER: For the next question, Ciaran Sunderland with DPA.

QUESTION: Thanks. Good afternoon, Secretary.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Afternoon.

QUESTION: Ciaran Sunderland for the German Press Agency. My question is about Syria. Does the United States believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine has distracted him or weakened his support for Syrian President Assad in view of the renewed fighting?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Look, I think what we've just seen in Syria with the offensive by HTS reflects the fact that Assad's key backers, key allies - whether it's Russia, whether it's Hizballah, whether it's Iran - have all in different ways been distracted notably by problems of their own making. And it looks like HTS took advantage of that fact. Right now, I think what's so critical is that we see de-escalation, we ensure that civilians are protected throughout Syria, and maybe most critically, that there's actually a political process that moves forward on the basis of the UN Security Council resolution to try to resolve and end the civil war in Syria. If anything, the fact that Assad has refused to engage in any meaningful way on a political process is also what opened the door to this attack and to the gains that HTS has made on the ground.

We have enduring interests, enduring security interests, in Syria, particularly the interest in making sure that ISIS doesn't resurrect and doesn't come back. There was a tremendous success by the Obama administration and then completed by the first Trump administration to end the so-called geographic caliphate that had been established, all of the ground and the almost physical state that had been established. It's profoundly in our interest to make sure that doesn't happen again.

And so our own engagement and presence remains important. Partners who are working to make sure that, again, we don't see a resurrection of an extremist caliphate, a jihadist caliphate - that remains vital. We also have in Syria many foreign terrorist fighters as well as their families who are in camps. We've been working very hard to see them repatriated to their countries of origin, but there are many thousands who remain, and we certainly don't want to see those - the foreign terrorist fighters re-emerge.

So we have an enduring interest here. We're looking at what we can do to continue to shore up that interest, but in the first instance, de-escalation, protect civilians, and then if Assad has any sense for his own - for the future of the country, actually engaging in a political process to end the civil war.

MR MILLER: Leon Bruneau with AFP.

QUESTION: (Inaudible) Mr. Secretary, thank you for doing this. I'm going to break tradition. I will only ask one question.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, I'm sure it's going to be a good one.

QUESTION: I hope so. I hope so. To stay in the region, Lebanon - now I'm simple minded, but for me, a ceasefire is what it means: no fire. It's a ceasefire. Well, there have been several incidents since the ceasefire was concluded November 27th from both sides. Do you consider that Israel is or has violated the ceasefire that was concluded last week, and is the mechanism that you had set up actually already set up? And then I wanted to ask you on your reaction, your thoughts, on a comment by the Israeli defense minister, who said - threatened that Israel would be ready to go deeper into Lebanon and would also not make the distinction anymore between Hizballah and the Lebanese state. Thank you very much.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: So first, the ceasefire itself is the product of intense and sustained diplomacy to get it. But any ceasefire, if it's going to be - if it's going to be upheld, needs to have something in place to verify it, to deal with any concerns or allegations of violations of the ceasefire. That's what's so important about what we were able to set up working with France. We have an oversight mechanism. If there are concerns that one party or the other is violating the ceasefire, it comes to us, and one way or another, we engage the parties. That's exactly what's happened. The ceasefire is holding, and we're using the mechanism that was established when any concerns have arisen about any alleged or purported violations.

I think fundamentally, both parties - that is to say Israel and Hizballah, through the Lebanese Government - wanted and continue to want the ceasefire. The interest that Israel has in making sure that its people can return home to the north, where some 70,000 have been forced to flee their homes since Hizballah has been lobbing rockets and missiles into Israel virtually every day since October 7th, is real. The ceasefire and making sure that it - that it's sustained is the best way to do that.

I think Israelis recognize as well, from their history, from their experience - 18 years of an occupation of southern Lebanon that ended in 2000, a war in 2006 where they went deeper and stayed longer and suffered losses as a consequence - I think they are very mindful that the best way to having enduring security is through what we've established, a ceasefire, but we have to make sure that it's upheld, and we are determined to do that. France is determined to do that.

And I'm not going to speculate about what's going to happen in the future. I can only talk about the clear interests of the parties. And Israel's interest is making sure that the terms of the ceasefire are fully implemented by Hizballah, and that includes moving Hizballah back to the north. It includes making sure the Lebanese Armed Forces are effectively deployed in the south along the border; that they have the authorities, as they do, to deal with arms that they find, to deal with infrastructure that they find; and that we have an effective mechanism, again, to deal with any alleged violations, and as necessary, make sure that the ceasefire can be enforced.

That's where we are. I am, again, very focused on making sure that we carry forward. Let's see where we are after the initial 60 days. But we - mostly what we want to see is people being able to return to their homes, and that's both in northern Israel and in southern Lebanon.

QUESTION: So you don't consider that there's been any violations so far?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Again, that's the entire purpose of the mechanism we've set up and that's being used, which is to say we get reports of violations, we look at them, we engage the parties, and that's exactly what we've done.

QUESTION: There are reports that some - in the press that you have told the Israelis that they are in violation of the ceasefire. Is that correct?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Yeah, well, I'm not going to - I'm not going to respond to or get into any private diplomatic conversations that we've had. All I can tell you is the mechanism that we established with France to make sure that the ceasefire is effectively monitored and implemented is working, and we want to make sure it continues to work.

MR MILLER: And for the final question, Sergei Goryashko with BBC Russian Service.

QUESTION: Thank you. Secretary Blinken, thank you for taking this question, sir. I'd like to follow up with my colleague from Washington Post. Can you please tell which diplomatic measures to strengthen Ukrainian positions before the hypothetical talks with Russia, Moscow - did you discuss yesterday with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, with other ministers, if you discussed any?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: A big part of our focus here at NATO - conversations we had in the - with the North Atlantic Council, with the NATO-Ukraine Council, in many conversations that we've had individually - has been focused on everything we need to do to further strengthen Ukraine as it heads into the new year. And as I mentioned, we're focused in very practical, concrete ways really on three things. Making sure that it has the money, the resources it needs to sustain its economy and to sustain its defense - we've now managed on the basis of the frozen sovereign assets, the Russian assets that are frozen, to get $50 billion to Ukraine that will be going out the door in the next - in the coming weeks, both from the United States and Europe. And that will carry Ukraine for some time into next year.

Second, munitions and everything that goes with that - whether it's air defenses, whether it's missiles, whether it's armored vehicles. We're working in a very determined way, again, to make sure for many months ahead that Ukraine will have what it needs. The United States is pushing out the door everything that we can. But beyond that, we have this process long established - Secretary Austin established at Ramstein - to make sure that we're fully coordinated with allies and partners. And that's exactly what we're doing. And we spent time, again, talking about what the needs are and how each of us can play a part in filling them.

And then finally, mobilization. This is critical, because with - even with the money, even with the munitions, there have to be people on the front lines to deal with the Russian aggression. Ukraine has hard decisions to make about further mobilization, but these are necessary decisions. We have a commitment, though. For every person, every soldier that Ukraine mobilizes, we're committed to making sure that they have the training and the equipment they need to effectively defend the country. And again, that's what we focused on.

Going forward, as I said, Ukraine is on an irreversible path to NATO membership, but we're focused on this in a practical way. We set up a dedicated NATO command whose purpose is to help speed Ukraine down that path to membership. And one of the things we focused on here was making sure that that command was fully resourced, and now countries have stepped up to make sure that they have the people in place to make the command operational. That as a practical matter, along with the reforms that Ukraine continues to engage, is what's going to move it to membership in the Alliance.

So Ukraine is on a clear trajectory that we've worked to establish and that we want to make sure continues through the end of this year and well into next year, and that way the Ukrainians will be in a strong position to make the decisions that they need to make about their future. If Russia insists on continuing the aggression, Ukraine will be able to deal with it. If Russia is actually prepared to negotiate in good faith, Ukraine will be able to do it from a stronger position.

And I'd conclude by saying this. Look, fundamentally, the extraordinary achievement for Ukraine and for Ukrainians is that this is a country that is still standing strong. Remember what Putin was trying to achieve. He was trying to erase Ukraine from the map. That was the objective, and he has failed. Ukraine has a path where it will stand strong as an independent country, making its own decisions about the future, able to fend for itself militarily, economically, democratically. We have to continue to make the investments necessary to move it down that path, but that is the ultimate success: a strong, independent Ukraine increasingly integrated with the institutions of the transatlantic community, including NATO, including the European Union.

And what we worked to do today, again, was to make sure that it has what it needs both to deal with the immediate aggression, but also to continue down that path to a country that not only survives but thrives in the years ahead.

Thank you.

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Amnesty International investigation concludes Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza

Amnesty International

December 5, 2024

Amnesty International's research has found sufficient basis to conclude that Israel has committed and is continuing to commit genocide against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip, the organization said in a landmark new report published today.

The report, 'You Feel Like You Are Subhuman': Israel's Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza, documents how, during its military offensive launched in the wake of the deadly Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, Israel has unleashed hell and destruction on Palestinians in Gaza brazenly, continuously and with total impunity.

"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. 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," said Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

"Our damning findings must serve as a wake-up call to the international community: this is genocide. It must stop now.

"States that continue to transfer arms to Israel at this time must know they are violating their obligation to prevent genocide and are at risk of becoming complicit in genocide. All states with influence over Israel, particularly key arms suppliers like the USA and Germany, but also other EU member states, the UK and others, must act now to bring Israel's atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza to an immediate end."

Over the past two months the crisis has grown particularly acute in the North Gaza governorate, where a besieged population is facing starvation, displacement and annihilation amid relentless bombardment and suffocating restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid.

"Our research reveals that, for months, Israel has persisted in committing genocidal acts, fully aware of the irreparable harm it was inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza. It continued to do so in defiance of countless warnings about the catastrophic humanitarian situation and of legally binding decisions from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to take immediate measures to enable the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza," said Agnes Callamard.

"Israel has repeatedly argued that its actions in Gaza are lawful and can be justified by its military goal to eradicate Hamas. But genocidal intent can co-exist alongside military goals and does not need to be Israel's sole intent."

Amnesty International examined Israel's acts in Gaza closely and in their totality, taking into account their recurrence and simultaneous occurrence, and both their immediate impact and their cumulative and mutually reinforcing consequences. The organization considered the scale and severity of the casualties and destruction over time. It also analysed public statements by officials, finding that prohibited acts were often announced or called for in the first place by high-level officials in charge of the war efforts.

"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: Israel's intent is the physical destruction of Palestinians in Gaza, whether in parallel with, or as a means to achieve, its military goal of destroying Hamas," said Agnes Callamard.

"The atrocity crimes committed on 7 October 2023 by Hamas and other armed groups against Israelis and victims of other nationalities, including deliberate mass killings and hostage-taking, can never justify Israel's genocide against Palestinians in Gaza."

International jurisprudence recognizes that the perpetrator does not need to succeed in their attempts to destroy the protected group, either in whole or in part, for genocide to have been committed. The commission of prohibited acts with the intent to destroy the group, as such, is sufficient.

Amnesty International's report examines in detail Israel's violations in Gaza over nine months between 7 October 2023 and early July 2024. The organization interviewed 212 people, including Palestinian victims and witnesses, local authorities in Gaza, healthcare workers, conducted fieldwork and analysed an extensive range of visual and digital evidence, including satellite imagery. It also analysed statements by senior Israeli government and military officials, and official Israeli bodies. On multiple occasions, the organization shared its findings with the Israeli authorities but had received no substantive response at the time of publication.

Unprecedented scale and magnitude

Israel's actions following Hamas's deadly attacks on 7 October 2023 have brought Gaza's population to the brink of collapse. Its brutal military offensive had killed more than 42,000 Palestinians, including over 13,300 children, and injured over 97,000 more, by 7 October 2024, many of them in direct or deliberately indiscriminate attacks, often wiping out entire multigenerational families. It has caused unprecedented destruction, which experts say occurred at a level and speed not seen in any other conflict in the 21st century, levelling entire cities and destroying critical infrastructure, agricultural land and cultural and religious sites. It thereby rendered large swathes of Gaza uninhabitable.

Mohammed, who fled with his family from Gaza City to Rafah in March 2024 and was displaced again in May 2024, described their struggle to survive in horrifying conditions:

"Here in Deir al-Balah, it's like an apocalypse... You have to protect your children from insects, from the heat, and there is no clean water, no toilets, all while the bombing never stops. You feel like you are subhuman here."

Israel imposed conditions of life in Gaza that created a deadly mixture of malnutrition, hunger and diseases, and exposed Palestinians to a slow, calculated death. Israel also subjected hundreds of Palestinians from Gaza to incommunicado detention, torture and other ill-treatment.

Viewed in isolation, some of the acts investigated by Amnesty International constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law or international human rights law. But in looking at the broader picture of Israel's military campaign and the cumulative impact of its policies and acts, genocidal intent is the only reasonable conclusion.

Intent to destroy

To establish Israel's specific intent to physically destroy Palestinians in Gaza, as such, Amnesty International analysed the overall pattern of Israel's conduct in Gaza, reviewed dehumanizing and genocidal statements by Israeli government and military officials, particularly those at the highest levels, and considered the context of Israel's system of apartheid, its inhumane blockade of Gaza and the unlawful 57-year-old military occupation of the Palestinian territory.

Before reaching its conclusion, Amnesty International examined Israel's claims that its military lawfully targeted Hamas and other armed groups throughout Gaza, and that the resulting unprecedented destruction and denial of aid were the outcome of unlawful conduct by Hamas and other armed groups, such as locating fighters among the civilian population or the diversion of aid. The organization concluded these claims are not credible. The presence of Hamas fighters near or within a densely populated area does not absolve Israel from its obligations to take all feasible precautions to spare civilians and avoid indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks. Its research found Israel repeatedly failed to do so, committing multiple crimes under international law for which there can be no justification based on Hamas's actions. Amnesty International also found no evidence that the diversion of aid could explain Israel's extreme and deliberate restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid.

In its analysis, the organization also considered alternative arguments such as ones that Israel was acting recklessly or that it simply wanted to destroy Hamas and did not care if it needed to destroy Palestinians in the process, demonstrating a callous disregard for their lives rather than genocidal intent.

However, regardless of whether Israel sees the destruction of Palestinians as instrumental to destroying Hamas or as an acceptable by-product of this goal, this view of Palestinians as disposable and not worthy of consideration is in itself evidence of genocidal intent.

Many of the unlawful acts documented by Amnesty International were preceded by officials urging their implementation. The organization reviewed 102 statements that were issued by Israeli government and military officials and others between 7 October 2023 and 30 June 2024 and dehumanized Palestinians, called for or justified genocidal acts or other crimes against them.

Of these, Amnesty International identified 22 statements made by senior officials in charge of managing the offensive that appeared to call for, or justify, genocidal acts, providing direct evidence of genocidal intent. This language was frequently replicated, including by Israeli soldiers on the ground, as evidenced by audiovisual content verified by Amnesty International showing soldiers making calls to "erase" Gaza or to make it uninhabitable, and celebrating the destruction of Palestinian homes, mosques, schools and universities.

Killing and causing serious bodily or mental harm

Amnesty International documented the genocidal acts of killing and causing serious mental and bodily harm to Palestinians in Gaza by reviewing the results of investigations it conducted into 15 air strikes between 7 October 2023 and 20 April 2024 that killed at least 334 civilians, including 141 children, and wounded hundreds of others. Amnesty International found no evidence that any of these strikes were directed at a military objective.

In one illustrative case, on 20 April 2024, an Israeli air strike destroyed the Abdelal family house in the Al-Jneinah neighbourhood in eastern Rafah, killing three generations of Palestinians, including 16 children, while they were sleeping.

While these represent just a fraction of Israel's aerial attacks, they are indicative of a broader pattern of repeated direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects or deliberately indiscriminate attacks. The attacks were also conducted in ways designed to cause a very high number of fatalities and injuries among the civilian population.

Inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction

The report documents how Israel deliberately inflicted conditions of life on Palestinians in Gaza intended to lead, over time, to their destruction. These conditions were imposed through three simultaneous patterns that repeatedly compounded the effect of each other's devastating impacts: damage to and destruction of life-sustaining infrastructure and other objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population; the repeated use of sweeping, arbitrary and confusing mass "evacuation" orders to forcibly displace almost all of Gaza's population; and the denial and obstruction of the delivery of essential services, humanitarian assistance and other life-saving supplies into and within Gaza.

After 7 October 2023, Israel imposed a total siege on Gaza cutting off electricity, water and fuel. In the nine months reviewed for this report, Israel maintained a suffocating, unlawful blockade, tightly controlled access to energy sources, failed to facilitate meaningful humanitarian access within Gaza, and obstructed the import and delivery of life-saving goods and humanitarian aid, particularly to areas north of Wadi Gaza. They thereby exacerbated an already existing humanitarian crisis. This, combined with the extensive damage to Gaza's homes, hospitals, water and sanitation facilities and agricultural land, and mass forced displacement, caused catastrophic levels of hunger and led to the spread of diseases at alarming rates. The impact was especially harsh on young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women, with anticipated long-term consequences for their health.

Time and again, Israel had the chance to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, yet for over a year it has repeatedly refused to take steps blatantly within its power to do so, such as opening sufficient access points to Gaza or lifting tight restrictions on what could enter the Strip or their obstruction of aid deliveries within Gaza while the situation has grown progressively worse.

Through its repeated "evacuation" orders Israel displaced nearly 1.9 million Palestinians - 90% of Gaza's population - into ever-shrinking, unsafe pockets of land under inhumane conditions, some of them up to 10 times. These multiple waves of forced displacement left many jobless and deeply traumatized, especially since some 70% of Gaza's residents are refugees or descendants of refugees whose towns and villages were ethnically cleansed by Israel during the 1948 Nakba.

Despite conditions quickly becoming unfit for human life, Israeli authorities refused to consider measures that would have protected displaced civilians and ensured their basic needs were met, showing that their actions were deliberate.

They refused to allow those displaced to return to their homes in northern Gaza or relocate temporarily to other parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory or Israel, continuing to deny many Palestinians their right to return under international law to areas they were displaced from in 1948. They did so knowing that there was nowhere safe for Palestinians in Gaza to flee to.

Accountability for genocide

"The international community's seismic, shameful failure for over a year to press Israel to end its atrocities in Gaza, by first delaying calls for a ceasefire and then continuing arms transfers, is and will remain a stain on our collective conscience," said Agnes Callamard.

"Governments must stop pretending they are powerless to end this genocide, which was enabled by decades of impunity for Israel's violations of international law. States need to move beyond mere expressions of regret or dismay and take strong and sustained international action, however uncomfortable a finding of genocide may be for some of Israel's allies.

"The International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity issued last month offer real hope of long-overdue justice for victims. States must demonstrate their respect for the court's decision and for universal international law principles by arresting and handing over those wanted by the ICC.

"We are calling on the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) 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. No one should be allowed to commit genocide and remain unpunished."

Amnesty International is also calling for all civilian hostages to be released unconditionally and for Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups responsible for the crimes committed on 7 October to be held to account.

The organization is also calling for the UN Security Council to impose targeted sanctions against Israeli and Hamas officials most implicated in crimes under international law.

Background

On 7 October 2023 Hamas and other armed groups indiscriminately fired rockets into southern Israel and carried out deliberate mass killings and hostage-taking there, killing 1,200 people, including over 800 civilians, and abducted 223 civilians and captured 27 soldiers. The crimes perpetrated by Hamas and other armed groups during this attack will be the focus of a forthcoming Amnesty International report.

Since October 2023, Amnesty International has conducted in-depth investigations into the multiple violations and crimes under international law committed by Israeli forces, including direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects and deliberately indiscriminate attacks killing hundreds of civilians, as well as other unlawful attacks on and collective punishment of the civilian population. The organization has called on the Office of the ICC Prosecutor to expedite its investigation into the situation in the State of Palestine and is campaigning for an immediate ceasefire.

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Wisconsin Guard 'Maverick' Battalion Mobilizes to Deploy

By Senior Master Sgt. Paul Gorman, Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office December 5, 2024

TOMAH, Wis. -- More than 60 Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers with the 732nd Combat Support Sustainment Battalion's Headquarters and Headquarters Company were mobilized to active duty Nov. 30 during a deployment sendoff ceremony at Tomah High School.

Following pre-mobilization training, the Guardsmen will deploy to the U.S. Central Command area of operations, where they will synchronize and control logistics operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Lt. Col. Maria Garcia, 732nd CSSB commander, was the first to address the Soldiers of the Maverick Battalion with whom she will be deploying.

"The Wisconsin National Guard is known for its discipline, dedication and readiness to respond no matter the mission," said Garcia. "You have trained to prepare for this moment, and you bring with you not only skill and expertise but also the heart of our state."

To Garcia, the deployment represented more than just a duty; it was an opportunity to represent the best of Wisconsin and the Army National Guard.

"Let us go forward with the values that define us: integrity, honor and excellence," she said. "We'll complete our mission knowing that we carry the trust of the people of Wisconsin and our nation, and we'll return home stronger."

Brig. Gen. Matthew Strub, Wisconsin's deputy adjutant general for Army, reminded the deploying Soldiers of the legacy they carry on their shoulders.

"You are part of a lineage of Citizen-Soldiers who have always answered the call to serve and protect both at home and abroad," said Strub. "Since 1837, when the first militia units formed here, men and women from our great state have stepped forward in times of need to support our communities and uphold the values that we cherish."

In addition to the 732nd CSSB Soldiers, more than 200 friends and family members attended the sendoff ceremony.

Brig. Gen. David May, Wisconsin's interim adjutant general, addressed the significance of the sacrifice made by the deploying Soldiers and their friends and families.

"To families and friends, thank you for your role," said May. "The sometimes silent and unseen strength behind our Soldiers. Trust me, we see you and fully appreciate that you are an indispensable part of our organization's mission."

May stressed the importance of relying on the support of fellow Soldiers to combat the loneliness and solitude that can accompany spending the holidays in a deployed environment.

"When this mission is over, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you played a role in keeping your loved ones safe and secure," May said. "There's no greater gift than that."

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December 6, 2024

Transcript

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing

PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL PAT RYDER: All right. Well, good afternoon, everyone. Just a few things here at the top and we'll get right to your questions.

First, as you may have seen, Secretary Austin was at the United States Military Academy at West Point yesterday, where he delivered a speech to the Corps of Cadets reflecting on his own time as a West Point cadet, his public service career, and his experience on the battlefield. The secretary shared thoughts and advice stemming from his 45 years serving as a soldier and as the secretary of defense for the cadets as they prepare to become future leaders in the United States Army. Transcript of the speech as well as a video are posted on the DOD website at defense.gov.

Shifting gears, earlier today Secretary Austin hosted the Armenian minister of defense at the Pentagon for a bilateral meeting, the first such meeting in two decades. The leaders reaffirmed the strategic partnership between our two countries and also reaffirmed our shared objective of an enduring peace in the South Caucasus. The two leaders also discussed ongoing and future security cooperation efforts such as military education and professionalization, institutional capacity building, and training. A full readout will be available on Defense.gov later today.

Looking ahead, Secretary Austin will depart tomorrow for Simi Valley, California to attend the 2024 Reagan National Defense Forum. This marks the secretary's fourth year attending the forum. And on Saturday, December 7, he'll deliver the keynote address which will be live streamed.

Additionally, alongside Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Secretary Austin will also be the recipient of the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Award from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.

Following the Reagan National Defense Forum, Secretary Austin will travel to Tokyo, Japan for a multi-day visit. This trip marks his 13th visit to the Indo-Pacific as secretary of defense and comes as the department continues its historic efforts to bolster our partnerships and alliances and advance a shared vision of peace, security, and prosperity in the region. We'll have much more to share on the secretary's engagements in Japan soon.

Separately, on Tuesday, I highlighted US self-defense strikes in the vicinity of MSS Euphrates in Syria, when US forces faced an imminent danger due to several threats, to include rockets and mortars fired in the direction of US forces in the area. US Central Command has advised that three US service members are being evaluated for possible TBI. As you know, those numbers can fluctuate, and I'm not aware of any other injuries at this time. Again, we'll not hesitate to take appropriate action to protect our forces if they are threatened.

And finally, throughout his tenure, Secretary Austin has prioritized the development and rapid fielding of capabilities to counter the urgent and growing threat posed by unmanned systems. This week the secretary signed a classified strategy for countering unmanned systems to unify the department's approach to countering these systems that looks across domains, characteristics, and time frames.

Unmanned systems, more commonly known as drones, have the potential to pose both an urgent and enduring threat to US personnel, facilities, and assets overseas and, increasingly, in the US homeland. As you know, the threats presented by these systems are changing how wars are fought. With a singular strategy for countering unmanned systems, in conjunction with other major DOD initiatives like the Joint Counter Small UAS Office and Replicator 2, the DOD is orienting around a common understanding of the challenge and a comprehensive approach to addressing it.

And with that, I'm happy to take your questions. We'll start with AP. Lita?

Q: Thank you, Pat. A quick question on transition. Has there been  can you just update us? Has there have been any steps or any movement at all for any transition meetings or anything here in the Pentagon?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Lita, what I would tell you is no contact at this stage. I do understand that  that the transition team has signed the DOJ MOU, but we're awaiting word from the federal transition coordinator and the Trump transition team regarding the next steps.

Of course, we here at the DOD are prepared to support a calm, orderly transition and ensure that the landing team has all the necessary information, consistent with governing documents and agreements, to ensure that they're prepared to perform their function duties and duties on day one.

Q: And then just a quick second question. You talked about this new classified strategy. And you had talked before about that there were some incursions, particularly down in Virginia over military facilities, and there's been others. Is there anything in the strategy that's more tactical, that allows commanders to do anything, or is this just a broad statement of policy?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Of course, it's got all kinds of good information. But it's classified, so I can't talk about it. So really, Lita, again recognizing that the strategy is classified, we will have an unclassified fact sheet that we'll be providing soon.

Really just kind of looking at how we'll approach this. One is ensuring that the department is prepared to conduct counter unmanned system operations, counter-UAS operations. Two is looking at how we respond to incidents that do occur by pulling together subject matter experts and resources. And then third is tracking equipment and counter UAS equipment. You know, UAS is one aspect of drones.

So really, again broad brush, it's kind of looking at this in a comprehensive and cohesive way. Again, I'm not going to go into the specific tactics, techniques, procedures at this point, but it enables the department to approach this in a way, again, that's comprehensive, cohesive, and holistic. Thanks.

Carla.

Q: Thanks. Going back to Syria, you mentioned the three service members being evaluated for TBIs. Who was responsible for that attack? Who did the US military target on Tuesday?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Again, as I highlighted on Tuesday, I mean, that's something that we're still assessing. You know, it's, again, important to highlight that that region has been the  so, first of all, we know that Iranian backed militia groups operate in that area. We also know that Syrian military  Syrian regime forces operate in that area.

But this location has been used in the past by groups like Iranian backed militias to target US forces at MSS Euphrates. But, again, in terms of who was operating those vehicles or who was firing those rockets and mortars, that is something that, as I understand it, CENTCOM is still assessing.

Q: True. But you did mention a T-64 tank last time.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Correct.

Q: Isn't that normally something that's used by the Syrians or the Russians, not Iranian militia groups?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Entirely possible, Carla. Again, as I just highlighted, I mean, we do know that there are Syrian regime forces in that area. But in terms of at that moment and who was doing what, that's something that, again, as I understand it, CENTCOM is still looking at.

Q: And then one last one on Ukraine. Is the Pentagon still committed to using up all of the funds that Congress approved to send to Ukraine? I think we're at $6 billion PDA left and $2 billion roughly in USAI.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Right, $2.21 billion in USAI and $6.8 billion in PDA. And again, the  to be clear, you know, the direction that we've been  that we've received from the White House is to make every effort to continue to rush security assistance to Ukraine and employ the authorities that we have, and we're doing exactly that.

I mean, the thing that hasn't changed is the sense of urgency within the department in terms of supporting Ukraine, understanding that  the fight that they're in. And we've been doing that for, you know, upwards of three years, almost three years now, and we'll continue to do that and continue to ensure that we're speaking with them and our allies and partners to enable Ukraine to defend its freedom and its sovereignty.

Konstantin.

Q: Thanks, Pat. Moving to South Korea, could you give us an update on the status of US forces in South Korea? And specifically, can you speak to whether troops there are still under any restrictions?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So, first of all, to my knowledge, Konstantine, no change in force posture. And, you know, we're obviously ensuring  doing due diligence in terms of accountability and things like that. But I'm not aware of any significant impact operationally, physically, safety-wise on any US forces in South Korea.

Of course, you know, we are in contact with our ROK counterparts at the Ministry of Defense. But, yeah, bottom line is I'm not aware of any impact in that regard.

Q: And just to be clear, troops are free to go off base as they choose?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: To my knowledge, that's the case. Of course, you know, certainly I'd recommend you reach out to USFK, but I'm not aware of any changes in that regard. Thank you very much.

Brandy?

Q: Thank you, Pat. On the new counter unmanned strategy, how long was that in the making? And was it prompted by the sort of recent increasing reports of incursions over US military bases both abroad and in the States?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Thanks, Brandy. I'd  I don't have a specific time frame to give you, other than to say that this has been  I'm confident that this has been work that's been going on for some time. I mean, you know, if you go  you've been following this very closely. You know the impact that drones have had on the battlefield. This is not necessarily a new thing.

But what we're seeing is the way that drones are being applied, the impact of how they're being used is something that, again, we can't just deal with ad hoc. We need to do this in a comprehensive, cohesive manner. And so, that's really what this strategy does, is it essentially enables the department  the department to look across the entire department and our interagency partners how we can best work together to address this.

So, to answer your question, no, this is not a response to recent events. This is work that's been going on for some time, and obviously very important work.

Q: Do you have any new information about progress that's been made between the US and UK militaries getting to the bottom of those previous incursions? And have there been any more?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, I don't  I don't have any updates to pass along from the podium here, Brandy. I'd recommend you call US Air Forces in Europe or the UK Ministry of Defense. Thanks.

Fadi?

Q: Thank you, General. So, the  concerning those three US soldiers who are being evaluated for the potential TBI, where were they when that impact happened? What raised the concern of potential 

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. Again, this is all, you know, in the vicinity of MSS Euphrates, in that  that region down there.

Q: Inside the wire or outside the wire?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: That's as detailed as I'm going to get.

Q: On Tuesday, I asked you whether the US provided support for SDF forces attack on the seven villages where the SAA is located. They have positions there. And you referred me to the SDF. I'm asking you as a spokesperson for the Pentagon, did your forces provide any support for the SDF in that operation?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Look, our forces are in Syria to conduct a counter ISIS operation, right, the enduring defeat of ISIS. They have partnered with the SDF on those missions. Certainly they communicate with the SDF on a frequent basis, as partners do. But our forces in that region were threatened. We took action to mitigate that threat and will do so again.

And so, again, you know, they're communicating with one another. We're aware of what the SDF is doing. I'm not going to talk about SDF operations. I'll let them talk about their operations. But let me just be crystal clear. Our forces are in Syria to conduct the enduring defeat of ISIS mission. We're doing that in partnership with the SDF. And I'm just going to leave it there.

Q: But with all due respect, General, I'm not asking about SDF operations. I'm asking about your operations. Did the US forces provide support for SDF offensive on SAA positions in those seven villages east of ?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: If you're asking were US forces, you know, participating in combined arms maneuver with the SDF, the answer is no. All right.

Q: That's not my question.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Ok.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I've answered the question 

Q: I'm not getting a yes or no from you. I mean, for transparency 

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: No.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: John, what do you got?

Q: Thank you, General. About Syria, after Aleppo it looks like the opposition forces are moving southward toward other important cities in city  in Syria like Homs [ph] and Hama. And is  your position is changing because the thing is evaluating to something or evolving to something bigger it seems. Do you have any communication at this phase with the opposition forces or through your Turkish allies on the developments in Syria?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I mean, we're certainly monitoring the situation closely. Again, the US has no role in what's happening right now in terms of northwestern, Syria and HTS and their operations and the Syrian regime. I mean, again, as you know, the Syrian civil war has been going on for a while. This is a new development in that war.

But again, we're monitoring closely, very aware of the destabilizing effect. As we've said earlier, we call on all parties to de-escalate to ensure the protection of minority groups in the region. We don't want to see more death and destruction in that regard, but again we're  no involvement by the US. Thanks.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Matt.

Q: Thanks, Matt. On Syria, an SDF spokesperson said that ISIS is claiming to have control over significant portions of the arms and Deir ez-Zor regions. Does that match your assessment? Is ISIS gaining ground? And can you give us any update on the success that American counterterror forces are having or not having in the area?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: To my knowledge, I'm not aware of ISIS taking any type of significant territory. We do know that ISIS does maintain a capability for obvious reasons, which is why we're there. We do see them continuing to plan and conduct attacks, which again is why we're there working with the SDF, which is also supporting counter ISIS operations. So, it's a threat we obviously have to take seriously, because what we don't want to see is a resurgence back to what we saw a decade ago. So, I'll just leave it there. Thanks. Charlie.

Q: Thank you, general. Have you  well, have your colleagues had any more de-conflicting conversations with the Russians in Syria?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I don't have anything to read out on that front yet.

Q: Okay, but then a few days ago you said that an A-10 had been used in close combat, or at least close protection. That came out a few days later. Do we have any more information about an A-10 being used in ground operations that are being conducted by the SDF?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So, no, I answered this question on Tuesday, which is why I'm looking confused. So, an A-10 conducted a self-defense strike near MSS Euphrates when some individuals were establishing a rocket rail. The A-10s went in, took it out, period, dot, self-defense, not in support of any kind of operations by any other groups that are going around. This is defending our forces. That simple.

Q: But I was asking since then.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: No, I'm not aware of anything. Thanks. Janne.

Q: Thank you, general. Two questions on South Korea and the issues related to South Korea and the United States. First question, how do you assess the fact that South Korea's martial law declaration was inevitably lifted without armed conflict under the president's authority to protect the liberal democracy and prevent national security threats?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I mean, that's really a question that you need to ask the ROK government about. I'm not going to comment on their domestic  no, I'm not going to get into discussing allied nations' domestic politics or management.

Q: Second question, the United States, South Korea Nuclear Consultative Group, NCD, meeting the last two meetings of the Biden administration was scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C. this week, but was canceled. Can you tell us why it was canceled, or will you resume on a different day?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I don't have any updates to provide in terms of rescheduling. Again, just given the events in ROK, it was deemed a prudent measure, and we'll keep you updated in terms of a new date when that's rescheduled. Thank you.

Q: Two questions in the Middle East, one Syria, one Lebanon. What steps has the US military taken in Syria in light of the security situation and to prepare for what looks like the possible collapse of the Assad regime?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So, I'm not going to speculate about the future of the Assad regime or  and again, our forces are in Syria to support the enduring defeat of ISIS. We're obviously going to take appropriate measures to ensure that those forces are protected. But as it relates to the ongoing Syrian civil war and what you see in terms of the groups, various groups fighting one another, I mean that's something that we're going to continue to monitor. As we've highlighted, we would call on all parties to deescalate, but from a US military standpoint, our focus continues to be on the defeat ISIS mission.

Q: And then can you update us on the effort of General Jasper Jeffers as part of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism? Has that advanced to a point where it's fully functioning or what can you say to that?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I don't have any more detailed updates to provide from what I gave out on Tuesday. General Jeffers is in Beirut working out of the embassy. But again, we'll keep you updated as we have new information to provide. Let me go back to Wafa.

Q: Thank you, general. In light of the quick advances the opposition in Syria is making, if you can explain a little bit how the Pentagon will address the new circumstances on the ground in Syria. Is the Pentagon ready to engage with elements of this opposition? And also, are these circumstances  will have impact on the US forces posture in Syria?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So, let me make sure, just to clarify, are you asking, will the US reach out to HTS?

Q: Elements of this opposition?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I mean it is a terrorist group, so no, no plans to do that. And again, as I mentioned, the US has nothing to do with that offensive. And as far as it relates to US personnel in Syria, I'll say it again. The whole reason our forces are there and have been there is to support the enduring defeat of ISIS mission. We'll continue to work with partners like the SDF toward that end. But that is our mission.

Q: Do you have any concerns that this situation in Syria can spill out into Iraq?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, I mean that's what you saw 10 years ago, right, as essentially the security vacuum that was created by the repressive measures of the Assad regime instigated the rise of ISIS, which did spill over into Iraq, which is why US forces have been working very closely with an international coalition for a decade now to prevent the resurgence of ISIS, so that that can be contained.

Again, as it relates to what's going on in northwestern Syria, we're obviously all watching. We want to see a de-escalation. We understand the potential ramifications regionally, but right now from a US military standpoint, our focus continues to be on preventing an ISIS resurgence.

Q: There are some reports about Russia withdrawing naval assets from Syria. Do you have anything on this?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I don't, I'd have to refer you to the Russian MOD. Let me go to the phone real quick. Jeff Schogol, Task & Purpose.

Q: Hi, I know this has been covered, but Al-Monitor is reporting that when the US troops on Tuesday were attacked, they were supporting a militia, possibly part of the SDF, that was fighting the Assad regime. And I was just wondering if there's any information about this. I know you may say, Jeff, you need to talk to the Assad regime, but I think they're looking at flight tickets and hotels at the moment.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Jeff. I mean, very similar question to what your colleague Fadi just asked and so I'll try again. So, we have US forces that are operating at MSS Euphrates. They're obviously in partnership with the SDF when it comes to the enduring defeat of ISIS mission. We do communicate with the SDF. We are aware in many cases of their operations to ensure that that our forces know who's doing what.

In this particular case, I'm not going to talk about SDF operations. I'm not an SDF spokesperson, and so I'm just not going to do that. US forces are in that region. Are they communicating with the SDF? Of course. Were US forces threatened when the elements that I highlighted earlier started threatening our forces? We took appropriate action to mitigate that threat, protect our forces. Again, our mission in Syria has not changed. It's the enduring defeat of ISIS. And again, I'll leave it there. Let me go to Jeff defense news.

All right. Howard from the War Zone.

Q: Hey, thanks. In a completely different vein, I wanted to ask you about NGAD. And can you tell me why the program was punted over to the Trump administration? And also, are there any other big programs on the chopping block, like maybe Sentinel or Replicator?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I'm sorry, which program was  were you saying was punted to the Trump administration?

Q: [Off mic] program or Replicator?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, Howard, you know, I'm not going to talk or speculate about the future. I mean, as you  as you know, the Department of Defense, it's  our mission is to defend the country. And that doesn't necessarily mean that we're putting time limits on the things that we do.

And so, you know, unmanned systems, drones, are going to be something, again, that we will need to take a holistic, comprehensive approach to addressing for  again, for all the reasons that you know, as you see playing out in places like Ukraine and other areas of the world.

So, the Department of Defense is, you know, administration agnostic in that regard in that our focus is on defending the country. Again, I won't speculate on what future administrations may do, but I can be very confident in saying that we'll do everything we need to do to defend this country. Thank you.

Take a couple more here. We go to Noah and then we'll go to Jared.

Q: Just to start out with a couple of clean up questions, you said soon on a fact sheet releasing about the new strategy. When is soon?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Hopefully today.

Q: And on the conversations with the counterparts in the ROK, can you tell us what level those are and when they've occurred? I'm assuming not at the secretary's level.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. I don't have anything to read out in or announce in terms of the secretary speaking to the ROK minister of defense. Certainly, we'll keep you updated in that regard. We have been in contact with the ROK ministry of defense at multiple levels, to include from here in DOD, but I don't have any dates to pass along in that regard.

Q: And just a quick last one. There was a call reported and acknowledged later between the chairman [General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff] and General Gerasimov of Russia that happened last week, and the call was not immediately read out afterward, given that there was secrecy concerns between the two of them. I was wondering if we can have a commitment from you sitting at the top of the briefing room here to read out in the future such calls, given that the details that are provided are not exactly comprehensive in all of them.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, as far as Joint Staff goes, I'd refer you to Joint Staff. You know, certainly I know, just like we do, they endeavor to do all they can to be as transparent as possible about these kinds of things. And so, certainly, you know, we'll continue to work toward that end, Noah.

Jared, and then we'll get you a question as long as it's related to current news of the day.

Q: Yes, sir.

So, I think we've covered this pretty well, but I just wanted to make sure we cover every base here. You mentioned that what transpired in Deir ez-Zor, there was no US combined arms maneuver with the SDF, but that the US is often aware of their operations. Were US forces in and around  in the vicinity of the MSS Euphrates, were they in communication with and advising SDF elements either conducting their operation or overseeing it? I mean, I'm asking about the role of US forces.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Jared, I appreciate the questions, but I'm just not going to have any more to provide beyond what I've already provided. Thanks.

Q: Ok. And can  just can you confirm whether US forces did or did not kinetically engage in that area before coming under fire?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Our forces engaged in self-defense, period, dot. Ok.

Q: Thanks.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I'll say it again. They engaged in self-defense because our forces were threatened. And our forces are in Syria to support the enduring defeat of ISIS.

All right, last question.

Q: Two, please.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: As long as it's news of the day, sir.

Q: Yes, sir, it is on the news of the day. Mr. Anthony Schinella, senior intelligence officer, before he committed suicide in Arlington, he had published  he  there is articles that were published with me about the Russian bounties to the Taliban for killing your soldiers. In this scenario that we are facing right now, or that is about to start, do you see such things happening again, third party playing their roles and affecting the US interest?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I'm not sure I fully understand your question. But if you're saying are we concerned about third parties threatening the United States, I mean, again, look 

Q: [Off mic] the Russians and the Iranians.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, you know, look, if you look at the national defense strategy, it makes very clear what we highlight as threats against United States national security interest, to include Russia as an acute threat and to include malign activity by countries like Iran through their proxy groups.

And so, this Department of Defense works with our allies and partners around the world on a daily basis to protect US national interests, as well as protecting our citizens and our service members who are serving around the world. So, regardless of what those threats are, it's something we take very seriously and will continue to do so. But as it relates to any, you know, specific things like that, I don't have anything to provide.

Q: Just one last one, General. Has the Pakistan military at all shared with you about the recent surge that I feel, especially from the Afghans, that the US military and the State Department has resided in Pakistan, that they are working towards this, like, separatist movement in this one state of Pakistan, which is just right next to Afghanistan?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: You're talking about Baluchistan?

Q: No, with Afghanistan beside the Pashtun area, where  which I, for the last 40 years, have the paper in. Have they at all shared concerns? Like, this  these concerns, from a journalist point of view, it comes all the way to Washington DC to some of, like, the journalists working in the Pashto radio. They are  they seem to be all pushing the Afghans sitting over there and a couple of people here for this complete separatist movement of the Pashtun region and the Pashtun belt. And that's where you have all the TTP guys. So, are you at all looking at this scenario keenly or not?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I don't have anything to provide from the podium in terms of Pakistani military strategy. I mean, as we've discussed before, the US of course values Pakistan as a partner when it comes to areas like counterterrorism, and so we'll continue to have those conversations. But I'd refer you to the Pakistani military to discuss their operations and their counterterrorism efforts.

All right, Will. Last question, man. Bring us home.

Q: Thank you. My question is, as far as Chinese hacking, how this building has been affected in any way? Because in the past, also Chinese have been stealing  or thieves US secret in many ways, including businesses, industries, and also defense.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, I appreciate the question. As a matter of policy, we're not going to discuss, you know, potential threats, hacks, etc. I can assure you this is something we take very seriously every single day. You  as you highlighted, it is a significant threat globally. And so, again, we'll continue to do due diligence and ensure that our networks and our personnel are able to operate safely and effectively around the world.

Thanks very much everybody. Appreciate it. And remember, we're in Syria for the defeat ISIS mission.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3986854/

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December 5, 2024

By Joseph Clark, DOD News

Austin Welcomes Armenia's Defense Minister to Pentagon

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan at the Pentagon today.

The two leaders met to discuss the strategic relationship between the U.S. and Armenia, which includes a longstanding partnership between Armenia's Defense Ministry and the Kansas National Guard.

"Your visit is historic," Austin said as he welcomed his counterpart. "Armenia extended its hand to the United States and I'm proud to host you here today."

He added that the U.S. supports a sovereign, independent and prosperous Armenia and that relationship between the two nations continues to grow closer.

Austin highlighted the Kansas National Guard's role in helping Armenia advance its defense reform agenda.

This summer, the U.S. and Armenia completed the second iteration of Exercise Eagle Partner, a bilateral exercise aimed at bolstering interoperability and readiness between the two countries during peacekeeping operations.

The first iteration of the exercise was held in 2023.

The secretary also noted that, over the past two years, the U.S. has provided Armenia with key security assistance used for armored ambulances, a cybersecurity operations center and a national training center.

Austin added that the U.S. plans to sustain the momentum in strengthening the relationship.

He also emphasized the United States support for peace and stability in the South Caucasus region.

"We're building on a strong foundation," he said. "Our troops served shoulder to shoulder during the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, and we continue to work together in the NATO Kosovo force.

"It is our first meeting, and we have a full agenda," Austin said. "I look forward to hearing about your vision for Armenia's armed forces, and about the prospects for peace in the South Caucasus."

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Tsahkna in Qatar: our response to Russia's aggression will shape the security and future of the world

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

05.12.2024

Today 5 December, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna is the first Estonian foreign minister to make an official visit to Doha, Qatar, meeting with Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, to discuss closer bilateral relations, Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the security situation in the Middle East, as well as to explore the opportunities for Estonian entrepreneurs on the Gulf market.

Speaking about Russia's aggression in Ukraine, Tsahkna said it was an existential issue for Estonia. "Russia's imperialist ambitions remain unchanged and Estonia knows all too well what this entails," Tsahkna said, adding that Russia has ramped up hostilities and brought in North Korean troops. "Russia's aggression is not regional, it is global; and our response to it will shape the future and security of us all."

Tsahkna recognised Qatar for its mediation efforts in bringing back deported Ukrainian children. Since the start of Russia's aggression, Qatar has helped to repatriate 53 children deported from Ukraine, and seven of them were reunited with their families in late November.

The meeting covered the situation in the Middle East, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the situation in Lebanon and Syria. "Estonia is contributing wherever and in whichever way it can," Tsahkna emphasised, adding that Estonia supported all diplomatic efforts to prevent an escalation of hostilities and bring the Middle East back from the brink, and recognised Qatar's efforts to reach a ceasefire. "I stand for a permanent solution in the region. I remain convinced that this entails a two-state solution that would ensure Israel's security and give Palestine a politically and economically stable future."

Today, Tsahkna also met with Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, State Minister for Foreign Trade Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, and Minister for Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani to discuss additional economic cooperation options. "Estonian entrepreneurs are very interested in the Qatari market and Qatar is a priority country for Estonia in the region," Tsahkna said. He added that Estonia recently held a seminar on the Gulf market to boost cooperation, and it attracted 150 companies. Tsahkna noted that Estonia had 30 years of experience when it came to digital development and we are ready to share it. "We are connected by a deep interest in innovation and business and we recognise their importance for boosting the economy."

Tsahkna is accompanied by a business delegation that includes Estonian digital and technology companies Bolt, Helmes, Defsecintel Solutions OU, Lean OU, Bercman Energy, Elcogen, Cybexer Technologies, Nortal, and the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In the evening, Tsahkna attended the technology fair MENA Fintech Festival, where he moderated a panel on Estonia's digital development, and a networking event aimed at the business delegation.

Tomorrow, Tsahkna travels to Bahrain, where he will speak at the security conference IISS Manama Dialogue and where he will meet with Bahraini cabinet members and other participants of the conference.

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Estonia to send up to 128 troops to military operations next year

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Defence

5. December 2024 - 9:04

Last night, Estonian Parliament Riigikogu approved the Ministry of Defence's plans for Estonia to participate in international military operations next year with up to 128 troops.

"It is extremely important for Estonia that, despite the difficult security situation, we are also ready to support our closest Allies in international military operations. Currently, our biggest contribution is in Iraq, where we have 110 troops," Minister of Defence, Hanno Pevkur said. According to Pevkur Estonia assesses regularly the needs and the security context of the host countries together with its Allies to decide the support it can provide.

Estonia will continue to participate in NATO, European Union and UN-led operations with staff officers. Since June this year, Estonia has been participating in the EU operation EUNAVFOR Aspides in the Red Sea region with one staff officer. Attacks on Houthi rebel merchant and military ships in the Red Sea have worsened the security situation in the entire region. The aim of the military operation launched by the EU is to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and ensure the safety of vessels in the region by protecting ships from attacks and escorting vessels throughout the area of operation.

Estonia is also ready to contribute to NATO's ARF/SNF (Allied Reaction Force, Standing Naval Forces) readiness forces with up to 76 troops, including a mine countermeasures vessel crew and a separate staff officer. In addition, Estonian Defence Forces are ready to participate in the United Kingdom-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) with up to 24 Service Members. The focus of the JEF is ensuring security in the Baltic Sea region and the North Atlantic, thereby strengthening the defence and deterrence posture in the Baltic countries. This month, Estonia will host a Joint Expeditionary Force Heads of State meeting in Tallinn, where the topics will be both regional security and support for Ukraine.

Similar to previous years, the government received a mandate for possible first-time and urgent participation in an international military operation led by NATO or its member states, the EU or the UN; next year, the mandate will be for contributions of up to 100 troops.

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Ensuring decision dominance through command and control advancements

U.S. and NATO military leaders, industry partners and academia convened at the AFCEA TechNet Transatlantic 2024 Conference to discuss opportunities to advance C4ISR and Cyber efforts in the European Theater.

By U.S. European Command Public Affairs , United States European Command Stuttgart, Germany Dec 05, 2024

As the global security landscape rapidly evolves, the need for cutting-edge solutions in Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) and cyber capabilities is greater than ever. The AFCEA TechNet Transatlantic 2024 Conference, held Dec. 4-5, 2024, in Frankfurt, Germany, brought together stakeholders from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and European Union (EU) national governments, defense, and security agencies, as well as industry and academia, to discuss some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in C4ISR and Cyber.

"The adversary is changing and the amount of data and technology available to the warfighter has increased exponentially." Said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Pete Andrysiak, U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) chief of staff. "We at USEUCOM recognized our current C2 technologies made it harder for us to coordinate and disseminate data in the kinetic environment and we have begun to modernize within the bounds of current resourcing across people, processes and networks."

Andrysiak, providing formal remarks at the conference, went further to highlight the lessons learned in the immediate aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the need to improve command and control among Allies and partners. His comments complemented representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense, USEUCOM and component commands, each of whom provided insights and recommendations on interoperability across the U.S. joint force in concert with NATO Allies and Partners. The importance of NATO's dominance in a multi-dimensional battlefield was also emphasized.

"Events like these open communication between industry and the warfighters to make meaningful progress towards C2 modernization and decision dominance," said Andrysiak.

U.S. military efforts in Europe since the end of the Cold War have primarily been focused on security cooperation, military partnership programs, and supporting new NATO members. Russia's invasion of Ukraine changed the operational landscape and the transformation back into a warfighting command. Andrysiak's underscoring of the importance of focusing on the warfighter and a holistic approach to C2 solutions, including people, processes, networks and data, and infrastructure, mirrors the transformation already underway at USEUCOM to increase capabilities alongside Allies and partners.

The AFCEA TechNet Transatlantic Conference is a critical forum for bringing together warfighting stakeholders across USEUCOM and Components, our NATO Allies and Partners, and industry experts to solve some of the most pressing challenges.

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Joint press release by the Nordic-Baltic countries and Armenia

Government Offices of Sweden - Ministry for Foreign Affairs

05 December 2024

On 5 December, the Nordic-Baltic foreign ministers and representatives met with Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan in the margins of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Valletta.

The Nordic-Baltic countries reaffirmed their mutual interest in strengthening relations and expressed strong support for Armenia's ambition to deepen ties with the EU and its European partners.

Armenia shares the democratic values and respect for human rights that underpin the Nordic-Baltic and European communities. The Nordic-Baltic countries commend Armenia's commitment to democratic reforms and will continue to support Armenia's reform efforts.

The Nordic-Baltic countries in the EU look forward to the adoption of a new and ambitious Partnership Agenda between the EU and Armenia in line with the European Council's conclusions of October 2023 on strengthening EU-Armenia relations in all dimensions. The Nordic-Baltic countries recognise the OSCE's commitment to continued engagement with Armenia in all three dimensions of security.

The Nordic-Baltic countries support efforts to reach a sustainable peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and in accordance with the Almaty Declaration, and welcome initiatives, including the Crossroads of Peace project, to increase connectivity and economic cooperation in the region.



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National Statement by Sweden at the OSCE 31st Ministerial Council

Government Offices of Sweden

Speech by Maria Malmer Stenergard

Published 05 December 2024

National Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ms Maria Malmer Stenergard, held at the OSCE 31st OSCE Ministerial Council 5 December 2024.

Check against delivery.

Excellencies,

We strongly condemn Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. This war is a flagrant violation of International law, as well as of OSCE principles and commitments. We repeat our demand on Russia to immediately stop its aggression and withdraw all of its forces from the entire internationally recognised territory of Ukraine.

Russia's hybrid attacks against democratic countries have broadened and intensified. We also see how they use disinformation and propaganda to achieve their goals and we must not accept their lies.

Russia is and will remain a serious threat to our security for the foreseeable future.

Excellencies,

Ukraine is fighting for its own freedom; and for the security of all our countries. Supporting Ukraine therefore must remain our main foreign policy task.

Our financial, military, and civil support will continue. We will do all in our power to ensure Ukraine's rightful future as a member of the EU and its integration in the Euro-Atlantic security structures. It is the right of every state to choose its own security arrangements.

Any future peace initiatives can only be made upon Ukraine's own demand, be based on International law, and in line with the Ukrainian Peace Formula.

Lasting peace and security require accountability, including for the crime of aggression. Russia must and will be held to account. We support OSCE's accountability efforts, including through ODIHR's monitoring activities, its open approach to civil society and the tools under the Moscow and Vienna Mechanisms.

Excellencies,

The clear messages from Warsaw Human Dimension Conference and the civil society conference here in Malta confirm the worrisome democratic backsliding and violations of human rights in parts of the OSCE area.

We call on the Belarusian regime to end its repression, release all political prisoners and detainees immediately and unconditionally, to respect media freedom and civil society, and start an inclusive national dialogue.

We call on Russia to abide by International law, including International humanitarian law and International human rights law, as well as its OSCE Human Dimension commitments and to release the detained OSCE SMM staff members.

I would also like to reiterate our support to Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Georgian people have once again taken to the streets to reaffirm their aspirations for joining the European Union.

I remind Georgia of its obligations under International human rights conventions, including the rights to freedom of assembly and expression.

Excellencies,

I thank Minister Borg and his team, and express my gratitude to OSCE staff, the former Secretary General and heads of the autonomous institutions for their dedicated work.

The work by the autonomous institutions has our strongest support. Human rights, democracy and the rule of law are at the core of OSCE's comprehensive concept of security.

And I welcome Finland as incoming Chair. Dear Elina, as your close friend and ally, you can count on Sweden's support in defending OSCE's principles and commitments and seeking accountability for Russia's war. And we look forward to chairing the Human Dimension Committee next year.

I thank you.



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32nd Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs

India - Ministry of External Affairs

December 05, 2024

The 32nd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held on 5 December 2024 in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia), and the Chinese delegation was led by Mr. Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary & Oceanic Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. The leader of the Chinese delegation also called on Foreign Secretary during the visit.

New Delhi

December 05, 2024

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PH files protest vs. Beijing over latest Chinese harassment in BDM

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

December 5, 2024, 4:17 pm

MANILA -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has formally lodged its protest against China's latest aggression in the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza on Thursday afternoon said this latest diplomatic note brings the total notes verbales against Beijing's activities in the West Philippine Sea to 60 this year.

Since the beginning of the Marcos administration, the DFA has filed a total of 193 protests against China.

In an interview in Pasay City, DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo questioned Beijing over its repeated harassment while reaffirming Manila's position on the feature.

"It's very clear, I mean we were within our legal rights," he said. "Certainly, we don't understand why China again is repeating these actions, which are clearly illegal."

The Chinese Coast Guard along with a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel harassed Filipino ships yet again while the latter were patrolling near the Bajo de Masinloc on Wednesday.

China located some 472 nautical miles away from shoal claims it as part of its territory.

Following the incident, the embassies of the United States, Australia, Japan, France, European Union, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and South Korea voiced out their support to the Philippines and conveyed serious concerns over China's actions in the area.

The New Zealand Embassy in Manila said these latest dangerous actions by the Chinese Coast Guard towards the Philippines "are deeply worrying, as is the presence of PLAN vessels".

"Water cannons and contact between vessels risk safety at sea and threaten regional stability and international law. We again firmly call for peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)," it said.

Australia's Ambassador HK Yu called for "restraint and respect for international law" and cited the dangerous maneuvers and use of water cannons as serious concern to Australia.

Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, in a post on X, said Japan would continue to oppose "any actions which increase tensions".

"Seriously concerned about the dangerous actions against the Philippine Coast Guard and BFAR vessels by CCG. The use of water cannon & obstructive maneuvers undermine the safety of ship & crew," he said.

"Japan upholds the rule of law and opposes any actions which increase tensions."

France also renewed its call for respect of the UNCLOS and freedom of navigation.

Its embassy, in a statement, said Paris "oppose any threat or use of force contrary to international law" and recalled the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.

Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin said Denmark shares deep concern over the incident and said China's actions "undermine" not only the UNCLOS but also maritime safety.

Canada's Global Affairs, on the other hand, said: "These actions jeopardize regional peace and stability. Disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law."

The South Korean Embassy in Manila, in a statement, reiterated the importance of "upholding peace, stability, safety, and rules-based order in the South China Sea, as well as the freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS". (PNA)

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PH to get P611-M defense equipment from Japan

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

December 5, 2024, 2:40 pm

MANILA -- Japan is providing the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force at least 1.6 billion Japanese yen or approximately PHP611 million worth of defense equipment.

The Philippines was among the four countries Japan identified as recipient of its Official Security Assistance (OSA) for fiscal year 2024.

This is the second OSA that Manila is receiving from Tokyo, following the first 600 million Japanese yen or about PHP235 million grant aid that was spent on coastal radars in 2023.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya signed and exchanged the diplomatic notes on the new OSA at a ceremony at the Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also present.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the fresh aid would cover the provision of rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), coastal radar systems and other equipment to improve the Philippine Navy's maritime domain awareness (MDA) capabilities.

The Philippine Air Force, meanwhile, would receive air surveillance radar system-related equipment to help further improve its monitoring and surveillance capabilities.

"We sincerely hope that the provision of these items will be of great use for our friends facing strategic challenges. All of these elements are aimed at safeguarding Philippine sovereignty and securing national territory through improving its MDA capabilities and monitoring and surveillance capabilities," Endo said.

"As we strengthen our support towards the Philippines, we also hope to contribute to the security and stability of the region  ultimately driving towards a free and open Indo-Pacific," he added.

In an interview on the sidelines of the signing, Manalo said this initiative "only solidifies the strong and growing collaboration between the Philippines and Japan in promoting peace and stability in the region".

The Philippines is one of the first recipients of Japan's OSA scheme that was launched in 2023, bringing its total OSA to the country to JPY2.2 billion. (PNA)

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PH Navy chopper crash-lands in Cavite; crew OK

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

December 5, 2024, 2:39 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy confirmed that one of its AgustaWestland AW-109 helicopters on a training and maintenance flight crash-landed at Sangley Aerodrome in Cavite Thursday.

Commander John Percie Alcos said in a statement that the incident happened around 10:18 a.m.

The helicopter was being subjected to a "training and maintenance flight" shortly after undergoing its scheduled maintenance inspection at the time of the mishap.

"(It) was a functional maintenance check before we send the aircraft to the operational area so it was during the training and maintenance flight when the aircraft crash landed," Alcos said in a separate interview.

He said the helicopter had five Navy personnel aboard -- a test pilot, a co-pilot and three maintenance crew.

Four had minor cuts and bruises while the other sustained a minor fracture.

"Emergency response teams, including fire and medical personnel, were immediately deployed to the scene. No casualties were reported and all personnel onboard, though with minor injuries, were conscious and safely transported to the 15th Strike Wing Hospital for medical evaluation," Alcos said.

The Navy operates at least four units of the AW-109, which were delivered between 2013 and 2014.

A comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the cause.

"Moreover, all similar aircraft will be temporarily grounded during the investigation. Rest assured that the Philippine Navy is committed to maintaining high standards of operational safety and will use the findings to improve our procedures moving forward," Alcos said. (PNA)

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Experts dismiss lightning as cause of fatal explosion during Vietnam military drills

2 former officers say the military blamed external causes to cover up what was likely human error.

By RFA Vietnamese 2024.12.05 -- Military experts have dismissed initial findings from Vietnam's government that a lightning strike was the cause of an explosion that killed 12 soldiers during a training exercise earlier this week, saying human error is likely to blame.

The blast took place on Monday at a military shooting range as soldiers transported explosives amid heavy rain and thunder in the 7th Military Region in southern Vietnam's Dong Nai province, according to a report by the official Vietnam News Agency.

Initial findings indicate that lightning struck an electric detonator, causing it to detonate the explosives, the agency reported.

However, RFA spoke with two military experts who raised doubts about the stated cause of the explosion and called for accountability from the military leaders involved.

Vu Minh Tri, a former officer of the General Department of Military Intelligence and an engineer specializing in firearms and cannons at the Military Technical Academy, noted that military regulations on safety and fire prevention "are very rigorous."

He said that while the military attributed the incident to external causes, "most mistakes are rooted in human error or internal factors."

But he added that, given the large number of casualties, even if the lightning strike explanation was true, "it's still necessary to prosecute relevant commanders."

Lieutenant Le Van Thuong, former deputy company commander of Company 1, Corps 3 of the Vietnam People's Army, who is now retired, said that Military Region 7's initial explanation for the incident was "completely fabricated" to hide weaknesses in the military.

He told RFA that the standard procedure for transporting explosive materials is to "separate explosives and detonators," which are "only assembled during drills or operations."

Thuong noted that all ammunition, explosives, and detonators are "meticulously packaged, batch-numbered, and stored securely in pinewood pallets."

"When transporting ammunition or explosives to a battlefield, the military uses specialized vehicles covered with thick canvas tarps," he said. "Canvas isn't an electrical conductor and doesn't attract lightning, so lightning can't strike the vehicle directly. Furthermore, the explosives themselves do not attract lightning."

Based on his experience, he believed the real cause of the explosion was likely the improper loading of explosives into the storage area combined with unsafe handling, which resulted in the detonation of an entire stockpile while soldiers were present.

Opening ceremony

According to Vietnam News Agency reporting on the incident, authorities had found most of the victims' bodies and were continuing a search on Wednesday.

State media reported on the incident on Wednesday evening after news of the explosion had already spread on social media.

The People's Army Newspaper said the opening ceremony of the military exercise 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.

Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Joshua Lipes 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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EU Orders TikTok Data Freeze Amid Accusations Of Russian Meddling In Romanian Elections

By RFE/RL's Romanian Service December 05, 2024

The European Union has ordered TikTok to freeze all its data amid reports that the Chinese-owned social platform had been instrumental in implementing a Moscow-orchestrated campaign to influence Romania's presidential and parliamentary elections.

Romania's Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) on December 4 declassified documents revealing the country was the target of an "aggressive hybrid Russian action" that led to last month's surprise victory of pro-Russian far-right candidate Calin Georgescu in the first round of presidential elections.

CSAT said the document showed EU and NATO member Romania was the target of various coordinated actions, most likely orchestrated by a "state actor," leading up to the November 24 election won by Georgescu, who ran as an independent.

The European Commission -- the bloc's executive arm -- on December 5 issued a "retention order" to TikTok under its Digital Services Act (DSA) that would preserve evidence "related to actual or foreseeable systemic risks its service could pose on electoral processes and civic discourse in the EU," the commission said in a statement.

It added the move was necessary in case of a further probe of TikTok's "compliance with its obligations under the DSA."

According to the declassified documents, Romania's intelligence services believe 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 purported to explain how Georgescu's popularity increased from 1 percent shortly before the race to 22 percent through a vast operation of manipulation that involved influencers and ensnared Romanian institutions as well as ordinary voters.

A parliamentary election a week later resulted in a surge for three pro-Russia far right parties that garnered about a third of the vote, although the pro-European parties appear to have enough votes to form a coalition government.

On December 8, voters will decide the winner of the presidential election in a runoff that pits Georgescu against pro-European centrist candidate Elena Lasconi.

Ahead of the vote, the United States called for a thorough investigation into Moscow's actions.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said that while the United States does not interfere with the Romanian people's choice or the election process, Washington is "concerned by the CSAT's report of Russian involvement in malign cyberactivity designed to influence the integrity of the Romanian electoral process."

Miller said Romania is a strong NATO ally and the United States values its contributions to the alliance's security and the country's hard-earned position in the transatlantic community cannot be reversed "by foreign actors seeking to shift Romania's foreign policy away from its Western alliances."

Such a change in policy would have "serious negative impacts on U.S. security cooperation with Romania," Miller said.

The declassified documents say influencers on TikTok were recruited to promote Georgescu directly by publicly supporting him and indirectly through neutral messages that contained labels associated with him.

Dozens of TikTok accounts were found that falsely used the intelligence service's logo and the title Anti-Terrorist Brigade, each displaying thousands of followers and over 100,000 likes.

Romania's intelligence services hinted that large sums of money would have been spent in the operation. Georgescu has told Romanian electoral authorities that he spent nothing on his campaign.

Romanian intelligence 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 exploiting the legitimate training server, the intelligence services said.

Russia has denied any interference in Romania's elections.

The State Department statement said Washington has been "closely following the elections in Romania" and that it "will continue to work together [with Romanian authorities] "to preserve the security of our nations and the prosperity and well-being of our citizens."

On December 5, three Romanian institutions, including the country's top political sciences school, and a former presidential candidate asked the Constitutional Court to annul the first round of presidential elections and repeat them.

It was not known immediately if the Court would consider the requests just hours ahead the start of the runoff abroad.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgescu-miller-romania- election-/33227618.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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Opposition Leader Recovering After Violent Arrest As U.S. Warns Georgia To Halt Brutality

By RFE/RL's Georgian Service December 05, 2024

TBILISI -- A Georgian opposition leader who was beaten unconscious during his arrest is recovering and expecting a court hearing, his lawyer said on December 5, as the United States firmly condemned the ruling Georgian Dream party's use of violence against demonstrators protesting the party's move to halt accession talks with the European Union.

Nika Gvaramia, leader of the Akhali party under the Coalition for Change umbrella, was detained on December 4 by police during searches by authorities at opposition parties' headquarters in Tbilisi and was repeatedly hit in the stomach until he lost consciousness before being dragged motionless into a police vehicle.

Gvaramia's lawyer, Dito Sadzaglishvili, said on December 5 that the opposition leader's health is "satisfactory." Sadzaglishvili said Gvaramia was arrested for "petty hooliganism and failing to comply with police orders" and a court hearing in his case should take place within 48 hours from his arrest.

Another prominent member of the Coalition for Change, activist Gela Khasaia, was also taken into custody during the police operation.

The wave of repression unleashed by the Georgian Dream government against protesters drew international condemnation as well as sanctions.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a stern warning to the Georgian Dream government, urging it "to cease its repressive tactics, including its use of arbitrary detention and physical violence" as Tbilisi was roiled by a sixth day of mass protests that were met with excessive force by riot police.

"The United States strongly condemns the Georgian Dream party's brutal and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens, protesters, members of the media, and opposition figures," Blinken said in a statement.

Blinken reaffirmed the United States' "solidarity with the Georgian people and their democratic aspirations," warning those attempting to suppress the Georgians' right to freedom "will be held to account," including through additional sanctions.

Washington in July suspended $95 million in assistance to Georgia after the Georgian Dream-controlled parliament adopted legislation related to foreign agents that critics say was inspired by a similar Russian law used by the Kremlin to crack down on political dissent and that sparked weeks of mass protests.

Blinken's statement came after the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi on December 4 urged authorities to treat protesters with dignity as law enforcement authorities conducted raids on the offices of several Georgian opposition parties and protest leaders.

On December 5, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Kyiv was imposing sanctions on 19 Georgian individuals.

Zelenskiy's move came after the three Baltic states on December 2 announced joint sanctions against 11 Georgians, including Ivanishvili and Gomelauri.

The list included Georgian Dream founder and billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, State Security Service chief Grigol Liluashvili, Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri, Tbilisi City Mayor Kakha Kaladze, and a number of judges and lawmakers.

Despite the growing protests, 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.

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.

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 demonstrators, 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 the latest wave of 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."

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.

A majority of Georgians support EU membership, and efforts to join the bloc are mandated in the Georgian Constitution.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/tbilisi-gvaramia-blinken- protests-georgia/33227542.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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Georgian Law Enforcement Searches Homes Of Ex-Defense Minister

By RFE/RL's Georgian Service December 05, 2024

Georgian law enforcement officers conducted searches of homes owned by former Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili following a decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to uphold a ruling that he had embezzled over 5 million euros ($5.3 million) during his tenure as defense minister more than a decade ago.

It was not clear what was being sought during the December 5 investigative actions. Details will be announced once the searches are complete, Kezerashvili's lawyer said.

The searches took place amid large anti-government protests in the country over the ruling Georgian Dream party's decision to suspend talks on Georgia joining the European Union and a crackdown that has drawn international condemnation and sanctions.

One of the leaders of the opposition United National Movement (ENM), Dimitri Chikovani, currently lives in one of the homes searched.

Chikovani reacted to the search on social media, saying it was an attempt to intimidate by "the Russian regime" and vowing that it would not succeed.

"They want to form a dictatorship in the country, and they are wrong if they think they can do it," Chikovani said. "Home invasions, illegal arrests, and pressure on individuals will not stop anyone. The Georgian people will soon force the Russian dictator and his regime out of Georgia forever and ever."

Kezerashvili, who fled Georgia in 2012 for France, reacted to the searches by taunting the Georgian authorities in a post on social media.

"The so-called authorities have been so overwhelmed by the ECHR's decision that they are entering my house at the moment. Come on boys, keep it up. We still got this!!"

Earlier on December 5, Georgian Justice Minister Anri Okhanashvili told a news conference in Tbilisi that the embezzled funds had been designated in the state budget for the Georgian armed forces shortly before the August 2008 war with Russia.

Okhanashvili described Kezerashvili's actions as a "blatant act of corruption," and added that the former minister had signed a fictitious agreement with an offshore company for army training, bypassing the General Staff of the Defense Forces.

The justice minister said the Strasbourg-based ECHR ruling showed thatthere had been no political prosecution against Kezerashvili and the judgment of the Supreme Court of Georgia on Kezerashvili's guilty plea was also substantiated and the presumption of innocence against him was not violated.

"The court unequivocally found no violation of the presumption of innocence and affirmed that the Supreme Court of Georgia's verdict was well-founded," he said. "I congratulate our state, the Georgian Army, and our community on this worthy victory in the European Court," Okhanashvili added.

However, ECHR decision indicated that an article of the Convention on Human Rights on the right to a fair trial was violated in Kezerashvili's case.

The court held that the presence of former Prosecutor-General Shalva Tadumadze on the three-judge panel that convicted him was sufficient to question the objectivity of the Supreme Court during the hearing of the appeal.

But the court did not believe that the Supreme Court's decision was unsubstantiated and would result in a denial of the fairness of the proceedings as a whole.

Kezerashvili filed the case with the ECHR in February 2022. The decision was made by the Grand Chamber of the ECHR with the consent of seven judges.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-echr-kezerashvili- chikovani-okhanashvili-searches/33228233.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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Romanians Rally For European Path Before Presidential Runoff With Pro-Russian Candidate

By RFE/RL's Romanian Service December 05, 2024

About 3,000 people marched in Bucharest on December 5 demanding Romania maintain its pro-European path ahead of a runoff that will decide whether a far-right pro-Russian candidate will become the country's next president.

With the country braced for a December 8 second round vote pitting pro-European centrist candidate Elena Lasconi against Calin Georgescu, who won the first round amid allegations of election influence orchestrated by Russia, Romanians gathered in University Square chanting "Freedom" and "Europe."

Georgescu's first-place finish sparked fears and triggered protests, especially among younger Romanians, over the future of democracy in the country.

The country was rocked further when Romania's Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) on December 4 declassified documents revealing the country was the target of an "aggressive hybrid Russian action" that led to Georgescu's shock first-round victory.

Activists, including poet Ana Blandiana, prominent actors and other Romanians spoke at the rally, which was sponsored by the group Romania Hope.

Blandiana said the vote represents more than just a simple election. The balloting is a true referendum: "'Yes' - for Europe or 'no' for the past that I came out of 35 years ago," she told the crowd.

Serban Pavlu, an actor known for playing in feature films and television series, echoed Blandiana's comments, urging voters to choose the pro-European candidate.

"We cannot, 30 years after the revolution, fear that the Russians will come after us," Pavlu said.

Both speakers referred to the events of December 1989 when civil unrest spread through the country and resulted in the Christmas day execution of communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife, Elena.

Actress Oana Pellea told the gathering that there is only one path for Romanians: the one toward freedom "so that we don't end up spending our holidays [in Russia] in St. Petersburg."

After each speaker, the people gathered in the square shout "Freedom! Freedom!" as they were urged to vote for Lasconi, a small town mayor and former journalist.

History professor Marcel Bartic opened the rally by telling people they were using their voices to speak out against fascism, which he said Romania doesn't want.

"We are here to remind our compatriots that Romania says no to extremists, to fascism. We want Europe, European values and we are not afraid to say it," Bartic said.

The group's announcement on Facebook said Romania is at a decisive moment after the revolution opened the country's path to freedom and democracy.

The organization said the country had been on a "difficult road...with many disappointments" since 1989 but had still achieved the right to travel, settle, study, and work in the countries of Europe and membership in NATO.

"Human dignity, fundamental freedoms, equality between persons, solidarity, citizens' rights, and justice are the values that can unite us all," the organization said, adding that it represents a "common cry for the protection and strengthening of these fundamental values."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/romanians-rally- for-european-path-before-presidential-runoff-with- pro-russian-candidate-/33228401.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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The United States Condemns Attacks on Zamzam IDP Camp in Sudan

US Department of State

Press Statement

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

December 5, 2024

The United States condemns in the strongest terms the Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) attacks this week on the Zamzam internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Darfur, Sudan. The RSF's shelling resulted in the deaths of at least eight people and injuries to many more. Tragically, the fighting also disrupted humanitarian organizations' ability to deliver emergency relief supplies to the camp, where more than half a million people seek shelter and famine has been declared.

The United States calls on the RSF, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and aligned forces to halt all military activity in and around Zamzam camp and other such camps where the Sudanese people have sought refuge from the horrific violence that has engulfed their country and produced the world's worst humanitarian crisis. To further ensure the protection of civilians in camps, including Zamzam, we urge the warring parties to maintain and respect the camps' civilian and humanitarian character, including keeping them free of combatants and military fortification.

Over 25 million people in Sudan - approximately half the population - are in desperate need of emergency assistance, and more than 12 million people have been displaced from their homes since the conflict began. The United States calls on the RSF, the SAF, and all armed groups to take concrete steps guaranteeing safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all parts of Sudan, including by enabling humanitarian corridors to allow the safe, unhindered delivery of aid and movement of civilians.

The only durable resolution to Sudan's humanitarian crisis is an immediate cessation of hostilities. The United States remains firmly committed to supporting the Sudanese people as they seek an end to the conflict and a political transition to inclusive, civilian-led democratic governance.

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the OSCE Ministerial Council Meeting Plenary Session

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Malta Fairs and Convention Center

Attard, Malta

December 5, 2024

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Ian, Chair-in-Office Borg, thank you so much. Thank you to you. Thank you to all of our Maltese hosts for a very productive ministerial and for being such a strong, successful chair-in-office.

Half a century ago, our countries came together to forge a shared vision for preserving peace and stability in Europe. The group that would eventually become the OSCE agreed that military and economic security are inseparable from - indeed, rooted in - the upholding of fundamental freedoms.

Thirty years ago, I was with President Clinton in Budapest when the CSCE became the OSCE, and as he said then, we "seek to increase the security of all; to erase the old lines without drawing arbitrary new ones; to bolster emerging democracies; and to integrate the nations of Europe into a continent where democracy and free markets know no borders but where every nation's borders are secure."

Today, the majority of our members are united in a commitment to that foundational principle set 50 years ago and to the vision that President Clinton set out 30 years ago. And despite Russia's sustained attempts to violate this institution's spirit and obstruct its work, the OSCE has continued to carry out its vital mission.

This year, the OSCE observed more than a dozen elections - including the recent United States election - delivering assessments that remain the gold standard for free and fair contests. In Moldova, the OSCE affirmed a well-administered runoff despite Russian interference, and now Romanian authorities are uncovering a Russian effort - large in scale and well-funded - to influence the recent presidential election, contrary to OSCE standards. Meanwhile in Georgia, observers shed light on troubling reports of voter intimidation and efforts by the ruling party to tilt the playing field in its favor.

The United States shares the concerns of many OSCE members about Georgian Dream's decision to suspend Georgia's EU accession process. This has eerie overtones of 2014. We support the right to peaceful protest and condemn the brutal aggression of - repression of those calling for their country to stay on the path to closer ties with Europe - in particular, the reported assaults and detention of journalists.

Georgian Dream's anti-democratic actions underscore the importance of the OSCE's work to strengthen civil society, to strengthen freedom of the press, to bolster protections for journalists, anti-corruption activists, and human rights defenders.

When Russia blocked the annual conference where we take stock of our progress on human rights, the OSCE instead convened member-states and civil society in Warsaw to hold ourselves and one another accountable. At a time of increasing restrictions on civil society and independent media in the OSCE region, efforts like this one are more important than ever.

Finally, Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has undermined the ideals of sovereignty and sovereign equality of nations, territorial integrity of states, self-determination of peoples. In response, the OSCE has used the Moscow Mechanism to call out Russia's violations of international law, including the forced relocation of children.

After Russia forced the Special Monitoring Mission to stop reporting from Ukraine's front lines, we stood up the Support Program for Ukraine, which is helping local law enforcement identify abducted children, as well as providing anti-corruption training and whistleblower protection. The OSCE is also helping locate and return Ukrainian artifacts that Russia has stolen.

Now, one of our colleagues talked about escalation. He's exactly right. Let's talk about escalation. Let's talk about the introduction of North Korean forces into Europe. Let's talk about the use of intermediate-range ballistic missiles to attack Ukraine. Let's talk about lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons by Russia. Let's talk about the ongoing assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including its nuclear transmission grid, which poses a grave threat to every single country in this room. That is escalation.

Now, I regret that our colleague, Mr. Lavrov, has left the room, not giving the courtesy to listen to us as we listened to him. And, of course, our Russian colleague is very adept at drowning listeners in a tsunami of misinformation. So I won't parse everything that he said, but I will just note two things.

First, he speaks of the indivisibility of security. That's right, but it cannot be and must not be a one-way street, good for Russia but not Ukraine. 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.

And don't believe me, don't take me at my word. Listen to Mr. Putin's own words. Way back in 2008 at the NATO summit, Putin claimed, and I quote, "Ukraine is not even a state. What is Ukraine? Part of its territory [in] Eastern Europe, but part, a significant part, was a gift from us." And in 2014, marking the illegal annexation of Crimea, Putin declared that Russians and Ukrainians are, and I quote, "one people." In February 2020, Putin again said in an interview that Ukrainians and Russians are one and the same people and that Ukrainian national identity was a foreign construction aimed at weakening Russia. In July 2021, in an article - a quasi-academic piece attempting to provide historical justification for the invasion - Putin rejected the idea of a distinct Ukrainian people and nation, and I won't bother to quote from it, but I could at length. Just a few months ago, this year, Mr. Putin said in an interview, "So in [a] sense, we have every reason to affirm that Ukraine is an artificial state that was shaped at Stalin's will... Everyone in the West thinks that the Russian people have been split by hostilities forever. No. They will be reunited."

That is what this is about. That's what it's always been about. And that's why we have to stand strongly against it.

Mr. Lavrov spoke about the sovereign right of every member-state to make their own choices. 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.

In this challenging environment, sustaining the OSCE's work requires equipping the organization with strong leaders who will vigorously defend and advance the Helsinki principles. So I'm pleased we've made progress on vacant leadership positions. It's crucial that we do the same for future chairs, as well as for a unified budget, and that Russia pay its fair share of that budget. The United States welcomes Cyprus' willingness to serve as CIO in 2027. I hope we can agree on that and on a strong candidate for 2026.

This organization upholds the highest standards of democracy, human rights, the rule of law - and it's able to do so, above all, because of the people who serve the institution. On behalf of all participating states and the combined 1 billion people that we represent, I want to thank the OSCE's public servants for their commitment to this organization's enduring work.

Thank you very much.

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Remarks by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell at the launch of UNICEF's 2025 Humanitarian Action for Children Appeal

UNICEF

As Delivered

05 December 2024

NEW YORK, 5 December 2024 - "Excellencies, colleagues ... welcome to the launch of UNICEF's 2025 Humanitarian Action for Children appeal.

"Let me start by thanking you - UNICEF's friends and donors - for your ongoing support of UNICEF, and our work for the world's most vulnerable children. With humanitarian need at historic levels in crises around the globe, your support is as critical as ever.

"As we speak today, millions of children are being denied their fundamental rights because of a broad array of interconnected crises - from conflict, and the consequences of climate change, to public health emergencies and rising poverty.

"We estimate that right now, more than 460 million children are living in or fleeing from devastating conflicts. They are being wounded and killed in their homes and communities. Their schools and hospitals are coming under attack. And they are losing out on access to the services they need - like protection, safe water, sanitation, vaccinations, and education.

"This includes the State of Palestine and Israel, where more than a year on from the brutal attack on Israel, the situation for children in the region almost defies description. Israeli children have been killed and taken hostage, while thousands have been displaced from their homes.

"In Gaza, more than 44,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, up to 60 per cent of whom are women and children. All of Gaza's nearly 1.1 million children need humanitarian assistance to survive, and most are now displaced inside an area smaller than 50 square kilometers. Hunger and acute malnutrition are widespread - especially in the north - and thousands of children have suffered grave rights violations.

"In nearby Lebanon, we hope the recently announced ceasefire will bring an end to the war which has killed more than 240 children, injured around 1,400, and upended the lives of countless others. This is an essential first step toward allowing communities to heal and rebuild after months of turmoil and loss.

"But the destruction of homes, hospitals, and civilian infrastructure inside the country has interrupted the education of over two million children ... and left many without access to health care and basic services. Restoring these vital lifelines is critical to ensuring that children can recover and thrive.

"Meanwhile, the armed conflict in Sudan rages on, ravaging the country's civilian population. Conflict, massive displacement, and constraints on humanitarian access have resulted in devastating food insecurity, malnutrition, and grave rights violations.

"In June, I visited Port Sudan and saw firsthand how children, especially girls, are impacted every day by a conflict that has left more than half of the country's 24 million children in urgent need of assistance.

"While there, I met an 11-year-old girl named Areeg. She told me how she and her family had been displaced multiple times by the ongoing civil war, and that one of her closest friends had been killed. Life is difficult for Areeg, but she and her family are safe now. Each day, she visits a UNICEF-run Child Friendly Space where she can draw, play and be a child for a few hours. "I love to draw," said told me because she can put all her emotions into her artwork.

"I must reiterate that in terms of scale, the humanitarian consequences of the war in Sudan are the most extraordinary we have seen in the past twenty years.

"Excellencies ... beyond the crises which dominate the global headlines, we continue to see historic levels of children in need of humanitarian assistance amidst so-called 'forgotten emergencies.'

"In Myanmar, for example, an estimated 3.4 million people - nearly 40 per cent of whom are children - have been displaced by violence. This includes intensifying conflict in Rakhine State where UNICEF has received alarming reports that civilians, particularly children and families, are being targeted or caught in the crossfire, resulting in deaths and severe injuries.

"Or in Haiti, where more than 700,000 people, including 365,000 children, are now internally displaced because of horrific violence perpetrated by armed groups. Across the country, six million people, including 3.3 million children, need humanitarian assistance ... with most facing severe food insecurity.

"And in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ... nearly 15 million children affected by conflict need humanitarian assistance and protection.

"At the same time, children are at growing risk from the intensifying climate crisis. Today, more than 1 billion children - nearly half the world's children - live in countries that are at extremely high-risk for the impacts of climate change.

"As a result, they are increasingly exposed to droughts and heatwaves, more powerful storms and more extensive flooding, air pollution and disease. Disasters linked to climate change are disrupting children's supplies of nutritious food and safe water; and they are undermining essential social service delivery.

"Climate change and conflict are also displacing children from their homes and communities - often multiple times. At the end of 2023, nearly 50 million children were displaced due to conflict, violence, and natural disasters - accounting for 40 per cent of all forcibly displaced people globally.

"We estimate that extreme weather including floods, droughts and storms are displacing 20,000 children every day. And, on average, children's displacement lasts five years, meaning that many children spend up to a quarter of their childhood in host locations, often with their basic rights denied.

"Again, the scale of children's humanitarian needs is at a historically high level, with more children impacted every day. 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, to ensure they are protected, and their rights upheld.

"Around the world, our organization has the field presence, dedicated staff, and partners to deliver on this mandate - even in the hardest-to-reach places. Through the first half of this year, UNICEF and our partners have reached millions of children and families with humanitarian assistance.

"This includes providing more than 26 million children and women with primary health care, reaching over 17 million people with safe drinking water, helping nearly 10 million children access education services, and screening more than 12 million children for wasting.

"Across our humanitarian operations, we are strengthening the systems that children rely on -including health care, water, sanitation, and education - to support longer-term development goals. UNICEF is also investing significantly in early warning systems, anticipatory actions, and preparedness measures. This is helping us to protect communities from future shocks, while enabling our teams to respond more quickly and effectively to emerging crises.

"These results show what we can achieve for children. But to succeed for every child, UNICEF requires flexible, predictable, and timely funding.

"Flexible funding ensures that we can respond quickly to emerging crises and anticipate future risks. It also enables us to equitably allocate resources to where they are needed most - which is critical for reaching children in emergencies that have been largely forgotten by the international community.

"Despite our continued appeal for flexible funding, it only accounts for 9 per cent of the total humanitarian funding received by UNICEF to date ... with the majority earmarked for specific emergencies, leaving many children behind. We must urgently reverse this trend so that we can reach all children in humanitarian need, wherever they are.

"UNICEF is appealing for $9.9 billion to support our humanitarian action for children in 2025. These funds will help us to reach 109 million children living through humanitarian crises with both immediate life-saving services, and investments for their longer-term development.

"I have seen firsthand all that is possible when we place children first ... and work together to reach those living in humanitarian crises with the support they need most. UNICEF is committed to these children, and our staff and partners will stay on the ground working tirelessly to deliver for them.

"I hope you will support us in these efforts ... and be generous and courageous for children. They remain our world's best investment. Imagine what we can achieve for children working together through principled humanitarian action. We can create a world where the rights of every child are protected and upheld, and where every child can develop and thrive. We can create a world fit for every child.

"Thank you."

+++

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Afghanistan: UN condemns Taliban ban on women attending medical classes

By Vibhu Mishra

5 December 2024 - The UN human rights office, OHCHR, has condemned a new ban imposed by the Taliban in Afghanistan preventing women and girls from attending private medical institutions, warning that it will have devastating consequences for healthcare - especially the future availability of midwives and nurses.

OHCHR Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani described the new directive, which reportedly took effect on Tuesday, as "yet another direct blow" by the de facto authorities against Afghan women and girls.

"It is profoundly discriminatory, short-sighted and puts the lives of women and girls at risk in multiple ways."

Afghanistan already suffers from one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world and there are deep concerns that that the ban would further erode women's precarious access to healthcare.

It will also prevent a new generation of nurses and midwives from receiving training.

Under Taliban rules, male medical staff are prohibited from treating women unless accompanied by a male relative, making the presence of female healthcare workers critical.

Ms. Shamdasani noted that the new directive not only blocks the remaining path for Afghan women to pursue higher education but also undermines the country's overall healthcare system.

Urging the de facto authorities to repeal the harmful directive, she stressed: "It is high time women and girls' human rights are ensured, in line with Afghanistan's international human rights obligations."

Stunted development

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also expressed deep concerns over the directive, stating that, it posed "further restrictions" on women and girls' rights to education and access to healthcare.

"Ultimately, it will have a detrimental impact on Afghanistan's healthcare system and on the country's development," the Mission said in a statement.

Inexplicable and unjustifiable

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur - or independent expert - on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, described the ban as "inexplicable and unjustifiable."

"[It will] have devastating impact on entire population if implemented and must be reversed," he said in a post on the social media platform X.

Appointed and mandated by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, Mr. Bennett serves in an individual capacity, independent of any government and the United Nations. He is not UN staff and does not draw a salary.

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UN and partners assist scores affected by crises in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza

5 December 2024 - Humanitarians continue to provide support to people caught up in conflicts in the Middle East region, the UN reported on Thursday.

Speaking in New York, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the recent escalation in northwest Syria, saying it was painful to see the country's progressive fragmentation.

The Syrian war began nearly 14 years ago, sparked by a civil uprising against the Government.

Renewed fighting last week led by the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other armed groups has engulfed parts of Aleppo, Idlib and Hama, shifting frontlines that had remained unchanged since 2020.

Thousands of families uprooted

Local authorities in Hama report that tens of thousands of families have been displaced, some of whom have fled the city for Homs, said UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, speaking during his daily media briefing from New York.

He noted that Hama had previously been a destination for people fleeing hostilities in and around Idlib and Aleppo, "so one can only imagine the scale of the crisis in that city".

Separately, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) called for the protection of children amid the escalating crisis.

The agency is seeking just over $488 million to support seven million people in the region, including 4.3 million children, with life-saving services such as water, sanitation and hygiene, healthcare, nutrition, education, and protection.

Mr. Dujarric said the UN and partners continue to provide support wherever and whenever they can, to people displaced by the ongoing hostilities.

Cross-border mission from Turkiye

On Wednesday, UN Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, David Carden, led a cross-border mission to Idlib from Turkiye to assess the situation.

He was joined by several UN agencies including aid coordination office OCHA, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN refugee agency UNHCR, the World Health Organization (WHO), and staff from the UN security department.

The team also visited a reception center in Dana hosting dozens of newly displaced households and spoke with families who fled their homes in western Aleppo.

"During the visit, our refugee agency and local partners provided mattresses, blankets, cooking materials and other items. People at the reception centre urgently need water and sanitation support, as well as heating material," said Mr. Dujarric.

Local hospitals overstretched

The mission also visited the Sham Surgical Hospital, which is treating patients wounded by the recent attacks. During the period from 27 November to 2 December, the hospital alone provided life-saving care to more than 200 people, while its ambulance system supported more than 130 people.

WHO is providing medical supplies to the hospital, including trauma kits, but added that health workers there are not being paid due to underfunding.

Since the start of the escalation of hostilities, more than 30 health facilities in northwest Syria have ceased operations, which is putting immense strain on the remaining functional hospitals.

Hot meals for hungry people

The World Food Programme (WFP) is scaling up assistance to affected people. Staff and partners on the ground are providing ready-to-eat rations and hot meals and have so far served more than 10,000 people.

One WFP-supported kitchen began operations in Aleppo on Tuesday, and another is now up and running in Homs.

"The agency is providing food to displaced people wherever they are, on both sides of the front lines and in all areas of control. WFP is working to negotiate safe supply corridors to allow a rapid and substantial response to all those in need," said Mr. Dujarric.

Aid in southern Lebanon

Turning to Lebanon, he said UN aid coordination office OCHA reported that a humanitarian convoy reached the southern city of Nabatieh that day and delivered food for more than 4,000 people in the area.

Since 23 September, the UN and partners have distributed more than nine million packages of food to people impacted by the crisis.

OCHA further reported that in addition to the destruction of their homes and essential services in their communities, families in southern Lebanon continue to face insecurity and restricted access.

"These include the risk posed by unexploded ordnances and the daily warnings from the Israeli Army, urging civilians to avoid returning to many villages in the south. This is obviously complicating our humanitarian efforts," said Mr. Dujarric.

Ongoing hostilities in Gaza

He then moved on to the Gaza Strip, where hostilities continue to kill and injure civilians, including health workers.

Some 130 people in central Gaza are now without shelter after an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday hit a school in Deir al-Balah operated by UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA.

Another airstrike in the south that night hit a group of tents in Khan Younis near the road along the coast, reportedly causing nearly 50 casualties.

"OCHA carried out an assessment today and says the airstrike burned about 40 tents. We and our partners are mobilizing response efforts to support those who lost their shelters," he said.

Not a target

Furthermore, a paramedic from the Palestine Red Crescent Society was fatally shot in Khan Younis on Wednesday after transporting patients for treatment.

"Over the past 14 months, hundreds of health and humanitarian workers in Gaza have been killed. Once again, we stress that civilians - including patients and healthcare workers - and hospitals must be protected," he said.

The UN Spokesperson also touched on the situation in North Gaza governorate, where humanitarian access has been almost non-existent since the start of the siege two months ago, and civilians are coping with catastrophic shortages of essential items.

West Bank attacks

Meanwhile the West Bank has seen a sharp increase in attacks by Israeli settlers since the start of the olive harvest season in October, according to OCHA.

From 27 October to 27 November, settlers vandalized more than 700 Palestinian-owned trees and saplings, mostly olive, in Palestinian villages in Hebron, Ramallah and Salfit.

Between October and November, OCHA also documented about 260 settler-related incidents directly linked to the harvest season across 90 communities in the West Bank.

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Children of Sudan show 'a strength that deserves recognition'

5 December 2024 - The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador Ishmael Beah visited Sudan this week, meeting children and families whose lives have been upended by the brutal war between rival militaries which has upended the country.

Despite the staggering challenges, he found hope and resilience in their stories.

The nearly 19 months of relentless conflict in Sudan has devastated millions, with children bearing the brunt of the crisis.

Over five million children have been forcibly displaced, according to the UN.

In response, UNICEF and its partners have been delivering critical health supplies, screening for malnutrition, and assisting in safe spaces where children can learn, play, and receive support.

A shared experience of conflict

Ishmael Beah, a human rights activist and former child soldier forcibly recruited at 13 in Sierra Leone, has worked with UNICEF since his appointment as Goodwill Ambassador in 2007.

His time in Sudan brought him face-to-face with children in displacement camps, many of whom have endured unimaginable trauma.

In one UNICEF-supported child-friendly space, he was able to share his own journey, growing up in the middle of a harrowing conflict. In turn, the children opened up about their dreams for the future.

These spaces provide opportunities for vulnerable children to learn, play, interact with friends, receive emotional support and begin to regain some sense of normalcy.

"Despite the unbelievable challenges they have faced fleeing their homes, they demonstrated incredible wisdom that serves as the basis of their resilience," Mr. Beah said.

"[The children of Sudan] have a strength that deserves recognition and respect and are not letting their dreams to be doctors, engineers, or artists be shattered by this conflict," he added.

The future of Sudan's youth

The children's stories echoed the broader crisis unfolding across Sudan, now one of the world's most urgent displacement crises. Families are frequently forced to flee, only to be displaced again as fighting spreads.

Girls have shouldered a particularly heavy burden, facing terrifying risks to their safety, including rape and other forms of sexual violence.

Between January and September 2024 alone, UNICEF verified more than 1,500 grave violations against children.

"Without urgent action and additional resources, Sudan risks a generational catastrophe that will have grave implications for the country, the region, and beyond," warned Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative for Sudan.

Mr. Beah emphasised the resilience and determination of Sudanese youth, saying, "[The children of Sudan] are remarkably intelligent, resourceful, and hopeful for the future of Sudan."

"The Sudanese youth I met do not plan on giving up on their nation and do not want the world to do that either," he added.

A call to action

The Goodwill Ambassador's visit coincided with the launch of UNICEF's 2025 global Humanitarian Action for Children Appeal on 5 December.

The appeal seeks $9.9 billion to provide lifesaving aid to 109 million children, with Sudan representing the second-largest funding request.

"We must act now, the children in Sudan cannot wait any longer," urged the UNICEF Representative for Sudan.

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World News in Brief: Human rights in Ukraine, multilateralism gets airborne, enforced disappearances in Colombia

5 December 2024 - The UN human rights chief on Thursday told a conference in the Ukrainian capital that in the face of Russia's continuing full-scale invasion, they must unite and keep faith in democratic institutions.

Addressing the conference in Kyiv on reclaiming human rights and preserving dignity, High Commissioner Volker Turk once again voiced his "full solidarity" with the Ukrainian people and concern over the latest wave of attacks on energy facilities as temperatures plummet.

"Children, older people and those with disabilities will suffer most," he added.

Relentless assault

"From relentless drone attacks to the occupation of territory, from the suppression of culture to the abuse of prisoners of war - the human rights of Ukrainians are under siege. And this must end."

He said it was more important than ever for unity, "moment to recommit to human rights and human dignity, and to build and maintain trust in each other and in democratic institutions."

He added that the UN human rights office he leads, OHCHR, is doing its part to ensure accountability and justice by creating a public record of rights violations occurring during Ukraine's war of national survival, which has already informed cases before the European Court of Human Rights and the International Court of Justice.

"I commend Ukrainians for coming together around human rights and around human dignity and assure you of our full commitment and support," he concluded.

ICAO, 'a powerful example of multilateralism in action,' says UN chief

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres marked the 80th anniversary of the signing of the convention that opened the way to mass civilian air travel, by praising the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a testament to global cooperation.

"Across the decades, your organization, which the Convention established, has expanded dramatically, from 54 nations gathered in Chicago in 1944 to a membership of 193 today," he noted.

Mr. Guterres highlighted the significant challenges facing the aviation industry today, particularly its role in addressing the climate crisis.

Tourism revival

According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from the UN Tourism agency, global travel is on track for a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024, with 1.1 billion international tourists recorded in the first nine months of the year. However, this resurgence brings about sustainability challenges.

"Accounting for around 2 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions, aviation is one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. But with innovation and investment, it can be done," Mr. Guterres noted.

ICAO's new Long-Term Strategic Plan outlines its commitment to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.

The Secretary-General commended ICAO's leadership for aligning its efforts with the 2030 Agenda, ensuring that all countries benefit from sustainable aviation advancements.

Enforced disappearances remain daily reality in Colombia

Enforced disappearances remain a daily occurrence in Colombia, not just a historical legacy of the past, according to findings released on Thursday by the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) following their two-week mission to the country.

The preliminary findings painted a grim picture of disappearances including children, journalists, social leaders and migrants.

With estimates ranging from 98,000 to 200,000 missing persons, the exact scope of the crisis remains unclear due to fragmented record-keeping and institutional inefficiencies.

"Although enforced disappearances started in Colombia around the 1940s, they are not just a crime of the past. They continue to occur daily across the country in diverse circumstances," the delegation reported after visiting six cities and meeting with 80 authorities, including the Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

The investigation exposed a bureaucratic system where victims' families face challenges in seeking justice.

'No end in sight' to anguish

One victim told investigators, "We don't know where to turn. We're tossed between institutions, no end in sight".

The situation is further complicated by overlapping mandates among various agencies, with officials reporting that coordination efforts often result in endless meetings rather than concrete action. A single search process may require coordination with up to 60 different national and territorial authorities.

The Committee emphasised that immediate action is needed to streamline institutional responses and improve coordination. They noted that marginalised individuals, face additional obstacles in reporting disappearances, particularly in areas controlled by armed groups.

"Families of the disappeared deserve clarity, justice and accountability. Every disappeared person represents a family waiting for answers, a community torn apart and a society grappling with unresolved pain," the delegation said.

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What is the TACC and who is TACRON 22

US Navy

05 December 2024

From Courtesy Story

The USS Wasp (LHD 1) the Tactical Air Control Center is the single point of contact for all airspace planning for the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA - Tucked strategically on the 02 level aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), nested between the ship's combat information center and the landing force operation center, lies the Tactical Air Control Center (TACC). TACC, manned by Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 22, acts as the single point of contact for all airspace planning within the designated airspace for the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC).

TACRON 22, based out of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, VA, is comprised of Air Traffic Controllers (AC), Operation Specialists (OS), Information System Technicians (IT), Intelligence Specialists (IS), and officers of various aviation backgrounds. The TACC is divided into five sections: Air Traffic Control; Air Support Control; Passenger, Mail, and Cargo; Plans Team; and Air Defense Coordination. Together, the sections provide centralized planning, control, coordination, and integration of expeditionary/amphibious air operations.

The Air Traffic Control section consists of ACs who are responsible for controlling aircraft operating en route to, and from, their designated missions.

"We are like the eyes in the sky," said Air Traffic Controller Second Class Gloria Modozie. "We maintain tactical control of the airspace beyond the visible horizon, not just for the Wasp, but for our supporting assets in the [area of responsibility]."

When aircraft exit the control tower airspace to proceed outbound to their designated mission, these embarked controllers coordinate daily with the ship's ACs who are located in the Amphibious Air Traffic Control Center (AATCC).

The Air Support Control Section (ASCS) coordinates all aviation fire requests. U.S. Marine Corps Capt Laura "Bangs" Hanes is a C-130 Pilot by trade and serves as the Air Support Coordinator assigned to the TACRON detachment. Working closely with members of the Supporting Arms Coordination Center (SACC), Capt Hanes ensures TACC has the capability to respond to changing mission requirements for any current airborne assets or potential requests for additional aircraft launches.

"My tasking involves backing up the ground Marines in their various armament operations," Capt. Hanes explains. "Not all are familiar with aircraft profiles, so as a [Tactical Air Control Center Watch Officer], I bring that expertise into the SACC."

The Passenger, Mail, and Cargo (PMC) section is one of the smallest sections of the TACC, but plays an invaluable role in the distribution of materials and transport of people throughout the ARG.

"In a nut shell, we identify supplies needed to be distributed throughout the ARG" said Lt. Victoria "Tweety" Hurd, lead PMC Officer. She and the Amphibious Squadron Material Officer co-chair PMC boards to liaise with the ARG ships' supply departments and distribute thousands of pounds of mail, aircraft equipment, and personnel being transferred to and from the ARG.

The Plans Team is comprised of one officer and a handful of Sailors, focused on the control and creation of airspace for future air missions. Through their daily production of the "Hot Sheet", they depict restricted areas and other potential aviation hazards to the ARG.

"[I love] being a valuable resource, especially when it comes to answering questions pertaining to airspace and planning", said Air Traffic Controller Second Class William Stone. Stone and the other ACs and OSs on his team are trained to coordinate and highlight the proper airspace and established safety measures by which the Wasp's aircraft are able to maneuver safely in the skies each day.

Finally, the Air Defense Coordination Section (ADCS), primarily operated by OSs, works to plan and control air warfare operations in the amphibious environment. In addition to continually scanning the air defense identification zone, they challenge the identification of organic and inorganic aircraft traveling within the vicinity of the ARG. "We execute the air missile defense commander's air defense plan" said Operation Specialist Second Class Tiara Humphrey.

TACC is the primary air control agency within the Amphibious Task Force from which all air operations supporting the amphibious force are controlled. While TACRON 22's five sections are principle elements of the TACC, the capabilities of the TACRON expand beyond amphibious operations functions. For example, the detachment has the capacity to temporarily establish and control air traffic control towers ashore in support of Marine operations and emergency/ disaster relief operation.

USS WASP is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa area of operations as the flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSPARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC), supporting U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region, including in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, to continue promoting regional stability and deterring aggression.

The WSP ARG consists of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), and the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The 24th MEU is a rapidly deployable MAGTF that consists of Battalion Landing Team 1/8, the Ground Combat Element; Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), the Aviation Combat Element; and Combat Logistics Battalion 24, the Logistics Combat Element.

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CNO Q&A at America's Future Fleet: Reinvigorating the Maritime Industrial Base

US Navy

Arlington, Va.



Speech by Adm. Lisa Franchetti

Presented on 03 December 2024

Date Published 05 December 2024



ADMIRAL JAMES G. FOGGO (RET.): So we're going to have a seat and a little fireside chat after the admiral's comments.

We've got a lot of friends in the Washington area and for the last couple of weeks, knowing that Admiral Franchetti has been here, we canvassed our affiliates, some who couldn't be with us today, both in industry and in public policy and at the think tanks, and we've come up with a number of things that are of interest - that will be of interest to this crowd.

So I will serve as the interlocutor today. Admiral Franchetti is on the hot seat but, like I said, she is an exceptional strategic communicator. So let me start, Admiral, with the subject of recruiting and retaining top tier talent.

It's been difficult for all of the services due to a shrinking recruitment pool, private sector competition, and, you know, prosperity or propensity to serve. So kids are thinking about other options nowadays.

I know you've been deeply involved in this in trying to help the recruiters. You have personally detailed people to positions. Muddy Waters is one of them, and I think he's doing a pretty good job - submariner, callsign Muddy Waters. What other steps has the Navy and have you taken this year to attract and retain the next generation of sailors that are going to potentially fight that conflict in 767 days?

ADMIRAL LISA FRANCHETTI: Well, thank you for that.

You know, recruiting, when I first came into the job, really was one of my number-one concerns and I'm happy to report that last year was really good. When you look back in 2023, you know, we had missed our goal by about 7,400 sailors.

But, you know, the team really decided that they were going to even raise our goal and really go after it as a stretch goal to get over 40,000 new sailors into the Navy this year, and we succeeded.

We were able to contract above our goal with about 40,958 sailors this year. In fact, we've contracted so many sailors we could not get them all through boot camp this year so we put them in our delayed entry pool and they are moving along.

But it has been - I talk about these all-hands-on-deck efforts because we really do need to get more players on the field and it's those people from all across the rich fabric of America that we're out there getting to expose them to the great things that the Navy is doing and I accredit a lot of things to that. So let me just give you a few things that we've done.

First, you talked about Admiral Waters. We put a two-star in charge of Navy recruiting and when he got there he really took a step back and took an enterprise approach to recruiting, really borrowing from the model of aviation and how they used data and a performance to plan approach to be able to raise the level of strike fighter readiness from 50 percent to 80 percent. We did the same thing in recruiting.

So, taking a step back and looking at it as an enterprise. Instead of 26 individual recruiting stations, we looked at it as an enterprise where we could look at what are the drivers of recruiting, what do we need to do to increase the throughput per recruiter, which, it turns out, is the number-one driver for recruiting.

And once we could get our recruiting stations fully manned we could get our recruiters out where they needed to be, we could take advantage of all the Fleet Weeks and really getting rid of sea blindness - you know, letting people see what their Navy is doing for them every day - that was really a big part of being able to improve our throughput per recruiter and increase the number of people that we're getting.

But we also took a lot of other steps to get after that to really expand the pool of opportunities for people. We set up a future sailor prep course, modeling ourselves after the successes of the Army, so we can have an academic prep course. We have a physical fitness prep course, and that really gives sailors even more opportunities for different ratings that they could go into once they finished this course.

We established a robotics rating. You know, I wasn't sure -

ADM. FOGGO: Yeah. That's great.

ADM. FRANCHETTI: - that that was going to be a big hit but it really was a big hit. A lot of sailors are interested in that.

I also created a thing which I called Every Sailor a Recruiter, and I went out to - we have 5,000 UICs in the Navy. So if we one - every command got one person we'd have 5,000 more sailors. That program just in the last year created 1,800 leads and about 440 new sailors have already joined the force. So, again, it's really thinking about recruiting a little bit differently.

I think, you know, the other part you talked about, propensity to serve, and, you know, I just had an opportunity to be down at Corry Station, you know, where we bring in all of our new information warfare professionals and I can tell you they are excited to serve. They are really looking for the same things that you and I were looking for. They are looking for an opportunity to improve themselves. They're looking for an opportunity to serve their country. They're looking for an opportunity to serve the world.

So there's a lot of excitement out there and I'm glad that - and I have to give a shout out to Recruiting Nation to really being the face, you know, of our Navy and bringing in those sailors.

The other part of the manning piece is also retention, and so while we focus a lot on recruiting we've also focused a lot on retention and, again, that's another good news story. We have over a hundred percent retention for all three of our enlisted pay bands. Officer retention remains consistent at just over 90 percent for the last 10 years and I think that tells me a couple of things.

People want to join our Navy, in the first place, because they love our mission. They love what we're doing all around the world, and then they stay because they can see themselves in the mission. They can see how they're contributing and they really appreciate the work we're doing to improve their quality of service.

We stood up a cross-functional team in 2023 to really look at some of the challenges that our sailors and their families were facing whether it was a quality of life or quality of work, and we called that quality of service.

And we started really focusing in the area of Newport News shipyard. We have a lot of sailors there. They are in an unconventional environment where they're not in a regular fleet concentration area. So we started looking at how could we make things better for them and we stood up this cross-functional team led by the vice chief, supported and executed by the chief of Navy installations command, that brings in all the stakeholders including the customers.

So we always want to get the voice of the customer to see if we're really solving the problems that they're seeing and then when we implement a solution did it actually improve the situation.

So things that we've been able to do for that area have been working on improving parking, separating life from work so sailors have a good barracks room to live in. We've invested in our unaccompanied housing, a hundred percent funding for the sustainment of that and really improving that.

We've got some new berthing barges. No one has to live on a berthing barge. They all get a room. So that's really important for them to be able to separate that shipyard environment from their regular life.

I think other things that seem small but, you know, expectations of the workforce to be a world-class employer. They've got 24/7 gym access. You have a wi-fi pilot so people get free wi-fi in their barracks room. Again, everybody - you can't function without wi-fi these days so we want to provide that as a service, working to do that.

I think other small things like having the opportunity to cook their own food in their barracks room we've spread that universally. I think 90 - over 90 percent of our gyms are open 24/7 now with - (inaudible) - access.

So, again, a lot of opportunities that we've had to improve the quality of life for sailors. The longer-term investments we're making in things like MILCON to meet the DOD standard of one person per room and no more than two people sharing a bathroom, to build 12 more CDCs to provide access to childcare, and also improve everybody's ability to access health care.

And so that was one of the things we found in the shipyard is that they were having to travel long distances to be able to, like, do a dental appointment, just routine medical. So how do we bring that closer to the sailor with a wellness center right there in the shipyard? And, again, these are things that we are learning that we are now scaling out to other parts of the Navy and I'm excited about it.

So great news on recruiting but we can't take that for granted. Great news on retention. We can't take that for granted. We're going to continue to double - redouble our efforts to get after both of those things in the coming year.

ADM. FOGGO: Absolutely fantastic, and that was really the second part of my question. Just let me make a comment about quality of service.

So, and you'll recall it was less than a year ago you were gracious enough to chat with me on the phone before I went on CBS to do a live interview with Tony Coppola and, you know, I said, hey, it's all about the Red Sea.

And so I'm going to say all unclassified talking points. But is there something - can I carry your message? And of course Admiral Franchetti's like, I'm so proud of what those sailors are doing out there. But she said: Jamie, do not forget to mention the families back home. And you have really taken that forward, too, fairly well on caring about your families and if you win into families you win the sailor. Propensity to serve nowadays is low but so is the pool of qualified applicants. Twenty-three percent of Americans not even eligible because of issues - mental health, maybe drugs.

And so the program actually take(s) young kids and bootstrap them up I think is commendable. Some of the services have had commentary about that. Some are pro. Some are con. I think it's been brilliant and you're a thousand over your quota.

Not a lot of people know this but our great friend, my mentor, Admiral Ed Giambastiani, four-star submarine and former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs, was a recruiter. I don't know - Rob Gaucher was, too. Rob was one of those guys. He was a detailer.

MR. : Rick was. I was -

ADM. FOGGO: Yeah, you were a detailer, so it's almost the same thing. (Laughter.)

But Admiral G came up to me a couple years ago, puts his hand on my shoulder. He goes, oh man, we're in very dire straits. I go, what do you mean? He goes, they've emptied the delayed entry program, and I'm, like, what do you mean? And he goes, well, in order to make quotas we've taken all the kids who are waiting out of the delayed entry program and put them in uniform so we don't have the surge tank anymore. You're building that surge tank back up again.

The last thing I'll say is we were down in the center in Newport News at Huntington Ingalls taking a tour of the shipyard and every year they sponsor us down there, and it's brilliant. Old Miller - Tom - one of my classmates at Lydall (ph). We had 31 professional staffers from the Hill, both sides - the House and Senate - committee members, affiliates, and your fingerprints were all over the place.

You had just been down there, and you had just looked at the parking. You'd looked at the facilities. You'd agreed to take a couple of old hotels or whatever and then refurbish them, and then put, like, a little NEX in there so people could get uniform stuff, snacks. Pretty cool. When you walk in, it's one of those automated things where you register your credit card - (inaudible). You know, guys like me don't understand that, but absolutely. And there was a buzz about that. So you really have made a huge dent on quality of service. Thank you.

ADM. FRANCHETTI: You know, the one thing I found really interesting in visiting there and talking with some of the submariners that are there I asked them, you know, if they knew about these things and the one thing they said - I said, how do you feel about them, because none of our - not all of them are going to materialize while you're here, especially the parking as we're working on the parking garage. And they were, like, we don't care. We're so excited that it's happening - (laughter) - and that it'll be for the people coming after us, and I thought that was a really great perspective on the sailors, not just worried about themselves but worried about their people that would be there in the future.

So, again, these programs, the ones that have the immediate effect they're really making a big difference, but they can also see that we are really investing it in the future and that we're serious. We're putting our money where our mouth is.

ADM. FOGGO: Yeah, and you're going to scale it across the country, too, which I think is terrific.

OK. Second one here. Our adversaries are relying on gray zone activities. We talked earlier about the illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing. National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien sat in that chair last year. He actually called the Chinese distant water fishing fleet and their activities an act of war on our allies and partners. And that was a pretty stunning revelation, but he was passionate about it.

So all sorts of things are going on with militias at sea, white shipping that's interfering, economic coercion, cyberattacks. Pretty tough challenges for the maritime services and particularly the Navy. How are you responding to all of this?

ADM. FRANCHETTI: Yeah. You know, I think this is a really important aspect when you think about the changing character of war and all the things that we see in the maritime.

I think the most important thing about gray zone competition or coercion is that the best way to combat it is to be there, to be present, to be operating everywhere that international law allows, and encouraging and working alongside our allies and partners to make sure that they're doing the same thing because the only way that you can confront that is to be there, is to report it, to expose it, and to continue to talk about it.

I think if you think about the big aspects of gray zone competition it's really about changing the international order slowly one salami slice at a time that you don't even notice that it's happening, a little bit like a boiling frog and that - you know, that is what we need to get in there to see and to prevent.

I think when you look at the, you know, China maritime militia and all the things you see them doing around the Philippines and the East China Sea preventing the Philippines from being free - having freedom of action in their own exclusive economic zone, these are things that we are concerned about and we want to make sure that we are always present, always working with our allies and partners, and really doubling down on those relationships to expose that bad behavior and make sure that it is illuminated for the international community because I think together, you know, we can continue to stand up for that rules-based international order that promotes commerce, security, prosperity, really for the nations all around the world and the Navy is right there front and center doing that. You see us doing that all over the world. We have to continue that forward operating presence.

It's not just about being ready to respond in a crisis but that campaigning approach, having those operations and activities all around the world, exercising with allies and partners, that will cut down and be able to confront gray zone competition.

I think when you talk about cyber, you know, that's a really important aspect. When you, again, think about the changing character of war you think about Russia and you think about the Colonial Pipeline, SolarWinds. You know, it seems like that was a long time ago but all of those efforts continue.

Russia is certainly willing to use state and nonstate actors to get after the cyber domain. And it's not only about DOD networks, it's about networks all over our nation and all over the allies' and partners' networks as well.

And so I think as a person who is responsible in the man, train, equip part of that, you know, my job is to develop sailors who are basically cyber defenders every day. You know, you think about when you serve on a ship or a submarine you're always a damage controlman. You know, you know how to do damage control. You know how to put out a fire.

I think every sailor also needs to be a cyber defender. They need to be aware of their environment whether it's in their workspace or on their home devices, their personal phone, because everything is a surface area - that we need to reduce the amount of surface area that's available to attack.

I think on the other side is really developing that professional cyber mission force alongside CYBERCOM and, you know, meeting the standards that CYBERCOM has set forth. We've really worked hard to get after that, to set up some of our own training, our own workflows for both our cyber defenders but also our offensive cyber operators. Because you need to be able to do both, operate defensively and offensively, in this new warfighting environment.

ADM. FOGGO: Fantastic. Let me fast forward.

We'll go back to your NAVPLAN for America's warfighting Navy and your Project 33 targets for a North Star for the Navy and the ability to achieve and sustain by 2027 an 80 percent combat surge-ready posture for ships, submarines, and aircraft.

So last night we had Admiral Houston and Admiral Gaucher addressing a crowd of about 55 people - some of the folks in this room - and so it's good they're here with us here today. They talked about that 80 percent North Star and they said when you've challenged the fleet they stood up, saluted, said, yes, ma'am, and they were moving out smartly, and they had some brilliant ideas on how to get there. It's really, really tough with the supply chain.

That said, in your first major speech you called for more players on the field. You'll think this is funny - I don't think I had a chance to share this with you, but I spent some time in the Pentagon and I had the opportunity to spend an hour with Russell R. Rumbaugh, the comptroller, the Honorable. He's a great - you know, he's - for an Army guy, he's a great guy - (laughter) - and very conversant.

We spent over an hour talking. Of course, I told him: Hey, you got to get another command ship to replace Mount Whitney. You know how I am about that. And he's like, yeah, yeah, you're, like, the one leading the charge on that.

Anyway, so he said the brightest moment for the secretary of the Navy in the previous six months was when you came in and told him you wanted more ready players on the field. He just thought that was great, and, you know, Secretary Del Toro had a great day that day and that was because of that phrase.

So it's challenging. You're bringing back the Ticonderogas but you still have all the challenges of readiness and maintenance, and Admiral Gaucher talked about getting the SSNs, the 688s, and the Virginias out of the yards.

Is there a tradeoff here? Do we have to sacrifice new construction for getting more ready players on the field and getting people out of maintenance or can we do both? What are your thoughts on that and how do you want to move forward?

ADM. FRANCHETTI: Well, I think it's a yes and a yes. We do need to do both things, and when I think about more ready players on the field I think there's a lot of ways that I think about getting them.

First is, as you mentioned, new construction. We've got about 85 ships on contract right now so we need to get those ships delivered. We've got to get them delivered on time, on contract, on budget. That's really important. So that's just one way, though, to get more players - more ready players on the field.

The second way is to get them in and out of maintenance on time, and I'm talking now submarines. I'm talking ships. We're also talking aircraft. You know, it is really important, and I think the quickest way to get more players on the field is to get them out of maintenance on time and, again, on cost.

I will just - I'll go through a couple other areas. Then I want to circle back on the maintenance piece.

ADM. FOGGO: Sure.

ADM. FRANCHETTI: So another way is to integrate robotic and autonomous systems. Those are players also. I have a whole target in my Project 33 targets to be able to integrate those robotic and autonomous systems into our Navy and, again, we've got three orbits of Triton right now, the replacement for the EP-3, one operating in the Indo-Pacific, one in the EUCOM, and one in the Middle East. So I'm very proud of that. Again, that's more players on the field.

The other way is to use what we have differently. So, again, our sailors are super creative and innovative with the platforms that we have so how could we repurpose them and use them for different missions that we hadn't thought about before.

And the last one is to leverage allies and partners. So there is a lot of ways to get more players on the field and we do need a full court press on all of those efforts. On the maintenance one, though, I think that is the one that is really showing the most promise because we have had a focused effort on this using perform-to-plan processes. Again, just like aviation did we scaled that out in the submarine and into the surface communities, and we're really starting to see progress there.

And I'm looking at the metric of on-time completion of maintenance availabilities. If you look at - in FY 2022, 36 percent finished on time. In FY '24, almost 67 percent finished on time.

So we know that using a data-driven approach, understanding the metrics, understanding what are the drivers of delays in maintenance. Is it poor planning? Is it don't have the materiel available when you need it? Is it work stoppages that result from that? Then how do we get after those things?

So we've locked in planning our availabilities at, you know, the date minus a hundred and twenty days to make sure everybody can plan for the availability. We've actually invested in a lot of rotatable pool spare parts so we don't have to do so many cannibalizations and we can actually have the parts and materiel.

We always have this just in time approach - (clears throat) - excuse me, for materiel but now it's a just in case approach. We've got to have it on hand. We've got to have all the materials to be able to start the job. We want everything ahead of time.

And, again, this is a lot of effort. I have to - I see Admiral Gaucher out there, you know, is our single accountable individual over there for submarine maintenance and getting them in and out on time. People are being very creative.

I think when I talked about the recruiting operations center and the aviation operations center, subs and surface have that now, too. So it's a daily drumbeat of accountability, of understanding where we are, and how are we going to get more players on the field.

So we need them, new ones. We need to get them in and out of maintenance on time. And we got to do those other three things I said, too. And with that, we will have and we do have a lot of ready players on the field.

ADM. FOGGO: Amen. And that's really the focus of the conference today for the rest of the day. I'm conscious of your time. We have five minutes. I want to try to get to two more questions.

I know you've traveled down to Australia, as have Admiral Houston and Admiral Gaucher, and we've got Rear Admiral Ian Murray coming in this afternoon, the Australian defense attache. Rear Admiral Tim Woods, a friend and the U.K. attache, and then Captain Jon Ahlstrom, who's our rep - the Navy rep up at the National Security Council. Jon's an Olmsted scholar and I've mentored him since he was a lieutenant. He's a fantastic guy and he's been super.

So we're going to talk about AUKUS. I just wanted to get your thoughts on that. It represents a significant shift on how allied nations cooperate. Admiral Houston last night talked about a graduate of Navy Nuclear Power School in Australia who finished number two in his class and he said thank God because if he'd finished number one I'd be really mad, you know - (laughter) - we didn't get an American in the number-one position. And that guy drove USS Hawaii into port at HMAS. Were you there for that?

ADM. FRANCHETTI: No, but I met him.

ADM. FOGGO: Oh, you met him? Yeah. So, I mean, this is really a quantum leap forward in allies and partners, and you and I did a lot in Europe to generate goodwill with allies and partners.

So what are your thoughts on AUKUS phase one, phase two, for the rest of the Indo-Pacific? Is it making a difference? Are we taking a dent out of the Chinese army with this thing? I think they're pretty scared about the whole thing.

But, you know, how was your trip and the future of AUKUS? How are we doing that?

ADM. FRANCHETTI: Thanks. Well, I did. I had a really good trip down to Perth. I had a chance to meet down there with my Royal Navy counterpart Ben Key and Australian counterpart Mark Hammond, and really it was to get eyes on for all three of us on Perth, on the place where our submarine will be homeported and where the future submarines for Australia will be homeported out of.

And so it was a great opportunity to see our maintainers already working together in the machine shop, and all of the housing, all the facilities, all of the different things that will be supporting our team down there. So it was a really good visit because I think, you know, we were just seeing it on PowerPoint slides, and when you get down there and you have a chance to talk with the people it makes it more real and more exciting.

So I could not be more excited about AUKUS. You know, I have for the last 39 years worked alongside amazing allies and partners and the Royal Australian Navy, the Royal Navy, they are two incredible partners. For over a hundred years we've been working together all across the globe and I think that the relationship between the three nations is so strong and it's only going to be stronger thanks to this.

I think AUKUS gives us a chance to really knit together the industrial bases, the innovation bases, and the amazing people of those three nations, and that is really going to be able to accelerate things both in pillar one and in pillar two for AUKUS.

And when you just think about the submarine piece of it, having another nation who can share part of that burden of the patrols, of the work, of the investments in the industrial base that we need to be able to build the submarines at the rate this is really - as you said, it's a way that we haven't done things before.

So it's this shared commitment to delivering this capability in the Indo-Pacific where it really counts and it really will make a difference because think about having all those submarines forward deployed all the time cutting down the transit time. It's a really amazing capability. It gives us more agility and more flexibility.

I think when you think about - oh, and I will say, you know, we are making good progress. You talked about the graduates. They're all doing really well. We just had a submarine tendered maintenance period down there where the Frank Cable went down, why it went down. We had an opportunity to do that maintenance because it's not only about operating the submarine but part of it is about maintaining the submarine and that stewardship of nuclear power which is really important to us.

And then you go to pillar two. That's where I think we're going to see the quickest returns on investment. When you think about the work that three nations can do together in cyber, electronic warfare, hypersonics, there's a whole component of undersea lethality that's under pillar two. I'm really excited about that and, again, I've had multiple opportunities to talk with my counterparts about how we're going to deliver really important capabilities in those areas together.

So, again, I think it's a great opportunity and, again, it just reflects the strength of the United States and the relationships and the partnerships that we really have all over the world. These are deep, longstanding relationships based on shared values, and when you look at adversaries that may be creating new relationships right now those are transactional - what's in it for them.

That's not what we're about. We're about shared commitment, shared understanding, and shared values.

ADM. FOGGO: Outstanding. Thank you for that commentary, especially about your trip and about AUKUS. We're big believers in AUKUS and big proponents here. Whatever we can do to help.

Last question. So you'll recall that during the fourth battle of the Atlantic, which is still raging out there right now, the Severodvinsk, which is the submarine - Russian submarine SSGN - very quiet, very lethal, who is sometimes giving us fits.

Admiral Richardson came over, and you talked about a scorecard. He loved that. He goes, yeah, tell me what the scorecard is. How are we doing against them? What are they doing better? What are we doing better? And then you ask him for the dream team and he gave us, like, tons of reserve sailors to come in.

So, again, brilliant ideas coming from you that you're now extending and you've seen on tour. So I'm going to ask you for your scorecard on America's warfighting Navy and your plan for warfighters, warfighting, and foundation. How do you think you're doing based on the goals that you set out in Project 33 and how do you achieve a balance and what changes are you going to make in the future?

By the way, are you planning another update to the NAVPLAN sometime during your tour? Because you're very early on so we're going to see you for another three years.

ADM. FRANCHETTI: Well, thank you, and I'll start with the last first.

You know, the short answer to that is I'm not planning on an update to the NAVPLAN. You know, the Navy is a big ship, and it takes a long time for ideas to percolate all the way from the Pentagon down to the deck plate.

And, you know, I'm very excited when I go around. People understand America's warfighting Navy. They know that we're all about warfighting, which is delivering decisive combat power, they know that we're focused on warfighters, which is strengthening the Navy team, and they know that we're focused on the foundation that supports both of them by building relationships, improving our critical infrastructure. Those are - they know that.

And so I want to build on that knowledge and that understanding and their connection to the Navy in that way. So I don't plan on putting out another NAVPLAN because that's a good foundation, and then now that we have our targets - our big, hairy audacious goals, our big stretch goals - we really need to get after these and this is going to take all our efforts. So I'm focused on the NAVPLAN as it is.

From a scorecard perspective, you know, I would say that I think we're making good progress in all three areas. And in the warfighting piece, I think you could talk about the Red Sea and a lot of the firsts that we've seen there, but those are really - it's the culmination of about 10 years of investment training in our warfare development centers, whether it's in - on the, you know, aviation, submarines, surface, information warfare and being able to be a learning organization where we understand what's going on, we get the data, we create new tactics, new TTPs, and we move along like that.

So if you think about things that we've been able to do there - knocking down the first anti-ship ballistic missile used in combat, anti-ship cruise missiles using SM-2, SM-6 in combat, you know, shooting a Hellfire at a USV, flying the F-35C in combat - you know, these are things that we haven't done before. You saw also at RIMPAC launching the air-launched SM-6.

So we are delivering combat-credible power every single day. So I give myself a(n) up in that one. We are making good progress in that area.

You know, on the warfighter piece I can turn a little bit to - we already talked about recruiting, retention - but all the progress that we're making in quality of service.

One investment I didn't talk about too much is, you know, really investing in our warfighters in their warfighting capability, whether it's through live virtual constructive training, more realistic training based on scenarios we're seeing. We are a learning organization and we're really working on building that warfighter competency every single day.

I think the last one, the foundation, I kind of divided into two categories. I think in our relationship building and the trust building we've done a lot of work both with our sailors, their families, but also with Congress, with industry, with our other stakeholders.

I think we're out pounding the pavement, telling the Navy story and listening, and I think that is building that trust that's part of the foundation. On the latter part, which is really our infrastructure, treating our bases like aircraft carriers that don't get underway - they generate the force, they sustain the force - we have a lot of work to do there.

I am - we did not invest in that infrastructure for many, many years so we are going to take an approach where we are steadily investing and improving, getting after our biggest challenges first, the things we really need to do now, things like Guam and making some repairs there after the Typhoon malware.

We've got to get after those things and then, again, we've got to look at where do we need to make those investments over time and then stick with it. That's what I'm committed to.

So I think we're doing well in all three areas. I'm not ever going to be satisfied with that. That's why we have these big stretch goals and why we're going after them.

You talked a little bit about the NAVPLAN. My plan for the NAVPLAN assessment, you know, is that I have data-driven metrics for each one of the targets, and then I owe a scorecard back to our Navy flag (order ?) on how we're doing when we start - when we hit NFOSES in March.

ADM. FOGGO: Great.

ADM. FRANCHETTI: So we're building those metrics. We're going to hold me accountable for doing what I said I was going to do and we're going to see if we're on plan/off plan, and we need to adjust and we're going to get after it.

ADM. FOGGO: Outstanding, ma'am. We think you're doing an outstanding job so please keep it up taking care of our sailors and our officers and our chiefs. It's been a delight to have you here today. I know your schedule is tight. You're also headed over to the Stimson Center. You're going to go to another one of these today. So -

ADM. FRANCHETTI: Admiral Howard.

ADM. FOGGO: Yeah, that's right, and with Admiral Howard.

ADM. FRANCHETTI: All of my mentors.

ADM. FOGGO: Yeah. Fantastic. Well, please tell Michelle I said hello. I've worked for her three times.

And, ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for CNO Franchetti.

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Amnesty International says Israel committing genocide in Gaza

By VOA News December 05, 2024

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 Israel's actions, including mass evacuation orders that have displaced most of Gaza's 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."

Agnes Callamard, Amnesty's secretary-general, said in the report that the group's findings "must serve as a wake-up call to the international community: this is genocide." Callamard said the United States, Israel's 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, Israel's foreign ministry slammed the report as "fabricated," and that 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 Amnesty's "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."

Amnesty's 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.

Israel's 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.

Amnesty's 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.

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Biden caps Angola visit with stop at train terminal at western port

By Anita Powell December 05, 2024

In the blistering midday heat at Angola's 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 Africa's remote interior.

On this December afternoon, there wasn't 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 Africa's 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 China's 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.

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Former Ethiopia state minister released after rearrest

By Gebremichael Gebremedhin, Gelmo Dawit December 05, 2024

Ethiopia's 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.

Taye's wife, Sintayehu Alemayehu, told VOA's 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 Taye's 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.

Ethiopia's 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 Dendea's 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

Taye's 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 Ethiopia's 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 VOA's Horn of Africa Service.

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Amnesty International accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza

By Henry Ridgwell December 05, 2024

The human rights group Amnesty International accused Israel of committing acts of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza, in a report published on Thursday. It's the first time the organization has leveled such an accusation during an active conflict.

Israel strongly rejected Amnesty's claim, labeling its investigation "fabricated."

Genocide claims

Amnesty's report says that since the Hamas deadly cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, Israel "has carried out relentless aerial and ground attacks, many of them with large explosive weapons, which have caused massive damage and flattened entire neighborhoods and cities across Gaza, along with their life-supporting infrastructure, agricultural land, and cultural and religious sites and symbols deeply engrained in Palestinians' collective memory."

"Israel's military offensive has killed and seriously injured tens of thousands of Palestinians, including thousands of children, many of them in direct or indiscriminate attacks, often wiping out entire multigenerational families," the report said, adding that 90% of Gaza's 2.2 million inhabitants have been forcibly displaced.

"[Israel] has deliberately obstructed or denied the import and delivery of life-saving goods and humanitarian aid," according to the report, which concludes that "there is sufficient evidence to believe that Israel's conduct in Gaza following the 7 October 2023 amounts to genocide."

Gaza casualties

More than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed in 14 months of fighting in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The figure does not differentiate between militants and civilians, but Hamas says the number of dead includes more than 13,000 children.

"These crimes were and continue to be deliberate actions, deliberately calculated to bring about the destruction of Palestinians in Gaza. They have also been perpetrated with total impunity. The conclusion that Israel is committing genocide is unequivocal, evidence based," Amnesty International's Secretary-General Agnes Callamard said Wednesday in a news conference in the Netherlands.

Israel's response

Israel strongly denies committing genocide. Israel's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that the Amnesty report "is entirely false and based on lies."

The Israeli military blames the high casualty rate in Gaza on Hamas, accusing its fighters of hiding in schools and hospitals and using civilians as human shields. It also disputes the casualty figures, accusing Hamas of deliberately inflating the numbers.

The claims are difficult to verify as Israel has not allowed foreign journalists into the Gaza Strip since its offensive began last year.

Israel also accuses Hamas of carrying out a genocidal massacre in its cross-border attacks on October 7 last year, which killed more than 1,200 people. More than 240 people were taken hostage, with over 100 still in Gaza. Israel believes around half of them are still alive.

The Israeli government has consistently maintained that it is acting in self-defense and within international law against Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by most Western countries.

"We will never waver in our determination to defend our people, protect our future, and bring all of our hostages back home," said Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, ahead of an emergency U.N. session on Gaza on Wednesday.

'Dehumanizing language'

Amnesty International also cited the language used by some Israeli officials.

"Senior Israeli military and government officials intensified their calls for the destruction of Palestinians in Gaza, using racist and dehumanizing language that equated Palestinian civilians with the enemy to be destroyed," the report said.

"In a widely publicized statement made at a press conference on 12 October 2023, President Isaac Herzog held all Palestinians in Gaza responsible for Hamas's attacks: 'It's an entire nation out there that is responsible. It's not true, this rhetoric about civilians not aware, not involved,'" according to the Amnesty report.

That language was reflected on the battlefield, said Callamard.

"We found statements calling for genocidal acts and other crimes under international law," she told reporters. "We verified videos of soldiers replicating those narratives, calling for the erasure of Gaza or to make it uninhabitable."

Evidence 'daunting'

The United Nations' special rapporteur to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, said in March there are "reasonable grounds to believe" that Israel is committing genocide.

The International Court of Justice is also investigating accusations of genocide by Israel in Gaza, in a case brought by South Africa.

Amnesty's report adds another layer of evidence, said Andreas Krieg, a Middle East analyst at Kings College London.

"The evidence that we have is daunting in terms of atrocities being committed, war crimes being committed, there's overwhelming evidence for ethnic cleansing, there is evidence for crimes against humanity," Krieg told VOA.

"But to say that ... this is a genocide, I'm not sure whether the NGO is able to actually establish that case," Krieg added. "Genocide is a contested concept that has to be established based on a tribunal. The term is being used quite loosely, in this case by an NGO."

Krieg also questioned whether the report is likely to have an immediate and palpable impact on the war in Gaza.

"There are two centers of gravity for this war in Israel, for the Israelis," said Krieg. "One is the support of the U.S. government. The other is domestic public opinion and the pressure on the government. I think this report will have no impact on either of these centers of gravity. It won't shape decision-making in the United States  certainly not of the [incoming] Trump administration."

Callamard of Amnesty said Wednesday that Israel's allies, including the United States, could be complicit in the alleged genocide and urged them to stop supplying weapons.

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Dozens reported killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza

By VOA News December 05, 2024

The Israeli military killed at least 39 Palestinians in strikes across Gaza, medics said on Thursday, including at least 20 people killed in an attack that set ablaze tents sheltering displaced families in a camp.

Israeli strikes also hit a hospital in the north, killing a 16-year-old boy who used a wheelchair, among others, according to the hospital's director. Strikes were also reported in Gaza City, medics said.

And in Rafah, near Egypt, an Israeli strike killed three Palestinians on Thursday, medics said. Three others were killed in a strike on the eastern city of Shejaia, the medics said.

The strikes came as Amnesty International, in a report released Thursday, accused Israel of committing genocide in the territory.

The London-based group concluded that Israel and its military have violated the 1948 U.N.-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, Hamas attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to capture of about 250 hostages. Israel has since carried out a massive ground and aerial campaign on the Palestinian enclave. There are still about 100 hostages held in Gaza, with about one-third believed to be dead.

Israel said the report was "entirely false and based on lies" and denounced Amnesty International as a "deplorable and fanatical organization."

Amnesty International 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 from October 2023 through April 2024 killed 334 civilians, including 141 children. Amnesty said there was no evidence that any of the strikes were directed at military objectives.

The group said Israel's actions, including mass evacuation orders that have displaced most of Gaza's 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 U.S., Israel's main arms supplier, said it disagreed with the Amnesty International conclusions, with the State Department adding, "We have said previously and continue to find that the allegations of genocide are unfounded."

Agnes Callamard, Amnesty's secretary-general, said in the report that the group's findings "must serve as a wake-up call to the international community: this is genocide." Callamard said the United States and other nations that provide Israel with weapons are at risk of being complicit with genocide.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Israel's Foreign Ministry slammed the report as "fabricated" and said that it was Hamas that carried out a "genocidal massacre" on October 7. The statement said that 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 had received a statement from the Israeli military saying Amnesty's "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."

Amnesty's 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 needed to be conducted into possible crimes against humanity committed by Israel.

Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 44,500 Palestinians, with more than half of those 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.

Amnesty's 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 was raging in Gaza, the fragile Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in Lebanon was "holding," even as the warring parties have continued to periodically target each other with new strikes in recent days.

Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of violating the week-old truce aimed at ending 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.

Hamas and Hezbollah have been designated as terror groups by the United States, United Kingdom and other Western countries.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Ethiopia's escalating conflicts leave civilians in crossfire

By Gelmo Dawit, Kennedy Abate, Harun Maruf December 05, 2024

Ethiopia, home to the African Union, is grappling with intensified military operations, rebel attacks, drone strikes on villages, unverified reports of beheadings, abductions, school and hospital closures, and growing calls for peace  all unfolding simultaneously.

On November 5, residents of the town of Gojam in the Amhara region were enjoying a quiet day when they heard a drone overhead. In quick succession, they said, the drone dropped bombs on a market and a health center. Locals said more than 40 people were killed.

One resident told VOA's Horn of Africa Service that the bomb that hit the health center landed on a waiting room for pregnant mothers. "It hit that room and killed five mothers and two assistants. Seven people died in that single room," he said.

Locals blame the attack on the federal government, which has been fighting Fano rebels in the region, though the government denies responsibility.

The incident underscored the chaos and violence that have engulfed much of Ethiopia despite promises of peace from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed when he took power in 2018. Abiy brought a formal end to the country's long-running conflict with Eritrea, but his time in office has been marked by ethnically driven conflicts in the Oromia, Tigray and Amhara regions, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands and the displacement of millions.

A country divided internally

The conflict in the Oromia region began when the Oromo Liberation Army, or OLA, refused to disarm and split from the Oromo Liberation Front, or OLF, which had returned from neighboring Eritrea after Abiy came to power. The OLA claims it is fighting for the self-determination and rights of the Oromo people.

This conflict was followed by a two-year war in the Tigray region, which ended with a 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement concluded in Pretoria.

In the Amhara region, the conflict has been ongoing since April last year, after the government attempted to disarm regional paramilitary forces. That sparked resistance from the Fano militias, who had previously allied with the government during the brutal war in Tigray.

Clashes between Ethiopia's army and Fano militias surged in October, according to the independent data collecting organization Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, or ACLED, which said drone strikes in the Amhara region have resulted in over 430 fatalities since April 2023.

The Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said human rights abuses affected more than 8,200 victims in Ahmara and Oromia in 2023, a 56% increase over the year before. It accused state actors of responsibility for most of the incidents.

The rights office also said the use of drones by the Ethiopian National Defense Force resulted in disproportionate levels of civilian casualties.

The OLA is also blamed for deadly attacks, including an incident last week in which nine civilians were rounded up and killed in Arsi Zone of Oromia region. The OLA denied attacking civilians.

Ethiopian Communications Service Minister Legesse Tulu denied that the government is targeting civilians, saying its actions have been falsely portrayed by media outlets that weren't identified. In a statement, Legesse said the government's actions against "the extremist forces" in the Amhara region were "measured and planned."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke by phone with Abiy last month, expressing concern about the "growing violence" in the region.

Targeting of civilians denied

In August 2023, Ethiopia declared a state of emergency in the Amhara region, which is home to around 23 million people. All parties involved in the conflict have been accused of human rights violations, though each has denied responsibility.

Many schools in Amhara have been closed, leaving millions of children without education. On September 18, two teachers were killed in Sinan district of East Gojam, causing fear and concern among local educators.

The regional administration, without naming specific groups, accused armed factions "claiming to represent the Amhara people" of being responsible for the killings.

Fano militias have also been accused of killing civilians in the Oromia region, where two attacks in June and July left a total of 39 civilians dead. They were also accused in the deaths of a judge and other civilian officials in Amhara.

Eskinder Nega, a former journalist, an activist and now one of the leaders of the Fano militia, denied that the group targets civilians.

"Of course not," he said in an interview with VOA last week. "We are fighting the government because civilians were attacked."

Eskinder acknowledged that there are multiple factions of the Fano militia operating in the Amhara region. When asked about the group's justification for closing schools and opposing their reopening, he said it was for the safety of students and the community.

Ethiopian officials, including Legesse, did not respond to repeated VOA requests for comment regarding the interview with the Fano official.

An independent Ethiopian analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity because of safety concerns, said the conflict in the Oromia and Amhara regions was becoming more intense and complex.

"The government mainly controls cities and towns, while the rural areas are contested by insurgents and pro-government forces," he said. "The government's strategy remains the same in both regions: using its military and local police to eliminate the insurgency. The OLA has remained fairly cohesive until recently. Fano, however, is highly fragmented."

Mixed results

On the fifth anniversary of his Prosperity Party's foundation last week, Abiy reiterated his call for rebels to engage in peace talks.

"As I have repeatedly stated, our brothers in the Amhara and Oromia regions will not defeat us, even if they fight for a thousand years. They will not bring about change, no matter how many times they rise and fall. I once again call on them, at this esteemed conference, to abandon that path and seek peace," he said.

Just hours after his remarks, the Oromia regional government signed a peace agreement with Jaal Segni Negassa, a renegade commander of the Oromo Liberation Army who broke ties with OLA's overall commander, Jaal Marroo.

OLA official Jiregna Gudeta dismissed the peace agreement, saying it was made with individuals who had been "expelled" from the organization.

In the Amhara region, the Fano militia group also rejected the government's peace efforts, calling them "insincere."

Government officials "believe in a military victory. Unless they change their approach fundamentally, it's very difficult to take them seriously when they speak about peace," Eskinder said.

This story originated in VOA's Horn of Africa Service.

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Emerging anti-US axis worrisome but 'not acting as a bloc'

By Jeff Seldin December 05, 2024

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."

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Georgian opposition leader arrested, beaten unconscious as Tbilisi protests continue

By Liam Scott December 05, 2024

Prominent Georgian opposition leader and former journalist Nika Gvaramia is recovering after being beaten unconscious by police Wednesday amid pro-Europe protests in Tbilisi, according to his lawyer.

Gvaramia, head of the Akhali party under the Coalition for Change umbrella, was detained Wednesday during police searches of opposition parties' headquarters in the Georgian capital, according to media reports.

Gvaramia was repeatedly hit in the stomach until he lost consciousness before being dragged into a police vehicle, according to local media reports.

Gvaramia is Georgia's former justice minister and the founder of the pro-opposition broadcaster Mtavari Arkhi. He was jailed from 2022 to 2023 on charges he and press freedom experts rejected as retaliatory.

The high-profile arrest comes amid protests that have been continuing since the ruling Georgian Dream party said it was halting the country's bid to start talks on joining the European Union. Opinion polls show that about 80% of Georgians support joining the EU.

Gvaramia's lawyer, Dito Sadzaglishvili, said Thursday that Gvaramia's health is now "satisfactory."

"He believes that now, of course, is the time for the Georgian people to calmly, firmly and courageously continue to protest and fight against the Russian regime," the lawyer said, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Gvaramia was arrested for "petty hooliganism" and not complying with police orders, his lawyer said. A court hearing is expected to take place within 48 hours of his arrest, according to Sadzaglishvili.

Police have also detained Aleko Elisashvili, a leader of the Strong Georgia opposition party, as well as a leader of the youth protest movement, and at least six other members of opposition parties.

The detentions come as thousands of pro-EU protesters continue to gather in Tbilisi, even as police respond with water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets. More than 330 protesters have been arrested, with rights groups saying many have been beaten in detention.

Governments, including the United States, have condemned the excessive use of force and criticized Georgian Dream for putting EU accession on hold.

Journalists attacked, NGOs raided

At least 50 journalists have been injured during violent police dispersals of demonstrations since they began on November 28, according to multiple reports.

"The protection of journalists is a hallmark of democratic societies," Gulnoza Said, the Europe and Central Asia program coordinator at the Committee to Protect Journalists, said in a statement.

"Georgian authorities' failure to address the extensive and shocking police violence against journalists covering ongoing mass protests signals a clear departure from democratic values," Said added.

In addition to raiding the offices of opposition parties, police have raided the offices of various nongovernmental organizations, according to local media reports.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the Georgian Dream party said the raids targeted those who fostered violence during protests in an effort to overturn his government. "I wouldn't call this repression; it is more of a preventive measure than repression," he said.

Protests initially erupted in late October after a contested election that allowed the Georgian Dream party to remain in power, even as monitoring groups said the vote was marked by an array of violations.

Opposition parties and rights groups accuse Georgian Dream of pushing Georgia  which was once lauded as among the freest former Soviet republics  away from the West and closer to Russia.

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili refused to recognize the official election results and contested them in the constitutional court, which rejected her appeal on Tuesday.

Gvaramia warned that the elections would be rigged when he spoke with VOA last October.

"Either we have democracy on the ground, or we are Russia. There is no third option from my perspective," Gvaramia told VOA at the time.

Last year, Gvaramia was recognized with an International Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists in New York.

"Democracy will never die," he told VOA last year. "I don't need anything except democracy."

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December 6, 2024

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Bilat with Armenian Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Armenian Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan, the first such meeting in two decades. Secretary Austin and Minister Papikyan reaffirmed the strategic partnership between our two countries and reaffirmed our shared objective of an enduring peace in the South Caucasus. The two leaders also discussed ongoing and future security cooperation efforts, such as military education and professionalization, institutional capacity-building, and training.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3986923/

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The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments Announces Support Measure to Assist Ukrainian Defence Forces

Republic of Estonia - Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI)

06.12.2024

News, Market research, Procurements

The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) will soon launch a program to purchase products or services suitable for targeted use by Ukraine's defence forces during crises and wartime. All eligible companies registered in Estonia are invited to offer their products or services.

"We have committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against the aggressor with at least 0.25% of our GDP. Additionally, we aim to procure aid from Estonia's defence industry. I hope that most defence-related companies will participate in this support measure, bearing in mind that Ukraine will prioritize its needs based on its military requirements," said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.

Estonia provides Ukraine with direct military material aid, contributes to the training of Ukrainian defence personnel, and co-leads the IT coalition for supporting Ukraine together with Luxembourg. The new program offers Estonian companies an opportunity to contribute to Ukraine's victory.

"Our support for Ukraine is based on their military needs and Estonia's capabilities. Our goal is to help Ukraine win the war while simultaneously fostering the development of Estonia's defence industry," said Katri Raudsepp, Deputy Director General of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments.

Products or services submitted to the support program must already be developed and marketed, designed specifically for use by defence forces in crises and wartime, and manufactured in Estonia with at least 30% local production.

According to Kalev Koidumae, Executive Director of the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association, this support measure for Ukraine's military aid will accelerate the development of Estonia's defence industry and enable the creation of more products that could also be used for Estonia's defence if needed. "Today, unmanned platforms, surveillance systems, and other equipment developed and manufactured by Estonian defence industry companies are already in use by Ukraine's armed forces and security structures. These tools have proven to be reliable and effective on the battlefield. Estonia's defence industry is an integral part of our national defence and economy," said Koidumae.

Detailed eligibility criteria for the support program will be published on the ECDI website.

Applications will be evaluated by an expert committee comprising representatives from the ECDI, the Estonian Defence Forces, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Climate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, and the Government Office.

The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments will host an information day for interested companies on 17 December. For registration and inquiries, please email rsvp@rkik.ee.

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Joint infantry fighting vehicle procurement worth SEK 25 billion signed

Government Offices of Sweden - Ministry of Defence

Published 06 December 2024

Today, the Defence Materiel Administration and its Danish counterpart, the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation, signed a contract with BAE Systems Hagglunds for the coordinated procurement of 205 units of the Combat Vehicle 90, CV9035 MKIIIC version.

Of these, 115 will be delivered to Denmark and 50 will be acquired to Sweden as replacements for vehicles previously donated to Ukraine. The remaining 40 vehicles will be acquired for delivery to Ukraine and financed through previous donations from Denmark and Sweden. The contract is worth a total of SEK 25 billion.

"These investments will enable more Swedish combat vehicles to make Europe - and particularly Ukraine - safer. The Swedish defence industry is a unique and strong asset to our national and collective defence capabilities," says Minister for Defence Pal Jonson.

Experience from Ukraine shows that CV90 is highly valued. It offers a high level of protection and has saved soldiers' lives in direct hits. The CV9035 MkIIIC is equipped with the latest turret solution and gives its crew improved situational awareness and increased mobility, protection and effectiveness against enemy targets.

In total, 10 countries have chosen to acquire the CV90 system: Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and Ukraine.

Sweden donated 50 CV90s in its tenth support package to Ukraine. Through this new order, 40 new combat vehicles will be produced for Ukraine. The funding for this was supplied via the fifteenth support package.







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The Presidents of Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia adopted a joint statement on cooperation in defense and security and resilience building

President of the Republic of Lithuania

December 06, 2024

On Friday, President Gitanas Nauseda, together with Estonian President Alar Karis and Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, adopted a joint statement on enhanced cooperation in defense, security and resilience building.

In a joint statement by the Baltic leaders, the three countries express their commitment to invest more than 3% of GDP in their defense capabilities, and call on NATO allies and European Union member states to do the same. The countries also commit to boosting the Baltic defense industry and working together to attract global companies to invest in the region.

"There is an urgent need to build a strong Baltic Defense Line in close coordination with Poland's Eastern Shield project. EU and NATO focus and investment is needed to progress quickly in strengthening EU and NATO border security and defense architecture in the Baltic region. In addition, we call to strengthen military mobility to and within the region," the joint statement reads.

The statement by the Presidents of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia underlines the commitment of the countries to further promote effective and synchronized military assistance to Ukraine, and to support it on its irreversible path to membership in the EU and NATO.

The statement also emphasizes that the Baltic States will actively contribute to developing NATO's strategic approach to Russia and call on the EU institutions to work on an EU strategy on how to deter and respond to all hybrid threats posed by Russia

The full text of the statement is available here.



The President's Communication Group

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Namibia bolsters water infrastructure with Chinese assistance

Xinhua) 13:56, December 07, 2024

WINDHOEK, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Namibian Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, on Friday initiated two major projects in northern Namibia to strengthen the country's water infrastructure and ensure a sustainable water supply for its people.

One of the major projects is the expansion and upgrade of the Outapi Water Treatment Plant in the Omusati Region, which will be executed through a collaboration between three companies, including Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) and China Jiangxi Economic and Technical International Corporation.

Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform Calle Schlettwein emphasized in his keynote address the significance of water security for Namibia's development. He highlighted that the Outapi plant, after serving the region for many years, has reached its capacity limits due to population growth and urbanization, while the expansion project will significantly increase the plant's capacity, enabling it to deliver up to 438 cubic meters of water per hour.

"By addressing the water challenges in Outapi, this project will provide a reliable and continuous supply of clean water for the region's residents, businesses, and agricultural sectors," he said.

The minister also announced another project for the construction and replacement of a 52.4-km pipeline between Ogongo and Oshakati.

According to Schlettwein, the pipeline project valued at 236.7 million Namibia dollars (about 13 million U.S. dollars) marks a significant milestone in the Namibia government's unwavering commitment to ensuring access to reliable, safe, and sustainable water for every citizen.

The project again will be undertaken by NamWater in partnership with three other companies including China Gezhouba Group Company and China Jiangxi Economic and Technical International Corporation.

"The Ogongo-Oshakati Pipeline, built in 1978, has long served as a lifeline for the four north-central regions of Namibia. However, age and the strain of increasing demand have rendered it vulnerable, with frequent pipe breaks," said Schlettwein, adding this project aligns with Namibia's broader objectives of enhancing water security, promoting public health, strengthening economic growth, and fostering resilience to climate change.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Joint Statement of the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland

President of the Republic of Lithuania

December 06, 2024

On the situation in Georgia

We, President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics, President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda and President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda, met in Klaipeda, Lithuania, on December 6, 2024.

As Georgias EU integration is constitutional commitment, we, the Presidents of the Baltic States and Poland, express profound disappointment in the recent decision by Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream leadership to suspend EU accession negotiations until 2028. This decision constitutes a serious setback to the aspirations of the Georgian people.

The parliamentary elections held in Georgia on October 26, 2024, were marred by significant controversy, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the newly elected parliament. We take note of the European Parliament's call for a re-run of the Georgian parliamentary elections and strongly urge an independent international investigation into numerous reported violations, including voter intimidation and undue pressure, which have undermined public confidence in the electoral process and its outcomes.

We condemn in the strongest terms the use of force against the Georgian people, as well as the arbitrary detentions of individuals exercising their rights. We call on the Georgian authorities to immediately cease these violent actions and to uphold the fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression, in accordance with Georgia's international commitments. All acts of violence must be investigated immediately and those responsible must be held accountable.

We reaffirm our unwavering support for the Georgian people's aspirations toward European integration and their steadfast dedication to democratic values.

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Joint Statement of the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on enhanced cooperation in defense and security and resilience building

President of the Republic of Lithuania

December 06, 2024

We, President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics and President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, met in Klaipeda, Lithuania, on December 6, 2024, for a regular trilateral presidential meeting of the Baltic States and to mark the 10th anniversary of the regional LNG terminal in Klaipeda. We have discussed the most pressing security challenges and threats, primarily those posed by Russia's imperialistic ambitions to fundamentally change Europe's security architecture and revive spheres of influence. It is manifested by Russia's unprovoked, unjustified and brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and increasing malign activities, including sabotage, targeting Allied countries across the Alliance. We have also highlighted our joint stance and actions to enhance Baltic cooperation in defense and security and build our resilience.

Stressing that Russia is and will continue to be the most significant and direct long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security in all domains and recognizing that Russia's aggression would not stop at Ukraine,

Recognizing the necessity to step up defense spending and emphasizing our commitment of more than 3% of GDP dedicated to defense investment,

Committing to contribute to further strengthening the forward defense posture in the Baltic region in close cooperation with Allies,

Underlining that a strong transatlantic relationship remains irreplaceable for European security and the US presence in the Baltic States underpins our security,

Reiterating that strong national and collective resilience is essential for credible deterrence and defense,

Recognizing that there can be no lasting peace in Europe without Ukraine as an integral part of the Euro-Atlantic security architecture,

Reiterating our commitment to continue providing Ukraine with all possible assistance until Ukraine's victory, as this directly contributes to Euro-Atlantic security,

Recognizing that the People's Republic of China (PRC) has become a decisive enabler of Russia's war against Ukraine and that military assistance provided by the Belarusian, Iranian and North Korean regimes to Russia's war of aggression requires a strong response from Allies and partners,

Noting the importance to further isolate and contain Russia and its accomplices in the international arena,

Stating that the Member States of the European Union and Allies in NATO, as well as our partners, are also confronted by Russia's increasingly dangerous subversive activities,

Acknowledging the strategic importance of critical infrastructure and the urgent need to accelerate its development, interconnectivity and interoperability, and to enhance resilience building, to strengthen its protection,

Recognizing with great satisfaction the excellent cooperation among the Baltic States towards achieving energy independence where critical infrastructure such as the regional LNG terminal in Klaipeda, the Balticconnector, the Gas Interconnector Poland-Lithuania (GIPL), and the Incukalns underground gas storage play a pivotal role in the gas sector. In the electricity sector, the forthcoming synchronization of the Baltic grid with the Continental European Network on February 9, 2025, will mark another significant milestone, solidifying our energy autonomy and resilience and supporting the transition towards renewable electricity,

Aiming to finally eradicate remaining dependencies on Russian systems in the rail sector, also understanding that our countries need to invest in dual-use transport infrastructure to serve military mobility readiness along NATO's eastern flank,

We, the Presidents of the Baltic States, jointly:

Building our deterrence and defense capabilities, defense industry

Praise the persistent Allied military presence and commitments to the Baltic region, call for the continued implementation of NATO's forward defense on land, in the air and at sea, and stress the need for NATO's proactive approach and large-scale exercises. Express our commitment to invest more than 3% of GDP in our defense capabilities, inviting NATO Allies and EU Member States to do the same and decide to set a new higher defense spending target for NATO Allies, so that Allies would meet the most critical shortfalls, boost allied defense industries and increase resilience countering Russia's expansionism. Stress the urgent need to build a strong Baltic Defense Line in close coordination with Poland's Eastern Shield project. EU and NATO focus and investment is needed to progress quickly in strengthening EU and NATO border security and defense architecture in the Baltic region. In addition, we call to strengthen military mobility to and within the region. Commit to boosting the Baltic defense industry and working together to attract global companies to invest in the region, focusing on the development of innovative defense solutions and technologies, and integrating our SMEs into global supply chains. Aim to ensure a proper geographical balance of EU initiatives aimed at boosting the defense industry's readiness, leading to stronger regional capacities along the eastern border of the EU. Given the strategic role of the Baltic States as EU Member States with the EU's immediate external border and the need for additional investments for building resilience and relevant infrastructure, we call on the EU to adjust and ensure flexibility of future EU cohesion policy measures for the Baltic States to address real time challenges in our countries facing direct threats from Russia.

Supporting Ukraine

Remain committed to fulfilling the assumed obligation to allocate at least 0.25 percent of GDP per year for Ukraine's military aid. Commit to further promote effective and synchronized military assistance to Ukraine, including through the European Peace Facility, EU Ammunition Initiative, EU Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine, and EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform in Ukraine, as well as through NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine and the Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine. Remain committed to supporting Ukraine on its irreversible path to membership in NATO, with an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO as soon as possible. We strongly support Ukraine's membership in the EU and call for fast and efficient EU accession negotiations with Ukraine. Call on the international community to fully support the Peace Formula proposed by President Zelenskyy, prioritizing Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and holding Russia accountable. We support the Victory Plan presented by President Zelenskyy in pursuit of a just and sustainable peace.

Sanctions

Remain committed to maintaining a strong and steady collective pressure on Russia and Belarus through our joint EU sanctions proposals, targeting their primary revenue sources, access to defense materials. We urge more robust sanctions and measures against all Russia's accomplices, especially in the light of the recent deployment of North Korean troops to fight against Ukraine, and Chinese and Iranian military supplies and co-production supporting Russia's aggression. Continue cooperation on the strict and uniform implementation of existing restrictive measures and tackling the circumvention of sanctions, leading by example with our regional measures. We also call for further actions by the EU and its Member States to halt Russia's military by stopping business with Russia and Belarus and by introducing new import tariffs on Russian and Belarusian products.

Response to hybrid and kinetic threats, and resilience building

In response to Russia's hostile hybrid operations, further bolster our resilience and work within the EU and NATO to develop respective toolboxes to identify, prevent and respond to hybrid threats. In this context, we note the importance of robust EU--NATO cooperation and welcome the adoption of the new EU sanctions regime against Russia's activities. Look forward to the implementation of the NATO Washington Summit taskings to contain and contest Russia's aggressive actions and to counter its ability to conduct malign and destabilizing activities against NATO, its Allies and partners. We will actively contribute to developing NATO's strategic approach to Russia and call on the EU institutions to work on an EU strategy on how to deter and respond to all hybrid threats posed by Russia. Stand committed to further strengthening the common external border of the EU and NATO to prevent hybrid threats, including the instrumentalization of migration for political purposes by the hostile neighboring regimes, through national resources and further joint funding by the EU. We call for more joint funding by the EU, with NATO providing security and defense support where necessary. Use effectively all the tools provided by the Net-Zero Industry Act to reduce the dependency of our manufacturers and service providers on Chinese state-controlled and financed supply chains and to close any cyber or management threat gaps.

Critical infrastructure - development and protection

Remain committed to implementing cross-border infrastructure and cooperation projects to strengthen energy independence and diversify supply. We welcome the discussions to jointly evaluate the potential of establishing an energy hub in the Baltic States to integrate excess renewable energy and provide green energy production at competitive prices. Stress the urgent need to increase the level of resilience of the Baltic States' critical energy infrastructure nationally and through enhanced regional cooperation, including joint exercises and best practice sharing, also using EU funding. Call for intensifying efforts to complete the integration of transport networks into the EU network. Rail Baltica is essential for the competitiveness and connectivity of the Baltics, as well as for the region's security and deterrence. Therefore, we aim to work together for increased funding for Rail Baltica and other projects relevant to military mobility, with the help of continued EU co-funding in the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2028-2034. Committed to secure and resilient railway infrastructure and its management system as an integral part, we declare our support for the full "desynchronization" of our railways from the Russian-controlled technological, IT and data-based railway system by embracing the Free Rail cooperation framework to build a secure intra-Baltic system, protected from foreign interference. Call on the EU prioritize the development of appropriate instruments to address financing gaps for strategic infrastructure projects to enable their smooth implementation and continuity in the long-term. Continue to develop the Three Seas Initiative as a platform to strengthen the transatlantic bond as well as foster collaboration with other allies and trusted partners to work towards closing the infrastructure investment gap in our region.

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The President: The Baltic States allocating 3% of their GDP to defense are an example for other NATO members

President of the Republic of Lithuania

December 06, 2024

On Friday, President Gitanas Nauseda met with Estonian President Alar Karis and Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics in Klaipeda for a regular annual meeting of the Presidents of the three Baltic States. The three leaders discussed the security situation in the region, support for Ukraine, energy independence and joint infrastructure projects.

At the meeting, the Lithuanian leader emphasized that the main priority for the Baltic States continues to be ensuring security and strengthening defense. Gitanas Nauseda said that Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia need to work together towards the adoption of 3% of GDP as the defense spending target at the next NATO Summit in The Hague. According to the Head of State, this commitment is essential to maintain credible deterrence and defense along NATO's eastern flank and to safeguard the security of the Alliance as a whole.

The Lithuanian leader also emphasized the importance of protecting critical infrastructure and coordinating an allied response to Russia's hybrid attacks.

"Russia is intensifying its kinetic operations and acts of sabotage on NATO territory. This demands concrete, strong, and united responses at both the EU and NATO levels, along with greater efforts to protect critical infrastructure. We need to halt Russia's sabotage campaign in Europe," the President spoke.

The Head of State also stressed the need for the Baltic States to actively promote transatlantic ties and security cooperation with the strategic partner, the United States of America.

According to Gitanas Nauseda, the leadership of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in mobilizing allied support for Ukraine remains crucial. The President emphasized that Lithuania will continue to provide unwavering support to Ukraine, contributing 0.25% of its GDP annually to military support for Ukraine's fight for freedom.

During his meeting with Latvian and Estonian counterparts, the Lithuanian President also discussed the Baltic countries' energy independence and resilience, stressing that the synchronization of the Baltic States with the electricity grids of continental Europe, set to occur in February next year, will be a vital step toward achieving the region's energy independence.

The President's Communication Group

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Sea phase of PH Navy's unilateral exercise ends

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

December 6, 2024, 3:15 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine Fleet (PF) on Friday announced that the sea phase of its interoperability exercise between marine and reservist units successfully concluded on Thursday.

PF public affairs office chief, Lt. Giovanni Badidles, in a statement said the unified service exercises "Pagbubuklod, Pagsasama, and Pagsisikap" took place from Nov. 29 to Dec. 5 without a hitch.

The drills took place in the vicinity of Manila Bay, Naval Operating Base Subic, Naval Forces Southern Luzon, Naval Forces Central, and Naval Forces West.

"This phase of the exercise showcased operational capabilities with extensive training operations that utilized a robust array of PN (Philippine Navy) assets and personnel, including frigates, landing docks, fast attack interdiction crafts, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), as well as the Marine Battalion Landing Team, Naval Construction Brigade, and PN reservists," Badidles said.

Participating units carried out a variety of intricate maneuvers and live-fire drills, highlighting tactical precision and the operational synergy of different naval capabilities.

"Key areas of focus encompassed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), over-the-horizon targeting (OTHT), swarming tactics and choke point defense, anti-surface warfare (ASuW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), electronic warfare (EW), replenishment-at-sea approaches (RAS), gunnex (gunnery exercise) anti-air warfare (AAW), mine warfare, and submarine warfare. The exercises evaluated the fleet's capacity to respond adeptly to a range of maritime threats, both conventional and asymmetric in nature," he added.

Badidles said the inaugural conduct of the integrated unilateral exercises of the PN highlights the Navy's resolve to maintain and bolster its reputation as a credible and capable maritime force.

He added that these exercises showcase the PF's commitment to defending national sovereignty and enhancing regional stability by integrating traditional naval warfare skills with cutting-edge technology and well-coordinated strategies.

"Exercise Pagbubuklod, Pagsasama and Pagsisikap 2024" was launched aboard the BRP Tarlac (LD-601) docked at the Naval Operating Base Subic in Zambales on Nov. 28.

The closing rites of the two-week drills are set for Saturday. (PNA)

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Romanian Court Annuls Presidential Election, Throws Process Into Chaos

By RFE/RL's Romanian Service December 06, 2024

Romania's Constitutional Court annulled the entire presidential election -- even as a runoff vote was under way -- throwing the process into upheaval after a Moscow-friendly, far-right candidate won the first round.

The court ruling on December 6 was followed by an announcement from Romanian prosecutors that a probe into alleged computer-related crimes has been launched amid allegations of Russian influence that Romanian intelligence services said sparked the shock first-round victory of Calin Georgescu.

Experts said is was unclear after the court decision if all the candidates are going to be allowed to re-register for the new vote, or if Georgescu could be disqualified following revelations of Moscow's support for him.

Catalin Pop, a lawyer specializing in the Constitutional Court, told RFE/RL that the ruling was "definitive and binding," and that the court the court's reasoning will most likely "be similar" to what was used in the case of Diana Sosoaca, meaning Georgescu could be ruled out of the new election.

Sosoaca was ruled out by the court in October prior to the first round of voting for promoting extremist and anti-Semitic views, while also pushing ideas against the democratic values and EU membership that are at the root of Romania's constitution.

In its ruling, the Constitutional Court said the electoral process for the election "will be resumed in its entirety, with the government to establish a new date for the election of the president of Romania, as well as a new calendar program for carrying out the necessary actions."

Georgescu's victory sent shock waves across the West after Romania's Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) declassified documents said to prove a massive, Moscow-orchestrated cybercampaign in his favor on TikTok that largely went under the radar of Romanian authorities.

Georgescu was to face off in a runoff vote on December 8 against pro-European centrist candidate Elena Lasconi.

At the time of the court's announcement, voting had already begun in the large Romanian diaspora around the world, with around 33,000 said to have cast their ballots.

The runoff has been seen as a referendum on the NATO and EU member's future course amid accusations of Russian meddling that brought thousands of Romanians to the streets in support of the country's place in the Euro-Atlantic community.

Georgescu had appeared as a favorite to win the runoff, but was passed by Lasconi in the latest opinion poll after CSAT on December 4 declassified documents revealing the country was the target of an "aggressive hybrid Russian action" that led to the far-right candidate's shock victory in the first round.

Lasconi, a former TV presenter and the incumbent mayor of the small city of Campulung, had a 2 percentage-point lead over Georgescu in the AtlasIntel poll published on December 5 which is credited with an error margin of about 1 percent.

Georgescu's first-round shock victory saw the candidate favored by early opinion polls to win the vote -- Social Democratic (PSD) Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu -- come third in the race and prompted him to resign as PSD leader.

Ciolacu said on December 6 that the surprise announcement by the court "was the only correct solution."

However, the unexpected move is likely to trigger a wave of criticism both by the pro-Western parties who support Lasconi and the far-right groups such as the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) that had thrown their support behind Georgescu.

Critics have said that the Constitutional Court, which is dominated by judges appointed by the PSD, had tried to smooth Ciolacu's path to the second round -- an accusation that may resurface following the December 6 annulment.

Over the past several days, Georgescu's first-place finish sparked fears and triggered protests, especially among younger Romanians, over the future of democracy in the country.

On December 5, some 3,000 people marched in Bucharest 5 demanding Romania maintain its pro-European path before gathering in the capital's University Square chanting "Freedom" and "Europe."

In a gesture of support, Moldovan President Maia Sandu traveled to Romania on December 5 to meet with Lasconi. Moldova was part of Romania until World War II and the two countries share a common language, culture, and history.

The pro-Western Sandu won reelection on November 3, defeating Moscow-friendly candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo despite allegations of a widespread campaign in his favor orchestrated and funded by Russia.

"We, Moldovans, have always looked toward Romania with admiration. For us, Romania has always been a model to follow...that's why we also want to be part of the European Union, but we need your help," Sandu told Lasconi.

Moldova opened accession talks with the European Union earlier this year.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/lasconi- georgescu-runoff-romania/33228897.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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Pressure Grows On Georgian Government Amid Police Brutality Claims, EU Concerns

By RFE/RL's Georgian Service December 06, 2024

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has called on Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to step down as pressure mounts on the government amid a violent crackdown on unrest sparked by a decision to suspend European Union membership talks.

Zurabishvili made the call on December 6 in an interview with Georgia's Channel One media group as the Prosecutor's Office announced that it had filed its first criminal charges against protesters who have taken to the streets to rally against the move.

"The prime minister who has failed to settle the crisis...must be replaced," Zurabishvili said.

"This is the compromise, depolarization, a way out for Georgia, stability, peace and the future, which will be unshakable, free and democratic," she added.

Tensions have been running high in Georgia since the ruling Georgian Dream party won an election on October 26 that the pro-Western opposition and Zurabishvili say was rigged with the help of Moscow.

The announcement last week by Georgian Dream to halt talks on joining the EU until 2028 further fueled dissension, with thousands of Georgians flooding the streets around parliament in protest.

The largely peaceful protesters have been met with a sometimes brutal crackdown by security forces, leaving dozens -- including opposition members and journalists covering the events -- in need of medical attention.

The Prosecutor's Office, however, said it charged nine individuals with organizing and participating in group violence during the protests on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.

"This is a choice between autocracy and democracy - there is no other way," Tere Heland, an adviser to the European Neighborhood Council, which provides information on current events in Georgia, told RFE/RL in an interview on December 6.

Opposition leaders have also rejected accusations by Georgian Dream that the violence was the product of a conspiracy -- aided by foreign actors -- to provoke chaos.

Levan Tsutskiridze, leader of the Freedom Square movement and one of the most influential members of the Strong Georgia political coalition, said the actions of government forces against peaceful protesters were "tragic."

He accused the police of "mass terror, with physical violence, intimidation, and torture."

The opposition has also called for fresh elections, saying that without a new vote, the restoration of democratic legitimacy is impossible.

Georgia's Interior Ministry told RFE/RL on December 6 that in all, 338 individuals had been detained for administrative violations during the protests, which security forces have tried to put down with water cannons, vast amounts of tear gas, and harsh beatings.

Further demonstrations are planned for December 6 and through the week, protest leaders said.

The EU has said it is following the events very closely, with some officials warning that continued unrest - and allegations of police brutality - could have profound implications for Georgia's relations with the bloc.

Some Western diplomats have warned of the possible suspension of visa liberalization because the government has violated the shared values underpinning Georgia's partnership with Europe.

"We are all watching the deteriorating political situation with concern," Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said during a session on December 5.

"It is important to clearly state that there is a bipartisan consensus in the Senate and Congress on this issue regarding Georgia, and we are not going to tolerate the gross violations of human rights that are taking place in the country without action. I hope that the prime minister and the ruling party will understand this message."

With reporting by Vazha Taberidze and Apsny.ge

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-government- protests-police-brutality-eu-pressure/33229141.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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The first Belgian F-35A arrives at Luke AFB

Published Dec. 6, 2024

By Senior Airman Mason Hargrove

56th Fighter Wing

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) -- The first Belgian F-35A Lightning II arrived at Luke Air Force Base, Dec. 3, 2024. This milestone marks the beginning of Belgium's transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the advanced F-35A, ushering in a new era for the Belgian Air Component.

The initial cadre of Belgian pilots is at Luke AFB to commence training, as Belgium and the United States collaborate to build a new fighter squadron from scratch.

"It's a historic day for the Belgian Air Component," said Belgian Air Component Lt. Col. Pierre-Yves Libert, 312th Fighter Squadron senior national representative. "Our first jet just landed at Luke AFB, marking the start of our training period. A lot of work has gone into making this moment possible and we are excited to begin flying and complete our training."

The 312th FS is eagerly awaiting a newly renovated building to enhance their training capabilities. Experienced Belgian pilots are also participating in the Simulator Subject Matter Expert course, preparing them to establish their own academic training center back home.

"What's been so neat over the last few years is understanding how close of allies Belgium is with the United States and our shared NATO partnership in Europe," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Wall, 312th FS commander. "Everyone's worked really hard for this momentous day. More jets will arrive in the coming months, and our students are ready to fly as soon as maintenance turns this jet over for operations."

The arrival of the F-35A signifies the beginning of a new chapter with fifth-generation fighter capabilities. The joint effort in building a new fighter squadron underscores the strong partnership and shared defense goals between the two nations.

"It's such an honor to command the 312th FS and build this team from the ground up," Wall added. "This moment reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. I'm proud to lead this effort and set up the squadron for success."

More Belgian F-35As are scheduled to arrive at Luke AFB over the next few months, reinforcing the base's role as the premier training location for U.S. allies and partners. The collaboration extends beyond pilot training, as both countries work together to enhance operational readiness and strengthen NATO alliances.

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Israeli-Hamas peace talks resume in Egypt

By VOA News December 06, 2024

Officials of Hamas and Israel say Gaza peace talks have resumed in Egypt after mediators from Qatar and the United States suspended them in frustration last month.

Hamas political official Bassem Naim told The Associated Press Thursday there has been a "reactivation" of efforts in recent days to end the fighting, release hostages from Gaza and free Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Another source told the AP that Qatari mediators had returned to Egypt.

The Washington Post reported Friday that negotiators had signaled "serious efforts" are underway to reach a ceasefire deal in Gaza. The Post report said Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a meeting in Malta that Israel perceives an opportunity to advance a deal for the release of hostages in Gaza and is committed to pursuing it.

Following a meeting of Israel's Cabinet late Thursday, Israel's Channel 12 cited government officials saying that the Qataris and the Egyptians believe that because of a series of new conditions in the region, Hamas would be willing to "enter into accelerated discussions even if it is a partial deal and even if Israel does not declare an end to the war in advance."

Reports said such a ceasefire deal would include the "humanitarian" release of women and children and wounded hostages. Israeli officials said, in exchange, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners being held in Israel. The report said a senior Israeli delegation will leave for Cairo early next week, to discuss the new proposal."

The Golan Heights

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces, or IDF, said Friday, it was reinforcing aerial and ground forces in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights in Syria and was prepared for all scenarios.

In a statement from its official account on the X social media platform, the IDF said it "follows the events and is prepared for any scenario in attack and defense, will not allow a threat near the border of Israel, and will work to thwart any threat to the citizens of the State of Israel."

Reuters video showed troops and military vehicles stationed along the border Friday.

Strikes on Syria-Lebanon border

Israel's military also said Friday it carried out strikes overnight targeting Hezbollah "weapon-smuggling routes" on the Syria-Lebanon border. Official media in Lebanon and Syria reported that the air raid put the Arida border crossing out of service, days after it reopened following being hit earlier in the conflict.

In a statement, the IDF said the Israeli air force "conducted strikes on weapon-smuggling routes and terror infrastructure sites located near the Syrian regime's crossings at the Syrian-Lebanese border." The statement included a map identifying one of the targets as the Arida crossing.

Hamas leader killed

The IDF also reported Friday it had "eliminated" the head of Hamas' aerial unit in Gaza, Nidal Al-Najar. The report said he was taken out in a joint "and precise" operation with the Israeli Security Authority.

The IDF said Al-Najar was one of the masterminds of the aerial infiltration into Israel on October 7, 2023, and had helped lead attacks against Israel and the IDF operating in central Gaza throughout the war, employing explosive drones to target troops.

Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and captured about 250 hostages in their October 7 terror attack on Israel that sparked the current war.

Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed about 44,500 Palestinians, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count.

The United States, Britain and other Western countries designate Hamas and Hezbollah as terror groups.

Natasha Mozgovaya with VOA's Eurasia Division contributed to this report. Some information was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters.

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Cameroon truck drivers ask military to protect goods destined for CAR

By Moki Edwin Kindzeka December 06, 2024

Road transport has failed to fully resume between Cameroon and the landlocked Central African Republic after a top-level crisis meeting this week to reopen borders sealed by Cameroon following escalating violence in C.A.R. Hundreds of truck drivers say they will cross into C.A.R. when government troops protect them from rebels.

Several hundred truck drivers who left Cameroon's Douala seaport for Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic, say they are stranded in Garoua-Boulai, a town on Cameroon's eastern border with C.A.R.

C.A.R. is a conflict-ridden landlocked country that depends on the Douala seaport for about 95% of its goods and humanitarian aid.

One of the stranded truck drivers, 49-year-old Kum Innocent, said all of the drivers who have been in Garoua-Boulai for over two weeks have agreed to stop shipping goods and humanitarian assistance into C.A.R. because their lives are regularly threatened by armed gangs operating there.

"We can't enter Bangui right now because of the insecurity on the way," he said. "Armed gangs put [up] road barricades on the way. They even kidnap some of us, and they ask us [for] ransom. Our lorries are blocked down. Many of our merchandise [is] getting rotten, and we are losing a lot. That's what we go through when we leave Garoua-Boulai for Bangui."

Kum said that late last month, C.A.R. rebels killed a Cameroonian truck driver and abducted at least two mechanics hired to carry out truck maintenance along the Douala-Bangui road corridor.

Cameroonian truck drivers say they want an immediate release of their kidnapped peers before they resume the shipment of goods to C.A.R.

El Hadj Oumarou, head of Cameroon's land freight transportation bureau, said several hundred truck drivers stationed in Garoua-Boulai want assurances that the C.A.R. government will take responsibility for their security and safety, as well as the security and safety of their goods and trucks. He said the C.A.R. government is responsible for the safety of every civilian in its territory.

The angry drivers refused to fully resume work after a crisis meeting Wednesday of top Cameroon and C.A.R. government and military officials in Garoua-Boulai. Officials say the crisis meeting was to plead with the striking truck drivers to resume activity.

Cameroon said it had agreed to open the border.

Gontrand Djono Ahaba, C.A.R. minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, attended the crisis meeting. He said he was surprised that drivers are still reluctant to ship goods and humanitarian assistance to C.A.R.

Ahaba said he has informed C.A.R. President Faustin-Archange Touadera that truck drivers along the Douala-to-Bangui road want assurances of their safety before shipping goods to C.A.R.

He said Touadera has given assurances that the central African state's military will organize convoys for drivers who feel threatened by armed gangs operating in C.A.R. and attacking truck drivers for supplies.

Speaking on C.A.R. state TV on Thursday, Ahaba said the C.A.R. military had located the trucks abandoned by drivers, adding that the trucks will be restituted, but he did not say when.

Cameroon's transport minister, Jean Ernest Messena Ngale Bibehe, told Cameroon state TV on Thursday that negotiations have continued for truck drivers to suspend their protest. He assured them that C.A.R. officials have agreed to protect trucks daily and free of charge from Garoua-Boulai to Bangui and back.

C.A.R. descended into violence in 2013, when a rebel group forced then-President Francois Bozize out of office.

Violence among C.A.R. armed groups since then has forced close to a million Central Africans to flee to Cameroon, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 05 December 2024 - Day 1016

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 UK Ministry of Defence reported that the average daily Russian casualties (killed and wounded) in the Russia-Ukraine conflict reached a new monthly war high during November 2024. The average daily loss rate was 1,523, according to Ukrainian General Staff reporting. This is the third straight month that Russian Forces have sustained new war high average daily losses. 28 November also saw a new war high of 2,030 losses in a single day, the first time more than 2,000 have been reported.

November 2024 was also likely the most costly month of the war for Russia with a total of 45,680 casualties reported by the Ukraine General Staff. 41,980 Russian casualties were recorded in October 2024. November was the fifth straight month that Russian Forces have suffered an increase in monthly total losses.

The high rate of casualties is likely reflective of the higher tempo of Russian operations and offensives. Russia is attempting to increase the pressure on Ukrainian lines as they seek to push Ukrainian Forces back on several fronts including Kursk, Kupiansk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk and Velyka Novosilka. 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 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that 170 combat clashes have taken place so far.

For today, Russia has made two missile strikes with four rockets on the territory of Ukraine, used to impress 599 kamikadze drones. Conducted more than 3.2 thousand shelling of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, one Russian attack was repelled near the Pacific. In addition, the occupiers caused an air strike in the area of the round.

In the Kupyans komu direction, the Russian enemy during the day tried to advance to Ukrainian positions near the new Kruglyakivka, Lozova and Sinkivka five times. All the attacks of the Russian opponent have already been repelled. Narami strikes from Russian occupiers suffered petropavlivka and lozova.

In the Lyman direction, the Russian zagarbnic ka army attacked 15 times in the areas of grekivka, tverdohlibovogo, yampolivka, terniv, zarichny, torsky, druzelubivka, bilogorivka and in the serebryansk komu forest. One attack is still going on.

In the Kramators komu direction, the Russian activity spilled into five combat clashes near the Time Yar, Stupochok and Predteciny.

In the Toretsky direction there is one confrontation near Toretsk, five Russian assaults Ukrainian defenders stopped in the areas of Toretsk and Nelipivka.

Russian forces tried to infiltrate Ukrainian defense 37 times in the Pokrovsky direction. Since the beginning of the day, the occupiers attacked in the areas of the settlements of Mirolyubivka, Beam, Lisivka, Dacens ke, Zhovte, Pushkine, Novotroitske, Shevchenko, Novopustinka. Thirty-six offensive Russian actions have been stopped by the Defense Forces, one attack is ongoing so far.

The Russian enemy suffers significant losses - according to preliminary information, today Ukrainian warriors damaged in this direction more than 450 invaders, 217 of them - irrevocably. Destroyed one infantry fighting vehicle, four units of automobile and two units of Russian motor equipment, one trench REB damaged, one unit of automobile equipment and one cannon.

In the Kurakhiv direction, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions near Berestkiv, Old Terniv, Zora, Soncivka, Kurakhovogo, Dalnogo, Elizavetivka, Hannivka, Romanivka and Uspenivka. So far, Ukrainian soldiers have repelled all 47 Russian attacks.

In the Vremivs komu direction, Ukrainian troops repelled 35 attacks near Konstantinopilsky, Rozlivu, Dry Yaliv, Makarivka and Novodarivka - so far all clashes are completed. In addition, the air strikes were suffered by mosquito and vremivka.

In the Orihivsky direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled an attack of the Russian opponent in the direction of Novodanilivka.

In the pridniprovskomu direction Russian zagarbniki attacked Ukrainian positions three times. Received a hard cut, suffered a loss.

At the moment, the Russian enemy has not been active in the Siversky and Gulyaipilsky directions.

The Defense Forces of Ukraine continue its operation in the Kursk region, at this time it is known about 15 clashes and more than 450 shelling of settlements and positions of Ukrainian units.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kharkov direction, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of one territorial defence brigade and one border detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine near Veterinarnoye and Volchansk (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 65 troops and two motor vehicles.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one tank brigade, three mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade, one airborne brigade of the AFU, one territorial defence brigade, and one national guard brigade near Dvurechnaya, Kupyansk, Bugayevka, Lozovaya (Kharkov region), Nadiya (Lugansk People's Republic), and Serebryansky forestry. Six counter-attacks launched by AFU assault detachments were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 560 troops, one German-made Leopard tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, eight motor vehicles, two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, two U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzers, and one UK-made 105-mm L-119 gun.

Moreover, two Zakhist-AF electronic warfare stations, one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar, and three ammunition depots were destroyed.

Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on formations of three mechanised brigades, one airmobile brigade, and one air assault brigade of the AFU near Kurakhovo, Uspenovka, Ulakly, Ostrovskoye, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Two counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the enemy were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 330 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, and four motor vehicles. Two electronic warfare stations and one ammunition depot were wiped out.

Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one assault brigade, one assault battalion of the AFU, and two marine brigades near Dzerzhinsk, Dimitrov, Shevchenko, and Novotroitskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). Nine counter-attacks launched by AFU armed formations were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 515 troops, one tank, one U.S.-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, four armoured fighting vehicles, including two Turkish-made Kirpi armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, one 152-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm D-20 gun, and one 100-mm Rapira gun.

Units of the Vostok Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and inflicted losses on formations of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and three territorial defence brigades near Razliv, Komar, Dneproenergiya, Novoselka (Donetsk People's Republic), and Gulay Pole. Eight counter-attacks launched by the enemy's assault detachments were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 210 troops, two German-made Leopard tanks, one armoured personnel carrier, one U.S.-made MaxxPro armoured fighting vehicle, two motor vehicles, and one French-made 155-mm CAESAR self-propelled artillery system.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and two territorial defence brigades near Novodanilovka, Novoandreyevka, Shcherbaki (Zaporozhye region), and Kherson.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 45 troops and two motor vehicles.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces struck power objects ensuring operation of Ukrainian defence industry enterprises, infrastructure of military airfields, fixed-wing UAV workshops, as well as engaged manpower and armoured hardware clusters of the enemy in 147 areas.

Air defence units shot down two U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles and 101 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 649 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 37,284 unmanned aerial vehicles, 586 anti-aircraft missile systems, 19,630 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,497 MLRS combat vehicles, 19,032 field artillery guns and mortars, and 29,003 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.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of four mechanised brigades, one heavy mechanised brigades, one tank brigade, three air assault brigades, and two territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Viktorovka, Kazachaya Loknya, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novaya Sorochina, Novoivanovka, Plyokhovo, and Sverdlikovo.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted fire damage on manpower and armoured hardware of the enemy near Aleksandriya, Guyevo, Zaoleshenka, Kolmakov, Martynovka, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye as well as Basovka, Belovody, Zhuravka, and Loknya in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 300 troops. Three tanks, three infantry fighting vehicles, three armoured fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, one electronic warfare station, and five mortars.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 38,235 troops, 232 tanks, 168 infantry fighting vehicles, 123 armoured personnel carriers, 1,228 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,087 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, 72 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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It was an elementary school field trip to Thomas Jeffersons Monticello that first sparked Martin Townes interest in history and architecture.

For the young boy who would later grow up to be historian of Virginias Executive Mansion, the journey from rural King and Queen County just northeast of Richmond to the mountaintop estate of the nations third president and Virginias second governor outside Charlottesville was life-changing.

I remember when I went into Jeffersons library, I was fascinated that he was obsessed by learning, recalled Townes.

Jefferson made a lasting impression. Townes himself has never stopped studying Virginia history and historical sites. Now 40, he shares his knowledge with people from around the world, especially on the social media platform LinkedIn, where hes known as a sought-after expert and history superstar.

Martin C. Townes, you consistently publish one of my favorite feeds across all social media platforms, one LinkedIn follower posted online, voicing the sentiments of many.

Townes has been working since 2019 as the deputy butler of the Executive Mansion on Capitol Square, a National Historic Landmark and the official residence of Virginia governors. In recognition of his work and expertise, Townes has been named Executive Mansion historian, the first person to ever hold the post.

Townes said its a dream come true.

In my youth, I thought I might be the curator of a museum. I feel like I am when I work at the Executive Mansion. I get to take care of it, and I get to tell people about it, said Townes.

Executive Mansion Director Georgia Esposito said Townes personable nature makes him a natural to promote the mansion and all the aspects of the historic home. He has an extremely in-depth understanding and knowledge of not just the Executive Mansion, but the entirety of Capitol Square.

Before applying for the deputy butler position several years ago after he graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in anthropology, Townes had been traveling the world studying different countries and cultures. His decision to return to Virginia and to work at the Executive Mansion was personal. Because even before Townes took the job, even before he was named historian, he was already a part of the mansions workplace and history.

A family dedicated to Virginia

When Martin Townes was born four decades ago at Medical College of Virginia hospital in Richmond, just across Broad Street from the Executive Mansion, his father had just started a new job working at the governors residence, where then-Gov. Chuck Robb was living at the time. Townes father, who is also named Martin but is known by the nickname Tutti, has been there ever since, working for a total of 11 governors, from Robb to sitting Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Three generations of Towneses have worked at the mansion, starting with Martin Townes grandmother Doris, who began her career as a mansion cook in the early 80s. In all, a total of nine relatives, including Townes, his father and grandmother, have contributed in various capacities and remain a vital part of the mansions history.

Im proud to be a part of that legacy, Martin Townes said.

The Virginia Executive Mansion is what it is today as the result of dedicated service by the Townes family, said first lady Suzanne Youngkin.

The Executive Mansion is not only the official governors residence, its also where bill-signing ceremonies and social functions honoring Virginians take place throughout the year, so each day is different and busy. On any given day as deputy butler, Martin Townes could be teaching an etiquette class to the governors fellows or helping his father direct a formal ceremony or celebration, where the attendees could include politicians, celebrities or the general public.

One such celebration Martin Townes said he will always remember was a special and rare get-together of former Virginia governors and first ladies held earlier this year at a dinner party hosted by the Youngkins.

It was amazing having all that living history under one roof, and to top it all, my father and I were able to take photos with them. It was truly an honor, Martin Townes said.

The moment was made more memorable because the elder Townes had worked for all of the governors present.

Martin Townes said he thinks the third grader who visited Monticello so many years ago would be proud of the man he became.

Youre certainly immersed in history, he said. You became a part of history.

The Executive Mansion, rich in history, is more than an elegant building. There is a story, a person behind every item stored inside the house, he said.

Always dressed in a suit and ever the Virginia gentleman, it is often Martin Townes himself who guides guests and visitors through the stately home on tours. His colleagues, and the crowds who follow him through the hallowed halls, say he brings history to life.

He knows everything within the walls of the mansion and can connect it to the rest of Virginia both past and present, said Danielle Worthing Porter, director of preservation services at Historic Richmond.

He makes a point of recounting major historical events that occurred at the mansion and pointing out the smaller details scattered about the property: the state symbols incorporated into the design of the dining room rug, the state seal that adorns the 107-piece state china set, which piece of furniture was added by which governor.

I love history in part because Im fascinated by how people lived in the past, he said. History serves as a guideline for humanity; through it, we can understand who we are and why we are the way that we are.

One of the newer and more popular attractions at the mansion today is the Art Experience, envisioned and organized by first lady Suzanne Youngkin.

Its a living exhibit that intentionally features the work of Virginia artists, she explained.

Much of the artwork offers a modern look at Virginias story as an addition to the meaningful artifacts of times past that are found inside the mansion. The current display includes pieces by Charlottesville artists Edward Thomas and Lincoln Perry.

In everything he does, whether as deputy butler or mansion historian, Martin Townes said he wants to deliver one thing: excellence. His family feels the same, he said.

When we serve Virginia governors and their families, the governors can serve the people of Virginia better. Many first impressions about the commonwealth of Virginia are formed based on guest experiences within the walls of Virginias Executive Mansion, so we try our best to make good impressions.
Interpol operation seizes 3,400 bombs in South America

By VOA News December 05, 2024

The International Criminal Police Organization  or Interpol  announced Thursday that an operation involving law enforcement from nine South American countries has resulted in the arrest of 45 people and the seizure of more than 3,000 homemade bombs and tons of explosive material linked to regional criminal groups.

The collaborative effort, known as Operation Claymore, was carried out August 11 to October 11 and focused on the illegal flow of chemicals and other components used to make explosives in South America, according to a statement.

Interpol said it had seen a particularly high trade in the materials in the region and found it to be closely linked to organized crime and armed groups. The organization said improvised explosive devices, also known as IEDs, are used for a range of criminal activities, from terrorist attacks and territorial violence to robberies and strikes on security forces.

Because of their unpredictability and anonymity, the group said, IEDs are frequently used to inflict maximum harm and devastation while instilling fear and chaos.

Interpol said the operation led police in Ecuador to a site where a criminal organization was found storing eight blocks of C-4 explosives, 30,000 rounds of ammunition, hand grenades and heroin.

The C-4 explosives are malleable or flexible and are a particularly deadly component of IEDs.

In Colombia, the investigation led police to raid an improvised explosives factory, yielding 3,000 IEDs and 5 tons of explosive materials and other equipment. Interpol said two people were arrested in that raid, including one person identified as a bombmaker for an armed organization.

The operation also led to the arrest of a suspect in Argentina wanted in connection with the detonation of an IED at a private residence in the United States that seriously injured two people.

As well as organized crime, Interpol said, the illicit trade of explosive materials in South America can also be linked to illegal mining. The activity not only has devastating environmental effects but also puts the lives of workers and local communities at risk.

Operation Claymore led to the arrest of 22 people and the seizure of 16 tons of explosive material at a site in Peru.

In the statement, Interpol Secretary-General Valdecy Urquiza said, "The black-market trade in explosive materials is a major security risk. We're seeing a disturbing rise in terror groups, organized crime and gangs using explosives  from violent attacks to illegal mining operations."

He said the operation in South America shows they are making progress, "but the threat is real, and global."

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Doctors want urgent action on DRC's yet-to-be identified disease outbreak

By Columbus Mavhunga December 06, 2024

Africa's Center for Disease Control and Prevention  Africa CDC  says it is working to identify a new disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has claimed at least 79 lives and infected hundreds more.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, director-general of Africa CDC, told reporters Thursday from the DRC that his organization is working with Kinshasa authorities to identify the disease and its causes.

Kaseya made it clear that he wants fast results from doctors, researchers and medical organizations.

"How can we accept to have five to six weeks of delay?" he said. "It's just because the surveillance system is weak. We are still waiting to know what is going on. We do not want to see another disease that will be another five to six weeks before official notification. Regarding this Disease X, we say we are waiting for results from the lab  either tomorrow [Friday] or on Saturday, to know what is going on."

The Africa CDC is calling it Disease X until lab results can reveal more. The disease was identified in late October in the Panzi district of Kwango province on the border with Angola.

The World Health Organization's Regional Office for Africa said Friday it is sending experts to help investigate. The disease causes flu-like symptoms. WHO says the cause is unknown, but it will be investigating influenza, COVID-19, malaria or measles as possibilities.

Dr. Norman Matara, secretary-general of Southern African Association of Doctors for Human Rights, urged people in the DRC and the region to remain calm but improve their hygienic practices.

"We also encourage governments to strengthen their surveillance at ports of entries, so that unusual illnesses can be reported to health authorities. We also call for a coordinated approach led by the African CDC so that we can quickly identify this disease and prevent further loss of lives through a global outbreak," Matara said.

Dr. Akili Cishugi Francis, the coordinator of a Kinshasa-based NGO, Action Asante, said stronger action is needed, especially when symptoms of the disease appear.

"This includes rigorous hygiene, drinking water, the isolation of suspected cases, and compliance with the instructions given by medical teams present. We also raise awareness of the importance of quickly reporting any suspicious symptoms like fever, cough, running nose, anemia, to health authorities," Francis said.

People with the disease also experience headaches and breathing difficulties.

The Africa CDC says the disease is affecting mainly young people, many of them children younger than 5 years old.

Kaseya noted that having labs in different parts of the DRC is important, not just for Disease X but for subsequent outbreaks.

"You see the difference between the number of cases and confirmed cases, because we have a major issue regarding the lab. We need to have a strong lab capacity in DRC but also the distance  the DRC is a big country, but infrastructure is not at the ideal level," he said. "Less than 35% of all samples are reaching labs in the 48 hours recommended. It means we are facing the quality [issues] of the samples, and this one is a major issue we need to address quickly."

Meanwhile, the DRC continues to fight the mpox outbreak, which has affected 20 African countries, according to the Africa CDC. Since January 2024, 62,171 cases and 1,200 deaths have been recorded.

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US aims to deter China, North Korea with new space force unit in Japan

U.S. Space Forces Japan will operate out of Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo with a staff of about 10.

By Taejun Kang for RFA

2024.12.04

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The U.S. military's Space Force launched its first-ever unit in Japan, which a senior member said is designed to enhance the alliance's defense and deterrence amid threats from China, Russia and North Korea.

China, Russia, and possibly North Korea have been advancing methods to destroy or disable satellites, including attacks, collisions, and interference, media reports suggest. China, in particular, is rapidly increasing the number of satellite launches to aid its missions on Earth, while Russia may be developing a nuclear weapon to destroy satellites and create debris fields.

Launched on Wednesday, U.S. Space Forces Japan - a unit similar to the one established at South Korea's Osan Air Base in 2022 - will operate out of Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo with a staff of about 10 and be subordinate to U.S. Force Japan, Stars and Stripes, a daily American military newspaper, reported.

Brigadier General Anthony Mastalir, head of the Hawaii-based U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific, said the new unit's activation marked "a pivotal moment in space operations within the Indo-Pacific region."

"Space is becoming increasingly congested, contested and critical to national security," said Mastalir, citing "persistent threats like North Korea and Russia."

Mastalir said China "continues to engage in illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive tactics that threaten the stability of the Indo-Pacific region," while it was using its satellites to "find, fix, track and target" terrestrial U.S. and allied assets.

"What we have seen over the last five to ten years is increased investment in China regarding military space capabilities," Mastalir added.

U.S. Space Forces Japan's day-to-day duties will include coordinating with its Japanese peer, the Air Self-Defense Force, while keeping an eye on North Korea, which has repeatedly test-fired missiles, and China as it steps up its activity in space.

Created in December 2019 under the administration of President Donald Trump, the Space Force has more than 14,000 personnel. Its missions include tracking threats to the U.S. homeland and safeguarding American satellites.

China, Russia and North Korea had not commented by the time of this publication.

But China's state-run tabloid Global Times said the new unit cemented the role of the US as a "menace" in the Asia-Pacific region, accusing it of exercising control over Japan, including "unwarranted influence over Japan's economic and foreign policies."

"Japan in particular, is depicted by Washington as being on the forefront of America's own growing confrontation with China. In reality, Japan is given little choice," said the newspaper, calling the unit "more administrative than an advancement in US space-based capabilities themselves."

"The U.S. is expanding its Space Force components simply to facilitate operations of America's military spread across the planet, not to expand its actual capabilities in space," it added.

The launch of the unit comes as the U.S. is working on an initiative called "Tactically Responsive Space" aimed at enabling a commander to swiftly integrate and deploy space-based capabilities to respond to urgent threats.

In February, the White House confirmed that Russia had acquired a "troubling" emerging antisatellite weapon, following a statement by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, who warned that a Russian space-based nuclear weapon posed a significant national security threat.

In October, General B. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations for the U.S. Space Force, told POLITICO that China's rapid advancements in space-based military systems are more concerning than the potential presence of Russian nuclear weapons in space.

North Korea, which successfully launched its first spy satellite in November 2023, announced plans to deploy multiple additional spy satellites into Earth's orbit by the end of this year, aiming to establish itself as a "space power" despite its nuclear-armed status.

But in May, a bid to launch its second spy satellite failed when the rocket carrying it exploded soon after launch.

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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December 6, 2024

Release

Joint Statement From The Combined Space Operations Initiative Principals' Board Meeting in Italy to Advance Space Security

The Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Initiative Principals' Board met from December 3-5, 2024, in Florence, Italy. Senior representatives from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States gathered for the annual meeting. The Principals emphasized the importance of the responsible and lawful use of space, discussed existing and emerging threats to space systems, and identified further opportunities for collaboration and cooperation.

This year, the CSpO Initiative celebrated its ten-year anniversary. Over these years, the Initiative has pursued collaborative efforts to meet rapidly evolving challenges and opportunities. Space services are integral to everyday lives around the world. World economies, research and development, social activities, transportation, and life-saving emergency services benefit from continuous technological advances in, from, to, and through space. These services enable communications around the globe, help provide weather forecasts, deliver humanitarian aid, and support traffic navigation. These services also underpin national security and defense, helping to protect societies and the global economy.

The CSpO Initiative Principals shared perspectives on the current and future threats to the freedom of access to and use of space. Principals reiterated their national commitments to maintaining a peaceful, safe, stable, secure and sustainable outer space environment, and upholding existing legal frameworks. This includes the widely accepted Outer Space Treaty, and the obligation not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction, the installation of such weapons on celestial bodies, or the stationing of such weapons in outer space in any other manner.

The CSpO Initiative Principals discussed the importance of international dialogue and cooperation to promote safe and responsible operations in space, to reduce the risk of misperceptions, and to pursue activities in ways that minimize the creation of long-lived debris. Principals reaffirmed national commitments not to conduct destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests. Further, Principals shared views on and support for other multilateral efforts, including at the United Nations, to foster international cooperation, transparency, confidence-building and verification measures, and norms of responsible behavior and to ensure safety and security in space for all nations.

Working together, the CSpO Initiative Participants are becoming more agile, resilient, and interoperable; ready to seize the opportunities of the rapidly evolving space sector; and able to address the challenges presented by a competitive, contested, and congested space domain. In looking to the future, the Principals committed to working together in pursuit of current and new opportunities for cooperation and collaboration; to preserve access and freedom to operate in space, and to promote responsible space behaviors in support of economic, scientific, commercial, and security interests.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/1926383/

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Success in the Indo-Pacific

By Lieutenant Mick Wheeler

5 December 2024

Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE), Australia's flagship regional engagement activity, has come to a close with HMA Ships Adelaide and Stuart leaving Singapore for Darwin.

From late August to early December, IPE involved four ships and more than 2000 personnel.

The contingent visited 13 countries including Brunei, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

Commander IPE Commodore Michael Harris emphasised the importance of IPE for strengthening relationships with regional partners and contributing to regional stability.

"As Australia's flagship regional engagement activity, IPE demonstrates Australia's commitment to working with our friends and partners across the region towards our shared vision of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. One that is peaceful, stable, prosperous and respectful of sovereignty and international law," Commodore Harris said.

"Australia has a long history of working with our partners to ensure nations are free to act in their own interests.

"IPE is an opportunity to enhance the interoperability between our forces, to improve our coordination, and to work together to reinforce our shared commitment to the region and the rules-based international system.

"As outlined in Australia's National Defence Strategy, our partnerships are crucial for this. IPE is an important opportunity to further strengthen the relationships we value so highly between our respective Defence Forces, and it aligns with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and the Indian Ocean Rim Association Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. This is our home; we are of, with and for the region, and we are passionate about keeping it safe."

Commodore Harris spoke of the whole-of-government effort and thanked all personnel and families for their valuable contribution to delivering IPE.

"With involvement from agencies across the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force, it truly was a whole-of-government effort," he said.

"IPE included exchanges with our friends and partners on important issues such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; maritime law; gender, peace and security; and military medicine.

"I also thank all the host nations who worked with us to ensure IPE's resounding success."

IPE highlights:

RAAF P-8A visit to the Maldives, with engagement and static displays for the Maldives National Defence Force and Coast Guard.

RAN Chaplain Essa being invited by the Minister of Islamic Affairs in the Maldives to conduct Friday national prayers, which were broadcast across the Maldives.

Diving activities with Sri Lanka and Cambodia.

Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief table top exercise with the Philippines.

First ever Seahawk helicopter landing at Sepanngar Naval Air Station in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Badminton competition with Malaysian Armed Forces badminton team, followed by social games where Australian and Malaysian teams mixed to take on some Malaysian Armed Forces veterans.

Five port visits by Royal Australian Navy ships to Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

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Exercise brings Australia, Japan and United States closer together

Issued by Defence Media

6 December 2024

Australia will join Japan and the United States as a participant in Exercise Yama Sakura 87 for the second consecutive year, enhancing our interoperability and mutual defence capability.

Around 300 ADF personnel, mostly from Headquarters 1st (Australian) Division in Brisbane, will take part in the exercise, a large-scale command post training exercise involving the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and members of the United States Army (US Army).

Exercise Yama Sakura, which means mountain cherry blossom in Japanese, was first held in 1982 to practise command and control of large-scale combat operations and improve interoperability, with Australia participating for the first time in 2023, after more than a decade as an observer.

Commander 1st (Australian) Division, Major General Ash Collingburn, said Australia's participation enhanced interoperability and cooperation with some of our closest allies and partners.

"The 1st Australian Division continues to work with allies and partners on training exercises like Yama Sakura 87 to enhance interoperability in preparation for large-scale combat operations," Major General Collingburn said.

"The exercise will further strengthen the Australia-Japan-US trilateral defence partnership and contribute to regional security, in support of a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region."

Exercise Yama Sakura 87 will involve around 300 members of the ADF, 1,500 US Army personnel and 5,000 JGSDF in locations across Japan, the US and Australia.

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Government progressing historic land-based maritime strike capabilities for the Australian Army

The Hon Richard Marles MP

Deputy Prime Minister

Minister for Defence

The Hon Pat Conroy MP

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery

Minister for International Development and the Pacific

6 December 2024

The Albanese Government is rapidly pushing ahead to equip the Australian Army with a second long-range fires regiment.

In line with the priorities of the 2024 National Defence Strategy, the Australian Army must be equipped with land-based, long-range fires to protect Australia's northern approaches.

The Government will select from two options:

The Precision Strike Missile fired from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher vehicle.

fired from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher vehicle. The Naval Strike Missile fired from the StrikeMaster launcher vehicle.

To inform this selection process, a competitive evaluation process will occur over the course of 2025.

This follows the Albanese Government's decision in August 2023 to accelerate the acquisition of 42 land-based, surface-to-surface HIMARS launchers and precision munitions for the Australian Army.

Together, these capabilities will see two regiments based at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia equipped with long-range fires.

The Albanese Government is investing $28-35 billion over the next decade to develop and enhance targeting and long-range strike capabilities across Defence.

The provision of a long-range maritime strike capability for the Australian Army is another significant milestone towards delivering an integrated, focused Australian Defence Force, equipped to respond to Australia's complex strategic circumstances.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

"The National Defence Strategy and our Government's response recognises that landbased maritime strike is a critical element in achieving a strategy of denial."

"Today's announcement represents another historic milestone, which will see our Army equipped with this capability for the first time in history."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy:

"This announcement is another example of the Albanese Government delivering on its commitment to modernise the ADF and keep Australians safe."

"With today's announcement, we are accelerating the delivery of a land-based maritime strike capability that will bolster our ADF and at the same time provide a path to grow the Australian defence industry."

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Additional support for rare earths refining for a Future Made in Australia

Media release

Friday 6 December 2024

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Prime Minister of Australia

Senator the Hon Don Farrell

Minister for Trade and Tourism

Special Minister of State

The Hon Madeleine King MP

Minister for Resources

Minister for Northern Australia

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering vital support to Australia's critical minerals sector by providing up to $475 million in additional finance to develop the Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery project in Western Australia.

This project is Australia's first integrated rare earths refinery and will support 900 jobs at its peak during construction, and an additional 250 secure, well-paid jobs once operational.

This investment will boost global rare earths supply chain resilience, while unlocking Australian deposits of key critical minerals which are essential in a range of defence and renewable energy technologies like electric vehicles, wind turbines and mobile phones.

Australian company Iluka Resources is delivering the project which ensures more value is captured onshore, and more Australians benefit from our unique minerals endowment.

This additional support reinforces Australia's commitment to supporting secure and sustainable critical minerals supply chains, making us an indispensable part of the global net-zero economy.

The Government's support ensures Iluka will deliver additional outcomes to maximise project benefits in Australia's national interest including additional commitments from Iluka to diversify supply chains and deliver broader community benefits aligned with the new Future Made in Australia Act.

The support will be provided by Export Finance Australia (EFA) through the Government's $4 billion Critical Minerals Facility (CMF).

Australia's rare earths refining sector will also benefit from the Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive which will provide a tax offset for eligible critical minerals processing costs.

The Albanese Government's commitment to a Future Made in Australia is all about seizing the vast economic and industrial opportunities from the global net zero transformation and strengthening our economic resilience.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

"Critical minerals are the building blocks for a clean energy future and we are determined to seize this economic opportunity to support local businesses and local jobs.

"A strong resources sector means a healthy economy and good, well paid local jobs.

"We will back WA's resources sector, through our plan for a Future Made in Australia and our Production Tax Credits."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell

"Our Government is committed to becoming a renewable energy superpower, not just to tackle the global challenge of climate change but also to harness the opportunity to create significant high paying, secure jobs for Australians.

"Our country is blessed with an abundance of critical minerals and the Albanese Labor Government wants Australians to benefit from this emerging sector."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King

"Supporting our critical minerals and rare earths industry is about Australia taking responsibility to lead on critical minerals globally.

"Not only are critical minerals and rare earths key to the energy transition, they are essential to the defence industry and our national security.

"We stand at an important moment in time where the world wants what we have and we just happen to have the most advanced mining sector in the world."

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Landsbergis testifies at the U.S. Helsinki Commission Congressional Hearing dedicated to the role of Belarus in Russia's crimes during his visit to the United States

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2024-12-06

On 5 December, in Washington, D.C., the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis, while on a working visit to the United States of America, testified at the U.S. Helsinki Commission Congressional Hearing convened to examine the role of Belarus in Russia's crimes.

According to the Foreign Minister, Lukashenka and Putin had been close allies for decades, and today, Belarus is fully integrated into Russia, especially in the military and security areas.

"Russian forces have been using Belarusian territory for missile launches against Ukraine, Belarusian highways and railways for transit. Belarus provides essential military, industrial and logistical support to Russia's economy of war, tanks, artillery systems, other heavy military equipment and ammunition. Today, the Belarusian defence industry and its affiliated plants serve exclusively the military needs of Russia," the head of Lithuania's diplomacy underlined.

Landsbergis drew the attention of the members of the Helsinki Commission to the critical role of Belarus in helping Russia to circumvent Western sanctions:

"Belarus acts as an important transit point for restricted goods from Europe and the U.S. to Russia. Through complex trade routes and financial intermediaries, Belarusian companies help Russia maintain access to critical technologies and resources This collaboration between the autocracies involving not only Russia, Belarus, and China, but also DPRK, Iran and others, exemplifies a strategic alignment that challenges Western policies."

"Belarus under Lukashenka is no longer just a supporter of Russia; it has become an extension of Russia's aggression," Landsbergis stressed.

When addressing the members of the Helsinki Commission, the Minister stressed the need for Western partners to mobilise, hold the leaders of the Russian and Belarusian regimes accountable, increase support for Ukraine, and ensure the rules-based international order.

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HMCS Vancouver returns from Operations HORIZON and NEON

National Defence

News release

December 5, 2024 - Esquimalt, B.C. - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver returned to its home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia, having completed its six-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region under Operations HORIZON and NEON.

During this deployment, HMCS Vancouver and its crew participated in six exercises with partner and allied forces along their voyage, including Exercise KAEDEX which focuses on strengthening interoperability between the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, and Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) which is the largest joint combined maritime exercise in the world.

In September 2024, HMCS Vancouver made a historical forward rearmament of its Vertical Launch System missiles in the port of Broome, Australia. This was the first rearmament by an RCN vessel outside of Canadian or American territory. In collaboration with allies and partners, the ship actively contributed to upholding international law concerning navigation rights in vulnerable regions such as the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas.

Canada's routine presence in the Indo-Pacific region demonstrates our commitment to supporting peace, security, and stability in the region. The most recent actions and international engagements executed by the crew of HMCS Vancouver have shown Canada to be a reliable and capable international security partner, especially in regions experiencing increasing uncertainty and instability.

Quotes

"His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver's successful deployment not only demonstrates Canada's operational capabilities alongside allied and partner navies, but also our steadfast commitment to maintaining a maritime presence in an important region. The excellent work shown by the crew over the last six months has directly impacted international peace and security by promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region. For this reason, deployments like Operations HORIZON and NEON remain critical to the mandate of the Royal Canadian Navy in the pursuit of Canadian strategic interests. Welcome home HMCS Vancouver and Bravo Zulu!" - Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific and Commander Joint Task Force Pacific

"I am extremely proud of the crew of His Majesty's Canadian Ship Vancouver and want to thank our friends and families who have shown us such unwavering support throughout the last six months. From workups and Exercise Rim of the Pacific to Operation HORIZON and Operation NEON, the crew worked tirelessly to accomplish our mission of promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Their dedication, professionalism, and hard work were the foundation on which this deployment was built and carried out." - Commander Tyson Bergmann, Commanding Officer His Majesty's Canadian Ship Vancouver

Quick facts

Operation HORIZON is Canada's ongoing forward presence mission to promote peace and stability in support of the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.

Operation NEON is Canada's contribution to a coordinated multinational effort to support the implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions imposed against North Korea. This operation demonstrates the importance that Canada places on security in the Indo-Pacific region and upholding the UNSC sanctions regime, and Canada's resolve in standing with allies and partners in accordance with our values.

HMCS Vancouver, a Halifax-class Canadian Patrol Frigate, has a crew of approximately 240 RCN sailors and Royal Canadian Air Force aviators who fly and support the ship's embarked CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter.

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December 5, 2024

By Jim Garamone, DOD News

China Increasing Interest in Strategic Arctic Region

The Arctic strategic environment is changing profoundly, and the United States must pay greater attention and dedicate more resources to this crucial area, said Iris A. Ferguson, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Arctic and Global Resilience.

Ferguson addressed the increased attention that the People's Republic of China has in the Arctic. She spoke at the Center for Strategic and International Studies today.

China is, by no means, an Arctic nation. But Chinese leaders see the region as a new crossroads of the world, a new source of raw materials and new avenues for manifesting its growing power.

China is working closely with Russia in its attempt to be seen as an Arctic power, Ferguson said. Even with Russia's unjust war on Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin is investing heavily on military and economic strategies in the Arctic. "We're seeing Russia continue to have immense focus on the Arctic region, and it's part of their ... security calculus, vis-a-vis the U.S. and NATO," Ferguson said. "Despite the attrition in Ukraine, we still see them ... heavily focused on the region."

A shifting climate is speeding the pace of change in the region. "Climate change is still a factor in the region, where the region warms at some four times the rate of the rest of the world," she said. This means more access for settlements in the high North and more chances for what she calls "competitor activity."

"[China] is one of the newer entrants on the scene," Ferguson said. "Over time, the strategic interests that they have in the region are ... giving us pause. How their long-term vision for the region could affect our interests, is [also] giving us pause."

Even more disturbing is the increasing levels of collaboration between Russia and China especially in the military domain, she said. Russia and China exercised together in the Bering Strait in summer of 2023. "Just this past summer, right after we released our department [Arctic] strategy, we saw a joint bomber patrol off of the coast of Alaska."

There has also been increasing cooperation between the Chinese and Russian coast guards in the region. "This kind of increasing levels of military cooperation is new," she said. "Certainly, it's new within and around Alaska."

The new DOD Arctic strategy is aimed at preserving the region as a place that is both stable and secure, Ferguson said. She also discussed the Defense Department's three main lines of effort in the region. The first is enhancing domain awareness to see and detect threats, and to ensure U.S. forces can operate in the region effectively.

"We're also really focused on engaging with our allies and partners," she said. These nations are a unique U.S. strategic advantage that stretches from the border of European Russia to the Bering Strait. These are "seven like-minded partners that are incredibly militarily capable and also have heavy geostrategic alignment with us," she said.

Finally, the United States is working on using military exercises in the region. "We've long had exercises that operate in the region, but we're really looking at how we can use those as a deterrent effect, working alongside our allies and partners," she said.

There's an evolution in how competitors think about the region, Ferguson said. "We're going to continue on the DOD side to monitor military activity."

But this attention cannot be just limited to that. The Chinese are using other aspects of their national power to insinuate themselves into the region. China is involved in scientific and research projects in the region. China is looking to establish economic ties within the Arctic. "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," Ferguson said.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on December 5, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: December 05, 2024 19:28

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 China's core interests. In recent months, the US has announced multiple arms sales to China's Taiwan region. This gravely violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, interferes in China's internal affairs, and undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. In accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the People's 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 aiding and abetting separatists' attempt to seek "Taiwan independence" through military buildup.

People's 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. What's your comment?

Lin Jian: Warm congratulations on the inscription of 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 performance, 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 festival's cultural message will contribute to a world of less 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 country's 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, Venezuela's 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 what's 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: Taiwan's 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 US's arranging for Lai Ching-te's "stopovers" and having official interactions with the Taiwan region. Let me stress once again that the Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations. We urge the US to fully 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 China's internal affairs, and stop sending any wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. China will take resolute and strong measures to defend our nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Global Times: On December 3, BBC's so-called investigation claims that tomato purees sold by several UK supermarkets appear to contain tomatoes grown and picked in Xinjiang using forced labour. 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, there's 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 have largely been mechanized alreadyover 90% of the tomatoes and over 85% of 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, it's 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 ROK's domestic affairs. China's 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 covered 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. Today's Hainan Free Trade Port has become a new frontier of China's 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 of 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 China's reform and opening up in the new era. We welcome you to go to Hainan to experience the robustness and dynamism of China's reform and opening up. And we welcome all parties to board the express train of China's 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 Group's launch demonstrates China's 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.

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Hong Kong officials learn neighborhood surveillance from China

The city will be carved into subdistricts, with volunteers watching for potential signs of unrest.

By Wei Sze and Dawn Yu for RFA Cantonese 2024.12.05 -- Hong Kong is sending district councilors and other local officials to mainland China to learn how the ruling Chinese Communist Party uses local networks of volunteers to monitor the population and target potential unrest before it happens.

China's "red armband" brigade of state-sanctioned busybodies have been dubbed the biggest intelligence network on the planet by social media users, and have supplied information that has also led police to crack major organized crime, according to state media.

Neighborhood committees in China have long been tasked with monitoring the activities of ordinary people in urban areas, while its grid management system turbo-charges the capacity of officials even in rural areas to monitor what local people are doing, saying and thinking.

These local forms of surveillance and social control are known in Chinese political jargon as the "Fengqiao Experience."

Now, it looks as if Hong Kong will be adopting similar measures, according to the city's Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Alice Mak, who confirmed that 18 local officials had already been to the eastern province of Zhejiang to study the system.

"Through classroom study and on-the-spot understanding of the practical methods of the Fengqiao Experience ... district councilors understand that regional governance requires strengthening communication with citizens, understanding their emergencies, difficulties and worries, as well as the early detection and resolution of citizens' problems," Mak told the Legislative Council on Wednesday.

She said the Fengqiao Experience will be implemented in Hong Kong by newly introduced "care teams," and that further training is in the pipeline.

In July 2021, China empowered local officials at township, village and neighborhood level to enforce the law, as well as operating a vastly extended "grid management" system of social control in rural and urban areas alike.

According to directives sent out in 2018, the grid system carves up neighborhoods into a grid pattern with 15-20 households per square, with each grid given a dedicated monitor who reports back on residents' affairs to local committees.

Hong Kong's care teams are also expected to help the authorities inform the public, as well as reporting the views of the public to the government, according to a 2022 document announcing their deployment.

Detecting grievances

Current affairs commentator Johnny Lau said the ongoing crackdown on public dissent under two national security laws isn't enough for the authorities, who want to nip any signs of potential unrest in the bud.

"The authorities are taking the big-picture view that there will be a lot of public grievances given the current economic problems," Lau told RFA Cantonese in a recent interview. "It's clear that more grassroots work will have to be done to prevent any outbreak of such grievances."

He said the District Councils, which now contain only members judged "patriotic" following recent changes in the electoral system, will be the mainstay of the new approach, with the care teams staying in touch with local residents in neighborhoods.

But he said there are also plenty of technological options for keeping an eye on what people are up to.

Former pro-democracy District Councilor Cheung Man-lung said the care teams won't necessarily be effective if people don't trust them, however.

"Community work is always based on public trust in those in positions of responsibility," Cheung said. "If people don't trust them, then there'll be a lot of problems [with this approach]."

Cheung said he hasn't seen much of his local care team, despite the bursting of a water main in his neighborhood recently.

Chief Executive John Lee, who was "elected" unopposed following changes to the electoral rules in 2022, first announced the establishment of care teams in his October policy address of that year, saying they would "take part in community-building" across Hong Kong's 18 districts.

The government would carve up districts into sub-districts, and seek to engage local organizations and groups, including young people and ethnic minorities to take part in community building, he said.

The first care teams, chosen for their patriotism and willingness to follow the government's lead, were deployed in Tsuen Wan and Southern districts in 2023.

The government changed the rules governing District Council election after the 2019 poll resulted in a landslide victory for pro-democracy candidates that was widely seen as a ringing public endorsement for the pro-democracy movement despite months of disruption and clashes.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie.

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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Activists tell US Congress of China's far-reaching cultural erasure

Uyghur, Tibetan, Mongolian and Chinese activists say it's hard to escape Beijing's repressive reach.

By Alex Willemyns

2024.12.05

WASHINGTON -- A campaign by China's government to rewrite the cultural identity and history of the country's minority ethnic groups and political dissidents is increasingly being waged on American shores, activists told a U.S. congressional hearing on Thursday.

The Tibetan, Uyghur, Mongolian and Chinese activists said that while the United States once stood as a bastion of free speech and a redoubt of cultural preservation for groups targeted by the Chinese Communist Party, many now feared Beijing's extensive reach.

Rishat Abbas, the president of the U.S.-based Uyghur Academy, told the hearing of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China that his sister Gulshan had been jailed in China on a 20-year sentence due to his and other family member's anti-government activism abroad.

The U.S. government says China's government is carrying out a "genocide" against the mostly Muslium Uyghur minority in the country's far-west. Many Uyghurs abroad actively campaign to end the genocide and to do what they can to preserve their language and culture.

But many look to the treatment of the family members, still trapped in China, of those Uyghurs who choose to speak out, and decide it's safer not to provoke the Chinese Communist Party, even from abroad.

"My sister's imprisonment is a clear action of retaliation," he said. "Her detention exposes the CCP's aggressive policies that target Uyghurs simply for their identity and for the activism of their relatives abroad."

"She has never engaged in any form of advocacy in her life," he said.

Abbas said he was nonetheless not deterred, and hoped to one day bring a Uyghur-language textbook developed in the United States back to China's Xinjiang region, where Uyghurs live under surveillance.

Lawfare

It's not only Uyghur immigrants who have been targeted.

In years gone by, American higher education institutions like Stanford University fearlessly curated U.S.-based historical archives about events censored by the Chinese government, said Julian Ku, a constitutional law professor at New York's Hofstra University.

But things have changed.

Ku pointed to a lawsuit brought in the United States by the Beijing-based widow of the late Li Rui - a former secretary to Mao Zedong and later dissident who donated diaries to Stanford.

Stanford says Li Rui donated the diaries through his daughter, fearing that they would be destroyed by Chinese officials if left in China. But Li Rui's widow says they are rightfully hers and wants them returned.

The widow, Ku explained, was inexplicably being represented by "some of the most expensive law firms in the United States," and had likely already racked up legal fees in the "hundreds of thousands of dollars - and probably more - on a widow's Chinese state pension."

Describing the tactic as "lawfare," he suggested that the widow had powerful backers funding the battle, who may not even care if the litigation is ultimately successful.

The nearly four years of costly legal battles sent a message to other U.S. universities, museums or nonprofits to avoid any contentious documents that might attract the attention of Beijing, Ku said.

"They might think, 'Well, maybe I don't want to acquire that one, because it might subject me to litigation in China and maybe litigation here in the United States," he said. "It serves as a deterrence for universities, museums and other institutions in the United States."

Living in fear

Like Uyghurs, many ethnically Han Chinese in America also fear speaking out against Beijing even while in the United States, said Rowena He, a historian of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing who was last year banned from entering Hong Kong.

"It's very difficult to not to be emotional being in this room again because I remember 5-10 years ago, when I was first invited to testify to Congress," He recalled. "I was extremely hesitant, because I was so concerned about my family members, and I was so worried."

"I lived with fear ever since the day I started teaching and researching the topic of Tiananmen," she explained, citing the "taboo" around the topic in China, where the massacre is not openly acknowledged.

She said increased funding for curriculums with alternate Chinese histories to the one put forward by Beijing could be one way to counter the "monopoly on historiography" held by China's government.

"If you go to Chinatown, many people are still supporting the CCP, even though they're physically in the United States," He said, noting that figures like herself were denigrated as anti-government.

"Sometimes people call us 'underground historians,' but I do not like the term 'underground,'" she said. "We are the historians."

Government funding

Geshe Lobsang Monlam, a Tibetan monk who authored a 223-volume Tibetan dictionary and helps lead efforts to preserve Tibetan language outside of China, said one of the main obstacles for Tibetans outside China outside of pressure from Beijing was finding needed funds.

"Inside Tibet, the young Tibetans have appeared powerless in their ability to preserve and promote their language," the monk said, pointing to concerted efforts to erase use of the Tibetan language as young Tibetans grow proficient in using Mandarin through smartphones.

"If there can be assistance by the United States to help procure technological equipment that can enable those of us in exile to continue our work on preservation of Tibetan culture and language and way of life ... that would be very useful for us," he explained.

Temulun Togochog, a 17-year-old U.S.-born Southern Mongolian activist, similarly appealed for more funding for cultural preservation.

Togochog said while the decreased global focus on the plight of Mongolians in China had allowed her family in the United States to openly teach her about Mongolian culture and their native language with little fear of reprisal, resources were few and far between.

Mongolians living in China's Inner Mongolia were increasingly facing a similar treatment to Tibetans and Uyghurs, she said, with a "systematic oppression and erasure of Mongolian language" taking place in favor of what is called "patriotic education" lionizing the communist party.

In September 2020, many Southern Mongolians protested the policies through coordinated school boycotts and strikes, but there was little news coverage of the ensuing mass arrests, she explained.

"Approximately 300,000 southern Mongolian students joined the movement," she said. "The Chinese government responded harshly, detaining and placing under house arrest 8-10,000 people."

The young activist called on Congress to fund Mongolian-language programs on Voice of America, which currently do not exist. She said that would help the "minority within a minority" to more actively "preserve their language, culture and identity" from erasure.

Edited by 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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China, Serbia Eye Stepped-Up Cooperation Through Extraditions

By Mila Manojlovic December 05, 2024

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/RL's 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 Beijing's 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.

Serbia's 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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-serbia-extradition-bri- workers-investment/33219326.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 Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on December 6, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: December 06, 2024 20:56



Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will hold the "1+10" Dialogue in Beijing on the morning of December 9 with heads of 10 international economic organizations, including President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff, President of the World Bank Ajay Banga, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan, Director-General of the International Labour Organization Gilbert F. Houngbo, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Mathias Cormann, General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements Agustin Carstens, Chair of the Financial Stability Board Klaas Knot, and President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Jin Liqun. Under the theme of "Building Consensus on Development to Promote Global Common Prosperity," participating parties will exchange views on three topics of "Seizing Opportunities in Transformation to Promote World Economic Transition and Growth," "Upholding Multilateralism in Advancing Reform and Development of the Global Economic Governance System," and "China's Endeavor to Further Deepen Reform Comprehensively and Break New Ground in Chinese Modernization."

Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will co-chair the 16th meeting of the China-Viet Nam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Viet Nam Bui Thanh Son in Beijing on December 10.

CCTV: You just announced that Premier Li Qiang will hold a dialogue with the heads of ten major international economic organizations. Can you brief us on China's expectation for the dialogue?

Lin Jian: Today's world is undergoing tremendous changes at an accelerated pace, and entering a new period of turbulence and transformation. The world economic recovery remains weak and there have been mounting global challenges. At the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and the G20 Summit last month, President Xi Jinping called on the international community to reinforce international macro policy coordination and foster an open, inclusive, and nondiscriminatory environment for international economic cooperation.

The aim of China to hold the "1+10" Dialogue at this critical juncture is to enhance policy communication with the heads of major international economic organizations, assess the world economic prospects, contribute to improving the global economic governance system and driving the common prosperity of the world.

China Review News: It's reported that the leader of China's Taiwan region Lai Ching-te has concluded his "stopovers" in Hawaii and Guam of the US. What's your comment

Lin Jian: By arranging for the "stopovers" of the leader of China's Taiwan region Lai Ching-te in Hawaii and Guam, having official interactions with the Taiwan region, helping Taiwan expand so-called "international space," and providing platforms for "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, the US gravely violated the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques. The actions it took undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and send a severely wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. China deplores this and has lodged strong protests to the US side.

The one-China principle is the political foundation of China-US relations and a basic norm in international relations. The Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations. "Taiwan independence" separatist activities are as incompatible with peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as fire with water. China urges the US to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, act on the US leaders' commitment, including not supporting "Taiwan independence," stop its official interactions with Taiwan, stop obscuring and hollowing out the one-China principle, stop abetting and aiding the separatist forces and their activities in any form, and take concrete actions to stabilize China-US relations and contribute to peace in the Taiwan Strait.

Let me stress that attempts to solicit US support for "Taiwan independence" or use the Taiwan question to contain China will lead nowhere. No one should underestimate the firm resolve, will and ability of the Chinese government and people to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Reuters: I would also like to ask about Taiwan's Lai Ching-te and his return. Does China plan to stage more war games around the island as a result?

Lin Jian: The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations. China remains unwavering in its resolve to defend our nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Bloomberg: Just to follow up again on this one. Taiwan leader Lai said on Friday that he was confident of deeper cooperation with the next administration of Donald Trump. This is coming after he had a call earlier with US Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. Can you comment on the confidence of deeper cooperation with the next Donald Trump administration?

Lin Jian: We have made clear our serious position on this more than once. China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between the US and the Taiwan region, and firmly opposes any form of US moves to aid or abet "Taiwan independence" separatists and their separatist activities.

We urge the US to fully see the separatist nature of Lai Ching-te and the DPP authorities, fully understand the grave damage that "Taiwan independence" separatist activities do to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, fully abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, stop meddling in affairs related to Taiwan, which are China's internal affairs, and stop aiding and abetting "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

Beijing Youth Daily: Last week, the Taklimakan Desert, China's largest and the world's second-largest shifting desert, was completely encircled with a sand-blocking green belt of vegetation stretching over 3,000 km. This afforestation project, the largest in the world, is closely watched and viewed by the international community as a "green Great Wall" that helps tackle desertification, greatly contributes to higher global forest coverage, and responds to the challenges of climate change. What's your comment

Lin Jian: Thumbs up for the project. It encircles the Taklimakan Desert with a sand-blocking green belt. We salute to the many generations of people for their relentless effort to end desertification.

The project is an epitome of China's desertification prevention and control endeavor. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, China has rolled out key green projects, such as the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, the program to turn marginal farmland into forest and grassland, and the Beijing Tianjin Sandstorm Source Control Project. Over 35 million hectares of desertified land are protected in a science-based way, over 7.8 million hectares of desertified land are turned less barren effectively and the net decrease of desertified land reaches over 4.3 million hectares. With the forest coverage rate rising to 24.02 percent, China has the fastest growth and biggest rise in terms of forest resources and tops the world in afforestation area. The barren land in Saihanba is turned to forest. The "sea of death" in the Kubuqi desert is turned to an oasis. The Taklimakan Desert is encircled by a sand-blocking green belt. China has made renowned achievements in the fight against desertification. The Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has also twice honored China for its "outstanding contribution to combating desertification." The Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program has been recognized in the Global 500 Roll of Honor for Environmental Achievement by the United Nations Environment Programme.

Desertification is a global challenge and requires a global response. As we speak, the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD is being held in Saudi Arabia. The China Pavilion is open in the conference where China showcases for the first time its achievements in desertification prevention and control and the progress of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program. We will continue to faithfully fulfill our responsibility and obligations in the UNCCD, share China's solutions and know-how, and contribute to achieving zero net land degradation by 2030 and the visionary goal of the G20 Global Land Initiative, keeping desertification in check and making the planet a greener and better place to live.

AFP: Paraguay's Foreign Ministry said yesterday that they have canceled the visa of a Chinese diplomat and given him 24 hours to leave the country due to what they called "interference in internal affairs." Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this?

Lin Jian: The delegation of the Chinese government has been in Paraguay upon invitation to attend the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. Relevant department of Paraguaya member state of the UN and UNESCO and the host country of the 19th session meetingmade unfounded and unjustified accusation and demand against relevant member of the Chinese delegation. This is seriously inconsistent with international practice. China is firmly opposed to it.

Let me stress that there is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The one-China principle is what has been affirmed in Resolution 2758 of the UN General Assembly and is a basic norm governing international relations and a prevailing consensus among the international community. It is right and just to defend and uphold the one-China principle, no matter where we are. There's no so-called "interference in internal affairs."

Xinhua News Agency: To follow up on your announcement that Foreign Minister Wang Yi will co-chair the 16th meeting of the China-Viet Nam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, can you brief us on the program and China's expectation for the meeting? How does China view the current China-Viet Nam relations?

Lin Jian: Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Viet Nam Bui Thanh Son will co-chair the 16th Meeting of the China-Viet Nam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation in Beijing on December 10. The two sides will exchange views on delivering on the common understandings between the top leaders of the two parties and countries, and on deepening the building of a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future. Advancing cooperation in such areas as connectivity, trade and investment, digital economy and green development will top the agenda of the discussion. During the meeting, the two sides will attend the commemorating event for the 25th anniversary of the demarcation of land boundary between China and Viet Nam and the 15th anniversary of the signing of the three legal documents.

China and Viet Nam are both socialist countries and neighbors with time-honored friendship. General Secretary and President Xi Jinping paid a historic visit to Viet Nam at the end of last year and ushered the relations between the two parties and the two countries into a new era of building a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. In August this year, General Secretary and then State President To Lam paid a successful visit to China. The two sides reached extensive common understandings on keeping in mind our common mission, continuing our time-honored friendship and deepening strategic cooperation, and set the direction of advancing the building of a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future. Next year will be the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between China and Viet Nam and the "China-Viet Nam People-to-People Exchange Year." We believe that under the strategic guidance from the top level of our two parties and two countries, the China-Viet Nam comprehensive strategic cooperation will achieve deeper and more substantive progress, bring more benefit to the two peoples and make important contribution to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

TASS: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with an American media outlet that Russia does not believe that the solution to the Ukrainian crisis is the fate of Moscow and Washington alone, and that Russia prefers the manner of resolving the issue multilaterally. What's China's comment?

Lin Jian: China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent. We believe that dialogue and negotiation is the only viable way to resolve the crisis. The international community needs to create conditions for the resumption of direct dialogue between the two parties. Only when all major countries play a positive role, can this conflict see an early prospect of ceasefire.

AFP: US President-elect Donald Trump has announced that former senator David Purdue has accepted an appointment to serve as the next US ambassador to China. Purdue is a close political ally of Trump. He has previously worked in Hong Kong. How does the Foreign Ministry view this appointment?

Lin Jian: I noted the reports.

China News Service: We noted that this year, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation has made important progress, receiving much attention from the international community. US economist Jeffrey Sachs said at an interview this week that he is "a very big supporter of the Belt and Road Initiative" and that "China is promoting infrastructure around the world." What is your comment? Can you share what the cooperation has achieved this year?

Lin Jian: High-quality Belt and Road Initiative has achieved tangible and fruitful outcomes over the past year. China signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with countries including Egypt, Timor-Leste, Peru and Brazil, established the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and set up over 30 multilateral cooperation platforms in special areas of energy, taxation and disaster relief. In the first ten months of this year, trade in goods between China and partner countries reached RMB16.94 trillion, up by 6.2 percent; and Chinese companies signed new project contracts worth over RMB1 trillion in partner countries, up by 17.1 percent. The China-Europe Trans-Caspian Express was officially launched, and the China-Europe Railway Express has run over 100,000 trips in total, shipping over 11 million TEUs of goods worth more than USD420 billion. Over 800,000 TEUs of goods were shipped this year through the new western land-sea corridor train service, which links 542 ports in 125 countries and regions around the world.

When addressing the fourth symposium on the development of the BRI this week, President Xi Jinping noted that Belt and Road cooperation has been expanded with a greater scope, higher cooperation level and stronger international appeal, influence and cohesiveness. Belt and Road cooperation has produced significant achievements, making China's contribution to cementing friendship with partner countries and advancing socioeconomic development in partner countries. Over the years, the BRI has built a cross-sea bridge in the Maldives and electrified railway in Africa and revive the Piraeus Port in Greece. The Chancay Port in Peru has become South America's first smart and green port, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has ushered Indonesia into the era of high-speed railway, and the China-Laos Railway has fulfilled Laos' railway dream. Livelihood projects, such as the Luban Workshop, programs on Juncao technology, the renovation of water purification systems, and solar power stations have greatly improved local people's living standard.

The aim of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation is to enable partner countries to realize and benefit from connectivity with the world and bring the hope of development and prosperity to the Global South. China stands ready to work with all parties to continue upholding the vision of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefit, advance both big infrastructure projects and small and smart projects, and emphasize both broad strokes and refined details, so as to build the BRI into a source of happiness that benefits the world and a dream maker that helps countries jointly realize modernization.

CCTV: We noted that from this week, China officially started to give zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to LDCs. This decision received extensive welcome from Africa, which has the biggest number of countries benefiting from the policy. They noted that this measure meets the need of the Global South for development and will increase trade between Africa and China. What is your comment?

Lin Jian: President Xi Jinping announced at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) this year that China will give all LDCs having diplomatic relations with China, including 33 countries in Africa, zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines. This gives quality products from African countries more convenient and faster access to the big market of China, and will further boost Africa's industrial development, and help Africa improve employment and accelerate poverty alleviation. China is the first major developing country and major economy in the world to roll out this policy, and this demonstrates China's commitment to high-standard opening up.

China upholds the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests in developing friendly ties and enhancing cooperation with Africa. Aside from the zero-tariff treatment, China has also opened and expanded the "green lanes" for African agricultural products, provided facilitation for African companies' participation in major expos, including the China International Import Expo and the China International Supply Chain Expo, built bridges for unique products from Africa to enter the global market, deepened cooperation with Africa on vocational training and human resources, and helped African countries improve capacity building in trade.

There is always vast space for African brothers in China's endeavor to expand high-standard opening up; and China will never be absent from Africa's pursuit of development and revitalization. At this year's FOCAC Summit in Beijing, President Xi Jinping put forward six features of the modernization that China and Africa should jointly advance and ten partnership actions for modernization, and the two sides adopted the Beijing Declaration and the Action Plan. China will work with African countries to earnestly deliver on the outcomes of the summit, pursue modernization together and in this process, drive modernization of the Global South, and enrich the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

China-Arab TV: Yesterday the Syrian capital was attacked by drones and gunshots were heard. The Chinese Embassy in Syria has advised the Chinese nationals in Syria to return to China or leave the country as soon as possible. As tensions run high in Syria, how does China view the situation there? Will China continue to urge its nationals to leave Syria as soon as possible?

Lin Jian: China is closely following the developments in Syria and hopes that stability will be restored in the country at an early date. Given the current security situation there, the Chinese Embassy in Syria has issued a security alert to advise Chinese nationals not to travel to Syria at the moment. Chinese nationals and institutions already there need to stay on high alert, take extra safety precautions, prepare for emergencies, and return to China or leave Syria as soon as possible via commercial flights or through land ports of exit. We urge them to immediately contact the embassy for assistance if they encounter any emergency. We will do all we can to assist our nationals including those who need to move to safety.

AFP: I just wanted to return to follow up quickly on Taiwan. And there were some specific comments from Lai Ching-te. He said today while in Palau that Taiwan and China were "not subordinates to each other." Do you have any specific response to these comments?

Lin Jian: The biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" forces and those external forces who aid and abet those separatists. Lai Ching-te and the DPP authorities have been engaging in separatist activities for "Taiwan independence" under various pretexts. No matter what they say or do, they cannot change the fact that Taiwan is part of China, nor can they stop the overriding historic trend towards China's reunification. To try to achieve "Taiwan independence" by seeking foreign support will surely end in failure.

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With another government collapsing, France faces uncertain future

By Lisa Bryant December 05, 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron was set to address his nation later Thursday (19:00 UTC), a day after his government fell in a no-confidence vote a first in more than 60 years. The country's prime minister, Michel Barnier, was expected to resign Thursday.

It didn't take long for Michel Barnier's three-month-old government to become the shortest in the history of France's Fifth Republic. On Wednesday, National Assembly lawmakers from the far left and far right passed a no-confidence measure. It's 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 France's sizable economic troubles.

Far right leader Marine Le Pen told French TV that Barnier's 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 he's not going anywhere. But after losing legislative and European elections earlier this year, he's 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.

France's 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.

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German military deployments for peace and freedom extended

Germany - Federal Government

News from the Federal Cabinet

The Federal Government is continuing German involvement in international missions in Africa, the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. The Federal Cabinet has approved proposals to extend the EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, EUNVFOR ASPIDES, SEA GUARDIAN and UNMISS mandates.

Wednesday, 4 December 2024

German armed forces continue to make a vital contribution to ensuring peace, freedom and stability in various crisis-hit regions around the world. The Federal Cabinet has extended the mandate but the Bundestag has yet to give its approval. With a general election planned for early 2025, the Federal Cabinet has requested that the mandates be renewed early in 2024, as they are due to expire in the near future.

German armed forces are deployed as part of the following EU, NATO and UN missions:

EUNAVFOR MED IRINI in Libya

The EU-led EUNAVFOR MED IRINI mission (European Naval Forces in the Mediterranean) in the Mediterranean off the coast of Libya aims to help stabilise the country and accelerate reconstruction. One of the principal roles of the Bundeswehr consists of enforcing the UN arms embargo on Libya. The mandate is to be extended until 30 November 2025.

UNMISS in South Sudan

The Bundeswehr is to continue its contribution to stability in South Sudan and the wider region through its involvement in UNMISS (United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan). The force is tasked with implementing the peace agreement signed on 12 September 2018 and protecting civilians. The mandate is to be extended until 31 October 2025.

SEA GUARDIAN in the Mediterranean

The SEA GUARDIAN mission is boosting security in the Mediterranean and ensuring the freedom of international shipping lanes. The NATO-led mission is of critical importance, as the Mediterranean is the EU's southern border while at the same time providing access to NATO's southern member states. The mandate is to be extended until 30 November 2025.

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES in the Red Sea

The Bundeswehr and its partners are tasked with protecting international shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding regions against attacks by Houthi rebels. The area comprises the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. The deployment of German armed forces is to be extended until 31 October 2025 as part of the EU-led EUNAVFOR ASPIDES mission (European Naval Forces).

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Boosting the security and defence industry

Germany - Federal Government

A robust security and defence industry is vital in order to maintain both national and Alliance defence capabilities. By adopting the National Security and Defence Strategy, the Federal Cabinet has established the framework required to boost the industry.

Wednesday, 4 December 2024

Germany must take steps as quickly as possible to ensure it has the necessary capabilities for both national and Alliance defence, as well as being able to provide military support for Ukraine. A robust national and European security and defence industry is among the key requirements here.

For peace, freedom and security

The primary aim of German security policy is to ensure that people can continue to live in peace, freedom and security in the future. Russia's attack on Ukraine has shifted the threat scenario: Germany and Europe are now called upon to take greater responsibility for their own security.

The National Security and Defence Strategy now establishes the political and economic foundations for industry to supply goods and services so as to ensure the efficient functioning of civil security and both national and collective military defence.

Planned measures include the following:

Promote key security and defence industry technologies and focus more on European and international cooperation

Protect the supply chains required for the production of goods

Improve the underlying financial framework of the security and defence industry

Strengthen medium-sized defence technology companies

Attract sufficient skilled labour

The National Security and Defence Industry Strategy replaces the strategy paper on strengthening the security and defence industry which was drawn up in February 2020.

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RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY HUB IN DEFENCE SECTOR

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 06 DEC 2024 2:33PM by PIB Delhi

Government has taken various initiatives to develop India into a research and technology hub. Some of them are as follows:

(i) Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme: Technology Development Fund Scheme is a flagship program of MoD (Ministry of Defence) executed by DRDO under Make in India initiative. The Government has approved TDF Scheme to encourage industries especially MSMEs and Startups to develop various Defence technologies. The scheme aligns with the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' by bringing new industries in the fold of design and manufacturing of defense technology. Funding of up to Rs. 50 Cr. per project is provided to the industry as Grant-in-Aid.

(ii) DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE): DRDO has established DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) across the country at IISc Bangalore, various IITs and Central/State Universities to encourage directed research for developing new technologies for Defence and Security in identified areas. State-of-the-Art lab/research facilities and infrastructure for attracting researchers and scholars are established at these Centres of excellence. Through these DIA-CoEs, DRDO will have effective collaboration with start-ups/ industry which will further help in product development.

(iii) Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework was launched by the Government with the aim to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace Sector by engaging Industries including MSMEs, startups, individual innovators, R&D institutes and academia to promote self-reliance. Further, a scheme for scaling up iDEX has been launched in May 2021 with a budgetary support of Rs. 498.80 crore for the next five years i.e. from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The Scheme aims at providing financial support to nearly 300 Start-ups/ MSMEs/ individual innovators and 20 partner incubators under the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) framework.

So far, a total of 79 projects of costing Rs 334.02 crore have been sanctioned to various industries under the TDF scheme for development of Defence technologies, and DRDO has established 15 DIA-CoEs across the country. 264 projects of cost approximately Rs 930 crore are sanctioned so far, under the Grants-in-Aid scheme of DRDO.

DRDO has been launching Pan India Dare to Dream Innovation Contest every year since 2019 to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, individuals above 18 years and start-ups (recognised by DPIIT and with Indian founders) for innovative ideas in the field of Defence and Aerospace. Through this contest, DRDO invites innovative ideas and best ideas are selected and awarded.

Four versions of Dare to Dream Contest have already been successfully conducted. Dare to Dream (D2D) 5.0 was launched by Raksha Mantri on October 18, 2024 and is presently going on. A fixed amount in each category is provided as cash prize to the winners of this contest. A total of Rs 543 lakh has been released to the winners of four editions of Dare to Dream Contest as cash prize money. The selected individual/company are getting benefitted as DRDO supports them to realise awarded ideas into Prototype through TDF scheme.

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth in a written reply to Shri Ananta Nayak in the Lok Sabha today.

****

SR/Savvy/KB

(Release ID: 2081451)

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Iran more comfortable with nuclear saber-rattling, US intelligence warns

By Jeff Seldin December 05, 2024

Iran is likely to respond to new attacks from Israel or additional Western sanctions by edging ever closer to crossing the nuclear threshold, according to a just-released U.S. intelligence assessment.

The unclassified report, issued Thursday by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, finds that while Tehran is not currently poised to build a nuclear weapon, it is undertaking activities "that better position it to produce one, if it so chooses."

The report states that since July, Iran has continued to increase its stockpiles of 20% and 60% enriched uranium while also manufacturing and operating a growing number of advanced centrifuges.

The U.S. intelligence assessment further warns that Iranian officials have been increasingly willing to "publicly discuss the utility of nuclear weapons."

"Tehran has the infrastructure and experience to quickly produce weapons-grade uranium at multiple underground facilities, if it so chooses," the report says. "Iranian leaders recognize that this bolsters the credibility of threats to develop nuclear weapons."

The ODNI report estimates that Iran's existing stockpiles of enriched uranium far exceed what it needs for civilian purposes and that Tehran could build "more than a dozen nuclear weapons if its total uranium stockpile were further enriched."

A U.S. intelligence assessment of Iran's capabilities issued this past July similarly said that officials in Tehran were becoming more comfortable talking about the use of nuclear weapons.

But the new report suggests Tehran is now prepared to push back against Western pressure, attacks or other threats with more nuclear activity.

"Iran probably will consider installing or operating more advanced centrifuges, further increasing its enriched uranium stockpile, enriching uranium up to 90 percent, or threatening to withdraw from the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons," according to the latest ODNI assessment.

U.S. officials have previously warned that Tehran could produce a nuclear warhead in as little as one to two weeks, though they have also said the Pentagon has options to stop an Iranian nuclear breakout.

The Iranian mission at the United Nations has yet to respond to a request for comment.

U.S. intelligence analysts say that their concerns extend beyond nuclear weapons to include Iran's ballistic missile and drone capabilities.

The U.S. assessment says Iran "almost certainly is incorporating lessons learned from its missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attack against Israel in April and from Russia's operational use of Iranian UAVs against Ukraine."

U.S. intelligence additionally "expects Tehran will incorporate performance data from the close-range ballistic missiles it transferred to Russia once they are used in operational conditions."

And help from Russia could also boost Iran's work on multiple space-launch missiles, possibly shortening the timeline for Tehran to produce an intercontinental ballistic missile, the ODNI report warns.

A second unclassified intelligence report released Thursday detailed additional Iranian support for Moscow.

Iran "probably is training and assisting Russian soldiers in UAV [drone] operations," it said, adding, "Moscow and Tehran also have agreed to establish a joint production line in Russia for lethal UAVs."

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Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 5, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Malta on the margins of the OSCE Ministerial. The Secretary emphasized the urgency of bringing all of the hostages home, ending the war in Gaza, and establishing a path for the post-conflict period that provides lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. He reiterated that Israel must do more to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed the ongoing cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and the importance of ensuring the agreement is fully implemented. The Secretary reaffirmed the United States' commitment to Israel's security.

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Tokyo-Beijing forum aims to warm chilly relations

By Chung-hsi Tu December 05, 2024

The Tokyo-Beijing Forum was held in person this week in Japan for the first time since it went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the two-day forum from December 4 through 5, officials from Japan and China expressed hopes to warm their frosty relations.

Analysts pointed to China sending a higher-level delegation than at past forums as a sign that Beijing wants closer trade ties with Japan.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya attended in person, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the forum via video. Both expressed hopes for improving China-Japan relations, which cooled after Tokyo's support for Washington's restricted exports of advanced microchips to China amid its increasingly assertive military, and attacks this year on Japanese citizens living in China.

Huang Wei-hsiu, a project researcher at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia at the University of Tokyo, told VOA Mandarin the attendance of former Finance Minister of China Lou Jiwei and former Governor of the People's Bank of China Yi Gang was a sign of China's need for better economic relations.

"Because foreign capital has been leaving, raising the level of economic officials' attendance symbolizes China's emphasis on the economic field with Japan," he said.

China's economic growth has been slowing amid a slump in property prices and low domestic demand. Despite a raft of government stimulus measures, economists say it could drop below 5% growth this year.

China is Japan's top trade partner. In 2022, China exported $178 billion to Japan, while Japan's exports to China was $135 billion.

The ministry said Japan invested $3.4 billion in China in 2020, the most recent year listed, while China invested half a billion dollars directly in Japan.

Cold at the bottom?

Sachio Nakato, a professor of international relations at Ritsumeikan University, told VOA Mandarin that both sides want to see better relations.

"In this sense, [Japan's] Prime Minister [Shigeru] Ishiba and [China's] President Xi [Jinping] have the will to improve relations within the current difficult situations," Nakato said.

However, a joint survey released before the forum by Genron NPO, a Japanese think tank, and state media China International Publishing Group showed the Japanese public generally dislike China, while there is a growing sense of hostility toward Japan among the Chinese public.

"The proportion of Japanese people with a negative view of China has remained consistently above 80% since 2012," Huang said.

"One of the factors contributing to the deterioration of the Japanese people's views on China is the killing, detention and prosecution against Japanese nationals in China for unknown reasons," said Professor Hiromoto Kaji of Aichi University.

"The Chinese government has not explained or responded on the motives of the perpetrators. Japanese public opinion is growing increasingly distrustful of this uncertainty," Kaji said.

Another factor is China's restrictions on the import of Japanese food and other products since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident and release of treated water from the nuclear plant. In August 2023, China temporarily banned the import of Japanese food and feed.

The public opinion survey also showed a sharp drop in the number of Chinese who believe that "Japan-China relations are important"  from 60.1% to 26.8%, the first time it ever dropped below 60%.

To address some of the tension and attract more tourist dollars, China in late November resumed 30-day visa-free travel for Japanese visiting China, which had been halted during the pandemic.

But the action is so far temporary and will expire at the end of 2025 if relations between the two countries don't improve.

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Analysts: China's push for peace in Myanmar draws skepticism

By Nyein Chan Aye December 04, 2024

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."

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Myanmar military presses offensive after two groups agree to talk

Myanmar's junta is attacking pro-democracy militias to take back lost territory.

By RFA Burmese 2024.12.05 -- Myanmar's military is fighting to retake territory lost to anti-junta fighters and killed 11 villagers in its latest assaults, a pro-democracy militia member said on Thursday, after two ethnic minority forces agreed to ceasefires, leaving their pro-democracy allies on their own.

Ethnic minority groups fighting for autonomy have linked up over the past year with pro-democracy militias to seize large parts of Myanmar, including in the Mandalay region, on the approaches to Myanmar's second-largest city.

But two minority rebel groups based in Shan state - the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, or TNLA, and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, or MNDAA - have recently agreed, under Chinese pressure, to ceasefires and talks with the junta.

Now the junta appears to be focusing its fire on the pro-democracy militias known as People's Defense Forces, or PDFs, who have not been included in the ceasefires.

"The military is trying hard to capture their lost territories," said a representative of a pro-democracy militia known as the Myin Chan District PDF, in the Mandalay region.

The PDF tried to consolidate its position in Natogyi township, about 75 kilometers (46 miles) southwest of Mandalay, with an attack on a police station in Pyin Si village this week but the military responded with force on surrounding villages killing 11 civilians.

"They want revenge," the PDF representative said.

One resident told of a pre-dawn air attack on Aung Pan Kone village

"The plane opened fire because it saw light from the fires as people were cooking their rice," said the witness, who declined to be identified for safety reasons. "In one family the son, mother and father were all killed."

A 70-year-old man was killed in Let Wea village while four people were killed in airstrikes on Na Be Myit and Kun Ohn villages, residents said.

An airstrike on a monastery in Tha Man Taw village on Wednesday killed three children, another resident told RFA.

RFA attempted to reach Mandalay region's junta spokesperson Thein Htay for information on the offensive but he did not respond.

Residents of the area told Radio Free Asia the attacks on five villages starting on Monday had displaced nearly 3,000 people.

"They're terrified and in hiding," one resident said.

While the ethnic minority forces like the TNLA and the MNDAA are fighting for self-determination in the regions in which their people live, the PDFs are loyal to the shadow National Unity Government in exile, made up of supporters of the elected government ousted in an early 2021 coup.

The NUG is seeking an end to military rule and for the building of a democratic, federal Myanmar.

Talks with the two groups that have agreed to ceasefire have yet to start.

China, which has extensive economic interests in Myanmar, has been putting pressure on the Shan state minority insurgents to make peace with the junta it backs by closing the border to rebel zones, cutting off essential supplies to the groups and the civilians under their control.

From January to November, nearly 600 people have been killed by airstrikes throughout the country, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners human rights monitoring group.

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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Families in Myanmar forced to pay ransoms to spare members from military service

Junta officials are also collecting money from villagers to support conscripts.

By RFA Burmese 2024.12.05 -- Myanmar junta officials tasked with drafting new recruits for the military are arresting young people and demanding ransoms of more than US$3,000 from their families for their release -- and pocketing the money themselves, residents told Radio Free Asia.

If the families don't pay up, the conscripts are forced to join the military in its fight against rebels in Myanmar's nearly four-year civil war.

Authorities are also forcibly collecting smaller amounts of money from households under the pretext of raising funds to pay for the conscripts' food and supplies, residents said.

The moves come about six months after the junta began conscripting young people to shore up its dwindling military ranks amid mounting battlefield losses. A law requires men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 to serve a minimum of two years, and young people have been fleeing the country ever since.

"The junta normally arrest young people in almost every village at nights, even inside the houses. Some were released with ransom money," said a resident of Okpho township in Bago region. "In some cases, the ransom was paid 3.5 or 4 million kyat per person."

At the time of publishing, the official exchange rate was 2,100 kyats to the U.S. dollar, while the black market exchange rate was 4,300 kyats per dollar. So 4 million kyats would range from US$930 to US$1,900.

In another case, three young men from Let Pan Tone village in Thone Se township were arrested on Nov. 2, according to a villager.

"Two young men were released overnight after each of them paid 7 million kyats (US$1,600 - US$3,300), but the other young man didn't have a single kyat to pay," he said. "After he told them that he couldn't afford to pay even 50,000 kyats, he was immediately taken to Battalion 35 where he is now undergoing military training."

Many new recruits have been sent for training after being detained at gunpoint by junta troops, residents say, and face torture or execution if they are caught trying to escape.

A resident of Bago region's Nat Ta Lin township said that such demands were made of family members in his township last month, as well as those in the townships of Okpho, Minhla, Thone Se, Tharyarwady, Gyobingauk and Zigon.

Taxing villages

In some areas, villagers were required to pay officials to help support the conscripts, the resident said.

"In some villages, if each household has three males, they have to pay 30,000 kyats each," he said. "In villages with fewer households, authorities demanded 100,000 kyats per household."

At the official and black market rates, 100,000 kyats would equal from US$23 to US$48.

In the Bago villages of Tar Pun, Oke Twin Kone, Hla Pa Chin, Aung Pin Thar, Tha Khut Tan, Myay Nu and Shwe Kyar Pin, authorities collected 10,000 kyats per household, while some farming families paid 20,000 kyats per household.

In the smaller village of Tha Khut Tan, residents told RFA they have had to pay up to 100,000 kyats per household. The junta-appointed village administrators recorded which households refused to pay money, they said.

Residents said that junta officials had also arrested as many as 20 people in Minhla and nearly 40 people in the western villages of Okpho township from Nov. 9-18.

Residents told RFA that around 200 young men were arrested from villages in the eastern part of Thone Se township last month for military service.

Three-quarters of them were released after they paid ransoms, they said, but the remaining quarter who couldn't afford to pay were taken to military training depots.

Members of the anti-junta People's Defense Force, or PDF, formed by civilians to protect their communities from the military, told RFA that the junta is also tasking affiliated militias, such as the Pyu Saw Htee, with forcibly recruiting residents.

Attempts by RFA to contact the junta's spokesperson and economic minister for Bago region by phone went unanswered Wednesday, but in October he dismissed reports of officials forcibly recruiting residents and demanding ransoms.

RFA has also received reports of similar arrests in Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Ayeyarwady regions, as well as Mon state.

Threat of legal action

The reports of forced recruitment and demands for ransoms follow a Nov. 7 warning by General Tin Aung San, the minister of defense of the junta council and chairman of the Central Committee for the Conscription of the People's Military Services that "legal action" will be taken against those who fail to join the military after being registered for service.

On Oct. 19, the Burma Affairs and Conflict Study, an independent research group, reported that at least 21,000 recruits were sent to 23 military training depots across the country between the 1st and 5th rounds of military training.

The report said that the junta recruited its goal of 5,000 people for military service as part of its first round of training, but only around 4,000 each in rounds two through five, suggesting that it has turned to forced recruiting to meet quotas.

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes 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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Myanmar to release four Thai fishermen detained after shooting, Thais say

The neighbors have several areas of dispute on their land and sea borders.

By Nontarat Phaicharoen for BenarNews and Pimuk Rakkanam for RFA

2024.12.05

BANGKOK -- Myanmar is to release four Thai fishermen nearly a week after a Myanmar navy boat opened fire on them and detained them for what Myanmar said was an intrusion into its waters in the Andaman Sea, Thai officials said on Friday.

One fisherman drowned after he jumped into the sea and two were injured when a Myanmar boat opened fire in waters near the neighbors' border on Nov. 30.

"The Myanmar side has released all four Thai nationals who were then taken to the immigration checkpoint at Kawthoung-Ranong for processing," Thai foreign ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said late on Thursday.

The four fishermen were released in the southern Myanmar town of Kawthoung and were due to cross over a border inlet there to Thailand's Ranong town, the Thai ministry said.

Thai officials said consular procedures were being carried out before the four would be returned. Radio Free Asia was not able to contact officials in Kawthoung or a spokesman for Myanmar's ruling military.

Thailand and Myanmar have several areas of dispute on their long land border as well as on their maritime border in the Andaman Sea, off the southern tip of Myanmar and southwest Thailand, and disagreements occasionally flare up.

Thailand summoned the Myanmar ambassador on Monday to protest against what it said was an excessive use of force against the fishermen and to demand the release of the four Thais. Myanmar nationals working on the Thai boat were also detained but their fate was not known.

The detained fishermen were on one of three Thai boats that the Myanmar navy fired at in the early hours of Nov. 30. The other two boats escaped.

The skipper of one of the boats that escaped said the Myanmar navy had fired at them "indiscriminately."

Earlier, officials at the Third Naval Command reported that their Myanmar counterparts said the Thai boats had intruded up to 9 kilometers (5.7 miles) into Myanmar waters. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the facts had to be determined.

A spokesman for the Myanmar military, Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, defended the navy's action saying Myanmar forces were wary of insurgent infiltration.

It was not immediately clear when Myanmar would also release the boat it seized, the Sor Charoenchai 8.

It was not the first incident in the contested area in recent years.

In 2020, Myanmar detained a Thai fishing boat carrying 20 Thai and Chinese tourists, saying it had entered Myanmar waters illegally. Myanmar held the tourists for a month before their release following negotiations.

Edited by Taejun Kang.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization.

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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Secretary Blinken's Call with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 5, 2024

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul following recent developments in the ROK. Secretary Blinken expressed deep concerns about the declaration of martial law in the ROK and welcomed the lifting of martial law following a unanimous vote at the National Assembly. The Secretary conveyed his confidence in the democratic resilience of the ROK during this period, and noted he expects the ROK's democratic process to prevail. Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the progress made in the bilateral relationship, including the robust trilateral partnership with Japan, which promotes our shared values and the prosperity and stability of the Indo-Pacific. Secretary Blinken also reaffirmed that our commitment to the Alliance remains ironclad, and that the American people stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of the Republic of Korea and will continue to do so in the face of any provocations or threats to the Alliance.

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The troubled history of South Korean presidents

December 05, 2024

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.

2016: Park impeached, jailed

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.

Lee Myung-bak: 15 years in prison

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 favors 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.

Roh Moo-hyun: suicide

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 $1 million to his wife and $5 million to the husband of one of his nieces.

1987: autocrat Chun retires

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.

1979: dictator Park assassinated

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.

1961: Yun overthrown in a coup

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.

1960: exile of first president

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.

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South Korea's ruling party opposes impeachment of president over martial law debacle

By William Gallo, Lee Juhyun December 05, 2024

Leaders of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's 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 Yoon's 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 PPP's parliamentary floor leaders, said none of the party's 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 president's 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 Korea's 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 Korea's 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 Yoon's 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.

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South Korea's Yoon faces impeachment as key conservative turns against him

By William Gallo December 06, 2024

The head of South Korea's ruling People Power Party has announced support for suspending the duties of President Yoon Suk Yeol - a stunning, last-minute move to abandon his fellow conservative leader that analysts say greatly increases the chances of Yoon's impeachment over his failed attempt at martial law.

At a party meeting on Friday, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon called for the "swift suspension" of Yoon's duties, citing "newly revealed facts" that suggest Yoon had attempted to use intelligence agencies to arrest prominent lawmakers, accusing them of being "anti-state forces."

"President Yoon has not acknowledged that the illegal martial law was a mistake. If President Yoon continues to carry out his duties, there is a significant risk of a recurrence of such extreme actions ... which could pose a great threat to the Republic of Korea and its people," Han said, using South Korea's formal name.

Yoon, frustrated for months by what he saw as opposition attempts to obstruct his governance, declared martial law late Tuesday, claiming it was necessary to "crush anti-state forces" and "protect constitutional order."

Within hours, South Korean lawmakers overturned the decree, after fighting their way through police and military personnel who had been sent to the National Assembly Building.

The opposition, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, plans to vote on Yoon's impeachment late Saturday.

Tensions building

Adding to the urgency, South Korean media on Friday reported unconfirmed rumors that a second attempt at martial law was being planned, though the reports were quickly denied by the military.

In a live-streamed interview on YouTube, Kwak Jong-geun, the head of South Korea's special warfare command, said he would not enforce a second martial law decree, should he receive such orders.

Kwak also said that during the first short-lived martial law, he refused orders to clear lawmakers from the National Assembly, viewing such a move as illegal.

South Korea's Ministry of National Defense later suspended Kwak and two other senior military commanders who were involved in the first martial law declaration, according to the Yonhap news agency.

At the country's legislature, tensions were briefly high on Friday, amid rumors that Yoon was set to visit and meet with lawmakers in an attempt to find a path forward that does not involve impeachment.

In preparation for Yoon's rumored visit, hundreds of opposition lawmakers and officials gathered at the entrance, warning Yoon to stay away.

Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Min-seok told a public gathering that his party had informed the presidential office that Yoon would not be allowed to enter the grounds. Yoon's office later said that he had no plans to visit.

PPP leader a key figure

South Korean police on Thursday announced they have opened an investigation into charges that Yoon and other senior leaders committed treason related to the events of Tuesday night.

On Friday, South Korea's Chosun Ilbo reported that Yoon ordered South Korea's spy agency to arrest Han, the conservative party leader who had once been a close ally and colleague of Yoon during their earlier careers as prosecutors.

Han, who had previously served as Yoon's justice minister, has played a key role in the political drama unfolding this week.

Immediately after Yoon declared martial law, Han opposed the effort, and 18 members of his conservative party voted to overturn the decree.

However, on Thursday Han and his fellow conservatives began to rally around Yoon, saying they would oppose the impeachment, which they claimed would paralyze the country.

Han changed his stance again on Friday, saying he had obtained "credible evidence" that Yoon was trying to arrest senior lawmakers.

"I firmly believe that now is the time to think solely about the nation and its citizens," he said.

Constitutional court uncertainty

To succeed, at least eight members of the PPP must support the impeachment motion. So far, only two conservatives have publicly said they will vote to impeach Yoon.

But after Han's reversal, many observers say it now appears likely that the impeachment will pass.

If Yoon is impeached, he would be immediately suspended while the Constitutional Court deliberates on whether to remove him from office, a process that could take weeks or even months.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the presentation of the Rostov Region, Moscow, December 4, 2024

4 December 2024 16:54

2361-04-12-2024



Mr Slyusar,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Colleagues,

Friends,

Allow me to extend my heartfelt greetings to all the participants in the presentation of the Rostov Region. As always, we are delighted to welcome federal and regional officials, members of the diplomatic corps, Russian and foreign business leaders, media representatives, and Foreign Ministry employees.

I would like to congratulate Mr Slyusar on his recent appointment as Acting Governor of the Rostov Region and wish him every success in fulfilling all the plans to develop the region as devised by his predecessors.

The Land of the Don, which is synonymous to the Rostov Region, is one of the key regions in the southern part of Russia in terms of its economy, agriculture, and transport.

People living in the Rostov Region have become famous for their hospitality, and I know this having benefited from it myself. Moreover, they have a deep feeling of respect for their glorious past, which dates back centuries. People there cherish and honour their good traditions. This land produced and shaped outstanding talents who went on to make an invaluable contribution to Russian and world culture, including the great writer Anton Chekhov, Nobel Prize laureates in Literature Mikhail Sholokhov and Alexander Solzhenitsyn, and Yury Bashmet, who is a remarkable musician.

The Rostov Region is also home to the Don Cossacks who became famous for their unique culture and their adherence to strict morale. They have served as role models in their sincere and genuine patriotic aspirations at all times. In 2025, we will be marking 455 years since the Don Cossacks started serving the Russian state. Today, their descendants carry on with the noble cause of their ancestors by defending Russia's interests with pride and dignity, including as part of the special military operation.

The Rostov Region is Russia's breadbasket. It offers impressive capabilities in manufacturing and tourism too. I cannot fail to mention the region's advanced solutions in the agricultural machine building sector, chemistry, and food production, as well as in renewable energy. It is largely thanks to this vibrant nature that the region has emerged as one of the top Russian regions in terms of its investment appeal.

The region has not been complacent and continues to generate positive development momentum. Today, it is one of the top-performing regional economies in Russia by its gross regional product.

The Foreign Ministry welcomes the commitment by the region's leadership and its businesses to attracting foreign investment, while also expanding their cultural, humanitarian, and tourist exchanges. The region has been proactive in promoting international cooperation and has been working with more than 140 countries with a focus on the CIS, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

The Foreign Ministry will do everything to support these efforts with the view to enabling the Rostov Region to better unlock its immense economic and cultural potential. We will continue to accompany it when searching for new reliable partners ready to work with us in a mutually beneficial, business-like manner free from any momentary political considerations.

Friends,

I am convinced that today's presentation will give you a comprehensive vision of this region and serve as an opportunity to get to know its leading companies. In fact, many of them enjoy a solid reputation in Russia and far beyond its borders and have been working abroad for quite a while. I do hope that this presentation paves the way for talks on joint projects and initiatives.

I also hope that today's event inspires its participants to travel to the Rostov Region and discover its history and traditions, manufacturing capabilities, and its unique nature.

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Press release on a meeting of the Russian Federation Interagency Commission for the Council of Europe

4 December 2024 14:56

2357-04-12-2024

On December 4, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov chaired a regular, 27th, meeting of the Russian Federation Interagency Commission for the Council of Europe (CE).

The Commission analysed the CE's current anti-Russia activities, primarily its continued course for stepping up a legal aggression against the Russian Federation via the creation of illegitimate, pseudo-legalistic mechanisms for bringing Russia to "account" in connection with the special military operation. Additional measures have been outlined to neutralise unfriendly actions undertaken against Russia.

The Commission reaffirmed the Russian Federation's refusal to participate in the Council of Europe multilateral conventions that no longer meet its interests, up to denouncing the relevant agreements.

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A commitment to strengthen sanctions against Russia made at the forum in Riga

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

05.12.2024

On December 5, 2024, Latvia and the United States jointly convened an expert gathering on sanctions and export controls in Riga. The event brought together officials from the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, the European Union (EU), 15 EU member states, and Ukraine.

The transatlantic coalition reiterated its commitment to use sanctions and export controls to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia's brutal, unlawful aggression. These economic tools deprive Russia of revenue and disrupt its war machine.

As Russia continues to fight, it faces increasingly difficult tradeoffs. Sanctions and export controls are most effective when they are imposed with partners and aligned across jurisdictions. The impacts these measures have achieved since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine reflect the benefits of a coordinated international approach.

The discussion in Riga focused especially on countering circumvention and identifying new ways to increase economic pressure. The gathering provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from a diverse set of experiences designing, implementing, and enforcing sanctions and export controls.

In opening remarks, Andzejs Vilumsons (State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia) stated: "The unprecedented set of comprehensive sanctions against Russia that are successfully coordinated among our allies and partners is meant to keep pressure on Russia to end its illegal and brutal war against Ukraine. We can witness that sanctions are working, but our ultimate goal is to stop this war of aggression and restore the international rules-based order after all by achieving peace, security and justice."

To conclude the event, Assistant Secretary Thea D. Rozman Kendler (U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security) explained: "Our coordination and alignment with allies is our strength. Just as our controls have never been more relevant, our relationships have never been stronger. These measures are disrupting Russia's war efforts against Ukraine by increasing costs, causing production delays, and reducing Russia's equipment quality. We are grateful to all of our government and industry partners in this effort."

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions following the meeting of the OSCE Council of Foreign Ministers, Valletta, December 5, 2024

5 December 2024 19:38

2375-05-12-2024

The OSCE Foreign Ministerial Council is convening in Malta. This is not the inaugural year that the Organisation has found itself in a profound crisis. Established on the tenets of equality, it was designed to consider mutual interests and seek a balance among them.

The cornerstone of the OSCE is consensus which forms the foundation of all its endeavours. This principle was compromised many years ago. Consequently, for more than one year, foreign ministers have not adopted any documents, diverging from the historical practice where consensus was upheld and never challenged.

We fail to comprehend the objectives pursued by the West in perpetuating aggressive rhetoric towards Russia annually. They attribute all the problems afflicting Europe to us, while disregarding the evidence that indicates it is the West that breaches all the accords established since the cessation of the Cold War. Since the OSCE's inception, the West appears unwilling to acknowledge the principles I have cited. In reality, it employs the Organisation, including its Chairpersonship and Secretariat, to advance its self-serving agenda and to "punish" (as it perceives) undesirable nations.

Today, we have candidly discussed this situation and underscored one crucial aspect. Irrespective of whether the West desires it or not, the process of constructing new security architecture is underway. This architecture is no longer anchored in the Euro-Atlantic vision but rather in the understanding that the unified Eurasian continent is now facilitating opportunities for all to equitably ensure the interests of everyone and to construct the very indivisible security that was proclaimed within the OSCE. Yet, this has been dismantled by the actions of the West in recklessly expanding NATO eastwards. There were explicit plans (which we are aware of) to incorporate Ukraine into NATO's "embrace", thereby posing direct threats to security on our borders.

The Eurasian concept is predicated on the natural, geographical, economic, and infrastructural opportunities accessible to all nations of the Eurasian continent. It is the largest, most populous, and fastest-growing landmass. It is home to countries representing great civilisations such as the Chinese, Indian, and Persian. We aspire to amalgamate all these opportunities of our continent to promote a common agenda that will be agreeable to all.

The Second International Conference on Eurasian Security was convened in Minsk at the end of October this year. Consequently, together with our Belarusian counterparts, we advocated the development of a Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century. We disseminated its elements among the countries that are members of the SCO, EAEU, CSTO, and CIS. We have also shared it with ASEAN members. We shall persist in advancing this concept through dialogue with all other nations, including European countries that express interest in joining this discourse.

The conference in Minsk was graced by the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto. Slovakia has also shown interest. I am confident that other countries will recognise the direct benefits of this initiative in terms of advancing their long-term interests and addressing the needs of their populations.

In Malta, alongside our CIS colleagues, we issued three joint statements: On the importance of preserving war memorials commemorating the events of the Second World War, On intensifying efforts to combat intolerance and discrimination against Christians, Muslims, and adherents of other religions, and On countering radicalisation leading to terrorism and extremism.

Such are our evaluations. Naturally, we will need to further examine the questions raised during the discussion. Our Western counterparts, almost unanimously, adopt a purely biased stance and pursue a path of confrontation instead of cooperation and ensuring security, as the very name of the OSCE necessitates.

Question: Is there any chance to make international institutions created after World War II more effective? If not, is it possible to set up new ones? What particular principles should underlie their functioning?

Sergey Lavrov: As a matter of fact, everything humanity needs to prosper and to sustainably develop is laid down in the Charter of the United Nations. The West tends to yank a particular principle from the Charter to suit its immediate interests and never respects the Charter in its entirety.

We have cited this example before. In 2008, they unilaterally declared Kosovo's independence, saying that the Charter principle has it that everyone must respect the right of nations to self-determination. A few years later, when, in response to the illegal coup and the aggression on the part of the putschists who came to power in Kiev, the residents of Crimea declared their independence and joined Russia, Westerners immediately said that this violated the principle of territorial integrity. The examples abound.

The foundational principle of the Charter states that the United Nations is based on the sovereign equality of states. Never, not in any conflict, not in any situation that has developed around the world after World War II and after the UN had been created, has the West respected the principle of sovereign equality of states.

It acts roughly along the same lines in the OSCE. The United States has brought to heel not only NATO, but the European Union, which is in the process of becoming an appendage of NATO and is providing its capabilities for the military planning by the North Atlantic Alliance directed against the Russian Federation.

The UN itself is hit hard in many ways by this policy of domination. To a large extent, the West has privatised the UN Secretariat. Citizens of NATO countries man all the key positions that define the organisation's areas of focus and activities. No one is benefitting from this. The World Majority countries have teamed up with us to advance a fair reform of the UN, which should address the under-representation of Asian, African and Latin American countries in the Security Council, and deal with over-representation of the West in the Secretariat and other bodies. We have proposed a number of criteria which we can use to carry out such a reform. This is a challenging issue which needs our time and effort to be properly addressed. But we will stay the course.

Question: In 2025, the OSCE Chairpersonship will be taken over by Finland. Does Russia have any objections to that, given Helsinki's recent policies? Has there been any discussion here about who will hold the chairpersonship in 2026?

Sergey Lavrov: When the decision was made about who would hold the chairpersonship in 2025, we supported Finland's nomination. Finland was not yet a NATO member, and upheld its neutrality which it took pride in, and planned to hold an honourable celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. Since then, it has become a member of the Alliance, but we don't believe we should make any fuss about it.

I don't think the future of the OSCE depends on who is at the helm. The West is doing everything it can to undercut the very raison d'etre of this organisation. We will oppose this. However, the Westerners have been overly aggressive in dealing with these matters and have been pursuing this policy for many years now, essentially destroying the OSCE. We will need to see what we can do with it going forward.

Question: In the run-up to today's meeting, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused the OSCE of putting a Ukrainian slant on its agenda which paralyses all three dimensions of security: political and military, economic and environmental, and humanitarian. Do you think there is at least one Western international organisation out there whose agenda is not overly focused on Ukraine?

Sergey Lavrov: If we are talking about Western organisations, of course, there are none. There is no such organisation where the West does not promote the Ukraine issue aggressively and unscrupulously, twisting the facts and resorting to outright lies, whitewashing the crimes perpetrated by Zelensky's racist regime, and blaming the Russian Federation for everything that is happening, while completely ignoring our arguments about the importance of looking into the deep-running root causes of what led to the current situation in Ukraine, which we have been clearly communicating to the entire international community for many years now.

These reasons are as follows. Direct military threats to the Russian Federation have been created in Ukraine by the attempts to draw it into NATO. They planned to deploy their military bases off the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. The second root cause includes the policy of the regime, which came to power on the heels of a coup in 2014, to annihilate everything Russian, including education, media, and culture. They got this policy underway long before the special military operation began. Laws to that effect have been passed since 2017, and eventually led to a crisis. The West, which never misses a chance to talk about human rights, went deathly silent in the case of Ukraine and turned a blind eye to outright annihilation of the rights of ethnic Russians and Russian speakers, including not only the language in all spheres, but also in connection with the recently adopted law banning the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Ignoring these root causes will do no good to anyone. We will uphold our position, since we are on the right side of this situation.

All initiatives put forward in good faith by our partners from different continents, which are aimed at identifying a political solution, must take into account the importance of ensuring the security interests of each country and respecting human rights regardless of race, gender, language or religion, which is explicitly laid out in the UN Charter.

All of this has been brazenly trampled upon by the Kiev regime. We have no hope for Western organisations. That is why we are not talking about Euro-Atlantic entities, including the OSCE, but about the importance of building a process for strengthening security in the Eurasian context on our entire continent.

Question: EU politicians are increasingly often discussing the idea of moving their troops into Ukraine. Does this scenario sit well with Russia?

Sergey Lavrov: Your question comes with an answer. I believe these fantasies only make the situation worse and show that the political figures who are promoting such ideas are insistently reluctant to hear clearly articulated public warnings that President Putin has issued on many occasions.

Question: Are any in-person Astana format meetings at the ministerial level planned to be held to discuss the situation in Aleppo?

Sergey Lavrov: Yes, we are discussing plans to call a ministerial meeting this week with our Turkish and Iranian partners.

Question: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia's return to the CSTO is becoming increasingly difficult, if not impossible, stressing that the relations are beyond the point of no return. Did the CSTO receive any documents concerning Armenia's withdrawal from the organisation?

Sergey Lavrov: No, it didn't. We hear words to that effect. Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan discussed this subject extensively in the parliament. We don't impose anything on anyone. We are convinced that using the CSTO membership to the hilt is in the best interests of Armenia's security. If a decision, which he speaks of as a foregone conclusion, is effectively made, it will then be the sovereign right of the current Armenian leadership to do so. Russia, or other CSTO members for that matter, have not taken and are not going to take any action that could be construed as closing the door to Yerevan.

Question: You mentioned the 1989 Malta Summit today which, in fact, epitomised the end of the Cold War in Europe and beyond. Back then, General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee Mikhail Gorbachev told US President George H.W. Bush that the Soviet Union would never attack the United States. Thirty-five years later, we are facing a wall, or to use a more accurate term, a front line between our countries. Are we still committed to the idea that Russia will never attack the United States?

Sergey Lavrov: We do not want to attack anyone at all. The United States has attacked us using the Ukrainian regime as a proxy. It is waging a war against us using Ukrainian neo-Nazis, arming them, and helping them shell our territory with long-range weapons, as they directly participate in preparing such attacks. This is not something we chose.

President Putin has repeatedly made it clear that we had been left with no other choice but to start the special military operation. The Westerners have long been working on it as they turned Ukraine into a staging ground for creating threats to the Russian Federation.

We remain committed to it. The only problem we have in our relations with the United States is that they don't keep their end of the bargain, they are unable to honour agreements that we arrive at. Starting with those bright and promising agreements that Mikhail Gorbachev and George H.W. Bush reached in Malta, and across all other areas, including the OSCE.

They promised not to move NATO eastward, but did exactly the opposite. They signed the documents at the OSCE summits to the effect that not a single organisation in this space would claim dominance. The Alliance has been doing exactly the opposite all these years.

The examples abound, including with regard to the Ukraine crisis. In 2014, an agreement was reached, and the next morning a coup broke out. The West swallowed and even encouraged it. It went along the same lines with the Minsk agreements approved by the UN Security Council. The West praised them all it could, but in reality did nothing to stop the Kiev regime from grossly violating them. In April 2022, in Istanbul, when the special military operation was already underway, an agreement was reached to end the armed conflict. The West told the Ukrainians not to make it a legally binding agreement.

President Putin said we would never again find ourselves in a situation that existed before early 2022, meaning precisely that all the previous years after the end of the Cold War, the West agreed on certain things and extolled them, but in fact it flagrantly violated all agreements and did everything to suppress the legitimate interests of the Russian Federation, or any other competitor for that matter.

We have learned our lessons and will never slam the door shut to relations with whoever it may be, but we will take a hard look at the kind of ideas those who have declared war on us using the Kiev regime as a proxy, who have imposed sweeping sanctions on us, and who accuse us of all mortal sins, will bring to the table. If and when they come to their senses and come up with specific ideas based on respect for each other's interests, we will see and draw our conclusions based on what such possible proposals are actually all about.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the 31st Meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, Valletta, December 5, 2024

5 December 2024 16:30

2372-05-12-2024

Thank you, Mr Chairman-in-Office.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Funnily enough, exactly 35 years ago, Malta hosted the famous summit, which, in historians' assessment, ended the Cold War and ushered in an era of lasting peace and cooperation between East and West.

There are other anniversaries to be marked soon. The 50th anniversary of signing the Final Act is only a few days away - a document designed to forever eliminate the threat of war in Europe, which has been home to one of the greatest civilisations as well as a scene of some of the most devastating conflicts in human history.

The nations that gathered in Helsinki in 1975 put the principle of indivisible security at the centre of their effort to end confrontation, agreeing that the security of one nation is inseparable from other countries in its region, that no country shall strengthen its security at the expense of others, and no country or organisation shall claim dominance in Europe. The document also proclaimed the comprehensive nature of security, which was to be approached through the politico-military, the economic and environmental, and the human dimensions. Everyone solemnly swore an oath to consensus, the cornerstone of the OSCE.

Between the 1975 Security Conference and today lies an enormous gap - a chasm, in fact. Over that time, the progress towards implementing the inviolable principles this forum was created to promote, and which all of us have pledged to implement rigorously (irrespective of membership of other supranational entities) was halted to be later reversed and give way to a rules-based international order, with new ideological, political, military and economic rules, and values.

Life has shown that for NATO and the EU, the Helsinki principles are a valueless scrap of paper. They consider it a burden to respect and apply them, while forcing others to fulfil them, selectively, but only to the extent that suits the West and its interests. Declaring Russia a threat and pursuing Russophobic policies is now seen as an absolution for the most egregious violations of international law.

The West's resolve to press for its neo-colonial hegemony by any means culminated in the NATO aggression against Yugoslavia in 1999, the dismemberment of a state in the centre of Europe, and has now manifested again, in the Ukrainian conflict they incited to contain Russia and inflict a "strategic defeat" on our country on the battlefield.

In its time, the Helsinki spirit was seen as a barometer of detente, with the arms control instruments first proposed in the late 1980s providing a solid foundation for it. The underlying idea was to dismantle the material legacy of the Cold War and build up mutual trust, to provide more security with less capabilities, to stop wasting enormous resources on the risk of a pointless and self-destructive military confrontation, and to join forces in countering cross-border challenges and threats.

This course of action was codified in the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty, the Treaty on Open Skies, the Forum for Security Co-operation initiative, the Immediate Action Programme and other fundamental OSCE documents governing diverse aspects of military development and military behaviour.

However, the United States and its allies have dumped it all, just like the ABM and the INF treaties. The question is: what for? The answer is clear: to satisfy the desire to bring NATO back to the political centre stage. After the disgraceful withdrawal from Afghanistan, they needed a new enemy to coalesce around. As a result, we saw a reincarnation of the Cold War, only this time with a much greater risk of it evolving into a hot phase. Borders wrapped in barbed wire, anti-tank ditches, standing in line for the right to have foreign troops (preferably American) deployed on one's territory is the perfect image of security for those who declared themselves "frontline states" fighting against the "Russian threat."

The same unenviable fate befell the economic and environmental dimension of the OSCE, which was supposed to be a mechanism for harmonising the interests of all participating states. However, the West trampled upon the OSCE principles and embarked on a path of suppressing its competitors by means of economic and social coercion and imposing illegitimate sanctions on Russia, Belarus and any other country for that matter that dares to uphold its legitimate national interests.

Things are even worse in the third "basket," which is chock-full of pseudo-liberal "values," notably, without any consensus whatsoever. Generally speaking, the "values" theme has also been turned into a tool of diktat. The fundamental goals, such as promoting tolerance and intercultural dialogue, access to information, combatting the manifestations of neo-Nazism, Islamophobia and Christianophobia, protecting the rights of ethnic minorities and believers - have been wiped out from the Organisation's agenda.

The Western countries, the Chairmanship, the Secretary General, and all OSCE institutions, which never miss an opportunity to show their concern for human rights, are keeping deathly silence while watching the Nazi regime in Kiev, which since 2017 has adopted a series of laws annihilating the Russian language in every sphere, including education, media, culture, and art, and recently outlawed the canonical UOC, do what it's doing. This is despite the fact that Article 1 of the UN Charter requires respect for the linguistic and religious rights of every individual. But EU leaders are only saying that Zelensky's regime is upholding "European values." This is nothing short of handing oneself in and admitting that racism is now a "European value."

One would think that given the ongoing profound changes in the balance of global forces, the OSCE could become a focal point reflecting the interests of all members of the European space. However, no one in this audience would ever think of using the OSCE for this purpose. NATO and EU members would never think of doing that, because they have pushed the OSCE to the sidelines of political processes, and for us and everyone else, because such an OSCE makes no sense. There is no room for cooperation or security in real politics within the OSCE.

There is not a single sphere in which the OSCE could play even a marginally useful role in finding answers to direct questions within its terms of reference. Does the investigation of the terrorist attack on the Nord Stream pipelines not fall within the remit of the first and second "baskets?" Does the abolition of the rights of ethnic minorities and the banning of all Russian-language media in Ukraine not worry the institutions of the once respected organisation? Perhaps, the OSCE could ask the Kiev regime to publish the names of those whose bodies were neatly laid out in the streets of Bucha in April 2022 and presented to the world by the BBC correspondents who happened to be around so conveniently? We have made this request many times both to journalists accredited to the United Nations and to Secretary-General Guterres. They usually look bashfully the other way. Perhaps, the OSCE could help us locate the truth? After all, it has had special, albeit not entirely legitimate, ties with the Kiev regime since the time of the special monitoring mission, when that mission covered up its crimes.

The West has manipulated its way into privatising the OSCE Secretariat, just like it did with regard to the executive bodies of the United Nations and many other multilateral organisations. It has never had any respect for the principle of consensus, which it began to destroy decades ago, first, as an exception in the case of the ODIHR, under the motto of the Office's "autonomy", which has never been agreed upon by anyone. Then, it continued by abusing the atavisms of the Vienna and Moscow mechanisms, which were created in an entirely different era of "smiles and hugs," which were completely fake, as is now clear to everyone.

The latest example is the outrageous mockery by the Danish Chairmanship of the Forum for Security Cooperation of the universally agreed rules of procedure. The desecration of the functions of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office when Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's visa was cancelled at the last minute is part of the same string of events.

Another trick they use to break the consensus is the refusal to reach an agreement on rules for funding extrabudgetary projects. Western countries, without any consultation with other countries, simply allocate funds for confrontational events that play into their hand, and the obedient Secretariat hangs out an OSCE "plaque" on them.

I have a serious warning to make: the OSCE exists only as long as there is consensus and as long as each country is guaranteed to have its interests taken into account. Now, there is neither consensus, nor guarantees left.

The OSCE is a victim of the policy of subordinating Europe to the United States through Euro-Atlantic security concepts. NATO and Europe alone are not enough for Washington; it has now brought both the EU and the OSCE Secretariat to its heel. However, this is not the limit, either: the Biden administration is moving NATO's infrastructure to the Asia-Pacific region, and military blocs with a nuclear component are being created there. Military exercises with NATO participation are being stepped up in the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait and around the Korean Peninsula. We are witnessing a clear attempt to destabilise the entire Eurasian continent.

We must prevent the tragedies of many countries from Afghanistan to Haiti from replaying in the Asia-Pacific region. In those countries, Uncle Sam came, wreaked havoc and then watched what happened and forced others to clean up his mess. We are convinced that the "regional solutions to regional problems" principle is a viable alternative for Eurasia. The countries of the continent must determine their own future. The objective and inexorable course of history puts responsible politicians under obligation to think about the future of their nations. In addition to ideological considerations that neoliberals are so enamoured with, the everyday interests of voters should be taken into account as well. For example, the cost of energy in Europe is three to four times higher than in the United States. The Euro-Atlantic region is losing its status as the engine of global development. The United States has used Europe, and has now turned its focus to the Asia-Pacific region in an effort to maximise the neo-colonial rent.

The principles of sovereign equality of states and mutually respectful dialogue which were killed in the OSCE get embodied in projects of mutually beneficial cooperation within the SCO, the CIS, the EAEU, the CSTO, Union State of Russia and Belarus, and other Eurasian associations that are not related to the OSCE. There are no "teachers" and "disciples," no neo-colonial practices, no ideology-driven approaches such as "he who is not with us is against us." Instead, there is mutual respect and a push to seek a fair balance of interests.

The growing interest in such equitable alliances was clearly seen during the BRICS summit in Kazan and the recent Second International Conference on Eurasian Security in Minsk. As a result, Russia and Belarus have put forward an initiative to draft a Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century. We would welcome the involvement in this work of all countries located in Eurasia that value the goals of indivisible security, which proved unattainable in the bankrupt Euro-Atlantic configurations.

I am convinced that the future lies in a pan-Eurasian architecture that is open to all countries of the continent and embodies a new polycentric state of the world. It is sad to see the OSCE leadership and those who manipulate it deliberately leave this organisation outside the framework of creative work and the objective course of history. However, every country in Eurasia has its own sovereign national choice to make.

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Press release on the adoption of UN General Assembly resolution on eradicating colonialism in all its forms and manifestations



5 December 2024 15:31

2371-05-12-2024

On December 4, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution titled Eradication of Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations, which was drafted by the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter with the guiding role of Russia. A total of 113 countries voted for it, 63 states abstained, and none of the UN member states voted against it. The document was previously approved by the Special Political and Decolonisation Committee (C-24) and the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly.

This convincing support shows that this initiative fully meets the fundamental interests of the Global Majority. Its representatives are resolved to join forces in the struggle against the relics of the shameful colonial era and the modern manifestations of colonialism, which are seriously hindering the development of a more just multipolar world that will provide conditions for the comprehensive and sovereign development of states without any form of coercion.

The core of the abstaining group is made up of the former Western parent states, which bear the brunt of responsibility for centuries of colonial oppression of Asian, African and Latin American countries. This resolution was extremely unsuitable for them. However, they decided against opposing the Global South and East.

The main goal of that initiative is to ensure the full implementation of the 1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. In this context, it provides for declaring December 14 as an annual International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations (marking the day when the Declaration was adopted) and preparing thematic information awareness and educational programmes.

This resolution will help organise systemic efforts to eradicate all manifestations of colonialism. Moreover, it will serve as a solid foundation for advancing new anti-colonial initiatives within the UN framework and at other multilateral platforms. Russia is fully ready for this work together with the many countries that think likewise.

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On 27 November Chief of General Staff of Russian Federation General of Army Valery Gerasimov and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff of Armed Forces of United States of America General Charles have telephone call

05.12.2024

On 27 November, on the initiative of the Russian side, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Federation General of the Army Valery Gerasimov and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces of the United States of America General Charles Brown had a telephone call.

During the conversation, the American side was informed of exercises in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea by groups of forces of the Russian Navy and Russian Aerospace Forces with live fires and launches of precision missiles.

This information was provided in order to prevent possible incidents due to presence of United States and NATO ships in the vicinity of the Russian exercise area.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Chinese military delegation visits facilities of Russian Defence Ministry in Far East

05.12.2024

In Ussuriysk, the visit of the Northern unified strategic command directorate (Chinese People's Liberation Army) is over.

There was a meeting with the command of the Easter MD. The states summed up the results of joint activities of the military districts brotherhood and discussed the prospects for further development of good-neighbourly relations and increasing the intensity of military cooperation in 2025 aimed at ensuring security in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Chinese delegation visited an airbase of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Primorsky region. The Chinese guests saw modern Russian aircraft in service with the Aerospace Forces and familiarised with the history of the unit, and the peculiarities of the pilots training process.

'Such bilateral events contribute to development of good neighbourly relations and increase of trust between the military districts,' said assistant to the Eastern MD commnder on international cooperation colonel Ivan Tarayev.

Press Service of the Eastern Military District

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Russia's malign activities in the the OSCE area: Joint statement to OSCE Ministerial Council 2024

UK and others underline that Russia's malicious activities in the OSCE region, which aim to undermine support for Ukraine, will not work.

6 December 2024

I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the following 42 participating States: Albania, Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Mr. Chair, Russia's unprovoked, unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine has shown the Kremlin's contempt for the fundamental norms of the international rules-based order, including the UN Charter and the principles of the Helsinki Final Act. Russia's aggressive behaviour remains the main threat to comprehensive security and cooperation in the OSCE area and with dangerous effects beyond. We reiterate our firm support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.

In the midst of its war of aggression against Ukraine, the Russian Federation conducts hostile activities aimed at fostering distrust in our democratic institutions, undermining free and fair elections, negatively affecting the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, degrading our critical infrastructure, subverting democratic processes, undermining international structures, targeting government entities, exacerbating polarization within societies and destabilizing societal cohesion across the OSCE region.

Russia applies conventional, cyber and hybrid threats towards its neighbours and other OSCE participating States. Russia is using sabotage operations and espionage, acts of violence, assassination attempts, disinformation campaigns, information manipulation and interference, malicious cyber activities, air space violations, GPS jamming against civil aviation, political subversion, instrumentalization of irregular migration, economic coercion and other hybrid operations to achieve its geopolitical goals.

Acting under the guise of a state-media organization, Russia also conducts hostile covert information operations, which are further amplified through social media, including Russia's diplomatic representations. These covert information operations are targeting countries around the world, including in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

Russia's malign activity is aimed at challenging the rules-based international order, justifying Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, deflecting responsibility for the global consequences of its war of aggression, and undermining international solidarity in support for Ukraine and its rightful self-defence.

We strongly condemn such malicious activities conducted by the Russian Federation in the OSCE area and beyond. This continuous pattern of irresponsible behaviour runs counter to the principles of the Helsinki Final Act and OSCE commitments agreed by all participating states, including the Russian Federation.

We underline that Russia's attempts to undermine support to Ukraine will not succeed. Instead, they are only strengthening our resolve and our unwavering commitment to Ukraine.

Russia must respect the OSCE principles and commitments, end its illegal war, withdraw all its forces from Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, and stop its malign activities towards other OSCE participating States and OSCE Partners for Cooperation.

Protecting our open societies, our shared values and our democratic principles is the top priority for our governments. We remain committed to holding to account those responsible for international crimes and supporting those affected by their violations and abuses, including the people of Ukraine but also those in other countries affected by Russia's malign activities. We are determined to prevent, deter and respond to Russia's malicious behaviour and destabilising activities. We will continue to strengthen our resilience, including by exposing the tactics, techniques and procedures of Russia's malign activities and will continue to develop our individual and collective capacity to counter hybrid threats. We believe that the OSCE should contribute to enhancing our common resilience and awareness.

We will continue to provide all relevant support to Ukraine and other OSCE participating States to strengthen their resilience in the face of destabilising activities by Russia and to erode Russia's capacity to conduct covert influence operations. It is in our common interest to change Russia's aggressive behaviour. I thank you.

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Syrian Army Says It Has Withdrawn From Key City After Rebel Advance

By RFE/RL December 05, 2024

The Syrian Army said it was redeploying troops "to preserve civilians lives and prevent urban combat" after Islamist-led rebels entered the key city of Hama, another loss for the country's president, Bashar al-Assad, as well as his allies in Russia and Iran.

"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," a Syrian Army statement said on December 5.

Hama, Syria's fourth-largest city, is key to the defense of Damascus and the gateway to the coastal cities of Tartus and Latakia, the former being home to a strategic Russian naval base.

Syrian and Russian forces had shelled the rebels a day earlier and used air strikes to try and stop their advance.

"With that (advance in Hama), Assad's in real trouble. Homs is next & its countryside is FAR more amenable to facilitating an opposition advance," Charles Lister, a senior fellow and the Director of the Syria and Countering Terrorism & Extremism programs at the Middle East Institute, wrote on X.

The rebels, led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have made major advances over the past several days, including the capture of Aleppo, the country's largest city, as well as 14 central villages and towns, and gotten as close as 35 kilometers from the Russian-operated Khmeimim Airbase.

Syria turned over the air base to Russia in 2015 as Moscow moved in to help Damascus turn the tide of a four-year civil war in its favor.

Besides HTS, the rebels also include an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army.

The United Nations has said tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced by the fighting.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/syrian-army- says-it-has-withdrawn-from-key-city-after-rebel-advance-/33227989.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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No matter how long it takes, the perpetrators must be held to account for the use of chemical weapons in Syria: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on chemical weapons in Syria.

5 December 2024

To note, the UK will continue to defend the rights of competent civil society to participate in this council enshrined in rule 39.

In the last week, we have seen a significant escalation of violence spreading across northwest Syria.

The UK repeats its call for de-escalation, for the protection of civilians and for the provision of humanitarian aid. We underscore the need for a Syrian-led political solution, and renewed negotiations. We call on all parties to respect international law, including the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Any use of chemical weapons is unacceptable.

Colleagues, the 30th of November marked the International Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare. Let us take a moment to recall the appalling human cost of the previous chemical weapon attacks in Syria.

The Assad regime's sarin nerve attack in Ghouta in 2013 killed over 1,400 civilians - including hundreds of women and children. When the attack came in the small hours of the morning, families fled to their basements to seek safety. The sarin gas, however was heavier than air, sank down, trapping and killing them indiscriminately.

Facing international condemnation, Syria became a Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention that year. But the attacks continued - sarin in April 2017, chlorine gas in Douma in 2018 and many more.

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic has found that Syria has used chemical weapons on no fewer than 38 occasions since 2013.

The Assad regime has shown us, repeatedly, that it is willing to use chemical weapons against Syrian families in their homes. Independent, international investigations have confirmed it.

Under Assad, Syria ignores its obligation under the Chemical Weapons Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 2118 to cooperate fully with the OPCW. Syria continues to hide its chemical weapons programme. Thousands of munitions and hundreds of tonnes of chemical agent remained unaccounted for.

We are therefore concerned that the Russians seem to be able to predict the future and tell us that any reports of future chemical weapons use in northwest Syria are untrue.

At a time when tensions remain high in the Middle East, Syria's undeclared chemical weapons are an unacceptable risk. It is past time for the regime to comply with its obligations under Security Council Resolution 2118, cooperate with the OPCW Technical Secretariat and fully declare its chemical weapons programme. Only then can we consign Syrian chemical weapons to history.

There is no 'time out' on use of chemical weapons. The international community will not forget. Perpetrators must be held to account, no matter how long it takes.

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Guterres calls for 'serious dialogue' to end surging violence in Syria

5 December 2024 - The UN Secretary-General appealed on Thursday for an end to the fighting in Syria, where a recent escalation raises the risk of further division in the ongoing civil war.

Antonio Guterres held a stakeout outside the Security Council chamber to address the "grave and dramatic developments" that are unfolding.

"I just spoke with President Erdogan of Turkiye to discuss the latest," he said.

"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. All parties are obligated under international law to protect civilians."

'Chronic collective failure'

Mr. Guterres said this latest offensive was launched into Government-controlled areas by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham - sanctioned by the Council as a terrorist group along with a broad range of other armed opposition groups.

It has led to significant shifts in the frontlines, and tens of thousands of civilians are at risk in a region already on fire.

"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, adding "these must change."

The Secretary-General stated that after 14 years of conflict, it is high time for all parties to engage seriously with his Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, to finally chart a new, inclusive and comprehensive approach to resolving the crisis in line with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015).

"It's time for serious dialogue," he stated.

"In other words, restoring Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity - and meeting the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people."

End the suffering

He noted that Syria is a crossroads of civilization and said it was painful to see its progressive fragmentation.

Mr. Guterres recalled his long tenure as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, where he witnessed the immense generosity of the Syrian people, who opened their hearts and homes to countless refugees from Iraq.

"It breaks my heart to see their suffering grow - along with the threats to regional, and indeed, international security," he said.

"I once again urge all those with influence to do their part for the long-suffering people of Syria."

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Syria's Declaration on Chemical Weapons Programme 'Cannot Be Considered Accurate', Disarmament Chief Tells Security Council, Citing Gaps, Inconsistencies

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9800th Meeting (AM)

SC/15923

5 December 2024

Syria's reported destruction or conversion of large quantities of chemical warfare agents and munitions prior to its accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention still cannot be fully verified, the United Nations' disarmament chief told the Security Council today, noting that the unresolved 19 issues in the country's declaration with respect to the elimination of its chemical weapons programme remain a serious concern.

"I reiterate that this is extremely worrying" underscored Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, emphasizing that the substance of the unresolved issues also "involves potentially large quantities of chemical warfare agents, the production of which has not been declared by the Syrian Arab Republic" to the Technical Secretariat of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

She noted that, as previously reported, the total of 26 outstanding issues raised by the OPCW Declaration Assessment Team include two recently opened outstanding issues related to potentially undeclared full-scale development and production of chemical weapons at two declared chemical weapons-related facilities, which were previously declared as having never been in operation.

Detailing the continued efforts of her Office and OPCW to clarify all outstanding issues regarding Syria's initial and subsequent declarations, she reported that the Declaration Assessment Team continues to analyse the information gathered from the documents and other information provided by Syria and its experts during its twentyeighth round of consultations with the Syrian National Authority held between 10 and 18 September. The Declaration Assessment Team is also awaiting Syria's response to its 1 November note verbale requesting the identification, among the more than 1,000 pages of information submitted during the consultations, of those elements relevant to the explanations it had provided.

The OPCW Technical Secretariat will report on the outcome of the eleventh round of inspections of the Barzah and Jamrayah facilities of the Scientific Studies and Research Centre, which took place from 12 to 20 November, she said. It is planning for the twelfth round to take place before the end of 2024, she added, during which it will further engage with Syria to resolve the issues related to the presence of a Schedule 2 chemical in the sample collected during the November 2018 inspection, and to the origin and usage of a chemical of dual-use nature observed by the inspection team during the September 2022 inspection.

"Considering the identified gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies that remain unresolved, at this time the OPCW Technical Secretariat assesses that the declaration submitted by the Syrian Arab Republic still cannot be considered accurate and complete in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention," she underscored. She called on Syria to cooperate with the Technical Secretariat and respond with urgency to all of its requests and urged Council members to "unite and show leadership in demonstrating that any use of chemical weapons is unacceptable".

"Chemical weapons have turned the lives of Syrians into hell," said Nidal Shikhani, Director General of the Chemical Violations Documentation Center of Syria, reporting that his organization has recorded "262 chemical weapons uses" which have killed 3,423 and injured around 14,000 civilians. The use of such weapons has led to deformed childbirths and psychological trauma to the victims, the death of animals and the destruction of soil.

Noting his organization's provision of support to OPCW and its investigative teams, he said its gathering of "thousands of documented evidence which cannot be challenged" aimed to prove that "chemical weapons were used for hostile purposes". Moreover, its work to identify those involved and the chain of command contributed to ensuring the rights of victims and strengthening the capacity of State parties to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention.

"Chlorine was used in different occasions and locations, and it continued for five years," he said, adding that serine used in "Douma and Al-Lataminah" matched the declared Syrian stock. "Such violations prove the continued manipulation of the Syrian Arab Republic with OPCW", he stressed, criticizing Syria for its "policy of procrastination" and non-fulfilment of its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and Council resolutions.

He called for urgent and firm international action to address chemical weapons issues and urged the Council to "think outside the box and adopt new strategies". He further called on countries supporting the Syrian regime to stop protecting it and stressed that an independent judicial entity with a global mandate must be established to hold accountable those involved in the use of chemical weapons.

In the ensuing debate, delegates once again voiced concern about the lack of progress on the chemical weapons file and called on Syria to cooperate with OPCW. They also voiced concern about the deteriorating security situation in the country and underscored the urgency of resolving the outstanding issues.

A few speakers, however, questioned the impartiality of OPCW's work and the presence of today's civil society briefer, as well as others in recent Council briefings, whom they said are invited to advance the interests of the United States. Among them was the Russian Federation's representative who also averred that today's debate featured nothing "fundamentally new", with the OPCW Secretariat complying with the West's orders "to taint Syria and its allies". However, OPCW continues to ignore Syria's efforts to cooperate, despite being stripped of its rights under the Chemical Weapons Convention, he said, underscoring that, in the past 11 years, 150 technical meetings had been held, 45 site visits conducted and 180 samples taken. Syria's good faith efforts are always insufficient for the West. He went on to characterize the United States delegation as "lame ducks" striving in the last month to cement the priorities of the outgoing administration of [President Joseph R.] Biden, including its anti-Syria policies, which OPCW is complicit in  in New York and The Hague.

However, the delegate of the United States, Council President for December, spoke in his national capacity and stressed that "the Security Council must remain seized of the Syrian chemical weapons dossier"  a point echoed later by Japan's representative. He further warned that it is in situations like the one unfolding in Syria today  "when the Assad regime feels most at risk"  when it previously unleashed chemical weapons on its people. He called on all Member States to implement without delay the recommended collective measures called for in the decision by the OPCW Conference of the States Parties in 2023, including those aiming to prevent the transfer to Syria of certain dual-use chemicals and equipment. His Russian counterpart's statement was "right out of the Russian playbook" to refute the legitimacy of international bodies' findings. Pointing to the efforts of a very small group of States who prefer to hide the truth about the Assad regime's repeated use of chemical weapons against its people, he stressed: "The perpetrators of these acts will not be able to hide. They will be held accountable."

"It is past time for the regime to comply with its obligations under Security Council resolution 2118 (2013), cooperate with the OPCW Technical Secretariat and fully declare its chemical weapons programme. Only then can we consign Syrian chemical weapons to history," underscored the United Kingdom's delegate in agreement. Amid high tensions in the Middle East, "Syria's undeclared chemical weapons are an unacceptable risk," she stressed.

Slovenia's delegate, highlighting the unfolding situation in Aleppo, said that chemical weapons have been used in that city before. "The world is watching and so must this Council," she added. The Republic of Korea's representative added that the lack of Syria's full verification of its declaration "leaves substantial quantities of chemical weapons unaccounted for, posing a significant threat to regional and global security as territorial losses quickly exacerbate the power vacuum".

Several other delegations, including France and Japan, also called on Damascus to cooperate. Switzerland's representative appealed for "verifiable and scientifically plausible answers" to outstanding issues and rejected any attempts to discredit OPCW's work. Malta's representative said that Syria has continued to obstruct the work of OPCW, including by denying access to some of its personnel and by delaying the process. Ecuador's delegate, expressing concern that OPCW's findings point to the use of chemical weapons by both State and non-State actors, called for thorough and impartial investigations to ensure that those responsible face the consequences of their actions.

"Damascus continues to fail to provide a full and transparent account of its chemical weapons programme," echoed Turkiye's speaker later in the meeting, recalling that his delegation co-sponsored the decision on Syria taken at the twenty-eighth session of the OPCW Conference of the States Parties. The elimination of chemical weapons must be accompanied by a genuine commitment to advancing Syria's political process, and a national reconciliation based on justice and inclusivity, he stressed.

Several delegations, however, voiced support for Syria's constructive engagement. Algeria's delegate, also speaking for Guyana, Mozambique and Sierra Leone, welcomed progress achieved by Syria, noting that "in terms of the overall figure for destruction, 100 per cent of declared chemical weapons had been destroyed [as] of 7 July 2023". Commending the ongoing collaboration between that country and the Technical Secretariat, he said the continuation of this successful cooperation is necessary to close this file permanently.

China's delegate, similarly, welcomed the twentyeighth round of consultations between Damascus and OPCW in September and encouraged both parties to resolve outstanding issues through mutual cooperation. Echoing concerns about today's second briefer, he voiced hope that arrangements will be made through consensus going forward. Iran's delegate underlined the need for OPCW's impartiality and its "non-discriminatory implementation" of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and spotlighted Syria's compliance "having destroyed its chemical weapons stockpiles and production facilities". Noting Israel's use of phosphorus bombs against civilians in Gaza and southern Lebanon, he stressed that such acts call for the Council's condemnation, and for an investigation by OPCW.

"Syria has fulfilled all its obligations according to the Chemical Weapons Convention and destroyed fully its stockpile of chemical weapons and production facilities," declared Syria's representative, detailing its cooperation with OPCW, including the extension of the Tripartite Agreement between Syria, OPCW and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for an additional six months as of 31 December. He echoed the Russian Federation's concern about the objectivity of the Council's briefers and, noting that OPCW's monthly reports continue "to politicize accusations against my country" in line with Western countries' views, said the Technical Secretariat disregarded Syria's cooperation and rushed to raise two new issues in July. The politicization of OPCW disregards real threats to regional peace and security and to the non-proliferation regime, he warned, pointing to Israel's stockpile of weapons of mass destruction. Everything promoted by the United States and its allies is part of its attempts to manipulate this file using an unprofessional and biased approach. He reiterated his demand that the Technical Secretariat adopt a neutral, objective and professional approach to allow the immediate resolution of all pending matters and to stop the political manipulation of the file and close it permanently.

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Displaced Syrian Kurds face dire conditions amid intensified fighting

By Ozlem Yasak December 05, 2024

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 country's 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 VOA's Kurdish Service.

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Syrian rebels capture second major city

By VOA News December 05, 2024

Syria's 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 country's ongoing civil war.

The army issued a statement Thursday that it was redeploying its troops outside Hama to protect the city's 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 Syria's 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 Assad's 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 president's 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.

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Syrian Militants' Capture Of Key City A 'Game-Changer'

By Frud Bezhan December 06, 2024

Militants have seized control of a second major city in Syria in what experts say is a turning point in the country's 13-year civil war.

The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group and its allies captured the key city of Hama on December 5, just days after taking over the country's second city, Aleppo.

The lightning advance is a significant blow to President Bashar al-Assad, who has relied on key allies Iran and Russia to remain in power since the conflict erupted in 2011.

The fall of Hama "illustrates that this offensive has staying power and is not just a blitzkrieg," said Aaron Zelin, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute.

Hama is key to the defense of the capital, Damascus, and the gateway to Syria's coastal cities -- the heartland of the Alawites, the sect of Shi'ite Islam to which Assad and many of his supporters belong. The coast is also home to a strategic Russian naval base and air base.

"It makes it easier [for the militants] to potentially take over Damascus," Zelin said.

Phillip Smyth, an expert on Iranian proxies and Shi'ite militias, said the fall of Hama was a "game-changer," with the militants "demonstrating that the Assad military machinery is a shell."

Still, despite losing two key cities in little over a week, Assad is not yet facing an existential crisis, experts say.

Syrian government forces -- who suffer from low morale and poor pay as well as dysfunction in the chain of command -- still control Homs, the country's third city, and the capital.

As the militants push further south to "the core territories of the regime," Zelin said, they will face stiffer resistance.

Assad has relied heavily on Tehran and Moscow to shore up his forces. But both countries have been distracted by their own crises.

Since 2013, Iran deployed hundreds of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) officers to recruit and train tens of thousands of local and foreign Shi'ite fighters.

Russia's aerial campaigns against rebel positions since 2015 helped the Syrian Army and Iran-backed militias regain swaths of territory.

Moscow is preoccupied with its war in Ukraine. Iran has been focused on other conflicts in the Middle East, including in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.

The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, another key player in the Syrian conflict and ally of Damascus, has been severely weakened after a yearlong war with Israel.

Moscow and Tehran have been slow in getting more support to Assad. Russia has intensified air strikes on militant-held areas and Iran-backed Shi'ite militias have headed to the front lines.

But it is unclear if that will be enough to stop the advance of the HTS, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, and its allies.

"Iran requires air support for its militias and recruits, but Russia is having trouble providing it due to Ukraine," Smyth said.

"Additionally, the Israel-Hamas-Hezbollah war had been extraordinarily costly for Iran's command and control apparatus in Syria that relied on Hezbollah. It will be a slower-burning process than before."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/syria-hama- capture-game-changer/33228913.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 Rebels Advance Toward Homs As Thousands Flee

By RFE/RL December 06, 2024

Russian forces bombed a key bridge and highway to try and slow a lightning advance by rebels toward the Syrian city of Homs as thousands fled the area.

The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said civilians were fleeing from Homs towards the Mediterranean coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus, strongholds of the government and the site of Russian air and naval bases.

The United Nations said on December 6 that almost 300,000 people in Syria had already been displaced since late November by the fighting, and that up to 1.5 million could be forced to flee as the rebels advance and deal losses to the country's president, Bashar al-Assad, as well as his allies in Russia and Iran.

Assad has relied on Iran and Russia to remain in power since the conflict erupted in 2011.

A Syrian Army officer was quoted by Reuters as saying that Russian bombing overnight had destroyed the Rastan bridge along the key M5 highway linking Homs to Hama, another city the rebels captured a day earlier.

The rebels, led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have made major advances over the past several days, including the capture of Aleppo, the country's largest city, as well as 14 central villages and towns, and gotten as close as 35 kilometers from the Russian-operated Khmeimim air base.

HTS is considered a terrorist group by the United States, Britain, Canada, and the European Union.

Hama, Syria's fourth-largest city, is key to the defense of Damascus and the gateway to the coastal cities of Tartus and Latakia, the former being home to a strategic Russian naval base.

In his first media interview in several years, Abu Muhammad al-Julani, the group's leader, told CNN the goal "remains to overthrow the Bashar al-Assad regime, and it is our right to use all available means to achieve this goal."

Besides HTS, the rebels also include an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army.

The foreign ministers of Iraq, Syria, and Iran were to meet on December 6 to discuss the situation, while Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the top diplomats from Moscow, Tehran, and Ankara will meet in Qatar on December 7.

The state news agency TASS reported on December 6 that Russia's embassy in Syria had urged Russian nationals to leave the country due to the situation.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/syrian- rebels-advance-homs-thousands-flee/33229244.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 crisis: More than 280,000 uprooted in northwest escalation

6 December 2024 - More than 280,000 people have been uprooted in northwest Syria in a matter of days following the sudden and massive offensive into Government-controlled areas led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is sanctioned by the Security Council as a terrorist group.

Aid has continued to flow from Turkiye across three border crossings into the embattled northwest and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said that it had opened community kitchens in Aleppo and Hama - cities now reportedly occupied by HTS fighters.

In neighbouring Lebanon, meanwhile, senior UN aid official Edem Wosornu expressed deep concerns for the safety of more than 600,000 people who have begun to return to their devastated homes, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah kicked in on 27 November. "I'm sure they are settling back, the problem is what they would find when they go back home," she told journalists in Geneva, highlighting the potential dangers from unexploded ordnance.

Syrians' hunger misery

Speaking in Geneva after a joint UN and NGO Emergency Directors assessment mission to the Middle East from 25 November to 1 December, the UN World Food Programme (WFP's) Samer AbdelJaber described Syria's new unfolding emergency as "a crisis on top of another" - a reference to the country's civil war that began in 2011, sparked by a civil uprising against the Government.

Since then, it has drawn in regional and international powers and defied the efforts of the Security Council and wider global community to bring it to an end. It's estimated that hundreds of thousands have been killed and many more are believed to remain in the Government's prisons.

Mr. AbdelJaber, who heads WFP's Emergency Coordination, Strategic Analysis and Humanitarian Diplomacy arm, warned that around 1.5 million people are likely to be displaced by this latest escalation "and will be requiring our support. Of course, the humanitarian partners are working on both sides of the front lines we're trying to reach the communities wherever their needs are."

The WFP official noted that the sudden escalation had not shut down three humanitarian border crossings with Turkiye and that aid continues to flow into Aleppo, Syria's second city.

The UN agency "has opened and supported two community kitchens that are providing hot meals in both Aleppo as well as in Hama," he said, adding that "the aid partners are on the ground and doing everything they can to basically provide the assistance to the people".

Millions of Syrians are already in crisis because of the war which has destroyed the economy and people's livelihoods, threatening their survival. "It's at a breaking point at the moment in Syria, after 13 or 14 years of a conflict, over three million Syrians are severely food insecure and cannot afford enough food," Mr. AbdelJaber said, adding that a total of 12.9 million people in Syria needed food assistance before the latest crisis.

Despite the clear need for more support, international funding for Syria's $4.1 billion humanitarian response plan "faces its largest shortfall ever", the WFP official warned, with less than one-third needed for 2024 received to date.

Lebanon returnees in danger

In neighbouring Lebanon, senior UN humanitarian official Edem Wosornu, Director, Operations and Advocacy Division at the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said that people affected by the war between Israel and Hezbollah fighters "have returned faster than they even left the conflict; more than 600,000 people have begun to go back home, and as we speak, I'm sure they are settling back. The problem is what they would find when they go back home and the need for our response to pivot very quickly."

Among those in need today are many Syrian refugees who fled the war in their country, only to be displaced several times since their arrival, explained Isabel Gomes, Global Lead of Disaster Management at NGO World Vision International: "There was this particular girl that we spoke with; she told us the story that at the time of the conflict, when she had to move, she was pregnant, close to nine months, and she had to walk kilometres and kilometres and kilometres. Then she asked us if she could show us her baby, and we saw her baby was two months. But when we asked if the baby had received vaccines, she said the baby had never received vaccines."

Returning farming communities also face deadly dangers from the fighting in southern Lebanon's wartorn zones, OCHA's Ms. Wosornu explained: "We also are concerned about the impact of mines and unexploded ordnance in the some of these locations...we are really asking our mine action colleagues and others to support the Government in demining activities because when people who want to go back home, who've gone back home, the farmers who are trying to salvage the rest of the olive harvest, there's fears that this...could be impacted there."

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Taiwan president's visit to Guam stokes fears of being targeted by China

China condemned Lai Ching-te's US stopovers, warning against any official interactions.

By Mar-Vic Cagurangan for BenarNews

2024.12.05

HAGATNA, GUAM - Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's visit to Guam to strengthen ties has raised residents' fears of the U.S. territory being further targeted in escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Lai is on his first overseas tour since being elected in May, choosing to visit three Pacific nations - Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau - that still maintain diplomatic relations with Taipei. He has also made a stopover in Hawaii.

China considers Taiwan a renegade province and responded angrily to news of Lai's trip, condemning "any form of official interaction" or "U.S. connivance and support for 'Taiwan independence'" last week.

Washington does not formally recognize Taiwan's government - despite being its staunchest international ally and arms supplier - and played down Lai's "unofficial" visit.

Ahead of his arrival in Guam on Wednesday, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said it was "an honor" to host Lai, sentiments echoed by the territory's delegate to U.S. Congress James Moylan.

"While I recognize the regional concerns, with threats placed by the (People's Republic of China), we must acknowledge the decades-long relationship between Guam and Taiwan in many aspects," Moylan told BenarNews.

Residents in the U.S. territory - currently seeking U.N.-supervised decolonization - told BenarNews they fear being collateral damage in any confrontation between the superpowers.

"It's frightening as it causes us to be right in the scopes of China," Talofofo resident Debbie Quinata said.

"Our security is already at risk because of the U.S. military build-up and presence, the egging-on with the welcomed visit is pushing us further into being the world's most targeted community," she told BenarNews.

"The welcoming and celebrated visit is a danger to us. The U.S. is aware of this. The governor apparently isn't."

Guam lies 8,000 miles from Washington and 2,500 miles from Beijing, has a population of slightly more than 150,000 and bears the nickname "tip of the spear."

While residents are U.S. citizens, in elections they cannot vote for the president and elect a non-voting representative to Congress.

As geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China heats up in the Pacific, Guam's significance in supporting American naval and air operations is growing. The U.S. military sees the island as an essential logistics center in the event of potential conflict over Taiwan or in the South China Sea.

The island hosts two U.S. military bases - Andersen Air Force Base in the north and Naval Base Guam in the south - and has an economy reliant on military investments and tourism.

The U.S. military holds about 25% of Guam's land and already deploys thousands of troops on the island, with another 5,000 Marines due to relocate from Japan's Okinawa islands shortly.

The U.S. Department of Defense plans to spend U.S. $11 billion to upgrade military infrastructure and at least U.S. $1.5 billion to build an integrated missile defense system on the island.

Yigo resident Dave Lotz lamented that the sentiments of ordinary Guamanians were buried "in the bigger picture of geopolitics, especially since most of our elected leaders, including the governor, support the military on Guam."

"It seems almost embarrassing the attention that this visit is getting and funny that it is labeled 'unofficial' while the governor has played up the forthcoming meeting," Lotz added.

Lai and Guerrero met at Government House on Thursday and gave media statements but took no questions from journalists present.

Taiwan's president warned of an "authoritarian expansion" in the region, without referencing Beijing.

"Moving forward, we must work closer together and stand side by side to safeguard and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific," Lai said.

"Taiwan and the United States will only ever further advance our great relations and together we are good partners in defending the democracy, freedom, and prosperity for our both sides."

Guerrero said Lai's visit "marks a significant chapter in the relationship between our two islands" and foresaw "limitless" opportunities for future cooperation.

"Economically, our ties have been transformative. Taiwanese investments have significantly contributed to Guam's growth, creating opportunities for our people while fostering mutual prosperity," she said.

Representatives from the neighboring U.S. territory Northern Mariana Islands - Governor Arnold Palacios and Senator Celina Babauta - also travelled to Guam to meet with Lai.

Palacios told the Saipan Tribune it was an opportunity to foster relations with "allies in the region" but added, "as far as being in the crosshairs of China, we already are in many ways."

Robert Underwood, president of the Guam think tank Pacific Center for Island Security, said Lai "should be free to transit through Guam without the drama."

However, the former U.S. congressman believes Lai's visit further drags Guam into the power game.

"The U.S. may be highlighting the trip in order to aggravate the PRC," Underwood told BenarNews.

"The PRC may be giving a stronger response than usual in order to highlight their seriousness and say we can object anywhere, even on your soil."

Edward Pingyuan Lu, a Taiwanese businessman on Guam, said Lai's visit highlights Guam's strategic value.

"The Taiwanese government does not really need another stopover, but it still arranged Lai's visit to Guam. I believe the arrangement underscores Guam's important role in the new regional geopolitical dynamics," Lu said.

"I hope the new regional geopolitical dynamics reminds the Taiwanese government that the exchange and collaborations between Taiwan and Guam are as valuable as the relations between Taiwan and the U.S. mainland."

Lai departed Guam on Thursday afternoon for Palau and will end his week-long trip back in Taiwan on Friday.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization.

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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Campers can expect steeper fees for Benton County tent spaces in 2025, but not as steep as first proposed.

The Benton County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, Dec. 3, approved systemwide rate hikes, including an additional 10% for storing recreational vehicles and 20%  after some pushback  for renting any of the local governments 14 tent sites at Salmonberry Campground near Alsea.

Id be more comfortable with a $5 raise to $30, instead of $35, but at the same time Im probably biased because I like to tent-camp there, Commissioner Nancy Wyse said.

Jesse Ott, appointed to temporarily fill the parks director role, proposed incremental systemwide increases of 3% to 7% for some rental and usage fees, including picnic shelters and RV spaces.

Some lines in the countys schedule of parks fees hadnt been updated since 2023. Ott proposed a 40% leap for tent site fees that are less than found at nearby campgrounds in Lane and Linn counties.

We didnt want to fall too far behind on that, Ott said.

The new rates in Benton County take effect Jan. 1.

Ott said steeper electrical bills led to price increases at Salmonberry, which is open May 1 to Oct. 1.

We need to keep up with our neighbors  keep it cost-effective and make sure we can pay those bills out there, Ott said Tuesday.

Reached by phone Thursday, Ott said the department returns the money it collects to the parks where users are paying.

Salmonberry, for example  it goes back into gravel, paint, repairs, camp host and that sort of thing, he said.

At its website, the county listed nightly tent camping spot rentals for $35 as of Thursday morning, Dec. 5. But county commissioners had signed off on $30 and invited Ott to return next year with another increase.

Id be happy to consider achieving that market rate at a slightly slower pace in this case, Commissioner Xan Augerot said Tuesday.

Ott agreed: Im a tent-camper myself, and we would be open to that.

Fees to rent a cabin and a yurt at Salmonberry increased 40% under an order adopted Tuesday, to $70 per night for either structure after no change in 2023. The order also authorizes parks officials to bring annual changes before commissioners.

Im a fan of small, regular increases rather than letting something sit, Commissioner Pat Malone said.

Following a poll of 2,500 respondents, state parks officials identified drive-in tent camping sites and heated cabins or yurts as Oregons most-needed accommodations, according to a draft edition of a five-year guiding policy book called the Oregon Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

We didnt want to fall too far behind on that, Ott said to commissioners. There is a need for as many tent sites in the county as possible.

By phone, Ott said the county had no specific plans to add tent camping sites. But the local government could acquire land from private owners and conservation trusts, and plans under Benton Countys own 2012 comprehensive plan call for more camping.

Oregon is more likely to grant funding, Ott said, to local parks departments that add camping or trails or other public opportunities for outdoor recreation in line with state goals.

Theres no exact quota that comes out from the state, but that score comes out and it talks about the need for more tent camping or more accessible signage, Ott said. We pull that plan out and look at it a lot. We really use that as a guide.

Since 2019, Salmonberry fees have increased 55% for the cabin and yurt; 36% for tent sites and 50% for RVs  $42 next year for a site with electrical hookups.

RV storage fees will increase 10% for users who park motor homes, toy-haulers and camp trailers at the Benton County Events Center and Fairgrounds.

This is one area where were doing really well, and RV storage  and storage in general  is at a premium, Ott said to commissioners.

Fairgrounds leaders have sought more storage in the fairgrounds livestock buildings, parking RVs in barns and shelters when those spaces arent needed for the annual Benton County Fair and Rodeo.

Ott said many are vehicle owners coming from far-flung places like the Portland metropolitan area, stopping in Corvallis to collect vehicles on their way to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

We were kind of surprised, Ott said.

The owner of a 32-foot RV would pay $125 to $141 under newly approved rates of $3.90 to $4.40 per month for each foot of vehicle length.

Park officials expect increases across the region for renting shelters, like those with picnic tables and stoves under free-standing roofs commonly found in day-use areas.

The city of Albany website lists daily picnic shelter rentals for $105 to $345, depending on which day and shelter; and Corvallis charges $182 to $434 for similar uses, according to that citys website. Renters pay $150 or $200 for shelters in the Linn County Parks & Recreation system, some when campgrounds open in April or May.

In Benton County, theyll pay $78 to $132  increases of 4% to 5.5% over 2023.

We would like to keep those as affordable as possible for the community to use, Ott said.

Related story:
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/12/06

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Thursday to Friday, Dec. 5-6

2.PLA activities

16 PLA aircraft, 13 PLAN vessels, and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 7 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern ,and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.



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UK-Qatar defence partnership strengthened during state visit

New agreements signed as Defence Secretary John Healey and Amir of Qatar visit Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

4 December 2024

Last updated: 5 December 2024

The UK has strengthened its historic defence partnership with Qatar across land and air today following agreements signed during the state visit of the Amir of Qatar.

Qatar is one of the UK's closest partners in the Gulf region, and one of the first places that Defence Secretary John Healey MP visited after his appointment in July.

Today, the Amir of Qatar and the Defence Secretary discussed the shared commitment to deepen cooperation in support of regional security and to support growth and prosperity. The agreements signed include extending and expanding collaboration and knowledge sharing across the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon and Hawk aircraft squadrons.

Two Typhoon jets from 12 Squadron - the joint UK-Qatar unit - intercepted the Amir's aircraft as it entered UK airspace on Monday (2 December). The Amir and the Sheika's flight was welcomed by a radio message in Arabic from a Qatari Joint Squadron pilot.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

It was an honour to host the Amir of Qatar at Sandhurst today, to further strengthen our unique partnership and bolster the security of both our nations.

Our joint Typhoon and Hawk squadrons and training Qatari cadets in the UK underlines our shared commitment and cooperation to global security and stability.

Agreements were signed during a visit to Royal Military Academy Sandhurst by the Amir of Qatar and Defence Secretary John Healey. The Amir, who graduated from Sandhurst, met with some of those he trained alongside, as well as Qatari cadets currently training, and members of the UK-Qatar Joint Typhoon squadron. The Amir and Defence Secretary also witnessed a fly-past by RAF Typhoon and Hawk jets on the Sandhurst parade ground.

Among the agreements signed during the visit was a Memorandum of Understanding that will see UK Royal Military police share their skills and expertise with the Close Protection Unit to the Qatar Amiri Guard.

Chief of Staff of the Qatari armed Forces, Lieutenant General (Pilot) Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Mannai:

Qatar and the UK share a deep and historic defence partnership across air, land, and sea. The agreements signed today during His Highness the Amir's visit to Sandhurst will facilitate further knowledge exchange and collaboration between our two nations as we continue to stand united in promoting peace, stability and security around the world.

The UK is committed to working with allies and partners in the Middle East to support regional stability which helps support security and prosperity in the UK.

The joint UK-Qatari Typhoon Air Squadron is the UK's first Joint Squadron since the Second World War demonstrating the depth and strength of our historical partnership. The Squadron is based at RAF Coningsby and has been deployed to Qatar, with UK and Qatari pilots and ground crew training and operating together.

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Government question time in the German Bundestag No decisions without Ukraine's involvement

Germany - Federal Government

Government question time in the German Bundestag

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz answered questions from members of the Bundestag. In his introductory remarks he focused on the current situation in Ukraine. He also called for the implementation of pending legislative initiatives.

Wednesday, 4 December 2024

For the third time this year, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz answered questions from members of the Bundestag. In his introductory statement the Federal Chancellor focused on the tense situation in Ukraine and stressed Germany's enduring support. In addition to this, Scholz mentioned that he would shortly be calling a vote of confidence in the Bundestag, and asked the MPs to deliver on the legislative initiatives that are already in the pipeline.

This is what the Federal Chancellor had to say about:

Ukraine

He stressed that it was important to him "that Ukraine knows that all of us - including myself - will continue to support the country in its fight for independence and sovereignty and that Ukraine can rely on Germany as the European country that has made the greatest level of support available". He spoke in detail about Germany's military aid worth around 28 billion euros to date, and pointed out that it was now essential that "no decisions are made without Ukraine's involvement".

Planned legislative initiatives

The Federal Chancellor stressed that vital decisions had to be made now to ease the burden on citizens. This includes raising child benefits, extending the availability of the Germany Ticket and the rent cap, as well as relief with regard to so-called cold progression of income tax that is in place until 1 January 2025. Planning also provides for structural problems to be addressed through an adjustment of network charges distribution, aiming to secure lower energy prices.

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Death of Ukrainian Mayor in Russian prison: Statement by the Congress President

Council of Europe

Congress

Strasbourg

5 December 2024

The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools, has made the following statement:

"I am saddened and dismayed to learn about the death of Yevhen Matvieiev, mayor of the temporarily occupied town of Dniprorudne in Ukraine, in Russian captivity.

"I pay tribute to Mayor Matvieiev's courage and determination, and reiterate the Congress' condemnation, in the strongest terms, of the abductions of mayors and other local officials in the temporarily occupied territories.

"Mayor of  Prystan (Kherson oblast) Oleksandr Babych, Kherson City Mayor lhor Kolykhaiev and Starosta of Novi Borovychi (Chernihiv oblast) Anatolii Siryi continue to be illegally detained by the Russian occupation forces and should be freed immediately. Their whereabouts should be confirmed as a matter of priority.

"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. All abductions and arbitrary detentions amount to grave human rights violations for which the accountability should be established and enforced."

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Finland to strenghten its contribution to NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine

Finnish Ministry of Defence

05.12.2024

Finland will strengthen its contribution to the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU). The President of the Republic decided on 5 December that Finland will participate in NSATU with a maximum of six soldiers.

The establishment of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) was decided by the NATO Summit in Washington in July.

NSATU coordinates and provides planning and logistics support for Ukraine, and oversees training for Ukraine in Allied countries.

The aim of NSATU is to place security assistance to Ukraine on an enduring footing, ensuring enhanced, predictable and coherent support. The NSATU headquarters is located in Germany with additional functions in the territory of NATO Allies in the eastern flank of the Alliance.

The Washington Summit reaffirmed the Allies' enduring and unwavering support for Ukraine. It is essential to implement the outcomes of the Summit. Finland is committed to continuing its strong support for Ukraine.

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Finland to deliver more defence materiel to Ukraine

Finnish Ministry of Defence

05.12.2024

Finland will deliver its 26th materiel assistance package to Ukraine. The President of the Republic decided on the matter on 5 December 2024 on the proposal of the Government.

Replacing the defence materiel capabilities in this package will cost Finland an estimated EUR 25 million. The defence administration is already preparing the next assistance package to be delivered early next year.

"Finland has now delivered defence 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 Defence Antti Hakkanen says.

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 Defence Forces have been taken into account when deciding on the additional assistance.

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Update 263 - IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

International Atomic Energy Agency

125/2024

Vienna, Austria

5 Dec 2024

Ukraine's three operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) have largely restored their electricity production after sharply reducing output last week as a precautionary step due to renewed attacks on the country's increasingly fragile energy grid, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

The NPPs - Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine - have nine reactors, of which eight are currently operating while one is in shutdown. Over the past week, most of them have gradually increased output again, even though some units operated below full capacity for several days after the military strikes on 28 November, which affected electrical infrastructure that is essential for nuclear safety. Still, some of the off-site power lines that the plants use both for receiving and transmitting electricity remain disconnected.

"A stable electricity grid that provides secure off-site power is essential to ensure nuclear safety at Ukraine's operating nuclear power plants, which are vital for producing the electricity the country needs, especially during the cold winter months. The operators have demonstrated significant resilience during and after this latest period of grid instability so that these plants can maintain nuclear safety and generate electricity following last week's output cuts," Director General Grossi said.

"However, the fragile grid situation remains a source of deep concern and we will continue to closely monitor relevant developments, including with follow-up expert visits to the electrical substations on which the nuclear power plants depend. Once again, I call for maximum restraint, so that no action affecting the external power supply and nuclear safety is taken," he said.

Despite the effects of the military conflict, including frequent air raid alarms, the IAEA teams at the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs and the Chornobyl site reported that nuclear safety and security at these facilities is being maintained.

At the Khmelnytskyy NPP, the IAEA team members were required to shelter at the site for a short period of time on Tuesday, but without any impact on the site itself. At the South Ukraine NPP, the IAEA team was informed that a total of 17 drones were detected earlier this week, some three kilometres from the site.

Ukraine's largest NPP - the Zaporizhzhya site - has not produced electricity for more than two years. Its six units are all in cold shutdown but still require off-site power for reactor cooling and other essential nuclear safety and security functions. However, the situation in this regard remains precarious, with both remaining power lines prone to frequent outages.

In the latest instances highlighting the precarious external power situation, the ZNPP's last remaining 750 kilovolt (kV) power line was disconnected between 21-23 November, followed last weekend by a two-day disconnection of the 330 kV back-up power line.

Also related to the external power situation, the IAEA team was informed that the voltage stabilizer for the ZNPP's 750 kV power line, located in an open switchyard outside the plant, was being repaired after it was automatically disconnected by the activation of a protection mechanism. The ZNPP expects to return the voltage stabilizer to operation within the next month. The 750 kV connection was not affected.

The IAEA team has continued to closely follow the maintenance activities at the ZNPP, including elements of the safety systems of reactor units 2, 3 and 6. The team also visited unit 1 to observe the repairs conducted last month on one leaking impulse line. The team was informed that gamma radiography had been performed on approximately 30 other locations in unit 1, which identified one more weld that had degraded, but without any leak. Both welds were repaired and tested again. The IAEA team will continue to monitor this issue.

The IAEA team continues to be denied access to the external spare parts warehouse and diesel fuel storage facility. However, it has been informed that the diesel fuel storage tank that was damaged more than two years ago has been repaired.

The IAEA team at the ZNPP has continued to hear explosions on most days, mostly at distances far away from the site, and no damage to the plant was reported.

As part of its comprehensive programme of assistance in support of nuclear safety and security, the IAEA arranged new deliveries of equipment to Ukraine, bringing the total to 86. The State Enterprise VostGok, an uranium ore mining and processing plant in Ukraine, received a dosimetry system to enhance the capacity to monitor individual doses for their staff exposed to ionizing radiation. The equipment was procured with funds from Japan. With funds provided by Denmark, the country's Hydrometeorological Center and the Hydrometeorological organizations of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine received three portable liquid nitrogen generators. In addition, one Cisco integrated services router with 10 connecting switches was delivered to the Rivne NPP, made possible with funds provided by Ireland.

Separately, in partnership with France and Ukraine's Energoatom, the IAEA assisted in the delivery of spare parts and rubber products needed for the timely maintenance of emergency diesel generators at the South Ukraine NPP.

With these deliveries, equipment related to nuclear safety and security worth more than 14 million euros has been delivered to Ukraine since the start of the conflict.

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Baiba Braze at the OSCE Ministerial Council Meeting: We shall defend Ukraine in all international organisations

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

05.12.2024

At the 31th OSCE Ministerial Council Meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braze, condemned Russia's illegal full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine and highlighted the role of the OSCE for Ukraine's security.

In her statement at the plenary session, Baiba Braze underlined: "Russia's politics is war. Russia will not stop - Russia must be constrained and stopped. For more than ten years - since 2014 - the Ukrainian people have suffered from brutal aggression by Russia. For more than 1000 days, Russia has perpetrated heinous crimes in its imperial war against Ukraine showing blatant disregard for the international law and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine reported that the Russian authorities have committed torture. That is a crime against humanity. The OSCE experts have reported on serious human rights violations and pointed to evidence of war crimes by Russia. All of these findings must be brought before international tribunals. We commend the work already done by the Core Group on the establishment of a Special Tribunal. Persecuting Russia's crimes of aggression and the trial of perpetrators is a matter for all countries, so as not to be complicit in these crimes. At the OSCE, we all the participating States have the duty to speak out for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity. We must continue supporting Ukraine until victory is achieved."

As the Russian representative started delivering his speech, the Latvian Foreign Minister left the plenary hall, thereby demonstrating the attitude towards aggressor country Russia : " I will not stay and listen to the aggressor's lies about our friends and allies , I will not show the aggressor such honour . "

Baiba Braze commended the efforts by the Core Group on the Establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. She called on the other OSCE participating States to support it.

In a meeting in support of Ukraine held on 4 December in the evening, Baiba Braze voiced Latvia's support for gathering facts and collecting evidence to document Russia's crimes in Ukraine, which is necessary to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The Foreign Minister underlined the importance of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism, under which, independent experts are appointed to assess the human rights situation in a particular country. 25 April 2024 saw the publication of the most recent expert Report on Violations and Abuses of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity, related to the Arbitrary Deprivation of Liberty of Ukrainian Civilians by the Russian Federation. One of the three mission experts who prepared the report is Elina Steinerte from Latvia .

Baiba Braze expressed her support for the OSCE's Support Programme for Ukraine, while stressing the need to make it more effective. She emphasised the current need for all forms of military, financial and humanitarian assistance, as well as strong international diplomatic support to ensure Ukraine with the strongest possible positions on the battlefield. "The OSCE should make more active use of the instruments available to achieve justice for the people of Ukraine," Baiba Braze noted.

The representatives of Russia and Belarus were not invited to participate in the discussion at the meeting in support of Ukraine.

Officials addressed geopolitical challenges, including the political crisis in Georgia, the situation in Belarus, and others.

Baiba Braze exchanged views with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, on Latvia's further assistance to Ukraine, including delivery issues. The Minister will also have several bilateral meetings and a meeting in the NB8 format.

The Foreign Minister took part in the meeting with ministers from OSCE participating States and other senior officials, including all Nordic ministers, as well as the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Britain, the US, Poland, Romania, Turkey, Luxembourg.

The OSCE Ministerial Council Meeting takes place on 4 and 5 December and is organised by the country currently holding the organisation's Chairpersonship - this year, it is Malta. Finland will take over the OSCE Chairpersonship in 2025.

About the OSCE

The OSCE is the world's largest regional security organization, bringing together 57 European, Asian and North American countries. The organisation follows a comprehensive approach to security and addresses politico-military matters, and those of economic and environmental security and human rights. The OSCE pursues political dialogue to promote peace, stability and democracy.

The previous meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council was held in Skopje, under the Chairpersonship of North Macedonia.

Latvia joined the OSCE on 10 September 1991.

The OSCE Ministerial Council meetings are convened once a year in the country holding the OSCE Chairpersonship. The Ministerial Council is composed of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the OSCE participating States and is the central decision-making and governing body of the Organization. Joint decisions taken by the participating States at the highest-level meetings are consensus-based.

About the Moscow Mechanism

The Moscow Mechanism is an OSCE instrument providing the option of sending missions of experts to assist participating States in the resolution of a particular question relating to the human dimension. On 3 March 2022, 45 OSCE participating States, including Latvia, following consultations with Ukraine, invoked the so-called OSCE "Moscow Mechanism" demanding an independent mission of experts be set up in order to address the human rights and humanitarian impacts of the Russian Federation's invasion, supported by Belarus, on the people of Ukraine,

The OSCE Extra-budgetary Support Programme for Ukraine, SPU

The OSCE Secretariat Extra-budgetary (ExB) Support Programme for Ukraine (SPU) was launched in order to address the challenges to civilians posed by the war against Ukraine, and to further support the Ukrainian institutions. The SPU is comprised of more than 20 projects covering a wide range of areas - humanitarian demining, addressing chemical threats, monitoring of environmental damage from the war, protection of displaced persons from risks of trafficking in human beings, among other fields.

Latvia voluntary contributions to the programme, the most recent being 100,000 euros in November 2024.

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Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the 30th anniversary of the Budapest Memorandum

5 December 2024 15:13

2367-05-12-2024

Thirty years ago, on December 5, 1994, the Memorandum on Security Assurances in connection with Ukraine's accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, known as the Budapest Memorandum, was signed in Budapest.

Against the backdrop of a disinformation campaign launched by the Kiev regime around this anniversary and the legally untenable insinuations about Russia allegedly violating the obligations arising from this document, we would like to call your attention to the following.

Any such accusations distort the content and meaning of the Memorandum for malevolent purposes and are nothing else, but an element of anti-Russia propaganda.

The Memorandum is not an international treaty and does not create rights or obligations under international law. It does not impose additional legal obligations on signatory states, including Russia, beyond those they already had at the time of signing it.

The Budapest Memorandum was adopted in connection with Ukraine acquiring a nuclear-weapon-free status and, accordingly, its accession to the NPT as a non-nuclear-weapon state. This document is a component of a package of political agreements that impose certain obligations on all parties equally. Having accepted this package, Russia has strictly complied with the provisions of the documents that it signed during the years that followed.

The United States and a number of EU countries acted quite differently. They blatantly disregarded Ukraine's sovereignty, unceremoniously interfered in its internal and external affairs, and tried in every possible way to impose a non-alternative Western-oriented future on its people. Contrary to Ukraine's initially neutral status, they dragged it into bloc confrontation-driven schemes against Russia, cynically playing on the Russophobic and nationalist sentiments entertained by a portion of the population. Their long-term destructive activities set off crisis processes in Ukraine, which heated up the differences within Ukrainian society and called into question the very existence of Ukraine as a single and capable state.

The 1994 agreements were also scuttled by Washington and its allies' destabilising course towards unchecked expansion of NATO and the military and political development of the post-Soviet space to the detriment of Russia's fundamental security interests. This fundamentally contradicts the content of the Budapest package of documents. In particular, the joint statement adopted concurrently with the signing of the Memorandum by the leaders of Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Ukraine contains approaches that are similar to the principle of equal and indivisible security and expresses commitment to collective non-discriminatory principles of building the European security architecture. All of this has been discarded.

Over the years, Kiev itself has also failed to honour its commitments under the Budapest agreements. In particular, those commitments, according to a verbatim quote from the above joint statement by the leaders of the four countries, were supposed to "counter the growth of aggressive nationalism and chauvinism." Kiev openly encouraged nationalism in its radical forms. The heroisation of Nazi criminals became part of state policy and ideology. Ultra-nationalist thugs were involved in punitive operations in eastern Ukraine which fact has only strengthened the resolve to fight among the portion of the population that honours the victory over Hitler's and Bandera's Nazism. The push to uphold their historical beliefs and to protect their indigenous interests has prompted the inhabitants of some regions of Ukraine to exercise the right to self-determination.

Thus, Ukraine's loss of territorial integrity was the result of internal centrifugal processes stoked by the external destabilising influence of the West, to which neither Russia, nor its obligations under the Budapest Memorandum have the slightest connection. The provisions of the Memorandum do not apply to circumstances resulting from internal political or socioeconomic factors. Russia, for its part, neither in Budapest in 1994, nor subsequently undertook any obligation to recognise coups d'etat, or to force parts of Ukraine to remain part of it against the will of the local population.

Under the Memorandum, Russia reaffirmed, among other things, its commitment with regard to Ukraine not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states, subject to the technical reservations which are standard in such cases. That commitment has been consistently and strictly honoured, and continues to be implemented in full.

At the same time, statements by the Kiev regime that not only call into question the viability of the Budapest Memorandum, but can also be construed as an outright bid to revise Ukraine's nuclear-weapon-free status cannot but cause concern. Such a destabilising move would contradict Ukraine's obligations under the NPT, grossly undermine the integrity of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and create unacceptable risks to international security. The Kiev clique also doesn't mind to use nuclear blackmail, ultimatising the idea that Ukraine should either be in NATO, or possess nuclear weapons.

We also took note of the statements by some Western politicians and officials who are talking about returning nuclear weapons to Kiev. As President Putin said at the November 28 news conference, "such statements can only be made by irresponsible individuals who are not accountable for anything and do not feel any burden of responsibility for the destiny of their countries and the entire world." If nuclear weapons are indeed transferred to the Kiev regime, it would be a direct violation of all NPT obligations on the part of those who dare to do so.

Sure enough, Moscow will not allow either of these scenarios to play out. For our country, the acquisition of nuclear weapons by the Kiev regime is outright unacceptable.

In view of the bellicose statements and extremely hostile anti-Russia actions of Western countries, which continue to fuel the confrontation stoked by them in the context of the Ukraine crisis, we are compelled to warn of the risks of a direct military clash between nuclear powers and, accordingly, of its potentially dire consequences, and to send concrete sobering signals in support of such warnings. Russia is not threatening anyone with nuclear weapons, and any claims to the contrary are nothing more than deliberate anti-Russia lies. We take nuclear deterrence policy with the utmost seriousness and responsibility. As Russia's doctrinal guidelines evolve, they retain a purely defensive orientation and continue to outline quite strictly the extreme circumstances, in which Russia reserves the right to defend itself using nuclear weapons. Russia's official statements on the above issues do not go beyond these guidelines and fully comply with our country's international obligations. This is not the language of threats, but the classical logic of deterrence.

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Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (5 December 2024)

05.12.2024

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of four mechanised brigades, one heavy mechanised brigades, one tank brigade, three air assault brigades, and two territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Viktorovka, Kazachaya Loknya, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novaya Sorochina, Novoivanovka, Plyokhovo, and Sverdlikovo.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted fire damage on manpower and armoured hardware of the enemy near Aleksandriya, Guyevo, Zaoleshenka, Kolmakov, Martynovka, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye as well as Basovka, Belovody, Zhuravka, and Loknya in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 300 troops. Three tanks, three infantry fighting vehicles, three armoured fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, one electronic warfare station, and five mortars.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 38,235 troops, 232 tanks, 168 infantry fighting vehicles, 123 armoured personnel carriers, 1,228 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,087 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, 72 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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A Mere Signature by Any State or Any Assurances or Promises Are Not Enough for Security; What's Needed Are Effective Guarantees - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

5 December 2024 - 19:17

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Lots of events today. The decision to impose sanctions on those in Georgia who are steering the country toward Russia. It is important that the same principled decisions are also made by our partners in the world - by Europeans, Americans, and generally by everyone who values the independence of nations and the rule of law. Selling out Georgia's interests to Putin will not do Ivanishvili any good.

Second, my gratitude goes out to volunteers - every individual in Ukraine helping the army and everyone worldwide who stands with Ukraine. Today, I honored representatives of the volunteer community with the "Golden Heart" - a special award from the President of Ukraine.

Third, I spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. We discussed supplies for our warriors, focusing on the pace and volume of deliveries. We are coordinating our positions to end the war sooner and ensure lasting peace.

And one more thing - a thing that was of great significance when it was signed, but today does not even deserve many words. Today marks thirty years of the Budapest Memorandum. Ten years of war. Not a single day did this document work. 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. What's needed are effective guarantees - real alliances and a realistic security foundation within the country. Weapons that enable defense and deterrence of the enemy. And unity that helps endure even the most challenging moments. We are working on every element of security. Thank you to everyone who is helping, and to all our people making it possible!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Ukraine's Membership in the EU Is One of the Pillars of Peace in Our State - Ihor Zhovkva

President of Ukraine

5 December 2024 - 15:29

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a meeting with Minister for European Affairs of Denmark Marie Bjerre, who arrived in Kyiv as part of a delegation of Danish MEPs led by Vice-President of the European Parliament Christel Schaldemose.

Ihor Zhovkva thanked Denmark and the European Parliament for their important decisions to provide Ukraine with the assistance it needs to fight Russian aggression.

"We especially appreciate more than 7 billion in military aid from Denmark, which strengthens our defense capabilities both on the ground and in the skies. We are particularly grateful for strengthening our air defense with air defense systems and combat aircraft, as well as for a significant financial contribution to the development of Ukrainian production of strategically important weapons," the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office said.

The main topic of the meeting was Ukraine's membership in the European Union. Ihor Zhovkva and Marie Bjerre discussed Ukraine's progress on this path, noting the pace of harmonization of domestic legislation with the EU legal system, and exchanged views on the expectations of Denmark's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the latter half of next year.

"Ukraine's membership in the EU is one of the pillars of peace in our state. The issue of Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO is not a subject of discussion. This is a course clearly defined by the President, which we are resolutely pursuing, and we will make every effort to maintain high dynamics of negotiating process and reform implementation. We rely on Denmark's steadfast support for Ukraine on this path," the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office emphasized.

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We All See, In Particular, How Weak the World's Response Is to What Russia Is Doing to Ukrainian Prisoners - Address by The President to the Human Rights Community

President of Ukraine

5 December 2024 - 13:49

Ladies and gentlemen!

I am pleased to welcome you all in this format, and this is the third time that a conference dedicated to human rights advocacy has been held in Kyiv in early December.

It is really important to discuss the effectiveness of human rights institutions - those that work in state systems or at the interstate level. Civil society human rights institutions are usually more effective, or at least more honest, than those created by states or operating within state systems. And often, at the official level, at the level of international organizations, the response to even the most egregious cases of human rights violations, especially in times of war, can be so weak that all this, sadly, evokes nothing but disappointment.

We all see, in particular, how weak the world's response is to what Russia is doing to Ukrainian prisoners. 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. When someone talks today about "freezing" this war, they almost never mention what will happen to millions of our people, what will happen to hundreds of thousands of children who are still in the occupied territories? And this omission is deeply cynical.

Unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that even the most large-scale Russian war crimes are gradually being forgotten by many in the world and in Europe. Forgotten precisely at the political level, at the level of those who could make decisions or take actions to fix everything.

And this is a challenge that affects not only us.

It undermines the moral foundations of the democratic world. If Russia is allowed to treat Ukrainians in this way, then it will be seen as permission to do the same to other nations and other people.

We are still effectively compelled to fight for the establishment of a Special Tribunal against Russia for its crime of aggression. I am grateful to every state and all officials who help. However, we need further efforts to ensure the Tribunal's work and its true effectiveness.

I am grateful to those states, leaders, and civil society organizations that have joined our efforts to bring back the abducted Ukrainian children from Russia. We appreciate any effective engagement by our partners. And we need the majority of the world to stand with us in these efforts, so that deportations and abductions of children can never become a global norm.

Do we currently receive much assistance from organizations such as the UN 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.

Recently, it was revealed that the mayor of one of the occupied Ukrainian cities - the mayor of Dniprorudne, Zaporizhzhia, - Yevhenii Matveev, was killed in Russian captivity. He was taken prisoner back in March 2022 when he tried to help people in his community. 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. 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 people's release, and punish Russia for all that its war has caused.

Ladies and gentlemen!

And especially representatives of state systems, and interstate associations.

I thank all those who are already working with Ukraine to defend people's rights and fully restore peace for Ukraine. I ask you to remain relentless and to engage those who are still on the sidelines in this endeavor. States, international organizations, leaders, political communities, and religious associations. All those who can contribute to saving people and ensuring the supremacy of morality over everything Russia and its allies are doing. Just watch how the Russian representative smiled yesterday at the UN Security Council when they spoke about the killings and abuse of Ukrainians. Only together - all of us around the world - can we ensure that the criminals are held accountable, that they feel the weight of their guilt, rather than smile.

I hope you will act effectively.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Ukraine Has Imposed Sanctions on Ivanishvili and His Accomplices - the Ones Who Are Selling Out the Interests of Georgia and Its People - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

5 December 2024 - 09:56

Good morning, fellow Ukrainians!

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.

This is the very issue that is fueling the protests in Georgia right now.

It is crucial that our partners also voice their position now, openly declaring what is happening. And action must be taken.

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.

We must not lose anyone in this region - neither Georgia, nor Moldova, nor Ukraine.

We must stand united in defending ourselves against Moscow.

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.

Glory to Ukraine!

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On its 30th anniversary, Ukraine calls 1994 Budapest Memorandum 'a monument to short-sightedness'

By Tatiana Vorozhko December 05, 2024

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 VOA's 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, Ukraine's 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, Ukraine's 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 Russia's 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, 'We're 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.

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Lavrov, Blinken trade blame for escalating Ukraine tensions

By VOA News December 05, 2024

The top Russian and U.S. diplomats, Sergey Lavrov and Antony Blinken, traded sharp words Thursday at an international security conference over Moscow's nearly three-year war in Ukraine, with each blaming the other's country for escalating the conflict.

Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, accused the West of reviving the Cold War with its arms support for Kyiv's 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 West's 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.

Some information is from The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.

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In the United States, Andriy Yermak Held Meetings with Representatives of President-Elect Donald Trump's Team and Members of Both Chambers and Parties of Congress

President of Ukraine

6 December 2024 - 08:33

A Ukrainian delegation led by First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko is on a visit to the United States, in the framework of which Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak visited Washington, New York and Florida.

The Head of the Presidential Office met with representatives of the team of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Andriy Yermak spoke in detail about the situation at the front and handed over the flags of Ukrainian brigades: the 95th separate air assault brigade, the 92nd separate assault brigade, the 80th separate air assault brigade, the 57th separate motorized infantry brigade and the 3rd separate assault brigade.

The parties discussed Russia's plans and steps to be taken to thwart them.

At the White House, the Head of the Presidential Office met with National Security Advisor to the President of the United States Jake Sullivan.

Andriy Yermak also held meetings with Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Joe Wilson, Co-Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee Lindsey Graham, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Under Secretary of State John Bass and Democratic Party Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries.

In addition, the Head of the Presidential Office met with philanthropist William Albert Ackman and other representatives of U.S. business circles, the Veterans Caucus, members of Congress, senators, military veterans, and representatives of the Democratic Party.

Andriy Yermak expressed his gratitude to the United States and the entire American people for their steadfast support of Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

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Zelenskyy reveals new Peklo drone-missile hybrid

By VOA News December 06, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday introduced new "Peklo" drone-missiles being manufactured in a Ukrainian factory, the first batch of which, he said, already has been delivered to the nation's armed forces.

In footage released by his office, Zelenskyy could be seen touring the factory in an undisclosed location alongside Ukraine Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and other officials.

In a post to his X social media account, Zelenskyy said the hybrid drone-missile "Peklo"  which means "hell" in Ukrainian  has a range of 700 kilometers and a speed of 700 kph. He said it already has proved its combat effectiveness.

Ukrainian officials said the drones are cost-effective and are comparable to some Russian-made cruise missiles in terms of performance.

"It is crucial that our defenders receive such modern, Ukrainian-made weaponry," Zelenskyy said in the recording. "Now the task is to continue ramping up its production and deployment."

Friday was Ukraine's Armed Services Day, and Zelenskyy delivered an address to members of the military. "Respect. Gratitude. Honor. This is what our people feel when it comes to you. When our people hear about you, see you, see how you destroy the enemy, his missiles, his drones, his bases, his arrogance," the president said.

When Russia launched its war against Ukraine, Zelenskyy said that at that time Ukraine "had no HIMARS, no Patriots, no F-16s, and so much else was missing. But we had you. Ukrainian warriors ... you hold the line of freedom ... because of you, everyone holds on, Ukraine holds on. Thanks to you, Ukrainian warrior."

On Thursday, Ukraine's Defense Ministry announced plans to supply their armed forces with more than 30,000 long-range attack drones in 2025, with funding supplied by international partners. In a statement, the ministry said the drones operate autonomously and can strike enemy targets with high precision.

The ministry made those arrangements considering U.S. President Joe Biden's term is winding down and the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump presents uncertainty. Trump has voiced skepticism about continued support and said he would resolve the war before his January 20 inauguration, but did not say how.

A U.S. National Security Council spokesperson in a background briefing told reporters that national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian president's office, at the White House for meetings Thursday to discuss the future of U.S. support for Ukraine.

The spokesperson said the meeting lasted more than an hour with Sullivan focused on Biden's theory that improving Ukraine's position in its war against Russia would allow Ukraine to enter any future negotiating process from a position of strength.

The spokesperson said Sullivan and Yermak discussed the four-part U.S. strategic support for Ukraine, which involves increased military assistance and economic pressure on Russia through sanctions, addressing Ukraine's manpower challenges, and sustaining support for Ukraine's economy.

To implement the strategy, the spokesperson noted the U.S. will provide Ukraine's military with hundreds of thousands of additional artillery rounds, thousands of additional rockets, and hundreds of additional armored vehicles between now and January.

They also pointed to the sweeping set of U.S.-imposed sanctions on Russia's financial sector, and that more sanctions would follow in the coming weeks, all designed to make it more difficult for Russia to sustain its war against Ukraine.

Sullivan and Yermak reportedly discussed a U.S. offer to prepare any newly mobilized soldiers at training sites outside of Ukraine.

And to help sustain Ukraine's economy in the months ahead, the spokesperson said the U.S. is finalizing the $20 billion Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loan agreement between the governments, backed by the profits of immobilized Russian sovereign assets.

The NSC spokesperson said the strategy is designed to improve Ukraine's position in the war for the coming year and lay the foundation for a negotiated settlement "that provides for an independent, sovereign, and democratic Ukraine."

Mykhailo Komadovsky of VOA's Russian Service contributed to this report.

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NEW YORK, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm, is investigating potential claims against Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) on behalf of long-term stockholders following a class action complaint that was filed against Southwest Airlines on January 12, 2023 with a Class Period from June 13, 2020 to December 31, 2022. Our investigation concerns whether the board of directors of Southwest Airlines have breached their fiduciary duties to the company.

Winter storms disrupted holiday travel during the 2022 holiday season, leaving thousands of travelers stranded in airports around the United States. However, not all domestic airlines were affected equally. Southwest Airlines flight cancellations accounted for the vast majority of domestic flight cancellations, leaving travelers unable to visit loved ones over the holidays, and attracting the ire of the federal government.

As flights were getting cancelled around the country, it soon emerged that the root cause behind Southwest Airlines cancellations was outdated and ineffective technology, in particular, its crew scheduling system (called Sky Solver). Further compounding on this issue, Southwest Airlines used an aggressive flight schedule that left it prone to greater cancellations than its competitors in the event of unusual conditions, such as nationwide storms.

As various national news outlets focused on how Southwest Airlines utter failure to provide adequate services to its customers left thousands stranded at airports across the country, the truth about the Companys business began to emerge.

On December 26, 2022, Business Insider published an article about Southwest Airlines entitled U.S. Department of Transportation says it plans to look into Southwest Airlines following the airlines unacceptable holiday flight cancellations. The article highlighted that the Department of Transportation had announced that it would examine whether cancellations were controllable, and whether Southwest Airlines was complying with its stated customer service plan, after reports of a lack of prompt customer service in the wake of cancellations.

On the same day, CNN published an article entitled Massive Southwest Airlines Disruption Leaves Customers Stranded and Call Centers Swamped. CNN discussed how the winter conditions had affected Southwest Airlines to a much greater extent than its competitors, and then discussed how it had been provided a transcript of a message from Defendant Jordan to Southwests employees. In this message, Defendant Jordan stated that [Southwest Airlines] has a lot of issues in the operation right now, and that [p]art of what were suffering is a lack of tools. Weve talked an awful lot about modernizing the operation, and the need to do that.

Then, on December 27, 2022, Reuters published an article entitled Southwest cancels thousands more flights; U.S. Government Vows Scrutiny. This article quoted Casey Murray, president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (the "SWAPA"), who said Southwest is using outdated technology and processes, really from the 90s, that cant keep up with the network complexity today.

The Reuters article also discussed Southwest Airlines flight schedule. Rather than flying out of hubs, Southwest Airlines relies on the aforementioned point-to-point service, which leaves Company staff vulnerable to being stranded during disruptions (such as inclement weather). Murray said that this complex and aggressive business model was possible. However, executing this strategy in adverse conditions would only be possible with software that was more effective than Sky Solver, Southwest Airlines proprietary software that is used to match flight staff personnel with different flights. Murray stated that [w]e had aircraft that were available, but the process of matching up those crew members with the aircraft could not be handled by our technology. Due to Sky Solvers failure, the Company had to manually match crew members to specific flights, a process that Murray called extraordinarily difficult.

On the same day, CNN published an article entitled Why Southwest is Melting Down, which quoted Kathleen Bangs, a spokesperson for a flight tracking website called FlightAware, who stated that Southwests schedule was aggressive in that it focused on shorter flights with tight turnaround times. Bangs further stated, [t]hose turnaround times bog things down.

The December 27 CNN article quoted Lyn Montgomery, the president of the labor union which represents Southwest Airlines flight attendants, as saying [t]he phone system the company uses is just not working. Theyre just not manned with enough manpower in order to give the scheduling changes to flight attendants, and thats created a ripple effect that is creating chaos throughout the nation.

The December 27 CNN article revealed that it also obtained a transcript of a phone call between Southwest Airlines COO, Andrew Watterson, and various company employees, in which Watterson stated [t]he process of matching up [crew members] with the aircraft could not be handled by our technology.

On this news, Southwest Airlines stock fell from a closing price of $36.09 on December 23, 2022, to $33.94 on the next trading day, December 27, 2022, and then to $32.19 on December 28, 2022, a drop of over 12%.

More news emerged about Southwest Airlines over the following days. On December 30, 2021, My Tech Decisions published an article about Southwest Airlines entitled Southwest Airlines Holiday Collapse Due in Part to Outdated IT Systems, which discussed how the SWAPA had warned that the Company needed to improve its technological infrastructure. SWAPA stated, A systemic failure of Southwest Airlines leaders to modernize, support, and staff its operation leaves every frontline employee, Pilots included, tired of apologizing to our passengers. [. . .]. For more than a decade, leadership shortcomings in adapting, innovating, and safeguarding our operations have led to repeated system disruptions, countless disappointed passengers, and millions in lost profits. Further, [we call for investing in infrastructure in the form of] crew scheduling software that takes into account our point-topoint network, [. . .] and communication tools that would have allowed for displaced crews to remain in in constant contact with our Company.

On December 31, 2022, The New York Times published an article entitled The Shameful Open Secret Behind Southwests Failure, which discussed how it was an open secret within Southwest Airlines that it desperately needed to modernize its scheduling systems. In particular, the article discussed how software shortcomings had contributed to previous, smaller-scale meltdowns, and that Southwest Airlines worker unions had warned the Company about the software at various times before the Companys meltdown over the 2022 holiday season.

On this news, Southwest Airlines stock fell from a closing price of $33.67 on December 30, 2022 to $32.6 on the next trading day, January 3, 2023, a drop of over 3%.

As a result of Defendants wrongful acts and omissions, and the precipitous decline in the market value of the Companys common shares, Plaintiff and other Class members have suffered significant losses and damages.

If you are a long-term stockholder of Southwest Airlines, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore by email at investigations@bespc.com, by telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you.

About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.:

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York and California. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit www.bespc.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

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TALLINN, Estonia, Dec. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sallar, a pioneering DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) project, announces the release of its groundbreaking application designed to harness computational power from multiple devices globally. This innovation positions Sallar as one of the first in the world to utilize decentralized computing resources on such a scale.

The newly launched Sallar app allows users to contribute unused computational power from their smartphones and devices, creating a decentralized infrastructure that supports industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data processing, cryptography, and more. In return, users receive Sallar tokens ($ALL) as rewards, distributed directly through an audited smart contract.

How the Sallar Application Works

Users can download the Sallar app, connect their devices, and start sharing computational power. Contributions are measured and rewarded at regular intervals, with mining rewards structured in tiers based on the number of tokens held in the app.

For example:

Holding 0 tokens earns a base reward of 2 Sallar tokens every 4 hours.

earns a base reward of Holding 1,000,000 tokens increases the reward to 85 tokens every 4 hours.

increases the reward to Users who hold 100,000,000 tokens can earn up to 9,194 tokens every 4 hours.



This tiered reward system encourages participation while providing added incentives for long-term holders.

The Role of $ALL Tokens

The Sallar token ($ALL) is the backbone of the ecosystem, functioning as both a reward mechanism and a utility token. By accumulating tokens, users can unlock higher mining rewards, reinforcing their role within the network.

$ALL tokens are more than just rewardsthey represent a bridge between contributors and real-world applications. By utilizing these tokens, industries can access a decentralized network for computational tasks, while users benefit from an eco-friendly alternative to traditional data centers.

Applications of Decentralized Computing Power

The computational power collected through the Sallar app supports a wide range of applications, including:

Artificial Intelligence : Accelerating AI model training and deployment.

: Accelerating AI model training and deployment. Big Data Processing : Enabling efficient analysis of large datasets.

: Enabling efficient analysis of large datasets. Cryptography: Supporting secure and distributed encryption techniques.



By providing these resources, Sallar not only empowers users but also supports innovation across multiple industries.

About Sallar

Launched as a DePIN project on the Solana blockchain, Sallar aims to redefine how decentralized computing resources are utilized. With a maximum token supply of 12 billion and a total supply of 2.6 billion, Sallars tokenomics ensure sustainability while rewarding its community of miners. The project has been thoroughly audited by Hacken and QuickIntel, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and security.

Sallar represents the future of decentralized computing, bridging the gap between contributors and industries while delivering tangible benefits to all participants.

To learn more, visit https://sallar.io .

To lauch application, visit https://app.sallar.io .

Media Contact:

Sallar

Email: contact@sallar.io

Disclaimer: This content is provided by sponsor. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0d16b0b5-8db7-4051-a195-830a6aa902cf
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that the Rentokil class action lawsuit, captioned Laborers Local #235 Pension Fund v. Rentokil Initial plc, No. 24-cv-02932 (W.D. Tenn.), charges Rentokil Initial plc (NYSE: RTO) as well as certain of Rentokils top executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Lead plaintiff motions for the Rentokil class action lawsuit must be filed with the court no later than January 27, 2025.

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Rentokil class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-rentokil-initial-plc-class-action-lawsuit-rto.html

You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at info@rgrdlaw.com.

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Rentokil provides pest control, hygiene, and wellness services worldwide. According to the Rentokil class action lawsuit, Rentokil announced on October 12, 2022 that it had completed its acquisition of Memphis, Tennessee-based Terminix Global Holdings, Inc. in a transaction valued at $6.7 billion, including $1.34 billion in cash and over 129 million new Rentokil American Depositary Shares (ADSs).

The Rentokil class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Rentokil experienced levels of disruption in the early pilots of the Terminix integration; (ii) Rentokil experienced significant, ongoing, self-inflicted execution challenges integrating Terminix; (iii) the disruption and execution challenges imperiled Rentokils integration plan for Terminix; (iv) Rentokil and Terminix were still two separate businesses that were not yet integrated; and (v) Rentokils failure to integrate Terminix negatively impacted Rentokils business and operations, particularly organic revenue growth in North America.

The Rentokil class action lawsuit further alleges that on April 18, 2024, Rentokil reported that organic revenue growth in North America had increased by only 1.5% year-over-year  below Rentokils guidance of 2% for the first quarter and 2% to 4% for the full year, issued just six weeks earlier on March 7, 2024. On this news, the price of Rentokil ADSs fell more than 9%, according to the complaint.

Then, on September 11, 2024, the Rentokil class action lawsuit further alleges that Rentokil provided an unscheduled Trading Update, announcing that Rentokil now expected only 1% organic revenue growth in North America for the second half of 2024  well below Rentokils prior guidance. On this news, the price of Rentokil ADSs fell more than 21%, according to the complaint.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased Rentokil ADSs during the class period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Rentokil class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Rentokil class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Rentokil class action lawsuit. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Rentokil class action lawsuit.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the worlds leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud cases. Our Firm has been #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for six out of the last ten years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. We recovered $6.6 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases  over $2.2 billion more than any other law firm in the last four years. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs firms in the world and the Firms attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever  $7.2 billion  in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Contact:

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal

655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101

800-449-4900

info@rgrdlaw.com
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (NYSE: ZETA) securities between February 27, 2024 and November 13, 2024, inclusive (the Class Period), have until January 21, 2025 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Zeta Global class action lawsuit. Captioned Davoodi v. Zeta Global Holdings Corp., No. 24-cv-08961 (S.D.N.Y.), the Zeta Global class action lawsuit charges Zeta Global as well as certain of Zeta Globals top executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Zeta Global class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-zeta-global-holdings-corp-class-action-lawsuit-zeta.html

You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at info@rgrdlaw.com.

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Zeta Global is a marketing technology company.

The Zeta Global class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Zeta Global used two-way contracts to artificially inflate financial results; (ii) Zeta Global engaged in round trip transactions to artificially inflate financial results; (iii) Zeta Global utilized predatory consent farms to collect user data; and (iv) these consent farms have driven almost the entirety of Zeta Globals growth.

The Zeta Global class action lawsuit further alleges that on November 13, 2024 Culper Research published a report entitled Zeta Global Holdings Corp (ZETA): Shams, Scams, and Spam. On this news, the price of Zeta Globals stock fell by more than 37%.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Zeta Global securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Zeta Global class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Zeta Global class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Zeta Global class action lawsuit. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Zeta Global class action lawsuit.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the worlds leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud cases. Our Firm has been #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for six out of the last ten years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. We recovered $6.6 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases  over $2.2 billion more than any other law firm in the last four years. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs firms in the world and the Firms attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever  $7.2 billion  in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Contact:

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal

655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101

800-449-4900

info@rgrdlaw.com
Piarco, Dec. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Caribbean Airlines announces the start of its new service to the French island of Guadeloupe, marking a significant milestone in the airlines commitment to enhancing regional connectivity.

This new route, operating four (4) times per week via St. Lucia and Dominica, opens new opportunities for seamless travel and collaboration across the Caribbean.

The introduction of flights to Guadeloupe brings a fitting conclusion to an ambitious year of expansion for Caribbean Airlines. In 2024, the airlines network grew with the addition of Puerto Rico, Martinique and now Guadeloupe. These new destinations are complemented by key regional developments, including flights between Ogle, Guyana, and Suriname, expanded regional and international schedules, and the upcoming relaunch of the Fort Lauderdale to Kingston route.

Garvin Medera, CEO of Caribbean Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm for the airlines latest milestone, stating: At Caribbean Airlines, our theme of Welcome Home reflects our vision of uniting the Caribbean and beyond. This new service to Guadeloupe strengthens our commitment to building bridges across the region for the betterment of our people, culture, trade, and education. Whether youre connecting for business, leisure, or to visit loved ones, our network is designed to make every journey as seamless and welcoming as possible.

Medera added, As we reflect on a year of dynamic growth, we are proud to be at the forefront of regional connectivity. The start of service to Guadeloupe is not just an expansion of our network; its a reaffirmation of our commitment to fostering unity, opportunity, and the vibrant exchange of Caribbean culture.

Guadeloupe, renowned for its vibrant Creole culture, lush landscapes, and iconic landmarks like La Soufriere Volcano, offers travelers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. By linking this destination to St. Lucia, Dominica, Trinidad and the wider Caribbean Airlines network, the airline is opening new gateways for exploration and connection across the region.

The schedule for this new route is carefully designed to provide convenient connectivity to and from other destinations in the airlines extensive network, ensuring hassle-free travel for passengers.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guadeloupe Maryse Conde Airport Alain BIEVRE shared his appreciation stating: Expanding our regional network is a priority for us, Caribbean Airlines opening up the southern islands to our butterfly archipelago is great news, we are looking forward to building a strong relationship with Caribbean Airlines and strengthening connections within the Caribbean.

Caribbean Airlines continues to lead the way in connecting the Caribbean and beyond, offering reliable service, warm hospitality, and convenient travel solutions.

For more information on the new service and to book your next journey, visit www.caribbean-airlines.com.

Attachments
Featured

Shameless chiefs, prophets and pollsters - Enimil Ashon writes

Enimil Ashon Opinion Dec - 07 - 2024 , 17:30 4 minutes read

For one reason and one reason only, I have been waiting for the final result of Election 2024. It may sound sadistic, but my pleasure is in watching the discomfiture of three classes of shameless political players in Ghana, namely chiefs, prophets and pollsters.

Nothing is going to give me more pleasure than a repeat of the aftermath of the March 8, 1978 UNIGOV referendum. In nearly every traditional area in Ghana, chiefs went into hiding. Of all sycophants in Ghana at the time, they had been the loudest. Week after week, between July 1977 and March 1978, these chiefs led retinues to the Castle to declare support for the Union Government concept, a personal proposal by our military Head of State, General Kutu Acheampong.

They ran out of adjectives heaping praise upon Acheampong, Ghana s fount of wisdom , Acheampong, the God sent , and condemning professional bodies, students and other activists who had not kept quiet about their opposition to the concept.

In the run up to Election 2024, see what many of our chiefs turned out to be: obsequious and toady bootlickers running their mouths for Bawumia and Mahama depending on who is visiting their palaces. From this Sunday, many of them will remain indoors, unable to look their own citizens in the eye.

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Three of the six men of God who prophesied the outcome of the presidential elections may not be able to go to church for some time, unless they have, as the Fantes say, eaten the eye of a dog , totally lacking any sense of shame. How will their congregations feel receiving prophecies from them after Sunday?

As for our pollsters, they have a ready-made explanation for failure: It s the respondents. They were not truthful with answers to the questions.

To the EC, I have an urgent message. If 2024 turns bloody, it will be over attempts by voters to take photos to produce digital images of their thumb-printed ballots inside the voting booth.

To a voter that has been bribed, that photo is worth more than gold. It is the evidence that the job has been done.

Hypothesis

My hypothesis is that bribed voters will go to every length for the money, except go to jail. If I know Ghanaians, the fear of arrest and jail term will overcome the greed.

That is why I am appealing to Jean Mensah, Bossman Asare & co to, in the course of today, put the fear of God in them. One way is to cause a news item to be broadcast on radio and TV announcing the arraignment before court, of voters who were arrested taking pictures of their thumb-printed ballots at last Monday s Special Voting Day.

This news item will strike terror into people who have been approached by politicians to commit this crime.

Intelligence I picked up is that there are elements within the two major political parties who will stop at nothing to buy tens of thousands of votes. This is in addition to other measures they put in place during the voter registration and voter transfer exercises earlier in the year.

In our Winner-Take-All democracy, a win produces more than a President; it produces a god. With unlimited access to the nation s resources and power to appoint anyone as he pleases, nothing is impossible to him, humanly.

This election looks in many ways like all other elections since 1992, Yet, in more ways than one, signs on the wall promise an extraordinary election.

Last week, I said that the advertising spend of the two major parties had not changed much from previous election years. I confess that I spoke too soon.

As if my article was all the provocation they had been waiting for, NDC/NPP suddenly plunged into an unprecedented spending spree. If the mode of payment has changed from previous years, then I can imagine bundles of 200 cedi notes tumbling out of Ghana Must Go sacks and electronic counting machines breaking down from the sheer effort!

Between last Saturday, and Wednesday night when I was finishing this article, the two parties literally took over the airwaves. On air, there was time for very little else. Compared with yesteryear, even the advertising format has changed. The stand-alone 60 seconds jingles or LPMs gave way to uninterrupted 45 minutes playback of lies, unfulfilled promises and more promises.

To be fair, I had witnessed the battle of the airwaves in previous elections when, in addition to what the party itself had paid to the media house, some individual money-bags in the party would walk to GBC directly and pay for more spots, no matter the cost!

In the early years of journalism, editors and newspaper managements, conscious of the need to preserve the media s image of editorial independence, sold advertising on every page, except the editorial page no compromise, no matter how big the money and no matter how broke the media house.

Whom will you vote for tomorrow?

The writer is Executive Director, Centre for Communication and Culture.

E-mail: ashonenimil@gmail.com
Featured

CODEO deploys 4,000 observers nationwide for 2024 Election

Beatrice Laryea Dec - 07 - 2024 , 07:15 3 minutes read

The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has deployed 4,000 election observers across the country to monitor the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, according to the Board Chairman, Rev. Dr Fred Deegbe.

Rev. Deegbe explained that 3,401 Rapid Response Observers will be stationed at a representative sample of CODEO stations in all 276 constituencies across the 16 regions of Ghana. This total includes 1,500 Private Voter Tabulation Observers (PVT), who will be deployed to a statistically representative sample of CODEO stations, and 1,000 Youth Observers. The Stationary Observers will monitor the elections at assigned polling stations, from setup to the declaration of results.

The CODEO stationary observers will submit regular observation reports, reflecting their findings and providing updates on any incidents throughout the day.

Meanwhile, CODEOs mobile observers will visit various polling stations, particularly those without stationary observers. They will also submit reports based on their observations.

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Later on December 7, CODEOs constituency and regional coalition centre observers will report to coalition centres nationwide, offering updates on the election process and the coalition of election results.

Event

Rev. Deegbe was speaking at the Coalition's final press briefing at the Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra on Friday, December 6, which formed part of the Coalition's efforts to ensure transparency and provide timely updates on its election observation activities.

"The Rapid Response Observers will include 307 CODEO Regional Coordinators and Constituency Supervisors. The Roaming Observers will be at all 276 constituencies where voting will occur. In addition, members of the CODEO Advisory Board and the CODEO General Assembly will undertake roaming observations in various constituencies," he said.

"For the first time, CODEO will also have 16 observer stations at the 16 regional coalition centres of the Electoral Commission while two observers will also be deployed to the National Coalition Centre in Accra," he explained further.

"CODEO leverages statistical principles to select polling stations for its Rapid Response Observers. The deployment and observation plan ensures an issue-wide presence and visibility in every region and constituency, including remote and hard-to-reach areas," he added.

Preparations

He outlined the intensive preparations undertaken by the Coalition prior to the final day of election, including recruitment and training of 276 constituency supervisors nationwide in November.

"Finally, in November, the Coalition recruited and trained Podium station rapid response observers. Every recruited observer received training in election and election observation, including the legal framework for elections, election day procedures, election observation and tools of observation, as well as the code of conduct for election observers.

"To ensure their adequate preparation, officials from the Electoral Commission facilitated training in the voting processes. CODEO observers were recruited mainly from its member organisations, as well as selected youth-focused organisations.

"Ladies and gentlemen, with all these preparatory efforts successfully executed, we are confident that our observers have received the highest quality of training and are ready to carry out this important national assignment," he said.

The press briefing was attended by the Co-Chair of CODEO, Mrs Elizabeth Joyce Villars, and other Board members, including Executive Director, Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, Prof. Kwasi Prempeh; the National Security Coordinator, Mr Kofi Bentum Quantston; the Director, West Africa Civil Society Institute, Mrs Nana Asantewaa Afadzinu, and former Commissioner, Ghana Police Service, Ms Gifty Florence Anim.

The event brought together partners, including the American people, through the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, the National Democratic Institute, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK and the European Union.
Featured

Gyakye Quayson commends EC, security officials for smooth electoral process in Assin North

Shirley Asiedu Addo Dec - 07 - 2024 , 11:55 1 minute read

The parliamentary candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and incumbent Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, has expressed his appreciation to the Electoral Commission (EC) officials and security personnel for their effective management of the electoral process.

In a media interview after casting his vote at the DA Junior Secondary School in Assin Bereku, Mr Quayson shared his observations from visits to several polling stations in the area.

He noted that he had not witnessed any incidents of violence or disruptions at the polling centres he visited. He attributed that peaceful atmosphere to the hard work and dedication of the EC officials, commending them for maintaining a calm and orderly voting environment.

Mr Quayson underscored the significance of such a well-managed election process in strengthening democracy and building public trust in the electoral system. He also praised the security personnel for their role in ensuring order, allowing voters to exercise their rights without fear.
Featured

Police launch manhunt following attack on NPP Collation Centre in Akweteyman

GraphicOnline Dec - 07 - 2024 , 19:24 1 minute read

The Ghana Police Service has initiated a manhunt for a group of individuals who attacked a collation centre at the Okaikwei North Constituency in Akweteyman, Accra.

According to the Police, the attackers caused extensive damage to collation materials and injured one person during the assault, prompting swift action from law enforcement agency.

In a statement, the Police revealed that their investigations, aided by a victim, had led to the identification of two suspects: Ryan Gbagbathi and Huzaif, who are believed to be part of the group involved in the incident.

We urge the public to remain calm as Police efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects to face the full rigours of the law, the statement noted, assuring the public of their determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.

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The Police further reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and security during and after the elections, stressing their readiness to tackle any threats to public safety.

As investigations continue, the Police are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the swift arrest of the suspects. The incident underscores the heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing electoral process.
Featured

Adentan: Seventh-Day Adventists attend church in high numbers on election day

Rosalind K Amoh Dec - 07 - 2024 , 12:15 2 minutes read

On Election Day in Ghana, members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church (SDA) are observing their Sabbath traditions by attending church services, despite the day coinciding with the 2024 General Election.

The SDA leadership had expressed concerns about the election taking place on the Sabbath, a day of worship for their faith, creating a conflict between fulfilling religious obligations and exercising their civic duty to vote.

However, the church leadership clarified that voting was a personal decision, and they respected each individual's right to make that choice. Consequently, many SDA members chose to attend church services, which began early in the morning and continued into the afternoon.

At the All Nations Congregation in Adenta Housing Down, congregants started arriving at 8:30 am for the first service, which ran until 12:30 pm, with a second service scheduled from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

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While church leaders declined to comment publicly, some worshippers spoke anonymously about their decision to attend church first and then possibly vote afterwards.

One congregant, a father of two, shared that he and his family have always attended the first service and would decide about voting after church.

"My family and I have always attended first service so we are here as always. As for voting, I will see how it goes after church. I have voted in three elections since 2012 and so I'll see how it goes," he said.

Another congregant, who has been voting since 2000, expressed concern about waiting in long queues but remained determined to vote after the service, provided it was feasible.

"I don't want to be in the queue given that today is a Sabbath. Hopefully, I won't have to be in the queue for long, as I'm keen to vote. I have been voting since 2000," the woman said.

Overall, SDA members have adhered to the churchs guidance on the individual nature of the decision, balancing religious observance and civic participation on this election day.
Featured

WANEP, NPC deploy 510 observers for 2024 election

Emmanuel Bonney Dec - 07 - 2024 , 11:24 4 minutes read

The West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and the National Peace Council (NPC) have deployed 510 accredited observers to 276 medium- to high-risk areas across the constituencies in the country.

The deployment includes 319 observers from WANEP and 191 from the NPC, covering all 16 regions. Of the total number of observers, 370 are female and 140 are male.

The Chairman of the NPC, Rev. Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, made this announcement on Friday, December 6, while revealing the establishment of the Election Situation Room (ESR) to monitor the 2024 elections.

The ESR will monitor, report, analyse, and facilitate responses to violent threats that may disrupt the peaceful conduct of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

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It is a key component of the Electoral Violence Monitoring, Analysis, and Mitigation (E-MAM) project, which aims to reduce election-related violence in 12 West African countries through National Early Warning Systems (NEWS).

Composition

The ESR comprises five operational sections: the Data Gathering Room, Analysis Room, Decision Room, Fact-checking Room and Communication Room.

The NPC and WANEP will from December 6-8, 2024, operate the centralised ESR at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.

In May this year, Rev. Dr Adu-Gyamfi said the NPC and WANEP, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) and United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), launched the National Election Response Group (NERG) and Regional Election Response Group (RERG).

The primary objective of NERG/RERG is to engage in discussions, develop response strategies, and recommend actions to address potential violent threats leading up to, during and after the elections.

The NERG/RERG, he said, was made up of prominent individuals representing key state and non-state institutions to prevent and mitigate violence associated with elections.

"This collaborative effort highlights NPC and WANEP's commitment to promoting peace, security and successful elections in Ghana by providing timely information and strategic response mechanisms," he said.

Rev. Adu-Gyamfi said the ESR, with support from RERGs (established in 11 regions, namely Upper East, Upper West, Northern, North-East, Savannah, Bono, Bono-East, Ashanti, Greater Accra, Western, and Volta), would undertake preventive actions across the country.

The 11 regions, he said, were selected on the basis of their threat analysis conducted earlier in the year. Five hundred and ten accredited observers, including 319 observers from WANEP, have been deployed mainly to 276 prioritised "very high-risk" to "Medium-risk" constituencies across Ghana's 16 regions".

He said the observers would use a checklist comprising 63 questions, divided into six forms, to monitor voting processes within their assigned areas.

Submission

Reports, Rev. Dr Adu-Gyamfi said, would be submitted through a Geospatial Information System (GIS) designed for that purpose and that additional updates would be received via dedicated WhatsApp channels and phone calls between the situation room and field observers.

"134 personnel, including youth, women, elections experts, and eminent persons have been mobilised to operationalise the ESR with the support of resource persons from other West African countries, from December 6-8, this year," he said.

In addition, he said a team of fact checkers from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJIO) and West Africa FactSpace would support the ESR in validating sensitive incidents and other social media posts before being released to the public.

Pre-election context

A total of 18,774,159 registered Ghanaians, comprising 9,689,980 (51.6%) females and 9,084,179 (48.4%) males, are expected to go to the polls for the ninth presidential and parliamentary elections under the Fourth Republic.

Twelve presidential candidates are contesting the 2024 elections.

In the parliamentary election, 801 aspirants, made up of 118 (14.7%) females and 683 (85.3%) males, will contest in 276 Constituencies. The elections will be held in all 40,976 polling stations across the country.

Rev. Adu-Gyamfi said while the NPC and WANEP hotspot mapping reports identified 203 very-high to medium-risk areas nationwide based on their specific election security indicators, the EC had reportedly identified 7,250 flashpoints nationwide.

He mentioned some of the challenges identified to include an environment of mistrust and suspicions of key state institutions by a section of the citizenry, mistrust and suspicions among political actors, negative media reportage and social media vulnerabilities, including information disorders.

Recommendations

Rev. Adu-Gyamfi said given the challenges raised, the EC was encouraged to continue to maintain frequent communication with stakeholders and the general public throughout the electoral process.

"The National Election Security Taskforce is encouraged to continue to uphold the principles of neutrality, impartiality and professionalism in the discharge of their duties, the National Communication Authority (NCA), the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the National Media Commission (NMC) should encourage their members to respect the ethics of the journalist profession and refrain from disseminating any information that could exacerbate tension, the general public should verify before sharing information on social media," he said.

The ESR is supported by the European Union and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and with complementary funding from the Governments of Sweden, Austria and the United Kingdom.
Featured

2024 Elections: 276 constituencies, 16 regions, 12 candidates, 1 president - Ghana decides [LIVE VIDEO]

Graphic.com.gh Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 14:04 2 minutes read

Ghanaians on Saturday, December 7, 2024 voted to elected who will lead the country from 2025 and parliamentarians for 276 constituencies.

The crucial national elections formed both the next 9th parliament and executive leadership for the next four years.

The Electoral Commission is collating the results from various polling and constituency centres for the election, expressing happiness with the peaceful and order in the voting process.

The election will decide who will represent the 276 constituencies in the country as a member of parliament.

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Also, 12 presidential aspirants are featured on the ballot paper.

Ahead of the election, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, had accused the EC of conniving with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to rig the elections.

Additionally, independent presidential candidate Nana Kwame Bediako has accused the EC of deliberate sabotage over accreditation, which is to be given to his agents.

Major parties like the NDC and the NPP aim to secure massive votes, especially in their major strongholds, to win the polls.

The NPP is well known to be positioned in the Ashanti region, with some fear of losing votes because of its former member Alan John Kyerematen, who has now joined the presidential race as an independent candidate, potentially splitting their vote.

Nana Kwame Bediako, an independent presidential candidate, is also reported to have strong ties in the region.

On the other hand, the NDC, known to dominate in the Volta region, is equally facing the threat of vote splitting as the NPP's recent tour to the region pulled massive crowds.

Fourteen other regions, amounting to 16 in total, will also contribute to the election results, with the Greater Accra region being known as a swing region.

The election will begin at 7:00 am and end at 5:00 pm. However, anyone in a queue at the time of the close of polls will be allowed to vote.

Individuals are required to go to their respective polling stations, where they registered to vote or have transferred their vote, to exercise their franchise.

One must note that only citizens are allowed to vote.
Featured

Aboabo Number 2 counting halts, Military intervene

Emmanuel Baah Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 18:36 1 minute read

It took the intervention of some police officers and a hurriedly deployed back up team of military officers who came in Toyota Hilus pickup - numbering about six, to the Aboabo No 2 A Polling Station to restore calm and allow for counting of the ballots to continue as mandated.

Thirty minutes into the counting of the ballots some voters urged the EC officials to disregard a purported vote which was in favour of the opposition NDC but according them a portion of the ballot was torn.

It resulted in exchanges between some supporters of the NPP and NDC, as some were physically assaulted.

The few security personnel could not contain the heat and for that matter counting was stopped.

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When the military arrived, residents acclaimed their presence with persistent claps to show how appreciative they were of the swift intervention which helped restore calm.

Counting has resumed at the Polling Station, close to the Kotoko Cinema Hall at Aboabo No 2 in Kumasi.
Featured

Ghana Election 2024: Bawumia in Walewale to vote

GraphicOnline Politics Dec - 06 - 2024 , 21:58 2 minutes read

The Vice-President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, arrived in his hometown of Walewale in the North East Region on Friday ahead of Saturdays elections.

Dr Bawumia, who is contesting for the presidency for the first time, is set to cast his vote in Kperiga, a suburb of Walewale, where he is also a registered voter.

Having served as Vice-President under President Nana Akufo-Addo for the past eight years, Dr Bawumias name will appear on the presidential ballot for the first time.

His candidacy represents a milestone in his remarkable political journey, which began in 2008 when he transitioned from banking to politics after being chosen as Akufo-Addos running mate.

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His rise has been lauded by many, including former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who described his political trajectory as "an act of destiny."

Key campaign promises

Throughout his campaign, Dr Bawumia has centred his message on economic transformation through private sector involvement, promising tax incentives to boost private sector participation.

The NPP flagbearer has also pledged to advance Ghanas education system and provide digital skills training for one million youth. This initiative, he says, aims to equip young people with the tools to access jobs both locally and internationally.

Homecoming for the candidate



Dr Bawumias return to Walewale has been met with enthusiasm from residents, as he prepares to join millions of Ghanaians in tomorrows decisive polls.

The 2024 election, regarded as one of the most pivotal in Ghanas recent history, will determine whether the NPP secures a third consecutive term or the National Democratic Congress (NDC) reclaims the presidency.
Next article: NPP polling agents asked to be more vigilant

Featured

Central Region: Calm election day with low turnout in some areas

Shirley Asiedu Addo Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 17:58 3 minutes read

The Central Region has experienced a calm and quiet election day, with low enthusiasm and low voter turnout reported in several areas, as per Shirley Asiedu-Addo's coverage.

Approximately 1,752,165 voters are expected to cast their ballots in the region, marking an 11 per cent increase from the 1,568,342 voters recorded in the 2020 election. A total of 65 candidates are vying for the 23 parliamentary seats in the region.

At the polling stations visited by Graphic Online, queues were generally modest and short, resulting in less stressful voting experiences. Voters were able to complete the process quickly, with an average time of about two minutes to cast their ballots.

Presiding officers across various constituencies praised the conduct of all involved  security personnel, political party agents, and voters  for their cooperation and calm demeanor throughout the day.

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Voters also commended the efficiency of the biometric verification devices (BVDs), noting that the smooth operation of the machines helped reduce waiting time and made the voting process more efficient. This contributed to shorter queues and a more streamlined election experience.

The Vice-Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, cast her ballot in the morning at the M/A JHS A at Komenda.

Afternoon rounds

Our afternoon rounds indicated that some polling stations had relatively low voter turnout.

Cape Coast North

The Presiding Officer at the Education Flat at Third Ridge, Beatrice Amoah, said 200 out of 415 had voted.

She said she was hoping that a lot more people would turn up.

At the Education Flat at Third Ridge Polling Station B, 189 voters out of 414 had cast their votes as of 2:45 p.m.

The Presiding Officer, Dennis Asiamah Yeboah, said he was hopeful that between 250 and 300 would cast their votes before the close of elections.

Also, at the Mary Queen of Peace Primary School Polling Station, 157 out 390 had cast their votes as of 2:50 p.m.

Anita Adeonu, an electoral officer at the polling, said turn was low but was expectant that a lot more would cast their votes before the close of the exercise.

Some of the electorates the Graphic Online spoke to said they were taking care of business that would bring them their daily income than rush and vote for leaders who would not have them at heart.

"They wont come and do anything for me. Let me sell my things and get something to eat," one of them said.

Assin Central

From Assin Central Joana Kumi reports that the Presiding Officer at the Railway JHS Fosu 1 in the Assin Central constituency, Bernard B. Forson, said as of 2:15 p.m., 163 out of the 391 registered voters had cast their ballots.

The atmosphere, he said, had been calm and orderly, with no reported incidents or disruptions.

Again, the Presiding Officer at the Catholic Primary, Foso Odumasi 1, Isaac Lanyo, said as of 1:57 p.m, 204 out of 555 registered voters had successfully cast their votes.

The Presiding Officer at Catholic Primary, Fosu Odumasi 2 Polling Station, Joshua Lawson, indicated that as of 12:55 PM, 194 out of 503 registered voters had participated in the election at his polling station.

Cape Coast South

From the Cape Coast South Constituency, Francisca Eshun reports that the constituency recorded relatively high turnouts in some of the polling stations.

The Presiding Officer at the YCMA Polling Station, Christian Kpeli, said 345 voters had cast their votes out of the expected 639 voters as of 2:09 pm.

At the Yawuda Gomu Polling Station, the Presiding Officer, Godfred Bishops, said 245 voters had cast their votes and they were expecting 304 to turn up before the close of polls.

The Presiding officer at the National Investment Bank Polling Station, Albert Wilson-Ewusi, said 336 out of 720 voters had cast their votes as of 2.36 p.m.
3 killed, 2 injured in central China fireworks explosion

Xinhua) 14:11, December 07, 2024

ZHENGZHOU, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and two others were injured in a fireworks explosion in central China's Henan Province on Friday, local authorities said Saturday.

The explosion happened at around 2:15 p.m. on Friday in a building in Qiansun Village, Weishi County, Kaifeng City, according to the county's emergency management department.

An investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Featured

Col (rtd) Festus Aboagye questions justification for land border closure during elections

Mohammed Ali Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 13:35 3 minutes read

Security analyst Colonel (retired) Festus Aboagye has questioned the governments decision to close Ghanas land borders for 48 hours for the 2024 elections.

For him, the move was an infringement on citizens' rights.

In a television interview on Channel 1 TV, Col. Aboagye (rtd) expressed doubts about the necessity of the border closure, noting that no convincing reasons have been provided to justify the restriction on movement.

He pointed out that since all voters are registered and their names should be on the electoral roll, there seems to be no clear reason for the closure.

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I was looking for a rational explanation as to why the borders had to be closed, he said. From the statement that Ive seen, Ive not found any strong reasons for the closure. He also highlighted that the decision contradicts the ECOWAS protocol, which supports the free movement of people, goods and services within the region.

While acknowledging concerns about the potential influx of non-voters or illegal materials, Col. Aboagye argued that such issues could be addressed through improved intelligence and security measures rather than imposing blanket border restrictions.

What is needed, from my perspective, is that election security and security in general, must be intelligence-driven, he stated.

According to him, the governments closure of the borders follows a similar action taken in 2020, when fears of an invasion by Western Togoland secessionists were cited.

Col. Aboagye criticised the governments repeated use of security concerns as a reason for border closures, suggesting it may reflect a lack of maturity in Ghanas democracy.

Any country that is anxious about its border security on occasions like this is not a stable democracy; its more focused on regime security or exploiting the situation for political advantage, he added.

The Ministry of the Interior has explained that the temporary border closure is aimed at ensuring the integrity of the elections. However, Aboagye indicated that securing elections should be done through prior investments in security resources, rather than last-minute measures.

He noted that many citizens rely on cross-border movement for trade, and these individuals should not be penalised for political decisions.

There are onion traders from Niger, Burkina Faso and other countries who travel here for work. If they happen to find themselves on the other side of our borders when the government announces the closure, I dont agree with that, Aboagye said.

He also emphasised that border closures are not a common practice in other African countries or during elections worldwide.

Col. Aboagye further raised concerns about the integrity of the election process itself, citing reports of missing ballot papers and allegations of armed groups intimidating voters.

These incidents undermine the integrity of the election more than any external threats, he said.

Read also: Ghana shuts land borders for 48 hours for Election 2024 [UPDATED]
Featured

Collation underway in Nkwanta-North amid tight security

Timothy Ngnenbe Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 20:32 2 minutes read

The collation of ballots is currently underway at the Kpassa Senior High School Dining Hall, which serves as the collation center for the Nkwanta-North Constituency.

The Returning Officer for the Nkwanta-North parliamentary elections, Albert Waja is overseeing the collation of votes from 138 polling stations, as well as the special voting ballot box.

Representatives from the contesting political parties are closely monitoring the process, ensuring transparency and accuracy.

The collation is being conducted under heavy security, with personnel from the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, and the Ghana Immigration Service on site, while the military stands on standby.

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Tight security

To ensure robust security, the police have set up several barricades at the entrance of Kpassa Technical Institute (KPASTECH), leading to the main entrance of the collation center.

Only authorized personnel, including Presiding Officers from various polling stations, Electoral Commission staff, accredited political party agents, and eligible observers, have been permitted entry into the dining hall where the collation is taking place.

To maintain the integrity of the process, all observers have been positioned approximately 20 meters away from the collation platform to avoid any disruption.

While the atmosphere in the collation room remains calm, the energy is expected to intensify as more Presiding Officers arrive from across the constituency.

Contenders

Apart from the 12 presidential aspirants whose ballots will be collated forwarded to the EC's headquarters, the the Returning Officer will declare the winner of the Parliamentary seat which is being battled for by four candidates.

The parliamentary elections is looking more of a two-horse race between the incumbent John Oti Kwabena Bless of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP)'s Benjamin Munyum Nador.

The two had a fiercely fought contest in 2020, with Mr Bless winning by 24,470 votes as against the 22,869 votes polled by Mr Nador.
Featured

E/R Chief Imam urges Ghanaians to maintain peace

Haruna Yussif Wunpini Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 17:31 1 minute read

The Eastern Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Yussif Amudani Sulemana, cast his ballot at exactly 4:00pm with a call on Ghanaians to maintain the peace that the country is enjoying after the December 7 polls, reports Haruna Yussif Wunpini from Koforidua.

He said peace was still needed after the elections and that all stakeholders must continue to play such a role in that respect.

Alhaji Sulemana, who was happy about the peace and smooth nature of the voting process, stated that the country had once again demonstrated its maturity in the democratic governance of the country.

"Let's continue to maintain the peace that the country has enjoyed over the years.

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Ghana still needs peace after the December 7 elections, so all Ghanaians should continue to promote peace and unity, he said.

The Chief Imam also advised the youth, especially Muslim youth, to be moderate in celebration of their winning candidates and desist from acts that would put them in trouble.

He said as counting of ballot was about to start, the youth should not cause any violence during the counting.

Alhaji Sulemana commended the security services who were deployed to the various polling stations across the region to ensure that the voting process had become peaceful.

He also commended journalists from all the media houses in the region for bringing whatever was happening to the general public.
Featured

EC Chairperson clarifies role and security arrangements

Samuel Duodu Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 11:19 1 minute read

The Electoral Commission (EC) has reiterated its commitment to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible elections.

The Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa, who was responding to questions at the first media briefing at the EC headquarters in Accra on the elections, said the Commission's primary role was to oversee the electoral process, while security arrangements were handled by National Election Security Task Force.

Mrs Mensa emphasised that EC was not responsible for security, citing the Constitution of Ghana and other laws, such as the CIS, CI91, and CI127. "Security is not part of our functions, and we do not know the security strategy of the security agencies," she stated.

The EC Chairperson also addressed concerns about the presence of military personnel at polling stations, stating that this had not been brought to the Commission's attention.

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She noted that the Commission had a seat on the National Election Security Task Force, but its involvement was limited to providing support for security agencies.

The Deputy Chairperson of the EC in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, also clarified issues related to the packaging and storage of election materials, including the use of indelible ink.

He debunked claims that the Commission had exposed validating stamps, explaining that these were packaged in envelopes and stored in ballot boxes.
Featured

EC reports smooth voting process despite isolated incidents

Samuel Duodu Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 20:17 2 minutes read

The Electoral Commission (EC) has described the just ended voting process for the presidential and parliamentary elections as largely successful.

The commission said apart from an incident at Nyankpala in the Tolon Constituency in the Northern Region that led to the death of one person the voting process has been smooth and peaceful.

The Director of Electoral Services, Benjamin Bano-Bio, said this at the fourth media briefing at the EC headquarters in Accra on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

He said voting had successfully been brought to a close, with about 95 per cent of polling stations closing on schedule by 5 p.m.

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Mr Bano-Bio said with some few areas where voters still remained in the queue after 5 p.m. voting was continuing beyond the official closing time.

He said there was also a significant reduction in the processing time for voters, with the average time spent in processing being less than three minutes.

The improvement, the Director of Electoral Services said, was attributed to the effective performance of biometric verification devices (BVDs) and the commission's strategy to ensure a smooth voting process.

"We set up a strategy that ensured a smooth flow of the process," Mr Bano-Bio explained, adding that "This includes the threshold at 750, and then the increase of polling stations throughout the country."

The EC Director of Electoral Services said the number of polling stations increased from 38,622 in 2020 to 40,648 this year, reducing congestion and wait times.

"Voter turnout was described as "very massive," with the elections proceeding seamlessly and peacefully, except for a few isolated incidents of violence that resulted in one fatality," he said.

Mr Bano-Bio emphasised that the incident was not as a result of any action or inaction of any EC official.

The Director of Electoral Services commended the EC staff, agents and the media for their professionalism and cooperation throughout the voting process.

Mr Bano-Bio urged the media to ensure the accuracy of their reports, crosschecking their results with the EC before publishing.

He added that the commission's call centres and website were available for any inquiries or concerns.
Next article: Tension in Ablekuma West as ballot boxes transported in taxi after polls close

Featured

Election 2024: National Peace Council condemns fatal shooting in Nyankpala

Gertrude Ankah Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 21:51 2 minutes read

The National Peace Council (NPC) has strongly condemned a shooting incident in Nyankpala, Northern Region, during todays (December 7) elections, which resulted in one death and left another person injured.

The NPC issued the condemnation in partnership with the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and other stakeholders in the Election Situation Room.

According to the Ghana Police Service, four individuals have been arrested in connection with the shooting, which has sparked widespread concern nationwide.

In its statement, the NPC extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the Nyankpala community, reiterating that any form of violence during the electoral process is completely unacceptable.

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"We condemn in the strongest possible terms the killing and injury of any person during the elections," the statement read.

"This violence is unacceptable, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected, as well as to the local community in Nyankpala and other regions impacted by similar acts of violence," it added.

The National Peace Council (NPC) reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a peaceful election period, once again stressing its firm opposition to the use of firearms during electoral processes. It called on all stakeholdersincluding political parties, their supporters, and security agenciesto prioritize peace and stability throughout the voting and collation phases.

The NPC also reminded the public of the commitments made by political parties during the signing of the 4th Presidential Elections Peace Pact on November 28, 2024. In the pact, party leaders pledged to promote a peaceful and stable environment before, during, and after the elections.

The Council urged all political parties and their supporters to honor these commitments in the interest of safeguarding Ghanas democratic process.

Read the full statement:
Featured

Election 2024: Opoku-Agyemang calls on Ghanaians to vote for change as she casts her ballot

Gertrude Ankah Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 12:53 1 minute read

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Presidential Candidate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has urged Ghanaians to use their votes to bring about the change the country urgently needs.

She emphasised that their decision today (Saturday, December 7) will shape the future of Ghanas development.

Highlighting the need for a change in leadership and governance, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang encouraged citizens to think about the nations future as they cast their ballots.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang made the call after casting her vote at the M.A. JHS A polling station in Komenda. "Your vote is powerful. It is crucial to the future of this country. And today, Ghanaians have the opportunity to choose the kind of leadership they want, moving forward," she stated.

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Let us remember that the power lies in the hands of the people, she added. This election is about the future of our children, our youth and every Ghanaian citizen. We need leadership that listens to the people and acts in their best interest.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who served as Education Minister under the Mahama administration, expressed confidence that the election results would reflect the Ghanaian people's desire for a new direction.

She believes that voters, motivated by the promise of change, will ensure a peaceful, fair and transparent process that leads to a positive outcome for the nation.

As the election day continues, her call for a peaceful and orderly voting process has been echoed by many across the political spectrum, with citizens and observers alike hoping for a free and fair election.
Featured

Election 2024: Trading activities ongoing at Accra central

Gertrude Ankah Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 07:07 2 minutes read

Some traders in the central business district of Accra were up at dawn to start their daily routine of selling to ensure they could sell their goods and still make it to polling stations to cast their votes.

LIVE UPDATES: Voting underway across Ghana in crucial Parliamentary and Presidential Elections

The market was already bustling as usual before sunrise, with vendors setting up their stalls to sell everything from fresh produce to clothing, mobile phone accessories and household items. For many, the need to make a living and fulfil their civic duty was equally important.

Grace, a 45-year-old shoe seller, told Graphic Online: I need to sell my goods quickly this morning.

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The election is very important and I must vote, but I also need to feed my family. I woke up early to sell before heading to the polls. Grace was one of many traders determined not to miss the opportunity to participate in the elections.

Yaw, a 38-year-old mobile phone accessory seller, echoed similar sentiments. By the time my stall is packed up, Ill head straight to my polling station. I want my voice to be heard, he said, while adjusting the price tags on his goods. He was not alone in prioritising voting alongside daily work responsibilities.

Other traders shared the same resolve. Samuel, a 52-year-old fruit seller, arrived even earlier, setting out baskets of ripe mangoes and bananas. I cant afford to miss a day of work, but the elections are too important. Ive been doing this for years, balancing my sales and my vote, Samuel said, as he organised his stand.

Eunice, a young woman selling second-hand clothes, was also busy making sales. Im working hard now, but I wont stay long. Once I finish, Im heading straight to the polls. Its a duty I take seriously, she said, folding clothes as customers haggled over prices.

Adwoa, a bread seller, stressed the importance of voting. We all have to balance work and voting. As traders, we contribute to the economy, but our voices in the elections are just as vital. We encourage everyone to find time to do both, she said.

By 7:00 a.m., some of the traders had sold their goods and were packing up to head to their respective polling stations. Despite the challenges of a busy work day, the traders of Accras Business Centre showed their commitment to both their livelihoods and the democratic process.

In contrast, the Kantamato market was lifeless. There were no trading activities at the Kantamato when Graphic Online visited the market
Next article: Go out and vote - NPP rallies members

Featured

Five regions record delays in poll opening  CODEO

Justice Agbenorsi Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 16:35 1 minute read

Polling stations in five regions delayed in opening the polls for voters to exercise their franchise, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has disclosed.

The regions  Northern, Oti, North East, Greater and Eastern  had their polling stations opening after 7:15 a.m.

Addressing a mid day press briefing in Accra today, (Dec 7) the Board Chairman of CODEO, Rev. Dr Fred Deegbe, said Northern Region recorded a 52 per cent delay, while Oti recorded a 49 per cent delay.

This was followed by North East, and Greater Accra which recorded 47 per cent and 44 per cent respectively. Eastern Region recorded 42 per cent.

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Giving further details, Dr Deegbe said upon arrival of CODEO observers, it was noted that election officials were present in 85 per cent of polling stations.

However, 12 per cent of stations were found without officials upon their arrival, and 3 per cent were visited after 6:00 AM.
Next article: La: Police and Military intervene to prevent brawl at Tse Addo Polling Station

Featured

Ghana Votes 2024: Voting underway

Graphic Online Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 08:45 9 minutes read

Ghanaians have begun voting in the much-anticipated 2024 parliamentary and presidential elections, with polling stations nationwide opening their doors to citizens eager to exercise their democratic rights.

Significance of the Election

The 2024 election sees 18,774,159 registered voters deciding the fate of 12 presidential candidates and numerous parliamentary aspirants across 276 constituencies.

Leading the presidential race are the New Patriotic Partys Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the National Democratic Congress John Dramani Mahama, both seen as front runners in a highly contested poll.

Watch GraphicOnline's coverage of the election below:

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Call for Peaceful Voting

As voting continues, election officials and observers have urged voters to maintain decorum and adhere to the rules governing the exercise. Security personnel have been deployed to ensure a peaceful process, with polling stations expected to close by 5 p.m.

Stay tuned for more updates (below) as Ghanaians cast their votes to shape the nation's leadership for the next four years.

5a.m.: Odododiodio queues at dawn

Graphic Online's Gertrude Ankah reports from the Odododiodio Constituency in Accra that many polling stations were filled with queues at dawn waiting for the 7 a.m. start time for voting.

In some areas, residents were seen using stones and other makeshift markers to secure their positions in what appeared to be a growing race to cast their votes first.

At least one polling station in the densely populated constituency saw the first voters arrive as early as 12 midnight with a long queue forming along the streets.

The early turnout was fuelled by the heightened anticipation surrounding the general election, as well as local concerns about long wait times and possible delays at polling booths.

In a dramatic scene outside the ARS polling centre, voters placed stones, sticks and other objects to mark their spot in line.

Some residents explained that they had resorted to this practice after witnessing long queues in previous elections, with fears of missing their chance to vote due to congestion at the polling stations.

"We are just trying to make sure we dont lose our place in the queue," Kofi Appiah, a shopkeeper who had been waiting in line for over an hour before the polls officially opened, said.

"Last time, I stood in line for hours and didn't get to vote. We don't want that to happen again."

Preparations Underway at Royal School Polling Station in Tema Central

Samuel Tei Adano reports that electoral officials at the Royal School Polling Station in the Tema Central Constituency were seen preparing for the elections. The officials were busy arranging materials to ensure a smooth voting process.

6.25am: Queues swell in Sekondi

In Sekondi, George Folley reports long queues forming as early as 4:30 a.m., with voters rushing to polling stations to cast their ballots.

Some voters expressed their eagerness to support their preferred candidates while others called for tolerance and patience among the electorate.

6.43 a.m.: Smooth start in Gomoa East

At the Olamoshi Islamic Academy Polling Stations A and B in Winger, Gomoa East, Samuel Duodu reports that voting materials arrived on time, enabling officials to commence the process promptly at 7 a.m.

Daniel Asiedu and Nicholas Ankrah, the presiding officers for the respective polling stations, confirmed that all materials required for the exercise were in place.

Agents of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are present to monitor the process, ensuring transparency at the stations.

7:10 a.m.: Voters show up early to cast ballots in Adenta

Reports indicate an impressive early turnout in the Adenta Constituency, where voters arrived at polling stations as early as 4:30 a.m. to cast their ballots in the ongoing parliamentary and presidential elections.

Rosalind Koramah Amoh reports that polling stations at the Adenta Community Park, the AdMA Office, the Fountain Gate Chapel, and the Adenta Police Station recorded significant numbers of early arrivals, with some voters showing up even earlier than 4:30 a.m.

Due to the high turnout and the presence of multiple voting centres at these locations, electoral officials implemented a numbering system to ensure an orderly voting process, adhering to a "first come, first to vote" arrangement.

The enthusiasm in Adenta reflects the eagerness of Ghanaians to participate in this crucial election, as voting continues smoothly nationwide. Mr Daniel Anoma was the first to cast his vote at the Adenta Community Park Polling Station Centre 3.

7.34 a.m.: Voting yet to start at New Apostolic Polling Station, Kasoa

Emmanuel Bonney reports that voting is yet to start at the New Apostolic Polling Station at Kasoa in the Central Region as electoral officials and party officials sort out electoral materials.

Meanwhile, voters have formed a queue waiting for the commencement of voting.

7.37a.m.: Arrests at Tse Addo, La

A misunderstanding erupted at the Container Polling Station in Tse Addo, within the La Dade-Kotopon Constituency, following accusations that some party agents were bussing voters from a different constituency into the area.

Justice Agbenorsi reports that the situation escalated into a near-brawl, lasting close to 40 minutes. It took the intervention of police and military personnel to restore calm.

The individuals alleged to have been bussed into the constituency were removed from the polling station. Additionally, two persons suspected of organising the bussing of these voters to the Container Polling Station have been arrested by the police.

The two who were arrested

Despite the commotion, the voting process was not disrupted and continued smoothly.

7.40 a.m.: Voting underway in Assin North Constituency

From Assin Bereku in the Assin North Constituency, Joana Kumi reports that voting has commenced smoothly.

At the Methodist DA JSS Bereku Polling Centre, voting began as scheduled.

The Presiding Officer, Mr Peterking Afari Gyamfi, confirmed that as of 7:18 a.m., 13 out of 492 registered voters had already cast their ballots.

The atmosphere at the polling centre remains calm and orderly.

7.42 a.m.: Voting underway at Moree GPRTU B Polling Station

Shirley Asiedu-Addo reports that voting commenced at 7:15 a.m. at the Moree GPRTU B Polling Station.

Presiding Officer Alex Degraft said the process has been smooth so far.

A total of 405 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at the station.

As of 7:43 a.m., 12 persons had successfully voted.

7.50 a.m.: Delayed start at Olamoshi Islamic Academy Polling stations frustrates voters

Samuel Duodu reports from the Olamoshi Islamic Academy polling stations A & B in Winger, Gomoa East Constituency, Central Region, where 653 and 652 voters respectively are expected to cast their ballots.

Voting, scheduled to begin at 7 a.m., started at 7:30 a.m., leading to frustration among voters who had queued as early as 5 a.m.

Some of these early arrivals expressed concerns that the delay could disrupt the process.

Presiding Officer for Polling Station A, Daniel Asiedu, explained to *Graphic Online* that although voting materials arrived on time, delays in setting up pushed the start time to 7:30 a.m.

Hajia Zianabu, the first to vote at Polling Station A, shared her excitement after casting her ballot. She said she had arrived at the station at 5 a.m. to ensure she could exercise her franchise early.

7.55 a.m.: Emmanuel Bonney reports that voting just started at the New Apostolic Church Polling Station at Kasoa in the Central Region

8.10 am: First-time voters enthusiastic about casting ballots in Koforidua

Haruna Yussif Wunpini reports from Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, that more than 10 first-time voters were spotted in queues at three polling stations in the New Juaben South Constituency: Chief Butcher, Maikano, and Zango Clinic.

Awal Mohammed, a first-time voter, shared his excitement with Graphic Online after casting his ballot at the Maikano Polling Station. He said he came out early to vote for change, citing the current economic challenges facing the country.

"I know my vote will make the difference at the end of the polls and my candidate will automatically win the race," he stated.

Awal expressed confidence that his vote would positively impact his future and that of his family. "This is my first time voting, and I believe it will effect change for the betterment of my life and my family," he added.

Similarly, Cynthia Lomotey, a first-time voter at the Chief Butcher Polling Station, expressed her joy after voting. Speaking to Graphic Online, she expressed faith that God would ensure the victory of the candidate she supported.

"I'm very happy to be part of this years polls. Unlike last year, I could not vote because I was not yet 18," she explained.

Cynthia also hoped for a smooth and peaceful voting process. "I pray that the voting process will continue without any difficulty or misunderstanding among political party agents," she said.

8:15 a.m.: NPP flag bearer Dr Bawumia casts vote in Walewale

Mohammed Fugu reports that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has cast his vote at the Kperiga Presby Polling Station in Walewale.

He was accompanied by some government appointees, party executives and sympathisers.

8.16 a.m.: Voting progresses smoothly in Cape Coast North Constituency

Francisca Eshun reports that voting in the Cape Coast North Constituency has commenced smoothly.

According to the Presiding Officer at Montessori School Centre B, Patricia Amonoo, election materials arrived at 5:40 a.m., and voting began promptly at 7 a.m.

She indicated that, so far, four people had cast their votes out of the expected 390 voters for the day.

She also mentioned that all voters lined up in an orderly queue without any disagreements.

A voter, Ms Trudy Sampson, stated that she did not encounter any challenges with her name on the reference sheet, as the spelling was correct and the verification machine successfully recognised her fingerprints.

She expressed her hope that this years election would be peaceful and successful.

8.20 a.m.: Voting delayed at Kokrobite M/A Primary Centre due to ink shortage, other centres proceed as scheduled

From Augustina Tawiah in the Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro Constituency, voting has yet to start at the Kokrobite M/A Primary 3A Polling Centre as of 8:14 am due to the absence of ink.

The Electoral Commission official at the centre, Theophilus Allotey, said they arrived at the centre at 5 a.m. and completed the setup by 5:30 a.m., only to realise that they did not have ink.

He added that they informed the EC, and they were assured the ink would be brought, but it had yet to arrive.

However, voting has commenced at the other centres on the same premises.

Voting at the Oshiyie M/A Primary Centre A, Oshiyie M/A Primary Centre B, Oshiyie 2 'B' Polling Centre, and Oshiyie Filling Station 2 'A' started on time with no incidents.

Keep refreshing the page for the latest updates...
Featured

La: Police and Military intervene to prevent brawl at Tse Addo Polling Station

Justice Agbenorsi Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 08:39 1 minute read

It took the intervention of the police and the military to prevent a brawl at the Container polling station in Tse Addo, La Dade-Kotopon Constituency.

Just five minutes into voting, some agents, led by one Gbanu, invaded a meeting where several individuals, who were not voters in the constituency, were sitting under a canopy at the Container bus stop.

This led to a scuffle, with some party agents seen holding stones in an attempt to disrupt the meeting, over what Gbanu claimed was a suspected issuance of the voters' register.

Following the intervention of the police and military, the voters' ID cards of the individuals in the meeting were inspected.

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Upon inspection, the police were able to identify their polling centres as being in Ledzokuku.

Two individuals were whisked away in a police pickup truck, while those whose constituencies were identified as Teshie were also bussed back to their constituency to cast their votes.

The scuffle lasted for about 45 minutes, but it did not affect the voting process.

Calm has since been restored, and voting is currently going on smoothly.

Meanwhile, voting is underway at Zenith University College and La Main Market.
Next article: NPP condemns electoral misconduct in Kintampo South, calls for Immediate prosecution

Featured

LIVE UPDATES: 2024 general elections - Voting underway across Ghana in crucial Parliamentary and Presidential Elections

Kweku Zurek Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 16:11 31 minutes read

Welcome to Graphic Online's live updates of the 2024 general election, taking place today in Ghana where Ghanaians have begun voting in the much-anticipated 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections with polling stations nationwide opening their doors to citizens eager to exercise their democratic rights.

Significance of the Election

The 2024 election sees 18,774,159 registered voters deciding the fate of 12 presidential candidates and numerous parliamentary aspirants across 276 constituencies.

Leading the presidential race are the New Patriotic Partys Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the National Democratic Congress John Dramani Mahama, both seen as frontrunners in a highly contested poll.

Watch Graphic Online's coverage of the election below;

Advertisement

Call for peaceful voting

As voting continues, election officials and observers have urged voters to maintain decorum and adhere to the rules governing the exercise. Security personnel have been deployed to ensure a peaceful process, with polling stations expected to close by 5 pm.

Stay tuned for more updates (below) as Ghanaians cast their votes to shape the nation's leadership for the next four years;

5am: Odododiodio queues at dawn

Graphic Online's Gertrude Ankah reports from the Odododiodio Constituency in Accra that many polling stations were filled with queues at dawn waiting for the 7 am start time for voting.

In some areas, residents were seen using stones and other makeshift markers to secure their positions in what appeared to be a growing race to cast their votes first.

At least one polling station in the densely populated constituency saw the first voters arrive as early as 12:00 am, with a long queue forming along the streets.

The early turnout was fuelled by the heightened anticipation surrounding the general election, as well as local concerns about long wait times and possible delays at polling booths.

In a dramatic scene outside the ARS polling centre, voters placed stones, sticks and other objects to mark their spot in line.

Some residents explained that they had resorted to this practice after witnessing long queues in previous elections, with fears of missing their chance to vote due to congestion at the polling stations.

"We are just trying to make sure we dont lose our place in the queue," said Kofi Appiah, a shopkeeper who had been waiting in line for over an hour before the polls officially opened.

"Last time I stood in line for hours and didn't get to vote. We don't want that to happen again."

Preparations underway at Royal School Polling Station in Tema Central

Samuel Tei Adano reports that electoral officials at the Royal School polling station in the Tema Central Constituency were seen preparing for the elections. The officials were busy arranging materials to ensure a smooth voting process.

6.25am: Queues swell in Sekondi

In Sekondi, George Folley reports long queues forming as early as 4:30 am, with voters rushing to polling stations to cast their ballots.

Some voters expressed their eagerness to support their preferred candidates, while others called for tolerance and patience among the electorate.

6.43am: Smooth start in Gomoa East

At the Olamoshi Islamic Academy polling stations A and B in Winger, Gomoa East, Samuel Duodu reports that voting materials arrived on time, enabling officials to commence the process promptly at 7 am.

Daniel Asiedu and Nicholas Ankrah, the presiding officers for the respective polling stations, confirmed that all materials required for the exercise were in place.

Agents of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are present to monitor the process, ensuring transparency at the stations.

7:10am: Voters show up early to cast ballots in Adenta

Reports indicate an impressive early turnout in the Adenta Constituency, where voters arrived at polling stations as early as 4:30 am to cast their ballots in the ongoing parliamentary and presidential elections.

Rosalind Koramah Amoh reports that polling stations at the Adenta Community Park, the AdMA Office, the Fountain Gate Chapel, and the Adenta Police Station recorded significant numbers of early arrivals, with some voters showing up even earlier than 4:30 am.

Due to the high turnout and the presence of multiple voting centres at these locations, electoral officials implemented a numbering system to ensure an orderly voting process, adhering to a "first come, first to vote" arrangement.

The enthusiasm in Adenta reflects the eagerness of Ghanaians to participate in this crucial election, as voting continues smoothly nationwide. Mr Daniel Anoma was the first to cast his vote at the Adenta Community Park Polling Station Centre 3.

7.34 am: Voting yet to start at New Apostolic Polling Station, Kasoa

Emmanuel Bonney reports that voting is yet to start at the New Apostolic Polling Station at Kasoa in the Central Region as electoral officials and party officials sort out electoral materials.

Meanwhile, voters have formed a queue waiting for the commencement of voting.

7.37am: Arrests at Tse Addo, La

A misunderstanding erupted at the Container polling station in Tse Addo, within the La Dade-Kotopon Constituency, following accusations that some party agents were bussing voters from a different constituency into the area.

Justice Agbenorsi reports that the situation escalated into a near brawl, lasting close to 40 minutes. It took the intervention of police and military personnel to restore calm.

The individuals alleged to have been bussed into the constituency were removed from the polling station. Additionally, two persons suspected of organising the bussing of these voters to the Container polling station have been arrested by the police.

The two who were arrested

Despite the commotion, the voting process was not disrupted and continued smoothly.

7.40 am: Voting underway in Assin North Constituency

From Assin Bereku in the Assin North Constituency, Joana Kumi reports that voting has commenced smoothly.

At the Methodist DA JSS Bereku polling centre, voting began as scheduled.

The Presiding Officer, Mr Peterking Afari Gyamfi, confirmed that as of 7:18 am, 13 out of 492 registered voters had already cast their ballots.

The atmosphere at the polling centre remains calm and orderly.

7.42am: Voting underway at Moree GPRTU B Polling Station

Shirley Asiedu-Addo reports that voting commenced at 7:15 am at the Moree GPRTU B polling station.

Presiding Officer Alex Degraft said the process has been smooth so far.

A total of 405 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at the station.

As of 7:43 am, 12 persons had successfully voted.

7.50am: Delayed start at Olamoshi Islamic Academy Polling stations frustrates voters

Samuel Duodu reports from the Olamoshi Islamic Academy polling stations A & B in Winger, Gomoa East Constituency, Central Region, where 653 and 652 voters respectively are expected to cast their ballots.

Voting, scheduled to begin at 7:00 am, started at 7:30 am, leading to frustration among voters who had queued as early as 5:00 am.

Some of these early arrivals expressed concerns that the delay could disrupt the process.

The Presiding Officer for polling station A, Daniel Asiedu, explained to *Graphic Online* that although voting materials arrived on time, delays in setting up pushed the start time to 7:30 am.

Hajia Zianabu, the first to vote at polling station A, shared her excitement after casting her ballot. She said she had arrived at the station at 5:00 am to ensure she could exercise her franchise early.

7.55 am: Emmanuel Bonney reports that voting just started at the New Apostolic Church Polling Station at Kasoa in the Central Region.

8.10 am: First-time voters enthusiastic about casting ballots in Koforidua

Haruna Yussif Wunpini reports from Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, that more than 10 first-time voters were spotted in queues at three polling stations in the New Juaben South Constituency: Chief Butcher, Maikano, and Zango Clinic.

Awal Mohammed, a first-time voter, shared his excitement with Graphic Online after casting his ballot at the Maikano polling station. He said he came out early to vote for change, citing the current economic challenges facing the country.

"I know my vote will make the difference at the end of the polls and my candidate will automatically win the race," he stated.

Awal expressed confidence that his vote would positively impact his future and that of his family. "This is my first time voting, and I believe it will effect change for the betterment of my life and my family," he added.

Similarly, Cynthia Lomotey, a first-time voter at the Chief Butcher polling station, expressed her joy after voting. Speaking to Graphic Online, she expressed faith that God would ensure the victory of the candidate she supported.

"I'm very happy to be part of this years polls. Last year, I could not vote because I was not yet 18," she explained.

Cynthia also hoped for a smooth and peaceful voting process. "I pray that the voting process will continue without any difficulty or misunderstanding among political party agents," she said.

8:15 am: NPP flag bearer Dr Bawumia casts vote in Walewale

Mohammed Fugu reports that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has cast his vote at the Kperiga Presby Polling Station in Walewale.

He was accompanied by some government appointees, party executives, and sympathisers.

Bawumia casts ballot in Walewale [VIDEO]

8.16 am: Voting progresses smoothly in Cape Coast North Constituency

Francisca Eshun reports that voting in the Cape Coast North constituency has commenced smoothly.

According to the Presiding Officer at Montessori School Centre B, Patricia Amonoo, election materials arrived at 5:40 am, and voting began promptly at 7 am.

She indicated that, so far, four people had cast their votes out of the expected 390 voters for the day.

She also mentioned that all voters lined up in an orderly queue without any disagreements.

A voter, Ms Trudy Sampson, stated that she did not encounter any challenges with her name on the reference sheet, as the spelling was correct and the verification machine successfully recognised her fingerprints.

She expressed her hope that this years election would be peaceful and successful.

8.20 am: Voting delayed at Kokrobite M/A Primary Centre due to ink shortage, other centres proceed as scheduled

From Augustina Tawiah in the Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro Constituency, voting has yet to start at the Kokrobite M/A Primary 3A Polling Centre as of 8:14 am due to the absence of ink.

The Electoral Commission official at the centre, Theophilus Allotey, said they arrived at the centre at 5:00 am and completed the setup by 5:30 am, only to realise that they did not have ink.

He added that they informed the EC, and they were assured the ink would be brought, but it had yet to arrive.

However, voting has commenced at the other centres on the same premises.

Voting at the Oshiyie M/A Primary Centre A, Oshiyie M/A Primary Centre B, Oshiyie 2 'B' Polling Centre, and Oshiyie Filling Station 2 'A' started on time with no incidents.

8.42 am: Voting begins smoothly in Assin Bereku

From Assin Bereku, Assin North Constituency, Joana Kumi reports that most polling stations had set up by 6:15 AM when GraphicOnline arrived.

Many voters, some of whom arrived as early as 3 am, said they wanted to finish voting in time to return to their farms. Others said they had come early to the polling station to prevent some people from performing rituals at the polling grounds.

8.43 am: Smooth start to voting in Bolgatanga Central Constituency

Gilbert Mawuli Agbey reports from Bolgatanga that voting commenced smoothly across all the polling stations within the Bolgatanga Central Constituency.

A number of polling stations visited by Graphic Online revealed that electoral materials arrived on time, which paved the way for the start of the polls at 7 AM.

Isaac Adongo, MP Bolgatanga Central

During a visit to some polling stations, including the Methodist Basic School in Tanzui, two others at the Bolgatanga Jubilee Park, and others in Bukere, eligible voters were seen in queues, waiting for their turn to cast their ballots.

Some voters, after casting their votes at the two polling stations at the Jubilee Park, lauded stakeholders for ensuring an incident-free process so far.

Several of the voters explained to GraphicOnline that they had been vigilant for about a week leading up to the election, keeping watch over the polling grounds. They recounted how, in previous elections, people had engaged in spiritual activities at the sites, which they believed had impacted election outcomes.

8.49 am: Voting begins smoothly across Northern region as voter turnout rises

From Tamale, Abukari Alhassan Baba reports that voting has started in various constituencies in the Northern Region, where a total of 1,209,940 eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots.

Some electorates casting their votes at Abaobo Assembly of God Church Polling Station in Tamale

By 7 am, long queues had already formed at various polling stations across all 18 constituencies as voters lined up to cast their votes.

Some voters who spoke with Graphic Online expressed the hope that the elections would proceed smoothly and peacefully.

8.56am: Smooth voting underway in Moree, Central Region, after minor delay

From Moree in the Abura-Asebu Kwamankese Constituency of the Central Region, Shirley Asiedu-Addo reports that voting commenced smoothly.

At the Moree Junction GPRTU B polling station, about 10 people were in the queue when the Daily Graphic arrived at around 7:30 am. Twelve people had already cast their votes.

The Presiding Officer at the station, Alex Degraft, explained that a problem with one of the voting screens had delayed the start by about 15 minutes.

He mentioned that there had been no incidents and that voters had been cooperative.

8.59am: Voting commences smoothly in Bono Region as long queues form

From Sunyani, Biiya Mukusah Ali reports that voting at some polling centres in the Bono Region commenced promptly at 7:00 am, with long queues already in place.

Before the Electoral Commission (EC) opened the polls, long queues had already formed at several voting centres.

A total of 719,916 registered voters in the region are expected to vote across 1,560 polling stations in the 12 constituencies.

When Graphic Online visited some polling centres in the Sunyani East Constituency, voting was proceeding smoothly and peacefully.

Graphic Online visited the Ridge Experimental Polling Stations "A" and "B", the Sunyani Regional Administration Polling Stations "A" and "B" (where 376 registered voters are expected to vote at Centre "A" and 375 at Centre "B"), and the Chiraa GPRTU Station voting centres A1, A2, and A3.

Voting at various centres, particularly in hotspot areas was peaceful, with no incidents of violence reported.

At some of the centres visited, elderly people, lactating mothers, and persons with disabilities were allowed to vote without having to join the long queues.

The enthusiasm among voters, especially first-time voters, was notably high, as many of those who arrived early were first-time voters.

A first-time voter, Benjamin Kyere, told Graphic Online at the Ridge Experimental Polling Centre "A" that he was happy to take part in the selection of the country's leadership.

Polling agents from various candidates were present at the polling centres to monitor the exercise.

8.59am: Voter denied new parliamentary ballot paper at Bortianor Methodist Primary Centre

At Bortianor Methodist Primary Centre 2A, Augustina Tawiah reports that a voter who had not thumbprinted on the parliamentary ballot paper but mistakenly dropped the unmarked sheet into the box turned around and requested another ballot paper. However, he was denied, with the explanation that issuing him a new one would lead to over-voting.

FULL STORY: Voter denied new parliamentary ballot paper at Bortianor Methodist Primary Centre

From Tamale Abukari Alhassan Baba reports that voting has started in the various constituencies in the Northern Region where a total number of 1, 209, 940 electorates are expected to cast their votes in the region.

As of 7 am, long queues had already built up at various polling stations in all the 18 constituencies.

Some electorate who spoke with Graphic online expressed the hope that the elections would be smooth and peaceful.

From Moree in the Abura-Asebu Kwamankese constituency of the Central region, Shirley Asiedu-Addo reports that voting took off smoothly.

At the Moree Junction GPRTU B polling station, about 10 people were in the queue voting when Graphic Online arrived there at around 7:30 am.

Twelve persons had already cast their votes.

The Presiding Officer at the station, Alex Degraft said a problem with one of the voting screens had delayed the start for about 15 minutes.

He said there had not been any incident and voters had been cooperative.

From Sunyani, Biiya Mukusah Ali reports that voting in some polling centres in the Bono Region commenced exactly 7:00.a.m with long queues.

Before the Electoral Commission (EC) opened the polls, there were already long queues in some voting centres.

A total of 719,916 registered voters in the region are expected to vote in 1,560 polling stations across the 12 constituencies.

When Graphic Online visited some polling centres in the Sunyani East Constituency, voting was ongoing smoothly and peacefully.

Graphic Online visited the Ridge Experimental Polling stations "A" and "B", the Sunyani Regional Administration Polling stations "A" and "B", where 376 registered voters are expected to vote at the centre "A" and 375 at the centre "B" and the Chiraa GPRTU Station voting centres A1, A2 and A3.

When the Graphic Online monitored some voting centres, particularly hotspot areas in the region, voting was peaceful, as no incident of violence had been recorded.

At some of the centres visited, the aged, lactating mothers and persons with disabilities were allowed to vote without joining the long queues.

The enthusiasm among the voters, especially first-time voters was very high, because most of the voters who reported early were first-time voters.

A first-time voter, Benjamin Kyere, told Graphic Online at the Ridge Experimental Polling Centre "A" that he was happy to take part in the selection of the country's leadership.

There were polling agents of the various candidates at the polling centres monitoring the exercise.

At the compound of the Holy Family Catholic School in the Ablekuma Central Constituency, voting is in order with about three uniformed attired personalities, reports Becky Amoako Essien.

The queue has been grouped into 4 (in alphabetical order A to D, E to H and the rest. This initiative has made the queues short.

There was an incident where a male voter came with an old voter ID card and when his name was checked it was not found in the voters' register.

He was not allowed to vote.

He had even wanted to use his Ghana card but he was informed that so long as his name was not captured in the register it would be impossible for him to exercise his franchise.

From Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, Haruna Yussif Wunpini reports that more than 10 first-time voters were spotted in the queue to cast their ballots in three polling stations in the New Juaben South Constituency in the Eastern Region.

The polling stations are Chief Butcher, Maikano and Zango clinic respectively.

Awal Mohammed, who is a first-time voter told the Graphic Online that he came out early morning and voted for change at the Maikano polling station because of the current economic situation confronting the country.

He indicated that his vote would automatically make the change at the end of the polls and that his future would be bright.

"I know my vote will make the difference at the end of the polls and my candidate will automatically win the race."

"I have never voted before and this years will be my first time to vote and effect change for the betterment of my life and at the same my family", he stated.

Cynthia Lomotey, also a first-time voter at the Chief Butcher Polling Station who expressed her happiness to the Daily Graphic after casting her ballot, stated that God would make the candidate she voted for to win the elections.

"I'm very happy to be part of this years polls. Last year I could not vote because I was not up to the voting age of 18 years.

"I pray that the voting process will continue to be smooth without any difficulty and misunderstanding among political party agents", Mrs Lomotey indicated.

Francisca Eshun reports that voting in the Cape Coast North constituency has commenced smoothly.

According to the Presiding officer at Montessori School Center B, Patricia Amonoo, items for the election arrived at 5:40 am and elections began at exactly 7 am.

She indicated that so far four people had cast their votes out of the expected 390 voters.

She mentioned that all the voters lined up in a queue without any disagreements.

A voter, Ms Trudy Sampson said she did not have any challenges with her name on the reference sheet with her spellings being printed correctly and that the verification machine picked her fingerprint without problems.

She said she was expecting that this years election would be peaceful and successful.

8.59 am: Voting begins late at TMA New Lashibi Polling Station due to late arrival of materials

Dela Russel Ocloo reports that an elderly person was assisted by her daughter to cast her vote at the TMA New Lashibi Primary A Polling Station in the Tema West Constituency, where 429 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots.

Voting commenced at about 8:25 am due to the late arrival of voting materials from the Municipal EC office located at Tema Community Two. The process has so far been peaceful, except for minor cases where the biometric verification system rejected some voters, who were instructed to wash their hands and return to the polling station to retry the process.

9.25 am: Hawa Koomson votes in Awutu Senya West as she seeks re-election

The Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, Mavis Hawa Koomson, cast her ballot a short while ago at the Catholic JHS Kasoa 1 Polling Station. A total of 173,989 voters are expected to cast their votes at 314 polling stations across the constituency.

This is the fourth consecutive time that Hawa Koomson, the current Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, is contesting for the Awutu Senya West parliamentary seat.

Hawa Koomson first contested the seat in 2012 when it was carved out of the Awutu-Effutu Senya Constituency, defeating Nuhu Adams, the then Municipal Chief Executive for the Awutu Senya East Assembly, on the ticket of the NDC. She defeated him again in the 2016 elections by a margin of over 11,000 votes. In 2020, the margin reduced to 5,000 when the NDC fielded a new candidate, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunnor.

The 2024 contest is therefore a repeat of the 2020 election.

9.26 am: Voting begins in Ashaiman as voters and traders navigate their day

In the Ashaiman constituency in the Greater Accra Region, where 174,633 registered voters are expected to cast their votes, voting commenced on time at the various centres visited, Benjamin Xornam Glover reports.

On average, nearly 50 people were already in the queue at 10 polling stations visited between 7 am and 7:45 am.

In total, voting will take place in 355 polling centres in the constituency.

While the exercise progressed steadily at the polling stations, the Ashaiman main market was also bustling with brisk trading activities.

Madam Lucy Ahlijah told this reporter that she decided to come to the market early to sell her wares and make a little money before going to cast her ballot in the afternoon.

Other traders expressed their frustration, saying they were fed up and had decided not to vote this year. Instead, they chose to remain at the market rather than stand in line to vote.

9.28 am: Voting delayed in Wa due to biometric verification issues, but process resumes

From Wa, Kwadwo Baffoe Donkor reports that voting was delayed at Wa Circuit 1A and 1B for about 40 minutes due to challenges with the Biometric Verification Machine (BVM), which failed to read the voters' biometrics.

The Returning Officer, Emmanuel Yuoni, said they had to call a technician from the Regional Office, who arrived to repair the machine.

That notwithstanding, he said things were picking up smoothly, and by 9:10 AM, 44 out of the 443 voters had cast their ballots. He was hopeful that all the voters on the register would turn up to cast their ballots.

A similar issue occurred at the Wa Circuit 1B polling station, where voting started at 7:40 AM due to the same challenge with the BVM. By 9:15 AM, 50 out of the 443 voters had voted.

At the TI Ahmadiyya SSNIT polling station, voting started at 7:00 AM without any challenges. By 8:30 AM, 52 people had cast their ballots.

The Upper West Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education, Victor Nuworkpor, told the Daily Graphic that so far the process had been very smooth, without any challenges, and he was hopeful it would remain so throughout the day.

9:55 am: Awutu Senya East MCE hopeful of peaceful polls in Kasoa

The Awutu Senya East Municipal Chief Executive, Anita Love Obo Amissah, expressed optimism for a peaceful election in Kasoa and its surrounding areas, following the implementation of the necessary security measures for the polls.

In an interview with Graphic Online after casting her vote in the 2024 elections, Ms Amissah urged all voters to act responsibly and maintain decorum during the election process.

10 am: Voting begins in Trobu Constituency

Esther Somuah reports that voting in the Trobu Constituency commenced at 7:48 am at the Yaweh International School, despite a slight delay. Electoral materials arrived on time, but polling agents carried out checks to ensure that all materials were intact before voting could start.

The school has three polling stations on its premises: Asofan Station A, B, and C. With three uniformed officers present, the process appeared orderly, though some voters were initially agitated by the delayed start. Nonetheless, they remained composed throughout the process.

10:16 am: Seven polling stations created to shorten queues in Dome-Kwabenya

Doreen Hammond reports that as part of efforts to reduce long queues, seven additional stations have been established at the African Faith Tabernacle polling station in the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, Accra.

The strategy proved effective, with smooth operations at 7:05 am when voting began, and by 10 am when this report was filed. Rebecca Ashie, a polling station officer, explained that voters could easily identify their assigned station based on their code numbers.

However, some delays were noted when voters presented their Ghana cards instead of their Voters Identity Cards, requiring additional verification. Despite these minor delays, the process remained relatively fast, with Percy Nana Kweku Oduro-Dame, another polling officer, commenting that voters had been patient and adhered to the queues. Some officials also requested canopies to shield voters from the scorching sun.

10.20 am: Polling opens across Western Region with high voter turnout expected

Polls opened smoothly in the Western Region at all 2,738 polling stations across the region. From Takoradi, Dotsey Koblah Aklorbortu reports that approximately 1,288,777 eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots. The Daily Graphics monitoring at some polling stations in Takoradi indicated that long queues had formed, with some voters joining as early as 4 am to exercise their franchise.

Despite the Electoral Commission increasing the number of polling stations, the electorate woke up very early to form queues, as many voters in the queues told Daily Graphic.

The region has a total of 2,738 polling stations across all constituencies, and so far, there have been no known issues as those in the line patiently await their turn.

Some constituencies with large numbers of polling stations include Jomoro, which has 225 polling stations with 85,969 voters, and Ellembelle, which has 161 polling stations and a voter population of 79,227.

Tarkwa Nsuaem, one of the most competitive constituencies in the region, has 263 polling stations with 140,050 voters, while the constituency with the largest population, Prestea Huni-Valley, accounts for 144,526 eligible voters across 279 polling stations.

In the Evalue Ajomoro Gwira Constituency, with 121 polling stations, the voter population stands at 55,131, while Ahanta West has 181 polling stations with 86,062 voters.

The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality, which host the safest seats of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), are experiencing an uneasy calm, as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is mounting a strong challenge, threatening the security of those seats.

Takoradi Constituency has 121 polling stations with a voter population of 55,640, while Sekondi Constituency has 91 polling stations and 41,634 voters. Next to Sekondi is the Essikado-Ketan Constituency, with a voter population of 79,344 across 162 polling stations.

The Effia Constituency has a voter population of 51,013, with voting taking place at 102 polling stations, while its neighbouring Kwesimintsim Constituency has 110 polling stations and a voter population of 58,002.

The neighbouring Shama Constituency has 67,799 eligible voters across 141 polling stations. Wassa East Constituency has 136 polling stations with 56,252 voters, while Mpohor has 78 polling stations, the smallest voter population in the region, with 33,209 voters.

The Amenfi areas are made up of three constituencies: Amenfi East has 231 polling stations with 101,111 voters, Amenfi Central has 168 polling stations and 70,915 voters, and Amenfi West has 168 polling stations with 82,823 voters.

10.29 am: Calm atmosphere at Gomoa East polling stations

Charles Antwi reports from the Believers Church Polling Station in the Gomoa East Constituency that 436 voters are expected to cast their votes. Voting started at 7am, with the atmosphere remaining very calm.

Out of the 436 registered voters at the polling station, 142 had cast their ballot.

At the St Joseph Montessori Polling Station A, 75 voters out of 605 had cast their ballot.

12pm: Man arrested for weapon possession following polling station dispute

A man identified as Michael Allotey was arrested by the Ghana Police Service for possessing a weapon at the St Theresa School polling station in the Okaikwei South Constituency during Ghanas general election. The arrest followed a heated argument between Allotey, reportedly an agent of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and an Electoral Commission (EC) official over the handling of pink sheets for sections A and B before voting commenced.

Witnesses reported that the confrontation escalated when the EC official refused Alloteys demands, stating he lacked the authority to dictate election procedures. Though the disagreement was resolved, the Police, alerted to the disturbance, arrived and detained Allotey after discovering the weapon in his possession. Calm has since been restored at the polling station.

12.29: Police dismiss claims of voting at NPP Office in Okaikwei Central

The Ghana Police Service has refuted reports alleging that National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters stormed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) office at Abeka in the Okaikwei Central Constituency over suspicions of unauthorised voting at the location.

In a statement, the Police clarified that investigations confirmed the site was not a polling station and no voting activity was taking place there. The statement urged the public to disregard the false reports and to cooperate with authorities in curbing misinformation and disinformation during the ongoing general election.

---John Mahama Casts Ballot in Bole

The Presidential Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has cast his vote in the ongoing general election.

Mr Mahama voted at the Bole D/A Polling Station in the Savannah Region around midday.

As a seasoned politician and former president who served from 2012 to 2017, Mr Mahama has campaigned on the slogan "Building The Ghana We Want." His campaign emphasises leveraging his experience to address the country's economic challenges through innovative policies such as the proposed 24-hour economy.

Speaking briefly after casting his ballot, Mr Mahama reiterated his commitment to fostering development and urged voters to participate in the process peacefully.

12.20pm: Seventh-Day Adventists Observe Sabbath Amid Election Day in Ghana

Members of the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Ghana have adhered to their Sabbath traditions by attending church services in significant numbers, despite the 2024 General Election coinciding with their sacred day of worship, GraphicOnline's Rosalind Koramah Amoh reports. The SDA leadership had earlier expressed concerns over the scheduling conflict, highlighting the challenge it posed for members balancing their religious obligations with their civic duty to vote.

At the All Nations Congregation in Adenta Housing Down, church services were held as usual, with the first service running from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a second service slated for the afternoon. While the church leadership respected voting as a personal choice, many members prioritised worship, with congregants arriving early to participate in the day's services.

1.16pm: Junior Doctors call for peace and vigilance during elections

The Junior Doctors Association (JDA) has urged Ghanaians to exercise caution and maintain decorum during the ongoing general election to safeguard the countrys peace. In a statement signed by its President, Dr Louisa A. Nkrumah, the association cautioned the youth against being used by politicians to engage in electoral violence or misconduct. It also emphasised the need to refrain from hate speech, smear campaigns and sensationalism during this critical period.

The JDA further called on voters to prioritise their personal safety and property while participating in the election. The statement appealed to electoral officials, party representatives, and observer missions to conduct the polls with fairness and transparency to ensure the results are universally accepted. Reassuring the public, the JDA noted that doctors were on duty and ready to respond to any emergencies that might arise during the election process.

1.36 pm: NDC refutes claims of missing polling agents in Kwadaso Beposo

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region has dismissed reports that its polling agents were absent from five polling stations in Kwadaso Beposo.

In a statement issued by the Regional Secretary, Dr Frank Amoakohene, the party clarified that all polling agents, supervisors and monitoring teams were fully deployed and actively performing their duties at all polling stations across the region.

Describing the reports as false and intended to cause panic and demoralise its supporters, the NDC urged its members and the public to disregard the claims. We encourage our supporters to remain focused on the ballot, ensuring that every vote for the NDC and John Dramani Mahama is secure, the statement concluded.

1.46 pm: Education Minister votes, calls for peaceful election

The Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, cast his vote at the Jachie D/A Junior High School polling station at 9:55 am on election day. The centre, part of a cluster of polling stations in the area, saw steady activity with 40 votes cast and about 25 voters in line at the time of his arrival.

Speaking to the media after voting, Dr Adutwum commended the Electoral Commission, security services, and other stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring a smooth electoral process. He also urged all Ghanaians to prioritise peace and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the election.

1.45pm: Rain disrupts voting in Dome-Kwabenya and Madina Constituencies

Heavy rainfall has disrupted voting activities in parts of the Dome-Kwabenya and Madina constituencies in the Greater Accra Region, Graphic Online's Maclean Kwofi reports.

The downpour, which began around 12:30 pm, forced Electoral Commission officials to pause the exercise for over an hour, as it continued to rain. Polling stations in areas such as Teiman, Oyarifa, Ayi Mensah, Kweiman, Abokobi, and Sesemi were significantly affected by the weather.

Prior to the rain, the atmosphere at polling stations, many of which are situated in schools, churches, and police stations, was largely quiet and serene. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, voting has remained relatively calm, with only minor disagreements reported between agents of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) nearly six hours into the process.

5pm: Ballots close across the country: Polling stations close as Ghana awaits results of 2024 General Election

Keep up to date with the election highlights below;

Aboabo Number 2 counting halts, Military intervene

Voter turnout was generally low in Ablekuma North constituency

Polling stations close as Ghana awaits results of 2024 General Election

Effutu: NDC candidate commends voting process

President Akufo-Addo satisfied with peaceful conduct of 2024 General Election

Stop perpetrating illegalities to manipulate elections - Miracles Aboagye

NCCE chairperson commends peaceful voting process, urges Ghanaians to embrace electoral outcomes

Central region: Quiet and calm election, low turnout in parts

Violence erupts in Odododiodio as voter sustains head injury amid election scuffle

Sammy Gyamfi denies NDC's involvement in election malpractice claims

Shots fired at Kasoa

NPP calls for prosecution of Kintampo South electoral officer

Haruna Iddrisu accuses NPP of open vote buying, labels it criminal

One dead, two injured as gunshots disrupt voting at Nyankpala

Ursula Owusu denies food rejection allegations

Election 2024 : Ursula Owusu-Ekuful denies allegations of voter inducement in Ablekuma West

Voting progresses smoothly at Anopa Nsu-Kobina Andoh in Gomoa East Constituency

Dont be apprehensive about military deployment  Ghana Armed Forces tells public

Ramadan, Akosua Manu cast votes at Adentan Constituency

Police refute claims of voting at NPP office in Okaikwei Central

Mahama casts ballot in Bole

Adenta: Seventh-Day Adventists attend church in high numbers on election day

Gyakye Quayson commends EC, security officials for smooth electoral process in Assin North

Man arrested for weapon possession following heated argument at Okaikwei South polling station

EC official arrested in Kintampo South for alleged electoral offence

Voting underway smoothly in Ablekuma South and Central constituencies

Election 2024: Opoku-Agyemang calls on Ghanaians to vote for change as she casts her ballot

Electoral Commission opens national election results collation centre to all media

Keep refreshing the page for the latest updates...
Next article: Man arrested for weapon possession following heated argument at Okaikwei South polling station

Previous article: Election 2024: Mahama seeks guidance and strength at his father's grave

Featured

Mahama casts ballot in Bole

Kester Aburam Korankye Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 12:22 1 minute read

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama, cast his ballot at the Bole D/A Polling Station in the Savannah Region.

He voted around midday.

more to follow...
Featured

Man arrested for weapon possession following heated argument at Okaikwei South polling station

Mohammed Ali Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 12:00 1 minute read

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a man, Michael Allotey, for possession of a weapon at the St Theresa School polling station in the Okaikwei South Constituency, after a heated altercation between him and an Electoral Commission (EC) official during the ongoing general election.

The incident unfolded when Michael Allotey, reportedly an agent of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), confronted an EC official, insisting that the pink sheets for sections A and B be completed before voting commenced.

According to eyewitnesses, the EC official countered that the agent had no authority to dictate his duties, which escalated into a verbal altercation.

Although the disagreement was eventually resolved, the Police, who had been notified of the disturbance, arrived on the scene and arrested Allotey after discovering that he had a weapon.

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Allotey is currently in custody, assisting with investigations into the matter.

The Police reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security throughout the electoral process.

The Police have also reminded the public to report any suspicious activities or security concerns to the Election Emergency Command Centre via the toll-free line 0800311311.
Featured

Mfantsiman West: Voting moving smoothly

Emmanuel J.K. Arthur Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 11:02 1 minute read

And from the Mfantsiman West Constituency in the Central Region, correspondent Emmanuel J.K Arthur reports that as early as 5.50am, some queues had formed in some polling stations, hours before electoral officials and materials arrived.

By 743am, 28 voters had cast their votes at the catholic primary school at Ekurabadze. Registered voters, according to the presiding officer is 591.

The Abandze Market Shelf polling station has a total of 1032 who vote at three different centers at the cluster. As at 8.32am, 131 persons had cast their votes with no incident recorded.

A misunderstanding between an ailing voter and some other voters in the queue almost marred an otherwise peaceful voting process at the Methodist Primary School A Center where 39 out of the 389 voters had exercised their francise by 8.42am. A timely police intervention resolved the differences.

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At Kormantse, 40 people out of 426 registered voters had cast their ballots by 8.56am. the Presiding Officer, Francis ORbin told the Graphic Online the exercise had been smooth.

There was no queue at the Methodist Primary 1 Polling Station at Abonko where some 719 registered voters were expected to cast their ballots. One hundred voters had gone through the exercise by 9.15am.

A total of 92 voters had exercised their franchise at 9.32am when Graphic Online visited the Anglican Church A at Mankessim.

NDCs Dr. Prince Arhin is contesting against NPPs incumbent Member of Parliament, Ophilia Hayford for the parliamentary seat in the Constituency.
Next article: 'Not to vote at all shouldnt be an option' - Alan rallies electorate to vote

Featured

NCCE Chairperson commends peaceful voting process, urges Ghanaians to embrace electoral outcomes

Joshua Bediako Koomson Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 16:42 2 minutes read

The Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy has praised the peaceful and orderly voting process observed in the ongoing elections.

In an interview with Graphic Online at the Akumaje Mantse Palace 1 polling station in James Town, she highlighted the positive impact of introducing multiple voting points in areas with large voter populations.

This move, she said, had minimised queues and enhanced the overall efficiency of the voting process.

In many polling stations with high turnout, the process has been divided into three sections, which has significantly improved the management of queues. While it might seem that voter turnout is low, the ballot boxes tell a different story. A lot of voting has already taken place, Mrs Addy explained.

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She also noted the crucial role of security personnel, election observers and polling officials in ensuring the smooth flow of the process. As of midday, no major incidents or complaints had been reported.

Mrs Addy urged all Ghanaians to actively exercise their democratic right to vote and to embrace the outcomes of the elections. She stressed that participation was essential in shaping the future of the country and maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.

No matter how you feel about the situation, its important to let your voice be heard. Voting is a vital part of shaping the future of our nation, she stated.

She also reminded voters to remain patient for the final results, which would be declared by the Electoral Commission.

At the end of the day, there will be one winner and many losers. Its crucial to keep an open mind and understand that your candidate might win or lose. Regardless of the outcome, we must remember that Ghana is our only home, she said.
Featured

NPP activist assaulted at Nkwanta-North Constituency

Timothy Ngnenbe Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 17:32 2 minutes read

An attack on a New Patriotic Party (NPP) activist at a polling station at Tinjase, a border community in the Nkwanta-North Constituency, was the dark spot on what could have been a fairly peaceful general election.

The NPP activist, Ernest Lagsah, was allegedly attacked and beaten by some National Democratic Congress (NDC) activists who accused him of influencing voter decision of eligible voters who had queued to cast their votes.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m at the Tinjase D/A Primary B Polling Station.

The eyewitnesses said Mr Lagsah, who is former Assembly Member for the Tinjase Electoral Area, was lurking around the long queue of voters at the polling station and telling them to vote in a particular direction.

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They added that after Mr Lagsah failed to pay heed to numerous cautions, a group believed to be NDC youth, manhandled him, leading to his hospitalization.

In an interview with Mr Lagsah at the Kitabini Clinic, where he was receiving treatment, the NPP activist said he had been targeted by the NDC group for deciding to support the NPP parliamentary candidate.

The police medical form

"I was in the queue to vote and I heard someone shouting my name and threatening to beat me; but before I could say anything, I started receiving slaps," he said.

Mr Lagsah accused the current Assembly Member of Tinjase Electoral Area, Konja Samuel, of leading the onslaught on him.

The Assembly Member of Tinjase Electoral Area

He said after receiving medical attention, he would write a formal statement at the police station and let the law take its course.

Explaining his side of the story, Mr Konja said as the Assembly Member of the area, he found the actions of Mr Lagsah as infringing on the rights of the eligible voters to take independent decision on who to vote for.

"I reported his action to the Police but they failed to act, so we had to stop him from going ahead with what he was doing," he said.

Meanwhile, the monitoring of the voting process in many polling stations showed that the exercise was largely smooth.

However, there were isolated cases of biometric verification devices (BVDs) failing to give some eligible voters the green light to vote.

The presiding officers at some of the polling stations said they were banking their hopes on the verification machine to instruct them to use facial recognition or the manual verification process to enable the affected persons vote.

"Until the machine tells us to proceed with facial recognition or manual verification, we cannot do anything about it," Josua Takpasun, the Presiding Officer at the GPRTU Office, Tinjase, said.

It was also observed that some of the polling stations had more than 500 voters contrary to the Electoral Commission's earlier assurance to keep the threshold below 500 voters.
Featured

NPP calls for prosecution of Kintampo South electoral officer

Chris Nunoo Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 15:53 1 minute read

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for the immediate prosecution of an electoral officer, Joseph Dery, who was arrested at the Kintampo South Constituency for issuing out about 15 ballot papers without the image of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

It described the act as a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise the Ghanaian people and deny them their fundamental rights.

The Communications Director of the NPP Campaign Team, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, who made the call in a media briefing this afternoon, said the party has a robust system in place in every polling station, adding that much of the machinations and mechanisms anyone attempted to do with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the NPP would find out.

Mr Aboagye said the incident was a sad situation and must be condemned without any reservation.

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The NPP Campaign Communications Director also encouraged members of the NPP, the security personnel and all electoral officers to remain vigilant, to ensure that such people who were working for the NDC did not have their own way in this particular election.

Mr Aboagye described the situation as worrying, saying: Even in 2024, we still have the NDC trying to pursue such crude ways of manipulating our elections.

He also alleged that the son of the NDC youth organiser from the Atwima-Kwanwoma Constituency in the Ashanti had in his possession 76 printed ballot papers already thumb-printed in favour of former President John Mahama and tried to stuff the ballot box with these illegal ballot papers.

He announced that the said culprit had been arrested and was in police custody.
Featured

Omane Boamah urges NDC agents to memorise validation stamp numbers in response to EC directive

Mohammed Ali Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 10:12 2 minutes read

Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the Director of Elections for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has responded sharply to a directive from the Electoral Commission (EC) that prohibits disclosing validation stamp numbers to polling agents.

The ECs memo, dated December 5, 2024, instructed election officials to withhold the validation stamp numbers from candidates agents to prevent duplication and ensure the integrity of ballots during counting.

In a statement on social media on December 7, 2024, Dr Omane Boamah described the directive as contrary to wisdom and law. He accused the EC of deliberately attempting to undermine transparency in the electoral process.

Contrary to wisdom and law, the wilfully criminal Electoral Commission of Ghana insists that validating stamp numbers must not be given to polling agents, he wrote.

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Dr Omane Boamah urged NDC voters to memorise the serial numbers of validating stamps and share them with the partys polling agents. He also called on polling agents to ensure that Presiding Officers properly complete Parts A and B of the pink sheet, a document used to record polling station data.

Polling agents must, however, insist that the Presiding Officers fill the parts A & B of the pink sheet now if that has not been done, he emphasised.

The ECs memo, signed by Benjamin Bano-Bioh, the Director of Electoral Services, directed Regional and District Electoral Officers to ensure compliance with the directive. The EC stressed that withholding validation stamp numbers would help prevent ballot duplication and the inclusion of unauthorised materials during vote counting.

Regional Directors are requested to inform all District Electoral Officers that validation stamp numbers for Presidential and Parliamentary Ballot Papers should not be given to the candidates agents, the memo stated.

This controversy unfolds as Ghanas 2024 general election draws intense scrutiny, with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition NDC competing for control of the presidency and Parliament.

More than 17 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at over 38,000 polling stations across the country today. Observers are keeping a close eye on the process to ensure transparency, with the ECs directive and the NDCs response adding another layer of tension to the high-stakes election.
Next article: Voters express concerns over positioning of voting booths in Adenta Constituency

Featured

Orderly and peaceful voting in Ho Central, Adaklu constituencies

Alberto Mario Noretti Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 14:35 2 minutes read

Voting proceeded smoothly today in the Ho Central and Adaklu Constituencies in the Volta Region, with queues at several polling stations diminishing soon after midday.

This was observed at various polling stations, including the District Assembly Office Ho-Hliha, Pentecost Church Ho-Dome 1, Pentecost Church Ho-Dome 2, Ho-Hliha 1A, and Ho-Hliha 1B. However, polling stations in the Adaklu Constituency, such as Adaklu-Goefe L.A. Primary School, Adaklu-Goefe Primary School, Adaklu-Helekpe E.P. Primary School, and Adaklu Awanyaviwofe HASU Baptist Church, continued to see steady voter turnout throughout the day.

Voting in both constituencies began peacefully, with all necessary ballot materials available at the stations. At the District Assembly Office Ho-Hliha Polling Station, some voters arrived as early as 5 a.m., and by midday, the queues had disappeared.

The scene at the Pentecost Church Ho-Dome 1 and 2, as well as the Ho-Hliha Polling Stations, was equally orderly, with no incidents reported. The voting process was swift and efficient.

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The virtually empty District Assembly Office Ho-Hliha Polling Station after midday

As of 12:06 p.m., 110 of the 252 registered voters at the District Assembly Office Ho-Hliha had voted. Presiding Officer, Brenda Amedume, confirmed that the process had been smooth.

At Pentecost Church Ho-Dome 1, 355 out of the 659 registered voters had cast their ballots by 12:10 p.m. the Presiding Officer, Derrick Fiifi Dotse, attributed the early decrease in queues to this steady pace.

By midday, 57 out of 132 voters had voted at the Pentecost Church Ho-Dome 2 station, according to the Presiding Officer Derrick Fianya. At Ho-Hliha 1A, 210 out of 407 registered voters had voted by 12:25 p.m., as reported by Presiding Officer, Emmanuel Galley.

In the Adaklu Constituency, voting began smoothly at 7 a.m. across the scheduled polling stations. At the Adaklu-Tsrefe Local Council Revenue Office Polling Station, 122 out of 580 registered voters had voted by 9:10 a.m. the Presiding Officer, Edith Suitor, described the turnout as strong.

At Adaklu-Goefe L.A. Primary School, 62 out of 567 registered voters had cast their ballots by 9:22 a.m., with the Presiding Officer, Patrick Awutty, praising the smooth start. By 10 a.m., 293 voters at Adaklu-Helekpe E.P. Primary School had voted, as reported by the Presiding Officer, Edwin Tsatsu, who noted the encouraging turnout.

The Awanyaviwofe HASU Baptist Church Polling Station also recorded steady voter participation, with 57 out of 439 registered voters casting their ballots by 9:30 a.m.

The Presiding Officer, Nancy Anyiebu, expressed satisfaction with the turnout.

Overall, voting across both constituencies has been orderly, and officials remain optimistic as the process continues.
Previous article: One dead, two injured as gunshots disrupt voting at Nyankpala

Featured

One dead, two injured as gunshots disrupt voting at Nyankpala

Mohammed Fugu & Mohammed Ali Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 15:07 1 minute read

One person has been reported dead, two others injured following a violent confrontation between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at a polling station in Nyankpala, Northern Region.

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the shooting incident, which has reportedly disrupted the voting process, creating panic among voters and election officials.

The suspects include Majid Issah, Fodi Issiage Kamara, Yakubu Simalia and Alhaji Bashiru Mohamed. They are currently in custody, assisting with investigations.

Graphic Online has learned that tensions between supporters of the two major political parties escalated, leading to chaos and an exchange of gunfire. However, the precise cause of the violence is yet to be determined.

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The victims who sustained injuries are currently receiving medical treatment while the deceased has been transported to the morgue for preservation and autopsy.

In response to the incident, police have been deployed to the area to restore order and ensure the safety of voters and election officials.

Daily Graphic reporter Mohammed Fugu, based in the Northern Region, is closely monitoring the situation as authorities continue their investigation into the matter.
Featured

Collation phase begins: Police and EC announce tight collation centre security protocols

Mohammed Ali Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 19:41 1 minute read

The Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the Electoral Commission (EC), has announced a series of security measures for collation centres nationwide as the electoral process transitions to the collation of results phase.

In a media briefing this evening, the police emphasised the importance of maintaining security, law and order during this critical period.

To this end, stringent access and operational controls have been introduced at collation centres.

According to the police, only accredited individuals, including media personnel, candidates and their agents, and other EC-accredited observers, would be permitted entry to collation centres.

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Screening procedures will be conducted for all individuals entering these areas.

Additionally, unauthorised vehicles are barred from entering the premises, and motorbikes will not be permitted within 100 meters of the centres.

These measures are designed to replicate protocol typically observed during Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

The police called on all stakeholders to comply with these arrangements to ensure a smooth and secure process.

The police have worked with the Electoral Commission to implement mechanisms to ensure security, law, and order across the country.

We urge all stakeholders to fully comply with these arrangements until the process is completed, the statement read.

The Ghana Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and order as the election results are collated.
Next article: Election 2024: Mahama seeks guidance and strength at his father's grave

Featured

Police refute claims of voting at NPP office in Okaikwei Central

Jemima Okang Addae Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 12:29 1 minute read

The Ghana Police Service has dismissed false media reports claiming that a group of National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters stormed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) office at Abeka in the Okaikwei Central Constituency over suspicions of voting occurring at the location.

In a statement, the police clarified that investigations revealed that the location in question was not a polling station and that no voting activity was occurring there.

The police urged the public to disregard the claim and collaborate with them in combating misinformation and disinformation during the general election.

Read statement below.
Featured

Polling stations close as Ghana awaits results of 2024 General Election

Gertrude Ankah Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 18:16 2 minutes read

Polling stations across most parts of Ghana have officially closed, marking the end of a tense and closely monitored election day.

With voters having cast their ballots, the focus now shifts to sorting and counting as the nation eagerly anticipates the results of the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

Despite some minor logistical challenges and occasional tensions at certain polling stations, the overall voting process was relatively smooth. The Electoral Commission (EC) had earlier assured the public that robust measures were in place to ensure a free and fair election, with security forces deployed strategically to maintain peace.

As ballots are sorted and counted, attention is turning to the final tally. Early results are expected to trickle in, though the counting process could take several hours as votes from the 276 constituencies across the country are processed. The EC has committed to ensuring transparency and accuracy throughout the exercise, although concerns about potential delays and disputes remain.

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The two major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have expressed confidence in their chances. Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP and former President John Dramani Mahama of the NDC are vying for victory in what is expected to be a tight race.

This election is regarded as pivotal not only for Ghana's political landscape but also for preserving its reputation as one of West Africa's most stable democracies.

The counting phase is under intense scrutiny from both domestic and international observers. Political parties and civil society organisations have called for maximum transparency. While election monitors have reported a generally smooth voting process, isolated incidents of alleged misconduct, such as vote-buying and violence at certain polling stations, have raised concerns about the integrity of the election.

The EC has pledged to release provisional results as soon as possible, but it remains unclear how long it will take to count and verify all votes. Meanwhile, the two leading political parties are bracing for what promises to be a fiercely contested outcome, with both sides prepared to challenge any perceived discrepancies in the final count.

As counting progresses, Ghanaians wait anxiously for the results of an election that will not only determine the country's next president but also shape its governance trajectory for the next four years.
Featured

Ramadan, Akosua Manu cast votes at Adentan Constituency

Rosalind K Amoh Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 12:34 3 minutes read

The parliamentary candidates from the two major political parties contesting the Adenta Constituency seat cast their votes within an hour of each other.

While there are four candidates vying for the seat  Akosua Saa Manu (NPP), Alhaji Razak Alhassan (CPP), Mohammed Adamu Ramadan (NDC) and independent candidate Hagar Asiedu  it is the two leading candidates who have been the most visible in their campaigns, with their agents also present at the polling stations.

The current MP and NDC candidate, Mr Ramadan, voted at the Little Roses School in Adenta around 9 am, while the NPP candidate, Ms Manu (Kozie), voted at Adjiriganor around 10 am, after visiting several polling stations earlier in the day.

Both candidates are aiming to make history in a constituency known for electing a new MP every four years.

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Change is coming

In a brief interview after casting her vote, Akosua Manu, who hopes to become Adenta's first female MP, expressed confidence that change was coming to the constituency. She also voiced optimism that her party would win both the presidential and parliamentary seats.

" I have no doubt that change is coming to Adenta as we see every election year."

"The change is not because it's the norm, but because we have been on the ground and done a lot of work. I believe the good people of Adenta are more aware of these good works of the party and will show their appreciation by voting for the NPP by choosing Dr Bawumia as the President and my good self as their MP," she told Graphic Online.

She expressed satisfaction about the process so far and expressed the hope that it would remain smooth and incident-free throughout.

"I think the process has been very smooth and one need not be in the queue for long. Hopefully, that should encourage more people to come out and exercise their right," she stated.

Second Term

After casting his vote, Mr Ramadan, who indicated he would be monitoring the election, expressed confidence about retaining his seat.

"Things are different this time, and I'm optimistic that by the end of the voting, the good people of Adenta will make history by re-electing their MP and also supporting the NDC in the presidential race," he said.

Mr Ramadan also expressed satisfaction with the smoothness of the process, noting that voters were spending less time in line compared to four years ago.

"So far, it's been an incident-free process, although there have been a few delays at some polling stations due to issues with the verification machines," he explained. "However, things are moving smoothly, and I'm pleased that even those who showed up without their voter IDs but were able to complete the verification process were allowed to vote."

He added, "This is a good way to ease any tension. I hope it continues like this until the end and through to the declaration of results."

Other candidates

Though Graphic Online has visited a number of polling stations, it is yet to sight other parliamentary candidates or their representatives.

Alhaji Alhassan is likely to cast his vote in the Kantamanso area where he resides. However, it is not clear where Ms Asiedu will be voting.
Featured

Stop perpetrating illegalities to manipulate elections- NPP Campaign Comms Director to NDC

Chris Nunoo Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 16:31 2 minutes read

The Campaign Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has cautioned the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to refrain from perpetrating illegalities to manipulate the elections.

He said the NDC knew they had already lost the elections because there was no way the good people of Ghana were going to vote for them and so they were resorting to illegalities.

Mr Aboagye, who was addressing the media in Accra today, said it was going to be extremely difficult for the NDC because the Electoral Commission (EC), the security services, and our ever-hardworking party people in each of the 40,000 police stations were vigilant and were on high alert".

It is important that I make the point, the NPP is not sending out misinformation and disinformation. What we are doing is to highlight specific issues that are going on that have already been sanctioned by the police and the EC to ensure that we encourage every candidate to also be on the lookout, be on the watch, and prevent such things from happening, Mr Aboagye stressed, saying: With the new laws and work that is going on, it is clear that the NDC are failing, and they are struggling, and they are failing woefully.

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Mr Aboagye called on the Ghana Police Service to update Ghanaians on the status of each of the single arrests they had made and said: We need to bring these things to the attention of the Ghanaian people.

To our very good Ghanaian people, be rest assured that we are going to increase the vigilance at the police stations, and we call on all of you to join us in this endeavour, he added and said We believe that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is winning this election, and winning it in a very big way and that is why we want this election to be free and fair.

He said it was an election that the NPP was winning and so it did not want the elections to be disrupted.

Mr Aboagye said the NPP was committed to protecting every vote and was, therefore, going to work with all Ghanaians till the end of the election to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election that would reflect the views of the Ghanaian people.
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Voting begins smoothly in Assin Bereku, but tensions arise over ballot box positioning

Joana Kumi Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 09:03 2 minutes read

From Assin Bereku, Assin North Constituency, Graphic Online's Joana Kumi reports that most polling stations had set up by 6:15 AM when GraphicOnline arrived.

Many voters, some of whom arrived as early as 3 am, said they wanted to finish voting in time to return to their farms. Others said they had come early to the polling station to prevent some people from performing rituals at the polling grounds.

Several of the voters explained to GraphicOnline that they had been vigilant for about a week leading up to the election, keeping watch over the polling grounds. They recounted how, in previous elections, people had engaged in spiritual activities at the sites, which they believed had impacted election outcomes.

At the Methodist DA JSS Bereku polling station in Assin Bereku, the Presiding Officer, Peterking Afari Gyamfi, said as of 7:18 AM, 13 voters had already cast their votes out of 492.

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The atmosphere at the centre was calm.

At the Catholic Primary School polling station, also in Assin Bereku, a misunderstanding arose among voters, party agents and election officials regarding the positioning of the ballot boxes.

When GraphicOnline arrived at 7:18 AM, the situation was still unresolved, and there was no security personnel, although some voters had already cast their ballots.

The District Electoral Officer, Ms Comfort Cristabel Okai, informed the media that she had contacted the Bereku police station to assign a security officer, and was told that one would be dispatched promptly.

By 7:56 am, a security officer had arrived on the scene to help the stakeholders reach a compromise on the positioning of the ballot box.

The Presiding Officer, Kwabena Abuasare, said voting officially began at 7:00 am, with five voters having already cast their votes before the misunderstanding. The total number of expected votes for this station is 649.
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Lets be fair here. Its not like fetching and setting a new Wear OS watch face is currently particularly daunting. You can easily do it through a companion app on your phone or the Play Store on your Wear OS watch. The latter even has an optional toggle to automatically apply the latest watch face you have downloaded.

Still, thanks to some APK snooping, courtesy of the folks over at Android Authority, we now know that Google is still looking to make the whole watch face application process easier. Apparently, the latest version of the Google Play Store for phones (version 43.9.17-31) has an alternate button that appears once you have clicked the Install button on a Wear OS watch face. Once the installation finishes the button swaps to Set as watch face automatically. Thats it. Its all very self-explanatory. All it takes is another click for the watch face to apply to your wearable. This will presumably work with a delay even if your watch and phone arent currently nearby.



New watch face apply button

While the new button is already baked into the APK, and Android Authority was able to make it appear, it is still non-functional. Hopefully, the usability upgrade is right around the corner, though.

Source
Apple's first in-house developed modem will make its debut in the iPhone SE that will launch next year, and will then be seen in some low-end iPads also in 2025. The modem, codenamed Sinope, has been more than five years in the making, according to "people familiar with the matter", a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman tells us today.

The next iPhone SE will have support for Apple Intelligence and an "edge-to-edge screen design". Its Apple-developed modem "isn't as advanced" as the latest modems from Qualcomm, which Apple is currently using.

The Apple modem doesn't support mmWave 5G, only Sub-6. It also only has four-carrier aggregation, whereas the latest Qualcomm modems support six or more. In lab tests, Apple's modem goes up to "about 4Gbps", which is less than even Qualcomm's non-mmWave modems can do. Real world speeds will obviously not come anywhere close to that.

While it won't be as good as a modem as Qualcomm's latest and greatest, the obvious upside for Apple is that it doesn't have to pay Qualcomm for this one. The Apple modem is also said to be "tightly integrated with Apple-designed main processors to use less power, scan for cellular service more efficiently and better support on-device features for connecting to satellite networks".

It will also have support for Dual Sim Dual Standby, and its SAR limits will be managed intelligently by the main chip. The Apple modem is made by TSMC. Apple's modem will work with an Apple-designed radio frequency front-end system called Carpo that helps devices connect to mobile networks.

In 2026, Apple wants to get closer to Qualcomm's modems in capabilities with its second-generation modem. This one will make it to the iPhone 18 family, and will be in top of the line iPads in 2027. This modem will have mmWave support, six-carrier aggregation when using Sub-6, and eight-carrier aggregation on mmWave.

In 2027, the third generation will come and Apple hopes this one will finally top Qualcomm's offerings by having built-in support for "next-generation satellite networks", whatever that means, as well as "artificial intelligence features", whatever that means in the context of a modem.

Source
Waves crash onto the reefline outside of First Beach at Ipan, Talofofo after the passage of Tropical Storm Bebinca in the region on Sept. 11, 2024.
A bill seeking to establish a new task force to help address Guams continuing drug crisis will not be acted on in the final session of the 37th Guam Legislature.

Sen. Chris Duenas Bill 250-37 would establish a Multi-Agency Unified Law Enforcement Group, or MAULEG, which would be automatically activated if Guam Police Department staffing levels fall below 70% of the established standard, or about 364 officers.

Duenas attempt to move his Bill 250-37 to the voting file was unsuccessful, as only four of the nine senators present Friday voted yes.

We have to do something at a greater pace and a greater rate to interdict, to stop the massive volume of meth and opioid coming into Guam, Duenas said in trying to move the measure. We could soon lose our island. That is not an overstatement.

The senator said the measure removes any discretion should there be a manpower shortfall.

Its codified in law, he said.

But Sen. Telo Taitague, who later objected to moving the bill to the third reading file for later voting, said the bill is not going to bring more police officers to the streets.

Its going to take away from other areas that we have to protect, she added.

Under the bill, the chief of police, who would be the chairman of the task force, would deputize and have GPD provide training for all available law enforcement officers from other agencies.

Officers from the Port Authority of Guam and the Guam International Airport Authority, along with Department of Parks and Recreation rangers, would fall under the authority of the police chief.

Frankly were here because the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio administration has failed miserably to address the crystal meth epidemic, Sen. Chris Barnett, outgoing public safety committee chairman, said.

Barnett said he supports the intent but he said hes not sure its going to work.

Logistically it seems very difficult to implement, he said.

If the bill were to become law, the task force would be triggered immediately because of GPDs current officer staffing level, Barnett added.

$50 a gram

Sen. Frank Blas Jr., a former head of GPDs narcotics unit, said theres been an alarming escalation in the drug crisis.

Meth used to be $1,500 a gram. Now its averaging $50, he said. Seizures these days are made in the pounds, not in the grams. Thats telling you theres a lot of drugs on the street.

Blas said he supported codifying the task force in law, and establishing trigger points for activation.

He said during his time, there were more than 500 officers at GPD, and he had a full complement of 24 agents in the drug unit.

Last time I checked, the (special investigative section) had four, Blas said.

Taitague said returning the police force to more adequate levels is the real solution.

We should pay them so they dont leave for federal jobs or go off island, thats how we should address this, Taitague said. Not spend half a million a year in administrative costs for a new task force.

Legislative session will continue at 9 a.m. Tuesday.




Haiti - FLASH Cap-Haitien : State of the emergency situation, partial assessment of the floods





Since December 3rd, 2024, torrential rains have plunged Cap-Haitien under water, affecting more than 100,000 residents.



The partial human toll reports the death of 4 members of the same family, including two children, following the collapse of a wall on the night of Thursday to Friday, in Cite Yton, in Bande du Nord, 1st communal section of Cap-Haitien. The victims are Wilson Marcellus (38 years old), his wife Nadia Michel (32), as well as their two daughters, Wilmise (13) and Wildia Marcellus (7). Another victim was recorded Monday during a landslide. Several thousand houses are flooded and several have collapsed; the damage assessment is underway.



The city center is covered with aluvium and waste from the mountains. The entire city and surrounding areas, such as Blue Hills, Fort Saint Michel, Aviation, Conassa, Fougerolle, Carenage, among others, are submerged. Other municipalities in the North department, such as Limonade, Quartier Morin, Plaine-du-Nord, Acul-du-Nord, Dondon and Grande-Riviere-du-Nord, are also under water, according to information from the Nord Departmental Emergency Operations Center (COUD)



Among the most affected neighborhoods are Front-de-Mer, Petite-Anse, Fort Saint-Michel, Haut-du-Cap and Bel-Air.



The situation is aggravated by clogged drainage channels and the precarious state of infrastructure, particularly National Road #3 (RN3). Authorities fear a resurgence of waterborne diseases, particularly cholera, due to the degraded sanitary conditions.



Priority actions :

1. Assistance to displaced persons through temporary shelters and food assistance;

2. Health protection through sanitation kits;

3. Cleaning of blocked canals and ravines;

4. Rehabilitation of roads to restore traffic.



The partner companies of the Ministry of Public Works and the National Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DINEPA) are committed to supporting the cleaning and dredging work, while other partners promise to assist Public Works in its emergency interventions within the municipality. These operations include cleaning up priority ravines (Belle-Hotesse, La Couleuvre, Man Sonson) and clearing roads using heavy machinery.



Under the supervision of the Departmental Directorate of the North of the MTPTC, a Crisis Unit monitors the operations.



The population is called upon to actively participate in efforts for a more resilient Cap-Haitien.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43784-haiti-cap-haitien-declaration-of-a-state-of-environmental-emergency.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43784-haiti-cap-haitien-declaration-of-a-state-of-environmental-emergency.html



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre


















The second batch of F-16 for Ukraine from Denmark has arrived in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on Telegram.

"This is an example of leadership in defending lives that sets Denmark apart. The aircraft from the first batch, provided by the Danish people, are already intercepting Russian missiles, saving our people's lives and our infrastructure. Now, our air shield has been further strengthened. If all partners were as determined, Russian terror could already have been made impossible," the president wrote and thanked the leadership of Denmark and the Danish nation for aid provided.

In July, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced that Ukraine would receive three batches of fighter jets from Denmark, for a total of 19. The first batch  six aircraft  was delivered in July.




Haiti - Politic : Prime Minister urges UN to align with Haiti's priorities





On Friday, December 5, 2024, as part of the strategy to strengthen international partnerships, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime chaired a high-level meeting, organized under the leadership of Maria Isabel Salvador, Head of BINUH, and Ulrika Richardson, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, bringing together some twenty heads of United Nations agencies in Haiti.



Accompanied by several ministers and his immediate collaborators, the Prime Minister outlined the three major strategic priorities of his government :



"1. Restore security throughout the national territory, with particular emphasis on the fight against armed gangs and strengthening the capacities of law enforcement;



2. Undertake constitutional reform, aimed at strengthening the rule of law, modernizing institutions and ensuring more effective and inclusive governance;



3. Organize credible and democratic elections, creating the necessary conditions for fair and transparent participation of all political actors and civil society."



Fils-Aime stressed the need for a strategic alignment between the actions of the United Nations and national priorities, in order to ensure a coordinated and adapted response to the urgent needs of the Haitian population.



This approach reflects his Government's desire to maximize the effectiveness of international aid while reaffirming the sovereignty and responsibility of the State in managing national challenges.



In this perspective, strategic sectoral meetings are planned in the coming days with the relevant Ministries and key partners.



These consultations will make it possible to define a clear and coherent operational framework to guide interventions in the areas of security, governance and humanitarian aid.



Through this initiative, the Head of Government reiterates his commitment to mobilizing the international community around an ambitious and realistic national agenda.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The importance and potential of open source software for digital sovereignty was discussed at an expert hearing of the Bundestag's Digital Affairs Committee , particularly in the state and public sector. In the coalition agreement, the coalition government had promised to promote the spread of open source instead of proprietary software: "Development contracts are generally commissioned as open source, and the corresponding software is always made public. We are building a public administration cloud based on a multi-cloud strategy and open interfaces as well as strict security and transparency requirements".

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Read also Federal government ties itself to US corporations with large funds iX Magazin

Billions for proprietary software

However, the reality is that the state "pumps billions into companies every year for software, further increasing their dependency and pushing their agendas onto the state and all of us", said Peter H. Ganten, CEO of the Open Source Business Alliance. According to the experts present, a cultural change is therefore needed. According to Ganten (PDF) and Bianca Kastl, from the Innovationsverbund Offentliche Gesundheit (PDF), it is important that the state sets the framework conditions and does so over legislative periods. To this end, it should "include the development or operation of open source as a possible charitable purpose in the tax code", says Kastl.

Germany is dependent on big tech

According to Jutta Horstmann, Chairwoman of the Center for Digital Sovereignty in Public Administration (PDF), Germany's dependence on Big Tech is becoming apparent time and again, including in the digital sphere. The outcome of the US elections has already given us a foretaste of the unpredictability of the transatlantic relationship. Horstmann warned that dependencies on individual big tech companies from the US would dominate administrative IT "to a critical degree  in terms of PC workstations, databases and virtualization, and increasingly also in the cloud and AI".

There is a real risk "that services will be compromised, data will be leaked or access to it will be denied, while costs explode". The administration is trapped and has to accept the decisions of the manufacturers. The increasing switch to the cloud is exacerbating the effect. According to Horstmann, the state can "no longer ensure that services, processes and data are protected from third-party access and are accessible in the long term". Open source can strengthen transparency and thus citizens' trust in the state, "a trust that is fundamental for the acceptance of artificial intelligence in the administration at the latest". This would require a framework from the next Bundestag.

Courage for change

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Currently, many open source projects are created by individuals or small organizations in their spare time, but have long enabled the reuse of their software and contributed to the common good. Courage is needed to further develop the open source ecosystem, especially due to the financial uncertainty. But also "so that open source can function in a government context", says Kastl.

"For me, open source is not an article of faith, but actually a very pragmatic tool," and "without open standards, there would have been no World Wide Web," says Stefan Decker, Professor of Information Systems and Databases at RWTH Aachen University. An infrastructure for data rooms is currently being developed across Europe.

In his statement (PDF), Deckert cites the Comprehensive Knowledge Archive Network, CKAN, a data management system, as a relevant example in the context of public administration. "We need to bring our data together and we need to be able to share our data so that we can use it to solve humanity's problems," says Deckert. It is not particularly effective that all industries need their own software systems  for example to register cars. He calls for resources to be used more effectively.

Cultural change needed

"Open source means full transparency of the source code. It requires a culture in which mistakes are an opportunity to learn and not something to be ashamed of. It also requires a willingness to talk directly to users," says Isabel Drost-Fromm (PDF), member and former board member of the Apache Software Foundation. People should work together at grassroots level and thus become innovative more quickly. "The public lowers the barriers to entry. Support, translations, writing documentation, all valuable contributions," says Drost-Fromm. The Corona-Warn-App was a good example of this.

According to Ganten, prices have increased tenfold in some areas. The compulsion to move to the cloud, for example with Microsoft, brings with it dependency and loss of control. For far too long, people believed that they could "just buy software" and didn't need to understand it. This resulted in dependence on proprietary software. The loss of control has a "completely different dimension to dependence on Russian natural gas and will present us with completely different challenges", warned Ganten.

The myth of "insecure software"

When planning or developing software, it is often said that the code is not disclosed because this would be insecure and the software would therefore be compromised more quickly. According to some of those present, this is a myth. The only way to counter this is to "develop secure software". Disclosure does not make the software insecure, on the contrary. "The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) also classifies open source systems as more secure, as verifiability by the public is an effective means of quality assurance," according to the statement by business information scientist Prof. Helmut Krcmar (PDF). Nevertheless, openness is no automatic guarantee of security.

Digital sovereignty

"Open source plays a key role in promoting digital sovereignty," says Krcmar. He describes it as presumptuous "to frame the replication of proprietary products such as Microsoft Office on German clouds as digitally sovereign. We should also boldly contradict this presumption and prefer more independent solutions such as openDesk". The public sector should "not be sold nonsense".

Discussion about "public procurement law"

Dr. Oliver Grun (PDF), President of the Bundesverband IT-Mittelstand, wanted to dispel "significant misunderstandings and misconceptions regarding the benefits of open source for digital sovereignty". According to him, open source helps digital sovereignty, but he does not see the equation with open source. "We cannot confirm the equation of proprietary software with overseas [...]," said Grun. Open source should not be given preference in the digitalization of administration, as this would not make it possible to become independent of Silicon Valley. In his opinion, the debate should be objectified in favor of an "ideology-free and technology-open path".

State-funded software should be free

"Since the Free Software Foundation Europe was founded, [...] we have been advocating that code paid for by taxpayers' money must also be available to the public, i.e. as free software," said Alexander Sander from the Free Software Foundation (PDF). On the one hand, this has direct advantages for public administration, "but also consistently positive spillover effects for society and also for the economy"  if software can also be used in other areas. He also addressed the basic principles of free software, namely that it can be used, understood, distributed and improved for any purpose. If these principles were restricted, one could no longer speak of free software. This is often the case with "openwashing", when companies or organizations pretend to develop free software in order to gain market advantages.

"This practice is also often used by lobbyists to conceal interests and gain advantages in legislation, regulation and procurement," says Sander. According to the German government, "only three percent of solutions in Germany are actually available to the public", Sander explains. This means that the software cannot be used in other areas. It would therefore be helpful to promote open source projects, which would not only benefit public administration, but also the economy and growth.

Hen-and-egg problem

From Ganten's point of view, there is a chicken-and-egg problem: "So I buy proprietary again and then the 85 percent of Mr. Grun's members make proprietary software again and then it goes on like this". It is important that the industry can adapt to open source. Open source is already included in 95 percent of proprietary software. Although the changeover would not happen "overnight", there would have to be a point in time when open source software would essentially be purchased.

"Open digital infrastructure can be thought of as the roads and bridges of the digital world, just as physical infrastructure connects our cities, powers our economy and supports our daily lives, digital infrastructure enables the smooth flow of information and services for government, commerce and society," said Adriana Groh, head of the Sovereign Tech Agency. However, system maintenance does not make headlines, but it is essential and "the longer you don't do it, the more expensive it becomes." Open source software has now "become the basis of our modern lives" and is used everywhere. More control and the avoidance of economic and geopolitical risks are only possible with open source.

(mack)
Volunteers from the Ukrainian Red Cross Society's rapid response team assisted victims of the Russian missile attack in the Ukrainian city of Kryvy Rih on Friday evening.

According to a Facebook post by Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS), the Kryvy Rih branch of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Rapid Response Team provided first aid and psychological support to those affected. Volunteers also helped a man who was unable to leave his damaged home on his own.

As reported, the missile strike in Kryvy Rih on December 6 resulted in three deaths and 17 injuries, including one child. A three-story building was destroyed, and residential homes and vehicles were damaged.
The International Democracy Union (IDU) summit in Washington unanimously adopted a resolution the Steadfast Support of Ukraine, tabled by the European Solidarity party, announced the party's leader Petro Poroshenko on Facebook.

"Over the past three days, I actively promoted the importance of supporting this initiative at every meeting. I am grateful to our partners, representing sister political parties from over 60 countries worldwide, for endorsing this document," Poroshenko wrote.

The IDU resolution encourages strengthening the military assistance to Ukraine, and respective delivery of weapons and ammunition without limitations of quality, range, and type, the further strengthening of Ukraine's air defense, including the use of the air defense systems of the neighboring countries to protect the Ukrainian sky. It also advocates lifting restrictions on on the use of long-range Western-made weapons by Ukraine for granting Ukraine the right to target military sites in Russia. "We must intensify pressure on Russia and its allies, using all military, political, diplomatic, and economic tools to deprive the aggressor of the resources to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine," the leader of the European Solidarity said.

"It's important that the IDU also called on the EU and NATO member states to provide steadfast support for Ukraine's accession into the EU and NATO, describing it as the only effective guarantee of Ukraine's security. The resolution underscores the critical importance of securing democracy, rule of law, and human rights, as well as pluralism, including the rights of opposition inside Ukraine," Poroshenko said.

Poroshenko expressed confidence that the resolution would serve as a strong foundation for further concrete actions by international partners to bolster global support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian Red Cross Society volunteers take part in rescue operations after Russian attack on Zaporizhia

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

Volunteers from the Zaporizhia Regional Rapid Response Team of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) participated in rescue operations following a Russian airstrike on the regional center on Friday evening.

"The Ukrainian Red Cross Society rapid response team in Zaporizhia was working at the scene. Volunteers provided first aid to the injured, assisted with evacuations alongside other rescue services, and transported victims to medical facilities," the Ukrainian Red Cross Society reported on Facebook on Saturday.

As reported, the Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhia on December 6, carried out with aerial bombs equipped with planning and correction modules, resulted in 10 fatalities and 20 injuries.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/zelenskyy.official

The situation in Ukraine will be at the forefront of the discussions at the EU summit to be held in Brussels on December 19 and the EU-Western Balkans summit to be held the day before, on December 18.

"I am delighted to invite you to my first European Council meeting as President of the European Council, which will be taking place on Thursday 19 December, as well as to the EU-Western Balkans Summit on Wednesday 18 December, both in Brussels... The situation in Ukraine will be at the forefront of our discussions," read the invitation letter from European Council President Antonio Costa, the text of which was made public by the European Council on Saturday.

Costa informed the leaders that he had just returned from Kyiv (as is known, the President of the European Council visited Ukraine on the first day of his mandate). "We need to stand with Ukraine for as long as necessary and do whatever it takes for Russia's invasion to be defeated and international law to prevail. The December European Council meeting is an important occasion to send a united and unequivocal message of support to Ukraine, for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace," the President of the European Council said.

He also said that he had invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the European Council meeting "to share with us the latest developments on the ground and his views on how Europe can best support Ukraine."

Costa named "the EU in the world" as another important issue for the leaders to consider. " I believe that we need a comprehensive and strategic discussion, without written conclusions, on the way forward regarding our global engagement and priorities in a multipolar landscape marked by geopolitical tensions," he said, explaining his vision of the situation.

Costa also believes that EU enlargement "is the main geopolitical investment we can make in our neighbourhood." "Looking beyond our continent, we need to acknowledge the challenges and grasp the opportunities of a plural, multipolar, diverse world. In the current geopolitical context, the European Union can best consolidate its role on the international stage," the President of the European Council said.

At the same time, Costa pointed out that one aspect of this theme is "to determine how we can strengthen the transatlantic bond while at the same time defending our own interests."

He also named the development of mutually-beneficial strategic relations with the United Kingdom, notably in the field of security and defence, as part of the discussion.

Costa also informed the leaders about how exactly the meeting of the European Council will proceed, which will begin on December 19 " at 10.30h with our traditional exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament, followed by the discussion with President Zelenskyy." "We will then have a debate among ourselves about Ukraine, where we will take stock of the situation and discuss the best way to live up to our commitments to the Ukrainian people. Over lunch, we will discuss the EU's engagement in the world," he said.

The EU leaders will then discuss a report by former Finnish President Sauli Niinisto about strengthening Europe's civil and military preparedness, followed by a review of ongoing work to step up the implementation of a comprehensive approach to migration and a discussion of the situation in the Middle East. The summit will conclude with the customary presentation by Viktor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary, which holds the EU Presidency, of the report on the results of the Presidency of the Council.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has expressed solidarity with Romania in light of what it describes as an unprecedented hybrid attack by Russia on Romanian democracy. This statement follows the declassification of data by Romanian authorities earlier this week that highlights these actions.

In a statement released on Saturday, Ukraine's MFA noted, "Russia's brazen interference in Romania's internal affairs is an attempt to deprive the Romanian people of their constitutional right to free expression of will. This is yet another episode in Russia's broader hybrid aggression against Europe and the free world, which has recently manifested in active Russian efforts to destabilize Georgia, Moldova, and several other countries."

The interference in Romania's internal affairs, the ministry emphasized, validates earlier warnings from Ukraine's MFA that the Kremlin's aggressive plans extend far beyond Ukraine and target EU and NATO member states.

"The response to such Russian threats must be unified and resolute, particularly through maximum support for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression to ensure stability in Europe and globally," the MFA underscored.

"Romania is an important neighbor and a reliable partner of Ukraine. It is a nation that firmly supports Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression and provides substantial assistance. Our solidarity with the Romanian people remains steadfast. We sincerely hope that during the upcoming electoral processes, Romanian citizens will be able to exercise their voting rights without foreign interference," the statement concluded.

As reported, on Friday, Romania's Constitutional Court unanimously decided to annul the results of the first round of presidential elections just two days before the scheduled second-round runoff between Elena Lasconi and Calin Georgescu. According to Romanian media outlet G4Media, the election annulment followed the declassification of intelligence pointing to Russian interference.
Chinese drilling team turns Egypt's desert into farmland

14:23, December 07, 2024 By Xinhua writer Yao Bing ( Xinhua

This photo taken on Nov. 23, 2024 shows a rig platform from Chinese firm ZPEC (China's Zhongman Petroleum and Natural Gas Group Corp., Ltd.) working on drilling a well in the desert of Aswan province, Egypt. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

ASWAN, Egypt, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- In early winter, the warm sun bathes the desert hinterland of Kom Ombo, some 60 kilometers north of Aswan Province in Upper Egypt. Against the vast arid landscape, patches of lush green wheat stand in striking contrast.

"Before, this place was an arid desert with no vegetation. Now, with the irrigation of well water, crops such as wheat have grown here, full of vitality and hope," said Ahmed El-Sadani, beaming as he shared his story.

Sadani, 30 years old, is the deputy manager of the Aswan water well project of ZPEC (China's Zhongman Petroleum and Natural Gas Group Corp., Ltd.) branch in Egypt, responsible for managing six water well drilling teams on site.

He joined ZPEC in 2018 and has successively served as a mud engineer, water pump test engineer, and field engineer.

"During the past six years, I have accumulated more experience by working in several desert well-drilling projects," Sadani said. "Every time we see clear groundwater gushing out of the wellhead, my colleagues and I are very excited, knowing we've successfully drilled a new well."

This photo taken on Nov. 23, 2024 shows a rig platform from Chinese firm ZPEC (China's Zhongman Petroleum and Natural Gas Group Corp., Ltd.) working on drilling a well in the desert of Aswan province, Egypt. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

Egypt, home to over 100 million people, grapples with the daunting task of cultivating more land for agriculture, as only 5 percent of its territory is currently arable. To reduce reliance on food imports, the country has accelerated its desert reclamation initiatives since 2015.

In support of these efforts, ZPEC established its Egypt branch in 2016 under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Since then, the team, composed of Chinese and Egyptian workers, has tackled harsh desert conditions, drilling more than 540 wells across Egypt -- from the Sinai Peninsula to Minya, Matrouh, and Aswan provinces.

Irrigated by underground water, the once barren desert has gradually transformed into fertile land.

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 23, 2024 shows farmlands developed after wells were dug by Chinese firm ZPEC (China's Zhongman Petroleum and Natural Gas Group Corp., Ltd.) in the desert of Aswan province, Egypt. (ZPEC/Handout via Xinhua)

At the Kom Ombo site, there are six drilling teams, comprising more than 200 Chinese and Egyptian employees, said Zhao Wutao, general manager of the ZPEC branch in Egypt. The rigs operate 24 hours a day, with workers rotating in two shifts, he said.

Summer temperatures in Aswan often exceed 40 degrees Celsius, and conditions in the desert are even harsher. Yet, the team adheres to strict safety protocols, donning full uniforms and protective gear despite the heat.

Workers of Chinese firm ZPEC (China's Zhongman Petroleum and Natural Gas Group Corp., Ltd.) work on a rig platform to drill a well in the desert of Aswan province, Egypt, on Nov. 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

Amr Mohammed, 28 years old and one of the site engineers, used to work for an Egyptian drilling company and joined ZPEC last year.

"ZPEC is one of the best companies in the field of drilling water wells in Egypt," said Mohammed, who is responsible for managing the team members and drilling technology.

"This area is yellow now, and it will turn green soon. Our work brings great benefits to the development of agriculture in Egypt," Mohammed told Xinhua while pointing to the desert beside him.

Drilling wells in the desert is no easy task. Zhao explained that locating well sites required trekking through the trackless desert for hours with GPS devices.

Transportation of drilling equipment is another challenge.

"A piece of large-scale drilling equipment weighs 500 tons and must be dismantled into parts before being transported by 25 vehicles," Zhao said. "It takes 10 days to transport here from the work area in central and northern Egypt over 1,000 kilometers away," he added.

"We are engaged in livelihood projects and contribute our modest efforts to the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative between China and Egypt. We are happy to see that the locals can benefit from the well water," Zhao said. Looking ahead, Zhao said ZPEC plans to deepen its involvement in Egypt's agricultural development, creating more job opportunities and contributing further to the nation's food security.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Some Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia will receive less support starting in March 2025, following the approval of a swift and minor amendment to immigration laws at the end of November. The changes affect the Act on the Residence of Foreigners and the Asylum Act, as reported by the Slovak Spectator.

"From March 1, 2025, individuals granted Ukrainian refugee status after February 28, 2025 will be permitted to stay in asylum facilities for a maximum of 60 days, down from the current 120 days. Similarly, the accommodation allowance will be limited to the first 60 days, rather than 120 days as has been the case since July of this year," the report stated.

The changes will not affect vulnerable groups such as pensioners over 65, children under five, or single caregivers of these children.

The government argues that these measures will save the Ministry of Interior EUR 2 million, a necessary step given the current strain on public finances.

Slovakia's Deputy Interior Minister Peter Krauspe defended the changes, noting that Ukrainian refugees typically find employment and housing within two months of arriving in Slovakia. "We need to save money where possible," he said.

However, opposition lawmakers argued that the reductions are excessive, pointing out that neighbouring countries offer support for up to 90 days. They also criticised the lack of transparency and consultation in introducing these last-minute changes.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. Speaker of Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova met with a Turkish delegation led by Fuat Oktay, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, on December 6, Trend reports via the parliaments Press and Public Relations Department.

Speaking at the international parliamentary conference on "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Prospects," Gafarova noted that the event focuses on the role of parliaments in the political life of their countries and aims to further strengthen mutual cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

It was also highlighted that the event would draw attention to the collaborative activities between the parliaments of the two nations.

The meeting underscored the solidarity and mutual support demonstrated by both countries on all matters. It was noted that thanks to the political will and joint efforts of the leaders of both nations, their relations have reached the highest levelan allied partnership. The signing of the Shusha Declaration was identified as a key catalyst for the expansion of these ties. Both sides stressed that the Azerbaijan-Turkiye alliance plays a crucial role in regional stability and security.

Fuat Oktay congratulated Azerbaijan on the successful organization of the extraordinary parliamentary elections, noting that a large delegation from Turkiye had observed the elections.

The Turkish parliamentary committee head also emphasized that Turkiye, as a brotherly nation, is pleased with all of Azerbaijan's achievements. He added that today, the flag of Azerbaijan proudly flies over the territories liberated from occupation.

The conversation revealed that the two countries continue to successfully cooperate at the parliamentary level, with active contacts between friendship groups and parliamentary speakers significantly contributing to these relations. Furthermore, both parties highlighted the importance of trilateral cooperation alongside their bilateral efforts.

The meeting also focused on the importance of mutual support and joint activity on international parliamentary platforms. The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Azerbaijani and Turkish parliaments, particularly in the context of double standards, pressure, blackmail, and smear campaigns against their countries by certain circles.

Oktay also criticized the resolution by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) regarding the non-ratification of the Azerbaijani delegations credentials. He described the decision as biased and unjust, undermining both the reputation and authority of PACE.

The Turkish official stressed that PACE must correct this mistake, and Turkiye has consistently conveyed this message to the organization.

The meeting also highlighted the success of the COP29 hosted by Azerbaijan last month.

During the discussion, views were exchanged on other matters of mutual interest.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. An international parliamentary conference on the theme "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Prospects" has been held at the Azerbaijani Parliament, Trend reports.

Close to one hundred representatives from the parliaments of 13 countries, along with international organizations, have participated in the event.

The conference encompassed discussions regarding the role of parliaments in contemporary global processes, the evolution of parliamentary traditions, the advantages of parliamentary diplomacy, and the prospective contributions of ongoing parliamentary debates to tackling the global challenges of the modern era.

Addressing the participants, Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, pointed out that the activities of modern parliaments are significantly shaped by the longstanding traditions and practices of parliamentary government established over numerous years in several nations.

"In discussing Azerbaijan's parliamentary traditions, I would like to particularly highlight the work of the Parliament of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established in 1918. In this context, it is no coincidence that our conference is taking place today, as the first session of Azerbaijan's Parliament was held on December 7," she said.

In turn, Ilyas Umakhanov, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the Federation Council of Russia on Science, Education, and Culture, pointed out that the conference held today will significantly contribute to the advancement of Azerbaijani parliamentarism and the enhancement of the diverse relations between Russia and Azerbaijan.

Umakhanov noted that hosting this international conference is not just a reflection on the roots of Azerbaijani parliamentarism or a tribute to the pioneers of democratic reforms in the country. It serves as a bridge between the present and the past, highlighting the continuity of generationsan essential foundation for securing a future.

Secretary of the Kazakh Parliament's Committee on International Relations, Defense and Security Darkhan Kydyrali noted that participation in international forums plays an important role in the development of bilateral cooperation, including within the framework of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-Speaking Countries (TURKPA).

"My congratulations to Azerbaijan on the successful hosting of the recently held COP29 and todays parliamentary conference. I'm sure that these events will contribute to further strengthening and advancing our relations," Kydyrali added.

Chairman of the Committee on Social Issues, Health, Science, Education, Culture and Youth and Women's Policy of the Supreme Assembly of Tajikistan Mehmedshoh Gulzoda added that Azerbaijani-Tajik interparliamentary cooperation serves as a successful example of dialogue and interaction.

"The Parliamentary Group for Friendship and Cooperation contributes to the exchange of experience, the discussion of current issues, as well as the search for solutions that meet the interests of the peoples," he said.

A roundtable on "The Azerbaijani and Turkish Examples of Parliaments in Public Diplomacy" will also be held as part of the conference.

Participants will also visit the liberated territories of Azerbaijan from Armenian occupation to learn about the ongoing construction and reconstruction efforts in the mentioned areas.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. The activities of modern parliaments are significantly shaped by the longstanding traditions and practices of parliamentary government established over numerous years in several nations, said Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Trend reports.

Speaking at the ongoing international parliamentary conference on "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Prospects" in Baku, Gafarova highlighted the significance of Azerbaijans parliamentary traditions, particularly referencing the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) Parliament, established in 1918.

In discussing Azerbaijan's parliamentary traditions, I would like to particularly highlight the work of the Parliament of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established in 1918. In this context, it is no coincidence that our conference is taking place today, as the first session of Azerbaijan's Parliament was held on December 7, the speaker said.

Gafarova explained that the Parliament of Azerbaijan was the first legislative body in the entire Muslim East, founded on the most progressive democratic principles of that time. During its brief existence, the parliament made significant strides in strengthening national statehood and independence, laying the legal foundations for political, economic, cultural, and scientific spheres.

"That parliament lasted only 17 months, yet it achieved much in that time. Comprised of 99 members from 11 different parties, it held 145 sessions, discussed over 270 bills, and passed nearly 230 laws.

In April 1920, with the fall of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the parliament ceased to exist. During the Soviet era, Azerbaijans parliament had limited powers, but despite its formal nature, it played a role in preserving the traditions of parliamentary governance. The restoration of Azerbaijan's independence in 1991 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our parliament," she added.

To note, an international parliamentary conference on the theme "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Prospects" is being held at the Azerbaijani Parliament, bringing in close to one hundred representatives from the parliaments of 13 countries, along with international organizations.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. The conference today will significantly contribute to the advancement of Azerbaijani parliamentarism and the enhancement of the diverse relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, said Ilyas Umakhanov, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the Federation Council of Russia on Science, Education, and Culture, Trend reports.

Speaking at the Azerbaijani Parliament during the conference titled "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Perspectives", Umakhanov emphasized the importance of the event in fostering deeper cooperation.

He reminded the audience that, come September, Azerbaijan rolled out the red carpet for parliamentary elections across the nation, including its Karabakh, all in the name of democratic principles.

Umakhanov noted that hosting this international conference is not just a reflection on the roots of Azerbaijani parliamentarism or a tribute to the pioneers of democratic reforms in the country. It serves as a bridge between the present and the past, highlighting the continuity of generationsan essential foundation for securing a future.

To note, an international parliamentary conference on the theme "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Prospects" is being held at the Azerbaijani Parliament, bringing in close to one hundred representatives from the parliaments of 13 countries, along with international organizations.

The conference aims to encompass discussions regarding the role of parliaments in contemporary global processes, the evolution of parliamentary traditions, the advantages of parliamentary diplomacy, and the prospective contributions of ongoing parliamentary debates to tackling the global challenges of the modern era.

A roundtable on "The Azerbaijani and Turkish Examples of Parliaments in Public Diplomacy" will also be held as part of the conference.

Participants will also visit the liberated territories of Azerbaijan from Armenian occupation to learn about the ongoing construction and reconstruction efforts in the mentioned areas.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. Turkiye is hopeful for the swift conclusion of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Fuat Oktay, Chairman of the countrys Foreign Relations Committee of the Grand National Assembly, told reporters, Trend reports.

Oktay painted a vivid picture of a world where shadows of instability loom large over many lands, urging that it is essential to weave stronger threads of connection between our nations.

"We hope for the rapid conclusion of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia," he said.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan continue enhancing strategic interrelations, Secretary of the Kazakh Parliament's Committee on International Relations, Defense and Security Darkhan Kydyrali said, Trend reports.

He made the remark during an international parliamentary conference themed "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Prospects" today.

"President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pays special attention to the development of relations with Azerbaijan. Since the beginning of this year, several meetings have already taken place at various international platforms, and a number of agreements, treaties, and bilateral documents have been signed," the MP mentioned.

According to him, participation in international forums plays an important role in the development of bilateral cooperation, including within the framework of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-Speaking Countries (TURKPA).

"My congratulations to Azerbaijan on the successful hosting of the recently held COP29 and todays parliamentary conference. I'm sure that these events will contribute to further strengthening and advancing our relations," Kydyrali added.

To note, the conference is being held at the Azerbaijani Parliament, bringing in close to one hundred representatives from the parliaments of 13 countries, along with international organizations.

The event aims to encompass discussions regarding the role of parliaments in contemporary global processes, the evolution of parliamentary traditions, the advantages of parliamentary diplomacy, and the prospective contributions of ongoing parliamentary debates to tackling the global challenges of the modern era.

A roundtable on "The Azerbaijani and Turkish Examples of Parliaments in Public Diplomacy" will also be held as part of the conference.

The participants will also visit the liberated territories of Azerbaijan from Armenian occupation to learn about the ongoing construction and reconstruction efforts in the mentioned areas.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. Azerbaijani-Tajik interparliamentary cooperation serves as a successful example of dialogue and interaction, Chairman of the Committee on Social Issues, Health, Science, Education, Culture and Youth and Women's Policy of the Supreme Assembly of Tajikistan Mehmedshoh Gulzoda said, Trend reports.

He made the remark during an international parliamentary conference themed "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Prospects" today.

"The Parliamentary Group for Friendship and Cooperation contributes to the exchange of experience, the discussion of current issues, as well as the search for solutions that meet the interests of the peoples," said Gulzoda.

He believes that todays Parliament of Azerbaijan is hitting the nail on the head when it comes to bolstering statehood, ensuring social stability, and nurturing democratic institutions.

The official highlighted Azerbaijan's remarkable strides in boosting its economy, raising the bar for its citizens' living standards, and polishing its international image.

"The relations between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, based on mutual values and strategic partnership, continue to enhance.

The history of parliamentarism in Azerbaijan begins with the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918, during those challenging times when the region faced numerous challenges.

The first Parliament of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which opened on December 7, 1918, became a symbol of independence and democracy. Its activities laid the foundation for state sovereignty, social justice, and the rule of law," Gulzoda added.

To note, the conference is being held at the Azerbaijani Parliament, bringing in close to one hundred representatives from the parliaments of 13 countries, along with international organizations.

The event aims to encompass discussions regarding the role of parliaments in contemporary global processes, the evolution of parliamentary traditions, the advantages of parliamentary diplomacy, and the prospective contributions of ongoing parliamentary debates to tackling the global challenges of the modern era.

A roundtable on "The Azerbaijani and Turkish Examples of Parliaments in Public Diplomacy" will also be held as part of the conference.

The participants will also visit the liberated territories of Azerbaijan to learn about the ongoing construction and reconstruction efforts in the mentioned areas.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
In low-lying Copenhagen where rising sea levels, groundwater and rainfall pose a risk to infrastructure, the Danish capital is trying to adapt and protect urban areas from climate change.

And Karens Minde park is one of the more than 300 projects underway to stop the city being submerged.

A former marsh once shunned by people living nearby, it has been redesigned with attractive meandering paths and grassy areas that double up to collect rain and floodwater.

Built on the shores of the Oresund strait, Copenhagen is hugely vulnerable to water.

"All of Copenhagen is in a way in negotiation with the water cycle because it is wetland that has been drained," said Anna Aslaug Lund, a University of Copenhagen architecture professor.

The threat is three-pronged. The Danish meteorological institute predicts rainfall will increase by 30 to 70 percent by 2100; the sea will also rise by an average of 42 cm (16.5 inches) by the end of the century and groundwater is also rising.

Only a trained eye would notice the special water defences put in place in Karens Minde park.

At one of the bends in the brick path there are three pipe outlets for rainwater collected in the neighbourhood. It then flows to an artificial lake a few hundred metres (yards) away.

The water is cleaned as it is "transported across the trickle meadow, and then here we can store it and finally let it out back into the harbour," said Ditte Reinholdt Jensen of Hofor, the water and utility provider that designed the park with the city.

Grass, shrubbery and trees border the artificial lake.

As well as managing floodwater, Copenhagen wants to "improve biodiversity, fight heat island effects and make green areas" for people to meet in, Jan Rasmussen, of the city's climate adaptation project, told AFP.

The city began work in 2008 to identify its weak spots, primarily from flooding.

"The biggest challenge is that we don't have a manual," there are no tried and tested methods "of how to do this", he said.

So solutions vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

After torrential rain on July 2, 2011 -- when a staggering 135.4 mm (5.3 inches) fell in just two hours causing major damage -- the city decided to develop a network of rainwater tunnels.

These serve as underground rain "highways" in areas where urban development does not allow for direct water management.

"If we don't have the space, we need pipes to divert the water out of the city," Rasmussen said.

Some projects, like the construction of the artificial Lynetteholmen island that would serve as a dyke against rising sea water, have failed to win unanimous support.

But the city has generally been applauded for its adaptation efforts.

"They are definitely trying," researcher Isabel Froes, an associate professor at Copenhagen Business School, told AFP.

"They're engaging with researchers, with the public to create more awareness."

Even with the city's population growing, one of their strongest principles is to avoid building in the lowest-lying areas.

"There are still many places in Copenhagen that have problems in relation to flooding from rainwater," Aslaug Lund said.

"We should avoid development in low-lying areas."

Copenhagen's efforts are seen as a model for what other cities can do, Froes said.

"I call Denmark a prototype country because of the scope of it," she said.

"It's a great place to test new measures, to engage citizens around them also, because Denmark is a trust society. We tend to follow rules and we like rules as well, which is not (the case) everywhere."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. The Shusha Declaration is not only a bond of alliance but also a clear perspective, a roadmap for the future of Azerbaijani-Turkish relations, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of Turkiye's Grand National Assembly Fuat Oktay told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, the declaration, signed after the Second Karabakh War, became the most concrete indicator of the will of Turkiye and Azerbaijan to build a shared future.

To note, the Shusha Declaration is a declaration on allied relations signed between President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 15, 2021.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. The path to peace for Armenia is intricately connected to the normalization of its relations with adjacent nations, political analyst Azer Garayev said in an interview with Trend.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's statements on the peace treaty are back on the agenda. Pashinyan said that 90 percent of the text of the peace treaty with Azerbaijan has been agreed upon. But the actions of the Armenian leadership indicate revanchist rhetoric and an unstable political course," he said.

Garayev highlighted that tangible advancement towards a peace agreement hinges on Armenia's formal withdrawal of territorial assertions and the alignment of its constitutional framework.

"Any agreement can be unilaterally rescinded by Armenia as long as its constitution includes territorial claims against Azerbaijan. The proposals articulated by pro-Western Armenian politicians, like Tigran Khzmalyan, the leader of the European Party, to associate the Karabakh problem with NATO and EU membership, are very troubling. Comparing the Crimea situation in Ukraine to that of Karabakh exemplifies political lunacy," he added.

The political analyst also pointed out that attempts by Pashinyan to exit the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the deterioration of relations with Russia are part of this unstable political trajectory.

"However, Armenia's membership in the EU and NATO is neither realistic nor feasible in the near future. The presence of military bases, Russia's sphere of influence, and Turkiyes veto power make such plans unachievable," he added.

Garayev concluded that the key to a peace agreement with Azerbaijan lies in Armenias abandonment of territorial claims.

"Real progress toward peace will depend on the normalization of Armenia's internal political situation and its relations with neighboring states," he concluded.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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Planet Fitness Donates 800 Pounds of Food to Combat Hunger in Western Mass

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  National Fitness Partners (NFP), a Planet Fitness franchise group operating 175 locations across 13 states, marked Giving Tuesday by donating 800 pounds of food to the Western Massachusetts Food Bank.

This contribution equates to approximately 800 meals for local families facing food insecurity.

The donation comes from six NFP locations in the region, supporting the Food Banks mission to end hunger through partnerships with farms, state and federal programs, and community organizations. In Western Massachusetts, food insecurity affects 12.1 percent of residents, including 17.3 percent of children, with Hampden, Berkshire, and Hampshire counties experiencing the greatest need, according to a press release.

NFP regularly partners with local organizations through volunteer work, food drives, and fundraisers to address critical needs in the community.
PACE, Western parliaments attempt to meddle in Azerbaijan's domestic affairs - speaker (Updated)

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the parliaments of Western countries are attempting to interfere in Azerbaijan's internal affairs, said Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Trend reports.

Speaking at the ongoing international parliamentary conference on "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Prospects" in Baku, Gafarova underscored that parliaments have transformed into instruments of double standards in several nations.

"The main reasons for this are Azerbaijans liberation of its territories from occupation and the conduct of policies in line with national interests," Gafarova added.

She reminded the audience that the 44-day Patriotic War in the fall of 2020 and the local anti-terrorism measures conducted by Azerbaijan's Armed Forces in Karabakh in September 2023 ended the 30-year occupation and injustice, restoring Azerbaijans territorial integrity and sovereignty.

It was also Azerbaijans initiative that paved the way for the creation of long-term peace and stability in the South Caucasus. Against the backdrop of these processes, several Western countries and their parliaments, including institutions like PACE and the European Parliament, have launched slanderous and disinformation campaigns, making false accusations against Azerbaijan and interfering in our internal affairs. The only reason for this is that Azerbaijan, rejecting any external dictates, liberated its lands from occupation and is pursuing an independent policy based on national interests," she added.

Speaking about how such provocations were particularly evident during the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Gafarova stated that, at a time when Azerbaijan is working to unite global efforts to combat climate change, certain political groups are calling for a boycott of the global event and making absurd accusations against Azerbaijan.

"However, these provocations were unsuccessful, and COP29 took place at the highest level, achieving significant results. By organizing the Parliamentary Meeting within COP29, the Azerbaijani Parliament made a valuable contribution to this important process.

Unfortunately, unjustified pressure, double standards, and interference in the internal affairs of countries are negative circumstances that our nations often face in the modern era. This highlights the importance of mutual support and collaboration.

By utilizing all available avenues of parliamentary diplomacy and following a path of constructive dialogue and cooperation, we can achieve our goals. Today's Parliamentary Conference is also a clear expression of our shared intent," she concluded.
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Aaron Taylor-Johnson was caught off guard by a comment about the plot of his famous 2008 movie, Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging.

The 34-year-old actor, who played teenage heartthrob Robbie in the classic teen comedy, looked back on his role during a recent appearance on BBC Radio 1. During the segment, a fan called in to make a statement about one of the films characters.

Dave the Laugh deserved better, the fan said, referring to the student that protagonist Georgia (played by Georgia Groome) hung out with to make Robbie jealous.

In response, Taylor-Johnsons mouth dropped as he struggled to remember the character in question. Who? Dave the Laugh? Whos that? he asked.

The fan reminded the actor that Dave was also a friend of Robbies. You get like chips with him at the beginning of the movie, but then Dave absolutely pines over Georgia for the entire film, the fan continued.

Does he? Taylor-Johnson  who married director Sam Taylor-Johnson, 57, in 2012  asked. Poor Dave.

The fan also noted that in the movie, Robbie is continuously flirting with Georgia, even though he had a girlfriend before they got together at the end. She criticized the fact that Dave just got palmed off at the end with Ellen, a friend of Georgia that he kissed.

Taylor-Johnson was quite surprised to hear how Dave was treated as she shook his head and said: Whoa. He also called his character Robbie a wrong un.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson ( Getty Images )

After the fan said she could relate to Daves experience in the movie, she again criticized Robbie for taking his friends crush away. In response, Taylor-Johnson joked about the fans  who was also named Georgia  thoughts on the movie.

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I almost feel like, Georgia, you didnt feel that back in the day, he jokingly said. I think youre lying. I think that you didnt care for Dave at all. Not one bit when you watched that movie. And now when you recently watched it you went, Awww. And you just felt sympathetic for poor Dave. And now youre thinking, Well actually.

The fan admitted that when she originally watched the movie, she would have gone for the heartthrob, conceding that the character Georgia made all the right decisions.

Angus Thongs, & Perfect Snogging was one of Taylor-Johnsons biggest films during his early acting career. The British star has gone to star in major pictures including the two Kick-Ass movies, Christopher Nolans Tenet and Bullet Train opposite Brad Pitt.

Hes next set to star in Sonys Kraven The Hunter based on the Marvel comics alongside Russell Crowe and Arian DeBose. In the movie, which will be released on December 13, Taylor-Johnson takes on the role of Russian big-game hunter Sergei Nikolaevich Kravinoff/Kraven, who appears as a supervillain and anti-hero in the Spider-Man comics.

The trailer sees Crowe as his father, Nikolai Kravinoff, who is described by the synopsis as a ruthless man who sends Kraven down a path of vengeance with brutal consequences.

The teaser ends with Nikolai telling Kraven to embrace who you really are, son, and you will become the legend. During that moment, Taylor-Johnson is shirtless with a fur jacket.

Taylor-Johnson is no stranger to superhero films. He has appeared in Marvel films, Avengers: Age Of Ultron, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, as Pietro Maximoff, the brother of Wanda Maximoff.
Saint Martinwhere turquoise waters meet powdery beaches, and French savoir-faire dances with Dutch pragmatism. Its a postcard-perfect paradise, marketed to the world as a haven for the elite. But peel back the glossy veneer, and youll find an island at a crossroads, caught in the ruthless grip of neocolonial forces that dictate its present and jeopardize its future.

This Caribbean gem is more than its Instagrammable sunsets or luxury resorts. Its an island of sharp contrasts, where opulent tourism masks the grinding poverty of locals, and colonial history continues to cast a long shadow over the aspirations of its people. Saint Martin is not just divided by a border; its a battleground where the legacies of exploitation collide with the aspirations of independence.

An Island of Dual Realities

At first glance, Saint Martin seems like the ultimate escapea playground for jet-setters, a dreamscape for honeymooners. Yet beneath this facade lies a troubling duality. On one side, you have multimillion-dollar resorts and bustling casinos; on the other, crumbling infrastructure and communities struggling to make ends meet.

This stark dichotomy is not incidentalits structural. The French and Dutch metropolises have orchestrated an economic symphony that crescendos with the booming chords of tourism while drowning out the dissonant cries of poverty and inequality. The locals, who should be the islands lifeblood, are relegated to being cogs in a machine designed to serve foreign investors and affluent travelers.

A Colonial Legacy That Refuses to Fade

Saint Martins story is a cautionary tale of how colonialism evolves but never truly disappears. The Concordia Treaty of 1648, which split the island between France and the Netherlands, created not just a physical border but a psychological and economic one. Over centuries, this division laid the groundwork for an island designed to servenot thrive.

In the sugar plantation era, Saint Martin was a cash cow for European elites, its enslaved population toiling to build fortunes for Paris and Amsterdam. When slavery was abolished, the island's economic utility diminished in the eyes of its colonizers. Development slowed to a crawl, and the inhabitants were left to grapple with the ruins of a mono-industrial economy.

Fast forward to the 20th century, when the winds of decolonization swept the Caribbean, bringing independence to many. Saint Martin, however, was left behind. France and the Netherlands clung tightly to their respective halves, cloaking their control in the language of "autonomy" while ensuring they retained the lions share of power over resources, governance, and, crucially, the economy.

Under Pariss Thumb

The French side of Saint Martin is a glaring example of economic dependence masquerading as progress. Tourism accounts for 80% of the economy, yet the wealth it generates rarely stays on the island. French corporations dominate the industry, siphoning profits back to the mainland while the local population is left to scramble for scraps.

Unemployment on the French side is staggering30% overall, with youth unemployment soaring to an unforgivable 50%. Paris provides subsidies, but these funds rarely reach the people who need them most. Instead, they flow into infrastructure projects that enrich mainland contractors, leaving Saint Martin with shiny but hollow edifices and no sustainable path forward.

The Dutch Dilemma

On the Dutch side, autonomy exists in name only. Amsterdams grip remains firm through financial controls and foreign policy directives, ensuring that while Saint Martin's government may fly its own flag, it dances to the Netherlands' tune. The result? A system where dependency is institutionalized, and genuine sovereignty is perpetually out of reach.

Tourism is the Dutch sides lifeline, too, but its a lifeline designed to benefit foreign investors more than the islands residents. This economic model, reliant on seasonal highs and vulnerable to global shocks, has left the Dutch side equally exposed to the pitfalls of neocolonial exploitation.

Breaking Free: A Blueprint for Liberation

Saint Martins plight is emblematic of a broader struggle for post-colonial nations trapped in the cycle of dependency. But breaking free from this cycle isnt just a pipe dreamits a necessity.

To chart a new course, Saint Martin must prioritize self-reliance and cultural empowerment. This means investing in education and vocational training to build a workforce capable of steering its own destiny. It means fostering local entrepreneurship and reducing the dominance of foreign corporations in critical sectors. And it means demanding greater control over financial and resource management from France and the Netherlands.

International solidarity will also play a crucial role. Saint Martins leaders must build alliances with other post-colonial nations and advocate for fair trade practices, climate justice, and sustainable tourism models that benefit local communities instead of exploiting them.

From Vacation Spot to Visionary Example

Saint Martin deserves better than being a pawn in a centuries-old colonial game. Its time for the island to transcend its status as a tropical playground for the wealthy and emerge as a beacon of resilience and transformation.

This isnt just about Saint Martinits about the global fight against the lingering specter of neocolonialism. If Saint Martin can rise above its historical fractures and chart a path toward true sovereignty, it will send a powerful message to the world: that even in the face of entrenched inequality and exploitation, a brighter, freer future is possible.

Saint Martins story is far from over. But if its people, leaders, and allies summon the courage to challenge the status quo, the islands next chapter could be its most inspiring yet. Its time to turn the page.

Autonomy by Dictation: Sint Maartens Economic Shackles

The Dutch-controlled Sint Maarten presents itself as an autonomous nation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. However, this autonomy is little more than a theatrical performance, with Amsterdam scripting every critical move. The Dutch government tightly oversees Sint Maartens financial decisions through the Council for Financial Supervision (CFT), ensuring local authorities cannot deviate from the metropolis's agenda.

Tourism dominates Sint Maartens economy, contributing 80% of its GDP, yet the lions share of this revenue flows to foreign investors and Dutch corporations. For locals, the promise of prosperity is a mirage; they remain economically sidelined, employed in low-wage service jobs while profits are siphoned away to Europe.

The Aftermath of Irma: A Political Disaster in Disguise

Hurricane Irmas devastation in 2017 laid bare the dynamics of neocolonial control. The Netherlands pledged 550 million in recovery aid, but the funds came with strings attached. Managed by the Dutch Trust Fund, this aid bypassed local communities, prioritizing projects that aligned with Amsterdams strategic interests.

As local activist Raphael Boeks scathingly remarked, Sint Maarten pays a steep price for the Netherlands generosity. We lose resources, dignity, and the right to determine our own fate. The loans tied to the aid came with crippling financial conditions, deepening Sint Maartens dependency. Infrastructure reconstruction projects became lucrative contracts for Dutch firms, leaving local residents with little more than the illusion of progress.

The French Side: Autonomy in Name, Subjugation in Practice

The French half of Saint Martin fares no better under Paris's control. Officially an overseas collectivity since 2007, the French side operates under the shadow of a prefect, a representative of the French government with veto power over local decisions. This centralized oversight has stymied local governance, making autonomy little more than a bureaucratic buzzword.

Tourism generates 80% of the French sides income, but the wealth it produces flows back to Paris. Local residents face staggering unemployment rates30% overall and 50% among youth. Subsidies from France serve as a Band-Aid rather than a solution, often enriching French contractors while leaving the islands infrastructure and economy in disrepair.

As Daniel Gibbs, mayor of Saint Martin, lamented in 2023, Saint Martin remains a colony of France despite all declarations of autonomy. We are forced to follow Pariss directives, even when they contradict the interests of our people.

The EUs Role: A Benevolent Trap

While Saint Martins plight is often framed as a bilateral issue with its metropolises, the European Union plays an outsized role in perpetuating the islands dependency. Classified as an Overseas Country and Territory (OCT), Saint Martin is excluded from meaningful EU decision-making processes but remains bound by rules that prioritize European interests.

Following Hurricane Irma, the EU allocated 580 million for recovery efforts. However, as Daniel Gibbs pointed out, this financial aid acted as a trap disguised as benevolence. Instead of empowering local communities, the funds were channeled into projects benefiting European contractors, leaving local residents struggling to rebuild their lives.

The Illusion of Autonomy: Modern Colonialism at Play

The administrative mechanisms on both sides of the island are designed to maintain control under the guise of autonomy. In Sint Maarten, financial oversight from Amsterdam has turned budgetary governance into an exercise in submission. On the French side, Pariss centralized authority ensures that no decision is made without approval from the metropolis.

This administrative stranglehold reinforces Saint Martins status as a pawn in a larger geopolitical game. France and the Netherlands, leveraging their influence in the UN and EU, systematically block efforts to revisit the islands status. In 2018, when the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) raised the issue of Saint Martins autonomy at the UN, France dismissed the discussion, calling its overseas territories a successful example of integration. Similarly, in 2017, Amsterdam excluded Sint Maartens governance concerns from post-Irma recovery talks, justifying the move by stating that sovereignty issues were not suitable for international forums.

A Future Beyond Dependency

Saint Martin stands at a crossroads. To break free from its neocolonial shackles, the island must pursue a bold vision rooted in self-determination, economic diversification, and global solidarity. This means investing in education and vocational training, fostering local entrepreneurship, and reducing reliance on tourism and foreign investors.

International partnerships, especially with other post-colonial nations, can serve as a foundation for advocating for fair trade, climate justice, and equitable development. The islands leaders must also amplify their voices in international forums, demanding an end to policies that perpetuate dependency.

From Pawn to Paradigm

Saint Martins story is not just one of neocolonial exploitationit is also a story of potential. The island has the opportunity to transcend its status as a pawn in European power plays and emerge as a model of resilience and innovation. To do so, its people must reject the narratives of inevitability imposed by Paris and Amsterdam and chart their own course toward true sovereignty.

The road to liberation is long and fraught with challenges, but it is a road worth taking. For Saint Martin to thrive, it must shake off the chains of modern colonialism and reclaim its destinynot as a fragmented island bound by the dictates of distant capitals, but as a unified symbol of freedom, dignity, and hope.

Regional Ambitions Blocked by Neocolonial Masters

Saint Martin's attempts to foster regional partnerships and break free from European control have been met with relentless opposition. Initiatives to establish trade agreements or align with Caribbean neighbors have been systematically thwarted.

In 2021, the European Commission dismissed Saint Martins proposal to create a regional trade pact, curtly declaring, All trade relations must be coordinated through Paris. This rejection underscores how the EU functions as a tool to stifle the islands independent ambitions.

Efforts to engage with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have also been blocked. In 2019, CARICOM supported Saint Martins bid for observer status to participate in climate change discussionsa critical issue for the island. France, however, vetoed the move, insisting that international actions must align with Paris's interests. Similarly, in 2020, the Netherlands obstructed Sint Maarten's proposal for a shared energy market with neighboring countries, stating bluntly, This contradicts the interests of the Kingdom.

Socioeconomic Struggles: A Glittering Facade with Grim Realities

Behind Saint Martins tourist-driven economy lies a dire socioeconomic landscape. While tourism accounts for up to 80% of GDP, it has failed to uplift the islands residents. Poverty rates are alarmingly high, with 40% of the population living below the poverty line. For locals, the industry often means low-paying jobs, while the bulk of profits flows to Paris, Amsterdam, and foreign corporations.

Unemployment is another festering wound. On the French side, over 30% of adults are jobless, with youth unemployment exceeding 50%. The Dutch side fares slightly better but still sees 25% of households living below the poverty threshold. The cost of living further compounds these issues, turning modest wages into an illusion of income.

Hurricane Irmas destruction in 2017 laid bare these inequalities, as recovery funds promised by France, the Netherlands, and the EU largely bypassed local needs. Bureaucratic hurdles ensured that aid prioritized infrastructure projects benefitting European contractors rather than empowering the islands economy.

Healthcare: A System on Life Support

Saint Martins healthcare infrastructure is collapsing under the weight of underfunding, staff shortages, and inadequate disaster recovery. The islands sole hospital, Centre Hospitalier Louis-Constant Fleming, is plagued by equipment deficiencies and chronic understaffing. In 2023, 40% of patients had to seek medical care off the island, highlighting the system's incapacity.

Post-Irma funds from France and the Netherlands were insufficient to rebuild the healthcare system sustainably. The departure of 20% of healthcare workers in 2022 exacerbated the crisis, leaving residents without access to basic medical services.

Education: A Precarious Foundation for the Future

Education in Saint Martin is another casualty of systemic neglect. On the French side, public schools are severely underfunded compared to those in mainland France, leading to high illiteracy rates among children. On the Dutch side, 30% of children lack access to secondary education due to the prohibitive costs of private schools, which are out of reach for most families.

A shortage of schools, qualified teachers, and modern educational resources leaves the island's youth with few opportunities, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and dependency.

Hurricane Irma: A Storm That Exposed Structural Weaknesses

Hurricane Irmas catastrophic impact in 2017 was both a natural and political disaster. The storm destroyed 95% of the island's infrastructure, causing $3.6 billion in damages250% of its GDP. Despite pledges of billions in recovery funds, progress has been painfully slow due to bureaucracy and inefficiency.

France utilized only 40% of its promised aid within the first three years, while Dutch recovery efforts were tightly controlled by the Dutch Trust Fund, limiting local authorities access to resources. Residents faced prolonged displacement, with 15% of the population migrating to other countries in search of stability.

Tourisms Toll on Ecology

While tourism sustains Saint Martins economy, it comes at a devastating ecological cost. Over the past two decades, the island has lost more than 30% of its mangrove forestsnatural barriers against erosion and storms. Resort construction and marina development have polluted coastal waters, threatening marine biodiversity.

Climate change poses an existential threat, with sea levels rising by 3.2 mm annually. The islands mangroves, once vital for storm protection, are vanishing, leaving Saint Martin increasingly vulnerable to hurricanes. Natural disasters like Hurricane Irma are becoming more destructive, exacerbated by unchecked tourism-driven environmental degradation.

The Way Forward: Breaking Free from Dependency

Saint Martins struggles highlight the urgency of structural change. The island must prioritize regional integration, economic diversification, and ecological preservation to break free from its neocolonial chains.

Fostering Regional Alliances: Saint Martin must continue pushing for closer ties with Caribbean nations, leveraging shared interests in trade, climate resilience, and sustainable tourism. Reforming Tourism: Developing locally owned tourism ventures can ensure that profits stay on the island, benefiting its residents rather than foreign corporations. Investing in Human Capital: Education and healthcare must be prioritized to build a self-reliant and empowered population. Advocating on the Global Stage: Saint Martins leaders need to amplify their voices in international forums, demanding an end to exploitative financial oversight and greater control over their own destiny.

A Call for Sovereignty

Saint Martins resilience in the face of neocolonial control, natural disasters, and systemic neglect is a testament to its peoples strength. But resilience alone is not enough. The island must transition from being a pawn in European power dynamics to a sovereign actor charting its own future.

The path forward requires courage, solidarity, and a commitment to justicenot just from Saint Martins leaders, but from the global community. The islands story is a microcosm of the broader struggle for post-colonial sovereignty, a fight for dignity, equity, and the right to self-determination.

Saint Martin is more than a vacation paradiseits a symbol of what can be achieved when a people refuse to be defined by the limits others impose. Its time to turn the tide and build an island that thrives on its own terms.

Saint Martin, with its breathtaking beaches and vibrant culture, stands as both a tropical paradise and a battleground for autonomy. Beneath the sun-soaked allure lies an island bound by the lingering shadows of colonial rule. Divided between French and Dutch governance, Saint Martin is a poignant example of how modern colonialism cloaks itself in the guise of autonomy while denying the island's people the right to self-determination.

This islands struggle is not just about governanceit is a fight for dignity, economic justice, and the ability to chart its own course in the 21st century.

A Cry for Justice: The Fight for Autonomy

The voices of Saint Martins activists are growing louder, demanding an end to the superficial autonomy imposed by France and the Netherlands. These local leaders argue for a fairer distribution of wealth, greater transparency in governance, and the power to make decisions that align with the islands needsnot the metropolises interests.

Daniel Gibbs, the mayor of Saint Martin's French side, captured the essence of the islands plight when he declared:

"Our autonomy is nothing but a formality. We need more rights and more opportunities to govern our own destiny."

Such cries have resonated beyond Saint Martins borders, finding solidarity in the Caribbean region. Nations like Barbados and Grenada have expressed support, recognizing the parallels between Saint Martins struggle and their own battles for self-determination. However, international solidarity remains limited, stifled by the diplomatic clout of the islands European overlords, who skillfully block initiatives to revisit Saint Martins political status.

Paths to Independence: Charting a New Course

To rise above its colonial past, Saint Martin must pursue a dual strategy: bold internal reforms and amplified international advocacy.

1. Internal Reforms: Building a Foundation for Freedom

Economic Independence: Develop and empower local businesses to compete with foreign corporations. Establish frameworks that ensure tourism revenues benefit the island's residents through community development projects, infrastructure improvements, and social programs.

Governance Reform: Expand the authority of local councils, enabling them to independently address budgetary and policy issues without external interference.

Investment in Education and Healthcare: Strengthen public schools and make education accessible to all children, laying the groundwork for a skilled and self-reliant workforce. Rebuild the healthcare system, ensuring quality medical services are available on the island.



2. International Advocacy: Strengthening Regional and Global Support

Engagement with CARICOM and OECS: Push for deeper integration into regional organizations to amplify Saint Martins voice on issues like climate resilience, trade, and development.

Leveraging Global Platforms: Follow the example of Barbados, which successfully lobbied for international support on climate and social justice initiatives, to gain backing for Saint Martins cause.



Colonial Puppeteers: France and the Netherlands

France and the Netherlands continue to act as captains of Saint Martins fate, steering the island toward their own economic and political interests. Despite declarations of progress and autonomy, they maintain control over Saint Martins budget, foreign policy, and key industries, perpetuating a system of dependency that leaves little room for genuine local governance.

Blocking Regional Collaboration

Efforts by Saint Martin to strengthen ties with Caribbean neighbors are routinely undermined by the metropolises:

In 2021, the European Commission rejected a proposal for a regional trade agreement, stating flatly, All trade relations must be coordinated through Paris.

In 2020, the Netherlands blocked Sint Maartens attempt to create a shared energy market with neighboring islands, claiming it contradicts the interests of the Kingdom.

Weaponizing International Organizations

The metropolises leverage their positions in the UN and the EU to block any movement toward greater autonomy. France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, dismissed CARICOMs 2019 proposal to grant Saint Martin observer status, asserting that the islands existing autonomy was sufficient. Similarly, the Netherlands uses its influence within EU institutions to ensure that Sint Maarten remains dependent on Amsterdam's financial directives.

Tourism: A Glittering Trap

Tourism, Saint Martins economic lifeline, has become both a blessing and a curse. While it contributes up to 80% of GDP, the benefits are unequally distributed. Profits flow to European corporations, leaving locals with low-paying jobs and a cost of living that erodes their meager earnings.

The poverty statistics are staggering:

40% of the population lives below the poverty line.

30% unemployment on the French side, with youth unemployment exceeding 50%.

On the Dutch side, 25% of households struggle to make ends meet.

A Future Worth Fighting For

Saint Martins story is one of resilience and potential. The island deserves a future where its natural wealth and human capital are harnessed for the benefit of its own peoplenot for the metropolises that continue to profit from its subjugation.

Breaking Free Requires Bold Action

Redistribute Tourism Revenues: Ensure that the economic engine driving Saint Martin serves its residents first and foremost. Strengthen Social Infrastructure: Invest in education and healthcare to provide a stable foundation for sustainable development. Protect the Environment: Preserve Saint Martins fragile ecosystems to safeguard the island from the growing threats of climate change.

The Global Call to Action

Saint Martins struggle is not just a local issueit is a global challenge. The islands fight for autonomy reflects a broader battle against modern colonialism, where declarations of freedom mask systems of exploitation and control.

The world must listen to the voices of Saint Martins activists and leaders. It must recognize that autonomy, dignity, and self-determination are not privilegesthey are rights.

Saint Martin is more than just a tropical destination; it is a symbol of the enduring fight for freedom. Behind its sunsets and sands lies a call to actiona demand for justice, equity, and the right to chart its own destiny. Let the world not ignore it.

Baku Network
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Michael Douglas has pushed back against the term nepo baby, in a discussion over his famous parentage.

The Basic Instinct star, 80, is the son of the late Paths of Glory star Kirk Douglas, and actor Diana Dill. His own son, Cameron Douglas, is also an actor, and appeared alongside him in the 2003 film It Runs in the Family.

The termnepo baby, short for nepotism baby, is often used to derrogotarily describe children of celebrities whose careers are seen to benefit from their parents fame.

Speaking at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday (6 December), Douglas hit back at being called a Hollywood nepo baby.

I dont know a father in whatever business, be it a plumber or a contractor or a carpenter, who doesnt try to help his son join him, Douglas told the audience. Im a nepo baby too, you know? So thats the way it goes, he added.

Despite an initial reluctance to follow in his fathers footsteps, Douglas made headway in Hollywood when he worked as an executive producer on the Oscar-winning 1975 Ken Kesey adaptation One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest.

I sort of impulsively said, Let me run with it, Douglas recalled, with Kirk supporting the move.

Michael Douglas photographed for The Red Sea festival ( Getty Images for The Red Sea Int )

Theres a risk factor that also gives you the nerves when youre starting a project. But then the nerves are just part of your career, part of your work, he added.

For his work as a producer on One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, Douglas received his first Academy Award (for Best Picture).

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He would later win a Best Actor Oscar for his role in the 1988 drama Wall Street.

Earlier this year, Douglas learned that he is a distant relative of the actor Scarlett Johansson. Both actors star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Johansson playing Black Widow, and Douglas playing Ant-Mans Hank Pym.

Your DNA cousin is the actress Scarlett Johansson, presenter Henry Louis Gates told the star on the geneology series Finding Your Roots.

Gates added: Michael and Scarlett share identical stretches of DNA on four different chromosomes, all of which appear on Scarletts maternal lines, which stretch back to Jewish communities in eastern Europe.

Visibly surprised, Douglas said: Are you kidding? Oh, thats amazing. Alright, this is cool. This is so cool. Thats incredible.
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Laura Benanti has slammed her former Broadway co-star Zachary Levi over comments he made about the recent death of their late colleague, Gavin Creel.

Benanti, 45, and the Shazam! star, 44, co-led the wildly successful revival of the musical She Loves Me in 2016 alongside Creel, who died in September at the age of 48 from cancer.

Benanti spoke about her feelings towards Levi during this weeks episode of Thats a Gay Ass Podcast, hosted by Eric Williams.

I never liked [Levi]. Everyone was like, Hes so great! And I was like, No, hes not. Hes sucking up all the f***ing energy in this room. He wants to mansplain everybodys part to them, Benanti said.

He really sucked everybody in with his dance party energy, like, Were doing a dance party at half-hour. I was like, Good luck, have fun.

During a pro-Donald Trump rant on Instagram Live in October, Levi baselessly suggested that Creels death may have been tied to Covid vaccinations.

open image in gallery Actors Laura Benanti and Zachary Levi in 2018 ( Getty Images )

The Tony Award winners death was caused by a metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a type of nerve cancer that the actor learned he had in July.

I know that this is going to offend some people and make some people mad, and I wish it didnt. A few weeks ago, my friend Gavin Creel died. He was 48 years old, and he was one of the healthiest people I knew.  You better believe that, with everything in me, I believe that if these COVID vaccinations were not forced on the American public Levi said before trailing off.

The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute have both debunked theories that the Covid vaccine causes cancer.

Speaking about Levi spreading the misinformation, an emotional Benanti told Williams: For him to use Gavins memory  a person he was not friends with  to use his memory for his political agenda and to watch him try to make himself cry until he had one single tear, which he did not wipe away, I was like, F*** you forever.

Levi was widely criticized by other Broadway stars at the time. Wicked alum Jenna Leigh Green wrote in the comments of Levis post: Gavin deserved better. What has happened to you to have flown so far from decency and sanity? Its just so sad.

open image in gallery Gavin Creel died in September 2024 ( 2017 Invision )

So incredibly disappointed you would politicize Gavins death, wrote two-time Tony winner Norbert Leo Butz. Really tried to give you the benefit here. Made it halfway through, which was hard as hell. But was utterly heartbroken, as he would have been, that you felt the need to use his life and legacy to promote this awful platform.

In September, Levi endorsed Trump for president after his first choice, anti-vaxxer Robert F Kennedy Jr., dropped out of the race.

Appearing at the Republicans rally in Michigan, the DC actor said: Were here to make sure that we are going to take back this country, we are going to make it great again, we are going to make it healthy again. And so, I stand with Bobby, and I stand with Tulsi, and I stand with everyone else who is standing with President Trump. Because I do believe, of the two choices that we have, and we only have two, Donald Trump, President Trump is the man that can get us there. And hes gonna get us there because hes gonna have the backing and the support and the wisdom and the knowledge and the fight that exists in Robert Kennedy Jr and former representative Tulsi Gabbard.

In January 2023, two months before the release of Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Levi shocked fans with his response to a tweet asking if Covid-19 vaccine maker Pfizer was a real danger to the world.

Hardcore agree, he wrote.

While the first Shazam! (2019) film was warmly received, the second was such a critical and financial bomb that the films director David F Sandberg vowed to leave the world of superheroes behind.

Levi subsequently made a number of public statements decrying the treatment Fury of the Gods received from critics.
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Scottish actor Brian Cox has said he will try to spend as much time here in the UK as he can following the results of the US presidential election.

The Succession star, 78, has been outspoken about his views on President-elect Donald Trump, and called him a monster while he was a guest on Channel 4s live coverage of the US election last month.

Asked if the result has made him lose faith in people, he told The Guardian: No, it doesnt make me lose faith in people. It just makes me realise people are stupid.

Were in for a pretty rough old four years coming up.

Speaking about whether he will stay in the US, he said: I dont know. Ive got to because my sons are there. But Ill try to spend as much time here (UK) as I can.

Trump, 78, will take office on Inauguration Day on January 20, 2025.

Brian Cox has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump ( James Manning/PA) )

Last month, Boris Johnson clashed with Cox over Trump in what was branded a highlight of Channel 4s US election coverage.

Cox, who played Logan Roy in the hit HBO series, made his disdain for Trump known during his virtual appearance, during which he said: We have to make sure that he doesnt get in because he is a monster, he really is. Hes crazy, hes insane, he wants to be a dictator.

I think hes lost it, quite frankly. I think hes deeply mentally unstable and I think he has been for some time. This is not a man who should be the president of the United States, absolutely not. Hes unreliable, hes a convicted felon, Im horrified.

His comments arrived after Johnson explained that he did not think fears about Trump becoming president, including that he would give away Ukraine to Russia, were accurate.

In response, Cox said: Its ridiculous  of course he will. Hell do what suits him. Hell do what suits Donald Trump. The man is completely self-serving. He is totally self-serving. He is only interested in one thing, and thats Donald Trump.

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He doesnt give a damn about America, he really doesnt.

Johnson, who repeatedly plugged his new book, defended Trump from Coxs claims that he is a monster. As Johnson spoke, an unimpressed Cox could be seen glaring at the UK prime minister, with screenshots of the moment going viral on social media.

Cox voices Helm in the new anime Lord of the Rings film The War Of The Rohirrim, and will star in the play The Score at Theatre Royal Haymarket, London, from February.

Additional reporting by the Press Association
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The family of Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson has revealed hes been diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease.

On the Friday (December 6) episode of the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast, the 78-year-olds sons Jase and Al announced his diagnosis, stating that it comes alongside a long-standing blood disease that has worsened in recent years.

I think I spoke on the 1000th podcast, we were trying to figure out the diagnosis, but according to the doctors, he has some sort of blood disease causing all kinds of problems, Jase said.

Jase explained that Robertsons Alzheimers is in its early stages, but it has begun to affect his daily life. Despite the challenges, they said their father remains eager to contribute to their Christian podcast, which they launched in 2018.

Im like, Well Phil, you can barely walk around without crying out in pain, and your memory is not what it once was. Hes like, Tell me about it, Jase said, adding that his father struggles to hold conversations but remains determined.

Al noted that his father has lived with the blood disease for years, though its progression has recently accelerated. Jase added that the family is working closely with medical professionals. Weve got a team of doctors, and then we have another set of doctors who are looking at all the tests, and theyre all in agreement that theres no curing what he has, he said.

Robertson talks with Stephen K. Bannon while appearing on Brietbart News Daily in 2016 ( Ben Jackson/Getty Images for SiriusXM )

This isnt the first time the Robertsons have gone public with their struggles.

Robertson has been open about his history with alcoholism and infidelity. In a 2013 short film titled The Robertsons, produced by the Christian group I Am Second, both Robertson and his wife, Kay, discussed the challenges these issues brought to their marriage.

At the time, Kay recounted, The drinking got worse... And I knew then but I didnt want to believe it; [he] was running around on me.

Robertson and his family rose to fame on the A&E series Duck Dynasty, which aired from 2012 to 2017. The popular reality show followed the lives of the Louisiana-based duck hunters.

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In 2013, A&E suspended the patriarch for claiming homosexuality was one step away from bestiality in a GQ interview.

GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, described Robertsons GQ comments as one of the vilest and most extreme statements uttered against LGBT people in a mainstream publication.

He explored the backlash in his 2022 book, Uncanceled: Finding Meaning and Peace in a Culture of Accusations, Shame, and Condemnation.
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Jamie Foxx has opened up about the mysterious health scare that left him hospitalized last year in his Netflix stand-up special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was.

The actor, 56, told audience members at a taping for the special that he suffered a near-death experience and fell into a weeks-long coma. Demecos Chambers, who attended a taping of the special in Atlanta last October, told CNN that Foxx had revealed his diagnosis and discussed his recovery in the one-man show.

He said it was a near-death experience, Chambers recalled. He spoke about waking up in the hospital. He thought he just passed out for a second, but it was two or three weeks. He was in a stone-cold coma.

The fan claimed Foxx told the audience that he was unconscious for so long that when he woke up in the hospital, he had grown a beard. Meanwhile, Chambers explained to People that Foxxs collapse in April 2023 was due to just pure exhaustion.

His body was just exhausted due to him getting up there in age, and his body just faltering out on him, he recounted Foxx sharing onstage. Chambers claimed the Oscar winner passed out in an elevator and he thought he woke up a couple hours later, only to discover a few weeks later that he had been in a coma.

Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was hits Netflix on Tuesday, December 10 ( PARRISH LEWIS/NETFLIX )

Foxx later went to a rehab facility and he talked about how his motor skills he had to start from day one, Chambers told People.

Audience members were reportedly required to seal their phones in pouches during the performance, but werent asked to sign a release following the show.

The Independent has contacted Netflix for comment. According to CNN, the streaming platform has decided not to send advance screeners to the press, and Foxx will also not be doing any interviews before the special premieres on Tuesday, December 10.

The Django Unchained star was hospitalized in April 2023 for an unspecified medical complication. At the time, details about Foxxs illness remained undisclosed, which prompted many to make several conspiracy theories that his representatives were forced to debunk.

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Now, in a first trailer for What Had Happened Was released on Thursday, Foxx is purported to set the record straight about his condition.

A description for the stand-up special reads: Amidst laughter and applause, Jamie expresses deep gratitude to those who prayed and supported his recovery, turning this performance into a touching thank-you to his fans.

This comedy event is a celebration of resilience, humour and the power of community, reminding us all of the healing power of laughter.

Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was hits Netflix on Tuesday, December 10.
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Netflix viewers have heaped praise on Sabrina Carpenters new Christmas special, A Nonsense Christmas.

The programme, a variety show comprising music and skits hosted by the Please Please Please pop star, arrived on the streaming service on Friday (6 December).

A Nonsense Christmas also features a number of celebrity guests, including Shania Twain, Cara Delevingne, and Chappell Roan, who sings a cover of Last Christmas alongside Carpenter.

One complaint was shared by many who watched the show, however  the absence of a soundtrack album.

A NONSENSE CHRISTMAS ALBUM ON STREAMING WHEN, one person asked, alongside a GIF of a person banging on a door.

Petition for Sabrina to release all of the songs from A Nonsense Christmas in a live album please, commented another.

Someone else tagged Carpenters official account on X/Twitter, asking: So are we getting A Nonsense Christmas live album or???

Sabrina Carpenter in A Nonsense Christmas' ( PARRISH LEWIS/NETFLIX )

I need to know when theyre gonna put the Nonsense Christmas covers on streaming, I want to listen to her and Chappel sing Last Christmas literally daily pls god, another person wrote.

Carpenter is not the first celebrity to have recorded a holiday special for Netflix. In 2015, Bill Murray fronted a variety show titled A Very Murray Christmas, which was directed by Sofia Coppola.

The songs from that special were never released on music streaming services.

Viewers nonetheless had plenty of nice things to say about Carpenters special, with many praising the comedy and musical performances.

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A Nonsense Christmas aka the most iconic Christmas special EVER, one fan wrote.

Another simply remarked: Nonsense Christmas masterpiece.

Carpenters latest album Short N Sweet was awarded four stars in a review by The Independents Helen Brown, who wrote: Short n Sweet finds Carpenter pressing harder into that man-eating sizzle with lyrics in which she apologises for showing her lovers private photos to friends (Juno) and pouts Come right on me where art thou? Why not uponeth me? on Bed Chem.

The whole thing is delightfully caffeinated: Short n Sweet is full of hiss and steam, grinding gears and deep kicks beneath the shining chrome surfaces.

A Nonsense Christmas is available to stream now on Netflix.
 Close Pete Wicks says Strictly fans are playing 'cruel joke' after results

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The Strictly Come Dancing final is now just one week away and tonight (December 7), the remaining five contestants battled it out in the shows semi-final.

Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec opened the show and scored an impressive 35 for their first routine, but it was their second that really impressed the judges, as the former Love Island star landed a score of 40.

JB Gill and Lauren Oakley were also among the couples performing tonight and for their second routine of the evening, they landed a perfect score from the judging panel  putting them top of the leaderboard.

Also performing tonight were Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, and their emotionally-charged Waltz left both stars in tears.

Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, and Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal completed the semi-finalists. Ahead of the live show, Wicks reached out to fans on social media for their support after mounting backlash about him still being in the competition.

In a post on his Instagram, Wicks and Przystal were seen looking forlorn alongside the caption: Today is semi-finals day. Its been 12 weeks of hard work, ups and downs...can we do the unthinkable? We would love your support tonight.

On the night, Wicks delivered two solid performances. His second was a passionate Argentine Tango that left the judges disagreeing with each other.

Another celebrity will leave the competition on Sunday (8 December) nights results show, which airs on BBC One at 7.20pm.
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Strictly Come Dancing viewers have called out the shows judges for unfair scoring as they feel one contestant is receiving softer treatment than others.

As the semi-final takes place, with only one week until one contestant is awarded the Glitterball Trophy, the competition has been tougher than ever with celebrities scoring highly.

Tasha Ghouri was awarded a perfect score for her second performance of the night, a Waltz to (You Make Me Feel) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin. JB Gill received the same for his Salsa to Red Alert by Basement Jaxx, which marks the first time a Salsa performance has received a perfect score in six years on the show.

But as Ghouri, Gill, Sarah Hadland, and Chris McCausland received technical critiques for their first performances of the night, fans claimed the panel takes a different approach with Towies Wicks and his partner Jowita Przystal.

Head judge Shirley Ballas gave the TV personality gushing praise as she said Wicks embodied the show, while usually critical Horwood told the star I love you. However, despite their compliments, the pair still received the lowest marks of the episode.

Craig is never as picky with Pete, who can see what hes doing, as he is with Chris, said one person of his critique of the comedians performance.

Tasha, Sarah, JB are definitely technically the best dancers, wrote another. The judges/producers definitely want a Chris/Pete dance-off and they will ensure they get it.

Another added, They want JB and Pete in the final clearly. Putting Tasha and Sarah in the dance-off.

Wicks has received backlash for making it so far in the competition ( BBC/Strictly Come Dancing )

The way the judges judge Chris and Sarah compared to Pete is wild, commented another on X/Twitter. What has Pete got on BBC producers?!

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It comes as Wicks has received mounting backlash for making it so far in the competition, despite being at the bottom of the leaderboard on multiple occasions. The Towie star said he has received death threats for people unhappy with his progress.

Wicks reached out to fans on social media for their support ahead of the semi-final. In a post on his Instagram, Wicks and Przystal are seen looking forlorn along with the caption: Today is semi-finals day. Its been 12 weeks of hard work, ups and downs...can we do the unthinkable? We would love your support tonight.
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China says it has discovered the worlds largest known deposit of gold, estimated to be worth over $80bn (63bn).

The deposit at the Wangu goldfield in central China could yield more than 1,000 tonnes of gold, the Geological Bureau of Hunan was quoted as saying by Chinese state media.

The bureau announced the detection of 40 gold veins, which are long and narrow openings in rocks filled with the metal, around a mile deep in Hunan provinces Pingjiang county. These rocks alone may have 300 tonnes of gold and there could be more reserves at deeper layers, geologists said.

Many drilled rock cores showed visible gold, Chen Rulin, a geologist and ore prospector at the bureau, said.

Test drills near the sites peripheral areas found more gold, suggesting that the deposit could be even larger.

In all, there could be over 1,000 metric tonnes of the precious metal at the site which, at current prices, would bring in more than 600 billion yuan, or about $83bn (65bn).

China Gold Mines

Global gold prices rose after the discovery was announced, but the long-term trajectory remained uncertain due to geopolitical tensions around the world.

The demand for the precious metal has increased in China amid global uncertainties. And the latest find, according to the Hunan Provincial Geological Institute, could be significant in helping safeguard the countrys resource security.

The Wangu goldfield is one of Chinas most critical mining hubs and the country has invested nearly 100 million yuan for mineral exploration in the area.

China produced about a tenth of the worlds gold as of 2023.

The nation is a global leader in mining, dominating the production of precious metals used to make new generations of batteries and electronics.

It also leads the world in the export of technology for mining, developing new ways to reduce carbon emissions in the process.
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South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has survived an impeachment vote  prompted by his short-lived attempt to impose martial law  after members of his party boycotted the move.

Only 195 votes were cast, which was below the 200 needed for the vote to count, and the motion was scrapped.

The opposition needed at least eight votes from Mr Yoons conservative People Power Party (PPP) to reach the two-thirds majority needed to impeach.

As PPP lawmakers departed after casting votes on a separate motion, some people shouted and cursed them. Only three from Mr Yoons party voted.

A crisis in South Korea exploded late on Tuesday when Mr Yoon declared he was imposing martial law, leading MPs to rush to parliament to stage a vote against it. Some climbed over walls and pushed past soldiers in order to cast their votes.

The order was lifted by the cabinet before dawn on Wednesday.

Following the scrapped motion, the National Assembly speaker Woo Won Shik said it was unfortunate that not enough lawmakers participated for the votes to be tallied.

open image in gallery South Korean National Assembly speaker Woo Won Shik announces the voting cannot take place ( POOL/AFP via Getty )

He added: The entire nation is watching the decision being made here at the National Assembly today. The world is watching.

The main opposition Democratic Party vowed to try again, while Mr Yoons party said it would find a more orderly, responsible way to resolve the crisis. South Koreas ruling party chief Han Dong Hoon said the president had effectively agreed to the plan.

The opposition Democratic Party said it will propose a new impeachment bill against Mr Yoon on 11 December and put it to a vote on 14 December.

Mr Yoon shocked the nation and the world on Tuesday when he gave the military sweeping emergency powers to root out what he called anti-state forces and overcome obstructionist political opponents.

He rescinded the order six hours later after parliament defied military and police cordons to vote unanimously against his decree.

open image in gallery Protesters take part in a rally calling for the impeachment of the South Korean president ( Reuters )

The move plunged Asias fourth-largest economy into its greatest political crisis in decades, threatening to shatter South Koreas reputation as a democratic success story.

Mr Yoon addressed the nation on Saturday morning to apologise for the anxiety caused by his attempt to impose martial law.

I leave it up to my party to take steps to stabilise the political situation in the future, including the issue of my term in office, he said, promising there would be no second attempt to impose martial law.

Some had expected him to use the brief TV appearance to resign from office but he stopped short of doing so.

Mr Hoon said after the address that the president was no longer in a position to carry out his public duties and his resignation was now unavoidable.

open image in gallery Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets outside parliament on Friday and Saturday night ( Reuters )

His party said it could not allow a repeat of the 2016 impeachment of then-president Park Geun Hye, who left office after months of candle-lit protests over an influence-peddling scandal. Her downfall triggered the implosion of the party and a victory by liberals in presidential and general elections.

In scenes reminiscent of the protests against Ms Park, thousands of demonstrators holding candles flooded the streets outside parliament on Friday and Saturday nights, demanding Mr Yoons impeachment.

If Mr Yoon leaves office before his single five-year term ends in May 2027, the constitution requires a presidential election within 60 days of his departure.

Martial law has been declared more than a dozen times since South Korea was established as a republic in 1948, the last time in 1980.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. Azerbaijan's parliament always played an important role in the formation of independent Azerbaijani statehood, Georgian MP Zaur Dargali told reporters on the sidelines of an international parliamentary conference themed "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Prospects" today, Trend reports.

"The parliament continues to make an important contribution to the strengthening of the country, he added.

To note, the conference is being held at the Azerbaijani Parliament, bringing in close to one hundred representatives from the parliaments of 13 countries, along with international organizations.

The event aims to encompass discussions regarding the role of parliaments in contemporary global processes, the evolution of parliamentary traditions, the advantages of parliamentary diplomacy, and the prospective contributions of ongoing parliamentary debates to tackling the global challenges of the modern era.

A roundtable on "The Azerbaijani and Turkish Examples of Parliaments in Public Diplomacy" will also be held as part of the conference.

The participants will also visit the liberated territories of Azerbaijan to learn about the ongoing construction and reconstruction efforts in the mentioned areas.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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Emmas fertility story began, counterintuitively, with a breakup. At 32, Id reached the age where most of my friends were coupled up and many were having babies. I began to worry that my biological clock was ticking forward faster than my love life could catch up. So I paid for a fertility MOT for future-proofing. The results werent good; Emmas egg count was low (below the 10th percentile) and time was suddenly of the essence if she wanted to have children of her own.

Egg freezing was the obvious option. But Emmas low egg count would have required her to go through multiple rounds to garner enough eggs to give her the best possible chance of having a baby: an expensive and exhausting process. I also considered how I might feel if I waited years to go back to use my frozen eggs, either with a partner or donor, and found none were viable, she says. The best option was to pursue IVF with donor sperm to bank embryos for the future.

It sounded simple enough. And it might have been had Emma not been a single woman. But what followed was two years of medical complexities, financial struggles, pregnancy followed by miscarriage, and being repeatedly turned away by the NHS  all because of her relationship status. The system is stacked against us, she says. Policy-making reflects ingrained patriarchal social attitudes towards women who do not conform to social scripts. Being single or gay currently means being a second-class citizen as far as NHS funding goes. I know of women resorting to bringing a male friend or random stranger (found online) to pose as their partner to access NHS care.

The number of single women undergoing fertility treatment in the UK has more than trebled in the last decade, according to a new report by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). And yet reproductive healthcare remains rooted in the past, meaning single women like Emma are consistently being failed in their pursuit of fertility treatments. The result is a relentless cycle of physical and psychological turmoil.

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), women aged under 40 should be entitled to three cycles of IVF treatment on the NHS if theyve been trying to get pregnant through regular unprotected sex for two years, or if theyve not been able to get pregnant after 12 cycles of artificial insemination, with at least six of the cycles using a method called intrauterine insemination (IUI). This is a system that disproportionately affects single women, who would need to opt for the latter route. It typically means paying privately for IUI, costing upwards of 1,500 per round, given that its not routinely offered on the NHS. Then theres the cost of donor sperm  around 1,630 per vial  as well as clinic fees, all of which add up astonishingly fast.

It costs women over 20,000 going down this route, says Catherine Hill at Fertility Network UK, the nations leading patient-focused fertility charity. The current system means single women have to prove their infertility and its too much of a financial hurdle for many people, which is why they often wind up going private, or they travel abroad, both of which come with their own financial and logistical complications. The reality is that fertility treatment for single women just isnt very accessible.

open image in gallery Being single or gay currently means being a second-class citizen as far as NHS funding goes ( Getty Images )

Subsequently, some find dangerous ways to cut costs, seeking unregulated practitioners and donors found in online groups as opposed to going via a sperm bank. I briefly joined one of those groups but I was bombarded by creepy messages from men offering to naturally inseminate me, says Emma.

To make things even trickier, very few single women can even access NHS-funded IVF in the first place. In Scotland, its not available at all for single women, though Scottish ministers were considering proposals to change this in July. And in England and Wales, access differs depending on your region. This is due to individual NHS integrated care boards (ICBs) having the final call on who can have NHS-funded IVF in their local area, creating a postcode lottery. Over half of ICBs dont include single women in their policies.

In 2019, it was revealed that one set of clinics in southeast London had banned single women from accessing IVF entirely because they exert less control on their children and place a greater burden on society in general. That ban has since been lifted.

All this perpetuates an insidious ideology: that women cannot raise children alone. Its one felt around the world, too; single women and same-sex couples are banned from accessing IVF treatment in Italy, Hungary, Poland and Switzerland.

The idea that a family should consist of a mother and father is still prevalent Rachel Close, clinic manager at Concept Fertility in London

Many policies around fertility were created in a time when traditional family structures were more prevalent, and there hasnt always been the political will to update these frameworks to reflect the diverse realities of modern family-building, says Rachel Close, clinic manager at Concept Fertility in London. The idea that a family should consist of a mother and father is still prevalent and this can create barriers for single women, same-sex couples, and other non-traditional family units.

Given the NHS barriers, the majority of single women seeking fertility treatment do so privately. In the UK, prices vary depending on where you live. Costs range from 3,735 to 13,408 for an advertised IVF package, according to data collated by Fertility Mapper, a website dedicated to showcasing the experiences of the UKs private clinics. But for many thats a mere starting point  particularly if youre going to go through more than one round of IVF, or you have a low egg count that renders your case more complex.

Any financial stability I have built over years of working has been quickly wiped out, says Emma. During my first round of sperm donor IVF I discovered uterine infertility issues. I was referred by my fertility clinic to the NHS for a hysteroscopy [a test to look inside a womans womb using a small camera] but was denied a referral to the fertility pathway due to my relationship status.

Emma ended up self-funding the hysteroscopy and was later diagnosed with Ashermans Syndrome, a rare gynaecological condition that causes scar tissue to form in the uterus. After undergoing surgery in Hamburg, Germany and later enrolling in a clinical trial in Spain for Ashermans as a way of accessing more fertility care, Emma became pregnant but miscarried. She returned to London and, due to her litany of complications, came close to receiving NHS-funded support. But after one face-to-face appointment, I was promptly notified that upon further conversations with the clinic manager, I did not qualify for NHS funding due to being single and also having already self-funded my own IVF, she says. I raised a complaint about this but have yet to hear back.

Nicolas story is similar. I got to 39 and found myself single during Covid with more time to think about my future, so contacted a fertility clinic and had a fertility MOT, she recalls. Like Emma, her egg count was low. Her doctor advised IUI; she completed six rounds using donor sperm, one of which resulted in pregnancy but ended in miscarriage.

The good news was that Nicola then qualified for NHS-funded IVF at her local ICB. They wouldnt do IVF with my own eggs as they didnt expect it to work so encouraged me to use donor eggs, she says. I said I wasnt ready to do that without attempting IVF with my own eggs. They allowed me to have three more IUIs on the NHS that didnt work. Nicola ended up paying privately for one cycle of IVF using her own eggs with money shed been saving for a deposit on a house. She got pregnant but tragically this, too, ended in miscarriage.

Nicola returned to the NHS for IVF using donor eggs from her 31-year-old sister. I have had three embryos transferred so far and none of them have worked, she says. Ive got three left. Since the last failed transfer at the end of August, her consultant has recommended that she takes a break until the new year as the disappointment and failure was affecting my mental health.

open image in gallery Single women from the UK have started travelling abroad in search of cheaper IVF options ( Getty Images )

Increasingly, single British women have started travelling abroad in search of more affordable fertility treatments, with many going as far as Turkey and Greece. Diers Klinic in Denmark, which specialises in IUI using donor sperm, has noticed a pronounced uptick in the last two years. We frequently hear from the British women we treat that they have felt pressured into choosing more invasive IVF treatments, which involve hormone stimulation from the beginning, at clinics in the UK, says Liza Diers, founder of the clinic, where 40 per cent of clients are single women. They are often exceptionally well-prepared for the role of solo motherhood, Diers adds. They have carefully considered their decision and usually have a strong support network backing them every step of the way.

Finances and hormones aside, the psychological impact of being turned away and rejected due to your relationship status can be monumental. Practically and emotionally, Ive been forced to grapple with a life different than expected, with what has often felt like half the resources and double the burden of a couple to pursue the dream of having a child, says Emma. What should have been a modest house deposit was instead a 15,000 miscarriage, she adds. I have been flushing money down the toilet. I feel angry that Ive had to fight so hard to advocate for access to a system I pay into, and disappointed that in modern-day Britain, where almost half of pregnancies are unplanned and nearly one in two marriages end in divorce, NHS fertility policies remain so punitive towards alternative family structures.

Given all the time and energy required to go through the process of fertility treatment, it also hinders ones prospects of finding a romantic partner. Im lucky that I have very good family and friends but I still feel lonely, says Nicola, who hasnt dated at all while undergoing fertility treatments. I think its too complicated and Ive not felt great about myself. I used to be such a positive, confident and happy person. But this has worn me down so much; it has been a rollercoaster of emotions.

There are minimal mental health provisions for single women undergoing IVF. In order to access NHS fertility counselling or support groups, you need to be accepted as an NHS fertility patient. Four in 10 fertility patients have experienced suicidal feelings, according to a survey of 1,300 people conducted last year by Fertility Network UK. Most respondents said they wanted counselling but had to fund some or all of it themselves.

I used to be such a positive, confident and happy person. But this has worn me down so much Nicola, 39

When each attempt at pregnancy costs so much you also live with the likelihood that you may well be priced out of parenthood, says Emma. And, when society doesnt recognise your desire to have a child as valid or views your family composition as less deserving of support, you experience disenfranchised grief. Its very othering.

When approached for comment by The Independent, an NHS spokesperson said: These clinical services are commissioned by integrated care boards (ICBs) for their area based on the needs of the local population and prioritisation of resources available. All ICBs have a responsibility to ensure services are provided fairly and are accessible by different population groups.

All this acquires new poignancy in light of the current birthrate, which has declined worldwide and this year fell to its lowest rate on record in England and Wales. Surely now is the time to encourage, not deter, prospective parents? Better support is imperative across the board for everyone  regardless of their relationship status.
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The federal government on Friday approved a scaled-down wind farm in Idaho over local opposition, including from groups concerned about its proximity to a historic site where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II.

The Bureau of Land Management signed off on a final plan for the Lava Ridge Wind Project northeast of Twin Falls that decreases the number of wind turbines to 241 from 400 and imposes a maximum height of 660 feet (201 meters). The agency said the area disturbed by the project has been reduced by half from the initial proposal, with 992 acres (401 hectares) disturbed within a 38,535-acre (15,594-hectare) area.

The agency said the project could power up to 500,000 homes and that its approval reflects a careful balance of clean energy development with the protection of natural, cultural, and socioeconomic resources on this historically significant landscape.

Some groups have expressed concern over the high desert site's potential impacts on the Minidoka National Historic Site, where thousands of Japanese Americans were imprisoned during World War II.

Friends of Minidoka, a group that works to preserve the site and educate about its history, said it was reviewing the decision but that it remained disappointed by a project it views as harming the area's sacredness.

Minidoka National Historic Site holds deep significance to both the nation as a whole and to the Japanese American community about the lessons of a gross violation of constitutional rights on a group of American citizens, Robyn Achilles, the group's executive director, said in an email.

Under the final version of the project, the closest turbine to the historic site would be 9 miles (14 kilometers) away.

Two months after the Japans Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066. Roughly 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry were taken from their homes and incarcerated in camps as a potential threat against the U.S. Many were elderly, disabled, children or infants.

Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador has also opposed the wind project. In a Friday press release, he denounced the federal government for moving ahead with it regardless of the damage to Idaho farms, ranches, rural communities, agricultural aviation, water supplies, wildlife, and historical sites.

The Bureau of Land Management said it spent hundreds of hours speaking with Japanese American community members, as well as Native American leaders, ranchers and other local agencies. According to the agency, the final project reduced potential impacts to sage grouse, wildlife migration routes, a nearby airport, public land ranchers and other areas of cultural importance.

Under the Biden administration, the Interior Department has approved 43 renewable energy projects on public lands, the Bureau of Land Management said. The administration's goal is to permit on public lands 25 gigawatts of renewable energy  enough to power roughly 12 million homes  by 2025, including from wind and solar projects.
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Transgender men and women are increasingly having crucial hormone treatment withdrawn by NHS doctors, an investigation has found.

Trans patients and staff at NHS gender services have said that cases of people being refused hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or having the medication withdrawn are on the rise.

HRT is a crucial part of the transition process for many trans people and involves the administration of hormones to align a persons physical characteristics with their gender identity.

Sources within gender services and primary care point to lack of funding, uncertainty from GPs about whether they can prescribe the treatment, and the Cass Review as factors in the trend. One GP said that, even though the Cass Review looked at childrens care, the recommendations about exercising caution in providing hormones have had a knock-on impact on adult services, with practitioners genuinely scared about doing something wrong.

An investigation by The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, published in partnership with The Independent, spoke to adult trans patients as well as NHS staff about the issue.

Hormones withdrawn

The text message Emily* received from her GP practice was life-changing. Emily, who is transgender, was first prescribed hormone replacement therapy two years ago. It had enabled her life to feel ordinary. Suddenly her prescription had been stopped.

The message explained that the GP practice was unable to safely support ongoing prescribing or monitoring of the specialist drug. If Emily wanted a new prescription, she would have to go private  a cost she could not afford.

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism has spoken to a number of transgender people who, like Emily, have had their HRT refused or withdrawn.

This had happened even when the prescription had been recommended by a specialist  and in some cases after having received the treatment for years.

Similar experiences shared on online forums suggested these were not isolated incidents, the investigation found.

There is no official data on a national level that shows the number of transgender people who have their prescriptions withdrawn. However, staff at multiple NHS gender services have said that the issue of care withdrawal has become more frequent in the past year.

While HRT is best known for its use in treating symptoms of the menopause, it is a crucial part of the transition process for many trans people.

For trans women this will typically involve taking oestrogen and anti-androgens, and for trans men taking testosterone.

Oestrogen can promote breast growth and the redistribution of body fat. Anti-androgens help suppress male sexual characteristics. Testosterone increases muscle mass and promotes the development of a deeper voice and facial hair growth.

Some of the effects of hormone therapy are irreversible, but coming off HRT can cause withdrawal symptoms and changes to a persons weight and skin. It is a lifelong treatment.

Of those who had their HRT refused or withdrawn, some were told their GP didnt feel qualified to provide the care. Other GPs didnt provide the treatment on the grounds they dont have the resources to provide it.

Others, in their responses to a survey by Transactual, a trans-led research group, said their GPs had cited lack of policy or personal beliefs as reasons why they had withdrawn or refused their HRT prescriptions.

The issue appears to reflect a wider rollback of access to gender-affirming healthcare in the wake of Aprils publication of the controversial Cass Review into health services for trans young people.

The Cass Review, which was an independent review of gender identity services for children and young people in the NHS, said that for the majority of young people a medical pathway may not be the best way to manage their gender-related distress. It recommended extreme caution in providing hormones for anyone under the age of 18.

It also found that knowledge about the long-term health impacts of hormone interventions on young people was limited and the issues needed to be better understood.

Following the review, the government banned the prescription of puberty-suppressing hormones to under 18s.

NHS England also announced a review into the operation of adult gender dysphoria clinics.

Im in limbo

In 2021, Emily received a diagnosis of gender dysphoria  the distress or unease felt by a person when there is a mismatch between their gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth. To avoid a lengthy wait for an NHS gender clinic appointment, which can take years, she opted for a private gender service.

She was prescribed HRT by her GP until this summer when this suddenly changed without consultation. She was informed by text message that the medication would be stopped, leaving her in limbo.

She explained: My mental health has been in such a precarious position because of the struggle to get healthcare.

Elijah, 33, also used a private service to avoid waiting for an NHS clinic. He waited six months for an appointment and paid a fee before receiving a gender dysphoria diagnosis.

The testosterone he was prescribed after this diagnosis had made him feel confident, grounded and happier. His GP had been so supportive that he hadnt imagined losing access to it. But, after he moved house and registered with a different practice, his new doctor decided to discontinue the prescription he had been receiving for two years.

I found it so paralysing that she had made that decision for me, said Elijah. I had no say, despite having proof that everything had been fine for the last two years.

My mental health was terrible because I was so stressed about the implications of being off something that had totally changed my life.

Youre trying to do your life, trying to work  its totally destabilising.

The inaccessibility of gender-affirming care has driven some people to resort to drugs bought online from unregulated sources or shared within their community.

Theres a reason why so many people dont go through the system, said Elijah. Some of that is to do with wait times and more of that is to do with bad experiences and having to have awful conversations with medical practitioners.

Emily added: Its important to say that even for trans people who do have access to healthcare they dont necessarily get the care they want or would prefer, but you kind of just have to go along with it.

open image in gallery Trans rights activists take part in a protest against a ban on hormone blockers in London ( Getty )

Wider rollback

Kamilla Kamaruddin, who has been a GP for two decades and is currently a lead clinician at the East of England Gender Service, said that the issue of care being refused or withdrawn from transgender people has become more frequent.

GPs who refuse to prescribe are still in the minority but were seeing more and more GPs who are refusing to prescribe on the basis that they dont have the expertise ... even though they have already done the prescribing for a very long time, she said.

If a GP didnt know how to treat a heart condition theyd ask a cardiologist  theyd get advice and guidance  for some GPs this doesnt seem to apply to treating trans people.

The General Medical Council, the regulator of doctors in the UK, has previously stated to GPs that the provision of HRT prescriptions to transgender adults is not a highly specialist area and does not require specific expertise.

Staff at other NHS gender services also said HRT withdrawal has become more frequent in the past year.

NHS England says that decisions are made locally and that GPs should cooperate with gender identity clinics in the initiation and ongoing prescribing of hormone therapy.

While the NHS does not record each time a GP withdraws a persons medication, one service in Manchester has data that demonstrates the trend in their area.

At Manchesters Indigo Gender Service in 2022-23, eight per cent of its HRT requests were refused by GPs. This has risen to 11 per cent in 2023-24.

Tavistock and Portman, the UKs largest gender identity clinic, said refusals to prescribe HRT were a frequent occurrence but it was not able to provide data.

The Gender Identity Service in Leeds also said it had experienced an increased number of GP practices that were unable to begin or continue prescribing HRT.

open image in gallery Some GPs have been withdrawing or refusing to prescribe hormone replacement therapy ( PA )

A systemic issue

One reason cited, both to patients and to services, by GPs who have declined to provide care for their transgender patients is a lack of funding.

Prescriptions for mental health conditions and eating disorders have reportedly been cancelled by GPs in response to a lack of funding. GPs in Dorset said they would decline requests from specialist services, including those relating to gender dysphoria.

Sources working within gender services and primary care also said that the Cass Review, and the response of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), have contributed to HRT prescriptions being refused or withdrawn.

The RCGP updated its official position on transgender care in April in response to the Cass Review. It stated that GPs should work with the gender services in the same way as with any other specialist and called for the ongoing care of transgender people to be adequately funded.

However, it also said that the RCGP would support GPs who felt their workload prevented them from providing such care for transgender patients. Six months later the RCGP updated this statement again  removing the sentence that supported individuals refusing care due to their workload and clarifying that the statement was not meant to apply to patients who already had established HRT prescriptions.

A spokesperson for the RCGP said: The care of transgender and gender questioning people is a complex area of medicine and the RCGP has members with widely diverging views on the issue.

It added that its position statement had been rapidly updated in response to the Cass Review. After reviewing feedback it had received following this update, it made some clarifications and minor edits.

The college remains strongly committed to the improvement of services for patients with gender incongruence, the spokesperson said.

The British Medical Association, the doctors trade union, said: Overstretched practices continue to do a considerable amount of work that is not commissioned by the NHS but should be. Many GPs are not trained to provide the specialist care these patients need and therefore fear risking patient safety.

Duncan, a GP for Sussex Gender Service, an NHS adult gender service pilot scheme, said: The Cass Review made recommendations for people up to the age of 25, even though it was a review of childrens [gender] services. I think those issues have confused the picture somewhat and I think GPs are genuinely scared that theyre being asked to do something that might potentially be breaking the law.

[Some staff] dont care about our community and they can get away with it because theyre emboldened by the rhetoric in society and politics. And I think part of it to be fair to them is that they are beleaguered, they are already overstretched.

I do feel for GPs in those areas who must be caught between a bit of a rock and a hard place but, at the end of the day, its their patients who are trapped in the middle here and it just seems like the whole system has lost sight of that.

*This name has been changed on request of the individual concerned
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The foreign ministers of Germany, France and Poland on Saturday strongly condemned the disproportionate use of force" against peaceful protesters and the targeting of the opposition and media representatives in Georgia.

Mass protests in Georgia fueled by the governing partys decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union entered a second week on Thursday, with police cracking down on demonstrators with increasing force.

In their joint statement, the three foreign ministers called for the immediate release of opposition members. They demanded that fundamental rights, including freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, must be upheld and protected as per Georgias constitution and international commitments.

The ruling Georgian Dream party retained control of parliament in a disputed Oct. 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 neighboring Russias help and have boycotted parliament sessions.

Opposition protests gained new momentum after the Georgian Dreams decision last Thursday to put the 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 officers and built barricades on the Georgian capitals central boulevard. Hundreds have been detained and over 100 people have been treated for injuries since the start of the clashes.

Another 50 protesters were detained Friday night, Georgian officials said Saturday. Police chased demonstrators through the streets of Tbilisi until the early morning hours of Saturday and violently detained some of them.

The crackdown has drawn a strong condemnation from the United States. Speaking at a ministerial conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday denounced what he described as a brutal repression of those calling for their country to stay on the path to closer ties with Europe.

On Saturday, Germany, France and Poland called on Georgian Dream to deescalate tensions and open an inclusive dialogue with all political forces and representatives of civil society.

We underscore our determination to support the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people, the statement said.
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Nigel Farages Reform UK has made a dramatic three-point jump in the polls in a week.

The latest Techne UK tracker poll for The Independent appears to confirm a trend that voters are moving towards his brand of nationalist populism.

The polling of 1,644 voters took place in the wake of Sir Keir Starmers reset speech at Pinewood Studios on Thursday and appears to suggest it failed to improve confidence in the Labour government.

Support for Labour was down one point to 27 per cent - the lowest level since Jeremy Corbyn was leader  while Reform UK was up three points to 21 per cent. In addition, trust in Sir Keirs government being on the right track fell four points from 33 per cent to 29 per cent in just a week.

There was worse news for Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who has been on a visit to Washington DC this week, with her party down two points to 25 per cent.

open image in gallery Nigel Farages Reform UK has made a dramatic three-point jump in the polls in a week ( PA )

The Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Daveys bid for Christmas No 1 does not seem to have helped his partys standing  it also slipped back one point to 12 per cent  while the Green Party was up one to 7 per cent.

The shift appears to reflect findings in other polls which in the last week have put Reform UK as high as 24 per cent in second place above Labour, according to the polling company Find Out Now.

Mr Farage told The Independent: The momentum for Reform is growing quickly.

His deputy leader Richard Tice added: We now have three parties polling regularly in the twenties. We have moved away from a two-party system.

The party has been boosted this week by the defections of former Tory MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns and Conservative Home founder Tim Montgomerie.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer made his reset speech at Pinewood Studios on Thursday ( PA )

Reform UK claims there are more defections to come, including former and current MPs.

Yesterday the billionaire Elon Musk denied reports he is planning to donate $100 million to the party, but his response did not rule out another amount.

Techne UK chief executive Michela Morizzo believes Sir Keirs misfiring government and the defections from the Tories are hitting the two traditional main parties.

She said: The tracker this week provides several hints and suggestions. Keir Starmer's Plan for Change speech does not warm the spirits and does not reward, causing Labour a drop by 1 per cent.

Furthermore, the announcement of real or presumed defections from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, the announcement of a widespread territorial organisation and the possible massive donation from Elon Musk has upset the balance on the right, causing Reform UK to grow by three points. This has affected the result of the Conservatives too, that drops by two.

She added: This essentially means two things: the first is that it does not matter so much whether the news released is true or not. The difference was made by the headlines and above all by the feeling of a party - Reform UK - in good health, organised and very active.

Will this situation last? It is impossible to say, as we need to see how the Conservative Party will react to what is happening, and above all what its plans will be for the coming months.
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Keir Starmer is making a historic trip to Cyprus next week at a time when concerns are being raised over the future of the two crucial UK bases on the Mediterranean island in the wake of the deal to hand over Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

The trip by Sir Keir on his way back from a brief tour of Arab Gulf states will be the first time a UK prime minister has visited for a one-to-one bilateral meeting with the president of Cyprus for 53 years since Ted Heath visited the island in 1971.

Since then only John Major visited in his role as prime minister for a meeting of Commonwealth heads of government in 1993.

open image in gallery Starmers previous meeting with the Republic of Cyprus president Nikos Christodoulides ( Dan Kitwood/PA Wire )

The trip is part of the post-Brexit reset to help build relations with EU leaders. However, Sir Keir arrives amid growing demands in Cyprus for the UK to hand back its two crucial bases on the island.

The demands have been fuelled by his controversial deal to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius involving the status of the Diego Garcia base. This has come at a time when protests over the UK bases in Cyprus have started up again.

While Downing Street sources have indicated that the future of the bases will not be up for discussion, the Tories are seeking public reassurances.

Tory shadow armed forces minister Mark Francois said: Given the ongoing instability in the Middle East, the strategic importance of our sovereign base facilities in Cyprus is plainly obvious. Having already attempted to surrender one vital British military installation - in the Chagos Islands - lets hope our prime minister is not about to commence the surrender of those in Cyprus now too.

Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel added: The threats to Britain are only growing and evolving. Having a strong international presence is becoming increasingly important, so we welcome strengthening partnerships with international allies.

"However, the prime minister must be clear that he has no intention to hand over another strategically important military base. This must not be another fiasco like the international embarrassment of the Chagos deal.

open image in gallery TRNC president Ersin Tatar with the president of the Republic of Cyprus ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The importance of the UK bases and their listening posts for the Middle East has been underlined in the last week over the latest outbreak of civil war in Syria. The government has previously said that the bases in Cyprus are not affected by the Chagos deal and are secure.

Added to that, The Independent has learnt that the president of the breakaway and unrecognised Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has been left surprised after claiming Sir Keir had not informed him of his visit.

The office of the TRNCs president Ersin Tatar is requesting a meeting.

In a statement released exclusively to The Independent, the office said: As one of the guarantor powers, the UK has an obligation to treat the two sides on an equal footing, notwithstanding the fact that the visit is being staged at a time when the UN Secretary-General will be hosting a broader informal meeting on the Cyprus issue, to which the UK will also be represented.

There are two sides in Cyprus and any settlement to be reached requires dialogue, cooperation and understanding between the sides. Simply ignoring the existence of Turkish Cypriot people and speaking to only one side of the conflicting parties will only undermine efforts to build trust and ways to paving the way for meaningful cooperation across different areas between the sides.

We expect for common sense and reason to prevail, and for the UK prime minister to accept meeting with President Ersin Tatar during his visit to the Island.

The visit is taking place in the year where both sides of the island have marked the partition following the outbreak of civil war and intervention by Turkey in 1974. Turkey has remained in bases there since in what the TRNC regards as a protective force and the Republic of Cyprus and United Nations describe as illegal occupation.

open image in gallery Tory shadow armed forces minister Mark Francois says Sir Keir mustnt surrender bases in Cyprus (Gareth Fuller/PA) ( PA Archive )

This year Labours former foreign secretary Jack Straw, who was part of the Annan Plan to reunite the island, which failed in 2004 when Cyprus vetoed it, added his support for a two-state solution to recognise both halves of the island.

The prime minister arrives on Monday night and will meet President Nikos Christodoulides in the capital Nicosia on Tuesday, before travelling to meet British troops deployed over Christmas.

Downing Street said that the prime minister and president are expected to discuss how to deepen cooperation on shared security challenges in the region, including Russian illicit finance and tackling serious organised crime.

Cyprus deputy high commissioner to the UK Spyros Miltiades said: This is a historic visit by a British PM to the Republic of Cyprus. The two principals will discuss the reinforced bilateral UK - Cyprus ties, including defence and security, trade, education, investments, as well as the role of Cyprus in the region. They will also discuss the Cyprus issue and the process to restart negotiations.

The trip follows follows visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

Sir Keir will hold a bilateral in the UAE with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday morning, before flying to Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud later that day.

The prime minister is set to pursue closer ties with United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, some of the UKs most vital modern-day partners, to increase investment, deepen defence and security ties, and drive growth and new opportunities to deliver change that is felt by working people.

Ahead of the trip he said: Driving long term growth at home requires us to strengthen partnerships abroad. That is why I am travelling to the Gulf this week, to build a network of partners for the UK that is focused on driving high quality growth, boosting opportunities, and delivering for the people at home.

There is huge untapped potential in this region, which is why, while here, I will be making the case to accelerate progress on the Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, deepen our research and development collaboration and partner on projects of the future, whether that be in Artificial Intelligence or in defence and security programmes.

By doing so, hardworking British people will reap the rewards for generation to come.
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The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer likely left New York City on a bus soon after the brazen ambush that has shaken corporate America, police officials said. But he left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park.

Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still did not know the gunmans name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. Investigators were looking at whether the shooter may have been a disgruntled employee or client of the insurer, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters.

The FBI announced Friday night it was offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Video of the gunman fleeing Wednesdays shooting showed him riding a bicycle into Central Park and later taking a taxi to a bus terminal that offers commuter service to New Jersey and Greyhound routes to Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C, according to Kenny.

Police have video of the man entering the bus station but no video of him exiting, leading them to believe he left the city, Kenny said.

Investigators on Friday found a backpack in the park that had been worn by the gunman during the shooting, police said, following a massive sweep to find it in a vast area with lakes and ponds, meadows, playgrounds and woods.

Police didnt immediately reveal what, if anything, it contained but said it would be analyzed for clues.

The gunman made sure to conceal his identity with a mask during almost all of his time in the city, including during the attack and while he ate, yet left a trail of evidence in view of the nations biggest city and its network of security cameras.

The gunman arrived in New York City on Nov. 24 and shot Thompson 10 days later outside his companys annual investor conference at a hotel just blocks from Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center.

The gunman got off a bus that originated in Atlanta and made several stops along the way, Kenny said. Police have not determined where he got on the bus. Investigators have a list of passengers, but none of them would have had to provide an ID when they climbed aboard, Kenny said.

Investigators believe the suspect used a fake identification card and paid cash, Kenny said, when he checked in at the hostel, which has a cafe along with shared and private rooms and is blocks from Columbia University.

Investigators have tested a discarded water bottle and protein bar wrapper in a hunt for his DNA. They also were trying to obtain additional information from a cellphone found along the gunmans escape route.

Photos of the suspected shooter that were taken in the lobby of a hostel on Manhattans Upper West Side appear to from the only time he removed his mask, Kenny said. The images, showing a man smiling in the lobby of the HI New York City hostel. They are among a collection of photos and video circulated since the shooting  including footage of the attack, as well as images of the suspected gunman at a Starbucks beforehand.

From every indication we have from witnesses, from the Starbucks, from the hostel, he kept his mask on at all times except for the one instance where we have him photographed with the mask off, Kenny said.

His roommates at the hostel also said he didnt speak to them. Nothing of investigative value was found in a search of the suspected shooters hotel room.

Asked how close he felt police were to making an arrest, Kenny said, This isnt Blue Bloods. Were not going to solve this in 60 minutes. Were painstakingly going through every bit of evidence that we can come across. Eventually, when an apprehension is made, we will have to present all of these facts to a judge and jury, so were taking our time, doing it right and making sure were going to get justice for this victim and closure for his family.

Security video of the shooting shows the killer approaching Thompson from behind, firing several shots with a gun equipped with a silencer, barely pausing to clear a jam while the executive fell to the sidewalk.

Police were looking into the possibility that the weapon was a veterinary pistol, which is a weapon commonly used on farms and ranches if an animal has to be euthanized quietly, Kenny said  though he stressed that hadnt been confirmed.

The words delay, deny and depose were scrawled on the ammunition, one word on each of three bullets, Kenny said. A law enforcement official previously told The Associated Press the words were deny, defend and depose. The messages mirror the phrase delay, deny, defend, which is commonly used by lawyers and critics about insurers that delay payments, deny claims and defend their actions.

Thompson, a father of two sons who lived in a Minneapolis suburb, had been with Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years.

The insurers parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., was holding its annual meeting in New York for investors. The company abruptly ended the conference after Thompsons death.

UnitedHealth Group said it was focused on supporting Thompsons family, ensuring the safety of employees and assisting investigators. While our hearts are broken, we have been touched by the huge outpouring, the company said.

UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for more than 49 million Americans. It manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programs.

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.

The shooting has rocked the health insurance industry in particular, causing companies to reevaluate security plans and delete photos of executives from their websites. A different Minnesota-based health care company said Friday it was temporarily closing its offices out of an abundance of caution, telling employees to work from home.

___

Balsamo reported from Washington. Jake Offenhartz, Cedar Attanasio and Karen Matthews in New York, John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio, and Jeff Martin in Atlanta contributed to this story.
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A woman who was sentenced to life in prison for murdering her husband threw her son under the bus for his death just before her sentencing.

Melody Farris, 64, was convicted in Cherokee County, Georgia earlier in November on charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, concealing a death, and making a false statement.

During her trial, prosecutors revealed that Farris had been carrying on an affair in 2009, which reportedly led to the degradation of her marriage to attorney Gary Wayne Farris. Nine years later, Gary was killed.

Just before her sentencing, Farris decided to drop a bomb on the courtroom; she said she was going to reveal the real culprit of her husband's murder.

According to Farris, it was not she who murdered her husband, but her son Scott.

Melody Farris, 64, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her husband, Gary Wayne Farris, in December 2024 ( Cherokee County Sheriffs Office )

"I've had six-plus years of being told not to talk, don't say that, take legal advice. I could walk out of this courtroom today and drop over dead," she told the court. "I want to make sure that my children, my grandchildren, and Gary's family, and to be honest, at this point in time, the entire world who has viewed this  I have waited for years to make this statement to everyone."

She accused her son of taking "Big Daddy" from her and his siblings, and said that even though she'd spent her life protecting and loving him, she was going to tell the "truth." Farris also claimed that her own mother advised her to take the fall for the murder.

This isn't the first time Scott was accused of his father's death; Farris's defense attorneys also tried to pin the blame on her son, basing their argument in part on the fact that it was he who discovered his father's body in a burn pile on the family's property.

Police initially believed that Gary had suffered a medical emergency and fell into the burn pile, but they later found a .38 caliber bullet lodged in his chest. The defense argued that Scott was the only member of the family who owned that caliber of bullet.

However, prosecutors argued that Farris and her husband had been arguing about money, noting that Farris was the beneficiary of her husband's $2m life insurance policy, according to the Tribune Ledger.

Scott, who testified during the trial, denied any involvement in his father's death.

Farris accused Scott of the murder and of framing her for the death before pleading for mercy from the judge.

"I know that in my heart, body, and soul, who did this," she said. "And I am begging for help. I'm begging you, Judge Cannon. Please do not send me to prison for something I didn't do. I did not do this. If I had done this, I would take this charge gladly."

The judge ultimately sentenced her to life in prison with a possibility of parole after 30 years but noted his skepticism that she would live long enough to try for an early release.
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One month ago, few outside the social and professional circles of a 30-year-old woman from Hawaii knew her name: Hannah Kobayashi.

Then she boarded a plane to Los Angeles, didnt take her connecting flight to New York, allegedly sent cryptic messages from her phone and subsequently ceased all contact  worrying her family. They reported her missing and launched an aggressive publicity campaign; now the face and name of Hannah Kobayashi  along with those of her relatives  have been nearly inescapable for weeks.

The narrative around the case, however, is changing. There has been no shortage of dramatic twists, from the death of Hannahs father to revelations about a possible secret marriage to, just this week, the LAPD classifying her disappearance as voluntary. Even television personality Dog the Bounty Hunter, whose family knows Hannah personally, has weighed in.

Questions not only linger but keep arising. Through it all, however, one fact remains: no one who knows Hannah well, it seems, has heard from her and so, to them at least, she is still missing.

And so now, as more details about her activities and movements trickle out, its not hard to imagine that they have more questions than everyone else.

When she boarded a flight from Maui to LA on November 8, Hannahs family expected her to continue to New York, where the budding photographer had lined up work to take pictures at a DJ gig in Brooklyn and planned to visit relatives, they said.

She never made it to New York, though. Hannah told her family she missed her flight and would sleep at the LA airport, after which, they say, weird and concerning messages were sent from her phone.

Deep Hackers wiped my identity, stole all of my funds, & have had me on a mind f**k since Friday, one message to a friend said, according to screenshots her sister sent CNN.

open image in gallery Relatives including the Hawaiian womans father, Ryan Kobayashi, flew from Maui to Los Angeles to look for her and file a missing persons report; he took his own life after 13 days of searching in California ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

I got tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds, said another, which was followed by: For someone I thought I loved.

Days after her missed flight, Hannah was pictured visiting various locations around Los Angeles. She went to the upscale Grove shopping center twice, once to visit a bookstore and charge her phone, then again the next day for a LeBron James Nike event.

Her last Instagram post, from November 10, appears to be a black and white photo from this event, datelined City of Angels, Los Angeles, CA and accompanied by the Sam Cooke song A Change is Gonna Come.

Hannahs family last heard from her on November 11; her father, Ryan Kobayashi, was among relatives who flew from Hawaii to Los Angeles to look for her and alert authorities.

Hannahs last message to us was alarming  she mentioned feeling scared, and that someone might be trying to steal her money and identity, her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, posted on Facebook on November 14. She hasnt been heard from since, and we are gravely concerned for her safety.

Hannahs sister, Sydni, established a GoFundMe on November 15 with a $50,000 goal, writing that funds would be used for a media campaign, search efforts, temporary accommodation for family and other immediate needs.

Pidgeon and Ryan were among the relatives who held a rally on November 21 in LA, not far from Hannahs then last known location.

Please, please do not stop saying her name, Hannah Kobayashi, KTLA reported Pidgeon told the crowd. Your entire family is here. The entire world is looking for you. If you can and you have access, please reach out to us. Were not mad.

If someone has her, I want you to see the pictures we have posted. I want you to see this family, and I want you to know she is so loved. I want you to know that she is so special and kind, continued Pidgeon, who initially was very visible and vocal throughout the effort to find her niece.

Hannahs father called her a beautiful girl inside and out at the rally, according to the outlet and addressed her directly: Just reach out, if you can at all.

open image in gallery Hannah Kobayashi in screengrab from security footage from LAX airport ( LAPD )

Three days later, Ryan Kobayashis body was found in a Los Angeles parking lot; it was determined that he died by suicide. Calling his death a devastating tragedy in a statement, the family said: After tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days, Hannahs father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life.

Still, there was no word from Hannah.

If she had seen what happened with my father and his passing, she would have definitely reached out by now, Sydni said this week. Theres no way that she wouldnt have reached out, knowing the person that she is.

Authorities this week continued begging Hannah to contact her loved ones  even after ruling that shed gone missing voluntarily.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell held a press conference on Monday outlining Hannahs activities since missing her New York connection  including updates that her family insisted were news to them.

While she did check her bag through to New York, she requested her bag be sent to her at LAX, where we have surveillance footage of her retrieving it from a baggage carousel on November 11, he said.

Hannah used public transportation to get to LAs Union Station, where she used her passport and cash to purchase a ticket to get the border, police said at the briefing.

McDonnell said officers reviewed video surveillance from US Customs and Border Protection, which clearly shows Kobayashi crossing the United States border on foot into Mexico on November 12 at San Diegos San Ysidro crossing.

She was alone with her luggage and appeared unharmed at this time, he continued, adding that police knew she no longer had her phone with her. Investigators noted that, before departing Maui, Kobayashi expressed a desire to step away from modern connectivity.

open image in gallery Hannah Kobayashi expressed a desire to step away from modern connectivity, police said ( midorieve/Instagram )

Lt Douglas Oldfield told reporters that these expressions were found by looking at her past social media.

Its unclear to which posts he was referring, and whether they were public messages. On October 7, Hannah posted a picture of a forest to Instagram with the caption home will never leave you, accompanied by emojis; the month before, she posted a photo showing clouds from a plane window with the caption: when nothing is certain ~anything is possible and what does your heart desire?

Two posts before that, in November 2022, Hannah posted a now distinctive selfie used in much of her familys search efforts  a photo from a Hawaiian volcano with a caption that begins: attachment is the root of all suffering.

Chief McDonnell urged Hannah to contact her family, law enforcement or personnel at the US Embassy to let us know that she is safe, he said. 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.

Hannahs sister and wider family have refused to accept the police explanation and official decision not to continue the search into Mexico.

I said this from day one, I feel like she is in danger. I feel like this is completely out of character for her. Ive known her my entire life, Sydni told NewsNation the day after the police conference.

Updating the GoFundMe, she wrote: My family and I are extremely concerned for my sister. This type of behavior is not aligned with Hannahs character and pattern. The LAPD and law enforcement have not shared any evidence with us. In fact, we learned these facts for the first time on Dec. 2.

open image in gallery A missing persons poster features photos of Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old from Maui who missed a connecting flight last month and stopped contacting family ( AP )

But the twists werent over; Hannahs family is also dealing with revelations that she may have married under mysterious circumstances before her departure. Los Angeles Magazine published a report this week citing unnamed sources claiming shed been caught up in an immigration marriage scam and cheated out of money in the process; rumors about the marriage have taken off online.

Hannahs family addressed this through their attorney, Sara Azari.

A Facebook user sent what looked like a Hawaiian beach wedding photo of Hannah with another man with leis around their necks wearing white, and they said that they learned off of Reddit that there was this sham marriage for money and that this is the wedding picture thats being circulated on Reddit, Azari told NewsNation. Of course, that came as a shock to Hannahs sister.

They want to know that Hannah is safe, she said. This is not like her to do this, so theyre just overwhelmed and in shock and concerned, Azari said. We now have to be the LAPD here, which is why I came in with my team. We are going to have to go to Mexico.

One person who will not be going to Mexico is Dog the Bounty Hunter, whose daughters were good friends with Hannah and who noted on NewsNation that, the last time he entered the country on the tail of a fugitive, he was arrested and had to break out of jail and get back to America.

She might have done this on her own, he said of her disappearance. She didnt seem like shes been harmed in any way.

Hannahs sister has a more worrying take on the situation.

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, she told Hawaii News Now this week, as the family demanded officials release the border surveillance.

open image in gallery Hannah Kobayashi, 30, stopped contacting family last month after failing to take a connecting flight from Los Angeles to New York ( Sydni Kobayashi/Facebook )

Not all relatives seem to be on the same page, though; Sydni and Pidgeon have begun battling in the press.

Hannahs sister told NewsNation her aunt had gone rogue.

Pidgeon, meanwhile, hit back, telling the New York Post that other family members were throwing her under the bus because they want to be the face  its really sad.

And family members arent the only disgruntled ones; there are plenty of online sleuths and donors querying and criticising the fate of the nearly $50,000 raised by Sydnis GoFundMe  given the determination by authorities that Hannah missed her flight and left the country voluntarily.

There are other factions, still, whove taken a different view  those congratulating Hannah for her journey and wishing her well. Her Venmo account has been flooded with donations from strangers in the wake of the news that shed crossed the southern border.

Way to make it to Mexico girlie! Have a chicharrone on me! one person wrote, according to the Daily Mail.

Hey girlie! Take a trip to Puerto Vallarta, the outlet reported that another well-wisher wrote.

Even then, though, many strangers  like the authorities and her relatives themselves  urged Hannah to contact her distraught family.

Have fun in Mexico... let your family know youre safe, another Venmo user wrote, the Daily Mail reported.

Despite that, however, theres been no word  at least none publicly acknowledged  from Hannah Kobayashi herself.

The public knows her name; now they even know, to some extent, where she likely is. But her social media accounts remain stagnant, and her family keeps clamoring for answers.

I want her to know that she is loved and she is supported in every way, shape or form, Sydni told NewsNation this week. And no matter what shes going through right now, she needs to know that she has a place to come home to.

And I cant stress it enough, like she is such light in our lives, and shes just such an amazing and beautiful woman, and shes like, shes my baby girl, you know, shes my baby sister  You have so many people who love and care for you that just want to know that youre genuinely OK, even if youre not.

Just something, some sort of like message, phone, call, something.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. The parliamentary conference in Azerbaijan has been organized at a very high level, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Human Rights and Civil Integration of the Georgian Parliament Savalan Mirzayev told reporters on the sidelines of an international parliamentary conference themed "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Prospects" today, Trend reports.

The conference taking place in Azerbaijan will contribute to the development of relations between the countries. Taking this opportunity, I also congratulate the Azerbaijani people on the successfully held early parliamentary elections, he said.

Mirzayev added that joint projects are regularly implemented and discussions are ongoing between the parliaments of Azerbaijan and Georgia.

To note, the conference is being held at the Azerbaijani Parliament, bringing in close to one hundred representatives from the parliaments of 13 countries, along with international organizations.

The event aims to encompass discussions regarding the role of parliaments in contemporary global processes, the evolution of parliamentary traditions, the advantages of parliamentary diplomacy, and the prospective contributions of ongoing parliamentary debates to tackling the global challenges of the modern era.

A roundtable on "The Azerbaijani and Turkish Examples of Parliaments in Public Diplomacy" will also be held as part of the conference.

The participants will also visit the liberated territories of Azerbaijan to learn about the ongoing construction and reconstruction efforts in the mentioned areas.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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Elon Musk now boasts a net worth of $400 billion, making him the first person in history to ever hit that milestone.

The worlds richest person became even richer Wednesday after SpaceX and its investors agreed to buy $1.25 billion of insider shares, valuing the company at $350 billion, Bloomberg reported. The move ballooned the founders net worth by $50 billion, meaning he is now worth $439 billion, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Musk owns roughly 12 percent of Tesla, the worlds most valuable car company, Forbes noted. The companys shareholders also gave him a 2018 compensation package worth more than $50 billion. But a Delaware judge struck it down Monday. She wrote in her decision that what would have been the largest pay deal in history was an unfathomable sum that seems to have been calibrated to help Musk achieve what he believed would make a good future for humanity.

Mondays decision reaffirms her ruling in January, when she also rejected the pay package. Never incorporate your company in the state of Delaware, Musk wrote in January on X, another company he owns.

open image in gallery Elon Musk walks on Capitol Hill on the day of a meeting with Senate Republican Leader-elect John Thune (R-SD), in Washington, U.S. December 5, 2024. ( REUTERS )

He has vowed to use 58 percent of his Tesla shares as collateral for his personal loans, according to Bloomberg.

Musk acquired the social media platform, then known as Twitter, for $44 billion in 2022. Fidelity valued its stake in X at $5.53 million at the end of October, a nearly 72 percent decrease in value since Musk took over the company, according to its Fidelity Blue Chip Growth Fund monthly report.

The tech billionaire also owns about 54 per cent of xAI, an artificial intelligence company he founded in 2023. The startup was valued at $50 billion last month, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Then theres SpaceX. Musk owns roughly 42 percent of the aerospace company, which was valued at $210 billion in June, according to Bloomberg. He also founded The Boring Company, an infrastructure company that says it aims to dig transportation tunnels to solve traffic. The company announced that it was worth $5.68 billion in April 2022 after a Series C funding round.

As of Wednesday, the business is valued at $350 billion, meaning SpaceX is the most valuable private startup in the world, according to Bloomberg.

open image in gallery President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk watch the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas, U.S., November 19, 2024. ( via REUTERS )

Neuralink, Musks computer-brain interface company that is developing brain chips, was valued at $5 billion as of June 2024, according to Reuters. In January, Musk posted on X that the first human patient received an implant from Neuralink and was recovering well.

Musk contributed a massive $230 million of his personal coffers to Trumps America PAC, which he created, in the last month leading up to the presidential election, FEC filings Thursday revealed. In the weeks leading up to Election Day, Musk made three separate $25 million donations to the super PAC, according to the records.

But that wasnt all; the SpaceX founder also donated more than $20 million to the controversially named RBG (Ruth Bader Ginsburg) PAC, which falsely presented the late Supreme Court Justice as a Trump champion, in late October, new filings show.

Trump tapped Musk to lead the newly created department of government efficiency alongside billionaire entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Despite campaigning on improving economic conditions for working class Americans, Trump has filled his next administration with a hefty handful of billionares, including Musk. The net worth of Trumps second White House is estimated to be larger than the gross domestic product of more than 11 dozen countries.

Billionaires have doubled their wealth in the past decade, amounting to a combined total of $14 trillion, Swiss bank UBS reported this week.
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For years, patients in the U.S. health care system have grown frustrated with a bureaucracy they dont understand.

Doctors are included in an insurers network one year but not the next. Getting someone on the phone to help can be next to impossible. Coverage of care and prescriptions is often unceremoniously denied.

This weeks fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has unleashed a wave of public feeling  exasperation, anger, resentment, helplessness  from Americans sharing personal stories of interactions with insurance companies, often seen as faceless corporate giants.

In particular, the words written on ammunition found at the shooting scene  delay, deny and depose, echoing a phrase used to describe how insurers dodge claim payouts  amplified voices that have long been critical of the industry.

All of a sudden, I am fired up again, said Tim Anderson, describing how his wife, Mary, had to deal with UnitedHealthcare coverage denials before she died from Lou Gehrigs disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in 2022.

Anderson said they couldnt get coverage for machines to help his wife breathe or talk  toward the end, she communicated by blinking when he showed her pictures. The family had to rely on donations from a local ALS group, he said.

The business model for insurance is dont pay, said Anderson, 67, of Centerville, Ohio.

When Mary could still talk, she said to me to keep fighting this, he added. It needs to be exposed.

For Anderson and others, Thompson's death and the message left at the scene have created an opportunity to vent their frustrations. Conversations at dinner tables, office water coolers, social gatherings and on social media have pivoted to the topic, as police efforts to find the gunman keep the case in the news.

Hans Maristela said he understands why the chatter is bubbling up. The 54-year-old caregiver in California was moved to comment on Facebook about UnitedHealthcare's reputation of denying coverage. As a Catholic, he said, he grieves Thompson's death and feels for his family, especially with the holidays around the corner.

But he sees frustration with insurers even among his clients, most of them wealthy older people who've not been shielded from high out-of-pocket costs.

And then you know the CEO of this company you pay a lot of money to gets $10 million dollars a year, you wont have a lot of sympathy for the guy," Maristela said, citing Thompson's compensation package that included base pay and stock options. Health care is a business, I understand, but the obsession with share price, with profit, has to be reevaluated.

University of Pennsylvania researcher Michael Anne Kyle said she's not surprised by the growth of conversation around insurers.

People are often struggling with this by themselves, and when you see someone else talk about it, that may prompt you to join the conversation, she said.

Kyle studies how patients access care and said she's seen frustration with the system build for years. Costs are rising, and insurers are using more controls such as prior authorizations and doctor networks to manage them. Patients are often stuck in the middle of disputes between doctors and insurers.

Patients are already spending a lot of money on health care, and then theyre still facing problems with the service, she said.

Insurers often note that most of the money they bring in goes back out the door to pay claims, and that they try to corral soaring costs and the overuse of some care.

In Ohio, Anderson said his initial reaction to the CEO shooting was to question whether it was connected to a coverage denial, like the ones he'd experienced with his wife.

I definitely do not condone killing people, he said. But I read it and said, 'I wonder if somebody had a spouse whose coverage was denied.

It's something Will Flanary, a Portland-based ophthalmologist and comedian with a large social media following, saw online a lot in the shooting's immediate aftermath and found very telling.

Its zero sympathy, he said. And the lesson to take away from that is not, Lets shame people for celebrating a murder. No, its: Look at the amount of anger that people have toward this system thats taken advantage of people and do something to try to fix that.

Flanary's content, published under the name Dr. Glaucomflecken, started out as niche eye doctor jokes and a way to cope with his own experiences with two cancer diagnoses and a sudden cardiac arrest. But it has evolved, featuring character skits that call attention to and satirize the decisions of large health insurers, including UnitedHealthcare.

He said he's never seen conversations around health insurance policy take off the way they did this week  and he hopes these new voices can help bring about change.

Im always talking about how powerful social media can be with advocacy," he said, "because it really is the only way to put a significant amount of pressure on these corporations who are doing bad things for patients.

____

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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President-elect Donald Trumps team is considering the possibility of withholding massive research grants from woke schools they claim lack academic freedom.

Trumps nominee to head the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a physician and economist at Stanford, reportedly wants to target so called cancel culture at a number of top progressive universities, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Those with knowledge of Bhattacharyas thinking told the newspaper that hes considering linking the doling out of billions in federal research grants to a measure of academic freedom on campuses and punishing those that apparently dont adequately embrace perspectives championed by conservatives.

Bhattacharya wants to take on what he views as academic conformity in science, which pushed him aside over his criticism of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including his opposition to school closures and mask mandates to stop the spread of the virus. He suggested in a Wall Street Journal op ed in 2020 that only up to 40,000 Americans would be killed by the pandemic. More than 1.2 million people died.

While he hasnt yet established how to measure academic freedom, he has been looking at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and the nonprofits scoring of universities and their rankings based on freedom of speech.

The nonprofit bases its rankings on surveys of students views on whether they feel comfortable sharing ideas, with schools being negatively scored if their administrators punish faculty for opinions, or if they withdraw an invitation to a speaker following a possible controversy.

Some of the schools that receive NIH grants but have bad rankings, according to the nonprofit, include the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and the University of Southern California, The Journal noted.

Those at the top of the rankings include the University of Virginia, Michigan Technological University, and Florida State University.

Sean Hannity presents President-elect Donald Trump with the 'Patriot of the Year' award at the FOX Nation Patriot Awards in Greenvale, N.Y. The president-elects nominee to lead NIH wants to take on what he views as academic conformity ( AP )

Bhattacharya also has plans to fund studies that recreate the work of other scientists in an attempt to take on scientific fraud. There are also plans to create a scientific journal to publish studies with comments by named reviewers, to urge a more open discussion.

He has also suggested limiting the amount of grant money that pays for publication in journals, and he would look eastablish a pause on research which creates new viruses for study purposes.

In addition, Bhattacharya has a goal of enacting term limits for those in charge of the research institutes run by NIH. He would would review a congressional Republican proposal to slash the number of institutes and centers from 27 to 15, those with a view into his thinking told The Journal.

Lizbet Boroughs, associate vice president of the Association of American Universities, told The Journal: Its not clear why wed roadblock the best chances of finding a cure for cystic fibrosis or cancer or Alzheimers by adding potentially political, nonresearch factors into medical-research grant decisions.

Former director of the National Cancer Institute Ned Sharpless told the paper that Bhattacharya might find it hard to implement his changes. While he could change the rubric used to review grant applications, it may be difficult to get grant reviewers to follow his guidelines, Sharpless told the newspaper.

Its much more complicated than it appears from the outside, he said of the top job at NIH.

As many as 174 scientists on the NIH staff or who have received its funding have won a Nobel Prize, The Journal noted.

NIH doles out as much as $25 billion in grants each year, which have led to major advances, including immunotherapy cancer treatments.
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Patrick Soon-Shiong, the billionaire owner of the Los Angeles Times, declared this week that he will introduce an AI-generated bias meter alongside the newspapers opinion and news coverage as part of a broader effort to give its readers both sides of the story.

The surprising move, which comes after he axed the papers planned endorsement of Kamala Harris and announced his intention to overhaul the Times editorial board to add more conservative voices, has prompted the papers union to publicly blast Soon-Shiong and longtime columnist Harry Litman to resign.

Appearing on the podcast of right-wing CNN political commentator Scott Jennings, who is joining the Times editorial board, Soon-Shiong said hes been quietly building the so-called bias meter behind the scenes. Claiming that it will debut next month, the biotech entrepreneur said it uses the same artificial intelligence technology that hes been developing at his other businesses for years.

Somebody could understand as they read it that the source of the article has some level of bias, Soon-Shiong continued. And what we need to do is not have what we call confirmation bias and then that story automatically  the reader can press a button and get both sides of that exact same story based on that story and then give comments.

Soon-Shiongs remarks immediately drew an immediate rebuke from the LA Times union, which represents hundreds of journalists and newsroom staffers.

Recently, the newspapers owner has publicly suggested his staff harbors bias, without offering evidence or examples, the guilds council and bargaining committee said in a statement. The statements came after the owner blocked a presidential endorsement by the newspapers editorial board, then unfairly blamed editorial board staffers for his decision.

CEO of Abraxis Health Institute Patrick Soon-Shiong during a Urban Economic Forum co-hosted by the White House Business Council and US Small Business Administration ( Getty Images )

The guild added that it had secured strong ethics protections for our members, including the right to withhold ones byline, and we will firmly guard against any effort to improperly or unfairly alter our reporting.

Litman, who had written for the Times for 15 years and been its senior legal columnist for the past three, announced on Thursday that he had tendered his resignation as a protest and visceral reaction against Soon-Shiongs conduct as owner.

Soon-Shiong has made several moves to force the paper, over the forceful objections of his staff, into a posture more sympathetic to Donald Trump, he wrote in a Substack post on Thursday. Those moves cant be defended as the sort of policy adjustment papers undergo from time to time, and that an owner, within limits, is entitled to influence.

Following Trumps electoral victory, Soon-Shiong told CNN last month that he planned on balancing the papers editorial board with more conservative and centrist voices, complaining that it had veered very left in recent years. Following the owners polarizing decision to block the Times Harris endorsement, which resulted in thousands of readers canceling their subscriptions, the board was reduced to just three members due to several resignations.

Besides Litman and the LAT guild, roughly a dozen current and former Times staffers told media reporter Oliver Darcy that they felt demoralized by Soon-Shiongs heavy-handed meddling in the newsroom. The man who was supposed to be our savior has turned into what now feels like the biggest internal threat to the paper, one staffer said.

Additionally, Darcy explained why morale has plummeted at the paper in recent months  and much of it hinged on the owners apparent public embrace of Trump and MAGA, which they feel he is now looking to force the paper to reflect.

There certainly is plenty of cause to be alarmed. Soon-Shiong, who once fashioned himself as a Black Lives Matter-supporting vaccine proponent, has morphed into a Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Jennings fanboy, Darcy noted. Since Trumps victory in November, Soon-Shiong has turned to X to criticize the news media, praise Trumps cabinet picks, and appeal to a MAGA audience. The change in behavior has confounded his journalists, who wonder what happened to the Soon-Shiong whose newspaper enforced strict Covid restrictions and emphasized its support for social justice causes.

The Independent has reached out to a Los Angeles Times spokesperson for comment.
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The attorney for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to be defense secretary, has threatened the woman who accused Hegseth of sexual assault with an extortion lawsuit if hes not confirmed for the top Pentagon spot.

Tim Parlatore argued on CNN that the woman may not be guilty of extortion in the criminal sense, but that she could be taken to court for civil extortion if a lawsuit was filed.

It was something we were considering , Parlatore told the network, referring to a time when the accuser was set to file a lawsuit in 2020 before she was paid to sign a nondisclosure agreement.

Quite frankly, with the violation of the [nondisclosure] agreement, if he is not confirmed as secretary of defense, we may still bring a civil extortion claim against her, the lawyer added.

The woman filed a police report alleging that Hegseth sexually assaulted her during a Republican womens conference in Monterey, California in 2017, where he was the keynote speaker.

Hegseth has insisted the encounter was consensual. Parlatore described his client as visibly intoxicated when the two met after his talk.

Charges were never filed in the case even as the woman believed that she had possibly been drugged and raped. Hegseth paid a nondisclosure settlement with her afterward.

Pete Hegseth faces allegations that he drugged and raped a woman in 2017. He claims the sex was consensual. ( Getty Images )

Parlatore said on CNN that the womans inaccurate claim was shared in violation of the agreement.

He added that if it causes him to lose his future employment opportunities, then yes, that is something that is worth bringing a lawsuit against.

The woman could not be reached to comment on Parlatores threat.

Parlatore also noted that the nondisclosure agreement has been breached and is no longer valid.

Hegseth has faced a number of allegations since leaving his post as a Fox & Friends weekend host to become Trumps nominee to lead the Pentagon. They include accusations of excessive drinking at work, including at Fox News, and while helming two different veterans groups. The New Yorker also reported allegations of financial mismanagement, apparent alcohol abuse, and inappropriate sexual behavior during that time.

His mother, Penelope Hegseth, penned an email to her son in 2018 accusing him of mistreating women. She has since defended her son, including in an appearance on Fox.

Hegseth has said that he doesnt intend to withdraw his name from consideration, and Trump has repeatedly backed his pick, urging him to carry on even amid reports that the president-elect is considering replacing him.

Hegseth has been on Capitol Hill this week attempting to drum up support from Republican senators, some of whom remain skeptical.
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Rudy Giulianis alleged girlfriend says she was subjected to ongoing ridicule and humiliation during her tenure as the co-host of the disgraced former New York City mayors radio show on 77 WABC, accusing billionaire station owner and deep-pocketed Trump backer John Catsimatides of implementing a craven campaign to undermine her position before unceremoniously firing her  via text message  for complaining.

In an eye-popping lawsuit obtained by The Independent, board-certified nurse practitioner and former hospital executive Maria Ryan claims supermarket magnate Johnny Cats marginalized, and eventually fired, her because she is a woman, questioning her bona fides, ignoring her suggestions, and refusing to compensate her for her appearances on the radio show.

When Catsimatidis finally agreed to start paying Ryan, he grudgingly offered her $200 per episode, an amount significantly lower than her male counterparts and industry standards, according to the lawsuit, which was filed by Ryan Saturday in New York state court.

Ryans suit claims she brought her complaints about the discrimination and hostile work environment at WABC to station President Chad Lopez, who allegedly told her John makes all the decisions and John is a Greek man and you are a woman.

[T]herefore, there was no point in standing up to him, the lawsuit states.

The married Ryan, who played a central role in Giulianis push to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, has previously denied being romantically involved with Giuliani. The former mayor was previously caught on tape talking at length to former employee Noelle Dunphy, who is suing Giuliani over alleged widespread misconduct including sexual assault, about what he described as a two-year affair that ended only because Ryan wouldnt leave her husband.

open image in gallery Maria Ryan (pictured with Rudy Giuliani) claims she was treated like a second-class citizen because shes a woman ( Getty Images )

In an email on Saturday to The Independent, Giulianis security chief, Michael Ragusa, who said he had been authorized to comment on the former mayors behalf, said, As I have stated to numerous outlets, Mayor Giuliani and Dr. Maria are strictly business partners,. Dr. Marias involvement with the mayor is purely professional, and with her extensive and impressive medical background, she also oversees his healthcare.

Ryans attorney, Matthew Blit, said his client emphatically denies any affair, sexual or otherwise. There is no tape, audio, visual or otherwise that refers to her.

Facing Discrimination is extremely challenging, especially for a person in a powerful position, Blit told The Independent. It makes the person question themselves and their accomplishments and it dissuades many people from going public and standing up for their rights. Dr. Maria is bravely taking on a very powerful person and entity. Mayor Guiliani has also retained our firm and is also considering a lawsuit to remedy the discriminatory actions which he believes were taken against him.

Attorneys for Catsimatidis did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday, and a messages to Lopez went unanswered.

In the spring of 2021, Ryan, a board-certified nurse practitioner and former community hospital exec, began appearing as a guest on WABCs The Rudy Giuliani Show, according to her lawsuit.

Dr. Marias contributions focused on significant healthcare topics and discussions on the pandemic, the suit states.

open image in gallery Supermarket magnate and 77 WABC owner John Catsimatidis (right) with wife Margo at the 2018 National Eating Disorders Association Annual Gala ( Getty Images for National Eating )

It claims listeners appreciated the effective dynamic between Giuliani and Ryan, who railed against the Covid vaccine and instead touted hydroxychloroquine, a livestock dewormer, as a treatment. This prompted Catsimatidis and Lopez to offer her a co-hosting slot on Giulianis new show, Uncovering the Truth.

Because Ryan was initially billed as a guest and not a co-host, she received no money for her appearances, according to the lawsuit. Eventually, Giuliani had his agent try to negotiate a compensation package for Ryan, but the suit says Catsimatidis rejected those overtures, showing no interest in paying Dr. Maria or providing her a contract.

After Ryan protested to Lopez, she claims Catsimatidis agreed to pay her far less than what men received.

Ryans suit claims she was consistently treated as a lesser contributor compared to her male counterparts, with her suggestions often ignored in team meetings and discussions, and that she faced disparaging remarks about her qualifications, with Lopez questioning the legitimacy of her academic degrees. It alleges she was compelled to provide all four of her degrees to Lopez to validate her credentials as a real medical provider, an experience that was both humiliating and demoralizing.

Despite her established professional expertise, [Ryan] faced unwarranted scrutiny while her male colleagues were not similarly questioned, the lawsuit claims.

According to her official bio, Dr. Maria Ryan is an intelligent person with a brilliant perspective to solving todays issues.

open image in gallery Maria Ryan (left) claims Rudy Giuliani argued with WABC on her behalf, and got fired because of it ( @RudyGiuliani / X )

She earned her nursing degree at NH Technical Institute in 1989, a bachelors degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1994, a masters degree from Rivier College in 1997, and a doctorate in healthcare administration from Warren National University, a so-called diploma mill that went under, in 2009.

The suit also alleges she faced false accusations of policy violations, such as playing unauthorized music on air  claims she alleges were unsubstantiated and a pretext to undermine her role.

In one instance, Ryan says Lopez angrily texted her during a show to admonish her for discussing Newsmax on the air.

During a phone call to resolve the issue, Lopez became increasingly aggressive, accusing [Ryan] of being present at a dinner where the policy was allegedly discussed, the lawsuit continues. [Ryan] clarified that she had not attended such a dinner. Lopez, initially insistent that she was present, eventually admitted the error.

However, Ryan claims her speaking out only served to turn her into even more of an outcast among WABC brass.

For example, promotional materials for Uncovering the Truth prominently featured Giulianis head while reducing [Ryans] head to the size of a postage stamp, a representation that became a source of ridicule within the station, the lawsuit states.

Ryan says WABCs on-air promotions gave her similar short shrift.

open image in gallery Ex-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been hit with his own allegations of creating a hostile work environment ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Despite being responsible for the first two segments and Giuliani for the last two, the promotions consistently introduced the show with Heres Rudy Giuliani for all segments, the suit alleges. [Ryans] requests to start the first two segments with Now, heres Dr. Maria were ignored.

Giuliani, who has faced his own hostile workplace allegations, went to bat for Ryan with Catsimatidis and Lopez on several occasions, according to the lawsuit. But, it claims, the two rejected the former mayors legitimate complaints about the discriminatory treatment of his co-host, and instead retaliated against him by suspending and ultimately terminating his employment.

The suit notes that Catsimatidis claimed later that he fired Giuliani for repeating known lies about Dominion and Smartmatic voting machines, saying he didnt want the station to be sued. Ryan claims this was a made-up story meant to provide cover for their unlawful retaliation against him.

As for Ryan, she was informed by Catsimatidis via text message that her employment was conditional, a term that had not been previously communicated, and that she was no longer allowed to appear on Giulianis weekday show, The Rudy Giuliani Show, the lawsuit states. Shortly thereafter, [Ryan] was given 30-day notice of termination and informed she was off the air immediately.

open image in gallery Maria Ryan was a vocal backer of Rudy Giulianis effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Giuliani is seen giving his now-infamous Total Landscaping press conference ( Getty Images )

In the aftermath of their firings, Giuliani described Catsimatidis and Lopez to right-wing operative and Trump insider Steve Bannon as dishonorable people and a bunch of weasels.

Ryans suit alleges Catsimatidis and Lopez committed three separate violations of the New York City Human Rights Law: discrimination based upon sex, hostile work environment based upon sex, and retaliation.

She is demanding compensatory damages, punitive damages, back pay, front pay, attorneys fees, and a court order prohibiting Catsimatidis and Lopez from engaging in the conduct alleged herein, along with an award of damages to compensate [Ryan] for emotional distress and mental anguish suffered as a result of Defendants unlawful conduct, in an amount to be determined at trial.

Catsamatidis, Lopez, and WABC have not yet filed a formal response to Ryans allegations.
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Less than a week after President Joe Biden issued a sweeping pardon for his only surviving son  despite denying for months that he would do so  the White House appears to be leaving him room to maneuver on another, similar issue. The question of whether Biden might grant unprecedented preemptive pardons to a range of public figures who might find themselves in the crosshairs of Donald Trumps second administration remains unanswered.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Friday repeatedly refused to say whether Biden is even considering such a test of the presidents pardon power, which could theoretically be invoked to prevent the next administration from investigating or bringing charges against people known to be antagonists of the incoming president.

I'm not going to get ahead of the president, but what I can say is that the president is reviewing other pardons and commutations, said Jean-Pierre.

As you know, commutations and pardons are usually done when it's the president's final term, historically around the holidays. And so certainly, there'll be more to come, she added.

Jean-Pierre said she was not going to get into deliberations, private deliberations when pressed further on the matter.

According to people familiar with the internal deliberations, the president and his top aides have been having discussions about whether he should offer or unilaterally issue the sweeping grants of clemency to prominent Trump critics.

The group being considered for preemptive relief could include current and former lawmakers from both parties, as well as former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases boss Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired US Army General Mark Milley, former Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney, California Senator-elect Adam Schiff, and other former Trump administration officials who have become critical of their former boss in the years since his first term ended in 2021.

Its unclear what criminal charges any of those Trump antagonists could face, but the incoming presidents allies  including his FBI director-designate, Kash Patel  have indicated a desire to prosecute top Democrats and other Trump critics as retribution for the multiple criminal cases brought against him during the president-elects years out of office.

Patel has gone so far as to include a list of so-called deep state members who he believes warrant prosecution. That list includes Schiff, as well as California Representative Eric Swalwell, Biden national security adviser Jake Sullivan, ex-domestic policy adviser Susan Rice, USAID administrator Samantha Power, as well as Milley, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and Vice President Kamala Harris.

At least one Democrat in Congress, Pennsylvania Representative Brendan Boyle, has endorsed the idea of preemptive pardons.

It was reportedly Trumps choice of Patel, announced late last week, that pushed Biden towards granting the pardon to his son for any crimes he might have committed over a ten-year period starting in 2014, the year he joined the board of Ukrainian energy firm Burisma.

Bidens decision, which he announced in a written statement last Sunday, came after months of both him and Jean-Pierre categorically denying that he would even consider a pardon for his son, who was facing sentencing on felony charges for lying on a gun purchase and for tax evasion.

Pressed on whether she or Biden owed any apology for having repeatedly lied about his intentions, Jean-Pierre would only say that the president had wrestled with the decision. She also appeared to credit one of Bidens congressional allies, South Carolina Representative James Clyburn, for ultimately pushing him to issue the pardon.
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On the Southern Boulevard bridge next to President-elect Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, there is a parked car festooned with Trump flags. Jestin Nevarez  who blasts out a rap version of Bruce Springsteens Born in the USA titled Trump Saved the USA on repeat  is the owner.

I come out here and show support, he told The Independent. And right now, Mar-a-Lago is a tourist attraction. So when people drive by, they see the flags, they hear the music, they stop in and they have a good time.

People do indeed stop to take photos of Nevarezs car and snap photos of the once and future presidents estate.

Palm Beach has changed in the years since Trump first became president. In 2016, Palm Beach County voted for Hillary Clinton by more than 15 points. It went on to vote for Joe Biden by about 13 points. But this last election, Palm Beach County moved more in line with its most famous resident, when Kamala Harris won it by less than a point.

Later in the day on Friday, Angelique Morgan, a former reality television personality who goes by the name Frenchy Morgan, arrived in a pink Chevy convertible to talk with Nevarez and take photos. Morgan said she has been to Mar-a-Lago three times.

I'm absolutely fascinated with Trump, she told The Independent. If he's not the American dream, I don't know who is.

Morgan, who is a French-born naturalized American citizen, said she was particularly excited that Trump has brought on Elon Musk onto his team.

open image in gallery ( Eric Garcia/The Independent )

Trump adopted Elon, right? And I love it, she said. And I think it's amazing this time around, he has strong people around him who have more money than him, who can also help him and protect him.

Brandee Sisting was excited to visit Mar-a-Lago on Saturday for an event with Charlie Kirk. Shed traveled to Florida from Ventura, California specifically for it.

Sisting said that on election night, she wasnt optimistic. In 2020, it looked like Trump was going to win and then he didnt, after all.

So I went to bed, I just said, No, I'm gonna go read my Bible and I'm gonna go to sleep. I'm exhausted, she said. And the next morning I woke up and my husband said, He got it, Brandee. He won.

Mar-a-Lago and Palm Beach are not the same as Washington, however  and Trumps return to DC since his second electoral victory has been rocky. His nominee for attorney general, Matt Gaetz, another Florida man and former congressman, took himself out of the running after a series of controversies. Nobody, not even his biggest supporters on Capitol Hill, are sure what his proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)  led by Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy  will actually do. Pete Hegseth, his nominee to be Defense Secretary, continues to be on the ropes and it remains unclear whether Republicans will vote to confirm him.

But back on Southern Boulevard, voters want Republicans to get behind Trumps picks. Nevarez flagged how Hegseths mother retracted her previous criticisms of her son in an interview on Fox News.

Honestly, at this point, our country is so in disarray and and torn up that I don't care about somebody's personal life, Nevarez said. I want to know what they're gonna do for us, what they gotta do for our country.

A lot of Republicans, they might as well switch their names to Democrats, because that's what they are, he continued. It's the MAGA movement and Trump's movement. It's common-sense America first. Trump's not a natural conservative, he's not a natural Republican. He's common-sense America First.

Nevarez said he had been particularly rankled by the behavior of outgoing Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and John Cornyn.

They've been taking advantage of we the people and the government for years, and getting filthy rich off their positions as civil servants, he said.

Sisting, for her part, said she hoped that the GOP would come around.

I'm not frustrated with the Republicans if they become educated, she said, adding that she is a former Democrat herself. [Trump] is a good businessman, we got to give him a chance, and he has to surround himself with people that are ethical and truthful.

As the celebrations continued outside Trumps estate, tourists continued to arrive to snap photos. But, despite his popularity here in Florida, Trumps star power might not be bright enough to burn the Senate down.
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Denmark has delivered a second batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday as he traveled to Paris to meet with top politicians and dignitaries.

In a message on Telegram, Zelenskyy praised Denmark and lamented a lack of dedication from other allies.

The first batch of planes provided by the Danes are already shooting down Russian missiles: rescuing our people and our infrastructure. Now our air shield is reinforced even further, he said. If all partners were so determined, we would have been able to make Russian terror impossible.

The announcement comes as Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region marks a day of mourning for 10 people killed in a Russian attack on Friday. A further 24 people, including two children, were injured when a missile struck a local service station, said regional Gov. Ivan Fedorov.

Another three people were killed in a strike on the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih Friday, Ukraine's State Emergency Service said.

Addressing the attacks, Zelenskyy said that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not seek real peace."

Putin only seeks the ability to treat any country this way, with bombs, missiles, and all other forms of violence, Zelenskyy said. Only through strength can we resist this. And only through strength can real peace be established.

Zelenskyy is due to meet other world leaders Saturday, including French President Emmanuel Macron, at an event in Paris celebrating the renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral after a devastating fire in 2019.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is among those expected to be in attendance, with European leaders keen to cultivate the incoming leader's favor to persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine against Russias three-year invasion. Its not clear whether Trump will meet Zelenskyy. ___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. I am proud to be part of todays celebration marking the 106th anniversary of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Fuat Oktay, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, told reporters, Trend reports.

"I congratulate you on the successful conduct of the recent parliamentary election," he added.

To note, the conference is being held at the Azerbaijani Parliament, bringing in close to 100 representatives from the parliaments of 13 countries, along with international organizations.

The event aims to encompass discussions regarding the role of parliaments in contemporary global processes, the evolution of parliamentary traditions, the advantages of parliamentary diplomacy, and the prospective contributions of ongoing parliamentary debates to tackling the global challenges of the modern era.

A roundtable on "The Azerbaijani and Turkish Examples of Parliaments in Public Diplomacy" will also be held as part of the conference at ADA University.

The participants will also visit the liberated territories of Azerbaijan to learn about the ongoing construction and reconstruction efforts in the mentioned areas.

The conference will conclude on December 8.

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Burkina Fasos ruling military junta issued a decree Friday dismissing Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela and announcing the dissolution of the national government.

The military's leader, Ibrahim Traore, said officials in the dissolved government will continue to perform their duties until a new government is formed. No reason was given for the move.

The junta in Burkina Faso seized power in September 2022 by ousting the military rule of Lt. Col. Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba about eight months after it staged a coup to remove democratically elected President Roch Marc Kabore.

The country is one of several West African nations where the military has recently taken over, capitalizing on popular discontent with previous democratically elected governments over security issues.

However, since its inception, the junta has struggled to end Burkina Fasos security challenges  the very reason that it claimed had prompted it to take power.

Growing attacks by extremists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group have devastated Burkina Faso where thousands have been killed in recent years and more than 2 million people have been displaced, half of them children.

The unrest has pusheding tens of thousands to the brink of starvation. Around half of Burkina Fasos territory remains outside of government control, analysts say.

The country's transitional government has been running under a constitution approved by a national assembly that included army officers, civil society groups and traditional and religious leaders.

Under pressure from West Africa's regional bloc known as ECOWAS, the junta had set a goal to conduct an election in July to return the country to democratic rule. However, in May it extended its transition term for five more years, the duration of one presidential term.

Alongside the coup-hit nations of Niger and Mali, Burkina Faso has severed ties with longstanding Western and regional partners, including former colonial ruler France and the regional bloc of ECOWAS, which they quit early this year.
No working government; no budget; fractured politics; ailing economies; extremists knocking on the door. France and Germany are wallowing in shared misery and uncertainty as 2024 draws to a close.

The two supposed motors of the European Union are in crises that have similar causes but are working themselves out in completely different ways.

Both countries are hamstrung just at a time when the challenges for the Western world have never been greater. The new era will begin in earnest with Donald Trumps return to the White House on 20 January. He will preside on the global stage as a role model for right-wing populism, encouraging states in Europe and beyond to enter his warm embrace.

The wider consequences for democracy are potentially catastrophic. If the French and Germans cannot restore credibility to their political systems relatively soon, they could serve as unwitting catalysts to the ultimate demise of mainstream democracy.

During Trumps first term, the European model  Brexit Britain excepted  was seen as one of the last redoubts. What is left of that? There are still pockets of hope in the Baltics and the Nordics. Elsewhere, any lingering optimism is fading fast. Poland might have been seen as a counterweight, but the pro-Europe and pro-Ukraine prime minister, Donald Tusk, is struggling.

Spains government is teetering, popular fury still strong after the mishandling of the recent floods. Further afield, South Korea has just had its moment of madness with the presidents coup attempt going awry. Japans political scene is a mess. Even Canada, that beacon of openness to outsiders and to liberalism, is about to turn the other way.

Meanwhile, the populists will feel the wind behind them. Unleashed by Trump, Giorgia Meloni will feel fewer constraints to pursue a more militantly illiberal agenda in Italy. The former communist states of central and Eastern Europe have already moved towards authoritarianism and back into the orbit of the Kremlin. Hungary and Slovakia may later in 2025 be joined by Czechia.

Vladimir Putin is fomenting unrest wherever he can  using far right and far left  and with steady success. Having brought Georgia back into his orbit, he narrowly failed to gerrymander elections in Moldova into the hands of a pro-Moscow candidate. A similar attempt in Romania has led to constitutional chaos.

Which leaves who exactly? Step forward the UK, the most unlikely candidate  given its record over the previous decade  as a bastion of stability. Except Sir Keir Starmer, despite his huge parliamentary majority, struggles to leave his mark on a fractured society. The prospect of an ultra-right government, some form of alliance between Reform and the Conservatives, winning the next election, is no longer to be dismissed.

Before sinking into despair, its worth considering how France and Germany can drag themselves out of the mire.

Political scientists often fall into the temptation of making sweeping societal analyses. In short: for the wealth divide and lower living standards, blame globalisation and the refusal to hold anyone to blame for the financial crash of 2007/8; for the collapse of centre-left politics, look no further than woke.

Some of that may be true, but often the causes are more prosaic. In the case of France and Germany, it is the failure of leadership.

In France, it was the mercurial arrogance of Emmanuel Macron, Jupiter as he is dubbed. Affronted by constant niggling from his opponents, he called parliamentary elections over the summer that backfired spectacularly, producing a three-way split between his centrists, the left and Marine Le Pens far-right National Rally.

The leftist group, which included many former partners in the socialists, made several proposals for prime minister, some of whom could have been accepted. Instead, Macron chose to snub them. His appointment of Michel Barnier, a veteran diplomat and dealmaker, was not, in itself, a controversial one. But in a top-down political system with little in the way of cross-party compromise, Barnier introduced a budget designed to thrust his opponents into a corner rather than to gain consensus.

Olaf Scholz commands a three-way coalition that will surely disintegrate come Februarys elections ( AP )

The German problem is the reverse. There was nothing intrinsically problematic about a three-party coalition. The culture is built around compromise. What failed was the inability of Olaf Scholz to show any spine. With Ukraine, he started spectacularly well, only to go back into his shell. He has not even tried to confront any of the many structural economic weaknesses.

Elections  subject to confirmation by the Bundestag next week  are due on 23 February. Barring a surprise of historic proportions, Scholz should be no more.

Macron and Scholz, the showman and the nitpicker, never got on and it is not hard to understand why. Two very different personalities, two very different constitutions and models of government, both delivering similar disappointment.

Germanys potential escape route is easier to discern. The new chancellor is almost certain to be Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democrats, a party he has moved back to its traditional Conservative roots and is as far removed as he can be from Angela Merkels legacy.

Merz is said to have a woman problem. That does not mean any misdemeanour, but more  according to some commentators  an inability to show empathy or engage. As one politician put it to me this week: Merz has a people problem. Think a Teutonic mix of Norman Tebbit and Michael Howard. Yet he might be the right person at the right time.

Although he dreams of an outright majority, the voting system will not deliver him that. He will have to work with either the Social Democrats (once they have ditched Scholz) or with the Greens. If he wins big enough, he will be able to dictate the terms of a coalition. Then he can start the herculean task of turning around a hidebound economy by forcing through change.

Macron, meanwhile, is determined to stick around until his term ends in 2027. As he grimaces through the official reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral today, with Trump as one of the guests of honour, he needs to produce a candidate for prime minister acceptable to a majority in parliament.

That requires a new skill: consensus-building. Germany needs the opposite: more pugilism and a determination to get things done.

The solution is easier to identify than many might think. What is needed in both countries, indeed across those countries that cling to liberal democracy, is better leadership. If that is not found, the door is open for others to walk through.
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Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has described his first in-person talks with US-president elect Donald Trump since Novembers US election as productive as the pair discussed ending the war as soon as possible.

Mr Trump arrived in Paris for a ceremony to mark the reopening of Notre-Dame cathedral, destroyed by a fire in 2019, in a return to the world stage at a time leaders are jostling for his attention.

The meeting with Mr Zelensky was brokered and attended by French president Emmanuel Macron, who played a key role in the service at the cathedral amid turmoil in French politics.

Mr Trump has previously pledged to end Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine within 24 hours of his 20 January inauguration, although his officials have floated the idea of forcing Kyiv to cede territory to Russian leader Vladimir Putin to achieve that aim.

open image in gallery The meeting with Mr Zelensky, brokered, and attended, by French president Emmanuel Macron ( EPA )

On the 35-minute three-way meeting on Saturday night, Mr Zelensky described it as good and productive, adding: We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace.

He said they had agreed to continue working together and keep in contact. Echoing a phrase adopted by Mr Trumps supporters, he said: Peace through strength is possible.

This week, the Ukrainian president sent his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, to the US to meet with Mr Trumps representatives, as well as the current administration, in a bid to ensure Washingtons continued support.

Prior to Mr Zelenskys arrival in Paris, while Mr Trump and Mr Macron were standing outside the Elysee Palace, the US president-elect hinted at what was on the agenda.

It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now, he said. And well be talking about that.

Mr Macron is one of only a handful of European leaders who were in power during Mr Trumps first term. Back then, he used flattery and pomp to curry favour with the unpredictable Mr Trump.

Second time around, the invitation to the reopening of Notre-Dame suggests he will adopt the same strategy. The stakes, however, are considerably higher.

open image in gallery Trump and William enjoy a tete-a-tete at the UK ambassadors residence in Paris ( Getty )

The French premier has become a champion of Ukraines fight against Russia, earlier this year becoming the first Western leader to say he was open to the idea of European troops being stationed in Ukraine.

Mr Trump spent about 90 minutes inside the presidential palace. They were joined by Mr Zelensky for about 35 minutes. The three leaders spoke in English, although a translator was in the room, according to a French official.

The French president's office said the three-way talks were proposed by Mr Macron and arranged shortly before Mr Trump's arrival.

A person familiar with Trump's plans had said before the meeting was announced that while Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky were attending the cathedral ceremony and surrounding events and probably would interact, Mr Trump's transition team had not worked with the Ukrainians to schedule formal talks.

After the meeting, a Trump senior transition official did not push back on the idea that it had come together at the last minute, but said it had been "discussed fully and agreed to" and that Mr Trump had been "fully briefed" ahead of time.

open image in gallery Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte welcome Trump for the reopening ceremony of the Notre-Dame cathedral ( EPA )

"United States, Ukraine and France. Together on this historic day. United for Notre-Dame. Let's continue to work together for peace and security," Mr Macron wrote on X, formerly Twitter, afterward.

Nicolas Tenzer, a French former senior civil servant and expert on Russia, said that beyond aiding Ukraines hopes of a prosperous deal, Mr Macron will want to have been present in the meeting between Mr Zelensky and Mr Trump to ensure Europe has a seat at the negotiating table.

British and US former officials during Mr Trumps first term told The Independent it was certainly possible that the US president-elect could do a deal over their heads, negotiating directly with Mr Putin.

Mr Trump, while visiting Paris, also met with the Prince of Wales  first greeting in the cathedral before joining William for a 40-minute meeting at the residence of the British ambassador.

Mr Trump said the prince, who was in Paris on the request of the UK government, was doing a fantastic job.

The events come as Mr Macrons government has been cast into chaos after what he called a coalition of the irresponsible  including the far left and hard right  uniting to push through a vote of no-confidence in the French presidents pick for prime minister, Michel Barnier.

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.

It was expected that Mr Macron would appoint a new prime minister prior to the reopening of the Notre-Dame after he said during a nation address on Thursday that he would pick someone in the coming days.

But while the meeting with Mr Trump may have been a diplomatic success for Mr Macron, the US president-elect, among dozens of world leaders, arrived on Saturday to a country still without a legitimate prime minister. Mr Barnier, upon Mr Macrons request, is acting as a caretaker prime minister prior to the next appointment.
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When Israeli airstrikes smashed into homes in a nearby village in southern Lebanon, Mariam, a Syrian refugee, packed her bags as quickly as she could and fled back to her home country.

More than a decade after the family had first escaped to Lebanon, they found themselves making the same treacherous journey in reverse. They paid smugglers hundreds of dollars for a gruelling three-day journey, risking arrest to get to Idlib province in the northwest of the country.

But before long, the mother of three found herself on a new front line. Insurgents launched a shock offensive, sweeping through some of northern Syrias biggest cities and towns, including the one she had just fled to. The forces of president Bashar al-Assad, after a series of extraordinary retreats, have unleashed a punishing bombing campaign on everything within opposition-held territory.

We escaped Lebanon to our village in Syria, Kansafra. But the war followed us here as well  an airstrike hit next to us a few days ago, Mariam says from a tent in an area now nominally controlled by anti-Assad forces but under heavy regime bombardment. A neighbouring tent was struck just a few days ago, killing an entire family inside.

My son wakes up crying at night from fear of the airstrikes. Our biggest worries are the Russian and Syrian planes bombing us. How can the fabric of a tent withstand a missile?

The kids are always cold. We are so afraid. Theres no way to go back to Lebanon  the war has completely cut us off, she adds. We cant leave at all. We are stuck.

open image in gallery Khadija is waiting for news of her pregnant daughter who fled Lebanons war for Syria, and is now trapped a new conflict ( Bel Trew )

Across more than a year of clashes between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, an estimated 562,000 people fled Lebanon for Syria  more than 60 per cent of them Syrians, according to the United Nations.

Many of them have now found themselves trapped on the front lines of a new conflict as Syrias largely stagnant 13-year-old civil war has erupted into fresh bloody battles with the shock offensive by opposition forces  led by the Islamist, once al-Qaeda-aligned group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

The latest target is Homs, Syrias third largest city, with insurgents seizing two towns on the outskirts on Friday, positioning themselves for an assault on a potentially major prize in their march against Assad.

Two families interviewed by The Independent said male relatives had been arrested and disappeared upon re-entering Syria, either for political reasons or for conscription. Three teenagers who had fled to Syria but managed to return said they had to pay smugglers hundreds of dollars.

In a freezing tent in a refugee camp in Lebanons Bekaa Valley, Khadija, 45, cries into her headscarf as the situation in Syria deteriorates.

Two months ago, she sent her four daughters, including one who is just 17 years old and pregnant, to their uncles house in northeastern Syria to escape the bombing in Lebanon. An airstrike had flattened a building next to the refugee camp in Lebanon, sending sprays of shrapnel ripping through their tents.

open image in gallery Syrian insurgents ride on motorcycles through abandoned Syrian army vehicles on a road in the outskirts of Hama ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

But her daughters, now in Raqqa province, northeastern Syria, have not been contactable since the war escalated last weekend. The Lebanese border is mostly closed so they cannot come back.

I dont know what their fate is  they are my daughters, pieces of my heart. I dont know what happened, Khadija says, her voice cracking into sobs.

Many people went back to Syria  they fled from death only to find death awaiting them. Its as if death is chasing them, adds her husband, Mohamed, 41.

Syrias long conflict had largely reached a punishing stalemate four years ago  until the weekend when Turkish-backed Syrian rebels seized the countrys second-largest city, Aleppo, and the fouth-largest, Hama. After a lightning advance south they say they are aiming for Damascus. Homs, Syrias great crossroads city, which links the capital Damascus to the north and coast, is key to that.

To the northeast, near where Khadijas daughters are, clashes have also erupted. Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces claimed to have captured seven villages from pro-government fighters, though regime media denies this.

Stuck in the middle are civilians desperately trying to find shelter after fleeing war over a decade ago and enduring more than a year of airstrikes and shelling in Lebanon.

In Lebanon, refugees who have stayed put are also facing a nightmare, with temperatures dropping and resources stretched thin due to the needs of hundreds of thousands of internally displaced Lebanese citizens, says Lisa Aboul Khaled, spokesperson for the United Nations Refugee Agency in Lebanon.

open image in gallery A photo of Hafez al-Assad, the late president of Syria  and father of current president Bashar al-Assad  in a bombed out building in Beirut ( Bel Trew )

They were already struggling before the war [between Lebanon and Hezbollah]. They had very few resources. This raises the question where will these people go? How will they continue their lives in such severe conditions?

In Syria, meanwhile, Mercy Corps has warned of a crisis within a crisis for the displaced, particularly the northwest of the country and refugees. The renewed conflict is impacting supply chains. Prior to the current offensive, more than four million people in northwest Syria relied on aid agencies for basic humanitarian needs such as clean water and food.

Now there are already food shortages and soaring food prices. The infrastructure in northwest Syrias displacement camps is overstretched, and an influx of new arrivals will push limited resources past capacity, the organisation said.

Back in Lebanon, the terrified relatives of Syrians who have crossed back into Syria spoke of their concerns about refugees being arrested and disappearing upon re-entering Syria, as well as the airstrikes and bombings on their towns and villages.

Ahmad, 30, a Syrian refugee in Beirut, said his mother, father and four siblings fled the Lebanese capital in September after Israeli bombs obliterated a house next to theirs and after a surge in racist attacks against Syrians.

Ahmad stayed behind to work while his family returned to their hometown just outside Hama, which the Syrian insurgents have taken control of in recent days.

open image in gallery Syrian refugee Ahmad stands in front of a destroyed building in Beirut  his family fled to Syria and are now trapped on the front line ( Bel Trew )

They are all hiding in the basement of the house, one of the only houses in the area that has a basement. So they are together with 25 people are crammed in there, sleeping head to toe, side by side, on the ground, he tells The Independent.

His brother is missing  arrested by the Assad regime as soon as he crossed into Syria, his family think due to the fact he is of military age and conscription.

The family is extremely scared. Im terrified. They can only go above ground every few days to get a signal and message me, Ahmad adds. Yesterday, I couldnt sleep. They bombed Hama. All I can do is check the news.

Mourad, 53, a Syrian refugee living along the Lebanese border with Israel, said his neighbour  a 35-year-old father of three  was also missing. The neighbour had fled to Idlib when the war in Lebanon worsened, only for him to be arrested by military intelligence and sent to one of the most notorious prisons in Damascus.

They are very scared. The wife and children are trapped in clashes around Idlib. The father is sick. He has asthma. He will not endure or survive torture in a Syrian prison.

Some families have tried to return back to Lebanon but were reportedly turned away at the border. Three teenagers interviewed in Shatila refugee camp fled to Syria with their families but had to return to Lebanon when airstrikes pounded their homes. They had managed to return via dangerous smuggling routes.

It took us three days. We slept in a home with no windows or doors  we burned garbage to stay warm, said one 17-year-old boy.

They forced five families into a single car, pushing us with their legs, adds his 16-year-old sister.

Their 19-year-old friend said only she and her father managed to get back to Lebanon; the rest of her family stayed in the northeast.

Im really worried about them. Every day I message them. They bombed near them yesterday  its getting worse. Its very dangerous for them to come back. It will cost a lot of money and is very risky, she added.

Back in Idlib, Mariam sends photos of the tent she is now living in, saying food and water supplies are low.

Theres no safety here at all. Even Lebanon doesnt feel safe anymore. We have nowhere to go.

In the Bekaa refugee camp, Khadija waits anxiously for any news of her beloved missing daughters.

We fled one place only to meet death in another. Where can we go? Oh God, where can we go?
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Syrian leader Bashar al-Assads 24-year rule appears on the brink of collapse as Syrian rebels claim to be seizing full control of the vital city of Homs and advancing towards the capital Damascus.

The insurgents, led by the jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), said opposition forces have started the final stage of their offensive by encircling Damascus.

It is the first time opposition forces have reached the outskirts of the Syrian capital since 2018, when government troops recaptured the region adjacent to the capital following a years-long siege.

Underscoring the possibility of an uprising in the capital, protesters in a Damascus suburb tore down a statue of Mr Assads father and smashed it to pieces. In other suburbs soldiers changed into civilian clothes and deserted their posts, residents said.

open image in gallery Rebel fighters parade in the streets of Hama after capturing the city in central Syria ( AFP via Getty Images )

President Assad remains in Damascus, Syrias state news agency said.

The insurgents have also entered the suburbs of Homs, according to residents and military sources. The rebels reportedly breached government defences from the north and east of the city. In the early hours of Sunday, Syrian rebel commander Hassan Abdul Ghany said that insurgent forces "fully liberated" Syria's central city of Homs.

A rebel commander said they had also taken control of an army camp and villages outside the city.

The Syrian military, which has been reinforcing Homs and hammering the rebels with intense airstrikes, did not immediately comment on the reports.

Homs, parts of which were controlled by insurgents until 2014, is a major intersection point between Damascus and Syrias coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, where President Assad enjoys wide support and where his Russian allies have a naval base and airbase. Homs province is Syrias largest in size and borders Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan.

Earlier today, the rebels said they seized control of the southern city of Daraa  the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against Mr Assad  as they pressed on with their lightning advance.

open image in gallery Anti-government fighters celebrate in Hama ( AFP via Getty )

The Syrian army withdrew from much of southern Syria on Saturday, leaving more areas of the country, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters.

Since the rebels swept into Aleppo a week ago, government defences have crumbled across the country as insurgents seized a string of major cities and rose up in places where the rebellion had long seemed over.

The rebels have already seized Aleppo in the north, Hama in the centre, Deir ez-Zor in the east and Suweida and Deraa in the south.

Syrias military said it was carrying out airstrikes around Hama and Homs and reinforcing on that front. It also said it was repositioning around Deraa and Suweida, without acknowledging their capture by rebels.

After years locked behind frozen front lines, the insurgents have burst out of their northwestern stronghold in Idlib and pushed the swiftest battlefield advance by either side since a street uprising against President Assad mushroomed into civil war 13 years ago.

The Syrian president regained control of most of Syria after his major allies  Russia, Iran and Lebanons Hezbollah group  came to his aid. However, his allies attention has been diverted by other crises, including Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine and Hezbollahs conflict with Israel over the war in Gaza. Russias embassy in Syria has urged Russian nationals to leave the country.

The rapid pace of these events has prompted fears across the Middle East of a fresh wave of regional instability. Western officials say the Syrian military is in a difficult situation, unable to halt the rebel gains and forced into retreat.

Hezbollah sent some "supervising forces" to Homs on Friday but any significant deployment would risk exposure to Israeli airstrikes, Western officials said. Israel attacked two Lebanon-Syria border crossings on Friday, Lebanon said.

Iran-backed Iraqi militias are on high alert, with thousands of heavily armed fighters ready to deploy to Syria, many of them amassed near the border. Iraq does not seek military intervention in Syria, a government spokesperson said on Friday.

The leader of HTS, Abu Mohammad Al-Julani, said the group aims to build Syria and bring Syrian refugees back home from Lebanon and Europe. Another opposition commander, Hassan Abdul Ghany, urged Syrias military officers to defect in a video statement aired on Friday.

The foreign ministers of Iran, Iraq and Syria  three close allies  gathered in Baghdad on Friday to consult on the rapidly changing situation. Iraqi foreign minister Fuad Hussein expressed deep concern, saying his government is closely following the situation in Syria.
Donald Trump said the world has gone crazy as he met with French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of the historic re-opening of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The President-elect arrived in France on Saturday (7 December) to meet with Mr Macron ahead of the Cathedrals grand reopening.

Mr Trump praised the great relationship between the US and France and said: Its a great honour to be here and weve had a good time together and a lot of really great success working together.

It seems like the world has gone crazy right now and we will be talking about that.
In a generous tribute posted on his very own Truth Social page, Donald Trump declared that Emmanuel Macron had 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!

A special day to be sure; the president-elects attendance at the ceremonies to mark the reopening of the cathedral, his first foreign visit since his election, also allowed the world to see the full glory, if it may be termed that, of the restoration of Mr Trumps political supremacy. It is, in its way, a moment of truth, if not revelation, about the second coming of president Donald J Trump.

On balance, it is probably just as well that the United States was officially represented on this occasion by the first lady, Jill Biden, rather than the current president, because President Bidens absence has left the diplomatic space free for Mr Trump to make some early progress on foreign policy.

In particular, he is faced with personal pleas from two of Russias neighbours, menaced by Vladimir Putin, for America to at least play a benevolent role in their respective futures. Mr Trumps meetings with president Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and president Salome Zourabichvili of Georgia are the focus of intense interest. Both are consequential, but it is the future of Ukraine, and European security, that is most immediately pressing in the minds of those world leaders gathered in Paris and elsewhere.

The author of The Art of the Deal, Donald Trump prides himself on his negotiating skills; his techniques, as we witnessed during his first presidency and in his recent tariff-based threats to Mexico and Canada, can alarm his interlocutors. Even so, he has a perverse way of cutting through that often seems to come from the wrong end of common sense, and can be uncomfortable for those involved.

Despite his typically boastful past remarks that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, no such peace settlement is being concluded over the weekend. What is happening is an opportunity for Volodymyr Zelensky to come face-to-face with Mr Trump again, and to present to him the realities of the merciless war of aggression waged by President Putins Russia, including documented war crimes, the targeting of civilians and, so especially dangerous from Americas point of view, the involvement of a coalition of Americas sworn enemies, North Korea and Iran (and, in more moderate measure, China).

Mr Trump may wave his hand and treat the prospective loss of vast swathes of Ukrainian sovereign territory with nonchalance, but Mr Zelensky can remind him that those lands are drenched in the blood of people who wished nothing more than to live their lives under a government of their own choosing. Mr Trump is right to want to end a conflict that has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands, with well over a million total casualties, and 7 million refugees, but he should also be clear about who is responsible.

The president-elect should also be clear-headed about the weakness of the European powers  President Macron struggling to control his own destiny, Germany without a functioning government, and post-Brexit Britain seemingly unable to fund the defence it needs to help deter future Russian aggression. Such developments only highlight the indispensable value of the Atlantic Alliance and Nato.

There is, in truth, little to be optimistic about when contemplating the future of Ukraine. President Zelensky and his brave people have confounded expectations, not least in the Kremlin, that theyd be finished off within weeks of President Putins special military operation. Yet, after three years of bitter fighting, Ukraine has not lost this war.

However, there is also no realistic possibility that it can recover the eastern lands lost since 2022, let alone the Crimea and other territories illegally occupied by Russia since 2014. Those are, as the diplomats like to say, the facts on the ground. Absent a much more determined Western effort to make Russia disgorge its gains  something that will never happen under a Trump presidency  these realities lie behind the diplomatic effort that has started in Paris this weekend.

Yet contrary to the most dire of expectations, there have been signs in recent weeks, stretching back to before the presidential election, that Mr Trump does not think that simply agreeing to everything President Putin wants represents the kind of deal America needs. Mr Trump will require concessions from Mr Putin too, both territorial and political, and, ideally, guarantees about the security of Ukraine and the other European nations to its west.

Mr Trump will also know about Russian attempts to subvert recent elections in Georgia, Romania and Moldova, and he cannot fail to have noticed a certain coolness from the Kremlin and its sponsored media about his return.

During the Biden presidency, Russian attitudes appear to have tilted, such that it now seems to be America, rather than any individual president, that is perceived to be a permanent challenge to Russias regional hegemony and global ambitions  as was the case throughout the Cold War. Accepting the whole Russian agenda, and the notion that Ukraine is a non-country and should become a province of Russia  with the same fate awaiting Georgia and most of Eastern Europe  is certainly not something Mr Trump is prepared to do. That does not endear him to Moscow.

It seems likely that peace talks on Ukraine will commence in the new year. It is vital therefore in the crucial weeks ahead that European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, impress upon President Trump precisely why the fate of peoples in faraway countries matters to the national interests of the people of the United States, and why securing the right deal, not just any deal, is indeed in the interests of all concerned.
Home economics: Im widowed and want to sell the family home, downsize and split the proceeds with my kids. Any drawbacks?
Christmas tree aside, the key to a festive home lies in a thoughtful, beautifully styled tablescape. The heart of every gathering, your table setting has the power to set the mood, bringing friends and family together with a sense of warmth and celebration.

Those who enjoy a touch of glamour will be happy to hear that Art Deco-inspired elements are making a return to tablescapes. With their timeless allure and bold aesthetic, Art Deco details add a sense of drama and sophistication to any setting. Look for beaded placemats, bold gold flatware that serves as a nod to the eras opulence, and geometric patterns  hallmarks of the Art Deco style  to bring a refined edge to linens and dinnerware.

Fir Baby candle, 30, labougie.com

To enhance this look, layer in opulent touches such as metallic accents and deep, jewel-toned glassware in shades of emerald, sapphire and amethyst. These rich tones contrast beautifully against shimmering metallics, creating a sophisticated, layered effect for a glamorous scene.

Irish brand The Designed Table is leading the way in 2024 with a curated collection that combines timeless classics with some new festive pieces. The brands much-loved navy star and plaid tablecloths offer a traditional yet stylish base. Its new collection of natural white linen napkins and a matching table runner, hand-embroidered with delicate holly leaves, offers a refined charm thats ideal for anyone looking to create an understated yet elegant setting.

12 piece Christmas porcelain dinner set  service for four, 69.50, lnhedit.com

Consider layering different pieces in complementary colours and textures

Bows, a major trend in 2024, are making their way into festive tablescapes. Lush velvet ribbons and velvet bow napkin rings add a tactile layer that feels instantly festive and cosy. Velvet napkin rings work beautifully with linen napkins. Or for a bolder look, try pairing them with a mix of patterns or textures on the table.

Palm tree triple bowl, 395, louisekennedy.com

Another option is to use one as a decorative bow around a festive centrepiece to bring a rich, tactile quality that guests will love.

To create a cohesive tablescape, consider layering different pieces in complementary colours and textures. The key to a memorable festive table lies in the details  each piece should contribute to an overall sense of warmth and joy. Whether youre hosting a grand dinner or a cosy gathering with loved ones, a well curated table promises to make this season one to remember.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. The opening of the Zangezur corridor poses importance for the regional peace, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye Fuat Oktay told reporters, Trend reports.

This will have a positive impact both in terms of ensuring peace in the region and on the economy, he said.

As Oktay pointed out, the mentioned corridor's opening will also positively impact Armenia.

To note, the Zangezur Corridor project proposed by Azerbaijan is aimed at establishing a transportation link between the main territory of Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, passing through the territory of Armenia.

This project emerged in the course of the implementation of the agreements set out in the trilateral statement signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia in 2020.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Two cabinet ministries are on the table for Labour leader Ivana Bacik, but state construction company may be a stumbling block

Housing up for grabs as Fianna Fail and Fine Gael try to lure Labour

In the fine tradition of the Labour Party, the first item on the agenda was the split.

The Social Democrats have rebuffed Ivana Baciks proposal of a left-wing negotiating bloc entering government talks. The partys deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan, a former Labour maverick, said his party would "go it alone" and would meet Fianna Fail and Fine Gael next week for preliminary talks. Nobody really expects that to go anywhere.

I dont believe the Social Democrats will come in. They are to the left, left of Labour and some of their demands, like on house-building numbers, are not credible and impossible to deliver, a Fianna Fail source said. Fine Gael are anathema to them. They talk the talk but will they walk the walk?

There is still hope being held out for Labour to seriously engage on going into government as Ms Bacik, Alan Kelly and Ged Nash know being in power is how you implement your policies.

The door is being left open by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael for Labour to go through their talks about talks.

The first sitting of the Dail on December 18 is expected to flush out parties positions. Neither Micheal Martin nor Simon Harris will be proposed as taoiseach.

Mary Lou McDonald has to decide if Sinn Fein will go on a fruitless journey by proposing her as taoiseach  a vote she will lose comprehensively.

Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan. Photo: PA

However, Labours stance will be watched closely for an indication of its intentions. Labour is expected to come looking for delivery on housing, ending the means test for carers, a living wage and investment for public health services.

On the table are at least two cabinet ministries  down from the three the Green Party held, as the numbers have changed.

We believe they will come looking for housing, as the supply side is going to improve in the coming years and the funding is in place. Fianna Fail wants to keep housing, so its all to play for, a senior party source said.

There is no shortage of Independents lining up to vote for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael

However, Labours demand for a state construction company may be a stumbling block, as Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are sticking with the Land Development Agency and feel that setting up yet another new body will just cost valuable time.

Failing Labours entry into government, there is no shortage of Independents lining up to vote for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. The Civil War parties know the bulk of those in the queue, as they are either in the gene pool or previously served in government.

Knocking hardest on the door are eight Independents who have founded the Regional Group for speaking time in the Dail  and talks on supporting the government.

The background of new Independents like Barry Heneghan from Dublin Bay North and Gillian Toole from Meath East are being studied. Mr Heneghan is said to have come looking for a cystic fibrosis unit in Beaumont Hospital  a demand of his mentor Finian McGrath  a decade ago, and knew his constituency like the back of his hand. Ms Toole wanted projects for her constituency and influence over the government agenda.

Former ministers Sean Canney from Galway East and Kevin Boxer Moran from Longford-Westmeath made it clear they want to return as junior ministers.

Verona Murphy from Wexford hasn't been met yet, but would want a senior position in Cabinet. Thats not on the table  yet. Marian Harkin from Sligo-Leitrim is another pragmatist available to be convinced.

The Healy-Rae brothers, Michael and Danny, from Kerry have also come with a shopping list of demands

Former Fine Gael minister Michael Lowry from Tipperary North is the conduit as the groups point of contact. His experience as a negotiator goes back 30 years to his time on Fine Gaels team for the Rainbow coalition with Labour and Democratic Left.

Along with Noel Grealish from Galway West, he has a list of items for his constituency and has made it clear he wants a five-year deal.

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael want to ensure stability for the five-year term too, but see having a party like Labour as more dependable than a group of Independents.

The Healy-Rae brothers, Michael and Danny, from Kerry have also come with a shopping list of demands, but are making clear they are demanding a high price for their loyalty. A document detailing their asks is expected to be produced next week.

Fianna Fail is driving the process, which is far less convoluted than five years ago when senior civil servants from each department had to brief each party on the state of play in their area.

A row is brewing over the appointment of a ceann comhairle. Sitting Dail chair Sean O Fearghail wants another five years, but there is pushback within Fianna Fail to him getting a third term, rather than giving it to someone else or handing it to the opposition to help with the coalition majority.

John McGuinness, a long-time critic of Mr Martin, has indicated his interest and Brendan Smith, a former Cabinet colleague of the party leader, is also in the frame.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael is still licking its wounds after letting a general election win get away. Mr Harris is batting back against Fianna Fails suggestion that it will press home its 10-seat advantage.

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris. Photo: PA

So, the first thing Id say is there's far too much presumption in relation to the outcome of government talks before government talks have even taken place, he said in Edinburgh.

I wouldnt take my party for granted and I think fewer public musings and more concrete engagement is the way to proceed.

Fine Gael is showing no interest in the ceann comhairles role. The party also seems to be conceding the next European Commissioner position to Fianna Fail, even though there was an assumption that role would go to Fine Gael next time around.

Fianna Fail is also planning to have more ministers than Fine Gael in the new arrangement.

The carve-up of the cabinet posts will have to wait until it becomes clear who will make up the Coalition.
Heat stress, caused by rising temperatures, is causing untold destruction

Im just back from Sydney where I attended the Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology annual conference. All the science news there was about one thing  climate change.

The UN Climate Change Conference (Cop) has just met in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 29th time. The Cop is where the countries of the world come together to agree on what should be done to address what is now agreed as a climate crisis.
Cork County Councils Library and Arts Service has announced the appointment of Leeanne ODonnell to the position of Writer in Residence 2025. Pic Kate Bean Photography.

Cork County Councils Library and Arts Service has announced the appointment of Leeanne ODonnell to the position of Writer in Residence 2025.

Leeanne is a writer and podcaster who lives on the foothills of Mount Gabriel in West Cork.

She will work with communities in the county to improve access to literature and creative writing.

A key aspect of Cork County Councils Writer in Residence programme is the use of local library branches as centres of creative writing.

During her residency, Leeanne will visit libraries in Castletownbere, Charleville, Fermoy, Macroom and Schull.

Ms ODonnell has proposed an exciting programme of engagement with writers groups, community groups and young people, as well as podcasting.

Welcoming the announcement, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll said: With this residency we aim to promote creative writing, reading, and other literary engagements in the community. We are really looking forward to working with Leeanne ODonnell. I am sure that she will bring great enthusiasm, ideas, and energy to the role.

Ms ODonnell brings a wealth of experience in creative writing facilitation, media and journalism, and psychotherapy to the role.

Speaking of her new appointment, Leeanne said: It is an absolute honour to be appointed Writer in Residence 2025 for Cork County Council. Cork abounds with creativity at every turn and the wonderful county libraries are a sanctuary of culture and inspiration for all who enter.

"Reading, writing and sharing stories are an essential part of our culture and we are all enriched when we take part in this cycle of creativity and connection. I cant wait to support readers and writers across Cork to get inspired and get connected, she added.

The residency is managed by Cork County Council Library and Arts Service and is supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaion and Creative Ireland.
News

I should have been promoting myself  Kerrys Michael Fassbender recommended Daniel Craig for Bond

It's one of the most coveted roles in all of film and one that would have catapulted his career to even greater heights than it has already reached but Killarneys Michael Fassbender admitted this week that he actually recommended Daniel Craig for 
Coleen Rooney was reunited with her sons Kit and Cass (ITV/PA)

Coleen Rooney became emotional as she was reunited with two of her children during Friday nights episode of Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!

The remaining contestants on the ITV reality show met their loved ones ahead of Sundays final, with Rooney greeting her mother and sons young Kit and Cass.

The 38-year-old cried into the arms of her mother Colette, telling her: I dont want you to leave me now.

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Moments later Kit, eight, and his six-year-old brother Cass. joined them in the jungle camp, with the mother-of-four telling them: Ive missed you so much.

Rooney, the wife of former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney, told her children: Im crying because Im happy because Ive missed you so much.

Also during the show, former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse was reunited with her husband, Marius Lepure, who had brought her a babygrow worn by their daughter the previous day, which retained her scent.

She told him: Walking through the jungle, this beautiful face was the last face that I expected to see, but the best surprise ever. I cant believe youre here.

Lepure also gave Mabuse a ring to mark their 10-year anniversary.

Podcast host Grace Keeling, known as GK Barry met her mother in the jungle while McFly star Danny Jones was overwhelmed to see his wife Georgia and son Cooper. Presenter and author Rev Richard Coles and soap actor Alan Halsall both reunited with their brothers.

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Keeling and Halsall were then voted off the show, leaving the four semi-finalists who are set to take on the Cyclone challenge during Saturday nights show.

During his exit interview Coronation Street star Halsall, 42, said the hardest parts of the show were missing his daughter and boredom.

Thats why I play practical jokes on people to entertain myself at times.

Keeling, 25, told hosts Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly: I never want to come back here but I just feel so much more comfortable, just in myself, being me.

I feel like I found myself in Thailand, she joked, comparing her time in the Australian jungle to coming-of-age gap year adventures.

Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! continues on Saturday at 9.30pm on ITV.
ESB crews are assessing the issue ahead of big clean upGusts hit 148km/h at one point last night Flights, trains and ferries affected

Storm Darragh brought significant damage overnight, knocking out electricity supplies for nearly 400,000 homes and businesses.

Large swathes of Kerry, Cork, Mayo and Galway are in darkness this morning after huge winds hit. The storm gusted up to 148km/h at Mace Head, brought violent winds and rain.

Seven counties - Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Mayo, Wicklow, Clare and Leitrim - were under red warnings overnight but these have passed, and orange warnings will remain in place until 10am nationwide.

A yellow warning will persist until 3pm.

Travel has been severely disrupted with some flights cancelled, trains unable to run on all routes and ferries not leaving port.

Storm Darragh hits County Mayo

The Dart line between Clontarf and Howth Junction will remain closed after another tree fell between Raheny and Howth Junction. The line had been expected to reopen once the first tree on the line had been cleared.

Enterprise Train, the operator of Dublin-Belfast rail services, has said services are suspended until further notice.

ESB and council work crews will be working diligently to restore power, clear roads and remove any obstacles to travel but people are asked to avoid unnecessary journeys until the warnings have elapsed.

The west coast was the worst hit but ESB Networks map of power outages shows the impact of the storm has been felt all over the country.

The scale of the effort to restore power is being established this morning.

ESB Networks thanked customers for their understanding, saying: We'll provide updates on the estimated restoration times as soon as crews have evaluated impacted areas.

Tens of thousands, in the southwest in particular, are still without power and it's likely many will not be reconnected before the end of the weekend.

The ESB power outage map at 8am on Saturday.

The public have been urged not to try deal with fallen electricity wires themselves as they can be live and dangerous.

Dublin Airport hopes to operate fully today but a number of scheduled flights were cancelled by airlines.

These include Emerald Airlines early departures, British Airways service to and from Heathrow, Air France to Paris, KLM to Amsterdam and United Airlines flights to Newark and Washington.

The Irish Ferries sailing from Dublin to Holyhead has been cancelled with customers being told that they can be accommodated on later services.

Met Eireann put all other counties in Munster, Leinster and Connacht under a Status Orange wind warning until 10am today. A yellow wind warning for the entire nation ends at 3pm today.

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The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Eireann and other stakeholders met yesterday afternoon ahead of Storm Darraghs arrival.

NDFEM national director Keith Leonard had urged people to avoid travel all together in areas where a red warning is in place, due to very violent storm force conditions.

"Im conscious that we are in Christmas party season, so it is particularly important that anyone planning a night out is aware of the forecasted conditions in their area, he said.

It comes as dozens of Christmas events were cancelled nationwide, including the Festival of Lights in Kilkenny and the Tralee Christmas markets, as well as its Island of Geese festivities.

In the capital, the Dublin Castle Christmas markets closed early yesterday, while Christmas markets in Dun Laoghaire were cancelled altogether.

Mr Leonard added: "Travelling conditions will be very hazardous, especially for more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles.

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He urged the public to stay away from coastal areas during this period, reiterating earlier advice issued by the Irish Coast Guard.

Leading homelessness organisations expressed grave concern for those sleeping rough during Storm Darragh.

Depaul Ireland, Crosscare, Focus Ireland and Dublin Simon called for "greater coordination" between government departments so that every person in Ireland is "guaranteed decent shelter".

"It is essential that the outgoing government take immediate collective action to ensure that shelter is provided to all those who need it over the Christmas, New Year and the winter storms," the groups said.

Storm Darragh, which is now headed for the UK, led the government there to issue an emergency risk to life alert to the mobile phones of three million people in its path.

It issued guidance to every compatible mobile phone on how to stay safe, with phones making a loud siren sound for 10 seconds, even if left on silent.
Dozens of flights cancelled to and from Ireland on SaturdayMajor disruption to public transport Work to restore power to premises may take number of days  ESB

Around 325,000 homes, businesses and farms remained without power on Saturday in the aftermath of Storm Darragh with restoration work expected to take a number of days.

395,000 customers woke up without power this morning and around 70,000 have since had power restored.

All weather warnings have now expired as the storm passes and work is under way to restore power to the impacted households.

Mace Head in Co Galway saw gusts of 141kmh recorded by Met Eireann. Gusts of 120kmh were reported at Shannon in Co Clare and gusts of 115kmh were reported in Co Cork.

The ESB has said the impact of Storm Darragh was greater than that of Storm Ophelia in 2017, when 385,000 customers experienced power cuts.

Significant numbers of impacted customers will have their power restored throughout today but restoration efforts will take a number of days and it is likely that the areas worst affected will take longer, an ESB statement read.

There was significant disruption to public transport with fallen trees leading to cancellations and delays for both bus and rail services. A number of Dublin-Belfast trains were cancelled.

The rail line between Howth Junction and Malahide was closed this morning due to fallen trees, and later reopened with delays of more than an hour for Dart, northern commuter and Dublin-Belfast services.

A number of sailings to the UK and France were cancelled by Irish Ferries. Dublin Airport was fully operational on Saturday but some flights were cancelled this morning including British Airways flights to and from Heathrow, and Air France flights to and from Paris.

Another 13 flights to other airports in Ireland were diverted to Dublin and 12 flights in and out of Cork Airport were cancelled overnight and earlier on Saturday.

Local authorities across the country continued to work clearing fallen trees and debris, with many fallen trees reported in counties Cork, Kerry, Sligo and Galway.

A meeting was held this morning between the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management, Met Eireann and other stakeholders to discuss the damage caused by Storm Darragh.

While the brunt of the storm has now passed, the director of the NDFEM Keith Leonard urged the public to continue to take care in the aftermath of the storm.

"In particular, motorists should avoid take extra care as there are fallen trees reported all across the country with many roads closed. Ideally, I would advise drivers not to travel today unless necessary and to check your route in advance if you have to head out, he said.

A man in Lancashire in the UK died after a tree fell onto his van while he was driving on a dual carriageway. Gusts of up to 146kmh have been reported in some parts of the UK and millions of people have been told to remain indoors.
Bodies litter the streets amid Israel raid on hospital in Gaza

Troops ordered emergency surgery team to leave and never return to the medical facility

Palestinian painter Maysaa Youssef paints in the ruins of her studio amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters

Nidal al-Mughrabi Sat 7 Dec 2024 at 03:30







The bodies of people killed by airstrikes littered the streets outside a hospital in Gaza as Israeli forces stormed the building and forced some staff out, according to its director.
Waad Al-Kataeb: We Syrians have endured so much, but our dreams of freedom remain



Whenever I think back to that first moment when the Syrian revolution began, it feels as though it happened yesterday.



That moment planted an unshakable faith within us, despite all the oppression, betrayal and heartbreak weve endured. It was the birth of a dream, one whose shape we couldnt yet see but whose presence was undeniable. We believed we were living a historic moment  one that would shape a new face for Syria.



I lived through five years of the revolution in Aleppo, witnessing massacres, war crimes and unimaginable suffering. I captured it all through my camera  the hope, the pain, the challenges, the betrayals and the resilience  until we were forcibly displaced from our city in 2016.



It has been eight years since we left Aleppo, leaving us as orphans without her. Back then, we didnt know if we would survive. My husband was managing the last remaining hospital after the Syrian regime and Russia had bombed and destroyed every other medical centre.



My daughter Sama was about to turn one year old, and I was pregnant with my second daughter, Taima. We managed to escape with our lives, but losing Aleppo left a deep wound in us.



Today, after all these years, Aleppo remains in my heart, in my eyes and in our endless stories. The greatest pain in my life is knowing I will never be able to take my daughters to Aleppo, to walk with them through its streets. But I made a promise to myself and to them  that I will never forget.



Over the last 13 years, the international community has largely agreed on its stance towards Bashar al-Assad. From the earliest days, he was labelled a dictator, a criminal, a butcher, even an animal. Many world leaders drew red lines that Assad crossed without consequence. But in the last three years, we have been shocked by a significant shift: some countries reopened their embassies in Damascus, others welcomed renewed relations, and Assad had been normalised, as if we Syrians were expected to accept this.



Over the last week, however, we Syrians feel a glimmer of hope to rebuild our lives. Perhaps we are living through a different moment now  a moment that could open doors to hope once more.



There are also challenges in newly liberated areas, where control is divided among armed factions such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, other Islamic groups, and the Free Syrian Army. Even so, I see positive changes in some areas. Statements from factions and organisations in regions such as Aleppo and Hama now speak of peoples rights, and a commitment to the revolutions principles of justice and dignity. Its remarkable to hear voices on the ground confirming these attitudes. Compared with the past, when such statements were often just political propaganda to appeal to international audiences, the current situation feels different.



Still, we cannot ignore the risks. These changes may remain experimental, as geopolitical challenges and foreign interventions continue to heavily influence the situation. We worry some powers might impose agendas on the Syrian people that do not reflect their true aspirations. There is always the fear of becoming pawns in international negotiations that disregard our rights.



But no matter what, I dont believe that the situation will be worse than the past. We have nothing left to lose. Yes, the conditions are tough, but they are not worse than life under Assad. Our priority is supporting civil society  whether in healthcare, education or human rights  through genuine actions on the ground. We need to stand together, to raise our voices and to ensure no violations go unchallenged.



This last week, I have cried so many times  sometimes from joy, sometimes from heartbreak. It was deeply moving to see people return to their homes after years of absence, families reunited after long separations. These are people who suffered displacement and exile, and now they are finding their way back.



Other moments were bittersweet: activists standing in the streets of a city weve longed for, capturing its essence with their cameras. Such scenes remind us of a homeland lost, yet affirm that we are still alive and that we still believe this is the beginning of something new.



Most emotional of all was seeing political prisoners, who had disappeared for years, finally regain their freedom. They had been hidden from their families, their fates unknown. But now they are back. Its almost impossible to believe its real. In the face of such pain, how can we not be happy?



The dream of a free Syria is what drives us to stand here today, at this new crossroads filled with both hopes and fears. No one knows what tomorrow will bring, but what I do know is that the seed of the revolution is still alive within each of us.



Today, we remind ourselves that no matter the challenges ahead, we will continue to walk this path towards hope, toward the dream of freedom and dignity. We know the road is long and full of obstacles, but we also know that the dream that began in 2011 will never fade, no matter how much time passes.



We dared to dream, and we will never regret choosing dignity.



( The Independent)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. Peace can be ensured between Azerbaijan and Armenia without external interference, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye Fuat Oktay told reporters, Trend reports.

He noted that Azerbaijan and Armenia can find a path to peace through joint efforts.

"We hope to achieve peace in the near future," added the MP.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The Ministry of External Affairs has issued an advisory to Indian citizens to avoid all travel to Syria until further notice and has also asked any Indian nationals currently in the country to leave at the earliest.

MEA issues advisory for Syria

In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria until further notification, the MEA said in an advisory issued on Friday night.

Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number +963 993385973 (also on WhatsApp) and email ID hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for updates, it said.

Those who can are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights, and others are requested to observe the utmost precaution regarding their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum, the MEA said further.

CREDIT: REUTERS

What is happening in Syria

According to the Embassy of India, as of September 2024, there are 92 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 who are working in various UN organisations and NGOs in Syria.

The advisory follows the rapid deterioration of the safety situation in Syria due to a surprise uprising by rebel forces fighting the Bashar al-Assad government since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011.

Syrian rebels marching to Damascus

Turkey-backed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, one of the several jihadist groups that have been fighting to overthrow the al-Assad government in Damascus for nearly one and a half decades, made rapid gains since November 27, capturing Aleppo and Hama within a week.

HTS and SNA put the flag of Turkey on citadel of Aleppo - if you still dont know who is behind the events in Syria - now you know. pic.twitter.com/l9KuOzPWNM  ScharoMaroof (@ScharoMaroof) December 1, 2024

The relative ease with which Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, fell to the rebels took everyone, including the backers of al-Assad, by surprise, and there is growing concern that it is only a matter of time before they reach the capital, Damascus.

The Syrian rebels have so far captured Aleppo, Syrias second-largest city, and Hama, its fourth-largest city, within a week. Now, Assad regime forces are reportedly fleeing Syrias third-largest city, Homs.



Once that is done, the rebels are expected to head for Damascus, where pic.twitter.com/X2My3lIkYx  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) December 6, 2024

Ever since the civil war, Syria has been governed in fragments, with pro-Assad forces controlling the majority of the country, while the remainder has been administered by pro-Kurdish militias or jihadist groups, including ISIS.

CREDIT: REUTERS

What is behind the sudden rebel surge

Assad, who managed to cling on to power despite the popular uprising, did so due to support from Iran and Russia, who sent troops there. However, as both Russia and Iran are now preoccupied with their own wars, Assad has lost significant firepower, giving the rebels a window of opportunity after nearly five years of stalemate.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
In a rare development, two people of Indian origin have been stripped of their honorary titles in the United Kingdom by King Charles. Rami Ranger, a Conservative peer (Member of the House of Lords), and Anil Bhanot, a chartered accountant and founding member of the Hindu Council UK, were stripped of their titles.

While Ranger, who was nominated by Theresa May in 2019, has been stripped of his CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire), Bhanot's OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) has been revoked, according to the London Gazette.

CREDIT: SUN MARK

Who is Rami Ranger?

The 76-year-old Ranger, who was born in Gujranwala, in modern-day Pakistan, moved to Patiala with his family during the partition and went to the UK to study law.

In the UK, Ranger established himself as a businessman and founded the FMCG company Sun Mark. He is also a member of the Conservative Party and has donated around 1.5m since 2009. He was made a Member of the House of Lords in 2019.

Why was Rami Ranger stripped of CBE?

Lord Ranger was suspended from the Conservative parliamentary party, and his CBE has been cancelled and annulled by King Charles on the recommendation of the Forfeiture Committee on charges including insulting and harassing social media posts against an Indian-origin journalist, and comments against Pakistanis and members of the Sikh community.

CREDIT: SUN MARK

Though Ranger has denied any criminal wrongdoing, he had apologised to the journalist and undertaken rehabilitative work regarding complaints that had been made against him. The Forfeiture Committee recommended revoking his title.

What Rami Ranger said

Ranger, who will have to return his insignia to Buckingham Palace and can no longer make any reference to having the honour, said he was devastated, adding that he will explore all legal options to restore it.

CREDIT: SUN MARK

Bhanot, the other Indian-origin individual, was also stripped of his title for a series of Islamophobic tweets in 2021.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Narayana Murthy Buys Luxury Apartment In Bengaluru: Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, recently made news when he paid 50 crore for a luxurious flat in Bengaluru's upscale Kingfisher Towers. Situated in the center of the city, this landmark residential structure is renowned for its exquisite design, first-rate amenities, and connections to some of Bengaluru's wealthiest figures. The apartment, which offers stunning views, roomy interiors, and special features, is part of a high-rise that is redefining luxury living in the city. A testimony to the expanding trend of luxury living among India's corporate elites, Murthy's investment underlines his choice for premier real estate. This acquisition not only demonstrates his accomplishments but also Kingfisher Towers' standing as a Bengaluru landmark of refinement and prestige.

Who is Narayana Murthy?

One of the top providers of IT services globally, Infosys, was co-founded by Indian businessman Narayana Murthy. He was born in Karnataka on August 20, 1946, and is regarded as a pioneer in the Indian software industry. As CEO of Infosys from 1981 to 2002, he was instrumental in building the company into a multinational technology behemoth and encouraging creativity and morality in the workplace. Murthy is renowned for his leadership, simplicity, and commitment to the development of his country. Recipient of esteemed honors such as the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Shri, he continues to inspire millions of people worldwide as a symbol of brilliance and generosity.

Everything you need to know about Narayana Murthy luxury apartment in Bengaluru

Credit: UB City Bengaluru

According to reports, Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy made a prominent real estate move when he paid Rs 50 crore for a second opulent flat in Bengaluru's renowned Kingfisher Towers, setting a new pricing standard for the neighborhood. Situated on the sixteenth floor, the 8,400-square-foot home has four bedrooms and five designated parking spots.

According to a Times of India story, the sale has one of the highest prices in the city's posh commercial district, at Rs 59,500 per square foot. On a 4.5-acre plot of land in the desirable UB City neighborhood, Kingfisher Towers consists of 81 opulent apartments dispersed across three blocks. The average size of the apartments in the 34-story complex is 8,321 square feet.

Credit: Wikipedia

In 2010, Vijay Mallya's firm and the Prestige Group entered into a joint venture to develop the site that had previously housed his family home. The flats were first offered for sale for Rs 22,000 per square foot. According to the report, Sadhwani Real Estate Holdings brokered the acquisition of Murthy's new apartment from a businessman in Mumbai who had held the property for over ten years.

This comes after a string of high-profile deals in Kingfisher Towers, such as the one four years ago when Murthy's wife, Sudha Murty, paid Rs 29 crore for a 23rd-floor apartment. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw of Biocon and Rana George, the son of Karnataka Minister KJ George, are two more notable locals.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
The Greek television series "Maestro" has become a global sensation, captivating audiences worldwide and earning praise from Hollywood legends.

Created by Christoforos Papakaliatis, the show debuted in Greece two years ago to critical acclaim and has now made history

as the first Greek series to be acquired by Netflix for international distribution.

The series, which recently concluded its third season, has garnered a devoted following in Greece and beyond.

Adding to its success, Hollywood icon Morgan Freeman recently took to Instagram to praise "Maestro," calling it a "masterpiece" and highlighting its stunning Greek island setting. Freeman's endorsement comes just ahead of the international release of the third season on Netflix on December 28th.

This isn't the first time "Maestro" has caught the eye of Hollywood stars. Demi Moore has also expressed her admiration for the show and visited Paxos, the Greek island where it is filmed, further fueling the series' international buzz.

The show's creator, Christoforos Papakaliatis, has gained significant recognition abroad, with prominent Greek-American figures like Netflix's Ted Sarandos, actress Nia Vardalos, journalist Maria Menounos, and actor John Stamos attending the U.S. premiere in 2023.

The global success of "Maestro" underscores the growing appeal of Greek storytelling on the international stage.

It demonstrates that local narratives, when crafted with artistic excellence, can resonate with audiences worldwide, breaking down cultural barriers and showcasing the power of compelling storytelling.

   iefimerida.gr
The Bauchi State Police Command has detained two suspects accused of vandalizing and stealing government property worth millions of naira from active project locations.

Ahmed Wakil, the commands Police Public Relations Officer, issued a statement on Friday confirming this.

Wakil stated, The suspects, identified as Ibrahim Mohammed Inuwa, 26 truck driver, and Ukasha Abdulmalik, 17 resident of Karofin Madaki, were caught red-handed on Thursday loading a stolen concrete cave belonging to Bauchi state government.

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This operation was spearheaded by SP David Silas, who oversees the Commands Works Department and in conjunction with Bauchi State Ministry of Works.

READ MORE: Police Nab ATM Fraudster In Katsina, Recover 2.7m, 14 Stolen Cards

Wakil revealed that Ibrahim, the main suspect, confessed to acquiring the stolen concrete caves at an unusually low price of 350 each from two unidentified persons along Emirs Drive in Bauchi.

The PPRO disclosed that efforts are underway to track down the other suspects involved in the crime, with a commitment to ensuring they face justice.

He also stated that the vehicle and stolen concrete caves had been recovered as exhibits.
At least five yet to be identified passengers have been killed following a road accident in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

It was gathered that the horrible incident happened on Friday, along the Iwo Road Ojoo expressway, between a commercial Micra car and a truck.

A source who witnessed the unfortunate experience said: The identities of the driver of the car and the passengers are yet to be known.

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Their dead bodies were evacuated by the government relevant agencies that midnight and taken to an undisclosed morgue within the Ibadan metropolis.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Command of Road Safety, Rosemary Alo, while confirming the incident on friday, issued warning against road violator and excessive speed while driving.

READ MORE: Oyo Govt Hands Over Job Seeker To Police Over Alleged Result Falsification

She noted that Motorists are always in a hurry thereby causing avoidable loss of lives.

Mrs. Rosemary said: In areas where construction works are ongoing, commercial vehicle owners and other road users must adhere strictly to the diversions placed and ply the road with patience no matter the time of the day.

One person died on Thursday at Idi-Ose, while five people died, and one person sustained an injury at the General Gas area opposite the NNPCL filling station. Six others escaped unhurt.
The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun has claimed that criminal justice system in Nigeria is not only weak but sick.

Egbetokun, speaking at the 2024 Annual Lecture/Award Ceremony, Ikeja, Lagos State, organised by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria, on Thursday, urged citizens to stop blaming the police.

Represented by the Forces Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, IGP noted that the nations criminal justice system also needs to be revived.

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He said: Police is not the only pillar or stakeholder in the criminal justice system in this country.

We have challenges, we accept, but we will try our best to make sure we have a better system.

All of us must come together to help perfect criminal justice or justice system administration in Nigeria. If this system is working well; it is going to affect you, it is going to us.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, said that corruption remains one of the most persistent challenges affecting all sectors and institutions of the Nigerian society.

READ MORE: Ondo Guber: IGP Bans Amotekun, Others, Warns Political Thugs Against Misconduct

He said: Corruption remains one of the most persistent challenges affecting all sectors and institutions of the Nigerian society, undermines policy-decision making, resource mobilisation and utilisation, policy execution and service delivery.

Our experience at the ICPC in partnership with key stakeholders, has shown that tackling corruption effectively, across sectors and institutions, requires a proactive, multi-faceted approach.

This approach should focus not only on enforcement but also on prevention, deterrence, and systems reform.
Nollywood actress, Ini Edo, made a notable appearance at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia.

The actress was seen mingling with Hollywood stars Eva Longoria and Vin Diesel.

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Sharing photos from the event on Instagram on Friday, Ini Edo described Eva Longoria as her favorite housewife and expressed her excitement about being in the company of such prominent figures.

READ MORE: Nigeria Not Thriving Because Of Bad Leaders  Davido

Her caption read, Was so lovely meeting my favorite housewife Gabrielle @evalongoria, @vindiesel and so many others at the opening of @redseafilm festival. Last night was amazing. Nollywoodtotheworld.

Ini Edos appearance at the festival highlights Nollywoods growing influence on the global film industry.

SEE POST:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDPStjju5KC/?img_index=2&igsh=MWIzMGpoenFmOWNnZA==
The Kaduna State Police Command has apprehended two alleged gunrunners, Zubairu Musa, aged 40, and Nasiru Saidu, aged 17, both residents of Kankara Local Government Area in Katsina State.

Officers from the 47 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Zaria, intercepted the suspects during a routine vehicle patrol along the Zaria-Jos Road in Kaduna State.

ASP Mansir Hassan, the state Police Public Relations Officer, said in a statement on Friday that the suspects were found with eight locally made pump-action weapons, one locally made handgun, and sixty-five live cartridges.

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READ MORE: Ogun Well Accident Claims Life Of Digger

He further stated that preliminary inquiry suggested that the individuals were involved in the illegal trafficking of firearms.

According to the police spokesman, the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, congratulated the officers for their prompt response and underlined the Commands commitment to upholding peace and order.

The statement read, On 5th December 2024, at about 11:35 hours, officers from 47 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Zaria. Acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of illegal arms within the state intercepted two suspects during a routine vehicular patrol along the Zaria-Jos Road.

The suspects, identified as Zubairu Musa, 40, and Nasiru Saidu, 17, both natives of Kankara Local Government Area, Katsina State, were found in possession of a bag containing eight locally made pump-action guns, one locally made pistol and 65 live cartridges.

The suspects are currently cooperating with the police to aid in the apprehension of their accomplices and to uncover the full extent of the gun-running network within the state.
A nine-year-old child is reported to have started a fire that destroyed a three-bedroom bungalow at No. 52, Mandate 2 Housing Estate in Ilorin West Local Government Area, Kwara State, on Thursday.

The blaze was triggered when the child, playing with matches, set a mattress on fire, which quickly spread.

PUNCH Online learned that the fire completely consumed a bedroom, the kitchen, and the balcony of the house.

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Sources revealed that the boys mother was outside attending to visitors when neighbors alerted her to thick smoke coming from the bungalow.

The incident was confirmed by the fire service in a statement issued on Friday and signed by Hassan Adekunle, the Principal Fire Officer and Media and Publicity Head.

READ MORE: Fire Engulfs Section Of Queen Elizabeth Hall At University Of Ibadan

Adekunle said, The Kwara State Fire Service responded to a fire outbreak on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate, Ilorin, where a three-bedroom flat was nearly destroyed.

The fire was caused by a nine-year-old child playing with matches, which ignited a mattress and escalated the blaze.

However, the fire department recommended parents and guardians to educate their children on the hazards of playing with fire, adding that they should keep matches, lighters, and other flammable materials out of reach of children.

We strongly urge the public to prioritise safety at all times, especially as children spend their holiday at home with limited supervision while many parents are at work. Parents and guardians are advised to be vigilant of their children.

As the festive season approaches, we must emphasize the dangers of firecrackers, commonly known as bangers.

Parents must educate their children on the dangers of firecrackers and ensure they are used responsibly, if at all. Let us all work together to prevent such tragedies this festive season.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. A roundtable on "The Azerbaijani and Turkish Examples of Parliaments in Public Diplomacy" is taking place at ADA University within international parliamentary conference themed "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Prospects", Trend reports.

The event will feature discussions of the role of parliaments in public diplomacy between Azerbaijani and Turkish parliaments' representatives.

Additionally, the roundtable will host panel discussions themed "The role of parliaments in public diplomacy" and "The role of digital technologies and the media in the activities of parliaments".

To note, international parliamentary conference themed "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Prospects" is being held at the Azerbaijani Parliament, bringing in close to one hundred representatives from the parliaments of 13 countries, along with international organizations.

The event aims to encompass discussions regarding the role of parliaments in contemporary global processes, the evolution of parliamentary traditions

Will be updated
Davido, a well-known Afrobeats artist, has blamed Nigerias problems on bad leadership.

In an interview with Elevate Africa, shared on X Friday, the 32-year-old hitmaker highlighted the significance of effective leadership in advancing the country.

The musician contended that Nigerians can prosper anywhere in the globe because to their resourcefulness and determination.

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We cannot go forward without the best leaders. I feel like Nigerians adapt, he said.

READ MORE: Davido Unveils Fifth Album 5ive For 2025, Drops New Single Funds

Like I tell people, if you can survive in Nigeria, you can survive anywhere. We are survivors. We are strong people.

Davido, however, emphasized that having the right leadership is key to unlocking Nigerias full potential. He stressed that with the right leaders, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and reach greatness.

I just feel the only thing missing is the right leaders. Everybody in the world has Nigerian friends. Everywhere in the world I fly to the Nigerian community is there. It just shows we are a force, he added.

Leadership is one of the main things. I think once we get that right, I do not think there is anything that would stop us.
Nigerian actress and producer Stella Damasus is thrilled as her debut full-length feature film, Water Girl, has been selected to premiere at the esteemed Flathead Lake International Cinemafest.

Scheduled to run from February 14-16 in Polson, Montana, United States, the film festival has nominated Water Girl for five awards, including Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Score, Best Picture (Feature), and Best Montana Film.

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Damasus shared her pleasure and appreciation on social media, praising the outstanding cast and crew who worked on the production.

She praised the accomplishment as a Christmas came early experience, promising that Water Girl is about to shake things up in the industry.

READ MORE: Spotify Crowns Asake, Ayra Starr As Most-Streamed Nigerian Artists In 2024

Moriyah Faith J plays the lead role in Water Girl and has earned a nomination for Best Actress. The films original score, composed by Blessing Agu and Kasiemobi Udemadu, has also been recognized with award nominations.

She wrote on Instagram on Friday: I am so excited about this project and cant wait for you all to see it. I was an actor and co-producer on this one. WATER GIRL is about to shake things up. Message from the writer, producer/director: Christmas came early!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited to announce that my debut full-length feature film, WATER GIRL, has just been selected to premiere at the Flathead Lake International Cinemafest, February 14-16 at Polson Montana.

My heart is full of joy. We were also nominated for not 1 or 2 but 5 awards:

Best Director, Best Actress for @moriyahfaith_j, Best Original Score for Blessing Agu and Kasiemobi Udemadu, Best Picture, Feature, Best Montana Film.

Eternally grateful to my cast and crew, for doing this project with me. Without you, this project would not have been possible.

SEE POST:
Some yet to be identified gunmen have killed a woman in the Mayo Dasa area of Jalingo, Taraba State.

It was gathered that the unfortunate incident happened on Friday 6th December 2024.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the gunmen invaded the compound of the woman, and started using machetes to break her windows.

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This was confirmed on Friday by Taraba State Police Command Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Usman, in a phone interview with Channels TV.

He said: She was reading in her room, preparatory for an examination she was writing, and all of a sudden they opened fire on her, shot her at the back which penetrated and came out through the stomach.

READ MORE: Troops Raid Bandits Hideouts In Taraba, Recover Arms, Ammunition

In a related development, the gunmen opened fire on the clergyman without picking anything from his house or kidnapping other occupants left.

Usman revealed that the two victims passed on while being attended to in their hospital beds.

He said: After breaking the windows, while in fear the occupants of the house stepped out to be whisked away and surprisingly they did not take anyone along with them.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has lashed out at critics of President Bola Tinubus reform efforts, labeling them as enemies of Nigeria driven by jealousy.

Umahi made this assertion on the sidelines of an investigative public hearing by the Senate Committee on Works in Abuja on Friday.

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According to Umahi, the current reform embarked upon by President Tinubu will reposition the economy in due time.

He emphasized that the reform is well understood by those heading various sectors of the economy, and they are all working towards actualizing it.

READ ALSO: Minister Umahi Threatens To Terminate 10 Federal Road Contracts In Niger

Umahi also addressed the controversy surrounding the Lagos-Calabar coastal project, attributing the criticism to envy and jealousy.

According to him President Tinubu is turning the nation around on a positive note, despite critics doubting his ability to do so within a short timeframe.

The Minister further explained that the diversion of the road when work reached 16 kilometers was necessitated by the African communication cable that came from the ocean, which was reconnected at kilometer 26 to avoid past experiences.
Nigerian social media activist Martins Vincent Otse has addressed the growing concerns about his NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), Martins Vincent Otse Initiative.

This follows an earlier revelation by VeryDarkMan (VDM) that music mogul Don Jazzy had donated a substantial N100 million to his NGO account, sparking significant attention on social media.

The Martins Vincent Otse Initiative is a nonprofit organization focused on empowering underprivileged communities across Nigeria by providing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

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In the wake of the donation, many online users have called for transparency in how the NGO operates.

READ MORE: Basketmouth Uncovers Nollywood Producers Mismanagement Of Streaming Funds

In response to the critics on Friday, VDM posted an online video in which he explained the situation.

He shared that he had created an app to track the NGOs income and expenditures, which is now available to the public.

He assured online users that they have full access to the accounts details and emphasized that his actions were purely transparent, claiming no one has ever been as open about their NGOs finances.

Captioning the video, he wrote, TAG ALL THOSE NAYSAYERS-OGUN KPAI ALL OF DEM, NO NGO IN THE WORLD CAN DO THIS, NO NGO IN NIGERIA WILL EVER DO THIS, IT IS ONLY VDM, YOU CANT DOUBT THE RATEL, I AM A BIG FORCE (I repeat no one in this world will do this) check MVOI4all.com

@mvoi4all verify here and also verify by yourself and @zenithbankplc double security on my NGO ACCOUNT.

SEE BELOW:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDPRElAsaj_/?igsh=MW9lZmxua3VmN3l2OQ==
SAN FRANCISCO  Job hunting for Nadeera Waduwara Kankanamalage has been nothing short of frustrating over the past two years. So a week before Thanksgiving, the 32-year-old Austin resident took an unlikely approach to landing a new tech gig: He went on LinkedIn offering a $3,000 reward to anyone who connects him to his next job.

Kankanamalages written plea in his post sums up what many job seekers are experiencing right now: The market is brutal and the number of rejections are a gut punch.

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Its a whatever-it-takes mentality, he said in an interview with the Washington Post. Hopefully its a good signal for a potential employer that Im proactive, and Im trying to solve this problem in a creative way.

Exasperated by too much competition, no return communications, and automated rejection letters, job seekers are getting creative on social media to get a foot in the door. Many of them have spent months looking for roles, applying to hundreds of openings and turning to social media with seemingly nothing to lose. Some are offering rewards for job leads, tagging employers in their posts in the hopes of getting a comment, and getting vulnerable with videos and banners that say they are desperate for work. Their approaches represent a marked shift from how people used to handle layoffs and employment.

That shift might be a by-product of peoples greater willingness to be open, said Brett House, an economics professor at Columbia Business School. Not too long ago, people wouldve been mortified to say they were open to work.

Kankanamalage said he is trying different things to see what sticks.

I need to be creative in getting myself into the workforce again, he said.

While more people are using social media networks to amplify their job hunt, unemployment remains relatively low in the United States at 4.1 percent, just above the 54-year record low last year of 3.4%, according to the Labor Departments Bureau of Labor Statistics. The strong labor market is expected to continue into next year under the new presidential administration, House predicts.

Despite the strong labor market, some industries are experiencing substantial churn as they reconfigure their workforce to address evolving business needs like artificial intelligence, he added. The share of people who have been unemployed for six months or more is increasing, while many workers may be less likely to relocate due to low mortgage rates that they scored during the pandemic, he said.

Some job seekers have taken to TikTok, shedding tears as they explain their layoffs and ask for help. Others are making creative videos to show their skills, or producing video resumes. Then theres the multitude of people who are making their case on the professional networking platform LinkedIn.

Laura Martyna, a recruiting and human resources professional, created a mini marketing campaign for herself on LinkedIn after being laid off in September. Even though the 43-year-old in Concord, N.C., has more than 15 years of experience, including at Amazon, she said shes only landed two interviews out of hundreds of job applications.

When her dream job at Eli Lilly opened, she listed the reasons the company should hire her. She tagged the company, as well as former colleagues and bosses, whom she asked to add comments to support her effort. She also tagged the hiring manager, who responded with appreciation for the enthusiasm.

I dont know how else to get flashing lights to get attention, Martyna said the day after she posted. Its worth a shot. Nothing else is working.

Days later, Martyna got an automated rejection letter. But shortly after, the hiring manager asked to set up a meeting to learn more about her. For Martyna, the post paid off.

Other job seekers have tried to cast wide nets by using banners that border their LinkedIn profile pictures with the phrase Open to Work. Its one of the most common banners used, but some whove added it complain that it lures scams and bots. As an alternative, some LinkedIn members created their own banners using words like motivated or excited instead.

One banner, made by a designer out of Britain, briefly went viral a couple of months ago. It pulled no punches with one blunt word: desperate.

Jordan Dye, a 27-year-old, whos been trying to break into the cybersecurity industry, added it to his profile immediately after seeing it.

I saw an opportunity, took it and then it blew up way bigger than I thought, said the Dallas resident, who previously had relatively few LinkedIn connections. I have over 1,600 followers now.

Dye said his post explaining the banner got about a half-million views, connections, and a lot of discussion. But he didnt hear from hiring managers. He later changed his banner to Dying, playing off his name and the widespread desperation in the market. Dye, who for now isnt using either banner, estimated hes applied to 4,500 jobs since June 2023.

Another job seeker, Rita Williams, initially used the banner in solidarity with the desperate movement. But the 38-year-old, whos seeking a job as a technical analyst for a social justice reform organization, still displays it after two months, eight interviews, and 500 applications.

It seems like it became an indicator of, Wow this person has been through it, she said about the banner. It generates interest, and people are kinder.

She said shes also in the process of creating a nonprofit. Desperate times call for desperate measures, she said.

LinkedIn said people who use the Open to Work banner on average are 40% more likely to receive messages from recruiters and 20% more likely to receive messages from other members. To avoid scams, LinkedIn said job seekers should look for verification badges on job postings and profiles.

Building relationships

Given LinkedIns easy-apply button, and generative AI, which can quickly tailor a resume for a specific job, employers and recruiters are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of candidates. But two recruiters were mixed on whether social media posts are a reliable way to stand out in the candidate pool.

Some of them are entertaining, but I dont know if Id hire based off that, said Mindy Totaro, a senior creative recruiter at staffing agency Aquent. Do you understand the skills or is it about just trying to get someone to respond?

Instead, Totaro says job seekers should focus on building relationships with recruiters and hiring managers, even if they dont pay off right away, and ensure that their resume skills match the job. Its also best to be among the first applicants because recruiters sometimes have just 24 hours to present top candidates. To see job postings faster, follow recruiters and employers on social media, she said.

But Thomas Vick, a technology employment trends expert and regional president with recruiting firm Robert Half, said creative posts  when done right  may give job seekers a leg up.

Anything that differentiates you in a positive, productive manner, especially if you can highlight how it can be beneficial to the business  it certainly can help, he said, adding that candidates should try to stand out.

Some job seekers exhausted by the void of silence and repeated rejections are becoming brutally honest. Feeling invisible after hundreds of applications, Chuck Williams let his LinkedIn network know that hes on the verge of losing his house. Williams, a 36-year-old husband and father of two in Richland, Wash., said he was laid off just two months after purchasing the house. Six months later, he made his vulnerable LinkedIn plea for leads.

I genuinely needed to be honest about where Im at and what I feel, he said.

Since the post, hes received at least 3,000 comments and messages, mostly from people facing similar struggles. The post hasnt led to a job, but it did land him two interviews with hiring managers. The outpouring of support that came from that post taught Williams a lesson:

There isnt a silver bullet here. But what I think resonates with people is honesty.
The targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a powerful executive walking alone on a New York sidewalk, is forcing a broad examination of security practices by corporations whose leaders are frequently subject to threats and internet vitriol.

Thompson, 50, was reportedly the subject of threats before he was fatally shot Wednesday morning outside the midtown Manhattan hotel where UnitedHealthcare was holding its annual investor conference. New York police said Thompson was not accompanied by a security detail at the time he was shot by an unidentified gunman, who remained the subject of a manhunt Friday.

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The reported threats, and publicly available information about the event, should have necessitated some level of protection, said Jonathan Wackrow, chief operating officer for Teneo Risk and a former Secret Service agent. The question remains, why did he not have it?

Thompson's killing, by a masked gunman who waited for him before methodically shooting him from behind, shocked corporate leaders and the public alike. But security consultants said the shooting, while exceedingly rare, was indicative of rising levels of danger for executives whose companies are often the subject of intense public controversies.

Health-care leaders can face a particularly high risk of violence, security experts said, given that their decisions can affect whether people have access to critical medical care.

The targeting of Thompson also highlights the potential danger to executives who arent household names. Though he ran a business that provided health insurance to 50 million people and brought in $281 billion in revenue last year, Thompson oversaw a subsidiary of a larger company  UnitedHealth Group  and wasnt its public face.

Executives in the internet age have faced rising risks, as online databases make it possible to track corporate planes and identify executives home addresses.

There were some indications that health insurance companies have taken immediate steps to enhance security. UnitedHealth has removed the web page listing the photos and bios of its top executives. CVS, which owns insurer Aetna, has also removed photos of its leaders on its website.

UnitedHealth said late Thursday that our priorities are, first and foremost, supporting Brians family; ensuring the safety of our employees; and working with law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice. The company will continue to be there for those who depend on us for their health care, it added. It did not respond to questions about threats against Thompson or his level of protection.

Five of the nations largest insurers  CVSs Aetna, Elevance, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association  either declined to say whether they were taking extra security measures or did not respond to requests for comment.

Out of respect for the Thompson family, were not commenting at this time, said Phillip Blando, a CVS spokesperson.

We will not comment on Humanas security procedures, a Humana spokesperson said.

Law enforcement officials have not identified a motive for Thompsons killing. Police found words on shell casings at the scene that echo a common criticism of insurance companies  delay, deny, defend  that could indicate he was targeted in connection with his work, according to a person with knowledge of the investigation.

Corporate leaders are sometimes the subject of direct verbal protests or even physical confrontation by activists, analysts said.

There are always issues and incidents involving leaders within companies, but theyre more low level  you get people having paint thrown on them, eggs tossed, said Dave Komendat, president of DSKomendat Risk Management Services and a former chief security officer at Boeing. He participated in a telephone call with dozens of corporate security officers to discuss best practices after the shooting.

Health insurers like UnitedHealthcare have at times, a lot of angry customers, said Fred Burton, a former special agent with the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service who now works at Ontic. I guarantee you, anybody else in this sector  in the health-care sector  is reassessing their security posture to see what kind of threats are out there.

Just over a quarter of the companies in the Fortune 500 reported spending money to protect their CEOs and other top executives. Of those that did, the median payment for personal security doubled over the last three years to about $98,000.

In many companies, investor meetings like the one UnitedHealthcares Thompson was walking to when he was shot are viewed as very risky because details on the location and who will be speaking are highly publicized.

Some firms respond by beefing up security. Others forgo in-person meetings with shareholders. Government health insurance provider Centene Corp. joined that group Thursday, citing the UnitedHealthcare executives death in announcing that its upcoming Investor Day will be held online, rather than in-person as originally planned.

Determining the need for and appropriate level of an executive-level protection program is specific to each organization, said David Johnston, vice president of asset protection and retail operations at the National Retail Federation. These safeguards should also include the constant monitoring of potential threats and the ability to adapt to maintain the appropriate level of security and safety.

Some organizations have a protective intelligence group that uses digital tools such as machine learning or artificial intelligence to comb through online comments to detect threats not only on social media platforms such as X but also on the dark web, says Komendat. They look for whats being said about the company, its employees, and its leadership to uncover risks.

There are always threats directed towards senior leaders at companies. Many of them are not credible, Komendat said. The question always is trying to determine what is a real threat vs. what is someone just venting with no intent to take any additional action.

But while corporate security concerns are increasing, security measures are not ubiquitous. Less than a quarter of S&P 500 companies provided home or personal security as a financial perk to their CEO in 2023, according to WTW, a risk management consultancy. Only 16% provided such services to top executives other than the CEO. Such disclosures only concern security outside the workplace.

Thompson, for instance, was also a top executive of UnitedHealthcares parent corporation, UnitedHealth Group, and received pay valued at $10.2 million last year. The company didnt report paying any fees for personal security for its executives  benefits that have to be disclosed if they exceed $10,000  in securities filings going back to 2018.

Some security consultants said that having a professional protecting Thompson might have made a difference, pointing out that they might have taken a more circuitous route to the hotel or swept the area beforehand to see if anyone was loitering.

If there was a detail on the gentleman, I think it certainly could have been avoided, said A.J. Caro, CEO of Arrow Security, which provides security guard services to hospitals, schools, and various businesses.

Still, many executives chafe at protection and feel theyre not in danger. More than just having a security specialist present, executives need one they can confide in about things happening in their personal lives that could make them a target, too, said Manny Mounouchos, founder and CEO of Avante, a Toronto-based security firm that provides executive protection globally.

Wackrow, the former Secret Service agent, said that Thompsons shooting may mark the beginning of lasting change in corporate security.

It was really the first time that many corporate leaders actually saw the manifestation of a threat into physical, targeted violence, he said. It played out right before their eyes. I think that for a lot of corporate leaders, that rattled them.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.
The parents of Eric Harrison, Dawn Fobbs and Eric Coates, speak to the media on Jan 9, 2024, during a news conference announcing a lawsuit against Macy's. Read more

A Philadelphia man who stabbed two security guards at the Center City Macys last year, killing one, has pleaded guilty to murder and related crimes and now faces the prospect of decades behind bars, authorities said Friday.

Tyrone Tunnell, 31, admitted Thursday that he fatally stabbed Eric Harrison, 27, and also stabbed another security guard at the store last December, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office said.

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Tunnell had tried to steal some hats at the department at 13th and Market Streets, but his crime was foiled when the security guards confronted him and retrieved the merchandise. He returned around 10 minutes later and stabbed the two guards with a pocket knife as horrified holiday shoppers looked on.

Harrison, was struck in the neck and later died from his injuries. The other guard, Christian Mitchell, was stabbed in the face, groin, chest, and back, but survived.

Harrisons mother, Dawn Fobbs, was in court as the man accused of killing her son admitted his guilt, and she said she was nearly overcome with emotion.

Tunnell, she said, expressed no remorse. His attorney Shaka Johnson could not immediately be reached for comment.

Fobbs and Harrisons father, Eric Coates, said they were grateful that Tunnell accepted responsibility for his crimes and would face a long prison sentence.

I am thankful justice is being done, said Coates. At the same time Im heartbroken because two lives are lost here. The life of my son who was trying to do the right thing working, and this young man who made a dumb decision, a senseless act that made no sense at all over two hats.

Harrison, whose family called him Lil E or Dizzle, was a kind, loving, and hardworking man, who worked two full-time jobs, his family said. He would sort mail overnight at the U.S. Postal Service in the Northeast, then drive down to help open the Macys.

He had a passion for sneakers and fashion and loved the Eagles, a fandom he shared with Coates.

A year after Harrisons death, his family says, their loss remains profound.

They have sued Macys and its affiliates, alleging a lack of security and safety measures that they say might have prevented their sons death.

Tunnell is scheduled to be sentenced in February for third-degree murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault. He faces decades in prison, but Harrisons family said no amount of punishment would be sufficient.

Even if he spends life in prison, he still gets to call his mother, call his father and say Merry Christmas, happy Mothers Day, said Fobbs. Im forever robbed. Theres no time thats going to give me back what I lost.
Lankenau Medical Center in Montgomery County is part of Main Line Health Read more

Lankenau Medical Center was cited by the Pennsylvania Department of Health for failing to report a suspected case of child sexual assault.

The May incident, first reported by The Inquirer in August, was one of six times state health inspectors visited the hospital, which is owned by Main Line Health, to investigate potential safety problems between February and October.

Heres a look at the publicly available details:
Physician Peter Gliatto visits Carolyn Dickens, a lung cancer survivor who lives alone in the one-bedroom Harlem apartment shes had for 31 years. Dickens doesnt know what shed do without ongoing medical attention from Gliatto. Having to get up and go out, you know, putting on your clothes, its a task, she says. And I have the fear of falling. (Judith Graham for KFF Health News) Read more

Carolyn Dickens, 76, was sitting at her dining room table, struggling to catch her breath as her physician looked on with concern.

Whats going on with your breathing? asked Peter Gliatto, director of Mount Sinais Visiting Doctors Program.

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I dont know, she answered, so softly it was hard to hear. Going from here to the bathroom or the door, I get really winded. I dont know when its going to be my last breath.

Dickens, a lung cancer survivor, lives in central Harlem. She has serious lung disease and high blood pressure and suffers regular fainting spells. In the past year, she has fallen several times and dropped to 85 pounds, a dangerously low weight.

And she lives alone, without any help  a highly perilous situation.

Across the country, nearly 2 million adults over 65 are completely or mostly homebound, while an additional 5.5 million seniors can get out only with significant difficulty or assistance. This is almost surely an undercount, as the data is from more than a dozen years ago.

Its a population whose numbers far exceed those living in nursing homes  about 1.2 million  and yet it receives much less attention from policymakers, legislators, and academics who study aging.

Consider some eye-opening statistics about completely homebound seniors from a 2020 study in JAMA Internal Medicine: Nearly 40% have five or more chronic medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease. Almost 30% are believed to have probable dementia. Seventy-seven percent have difficulty with at least one daily task such as bathing or dressing.

Almost 40% live by themselves.

That on my own status magnifies these individuals already considerable vulnerability, something that became acutely obvious during the COVID-19 outbreak, when the number of sick and disabled seniors confined to their homes doubled.

People who are homebound, like other individuals who are seriously ill, rely on other people for so much, said Katherine Ornstein, director of the Center for Equity in Aging at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. If they dont have someone there with them, theyre at risk of not having food, not having access to health care, not living in a safe environment.

Research has shown that older homebound adults are less likely to receive regular primary care than other seniors. Theyre also more likely to end up in the hospital with medical crises that might have been prevented if someone had been checking on them.

To better understand the experiences of these seniors, I accompanied Gliatto on some home visits in New York City. Mount Sinais Visiting Doctors Program, established in 1995, is one of the oldest in the nation. Only 12% of older U.S. adults who rarely or never leave home have access to this kind of home-based primary care.

Gliatto and his staff  seven part-time doctors, three nurse practitioners, two nurses, two social workers, and three administrative staffers  serve about 1,000 patients in Manhattan each year.

First, Gliatto stopped in to see Sandra Pettway, 79, who never married or had children and has lived by herself in a two-bedroom Harlem apartment for 30 years.

Pettway has severe spinal problems and back pain, as well as Type 2 diabetes and depression. She has difficulty moving around and rarely leaves her apartment. Since the pandemic, its been awfully lonely, she told me.

When I asked who checks in on her, Pettway mentioned her next-door neighbor. Theres no one else she sees regularly.

Pettway told the doctor she was increasingly apprehensive about an upcoming spinal surgery. He reassured her that Medicare would cover in-home nursing care, aides, and physical therapy services.

Someone will be with you, at least for six weeks, he said. Left unsaid: Afterward, she would be on her own. (The surgery went well, Gliatto reported later.)

Several blocks away, Gliatto visited Dickens, who has lived in her one-bedroom Harlem apartment for 31 years. Dickens told me she hasnt seen other people regularly since her sister, who used to help her, had a stroke. Most of the neighbors she knew well have died. Her only other close relative is a niece in the Bronx whom she sees about once a month.

Dickens worked with special education students for decades in New York Citys public schools. Now she lives on a small pension and Social Security  too much to qualify for Medicaid. (Medicaid, which serves low-income people, will pay for aides in the home. Medicare, which covers people over age 65, does not.) Like Pettway, she has only a small fixed income, so she cant afford in-home help.

Every Friday, Gods Love We Deliver, an organization that prepares medically tailored meals for sick people, delivers a weeks worth of frozen breakfasts and dinners that Dickens reheats in the microwave. She almost never goes out. When she has energy, she tries to do a bit of cleaning.

Without the ongoing attention from Gliatto, Dickens doesnt know what shed do. Having to get up and go out, you know, putting on your clothes, its a task, she said. And I have the fear of falling.

The next day, Gliatto visited Marianne Gluck Morrison, 73, a former survey researcher for New York Citys personnel department, in her cluttered Greenwich Village apartment. Morrison, who doesnt have any siblings or children, was widowed in 2010 and has lived alone since.

Morrison said shed been feeling dizzy over the past few weeks, and Gliatto gave her a basic neurological exam, asking her to follow his fingers with her eyes and touch her fingers to her nose.

I think your problem is with your ear, not your brain, he told her, describing symptoms of vertigo.

Because she had severe wounds on her feet related to Type 2 diabetes, Morrison had been getting home health care for several weeks through Medicare. But those services  help from aides, nurses, and physical therapists  were due to expire in two weeks.

I dont know what Ill do then, probably just spend a lot of time in bed, said Morrison, who also has congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and depression.

Morrison hasnt left her apartment since November 2023, when she returned home after a hospitalization and several months at a rehabilitation center. Its hard to be by myself so much of the time, she told me.

Still, she endures. Its kind of amazing how people find ways to get by, Bruce Leff, director of the Center for Transformative Geriatric Research at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, said when I asked about homebound older adults who live alone. Theres a significant degree of frailty and vulnerability, but there is also substantial resilience.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF.
The State Committee on Work with Diaspora hosted the presentation of short films included in the "History of Azerbaijan" project.

Following the playing of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the memory of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of the country was honored with a minute's silence.

In his introductory speech, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora Fuad Muradov stated: "Today, under the directives of President Ilham Aliyev, diaspora activities have significantly expanded, and the Azerbaijani diaspora is successfully implementing numerous projects. When discussing the promotion of our country's culture, we must highlight the immense contributions of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, led by First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, in preserving and promoting our national, cultural, and spiritual values globally. Azerbaijani communities abroad are also conducting international projects in this regard, and our state prioritizes supporting the initiatives of diaspora organizations."

Subsequently, the presentation video of the "History of Azerbaijan" project , as well the films "Ancient Religions and Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan", "Iron Fist - The Patriotic War" and the film about "Akinchi" newspaper were screened.

The project includes 16 short films that depict significant periods in Azerbaijan's history. The films were produced in Canada through the joint efforts of the "Vatan" Azerbaijan Arts and Culture Center and ELTV Media Group.

Lalin Hasanova, director of the "Vatan" Azerbaijan Arts and Culture Center, emphasized the importance of such projects in conveying the realities of Azerbaijan to the international community. She expressed gratitude to the creative team and the State Committee on Work with Diaspora for their support, adding that the next project will focus on producing animated films for children.

Other speakers, including Milikh Yevdayev, the head of the Mountain Jews Religious Community, Flora Gasimova, former Member of Parliament and spouse of National Hero of Azerbaijan Shirin Mirzayev, and Zamiq Aliyev, project participant, highlighted the significance of these films in promoting Azerbaijan's history and culture.

The films have been incorporated as teaching materials into the curriculum of weekend Azerbaijani schools abroad and are also showcased at community events in various countries.

The "History of Azerbaijan" project was created in Canada with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora and the Azerbaijan Diaspora Support Fund, in partnership with the "Vatan" Azerbaijan Arts and Culture Center and ELTV Media Group.

The films can be viewed via the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/@historyofazerbaijan
Sen.-elect Dave McCormick was undoubtedly the star of this years Pennsylvania Society event  the states annual weekend of political elites swarming Manhattan for swanky cocktail parties and receptions.

As he worked through a packed schedule of more than a dozen events starting Thursday, the soon-to-be-sworn-in Republican was surrounded by Republicans ecstatic McCormick had ousted three-term U.S. Sen. Bob Casey. In nearly equal measure, he was greeted warmly by Democrats eager to form a new relationship with Pennsylvanias next junior senator.

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He was the most popular guy in the room.

At a Friday afternoon reception hosted by Coldspark, the Pittsburgh-based GOP consulting group that ran McCormicks campaign, attendees were celebrating his win. When he made a brief appearance, news quickly traveled to the back of the small Irish pub that the new senator had arrived.

Later that evening, lottery company Scientific Games and law firm Polsinelli hosted a private party in honor of McCormick and his wife, Dina, a former Trump administration official.

And when McCormick arrived at the Rockefeller Centers Rainbow Room for a reception hosted by the Duane Morris law firm and its lobbying arm Duane Morris Government Strategies, a crowd of well-wishers quickly formed. McCormick told reporters he wouldnt be answering questions that night but said his celebratory weekend was going so far, so good.

As McCormick celebrated, Casey also spent time in New York, in a more reflective mood.

Both spoke Saturday morning at the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Associations annual bipartisan luncheon at the ornate Metropolitan Club near Central Park. The candidates were seated with each other, and it was the first time they had spoken since Casey called McCormick last month to concede the razor-thin race days into a statewide recount.

The speeches themselves were off-the-record and closed to reporters, but Casey and McCormick each spoke to The Inquirer afterward.

In prepared remarks provided by McCormicks campaign, the senator-elect imagined what Pennsylvania might look like at the end of his first term  theorizing lower crime rates, improved schools, more jobs, and a Steelers-Eagles Super Bowl.

We just did a thought experiment of what success would feel like, what would it look like [for Pennsylvania], McCormick said in an interview. Hopefully Ill be an important part of that, but Im just one part.

In his speech to the PMA luncheon, a coveted opportunity, McCormick pledged to be a strong, bipartisan voice aiming for that goal.

Its the future we dream of for our beloved Pennsylvania. But whether we get there or not depends on what we do  the people in this room and leaders across Pennsylvania, he said, according to his prepared remarks.

Casey, for his part, told The Inquirer he warned McCormick that while he was taking a great job, he might not like the hours. But for much of the speech, Casey said, he reflected on his 18-year Senate career and roughly three decades in public service.

He recounted one of his first trips to Pennsylvania Society and the PMA luncheon in 1994, when he was preparing for his first run for auditor general. He arrived with his father, the late Gov. Bob Casey, in what would have been one of the elder Caseys last Pennsylvania Society trips.

I remember how eager I was at that moment. And now here I am, 30 years exactly, and Im at the other end of it, he said.

While Casey said he isnt sure yet whats next for him, he said it wouldnt be his last Pennsylvania Society. But he was looking forward to the future, when hell no longer have the pressures of a U.S. senator.

Itll just be a little easier. Ill have a little more manageable schedule, he said. A lot of years Ive come up here, and Ive thought I would really like to go see a play and I cant do that. Now I can.

Staff writer Gillian McGoldrick contributed to this article.
Pennsylvania delegates Carolyn Bunny Welsh, back left, and Lawrence Tabas, front right, at the RNC in Cleveland, Ohio on Monday, July 18, 2016. Read more

Pennsylvania GOP chair Lawrence Tabas has a challenger for state party leader.

Ted Christian, who lives in Bucks County and worked as state director for the Trump campaign in 2016, announced his intention to run for the position Friday during the annual political swank-fest in Manhattan known as Pennsylvania Society.

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Minutes later, Paul Martino, a Bucks County venture capitalist who funded a slate of mostly conservative suburban school board members in 2021, said at the same Young Republicans event that he will back Christian, 56, with a $100,000 investment in his campaign.

Campaigning for state party chair is somewhat rare, but Martino said supporting Christian is his reason for reentering the political scene. Christians interest in the position became known among Republican committee members in recent months.

Theres a generational shift that needs to happen in the party, Martino said. As old as Trump is, hes made inroads, and I feel like our current leadership, with the wait your turn philosophy, is never gonna get us there.

Tabas, 71, the longtime Philadelphia-based general counsel to the Republican Party, has held his post as party chair since 2019 and has not said whether he will seek reelection. He did not immediately return a request for comment Friday.

Tabas was the only candidate nominated in 2019, and won the chairmanship unanimously as the party reeled from scandal. He replaced former chairman Val DiGiorgio, of Chester County, who resigned following allegations of sexual harassment.

Despite bruising losses, his party did not try to oust him after the 2022 midterms. The chair is elected by about 350 state committee people. More people could jump in, especially if Tabas opts not to run.

Most of the state committee members will wait to see what Lawrence Tabas wants to do, state committeeman and longtime GOP strategist Charlie Gerow said. And if he determines that he doesnt want to seek reelection, I believe there will be other significant candidates.

For all the hand-wringing over the future of the Democratic Party following losses this November, its the Republican Party that looks poised for a leadership referendum. Thats partly due to the election cycle.

While Tabas is up this year, Democratic chair state Sen. Sharif Street is not up for reelection until 2026, and Democrats have made no indication of an imminent leadership shake-up.

The Republican Party won big at the top of the ticket in Pennsylvania this year, flipping the state for Trump, sending Republican Dave McCormick to the Senate, and adding two GOP members of Congress to the House ranks.

But at the local statehouse level, Democrats largely hung on. And Christian would bring a more direct tie to Trump as he prepares for a second presidency.

How in the world does Trump win by three points, and you win all the rowhouses, and you dont get back a single seat in the statehouse? Martino said. Thats a failure of leadership.

Christian, a former director of New Jerseys Republican state committee, also served on Trumps first transition team and worked on his 2020 campaign as a senior adviser.

Martino, a father in the Central Bucks School District, became a known political player in 2021 when he spent half a million dollars backing a slate of largely Republican school board members, an effort he framed in opposition to COVID school closures.

He poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into campaigns for Republican candidates in the Bucks County school board race in 2023 when Democrats flipped control of the board.
I adore Christmas, it is the one time of year when I feel relatively normal as most of the country is obsessing as much as I am over what food and drink to serve.

This is not a boast (I hope!), but Ive cooked every Christmas dinner and chosen the matching drinks in our house since 1993. Some years were more successful than others, but at Christmas everyone is very forgiving so do not fret.

The only proper mistake I can think of was the time I went to a wine shop on Christmas Eve and bought a bottle of expensive Burgundy (Gevrey-Chambertin) from a producer I didnt know. Sadly, it was mediocre, but wasnt the only wine in the house, so all was not lost.

The best advice I can give is not to panic but to pick a couple of options if you are having guests, as tastes vary. Christmas Day is also not the best time to open that prized bottle as it will probably get lost in the chaos. If you must open the prized bottle, make sure you have a back-up in case it is corked or past its best.

Fabulous Fizz

You know you need fizz in the house! It is the best breakfast wine, it matches present giving and is the perfect aperitif. Your local independent off-licence should have some grower Champagne on the shelves and of the Grande Marque Champagnes I have a particular fondness for Pol Roger and Louis Roederer. If you want a more familiar name, opt for Moet Vintage or Rose, both of which are tastier than the standard version.

My recommendation: Albet i Noya Petit Albert Classic Brut, Penedes, Spain, 23.99

Organic fizz from Penedes. Pear and citrus aromas mixed with brioche and creamy lemon  textured and crisp on the palate with boiled sweet hints and lemony freshness. Fine quality for the price.

Perfect Party Wines

Ill keep this one simple. Head to Dunnes Stores and pick up a selection from the Laurent Miquel range, as many of their wines are on offer for between 7.80 and 10 until Christmas. Laurent and his Irish wife Neasa make consistently great wines at very low prices  I particularly recommend the Chardonnay/Viognier, the Solas Pinot Noir, and the Cazal Viel St. Chinian.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

My favourite non-alcoholic drink is homemade lemonade. I recommend trying Darina Allens Grannys version, or my recipe, which is overleaf.

Kefir and kombucha are great alternatives to alcohol too, and any good health food store will have a selection.

For non-alcoholic wine, I recommend the Hollow Leg range or Leitz Ein Zwei Zero (both available from independents). Hollow Leg Cabernet is given extended lees contact which provides the wine with more body than in most de-alcoholised wines. The Hollow Leg Albarino (in sparkling and still format) is also recommended.

My recommendation: King of Kefir Lemongrass & Ginger, 0% ABV, 33cl. 3.99

Just seven calories per bottle and packed with flavour. This is tangy, zingy, and gorgeous with a light fizz and a pleasing touch of heat from the ginger. I also love their Cucumber, Mint & Thyme one all five flavours are worth trying. A proper adult drink.

What to drink with Christmas dinner

To serve with starters

Christmas starters usually involve shellfish or smoked salmon, but if by any chance you have soup I suggest a dry Oloroso Sherry (from good independents such as Bradleys or ODriscolls).

My recommendation: Terras Gauda O Rosal Albarino, Rias Baixas 2016, Spain, 25

I havent featured this fine Albarino in a few years, but recently tasted a bottle I had aged for five years and it was delicious  the ageing added texture and depth. Even young, however, this is packed with layers of peachy fruits cut through with zing and character. Perfect for seafood.

To serve with mains

Turkey is a forgiving meat, and can match with red or white, but you need something rich to cope with the trimmings, so Im suggesting reds this year. Best to go with something with some sweet fruits like I have suggested below.

In the US it is traditional to serve Californian Zinfandel at Thanksgiving, and so that is another option (Seghesio, Ridge, Ravenswood). If you must have white, I suggest a good Macon Burgundy, either a Village wine or Pouilly Fuisse (OBriens).

My recommendation: Azul y Garanza Naturaleza Salvaje 13%, Garnacha, Graciano, 25

Organic minimal intervention wine from 35-year-old Garnacha vines grown in the Desert of Bardenas Reales in Navarra  hot days, cool nights, poor soil. Fermented on wild yeasts, ripe berry, and plum fruits, supple soft and lively on the palate, textured and fresh. A&Gs Graciano is also recommended (19 in Matsons and Ardkeen).

My recommendation: Chateau Mont-Redon 2020, Rhone, France, 57

Chateauneuf-du-Pape and wines from the Southern Rhone all work well with turkey and goose. This is not quite the bargain it used to be, but is still worthy of its price. The 2020 pours dark and dense with rich plum and baked cherry aromas, ripe and luscious on the palate, supple and fleshy with some crunch and texture.

To serve with dessert

The rich dried fruit flavours we associate with Christmas can also be found in port and sherry  there is a good reason that the bulk of port and sherry sales are at Christmas. Both are undervalued and so represent great value. It is not that long ago that vintage port cost the same as a top Bordeaux like Chateau Margaux, now it costs a tenth of the price.

My recommendation: Armilar Late Bottled Vintage Port 2018, 13.99

You will find port on offer in all the supermarkets. You cant go wrong with the big names such as Taylors, Warre, Dow, Kopke, or Offley, to name just a few. Ten- or 20-year-old Tawny from any of these houses is recommended, or opt for a late bottled vintage, which is richer and finer than basic ruby port. This version from Lidl is brilliant value. With blackberry and cherry aromas, and ripe juicy berry flavours, it is lighter in style but great value.

My recommendation: Lustau East India Solera Sherry, Spain, 50cl, 22-23

This is not overly sweet, so works with desserts and cheese as well as with Christmas cake etc. Made from 80% dry oloroso and 20% sweet Pedro Ximenez (PX)  aromas of Moscatel raisins and nuts, elegant and complex with sweetness balanced by dried berries and acidity. For the full Christmas in a glass experience, go for the pure Lustau Pedro PX, best served cool.
Trying to explain last weeks election to people here in England has been tricky. For one thing, Ive had to bring it up myself each time.

Unlike with the US election last month, there were not  from Hartlepool to Hull  political junkies eyeing up the charts and maps of Cork North West and Longford-Westmeath.

The scant mentions on news channels were bite-sized in duration, allotted roughly the same level of importance as stories about pandas being born in Chinese zoos or those events where thousands of people gather in regional town centres to break the Guinness World Record for most people dressed as Elvis at once.

Given this lack of interest, I want to scold our neighbours for their indifference and tell them that, actually, our election was fascinating, and suppress the part of myself that considers it a more of the same, please affair.

So, Ive given some thought as to how I might make any of it sound remarkable at all.

MORE OF THE SAME

For one thing, the incumbents basically won.

The ruling Fianna Fail-Fine Gael coalition took 43% of the vote and 49% of the seats  despite a particularly wonky electoral period on the part of Taoiseach Simon Harris, the man who called the election and then spent his campaign snarling at every voter he met as if they were an intruder in his home.

In return, the party suffered only a minor dip  coming third in the polls with 38 seats.

On 48 seats, Fianna Fail emerged as the largest party, setting the stage for another go-around for the ruling coalition which has been in some form of shared Government for most of the last tumultuous decade. They are, thus, largely responsible for most of the overlapping crises the vast majority of voters cited as their key issues going into this election.

The housing crisis, the increased cost-of-living, and the state of public health were the top three issues given every time. But, when it came down to it, very nearly half of those voters decided that the guys currently overseeing those crises were somehow best placed to solve them.

Ill admit I find this hard to explain to befuddled Englanders, who struggle to work out the cause and effect at play.

Its simple, I say, its like how if you praise an arsonist enough, hell eventually become a fireman. Itll all work out in the end. If this seems strange, please be assured that it is.

By voting, broadly, for its incumbent Government, Ireland has bucked the trend of almost every other western democracy on Earth.

Harvard political scientist Steven Levitsky notes that, since the pandemic, 40 of 55 elections in western democracies have ousted their incumbents  a tally that does not include governments like those of India or Japan, which clung to power following heavy losses, or of France, whose ruling coalition toppled as I was writing this very sentence.

In this context, the Irish governments combined vote share looks remarkably stable, a vote of confidence thats vanishingly rare in the rest of the world.

Some point out that the FF/FG vote, though basically unchanged from the last election, is still a far cry from their traditional electoral hegemony.

Nevertheless, they have more than enough momentum to form a Government with a few Independents and smaller parties, the rise of whom has also proven newsworthy.

Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik surrounded by her newly elected TDs ahead of their parliamentary meeting in Leinster House. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

EYES TO THE CENTRE

The focus now is on which of those smaller parties  Labour and the Social Democrats chief among them  could or would enter Government with the current duopoly, given repeated evidence that doing so is something of a poisoned chalice.

One must only gaze toward the annihilation of their coalition parties, the Greens, to witness this phenomenons most recent and painful example.

One thing everyone seems ready to agree on is that this election was a poor one for Sinn Fein  the one Irish political party my English friends will reliably know  who failed to capitalise on the goodwill and momentum theyve recently built up, and who were beset by scandals in the lead up to last weeks vote.

For this, they languish in second place with an unprecedentedly large haul of 39 seats in the Dail.

A performance which has been unanimously declared a resounding political failure.

For me, personally, just two other tidbits have proved useful in conveying the import of this election to outsiders.

One was the campaign of Gerry Hutch, a man whose stature is hard to explain to English people.

In most western countries, the idea of a famous gangland figure is something of an oxymoron, considering that its an occupation one presumes it would be better to keep under wraps.

Not so for The Monk, who parlayed his name recognition into very nearly getting a seat in the Dail.

THE FAILURE OF THE FAR-RIGHT

The other main takeaway was the utter non-entity that was the far-right vote in Ireland.

Everywhere their candidates stood, they were met with ignominy across the board  perhaps most memorably in Philip Dwyers remarkable tally in Wicklow.

Opening the box for Newtownmountkennedy  the town in which he helped foment anti-immigrant protests in May  revealed just one ballot in his favour.

An achievement which, in the memorable words of Jake Hurley, brought new meaning to the phrase one man one vote.

While we can take solace from the fact the most egregious of those provocateurs have been routed, it remains true that the normalisation of hateful rhetoric has emboldened elected constituents of other parties.

If I were to muster a takeaway from those facts, I would just say this: Only 6% of voters cited immigration as a major issue for them immediately before the election, this despite acres of coverage, free advertising, and an entire televised debate on the topic.

It would be nice to think some of that normalisation might cease in the face of incontrovertible evidence that voters minds are on other things.

Its not much, in the face of an election that offers little chance for meaningful change in this republic but, on that issue at least, more of the same is not good enough.
The only remaining sibling of Irelands longest-missing child has claimed that a garda in Waterford ran my brother out of Ireland as he made a final appeal for information after more than 60 years of campaigning.

James Jimmy Malachy ONeill was just 16 years old when he vanished from his home at 17 Leamy St, Waterford, on December 15, 1947. He will be missing 77 years next week.

The 16-year-old had worked in a local shipping company and it is believed he stowed away on one of their ships.

His disappearance tore through his family, leaving his father Jim dying of a broken heart and his distraught mother Bridie repeatedly calling out his name on her deathbed.

Frank ONeill, who was the youngest of the couples seven children, took up the baton and has campaigned to find information on what really happened to his brother for the past 60 years.

Now, in an emotional interview with the Irish Examiner, he has revealed for the first time his belief that intimidation by a local detective forced his brother to flee. And that fear of this man stopped him from ever returning. He is appealing to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to open an investigation into the case.

My family was destroyed over Jimmy said Frank, who was just four years old when his brother ran away.

For 42 years, Ive never missed Mass because it is prayers that have helped me in this very lonely road to find my brother.

I know most of what happened to my brother, he said. But I still dont know where he is now, dead, or alive, probably dead but you just dont know.

Jimmy O'Neill. His brother Frank now says a detective garda was looking for Jimmy after a postal order went missing from the shipping office where he worked, causing the boy to flee Waterford. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

"The truth is my lovely brother was run out of the country by one bad detective in Waterford at the time who really had it in for him.

Jimmy saw no way out and ran and he never ever came back and that same garda tormented my family for years, until he died.

He persecuted my poor mother. We fought a toxic battle all our life, carrying enormous inner sorrow, Frank says.

So why break his silence and detail his belief that a garda is to blame after all this time? Ive seen some gardai get away with abusing people before the courts in recent years and its made me think of him, the detective who tormented my brother and family and I just want it all out there now.

Frank said his brother Jimmy has been accused of stealing a postal order in Waterford just days before his disappearance.

Frank O'Neill in Dunmore East, Co Waterford this week: 'The truth is my lovely brother was run out of the country by one bad detective in Waterford at the time who really had it in for him.' Picture: Patrick Browne

He was never arrested by gardai, or formally questioned over the matter. Frank has asked to see any garda file or record on his brother or details of the allegation against him.

The garda station at the time in Waterford was called Adelphi Quay, there is now a new garda station in Ballybricken, he said.

Ive been told by gardai they have nothing like that on my brother.

I think the detective just took a disliking to him and that was it. Back then you didnt open your mouth.

That man, the detective, when you saw him, you were fearful of him.

Frank said they were just a very inoffensive family.

But he kept coming at us, I dont know if he was tormenting Jimmy before an incident with a postal order, but he tormented us after Jimmy ran.

He used to threaten my mother. He would say to her I know you know where Jimmy is and she was so frightened of him.

Frank O'Neill, his sister Nancy, mum Bridget 'Bridie' and brother Jack. Frank says: 'I used to go down the town with my mother. People would be stopping to ask her if there was 'any news on the young fella and she would be crying. The woman next door to our house, she said she would wake up at night listening to my mother crying.' Picture: Patrick Browne

He would come to the door and stick his foot in it. He did it one day when my older brother Jack answered, and Jack told him to get his foot out of the door, or else.

He had told Jack he was looking for Jimmy because a postal order went missing from the office in the local shipping company where he worked.

Frank says he doesnt know what was the value of the missing postal order, but Jimmy didnt want to be treated like a robber.

He stood no chance of going up against the gardai, so he ran. Thats the way it was. It leaves you breathless.

My sister Nancy emigrated to England and then America because of that detective coming to the house and she must have said I dont need that. The same applied to Jack. He was in Mullingar, which was miles away then, but I had to stay. I couldnt leave a sinking ship.

The note from Jimmy Frank said he was in his 20s when he discovered a note that Jimmy had posted to his mother after he left. My mother had a pot, in our tiny hall in Leamy St. I found this piece of paper one day and it was from Jimmy. The Irish Examiner has seen the note, written in pencil and now faded. It reads: Mama dont keep my dinner hot; Ive drowned myself.

Jimmy

Also tell Mr Jones [Jimmys former boss] to get a new messenger,

I am not a robber.

I dont want to disgrace my family being treated like that. Frank said: I dont know where he wrote the note from. But I put it away and I never asked my mother about it, I didnt want to upset her, she was grieving enough. I didnt have the envelope or stamp, which would be helpful today. "I asked Jack about it years later and he said Jimmy had posted it to our mother. 'Dear mama... The note Jimmy ONeill wrote to his mother after he apparently fled Waterford at the age of 16. Picture: Patrick Browne

Children going missing was a rare event, and Jimmy was the talk of Waterford for years, Frank says.

I used to go down the town with my mother, said Frank. People would be stopping to ask her if there was any news on the young fella and she would be crying. The woman next door to our house, she said she would wake up at night listening to my mother crying.

My sister Nancy told me that she went to Midnight Mass with our father the first Christmas he was gone, and she said, Frank youd want to see the tears coming out of dads eyes, they were like hailstones they kept coming.

He said he cant fully explain the hurt that that garda caused his family.

Also Jimmy hurt us by never coming back, but he must have been terrified.

Franks father, Jim, was a railway driver and was stationed in Kilkenny and Rosslare, while his brother Jack was in Mullingar. Franks mother Bridie was often home alone for long periods of time as a result.

She would be in an awful state, said Frank. It was a heavy burden for her. It was a house full of sadness.

In April this year, Mr ONeill wrote to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to ask for an investigation into his brothers disappearance.

I have told Commissioner Drew Harris everything, he appointed someone to speak to me and that was in October. I never heard anything again.

I remember one female garda saying to me over the years oh, your brother was a robber and had to leave and that really stuck with me. My brother was never convicted of anything, and I asked about a file or a record on this and there is none

He was run out of this country, and he didnt come back, continued Frank.

He must have been terrified, and I dont know if he stole the money or not, I dont even know how much it was for, but the letter to my poor mother he wrote was awful to read. It was a house full of sadness.

For decades, Frank ONeill, who never married or had children, dedicated his life to caring for his heartbroken parents and siblings while campaigning for his missing brother. After he retired from Waterford Crystal, he continued the search.

Frank O'Neill and his sister Nancy, who died in 2015. 'Nancy told me that she went to Midnight Mass with our father the first Christmas he was gone, and she said, Frank youd want to see the tears coming out of dads eyes. They were like hailstones.' Picture: Patrick Browne

But I feel extremely let down now, because when I did go to the gardai in April this year about this, I met with an inspector in October, and nothing ever happened. So I have decided to speak out now and let people know, including all of those who tried to help me, what really happened. We always knew he ran away.

Well now my family secret is out. I was always in fear of saying it. I still felt frightened to speak out.

Jack ONeill died in 2012, while Franks sister Nancy passed away in 2015,

I was very close to Nancy. When we were talking, we used to say why did Jimmy not stay and stand his ground? But then how could a young fella of 16 stand his ground?

"The garda would want you to open your mouth and the wrong thing would come out.

Investigations into the disappearance of Jimmy have continued over the years but Frank stresses he has carried out most of the work himself.

Jimmy could be in Liverpool or Canada

A ship's manifest surfaced in the past decade that showed a possible match to Jimmy onboard a vessel to Liverpool.

In the past year, Frank has worked with genealogists in Liverpool who believe they have found a match for Jimmy who married and had at least one child.

It appears Jimmy got married when he went to Liverpool and changed his name. We believe we have a match, but nothing is 100%.

Frank ONeill with his treasured photo of his brother Jimmy at the Missing Persons Day event in Croke Park on Wednesday. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins

It looks like he then felt the gardai were following up on him  I am sure they would have known he had gone to Liverpool as it was the obvious place to run to, with a large Irish community and someone would have helped him.

I believe from our research and working with the parish records in Liverpool that Jimmy felt the law in Ireland was coming after him, that that one garda found out where he was, and he ran again.

We have a possible match in Canada of a man fitting Jimmys description dying alone in Canada but we are not sure that it is definitely Jimmy but thats as close as weve gotten so far.

"So, sadly, the search continues.

The garda press office did not respond when asked to comment.
After counting got underway in last weeks general election, one reality became very clear.

With 86 of the 174 seats in the next Dail, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael would at least make up one part of whatever coalition forms the government of the 34th Dail.

That numerical reality, while some have not accepted it as a done deal, is undeniable. The Civil War parties, while accounting for their lowest vote share total of all time, at just over 42%, will control large swathes of the next parliament.

That reality should prompt some soul-searching from those who had spent the three weeks in the general election campaign arguing that another five years of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael rule would be a disaster for the country.

However, the fragmentation of the Irish political landscape since 2016, coupled with Micheal Martin and Simon Harris ruling out talking to Sinn Fein, means that the path to power in the Dail is exceptionally narrow at present.

But is there a left alternative? Can it be built in five years ahead? Or is it always destined to eat itself?

In 2020, Sinn Feins 24.5% of the vote saw it claim 37 seats and come back as the second-largest party in the Dail with the largest number of votes. But a dearth of candidates meant that many of the beneficiaries of that surge were other parties of the left, some of whom parlayed that support into seats, some of whom didnt.

Take, for example, the countrys largest vote-getter in 2020, Sinn Fein TD for Dublin Bay North, Denise Mitchell. Without a running mate, she took 21,344 votes, nearly a full 10,000 above the quota. When her surplus was redistributed, Independent Left and People Before Profit picked up 2,000 votes each, Social Democrats TD Cian OCallaghan got 1,200, and Labours Aodhan O Riordain added 600. Fine Gaels Richard Bruton netted just 160.

The vote left, transfer left idea was something that parties were espousing on the doors, but was more heavily backed on social media, where it trended in the days ahead of polling. In truth, there was no formal or even informal agreement among the parties.

In the end, while Sinn Fein claimed victory and the left spoke about the latent desire for change and some in the Fine Gael and Fianna Fail benches said that Mary Lou McDonalds party could reach the 80-TD threshold for a majority, this was disingenuous. Any coalition at that time would have asked the Green Party to work with the Healy Raes to work with People Before Profit to work with rural and regional independents. Not exactly the stability that covid-era Ireland was searching for.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald celebrates winning a seat . Sinn Fein is set to have talks with the Social Democrats and Labour. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

In 2024, not much has changed in terms of pure numbers, but Sinn Fein is attempting to put in the work, meeting with the Social Democrats on Thursday and Labour likely next week.

The partys housing spokesman Eoin O Broin is a key cog in that machine and denies that a Fianna Fail and Fine Gael renewal is a foregone conclusion.

Our focus is on government formation, you can see this isnt locked in, he told the Irish Examiner. Our approach is that we live in the real world, but we have to be ready to provide that alternative in the short, medium, and long term.

Were not talking about opposition at the moment.

Real world

However, that real world is one where if Sinn Fein was able to woo Holly Cairns and Ivana Bacik sufficiently and if Roderic OGorman was minded to throw in his lot alongside nine (a generous number) Independents who may be willing to back such an arrangement, they would still be 14 seats short of a Dail majority.

Yes, Sinn Fein deserves credit for its due diligence, but the chances of a truly left government are slim. The only way those parties end up in government is with one or both of the Civil War parties, who look set to rely on Independents to get over the line.

If that does transpire, what is the left to do?

Now-retired former Labour TD Brendan Howlin is a veteran of the question of whether the left is a viable alternative. In 1997, the Labour Party ran much of its general election campaign on the basis that it was a choice between left and right, buoyed in large part by the election success of the resurgent British Labour Party under Tony Blair. However, the party would lose half of its seats and oust leader Dick Spring, having been washed away by Bertie Aherns popular and populist Fianna Fail, and would merge with Democratic Left within two years.

Just days after the first election which he did not contest in 42 years, Mr Howlin strongly believes that a left-wing alternative is possible  if the parties can stop fighting.

Of course a left-wing alternative could emerge, said Mr Howlin. Theres real opportunity to build a serious alternative there. The old duopoly has been shattered of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. But we have to present policies that are attuned to the needs of people. We have to explain what an interventionist state backed by taxation means.

Mr Howlin is also clear on one thing that some of the left find somewhat unpalatable  the Labour Party is part of the solution, not the problem. Following the 2011 coalition with Fine Gael, Labour has found its brand among many of the left to be toxic, but Mr Howlin says theyre going nowhere.

The curse of the left has been seeing those closest to you as your enemy. The next Dail presents a chance to reverse this.

There was no outreach from Sinn Fein until late in this election campaign and even then it excluded Labour. The Labour Party

is the anchor of that centre-left vote. We will be the anchor of that into the future and we need to build with a sense of confidence.

Weve survived a century because the critical core will be there. Simple mathematics will tell you, you cant do it without us. If people are serious about building an alternative, they must acknowledge it.

Mick Barry: The answer is people-powered politics on the streets. Picture: Chani Anderson

For Mick Barry, who was a Socialist Party TD for Cork North Central until last week, the answer is in getting people on the streets. While many on the left pride themselves in their grassroots work, the country hasnt seen mass mobilisation of people on a domestic issue since water charges. Mr Barry believes that the assumed coalition can lead to the renewal of that energy.

A right-wing government dominated by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will open up opportunities for the left to mount not only a vigourous opposition in the Dail but also people-powered politics on the streets, said Mr Barry.

The country is crying out for a strong housing campaign of this character. With Trump in the White House and the clock ticking towards 2030 climate, real opportunities are there also to build a youthful climate justice movement on the streets.

I was elected in 2016 with more than 8,000 votes when social protest in the form of water charges was at a high point. If the left is going to capitalise on the opportunity offered by right-wing governments, the lessons are clear as what needs to be done on this front.

Co-operation

The left in Ireland has long been seen as the punchline to the Brendan Behan quote about the priorities of any Irish organisation. The first item on the agenda, he said, was the split. With Democratic Left having come from the Workers Party, which had its roots in a dispute over the Sinn Fein name, and the Social Democrats founded by two former Labour members, there is plenty to point at.

At this stage, questions about a merger between the red and purple parties of Irish politics are so frequent that they are met with eyerolls from members of either and both sides reject the idea.

Were not them and theyre not us. The ideology isnt miles apart, but the outlook is, said one Social Democrats source. A Labour Party source says that the pair joining forces would be pointless as it would merely dilute support.

We could absolutely work together in the future, but the best way of doing that is to get as many seats as possible, said a senior Labour figure.

Gary Gannon of the Social Democrats celebrates being elected. Picture: Sam Boal/Collin

Mr O Broin agrees that co-operation on the left neednt mean coalition.

A lot of people are writing that for the left to grow it must coalesce, but the opposite is true, he said, pointing to an example in his own constituency where Labours candidate was the popular local councillor Francis Timmons. In 2020, Mr Timmons and the Labour Party combined for 2,600 first preferences, but as a Labour candidate this time, he pulled 2,200. The point, Mr O Broin says, is that the assumption that combining forces improves appeal is not necessarily true.

PR allows you vote for the party you want.

Theres also a lot of co-operation here in Leinster House that people dont see. The Raise the Roof housing campaign was going really well before covid. On the Climate Bill, Lynn Boylan, Reada Cronin, and Jen Whitmore came together on amendments and the Planning Bill saw myself and Cian OCallaghan work to amend that.

The challenge is seats, so we all have to focus is on how we maximise our votes into seats.

Interestingly, one former government TD said that the most likely version of a left-wing government in Ireland would be a change of leadership in Fianna Fail.

If Micheal was gone and you had a leader like Darragh [OBrien] who was more of that working-class Fianna Fail, you could see something close to left wing. Thats as close as I think it comes.

Dublin City University School of Law and Government professor of politics Gary Murphy agrees that the path to a left-wing government is narrow.

The short answer is theres unlikely to be a path in the next five years, said Prof Murphy. Youve parties trying to find their own path and their own vote. And theres an attraction for about half the people in the country for a version of centrism.

I dont see that dropping in the short term without a calamity.

However, as the left faces those questions about the next five years, many who are seeking a change of approach will watch Labour and the Social Democrats closely. Both parties will meet with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael next week. At which point, the left could lose one of its potential building blocks and the existential questions would deepen.
When Cumann na mBan captain Kathleen OConnell saw 17 lorries and a car with a lady searcher approach her house in West Cork in 1921, she was confident all incriminating material had been dumped. Everything, that is, except the dispatch still in her pocket. She took it out and ate it.

When I read that detail  quoted in Karen Minihans excellent volume More Extraordinary, Ordinary Women  I tried to imagine what it was like to scrunch up a piece of paper and force down its brittle dryness before yet another raid on your house got under way.

But then Kathleen OConnell, of 62 Main Street, Ballydehob, was well-accustomed to raids. In an earlier sweep, she managed to stuff a sheaf of documents into a schoolboys bag which she put on her back and hid under a coat.

As she said herself: Even though constantly raided, I prevented even the smallest document being captured.

This time, though, a lady searcher  one of the Womens Auxiliary Service recruited, as the name suggests, to help search women  was on the way. Kathleen spotted her and knew she had to take quick-thinking, if drastic, action. It was not the first time. The same kind of steel-nerved composure allowed her to spirit weapons out of her house during an earlier raid.

HISTORY HUB If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading

On another occasion, when the whole village of Ballydehob was surrounded, she got through a blockade with two loaded revolvers, a holster and clips of bullets hidden in a large hand-basket under bread and a head of cabbage

They would have shot me probably if they had discovered [the ammunition], she wrote.

Karen Minihan: 'You had these women of ferocious courage and kindness who were caring and loving. On the other side of that, you had people being killed and there is the legacy of that.'

And yet when writer and theatre director Karen Minihan went to Ballydehob to find out more, nobody remembered Kathleen OConnell or her role as captain of the Ballydehob branch of Cumann na mBan and, by 1921, treasurer of Schull District Council.

There was no trace of this woman who had cycled miles between Bantry, Ballydehob and Skibbereen to carry dispatches. During the War of Independence, she raised funds for the volunteers, allowed her home to be used as a battalion headquarters, took charge of arms and ammunition and, at one point, acted as battalion adjutant, a role held by very few women.

During the Civil War, she was even denounced from the pulpit by the parish priest for aiding the rebels, yet that did not stop her. In August 1922, she went to the Cumann na mBan convention in Dublin  at her own expense  where she received firearms training and helped to organise collections of the Dail Eireann loan.

Like so many other women, she paid a heavy price for her activism. She said herself she had sacrificed a school career, having abandoned her studies in Dublin to join the fight for independence. When it was all over, she felt she had no other choice but to emigrate to the US. She left in 1925 and returned at some point later, but found herself in dire financial circumstances.

We know all of that because it is spelled out in her application for a military pension in 1937. In the early years of the State, her contribution was not only remembered but recognised by several public figures, who said she was one of the most valuable officers in Cumann na mBan.

Not that the State put a value on that. On July 4, 1939, Kathleen OConnell was awarded a Grade E pension, the lowest of five categories established under the Military Service Pension Act 1934.

Six short years later, she was dead. Think of her this Wednesday, on the 79th anniversary of her death. Maybe by the time her 80th anniversary comes around next December, there will be a wall plaque in situ to remember this extraordinary, ordinary woman whose untold story is one of several resurrected thanks to Karen Minihans sleuthing work.

The Schull-based writer and artist first started to research her story  and those of many other women  when she realised the complicated legacy of the violent birth of the State still resonated in modern Irish society.

To illustrate her point, she gives the example of a friend, from a Protestant family, who still had to appease her grandmother when she decided to marry a Catholic. Her grandmothers father had been killed by the IRA in 1921.

Karen recalls another story of a neighbour who called to see an elderly grandaunt in Ballydehob beautifully turned out, as she thought, in her peaked cap, black polo neck, dark boots and tweed jacket. When her grandaunt opened the door, she went pale and stumbled sideways into the wall, caught entirely off guard by the echo of the Black and Tans uniform on her doorstep.

Tess Buckley. Pictures courtesy of Karen Minihan

The memory of that time might be embedded in our collective consciousness, but the full story of those who experienced it is not. When Karen Minihan put out a call for stories to help fill in the many blanks, she was amazed by what she found.

Those stories became a book, Extraordinary, Ordinary Women. A second volume followed, along with performances, and now two documentaries directed by Ciara Buckley, of Wombat Media, whose own grandaunts, Tess and Mary Buckley of Gortbreac, Castlehaven, feature in the second book.

All of this work is not only eye-opening, but it represents a powerful act of un-erasure; that seems like the appropriate word because these womens contributions were actively effaced when the story of the foundation of the State was being written.

But theres more to it than that. Karen explains: You had these women of ferocious courage and kindness who were caring and loving. On the other side of that, you had people being killed and there is the legacy of that. I wanted to put all of that out there and say, Okay, so what do you think? How can we come to a resolution of it?

More Extraordinary, Ordinary Women was launched at the beginning of the year. Now, at the other end of the year  and the country  Dr Margaret Wards exceptional work in recovering the voices of women revolutionaries continues with the launch of Rebel Women.

For the first time, she tells the stories of nationalist women active in areas where you might not expect to find them, in this case, the Cumann na mBan members of Belfast and the Glens of Antrim between 1914 and 1924.

As Dr Siobhra Aiken, another illuminator of womens obscured experiences, writes in the foreword: This study seeks to recover the voices of women whose struggles have been, in the words of the American poet Adrienne Rich, muffled in silence over and over.

Telling those stories, she adds, is important not just in itself but because a better understanding of womens activism in the past might help navigate the way to a fairer, more inclusive future.

She is so right. Going back to reclaim the other half of the story will help us to forge a better path ahead.

The documentaries Extraordinary, Ordinary Women and More Extraordinary, Ordinary Women are screening on Thursday, December 12, at 8pm in Ahamilla GAA Club, Clonakilty.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. A new master plan is being crafted for the vibrant tapestry of Ismayilli city in Azerbaijan, aiming to weave modernity into its fabric while nurturing the seeds of sustainable growth, Trend reports.

Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan, shared his outlooks on his official social media page.

During his official visit to Ismayilli, Guliyev met with Nahid Bagirov, Head of the District Executive Authority, to discuss the details of the new master plan.

The discussions centered around the phases of executing strategies to enhance the street and road infrastructure, cultivate a contemporary architectural identity for the city, and elevate the urban ecosystem.

Additionally, Guliyev held a reception for citizens from Ismayilli, Agsu, Gobustan, and Shamakhi, addressing their concerns related to land issues, obtaining construction permits, and the commissioning of new facilities.

The State Committee of Urban Planning and Architecture, a Cabinet agency in Azerbaijan, regulates urban construction and development and oversees architectural activities. The committee ensures compliance of urban construction in the country, develops the city building sector, protects and preserves city building and national architecture traditions, ensures proper use of territories and resources in cities and their surroundings, prepares city building methodologies and manuals, and ensures improvement in architectural planning and design.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
How will Tanaiste Simon Harris retain the energy required to steer and grow his party through a new coalition?

In negotiating a coalition arrangement, the personal deal cut by the Fine Gael leader will be crucial, who will be relinquishing power, at least on a short-term basis after just seven months at the helm.

The same trappings and attention that come with the office of An Taoiseach are not extended to the Tanaiste's title, everyone wants to speak to the leader not his deputy.

This was evident in Scotland on Friday when Kier Starmer sat down for discussions with both Harris, the caretaker Taoiseach, but more importantly with Martin, the Taoiseach-in-waiting. It was a telling break from the usual protocol which dictates that leaders generally only hold bilateral meetings with their counterparts.

A demotion to second fiddle will undoubtedly take some adjustment, but a creative workaround could allow Harris to continue operating on an elevated stage.

(Left to right) Taoiseach Simon Harris, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the British-Irish Council (BIC) summit in Edinburgh. Photo: Andy Buchanan/PA

The finer details of the rotating Taoiseach and the Cabinet carve-up are important and will take up countless column inches of speculation and gossip, but Harris must ensure that he chooses his own piece on the ministerial chessboard very carefully.

There are multiple considerations.

Does Harris now focus on rallying the party troops by choosing a portfolio that allows him to travel the country and meet the grassroots? Or does he opt for a job that has the gravitas of an international leader, which would ultimately make the transition back to Taoiseach a little smoother?

One senior Fine Gael source suggested that Martin will have to give Harris whatever he wants, especially since Fianna Fail has been indicating that it wants control of Justice in the next coalition. As part of this exchange Fine Gael will be expecting an equally weighty portfolio, perhaps allowing Harris to move into Foreign Affairs.

But Martin is a wily and experienced negotiator and will likely be reluctant to provide Harris with the opportunity to outshine him, despite being in a lesser role.

"He was a minister when I was doing the Leaving Cert," said one TD who has served in multiple governments. He added that Martin "hasn't driven himself since 1997" when he became Education Minister and has experience in negotiating multiple coalition deals.

Foreign Affairs

When Martin opted to take up the role of Foreign Affairs Minister in late 2022 many suggested it was the kiss of death for the Cork South Central TD.

The example of former Labour leader and Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, who was left stranded on the other side of the Atlantic at the United Nations in New York when his junior minister Roisin Shortall resigned, was raised.

Being out of the country on such a regular basis, it was suggested, would allow the disaffected and disenfranchised within the Fianna Fail party to build into a coherent rump. When the cat's away the mice will play.

Warning of such a move, a Labour source remembered how Dick Spring, while serving as Foreign Affairs Minister in the mid-nineties, literally would land on the tarmac to go have a row, with controversies and squabbles erupting when he was either in the air or abroad.

Martin, however, has shown that being Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs does not automatically lead to an erosion of power over the party you lead. Martin's standing has instead been bolstered.

The Fianna Fail leader has been Ireland's representative around the European table at a time when almost unprecedented attention has been given to global events, from conflict in the Middle East, to the war in Ukraine, the election of Trump in the US and a resetting of relations between ourselves and the UK.

Micheal Martin (left) and Simon Harris during the leaders' debate last month. The same trappings and attention that come with the office of An Taoiseach are not extended to the Tanaiste's title, everyone wants to speak to the leader not his deputy. File photo: Niall Carson/PA

Some in Leinster House now believe that following the path laid down by Martin may not be such a bad strategy. "Hed love to be skipping around Europe," said one Fianna Fail minister said this week.

Holding the position of Foreign Affairs would allow Harris to remain a strong personality on the European and global political circuit and would see him attend Foreign Affairs Council meetings at a time when member states are ever more concerned about the threat of Russia advancing further into Europe.

This week, senior officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs were speculating that two other Fine Gael politicians  Helen McEntee or Jennifer Carroll MacNeill  could be appointed to the Foreign Affairs portfolio. However, it will be the politicians and not civil servants who make this decision.

Defence

One senior Fine Gael source suggested that the Defence portfolio, currently attached to the Foreign Affairs brief, is another area that would allow Harris to be present on the international stage, when increased spending on defence is a priority agenda item for many states.

It would also provide him with the responsibility of dealing with the thorny issue of Ireland's triple lock, an area which, if deftly handled, could secure a political win for Fine Gael.

After holding a series of consultative forums, Martin received Cabinet approval in April to amend Irelands triple-lock system.

At the time, Harris said the legislation that would address the current system that stipulates that the deployment of 12 troops or more overseas must have a mandate from the UN, the Government and the Dail, would not put Ireland's neutrality at risk.

Whether youre a neutral state or a non-neutral state, or a military-aligned state, there are real risks in relation to our security right across the European Union, he told reporters in Brussels at the time.

Other ministries

But having come back with 10 fewer seats than Fianna Fail, the Wicklow TD may want to focus on ensuring the Fine Gael grassroots remains energised and behind him as leader.

A return to Higher Education, which offered him the opportunity to tour the country and build a backing which ultimately paved the way to his ascension to Fine Gael leader, could be one option in this scenario.

(Left to right) British Prime Minister Kier Starmer, Uachtaran Chumann Luthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns and the Taoiseach Simon Harris at the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Republic of Ireland and England at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin last September. Mr Harris and Mr Starmer met on Friday in Scotland. File photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

During his stint as Tanaiste, Leo Varadkar presided over the Department of Enterprise, a role which allowed him to lead a handful of trade missions around the world, but which had minimal delivery in terms of media attention or any wider attention for that matter.

Harris cannot do this.

Instead, Harris will have to decide whether he chooses a portfolio that provides him with the time and space to do the domestic rubber chicken circuit; or whether he picks a ministry that offers him an international statesman-like role.
The gunman who killed the chief executive of the largest US health insurer likely left New York City on a bus soon after the brazen ambush that has shaken corporate America, police officials said.

But he left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park.

Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare boss Brian Thompson, police still did not know the gunmans name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing.

Investigators were looking at whether the gunman may have been a disgruntled employee or client of the insurer, chief of detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters.

The FBI announced on Friday night it was offering a 50,000-dollar (39,000) reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Video of the gunman fleeing Wednesdays shooting showed him riding a bicycle into Central Park and later taking a taxi to a bus terminal that offers commuter service to New Jersey and Greyhound routes to Philadelphia, Boston and Washington DC, according to Mr Kenny.

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows a man wanted for questioning in connection to the investigation of the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson (New York City Police Department via AP)

Police have video of the man entering the bus station but no video of him exiting, leading them to believe he left the city, Mr Kenny said.

Investigators on Friday found a backpack in the park that had been worn by the gunman during the shooting, police said, following a massive sweep to find it in a vast area with lakes and ponds, meadows, playgrounds and woods.

Police did not immediately reveal what, if anything, it contained but said it would be analysed for clues.

The gunman made sure to conceal his identity with a mask during almost all of his time in the city, including during the attack and while he ate, yet left a trail of evidence in view of the nations biggest city and its network of security cameras.

The gunman arrived in New York City on November 24 and shot Mr Thompson 10 days later outside his companys annual investor conference at a hotel just blocks from Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Centre.

The gunman got off a bus that originated in Atlanta and made several stops along the way, Mr Kenny said. Police have not determined where he got on the bus. Investigators have a list of passengers, but none of them would have had to provide an ID when they climbed aboard, Mr Kenny said.

Investigators believe the suspect used a fake identification card and paid cash, Mr Kenny said, when he checked in at the hostel, which has a cafe along with shared and private rooms and is blocks from Columbia University.

Investigators have tested a discarded water bottle and protein bar wrapper in a hunt for his DNA. They also were trying to obtain additional information from a mobile phone found along the gunmans escape route.

Photos of the suspected gunman that were taken in the lobby of a hostel on Manhattans Upper West Side appear to be from the only time he removed his mask, Mr Kenny said.

The images show a man smiling in the lobby of the HI New York City hostel. They are among a collection of photos and video circulated since the shooting  including footage of the attack, as well as images of the suspected gunman at a Starbucks beforehand.

From every indication we have from witnesses, from the Starbucks, from the hostel, he kept his mask on at all times except for the one instance where we have him photographed with the mask off, Mr Kenny said.

His roommates at the hostel also said he did not speak to them. Nothing of investigative value was found in a search of the suspected gunmans hotel room.

Asked how close he felt police were to making an arrest, Mr Kenny said: This isnt Blue Bloods. Were not going to solve this in 60 minutes. Were painstakingly going through every bit of evidence that we can come across.

Eventually, when an apprehension is made, we will have to present all of these facts to a judge and jury, so were taking our time, doing it right and making sure were going to get justice for this victim and closure for his family.

Security video of the shooting shows the killer approaching Mr Thompson from behind, firing several shots with a gun equipped with a silencer, barely pausing to clear a jam while the executive fell to the sidewalk.

Police were looking into the possibility that the weapon was a veterinary pistol, which is a weapon commonly used on farms and ranches if an animal has to be euthanised quietly, Mr Kenny said  though he stressed that had not been confirmed.

Bullets lie on the sidewalk at the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Mr Thompson was fatally shot (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

The words delay, deny and depose were scrawled on the ammunition, one word on each of three bullets, Mr Kenny said.

A law enforcement official previously told The Associated Press the words were deny, defend and depose. The messages mirror the phrase delay, deny, defend, which is commonly used by lawyers and critics about insurers that delay payments, deny claims and defend their actions.

Mr Thompson, a father of two sons who lived in a Minneapolis suburb, had been with Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as chief executive for more than three years.

The insurers parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc, was holding its annual meeting in New York for investors. The company abruptly ended the conference after Mr Thompsons death.

UnitedHealth Group said it was focused on supporting Mr Thompsons family, ensuring the safety of employees and assisting investigators.

While our hearts are broken, we have been touched by the huge outpouring, the company said.

UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for more than 49 million Americans. It manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programme.

In October, UnitedHealthcare was named along with Humana and CVS in a Senate report detailing how its denial rate for prior authorisations for some Medicare Advantage patients has surged in recent years.

The shooting has rocked the health insurance industry in particular, causing companies to re-evaluate security plans and delete photos of executives from their websites.

A different Minnesota-based health care company said on Friday it was temporarily closing its offices out of an abundance of caution, telling employees to work from home.
Frances historic Notre Dame Cathedral is reopening its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019.

The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is widely seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline  and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes.

Under the luminous stained glass, many world leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers will gather in Paris in the evening to mark the occasion  a rare moment of unity against the backdrop of global divisions and conflicts.

The reopening takes place just five years after the devastating fire (AP)

The Prince of Wales, Americas first lady Jill Biden, and US President-elect Donald Trump, along with nearly 50 heads of state and government and personalities  1,500 guests in all  will attend the reopening celebration under Notre Dames soaring Gothic arches, led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich.

Instead of starting from the cathedrals forecourt as initially planned and because of strong winds forecast for Saturday evening in Paris, the French presidential palace and the Paris diocese said Friday the entire opening ceremony will be held inside Notre Dame.

Notre Dames rector, the Rev Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, says the cathedral is more than just a French monument and a beloved treasure of worlds cultural heritage.

The fire led to shock across the world (AP)

The cathedral is a magnificent symbol of unity, the rector said. A sign of hope, because what seemed impossible has become possible.

Saturdays events will blend solemn religious tradition with cultural grandeur, starting with Archbishop Ulrich symbolically reopening Notre Dames grand wooden doors.

Tapping them three times with a staff crafted from charred wood salvaged from the cathedrals fire-ravaged roof, he will declare the cathedral open for worship once more.

Psalms, prayers, and hymns will fill the cavernous space as the cathedrals thunderous organ, silenced since the fire, is reawakened. The 8,000-pipe instrument, painstakingly restored and cleaned of toxic lead dust, will respond to the archbishops invocation, with four organists performing an improvised interplay of melodies.

The restoration marks a triumph for Emmanuel Macron  who has not has his troubles to seek, politically (AP)

Later in the evening, a star-studded concert will take centre stage inside the cathedral and pay tribute to its resurrection and to those who laboured to restore it, offering a universal message of harmony.

Pianist Lang Lang, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and soprano Pretty Yende are among the world-famous artists slated to perform.

On Sunday, Archbishop Ulrich will lead the inaugural Mass and consecrate the cathedrals new altar, designed by contemporary artist Guillaume Bardet to replace the one crushed beneath the flaming spire in the blaze.

Nearly 170 bishops from France and abroad will attend the Mass, alongside priests from all 113 parishes of the Paris diocese.

The reopening marks a rare moment of international unity in a turbulent time (AP)

The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound unrest world over, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East.

For Catholics and Notre Dames rector, the cathedral carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.

It is a magnificent symbol of unity, a sign of hope, the Rev Dumas said.

Other dignitaries coming to Paris for Notre Dames rebirth include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, underlining the cathedrals significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace.

The new baptistery was designed by French artist and designer Guillaume Bardet (Pool via AP)

The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to embattled Mr Macron, whose Prime Minister resigned this week, plunging the nations political scene into more turmoil.

The French President, who has called Notre Dames reopening a jolt of hope, will address the gathering. He had hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase Frances unity and resilience under his leadership.

The ambitious five-year restoration timeline, announced just a day after the 2019 fire, had seemed improbable to many but its achievement serves as a testament to Mr Macrons can-do attitude.

His presidency faces its gravest crisis after the governments collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier after just three months  the shortest tenure of any government in the history of the Fifth Republic.

The vote followed months of political gridlock after snap elections. Calls are now growing louder from centrists and opposition forces on the far left and right for Mr Macron, whose approval ratings have plummeted, to resign.

The stained glass rose window and the great organ have been fully restored (Pool via AP)

But he vowed in an address to the nation on Thursday night to remain in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he will name a new prime minister within days.

As France struggles with economic woes and mounting social unrest, Notre Dames rebirth celebrations is a stark contrast to the crisis.

Security will be tight all through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year.

The Ile de la Cite  the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame  will be closed to tourists and non-residents, with access restricted to invitees and those who live on the island.

Public viewing areas along the Seines southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens.

Archbishop Ulrichs reopening the cathedral doors will be followed by a liturgical service and the reawakening of the grand organ, ending with the celebratory concert that will honour Notre Dames cultural and spiritual significance.

For many, Notre Dames rebirth is not just a French achievement, but a global one  after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire.

Following the 2019 fire, nearly one billion dollars (784 million) in donations quickly poured in from every corner of the world, testifying to Notre Dames universal appeal.
Denmark has delivered a second batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as he travelled to Paris to meet top politicians and dignitaries.

In a message on Telegram, Mr Zelenskyy praised Denmark and lamented a lack of dedication from other allies.

The first batch of planes provided by the Danes are already shooting down Russian missiles: rescuing our people and our infrastructure. Now our air shield is reinforced even further, he said.

If all partners were so determined, we would have been able to make Russian terror impossible.

The announcement comes as Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region marks a day of mourning for 10 people killed in a Russian attack on Friday.

A further 24 people, including two children, were injured when a missile struck a local service station, regional governor Ivan Fedorov said.

Another three people were killed in a strike on the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih on Friday, Ukraines State Emergency Service said.

The war is dragging on into another year (Zaporizhzhia Military Administration via AP)

Addressing the attacks, Mr Zelenskyy said that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not seek real peace.

Mr Putin only seeks the ability to treat any country this way, with bombs, missiles, and all other forms of violence, Mr Zelenskyy added.

Only through strength can we resist this. And only through strength can real peace be established.

Mr Zelenskyy is due to meet other world leaders on Saturday, including French President Emmanuel Macron, at an event in Paris celebrating the renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral after a devastating fire in 2019.

US President-elect Donald Trump is among those expected to be in attendance, with European leaders keen to cultivate the incoming leaders favour to persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine against Russias three-year invasion. Its not clear whether Mr Trump will meet Mr Zelenskyy.
The UNs special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an orderly political transition in Syria.

Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the talks in Switzerland would discuss the implementation of a UN resolution that called for a Syrian-led political process.

Resolution 2254, adopted in 2015, called for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with UN-supervised elections.

Mr Pedersen said the need for an orderly political transition has never been more urgent and said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute.

Syrian opposition fighters ride along the streets in the aftermath of the oppositions takeover of Hama (Ghaith Alsayed/AP)

His call came as Syrian insurgents were reported to have reached the suburbs of Damascus as part of a rapidly moving offensive that has seen them take over some of Syrias largest cities.

It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of the Syrian capital since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the region adjacent to the capital following a years-long siege.

It came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern Syria on Saturday, leaving more areas of the country, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters.

The rapid advances by insurgents is a stunning reversal of fortunes for Syrias President Bashar Assad, who appears to be largely on his own, with erstwhile allies preoccupied with other conflicts.

A convoy of insurgents in civilian vehicles arrives in Hama (Ghaith Alsayed/AP)

His chief international backer, Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine, and Lebanons powerful Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up his forces, has been weakened by a year-long conflict with Israel.

Iran, meanwhile, has seen its proxies across the region degraded by Israeli airstrikes.

Amid the dramatic developments, Syrias state media denied rumours flooding social media that Mr Assad has left the country, saying he is performing his duties in the capital, Damascus.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents are now active in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya.

Residents flee the fighting in Hama carrying their belongings (Ghaith Alsayed/AP)

He added that opposition fighters on Saturday were also marching from eastern Syria toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta.

A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces have started carrying out the final stage of their offensive by encircling Damascus.

He added that insurgents were headed from southern Syria toward Damascus.

Syrias military, meanwhile, sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syrias third largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts.

The shock offensive began on November 27 led by the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syrias largest, and the central city of Hama, the countrys fourth largest city.

The group has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organisation by the US and the United Nations.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani told CNN in an exclusive interview on Thursday from Syria that the aim of the offensive is to overthrow Assads government.

In the gas-rich nation of Qatar, the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey were scheduled to meet to discuss the situation in Syria. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels seeking to overthrow Assad.
Pope Francis was seen with a significant bruise on his chin on Saturday, but presided over a ceremony to install new cardinals without apparent problems.

The Vatican did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the cause of the bruise.
The United States will provide nearly 1.0 billion US dollars (780 million) more in longer-term weapons support to Ukraine, defence secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday.

The Biden administration is rushing to spend all the congressionally approved money it has left to bolster Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes office next month.

The latest package will include more drones and munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) that the US has provided.

While these weapons are critically needed now, they will be funded through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which pays for longer-term systems to be put on contract.

62 The amount of military aid in billions of dollars already supplied by the United States to Ukraine

The weapon systems purchased are often intended to support Ukraines future military capabilities, not make an immediate difference on the battlefield.

The 988 million dollar (775 million) package is on top of an additional 725 million dollars (569 million) in US military assistance, including counter-drone systems and HIMARS munitions, announced on Monday that would be drawn from the Pentagons stockpiles to more quickly get to the front lines.

The US has provided Ukraine with more than 62 billion dollars (49 billion) in military aid since Russias invasion in February 2022.

Ukraine is facing an intensified onslaught by Russia, which is now using thousands of North Korean troops to augment its fight to take back the Kursk region.

Moscow also has launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile and regularly strikes Kyivs civilian infrastructure.

With questions about whether Mr Trump will maintain military support to Ukraine, the Biden administration has been trying to spend every dollar remaining from a massive foreign aid bill passed earlier this year to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible.

This administration has made its choice. So has a bipartisan coalition in Congress. The next administration must make its own choice, Mr Austin said at an annual gathering of national security officials, defence firms and lawmakers at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
For a quarter of a century, Spanish Translation Task Forces (STTFs) have been creating authoritative Spanish versions of ISO standards, serving 17 Spanish-speaking national member bodies and 600 million people. These translations have been instrumental in facilitating the adoption of standards in these countries, boosting international trade and amplifying the voices of Spanish-speaking experts in the global standards community.

Javier Garcia, Director General of UNE, ISO Vice-President (technical management) and Convenor of the Spanish Translation Management Group (STMG), which oversees the various translation groups, highlights this achievement:

Having ISO standards in Spanish is essential to facilitate their use and implementation by the Spanish-speaking community. This aligns with ISO's goals of making standards universally applicable and inclusive. As ISO Vice-President, and given the historical ties between Spain and Latin America, it is an honor to convene the STMG.

Having ISO standards in Spanish is essential to facilitate their use and implementation by the Spanish-speaking community

Today, over 150 ISO standards are available in Spanish, supporting organizations and industries in areas such as environmental management, innovation and sustainable development. This initiative demonstrates ISOs commitment to creating a unified global framework for progress through language inclusivity.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Romanias Ministry of Energy to support the countrys renewable energy initiatives, Trend reports.

The agreement, signed by Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja and EBRD Head of Romania Victoria Zinchuk, outlines plans to enhance renewable energy auctions and introduce new mechanisms to advance energy storage capabilities.

Following the success of Romania's first renewable energy auction in September, which allocated 1.5 GW for solar and wind projects, the EBRD will assist in organizing a second round of auctions by the end of 2025. This next phase aims to tender 3.5 GW of renewable capacity and includes plans for developing energy storage schemes, such as pumped storage hydropower, and addressing regulatory requirements for integrating storage systems into energy markets.

Minister Burduja emphasized the partnership's importance, stating, "This collaboration will strengthen Romania's energy system, attracting investments and advancing renewable energy generation." Victoria Zinchuk of the EBRD reiterated the Banks commitment to supporting Romanias energy transition and fostering private sector involvement.

Romanias renewable energy targets, outlined in its National Energy and Climate Plan, include achieving 38.3% renewable energy in gross final consumption by 2030. A draft energy strategy aims for 44% from low-carbon sources by 2035.

To date, the EBRD has financed nearly 1 GW of renewable capacity in Romania in 2023, mobilizing over 1 billion euros in additional investments. Since its inception, the EBRD has invested 11.5 billion euros in Romania across 550 projects.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a loan agreement worth 574.728 million Chinese Yuan (over $79 million) to fund the expansion of the Yantai Institute of Science and Technology (YIST), Trend reports.

This vocational institution, owned by China Education Group Holdings Limited, plays a significant role in strengthening vocational education and workforce development in China.

The project aims to enhance access to high-quality, employment-oriented education for approximately 14,000 students, with the majority (over 80%) hailing from Shandong Province. It is expected to create additional teaching and support staff positions while addressing local industry demands for technically skilled graduates. This expansion aligns with China's broader goal to foster private-sector investment in vocational education and integrate industry needs with educational offerings.

This loan represents AIIB's first non-sovereign-backed educational infrastructure initiative, marking a milestone in the banks commitment to supporting private educational institutions. Vocational education plays a key role in bridging the skills gap and adapting to evolving job market needs, thus contributing to broader economic growth.

Najeeb Haider, AIIB's Director General of Project and Corporate Finance Clients Department, highlighted the project's significance, noting that it serves as a valuable model for similar initiatives in other AIIB member economies. Dr. Yu Kai, Co-Chairman and CEO of China Education Group, emphasized that the collaboration will help meet critical workforce demands and contribute to the local economy by providing industry-relevant education.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 7. The President of Kazakhstan and the Emir of Qatar are putting their heads together to bolster trade and investment across a variety of sectors, Trend reports

A meeting between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani took place on 6 December.

The President of Kazakhstan thanked Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for the invitation to participate in the Doha Forum conference, noting that this dialogue platform provides a unique opportunity for open discussions on the most pressing global issues.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highly appreciated the personal contribution of the Emir of Qatar to strengthening bilateral relations, which have reached the level of strategic partnership.

During the conversation, special attention was given to the timely and quality implementation of agreements on investment projects in banking, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, and healthcare. The President of Kazakhstan expressed confidence that joint projects involving Qatari businesses would contribute to the development of both countries.

The Emir of Qatar noted that cooperation between Astana and Doha has taken on a long-term strategic character. According to him, the governments are systematically working to implement agreements reached at the highest level.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani agreed that an active political dialogue at the highest level will continue to contribute to the qualitative deepening of Kazakhstan-Qatar relations.

To note, on December 6th, the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, arrived on a working visit to the capital of Qatar, Doha. The President met with the owners of Power International Holding, Moataz Al-Hayat and Ramez Al-Hayat, and the chairman of the board of directors of Nebras Power, Mohammed Nasser Al-Hajri, and also participated in the official opening ceremony of the Doha Forum conference.

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Photo: Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan / Facebook

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. The details of total electricity generated by Azerbaijan's Khachmaz Power Plant have been disclosed, Trend reports citing the countrys Ministry of Energy.

The power plant has cranked out a whopping 5.4 billion kWh of electricity since it hit the ground running.

The plant consists of 10 gas piston units, each with a capacity of 8.7 MW, and its total installed capacity is 87 MW, the report noted.

The Khachmaz modular power plant was commissioned on December 7, 2006. The station lights up the electricity needs of the neighboring Guba, Gusar, Khachmaz, and Shabran districts.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The Federal Government of Somalia, inaugurated the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at the Somali Police Forces Department of Coast Guard headquarters in Mogadishu Port. This vital development marks a significant step forward in ensuring maritime safety and strengthening Somalias capacity to respond to emergencies at sea. The launch of the MRCC was made possible thanks to the support of EUCAP Somalia, the EUs civilian crisis management mission deployed in Somalia.

The MRCC is designed to provide round-the-clock Search and Rescue (SAR) services across Somalias maritime domain. The MRCC, thanks to equipment supplied by EUCAP Somalia, will have an up-to-date surveillance capability. SAR services are critical to saving lives at sea, and the establishment of the MRCC underscores Somalias commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its waters.

The MRCC, under the Authority of the Minister of Port and Marine Transport, will serve as the nerve centre for coordinating with the Somali Police Force Department of Coast Guard rescue operations team. EUCAPs support extends beyond the provision of equipment, as the Mission has also been instrumental in providing the necessary integrated training to Somali personnel to operate and manage the MRCC effectively.

By enhancing maritime capabilities, we are not only protecting waters but also safeguarding the livelihoods of people who depend on the sea for sustenance and commerce. This achievement is a success by the people and for the people.  Kestutis Lancinskas, Head of Mission EUCAP Somalia

The MRCC is expected to be functional by the end of the year, upon the completion of equipment installation. This milestone aligns with EUCAPs broader objective of enhancing Somalias maritime safety and security, while also supporting the Federal Governments efforts to establish sustainable maritime infrastructure and legal framework.

The MRCC will play a key role in supporting the Federal Government of Somalias Information Sharing Network (ISN), offering a comprehensive maritime picture and reinforcing the regional, international maritime safety and security framework. This initiative is backed by the EUs the Red Sea Programme, the Djibouti Code of Conduct, and other regional efforts and initiative focused on improving governance and the rule of law at sea.

The event brought together representatives from the Federal Government of Somalia, led by Hon. Hirsi Jama Ganni, State Minister of the Office of Prime Minister with the presence of Minister of Internal Security; Minister of Ports and Marine Transport; Deputy Police Commissioner; and the international community, reflecting a shared commitment to improving maritime safety and protecting lives.
EU-Mercosur: Significant Trade Agreement, But What Are the Consequences?

The EU-Mercosur trade agreement has emerged at a time of heightened tension in European politics.Amidst his political challenges this week, President Emmanuel Macron publicly declared that the deal, in its current form, is unacceptable.

The new European Commission is starting with a bang, as street protests by farmers and environmental organizations are anticipated on Monday, reflecting the deep divisions among member states and within sectors of individual states (Italys agriculture minister opposes the deal, whereas its foreign minister supports it).

The European Commission views this as an opportunity to defend and strengthen the global rules-based trading order just before a new Trump administration threatens to disrupt it.

Officials emphasize that while EU farmers may face challenges, they can also gain from the deal.

The agreement will significantly reduce tariffs between 10%-35% on EU cheese and other dairy products, wine, spirits, and chocolate; in return, Mercosur countries will eliminate duties on over 90% of EU imports, including a 35% tax on cars, and tariffs on parts, machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

Delegates attend the Mercosur Summit in Montevideo, Uruguay.

The EU will phase out duties on all Mercosur industrial goods over a decade.

Bilateral agreements are in place to lower taxes for Brazilian companies exporting essential raw materials to Europe, which the EU currently sources from Russia and China.

According to officials, commodities such as nickel, copper, aluminum, steel, and titanium are critical for the Green transition.

This trade agreement has been in the works for 25 years.

Negotiations began in 1999 but stalled until they were revived under the Juncker Commission in 2016.

In 2019, both parties reached a preliminary agreement, yet fierce resistance from member states, the European Parliament, farmers, and environmental groups prevented its ratification.

The return of Brazils Lula Da Silva in 2022 reignited talks, with officials from both sides engaged in negotiations for the past eight months.

This time, the European Commission asserts that this trade agreement has evolved, now incorporating a new sustainability protocol focused on environmental and agricultural protections.

This agreement includes a mutual commitment to adhere to the Paris Climate Accord of 2015, a feature only present in the EUs trade agreements with the UK and New Zealand thus far.

French President Emmanuel Macron remarked that the deal, in its present form, is unacceptable.

Officials indicate that the agreement features, for the first time, a legally binding commitment to preventing deforestation by 2030.

Previously, there were only political statements regarding this issue.

The EUs deforestation regulation, which will prohibit commodities sourced from deforested lands, is set to come into effect next year, albeit after a years delay.

European environmental organizations have quickly dismissed the proposed changes.

The IFA claims that the deal would allow market access for 99,000 tonnes of beef and 180,000 tonnes of poultry at a zero-tariff rate, potentially decimating both the Irish and EU beef and poultry sectors, displacing around 18% of current EU production, particularly high-value cuts like steak.

Ireland would be the most affected by this displacement as we are the largest beef exporters in the EU, states an IFA information note.

For context, the proposed 99,000 tonnes of additional beef from Mercosur countries represents about 22% of Irelands total annual beef exports.

Irish farmers protesting the deal outside the Dail last month.

A senior EU official stated that beef imports are not completely tariff-free.

These 99,000 tons will not have zero tariffs, said the official.

There will be a reduced tariff rate of 7.5%. Moreover, this quota is split between fresh and frozen meat, with frozen meat making up 45,000 tons, which holds less market value.

The European Commission points out that the 99,000 tonnes of beef comprise merely 1.6% of total European beef consumption, while poultry imports would account for 1.4% of consumption.

Additionally, the Mercosur deal imposes limits on the import of sensitive products, such as beef, poultry, sugar, and ethanol, enabling the EU to implement safeguard measures should any sectors be severely affected.

These (tariff) concessions will be gradually phased in over seven years, said another EU official.

In response to long-standing allegations from farmers and food safety advocates regarding the use of hormones and other additives in Brazilian beef, the EU has sharpened its standards in recent years, and checks on additives for imports from outside the EU are conducted by member states themselves.

Much of this will depend on enforcement and actual controls, where we will remain vigilant to ensure that there are no compromises on our standards, stated an EU official.

The Mercosur trade deal has faced pushback from Europes agricultural sector.

That is within our control and something we will strive to address cooperatively with the Mercosur nations.

The IFA points out that the Commissions most recent audit concerning hormone residue found that controls ensuring Brazilian female cattle meat meant for the EU market was free from a particular hormone were ineffective, and Brazils food safety authorities could not assure the reliability of operators sworn statements on this issue.

A European Commission spokesperson affirmed that there is a prohibition on hormone-treated beef entering the EU, and it is incumbent on third countries to adhere to this ban.

During an audit by the Commission in 2024, it was evident that Brazils control system is not as robust as we desired. Consequently, the Commission provided recommendations for improvement.

It is Brazils responsibility to rectify the situation and take the necessary measures to implement the Commissions suggestions, the spokesperson added.

Would the EU-Mercosur deal benefit other sectors of the Irish economy?

Ireland currently exports 555.7 million in goods and services to Mercosur countries  Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia  while importing 596.7 million in goods.

An impact assessment of the 2019 agreement commissioned by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment (DETE) revealed that Irish exporters have established a presence in the Mercosur market since 2010. However, geographical distance and the low purchasing power in Latin America have hindered Irish exporters from being competitive.

A trade deal would aid in expanding that foothold over time, according to the report, projecting a 17% increase in exports, especially in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics and optical products, electrical equipment and machinery, and processed foods and beverages like whiskey.

The report concluded that a Mercosur deal would present promising opportunities for Irish companies to diversify and enhance the resilience of their market base in the long term.

The agreement reached was signed in principle.

If Italy can be swayed to their side, the deal could face serious challenges.

The European Commission now has the daunting task of securing approval from member states and the European Parliament.

The initial step will be the legal scrubbing of the agreement, followed by its translation into 23 EU languages.

It is anticipated that the Commission will expedite the core trade deal, necessitating a qualified majority of member states, i.e., 15 countries representing at least 65% of the EU population, alongside the backing of the European Parliament.

Blocking the deal would require at least four member states representing over 35% of the EU population.

The French government and National Assembly, as well as a significant portion of civil society and the agricultural sector, are against the deal, and Poland and Austria have also expressed opposition, while the Netherlands and Italy have voiced reservations.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the Mercosur trade deal as a win-win agreement.

Germany, Spain, and other automotive powerhouses are eager for the deal to proceed, given declining sales to China and the looming threat of tariffs following Mr. Trumps return to the White House in January.

They joined Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic in pressing the European Commission in September to successfully conclude negotiations.

Finalizing this deal will enhance the global competitiveness of European automobile manufacturers by eliminating high tariffs and addressing technical trade barriers in their exports to the Mercosur market, stated Sigrid de Vries of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).

This development is timely for the automotive industry, which is facing significant challenges in the transition towards decarbonization.

France will now mobilize resistance, alongside Austria, Poland, and the Netherlands, bringing the total to 30%.

If Italy joins their ranks, the deal could be in jeopardy.

It promises to be a tumultuous 12 months ahead.

Read more stories from across Europe.

Both Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, have compelling political reasons to advocate for their respective positions.

However, they find themselves on opposing sides of the issue.

The experience of TTIP, the ill-fated EU-US trade agreement, serves as a reminder that once interest groups are thoroughly convinced that a deal poses a direct threat to their livelihoods, persuasion becomes exceedingly difficult.

Senior EU negotiators have made it clear that after 25 years, the deal has been finalized and cannot be renegotiated.

The significant difference now compared to TTIP is that Donald Trump is poised to disrupt global trade flows through aggressive tariffs and an America First agenda.

The European Commission believes that a comprehensive trade agreement between democracies, regardless of their flaws, with profound cultural connections, will sustain the principle of free trade.

The Mercosur countries also believe that the deal will help mitigate Chinas influence.

Yet, the domestic backlash, including the potential for widespread and violent protests from farming groups, remains a variable yet to be quantified.
Iran poised to significantly raise its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has cautioned that Iran is set to significantly augment its reserve of near weapons-grade uranium.Rafael Grossi made these remarks during the International Institute of Strategic Studies Manama Dialogue event held in Bahrain.

He indicated that Iran has started to prepare advanced centrifuge cascades at its nuclear facilities to boost its stock of 60% enriched uranium.

This enrichment level is a quick, technical leap from the weapons-grade threshold of 90%. Iran insists that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons.

Iran has yet to officially acknowledge the preparations, which Grossi claimed commenced today.

Inspectors are eager to assess the developments, he noted.

Mr. Grossi remarked that Iran is delivering a clear message following its recent rebuke by the IAEAs board of governors.

This is a clear indication that they are reacting to what they perceive as pressure, he told journalists.

Last month, Iran announced its intention to deploy new and advanced centrifuges in retaliation to the nuclear watchdogs resolution censure, which described Tehrans insufficient cooperation.

The censure motion, introduced by the UK, France, Germany, and the United States at the IAEAs 35-member board, follows a comparable motion from June.

It is obvious that the events occurring are in direct response to this; this is quite evident, Mr. Grossi stated, emphasizing: The implications should not be overlooked.

A historic nuclear agreement from 2015 between Iran and major powers was designed to provide the country with relief from harsh sanctions in return for constraining its nuclear ambitions to prevent the development of weapons capabilities.

Tehran adhered to the terms of the accord, but in 2018, during Donald Trumps initial term, the U.S. withdrew from the agreement, enforcing stringent sanctions on Iran, which prompted Tehran to escalate its nuclear activities.

Mr. Trump is set to resume office next month.Last week, representatives from Iran, the UK, France, and Germany convened in Switzerland and agreed to proceed with further discussions.
Syrian rebels have taken control of Hama, marking a significant victory in a rapid offensive that has unfolded over the past week across northern Syria, delivering a severe blow to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad along with his Russian and Iranian backers.

After years of stagnation at the front lines, the rebels have advanced swiftly, achieving the most rapid battlefield progress by either faction since the conflict against Mr. Assad escalated into civil war 13 years ago.

The capture of Hama grants the rebels dominance over a strategically vital central city that they had not been able to capture in the past.

The Syrian military announced it was repositioning forces outside Hama to safeguard civilian lives and avoid urban combat following what it termed fierce clashes.

The military indicated their readiness to advance southward towards Homs, an essential city linking the capital, Damascus, to northern regions and the coast.

Your time has come, declared a rebel operations room in an online message, urging Homs residents to join the revolution.

Rebels seen on television parading through Hama

Al Jazeera aired footage of rebels within Hama, with some interacting with civilians at a roundabout while others maneuvered through the city in military vehicles and on mopeds.

In the prior week, rebels captured Aleppo, then proceeded to push south from their stronghold in northwest Syria.

Following two days of combat around Hamas outskirts, the conflict concluded within hours once rebels breached the citys defenses.

The loss of Hama is likely to reverberate through the Syrian government, which is anxious about a persistent rebel advance towards the south.

The evident decline of government control in the north signifies a notable shift in the balance of power, particularly after Hezbollah, a crucial ally for Mr. Assad, incurred significant casualties in its ongoing conflict with Israel.

A resident welcomes a Syrian anti-government fighter in Hama

Throughout the most intense years of the conflict, Mr. Assad had leaned heavily on support from Russia and Iran, which helped him reclaim vast territories and major cities before front lines stabilized in 2020.

However, Russia has redirected its focus towards the war in Ukraine since 2022, and many Hezbollah leaders, who are aligned with Iran, have been killed by Israeli forces in recent months.

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leading insurgent commander, announced on Thursday the complete rebel control over Hama and issued a video message cautioning against involvement from Iraqs Hashd al-Shaabi paramilitary coalition, which is also aligned with Iran.

Some Iraqi fighters had reportedly crossed into Syria early this week to support Mr. Assad, as stated by sources from both Iraq and Syria. The Hashd al-Shaabi has mobilized near the border with Syria, insisting their presence is strictly precautionary to prevent any spillover into Iraq.

We once again urge him (Iraqs prime minister) to keep Iraq clear of the flames of a new war linked to the events occurring in Syria, Mr. Golani stated.

Hama is situated more than a third of the distance from Aleppo to Damascus, and its takeover complicates any swift efforts by Mr. Assad and his allies to mount a counteroffensive against recent rebel gains.

A rebel push towards Homs, located 40 km south of Hama, could potentially sever Damascuss connection to the coastal region, a stronghold for Mr. Assads Alawite sect, where his Russian allies maintain a naval and airbase.

Assad can no longer afford to lose anything else. The significant battle lies ahead in Homs. Should Homs fall, it could signal a possible regime change, remarked Jihad Yazigi, editor of the Syria Report newsletter.

Control of Hama is also crucial for overseeing two significant towns with sizable minority communities: Muhrada, predominantly Christian, and Salamiya, home to numerous Ismaili Muslims.

Although Hama had not previously fallen into rebel hands, it has historically been a center of resistance against the Assad regime.

In 1982, Muslim Brotherhood members revolted against Mr. Assads father, leading to a brutal three-week military assault that resulted in over 10,000 deaths.

Mr. Golani referenced this tragic event in his statement: The revolutionaries have begun entering Hama to heal a wound that has festered in Syria for 40 years.

However, he clarified that the rebels occupation of Hama would not seek revenge for the 1982 massacre.

The most powerful rebel entity is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously linked with al-Qaeda in Syria, which remains designated as a terrorist group by Turkey and the West.

Mr. Golani, the groups leader, has vowed to protect Syrias religious minorities and encouraged them to distance themselves from Mr. Assad, yet many still harbor fears regarding the insurgents.

In statements meant to soften his public image and reassure foreign nations, he has highlighted his past break with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, insisting he has always opposed attacks beyond Syrian borders.

Only yesterday, Mr. Golani visited the historic citadel of Aleppo, a symbolic gesture for rebels who were expelled from the city in 2016 following months of siege and intense conflict, marking their most significant defeat in the war.

HTS and other rebel factions are working to establish their governance in Aleppo, integrating it under the administration of the so-called Salvation Government that they formed in their northwestern region.

Residents of Aleppo have reported food and fuel shortages, with telecommunications services disrupted. The U.N. food agency noted that the latest waves of conflict had displaced approximately 280,000 individuals.

Latest Middle East stories

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for immediate humanitarian access to all civilians in need across Syria and a return to a politically facilitated process by the UN to bring an end to the violence.

Turkey, while having distanced itself from HTS, has historically been the primary external supporter of other rebel groups allied with it, and its role will be crucial for the future of any expanded insurgent territory in Syria.

The Turkish government has denied any involvement in the recent rebels rapid advance into Aleppo.

Any sustained rebel gains in northern Syria could facilitate the return of numerous Syrian refugees currently residing in Turkey, which is a major objective for the Turkish government.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  The strategic situation in Syria is dire for the Baathist government of Bashar al-Assad. Typically in military history, if an invader takes the capital of the other country, it secures its victory.

Damascus is the prize.

Damascus has an Achilles heel. It is landlocked, deep in the south of the country, and far from the port of Latakia that supplies it.

The other nearby port, Beirut in Lebanon, is a shadow of its former self, and the Lebanese government has closed the borders with Syria. You could get some things in from Iraq by truck, but the Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have taken all of Deir al-Zor province and the checkpoint of Al-Bukamal on the Syrian side of the Syria-Iraq border has fallen to the SDF.

Food, weapons and ammunition have to come from Latakia. The truck route from Latakia down to Damascus passes through Homs.

The fundamentalist Sunni Arab militia, the HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham or the Levant Liberation Council), led by a former al-Qaeda affiliate, had Idlib. In the past week it has taken Aleppo and then moved south to take Hama. (These territories are green in the below map from X.)

Homs is next. If the Tahrir al-Sham takes Homs, it can cut Damascus off from resupply.

Game over.

This is the current latest status map of the Civil War in #Syria Red: Assads army, the official army of Syria, aka SAA

Green: all the sub rebels groups

Yellow: kurds

[Hashtags (ignore): #Pushpa2TheRule #SpotifyWrapped #pragyanagra #Bitcoin ] pic.twitter.com/SCnG7pUmqD  The_Airplane_Master (@plane12429) December 7, 2024

In 2012-2013, when the fundamentalist Sunni rebels, including al-Qaeda, had taken Homs, they were pushed back out by the intervention of Iran and the Lebanese Shiite Hezbollah militia alongside the remnants of the Syrian Arab Army. The fundamentalist hopes of cutting off Damascus were dashed.

In 2015, the Sunni fundamentalists in Idlib in the north of Syria tried out a Plan B, which was simply to take Latakia itself. That would also cut off Damascus from resupply.

Iran and Hezbollah could not muster the sheer manpower to stop this from happening. The Sunni fundamentalists were getting backing from Turkey and the Gulf, and the Syrian Arab Army had seen two-thirds of its troops (mostly themselves Sunni) desert. Hezbollah probably only really has 25,000 fighters despite exaggerated claims, and they were spread thin in Syria and in Lebanon itself. (Lebanon is a small country of maybe 4.5 million citizens, and only a third or so are Shiites, and only half of Shiites support Hezbollah. So it just isnt that large an organization).

So it is alleged that in the summer of 2015, the head of Irans Qods Force, the special operations unit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, flew to Moscow and informed Russian President Vladimir Putin that Iran had done all it could. If Russia did not want to see Syria fall to the Sunni fundamentalists led by al-Qaeda  with all its implications for nearby Russian Muslim-majority areas such as Chechnya  then Putin would have to intervene.

On September 30, 2015, Russia started flying air support missions in Syria for the Syrian Arab Army, Hezbollah, and Iraqi Shiite militias, against the Sunni fundamentalists. This combination of ground forces and Russian air support succeeded in defeating the rebels and bottling them up in Idlib in the north.

Therefore, in some ways the fate of the al-Assad government was sealed when President Putin invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The Russian Aerospace Forces became bogged down in the Ukraine War and were simply not available in the same way for deployment in Syria.

The Russian Federation is pulling up stakes and leaving Syria. The embassy in Damascus said on Telegram Friday that owing to the difficult military and political situation in Syria, Russian citizens living in the Syrian Arab Republic were encouraged to take the next commercial flight out of the country. (H/t BBC Monitoring). BBC Monitoring also reports that Russian military bloggers had warned this week that if Homs fell, Russia would lose its military bases in Syria.

Homs fell.



Running Away, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3, 2024

Now veteran Iran correspondent Farnaz Fassihi reports at NYT that Iran is withdrawing from Syria.

I suggest that Tehran has no choice but to leave Syria. Without Russian air support, the couple thousand Revolutionary Guards and the remnants of the Hezbollah forces in the country, along with the tattered Syrian Arab Army, cannot hope to defeat the rebels now any more than they could in 2015. The situation is even worse than in in the summer of 2015, since Hezbollahs forces have been devastated by the recent war with Israel, which saw their commanders blinded or crippled by Israeli booby traps and many of their tactical personnel killed or wounded in battle. Moreover, if Hezbollah attempted to deploy in a big way in Syria now, without Russian air support, Israel would hit them. Russia had offered them their only air defense umbrella, and then only as long as they were doing Russian bidding in targeting the Sunni fundamentalists.

Russian air power made the difference then. Without it, the Syrian government and its few allies are doomed.
( Middle East Monitor )  Israel intends to present a plan to US President-elect Donald Trump aimed at encouraging migration and settlement in Gaza, far-right Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, announced on Wednesday.

In an interview with the Israeli newspaper Maariv, Ben-Gvir confirmed that the plan includes two main elements, claiming that it is an ethical and logical proposal that benefits both Palestinians and Israelis.

The Hebrew newspaper noted that Ben-Gvirs remarks came in response to Trumps statement about his intention to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of prisoners before his inauguration on 20 January.

In related news, US media reported yesterday that Qatar has resumed its role as a key mediator in Gaza. It is anticipated that Hamas negotiating team will return to Doha soon.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al Thani stated on Wednesday that Hamas office in Doha was established for negotiations at the request of the US and Israel. He added that this office has facilitated ceasefire agreements since 2014.
MONTREAL, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osisko Metals Incorporated (the "Company or "Osisko Metals") (TSX-V: OM; OTCQX: OMZNF; FRANKFURT: 0B51) is pleased to announce the acquisition of a group of 199 claims adjacent to its Gaspe Copper Project (the Claims).

Pursuant to a sales agreement dated October 8, 2024 with the two private holders of the interest in the Claims, Osisko Metals acquired a 100% interest in the Claims in exchange for the issuance of 5,000,000 common shares of its capital stock and the grant of a 2% net smelter return royalty, half of which is redeemable for an amount of $2,000,000.

The common shares issued in connection with the acquisition are subject to various restriction periods to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issue pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. The Claims cover additional ground near the Gaspe Copper project, including claims over potential tailings storage areas, and exploration targets to the north and south of the current property.

About Osisko Metals

Osisko Metals Incorporated is a Canadian exploration and development company creating value in the critical metals sector, with a focus on copper and zinc. The Company acquired a 100% interest in the past-producing Gaspe Copper mine from Glencore Canada Corporation in July 2023. The Gaspe Copper mine is located near Murdochville in Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula. The Company is currently focused on resource expansion of the Gaspe Copper system, with current Indicated Mineral Resources of 824 Mt grading 0.34% CuEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 670 Mt grading 0.38% CuEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals' November 14, 2024 news release entitled "Osisko Metals Announces Significant Increase in Mineral Resource at Gaspe Copper". Gaspe Copper hosts the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America, strategically located near existing infrastructure in the mining-friendly province of Quebec.

In addition to the Gaspe Copper project, the Company is working with Appian Capital Advisory LLP through the Pine Point Mining Limited joint venture to advance one of Canada's largest past-producing zinc mining camps, the Pine Point project, located in the Northwest Territories. The current mineral resource estimate for the Pine Point project consists of Indicated Mineral Resources of 49.5 Mt at 5.52% ZnEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 8.3 Mt at 5.64% ZnEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals' June 25, 2024 news release entitled "Osisko Metals releases Pine Point mineral resource estimate: 49.5 million tonnes of indicated resources at 5.52% ZnEq". The Pine Point project is located on the south shore of Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories, close to infrastructure, with paved road access, an electrical substation and 100 kilometers of viable haul roads.

For further information on this news release, visit www.osiskometals.com or contact:

Robert Wares, Chief Executive Officer of Osisko Metals Incorporated

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always, using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "potential", "feasibility", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, among other things: the anticipated changes to the management and Board of the Company; the ability for the Company to complete the Transaction on the terms contemplated (if at all); the size of the Transaction; the Closing Date of the Transaction; the ability for the Company to obtain the conditional and final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange; the anticipated use of proceeds of the Transaction; the tax treatment of the FT Units; the timing of incurring the Qualifying Expenditures and the renunciation of the Qualifying Expenditures; the ability to advance Gaspe Copper to a construction decision (if at all); the ability to increase the Company's trading liquidity and enhance its capital markets presence; the potential re-rating of the Company; the expectation that management and directors of the Company will be significant shareholders of the Company following the Transaction; the ability for the Company to unlock the full potential of its assets and achieve success; the ability for the Company to create value for its shareholders; the advancement of the Pine Point project; the anticipated resource expansion of the Gaspe Copper system; and Gaspe Copper hosting the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America.

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management, in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, assumptions about: the ability of exploration results, including drilling, to accurately predict mineralization; errors in geological modelling; insufficient data; equity and debt capital markets; future spot prices of copper and zinc; the timing and results of exploration and drilling programs; the accuracy of mineral resource estimates; production costs; political and regulatory stability; the receipt of governmental and third party approvals; licenses and permits being received on favourable terms; sustained labour stability; stability in financial and capital markets; availability of mining equipment and positive relations with local communities and groups. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information are set out in the Company's public disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Osisko Metals' issuer profile. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.
North Korean defector Kim Yi Hyuk  who made headlines early last year when he and nine family members escaped the regime in a boat he built  has died in a diving accident. He was 36.

On December 5, the owner of the YouTube channel 'Lee Chul Eun NK TV,' Lee Chul Eun announced the news of his death.

Lee, a former senior lieutenant in North Korea's Ministry of State Security who defected to South Korea in 2016, said he learned of the news from the Netherlands and conveyed his sorrow in a message.

"I am sharing this post with a heavy heart," Lee wrote. "Kim Yi Hyuk, who courageously risked his life to escape North Korea in 2023 with his family, tragically passed away yesterday due to an unforeseen diving accident."

Recalling Kim as one of the first to shed light on the realities of life inside North Korea and crimes under Kim Jong Un's rule, Lee Chul Eun said, in Korean, "I hope his journey is now free of oppression and exploitation," he said, offering condolences to Kim's family.

Kim made news in May 2023 when he and his family successfully traversed the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea.

After he managed to escape, he spoke on programs around the world about life within North Korea during the coronavirus pandemic, when the regime was enforcing strict border closures.

Kim recalled August about his desertion from North Korea in June on Channel A's Now On My Way to Meet You.

But when his then-six-year-old daughter started kindergarten, he decided it was time to break for good, coaxing along the wife and children, as well as his brother, brother's wife, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law.

It took three tries, but they eventually made it across the line.

The death of Kim Yi Hyuk is a great loss, not just for his family but also for North Korean defectors as a whole.

He became a major voice for raising consciousness of the state of oppression that people still face under the regime.

He was an impressive man, indeed, and the extraordinarily tragic circumstances of his demise have made many admirers of his courage and strength come out and pay tribute.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. S&P Global Ratings has affirmed Azerbaijan's long-term and short-term sovereign credit ratings in foreign and national currencies at "BB+/B", Trend reports.

As per the obtained data, S&P's outlook on the ratings remains stable.

"The stable outlook reflects our expectation that, despite the anticipated gradual decline in oil production, Azerbaijan's significant fiscal and external reserves will help the economy withstand potential shocks related to changes in trade conditions," S&P stated.

The agency further noted that it could downgrade the ratings if Azerbaijans fiscal balances prove significantly weaker than expected in the medium term.

"This could occur, for example, in the event of a faster-than-expected decline in oil production. Conversely, we may upgrade the ratings if Azerbaijan continues to achieve a sustainable budget surplus and current account surplus, and if geopolitical risks in the region diminish," S&P emphasized.

S&P also pointed out that Azerbaijan has accumulated significant liquid assets in the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ).

"Azerbaijan continues to demonstrate transparency in managing SOFAZ assets, providing detailed annual reports. Our forecasts indicate that by the end of 2024, these assets will amount to nearly 80 percent of GDP, while total government debt will remain at around 20 percent of GDP until 2027. In 2024, Azerbaijans economy showed stronger growth than expected: the annual growth forecast has been revised up to 4.5 percent, mainly due to activity in the non-oil sector (transportation, construction). A double budget and current account surplus is expected to continue until 2026, gradually decreasing to balance by 2027. Government debt is expected to remain low  about 13 percent of GDP by the end of 2024," the agency noted.

S&P also highlighted that Azerbaijans manat will remain pegged to the US dollar, ensuring the stability of its monetary policy.
Prominent directors and filmmakers, including Parasite director Bong Joon-ho and actors and actresses -- Kang Dong-won, Jeon Ji-hyun, and Son Ye-jin -- have signed a statement calling for President Yoon Seok-yeol to be dismissed and arrested amid continuing martial law tensions.

According to TV Report, today, 77 groups, including film directors, actors, students, and 2,518 filmmakers, issued a statement declaring Yoon a "criminal of sedition."

The group demanded he be suspended from presidential duties "without delay" to deal with what they called the "chaotic situation in South Korea."

The statement read:

"The first step to overcoming the present disorder is to incapacitate Yoon Seok-yeol as president. Impeachment, if that is the quickest route, then we should go with that; if there is another way we can get him out of office, then let's go that way."

The film's producers said it is natural that a standard of punishment and judgment should be applied to Yoon and also to National Defense Minister Lee Jong-suk.

In a statement made during a live national broadcast recently, the two were swept beneath the veritable tsunami of being called "criminals of sedition."

During an earlier public address that day, President Yoon defended himself, insisting he had imposed martial law on December 3 after resorting to death-spiral measures.

Shortly after the Cabinet meeting on December 4, he said he had ordered the military to withdraw and lifted martial law.

Yoon, late last month, said, "I will not escape legal and political responsibility for this declaration. "There will never be a second Martial law."

The political atmosphere from six opposition parties, including the Democratic Party, has moved to propose an impeachment motion against Yoon. Today at 5 pm, there will be a vote on this motion.

Such a massive criticism coming from the film industry is indicative of the widening frustration against Yoon's presidency amid allegations of government encroachment and dwindling public credibility.

Signatories of the statement included influential figures from the South Korean film industry, such as Byun Young-joo and Jang Joon-hwan, as well as actress Moon So-ri.






Friday, December 06, 2024 - Joey Lawrence and his estranged wife, Samantha Cope, have decided to give their marriage another chance, months after Cope filed for divorce. Sources close to the couple told TMZ that the pair has reconciled and plans to call off their divorce proceedings.

While the exact reasons and timeline for their reunion remain unclear, the reconciliation is reportedly recent, with both parties showing signs of rekindling their relationship.

On Wednesday night, Lawrence hinted at their renewed connection with a heartfelt Instagram post. Sharing a picture of the couple, he expressed gratitude, saying he was galaxies beyond thankful. Cope responded in the comments with a heart emoji and wrote, love you, confirming the couples repaired bond.

The news comes as a surprise, given the dramatic circumstances surrounding their separation. Less than four months ago, Cope filed for divorce after two years of marriage, requesting 100% physical custody of their daughter and stipulating that Lawrences visits would require her approval.

The split was further complicated by allegations that Lawrence had an affair with Melina Alves, the writer of his upcoming movie Socked in for Christmas. Alves husband claimed in divorce documents that the relationship began in March. Lawrence denied the accusations, stating his connection with Alves was built on shared experiences, not physical intimacy.

Adding to the tension, Lawrence previously accused Cope of not accepting his two children from a previous relationship, calling it a significant strain on their marriage. However, he has since removed that statement from his Instagram.

Despite the publicized fallout, the couple seems determined to move past their differences and rebuild their relationship. Fans of the actor and Cope will undoubtedly watch closely as the two work toward a fresh chapter in their marriage.






Friday, December 06, 2024 - 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.

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.

After the trial, Heard went on to resort to a more private life as she sold her home in California and moved to Madrid, Spain.






Saturday, December 7, 2024 - Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti is reportedly constructing a multi-million private home in Athi River using funds looted from the county coffers.

According to Nelson Amenya, the whistleblower who exposed the controversial Adani deal, Wavinya is in China shopping for furnishing materials while hospitals in the county dont have medicine.

Machakos people, look at the house your governor is building in Athi River. She is in China to shop for furnishings while hospitals in the county dont have medicine, Amenya tweeted.

Wavinya Ndeti is among the most corrupt Governors, with reports emerging that he stashes looted public funds in offshore accounts.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday December 7, 2024 - Nandi County Senator, Samson Cherargei has blasted those criticising former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for joining President William Rutos Government.

Some Kenyans on X have been retweeting the hashtag #RailaMustFall, suggesting that the former Premiers bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship will fail for working with Ruto.

But responding to critics, Cherargei stated that Raila has been in opposition for over 40 years and he wasnt born to be in opposition for life.

"Kenyans on Twitter should give Raila a break! Where was it written that he should be in opposition politics forever? He has done it for over 40 years," Cherargei's statement read.

He argued that some Kenyans are upset because Raila is poised to become the next African Union Commission chairperson, describing him as a true Pan-Africanist.

Cherargei stated that opposition leadership is not exclusive to Raila and suggested that others, such as Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, can now take on that role.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday December 7, 2024  The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti has refuted reports on the resignation of 20 Kenyan police officers.

This is after international media outlets reported that 20 Kenyan cops had tendered their resignation over poor working conditions.

In an update to the world, the mission maintained that no police officer had tendered their resignation since their deployment this year.

Additionally, the MSS Force Commander, Godfrey Otunge, denied reports that the salaries for the officers had been delayed.

"The MSS categorically refutes these claims. All MSS personnel have received their salaries, including monthly allowances, and no MSS Officer has tendered their resignation as alleged," read the statement in part.

"MSS Officers remain highly motivated and fully committed to supporting the Haitian National. Police (HNP) in conducting decisive operations aimed at dismantling gang networks and restoring stability."

The response by the mission came a day after a section of international media outlets reported that 20 Kenyan cops had tendered their resignation over poor working conditions.

According to the media houses, the resignations within the force had been revealed to them by three officers who had resigned.

Kenyan police officers were deployed between June and July to help contain the rise of gang violence in the Caribbean country.

Additional officers are expected to be deployed soon following the completion of their training.

The Kenyan DAIY POST






Saturday November 7, 2024 - Kiambu County Senator, Karungo wa Thangwa has called for the branding of Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) vehicles.

Thangwa, who is a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, said this would improve public trust and reduce fears of abductions allegedly carried out by unmarked cars.

The Senator shared his thoughts after what he described as a long and informal interaction with DCI officers.

In a statement on Friday, December 6th, Thang'wa recounted how his casual conversation with DCI officers revealed public feelings about their operations.

"After engaging in some idle talk with DCI officers for almost 10 hours yesterday, I asked why they torment Kenyans by following them or allegedly abducting them using unmarked Subaru vehicles. The officers were quick to clarify that not all Subarus belong to the DCI and that they never abduct but arrest," he said.

The Senator noted the need for greater transparency and public reassurance, proposing the branding of DCI vehicles to enhance the agencys credibility and align with best practices for law enforcement.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday December 7, 2024 - President William Rutos brutal rule has cost Kenya its international image.

This is after an international body downgraded Kenya thanks to Ruto and his handling of the Gen Zs protests.

Global Findings 2024 of Civicus Monitor downgraded Kenya from obstructed to repressed status in terms of civil freedoms.

The downgrade follows the brutal Government crackdown on nationwide protests in June and July 2024.

Sparked by a proposed Finance Bill that sought to raise taxes and further burden already struggling Kenyans with the high cost of living amid rampant Government corruption, the violent response led to the deaths of at least 60 unarmed protesters and the arrest of over 1,000 individuals.

"At least 1,200 people were arrested during #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests against tax rises in Kenya in June 2024," the report revealed.

This harsh crackdown left a lasting impact, with abductions and intimidation tactics continuing to create an atmosphere of fear and repression across Kenya.

Six months after the protests, abductions of protesters, activists and online supporters continue putting the country's freedom and democracy in jeopardy.

The increase in killings and abductions months after the protests has created a chilling effect on civic freedom in Kenya.

Apart from Kenya, the report also downgraded Burkina Fasos status from obstructed to repressed.

Eswatini and Ethiopia were downgraded from repressed to closed, meaning authorities there tolerate almost no public dissent or demonstrations.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. UK wants to see further cooperation on green energy with Caspian Sea region in the future, Sophie Westlake, Deputy Director for the U.K. government's International Energy Unit, which spans across the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), said, addressing the Caspian Energy Security and Post-COP29 Conference in London, Trend reports.

Westlake detailed the U.K.s approach to energy security, and the role the Caspian Region can play, stressing the important role that the Caspian regions gas played in Europe, in terms of energy security and diversification away from Russian supplies. We have seen that role increasing and the role Azerbaijan plays in diversifying that supply, she emphasized.

We have seen the important role of the Caspian region in energy security and gas, but we want to see further cooperation on green energy in the future There are about 845 gigawatts of energy potential in the Caspian Sea, that is massive potential there for the export of green power to Europe - that is the growing area of interest, said Westlake.

She further emphasized the role of the U.K. as a global leader in energy transition: At the G20 this year my PM launched the global clean power alliance. It is an idea of how we can take forward the initiative we have in the UK to a global level. The things we want to focus on going forward is how we use the funds that are available to better leverage private sector money and see that those funds are used in the best way.

What we want to do is ensure that while we continue to rely on gas, we are keen to focus as much as possible on how to make that as low as possible. We are keen to cooperate with the region to see what we can do to really dig in and focus on that issue, she concluded.

David Moran, CPCs United Kingdom (UK) advisor, gave opening remarks and thanked the International Institute for Strategic Studies for the use of their venue. Moran mentioned the U.K.s strategic importance for the further development and strengthening of the Caspian region.

Drawing from his experience at COP29, Moran further emphasized the importance of the conference for global climate action: There was an enormous amount of intellectual investment and lots of conversations on creative finance, whether its looking at blended finance or insurance.

COP29 was the Caspian COP, demonstrating the determination of Central Asia and South Caucasus countries to work together for climate action. It opened many eyes around the world.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn






Friday, December 06, 2024 - A controversial court ruling that has ignited widespread debate, following reports of a Zimbabwean man Forward Mumango evicting his wife, Primrose Mumango, and their children from their family home to accommodate his new girlfriend.

According to H-Metro, Mumango obtained a protection order from Magistrate Meenal Narotam at the Harare Civil Court, barring his wife and children from returning to the home.

Mumango alleged that his familys refusal to accept his new girlfriend into their lives and their disrespect toward her forced him to take this action.

She is so disrespectful and failing to accept my second wife as part of our family, Mumango told the court. They are making it impossible for me to live in peace with my new wife. I want them out of my house because they dont want to accept my decision as the father of the house.

The case took a dramatic turn when the couples daughter, Tofara Mumango, broke down in tears upon hearing the court's decision. In an emotional outburst, she accused her father of being manipulated and neglecting his family.

How could he do this to my mum? Tofara cried. He is just doing this because his girlfriend has manipulated him, he doesnt care about us. He is punishing us for not accepting his new girlfriend.

Court officials intervened to restrain Tofara as her emotional plea escalated. Primrose Mumango, visibly distraught, described her husbands actions as a betrayal.

He is no longer in his normal senses; he has been manipulated by his girlfriend. I am heartbroken by his decision to seek a protection order against me and his plans to evict our children, she said.

The case has sparked outrage on social media, with many expressing sympathy for the evicted family and criticizing Mumangos decision.






Friday, December 06, 2024 - A Massachusetts man with one of the world's largest thumbs has shown off how he uses everyday items like his phone.

Jacob Pina, 25, has gone viral for his five-inch thumb, which has helped him launch a successful YouTube channel and gain millions of online followers.

But while it has given him internet fame, it has made daily tasks a bit harder, including texting and using his cellphone.

At about five inches fully stretched, his right thumb is just slightly shorter than the six-inch iPhone 16.





He demonstrated this in a recent TikTok video, where he stretched out his thumb to scroll through social media on his phone.

The clip, which has hundreds of thousands of views, left viewers shocked and confused, with many questioning if it was edited or if the extreme stretch is painful.

One commented: "This makes me physically uncomfortable."

One said: "Is it some sort of condition that causes this or is it edited?"

Another commented: "You don't understand how confused i am."

"Bro this is a sword," one viewer said.





He also shared a video comparing his thumb to a normal thumb, with his looking to be three times longer.

Around one in 10 Americans have highly flexible or stretchy joints, also known as hypermobile joints - but doctors have no explanation for Mr Pina's case.

Though hypermobility has been linked to genetic disorders, he said he doesn't have any underlying health issues to explain his thumb.






Friday, December 06, 2024 - Prince Harry has addressed the persistent online rumours that his marriage to Meghan Markle is on the rocks after six years.

The Duke of Sussex was one of the star guests at the annual DealBook Summit live where he slammed trolls, insisting he feels 'sorry' for them because they 'hope' they will split up.

He also criticized Britain's legal system, Government, media, and being in the public eye, declaring the attention was 'definitely not a good thing'.

Asked by the event's founder, Andrew Ross Sorkin, about the public's fixation on their relationship.

'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?

The Duke of Sussex then dismissed claims that he and Meghan are struggling.

'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?",' Harry said laughing.

'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 dismissed divorce rumours and spoke about negative attention on him in the press and on social media.

'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.

'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 the course of time'.

Harry then reiterated that he and his wife have no plans to return to the United Kingdom with Archie and Lilibet, again hinting at security concerns.






Saturday December 7, 2024 - Former Muranga County Woman Representative, Sabina Chege, has begged Mt Kenya electorate to forgive their Members of Parliament who have been supporting oppressive Bills in the National Assembly and Senate.

In October after they supported the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, most Mt Kenya MPs were banned from visiting their constituents for going against the electorate's wishes.

In fact, many Mount Kenya MPs are currently operating from Boulevard Hotel in Nairobi because they fear going to their constituencies.

But speaking on Friday, Sabina begged the constituents to forgive them and accept them during this long Christmas holiday.

Please forgive us and allow us to go home during the Christmas holiday and we shall start working with you, Sabina stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday December 7, 2024 - Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola has asked Kenyans to pressurize the Executive headed by President William Ruto to reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to avoid a constitutional crisis in the coming days.

According to Lenaola, the continued delay in reconstituting the electoral body will hamper its readiness to handle the scheduled elections.

How can a country like ours stand on its feet if it does not have an electoral commission, he said.

Elections are in 2027, this is 2024, when will this commission be prepared?

Lenaola fingered the National Assembly for passing politically important legislation while turning a blind eye to matters of grave importance, such as the reconstitution of the IEBC.

He faulted the Azimio coalition for its failure to appoint a member to the IEBC reconstitution panel, a factor he now says is holding the country ransom.

The electoral body remained a shell of itself following the resignation of four commissioners in the heat of the contested 2022 elections and the expiry of terms of three others.

In July 2024, Parliament passed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (amendment) Bill 2024.

President William Ruto would later ascent to it into law, kick-starting the selection process.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, December 06, 2024 - A schoolteacher in central California died of rabies after being bitten by a bat found in her classroom.

The woman died at a hospital in late November, about a month after being bitten by a presumably rabid bat, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) said, without naming her.

The school district and the teachers friend, Laura Splotch, identified her as Leah Seneng, 60.

Splotch said Seneng had been working at a school in Dos Palos when she was bitten, which local media identified as Bryant Middle School.

Seneng was a dedicated and compassionate educator, the Dos Palos Oro Loma Joint Unified School District said in a statement cited by the Associated Press.

We were shocked to learn that Leahs passing was related to contracting rabies, most likely from being bitten by a bat, it added, noting that it was supporting the investigation of county health officials.

We live and work in a community known to have bats and other wildlife around school grounds, it said, adding that it would continue to help educate our community about their dangers.

Splotch told WWNY 7 News that Seneng, who she said was an art teacher and a lover of life, had tried not to harm the bat when it was found in her classroom.

I dont know if she thought it was dead or what because it was laying around in her classroom and she was trying to scoop it up and take it outside, Splotch said.

Seneng was admitted to a hospital weeks later and d!ed on Nov. 22, Splotch added. It was devastating to see her in that state, with all the machines hooked up and everything  it was pretty upsetting.

Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It mainly affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start.

Symptoms can be flu-like and include weakness or discomfort, fever, headaches and brain dysfunction, such as confusion and hallucinations.






Saturday December 7, 2024 - Supreme Court Judge Justice Isaac Lenaola has blamed Parliament for failing to constitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Lenaola faulted the legislature for prioritizing insignificant legislation and ignoring the constitution of the electoral body.

He warned that the 2027 elections were fast approaching and that it is not in order for the country to lack a functional IEBC.

Lenaola had wondered why the commission had not been fully constituted within less than three years before the 2027 General Election.

He questioned how prepared the IEBC would be should the delays continue to drag on.

At the same time, he acknowledged that the delays had been occasioned by a dispute raised by the Azimio coalition.

Consequently, the Supreme Court judge sought to know why the opposition was holding the country hostage.

"How can a country like ours stand on its feet without having an electoral commission? Elections are in 2027. This is 2024. When will this commission be prepared?" Lenaola posed.

"Why is the IEBC not being constituted? Because Azimio cannot appoint their representative to the panel. Is that something to hold a country hostage for two years?"

Lenaola went on to rally Kenyans to use social media to push MPs and leaders to focus on important things that needed to be fixed.

"Why don't we use social media to impact legislation? Why don't we have a hashtag on appoint IEBC now and spread it? Those who have the opportunity will actually follow it, and they will do something."

The IEBC has been devoid of commissioners following the exit of former chairman Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Molu Boya and Abdi Guliye, whose tenures ended in January 2023.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, December 06, 2024 - A missing American vlogger was shot dead and his body dumped at sea during a botched kidnapping in the Philippines.

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.

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.

'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.

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.'
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. Uzbekistan proposes creating an international center for climate laws and damage assessment, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the UK Ravshan Usmanov said, addressing the Caspian Energy Security and Post-COP29 Conference in London, Trend reports.

He pointed out the severity of climate change and its effects: Today, climate change has emerged as the foremost global challenge contributing to increased geopolitical tensions. We feel these effects in Central Asia; climate challenges are becoming new obstacles to improving the quality of life for our nations.

He further spoke on the efforts undertaken by his country in green energy transition, stating that, Uzbekistan proposes the establishment of an international center for climate laws and damage assessment.

We are actively advancing projects in solar, and over the past five years, 38 agreements have been signed with international companies to construct a capacity of 21,000 megawatts. We plan to increase the share of green energy to 40 percent and global production of critical minerals must be increased 6-fold by 2040.

Commenting on Azerbaijans COP29 Presidency, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the UK Elin Suleymanov said, The most important thing is, despite all the distractions and geopolitical challenges, I think the parties to the conference and Azerbaijan's conference presidency have managed to keep its focus on the most important challenge, which is climate change.

Suleymanov also mentioned that the climate conference was seen as a regional effort, a Caspian COP. Specifically, Ambassador Suleymanov spoke on some of the achievements of COP29, including the $300 billion climate financing agreement: For the last 15 years, that discussion has been happening, and no outcome was reached. Now it has, and it was reached in Baku, which is very important.

For the first time, you see the institutional movement focusing on green transition in the region. That is not something that comes from the outside, it comes from the region itself, he added.

Suleymanov also spoke on Azerbaijans as well as the Caspian regions role in enhancing Europes energy security: The Central Asia Trans-Caspian Green Energy Corridor  that is something that is fundamentally a game-changer in the region.

Its important to achieve a green energy transition without undermining the economy and energy security, reflected Osman Koray Ertas, the Ambassador of Turkiye to the UK.

The picture is quite challenging. What we need is global motivation and global leadership on a green transition, as well as working harder on the financing aspects, Ambassador Ertas added. He also spoke of the importance for Turkiye to expand its use of renewable energy and to achieve energy security, especially with the help of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

We continue to focus on energy security. We continue to support the energy security of our neighbors in south-eastern Europe. We have deals with Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, he stressed.

COP29 gave the countries of the region a platform to show we are as committed to sustainable energy as the rest of the world, but we have our own challenges on the ground. We are working very hard to align our national capabilities with the general agenda, said Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the U.K.

Speaking on Kazakhstans growing focus on energy security, Ilyassov further added: It is important to diversify the energy mix in our country. The final pillar is to develop a range of low-carbon energy sources beyond solar and wind. I am talking about hydrogen, nuclear, and natural gas.

Energy security is increasingly regionalized, one big outcome for us is we become stronger and better aware of ourselves as a sustainable energy-related region. We can support each other by working together, concluded Ambassador Ilyassov.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Tomas Doherty

Thousands of people remain without power after Storm Darragh swept across Ireland overnight with gusts exceeding 140km/h in some areas.

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Eireann and other stakeholders met on Saturday morning to discuss the damage caused by the storm, which was described as having a greater impact than ex-hurricane Ophelia in 2017.

ESB Networks confirmed that about 395,000 homes and businesses were without electricity at 7am on Saturday morning as a result of the storm.

That number had dropped to 325,000 customers by 11.30am but full restoration is expected to take several days.

Met Eireann recorded gusts of 141km/h at Mace Head in Co Galway at 11pm on Friday night, while gusts of 120km/h were recorded at Shannon, Co Clare, and gusts of 115km/h were reported in Co Cork.

While the brunt of the storm has passed, Met Eireann said Storm Darragh will continue to bring very windy or stormy conditions on Saturday with winds gradually moderating during the afternoon.

A status yellow warning for wind will remain in effect for all of the Republic until 3pm.

Impacts from the storm include disruption to ferry, bus and rail services. There may also be some delays at airports. Those planning to travel on Saturday are advised to check transport websites in advance.

Over 370,000 homes & businesses without power across Ireland after #StormDarragh. Thank you to ESB crews working to restore power. This is major work & will take some time to be fully completed. Other agencies will assist where appropriate too & met this morning to plan that work  Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) December 7, 2024

Taoiseach Simon Harris thanked ESB crews for their work to restore power to homes after the storm.

In a post on X, Mr Harris said: This is major work & will take some time to be fully completed. Other agencies will assist where appropriate too & met this morning to plan that work.

ESB teams are out repairing damage to the network with the assistance of the Defence Forces.

An ESB spokesperson said their crews and partner contractors began mobilising from early on Saturday morning to assess the damage, make the network safe and restore electricity supply where it was safe to do so.

With Met Eireann wind warnings remaining in place for the entire country until this afternoon, further power outages can be expected from potentially damaging gusts, they added.

Given the extent of the storm, estimated restoration times will be updated throughout the day as fault sites are assessed and restoration work progresses  these will be available on www.PowerCheck.ie.

Uisce Eireann has asked customers to conserve water in the areas which have been impacted by power outages.

Keith Leonard, national director of the NDFEM, urged the public to continue to take care in the aftermath of the storm.

Thankfully, Storm Darragh has passed and the dangers posed by very strong winds has passed, he said in a statement.

Motorists should take extra care as there are fallen trees reported all across the country with many roads closed. Ideally, I would advise drivers not to travel today unless necessary and to check your route in advance if you have to head out.

With a yellow wind warning still in place, I would also urge the public to continue 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.

In the North, Northern Ireland Electricity said about 46,000 customers were without power on Saturday morning following a night of high winds.

It said damage including broken overhead power lines, fallen trees across lines and broken poles will require repair work expected to continue into Sunday.

A bus was involved in a road crash in Co Antrim in the early hours of Saturday, while Stena Line ferry services from Belfast to Cairnryan in Scotland have been cancelled.

A ferry remained off the coast of Co Antrim on Saturday, believed to have been hampered by weather conditions.

A number of roads in the North, including Castle Street in Belfast city centre, were closed on Saturday morning while clean up work was carried out after storm damage.

The clean up operation on Castle Street in Belfast city centre after overnight damage caused by Storm Darragh. Photo: Rebecca Black/PA

Public transport company Translink said on social media: Due to poor weather conditions all Goldliner services (including Dublin/@DublinAirport and @BelfastAirport buses) and rail services (including Enterprise services) are suspended until further notice.

The Belfast Christmas Market is not expected to open on Saturday, depending on weather conditions, with organisers saying they need to ensure visitors and traders are kept safe.

The Met Office has issued an amber wind warning covering the whole region from 1am on Saturday to 9pm.

A yellow warning for wind in Northern Ireland on will expire at 6am on Sunday.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, December 7. In the Vakhsh district of Tajikistan's Khatlon region, the construction of an innovative demonstration plot for introducing new agricultural technologies has begun, with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Trend reports via the bank.

The project is part of the second phase of the Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF II), supported by donors including the Green Climate Fund, the Austrian Federal Ministry, and South Korea.

The demonstration site will be located at the "Tanzila" farm. The new technologies being introduced aim to significantly reduce resource consumption and minimize environmental impact. Among the innovations are:

- greenhouses with drip irrigation systems, which can reduce water usage by 50-70 percent;

- solar panels for autonomous energy supply to greenhouses;

- biogas production systems that convert organic waste into biogas and fertilizers;

- vertical farming techniques to increase the yield of fodder crops and improve the economic efficiency of agricultural production.

"We plan to continue establishing similar sites in other regions of Tajikistan to introduce local producers to new technological solutions designed to mitigate the impacts of and adapt to climate change," the EBRD representatives said.

Notably, the GEFF II program is aimed at supporting Tajikistan's transition to a green economy. The program includes funding of up to $50 million to stimulate investments in environmentally friendly technologies across the agriculture, housing, and commercial sectors.
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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 7. Turkmenistan is set to amplify the flow of its natural gas offerings to Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

This matter was brought to the forefront during a phone chat between Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Turkmenistan's People's Council Chairman Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The parties acknowledged the smooth sailing of their collaboration in the gas sector, highlighting its staying power for the long haul. They also highlighted the bright future ahead for the execution of collaborative gas projects that are set to take off on the not-so-distant horizon.

When it comes to Uzbekistan's trade turnover of natural and artificial gas, it hit the ground running at $1.8 billion from January through October 2024. This figure shows an 80 percent leap compared to the same time last year ($1 billion in JanuaryOctober 2023).

Uzbekistans exports of natural and artificial gas amounted to $540.4 million from January through October 2024, while the imports of natural and artificial gas to Uzbekistan totaled $1.3 billion during this period.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM CDT SATURDAY... * WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * WHERE...Portions of south central, southwest, and west central Illinois and central, east central, northeast, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 1 AM CDT 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. &&
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Artist Company says Lee is not under investigation

By KTimes

Actor Lee Jung-jae and his agency, Artist Company, denied that either the company or the actor is under investigation by financial authorities for allegations of unfair stock transactions.

In December last year, Lee and actor Jung Woo-sung acquired 45 percent and 9 percent of the shares, respectively, in the Kosdaq-listed advertising company Wider Planet through a third-party capital increase, becoming its largest shareholders. The company was renamed Artist United in March.

A media report alleged that certain groups had advance knowledge of Artist United's acquisition by actors Lee and Jung and deliberately promoted the company's stock as a political theme stock.

After it became public that Lee and ruling People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon were high school classmates, the company's shares surged nearly tenfold, being labeled as a "Han Dong-hoon theme stock."

The authorities reportedly suspect that these individuals manipulated the stock price to gain financial profits and are currently investigating the matter.

Artist Company issued a statement on Friday, "While Wider Planet (now Artist United) was previously investigated by financial authorities, Artist Company and Lee Jung-jae are not currently targets of any investigation. Lee was not involved in any illegal activities, such as insider trading or information leaks, during Wider Planet's third-party capital increase."

The company also said that it will actively address misunderstandings surrounding Lee and Artist United.

"In addition, through an internal investigation by Artist United, we will file lawsuits and complaints against those involved in insider trading or information leaks to protect the shareholders from any harm," it said.

These statement follows a New Daily report on Friday, which claimed that the Financial Services Commission's investigation bureau had raided Artist Company. The raid is reportedly aimed to investigate allegations of insider trading and unfair transactions related to Wider Planet.

On Friday, share prices of Artist United plummeted 19.73 percent or 3,34o won to close at 14,590 won on the Kosdaq market.

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.
By KTimes

Bae Doona has built a reputation for versatility, portraying unique characters across her career. From an inflatable doll with human emotions in "Air Doll" (2009) to a left-handed ping pong player in "As One," she has developed the resilience needed to tackle complex roles.

This skillset helped her naturally embody the layered character of Young-soo in the Coupang Play series "Family Matters."

In a recent interview at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, Bae discussed her experience filming the series.

"Family Matters" follows a mother with the ability to edit memories who joins forces with her family to exact revenge on villains. Bae plays Young-soo, a character gifted with brain-hacking abilities.

The actor says she was drawn to the refreshing and cathartic appeal of the series.

I felt like there was something I could contribute, she said. She also enjoyed the dark comedy elements. I love quirky things that dont force laughter but make you chuckle. I found those moments delightful, Bae added, noting her preference for roles that address social issues with levity.

Portraying an emotionally detached character like Young-soo was not without challenges. Young-soo is almost emotionless, and showing an empty state wasnt easy. At the same time, she couldnt be completely devoid of feelings, as she focuses on her kids and wants to be a good mother, Bae said.

Filming scenes involving blood was also tough for Bae. While Young-soo doesnt react, Bae Doona, the actor, struggled. Id rather take hits than dish them out  its hard for me to deal with the sight of blood, she said.

Taking on challenges fearless

Despite Young-soos clumsiness as a mother, Bae felt less pressure performing maternal scenes. Shes awkward at everything, even as a mom, Bae said, sharing a moment when Young-soo tries to cook an omelet but ends up serving instant rice with seaweed and canned tuna. I approached the role with the thought, All this character knows is how to torture people, she added with a laugh.

Bae also praised her co-star Ryu Seung-bum, who plays her husband Baek Cheol-hee, describing their chemistry as excellent. Although it wasnt an easy project, he brought great energy. Hes a pure soul. I relied on him as Cheol-hee and as Ryu Seung-bum, the actor, she said.

Bae credits her career for building her resilience as an actor. Reflecting on previous challenging roles, such as playing a non-human in "Air Doll," she noted, These experiences made me fearless.

She recalled using the phrase I played ping pong left-handed; I can do this too to motivate herself when tackling new challenges, including foreign-language performances.

Released on Friday on Coupang Play, "Family Matters" is a testament to Bae's ability to take on unique and demanding roles.

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.
Filmmakers from 77 organizations declare martial law a scenario that defies even cinematic imagination

By KTimes

Director Bong Joon Ho, actor Moon So-ri and 2,518 other members of Koreas film community have issued a statement calling for President Yoon Suk Yeols suspension from office, impeachment and arrest.

The statement, titled Remove and Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol, Perpetrator of Rebellion, was released Saturday by 77 film organizations, including the Directors Guild of Korea and the Producers Guild of Korea.

Actors such as Kim Go-eun, Park Eun-bin, and Jun Ji-hyun also signed the statement.

The filmmakers said halting Yoons presidential powers is the first step to addressing the current chaos and restoring Koreas global reputation.

For the film industry, Yoon Suk Yeol is no longer a president but a perpetrator of rebellion, the statement said. We demand his immediate suspension, impeachment and arrest.

The call for action came in the wake of Yoons controversial declaration of martial law on Tuesday, which was overturned by the National Assembly just two and a half hours later. The filmmakers criticized the declaration as illegal and unconstitutional, likening it to the era of military dictatorship.

They highlighted reports that the martial law was intended as a warning to opposition parties, describing the situation as a breakdown of governmental systems.

This is a scenario that defies even the most imaginative film plots, they said. The greatest threat to the Republic of Koreas existence is Yoon Suk Yeol. Removing him from office is an urgent task to safeguard our democratic republic.

The filmmakers also lamented the decline of Koreas global cultural reputation. The once-celebrated Korean Wave has plummeted under this administration, they said.

They further criticized the governments cultural policies, alleging that budgets for the Korean Film Council and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism have been derailed by unilateral decisions from the president.

The filmmakers emphasized the need for swift action, whether through impeachment or other measures to remove the president from office.

The statement was open for signatures from 5 p.m. Thursday until 11:59 p.m. Friday.

Notable signatories include Bong Joon Ho, actor Moon So-ri and other prominent figures such as directors Jeong Ji-young, Byun Young-joo, Yang Ik-june, Jang Joon-hwan, Jo Sung-hee, Cho Hyun-chul, Oh Jung-min and Lim Sun-ae.

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.
By KTimes

Min Hee-jin, former CEO of Ador, made her first public appearance since resigning from the company, sharing her thoughts on the ongoing legal disputes with HYBE and its sublabel Ador.

Min attended the "Women Who Became Genres" talk concert hosted by Hanwha General Insurance and Folin at DreamPlus Gangnam in Seoul, Friday, where she candidly shared her experiences during the hour-long session.

Living true to ones convictions isnt easy, and I face constant attacks, Min said. Its exhausting to respond to false accusations all the time. You have to endure injustice and prove yourself through results and genuine actions. Words are meaningless if theyre not backed up. Ultimately, your work speaks for you, and thats why its so valuable.

Last month, on Nov. 20, Min stepped down as an executive director at Ador and parted ways with HYBE. Following her departure, she announced plans to take legal action against individuals associated with HYBE and Ador. She is currently engaged in multiple lawsuits as the disputes continue.

It feels like a religious war. Even when you tell the truth, people dont believe it. I can confidently say Im suffering more than anyone here. People only believe what they want to believe," Min said. Personally, I hope the lawsuits conclude quickly and that everything is resolved. But time doesnt move at my will."

She described her situation as "unbearably distressing" but vowed to train herself to endure it, saying, "I have to keep reminding myself of the essence of why I started this fight and what I need to accomplish in the future.

Meanwhile, amidst the legal battle between Min and Ador, NewJeans, an artist group under Ador, held a press conference on Nov. 28 to announce the termination of their exclusive contract with the agency.

The group publicly declared their support for Min. In response, Ador has filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the existing contract.

Min has denied allegations of acting as the "orchestrator" in the termination of K-pop girl group NewJeans' exclusive contract with the HYBE sublabel.

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.
The acting defense chief instructed top military leaders and commanders nationwide, Satyrday, to maintain firm emergency readiness, the ministry said, as the National Assembly voted on a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over martial law turmoil.

Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho issued the instruction during a video conference with the chiefs of the Army, Air Force and Navy, as well as key military commanders across the nation and other officials, according to the defense ministry.

Kim urged them "to muster all efforts to maintain a firm readiness posture ... while gravely recognizing the current security situation both in and outside the country," the ministry said.

A defense ministry official said the meeting was convened to inspect the military's readiness posture at border regions.

The vice defense minister is acting as the military chief after his predecessor, Kim Yong-hyun, stepped down earlier this week in connection with Yoon's declaration of martial law, which was lifted after the National Assembly voted to reject it.

The Assembly convened a plenary session Saturday to vote on a motion to impeach the president. (Yonhap)
By KTimes

Frustration erupted during a candlelight march outside the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on Saturday night as news spread that all but three People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers had walked out to avoid the impeachment vote against President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Participants in the candlelight rally reacted with sighs and shouts, with some chanting, "This is no longer a parliament that represents the people" and "The PPP must be dissolved."

One protester asked, How can we let a president who turned his back on the people with an illegal martial law remain in office?

The rally site was packed, with an unofficial police estimate of 101,000 attendees, while organizers claimed the number reached 1 million across Yeouido. The influx caused subway disruptions, with trains skipping Yeouido and National Assembly stations.

Protesters, holding signs reading Protect our country with the power of the candlelight, chanted, Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol!

The crowd's anger peaked after the National Assembly voted to reject a bill calling for a special counsel investigation into corruption allegations surrounding first lady Kim Keon Hee.

Kim, 56, who joined the rally with her classmates from college, was furious.

She said, How could they reject the special prosecutor bill with so many citizens watching? Thinking about the past two and a half years of chaos under Yoon and Kim Keon-hee makes my blood boil.

Some attendees threw their signs on the ground in frustration.

'Nothing but anger and despair'



The crowd grew restless as screens installed at the rally showed PPP lawmakers leaving the chamber after voting on the special counsel bill before the impeachment vote. Fears of a quorum failure for the impeachment vote led to cries of anger.

Joo Ga-hyun, 20, a university student, tearfully said, This is absurd. I feel nothing but anger and despair. We were taught that power comes from the people, but this makes me question everything.

Lee Sung-kuk, 53, voiced his frustration, saying, The people should vote directly on impeachment. Honestly, I want to march straight to the presidential office in Yongsan.

Outside the PPP headquarters in Yeouido, protesters chanted, Disband the People Power Party! and criticized the party for abandoning their duties. The PPP is not a legitimate party, some shouted, while others accused it of insulting the National Assembly.

With the PPP refusing to participate in the impeachment vote, the candlelight protests, which have grown in intensity, are expected to continue.

This is beyond comprehension. Impeachment is the only option, Lee Hwan-pyo, 42, said.

Yang Ji-soo, 37, said, We need to gather even more voices from across the country.

Choi Jae-sung, 61, said, History cannot be overturned. I will stand with those who came out today and continue this fight together.

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.
Network traffic in Korea briefly slowed in the area around the National Assembly on Saturday, industry sources said, as lawmakers voted on an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol.

A number of posts and messages appeared on social media from the afternoon, complaining about the lack of internet or call connectivity near the crowded National Assembly building in western Seoul, according to the sources.

The disruptions were attributed to weakened signal strength caused by the large number of people gathered in a limited area, they added.

While lawmakers convened a plenary session to vote on a motion to impeach President Yoon over martial law turmoil, an estimated 150,000 people gathered nearby, calling for the ouster of the president.

Major communications companies said they are intensively monitoring traffic conditions and were prepared to take appropriate measures to address potential service disruptions.

Meanwhile, Naver and Kakao, operators of major online portals, confirmed there were no service failures despite a spike in searches related to impeachment.

They noted that they have expanded server capacity to handle potential traffic surges.

Naver's news page saw all-time high traffic shortly after the martial law declaration Tuesday, and the surge had briefly disrupted some of its functions. (Yonhap)
By KTimes

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party, said on Saturday morning, "President Yoon Suk Yeol is no longer able to perform his duties normally, making an early resignation unavoidable.

Speaking to reporters shortly after Yoons public address, Han said, We will discuss and deliberate on the best course of action for the Republic of Korea and its people moving forward.

Han emphasized the importance of stability in managing state affairs following President Yoon's public address.

The president said the party and the government would take responsibility for operating the state," he said. "The prime minister and the party will work closely to prevent further hardship for citizens and worsening external conditions.

Han declined to comment on whether there were discussions on constitutional amendments to shorten the president's term were underway.

Han had expressed on Friday the need for Yoons suspension from office, which was widely interpreted as a call for impeachment or term reduction. With his mention of "early resignation" today, Han appears to be focusing more on shortening Yoons term and leading a party-driven overhaul of the political landscape rather than pursuing impeachment.

Earlier, Yoon apologized for the declaration of martial law, saying, To the citizens who were deeply alarmed, I sincerely apologize, as he bowed in remorse.

In his first statement since lifting martial law, Yoon acknowledged that the decision, made out of urgency as the nation's leader, has led to public anxiety and inconvenience, adding, I will not evade any legal or political responsibility related to this declaration.

Yoon also assured the public there won't be another martial law. He declared martial law on Tuesday, only to lift it about six hours later following a motion from the National Assembly.

After four days of silence, his remarks came on the same day the National Assembly is set to vote on his impeachment motion.

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.








Main opposition DPK says will not tolerate Yoon remain in office

By Anna J. Park

President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized to the nation for the chaos arising from his martial law in a televised public address at the presidential office on Saturday, adding that he would not shirk political and legal responsibility.

In the address at 10 a.m., Yoon said the recent declaration of martial law stemmed from the urgency he felt as the president, who bears ultimate responsibility for national governance.

"However, the process caused anxiety and inconvenience to the public. I sincerely apologize to the citizens who must have been startled," Yoon said, adding, "I will not shirk legal and political responsibility regarding the declaration of martial law."

Emphasizing that there would never be a second martial law, he said he would entrust every state affairs, including his term in office, to the ruling People Power Party (PPP).

"I will entrust measures on how to stabilize the political situation, including my term in office, to our party. Moving forward, our party and the government will jointly take responsibility for state affairs. Once again, I bow my head in apology for causing concern to the public," he said, ending his statement with a bow to the public.

The address came seven hours before the National Assembly is set to vote on his impeachment motion.

Right after Yoon's statement, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon reiterated his earlier stance that Yoon is in a situation where "normal performance of duties is impossible" and "early resignation is unavoidable."

"The president has expressed his intent to entrust measures for political stability, including the possibility of shortening his term, to the party. Given the circumstances, normal execution of presidential duties is no longer feasible, and early resignation is inevitable," Han said, adding that the party will seek the best path forward for Korea and its people.

Rep. Jo Seoung-lae, the chief spokesperson for the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), said the party cannot accept any alternative that allows the president to remain in office.

"We cannot tolerate a leader of insurrection continuing to serve as president," Jo said.

DPK leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung also said Yoon's address was disappointing.

"The president is the biggest risk to the Republic of Korea," he said. "There's no other option than his early removal."
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The National Assembly is set to vote Saturday on an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived attempt to impose martial law earlier this week, which left South Korea in political turmoil.

The plenary session on impeachment will be held at 5 p.m., yet it remains unclear whether the motion submitted by opposition lawmakers will get the two-thirds majority required to pass it.

Earlier in the day, Yoon delivered a nationally televised apology for causing public anxiety by his botched martial law imposition Tuesday night, while pledging not to make such an attempt again.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and five other minor opposition parties earlier submitted the motion, arguing Yoon's martial law declaration constituted violations of the Constitution and other laws.

The opposition bloc holds 192 seats out of the National Assembly's 300 members.

A two-thirds majority is required to pass the motion, which would need support from at least eight lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party (PPP).

The PPP has said it will not change its party policy to oppose the impeachment motion.

Earlier on Saturday, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon said it has become inevitable for Yoon to step down early, adding the president is no longer in a position to perform his duties effectively.

The comments followed Yoon's national address, where he said he would entrust the matter of his term to the PPP.

Among PPP lawmakers, Rep. Cho Kyoung-tae publicly expressed his support for Yoon's impeachment on Friday, the first by a ruling party representative.

Cho, however, appeared to have reversed his decision following Yoon's public apology.

"It is important to quickly establish a road map for his early resignation," Cho said when asked whether he was still in support of impeachment, and added that Han "should take full responsibility and immediate action on all such directions, as that is the proper course of action."

The DPK, meanwhile, expressed disappointment over Yoon's national address, saying the president's immediate resignation or an early departure through impeachment was necessary.

If the motion is passed, the Constitutional Court will decide whether to remove Yoon from office.

If upheld by the court, Yoon would be the second president in South Korea's history to be removed from office through impeachment after former President Park Geun-hye in 2017.

During the plenary session, the Assembly will also hold a revote on a bill calling for a special counsel to investigate allegations of corruption and election interference by first lady Kim Keon Hee.

This will take place right before the impeachment vote.

The bill, vetoed by Yoon for the third time, requires a two-thirds majority to override the veto.

The DPK said it will also put forth an impeachment motion for Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, one of Yoon's closest aides who the the opposition alleges is a key figure behind the botched martial law imposition.

By law, an impeachment motion must be put to a vote between 24 and 72 hours after the motion is reported to a plenary session. (Yonhap)
Impeachment motion scrapped without ballot counting as ruling party boycotts vote

By Kwak Yeon-soo

President Yoon Suk Yeol escaped impeachment on Saturday, as the National Assembly failed to pass the motion to oust him over his short-lived martial law, which sent shockwaves through Korea and triggered massive street protests.

The impeachment motion failed as most ruling People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers boycotted the vote by walking out the Assembly chamber, preventing it from reaching the quorum, 200 votes. Impeaching a seating president requires support from a two-thirds majority of the 300-member parliament to pass.

With 192 of the 300 Assembly seats held by the opposition bloc, at least eight PPP lawmakers votes were needed to impeach Yoon.

If the number of lawmakers who cast ballots doesnt reach 200, the motion is scrapped without the ballot counting as it falls short of quorum.

Ahead of the plenary session, the PPP said it would oppose the impeachment.

While all 108 PPP lawmakers initially entered the main chamber to vote against a separate bill about special counsel investigation into allegations involving first lady Kim Keon Hee, 107 of them, except Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, left the chamber before the impeachment motion was put to a vote.

Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik delayed the closure of the voting and called on PPP lawmakers to return to the chamber and cast their ballots.

The whole world is watching. Regardless of political party, we must protect the democracy and the constitutional order of the Republic of Korea. I wholeheartedly urge the PPP lawmakers to cast their votes, Woo said.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmakers recited the names of PPP members who had left, urging them to return.

Minutes later, Reps. Kim Yea-ji and Kim Sang-wook of the PPP returned to the chamber to cast their votes.

Some PPP lawmakers, who initially expressed their support for Yoons impeachment despite the partys official stance to oppose it, reversed their decisions following Yoons public apology earlier in the day.

In a televised address on Saturday morning, Yoon apologized for causing chaos in the country and said he would entrust every state affair, including his term in office, to the PPP. He also said there will not be another martial law.

After Yoon's address, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon said, An early resignation of Yoon is unavoidable as the president is no longer in a position to execute his duties effectively.

However, he remained steadfast in opposition to Yoons impeachment, maintaining the party line.

The DPK condemned the PPP for not participating in the voting and vowed to submit the impeachment motion again.

PPP is not a democratic party. The PPP is a criminal traitor that actively participated in the act of rebellion. We will push for the impeachment vote again and pass the impeachment by the end of this year. Han should bear historical responsibility, DPK leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung said.

The main opposition said it will table the impeachment motion every week until its passed.

We will immediately hold a special session on Dec. 11, a day after the last day of the parliamentary regular session, and push for the impeachment vote again on Dec. 14, the DPK said.

The PPP said it will conduct a thorough investigation to unearth the truth about the martial law and resolve the grave confusion as soon as possible.

"Considering the chaos in state affairs, the impeachment vote is not appropriate. The impeachment tragedy should not be repeated," Rep. Shin Dong-wook, spokesperson of the PPP said.

The party said its lawmakers' inattendance to the vote was their expression of opposition, adding it would devise measures to settle the chaos and stabilize state affairs.

It is said the PPP leader and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will discuss the issues in the coming days. Speaking to reporters after the scrapped impeachment vote, the PPP leader said the party will work toward Yoon's "orderly resignation." However, he did not elaborate on what "orderly resignation" entails or how much the president would be excluded from his duties

Meanwhile, PPP floor leader Rep. Choo Kyung-ho offered to resign after the vote to take responsibility for the martial law chaos that led to the third presidential impeachment vote in Koreas constitutional history.

The failed vote is expected to bring more rage from the public that has called for Yoon's impeachment. Hundreds of thousands of citizens gathered in front of the Assembly since 3 p.m. Saturday to call for the ouster and waited for the vote result, only to hear that the PPP boycotted the vote to annul it.

In a recent poll released by Gallup Korea on Friday, Yoons approval rating plunged to 13 percent following the martial law fiasco, the lowest since he took office in May 2022. An opinion survey released Thursday showed that about 74 percent of respondents supported Yoons impeachment.

Meanwhile, the Assembly also rejected a bill on a special counsel investigation into the first lady. The bill, which was put to a revote after Yoon vetoed it last month, failed to pass by just two votes, with 198 votes for and 102 against. It meant six PPP lawmakers probably approved the investigation.
Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in front of the National Assembly on Saturday, demanding the ouster of President Yoon Suk Yeol, as lawmakers convened a plenary session to vote on a motion to impeach him over martial law turmoil.

Defying December evening chill, civic groups, labor unions, including the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), students and individuals filled streets near the Assembly in western Seoul, holding signs calling for Yoon's impeachment.

"Oust him," read one picket sign, while another urged, "Protect the nation with the power of candlelight (rallies)."

Lawmakers convened a general meeting Saturday evening to vote on an impeachment motion against Yoon over his widely criticized declaration of martial law earlier this week, which was swiftly lifted after the opposition-controlled parliament voted to reject it.

"Today, right here, we will mark the end of Yoon Suk Yeol," KCTU leader Yang Kyung-soo told the crowd from a podium. "Let us ultimately punish him with even more powerful protests."

As crowds gathered around the Assembly, subway trains bypassed National Assembly Station and Yeouido Station before services at Yeouido Station were reinstated shortly after.

Police estimated that around 149,000 people had joined the gathering as of 5:30 p.m., while organizers claimed the turnout was 1 million.

The main road leading from the southern end of Seogang Bridge over the Han River past the Assembly was closed to traffic.

The Federation of Korean Trade Unions, another major umbrella union, also condemned the president, saying the president's apology, issued before the parliamentary session, was aimed at preventing the passage of the impeachment motion.

Calls for an impeachment also emerged from the legal community.

The Korean Bar Association issued a statement shortly after Yoon's public address, declaring its support for impeachment. "We agree with the impeachment of the president for disrupting the constitutional order through an unconstitutional declaration of martial law."

A man in his 50s was detained by police after trying to immolate himself near the National Assembly in protest of Yoon's martial law declaration, according to officials.

Near Gwanghwamun in central Seoul, another massive rally by conservative civic groups supportive of Yoon filled the streets, urging the Assembly to vote down the impeachment motion.

Waving the Taegeukgi and the Stars and Stripes, rally participants chanted slogans such as "Protect the president" and "Arrest (opposition leader) Lee Jae-myung."

Police estimated that the rally in central Seoul drew 20,000 people, while organizers claimed the crowd reached 1 million. (Yonhap)




All but three lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted a vote on an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday, reinforcing views that Yoon may survive impeachment over his short-lived attempt to impose martial law earlier this week, which left South Korea in political turmoil.

The vote was under way during a plenary parliamentary session, with the participation of all 192 opposition lawmakers and only three PPP lawmakers -- Reps. Ahn Cheol-soo, Kim Yea-ji and Kim Sang-wook.

Other PPP lawmakers had filed out of the session after taking part in a revote on a bill calling for a special counsel investigation into first lady Kim Keon Hee's corruption allegations, which was ultimately rejected.

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik called on PPP lawmakers to return to the session and cast their votes for the impeachment motion.

"You must vote," he said from the parliamentary hall where the session was under way. "That is the duty of a patriot, a National Assembly member of the Republic of Korea and an institution that represents the people."

The motion will be scrapped unless it meets the quorum of 200 votes.

It also requires the support of the same number of lawmakers, or two-thirds of the 300-member parliament, in order to pass.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea and five other minor opposition parties earlier submitted an impeachment motion, arguing Yoon's martial law declaration constituted violations of the Constitution and other laws.

At least eight of the 108 PPP lawmakers would need to break from their official party line and vote in favor of impeachment.

By law, an impeachment motion must be put to a vote between 24 and 72 hours after it is reported to a plenary session.

The deadline for the current motion is 12:48 a.m. Sunday. (Yonhap)
The National Assembly voted Saturday to reject a bill calling for a special counsel investigation into corruption allegations surrounding first lady Kim Keon Hee.

The bill, which was put to a revote after President Yoon Suk Yeol vetoed it last month, failed to pass by just two votes with 198 votes for and 102 against.

A bill vetoed by the president requires more than two-thirds support, or at least 200 votes, from the 300-member National Assembly to override it.

Six lawmakers of the 108-seat ruling People Power Party appear to have rejected its party line to vote down the bill.

The bill calls for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate two key allegations involving the first lady  her alleged involvement in a stock manipulation scheme and interference in election nominations through a power broker.

The scope of the proposed investigation was scaled back from two previous versions of the bill, both of which were vetoed by Yoon and then scrapped in a revote at the National Assembly.

The latest bill also calls for the Supreme Court chief justice to recommend a special counsel, with a clause allowing opposition parties to request a new recommendation in the event the proposed candidate is deemed unfit. (Yonhap)
Assembly to keep session open until midnight, hoping for return of PPP lawmakers

By KTimes

The impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol was put to a vote at the National Assembly on Saturday night, with most People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers absent, except for Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, who openly supported the motion, in his seat.

Earlier that day, ruling party lawmakers hurriedly completed a revote on a bill calling for a special counsel investigation into corruption allegations surrounding first lady Kim Keon Hee.

They then left the chamber en masse, a move widely criticized as a "cowardly retreat" to avoid participating in the impeachment vote.

The PPP had previously said it opposes both the impeachment motion and the special prosecutor bill.

Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) floor leader Rep. Park Chan-dae took to the podium to introduce the impeachment motion, calling out the names of PPP lawmakers one by one.

In particular, he named the 18 PPP lawmakers who had supported a resolution to lift martial law, pleading earnestly, Please return and fulfill your duty.

As DPK lawmakers stood in solidarity, they chanted the names of the absent PPP members together, joined by citizens watching the live broadcast outside the National Assembly.

In what appeared to be a response to the plea, Reps. Kim Yea-ji and Kim Sang-wook later appeared in the chamber.

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik said, The impeachment of a president who declared martial law is not a partisan issue but a matter of restoring Koreas history and democracy.

Woo declared he would wait for the PPP lawmakers to return, adding, How do you think history, the people and the world will judge lawmakers who refuse even to participate in the vote? Can you bear that responsibility?

The impeachment motion requires a two-thirds majority of the Assemblys 300 members, or 200 votes, to pass.

Opposition lawmakers to wait until midnight

With 192 opposition lawmakers already in favor, at least eight votes from the ruling party are needed to pass the motion.

The impeachment motion must be voted on within 72 hours of being reported to the National Assembly. Otherwise, it will be automatically discarded. According to this rule, the motion must be voted on by 12:48 a.m. on Sunday.

Opposition lawmakers, determined to see the vote through, remained in the chamber, waiting endlessly for ruling party lawmakers to return.

The ruling partys earlier decision to participate only in the revote of the special counsel bill before walking out sparked intense criticism and protests.

PPP lawmakers who left the chamber were confronted by opposition members and aides who accused them of being co-conspirators in treason and acting "shamefully in defiance of both history and the Constitution."

Many ruling party lawmakers avoided making eye contact as they were verbally attacked by opposition members and aides. Opposition aides even blocked the exits, calling the PPP members "collaborators (in treason)."

Justice Minister Park Sung-jae, who had earlier reported on the revote of the special counsel bill, also left without observing the final vote results. Woo condemned Parks actions, saying, For a government minister who requested a revote to leave without seeing the results is an act of extreme arrogance.

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.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo vowed to make all-out efforts to stabilize the situation after a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol was scrapped Saturday due to a lack of quorum.

Han called on Cabinet members and public officials to carry out their responsibilities, saying he takes people's sentiment and the president's remarks seriously.

"I will make all-out efforts to promptly stabilize the current situation," Han said in a release.

Following the vote, Rep. Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), offered to resign.

Ahead of the vote, Yoon made a public apology for his martial law declaration and said he will leave the ruling party to decide about his term and the stabilization of the state affairs.

Following Yoon's address, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon said he would consult with the prime minister on issues related to people's livelihoods to minimize potential impacts. (Yonhap)
Further loss of public trust, internal feud expected

By Kim Rahn

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) faces growing public anger and criticism as it boycotted the vote on an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday, making it fail to meet the quorum.

This is expected to corner the already unpopular ruling party, leading to continuous demands for an apology, the removal of leadership and the potential disbandment of the party.

Ahead of the vote that resulted from Yoons abortive martial law on Tuesday, the party held multiple meetings since Wednesday and decided to oppose the ouster. However, because impeachment motions are voted in a secret ballot, there remained the possibility that some PPP lawmakers might defect.

While the motion required at least 200 votes out of 300 Assembly members to pass, the opposition holds 192 seats, meaning at least eight PPP lawmakers' votes were needed for its passage.

All 108 PPP members entered the main chamber when the plenary session started at 5 p.m. and participated in the vote on the special counsel bill regarding allegations surrounding first lady Kim Keon Hee. Their attendance and votes were needed to block the bill.

After the first vote, all but one PPP lawmaker left the chamber, causing the impeachment motion to fail to meet the quorum of 200. Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo was the only PPP member who remained.

Caught off guard, opposition lawmakers strongly denounced the boycott. Main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) floor leader Rep. Park Chan-dae urged them to return to the chamber, calling each PPP lawmakers name.

Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, urging PPP members to return, did not close the voting.

Minutes later, two PPP representatives, Kim Yea-ji and Kim Sang-wook, returned to cast their ballots.

Kim Sang-wook disclosed that although he took part in the vote to fulfill his responsibility, he voted against the impeachment according to his party line.

Woo closed the vote at 9:20 p.m. The Assembly confirmed that the vote did not meet the quorum, and the impeachment motion was automatically scrapped without counting.

The opposition bloc harshly denounced the PPP.

DPK leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung called the PPP a treason party that betrayed the people and actively participated in acts of insurrection.

Well make sure Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol, who is the biggest threat to the country, will be impeached, Lee said, calling Yoon Mr. instead of president.

Although the PPP said right after the vote became void that it would come up with measures to settle the situation and stabilize state affairs with responsibility, the party is forecast to face only harsher public backlash.

A recent public opinion poll showed that 73.6 percent of its respondents said Yoon should be impeached.

The partys internal feud between pro-Han and pro-Yoon factions is expected to intensify. Han strongly denounced Yoons martial law declaration but initially agreed to set the partys line of opposing the impeachment.

However, he hinted at supporting the ouster on Friday morning after learning that he was one of a dozen politicians targeted for arrest by troops deployed to the National Assembly on Tuesday.

He ultimately stuck to the party line despite saying Yoons early resignation and suspension from office were inevitable.

The partys floor leader, Rep. Choo Kyung-ho, tendered his resignation from the post after the impeachment motion vote, saying he would take responsibility for failing to prevent the third presidential impeachment vote in the nations history.

A widely recognized pro-Yoon lawmaker, Choo has been accused of preventing PPP lawmakers from gathering at the Assembly late Tuesday night after Yoons martial law declaration when lawmakers were heading to vote to reverse it  an accusation which he denies.

The DPK filed a complaint with the police against Choo as an accomplice to Yoons treason.
Yoon keeps silence following failed impeachment motion

By Anna J. Park

Despite President Yoon Suk Yeol narrowly avoiding impeachment, his position has now entered a phase where effective governance appears unfeasible.

His impeachment vote at the National Assembly over his short-lived martial law was scrapped on Saturday as the ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted it and made the vote fail to meet the quorum.

Yoon has chosen to remain silent. After delivering a public address earlier in the day to apologize for the confusion his martial law declaration caused, he reportedly retreated to his residence and watched the impeachment vote with key aides.

After the vote was scrapped, the presidential office chose not to issue a statement, saying, "We have no comment."

Prime minister, PPP leader to discuss how to settle situation

Although the immediate threat of impeachment has been averted, the president's future is expected to remain at the forefront of the political landscape for the time being.

In his earlier address, Yoon said that he would entrust all state affairs, including decisions about his term, to the ruling party, adding, "The party and the government will take joint responsibility for managing state affairs going forward."

Speaking to reporters at the Assembly after the scrapped vote, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon said the president's comment of entrusting state affairs to the party means "virtually a promise to resign."

"To minimize confusion, we'll seek orderly resignation of him. Until the resignation, the president will effectively be excluded from duties, and the prime minister will consult with the party to ensure that the administration of state affairs proceeds without disruption," he said.

He added that the PPP will discuss the matter with the opposition bloc.

However, he did not elaborate on what "orderly resignation" means or how much the president will be excluded from his duties.

Upon his remarks, the PPP leader and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo are expected to play pivotal roles in handling urgent state affairs in the foreseeable future.

The two held an emergency meeting on Saturday, shortly after Yoon's public address. While they reportedly exchanged views on strategies to manage the current crisis, the specific details of their discussion have not been disclosed.

The prime minister is anticipated to prioritize resolving stalled policy issues within the scope of his legal authority.

Following the opposition partys unilateral passage of a reduced budget proposal, the resolution of next years budget, which has remained stalled, is expected to become one of the top priorities in state affairs. He is expected to maintain close communication with the PPP leader to ensure stable governance in addressing these policy issues.

Within the ruling bloc, other political responses, such as shortening the presidential term through a constitutional amendment, granting the prime minister greater executive authority or forming a coalition cabinet, are being discussed.

However, implementing such measures would require agreement from the opposition, a prospect that seems unlikely given the current political confrontations surrounding martial law and impeachment.

Political unrest expected to escalate

The political turmoil is expected to intensify, with ongoing protests from opposition parties and civic groups calling for Yoons resignation.

The opposition bloc has already announced its intention to reintroduce the impeachment motion.

Rep. Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), said his party will immediately convene an extraordinary Assembly session on Wednesday, after the regular session closes Tuesday, to pursue impeachment again.

The DPK remains firm in its push for impeachment and plans to hold another vote on Wednesday.
By Scott Shepherd

On July 11 2023, I started writing an article titled Autocracy Rising about Yoons tendency towards misusing his power. I gave up on the piece after three days. I felt it was too controversial and may open me and my young family to some kind of attack  even before this weeks chaos, Yoon has demonstrated a habit of going after his critics. There was also a more mundane reason: I wasnt happy with the way it sounded and I didnt have any more time to spare on editing. In September this year I restarted work on the piece but again after a few days of tinkering I gave up on it.

Rather than a direct response to Yoons declaration of martial law, I want to publish the piece as I left it back in September. Its not perfect and I would not usually put something out in its unfinished state. But the point is that there were already so many signs of Yoon's disrespect for democracy. Its not fair to say that we could have predicted something as drastic as martial law, but with hindsight we can at least agree Yoon always had an autocratic tendency. By the time this is published I imagine and hope that Yoon will have resigned, but if not then let me add my voice to everyone elses: He must go.

So below is the article in exactly the form it was when I gave up on it in September, including the rather melodramatic coda.

I have no political affiliation in Korea. I cant vote and so I feel no particularly strong sense of belonging to one party or the other. This, I think, benefits me in that at least in principle, I can view the actions of the two main parties without the partisan history and blinders which may impact my vote-holding neighbours. We all hold various biases, of course, but party loyalty at least is not one of mine.

And honestly, I had low hopes when President Yoon took office in 2022. My view at the time was that Yoon rose to power by using his position as chief prosecutor to clash publicly with the previous President Moon. His stance against Moon gained him public support as a defender of freedom and justice against powerful politicians. It obviously worked  he was elected president. But I had the unpleasant feeling that he had used his public office to advance his personal political agenda.

To my surprise, President Yoon exceeded my expectations. He has proven to be a reformer willing to make big bold changes that challenge collective assumptions and inertia: last years hullaballoo over the Suneungs Killer Questions is one clear example (though his reforms dont go far enough), but he also moved the seat of government from the Blue House, and brought about an end to the Korean age system. He has at times signalled a willingness to open Korea to more skilled foreign workers.

Yoon has also shown himself to be astute at international diplomacy, compromising with Japan in ways which inevitably drew criticism from the anti-Japanese elements of Korean society but were ultimately necessary for the country. His surprisingly good rendition of "American Pie" at the White House also displayed an innovative approach to soft power which certainly cemented Koreas image as a cultural powerhouse. From the start Yoon has been actively engaged in trips abroad, politicking across the world with various leaders of countries and international organisations, including meetings of both NATO and G7.

Yes, there have been failures  his remarks caught on microphone allegedly insulting the whole of the American Congress were embarrassing, and the implementation of his policies has sometimes been chaotic and last-minute. His government does also seem to be making things worse for unskilled laborers, and the plan to pay Filipino care workers less than minimum wage is a hot mess

But credit where its due: thanks to his willingness to challenge tradition and also in part to his mellifluous tenor voice, Yoon has proved a more innovative and frankly more impressive leader than I expected when he took office.

However, alongside these successes, there has been a constant hum in the background, a nagging theme which undermines any positive changes Yoon may have been making.

Put simply, the prosecution seem to keep going after Yoons opponents.

This is all the more concerning when we remember that Yoon himself was Koreas chief prosecutor until March 2021, four months before he announced his candidacy for the presidency and a year before he won the election.

Soon after Yoon took office, investigations were launched into several Moon-era figures. The prosecution either arrested or attempted to arrest at least five top officials: former Trade Minister Paik Un-gyu; former head of the National Intelligence Service Park Jie-won; former National Security Director Suh Hoon; former Coast Guard Commissioner General Kim Hong-hee; and former Defense Minister Suh Wook.

Thats not even mentioning the more obvious cases. In the midst of last years National Assembly elections, the opposition leader and Yoons former opponent in the presidential race, Lee Jae-myung, only avoided arrest because the National Assembly voted against revoking his immunity. Yoon himself approved the prosecutors request to arrest Lee.

Also last year, after announcing his surprise Suneung reforms, Yoon faced criticism from the countrys largest private tutoring companies. He declared war on what he called the education cartels. Within days the tutoring companies found themselves under investigation from the police, tax authorities and the Fair Trade Commission.

And now in recent months we have the news that Yoons predecessor and political enemy, Moon Jae-in, is under investigation for bribery. Are we surprised?

Lets state the obvious: the authorities should investigate people they suspect of breaking the law, whether they are the presidents enemies or allies or nothing to do with him at all. I also want to make it abundantly clear that I have no knowledge of and am making no comment on the veracity of any particular alleged crime.

But the government must not use the police, the prosecution or the tax authorities to pursue party political aims, to silence opponents or critics of the president. Such an action would present a real threat to Koreas still relatively-young democracy. Given that Yoon was the countrys chief prosecutor before taking office, he must be particularly careful that his actions do not even have the appearance of improper interference.

To be fair, the prosecution has shown independence in its pursuit of Yoons wife, Kim Keon Hee over allegations of corruption in this apparently-interminable luxury bag scandal. For this the prosecution is to be commended. But this is not enough to counterbalance the worrying trend of apparent interference that seems to be continuing.

Forget any innovative policies Yoon has implemented, forget all his surprising successes and disappointing failures, the appearance that he makes political use of the prosecution has the potential to mar his presidency. I repeat, suspected crimes should absolutely be investigated  of course they should  but not at the behest of the president, and certainly not for any individuals own political purposes.

As a small coda to this piece, I would like to note that I wrote the bulk of this article over a year ago, but decided to shelve it. This was partly because I was too busy to finetune the piece, but a large contributing factor was that I was worried I would open myself to governmental reprisal. Only in light of the recent investigation into Moon did I decide to submit it for publication. Perhaps that bare fact says more about the state of Korean politics than anything else I could write.

Dr. Scott Shepherd (scottshepherd@chongshin.ac.kr) is a British-American academic. He has taught in universities in the U.K. and Korea, and is currently an assistant professor of English at Chongshin University in Seoul. The views expressed in the article are the author's own and do not reflect the editorial direction of The Korea Times.
Syrian rebels said they had seized control of the southern city of Daraa on Saturday, the birthplace of a 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad and the fourth city his forces have lost in a week.

Rebel sources said the military agreed to make an orderly withdrawal from Daraa under a deal giving army officials safe passage to the capital Damascus, about 100 km (60 miles) north.

Social media videos showed rebels on motorcycles and others mingling with residents on the streets. People fired shots into the air at the city's main square in celebration, according to the videos.

There was no immediate comment from the military or Assad's government, and Reuters could not independently verify the rebels' claim.

With the fall of Daraa, Assad's forces have surrendered four important centres to the insurgents in a week.

Daraa, which had a population of more than 100,000 before the civil war began 13 years ago, holds symbolic importance as the cradle of the uprising. It is the capital of a province of about 1 million people, bordering Jordan.

Daraa's seizure followed the rebels' claim late on Friday that they had advanced to the edge of the central city of Homs, a key crossroads between the capital and the Mediterranean coast.

Capturing Homs would cut off Damascus from the coastal stronghold of Assad's minority Alawite sect, and from a naval base and air base of his Russian allies there. "Our forces have liberated the last village on the outskirts of the city of Homs and are now on its walls," the Syrian faction leading the sweeping assault said on the Telegram messaging app.

A coalition of rebel factions that include the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) made a last call on forces loyal to Assad's government in Homs to defect.

Ahead of the rebel advance, thousands of people fled Homs towards the coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus, strongholds of the government, residents and witnesses said.

Assad regime under threat

A U.S.-backed alliance led by Syrian Kurdish fighters captured Deir el-Zor, the government's main foothold in the vast eastern desert, on Friday, three Syrian sources told Reuters. The rebels seized Aleppo and Hama in the northwest and centre earlier in the lightning offensive that began on Nov. 27.

In another ominous sign for Assad in the east, the Syrian Kurdish force said Islamic State - a jihadist group that imposed martial law under its harsh rule before its defeat by a U.S.-led coalition in 2017 - had taken control of some areas in eastern Syria.

Aron Lund, a fellow at think-tank Century Foundation, said Assad's government was "fighting for their lives at this point."

It was possible the government could hold Homs, "but given the speed at which things have moved so far, I wouldn't count on it," he said Friday.

Syrian state TV reported Russian-Syrian airstrikes targeting rebel headquarters in the countryside of Hama, Idlib and Aleppo killed at least 200 insurgents Friday, citing the Russian Coordination Centre in Syria.

A Syrian army source said Iran-backed Hezbollah forces were positioned to bolster government defences in and near Homs.

Syrian state media reported dozens of rebels were killed in the Homs countryside in an operation by Syrian and Russian air forces, artillery, missiles and armoured vehicles.

Capturing Homs would solidify a chain of powerful positions under the Islamic insurgents' control from Aleppo on the Turkish border in the north to Daraa on the Jordanian border to the south.

Gaining Homs would also increase the rebels' chances of isolating the seat of Assad's regime in Damascus with the ability to block the route northwest from the capital to the sea.

Rebels renergized

As the rebels pressed their offensive, Russia and Jordan urged their nationals to leave Syria, Friday.

After years locked behind frozen front lines, rebel forces have burst out of their northwestern Idlib bastion to achieve the swiftest battlefield advance by either side since a street uprising against Assad mushroomed into civil war 13 years ago.

Syria's conflict killed more than 305,000 people between 2011 and 2021, the United Nations Human Rights Office said in 2022.

Assad regained control of most of Syria after key allies - Russia, Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah - came to his rescue. But all have recently been weakened and diverted by other crises, giving Sunni Muslim militants a window to fight back.

Tehran, which has been focussed on tensions with arch-foe Israel since the Gaza war began last year, began to evacuate its military officials and personnel from Syria, Friday, a sign of Iran's inability to keep Assad in power, the New York Times reported, citing regional officials and three Iranian officials.

The head of the main rebel faction HTS, Abu Mohammed Al-Golani, vowed in a separate interview with the New York Times published on Friday that the insurgents could end Assad's rule.

"This operation broke the enemy," he said of the rebels lightning offensive. (Reuters)




The 2024 MBC Music Festival has officially announced its hosts for the exciting year-end event!

On December 6, MBC shared that SHINee Minho, Girls' Generation YoonA, and TWS Dohoon have been appointed as hosts for the annual MBC Music Festival. The festival will also reportedly have the theme of "Wannabe."

YoonA is currently gaining traction for her upcoming appearance at the festival, as her 10th anniversary is drawing near. The idol has been hosting the event since 2015 and fits this year's theme of "Wannabe," will present an unforgettable performance as MC.

Meanwhile, Minho's appearance as an MC for the festival will mark his third time, following his hosting in 2018 and 2023.

The SHINee member trended in his previous appearances by charming the audience with his visuals, wit, and hosting skills, which led to expectations that he will shine with energy once again as a role model for many idols.

Lastly, fifth-gen K-pop idol Dohoon of rising rookie group TWS was included as an MC. Attention is now focused on Dohoon, as the idol is a new face who dreams of becoming the next "Wannabe" by debuting as an MC for the event.

TWS has also garnered huge recognition this year, as the boy group had a successful run with their debut song "plot twist."
Claims of harassment and staff confinement are stacking up against ADOR, with NewJeans' managers coming forth after the girl group filed to terminate their seven-year contract with the agency early.

Insiders claimed that harassment towards the management team began as soon as the quintet made the announcement to leave, as reported by Allkpop.

Staff claimed that they were subjected to methods of intimidation, including laptop confiscation and intense interrogations.

One anonymous staffer told Allkpop that the treatment was "unbearable," often leaving the team in tears.

"It was painful to see the damage done not only to the members of NewJeans but also to those around them," they said.

NewJeans has accused ADOR of similar workplace harassment, with member Hanni alleging that the company HYBE had deliberately undermined the team and she accused staffers of ignoring her.

In a testimony to the Labour Committee of South Korea's National Assembly, Hanni alleged that upon greeting members of a sister band at the record label, a manager instructed them to "ignore her."

"We have a floor in our building where we do hair and make-up. And at that time, I was waiting in the hallway because my hair and make-up was done first," Hanni recalled of the incident at the hearing.

"I said hello to all of them, and then they came back about five or 10 minutes later. On her way out, [the manager] made eye contact with me, turned to the rest of the group, and said, 'Ignore her like you didn't see her.' I don't understand why she would say something like that in the work environment."

Hanni claimed that the incident was not isolated and was just one of many occurrences where she felt disrespected, including overhearing employees trash-talk NewJeans, as well as alleging that the company had contacted a journalist to downplay the group's record sales in an article.
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Ukrainian TV presenter Olha Freimut showed for the first time her brother Mykola, who had never appeared on her sister's social media before. It turned out that the journalist's close relative is defending our homeland from Russian invaders on the front line, and his Aratta battalion needs help.

ADVERTISIMENT

The celebrity shared a photo with the defender on her Instagram page. She took advantage of her recognition to some extent and announced a charity collection.

"This is the Aratta battalion. Of course, I have a special relationship with these people, my brother is there. They are my family. I am announcing a collection for Aratta. We need drones," the host wrote.

What is known about the journalist's brother

Olia Freimut had never mentioned her brother before, either on social media or in interviews. It turned out that Mykola has been defending Ukraine since the first days of the full-scale invasion as part of one of the units of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

In addition, the TV presenter's brother's appearance is significantly different from his star sister's. Freimut herself noticed this as well: "We don't look like him at all, because he is black-haired and handsome."

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
By Cate McCurry and David Young, PA

Taoiseach Simon Harris has warned that Fine Gael cannot be taken for granted in government formation talks.

The party leader said speculation had prematurely jumped to issues around how ministries might be allocated and whether Fianna Fail and Fine Gael would once again rotate the taoiseachs role during the mandate.

Mr Harris said he was not concentrating on those issues at present and was instead keeping his focus on what the policy priorities of a new coalition will be.

The Fine Gael leader said he was also open to how his party and Fianna Fail might achieve a Dail majority, whether it was with the support of a smaller party or several independent TDs.

Ministers including Northern Irelands deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and First Minister Michelle ONeill, Taoiseach Simon Harris, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Tanaiste Micheal Martin pose for a photograph during the British-Irish Council summit in Edinburgh (Andy Buchanan/PA)

His comments come after the Social Democrats rejected the Labour Partys offer of forming a left-leaning negotiating bloc as part of government formation talks.

Speaking to reporters after the British Irish Council meeting in Edinburgh on Friday, Mr Harris commented on the discourse since the election result.

I just think theres a little bit of an effort to kind of jump to the end of the process, whos getting what ministry, well rotate this and rotate that  thats not what its about, he said.

Its about getting this right, and its about mutual respect. Its about not taking anybodys mandate for granted. And its also about recognising that there are other parties in the Dail and other independents in the Dail that if they wish to come into government, and if they wish to engage, they need to be engaged with respectfully as well.

M Harris said it would be very, very difficult for a government to be formed without Fine Gaels participation.

I wouldnt take my party for granted, he said.

And I think fewer public musings and more concrete engagement is a way to proceed.

The Taoiseach said there was too much presumption about how the talks around government formation would conclude. He also insisted that parity of a esteem had always been an important concept when putting together coalitions.

This is about getting this right, he said.

Its about making sure that we hear what the people of Ireland said in terms of the policy areas that they highlighted in the ballot box last week and the respective mandates that they gave to different parties, and I look forward to those formal discussions beginning next week.

Earlier this week, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said the next Irish government had to reflect the very significant number of seats his party won in the election.

Fianna Fail was the clear winner of last Fridays poll, securing 48 of the Dail's 174 seats, while Sinn Fein took 39 and Fine Gael won 38.

When Fianna Fail and Fine Gael entered coalition for the first time after the last general election in 2020, there was only a three-seat difference in their relative strength.

That resulted in an equal partnership at the head of the coalition, with the Green Party as the junior partner. The two main parties swapped the role of Taoiseach half-way through the term.

With Fianna Fails lead over Fine Gael having grown to 10 seats following this election, focus has turned to the future of the rotating taoiseach arrangement and whether it will operate again in the next mandate and, if so, on what basis.

There are similar questions around the distribution of ministries and other roles.

While Tanaiste Mr Martin has so far refused to be drawn on the specifics, on Wednesday he did suggest that he expected Fianna Fails greater strength of numbers to be reflected in the new administration.

Labour and the Social Democrats held talks about the post-election landscape at Leinster House in Dublin on Friday.

The Labour Party had called for a centre-left platform to engage with the larger parties as part of talks to form a government.

However, Social Democrats deputy leader Cian OCallaghan said they would be going it alone and plan to meet with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael next week.

The two larger 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.

Mr OCallaghan said that his party entering government formation talks is based on its dealbreakers and not on who the party is speaking to.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik said the party is committed to creating a centre-left bloc of parties.

Speaking outside Leinster House on Friday, Mr OCallaghan said: It was a productive meeting.

We outlined the key areas for us in terms of our dealbreakers that we ran during the campaign in housing, healthcare and childcare, and disability services and climate action.

We are hoping to meet with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael next week.

Asked if the centre-left bloc has emerged from the talks with Labour, he said: No, we were clear throughout the election campaign that we are running on our own two feet.

For us to enter government, it is contingent on us getting an agreement on our dealbreakers, its not contingent on what other parties are doing on government formation.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik said they are committed to creating a centre-left bloc of parties (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

Whether other parties are not going into government is for them to decide.

We have been clear all along that our participation in government will be based on dealbreakers.

Speaking after the meeting, Ms Bacik said: It was a commitment I have given throughout the course of the election campaign, was that the first people we would engage with, the first parties we would engage with after the election would be those parties who share our vision and our values, our social democratic vision for change, for an active state.

We have met now with the Green Party and the Social Democrats today.

We had a very constructive and cordial meeting with Cian, Jennifer (Whitmore) and Gary (Gannon).

We discussed policy priorities, we discussed potential for co-operation and I look forward to continued collaboration.

Were very serious about building a common platform on the centre left.

Ive always said throughout the campaign, were a party thats not content to sit on the sidelines.

We are very serious about delivering change with the communities we represent and that we feel honoured to serve.

Substantive government formation talks between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are due to take place next week.

Mr Harris and Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin both attended the British-Irish Council meeting in Edinburgh on Friday.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill, who also participated in the summit, criticised Mr Martin for ignoring Sinn Feins mandate after the General Election.

Mr Martin has repeatedly said he will not go into government with Sinn Fein, saying his party has made a policy decision not to enter coalition with them.

Speaking to reporters in Scotland, Sinn Fein vice president Ms ONeill acknowledged that Mr Martin will decide who he goes into government with.

Thats clear. But I do think that its completely disrespectful to ignore the fact that Sinn Fein are the second largest party in the Dail, having returned 39 TDs, she said.

I think its disrespectful of him to ignore the fact that we have such a significant mandate for change.

I think also the thing thats not lost to me is the irony of Micheal Martins approach  the fact that this is a man who comes to Belfast regularly and talks about partnership and inclusivity and coalition and respect and parity of esteem, but that does not apply to our party.

So I think that irony will not be lost on the voters either.
Sarah Slater

First responders are appealing for a missing defibrillator to be returned after being taken from a medical practice.

The defibrillator went missing on Thursday from the Oak Family Medical practice in Carlow town.

The lifesaving device was donated by Winnie Lyons of New Oak Estate, in the town in remembrance of her late husband Mick Lyons Snr to the people of Carlow.

In a statement the Carlow Town CFR said: Unfortunately the defibrillator located at Oak Family Medical practice also known as Dr Morans has not been returned and a statement has been made to the gardai.

We are appealing for any information on its whereabouts. If you know anything please contact ourselves or the gardai so that we can return the defibrillator that the Lyons family so thoughtfully purchased to save lives within our community.

Gardai confirmed they are investigating the matter.



Caroline Dargan of Carlow Town CFR told KCLR96FM that they waited for two days before they decided to make the appeal.

Ms Dargan added: We assume it was taken and its mindless vandalism and thuggery. This is upsetting for them (the Lyons family) and for us. If anyone has information or knows where it is, all we are looking for is that the defibrillator is put back or just leave it somewhere and let us know.

To have it (defibrillator) taken and vandalism lives are being put at risk. Gardai are going through CCTV footage to see if information can be gathered. The costs of the defibrillator and associated finance are significant and they are for saving lives. I dont know why someone would take it.

Defibrillators around Carlow town have been vandalised on several occasions in the past.
Kenneth Fox

The Irish Coast Guard have said red warnings are now in place on the west & north west coasts until 3pm on Saturday.

Extremely strong and gusty northwest winds are expected with potential impacts including fallen trees, damage to power lines, dangerous travelling conditions, structural damage to temporary structures and waves overtopping.

They have urged the public to stay away from coastal areas during the red warning and appealing to 'Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry."

Attention Red warnings are now in place on the West & North West Coasts until 3pm tomorrow. Extremely strong and gusty northwest winds are expected. pic.twitter.com/ohNqIll1VF  Irish Coast Guard (@IrishCoastGuard) December 6, 2024

The overall outlook weather wise is it will be wet and windy as Storm Darragh tracks over Ireland.

Very windy or stormy conditions will spread over Munster and Connacht early tonight and will extend to Leinster and Ulster towards midnight.

It will continue very windy or stormy overnight with damaging gusts and disruption. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 6 degrees.

Storm Darragh will continue to bring very windy or stormy conditions on Saturday morning.

Winds will gradually moderate from late morning onwards, but will continue strong in the east until evening.

Rain will clear from the northeast and east in the morning. Scattered blustery showers will follow for the rest of the day, with hail possible. Highest temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees.

Becoming settled as high pressure builds near Ireland.

Clear spells and scattered showers, becoming isolated overnight. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees with mainly moderate to fresh north to northwest winds, occasionally strong and gusty.

Mostly dry with sunny spells on Sunday, although it will be cloudy in parts of the west and northwest and a few showers may drift in along eastern coasts too. Highest temperatures of 6 to 8 degrees with moderate to fresh northerly winds.
PRNewswire

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 7: Embitel Technologies, a globally recognized provider of cutting-edge product engineering services and end-to-end digital transformation solutions, has announced a significant milestone in its journey with the Volkswagen Group. As of mid-2024, Embitel has solidified its integration into the global Volkswagen Group's network while maintaining its operational independence. By strengthening its synergies with the Volkswagen Group's IT division, Embitel is poised for exponential growth, leveraging these partnerships to drive forward its ambitious vision.

Also Read | Sundar Pichai Hints Advanced AI-Driven Changes for Google Search Engine by 2025.

With an aim to expand its workforce to 4,000 employees by 2030, Embitel is ramping up recruitment across its locations in Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Coimbatore. Currently, at 1,000 employees, the company is focused on scaling its operations to meet the demands of a growing global client base.

Volkswagen Group's commitment to the company ensures that it will remain a key player in the Group's digital transformation efforts while simultaneously exploring new markets and sectors that align with its capabilities. This will allow Embitel Technologies to scale its embedded systems engineering offerings and vehicle connectivity solutions that transform cars into software defined vehicles.

Also Read | Year-Ender 2024: NSFW ALERT! From Neha Sargam-Vijay Varma in Mirzapur 3 to Triptii Dimri-Vicky Kaushal in Bad Newz, 10 Hottest Kisses From Bollywood This Year That Scorched The Screens (Watch Videos).

Commenting on this, Sharad Bairathi, Co-founder and CEO of Embitel Technologies, said, "The transition to Volkswagen Group IT marks a significant milestone in our strategic journey. We are now ideally positioned to leverage Volkswagen's extensive resources and innovative vision while maintaining operational agility and continuing our essential collaboration with CARIAD. We are ready to redefine the digital landscape and play a key role in shaping the future of mobility and technology."

Embitel Technologies will remain independent throughout this transition, ensuring uninterrupted day-to-day operations. The company is committed to delivering exceptional service to its existing clients, including those beyond the Volkswagen Group.

"We are excited to welcome Embitel Technologies into our ecosystem and make them a part of our journey towards a comprehensive digital transformation. As we advance our technology impact on the business and continue digital transformation initiatives, we are confident that Embitel Technologies will play a pivotal role in enhancing our operations and driving technological advancements across segments. We look forward to the innovative solutions they will bring as we shape the future of mobility together," said Stefan Imme, Volkswagen Group Sales IT.

As Embitel Technologies is closely collaborating with Volkswagen Group IT, the company will benefit from increased investments and access to the Volkswagen brands ecosystem, accelerating its growth and innovation. This shift will facilitate the expansion of Embitel Technologies' digital and technological capabilities, aligning with Volkswagen Group's strategic vision for growth.

About the Volkswagen Group:

The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's leading car makers, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. It operates globally, with 114 production facilities in 17 European countries and 10 countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa. With around 684,000 employees worldwide. The Group's vehicles are sold in over 150 countries. With an unrivalled portfolio of strong global brands, leading technologies at scale, innovative ideas to tap into future profit pools and an entrepreneurial leadership team, the Volkswagen Group is committed to shaping the future of mobility through investments in electric and autonomous driving vehicles, digitalization and sustainability. In 2023, the total number of vehicles delivered to customers by the Group globally was 9.2 million (2022: 8.3 million). Group sales revenue in 2023 totaled EUR 322.3 billion (2022: EUR 279.1 billion). The operating result before special items in 2023 amounted to EUR 22.6 billion (2022: EUR 22.5 billion).

Embitel

Since its inception in 2006, Embitel Technologies India Pvt. Ltd., has driven digital transformation through advanced technology in the realms of Automotive, Internet of Things, Connected Car and Digital Solutions. Embitel has a proven track record of delivering end-to-end solutions from concept to production for a global client base. The company also provides accelerator solutions that can help customers to reduce overall development time and effort considerably. A Volkswagen Group company, Embitel is a close development partner for CARIAD, the Group's automotive software company. Embitel has its corporate office in Bengaluru, with development centres in Ahmedabad, Pune and Coimbatore in India.

Find more information about Embitel at www.embitel.com.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

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Empowering Financial Growth: How Money is Priority Helps Achieve Your Dreams

VMPL

New Delhi [India], December 7: In today's world of constant change and unpredictable financial markets, making the right investment decisions can be challenging. Investors need the expertise of a skilled, reliable, and unbiased professional to help them achieve their financial goals--both short-term and long-term.

Also Read | Colombia Dam Burst: 12 Injured, Several Children Missing After Dam Bursts Open in Cauca.

At Money is Priority, we are committed to supporting our clients with honesty, dedication, and care. Our Director, Abhisar Wahi, is a certified investment advisor with an impressive track record. Having won over 20 awards for excellence and with 13+ years of experience in actively managing portfolios, Abhisar brings unmatched expertise and dedication. The company was founded with a noble intention: to help people achieve their dreams--whether it's purchasing a phone or a home, saving for their child's education or marriage, or securing a pension for retirement.

Our approach focuses on exceeding expectations and building long-lasting relationships based on trust. We leverage advanced tools and technology to empower our clients with tailored solutions. Here's how our process works:

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1. Understanding Your Goals: We start by meeting with clients to discuss their wealth objectives and risk appetite, enabling us to create a customized portfolio with proper asset allocation.

2. Simplified Access: Clients gain access to an online platform where they can monitor their portfolio, purchase, switch, and redeem mutual fund schemes effortlessly.

3. Regular Reviews: We provide monthly and quarterly portfolio reviews, with additional evaluations based on market conditions to ensure our strategies remain aligned with our clients' goals.

To date, Money is Priority has connected with over 400 families, corporates, firms, and organizations, including Air India, Amplifon, Margshala, and Indigrid, supporting them with financial planning for their employees.

Our wide range of financial services includes:

- Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)

- Portfolio Management Services (PMS)

- Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

- Health and Life Insurance

- Retirement Planning

- Tax-Saving Planning

- Child Education and Marriage Planning

We also prioritize creating financial awareness by conducting educational sessions. Our core values--trust, speed, and efficiency--drive us to deliver unmatched services to our clients. At Money is Priority, your financial future is our top priority.

For more information, visit our website at www.moneyispriority.com or contact us at services@moneyispriority.com

Follow Us:

- YouTube: Money is Priority Channel

- LinkedIn: Money is Priority

- Instagram: @money_is_priority

Disclaimer: Mutual Fund schemes are subject to market risk. Please read the offer document carefully before investing.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

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Ukrainian TV presenter Lesia Nikitiuk said that she had a rather unpleasant incident. It turned out that one of the scammers decided to use the star's recognizable name online for personal enrichment.

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She wrote about it on her Instagram page. The 37-year-old presenter was very outraged by this act of scammer, so she expressed her opinion about the man and showed his photo without holding back her emotions.

"Telegram channels are telling me that I get interest on my deposits. Some kind of financial fraud. So, I'm happy to tell you and show you the face of Serhii, who made this channel and tells everyone about it. It's a lie!" the Ukrainian said.

Lesia Nikitiuk urged her subscribers not to fall for such manipulations online. She emphasized that all "easy" money is a "scam" and that real earnings can be obtained through honest work.

In addition, the TV star decided to conduct a kind of research. This helped to find out that the fraudster appropriates all the data from a man named Stas, who really has his own business, and uses it to deceive people and enrich himself.

"He just steals all the information from Stas's page, photos, and scams people. Stas is constantly blocking all his Telegram channels and groups, filing complaints with the cyber police. Oh, not my party, girls. Please be careful," Nikitiuk added.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Guwahati, Dec 7 (PTI) The Assam cabinet, in its first meeting after the expansion on Saturday, approved monetary compensation to the next of kin of prisoners in case of unnatural death.

It also gave its nod to the creation of a department for the development of Barak Valley and incentives for ethanol production.

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The cabinet had met in the evening after four new ministers -- all BJP MLAs -- were sworn in earlier in the day.

Sharing the decisions on X after chairing the meeting, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the cabinet approved a policy of one-time compensation to the legal heirs or the next of kin of prisoners in cases of unnatural death.

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In case of unnatural death due to quarrels among prisoners, the compensation will be Rs 2 lakh. For death due to torture or beating by prison staff, it will be Rs 3 lakh, due to negligence in duty of prison staff and medical staff or paramedics, it will be Rs 4 lakh, and for suicide, it will be Rs 3 lakh.

To bring the administration to the doorstep of the citizens and strive for the equitable development of Barak Valley, the cabinet approved the creation of the Barak Valley Development Department, the CM said.

The department would also create job opportunities for support staff, he added.

Sarma said that to boost farmers' income and move to cleaner fuel alternatives, the cabinet approved a production-linked incentive of Rs 2 per litre for a period of three years to three grain-based ethanol manufacturing units.

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New Delhi, Dec 7 (PTI) CISF has set up a quality control unit to "enhance" the "operational efficiency" of its aviation security wing that provides a counter-terrorist cover to 68 civil airports of the country.

An spokesperson for the paramilitary force said on Saturday that the Internal Quality Control Unit (IQCU) will play a "crucial" role in establishing "world-class" security procedures and technology for the airports that are used by lakhs of domestic and international passengers every day.

Also Read | Crack in INDIA Bloc? TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee Expresses Dissatisfaction With Functioning of Opposition Alliance, Says 'Willing To Lead INDIA Bloc if Given Opportunity'.

The initiative is in compliance with the National Civil Aviation Security Quality Control Programme (NCASQCP) of 2024 issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Aircraft (Security) Rules of 2023, he said.

The BCAS, under the civil aviation ministry, frames security policies for the Indian civil aviation sector.

Also Read | Syria Civil War: India Issues Advisory With Emergency Helpline Numbers, Asks Citizens To Avoid Travelling to Conflict-Torn Country.

The new unit will bring about uniformity in civil aviation security procedures and training, recommend new technology available world over, allow internal audits of CISF security units and their protocols and identify "gaps" for improvement.

The unit will be part of CISF's Aviation Security Control Center (ASCC) -- located in the national capital -- which works as a centralised base for coordinating security at all 68 civil airports that are under the security ambit of the force.

The latest system will also cover the airports that come under Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAAN), the spokesperson said.

"The IQCU will be led by a senior CISF officer and a team of certified aviation security instructors will run it," he said.

The about 1.80 lakh people-strong Central Industrial Security Force, under the Union home ministry, is the national civil aviation security force and it has deployed around 50,000 personnel to guard the 68 airports.

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Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], December 7 (ANI): FICCI Ladies Organization (FICCI-FLO) Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh (JKL) launched WeFLO, the region's first all-women job portal, at a press conference to strengthen their efforts towards women's empowerment in the region.

According to an official statement, the platform is designed to connect women job seekers from both urban and rural areas with trustworthy employers at no cost, reinforcing FICCI FLO JKL's commitment to creating sustainable opportunities and promoting economic independence for women.

Also Read | 'Matter of Immense Pride for India': PMO on Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad's Elevation As Cardinal by Pope Francis.

Scheduled for its official launch on December 23, WeFLO aims to bridge the gap between women seeking employment and industries or businesses that are dedicated to hiring women. The platform's free and credible nature aligns with FLO's mission of enabling women to become self-reliant and succeed in today's dynamic workforce, the statement added.

At the press conference, Ruchika Gupta, Chairperson of FICCI FLO JKL, spoke about the transformative potential of the initiative. She said, "For India to realize its vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, it is essential for women to emerge as equal contributors to the country's economic progress. WeFLO is not just a technological platform; it is a movement aimed at ensuring economic inclusion, providing women with the tools and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the economy."

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Gupta called on industries, corporates, and businesses to support diversity and inclusivity by posting women-specific job vacancies on the platform. She added that organizations participating in the initiative would be recognized and celebrated for their commitment to empowering women.

Further, as per the press release, she also expressed gratitude to the government and the Department of Industries for their invaluable support and encouraged the private sector to collaborate with FLO in creating a thriving ecosystem for equal-opportunity employment.

The press conference was attended by the core leadership team of FICCI FLO JKL, including Varuna Anand (Immediate Past Chairperson), Varsha Bansal (Vice Chairperson), Sona Mehta (Treasurer), and Nandita Bajaj (Joint Executive Secretary), who pledged their full support to the initiative. (ANI)

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Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 7 (PTI) The Chairman and members of the 16th Finance Commission, led by former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya, will arrive in Kerala on Sunday for a three-day visit, according to the office of Finance Minister K N Balagopal.

The visit is part of the Commission's state-level study tours for preparing the 16th Finance Commission report, a release issued by the finance minister's office on Saturday said.

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The team is scheduled to arrive in Kochi on Sunday afternoon, where they will be received by Balagopal, Chief Secretary Saradha Muraleedharan, and other officials.

Following their arrival, the team will proceed to Kumarakom in Kottayam district, it added.

Also Read | Asian Development Bank Approves USD 350 Million Policy-Based Loan To Boost India's Logistics Sector, Create Employment Opportunities.

On Monday morning, the Commission will visit Thiruvarpu and Aymanam panchayat areas in Kottayam, and by evening, they will arrive at Kovalam, the release said.

On Tuesday at 9.30 am, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will officially receive the Commission's chairman and members at the meeting hall of the Leela Hotel in Kovalam, with Finance Minister Balagopal delivering a welcome address.

Following this, the Commission will engage in discussions with cabinet members, the release added.

From 11.30 am, the team will hold talks with K N Harilal, Chairman of the State Finance Commission, representatives of the Grama, Block, and District Panchayat associations, the Chamber of Municipal Chairmen, and the Mayors' Council, the release said.

Afternoon discussions will include representatives of traders and industrialists at 12.45 pm, followed by political party representatives at 1.45 pm, the release added.

Later, the Commission's chairman will address the media.

Balagopal stated that the state government has made thorough preparations to present Kerala's demands strongly before the Finance Commission and secure its rightful financial allocations.

"The Commission's report and its decisions (awards) on fund allocation to states hold significant importance," he said.

The Finance Commission determines the constitutional financial support that states receive from the Central Government for a five-year period.

Kerala will benefit from the Commission's recommended financial allocations starting April 1, 2026, the release said.

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Kamrup (Assam) [India], December 7 (ANI): Four Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs will take the oath as ministers in the Assam cabinet on Saturday.

The swearing-in ceremony of the newly inducted ministers in the Council of Ministers of Assam will be held at Srimanta Sankardeva International Auditorium in Guwahati at noon.

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Four times BJP MLA Prasanta Phookan who is representing Dibrugarh assembly constituency, Kaushik Rai from Lakhipur assembly constituency, Krishnendu Paul from Patharkandi constituency and Rupesh Gowala from Doomdooma constituency will take the oath as minister.

Earlier, Sanjoy Kishan tendered his resignation from the Council of Ministers of Assam just ahead of the announcement of induction of four MLAs as ministers.

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Both Kaushik Rai and Krishnendu Paul are from Barak Valley while Prasanta Phookan and Rupesh Gowala are from the Upper Assam region.

Earlier on Friday, BJP MLA who will be inducted as a minister in the Assam cabinet, Krishnendu Paul expressed his gratitude to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and said that he will work under the leadership of Assam CM.

"We express gratitude to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma...I am feeling so good. We will work under the leadership of Assam CM. He has worked for all the regions and communities of Assam and has done equal development," Paul told reporters on Thursday.

On Thursday, the Assam Chief Minister announced 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!" (ANI)

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Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 7 (PTI) The Kerala government on Saturday appointed G Poonguzhali IPS as the nodal officer for the cases registered in connection with the revelations of the Justice Hema Committee report which exposed sexual harassment as rampant in Malayalam film industry.

The nodal officer will act as the immediate contact person for the victims in these cases. The officer will deal with requests of victims for protection from threats and intimidation.

Also Read | Shimla Shocker: 7-Year-Old Girl Raped in Himachal Pradesh, Relative Arrested.

The woman officer Poonguzhali is now serving as the Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Coastal Security. "The Nodal Officer will take appropriate action as and when such requests received from the victims and report the action taken to the City Police Commissioner, Thiruvananthapuram," a police statement said.

The new appointment came in the wake of the disclosure of the Justice Hema Committee report which revealed instances of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry, prompting calls for action against the guilty.

Also Read | PM Modi Death Threat: Mumbai Police Receive Threatening Message on WhatsApp To Kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Justice Hema Committee was constituted by the Kerala government after the 2017 actress assault case.

The complete report was placed before the Kerala High Court which directed that it be handed over to the special investigation team (SIT) that was constituted to probe complaints of sexual abuse in the film industry.

Subsequently, 26 FIRs were registered by the SIT in connection with the revelations in the report.

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Jammu, Dec 7 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday paid homage to the "bravehearts" on the Armed Forces Flag Day and lauded the Army in particular for playing a crucial role in combating terrorism and providing a secure environment to people in the Union Territory.

To mark the Armed Forces Flag Day which was observed across Jammu and Kashmir, the armed forces flag was pinned on the Lt Governor Manoj Sinha in Raj Bhavan here.

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The Lt Governor expressed his gratitude and appreciation by contributing to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund to honour the bravery and supreme sacrifice of valiant soldiers, sailors and airmen, an official spokesperson said.

"Our armed forces have always remained in the forefront, ever ready to serve the nation with commitment, dedication and ready to render valuable service during natural calamities.

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"In Jammu Kashmir, the Army has been playing a crucial role in combating terrorism and providing a secure environment for people, particularly those who live along the borders and in the remote and far-flung areas of the Union Territory," Sinha said.

With the immense contribution of our armed forces, the Lt Governor said, "We have entered a historic fast-track path of socio-economic growth and are working with dedication to ensure that the fruit of development reaches every corner of the UT."

He appealed to the people, particularly the privileged sections of society, to donate liberally to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, as a token of remembrance and expression of gratitude.

"I convey my best wishes to all serving and retired Armed Forces personnel and their families on the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day," the Lt Governor said.

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Hyderabad, December 7: A 50-year-old man who stole an ambulance from Hayath Nagar near here on Saturday was chased and apprehended after a pursuit of about 100 km in Nalgonda district of Telangana, police said.

The man who seems to be "mentally unstable" stole the vehicle that belonged to 108' ambulance service, from a hospital in the morning and drove it on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada National Highway with its siren blaring, they said. Hyderabad Shocker: 6-Year-Old Boy Dies After School Gate Crashes on Him in Telangana's Hayathnagar As Parents and Bystanders Record Videos.

An Assistant Sub-Inspector was injured during the chase as the ambulance hit his vehicle while being intercepted at Chityala, police said. The ASI has been shifted to hospital, they added.

Police personnel of different police stations along the route - after being alerted about the ambulance theft - chased it. The accused was finally taken into custody after he hit the railing after crossing a toll plaza and the ambulance fell in the roadside 'nala', police said. Telangana Shocker: Woman Kidnapped From Rajanna Sircilla After Son Fails to Return to Maharashtra Farm Job, Video Surfaces.

A video showing the ambulance being driven past lorries set up as roadblocks near a toll plaza was circulated on social media. The accused who suffered injuries was taken to a hospital, a police official said. He seems to be disturbed and is behaving weirdly, he said based on the preliminary investigation. Police were investigating if he was involved in similar offences earlier.

The man stole the ambulance from a hospital when its driver and technician went inside the hospital to admit a patient (accident victim), the official said. A case was registered. Further investigation is on.

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New Delhi, December 7: Posters displaying the slogan 'Ab Nahi Sahenge, Badal Ke Rahenge' were put up outside the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in New Delhi on Saturday. BJP President Virendra Sachdeva stated that the slogan represented the voice of the people, expressing their desire to remove the corrupt government from power.

Speaking to ANI, Sachdeva said "The slogan 'Ab Nahi Toh Toh Sahenge, Badal Ke Rahenge' is the voice of the people of Delhi. When we asked for suggestions from the people for the BJP's Sankalp Patra, people said that they wanted to remove the corrupt Delhi government from power... The people of Delhi are fed up with broken roads, dirty water, and corruption. The people want the development of Delhi... Delhi will move ahead on the path of development when the BJP's double-engine government is formed in Delhi.." There Will Be No Alliance in Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: Arvind Kejriwal Rules Out AAP Tie-Up With Congress.

Furthermore, Sachdeva also commented on the Rithala-Narela-Nathupur (Kundli) corridor, which was approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

"The approved metro route would be really beneficial for the labourers and the people. The Prime Minister has been bringing new initiatives to improve and make Delhi better. It is important to make Delhi better now, and a double-engine government will surely be formed in Delhi," BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said. Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: No Alliance in Upcoming Polls, Says AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal (Watch Video).

The metro corridor spanning 26.463 km is expected to enhance the connectivity between Delhi and Haryana. The Rithala-Kundli corridor will be an extension of the operational Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda)-Rithala (Red Line) corridor. The new stretch will cover 21 elevated stations, connecting areas such as Narela, Bawana, and parts of Rohini in Delhi's northwestern region, a press release said.

Assembly elections in Delhi are expected to be held in early 2025. In the 2020 assembly polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 62 out of the 70 seats, while the BJP secured eight seats.

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Gorakhpur, Dec 7 (PTI) Five people, including three members of a family, were killed in a collision between two motorcycles in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh, police said on Saturday.

Another biker rammed his vehicle into a truck while trying to avoid hitting the two motorcycles. Three people were critically injured in the incident which took place near the Mohaddipur power station late on Friday night, they said.

Also Read | NEET 2025 Exam Date: Tentative Schedule for NTA NEET PG Examination Out, Check Details.

Vikrant (35), a resident of Mohaddipur Bijli Colony, was returning home with his wife Nikita (30), their son Angad (5) and daughters Laado (1) and Pari, both infants, after attending a family function in Jatepur Uttari. When he turned towards Canal road, his motorcycle collided with another coming from Kundraghat, police said.

A third biker crashed into a truck while attempting to avoid hitting the two motorcycles, they said.

Also Read | Crack in INDIA Bloc? TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee Expresses Dissatisfaction With Functioning of Opposition Alliance, Says 'Willing To Lead INDIA Bloc if Given Opportunity'.

After receiving information about the incident, police reached the spot and rushed the injured to a hospital. Vikrant and his daughters, Monu Chauhan (32) of Rustampur and Suraj (28) of Betiahata Hanuman Mandir area were declared dead at the hospital. Both Monu and Suraj were also returning from a function, police said.

The condition of Nikita, Angad and the third motorcyclist, Chinmayanand Mishra, is stated to be critical and they are undergoing treatment at BRD Medical College here.

District Magistrate Krishna Karunesh and Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover visited the accident spot and the hospital to oversee treatment of the injured.

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Nathan Kilah, a senior lecturer in chemistry at the University of Tasmania (Australia), explained the difference between laundry detergent gel and capsules. According to the scientist, all detergents have both disadvantages and advantages.

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The active ingredients in both powders and liquids for washing are "surfactants," also known as detergents. These are usually charged or "ionic" molecules that have two separate parts in their structure. One part interacts well with water, and the other with oils, and this useful property allows surfactants to remove grease and dirt from fabrics and suspend them in water, The Conversation writes.

Modern detergents contain phosphates, water softeners, and other metal "sequestrants" to stop the formation of soap suds. Phosphates can cause algae blooms in freshwater bodies. That's why modern laundry detergent formulations contain less phosphate.

Many products also contain optical brighteners. These chemicals absorb ultraviolet light and emit blue light, which produces the "very white" or "brighter color" phenomenon.

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Fragrances are also commonly added to laundry detergents. They are not important for chemical cleaning, but they give the impression that the clothes are fresh.

Washing powders

While detergents and soap-avoidance ingredients are the most important components, they are not the most common. The main ingredients in powders are salts (e.g., sodium sulfate), which add volume and prevent the powder from clumping.

Another common salt added to laundry detergents is sodium carbonate, also known as washing soda  a chemical cousin of baking soda  that helps chemically alter grease and dirt so that it dissolves in water.

In addition, powders often contain oxidizing agents and an additive that creates a mild whitening effect.

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Chemically, powders have the advantage that their components can be composed and mixed, but stored separately in solid form (you can see different types of granules in laundry detergent).

Washing gel

The main ingredient in laundry detergent is water. The rest of the ingredients are worth considering in more detail. They need to be stable in the bottle and then work together during the wash. They include powder-like ingredients such as alkaline salts, metal sequestrants, water softeners, and surfactants.

Surfactants in liquid products are often labeled as "ionic" (charged) and "nonionic" (uncharged). Non-ionic surfactants can be liquid by default, making them unsuitable for powdered formulations. Nonionic surfactants suspend oils well in water and do not form soap suds.

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However, when using laundry gels, you should consider the consequences for the inside of the washing machine. Liquid products cannot contain peroxides (mild bleaches), which are found in powdered products. The absence of peroxides in liquid detergents increases the likelihood of mold biofilms forming in the machine and bacteria moving between items of clothing.

As an alternative to peroxides, liquids usually contain only optical brighteners.

However, gels do have one advantage over powders: they can be added directly to stains before washing.

Washing capsules

Another popular laundry detergent is capsules  a variant of liquid gel, but in portions. Colorful and candy-like, these products are unsafe for young children and people with cognitive impairments. Another disadvantage is that they eliminate the ability to add less detergent if you use a smaller load or just want to use less detergent overall.

So which is better  powder or liquid?

In reality, the consumer makes a choice based on performance, psychology, cost, odor, environmental considerations, and convenience.

It's worth experimenting with different products to find what works best for you and fits your needs, household budget, and environmental considerations, such as recyclable packaging.

"I wash at 20C with half the recommended dose of a pleasantly scented laundry detergent packaged in recyclable cardboard containing a wide range of enzymes and an activated peroxide source," the expert said.

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Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], December 7 (ANI): In a remarkable initiative, a two day charitable ENT camp was inaugurated at Hear Clear centre at Trikuta Nagar Jammu on Saturday to assist patients suffering from hearing Impairment, as per a release.

The camp was held under the auspices of Maharaja Hari Singh foundation and Mehar Chand Mahajan trust.

Also Read | Khan Sir Health Update: Educator and YouTuber Faizal Khan, Who Joined Aspirants' Demonstration Against BPSC, Hospitalised in Patna Due to Dehydration and Fatigue.

The camp was led by Dr Sanjay Sachdeva, Principal Director of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery, Max Group of Hospitals, New Delhi. and the Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan Trust.

Recognized as one of the foremost ENT surgeons in the country who is also known to bring quality healthcare to underserved communities, Dr Sachdeva played a pivotal role in providing expert medical care. A total of 203 patients were examined by him on Day 1.

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The camp particularly benefitted children from J&K Samaj Kalyan Kendra Secondary School for Hearing Impaired, Ved Mandir, and the far flung areas of Jammu, Katra, and Reasi. In the day-long camp, held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, patients received free medicines, ear drops, and hearing aids. 43 patients underwent free hearing tests. There is going to be a follow up for hearing and speech disabled patients who need special tests for further diagnostics tomorrow. Patients who would be needing hearing aids would be attending the centre in the following week and would be provided hearing aids and further assistance free of cause.

The Chief Guest of the event was Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah (IAS), Secretary of Health & Medical Education, J&K (UT). His presence reinforced the importance of accessible healthcare and commitment of the UT administration to support such noble initiatives.

Nutritious meals were also distributed by Hear Clear Clinic. Akanksha Kapahi from Baniya Super Shopee toy world sent toys for all the children from the orphanage and deaf dumb school, adding much cheer for the camp. Special motor skill toys were distributed by to engage and uplift young patients.

Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah lauded the efforts of Kunwrani Dr Ritu Singh, Dr. Sanjay Sachdeva, Maharaja Hari Singh Social and Education Foundation and Justice Mehar Chand Trust for carrying out the noble outreach for Jammu region.

He remarked, "This initiative demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing healthcare needs, especially for marginalized communities. It sets a commendable example for others to follow."

Dr Sanjay Sachdeva lauded the contribution and visionary leadership of Kunwrani Dr Ritu Singh in fostering meaningful connections with society. He pledged to extend his support to the rural communities of J&K.The event commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a recitation of the Gayatri Mantra, led by Kunwrani Dr Ritu Singh.

She was joined in by Dr Sanjay Sachdeva and his wife, Anushree Mahajan from justice Mehar Chand Trust, Dr Paul, Dr Shina Khosla, Chief Medical Officer, ESIC, Dr Sandeep Khosla, Chief Medical Officer, and Principals and staff from DPS schools in Jammu, Nagbani, and Katra. Prominent guests, including Rajni Sehgal, Dr Sandeep Khosla, Esha Modi, Seema Murthy, Rupika Sahai, and Ankita Bansal also graced the occasion with their presence.

The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony honouring the efforts of all contributors and organizers. Kunwrani Dr Ritu Singh, a guiding force behind the initiative, expressed her gratitude to Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Dr Sanjay Sachdeva, and the partnering trust. She informed everyone that this camp will run in continuity for two years to assist patients suffering from hearing Impairment from Jammu and adjoining areas. The rural areas of Jammu will be adopted in a phased manner to add maximum beneficiaries of this program.

The camp witnessed active participation from the Principals and supporting teams of all three DPS Schools of Jammu, Nagbani and Katra. DPS Nagbani was led by Principal, Rajkumar Verma, Headmistress Bhawna Madan and Harshita. DPS Katra was represented by Administrator, Simmi Sharma and staff members - Ruby Sharma and Poonam. DPS Jammu was led by Principal, Ruchi Chabra, accompanied by Anu Bali, Kamal Nain, Esha, Satnam, Anita and others. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Fulbari (West Bengal) [India], December7 (ANI): The unrest in Bangladesh almost dried the trade in Integrated Check Post Fulbari Indo-Bangladesh border. Most of the exchange counters at the border were found empty.

Sanjay Ghosh, a Trader at Money Exchange Counter in Fulbari told ANI that the situation is very grim in their sector, as earlier, the Indians who went to Bangladesh were a major source of income for them. But now, they stare at a wan future.

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"Now people don't get visas for Bangladesh. Hence, our business is badly affected. Earlier, there was a lot of business before the Covid pandemic. After Covid, it has decreased a little. But, after Sheikh Hasina's ouster, the business has completely stopped... We want the country to be in a better condition. So, we will be better, and the people there will be better," he said.

Pradeep, Singh, another money exchange business owner said, "We are in a very bad situation now. Because they are not giving us the visa. On an average, 30-40 people are coming to India these days. So you understand how our business going... The situation is very bad. We want things to be like before," he said.

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Saklen Ahmed, a resident of Bangladesh who came to India seeking medical treatment, told ANI that he wished that the hospital's decision to not treat Bangladeshi patients must be revoked.

"My name is Saklen Ahmed. I have come to India from Bangladesh on a medical visa. And the medical treatment here is very good. In several places, like Bangalore, treatment for Bangladeshi patients has been stopped. It should not happen. I want to say that relations between Bangladesh and India should be good," he said.

Tensions are currently high between Bangladesh and India.

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs said that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will make a visit to Bangladesh on December 9 and meet his counterpart there.

This comes amid strained ties between New Delhi and Dhaka following reports of several attacks on minorities, especially Hindus under the current interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington DC, December 7: US President-elect Donald Trump has named former Georgia Senator David Perdue as his pick for the US Ambassador to China, Al Jazeera reported. "As a Fortune 500 CEO, who had a 40-year International business career, and served in the US Senate, David brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China. He has lived in Singapore and Hong Kong, and worked in Asia and China for much of his career," Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

"He will be instrumental in implementing my strategy to maintain peace in the region and a productive working relationship with China's leaders," Trump said, as per Al Jazeera. As a member of the Senate from 2015 to 2021, Perdue took a tough stance on China that has become a hallmark of the Republican Party, as reported by Al Jazeera. Donald Trump Administration: US President-Elect Names Billionaire Investment Banker Warren Stephens As His Envoy to Britain.

"We must have a long-term plan to compete and deal with China's rising economic and geopolitical influence," the report quoted Perdue as saying earlier at a media outlet. Perdue's appointment will require the approval of the US Senate, but his confirmation is likely to proceed as Republicans hold a majority in the chamber. Notably, this appointment is a challenging one as Trump is set to impose a 10 per cent tariff on all Chinese goods when he takes office on January 20 in retaliation for Beijing's failure to stop the flow of the synthetic opioid fentanyl into the US. Donald Trump Cabinet 2.0: US President-Elect Picks Scott Bessent As Next Treasury Department Secretary.

"In this important role, David will guide policy for the administration in artificial Intelligence and cryptocurrency, two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness," Trump wrote on Truth Social. During his campaign, Trump also threatened to impose tariffs of 60 percent or more on all Chinese goods. Earlier this week, the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden imposed its third round of export controls on semiconductors and related technology, curbing exports to 140 companies, as per Al Jazeera.

(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 7 (ANI): A delegation of over 20 Buddhist scholars, former civil servants, and eminent citizens from Thailand arrived in Delhi on Friday as part of the 4th Mekong Ganga Dhammayatra, a pilgrimage aimed at strengthening the deep connection between the Mekong and Ganga civilisations.

Led by Dr. Supachai Viraphuchong, Secretary-General of the Bodhgaya Institute 980, the Dhamma Yatra, a pilgrimage, is a partnership between Thailand and India endorsing cooperation in all dimensions, including the public, private, and public sectors, to declare the Century of Dharma.

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The aim of the Yatra is to promote the enduring message of the Dhamma globally for Conflict Avoidance and Environment Consciousness.

The event is being organised by BodhiGaya Vijjalaya 980, in collaboration with partner organisations from India and Thailand, such as Vivekananda International Foundation, India (VIF), International Centre for Cultural Studies, India (ICCS), International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi, Embassy of India in Thailand, State of Bihar, Thai Buddhist Temple in Bodhgaya, and Viraphuchong Foundation, Thailand, according to a press release by IBC.

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Dr Supachai, the head of the Thai delegation and BodhiGaya Vijjalaya 980, addressed a press conference on Friday and stated that his dream was to get all the countries along the Mekong River and the Ganga together as both the Buddhist and Hindu cultures were same. "We believe in dhamma from India. We cannot be apart from the Hindus. I have Brahma in my office. Some temples have Shiva; Hindu-Buddhism cultures are mixed well. To cross over the border of our five-nations (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and India) in the brotherhood of Buddha is possible if we work towards it. But with the support of Prime Minister Modi, we can achieve it," he emphasised.

"With so much grief, sorrow, and greed in the world all around, only two things everybody is chasing: Money and Power, he stressed that ultimately we take nothing with us. We need to link everything to Buddha, have compassion, lead a moral life, and help as many people as possible, especially the poor; as brothers, this is our linkage," he added.

Dr Supachai, who stayed in India at the age of 18 as a Monk, today owns several hotels and many other businesses, yet his main goal continues to be to work for Dhamma and wants to work in tandem with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stated in 2015 that "the 21st century" is the "Asian Century," and in this "Asian Century," the role of Buddha Dhamma remains central in connecting the nations in this region."

"The Dhamma extends to the entire mankind. I am confident that PM Modi's vision will be successful. King Ashoka was a great warrior and could have captured the East by force. But he sent his emissaries. Now, 2500 years later, we still believe in dhamma. Today, we have technology which can help spread Dhamma faster and we hope to see the spread of Dhamma values to the world. Prime Minister Modi should use Dhamma to lead the world. Over five million people paid respects at the third Dhamma Yatra of the Holy Relics in Thailand. I want to spend my last years of life in the service of Dhamma with no expectations," Dr Supachai concluded.

The "Declaration on Dhamma Century" is based on the vision of the "Asian Century with Dhamma Principles" as proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating in 2015 that "the 21st century" is the "Asian Century", and in this "Asian Century" the role of Buddha Dhamma remains central in connecting the nations in this region.

This Dhamma Yatra is a continuation of the 3rd Ganga -Mekong Yatra which witnessed the journey of the Relics of the Buddha and his two disciples Arhant Sariputta and Arhant Maha Moggallana to Thailand earlier this year.

Later, at a function to felicitate the delegation, the Secretary General of IBC welcomed the delegates sand aid that at IBC, they strive to do better following the Dhamma. "We are working to serve the entire humanity. These are challenging times; we Buddhists have great responsibility. We need to execute these responsibilities on the ground," the Secretary General of IBC added.

The Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation Abhijit Halder expanding the relevance of the visit said that this visit dates back to 2000 years, when Ashoka sent his emissaries.

"The way people reacted to the relic exposition in Thailand shows the love, devotion, and respect among the Thai people. The golden bond between the two countries will live for a long time to come as "Mekong- Ganga" brings together the people of Asia. Both rivers have given birth to great civilisations and give us the opportunity to reach out to people from countries of the Mekong basin," Halder said.

In his address Dr Sacchidananda Joshi, Member Secretary, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) noted that these civilisations are more than geographical landmarks. "Each civilisation brings with it a legacy of wisdom. The similarities in the Mekong civilisations also indicates a mark of their great resilience. Can we also think of the Mekong Ganga Museum for shared heritage. In contemporary times we draw inspiration from shared tradition. The message of Dhamma is as important today as it was 200 decades ago. Initiatives like the Mekong Ganga Yatra is an opportunity to rediscover our common roots and celebrate the linkages that unite us," he said.

Dr Joshi concluded by saying that the IGNCA was committed to preserving Buddhist knowledge, heritage and strengthening ties with SE Asian nations.

The Ambassador of Thailand to India, Pattarat Hongtong, the Chief Guest in her address noted that as a Buddhist, she expressed deep appreciation for all organisations involved in the Mekong-Ganges Yatra, and said that the efforts are a testimony of deep ties between India and Thailand.

"We have various areas of cooperation but dhamma is essential. Links with Asian countries extended to India, in this context the 3rd Yatra was a stepping-stone for deepening bilateral ties. We are committed to promoting Dhamma diplomacy," she explained.

Notably, the 4th Dhamma Yatra commemorates the 97th birth anniversary of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and celebrates the vision of the 'Asian Century with Dhamma Principles' as envisioned by PM Modi in 2015. It also reflects the ongoing efforts to unite countries through the shared values of Dhamma, transcending geopolitical, religious, and cultural differences. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mogadishu (Somalia), Dec 7 (AP) Nearly 50 survivors of a migrant boat tragedy last month that left 25 people dead in the Indian Ocean off Madagascar arrived back in Somalia on Saturday and were received by government officials.

The survivors aged 17 to 50 wore outfits made of fabric with the Somali national flag colours as they disembarked from a plane in the capital, Mogadishu, visibly relieved to return to safety.

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Many young Somalis embark every year on dangerous journeys in search of better opportunities abroad. The UN agency has previously raised concerns over the rise in irregular migration from Horn of Africa countries as people flee from conflict and drought.

The survivors told The Associated Press that they were stranded in the ocean for 13 days after their boat's engines failed.

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Ahmed Hussein, who was travelling with his now-deceased cousin, said they were heading to Europe hoping for a better life. Two vessels carrying the migrants departed Somalia early last month.

We were split into two small boats. The engine broke down, and we drifted at sea for 13 days with no functioning engine. We had no food or water, and the (few) dates we had ran out during those 13 days. We survived by catching some fish, he said.

Officials in Madagascar and Somalia had earlier said the boats capsized but offered no further explanation. The authorities had also put the number of survivors at 48 but only 47 arrived in Somalia and the whereabouts of one survivor remained unclear as officials who received the 47 did not comment.

The boats left from a beach near the Somali capital, Mogadishu, on November 2 with 73 people on board and were believed to be headed to the French region of Mayotte, according to Jean-Edmond Randrianantenaina, the head of Madagascar's Maritime Ports Agency. Mayotte, an archipelago, is around 1,600 kilometers (990 miles) from Mogadishu.

Abdirashid Ibrahim, another survivor, recalled how some survivors had swollen ankles and couldn't walk after being rescued.

On the boat, we had nowhere to sleep, no food, and we were crammed together. Some people died from shock, and others succumbed to starvation, he told the AP.

Abdulkadir Burgal, the director of the Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who was at the airport to receive the survivors, told journalists that some of the people who helped the migrants embark on the dangerous journey had been arrested while others died in the incident.

Eight people involved in the trafficking of Somali migrants have been arrested, he said.

Maryan Yasin, the president's special envoy for migration, said the survivors were happy to be home.

They assured me they will never take the same risk again. The Somali government is committed to finding a resolution, and this resolution will be a collective effort, she said. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bogota (Colombia), Dec 7 (AP) A motorcycle loaded with explosives detonated at a police checkpoint in southwestern Colombia on Saturday, killing the driver and injuring 14 others, authorities said.

Officers had been conducting inspections in the community of Las Penas in the Jamundi municipality to prevent possible violence by illegal armed groups, commander of the Cali Metropolitan Police Col. Carlos Oviedo told journalists.

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The driver became scared and detonated the explosives after being called to the checkpoint, Oviedo said, killing himself and injuring seven civilians and seven police officers. One of the officers has a reserved prognosis, he added.

Criminal groups consider Jamundi strategic because of its plantations of coca leaf, which is transformed into cocaine, and because it is connected to the port of Buenaventura.

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The organised crime group Jaime Martinez is active in the area. It is composed of dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known by its Spanish acronym FARC, that did not accept the 2016 peace deal with the state.

Attacks with explosives against military and police officers, which authorities attribute to illegal armed groups, have continued despite efforts by Colombian President Gustavo Petro to negotiate peace deals with the irregular armies under a strategy known as total peace.

The Ombudsman's office expressed concern over growing violence in Jamundi and urged authorities to guarantee the protection and security of citizens. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Multiple oil traders have been abducted by Pakistan security forces in Balochistan. (Photo: X/ @TBPEnglish)

Balochistan [Pakistan], December 7 (ANI): Pakistan security forces have reportedly abducted four oil traders in the Panjgur district of Balochistan.

The Balochistan Post has identified the missing individuals as Khalil Siddique, Abdul Shakoor Saleh, Arshad Rafique, and Waseem, son of Mohammad Hashim, who were taken from the Paroom tehsil. According to local sources, the four individuals are labourers and drivers in the oil trade, the Balochistan Post reported.

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In the nearby Kech district, oil traders have recently faced profiling under the guise of issuing trade tokens.

Baloch people argue that these measures are being used to harass individuals, particularly those with relatives or close associates allegedly linked to Baloch nationalist groups, reported the Balochistan Post.

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Families of the missing individuals and local activists are demanding their immediate release, condemning these actions as "inhumane."

Enforced disappearances in Balochistan continue to be a grave human rights issue. Baloch political parties and rights organisations accuse Pakistani intelligence agencies of involvement. While the government typically denies or downplays these claims, testimonies from victims' families and evidence from human rights groups paint a troubling picture.

Paank, the human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement, has also condemned the incident of enforced disappearances.

In a post on X, Paank stated, "Paank strongly condemns the enforced disappearances of Waseem Hashim, Khaleel Siddique, Arshid Rafiq, and Abdul Shakoor Saleh on the night of December 6, 2024, in Paroom tehsil of Panjgur district, Balochistan. These individuals were forcibly taken from their homes by Pakistani forces, marking another distressing instance of human rights violations in the region."

https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1865026860674851115

Paank further emphasised that enforced disappearances represent a serious breach of international human rights law, the Balochistan Post reported.

Victims are often detained in secret, without access to their families, legal counsel, or any form of legal procedure.

These actions violate the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Pakistan is a signatory, as well as the United Nations General Assembly's Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Vatican City, Dec 7 (AP) Pope Francis was seen with a significant bruise on his chin Saturday, but presided over a ceremony to install new cardinals without apparent problems.

The Vatican didn't immediately respond to requests for comment about the cause of the bruise.

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The pontiff, who turns 88 later this month, appeared slightly fatigued, but carried on as normal with the scheduled ceremony to create 21 new cardinals in St. Peter's Basilica.

Francis has suffered several health problems in recent years and now uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain.

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In 2017, while on a trip to Colombia, Francis sported a black eye after he hit his head on a support bar when his popemobile stopped short. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
London, Dec 7 (PTI) Prince William is in Paris on Saturday to represent Britain in the reopening ceremony of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, the world-famous 12th-century landmark that had been burned in a massive fire in 2019.

While in France, the Prince of Wales also held meetings with other world leaders, including US First Lady Jill Biden and President-elect Donald Trump. As a sign of his enhanced role as a statesman, the heir to the British throne is to discuss the special UK-US relationship during the talks.

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His Kensington Palace office said the senior royal was attending the special ceremony in Paris hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and the Archbishop of Paris on behalf of the UK.

The Prince of Wales will travel to Paris today to attend the ceremony marking the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Kensington Palace statement said.

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In April 2019, a catastrophic fire led to the closure of the famous cathedral in Paris and since then, an extensive restoration programme has been underway," the statement noted.

"This weekend, the Notre Dame will reopen to the public and to celebrate the moment, President Macron and the Archbishop of Paris are hosting a special event at the cathedral which will be attended by Heads of State from around the world, it added.

The Prince of Wales will attend the event on behalf of the United Kingdom. While in Paris, His Royal Highness will also hold meetings with the First Lady of the United States, Dr Jill Biden, and US President-Elect, Donald Trump, it said.

The reopening ceremony of 'Notre Dame De Paris' this weekend is the first of several events planned to celebrate the cathedral's five-year restoration, with a televised and choreographed service.

On Sunday, Notre Dame's great organ will be heard in public for the first time since the blaze as an inaugural mass is held featuring special rites to consecrate the main altar. More than 150 countries donated 846 million euros to fund the restoration of the cathedral, according to the public body in charge of its restoration.

William's Paris visit follows his attendance at a Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London on Friday evening, hosted annually by his wife Kate Middleton.

It marked the biggest event as part of her return to royal duties after completing her chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis earlier this year. The Prince and Princess of Wales were joined by their three children at the carol service  Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Among the 1,600 guests were families affected by the Southport knife attack in July, which claimed the lives of three schoolgirls attending a Taylor Swift dance class.

The 'Together at Christmas' service was a mix of traditional carols, music and readings, with Catherine, Princess of Wales, greeting the performers when she arrived at the Abbey. Prince William read a lesson from the Bible' at the festive event, which included many who were invited for their charity work in their communities.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Colombo, Dec 7 (PTI) Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu on Saturday met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayake and pledged the support of the US for all anti-corruption efforts.

Lu arrived in Sri Lanka on December 5 and is part of a delegation that includes senior US officials like USAID's Anjali Kaur and Treasury's Robert Kaproth, according to the US State Department.

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"We discussed the US' support for Sri Lanka's anti-corruption efforts, recovery of stolen funds, and strengthening our economy and sovereignty," Dissanayake said in a post on X after the two met on Saturday at the Presidential Secretariat.

I emphasised fostering a transparent political culture, uplifting rural living standards, and modernising public services.

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US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, posting on X said that the "US delegation from the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, USAID and US Treasury congratulated President Anura Kumara Disanayake and his new administration today and discussed strengthening cooperation on governance, agriculture, economic growth, and maritime security."

She added that "the US reaffirmed their support for Sri Lanka's reform agenda, including anti-corruption, and highlighted the importance of engaging civil society & the private sector."

Lu, the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, is currently in Colombo as part of his tri-nation visit to India, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

On Friday, Lu met Sri Lankan leaders, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and explored support to the island nation's economic reform agenda through tailored technical assistance.

He also met Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena.

Lu became the highest-ranking US official to meet Dissanayake after his recent electoral successes.

The Sri Lankan President's office in a release said the US expressed willingness to offer technical support to recover Sri Lanka's stolen assets.

During the election campaign, Dissanayake pledged action to recover the island's assets lost to the corrupt politicians from the ruling elites who had ruled the country for over 75 years.

The US embassy in Colombo said his visit was meant to advance US-Sri Lankan joint efforts to promote sustainable economic growth, combat corruption, and strengthen people-to-people ties.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Experts note that the number of flight tickets usually increase during the New Year and Christmas periods. Still, many travelers make a number of mistakes when planning a trip in winter.

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BestLife experts shared what to look for when buying a flight ticket in the cold season. They advise to avoid booking late flights.

If you're flying in winter, you're likely to experience delays due to unfavorable weather conditions. For example, if you plan to a trip to Egypt, Italy, Montenegro, or any other country before 21:00, you may arrive there at 23:00. This may cause problems with checking into a hostel as well as public transportation, which will no longer be running by this time.

"This is why you should be extra careful with what time you're booking your flight for during the colder months. Try to fly as early as you can in the day, as delays and cancellations often rise and affect later flights. By booking the first flight out, you are giving yourself a chance to get out on the runway before the snow or ice storm hits," explains travel expert Becky Moore.

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However, don't count on taking an early flight to guarantee it won't be delayed. Dan DePodwin, Director of Weather Forecasting, says that the plane for the first morning flight usually stops at the gate for the night. If the temperature drops below freezing, frost or ice can form on its wings even if there is no precipitation. This build-up can lead to a loss of lift in the wings. Be prepared to wait until the "de-icing" process is complete, which usually takes 15-20 minutes.

Experts also advise avoiding connecting flights as this increases your chances of experiencing delays. Departing on time from one airport does not mean that you will depart on time from another.
Beirut, Dec 7 (AP) Insurgents' stunning march across Syria gained speed on Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and with the government forced to deny rumours that President Bashar Assad had fled the country.

The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters.

Also Read | 'Matter of Immense Pride for India': PMO on Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad's Elevation As Cardinal by Pope Francis.

The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the US and the United Nations. As they have advanced, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army.

The UN's special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an orderly political transition. Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute.

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In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands rushed the Syria border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country.

Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those that remained open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some shops were selling items at three times the normal price.

The situation is very strange. We are not used to that, the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions.

People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.

It was the first time that opposition forces reach the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege.

Assad's status

Amid the developments, Syria's state media denied rumours flooding social media that Assad has left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus.

Assad's chief international backer, Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine, and Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up his forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran, meanwhile, has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes.

Pedersen said a date for the talks in Geneva on the implementation of UN Resolution 2254 would be announced later. The resolution, adopted in 2015, 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 UN-supervised elections.

The insurgents' march

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were also marching from eastern Syria toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added.

A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the final stage of their offensive by encircling Damascus.

Syria's military, meanwhile, sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syria's third largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts.

The shock offensive began November 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria's largest, and the central city of Hama, the country's fourth largest city.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani told CNN in an interview Thursday from Syria that the aim is to overthrow Assad's government.

The Britain-based Observatory said Syrian troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces and are sending reinforcements to Homs, where a battle is looming. If the insurgents capture Homs, they would cut the link between Damascus, Assad's seat of power, and the coastal region where the president enjoys wide support.

The Syrian army said in a statement Saturday that it has carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by terrorists. The army said it is setting up a strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area, apparently to defend Damascus from the south.

The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011.

After the fall of the cities of Daraa and Sweida early Saturday, Syrian government forces remained in control of five provincial capitals  Damascus, Homs and Quneitra, as well as Latakia and Tartus on the Mediterranean coast.

Tartus is home to the only Russian naval base outside the former Soviet Union while Latakia is home to a major Russian air base.

Diplomacy in Doha

In the gas-rich nation of Qatar, the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkiye met to discuss the situation in Syria. Turkiye is a main backer of the rebels.

Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticised Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country's underlying problems. Assad didn't seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people, he said.

Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria's territorial integrity. He said the war could damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency to start a political process.

After the fall of the cities of Daraa and Sweida early Saturday, Syrian government forces remained in control of five provincial capitals  Damascus, Homs and Quneitra, as well as Latakia and Tartus on the Mediterranean coast.

On Friday, US-backed fighters of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces captured wide parts of the eastern province of Deir el-Zour that borders Iraq as well as the provincial capital that carries the same name.

The capture of areas in Deir el-Zour is a blow to Iran's influence in the region as the area is the gateway to the corridor linking the Mediterranean to Iran, a supply line for Iran-backed fighters, including Lebanon's Hezbollah.

With the capture of a main border crossing with Iraq by the SDF and after opposition fighters took control of the Naseeb border crossing to Jordan in southern Syria, the Syrian government's only gateway to the outside world is the Masnaa border crossing with Lebanon. (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 7 (ANI): Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal will hold an interactive meeting with the Norwegian industry delegation led by May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India during the India - Norway Business Roundtable to be held on Sunday in Mumbai.

The meeting will also be joined by leading Indian members and others important for the India - Norway corridor.

Also Read | Cancer-Fighting Compound Found: Chicago Students Discover New Molecule with Potential in Bird Poop, Published in ACS Omega.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry official statement, "a significant focus of the discussion will be on the recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the EFTA countries, which holds immense potential for both nations. India is particularly keen on attracting USD 100 billion in investments from the EFTA countries, as outlined in the agreement."

The two sides will hold wide-ranging discussions on all aspects of the bilateral trade partnership including opportunities, challenges and measures to further strengthen cross border infrastructure, enhance connectivity and facilitating trade between the two countries.

Also Read | Atrocities on Minorities in Bangladesh: Indian-Americans To Hold Rallies in US Capital and Chicago Against Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.

Further, both the sides will be assessing the opportunities in investment partnerships in logistics, supply chain, connectivity, maritime, energy, circular economy, food and agri, infrastructure, technology and more.

Minister Goyal is expected to hold discussions on, Key opportunities and trends for further Norwegian investments in India, Potential areas of collaboration between India and Norway and Current business climate in India and key government reforms and policies conducive for the partnership.

A high level visit to Norway is expected in the next year during the India - Nordic Summit, as per the ministry statement.

The next discussion of the forum is expected to take place during the Summit. The forum and the discussions will foster on further strengthening the existing close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. (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 7: With assembly elections around the corner, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal Saturday slammed the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre over Delhi's law-and-order situation and said instead of politicising the issue, they should focus on ensuring people's safety.

The Delhi Police is controlled by the Union Home Ministry. The former Delhi chief minister expressed alarm over a series of violent incidents, including a businessman being shot during a morning walk, a senior citizen's murder in Panchsheel Enclave, and a surge in extortion calls. Delhi Triple Murder Case: Police Conducts Route Mapping of Forest Area, To Recreate Crime Scene.

"People are panicked and law and order has been crippled. Senior citizens are frightened, women feel unsafe and gang wars are happening. Drugs are being sold in all corners of Delhi. Where is the Delhi Police? Where is the home minister? Kejriwal told PTI Videos.

Over the BJP's claims that Rohingyas are behind some of the crimes, he said, "If they are Rohingyas, why hasn't the home minister stopped them at the Myanmar and Bangladesh borders? And if they've entered Delhi, why hasn't Delhi Police arrested them? Instead of politicising the issue, they should focus on ensuring the safety of Delhi's people." Delhi: Man Shot Dead by 2 Bike Borne Assailants During Morning Walk in Farsh Bazar, Investigation Underway (Watch Videos).

The BJP has countered the allegations in the past by accusing AAP of shielding criminal elements for political gains. However, Kejriwal argued that such claims were an attempt to distract people's attention from the pressing issue of public safety.

With an eye on the Delhi assembly polls slated early next year, the ruling and opposition parties have intensified trading charges against each other. While the AAP is vying for a third consecutive term, the BJP is determined to break its 25-year streak of failing to secure power in the city.
New Delhi, December 7: As Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad (51), a priest from Kerala, is set to be elevated as Cardinal by Pope Francis, Prime Ministers Office lauded the development "as a matter of immense pride for India".

Koovakad will be elevated as Cardinal by Pope Francis at a function to be held at Vatican City on Sunday. Taking to X on Saturday, the Prime Ministers Office said: "The Government of India sent a delegation led by Union Minister Shri George Kurian to witness this Ceremony. Prior to the Ceremony, the Indian delegation also called on His Holiness Pope Francis." PM Narendra Modi Sends Delegation to Vatican To Witness Monsignor George Jacob Koovakads Ordination As Cardinal.

On Saturday while speaking to the media just before he was taking his immediate family who had come to see the elevation to have the customary meeting with the Pope, the smiling Koovakad said, My parents and my close relatives have come for the function and we are going for the function when the Pope will receive all the guests. This is Gods will which I never expected. This elevation is a selection done by God. I owe this to all who made it possible. When I was sent here (in 2006), I was told by my respected seniors, that if its to learn the Bible, that can be done in Kerala itself, but since you are being sent to the Vatican its being done to learn things deeply.

Koovakad is attached to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Changanacherry and when elevated as a cardinal, he will become the sixth person from Kerala to occupy the post. The other five Cardinals in Kerala were bishops before being elevated to this exalted post in the Catholic Church. Russian President Vladimir Putin Lauds PM Narendra Modi, Says 'Investments in India Are Profitable, Russia Ready To Place Manufacturing Site in Country'.

In the global Catholic Church, there are 232 active Cardinals at present and the numbers will go up to 253 after Koovakad and 20 others will be elevated. Its this group of Cardinals who will be sitting together to elect the next Pope, whenever that time comes.

Koovakad, currently based in the Vatican has the responsibility of organising the international travel schedule of Pope Francis. He joined the Vatican Diplomatic Service in 2006, after completing his formation at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.

Born on August 11, 1973, in Thiruvananthapuram, Koovakad became a priest on July 24, 2004, and later pursued training for diplomatic service at the prestigious Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.

In 2006, he began his diplomatic career at the Apostolic Nunciature in Algeria. He has served in Apostolic Nunciatures in Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 07, 2024 11:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
A Bihar familys road trip from Ujjain to Goa turned into a harrowing ordeal when Google Maps misled them into the dense Shiroli forest in Karnatakas Khanapur taluk. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning when Rajdas Ranjitadas, 28, his wife, and another couple were navigating their route using the app.
Islamabad, December 7: Former prime minister Imran Khan accused the government of 'authoritarianism' as the number of cases and inquiries against him reached 188. The data of cases was presented by the Ministry of Interior to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday on order in a petition filed by Khan's sister, Noreen Niazi, who sought the details of cases against her brother, Dawn reported. The former prime minister is booked in 99 cases in Punjab, 76 in Islamabad and two in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The report said Khan is also accused in seven inquiries by the Federal Investigation Agency and three cases by the National Accountability Bureau.

In addition, the PTI founder's appeal against his conviction in the Toshakhana case was also pending before a court. Meanwhile, the former prime minister talking to reporters in the Adiala Jail on Friday lamented the mounting number of cases against him, saying the government books him in more cases after every protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan Threatens to Launch Civil Disobedience Movement.

As per a post on his official X account, the former prime minister also accused the government of undermining democratic principles and imposing an authoritarian rule. A 10-year dictatorship has been imposed in the country to keep one man in power after subjugating the judiciary and every other institution through the 26th Constitutional Amendment, he said. While referring to PTI's protest last month, Khan claimed unarmed protesters were shot at, which was a tragedy. He, however, didn't specify who fired on the protesters.

Khan also said the racial profiling of Pakhtuns in Islamabad would lead to ethnic strife and condemned the action. He claimed several of his party's supporters were still missing, and expressed serious concern over the situation, demanding the government immediately publish data of arrested citizens and record dead and injured brought to hospitals and morgues.

He reiterated that his party has two demands: a commission led by senior Supreme Court judges to probe the facts about May 9 and November 26 protests and the release of innocent political prisoners. Imran Khan Indicted in Army Headquarters Attack Case.

According to Khan, a committee headed by PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan has been formed for talks on these two points. If these two demands are not accepted, a movement of civil disobedience, boycott and reduced remittances would be launched, he warned. Separately, the IHC on Friday expressed displeasure over the arrest of a vegetable seller in connection with PTI's protest.

The accused, Sameer Ahmed, was allegedly arrested at a checkpoint in the F-10 area and later included in the list of unknown persons arrested for their participation in PTI's November 24 protest. The petitioner, Ahmed's brother, told the court that was not part of any protest. My brother is a vegetable vendor, I ride a bike, and my father is a driver. We are innocent, and he was picked up unfairly, said the petitioner.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir reprimanded the police for targeting innocent people. He questioned the police's conduct and reprimanded the legal officer of Islamabad police present in the court. Justice Tahir pressed the DSP legal, Sajid Cheema, to investigate the matter thoroughly. Innocent people are being arrested and turned into scapegoats, he said, instructing the police to avoid such injustices. The officer said he was in contact with the affected family and would examine the case.

Justice Tahir directed the Islamabad High Court Bar Association to assist the petitioner in filing a bail application. The case was subsequently disposed of with instructions for remedial action. On the other hand, an Anti-Terrorism Court of Islamabad has extended the physical remand of 19 PTI supporters for three days. The political workers were arrested in a case registered at the Secretariat Police Station over violence during the protest, according to Dawn.
There is a mysterious location in China that the locals have nicknamed the "Gate of Hell". Not everyone dares to go there. This is Kunlun, one of the largest mountain systems in the world. It is located in the Aral Sea region in the Chinese Qinghai province, reaching an altitude of 7,167 meters above sea level.

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Read the OBOZREVATEL article to find out why this place both attracts and frightens tourists.

1. Why the location is more than just ghostly beauty

At first, tourists think that Kunlun is just high mountains with a magnificent view and peaks covered with snow and ice.

Still, they were nicknamed the Gate of Hell for a reason. If you look into the crevices of the mountains, you may spot wolf skins, bear bones, hunters' rifles, and isolated graves. All this makes staying in Kunlun an eerie experience.

2. Why tourists are afraid to go to Kunlun

For several centuries, the local Chinese population has been warning people about the dangers in the mountains by telling stories of what happened to travelers. The shepherds are convinced that it is impossible to return from Kunlun alive:

ADVERTISIMENT

A shepherd once lived in the Aral Sea region in 1983. One day he went to the mountains with his horses to feed the animals but never returned home. The next day, the locals saw the corpse of the missing man in the mountains. All his clothes were torn, his eyes were red from anger, mouth half open, and he was a holding a weapon. The most surprising thing is that there were no signs of violence on the shepherd's body: neither cuts nor bruises.

A severe storm arose in the summer of the late 1980s, when it was hot in the mountains. At that moment, an employee of a local coffee shop fainted. When he regained consciousness, he recalled that before he felt sick, his body went numb and eyes dark. When the storm passed, the locals saw that the green grass had turned black and that there were dead animals lying on the slopes.

3. What geologists say about the mysticism surrounding the mountains

According to geologists, there is nothing supernatural about the tragic stories that occur in the Kunlun Mountains. During their research, they discovered a powerful magnetic anomaly in the area. That is, the magnetic field in the mountains "interacts" with the clouds, which can cause air discharges. They basically turn the area into a "minefield" that threatens all living things. Therefore, it is indeed dangerous to go to the Kunlun Mountains.
For the first time this fall, on this past Wednesday morning, the ground in our valley was white from a snow squall. It was pretty and I liked it but only because it wasnt deep and wouldnt last.

The other reason I liked this little bit of snow was because it made it easy to see the birds feeding on the ground. It can be hard to see some of the winter sparrows among the brown dead grass and plant stems.

That morning a hunter whos hunted here with permission for years got a really nice whitetail buck deer. Through the years many deer have been taken on our property but this 11-pointer with a really wide antler spread was one of the biggest I remember seeing.

Now in December rifle hunting season is open and its cold, which is how it normally is each year when the annual Christmas Bird Counts (CBC) are coming up. These are pre-established, 15-mile-diameter circles in which participants try to find as many birds as possible in one day. They forward that data to a count compiler who then forwards it to the National Audubon Society.

This is the 125th year these counts have taken place. The first one was on Christmas Day 1900 at 25 locations with 27 participants. At that time Im sure no one thought this would get to the point where last year almost 95,000 people participated.

You dont have to go out and be a field observer to report birds you see. Feeder watchers are just as important, and many times some of the most unusual species found turn up in backyards.

There are about 30 CBC areas in New Jersey, with the closest one being conducted by Merrill Creek Reservoir in Harmony Township on Dec. 15. Call them at 908-454-1213 and talk to John Park.

Pennsylvania is a much bigger state and has more than 80 designated CBC areas in it. The Bethlehem/Easton count in Northampton County will be held on Dec. 28. Contact Don and Elaine Mease at measede@enter.net for that one.

The Lehigh Valley count in Lehigh and Berks counties is on Dec. 21. Contact Brandon Swayser at brandonswayser@davincisciencecenter.org for that one. And the Upper Bucks count is scheduled for Dec. 15. Bill Etter at billetter@gmail.com is the compiler on that count.

The Hamburg count, a bit further away in Berks and Schuylkill counties and the Hawk Mountain area, takes place on Dec. 29. Contact Laurie Goodrich at goodrich@hawkmtn.org for that count.

Even if youre not that much into birds, getting out in nature for a day is always refreshing and sometimes oddly interesting, One year my partner and I found a really unusual bird at a feeder and we called the compiler for the count to come and help identify it because we had no idea what it was. Well, it turned out to be someones pet that escaped and the compiler told us that in the future we should take an African bird book with us, which of course we never did.

If nothing else, doing a CBC often takes you down roads or into areas where youve never been before. And you never know what youre liable to see.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.
Laois County Council is urging the public and motorists to remain vigilant as the clean up continues after Storm Darragh.

In its latest update, the Council said Fire Services and Roads Crews worked throughout the day to clear fallen trees and ensure that the road network is operational where possible.

The Council is urging motorists to continue to exercise caution as there may be dangers on lesser travelled routes or from trees damaged or compromised during the storm.

At 10am this morning the Council said Fire Crews had attended 50 Storm Darragh related callouts including one crash which resulted in a person had to be brought to hospital.

There are travel related impacts across County Laois this morning arising from multiple fallen trees. Busy night for fire crews across County Laois with in excess of 50 callouts and incidents throughout the night with crews encountering other fallen trees and blockages as they progressed between calls. The majority have been made safe and cleared with the remaining requiring reassessment, and/or other assistance in daylight hours and when safe to do so.

All major routes are passable with care, crews are continuing to work to clear lanes in a few locations on N80 and R445. Known locations have been signed or have hazard warnings put in place, they stated.

Laois Fire and Rescue Services said: All stations were deployed throughout the night and tidy ups have commenced by Municipal District crews this morning as required.

Meanwhile, the ESB is continuing to work to restore widespread power cuts in Laois. Areas affected include Mountrath, Rosenallis, Rathdowney, Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, Ballyfin and Portarlington. Details of outages and estimated restoration times are available on the ESB Networks website.

Although a Status Yellow Wind Warning for all of Ireland ended at 3pm today, the clean up is expected to take some time.

There has been significant disruption to electricity supply throughout the country, with a greater impact than Storm Ophelia with 395,000 customers without supply as of 7am this morning and the ESB estimate it could take days before power is restored throughout the country. Teams with the assistance of Defence Forces are out repairing the damage to the network and the public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie regarding power restoration times.

Uisce Eireann have asked customers to conserve water in the areas which have been impacted by power outages.

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.
A Christmas market will be held in Portlaoise next week in aid of lifesaving treatment for a little girl who needs a bone marrow transplant.



LOETB Portlaoise Further Education and Training Centre will hold their annual Christmas Market on Thursday, December 12 with all proceeds going towards 18-month old Robyn Neville-Quinn who was diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS), a life-threatening genetic disorder. Since her birth she has battled serious medical issues and now needs a bone marrow transplant to save her life.

Robyn is the only child of Meagan and Adam, from Portarlington but who now live in Belfast.



This month Robyn is due to be admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital for her life-saving bone marrow transplant.



Before her transplant, Robyn will undergo a few key procedures to prepare her body, including a PEG feeding tube to ensure she gets the nutrition she needs, cryopreservation to safeguard her future, and a new Hickman line for her treatment. Shell also begin intense chemotherapy as part of the process.



Providing an update the family said: "This is a big and emotional step for us, but we are so grateful for the love, support, and generosity weve received from you all. Its going to be a tough road ahead. Your continued support has made such a difference to us during this incredibly difficult time.



"Well keep you updated as Robyn takes these next steps. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers."



The Christmas market will take place from 11am to 1pm at the Portlaoise FET Centre on the Ridge Road. You can make a donation to the Robyn's Journey GoFundMe page through this link.
The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital charity group have recently donated an armchair and footstool to the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoises mortuary.

This donation was made to provide families experiencing profound loss with a space to grieve.

"This donation was made possible through the generous contribution of Finline Furniture, whose support has been instrumental," a spokesperson has said.

Last July, the group also announced the donation of two Comfort Chairs to the Slieve Bloom and Emo Court Wards in Portlaoise hospital.

These chairs are used in palliative care rooms in the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. The specialised chairs are designed to provide comfort and support for patients of the unit.

The mortuary was redesigned and refurbished in 2021 to provide a space where bereaved families can spend time with their loved ones in a private environment, away from the typical hospital setting.

Funding for this new development was awarded to the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise by the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) and HSE Design & Dignity grant, aimed at further developing end-of-life and bereavement care within the hospital.

"We were deeply saddened when we received this request from the Mortuary Team," said Aine Reams, Treasurer for the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital.

"It is heartbreaking to think about, but this is peoples reality, and we are glad to be in a position to donate something that provides some comfort in a heartbreaking time for families.

"We are incredibly grateful to Finline Furniture for their generous contribution, and we hope this donation will offer some solace to those enduring unimaginable grief," Ms Reams said.



The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital thanked the local community for their ongoing support over the years.

"The generous donations and fundraising efforts have made it possible for us to continue providing essential equipment that enhance the care and comfort of patients and their families," Ms Reams said.

"We are truly grateful for the support we receive from the community," she finished.
Storm Darragh is similar in impact to Storm Ophelia according to the ESB as it led to nearly 400,000 customers with out electricity some of home will not have electricity for a week.

Workers with the State-owned utility have been working through Saturday to repair the damage done by the Status Red Atlantic storm which the ESB says caused extensive damage to the country's electricity network.

The ESB said that as at 8:45pm Satuday, about 120,000 homes, farms and businesses remained without power following extremely strong and gusty winds. A statement said that ESB Networks teams restored power to 275,000 customers over the course of the day.

The power company explained its impact which will last for days to come for some customers.

"Storm Darragh is similar in impact to Storm Ophelia in 2017, which left 385,000 customers without power at the peak but with more widespread impact across the country.

"All ESB Networks crews and partner contractors will continue working into tonight to safely restore power to as many customers as possible in challenging conditions, before mobilising again at first light tomorrow morning. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Clean up in Laois.

"Large numbers of customers impacted by Storm Darragh have had their power restored throughout today but significant numbers may be without supply for a number of days. Due to the severity and significant scale of the damage some customers could be without power for approximately a week. Assessment of the extent of damage is continuing," said the ESB.

The utility said it is important that any impacted customers who use electrically powered medical devices contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary.

"Given the scale of the damage and the dynamic nature of the event, we will continue to confirm restoration times for customers and we will update www.PowerCheck.ie as information is confirmed. We advise customers to sign up for our Keep me Updated service for power outages on www.PowerCheck.ie to receive status updates directly.

"Our Customer Contact Centre Agents will be supporting customers throughout Storm Darragh but will not be in a position to provide outage information until the network assessment has been fully conducted.

"We acknowledge the disruption to family and commercial life this causes, and thank customers across the country, especially those who will remain without power over the coming days, for their patience as our crews work to safely restore power," it said.

The ESB urges anyone who encounters fallen wires or damaged electricity network not to touch or approach these as they are live and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.

Laois County Council is urging the public and motorists to remain vigilant as the clean-up continues after Storm Darragh. Council staff and the Laois Fire and Rescue Service has dealt with multiple callouts.
Join top Irish Tenor Patrick Hyland for his annual Christmas concert of favorite melodies and popular opera classics at the Moat Theatre, Naas on Friday, December 20.

Featuring hits from the musicals, famous operas and some familiar Christmas favorites, special guests include Soprano Ava Dodd.

Ava has been praised by critics for having a golden voice. She has performed in renowned opera houses and concert halls in Ireland and internationally.

Ava is a multiple prize winner. She is the recipient of the Yves Paternot Prize at Verbier Festival 2023, she was a dual prize winner in the Hans Gabor Belvedere International Singing competition 2022, the winner of the Boston District Round of the Met Opera Competition 2022 and the RDS Music Bursary Competition 2020.

Highlights of her 2024/2025 season include: Rosina in The Barber of Seville with English National Opera, The High Priestess in Aida with Oper Frankfurt and concerts with the RTE Concert Orchestra in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and The National Concert Hall, Dublin.

Ava is delighted to be a Harewood Artist with English National Opera for the 2025/2026 season where she will perform Adina in The Elixir of Love and Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro.

The concert will also feature Eadestown native, Muireann Ni Raghallaigh, who began playing the violin at the age of seven.

She has enjoyed playing in chamber ensembles and orchestras around Ireland including the Midlands Youth Orchestra, Dublin Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland. She studied music in the Cork School of Music under the tuition of Elizabeth Charleson.

She has just begun a Masters in Primary School teaching with Hibernia College and teaches violin part time. Muireann enjoys playing a wide variety of genres such as Bluegrass and Old Time music along with classical.

Maire Carroll will also be performing. Dr Carroll is a pianist, composer, collaborator and teacher who has performed throughout Europe, Asia, the United States and Canada including performances at Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall, National Opera House in Tallinn, Liszt Academy in Budapest, Princess Grace Library, Monaco. As the first pianist in Ireland to be awarded the RDS Music Bursary, Maire maintains a diverse wide-ranging programme of solo and collaborative work including a complete performance of Philip Glasss Twenty Piano Etudes across two sold out evenings at the NCH. Her upcoming record Maire Carroll:The Complete Piano Etudes of Philip Glass will be released on Delphian Records in August 2024.

With collaboration at the core of Maires artistic output, ongoing exciting partnerships include a three year project of song and literature recitals at BVOF alongside actor Barry McGovern. Maire is the Artistic Director of Hidden Pianos, which she launched in 2018 with the aim of sharing classical and contemporary music in site-specific locations.

Her solo composition Lavinia Fontana was commissioned by the National Gallery of Ireland in celebration of their recent exhibition, Lavinia Fontana: Trailblazer, Rulebreaker which opened in 2023. Excited by the music of today, Maire collaborates with composers both at home and abroad. She is a winner of the Bank Of Ireland Begin Together Fund and will release her album Sudden Changes in 2025. Maire will perform two recitals at Kilkenny Arts Festival, a recital of Glass piano etudes as well as a complete performance of the Ros Tapestry Suite alongside pianist Finghin Collins in August 2024.

Tickets:28 plus 1.50 online booking fee
Gardai have said that a man arrested as part of the investigation into the assault of a woman in Newbridge has been released without charge.

Investigations are continuing following the incident which happened earlier this week - sometime between 11pm on Tuesday and 8.15am on Wednesday.

Gardai and emergency services attended the scene at St Conleth's Car Park, at Main Street, Newbridge, on the morning of Wednesday, December 4 shortly after 8am, and found a woman who was unresponsive.

She was rushed to Tallaght University Hospital in Dublin for treatment of serious injuries.

An incident room has been established at Newbridge garda station, and a Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed.

On Friday evening, a man aged in his 20s was arrested and detained at a garda station in the Eastern Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

A Garda statement issued on Saturday afternoon said:

"Gardai investigating the assault that occurred at St. Conleth's Car Park, Newbridge, Co. Kildare between 11pm on Tuesday 3rd and approximately 8.15am on Wednesday 4th December 2024 have released the arrested man that was detained in the Eastern Region.

"The man, aged in his 20s, has been released without charge and investigations are ongoing."

Anybody with information on the incident is asked to contact Newbridge garda station on 045 440180, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111, or any garda station.
SIMPLY BETTER BRANDS CORP. ANNOUNCES SHARES ISSUED UNDER VIBEZ EARNOUT AGREEMENT





VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 6, 2024 /CNW/ - Simply Better Brands Corp. ("SBBC" or the "Company") (TSXV: SBBC) (OTCQB: SBBCF) today announces further to its news release dated January 25, 2023 and in connection with the Branding Earnout Agreement dated January 25, 2023, the Company has issued 26,224 common shares.

About Simply Better Brands Corp.

Simply Better Brands Corp. is an international omni-channel platform with a portfolio of diversified assets in the rapidly growing plant-based, natural, and clean ingredient space. The Company targets informed, health-conscious Millennial and Generation Z consumers with a focus on opportunities for expansion into high-growth consumer product categories. For more information on Simply Better Brands Corp., please visit: For more information on Simply Better Brands Corp., please visit: https://www.simplybetterbrands.com/investor-relations.

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 contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") as such terms are used in applicable Canadian securities laws and are based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements with respect to Angad Capital's future intent to acquire securities of the Company. The words "engaged in", "evaluating", "continuing to", "enable", "is reviewing", "potential", "intend", "believes", "aims" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain future conditions, actions, events or results "will", "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "can", or negative versions thereof, "occur", "continue" or "be achieved", and other similar expressions, identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon management's perceptions of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as a number of specific factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of such statements, are outside of the Company's control and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies which could result in the forward-looking statements ultimately being entirely or partially incorrect or untrue. Forward looking statements contained in this press release are based on various assumptions and subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved.

Known and unknown risk factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, could cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from the results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include but are not limited to those factors which are discussed in the Company's annual management discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.com. 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. Forward-looking statements are provided as of the date of this press release for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. All of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements.

SOURCE Simply Better Brands Corp.

6 december 2024 at 17:00

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Representatives of EU countries failed to approve the 15th package of sanctions against Russia. The sanctions package is aimed at the so-called "shadow fleet" of the Russian Federation. However, two EU members, Latvia and Lithuania, blocked the adoption of the package.

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According to Politico, Latvia and Lithuania blocked the adoption "due to disagreements" over the issue of extending the deadline for European companies to withdraw investments from Russia. In particular, these countries opposed leaving "loopholes for abuse."

Citing sources in the EU diplomacy, the publication adds that this package of sanctions will be discussed at a meeting of EU foreign ministers on December 16.

"Initially, the controversial clause was intended to help companies that said they wanted to withdraw from Russia but could not do so for various reasons. But later it became a loophole to be abused and gives companies too much political cover to stay in Russia," the newspaper notes.

In total, the new package of sanctions will more than double the number of oil and gas tankers already blacklisted by the Russian shadow fleet, bringing the total number to 75 vessels.

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"It is a pity that we could not adopt the 15th package of sanctions because Latvia and Lithuania did not agree to it. At the same time, the European Commission promised to take into account their request for guarantees to end these derogations in the new package," the publication quoted an unnamed EU diplomat as saying.

This is a derogation from the sanctions that came into effect in December 2022. According to it, foreign companies that have not withdrawn from Russia are not subject to sanctions restrictions but only receive a warning. This derogation has already been extended three times, which, according to representatives of Latvia and Lithuania, "has already given companies enough warnings."

Slovakia, which is trying to make another exception to the sanctions package that would allow it to export refined Russian oil to the neighboring Czech Republic, also has complaints about the sanctions package.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, Russia has increased its "shadow fleet" of oil tankers by 70% over the past year, allowing it to circumvent sanctions and keep oil exports high. Currently, the volume of Russian oil transported by the shadow fleet has increased from 2.4 million barrels per day in June 2023 to 4.1 million barrels in June 2024.

After the EU sanctions on Russian oil, Russia began using the "shadow fleet " to transport oil through international waters. These technically defective vessels without proper insurance pose serious environmental risks and can lead to disasters in the Baltic Sea.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
FEDAMORE native Anne Donegan has launched her debut poetry collection, Seashells, inspired by the Limerick and Kerry countryside.

After a career in banking and as a communications consultant, Ms Donegan has been honing and perfecting her poems for a number of years.

At the launch of Seashells in the Kerry Writers Museum, Listowel, the poet credited the Limerick and Kerry countryside as the inspiration behind much of her work.

Her native Fedamore in Limerick, is eulogised without sentimentality, and the countryside of her adopted home of North Kerry remains a constant source of poetic inspiration.

READ MORE: Limerick school's annual fashion show makes a return

Poet Eileen Sheehan, author of The Narrow Way of Souls, wrote, "The heartbeat of this collection is Donegans absolute love of her people and of the Irish landscape."

Maria Relihan, author of Skylark, remarked, "The poems meander from the verdant Limerick countryside to the allure of the Kerry seashore, where the poet finds time for seashells. This poetry collection has beauty and pathos."

The book was officially launched by Joanna Keane OFlynn, the daughter of the late playwright John B Keane, who commended the poet for her craftsmanship and depth of meaning.

Seashells is currently available in local bookshops in Kerry and online at buythebook.ie.
A NEW Limerick gift card has been launched in time for Christmas as part of efforts to support local businesses.

Limerick City and County Council and Limerick Chamber have come together to offer the product which will operate in the traditional manner a gift card does.

It will be available to buy online and at the Chambers offices at 96 OConnell Street in the city centre.

READ MORE: Musical chairs, high-profile casualties and a fight to the end - Limerick City election

Customers will be able to load set amounts onto the card, in the hope it is then used for gifting.

Cards can be spent in the city centre and towns in the county including Newcastle West, Adare, Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock and Rathkeale.

More than 140 businesses, including independent firms and brands like Penneys and Brown Thomas accept the card.

It was launched by Mayor John Moran on the sixth floor of the Strand Hotel overlooking the city.

He said: Local retail businesses are key to a vibrant Limerick. They provide essential shopping and services, employment and broader support in our communities. But it is not a one-way street. They need our support too. A little adjustment by each of us in how we spend this Christmas will make a huge collective difference to them.

Liam Dwan, manager of Brown Thomas Limerick said it is a card for everyone.

As one of Irelands leading department stores, we were keen to get involved with the Limerick Gift Card. Whats great about the card is the choice on offer. With one card, recipients can go shopping in Limericks best stores, grab a bite to eat or a coffee, or even stay over. Its a card that caters for everyone.

As well as shops, hospitality businesses including restaurants, cafes and pubs are also accepting the card.

Chamber chief executive Michelle Gallagher described the card as a powerful show of support to local businesses.

She encouraged employers, if they are affording gifts to their staff this Christmas, to consider the card.
WHAT A whirlwind couple of weeks it has been!

These past few weeks have reminded me why I love this ever-evolving world of fashion.

I attended The Cointreau Hi Style Irelands Most Stylish Celebration 2024 at the stunning Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa in Little Island, Cork on November 23.

The event shone a spotlight on the most stylish Irish businesses and business people in Ireland, with the awards celebrating the very best in their respective fields.

As I mingled among the countrys most stylish, I couldnt help but feel immense pride, as these young talents are the beating heart of their respective industries and its such a privilege to see them thrive on such a glamorous stage.

READ MORE: Limerick style icon and modelling agent Celia Holman Lee announces autobiography release

Meeting Limerick ladies Miriam Costello of Enchant and Sinead OBrien of Vacious is always a true treat, and the pleasure is always mine.

I couldnt delay in the charming county of Cork, however, as I was back to my home city of Limerick for a chic fashion soiree at the Brown Thomas Brasserie.

With a mix of faux fur, figure-hugging denim, snug knitwear and a little bit of Christmas sparkle, the masterclass and Christmas soiree saw personal stylist Orla Sheridan and in-house shopper Chloe Maher showcase key wardrobe staples from the Brown Thomas Limerick womenswear department, with shoes and accessories to complete an autumn-winter wardrobe.

I accompanied several of the Holman Lee Agency models to the event and enjoyed French-inspired treats on the night.

Watching the models walk the room so effortlessly reminded me of why Ive dedicated my life to nurturing talent.

Fashion isnt just about clothing - its about confidence, storytelling, and connection. From Corks charm to Limericks glitz, the events were a testament to the enduring power of style.

XxCelia
LIMERICK-based charity Bothar says its challenge is to navigate the path with those who feel let down by past behaviours and create a future that restores confidence and accountability.

In October, Bothar successfully made two shipments of 61 in-calf heifers sent to Kosovo. The Leader contacted the charity to ask about this donation but also address the financial scandal of the recent past.

Retired Bothar CEO David Moloney admitted he and the former chief executive, the late Peter Ireton, misappropriated hundreds of thousands of euro in cash that the charity was led to believe went to nuns who work with the poor in Tanzania.

These payments occurred without the knowledge or consent of the board of Bothar, the High Court was told in 2021. The court was told three years ago the assessment of the total amount that had been misappropriated from Bothar was 769,000.

Mr Ireton, who died in April 2021, had denied any impropriety.

Interim CEO Ailish OReilly said Bothar faced internal governance challenges that tested the charitys resilience. She said these issues impacted its operations and reputation, but Bothar responded decisively.

Robust cost-saving measures, enhanced transparency, and new leadership were implemented to rebuild trust and refocus on the charitys core mission, said Ms OReilly.

The organisation does not make public comment regarding the ongoing gardai investigation, conscious that individuals in the community have been, or feel, directly impacted.

Donor feedback this year suggests that some now believe the time is right to support and help the organisation rebuild and recover. Others are not yet ready, looking for a sense of justice given the severity of the breach of trust that has occurred.

"Bothars challenge is to navigate the path with those who feel let down by past behaviours and create a future that restores confidence and accountability, said Ms OReilly.

Bothar say recent efforts to streamline operations, including moving to a new headquarters in Castletroy, enhance transparency and underscore the charitys commitment to accountability. They say they have made significant strides in restoring donor confidence and expanding its outreach.

As well as Ms OReilly being appointed interim CEO, more recently the new board appointed Shane McAuliffe as chairperson, to lead the organisation forward. A well-known farmer and vet from County Kerry, Mr McAuliffe lobbied extensively this year for University of Limerick to be awarded a School of Veterinary Medicine.

Bothar's mission is to equip families in need with livestock and the necessary training to create sustainable livelihoods.

In October, Bothar successfully made two shipments of in-calf heifers to Kosovo. These 61 animals, sent from Roscrea, county Tipperary, and Enniscorthy, county Wexford, were donated by Irish farming families and raised in part through the Irish Prison Service program.

In Kosovo, Bothar partners with local NGO Meshqerra to turn subsistence farming into sustainable livelihoods. Through shipments of these in-calf heifers, families gain access to milk, fertiliser, and income. Beneficiaries of last year's shipment are already producing butter; yoghurt and cheese with the excess sold in local markets creating a secondary economy for these families. The Pass-On gift has additionally built a chain of generosity, fostering community support and prosperity in Kosovo.

Mr McAuliffe said their supporters come from all walks of life.

From farming families to businesses, were united by a shared belief in the power of generosity. Together, were empowering communities, one gift at a time, he said.

Each spring, the Campbell family (pictured below) in Cappamore contact Bothars office in Limerick to arrange for a calf to be sent to Shelton Abbey, where it is reared for the following years autumn shipment.

Barry Campbell said his father was a supporter of Bothar.

He died on February 19 sixteen years ago. We give a heifer calf born on February 19 to the charity every year so Bothar goes deeper than you think, said Mr Campbell.

Bothar was founded in 1991 thanks to visionaries like TJ Maher, the politician and farmers leader from Tipperary, who sought to harness Ireland's agricultural heritage to tackle global food insecurity and inequality. With a deep understanding of both poverty and prosperity, Bothar was born to empower families worldwide by providing them with the tools to sustain themselves through farming.

READ MORE: Redemptorists launch their Christmas Hamper Appeal

Bothar's approach is deeply rooted in Ireland's farming tradition, said Ms OReilly.

Ireland knows the key role of agriculture in our communities. It seemed natural to share that knowledge and experience with those who need it most.

This ethos has carried Bothars mission far beyond Ireland's shores, reaching communities in Kosovo, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and other regions.

Bothars work is built on three interconnected pillars that ensure lasting impact. Families receive hands-on training in animal husbandry, sustainable farming practices, and environmental stewardship. This equips them to care for their livestock and maximize the resources provided while preserving their environment.

A cow is not just an animal; it provides milk, fertiliser, and income. A goat offers sustenance and economic opportunities. Beekeeping creates renewable sources of honey and wax. Each animal gifted by Bothar represents a building block for a brighter future.

Recipients agree to pass on the first female offspring of their animal to another family in need, creating a ripple effect of generosity. This self-sustaining cycle uplifts entire communities.

This Christmas, Bothar is inviting everyone to join its journey of recovery and hope by donating at www.bothar.ie
New Delhi: Do you collect luxury leather, suede or satin shoes or are you a big sneakerhead? You may have to wait for several months for a new pair. Shelves at luxury shoe boutiques across India may turn sparse in the coming weeks as Indias mandatory licensing regulations that kicked in August are increasing costs and delaying stock arrivals.

The Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for the footwear sector require luxury shoemakers to send their products to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for Indian Standards Intuition (ISI) certification. Factories making such shoes, irrespective of the global location, also need audits, product checks and the BIS certification.

To allow the industry to exhaust unsold stock, the manufacturers certified by the BIS or those who have applied for certification were permitted to sell, display or offer old stock produced or imported before 1 August until 30 June 2025. The deadline was later extended till 31 July 2026.

Since then, several luxury shoe brands in India are facing delays either in compliances or in receiving the certification status. Many companies, in anticipation of this disruption, had bought a lot of inventory prior to 1 January 2024, but even that is now running out or going out of style.

Luxury brands are running into stock shortages mainly because theyre either confused about how to tackle the BIS and ISI processes, or theyre unclear about the resources, procedures, and guidelines involved," said Raahuul Kapoor, founding partner of Delhi-based consultant, Luxury Ampersand Frolics. It is likely that stocks may not last, unless BIS gives brands more time or they find a way to meet the requirements faster."

Also read | Part-time relief to French luxury shoemakers; Centre extends QCO implementation

Annual sales of luxury shoes range between 20,000 to 50,000 pairs or even fewer and the BIS process requires the testing equipment to be sent to European and other luxury company factories, followed by on-site inspections from India's BIS certification officers. That's causing delays. The associated costs are around 50 lakh upfront per shoe category, 1.5 lakh annually, and 6 lakh in legal fees, plus each shoe that goes into testing gets destroyed.

Companies must pay for each categoryincluding 'sneakers', 'classic' or 'formal' shoes. While luxury brands primarily rely on local partners to operate in the country, they have to invest to get the testing equipment at their headquarters.

While this has increased compliance costs, the slow pace of approvals has disrupted supply chains for many, leaving inventories nearly exhausted.

While the BIS initiative is a great step toward promoting 'India Made' products and self-reliance, it would have been better to first offer subsidized training for international luxury brands and help educate local factories, assembly units, and partners before enforcing new standards," Kapoor said.

Also read | Italian luxury shoe brand Santoni to expand presence in India

A senior government official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the process of issuing licences is underway and that they can only be granted after strict adherence to all norms outlined in the 'Quality Control Order' issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Queries emailed to DPIIT secretary Amardeep Bhatia, BIS director general Pramod Kumar Tiwari and spokespersons of the consumer affairs ministry, BIS and DPIIT remained unanswered till the time of going to the press.



Receiving the certification takes about 6-8 months, said Ankur Jain, managing partner at Noida-based Treslaw, which is working with about a dozen luxury businesses here to help secure certifications.

A lot of luxury companies made their representations to the government to remove luxury shoes as a category from going through a BIS certification but the government indicated that the rule applies to all including domestic companies," he said. While all these companies are complying with the ruling, since August many have not been able to import their goods because the certifications are still in the works."

Also read | Luxury sales soar as affluent Indians splurge

While there is thin footwear inventory across many luxury brands, according to Jain, the industry is hopeful they will start to receive the paperwork soon to restock their shelves.

Still, brands do fear a significant drop in sales in the January-March 2025 quarter if approvals aren't expedited. The threat of an impending GST hike to 10% on shoes next year could further add pressure to profit margins.

Santoni Italy applied to get BIS hallmarking status some months ago and we expect to get it by March 2025," said Sanjay Kataria, the India franchisee of Italian bespoke shoe company which is expanding its presence in the country. Since this is peak season, we've seen strong sales in the last two months and could be faced with a situation where our popular shoes may run out before the hallmarking status comes through. Luxury shoes could have been kept out of this ruling as far fewer pieces are sold per annum."

The company has a luxury boutique in Delhi's DLF Emporio mall.

Luxury lifestyle brand Louis Vuitton could also run out of shoes soon, according to people aware of the matter. The companys Indian unit did not respond to Mint's emailed questionnaire.

And read | Following a sluggish summer shopping period, luxury companies pin their hopes on winter and wedding shopping

The CEO of a Florence-based luxury shoe company, which recently set up shop in India, said, I understand it (new rules) has been done to protect against cheaper, fake products or illegal imports. But it is very complicated in the luxury shoes business because of the lack of volumes being sold."

We have to buy the machines to do all the testing in our manufacturing unit back in Europe," he said while speaking anonymously. It's really sad that the government is not distinguishing between luxury and other price points or identifying some countries of origin like the European Union, which could be removed from this list."
MobiKwiks public offer will open for subscription on Wednesday with a price band of 265-279 per equity share, valuing the company at about 2,165 crore, a sharp discount to the valuation the company sought in its last attempt at the public listing back in 2021of 7,600 crore.

The company, headed by husband-and-wife duo Bipin Preet Singh and Upasana Taku, has reduced its fundraising target to 572 crore, following the Securities and Exchange Board of Indias (Sebis) approval in September to raise 700 crore.

The markets were in an amazing bull run right up to August or September. If we had got the Sebi approval earlier, we might have done something different then," Taku told Mint on the sidelines of its initial public offering (IPO) press conference in Mumbai on Friday.

Taku added that along with volatility in the market, changes in the fintech landscape, including Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sanctions against several companies in the sector prompted the company to make the adjustment in the issue size.

Allocation of IPO proceeds

Founded in 2009, MobiKwik is a mobile wallet and financial services company. Through its payments business that makes up about 36% of revenue, it allows retail customers and merchants to send and receive money and pay various utility bills.

It also offers digital credit, investments and insurance products such as MobiKwik ZIPits buy now pay later (BNPL) credit, and ZIP EMI that provides personal loans, merchant cash advances, wealth management and insurance distribution. This segment made up about 64% of MobiKwiks revenue as of FY24.

Also Read: GIC to acquire larger stake in Asia Healthcare Holdings from majority owner TPG

Of the IPO proceeds, the company is allocating 150 crore towards financial services, and 135 crore in the payments services business. The company has allocated another 107 crore of the proceeds for research and development in artificial intelligence, machine learning, product and technology, while the rest is for capital expenditure in the payments devices business.

Growth plans, challenges

For MobiKwik, the next phase of growth will come from capturing the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) market, which it is attempting to do with the help of Pocket UPI, which is wallet over UPI product and RuPay credit card operating over UPI, within the consumer payments business, Taku told Mint.

I dont want to have a 10% market share in a huge UPI market where I dont make money. Im happier focusing on a smaller piece of the UPI pieone where nobody else is focusing but where there is revenue to be made," added Taku. Back in 2023, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced a 1.1% interchange fee or merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI payments via wallets, while currently, an MDR of 2% is levied on UPI-linked RuPay credit card transactions over 2,000. Taku stated that the company will be scaling down its BNPL credit product due to negative sentiment surrounding the segment, which has affected its partnerships with cautious banks and non-banking financial companies.

MobiKwik, meanwhile, is also investing to grow its merchant payments business acquiring new merchants and processing payments for this segment.

In financial services, we will be building up the insurance vertical and the savings vertical, where we will bring more products," she added.

The fintech company clocked a net profit of about 14 crore in FY24, the first since its inception in 2009, following a loss of 83.8 crore in the previous financial year. Total income grew nearly 59% to 890.32 crore in FY24.

During the first quarter of the current fiscal year (Q1 FY25), MobiKwik reported revenue of  342.2 crore, with a marginal loss of 6.6 crore for the period.

When questioned about the dip in valuation impacting existing captable, Taku said, People who have invested at a higher valuation, including promoters, are taking a deviation. After the listing, if the company rerates and performs well, they will have the option to act accordingly," she added.

To be sure, the offer will consist entirely of a fresh issue of shares, with no offer-for-sale component having no material impact on the existing investors as of now.

Broader trends

According to a recent report by Axis Capital on 3 December, Indias IPO market has seen a slowdown in subscriptions over the past two months, driven by weak market sentiment and disappointing listing performances, says a report by Axis Capital.

Meanwhile, several fintech companies have delayed their public listing on the back of RBIs actions against some prominent players in the space. You need courage to list in a challenging market," added Taku.

Also Read: Allen Career Institute lays off staff amid declining student enrolments

The payments and financial services company was also caught up in the storm when the RBI barred peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges from offering instant withdrawal feature in September, a segment where MobiKwik operated in with Lendbox.
In Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers will stop funding schools from the state budget from September 1, 2025, if they have less than 45 students. This decision does not apply to primary and special schools. Local authorities will either have to finance such municipal institutions (schools) on their own or close them.

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According to the government's explanation, the data on the number of students of all types of general secondary education institutions as of November 1, 2024, was used to calculate the educational subvention for January-August 2025. In addition:

the future calculation of the educational subvention from September 1, 2025, will take into account the number of students in municipal and private general secondary education institutions with 45 students or more. This decision does not apply to primary and special schools (the latter are attended by students with special educational needs).

"The government's decision will encourage local governments to optimize the school network, which will help students receive a better education in larger schools, which are usually better equipped with educational equipment and teachers in all subjects," the government said in a statement.

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This means that schools with fewer than 45 students will be left without state funding. The Cabinet of Ministers explained that small schools have only 5-6 students per class, there are not enough teachers, "children do not receive the proper level of interaction with each other, do not learn from each other and do not see examples to follow."

That is why the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has amended the formula for distributing educational subventions between local budgets and approved the distribution for January-August 2025. The resolution "Some issues of the distribution of the educational subvention for 2025" was approved on December 5, 2024.

The educational subvention is the main source of salaries for teachers in general secondary education institutions. It comes from the state budget to local budgets, which pay teachers' salaries.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) served a businessman from Prykarpattia with a notice of suspicion of organizing embezzlement of UAH 14.8 million during the construction of a school in the village of Chukalivka, Ivano-Frankivsk region, under the Big Construction state program. The businessman is the third person involved in this case.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
On the surface, this newly listed water management stock may look like the biggest story to watch out for in 2025.

Why, you ask? It belongs to the red-hot water management sector, and we recently explained why stocks involved in this industry could make big moves in 2025.

This company is backed by some of the big names in the Indian stock marketSunil Singhania and Mukul Agrawal.

But below the surface, there is an intricate dynamic at play that may be viewed as make or break for this company.

Given all these factors, an overview of how this newly listed stock ended up in todays situation, is warranted.

Lets take it from the top

About Enviro Infra Engineers

Enviro Infra Engineers is engaged in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of water and waste-water treatment plants and water supply projects for government agencies.

The company was incorporated in 2009, and it is promoted by Sanjay Jain and Manish Jain.

The company has a special purpose vehicle called EIEPL Bareilly Infra Engineers for its hybrid annuity model (HAM) project.

This company was established in 2021, and its currently developing three sewage treatment plants at Bareilly. This project has been awarded by Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam and is funded by National Mission for Clean Ganga.

In addition, it holds a 74% stake in one of its subsidiaries, EIEL Mathura Infra Engineers. This company is currently building a 60 MLD sewage treatment plant and sewerage scheme in Mathura. The project also includes installing a solar power plant.

IPO Details

Shares of Enviro Infra Engineers made a strong start as it was listed at 220, a premium of almost 50% over its issue price of 148.

The company raised 650 crore through the IPO and was listed on 29 November 2024.

Out of the total size, the fresh issue size was 570 crore which the company plans to utilize for:

A) Working capital requirements

B) Infusion of funds in its subsidiary

C) Repayment of borrowings

D) Funding inorganic growth

E) General corporate purposes

Backed by big names

After looking at the latest shareholding pattern of the company, we saw some big names of Dalal Street on the companys public shareholders list.

Ace Investor Mukul Agrawal has invested in the recently listed company, and he currently holds 18 lakh shares or a 1.03% stake.

Apart from that, Sunil Singhania has taken a stake in the company via the Abakkus Diversified fund.

Meanwhile, some other fund names that have taken a stake in this company include Quant Mutual Fund, Motilal Oswal Multicap Fund, Singularity Equity Fund, Nuvama Multi Asset and LIC MF.

Interestingly, this is Sunil Singhanias second stock in the water management industry. He already holds some stake in one of the biggest names in the industry  EMS Ltd. But, he could have swapped the stock for this newly listed one in the most recent quarter.

Strong Order Book

The company has so far developed 28 wastewater treatment plants and water supply and sanitation projects across India. This includes 22 projects, spread across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh.

Of these 28 projects, seven were executed in collaboration with JV partners.

As of June 2024, the company had a strong order book in excess of  1,900 crore.

It received more orders worth 270 crore in July 2025.

Since the company relies on government orders, investors should be wary of any change or modification in government policy because that could adversely impact its business.

Nevertheless, the company has witnessed solid growth in the last four years, and this was due to its robust order book all these years.

For this financial year (FY25), the company has projected its annual revenues at 800 crore.

What next?

Going forward, the companys continuous expansion in new key areas is expected to drive growth. The company recently forayed into Karnataka and Jharkhand.

In a recent interview, the companys management said that theyve expanded into eight new states and the company plans to expand footprint in new states in the second half.

Also, Enviro Infras business does well in the second half of the financial year.

The Indian governments ambitious initiatives such as Jal Jeevan Mission, Mission Amrut, the Namami Gange Programme, and Swajal, present significant opportunities for Enviro Infra.

The government has allocated significant funds for water treatment and infrastructure projects, with the market for water and wastewater treatment projected to grow from $1.3 billion in 2020 to $2.1 billion in 2025.

Opportunities in this sector include seawater treatment for desalination projects, zero liquid discharge for industries, and ultra-pure water for the semiconductor industry.

In the long term, emerging themes such as semiconductors and green hydrogen are also expected to create even more significant opportunities for water treatment companies.

With the increasing demand for pure water, it will be interesting to watch how this newly listed company will pioneer India's sustainable water future.

Enviro Infra vs EMS vs Ion Exchange

Heres a table comparing Enviro Infra with its listed peers 

While the industry price-to-earnings (P/E) stood at 41.2, the industry price-to-book (P/B) ratio stood at 5.2.

Enviro Infra touched a 52-week high of 276 on 4 December 2024 and a 52-week low of 205 on 29 November 2024.

For more information, check out Enviro Infras financial factsheet.

Happy Investing.

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
PARISThe limestone facade of Notre Dame Cathedral is radiant. Its ornate gargoyles and angels show no signs of the smoke and flames that once billowed from the church. The cavernous interior is immaculate, the soot having been meticulously scrubbed from its arches.

By almost any metric the restoration of Notre Dame has been a success, coming just five years after a fire swept across the masterpiece of Gothic architecture nearly destroying it. A host of global figures, including President-elect Donald Trump, are scheduled to pay homage to the church in a Saturday ceremony to inaugurate its reopening.

Notre Dames revival is nothing short of a miracle to many, a sign that cooperation across France and beyond to achieve a singular goal is still possible. Yet the gleaming cathedral also stands in contrast to the dark times that have enveloped Paris and the world. Wars are raging in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the U.S.-led international order that has prevailed since the end of World War II is at a turning point. Trump has fueled the anxieties of leaders across Europe by questioning Washingtons commitment to underpinning Europes security architecture without greater contributions from allies. He also wants to impose tariffs that would punish the continents economy.

Nowhere is the malaise more apparent than in France. Its economy has nearly stalled. Its public finances are in disarray. And this week the government collapsed in a parliamentary no-confidence vote for the first time since 1962.

The breakdown has cast a shadow over an event intended to mark the return to glory of not only Notre Dame but of the country as a whole. President Emmanuel Macronthe driving force behind the Cathedrals swift recoveryhas conceived of the inaugural ceremony as an elaborate victory lap, bookending a year that included the hosting of the Summer Olympics in Paris.

For Macron, rebuilding Notre Dame on time and on target was about affirming his vision of France as a nation capable of shedding its historical burdens and perennial sense of fatalism. Macrons France is a startup nation of can-do strivers and the home of some of the worlds richest billionaires, including luxury titans who funneled hundreds of millions of euros into repairing the church. It is where some of the worlds most accomplished artisans and stonemasons still operate, allowing them to mobilize for a project of biblical proportions.

Notre Dame is proof that we can do great things, we can do the impossible," Macron said during a recent address on national TV. We must do the same for the nation."

Macrons many opponentsfrom protesters on the streets to lawmakers in the National Assemblysee the return of Notre Dame differently. For them, the cathedrals restoration belies deeper signs of decay across French society, particularly the widening gap between the wealthy and poor. Many French see Notre Dame rising from the ashes at a time when public services from hospitals to schools are in decline.

Notre Dame has long been held up as a mirror of the soul of France. In his 19th-century novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame," Victor Hugo wrote that the cathedral, with its gargoyle drains and flying buttresses, embodied freedom of expression in Medieval France as thoughts written in stone."

In the years leading up to the fire, Notre Dame had fallen into a state of disrepair due to decades of neglect. Located on the Ile de la Cite, a small island in the middle of the Seine River, Notre Dame has for centuries been a center of civic and religious life.

Thousands of people gathered on the riverbanks on April 15, 2019, to watch in horror as the stone cathedral became a cauldron of fire. It is still unknown what caused the fire that ravaged the churchs centuries-old timber roofing, bringing down the towering Gothic spire. Investigators believe the conflagration began inside a massive scaffolding that had been erected around the spire as part of an earlier restoration project.

In the immediate aftermath of the fire, the most urgent task was to stabilize the church. The fallen spire and roof had been central to the cathedrals structural integrity, counteracting the force of its heavy walls and buttresses, which were at risk of collapsing. Water used to douse the flames created fissures in the massive stones that arc above Notre Dames nave, and seeped into the joints and mortar, leading to crumbling.

The scaffolding where the fire started also threatened to collapse and take the cathedral down with it. The 350-ton metal structure, which had been built for previous restoration work, stood charred, twisted and shaky, where the spire used to be.

Giant wooden supports were installed to reinforce the north, west and south gables as well as the flying buttresses. A new scaffolding was built around the old one, to allow workers, known as squirrels, to rappel down and remove it piece by piece.

The removal of the scaffolding finally allowed for the restoration work to start as endless debates raged over how to do it.

Macron wanted an international architectural competition to come up with a new design for the spire. The plan sparked outrage among historians who said the cathedral should be rebuilt identically to its form before the fire. Ultimately, Macrons plan was shot down by the countrys National Heritage and Architecture Commission.

But Macron didnt give up on his idea to add a modern-day touch to Notre Dame. He organized this year another competition to select an artist to create new modern stained glass windows to replace those designed by 19th-century architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc.

The government has yet to announce the name of the winner but the plan has already been met with fierce opposition.

Julien Lacaze, the head of an association that defends Frances heritage, launched a petition against the new stained glass windows that has gathered more than 240,000 signatures.

What do these stained glass windows celebrate? Theres nothing to celebrate," he added.

The fire, Lacaze said, could have been avoided had authorities invested earlier in a modern fire protection system. The restored cathedral has a remedy to that problem: Authorities have installed thermal cameras along with a system to douse any flames.

Write to Noemie Bisserbe at noemie.bisserbe@wsj.com and Stacy Meichtry at Stacy.Meichtry@wsj.com

View Full Image Notre Dame Cathedral Is Reborn in a Darkened World

View Full Image Notre Dame Cathedral Is Reborn in a Darkened World

View Full Image Notre Dame Cathedral Is Reborn in a Darkened World
A fast-advancing rebel offensive in Syria threatens to dislodge Russia from a strategic linchpin that Moscow has used for a decade to project power in the Middle East, in the Mediterranean and into the African continent.

It also challenges Russian President Vladimir Putins efforts to portray Moscow as a flag bearer for an alternative global order to rival Western liberalism, and his defense of the Syrian regime as evidence of successful pushback against American dominance in the region.

A coalition of Syrian rebels launched a surprise offensive last week, reigniting a dormant civil war and seizing significant swaths of territory in Syria, which hosts important Russian air and naval bases. The rebels have already taken the cities of Aleppo and Hama and are now closing in on Homs.

The Russian air force has been supporting Syrian government forces by carrying out airstrikes on rebel positions. The Russian military also plans to carry out naval exercises in the Mediterranean Sea, Russian state news agency TASS said.

Russia intervened in Syrias civil war in 2015 to prop up President Bashar al-Assad against an armed uprising prompted by the Arab Spring, giving it a role as an influential foreign power in the Middle East. It sought to leverage its relations with rival powers such as Iran and Israel, as well as Turkey and Gulf states, to mediate conflicts and claim status as a regional power broker.

Moscow co-sponsored peace talks with Tehran and Ankara to try to end the Syrian war. At Israels request, it agreed to hold Iranian and Iranian-backed forces away from Syrias border with Israel.

Syria has partly been an ideological project for Putin. The intervention in Syria became a way for Russia to extend its vision of a multipolar world opposed to the Western liberal order, said Nicole Grajewski, fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and author of a coming book on Russias relationship with Iran, including in Syria.

To see Russian planes leave Syria as rebel forces move onward towards their air bases, and their assets in Damascus fall, this would be so devastating for the Russian image of itself," she said. It would be akin to a Saigon moment for them."

Putins assistance was instrumental to Assads survival, and showed Moscows allies far beyond the Middle East that Russian intervention could help push back popular uprisings, said a former Russian official. African leaders began to invite Russia, and specifically contractors from the Wagner paramilitary group who also played a critical role in Syria, to help stabilize their regimes.

Syria holds significant strategic value for Russia as well. The Khmeimim air base near the coastal city of Latakia serves as a logistical hub for flights to Libya, the Central African Republic, and Sudan, where Russian private contractors and soldiers have operated for years.

A naval base in the port city of Tartus serves as the only replenishment and repair point for the Russian navy in the Mediterranean, where it has brought in goods by bulk through the Black Sea. Tartus has granted Putin access to a warm water port, something Russian rulers for centuries before him sought in the Middle East. The port could also potentially connect Russia to Libyalike Syria, a Soviet-era allywhere it seeks a naval base to extend its reach into sub-Saharan Africa. A rebel takeover of those Syrian coastal positions could jeopardize Russias global-power projection.

Syria provided so many advantages at a low cost," said Anna Borshchevskaya, senior fellow at the Washington Institute think tank and author of a book on Putins war in Syria. Losing Syria would be a big strategic defeat that would reverberate beyond the Middle East. It would have global repercussions."

Yet, despite Russias intervention, Putin wasnt able to force Assad to a political compromise with swaths of the country, leaving him vulnerable to another round of violence, said Mikhail Barabanov, senior researcher at the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, a Moscow-based defense think tank.

Now with Russia invested fully in Ukraine, he said, Moscow would be unlikely to provide more than a symbolic show of support.

Several airstrikes and cruise missile attacks a day will not fundamentally affect the situation," said Barabanov. All the players in Syria understand the Kremlins deep involvement in Ukraine and have become convinced of the limits of Russian military power."

Russias initial success in Syria, secured with ferocious air power, also fed into its calculations in Ukraine by inflating the Kremlins confidence in its military power and contributing to the failures seen in the initial year of its invasion of Ukraine, said a person close to the Russian defense establishment.

The Russian foreign ministry and the Kremlin didnt respond to requests for comment. On Wednesday, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned the attacks by the rebels, labeling them terrorists and accusing them of cooperating with Ukrainian special forces. She reaffirmed Russian support for the Assad government.

The Middle East has long been a cornerstone of Russias great power competition with the West. During the Cold War, Russia aligned with Syria, supplying it with arms and supporting it in wars against Israel.

After the end of the Cold War, in the late 1990s, Putin sought to resurrect the policy and rebuild Moscows Soviet-era ties in the region, deepening diplomatic and economic relations with Syria as well as Iraq and Libya. It broadened energy and nuclear cooperation with Iran, and exported arms to Tehran and Damascus.

When Putin intervened in Syria in 2015, he joined a centuries-old lineage of Russian rulers harking back to Peter the Great and Catherine the Great, who also sought to use the region to expand Russias geopolitical and economic power.

And like rulers before him, Putin has seen his campaign in the Middle East strained by pressing military demands closer to home, in Ukraine.

One way to see Putins ambition in Syria is as part of his larger imperial vision," said Borshchevskaya. Thats what Ukraine is, thats what [the invasion of] Georgia was in 2008, and to some extent thats what Syria was," she said. Now in 2024, Russia finally finds itself overstretched."

Russias involvement in Syria also transformed its relationship with one of Washingtons chief foes, Iran, which supported Assad from the beginning of the uprising. Despite pressure from the U.S. and Israel to curb Iranian influence in the region, including potentially in coming negotiations over a settlement in Ukraine, Moscows relationship with Tehran is likely to endure, analysts say, especially if the rebel offensive continues.

The Russian intervention in the civil war turned the tide in Assads favor and helped Iran consolidate its military foothold all the way to the Israeli border. Western attempts to isolate Moscow and Tehran through sanctions have pushed them closer together.

During the early years of the Syrian civil war, Russia was the worlds second-largest arms exporter, with Iran a major recipient. Tehran has long been in talks about purchasing two Russian Su-35 jet fighter squadrons alongside radar and air-defense systems to supplement at least four existing S-300 missile systems that were damaged in recent Israeli airstrikes in Iran.

In return, Iran has provided Shahed attack drones for Russian use in Ukraine, becoming one of the few countries to publicly side with Moscow in its onslaught against Ukrainians.

While Russia has often regarded itself as the senior partner in the relationship, the rekindled Syrian war has reminded the Kremlin of Irans usefulness, analysts say. Repelling the Syrian rebel offensive will require mobilizing ground forces, such as Iranian-backed militias and Revolutionary Guard officersrather than just airstrikeswhich will make Moscow more dependent on Tehran, Grajewski said.

Russia seemed to always think that it was superior to Iran, and I think it might find itself a lot more reliant on them now," she said.

Write to Sune Engel Rasmussen at sune.rasmussen@wsj.com and Thomas Grove at thomas.grove@wsj.com

View Full Image Retreat of Syrian Forces Threatens Saigon Moment for Russia
The pair had an at-times rocky relationship during Trumps first term in the White House, and the president-elect couldnt resist getting in a dig last week during their impromptu meeting over dinner at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate.

Trudeau was complaining about the impact tariffs would have on Canadas economy, according to people at the dinner, when Trump interjected. If Trudeau didnt like it, he said, Canada could become Americas 51st state.

According to a senior Canadian government official who was at last weeks dinner, Trudeau and his team took the ribbing in stride, but they were conscious of the deeper message: that Trump, as always, is America firstand he didnt much care what happened to Canadas economy as a consequence.

The strained personal connection between the two men stands to complicate Canadas ability to navigate a second Trump term. The incoming president wants to renegotiate a free-trade deal between the two countries, and has said he would levy tariffs of 25% on imports of all goods from Mexico and Canada. Trump has also demanded that Canada invest more in its military and to secure its borders.

Officials from both the U.S. and Canadian sides described the back and forth at Mar-a-Lago, earlier reported by Fox News, as joking. But Trump a few days later continued to troll Trudeau. He posted on social media an AI-generated image of himself standing on a mountain range next to a Canadian flag with the caption Oh Canada!"

Any good joke hits a little bit of a nerve, and certainly President Trump likes to hit a nerve," said Kirsten Hillman, Canadas ambassador to the U.S., in a television interview.

John Bolton, a national security adviser to Trump during his first presidency, said the relationship between the two men took a hit following a 2018 Group of Seven industrial nations summit hosted by Canada. After leaving the summit, en route to a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, Trump watched a press conference during which Trudeau criticized U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and said Canada would retaliate.

Canadians, were polite, were reasonable, but we also will not be pushed around," Trudeau said.

Incensed, Trump fired off a tweet from Air Force One, calling Trudeau Very dishonest & weak." Trump then told aides he wouldnt endorse the summits final communique.

Whatever the relationship was before, Trudeaus press conference and Trumps tearing up the G-7 statement pretty much finished it," Bolton said. They could be courteous to one another but there is no warmth to that relationship at all. I think Trump thinks hes a wiseass."

The 2018 G-7 summit has become a touchpoint in the leaders relationship, as was the groups meeting the following year in France. The perceived attention then-first lady Melania Trump paid to the Canadian leader set off a wave of internet memesincluding jokes that Trump was annoyed by it all.

According to officials close to Trump, the president delights in prodding Trudeau. Canadian officials say the jabs and insults are typical of the Trumpian style, and they try not to react.

As most of Trumps relationships tend to be, it was tempestuous," said Gerald Butts, vice chairman of the Eurasia Group consulting firm, and a former senior adviser to Trudeau who was also at the 2018 G-7 summit. He said Trump has made the 51st-state joke before in meetings with Trudeau during the first term, and played down the idea that lingering resentment between the leaders will complicate their continuing relationship.

Its all water off a ducks back," Butts said. Other Canadian officials minimized the idea that there is lingering tension between the leaders.

The Mar-a-Lago dinner came together after Trump on Nov. 25 posted on his Truth Social platform that he would levy tariffs of 25% on imports of all goods from Mexico and Canada. Trudeau called Trump after the post and asked for a meeting, according to a U.S. official familiar with the events. Trump then invited the Canadian leader to dine with him at Mar-a-Lago.

The Canadian government official said that, although the meeting was informal, it was a good way to set the table for future talks. Trump has said he wants to renegotiate the terms of the trade agreement he reached with the two neighboring countries in his first term, known as USMCA, and Canada wants to ensure it maintains access to its biggest export market.

Trump posted on Truth Social that it was a very productive meeting" and said the leaders discussed topics including fentanyl, immigration and trade that will require both countries to work together to address." On illegal drugs, Trump said Trudeau made a commitment to work with us to end this terrible devastation." Trudeau told reporters that it was an excellent conversation" but didnt respond to a question about tariffs.

The three-hour dinner wasnt all business, however. One person who was at the table said the two leaders discussed music as they dined on steak and mashed potatoes. Leonard Cohen was discussed at length, this person said, adding that the two leaders compared their favorite versions of the Canadian songwriters song, Hallelujah," as different renditions played over the speakers.

A former national security official in Trumps first administration said the president-elects decisive win in the November election puts him in a stronger position now compared with after his 2016 win, meaning Trudeau and other world leaders should be more wary about crossing him.

Trump continued his trolling of Trudeau this week, mentioning the Canadian leaders visit during a speech at the Patriot Awards on Fox Nation. As you know, I spoke with Canada," he said. Justin came flying right in because we talked about 25% tariffs. Thats just the beginning."

Some in the crowd then began to chant 51! 51!"a reference to the joke about Canada becoming a U.S. state. Trump laughed and said, Thats an interesting statement."

Andrew Restuccia contributed to this article.

Write to Vipal Monga at vipal.monga@wsj.com and Alex Leary at alex.leary@wsj.com
THE GOGGLES were bothersome. They fogged up when worn with glasses, rendering the world fuzzy when Michael Kovrig wanted to send his accusers the clearest possible message. It was late March 2021. After more than two years locked up in the Beijing State Security Detention Centre the Canadian former diplomat had been placed in handcuffs and leg irons and driven to a windowless courtroom for a one-day trial, charged with procuring state secrets.

The sensation of being shackled was familiar. Chinas security machine had worked to break Mr Kovrigs spirit from the moment he was snatched from a Beijing street by black-clad agents in December 2018. Each time that his captors moved him around his detention centre in Fengtai, a southern suburb of the capital, he was blindfolded, manacled and strapped into a wheelchair. But on this day of his trial Chinas zero covid" controls added an extra twist of horror. The lanky Canadian, muscles toned by months of yoga, press-ups and planks in his cell, was ordered to don a stifling white hazmat suit, booties, face-mask, gloves and plastic goggles, before entering the courtroom.

Though pinioned and half-blinded, Mr Kovrig stuck to his plan of resistance. He had a 20-page statement to deliver to a panel of three impassive judges, drafted over weeks and translated by his own hand into Chinese.

The judges, a trio of scowling prosecutors, Mr Kovrigs two Chinese lawyers and an interpreter were his audience. Canadian diplomats should have been allowed to attend the hearing, according to a consular agreement. But China declared the trial too sensitive for foreigners to attend, obliging Canadian and other foreign envoys to wait on the street outside. Mr Kovrig was undaunted. He told the judges that he was a political hostage, detained shortly after Meng Wanzhou, an executive of Huawei, a giant Chinese technology firm, was arrested by Canadian police while changing planes in Vancouver airport on a warrant from American prosecutors.

From his cramped dock, Mr Kovrig added that state security agents had broken Chinas own laws by holding him in solitary confinement for six months. He denied being a spy, insisting that his work in China as a diplomat and policy researcher was carried out openly. Indeed, he went on, it was his captors who had contravened the Vienna Conventions on diplomatic relations by interrogating him about his work at the Canadian embassy in Beijing between 2014 and 2016, before he took leave of absence to advise the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based organisation working on conflict prevention. Such lawless behaviour was beneath a great nation like China, he told them. If the judges had the slightest independence and sense of justice, they would release him now.

Mr Kovrig did not expect for a moment that the judges would agree. In China, 99.95% of criminal trials end in convictions. Indeed, prosecutors said publicly that Mr Kovrig was guilty just days after he was first detained, along with a second Canadian, Michael Spavor, an entrepreneur who ran cultural tours into North Korea. Instead, the ex-diplomat hoped to confront his audience in that Chinese courtroom with their own lack of autonomy. As he recalls that moment now, while he delivered his statement: Im the only man who is master of himself, the only man who is speaking freely. Everyone else is following the systems script."

Chinese diplomats denied in public that the two Michaelsas the press soon dubbed themwere being held as hostages until Canada released Ms Meng. But in private, Chinese officials told Canadian diplomats that if they wanted the two Michaels released, they had to set Ms Meng free. In September 2021 China stopped trying to conceal its hostage-taking. Mr Kovrig and Mr Spavor were allowed to fly home to Canada on the same day that Ms Meng was permitted to leave, after a deal with American prosecutors in which she avoided criminal charges over alleged breaches of sanctions on Iran.

Three years after his release, Mr Kovrig, who is now 52, has spoken for the first time about his ordeal. Over long hours of interviews in a Canadian hotel, he talked to The Economists Drum Tower podcast about what his captivity has to say about todays China.

The word stubborn" hardly begins to convey the Canadians approach to his detention. Denied books for many months, he finally asked for copies of a sacred Communist Party text: Xi Jinpings The Governance of China". He correctly guessed that his captors would not dare deny a request to study the wisdom of Chinas supreme leader. Later he asked for works of Stoic and Buddhist philosophy, and for a dictionary to improve his Chinese. To stave off despair he recalled his whole life in order like a film, while walking thousands of paces a day.

Elements of that life story were echoed in his ordeal. The son of a university professor, he grew up in Toronto in a family of eastern European emigres. In his 20s he moved to Budapest, where he worked as a journalist and sang in a punk band. In a now-painful irony, his stage name was Michael K, a homage to Franz Kafkas novel The Trial". He later worked for the United Nations, as well as the Canadian foreign service.

And as he planned for his trial he was guided by family tales of his grandfather, Janos Kovrig, who was detained and tortured by Hungarian communist authorities in 1946. After the collapse of the Soviet bloc the family was able to obtain Janoss file. Locked up in Beijing, Mr Kovrig found a bleak sort of solace in the bureaucratic thoroughness of Chinas security machine, with its endless paperwork and demands that detainees write confessions and beg the Communist Party for mercy.

Mr Kovrig hopes that by refusing to confess and by making his court statement for the record, he left a trace of his resistance for posterity. Its a bureaucratic authoritarian system," he tells Drum Tower. Theyre going to file this away somewhere. One day somebody will know."

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
After taking its sweet time, Samsung has finally rolled out the beta for One UI 7.0, arguably the company's biggest software overhaul ever for the Korean smartphone maker. The new update includes tons of visual enhancements, along with productivity, health, and Galaxy AI features.

Who is eligible for OneUI 7 beta? One UI 7 beta rollout began on December 5, starting with Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK and the US. Samsung is only rolling out the update to its 2024 flagship phones including the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, support for other devices should be added soon, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy S23 series.

As things stand, to download the One UI 7 beta, eligible users will need to go to the Samsung Members app and register for the OneUI 7 beta programme. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

How to install Samsung One UI 7 Beta? 1) Make sure you are logged in to your Samsung account

2) Head over to the Members app on your eligible Galaxy device and look for Notices.

3) Find the notice with the line Registration for One UI 7 Beta Program and click on Join Now.

4) Ascent to the listed terms by clicking on Enroll and then Agree. You are enrolled to the OneUI 7 Beta.

5) Go to the Settings app and click on Software Update

6) You will now see the One UI 7 beta update. Download it and restart your device to start using the latest software version.

What's new with One UI 7? Galaxy AI Much like Apple, Samsung is adding support for writing tools with One UI 7 which allows users the option to summarize content, check spellings and grammar and even format long notes into bullet points. Moreover, the Korean smartphone maker is also adding support for call transcripts in 20 languages, including English (India) and Hindi.

The new feature can be enabled from the settings panel to automatically record calls and transcript notes for future reference.

Redesigned UI: The new update includes significant design changes aimed at offering users greater control over their devices. A standout feature is the Now Bar, a notification system integrated into the lock screen, which provides quick access to frequently used tools such as the interpreter, music player, and stopwatch. Samsung has stated that this feature is part of its efforts to minimise unnecessary unlocking of devices while enhancing efficiency.
Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha temple in Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple have 7th-century architecture and intricate sculptures of Lord Virupaksha. The place is rich in historical heritage.

Credit : PINTEREST, HOLIDIFY
2024 Guangming Science City Forum held in S China's Shenzhen

People's Daily Online) 16:59, December 06, 2024

Major infrastructure projects are inaugurated during the 2024 Guangming Science City Forum in the Guangming district of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (Photo courtesy of the organizer of the forum)

The 2024 Guangming Science City Forum opened in the Guangming district of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, on Dec. 5, 2024.

Themed "Guangming: Building Dreams for the Future," the two-day forum aims to further boost the development of the Guangming Science City. The forum includes an opening ceremony, a plenary session, seven parallel forums, and an exchange event.

The forum's opening ceremony featured a session where significant achievements and policies were announced. Major sci-tech facilities for synthetic biology research, brain analysis, brain simulation, and others, were officially inaugurated, aiming to effectively promote the development of key disciplines in the Guangming Science City and accelerate the transformation of scientific research results.

During the forum, an interactive mechanism was announced between the Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the Guangming Science City, demonstrating Shenzhen's commitment to fostering cooperation among key innovation platforms.

An interactive mechanism between the Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the Guangming Science City is launched during the 2024 Guangming Science City Forum in Guangming district of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (Photo courtesy of the organizer of the forum)

At the forum, the People's Government of Guangming District and South China Agricultural University signed a collaborative framework agreement for the joint development of the South China Agricultural University Shenzhen Research Institute. The institute will further tap into the power of science and education, and enhance support for sci-tech innovation. The National Biomanufacturing Industry Innovation Center was also unveiled at the forum.

Also, as part of the proceedings, major sci-tech infrastructure projects and research institutions invited global research institutions, sci-tech companies, and professionals to enhance international exchanges and cooperation and jointly drive innovation. Renowned experts delivered keynote speeches during the forum.

The forum is organized by the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, with support from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Every year, millions of travelers share their impressions of their favorite countries and cities, forming ratings of the most popular tourist destinations. Travel preferences change, but some places remain consistently attractive to visitors.

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The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024 announced the winners in 22 categories, where the choice of more than 168,000 participants became the basis for summarizing the results. OBOZ.UA offers to find out about the countries, cities, and regions that topped this year's ratings.

The most desirable countries: Australia, Canada, and Japan

For the third time in four years, Australia has won the title of the most desirable country in the world, thanks to the rich culture of indigenous peoples and unique natural landscapes. Travelers appreciate Australia for its combination of modern megacities and remote wilderness areas. Canada was awarded silver in the ranking, and Japan won the bronze medal for its combination of traditional culture and modern technology.

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European leadership: Italy and Croatia

Italy has once again confirmed its status as the most popular country in Europe. In addition to the famous Venice and Florence, lesser-known places attract the attention of tourists: Bologna, Matera, and Umbria. Croatia, which received silver, offers tourists fabulous landscapes of the coast and islands. The bronze award went to France, a traditional center of culture and gastronomy.

The most attractive cities in the world: Tokyo, Singapor,e and Rio de Janeiro

Tokyo has become the leader among the most attractive cities in the world for the first time. This city fascinates with its combination of ancient temples and modern skyscrapers. The silver prize went to Singapore with its futuristic architecture, and the bronze to Rio de Janeiro with its world-famous carnivals and beaches.

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The best European cities: Madrid and Istanbul

Madrid won gold among European cities thanks to the opening of the Gallery of Royal Collections, which added to its cultural importance. Istanbul won silver for its unique status as a city on the border of Europe and Asia, and Dubrovnik, with its medieval architecture, received a bronze award.

The most desirable regions of the world: Galapagos Islands and the Greek Islands

The Galapagos Islands have become the most attractive region in the world, offering unique opportunities for observing rare animals. In Europe, the Greek islands, are known not only for their beauty but also for sustainable tourism, for example, cars are prohibited on Hydra.

ADVERTISIMENT

The best islands: Sri Lanka and Malta

Sri Lanka has risen to the top of the ranking for the first time thanks to its new Pekoe Trail, a hiking route that runs through tea plantations. In Europe, Malta took the gold with its rich historical heritage and natural beauty.

A new tourist destination

Uzbekistan, as part of the Silk Road, won gold in the Best New Destination category for the first time. Samarkand and Bukhara continue to fascinate with their history and architecture, and the country's natural landscapes only add to its appeal.

Gastronomic leader

France has once again confirmed its dominance in the field of gastronomic tourism. From Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional village markets, the culinary culture of this country remains unsurpassed.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
The long-awaited 2025 Honda Amaze budget sedan has been officially declassified. Although the new budget model has a low price and good equipment, it still managed to disappoint experts.

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Carscoops drew attention to the design. The authors of the publication noted that before the debut, the manufacturer promised a completely different appearance with teaser images that were supposed to fuel interest in the new product.

And the company has coped with this task. The teasers showed a stylish and wide body with proportions typical of larger sedans. It turned out that a budget car of a more familiar format would enter the series. Nevertheless, the new Honda Amaze still looks quite nice.

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The design of the new Honda Amaze budget car 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 equipment of the Honda Amaze 2025 model year is decent: an 8-inch monitor, climate control, keyless entry, surround-view cameras, wireless smartphone charging, emergency automatic braking and lane keeping assist.

There is only one engine for the Amaze 2025 so far - a 1.2-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 90 hp. The price of the Honda Amaze starts at $9,400. Thus, the car is really very cheap.
A driver who was caught driving without insurance for a fourth time will be assessed by the Probation Services to check if he is suitable for community service.

Joe Mears (32) of 7 Richmond St, Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to a string of motoring offences.



Sergeant Enda Daly, court presenter said Sgt Rob Charman stopped the motorist on November 21, 2022 at Oakvale, Longford and made a lawful demand for his driving license and insurance.

Mears gave an undertaking to produce the documents to Longford Garda Station, however, he failed to do so.



Sergeant Daly stated on February 28, 2023, Garda Yuriy Pivovarov was on the Ballinalee Rd when he pulled over the defendant driving an Audi A4 car at 11.45pm.

The officer made the lawful demand for the defendant to produce his documents, but he failed to do so.



The court heard on July 17, 2023 Garda John Hanley observed Mears driving a vehicle in the Chapel Lane area and the same demand for his policy and licence was made.

Mears claimed to have a UK licence, however, this was not valid.

Garda Hanley also observed Mears turning off the Ballinalee Rd on September 30, 2023 and he stopped him and demanded his documents, but they were not produced.

Mears had six previous convictions and he had been detected driving without insurance four times.

Solicitor John Quinn, defending, said his client was caring for a terminally ill relative during the period and he 'became disoriented' and failed to keep up with the paperwork.

"It was not just plain recklessness," he added.

Judge Bernadette Owens considered the circumstance and indicated if he is deemed suitable she will impose 240 hours of community service in lieu of four months imprisonment.

Read Next: https://www.longfordleader.ie/news/local-notes/1674456/bord-na-mona-plans-for-network-of-walking-and-cycling-trails-in-longford-approved.html
Uisce Eireann customers in Co Longford may be experiencing disruptions to their water supply today as a result of power outages at water treatment plants caused by Storm Darragh.

Power outages have affected operations at the Smear Water Treatment Plant, the Lisrevagh Water Treatment Plant, and the Newtowncashel Water Treatment Plant.

Power has been restored to the Lanesboro Water Treatment Plant after an earlier outage.

As a result of the outages, customers in Longford may experience supply issues or intermittent outages over the course of the day.

Uisce Eireann is working with the ESB to restore power and return water supplies to normal levels as quickly as possible.

Customers are urged to conserve water where possible in order to protect supply while the outages are resolved.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Eireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.

Also read: ESB Networks issues important warning to customers ahead of Storm Darragh hitting Ireland

Uisce Eireanns customer care team is available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. For further updates, visit the service and supply section of www.water.ie (outage reference number: WIC00085950).

Uisce Eireann has also launched a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at www.water.ie.
Storm Darragh has caused widespread service disruptions across Ireland, with Mayo and Donegal among the hardest-hit counties but impacts felt nationwide. Disruption has also been reported to services across county Longford.

Over 35,000 broadband faults, 20,000 fixed voice and approximately 500 mobile network site outages have been registered, while ESB confirms up to 325,000 homes and businesses remain without power.

The full scale of the impact will continue to emerge over the coming days once power is restored and roadways are cleared; power generators are being deployed to impacted mobile sites.

Also read: Power outages across county Longford in wake of Storm Darragh

An eir spokesperson said, "The storm has caused extensive localised damage, particularly in the west, with downed cables, poles, and other critical infrastructure. eir is fully committed to restoring services swiftly and safely, with all available technicians working around the clock in affected areas. We thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we address these challenges."

Eurona Ireland is also reporting outages to its Fixed Wireless Service in Cavan, Roscommon and Longford.

Also read: Uisce Eireann working to restore supply in Longford after Storm Darragh

A Eurona spokesperson said, "Our engineers are working diligently to restore services. However, due to ESB power outages, some restorations may be delayed until later today."
Ahead of Storm Darragh's arrival to Ireland on Friday night, ESB Networks has warned customers to expect power outages and to prepare accordingly.

Met Eireann has forecast that Storm Darragh will bring extremely strong and gusty winds from 9pm tonight, Friday, with seven counties placed under a Status Red wind warning with damage to electricity infrastructure anticipated.

Status Orange or Yellow wind warnings will also see potentially damaging gusts across all of the country until Saturday afternoon so power outages can be expected.

Throughout the day, ESB Networks crews and partner contractors around the country have been making the necessary preparations in advance of the high winds, with teams mobilised.

We continually monitor the forecasts and real time events on the electricity network and will deploy our crews to restore supply when it is safe to do so, a spokesperson said.

ESB Networks crews will mobilise from early morning to assess the full damage of Storm Darragh, making the network safe and restoring electricity supply  and switching customers back remotely where possible.

We will update power estimated restoration times as soon as we have assessed the network, and these will be available to view on www.PowerCheck.ie.

On a precautionary basis, ESB Networks would like to ask our customers to consider preparations in the event of losing their electricty supply if their area is affected by Storm Darragh. This could include torches, spare batteries, having phones charged etc.

Storm Darragh is expected to bring travel disruption and dangerous travelling conditions, fallen trees and displaced objects, and power outages can be expected, as well as dangerous conditions at sea and waves overtopping in some coastal areas as Ireland prepares for what is shaping up to be the worst storm of the winter so far.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem during his address on December 5, 2024.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem delivered two speechesone on November 29 and another on December 5 after the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that took effect on November 27. Most of the content was predictable, with Qassem claiming that his group had emerged victorious from the conflict with its Israeli nemesis and even scored a triumph greater than that of the 2006 war. But amidst all the pomp and bluster that is the organizations hallmark, Qassems speeches contained hintssometimes contradictoryon how Hezbollah intends to move forward.

To withdraw or not to withdraw?

Perhaps the biggest question is whether Hezbollah intends to comply with the terms of the ceasefire, or whether Lebanon will force it to do so. Qassems answer has been inconsistent.

Qassem briefly addressed the ceasefire agreement in his November 29 address. He made no explicit mention of Hezbollahs intention to withdraw north of the Litani Riveras the deal requires (see full text here)or how precisely the group intended to comply with the agreement. Instead, his comments were ambiguous, leaving considerable room for Hezbollah to maneuver around the ceasefires terms. Qassem claimed that Israels defeat:

[] resulted in a ceasefire agreement to end the aggression. This agreement is not a treaty or new agreement that requires countries to be signatories. This agreement is a form of a program of executive measures that are related to the implementation of Resolution 1701. The agreements focal point is south of the Litani River. This agreement requires the Israeli army to withdraw from all of the areas that it occupied and that the Lebanese Army deploy throughout all of the south, south of the Litani River, to assume its duties over security and remove the Israeli enemy from this area. With thanks to God, the coordination between the resistance and the Lebanese Army will be high-level coordination to implement the obligations under the agreement. No one should bet on problems or disagreements. We view the Lebanese Army as a national armyits leadership, officers, and individualsand it will deploy in our joint nation. These are our people who embody a sacred mission, which is to preserve security in Lebanon and on the border with the Israeli enemy.

Qassem also vowed that Hezbollah would continue to support Palestine in different forms, a defiant stance but one that was, nevertheless, a far cry from the groups insistence on tying a ceasefire on the front in southern Lebanon to a prior one in the Gaza Strip.

Qassems December 5 speech was somewhat less defiant. He said that Hezbollah:

[] agreed to the ceasefire deal to end the aggression while Gods men were on the battlefield from a position of strength and glory. This deal was a deal to end the aggression and an executive mechanism to implement Resolution 1701. It is nothing new. The deal is an implementation mechanism for Resolution 1701. It is under it and not above it. It [the ceasefire deal] is a part of it [Resolution 1701] and does not exist independently of it. Nor is it a new agreement. What does this agreement call for? It calls for Israels complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory and an end to its aggression. In exchange, the presence of armed individuals and the weapons of the resistance are banned south of the Litani Riverwhere the Lebanese national army will deploy as the sole armed force.

These statements are the first time Qassem or any other Hezbollah figure has officially committed to Hezbollahs withdrawal north of the Litani River. It should be noted that Qassem and Hezbollah have not precisely said what this will mean in practice.

In all likelihood, Hezbollah will undertake a temporary and tactical withdrawalan entirely predictable scenariountil international attention inevitably diverts elsewhere. But even this change was precipitated by Hezbollahs characteristic pragmatism. To the groups south, its Israeli enemy is still raring for a fight. Since the November 27 ceasefire, continued Israeli operations meant to ensure compliance with the deals terms have killed an additional 24 Hezbollah fighters. Even in accepting this deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reserved his countrys right to resume hostilities on their former scaleand Israeli officials have subsequently threatened to return to war and go deeper into Lebanonif Jerusalems security needs arent met.

Israel may also have a legal right to do so. The November 27 ceasefire agreement, temporary by its very nature, interrupted but did not conclusively end the legal state of war between Israel and Hezbollah. Israels right to restart hostilities is, therefore, not governed by peacetime rules requiring another prior Hezbollah armed attack. Some scholars would say this permits Israel to resume hostilities at will. In contrast, others interpret matters more restrictively, while a third current, viewing ceasefire deals as contracts modifying international law, would allow Israel to act unilaterally in case of a serious violation of the ceasefires terms and under those terms. This means that Hezbollahs continued presence south of the Litani River and Lebanons ongoing refusal or failure to distance the groupthough falling short of an armed attack that would justify going to war in peacetimecould justify Israel reinitiating hostilities under the ceasefire deal since they are serious violations of its terms.

Qassem is seeing Israel implement this approach in practice, noting what he called dozens of Israeli violations of the ceasefire deala deflective euphemism for Israels continued attacks on Hezbollahs presence in south Lebanon. He doesnt want to give the Israelis room for more action, especially since the civil war in neighboring Syria has reignited in the intervening week between Qassems speeches, threatening to topple Hezbollahs ally Bashar al-Assad and possibly demanding the groups military commitment there as well. Qassem already promised on December 5 to assist Assad to the extent possible for his group, and reports indicate these efforts are already underway. The last thing a battered Hezbollah needs is to fight a war on two fronts.

Nevertheless, Qassem spun the deal in a way that allowed maneuvering room for Hezbollahincluding a potential future return to the frontier areaby insisting that the agreement requires a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Thus, an open question is what will happen if Israel remains in the northern part of Ghajar and other frontier areas claimed by Lebanon, as these have been used as justification by the Lebanese government and Hezbollah for the latter groups presence in south Lebanon in the past.

Perfidious Lebanon

Qassems speeches also reveal that Lebanon did not negotiate the November 27 ceasefire deal in good faith. In October, senior Lebanese officials, represented by caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and mercurial Druze chieftain Walid Joumblatt, reversed their prior stance and decoupled a ceasefire in Lebanon from the Gaza Strip. Rather than signaling an abandonment of Hezbollah, this gaveand was perhaps meant to givethe group a coveted face-saving off-ramp from a war with Israel that was decimating the organization and bleeding its host state.

Hezbollah could then claim that Israel wasnt militarily forcing it to abandon its commitment to Gazaan imposition of terms that would call into question the groups utility as a resistance force by its supportersbut was doing so in compliance with the Lebanese states orders. Indeed, on November 29, Qassem said, This agreement is under the rubric of Lebanese sovereignty, to which we agreed while the resistance was strong on the battlefield and our heads were held high with our right to defense. No wonder, also, that Qassem spent the weeks since October 2 endlessly praising Berris efforts, as the Lebanese parliament speaker was using his legitimacy with Western interlocutors to play the political side of the coin while Hezbollah operated on the military side.

The joint goal here was, then, to get the Israeli bombs to stop, and for Lebanon to resume its old foot-dragging on Hezbollahs weaponssecure in the knowledge that if Beirut could take the issue of enforcement away from Israeli military action and back to the realm of international diplomacy, it would soon become moot.

Indeed, not a week has gone by since Lebanon has returned to its old prevarications on the matter of disarming Hezbollah. On December 5, Miqati insisted that the matter would be resolved through national consensus and dialoguemeaning, given Hezbollahs substantial public support, that Beirut would ask if the group was willing to disarm, to which Hezbollah would predictably respond in the negative. Those paying attention to Lebanese discourse since October 2 saw this all along.

Qassem echoed Miqati on December 5, saying:

Therefore, this [ceasefire] is an agreement for south of the Litani River. But the related resolutions [Resolution 1701 or Resolution 1559] and their various mechanisms are noted in Resolution 1701. The ceasefire deal didnt address [Resolution 1701 or related resolutions] in its implementation mechanisms, because the implementation mechanisms deal only with the area south of the Litani River and nothing else. Any indication otherwise is a reference to returning to the relevant resolutions and the other detailed content [of Resolution] 1701. Those related resolutions have their own mechanisms, part of which is Lebanon regaining its full borders and the Shebaa Farms and Kfar Chouba Hills during a specific time period. However, anything related to the domestic Lebanese sceneand to the relationship between the resistance and the state and the resistance and the armythis is connected to the mechanism that will be agreed upon domestically in Lebanon. Neither Israel nor any committee [a likely reference to the ceasefire deals oversight committee] has any right to look at it or involve themselves in it because it is a domestic issue.

Meanwhile, Lebanon and Hezbollah appear to be working hand in glove to blunt Israels ability to curtail the groups resurgence. A December 4 report in the pro-Hezbollah Al-Akhbar suggested that Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Joseph Aoun had pushed American and international interlocutors to abandon Israels interpretation of the ceasefire deala likely reference to the US letter of assurance to Israel (see full text here)for otherwise, the LAF could not undertake any enforcement of the deal. Doing so, an associate of Aouns said, according to the report, would be pushing the LAF and its commander towards suicide. Aoun instead pushed for an immediate Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon and an end to what he termed Israeli violations. At the same time, officers within the LAFs command expressed their opposition to Transforming the army into a military tool to confront Hezbollah or clash with the group.

While alleged revelations in a Hezbollah mouthpiece like Al-Akhbar should normally be taken with a grain (or more) of salt, this report carries more weight because it overlaps with other independently verifiable information from credible sources. That same day, Al-Joumhouriaa publication as credible as any other in Lebanon, but whose mercurial political stance follows that of its publisher and owner Elias al Murrpublished a similar report on the LAF and Hezbollahs continued keenness to continue coordination and communication [] on the ground and stating confrontation was off the table.

Meanwhile, the day prior, Reuters reported that Lebanese diplomats and senior officials were urging officials in Washington and Paris to restrain Israeli action against Hezbollah in Lebanon. On December 2, US envoy Amos Hochstein was pressing the Israelis to calm down, with one of the most prominent violations being a return of Israeli drones to the skies of Beirut. This admonition suggested an American about-face on one of the terms of its letter of assurance to Israel that stipulates Israeli flights over Lebanon will be conducted for the purpose of intelligence gathering, interdiction, and reconnaissance onlyand will remain unseen to the naked eye as much as possible and will not break the sound barrier.

No wonder, then, Qassem puzzlingly insisted on the implementation of Resolution 1701, which requires Lebanon to distance Hezbollah north of the Litani, disarm the group, and control its borders to prevent Hezbollahs regeneration. Lebanon has long played word games with Resolution 1701s meaning, insisting that the call to disarm armed groups in Lebanon doesnt apply to Hezbollah, which it considers in the distinct category of a resistance organization. Qassem realizes that if the matter of the groups arms returns to the domestic Lebanese conversation and Israeli military pressure is brought to an endand with it, any even cosmetic desire by Lebanon to implement Resolution 1701s letter and spiritHezbollah will be on a secure path to regeneration.

Cooperation with Lebanon

According to Qassem, cooperation with the Lebanese government would extend beyond covering for Hezbollahs continued possession of a private arsenal. He also unveiled Hezbollahs reconstruction aid plan, whose wheels, greased by fresh infusions of Iranian funds, have already begun turning.

Qassem said Iranian funds had already enabled Hezbollah to prove between $300 to $400 to each of the 233,500 families displaced from the Beqaa in south Lebanon and south Beirut for various needs, including rent, fuel, and food. Until this past Friday, 74% of those had received payments, with a total of $57 million distributed to 172,000 families. What remains are 26% and a total of $20 million, about 61,500 familiesfor a sum of $77 million for 233,500, which has partially been paid, and the remainder will be paid, God willing, Qassem said. He also thanked Iran, the Iraqi government, the religious authorities under Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the funds controlled by the Shiite sacred shrines in Iraq, the Popular Mobilization Forces, and the Iraqi people for their financial assistance. In addition, Qassem thanked Yemens pro-Iranian leadership, the Houthis, and friendly scholarsbut was unclear if they, too, had aided Hezbollah financially.

Regarding reconstruction, Qassem said Hezbollah would offer anyone whose primary and sole home had been destroyed a sum of $8,000 in restitution payments. If that person resided in Beirut, Hezbollah would provide them with an additional $6,000 rental stipend to be distributed monthly over a year. Those residing outside of Beirut would receive a similar $4,000 stipend. For those whose homes or property had been partially destroyed, he said, Hezbollah was setting up a compensation mechanism and plandubbed a Promise and Commitmentwhose details would become available on a dedicated website. Here, too, he said Iran had contributed the funds. This confirms a December 4 report in Asharq Al-Awsat saying Iran had transferred $1 billion to Hezbollah upon the ceasefire going into effect for reconstruction and housing aid, along with a prior Washington Post report on November 30 that stated Iran saw the ceasefire as an opportunity to help Hezbollah regroup.

Both Iran and Hezbollah realize the distribution of this aid is vital to Hezbollahs survival. An Arab Barometer poll from September showed that 85% of ShiitesLebanons fastest-growing and likely largest secthad considerable trust in Hezbollah. A prior Washington Institute poll from January showed that 93% of Lebanese Shiites viewed Hezbollah positively; 89% of them very positively. These numbers tracked with Hezbollahs results in the May 2022 parliamentary elections, when the group won 356,122 of approximately 1.8 million votes castthe most of any party and beating the runner-up Lebanese Forces party by almost 152,725 votes.

There have been few signs of that support eroding considerably. Many of the displaced Shiites returning to the south, the Beqaa, and south Beirut waved Hezbollah flags and voiced their support for the group and its alleged victory. Hundreds, if not thousands, turned out to a November 30 vigil in south Beirut for Hassan Nasrallah, the groups iconic secretary-general, who Israel assassinated on September 27. Now, Hezbollah is planning a public funeral for Nasrallah and his would-be successor Hashem Safieddine, also dispatched by Israel on October 4, that is meant to be a public demonstration of Hezbollahs continued popularity.

Hezbollahs durability and survival depend on retaining this massive popular support. And retaining that support will depend upon reversing, to the extent possible, the harm suffered by its base throughout the war. Here, Hezbollah wont be alone. Qassem noted that the Lebanese government too has a working plan that would also include rebuilding homes and reconstruction. He continued, [I]n other words, we will be [working] hand in hand with the Lebanese governmentmeaning that we will help with supplementing the assistance [provided by the government] and in giving the appropriate amounts if we consider that what the government is providing is lacking in some ways. But essentially, the restoration and reconstruction will be the governments duty, and we will be by its side.

Indeed, as Qassem made this statement, the Lebanese cabinet had already approved an $8 million package for the South Lebanon Council. Admittedly, this sum is a drop in the bucket of the aid required, which would strain Lebanons depleted budget. But here, Beirut will doubtlessly try to rely on international assistanceloans, grants, and other handoutsthat may be forthcoming. French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country is always ready to run cover for Lebanese inaction and drag the international community into propping up Pariss old mandatory holding, is already lobbying for an international effort to help Lebanon with reconstruction. This means that Hezbollahs path to regenerationby securing the needs of its base and retaining popular supportwill be virtually guaranteed through the legitimacy granted to Lebanon by an international community that is inexplicably protective over this small Levantine country.

David Daoud is Senior Fellow at at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies where he focuses on Israel, Hezbollah, and Lebanon affairs.
Ukraine has nothing to do with the situation in Syria, where the opposition is pushing out the troops of dictator Bashar al-Assad. Our country does not interfere in the affairs of other states, the Foreign Ministry emphasized.

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Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi said this at a briefing. "Ukraine categorically and firmly rejects any unfounded accusations of our alleged involvement in the deterioration of the security situation in Syria. Ukraine, unlike Russia, adheres to international law, the principles of inviolability of sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries. We do not interfere in their affairs," the diplomat said.

In this way, he responded to Iran's accusations. On December 6, Tehran claimed that Kyiv was allegedly selling American weapons to Syrian rebels.

Tykhyi noted that Russia and Iran have been involved in the deterioration of the situation in Syria for many years.

And the main reason for the civil war and now the "threat to the survival of Syria as a single state" is the crimes of the Bashar al-Assad regime against its own people.

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"We see that Russia cannot support two fronts at the same time. The situation in Syria confirmed this. Why? Because the significant losses of the Russian Federation in Ukraine have led to the fact that Moscow has already withdrawn most of its trained personnel and equipment from Syria, and left its ally, the Assad regime, without the necessary support. As a result, we are seeing the retreat of not only the Syrian army but also the Russian group of troops in Syria," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

Previously, Vladimir Putin claimed support for Bashar al-Assad in the international arena as long as both criminal regimes exist. However, speaking of military assistance, Russia needs almost all of its forces in the war against Ukraine.

On December 3, Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said that the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate was allegedly training and arming Syrian rebels.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Several festive pop-up bars in and around Boston are stirring up the holiday spirit.

These temporary bars are adorned with festive decorations and feature seasonal cocktails meant to elicit the warm and fuzzy feeling synonymous with the holidays.

Below are eight bars where you can get some holiday cheer and beer.

61 Brookline Ave., Boston.

Loco Fenway's second annual holiday pop-up bar Santas Cantina.Assembly Design Studio

This is the second year that Loco Fenway has transformed into Santas Cantina for the holiday season. The pop-up, which will be up through the month of January, features festive food and drink specials such as Ghost of Christmas Past, Glen Cocoa, Yukon Cornelius and Ya Filthy Animal.

Loco Fenway is open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Blitzens Bar at The Last Hurrah in the Omni Parker House

60 School St., Boston

The Omni Parker House in Boston has a holiday pop-up bar called Blitzen's Bar.Omni Hotel & Resorts

The Omni Parker House invites guests to toast the holidays with the launch of its new seasonal pop-up, Blitzens Bar. The pop-up will take over the hotels bar, The Last Hurrah, from now until Monday, Dec. 30.

Blitzens features 12 cocktails, including The Blitzen, Frost Bite and Tidings of Whiskey & Joy. A festive food menu consisting of Reindeer Nuggets, Ralphies Nibbles, Popcorn Garlands and more is also available.

The bar is first-come, first-serve and is open from 4 p.m. to midnight daily.

306 Northern Ave., Boston

The Holly Jolly Bar is a Christmas pop-up bar at Harpoon Brewery in Seaport.David Cifarelli

Harpoon Brewery in Seaport will be decked out in holiday cheer from now until Jan. 4, 2025. The Holly Jolly Bar features over-the-top Christmas decor and festive cocktails such as the Prancers Pomegranate Margarita, Icicle Tea and Espres-snow Martini.

The bar also offers several small bites, including a cinnamon sugar pretzel, pumpkin pie and cannoli chips.

General admission starts at $18 per person and comes with a 90-minute reservation and one welcome cocktail. Reservations can be made online .

25 Edwin H Land Blvd., Cambridge

Miracle pop-up bar will be at the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel in Cambridge from Friday, Nov. 29 to Tuesday, Dec. 24.@tarawestfashion

Miracle is located in the lobby of the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel in Cambridge from now until Christmas Eve. Bartenders will don their favorite ugly Christmas sweaters while making Miracles specialty cocktails served in whimsical mugs. Small bites are also available from the Kimptons restaurant, Bambara Kitchen & Bar.

Miracle is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday.

1 Bennett St., Cambridge

Maccabee Bar is a Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar at The Charles Hotel in Cambridge.The Charles Hotel

The Hanukkah pop-up Maccabee Bar is back for its seventh year at Noir Bar at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square in Cambridge.

The bar has Jewish-themed cocktails, including The Hebrew Hammer (a jelly doughnut-inspired sour drink) and the Shin Shin, Put One In (an after-dinner cocktail with dark rum, cacao, Oloroso sherry and amaro).

Maccabee Bar will be up from now until New Years Day. Noir Bar is open from 4 p.m. to midnight Monday and Tuesday and 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Reservations can be made online.

800 Boylston St., Boston

Stratus at View Boston transforms into a holiday pop-up bar called Winter Oasis."Derrick Zellmann

Winter Oasis at Stratus at View Boston will open from now until Jan. 27, 2025. The cocktail bar, located atop the Prudential Center, is adorned with iridescent fixtures, crystal beading and white evergreen trees.

Stratus menu consists of six holiday cocktails, including the Candy Cane Forest (pistachio liqueur, mint and cherry) Snow Miser (gin, lemon, blueberry and soda) and Yuletide Snack (rum, milk, coconut, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg).

Stratus is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Tickets can be purchased online.

Dog Bar, 48 Waters Ave., Everett

Park-9 Dog Bar in Everett transforms into a "Whoville"-themed pop-up bar for the holiday season.Tracey Crosby

Everetts Dog Bar will have its Whoville Pop-Up Bar from now until New Years. The bar is covered in holiday decorations and serves Christmas-themed cocktails including the Cindy Lou Who, Mount Crumpit Spritz and Whobilation Negroni. Park-9s other holiday festivities include dog pictures with Santa on Dec. 7 and 8, an ugly sweater contest on Dec. 14 and holiday market on Dec. 21.

The bar is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

11 William E Mullins Way, Boston

The Sippin' Santa holiday pop-up bar will take over Shore Leave in Boston until New Year's Eve.Courtesy Photo

Shore Leave in the South End is trading in its tropical interior for a holiday aesthetic from now until New Years Eve.

The Sippin Santa pop-up is serving festive cocktails such as Frosty the Merman, Yule Tide, Merry Spritzmas and, of course, Sippin Santa.

The bar is open from 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday and 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
On Friday, December 6, the troops of the aggressor country Russia attacked the city of Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro region. The attack damaged an administrative building, residential buildings, and cars. Three people were killed and 17 others were injured, including a six-year-old boy.

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"The enemy hit Kryvyi Rih. According to preliminary data, the administrative building was damaged," said the head of the Dnipropetrovs'k Regional Military Administration Serhii Lysak at 16:57 on Friday.

As of 17:13, it has been reported that a man was killed in the Russian strike, and there are also injuries.

"A man died as a result of the strike on Kryvyi Rih. There are also victims, including a six-year-old child. The boy is in a hospital in a moderate condition," the head of the Dnipropetrovs'k region said in a statement.

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As of 17:31, the death toll has risen to two. It became known that eight people were injured.

"There are two dead in Kryvyi Rih. And, preliminarily, eight were injured. Half of them are hospitalized in moderate condition," said Serhii Lysak.

According to him, one person is not in touch, rescuers are inspecting the damaged building.

At 18:41, the head of the OVA said that a man wounded in the missile attack died in hospital.

"Thus, the Russian attack claimed two lives," Lysak wrote.

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He also said that a total of 13 people were injured.

According to the State Emergency Service, as of 18:46, 16 people were injured in the strike. One person is probably under the rubble.

A three-story building was destroyed, and residential buildings and cars were damaged.

40 rescuers and 10 vehicles arrived at the scene.

As of 20:00, the Office of the Prosecutor General reported that two people were killed in the missile attack on Kryvyi Rih. 17 people were injured, including a six-year-old boy.

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The National Police reported that investigative teams were working at the site to document the consequences of the missile strike, with about 20 investigators and more than 50 police officers from various services.

A criminalistics laboratory and a forensic medical expert were also involved. The collection of material evidence and documentation of the consequences of the war crime continues.

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On the morning of December 7, the State Emergency Service announced the completion of emergency rescue operations at the site of the hit. Rescuers worked all night. They found the body of another victim of the Russian strike under the rubble.

"In Kryvyi Rih at night, rescuers pulled the body of a third person from the rubble. In total, 3 people were killed and 17 were injured, including one child," the State Emergency Service said.

The enemy attacked Kryvyi Rih with ballistic missiles

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The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported a ballistic threat from the occupied Crimea at 15:58.

At 16:23, the agency reported that a missile was headed for Kryvyi Rih. At 17:00, the threat was declared over.

The explosions in Kryvyi Rih were reported around 16:20.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the night of Friday, December 6, St. Nicholas Day, the Russian army launched more than fifty drones of various types in Ukraine. The air defense forces shot down 32 UAVs, 16 were lost in the area, and two left the controlled airspace in the direction of Belarus.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A Kingston man who ran several sober homes in Massachusetts pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston on Thursday for four fraud schemes that involved sober homes in the Greater Boston area, Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levys office announced.

Daniel Cleggett, 38, formerly of Braintree and Quincy, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud conspiracy, one count of conspiracy to make a false statement to a mortgage lending business (mortgage fraud conspiracy), 25 counts of wire fraud, six counts of unlawful monetary transactions (money laundering) and three counts of making a false statement to a mortgage lending business.

Cleggett was arrested and charged in March 2023, along with co-conspirator Nicholas Espinosa, Levys office said in a statement. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William Young sentenced Cleggetts sentencing for March 31, 2025.
Police are searching for a person who rammed into a Massachusetts State Police cruiser, which hospitalized a trooper in Boston on Friday night.

The incident happened shortly after 8 p.m. when police were tracking a vehicle that failed to stop in Boston.

Police were using a Star Chase tracking device, which the department is piloting to de-escalate and avoid dangerous pursuits, according to a Massachusetts State Police statement.
A Democratic lawmaker from Massachusetts said Saturday that she and her family are safe and sound after a bomb threat targeted her home in Massachusetts

"This morning, I was made aware of a bomb threat targeting my family and me, U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan said in a statement released by her office shortly after 11 a.m. on Saturday.

This morning, I was made aware of a bomb threat targeting my family and me. I am grateful to the excellent officers at the Westford Police Department who responded swiftly and who are now working with the U.S. Capitol Police and Massachusetts State Police regarding this incident. pic.twitter.com/FFLqKWge5C  Lori Trahan (@RepLoriTrahan) December 7, 2024

I am grateful to the excellent officers at the Westford Police Department who responded swiftly to make sure we were safe and who are now working with the United States Capitol Police and Massachusetts State Police regarding this incident, Trahan continued.

Westford Police said they received the threat against Trahan around 8:15 a.m. on Saturday and responded immediately to the residence upon receiving the threat.

Westford Police Capt. Michael Breault told MassLive that local officers were able to make contact with Trahan, and that she was at the residence later on.

Officers from the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad, who responded and conducted an investigation, found nothing suspicious at Trahans home, Breault said Saturday.

Local police will conducting extra patrols at various places in town, after U.S. Capitol Police informed the department of threats made to politicians, physicians, and other high-ranking executives nationwide.

Breault said that was not directly tied to the killing of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan earlier this week.

At least five Democratic members of Congress from Connecticut reported they had been targeted by bomb threats during the Thanksgiving holiday, NPR reported.

U.S. Sen. Christopher Murphy, along with U.S. Reps. Sen. Chris Murphy and Jim Himes, Joe Courtney, John Larson and Jahana Hayes all said they had been the subject of threats, NPR reported on Nov. 29.

Police who responded said they found no evidence of explosives on the Nutmeg State lawmakers' properties, the broadcast outlet reported.

The threats came a day after some of President-elect Donald Trump s most prominent Cabinet picks and appointees reported that they had received such threats, according to NPR.

In her statement, Trahan stressed that its a good time to say the obvious: threats of violence and intimidation have no place in our country.
A top state education official visited Springfields Chestnut Talented and Gifted Middle School Friday to celebrate it being recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a national distinguished school.

Acting Commissioner of the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Russell Johnston said Chestnut underwent a remarkable transformation. Once labeled an underperforming school, Chestnut joined only a handful of schools in the state serving students in grades 6-8 that left the underperforming status, a move it made in 2018.

The distinguished school designation was made by the National Elementary and Secondary Education Association Schools Program, a branch of the U.S. Department of Education. Only one other school in Massachusetts, which is located in Boston, will also receive the honor.

These two schools were chosen because of your amazing work and the educators who are here working together tirelessly to achieve these results, Johnston said. When you have community partners, amazing students and their families together with talented teachers and community partners and amazing administration, great things can happen.

School Principal Andrea Metzger said the designation was a dream come true for her.

The students in her middle school come from across the city and are recognized as exceptional at an early age based on MCAS scores, school attendance and recommendations from school counselors and elementary school teachers. The 264 students in the program come from all neighborhoods in the city and include families living at or below the poverty level.

But they are just Springfield kids. They are here from all across Springfield. We bus them in, she said.

The principal of Chestnut Talented and Gifted Middle School, Andrea Metzger, told gathered students and faculty on Dec. 6, 2024, "You made my dream come true." (Dave Canton / The Republican)Dave Canton

Metzger said part of the success of the Chestnut is primarily attention to academics.

We are focused on high academics, so in all their classes these kids are working above grade level. My sixth graders are doing seventh-grade work, while seventh-grade students are doing eighth-grade level work. So we are pushing them academically above their grade, she said.

But more than grades, the students social and emotional needs are also factored in. For example, Metzger said she does not suspend students for discipline problems.

I dont believe in it. If you suspend a student, they dont learn anything from it, she said.

Instead, the infraction becomes an opportunity to bring the students parents into the equation.

We talk about what happened, she said. They learn from talking about why they chose to do what they did. We sit down with them and unpack, have the family come in and talk with them. Ask them, How can we do better, what can we do to improve, what resources do you need to support your child. Im not just looking at the academic side, I am looking at the whole person.

Springfield School Superintendent Sonia Dinnall said she takes no credit for the programs success but said it is a jumping-off point for Springfield education.

I am looking forward to expanding honors and awards in this district, Dinnall said. This is just the beginning. We have some schools that are Blue Ribbon Schools, and more schools will receive recognition as we continue with excellence. This is an example of hard work, dedication and commitment and the relentless pursuit of academic excellence.

Eighth-grader Ian Colloza-Cruz said before attending the school, he was not a good student.

Back then? To be honest, I didnt really like school, but now I feel like I am more included in this community, he said. I feel like I have someone to talk to and the community has helped me a lot.

Fellow eighth-grader Josiah Cacique said the recognition for the program is special for him.

It holds a special place personally, he said. To see my school go so far and I got to be a part of that. It makes me happy that my principal can get this feeling of winning.

Both Colloza-Cruz and Cacique grew up speaking Spanish at home and now are part of the English as a second language learning programs. They are also the student body president and vice-president.

The school is a member of the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership, a partnership of Springfield Public Schools, Springfield Education Association and the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Co-executive directors Matt Brunell and Colleen Curran said the school embodies what the zone stands for.

The school will receive the formal honor at the National ESEA Conference in February 2025.
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Gardai investigating an assault incident which resulted in a woman being hospitalised with serious injuries have made an arrest.

Investigations are continuing following the incident which happened in Newbridge, County Kildare earlier this week - sometime between 11pm on Tuesday and 8.15am on Wednesday.

Gardai and emergency services attended the scene at St Conleth's Car Park, at main street, Newbridge, on the morning of Wednesday, December 4 shortly after 8am, and found a woman who was unresponsive.

She was conveyed to Tallaght University Hospital in Dublin for treatment of serious injuries.

An incident room has been established at Newbridge garda station, and a Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed.

READ NEXT: LIVE: Track Storm Darragh as it travels towards Ireland amid severe weather warnings

In an update, issued this Friday evening, investigating gardai confirmed there has been a development in the case.

"Gardai investigating an assault which occurred in Newbridge, County Kildare, have arrested a man aged in his 20s. The male is currently detained at a garda station in the Eastern Region. He is detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984," said a spokesperson who added that the woman "continues to receive treatment for serious injuries".

Investigating gardai are continuing their appeal to members of the public to come forward with any information.

Newbridge garda station can be contacted on 045 440180, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111, or any garda station.

Investigations are ongoing.
The second batch of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark has arrived in Ukraine. The strengthening of the country's air shield will allow for more effective repulsion of Russian missile and drone attacks.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Denmark for its leadership in protecting the lives of Ukrainians. The head of state wrote about this on Telegram.

According to the President, the first batch of F-16 fighter jets provided by Denmark is already shooting down Russian missiles, saving people and infrastructure in Ukraine. Thanks to the second batch of aircraft, the country will be even more effective in repelling enemy attacks.

"The planes from the first batch provided by the Danes are already shooting down Russian missiles and saving our people and infrastructure. Now our air shield has been further strengthened. If all partners were as determined, we would have already managed to prevent Russian terror," the President of Ukraine said.

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Earlier, Zelenskyy said that F-16 fighters are proving to be extremely effective in repelling Russian strikes. The Head of State noted that during the last massive attack by the occupiers, F-16 pilots destroyed a large number of cruise missiles.

As a reminder, Denmark has already handed over the first batch (six F-16 fighters) of 19 to Ukraine. Recently, it was reported that the next batch of aircraft would be delivered to Ukraine by the end of 2024.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
In the Vremivsk sector, the troops of the Russian aggressor country regularly exhaust their reserves in an attempt to move closer to the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. After such assaults, the enemy needs several days to accumulate manpower.

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After replenishing their losses, the Russians launch a new wave of attacks. Bohdan Petrenko, head of the communications department of the 48th separate artillery brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, told Suspilne Novyny.

According to him, the situation in the Vremivsk sector is difficult, as the enemy keeps trying to advance. The occupants are trying to destroy the buildings that are currently under Ukrainian control.

"There is a variant when they try to enter by light vehicles, motorcycles or cars, and, of course, sometimes they enter with light armored or heavy armored vehicles," said Petrenko.

For a certain period of time, the invaders can conduct assaults every day, but then they "run out of steam" and the number of assaults decreases over 3-4 days.

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"This means that the enemy is being destroyed. The reserves that were involved were destroyed, and accordingly, the reserves are being accumulated," the military said.

He also said that Russian troops are trying to cut the logistics and supply channels of our Defense Forces.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the spokesman for the Southern Defense Forces Vladyslav Voloshyn said that on December 5, Russian troops carried out the maximum number of attacks in the Vremivsk direction in a week. The Russians stormed Ukrainian positions almost 40 times per day.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The team of US President-elect Donald Trump, whose inauguration is scheduled for January 20, is theoretically capable of generating ideas for peace in Ukraine. Future members of the national security apparatus understand that the victory of dictator Vladimir Putin in Ukraine is very dangerous.

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This opinion was expressed by former US Ambassador to Ukraine, Director of the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center John Herbst in a commentary to Ukrinform. At the same time, the elements of the peace plan that Trump has already voiced are not ideal for Ukraine.

He clarified that he meant the possibility of a territorial compromise and a moratorium on NATO membership. However, other elements, Herbst believes, can "serve as a basis for peace, allowing Ukraine to survive economically and have secure borders."

In particular, this includes the creation of a demilitarized zone with the involvement of troops from other countries and proposals to arm Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression.

The former ambassador believes that the people Trump has chosen for key positions in the White House national security apparatus are "serious thinkers." In particular, Mike Waltz, nominated for the position of National Security Advisor, General Keith Kellogg, who is to become the US Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia, US Secretary of State candidate Marco Rubio, and others.

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"They understand that Russia is an aggressive state that considers the United States its main enemy. So his (Trump's  Ed.) team realizes that Putin's victory in Ukraine is dangerous," Herbst emphasized.

He expressed his belief that this team "can provide specific policy ideas that can make Donald Trump's peace initiative successful."

As a reminder, members of US President-elect Donald Trump's team have been publicly and privately putting forward proposals to end the Russian-Ukrainian war. Most of the ideas are related to Ukraine's territorial losses in favor of the aggressor country, Russia.

Keith Kellogg has previously emphasized that Trump is serious about fulfilling his promise to end the war, which is one of his key aspirations.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the Ukrainian delegation headed by the head of the OP Yermak has already met in Washington with representatives of the Trump team responsible for Ukraine policy.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
WHO launches an investigation into a mysterious illness in Congo causing unexplained deaths, aiming to identify the cause and prevent further spread.



#Mystery_disease reported in #Congo. #WHO deploys experts to investigate and assist health authorities in identifying the cause. #disease_X

Disease X in Congo

The World Health Organization (WHO) is sending experts to assist health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in investigating the cause of an unidentified disease reported in Panzi, a locality in Kwango Province in the country's southwest.The WHO experts are joining the Congo response team and are on their way to Panzi, the WHO regional office for Africa confirmed in a statement on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported. An initial local WHO team has been supporting the health authorities in Kwango since the end of November to reinforce disease surveillance and identify cases.is under investigation in Congo following reports of a mysterious illness causing multiple deaths. Health experts are working to identify its cause, symptoms, and transmission patterns. The focus is on containment and understanding its potential risks to prevent a broader health crisis. This highlights the need for vigilance in responding to emerging diseases."Our priority is to provide effective support to the affected families and communities. All efforts are underway to identify the cause of the illness, understand its modes of transmission, and ensure appropriate response as swiftly as possible," said WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti. According to the Congo public health ministry, 394 cases and 30 deaths have been reported so far in the Panzi health zone.Symptoms of the illness includeA respiratory pathogen such as influenza or Covid is being investigated as a possible cause, as well as malaria, measles, and others. Until laboratory test results are received, the cause remains unclear, said the WHO.Panzi is a rural community located more than 700 km from the capital of Kinshasa. Access by road is difficult, and the communication network is limited.Source-IANS
BEIRUT (AP)  The Syrian army withdrew from much of southern Syria on Saturday, leaving more areas of the country, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters, the military and an opposition war monitor said.

The redeployment away from the provinces of Daraa and Sweida came as Syrias military sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syrias third largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts.

The rapid advances by insurgents is a stunning reversal of fortunes for Syria's President Bashar Assad, who appears to be largely on his own, with erstwhile allies preoccupied with other conflicts.

His chief international backer, Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine, and Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up his forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran, meanwhile, has seen its proxies across the region degraded by Israeli regular airstrikes.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Syria war monitor, reported Saturday that Irans military advisers have started leaving Syria. He added that Iran-backed fighters in eastern Syria, mainly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have withdrawn into central Syria.

The shock offensive began Nov. 27 led by the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syrias largest, and the central city of Hama, the countrys fourth largest city. The group has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani told CNN in an exclusive interview Thursday from Syria that the aim of the offensive is to overthrow Assads government.

The Britain-based Observatory said Syrian troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces and are sending reinforcements to Homs, where a battle is looming. If the insurgents capture Homs, they would cut the link between Damascus, Assads seat of power, and the coastal region where the president enjoys wide support.

The Syrian army said in a statement Saturday that it has carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by terrorists. The army said it is setting up a strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area, apparently to defend Damascus from the south.

Since Syrias conflict broke out in March 2011, the Syrian government has been referring to opposition gunmen as terrorists.

In the gas-rich nation of Qatar, the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey were scheduled to meet to discuss the situation in Syria. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels seeking to overthrow Assad.

Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the countrys underlying problems. Assad didnt seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people, he said.

Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syrias territorial integrity. He said the war could damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency to start a political process.

After the fall of the cities of Daraa and Sweida early Saturday, Syrian government forces remain in control of five provincial capitals  Damascus, Homs and Quneitra, as well as Latakia and Tartus on the Mediterranean cost.

Tartus is home to the only Russian naval base outside the former Soviet Union while Latakia is home to a major Russian air base.

On Friday, U.S.-backed fighters of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces captured wide parts of the eastern province of Deir el-Zour that borders Iraq as well as the provincial capital that carries the same name. The capture of areas in Deir el-Zour is a blow to Irans influence in the region as the area is the gateway to the corridor linking the Mediterranean to Iran, a supply line for Iran-backed fighters, including Lebanons Hezbollah.

With the capture of a main border crossing with Iraq by the SDF and after opposition fighters took control of the Naseeb border crossing to Jordan in southern Syria, the Syrian government's only gateway to the outside world is the Masnaa border crossing with Lebanon.

____

Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report.
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (AP)  The United States will provide nearly $1 billion more in longer-term weapons support to Ukraine, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Saturday as the Biden administration rushes to spend all the congressionally approved money it has left to bolster Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes office next month.

The latest package will include more drones and munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, that the U.S. has provided. While these weapons are critically needed now, they will be funded through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which pays for longer-term systems to be put on contract.

The weapon systems purchased are often intended to support Ukraine's future military capabilities, not make an immediate difference on the battlefield.

The $988 million package is on top of an additional $725 million in U.S. military assistance, including counter-drone systems and HIMARS munitions, announced Monday that would be drawn from the Pentagons stockpiles to more quickly get to the front lines. The U.S. has provided Ukraine with more than $62 billion in military aid since Russias invasion in February 2022.

Ukraine is facing an intensified onslaught by Russia, which is now using thousands of North Korean troops to augment its fight to take back the Kursk region. Moscow also has launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile and regularly strikes Kyiv's civilian infrastructure.

With questions about whether Trump will maintain military support to Ukraine, the Biden administration has been trying to spend every dollar remaining from a massive foreign aid bill passed earlier this year to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible.

This administration has made its choice. So has a bipartisan coalition in Congress. The next administration must make its own choice, Austin said at an annual gathering of national security officials, defense firms and lawmakers at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

Trump had a hastily arranged meeting Saturday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's Emmanuel Macron while in Paris for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. Macron and other European leaders are trying to persuade Trump to maintain support for Ukraine.

Trump, a longtime admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has criticized U.S. aid for Ukraine and called for bringing a quick end to the war, raising concerns in Ukraine about what terms may be laid out for any future negotiations.

Austin said he was confident that President Reagan would have stood on the side of Ukraine, American security and human freedom.

It was one of Austins last major speeches as President Joe Bidens defense secretary and a cap to his more than 41 years serving as a soldier and general.

Under Austins watch, the Pentagon in 2022 launched a regular meeting that now counts more than 50 countries to figure out how to get the tens of millions of rounds of ammunition and billions of dollars in advanced weaponry to Ukraine. Without that flow of support, it's possible the country would have fallen to Russia after it invaded.

Together, we have helped Ukraine survive an all-out assault by the largest military in Europe, Austin said.

Austin and Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, the longtime Republican leader, were honored at the conference for their lifetime of service, and they used the opportunity to press for the U.S. to continue to build and support its alliances, a sharp contrast to Trumps America First  policy.

Austin called the Ukraine Defense Contact Group the most consequential global coalition since the time of President George H.W. Bush and Iraqs 1990 invasion of Kuwait, showing that "America and our friends have become the arsenal of Ukrainian democracy.

Before Saturday's announcement, there was roughly $8 billion left to use to pull existing weapons out of U.S. stockpiles and to put additional weapons on contract to help Ukraine.

We're not going to stop Putin by telling Ukraine we aren't going to give you anything more, Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said at a panel at the Reagan National Defense Forum.
Is There aajes Number of Nuclear Power Plants in the US? A Game-Changer for Energy Security







(How Many Nuclear Power Plants Are There in the US?)

Have you ever wondered how many nuclear power plants there are in the United States? This is an intriguing question that has been on everyones mind for years, especially since the recent explosion at the Two Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania.

But what if we take this question to the next level and explore the potential implications of such a high number? Imagine a world where the United States had more nuclear power plants than it does now, and how this would affect energy security, climate change, and the future of the country.

In this fascinating blog, we will delve into the history of nuclear power plants in the US, examine their current status and capabilities, and speculate about the likely future of the industry. We will also consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of a higher number of nuclear power plants in the country, including increased safety and reliability, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and improved access to clean energy sources.

But before we dive into the specifics, lets first set the stage by understanding what nuclear power is and why its important. Nuclear power is generated by splitting atomic nucleus into two smaller nuclei through the process of fission. The resulting release of energy is then used to generate electricity through steam turbines.

One of the main advantages of nuclear power is its reliability. Unlike fossil fuels, which can be unpredictable and subject to price fluctuations, nuclear power plants are designed to operate continuously and efficiently. They can produce large amounts of electricity even during periods of low demand, making them a reliable source of energy for homes, businesses, and industries.

Another benefit of nuclear power is its environmental impact. Nuclear power plants emit no greenhouse gases during operation, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. In addition, they can help mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing our reliance on carbon dioxide emissions.

Despite these benefits, however, nuclear power plants have faced numerous challenges and controversies over the years. One of the biggest concerns is safety, particularly during accidents such as the ones at Chernobyl and Fukushima. In fact, the risk of a catastrophic accident at any nuclear power plant is very high, and there have been several instances where nuclear meltdowns have occurred.

Another concern is the disposal of radioactive waste, which is a complex and challenging issue. Nuclear power plants generate large amounts of radioactive waste, which must be carefully managed and disposed of to prevent contamination of soil and water resources.

Now that weve covered some of the basics of nuclear power, lets talk about the current status and capabilities of the US nuclear power industry. As of 2021, there are approximately 387 nuclear power reactors in the United States, with most of them located in states with higher rates of renewable energy generation. Some of the largest nuclear power plants in the country include the:

-(Japan)

-ITER()

-()

Of course, these plants are just a few examples, and the actual number of nuclear power plants in the US is much larger. But regardless of how many there are, the industry remains one of the most innovative and promising in the world.

As we look towards the future, its clear that the role of nuclear power in energy production will continue to evolve. With advances in technology and new opportunities for collaboration between utilities and other stakeholders, nuclear power could become an even more integral part of our energy mix.







(How Many Nuclear Power Plants Are There in the US?)

In conclusion, the question of how many nuclear power plants are there in the US is an intriguing one, with far-reaching implications for energy security, climate change, and the future of the country. While there are certainly concerns about safety, environmental impact, and disposal, nuclear power also offers a wide range of benefits and is likely to play an increasingly important role in the years to come. So if youre interested in learning more about the history, current status, and capabilities of the US nuclear power industry, be sure to check out this fascinating blog!

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if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected])
Two very wise gentlemen sat at a table to reflect, with a century-and-a-half of experience between them. They have at their disposal enormous amounts of knowledge, data, arguments and nuances regarding major issues of continental history and the life of the ancients: as in, those who lived in what is now called the Americas, before the arrival of the Spanish.

On one side is the Peruvian Luis Millones, one of the most renowned anthropologists of the Southern Cone. Millones has analyzed the life of the Inca people with devotion and ease. On the other side is the Mexican Eduardo Matos, an eminence of Mesoamerican archaeology. Hes responsible for the rescue of the remains of the old Aztec capital, from the depths of modern Mexico City.

Millones and Matos recently met up in Guadalajara, as part of the International Book Fair, to present their latest work together. Available only in Spanish and translated as Moctezuma and Atahualpa: Life, Passion and the Death of Two Rulers, its a comparative study of the life of the last great pre-Columbian leaders. We had already written a previous book: Mexicas and Incas, Matos notes, motivated by that interest in knowing, in comparing the two great civilizations that emerged in [Latin America].

[Regarding] this book in particular we went to a luncheon with a Peruvian researcher who lives in Mexico. And I said to Lucho (Luis), Hey, do you see us writing about Moctezuma and Atahualpa? That was three or four years ago. And, well, we did it!

Luis Millones and Eduardo Matos Moctezuma in Guadalajara, Mexico. Roberto Antillon

They ended up writing a text that was rigorous, lucid and reader-friendly all at once, far from the stylistic flourishes of the academy, which tends to be a hiding place for great ideas that are waiting to germinate. Now, theres no surprising news about the characters: much of whats read in the book about Atahualpa and Moctezuma is already known to those who are familiar with Latin American history. But whats important is the authors effort to contrast the two figures and to impose one on the other  the Inca on the Aztec and vice-versa  to understand who they truly were, how they came to lead their empires and how they acted in situations that only the two of them had to face. In their hands, they had their own worlds: the Inca Empire (Tahuantinsuyu) and Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire. The two rulers created a unique, unrepeatable experience, which is recorded in the books 200 pages.

Atahualpa and Moctezuma led starkly different lives. The former faced the Spanish conquest almost without realizing it, while he was still washing his hands of blood from the war of succession he had waged against his brother, Huascar. He had barely been able to enjoy his victory over the vast lands of the old Andean empire when the Europeans arrived. On the other hand, Moctezuma had reigned in Tenochtitlan for more than 15 years, a time of splendor in the Aztec empire, which spread its power from Lake Texcoco to the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. This is the principal and most obvious difference between the two rulers.

Pizarro capturing Atahualpa in a painting by John Everett Millais. Heritage Images (Getty Images)

The problem [for the Inca ruler] was the excessive extension of Tahuantinsuyu, Millones explains. It was a territory that included whats now Ecuador and Peru, as well as parts of modern-day Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. A formula had to be found to govern that [vast territory], because, of course, there were rebellions everywhere, he adds. The Incas managed to establish a certain imperial order, a language. And Huayna Capac (the father of Huascar and Atahualpa) then proposed dividing the empire, on the border of what would be Peru and Ecuador today. One son would govern one, while the other would keep [the other half]. But then, before he died, Huayna Capac, who was ill, was asked several times about the line of succession. He would say one name, then another. It didnt solve anything, Millones sighs.

Then, war broke out. The establishment of a formula that would allow the two ambitious brothers to coexist didnt work, the Peruvian anthropologist continues. And the nobility that accompanied each son had its own interests at its core, the growth of the empire was due to personal interests, he reflects. There was no philosophy of war or death behind it. On the other hand, in Tenochtitlan, [the Franciscan friar Bernardino de] Sahagun wrote that, when young Aztecs were born, it was said, you were born here, but you will die on the battlefield, where you should. Either killing your enemies, or being sacrificed to the gods. In the Inca Empire, they spoiled their children, Millones chuckles.

The book, titled 'Moctezuma and Atahualpa: Life, Passion and the Death of Two Rulers.' Roberto Antillon

Matos, however, is a bit more cautious. Well, in both societies, the warrior aspect is very important. From the moment the Aztec [subject] was born, if the child was a boy, the midwife performed a whole ritual, took the umbilical cord, made a little bundle and gave it to a warrior in the family and buried it on the battlefield, like a kind of magic league. If it was a girl, no, [the cord] was buried next to the hearth as Ive said in some conferences, there was no womens liberation [in that society], the archeologist jokes. The differences between one [brother] and the other may have been numerous, but there was also a series of very important parallels between the two characters. Within the family scuffles, the appointment of the tlatoani (the sovereign) involved discussions about who was going to be chosen. In general, they looked for someone who was deeply religious  for ideological control  and a good soldier. Thats how they chose Moctezuma.

The Sun  the cult of the star  also links both empires. Millones writes that in the Aztec world, [the Sun] was born to change a world that was shrouded in darkness. Then, he contrasts: The Incas considered themselves to be children of the Sun. Matos reflects: The Sun has always been fundamental in agricultural societies. Both [the Aztecs and the Incas] were agricultural, as well as military. The main Aztec deity, Huitzilopochtli, led the Aztec forces but he was a solar god who was born to combat darkness, the Moon and the shadows. In a certain way, when the tlatoani died, it was thought that the Sun had died. And another had to be found.

Illustration from the Duran codex (16th century) of the omen of the invasion of the Spanish conquistadors to Moctezuma II during the passage of a comet. API (Getty Images)

The discussion about the last pre-Columbian rulers calls for an analysis of their persecutors: Hernan Cortes and Francisco Pizarro. Theres a brutal difference. Cortes  despite all the trials that were brought against him  [managed to] maintain a legal relationship with Spain, Millones explains. The general deal with the Crown allowed the transition from conquest to viceroyalty to be possible, without major wars. In the Peruvian case, Pizarro was killed a few days after having conquered [the territory]. Pizarros plans didnt exist; he quickly disappeared from the scene, while Cortes remained there for years. In Peru, it took until the fifth viceroy, due to the clashes between the conquerors and the Crown. So much so that Pizarros brother was crowned king of Peru for four years, breaking all relations with Spain.

Translated by Avik Jain Chatlani
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Student attendance and chronic absenteeism rates in Kent County schools are largely trending in the right direction, according to public school numbers released by the Michigan Department of Education.

Chronic absenteeism has long been a problem across the state and nation. It has become one of the most prevalent issues facing schools in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The majority of the schools served by the Kent Intermediate School District (Kent ISD) had a higher attendance rate than the state average and chronic absenteeism was lower.

Michigan defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% or more of school days during the 180-day school year. State attendance rates improved for students during the 2023-24 school year, but 29.5% - one in three students- was considered chronically absent, down from 30.8% last year. The attendance rate was 90.78%.

RELATED: More students are making it to class in Michigan. See how your schools attendance stacks up

Mark Larson, truancy and attendance officer for the Kent Intermediate School District, said people often think of chronic absenteeism as being harmless, especially when occurring in lower grade levels, but thats not the case.

We now know that beginning in kindergarten, every year of chronic absenteeism reduces the likelihood of graduation, he said.

Attendance among most Kent County school districts was higher than the state average at 92.3% and the chronic absenteeism lower at 22.8%, according to absentee data tracked by the state.

However, not all schools across the county are equal when it comes to absenteeism, with six schools in three districts reporting chronic absenteeism with over 75% of students. An additional 24 schools reported over 50% of students chronically absent.

Four of the schools with over 75% chronically absent are in Grand Rapids Public Schools, the largest district in the region. They include Ottawa Hills High School (76.7%) and Alger Middle School (76.6%) and two district alternative educations programs, Southeast Career Pathways (91.1%) and Grand Rapids Learning Center (76.8%).

The other two schools are also alternative programs, the Northview Next Learning Center in Northview Public Schools (88.6%) and River Valley Academy in Rockford Public Schools (77.1%).

Grand Rapids enrolled just over 14,800 students in over 40 school buildings as of last year, according to state data. Chronic absenteeism has long been an issue the high-needs, high-poverty district has worked to address. GRPS lowered its rates as of last year and attendance improved, but not above state averages.

According to the new data, the district had 6,094 students, 41.1% chronically absent from class the 2023-24 school year, down slightly from 42.1 % the previous year, but still far above the 26.9% in 2019-20, when the pandemic struck. Attendance was at 87.93%, up from 87.8%. It was 92.11% in 2019-20.

Mel Atkins II, executive director of community and student affairs for GRPS, said while the district is proud its making progress towards decreasing chronic absenteeism, administrators also recognize that the truancy model of the past - or being adversarial with families regarding absences - doesnt always work.

Instead, he said GRPS is more frequently attempting to get to the root cause of the absence and provide resources.

What we try to do is get the word out that every absence matters, Atkins said, and this is why we went to more of the caring conversations. Lets partner together. We cant do this alone.

Kent County trending in the right direction

In the last five years, the trend in Kent County attendance is similar to the statewide trend. The state saw lower attendance rates of 88.82% in 2021-22 and 90.52% for 2022-23, when fewer kids showed up amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and higher pre-pandemic rates of 93.07% for 2019-2020 and 92.91% for 20-21.

Schools also saw a pandemic dip and have yet to return to pre-COVID attendance norms over a five-year period, though theyre trending in the right direction.

RELATED: Educators wary as Republicans propose redirecting school funds to Michigan roads

Larson said Kent ISD has been pushing hard to improve attendance since 2018, with the creation of a countywide attendance campaign encouraging students to miss less than five days of school each year, Strive for Less Than 5!

He said consistent school attendance is the only thing that will positively affect everything else, from classroom atmosphere to discipline to academic achievement, retention to graduation.

At the top of the list for attendance in Kent County last school year were East Grand Rapids Public Schools (95.55%), West Michigan Aviation Academy (95.35%), Byron Center Public Schools (95.12%) and Byron Center Charter School (95%). These schools also had lower rates of chronic absenteeism of less than 10%.

Overall, chronic absenteeism has been on the decline in Kent County, from 33% during the 2021-22 school year to 22.8% last year, but was 14.4% in 2019-20.

Below is a searchable database breaking down the attendance and chronic absenteeism data for each school in the Grand Rapids area from the last two years.

Sample HTML block

WHAT DO THE LOCAL RATES SAY?

The rates of overall attendance for schools in the Kent Intermediate School District for the last five years are:

2019-20  94.44%

2020-21  93.81%

2021-22  90.40%

2022-23  91.95%

2023-24  92.30%

The rate of chronic absenteeism also improved but worse than pre-pandemic rates across the region. The rates for schools in the Kent Intermediate School District for the last five years are:

2019-20  14.4%

2020-21  17.8%

2021-22  33%

2022-23  24.4%

2023-24  22.8%

For overall attendance rates, local districts saw these numbers for the 2023-24 school year compared to 2022-23:

East Grand Rapids: 95.55%, up from 95.39%

Byron Center: 95.12%, down from 95.13%

Rockford: 94.54%, down from 94.85%

Forest Hills: 94.48%, up from 93.71%

Comstock Park: 93.93%, up from 93.29%

Grandville: 93.82%, up from 92.43%

Caledonia Community Schools: 93.81%, down from 94.3%

Lowell Area Schools: 93.76%, down from 96.36%

Kenowa Hills: 93.36%, up from 92.56%

Sparta Area Schools: 93.13%, down from 95.32%

Cedar Springs: 92.74%, down from 93.92%

Northview: 92.43%, up from 88.91%

Kentwood: 92.2%, up from 91.04%

Godwin Heights: 91.58%, down from 91.73%

Kelloggsville: 89.8%, down from 90.04%

Wyoming: 89.29%, down from 90.30%

Kent City Community Schools: 93.55%, up from 93.1%

Most local school districts also saw an improvement in chronic absenteeism with lower rates of students who were not present 10% or more of school days last year compared to 2022-23..

Comstock Park: 91.2%, down from 22.2%

Wyoming: 37.5%, up from 35.1%

Kelloggsville: 36.2%, down from 36.8%

Godwin Heights: 27.3%, down from 28.3%

Kentwood: 26.4%, down from 30.9%

Northview: 25.2%, down from 41.1%

Kent City Community Schools: 20.8%, down from 24.2%

Kenowa Hills: 20.5%, down from 24.5%

Sparta Area Schools: 19.9%, up from 9.8%

Lowell Area Schools: 17.7%, down from 19.4%

Caledonia Community Schools: 17%, up from 13.8%

Cedar Springs: 15.6%, up from 14.5%

Grandville: 15%, down from 17.6%

Rockford: 11.5%, down from 11.1%

Forest Hills: 10.8%, down from 13.4%

Byron Center: 8.9%, down from 10.1%

East Grand Rapids: 6.5%, down from 7.3%

Larson said Kent ISD is now looking to refresh the messaging surrounding the Strive for Less Than 5! attendance campaign, with the potential for new media buys, messages in partnership with the medical community and billboards, dependent on finances and the ability to secure grant funding.

Grandville Public Schools Superintendent Roger Bearup, said he doesnt believe increased attendance within his district can be attributed to any one thing, but a combination of teachers modeling the importance of being at school and educators building personal connections with students.

At the secondary school level, he said the district has hired several certified educators, social workers and behavioral health specialists, part of a multi-tiered system of support to identify students with academic or attendance-related challenges and build strong relationships with those students.

At a secondary level, you have kids who go in and out of classes all the time, and while teachers work hard to develop strong relationships with them, they only see them for a very short amount of time every day, he said.

If the district has employees who can focus on a core group of kids, build relationships and understand both their school and life experiences, it just makes a huge difference, he said.

Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter.
VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI  In 2006, on the Monday after Thanksgiving, 10 volunteers and a few staff members gathered at Wahmhoff Farms Nursery in Gobles.

A tradition was born.

That tradition was packing up Christmas trees to have delivered to military members and their families as part of the Christmas Spirit Foundations Trees for Troops program.

Every Monday after Thanksgiving since, more and more volunteers have joined Wahmhoff Farms employees in packing up trees so families on military bases can feel the spirit of Christmas.

This year, on Dec. 2, a record 120-plus volunteers, along with staff members and some active duty military members loaded 363 trees onto two FedEx trailers. The trees were shipped to Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, as well as Fort Knox and Fort Campbell in Kentucky.

Wahmhoff Farms Nursery in Gobles, Michigan, hosted 120-plus volunteers on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, as 363 Christmas trees were packed up and shipped to three military bases in Tennessee and Kentucky. Pictured are some of the volunteers.Provided by Betsy Wahmhoff Perales

The three bases are among 93 across the nation and overseas where the Trees for Troops program will provide free, farm-grown Christmas trees to U.S. armed forces members in all branches of services.

We just want to say thank you to the troops themselves, theyre there for us, theyre keeping our country safe and we appreciate them, said Betsy Wahmhoff Perales, executive assistant at the farm.

Wahmhoff Perales grew up in a military family, raised by an Army veteran, Carl Wahmhoff Jr.

Her grandfather Carl Wahmhoff Sr. planted the first Christmas trees at the Gobles farm in the 1950s and her father harvested them. The farm has been run by her brothers Dan and Ken Wahmhoff since 1996.

Our family business my whole life has been Christmas trees, she said. And to be able to donate Christmas trees to the military families who we appreciate so much, not just because we have family members that were in the military, but because we love our country.

These families, they are away from their homes. They are on military bases surrounded by other soldiers. And to be able to get a Christmas tree and celebrate, to me that is the Christmas spirit. It lifts you right up.

Wahmhoff Perales said they couldnt do this without the volunteers. Her family farm was one of five area Christmas tree farms shipping out trees on Monday morning.

Other Christmas tree farms who brought trees to Wahmhoff Farms this year included Armintrouts Nursery, Janke Tree Farm and Badger Evergreen Nursery in Allegan, along with Circle B Tree Farm in Battle Creek.

Its definitely not just a Wahmhoff Farms thing, its a community event and its so cool to be a part of it, she said.

The farm, in its 19th year of participating, is one of three across the state that serves as a pickup location for Trees for Troops. Through the first 20 years of the Trees for Troops program nationwide, more than 309,000 trees have been donated to military families, according to the Christmas Spirit Foundation website.

Each of the trees that left for Tennessee and Kentucky on Monday from Gobles also came with a handwritten tag from a Gobles Elementary School student, along with a handmade ornament from a student.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter.
Guy Plumb loved being a grandfather.

He sat in his daughters hospital room for 12 hours waiting for a grandson to be born. He often recounted that it only took him a weekend to potty train a granddaughter. Whenever he cooked, he made extra knowing his granddaughter would sit in his lap asking to share.

And when Plumb passed away  five days after rushing to the hospital  he was surrounded by pictures of his grandchildren. In one, he beams while holding a grandson named after him, Colt Guy.

My dad was just a good old fashioned country boy. He loved hunting, fishing, he was a gunsmith, said his daughter Holly Plumb, 37. But I think the biggest part of his life was just being a grandpa. He loved his grandkids.

Related: Worker dies from Legionnaires after disease hits manufacturer second time

Guy Plumb, 61, died Aug. 20, 2023 from Legionnaires disease after he breathed in the waterborne bacteria while working at Huron Inc.  a manufacturer for the auto industry located in Sanilac County.

The company is now facing a $10,300 penalty following a Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation into Plumbs death.

The state agency says Huron Inc. was aware of the presence of Legionella disease after two employees were hospitalized in 2020. But the company failed to develop an effective water maintenance program to prevent bacteria from growing in the water supply again. As a result, Plumb died, and two additional employees got sick last year.

Huron Inc. did not respond to requests for comment for this story.

How Guy Plumb got sick

Plumb, a maintenance worker, felt exhausted on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.

That Saturday morning, he was supposed to see his daughter Holly and her three children, but he sent a text: Im sick Holly maybe another day. Thinking it was a stomach bug, he didnt want to infect the kids.

By Wednesday, his wife called 911 because Plumb was struggling to breathe. He was admitted to Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw.

It wasnt until the following Friday that doctors figured out the culprit behind the severe symptoms: Legionnaires disease.

A serious type of pneumonia, Legionnaires disease is caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Although rare, it can be dangerous for older people, smokers and those with underlying health conditions. About 1 in 10 people with Legionnaires disease die from the infection.

Outbreaks have started in hotels, hospitals, cooling towers, assisted living facilities and cruise ship hot tubs. One of the largest outbreaks in U.S. history occurred during the Flint water crisis when there were 86 confirmed cases including at least 12 deaths. A series of lawsuits followed.

Related: She died 7 days after going to the hospital for a headache. Now hers is first Flint Legionnaires case scheduled for trial

For Plumb, Legionella pneumonia caused his organs to fail and his kidneys to shut down. Within days, his body got sepsis. Doctors put him in an induced coma to fight the infection.

Meanwhile, Holly Plumb kept texting her dad  her best friend who taught her how hunt, fish and fix cars.

I love you Dad! Please keep fighting! Ill be back to see you soon, she sent Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.

I love you so much dad! I know youre fighting hard and youre tired! Just know if this is the end your grandbabies will always know how amazing and strong you are, she sent Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.

On Sunday morning  only 10 days after calling in sick to work because he felt out of it  Plumb was taken off life support and died.

Plumb, who sported a thick salt and pepper mustache, had 13 grandchildren, three daughters and two stepsons. He is also survived by Kathy Plumb, his wife of 24 years.

Before he went on life support, he asked the nurse to do everything she could to save him, Holly Plumb said. And I really think it was the grandkids  he wanted to live for them.

Guy Plumb, 61, and his daughter Holly Plumb. (Photo provided by Holly Plumb)Photo provided by Holly Plumb

Huron Inc.s history with Legionnaires disease

For months, Holly Plumb didnt understand how her dad contracted Legionnaires disease.

But in November 2023, three months after Plumbs death, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, MIOSHA, launched an investigation. Case files obtained by the Freedom of Information Act reveal that Huron Inc. knew about the threat of Legionnaires years before Plumb got sick.

The hazard was recognized; the facility previously had a Legionella contaminated water source, a MIOSHA violation sheet said.

In 2020, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services detected Legionella in the facilitys water after two employees were hospitalized with the disease. Huron Inc. was then required to perform correction actions to fix the issue.

But the bacteria grew again three years later.

It killed Plumb. It sickened a second employee for six weeks. And a third employee, after suffering from respiratory symptoms for months, tested positive in December 2023.

Once the investigation was underway, MIOSHA inspected Huron Inc. and collected 19 water samples. The state agency found Legionella  the same genetic strain that infected Plumb  in four places throughout the manufacturing facility.

My dad died because of it, Holly Plumb said. He would have never known thats what happened. And thats how quickly it can kill someone.

Related: Legionnaires disease on the rise in Michigan

After an 8-month investigation, MIOSHA determined Huron Inc. failed to provide a workplace thats free from a recognized hazard.

The manufacturer faced the maximum penalty of $7,000 for a serious violation of state law but got a 10% reduction because it hadnt been cited in the past five years. It got another $4,000 penalty from MIOSHA for not reporting Plumbs death to the state.

Huron Inc. was also ordered to take additional corrective steps including disinfecting with bleach, setting water tanks to 122 degrees and replacing pipes in affected areas.

Moving forward, Holly Plumb hopes Huron Inc. does the right thing to keep their employees safe, and their efforts are enough to eradicate the bacteria.

This is peoples lifeline. They go to work to take care of their families. They dont go to work expecting three days later, theyre going to be so sick theyre in the hospital, she said.

More than a year later, Guy Plumbs sudden death still stings.

His family held a small memorial last summer for the man who liked building things with his hands. He left behind so many maintenance tools, Huron Inc. had to load them up on a flatbed truck. And Holly Plumb, who used to talk to her dad every day, made his famous peach pie for Thanksgiving.

Still to this day, if Im having a bad day at work, hes who I want to talk to, she said.
Latvia. July 2024. The big black car, surrounded by a tangle of escort vehicles, is speeding along the narrow road between the Adazi military base and Riga airport. For 48 hours we have been hot on the heels of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (CFSP), Josep Borrell  the man entrusted in 2019 by the heads of state and government of the European Union with being the voice and fist of European diplomacy and security in the world  during a whirlwind trip to the Baltic republics. On this mini-tour he will also meet in Tallinn with Kaja Kallas, the former prime minister of Estonia (she left her position on July 23, 2024) and the person designated by the 27 to replace him from December. The Baltic states have a border with Russia more than 420 miles long, which they are rapidly reinforcing with hundreds of bunkers officially called anti-mobility defensive installations. It is the geographical limit of the European Union with Vladimir Putins empire.

In the Baltics, people have been living in a state of existential anxiety for more than 1,000 days since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. They fear becoming the next pawn to fall on Putins revisionist chessboard, being invaded, colonized, having puppet governments installed over them and losing the democracy they regained in the early 1990s when they broke away from the Soviet Union after 50 years of occupation and dictatorship. In 2004, they joined NATO and the EU. It was their life insurance. Their defense spending, as a percentage of their GDP, is one of the highest in Europe. The concern is detectable in every conversation in Tallinn or Riga. They feel the threat.

On Saturday July 20, High Representative Josep Borrell arrives in Riga (Latvia) to meet with its Foreign Minister Baiba Braze and visit a NATO base. He is surrounded by his staff and security team. James Rajotte

Traditionally Atlanticist, they now trust the EU more than ever. They know that the victory of the isolationist Donald Trump and the possible withdrawal of U.S. military aid for the defense of Ukraine (which during the Biden administration has amounted to more than $100 billion) could leave these European territories to their fate. The same would happen if NATO were to withdraw from the region (the United States pays for more than 70% of the Alliances expenses). And they are also aware that the U.S. president-elect can decree a humiliating peace for Ukraine in exchange for territories (20% of Ukraine) for Russia: This would embolden Putin for future expansionist adventures, to begin with, in Moldova, which is not a member of NATO or the EU, explains a veteran community diplomat, who continues: For Putin, the bet is to defeat Ukraine [something he is slowly achieving] and to create a division between the members of the European Union [the attitude of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been evident in this regard] as a previous step to rebuilding Russias leadership as the center of a supposed Eurasian civilization. Putin has lost half a million soldiers but he is moving forward.

Faced with the risk of an escalation in the Baltic, an Estonian politician in Tallinn is clinging to Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union, which states: If a Member State is the victim of armed aggression on its territory, the other Member States shall have towards it an obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power.

General Miguel Angel Ballesteros, former director of the Spanish Department of National Security, responds to this statement in Madrid: Yes, Article 42.7 is very good, but it has to be approved by each EU member country, where there is no great speed in decision-making. And then, what do we attack with? We left Kabul in August 2021, when the United States hastily decided to leave Afghanistan, without being able to mount an operation to protect and evacuate people who had worked with us and had been trapped with the Taliban. We have serious shortcomings. The EU is going in the right direction in terms of security, but we could not defend ourselves without the umbrella of the Americans and NATO (which European leaders continue to consider the head of our collective defense). I cant ever see a European army. To which Felix Arteaga, an analyst at the Elcano Royal Institute, adds: The important thing is not a European army, but a clear idea of where we are going.

According to various sources, the 27 European armed forces (which a Spanish general defines as bonsai armies) suffer from complex systems for command and control of operations; intelligence, especially after the United Kingdoms exit from the EU; radars and anti-aircraft defense (one of the keys at the moment, as seen in Israel in the face of the Iranian attacks); drones, in-flight refueling, ammunition and, worryingly, cyber defense. Their weapons depots had been exhausted since the economic crisis of 2008 and the subsequent vertiginous decline in investment in defense by the member states. In record time they have had to replenish these stocks and, in the same stroke, send hundreds of thousands of projectiles to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy so that Kyiv could resist Russia. Their commitment was to provide Ukraine with a million howitzers and rockets in a year. They have fallen halfway. The industry has not been able to do more.

Spanish soldiers stationed at the Adazi base in Latvia, within the NATO Reinforced Forward Presence. There are 550 professionals with Leopard tanks, sappers and logistics under Canadian command. James Rajotte

Following the invasion of Ukraine, the 27 have had to step up their defense spending. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), between 2023 and 2024 it has increased from 200 to 300 billion ($210 to $315 billion). And spending this year has been 50% higher than in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and the wolfs ears were exposed. Three days after the invasion of Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that he was going to create a special fund of 100 billion ($105 billion) (within his decisive moment strategic concept) for the defense of Germany, a country absent from global military affairs since World War II.

Twenty European countries already exceed the magic figure (set by the Obama administration in 2014) of 2% of their GDP for spending on military capabilities: Poland is above 4%, and the Baltic countries, 3%. Not so in Spain, which is around 1.3%, although, since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the [Pedro] Sanchez government has increased investment by 67%, explains Ricardo Marti Fluxa, president of Tedae, the lobby for the arms, security, and space companies sector in Spain, whose turnover in 2023 was 13.9 billion ($14.6 billion).

An Airbus cockpit simulator at the Simulator Development Centre of the defence and technology company Indra, in Madrid. James Rajotte

The European defense industry (a giant with sales, according to the European Parliament, of 120 billion ($126 billion), 465,000 employees, a limited number of large multinational companies, and more than 2,000 SMEs), which should be a pillar of European strategic autonomy, instead shows absolute fragmentation, small-scale entrepreneurship, and a lack of coordination to meet the growing demand of European partners. A weapons program can take 20 years to materialize. It is intended that 60% of purchases will be from European industry by 2035, and 40% from collaboration. Borrell explains: In the United States there is only one army. They have only one model of tank, and in Europe, we have 12. And as for fighters and frigates, each European country has its own and they are not interoperable. And so on... Today, the motto in the EU, under the dictates of Ursula von der Leyen, is to buy more, better, together, and European.

The reality is different. Around 80% of the weapons the European Union acquires are manufactured outside its borders; more than 70% are American. Only 18% of EU military capabilities programs are carried out jointly. Experts say that the technological race against China and the U.S. is being lost. And these dependencies make us vulnerable, explains Manuel de la Rocha, Director of Economic Affairs of the Presidency of the Government and Prime Minister Sanchezs right-hand man at international summits. He continues: With the pandemic we realized that we cannot depend on unreliable partners in critical aspects of our supply chain, such as energy, chips, lithium, copper, or even paracetamol, because it makes you more vulnerable. Your supply chain should not be the cheapest, but the safest. With this paradigm, Europe must take charge of its defense. Not depend on NATO. And that means developing dual-use industrial technology (military and civilian) that provides quality jobs. But we still lack size.

To achieve this industrial scale, the Spanish government has relied on the century-old technology and defense company Indra as a leading company and design authority to create around it a core group of defense firms that provide subsystems to the systems and make their own products, from design and engineering to manufacturing, certification, and maintenance. To compete and ensure that this technology remains in Spain. To own this system, export it, and improve it. And for its use to be dual, military and civil, explains Cesar Ramos, general manager of Tedae, the arms industry association. Looking at some of Indras systems at its factories on the outskirts of Madrid, such as the three-story-high Lanza radar, which can detect and track missiles and drones at a range of 500 kilometers (310 miles), or the Eurofighter flight simulator (capable of performing virtual maneuvers with partner countries in a combat cloud), one begins to understand the dual use of this technology born for war, but which also serves for peace, as was the case with the internet or GPS.

The Eurofighter simulator at Indra's Simulator Development Centre. From this simulator, pilots can perform virtual maneuvers with their partners in a "combat cloud." James Rajotte

But what is really lacking is political will, exclaims Borrell. Force without will is useless. Twenty-seven armies are not an army. And, furthermore, who would command it, to which political authority would it answer? Because the EU has no president. Defense policy is the responsibility of the member states; it is not community-based, but intergovernmental. And the countries must vote unanimously. The Commission has no say. Each state commands its Armed Forces and, jealously, its industry. And the members are not willing to give up that sovereignty [as they have done with the euro, trade, the ecological transition, or borders] because the armies are their last staging as nation states. No country gives in. And greater defense integration is needed. Operational and industrial. My job has been to coordinate and seek that shared position among the 27, and to advance in the construction of a common policy. And this has materialized in helping and defending Ukraine from day one. And, on the contrary, the heads of government have not agreed to demand a ceasefire in the Middle East or to sanction Israel for its actions in Gaza. Nor has there been unity in the Sahel, which we have left because each country has gone its own way. These have been failures. Threats loom over Europe. Conventional high-intensity warfare is here to stay. The EU must take care of its defense. Two years before the invasion of Ukraine, I already said that Europe must learn the language of power.

Borrell, 77, an aeronautical engineer, economist, and professor, is a pure and romantic European and a thoroughbred politician. He is not an easy guy. He is an executive, fast, sharp, questions the data, has criteria, never keeps quiet and has, according to the Spanish ambassador Francisco Jose Fontan (who has been his shadow and chief of staff), a moral compass like a house. He is an audible, brave and critical voice, sometimes amid terrifying silences, such as the humanitarian conflict in Palestine. He has stirred consciences and has not hidden, he adds.

He has been a politician among bureaucrats, says the Italian diplomat Raffaella Iodice, head of the EU Crisis Response Centre. He decided that we should return to Afghanistan in 2021; I was his representative in that country until the summer of 2024. Borrell was very brave, he believed that the EU had to be there to protect [the population] and pressure the Taliban regime for womens rights. Not abandon them.

On this last trip to the Baltics in July, the High Representative meets with heads of government, defense and foreign ministers, and military commanders; he visits NATO bases in Estonia and Latvia, with nearly 3,000 soldiers, makes forceful speeches and gives interviews. His pace is frenetic. Typical of a mountaineer from La Pobla de Segur (Catalonia). We carry out the last leg of his agenda together in his car to Riga airport, thanks to the services of his special adviser, Montserrat Garcia Martinez. In the armored bubble of the limousine, Borrell allows himself a few moments of calm and whispers in a doctoral tone: The EU is not a military union like NATO. It was born to avoid wars in Europe. Its weapon was trade. In the European Union, defense, as a public good, is the responsibility of the states, and they have not transferred it. However, in the same Treaties, these members have expressed their desire to build a common security [policy] that (with the verb in the conditional) could become a defensive union. But this would have to be approved unanimously by the European Council. The EU will go as far as the member states want it to go in terms of defense. In the meantime, steps are being taken, which have been made quicker by the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. This is what I have been working on in these last five years.

 For example?

 When I arrived in 2019, defense policy was embryonic, second-rate. Nobody read our reports and the military was poorly integrated. And today it works. We have a powerful diplomatic service, a guide to risks and threats [the Strategic Compass] and a structure for countries that want to go faster and further in their joint operations and their military and industrial integration [the Pesco]. We have an organisation [CARD] that reviews the defense situation of each country: what we have in excess and what we lack. And a European Defence Fund for the development of technologies, joint procurement, and production of ammunition. And we have worked on a Rapid Deployment Capability that will be made up of 5,000 troops and will allow us to react effectively to crises and protect citizens and the interests of the European Union in the world: it would have been ideal in 2021 to evacuate Afghanistan. And most importantly, we have created a fund of 18 billion ($19 billion), of which 11 billion ($11.6 billion) is for the defense of Ukraine, plus bilateral aid from member states, which amounts to another 38 billion ($40 billion). This is not counting the training and equipping we have carried out with 64,000 Ukrainian soldiers. This was unthinkable three years ago. We do not want war, we want peace. But we want a just peace, in which Russia pays for the destruction and acknowledges its moral guilt. We want a peace that protects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, not the peace of cemeteries.

 What has been your biggest achievement as a high representative?

 Having achieved that the 27 provide arms to Ukraine in a coordinated way. And that has been to unite. And to take the lead. Putin has achieved the opposite of what he wanted, which was to divide us. And achieving this has not been easy: the Union had never bought arms [the Treaties say that its budget cannot be used to finance expenses derived from operations that have military implications], but we have been doing so for three years in a coordinated way with the contributions of each partner, although Orban has not let us spend 6.5 billion ($6.8 billion) from the fund and is weakening the common position of the EU. When we do not act together, Europeans are weaker.

Josep Borrell in his office at the European Commission in Brussels, where he was Executive Vice-President. He will be succeeded in that role and as High Representative by Kaja Kallas. James Rajotte

This last idea is emphasized by the new high representative, Kaja Kallas: We can defeat all threats that come our way if we Europeans stick together: from cyber attacks to information manipulation and external hostility against our democratic processes. We have succeeded in moving away from Russian fossil fuels together to build our own energy security. That is the way forward.

Tallinn. Kallas welcomes Borrell in the sober Stenbock Palace, the seat of the Estonian government. They meet for a couple of hours alone. On leaving, the gesture of both is serious. Kallas does not move a muscle. A 47-year-old lawyer and politician with a liberal ideology and experience in the European Parliament, she is a hawk in her unmitigated condemnation and her demand for criminal, economic, and political responsibility from Russia for the invasion of Ukraine. Putin ordered her arrest in 2022 for hostile action toward historic memory and our country. She responds: The Russian imperialist dream has never died. And she underlines: The victory of Ukraine is a priority for all of us. The situation on the battlefield is very difficult and that is why we must continue working every day  today, tomorrow and as long as necessary  and with as much military, financial, and humanitarian aid as necessary. And this must be supported by a clear path for Ukraine to join the European Union.

Estonias prime minister since 2021, Kallas was the obvious candidate to replace Borrell as high representative. This was rumored last spring in Brussels, a city overloaded with advisers, lobbyists, and spies. For a senior European diplomat: She was the only candidate, without a rival. She has an image, charisma, she communicates well and she has been prime minister, so she knows the 27 as equals, and she has had access to all the information of the European Council. And she gets along well with Von der Leyen [who has an ideology interchangeable with hers], with whom she will have to deal, because Ursula is getting very involved in defense through her skills in industry. Kallas is anti-Putin and is brave. And she has the enemy at the gates. Her election is a direct message from the EU to Russia.

But, although she focuses on Ukraine, she cannot forget what is happening in the Middle East, Africa, Iran, Afghanistan, Venezuela, or Taiwan. These are also our interests, adds Ambassador Iodice. When she was appointed high representative, I sent her a globe turned upside down, so that she could see the world with a broader perspective. Kallas roadmap is to be tough on Russia, to create an ethereal two-state solution in the Middle East, and to keep an eye on Iran, North Korea and partly China. And to develop European industry. We cannot accept that Russia, Iran, and North Korea produce more equipment and ammunition than the entire Euro-Atlantic community. We need to invest more in defense and take on more responsibilities. We have the means to outdo them, she stresses. And she concludes: Without Chinas support for Russia, Russia would not be able to continue its war with the same force. China also has to pay a higher price for that support.

The Tapa base, Estonias largest military installation, is two hours from Tallinn. One of NATOs multinational battlegroups is based here, with others in Eastern Europe, as well as in Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia (the latter under Spanish command). They are not large units, numbering between 1,000 and 2,000 NATO soldiers, but, as a diplomat who is an expert in security explains: They are the bait. Their mission is to hold off the first wave. If one day Putin decides to attack and touches even one of these soldiers, we will give him everything.

The Tapa base is working non-stop. Just like the Adazi base in Latvia. It is growing by the day. There is space and facilities for 5,000 people. On its four square miles there are weapons depots, helipads, rocket launchers, tanks, sapper vehicles, and a complete logistics system with thousands of tires and spare parts. In an isolated room, a meeting of Estonian intelligence is taking place. The young colonel in charge of operations for the Estonian army explains to Borrell, in front of a large map, the concept of fait accompli that Russia has followed for the last two decades in its military operations in Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea, Syria, and Ukraine. We always thought that he was not going to attack and he attacked. We have suffered in Europe from this human tendency to deny the evidence of facts that we do not like. But Putin attacked. And he will do it again. We cannot stand still. Russia relies on surprise and rapid deployment. He has the initiative. If they hit us, they will do so with twice the force they hit Ukraine. The Baltics are their best scenario for the collapse of the entire Western system; Russia has more experience and the West can be surprised again. Our solution is to win the first battle on the border. Keep them at bay. Be defensive and also offensive. From now on, every moment is crucial. A politician whispers to me: It is not psychological fear, it is reality. Borrell reflects at the end of the meeting: It is our job to be the deterrent to a Putin invasion in Eastern Europe. If he attacks them, let them know that they are not alone.

Brussels. October 2024. Borrell is packing up his office as high representative on the sixth floor of the European External Action Service building, at 9A Rond Point Schuman. Boxes are coming out. It is a huge glass space, almost like a New York loft, from which you can see the European Commission building and, to its left, the Council building. The two EU institutions, one community-based, the other intergovernmental, between which he has had to mediate in diplomacy and security over these five years. On one side, the powerful Von der Leyen; on the other, the 27. Between the two, a minefield. This is the landscape that Kaja Kallas is going to inherit.

The head of the EU Crisis Response Centre, Raffaella Iodice. Until the summer, this veteran diplomat was the EU's representative in Afghanistan. The center she heads connects the Union's 144 embassies with Brussels. James Rajotte

Borrell goes back to the first days of 2022. On January 4, a full month before the invasion, I went to Ukraine for two days. I wanted to see what was happening. Russian troops were already stationed on the border and insurgency operations were underway to weaken Ukraine. We visited the Donbas front, which was badly damaged by the war. On the way back to Kyiv, Prime Minister [Denis] Shmyhal said to me, looking me in the eye: Putin is going to attack us. Even if you dont think so, we know he is going to attack. Are you going to help us? Are you going to give us the weapons we need to defend ourselves? Even if you dont come to fight, give us the weapons! I will never forget it. He was talking about his survival. Looking him in the eye, I answered yes but I couldnt give him a definitive answer either. I didnt know if the EU was going to do it. I had never before provided military aid to a country at war.

Back in Brussels on January 6, Borrell called the political director of his foreign service, the veteran Spanish diplomat Enrique Mora, a specialist in Iran and nuclear negotiations, with a complex agenda of contacts around the world, who recalls: The high representative told me in a few words: The Russians have something on their minds. Go to Moscow and keep me informed. I flew the next day and spoke to three good sources, important people in the administration. And they confided to me that Putin did not have a plan B and that he was going to invade. I went back and showed Borrell the scenario. On February 24, Putin entered Ukraine.

In the first days of the war, Ukraine was able to hold out thanks to the old Soviet-era weapons depots still in stock with its Eastern European partners, which were familiar to the Ukrainians and interoperable with their systems, and which they transferred in a very short time, says Borrell. They were vital to hold out when the Russian tanks arrived at the gates of Kyiv. I had been thinking for some time about how to supply weapons to Ukraine. And it occurred to me that we had the European Peace Facility, which was used to finance our missions abroad and had the possibility of reinforcing the non-EU armies we were assisting. It had been used to equip African armed forces with uniforms, helmets, boots. At this moment, it was the perfect instrument to help them. I forged the agreement. On February 28, the EU authorized an initial disbursement of 500 million [$525 million] to support Ukraine (when some optimists considered it would be a success if we achieved 50 million). Today, there are more than 11 billion. But if we stop these shipments and the United States withdraws, the Ukrainians wont have ammunition to hold out for two weeks. President Joe Bidens latest lame duck support for Ukraine has been to lift the ban on the use of American long-range missiles against Russia. A decision in overtime that Donald Trump could in turn cancel when he becomes commander-in-chief, starting on January 20, 2025.

The EU is not a military power, but it is an economic and cooperation power that bases its action, according to the Treaties, on the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. Few strategic actors treasure such high ideals. Europe does not have a federal army, but it is an expert in crisis management, emergency response, interposition, cooperation, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction. The EUs Team Europe is the worlds leading donor of development aid. Since October 2023, this instrument has sent 1 billion to Palestine. And the European Union has kept Ukraine financially afloat with credit lines and subsidies worth 57.8 billion ($60.7 billion). The sociologist and socialist politician Pau Mari, who chaired the Spanish Congresss Foreign Affairs Committee between 2020 and 2023, explains: We have not sent them precision weapons like the Americans, but we have spent a lot to keep Ukraine afloat. We have paid the salaries of its administration and its soldiers; we have financed the ordinary functioning of the state; we have sent generators so that the country did not come to a standstill after Putin bombed its power stations. In Kyiv, everything works, there is war, but it is not a failed state. It has not collapsed. And the EU has a lot to do with it.

The head of the EU Intelligence Centre (INTCEN), Croatian commander Daniel Markic, photographed in Brussels. He has at his command around 100 analysts from the secret services of the 27 member states. James Rajotte

Just five years ago, in 2019, European defense was pure wishful thinking and now, as we come to the end of 2024, it is no longer a matter of smoke and mirrors and meaningless debates, explains diplomat Maria Lledo, former Secretary General for the EU at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There has been progress. There are clear threats. The do-goodism is over. Even the frugal countries are betting on giving money to the military industry. But it will stop there, in terms of industry, I do not envisage a real transfer of sovereignty by the 27 in terms of defense.

Little by little, however, over the past 25 years the European Union has been developing a complex toolbox in foreign policy and security that was started by the first high representative, Javier Solana, in 1999. An omelette that has taken shape during Borrells turbulent five-year term. In five years, it has given muscle to European security and defense instruments. Next to his office is a discreet, armored door with a code, which leads into the bowels of the European External Action Service. There is the Crisis Response Centre, covered with screens with Russian and Arabic news, and maps that evolve in real time and indicate and classify threats. It is the secure communications instrument that connects Brussels with the 144 EU embassies, and provides security for its officials and European citizens in conflict-affected territories, from Sudan and Yemen to Lebanon, Ukraine and Niger.

It also receives daily images captured from space and their subsequent analysis from the EU Satellite Centre, at the Madrid base of Torrejon, directed by the French Rear Admiral Louis Tillier. The Response Centre has 77 analysts, diplomats, military personnel, and police. A Spanish colonel stationed there explains: Here we work 24 hours a day. We receive information from every possible means from each country: our team processes it, checks whether it is disinformation or fake news, and makes classified reports. And it also provides a global, comprehensive and timely early warning, alerting all the actors involved.

In Brussels, at 88 Arlon Street, in a gray and nondescript building, there are two other instruments of EU foreign and security policy: the Intelligence Centre and the Military Staff. The first is headed by Croatian commander Daniel Markic, who was in charge of his countrys secret services. The INTCEN has around 100 analysts from the intelligence services of the 27 member states. Its agents do not acquire information through clandestine actions, but they feed on the information provided to them by their partners (when they provide it). The second is commanded by Dutch Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan, who has 200 officers on his staff and 115 for military planning. His staff could be the embryo of the future headquarters of the European army.

As Solana, 82, explains: It wont be easy, but one day there could be a European army, as happened with the euro. It is essential that a coalition of countries be formed among the 27 member states that want to go further in defense together, as happened with the European currency. And that no EU country vetoes it, as no partner did with the euro, they simply did not give up that sovereignty. And today it is the currency of 350 million people. There can be two speeds.

Dutch Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan, head of the EU Military Staff, which could be the embryo of a future European army. James Rajotte

The end of this story has a moral tone. The EUs secret weapon in favor of Ukraine is not a missile, but the 260 billion in Russian assets (in securities and cash) frozen in the EU, the G7 countries, and Australia since the beginning of the invasion, of which 70% is held in the Union. As one diplomat explains: Putin thought that the invasion was a matter of two days and did not withdraw them from our banks. The EU has already given Ukraine 1.5 billion [$1.58 billion] in interest generated by that capital. And it has not been ruled out that those 260 billion[$273 billion] will one day be used to rebuild Ukraine, especially if the U.S. withdraws. It is legally complex, but possible.

This weapon responds to a phrase from Borrell that has made history  and that Macron has copied from me, he adds: Europe cannot be the only herbivore in a world of carnivores.
International bank sanctions have pushed Russian businesses to reinvent themselves. Bartering, a practice dating back to the Neolithic era and employed during past economic crises, has emerged as an alternative for the countrys firms as they try to circumvent sanctions imposed by the West over the invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin, which has failed in its attempt to replace imports with its made in Russia project, has even produced a guide for these rudimentary transactions.

One of the countrys largest agricultural companies, Astarta Agrotrading, signed two important agreements with Pakistan in October. We will exchange chickpeas for rice with one company and chickpeas for mandarins with another, the owner of the holding, Stanislav Neveinitsyn, told Russian news agency Interfax.

The announcement marks the first major test of this kind of transaction. The fact that the exchange will be carried out by weight and future customs taxes are among the issues that have yet to be resolved. The chickpea-for-rice trade was set at 10,000 tons, but there are some kinks to work out in the second agreement before trades begin in December. I still cannot say anything about the volume of mandarins because we are going to test them, in the literal sense of the word, Neveinitsyn said.

In August, several Russian and Chinese companies discussed the possibility of bartering, according to Reuters, although no major exchange has been formalized so far.

Russian business sources have confirmed to EL PAIS that delays and blockages in payments via Chinese banks continue. Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed these problems with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Putins trip to China in May, but Chinese entities continue to adhere to U.S. sanctions. According to these same sources, the only option open to Russian businesses is jumping from one regional Chinese bank to another when international transactions are declined.

Astarta Agrotradings agreements have revitalized a Kremlin initiative that seemed to have been fading out: the Navigator for Barter in Foreign Trade. The Ministry of Economic Development launched the guide in the spring to guide companies through regulation compliance while bartering. In addition, it includes various contract formats and a protocol for determining the value of goods and services exchanged.

This will improve the competitiveness of Russian companies on the international stage, said Veronika Nikishina, general director of the Russian Export Center. Soon after the publication of the guide, the head of the Ministry, Andrey Belousov, was chosen by Putin as the new Minister of Defense.

Bartering is especially useful in times of volatility and monetary restrictions [] it bolsters mutual trust [] and its offerings are more attractive. Businesses can reduce the cost of acquiring necessary goods and services and it allows them to offer more competitive prices, the Russian governments pamphlet states.

But bartering also raises certain concerns. For one, it could make it easier to evade customs taxes by establishing product value with subjective criterion. Secondly, Russian firms remain dependent on foreign currency inflows to be able to import machinery and raw materials. We need money for our exports, not mandarins, Arkady Zlochevsky, president of the Russian Grain Union, told The Moscow Times.

In addition to its recommendations that businesses agree beforehand on how products will be packed and that they study what custom rate they will pay so as not to run into any surprises later on, the guide includes a brief section that describes the calculation of coefficients for estimating product value.

Bartering is particularly focused on food, a sector in which Russia has managed to rely on its own production more or less successfully since 2014, when Moscow imposed restrictions on imports of European agricultural products in response to sanctions over its illegal annexation of Crimea.

Since Russia initiated its war against Ukraine, the Kremlin has improvised a series of measures to evade international sanctions. In addition to bartering, it has legalized some previously contraband products, which Moscow euphemistically refers to as parallel imports. That initiative, which was approved in 2022, legalized the purchase of foreign products without the consent of their manufacturers.

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In the first 10 months of this year, the volume of cargo transported via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, increased by 68%, while container shipments rose by 2.7 times, Azernews reports, citing Kazakhstan's Transport Minister Marat Kabayev, as he said at a meeting dedicated to the development of the Mangistau region.

Some 2.3 million tons of cargo were transported by rail and 6.3 million tons by sea, which is 3% more compared to 2023.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the necessity of developing an aviation hub in the Mangistau region.

The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and KazMunayGas, has been tasked with addressing the direct supply of aviation fuel to the region and increasing subsidized domestic flights to new destinations by attracting foreign airlines.

Olzhas Bektenov also highlighted the importance of intensifying efforts to attract potential investors for the expansion of the Aktau Sea Port free economic zone.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, connects China and European countries through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye.
Moctezuma  the last Aztec emperor, before the Spanish invasion  is the name chosen by researchers to baptize a male orca. In the Gulf of California, along the northwestern coast of Mexico, he leads a pod of fellow orcas in sophisticated hunts against whale sharks.

Hes at least 30-feet-long and we estimate that hes around 50-years-old, because he was already photo-identified in 1988, on Angel de la Guarda Island. Hes healthy and strong, says Erick Higuera. Hes a marine biologist who has specialized in observing and photographing marine life for almost 30 years.

When Moctezuma hunts, he moves stealthily through the sea. He likes to attack the pelvic area of his prey, so as to take advantage of the liver, which is large enough to provide a whole meal for all members of the clan. Higuera is the co-author of a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science. The work describes, in detail, the hunting behavior of the Moctezuma-led gang of killer whales against the largest fish in the sea.

The scientists  led by Francesca Pancaldi, a researcher at the Interdisciplinary Center for Marine Sciences in La Paz, in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur  collected images captured between 2018 and 2024 south of the gulf, thanks to material provided by tourists and fishermen in the area. The desert land area contrasts with the biodiversity that exists underwater: almost 40 types of cetaceans (marine mammals) and 100 species of sharks that move between mangroves, rocky reefs and seamounts. These attacks had already been reported in several areas of the Mexican Pacific. Lets say that this is the first time its been described in detail, Pancaldi explains.

Each orca has unique characteristics, like fingerprints in humans. The orcas in this particular pod were identified by analyzing photographs of their dorsal fins, natural markings  the patterns of white spots on their backs  or eye patches, which vary between each specimen, as well as distinctive aspects, such as scars and wounds.

Of the four hunting events recorded, scientists realized that Moctezuma participated in all of them. I realized that they were the same orcas all the time, there was a strategy and a directed objective, Higuera notes.

In the hunt, all members of the pod  led by a matriarch  participate by striking the prey, until it flips upside down. According to Pancaldi, whale sharks have small teeth and are relatively slow. The only way these animals have to defend themselves is to hit their attackers with their tails and dive, since they can reach depths of 6,500 feet. For this reason, orcas try to keep them at the ocean surface.

Jessica Rodriguez  head of education and communications at the whale watching agency Daveys Locker, in Newport Beach, in the United States  indicates that, in general, the orcas hunt together like wolves on land, coordinating specific tactics. If youre observing orcas in Mexico  which feed on mammals such as whales, dolphins and sea lions  theyre going to have different feeding strategies. The oldest female transmits this generational knowledge, says Rodriguez, who wasnt part of the new study.

The whale shark is brought to the surface and an orca bites near its pelvic area. Kelsey Williamson

Ricardo Aguilar  the European research director for the NGO Oceana, who didnt participate in the newly-published research  agrees with this. He explains that almost all groups of orcas are different and have fairly rapid learning processes. This means that the entire group ends up learning this new behavior and integrating it, the expert says.

Oceanic dolphins  the group of marine mammals to which orcas belong  have one of the largest brains in relation to their body size, which allows them to develop extraordinary skills. Theyre sociable animals and have a good memory, factors that possibly guarantee the success of capturing prey in the aquarium of the world. This is how oceanographer Jacques Cousteau defined the expanse of the Pacific Ocean occupied by the Gulf of California.

Although this gulf is one of the most diverse habitats on the planet, marine animals are vulnerable here, because theyre exposed to collisions with vessels. This problem has only gotten worse, due to high-speed maritime traffic. The boats, Francesca Pancaldi explains, sometimes go very fast in certain areas.

Naming the orcas was a strategy that researchers devised to generate empathy from the community, fishermen and even tourists. People liked the Aztec names. The collaboration has been very successful, Erick Higuera affirms. Fabiola Guerrero de la Rosa  a marine biologist at the University of Baja California Sur  points out that the more information people get, the more careful theyll be. Its not the only place where orcas have been named. In British Columbia [Canada], we know the life and work of each one of them, from the mother to the grandmother. Giving them names helps identify them and give them a backstory, she says.

Theres another male orca, with several battles reflected on its skin. Scientists have named him Cuitlahuac, after Moctezumas brother, who was the penultimate huey tlatoani (the great orator, or ruler, in the Nahuatl language) of the Aztec dynasty. After seeing them in the sea for so long, your eye gets used to them. Its like when a bird visits your backyard constantly, you become familiar with it, Higuera reflects.

Translated by Avik Jain Chatlani.
Flaming oil throws a billow of smoke during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (Hawaii), on December 7, 1941.

Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States was a neutral country in World War II. As the global powers clashed, president Roosevelt was in negotiations with Japan over the future of the Pacific. The Japanese primarily wanted the United States to end its sanctions against Japan and cease its aid to China in the Second Sino-Japanese War. Anticipating a negative response, Japan sent its naval strike groups near Oahu in northern Hawaii, a U.S. territory, for a surprise offensive.

The attack was carried out before Japan made a formal declaration of war. Although the military intended to declare war 30 minutes before the attack, the message did not reach Washington until hours later.

Today, Americans celebrate National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (or Pearl Harbor Day) on December 7, to remember and honor the Americans who died in the surprise attack that lasted about four hours. This is how the events of that infamous day unfolded.

Timeline of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941

3:42 a.m. The USS Condor, a U.S. minesweeper, spots the periscope of a submarine near the entrance to Pearl Harbor.

A two person submarine similar to the ones used by the Japanese in Pearl Harbor. Hulton Archive (Getty Images)

6:10 a.m. The first wave of Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft  with about 200 planes  takes off from aircraft carriers about 275 miles north of Oahu.

6:45 a.m. The United States fires its first shots of World War II when the USS Ward fires on a Japanese submarine.

6:53 a.m. The captain of the USS Ward radios the Fourteenth Naval District. We have attacked, fired and dropped depth charges on a submarine operating in the defensive sea area. The district commander takes no action, believing this to be an isolated incident.

7:02 a.m. A U.S. Army radar operator spots a large formation of aircraft heading toward Oahu.

7:20 a.m. A lieutenant dismisses the radar report, believing it was a flight of U.S. aircraft. Some B-17 bombers were due to arrive that day.

7:40 a.m. At this time, the first wave of Japanese aircraft arrives at Oahu.

7:48 a.m. The Japanese wave commander gives the order to proceed with the attack on Pearl Harbor. Fighter planes begin dropping bombs on the harbor.

7:55 a.m. The attack on Pearl Harbor begins.

8:10 a.m. The battleship USS Arizona explodes following an attack. 1,117 officers and sailors are killed, nearly half the casualties of the attack.

The 'USS Arizona' belches smokes as it topples over into the sea during the attack. AP

8:17 a.m. The USS Helm sinks a Japanese submarine at the entrance to Pearl Harbor.

8:54 a.m. The second wave of Japanese aircraft about 170 planes begins its attack.

9:30 a.m. The USS Shaw explodes after an attack.

10:00 a.m. The Japanese return to their aircraft carriers.

A total of 353 Japanese planes took part in the attack. Twenty-nine of those planes did not return. A total of 2,404 American servicemen and civilians died after the attack, while only 64 Japanese officers and sailors died and one was taken prisoner.

The shattered wreckage of American planes bombed in the attack. AP

Among the U.S. ships classified as total losses were the battleships Arizona and Oklahoma, as well as the battleship Utah. Despite suffering damage and sinking, the West Virginia was repaired and returned to active service. She was the only ship attacked at Pearl Harbor that was present during Japans formal surrender on September 2, 1945.

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Texas has experienced a miracle in the last decade: the economy of the southern U.S. state grew 63% over that period. Fossil fuels have been driving much of the growth, since Texas produces 42% of Americas crude oil and 27% of its natural gas. But water is crucial to this industry, as much of the production comes from fracking. However, in the midst of a mega-drought that has lasted several decades, driven largely by global warming, water has become a source of major concern.

While money continues to pour in, the blows dealt by the drought are not immediately obvious. But in the Rio Grande Valley, the border area with Mexico in the southeastern part of the state, the last sugar mill closed in February due to a lack of water. Citrus crops  Texas is the third largest citrus-producing state  are in jeopardy. And Texas reservoirs are at near historic lows. This summer, the Falcon and Amistad International Reservoirs on the Rio Grande, which provide water to millions of people, were at 13% and 25% capacity, respectively.

Although periods of heavy rainfall may refill the reservoirs, the heat quickly dries them out again. Climate change is expected to further increase temperatures and alter rainfall patterns throughout the Southeast, exacerbating the drought and its effects. Comparable droughts, such as one during the 1950s, were caused primarily by a lack of rain. With climate change, however, the key factor is high temperatures, not an actual lack of rain, and this exacerbates the risks of such prolonged droughts. The effects of a severe drought can have enormous consequences on agricultural ecosystems and water supplies, including reduced productivity and depletion of groundwater reserves and reservoirs that supply freshwater to cities and towns.

This is why the update to the U.S.-Mexico bilateral agreement on water sharing in this area is so important. First signed in 1944, this treaty obliged Mexico to deliver a certain amount of water to Texas from six Rio Grande tributaries every five years. Announced mid-November, the new version allows it to also use water from alternative sources or from shared reservoirs. In the current cycle, which ends in October 2025, Mexico has so far delivered on less than one-third of this agreement, exacerbating water shortages for Texas farmers. The amendment aims to alleviate farmers concerns and support water availability for the upcoming planting season.

The agreement also addresses a recent offer by Mexico to supply water from another source, which had raised concerns among Texas farmers wary of possible countervailing measures that could affect their own water supplies. Mexico had offered the water in October, but the irrigation district authorities that supply water to farmers and ranchers were hesitant to accept the offer. They worried that receiving water now would reduce their critical supply, needed for the next agricultural season. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the state agency that decides how to allocate the water, has not yet given the green light for it to be used.

But Texas has no choice but to accept the amendment, negotiated by the federal government, which states that the U.S. will recognize water provided by Mexico from the San Juan River despite the fact it is not one of the six tributaries included in the original agreement. This is a position that Texas Governor Greg Abbott sharply criticized when he ordered the state to accept the water: Texas stands firm in its position that Mexicos commitment can only be satisfied by water from one of the six tributaries named in the 1944 treaty, he declared.

The Rio Grande Valley situation is mirrored in different parts of the state and has the potential for profound economic repercussions in the short, medium and long term. A recent report by Rice Universitys Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies, commissioned by the non-governmental public policy organization Texas 2036, has flagged up Texas vulnerability.

Low water levels in Elephant Butte Reservoir near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Susan Montoya Bryan (AP)

According to the studys estimates, if a precipitation drought similar to that of the 1950s were to occur now, Texas would suffer annual losses of $160 billion in GDP by 2030, with more than 800,000 lost jobs, and an exodus of hundreds of thousands of people. According to the report, the drought would also affect the states ability to generate power, with a daily cost in economic damages of millions  perhaps billions  of dollars from very possible rolling blackouts.

The report warns that Texas water problems could also be exacerbated by infrastructure issues. Without significant infrastructure investments, the study says, deteriorating water and wastewater systems will contribute to losses of nearly $320 billion in GDP, an amount equal to the size of the states current two-year budget. It further estimates that, over the next 50 years, the state will have to invest $59 billion in new water supplies, $74 billion in repairing deteriorated water systems and $21 billion in repairing broken wastewater systems.

Weeks away from the beginning of a new presidency in Washington, the economic miracle of Texas has clearly inspired the economic-energy model advocated by President-elect Donald Trump  his famous drill, baby, drill slogan, which refers to boosting fossil fuel production. But the situation regarding the future of Texas water supply may serve as a warning.

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KYODO NEWS - Dec 7, 2024 - 23:19 | World, All

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol survived an impeachment motion Saturday over his short-lived declaration of martial law, after the motion was scrapped due to a lack of the required number of voters in parliament.

Yoon will continue his duties. But given strong public opposition to the declaration, which reminded many South Korean citizens of the time when dictators led the nation, the ruling People Power Party is likely to force him to step down by shortening his remaining two-and-a-half year term.

Most of the PPP members walked out of the parliament chamber and boycotted the vote on the motion, despite the speaker of the National Assembly calling on them to return.

Yoon earlier in the day apologized during a televised address for causing public anxiety for the declaration of the state of emergency that involved orders banning political activities and the mobilization of the military. But he did not offer to resign.

"I sincerely apologize to the citizens who were likely greatly alarmed," Yoon said in his first public appearance since he rescinded the martial law order about six hours after he issued it late Tuesday.

While insisting that the declaration of martial law was "made out of a sense of urgency," the president said, "I will not evade the legal and political responsibilities arising from this declaration."

He also pledged such an event will not happen again and that ways to ensure political stability, including his own term, would be entrusted to the ruling party.

After the motion to impeach Yoon was scrapped, Lee Jae Myung, the head of the main opposition party, the Democratic Party, said, "The People Power Party is not a democratic party. It is a party of insurrection, a party of military coups."

The DP "will never give up" and will "ensure that Yoon Suk Yeol, who has become Korea's greatest liability, is impeached," he added.

Reacting to Yoon's Saturday morning remarks, PPP chief Han Dong Hoon said the president's early resignation is "inevitable."

About 150,000 people gathered in front of the assembly to call for Yoon's impeachment, according to Yonhap News Agency, which cited a police estimate.

The impeachment motion was submitted Wednesday by the DP, which holds a majority in the assembly, and five other parties.

Impeachment requires support from two-thirds of the 300 members of the unicameral legislature, which means at least eight votes from the ruling party are needed.

South Korea's Constitution allows the president to declare martial law in the event of war or a serious emergency, but the opposition parties, the public, and even members of Yoon's own party criticized his sudden action as unconstitutional and undemocratic.

Yoon's government has been in limbo as it has been unable to pass its budget plan in parliament. Yoon has also faced condemnation over a corruption scandal involving him and his wife.

After Yoon declared martial law, military personnel forcefully entered parliament, clashing with lawmakers who were also trying to enter. The military personnel were dismissed after 190 members of the 300-seat parliament attended an emergency plenary session and all approved a resolution demanding Yoon lift martial law.

Related coverage:

South Korea ruling party head says Yoon must be stripped of powers

South Korea ruling party vows to block impeachment motion against Yoon

Yoon's efforts to boost South Korea-Japan ties should continue: Ishiba
KYODO NEWS - Dec 7, 2024 - 23:37 | All, World, Japan

Japanese government officials expressed concerns Saturday that the ongoing political turmoil in South Korea may derail improving relations between the two countries.

The administration of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol could be a "lame duck," a Japanese Foreign Ministry source said, even though Yoon survived an impeachment motion over his short-lived declaration of martial law that triggered condemnation from lawmakers and the public.

The motion was scrapped due to a lack of the required number of voters in parliament.

"We may go back to the days where bilateral relations worsened," the source said.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is planning to visit South Korea in January, but at present that trip is doubt, Japanese sources said.

Yoon, who took office in 2022, has led efforts to improve relations with Japan including agreeing on a solution regarding compensation demands from South Koreans over wartime labor during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.

The Japanese government is concerned that growing criticism of Yoon within South Korea may trigger a strong backlash against policies the president has taken.

Another government source expressed hope that "Japan-South Korea relations will not become part of the contentions between the ruling and opposition parties" in South Korea.

A separate government source was wary over the impact of the situation in South Korea on the three-way coordination between Japan, South Korea and the United States in confronting North Korea's nuclear and missiles development.

With South Korea experiencing political upheavals, "there is a possibility that previous agreements (between the three countries) may be overturned. For now we just need to watch cautiously," the source said.

Related coverage:

South Korea president escapes impeachment over martial law turmoil
KYODO NEWS - Dec 7, 2024 - 08:13 | All, Japan

East Japan Railway Co. said Friday it has applied to the transport ministry to raise its train fares by an average 7.1 percent beginning March 2026, its first blanket fare hike since the company's establishment in 1987.

The railway company, created following the breakup and privatization of the Japanese National Railways, seeks to hike fares for standard tickets and commuter passes, estimating the plan will boost its annual revenue by 88.1 billion yen ($585 million).

The starting fare will increase by 10 yen from the current 150 yen for distances between 1 to 3 kilometers on lines such as the busy Yamanote loop line in Tokyo.

"The business environment continues to be harsh as there has been a decline in the use of railways since COVID-19," Chiharu Watari, executive vice president of the company, said at a press conference.

If approved, it will be the first time JR East has raised prices in its entire service area, which includes Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures, barring the introduction of consumption tax and tax increases.

JR East is following in the footsteps of other railway companies running unprofitable lines in raising fares, as Japan's population is expected to continue to decline.

Hokkaido Railway Co. and Kyushu Railway Co. will raise ticket prices from April next year.

JR East plans to raise the price of standard tickets by an average 7.8 percent, commuter passes by 12.0 percent and school commuter passes by 4.9 percent.

Related coverage:

Hitachi launches AI-powered railway maintenance service with Nvidia

JR East to run self-driving bullet trains on some sections in FY 2028
KYODO NEWS - Dec 7, 2024 - 11:36 | World, All

Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson has condemned North Korea for supplying weapons and troops to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine, saying growing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow could also affect security in the Indo-Pacific.

A possible transfer of advanced military technology from Russia to North Korea in return for aid in Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine would pose a direct threat to Japan, South Korea, the United States and other nations in the region, Jonson said during a recent visit to Tokyo.

"Thousands of combat troops deployed by the DPRK to Russia are a dangerous expansion of the ongoing support to Russia, and it also risks degrading security on the Korean Peninsula," he told a NATO-Japan symposium at the University of Tokyo on Tuesday, using the acronym the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's official name.

Military experts say North Korea wants submarine and improved missile technologies. Pyongyang could deploy as many as 100,000 troops to assist Moscow in the nearly three-year-old war, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"There is a risk, of course, that Russia will share technology with North Korea and it is enhancing military capabilities," Jonson said. "This is quite obvious that the two regions are very closely interlinked."

The 32-member NATO is also concerned about China's deepening relations with Russia, he said, calling Beijing a "decisive enabler" of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson "condemned third parties who are facilitating and thereby prolonging Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," according to a joint statement released after their meeting Wednesday in Tokyo.

In Tuesday's event, Kazuhiro Kobayashi, a Japanese parliamentary vice defense minister, said recognizing that the security of Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable, the Ishiba government "is deeply concerned about the expansion of China-Russia, Russia-North Korea cooperation."

To boost deterrence and response capabilities, Kobayashi called for further security coordination between NATO and its four Indo-Pacific partners Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.

Referring to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's skepticism about NATO, including threats to withdraw Washington from the Atlantic alliance, Jonson said Europe "has to be more prepared to take a larger responsibility for its own security" and the crisis in Ukraine.

Given that 23 NATO member states have now fulfilled the commitment of spending 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense -- up from three in 2014 -- Jonson said things are moving on the "right trajectory," and that "more needs to be done" to ensure the alliance's continued military readiness.

Jonson believes the Indo-Pacific poses long-term, defining security challenges for the United States, alluding to U.S. strategic competition with China.

"We share the assessment in one way or another, and the best way to alleviate that is that Europe rises to become serious about being a security provider both inside Europe and also in the Indo-Pacific," he said.

Related coverage:

G7 raps North Korean troops in Russia as threat to Indo-Pacific security

U.S. says North Korea ready for nuclear test, awaits political go-ahead
BEIJING, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to work with all parties to build the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) into a source of happiness that benefits the world and a dream maker that helps countries jointly realize modernization, a foreign ministry spokesperson said here Friday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks in response to comments by Jeffrey Sachs, a U.S. economist, that he is "a very big supporter of the Belt and Road Initiative" and that "China is promoting infrastructure around the world."

Lin said that high-quality Belt and Road cooperation has achieved tangible and fruitful outcomes over the past year. China has signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with multiple countries, established the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, and set up over 30 multilateral cooperation platforms in areas of energy, taxation and disaster relief.

Belt and Road cooperation has produced significant achievements, making China's contribution to cementing friendship with partner countries and advancing socioeconomic development in partner countries, according to the spokesperson.

Lin noted that over the years, the BRI has built a cross-sea bridge in the Maldives and electrified railway in Africa and revive the Piraeus Port in Greece. The Chancay Port in Peru has become South America's first smart and green port, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has ushered Indonesia into the era of high-speed railway, and the China-Laos Railway has fulfilled Laos' railway dream. Livelihood projects, such as the Luban Workshop, programs on Juncao technology, the renovation of water purification systems, and solar power stations have greatly improved local people's living standard.

The aim of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation is to enable partner countries to realize and benefit from connectivity with the world and bring the hope of development and prosperity to the Global South, Lin said.

China stands ready to work with all parties to continue upholding the vision of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefit, and build the BRI into a source of happiness that benefits the world and a dream maker that helps countries jointly realize modernization, he said. 
BEIJING, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Students and faculty from Chinese mainland universities, who had just returned from a visit to Taiwan, on Friday praised the trip as a meaningful experience that fostered friendship and highlighted the deep connections across the Taiwan Strait.

At the invitation of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, the delegation of 40 participants from seven mainland universities visited Taiwan from Nov. 27 to Dec. 5. They visited six Taiwan universities, a high school, and cultural sites.

"This was an unforgettable journey of hope," said Qiu Yong, Party secretary of Tsinghua University and head of the delegation. He noted that the trip has provided opportunities to experience local customs and make new friends, and promoted cultural and people-to-people exchanges across the Strait.

"We felt the warmth and hospitality of our Taiwan friends throughout the trip," said Li Guangpu, a doctoral student at Tsinghua University.

Wang Tingting, a faculty member at Zhejiang University, highlighted the ease of communication, noting no barriers in language or culture between the two sides. She said exchanging gifts and adding each other on WeChat quickly brought everyone closer.

Xu Yifan, a graduate student from Sun Yat-sen University, said cultural and artistic exchanges were a highlight of the campus visits, often drawing media attention and uniting young people through their shared love for Chinese culture. "It's like one big family with no visible differences," Xu remarked.

Chen Yili, a student from Fujian Normal University who grew up in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, said she has always felt a natural affinity for Taiwan due to shared traditions and cultural ties between Zhangzhou and Taiwan.

Her interactions with Taiwan peers during this visit deepened her sense of connection, and she hopes for more frequent exchanges in the future, Chen added.

"We always had so much to talk about with our Taiwan counterparts, from academic interests and hobbies to life goals. The nine days felt far too short," said Li. He added that as the group visited each school, students from both sides eagerly exchanged contact details and agreed to meet again on the mainland.

"Our contact lists have grown significantly over these nine days," said Wang Chudi, a student from Peking University. "We've all promised to stay in touch and hope to see each other again soon."

Chen Yunlong, a doctoral student from Zhejiang University, emphasized the strong friendships formed during the trip and the mutual desire among young people on both sides to engage in more exchanges.

"Although this event has ended, it's just the beginning. We sincerely hope that youth from both sides of the Strait will grow even closer," Chen said. 
J&K Winter Vacation 2024: Holidays Begin on Dec 10 for Students Up to Class 5, Dec 16 for Classes 6-12

Archisha Yadav

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Allu Arjun donates Rs 25 lakh to the woman's family who in stampede at Pushpa 2 premiere

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Salman Khan firing case: Bombay High Court find nothing amiss in death of accused in custody

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Sobhita Dhulipala's father was pissed during her wedding with Naga Chaitanya, reveals sister Samanta Dhulipala

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Tanaav Season 2 Volume 2 Review: Al Damishq, STG come to blows in this fitting conclusion to Kashmiri Fauda

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Mahindra to name its newly launched SUV 'BE 6', to contest brand rights of 'BE 6e' with IndiGo in court

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'It will be a record year for FDI,' says Devendra Fadnavis on Maharashtra's economic ambitions

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ACCRA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Ghanaians went to the polls Saturday as the country's 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections commenced, with many voters optimistic for more jobs, improved living conditions, and infrastructural development.

Voting began at 7 a.m., local time, in most of the polling centers across the West African country.

Jude Lartey, a resident of Ashaiman near Tema, the country's eastern port city, is a first-time voter. The 19-year-old student of the University of Ghana is beaming with excitement as he will be among millions of eligible voters who will elect the next president of Ghana.

"This year's election is about the future of this country, and I will vote for a candidate who prioritizes providing jobs for the unemployed youth. I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to be among the decision-makers in the country," said Lartey.

Vicent Addison, also a first-time voter, is a mechanic, 21. As he waited for his turn in a queue at the St. Mark Educational Complex polling station, he told Xinhua that infrastructural development and cost of living are the issues he will consider before casting his ballot. "I feel proud to be among the Ghanaians who will be voting today. The provision of a good road network and the construction of drains to keep our communities neat are key to me, and that, together with the cost of living, are what will inform my choice today."

Eugenia Tamakloe, 48, a civil servant and a single mother of three, who will be voting for the eighth time, said she will travel to her home region to cast her ballot. According to her, she saw it as a duty to take part in the general election and vote for a party that would work towards improving the cost of living among the people.

"For me, one of the issues that is very important going into this election is the cost of living, and I have read and listened to the policies of the major parties and will vote for the one that I think can help address my concern," she said.

A total of 13 candidates are competing in the presidential election, with major political parties including the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) vying for 276 parliamentary seats.

Polling stations are scheduled to close at 5 p.m., local time, across all 276 constituencies in Saturday's general elections, after which counting of ballot papers will commence. 
Neeshita Beura

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Logistics costs in India will come down to 9% in 2-3 years, from 16% currently: Gadkari

Manjiri Patil

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December 07, 2024 / 21:50 IST

Sharad Pawar affirmed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is capable of leading the alliance, praising her leadership and the responsibility of the elected leaders she has sent to parliament. He emphasized that she has the right to make such statements. He said, "Yes certainly (she is capable of leading the alliance), she is a prominent leader of this nation... she has that capability.. the elected leaders she sent in the parliament are responsible, dutiful and well aware people... therefore she has the right to say so"
India, China to hold first NSA meeting in three years amid border de-escalation efforts: Report

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Aishwarya Dabhade

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Mamata Banerjee on her successor: Party will decide, not me

101Reporters

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Raj Thackeray's MNS to join Mahayuti for local municipal body elections? Here's what CM Fadnavis said

Swarali Bodas

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Chugoku Electric Power Co. on Saturday restarted the No. 2 reactor at its Shimane nuclear power plant in Matsue for the first time in about 13 years, Azernews reports, citing Japan News.

It is the only plant in Japan located in a prefectural capital. About 450,000 residents across six cities in Shimane and Tottori prefectures live within 30 kilometers of the plant, the area within which evacuation plans are required.

This is the eighth plant and 14th reactor to be restarted since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The reactor is scheduled to begin generating electricity late this month and restart commercial operation in early January.

After operating it for a while, Chugoku Electric will halt the reactor temporarily to check for any issues caused by the long-term shutdown. If none are found, the reactor will be restarted again.

The No. 2 reactor, which has an output capacity of 820,000 kilowatts, is a boiling water reactor (BWR), the same type as those at Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc.s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. After being shut down due to a regular inspection in January 2012, the reactor passed a safety screening by the Nuclear Regulation Authority in September 2021. Shimane Gov. Tatsuya Maruyama approved the restart in June 2022.

It is the second BWR to be restarted since 2011 following the No. 2 reactor at Tohoku Electric Power Co.s Onagawa nuclear power plant in Miyagi Prefecture.
SINGAPORE, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- A Singaporean charity has unveiled a new initiative to support migrant workers facing critical illnesses, aiming to raise 410,500 Singapore dollars (about 307,875 U.S. dollars) to assist 20 workers over the next two years.

The CritiCare Fund for Migrant Workers seeks to bridge the financial gaps for workers whose insurance payouts fall short of covering treatment costs, according to the fund's founders at a press briefing on Friday.

Donations will be managed by Ray of Hope, a registered charity overseen by Singapore's Ministry of Social and Family Development. Disbursement decisions will be made by a community-led council that includes doctors, civil society folks, employers, migrant workers and others.

The council has estimated that each case will require approximately 20,000 Singapore dollars, setting aside an additional 10,500 Singapore dollars for administrative expenses.

The team will also collect data on the incidence of critical illnesses among migrant workers, aiming to inform future insurance policies and healthcare planning.

For many migrant workers in Singapore, the costs of treating conditions like late-stage cancer or other serious diseases are prohibitive, said a report presented at the briefing, noting that when workers are unable to continue employment due to illness, most employers often terminate their work permit and send them home to their countries.

Singapore mandates that employers must purchase medical insurance for migrant workers with a minimum annual claim limit of 60,000 Singapore dollars per worker. While this provides a safety net for basic hospitalizations, the limit is often insufficient for severe conditions like late-stage cancer.

Meanwhile, "mandatory insurance does not cover outpatient treatments like chemotherapy or overseas care if they are repatriated," said Anthea Ong, one of the fund's founders and a former nominated member of parliament.

"Unexpected heart attacks, cancer, strokes, and diabetes are among the leading causes of death in the migrant worker community," Yeo Guat Kwang, chairman of Singapore's Migrant Workers' Center and a former member of Parliament, told The Straits Times in 2020.

Singapore is home to more than 1.5 million foreign workers as of June, according to the Ministry of Manpower. (1 Singapore dollar equals 0.75 U.S. dollars) 
Martial Law Fallout: Truly sorry for the anxiety, South Korea's Yoon apologises as impeachment looms

101Reporters

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Notre Dame Cathedral reopens 5 years after devastating fire; here's all you need to know

Swarali Bodas

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Putin says Oreshnik missiles could be deployed in Belarus in late 2025

101Reporters

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101Reporters

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Volodymyr Zelenskiy heads to Paris with possible Trump talks in mind: Report

101Reporters

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Elon Musk's xAI rolls out Grok chatbot to all X users, escalating battle with OpenAI and Meta

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

Vikas SN

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Former Apple employees accused of stealing thousands of dollars through donation scam

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Shaurya Shubham

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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

Shaurya Shubham

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HOUSTON, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Police arrested a suspect on Friday over two mass shootings that killed two and wounded at least 10 during a parade in New Orleans, southern U.S. state of Louisiana, last month.

Curtis Gray, aged 19, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder tied to the Nov. 17 shootings, according to a news release from the New Orleans Police Department.

The parade has deep ties to the city's Black culture, local media reported. 
YAOUNDE, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and several others injured in a collision that involved two trucks early Friday in Cameroon's Center Region, local police and witnesses said.

The crash occurred in the town of Ayos in Nyong and Mfoumou Division of the region.

The police said that one of the trucks transporting merchandise was trying to avoid a motorcycle, and collided with the other truck transporting containers.

The fatal victims and the injured were taken to a nearby hospital and investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident, the police said.

Some 1,500 people die in road accidents each year in the central African nation, according to the Transport Ministry. 
ZHENGZHOU, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and two others were injured in a fireworks explosion in central China's Henan Province on Friday, local authorities said Saturday.

The explosion happened at around 2:15 p.m. on Friday in a building in Qiansun Village, Weishi County, Kaifeng City, according to the county's emergency management department.

An investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway. 
Angel Soto --TCSO booking photo copy View Photo

Sonora, CA  A Tuolumne County Jail inmate was arrested for having a handmade weapon.

Sheriffs deputies were recently called to the Dambacher Detention Center (DDC) off Old Wards Ferry Road in Sonora for a report of an inmate, 38-year-old Angel Soto for possessing a weapon. He had been arrested several days earlier for an outside agency warrant, but no further information regarding it was released.

Further investigation found that Soto had mentioned he had a shank, or manmade weapon, to a jail deputy who was escorting him to his cell. A search of his cell, which turned up a concrete screw that had been ground to have a very sharp point.

Soto was arrested for a felony charge of a prisoner in possession of a weapon, which, if convicted, is a crime of up to four years in jail or prison.
SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's parliament opened a plenary session to vote on President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment motion and a bill to probe scandals involving the first lady, TV footage showed Saturday. 
The nation is in mourning following the death of former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko at the age of 84. His passing, confirmed on Friday by Presidential spokesperson George Charamba, who simply stated, Regrettably, I can confirm he is late, to ZimLive, brings to a close the life of a prominent figure in Zimbabwean history.

Mphoko, who had been battling an undisclosed illness, passed away while receiving treatment in India, with his wife Laurinda at his side.

Born on June 11, 1940, Mphoko was a veteran of the liberation struggle, known by his nom de guerre, Report. He was one of the few surviving commanders from the Zimbabwe Peoples Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA), playing a pivotal role in the fight for independence.

His contributions extended beyond the battlefield; his diplomatic career spanned several decades, serving as Zimbabwes ambassador to Mozambique, Austria, Botswana, Russia, and South Africa, beginning in 1987. Beyond his diplomatic roles, Mphoko was also a successful businessman, a former shareholder in Choppies Zimbabwe and a cattle rancher.

His political career reached its zenith when he served as Vice President under President Robert Mugabe from 2014 to 2017. This period saw him also take on the crucial portfolio of National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation, a testament to the trust placed in him by Mugabe.

Furthermore, on July 6, 2015, President Mugabe assigned Mphoko the responsibility for coordinating and implementing government policy, highlighting his influence within the ruling party. His political trajectory, however, took a sharp turn with the November 2017 coup that ousted Mugabe and installed Emmerson Mnangagwa as president.

Mphoko, a close ally of Mugabe, was subsequently removed from office. His later years involved navigating legal challenges, regularly appearing before the Harare Magistrate Courts.

Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, reflecting the profound impact Mphoko had on many lives. Professor Jonathan Moyo, former information and higher education minister, remembered him as a selfless national liberation hero and gentleman; a PanAfrican not through slogans but in his household; a consummate diplomat, and an unassuming and reluctant politician whose deeds were defined by humility. The news of his untimely death is shocking.

Saviour Kasukuwere, a former local government minister and political ally, described Mphoko as a political giant, adding, A matured nationalist, VP Mphoko gave all his life in service of the country. He fought in the struggle for independence but never used a sickening sense of entitlement on others. He detested tribalism and soon it brought him into conflict with power-hungry and corrupt politicians.

Tabeth Kanengoni-Malinga, former minister of state in Mphokos office, spoke of his inspiring leadership: I had the distinct honor of serving as minister of state in his office, a role through which I came to know him not only as a visionary leader but also as a compassionate and principled man who dedicated much of his life to liberating Zimbabwe from colonial rule. I was profoundly moved by his tireless efforts to address the pressing needs of our people.

He worked relentlessly to promote national peace, reconciliation, and equitable development. His wisdom and humility stood out, as did his deep and genuine concern for the well-being of every Zimbabwean, irrespective of their background or status.

He inspired those around him to pursue the betterment of our nation with commitment and integrity. His pivotal contributions to Zimbabwes liberation struggle and his dedicated service in the years that followed will forever be etched in our history and our hearts.

President Mnangagwa, in a condolence message, declared Mphoko a national hero, acknowledging his significant contributions to the country: I learnt this afternoon with a deep sense of grief and sadness of the passing on of our former Vice President, Ambassador Report Phelekezela Mphoko, after a long illness.

A veteran of our Liberation Struggle, Cde Mphokos political and military history coincides with the early days of militant nationalism against white settler colonialism which later morphed into the armed Liberation Struggle of which he was among its early architects, brave fighters and crop of formative and outstanding commanders. With his sad departure, our Nation has lost yet another stalwart of the Liberation Struggle whose contribution to our hard-won Independence can hardly be overstated, he said.

The President continued, In recognition of his meritorious role of service to his country, both before and after Independence, the Zanu PF Politburo has unanimously decided and agreed to celebrate and immortalize his life of sacrifice by according him the Status of National Hero.

Mphokos presence at the 1979 Lancaster House Conference, a pivotal moment in securing Zimbabwes independence, further underscores his importance in the nations history. His life, marked by both remarkable achievements and challenging times, serves as a reminder of the complexities of Zimbabwes journey to independence and beyond.

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Harare  The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) has issued a stark warning to half a million vehicle owners, threatening to de-register their vehicles if outstanding licensing fees remain unpaid.

This significant move, announced in a recent notice, targets vehicles that have been unlicensed or unexempted for over two years. The deadline for compliance is fast approaching: 22 December 2024.

The notice, issued by ZINARA, leaves no room for ambiguity: All are advised of the impending deregistration of motor vehicles that have neither been licensed nor exempted for a period of more than two years. This exercise is in terms of section 12c of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act [Chapter 13:14], that empowers the Registrar of Vehicles to cancel the registration of vehicles not licensed and exempted for a period exceeding two years.

The notice further directs affected motorists to the Central Vehicle Registry to regularise their vehicle status or to ZINARA to settle outstanding arrears.

Deadline for motorists to regularize their vehicles is set for the 22nd of December 2024, after which deregistration of non-compliant vehicles will be undertaken, the notice concludes.

This decisive action appears to be a key component of the governments broader strategy to bolster its financial resources. The scale of the problem is substantial. As ZINARA chief executive officer Mr Nkosinathi Ncube revealed in February this year, only 60 percent of the estimated 1.2 million registered vehicles in Zimbabwe are currently compliant with licensing regulations.

This translates to approximately 800,000 licensed vehicles, leaving a significant gap of 400,000 unlicensed vehicles. The current initiative aims to address this shortfall and bring a substantial number of these vehicles into compliance.

Mr Ncubes operational overview for 2023 provides further context. He reported that between 135,000 and 150,000 vehicles were licensed monthly throughout last year. Despite this, the number of unlicensed vehicles remains a considerable concern. The revenue generated by ZINARA in 2023 underscores the importance of licensing fees. Gross road fees collections totalled $868 million, exceeding the budget by 13 percent.

Licensing fees contributed a significant 34 percent to this total, up from 30 percent in 2022. Toll fees contributed 38 percent, fuel levies 15 percent, and transit fees 11 percent. Overall, traffic volumes across ZINARAs revenue streams demonstrated a seven percent increase compared to the previous year.

The list of vehicles targeted for de-registration is available via this downloadable PDF file (18MB).

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Yves here. I am highly confident that readers will have a field day with this article. In trying to claim the truthiness high ground on immigration, it includes many overt and implicit misrepresentations, such as skipping over the difference between legal and illegal immigrants. It depicts immigrants serving in health care as doctors and nurses as needed, when due to licensing requirements, it is a virtual certainty all are legal, and hence not in the category that Americans are concerned about. She further talks about immigrants as asylum seekers. Interviews of southern border wannbe entrant find they are pretty much all economic migrants and hence not allowed to enter save under an employer program like the H1-B visa. The asylum seeker positioning, even though many will try to claim that status, is thus largely a canard.

Kolhatkar further does not acknowledge that an ongoing influx of exploitable workers as a result of their shaky status does indeed perpetuate jobs that Americans righty are loath to fill, such as dangerous and repetitive-stress-injury-inducing meatpacking jobs.1 I am sure readers will find other dubious positioning in this article to discuss. And she depicts the immigrant influx under Biden, triggered by an executive order, as a problem only to small communities, when New York Citys and Chicagos mayors, both Democrats, complained repeatedly about how their very large social service networks were overwhelmed and Federal help was nowhere to be found.

To put the matter more simply, Kolhatkars use of the word narrative is a big tell. Narrative is NewSpeak for information management and perception control well beyond the traditional story line. Narratives by definition are a form of propaganda, as opposed to a good faith effort to come to a reasonable approximation of reality.

By Sonali Kolhatkar, an award-winning multimedia journalist. She is the founder, host, and executive producer of Rising Up With Sonali, a weekly television and radio show that airs on Free Speech TV and Pacifica stations. Her most recent book is Rising Up: The Power of Narrative in Pursuing Racial Justice (City Lights Books, 2023). She is a writing fellow for the Economy for All project at the Independent Media Institute and the racial justice and civil liberties editor at Yes! Magazine. She serves as the co-director of the nonprofit solidarity organization the Afghan Womens Mission and is a co-author of Bleeding Afghanistan. She also sits on the board of directors of Justice Action Center, an immigrant rights organization. Produced by , a project of the Independent Media Institute

A quiet panic has broken out within immigrant communities across the United States ahead of Donald Trumps inauguration on January 20, 2025. Mixed-status families are expecting to be separated, DACA recipientsforesee their status being revoked, those with Temporary Protected Statusare pessimistic about the program remaining valid, and asylum seekers fear the worst. Indeed, if Project 2025s anti-immigrant agenda is fully enacted, the horrors of family separation that the nation witnessed in 2018 under Trumps first term will pale in comparison to whats coming.

And yet, Trump might claim that this time, hes merely following the publics desires. The prevailing story of the 2024 presidential election is that voters were so fed up with immigration upending their lives that they picked a leader who promised to do something about it. Headlines such as this New York Times piece on Election Day claimed, Voters Were Fed Up Over Immigration. They Voted for Trump. Indeed, polls showed likely voters ranking immigration as either the top issue, or second only to the economy.

What has gone unsaid about public discontent over immigration and Trumps coming assault on immigrant rights is that the Biden administration paved the way for it, manufacturing a migrant crisis and volleying it right into Trumps hands so he could lob it all the way to the White House. Whats needed are not just better policies but a rewriting of the narratives about immigration and immigrants so that vulnerable human beings are no longer political scapegoats every four years.

Gallup polls show that national anxiety over immigration significantly increased over the four years that Joe Biden was president. The fraction of Americans wanting lower levels of immigration had been slightly decreasing for years, landing at around 30 percent. In 2020 that number began rising, and by 2024, it had jumped to 55 percent.

Its tempting to conclude that this trend is merely a matter of perception, the result of successful propaganda, of Trumps constant drumbeat that Biden opened the floodgates at the border, rolling out the welcome mat for millions of people with no papers. Indeed, far too many people hold false views of immigrants in the U.S., from assuming they are more prone to committing violent crimesnot trueto the idea that they are stealing jobs from native-born Americans and longtime residentsalso not true. The adoption of such falsehoods is clearly Trumps doing.

However, there are plenty of credible reports across the country, in small-town America and in urban centers, that demonstrate a real struggle with absorbing tens of thousands of newly resettled people from foreign nations. Such dynamics reinforced the notion that immigration is out of control and gave credence to Trumps lies about immigrants.

Whats going unsaid is that migrants from nonwhite nations in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia are being deliberately dumped into towns and cities with no plan for orderly absorption and assimilationin direct contrast to how well the Biden administration welcomed Ukrainian refugees. A February 2024 in-depth report by Jerusalem Demsas in the Atlantic is one of the few analyses that explored what happened and why.

Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine brought a separate influx of displaced people into U.S. cities that quietly assimilated most of them, explained Demsas. The numbers of Ukrainian refugees and nonwhite immigrants in many towns and cities have been comparable, but the ways in which they were resettled have sometimes been starkly different. Based on interviews with mayors and municipal leaders, Demsas realized there were two major differences in federal policy that explained the contrast.

One policy difference was that Ukrainian refugees were allowed to work as soon as they arrived in the U.S., while subsequent waves of migrants were prohibited from working and then demonized for using government aid.

The other difference was that the Biden administration carefully coordinated Ukrainian arrivals with local officials to ensure their proper assimilation. And it chose not to do so with groups arriving from across the Southern border. This meant that those local leaders who could politicize migrants did so by pointing to the chaos their presence seemed to provoke and by adopting policies that deliberately worsened the optics of immigration.

To call this moment a migrant crisis is to let elected federal officials off the hook, concluded Demsas. If the federal government had treated nonwhite Latin American, Caribbean, African, and Asian migrants the same way it treated Ukrainian refugees, voters would likely not have been as swayed by Trumps lies as they were.

A similar scenario played out with asylum seekers at the border. Rather than allowing those seeking asylum to make their case in an orderly way, the first Trump administration tried to break the entire system, creating chaos in order to blame asylees. Joe Bidens administration blithely allowed the restrictions to remain in place, breaking his campaign promise.

The reality is that the undocumented immigrant population in the U.S. increased by only 800,000 people between 2019 and 2022 and remains below 2007 levels. In a nation of 335 million people, this is less than a quarter of a percent of the population. How can such a tiny fraction of people be the source of so many problems as Trump claims?

Americans are not anti-immigrant. In fact, they are pro-immigration. A new Pew Research poll released on November 22, 2024, finds that nearly two-thirds of Americans are happy to have undocumented immigrants remain in the nation with legal protections provided certain conditions are met, such as security checks and lawful employment.

The reason it appears as though Americans are anti-immigrant is because theyre being told that hordes of people are breaking the rules, sidestepping order, and forcing their way in to cause chaos, commit crimes, and steal jobs. This is both Trumps fault, and Bidens.

Migration is a large-scale phenomenon of vulnerable populations fleeing war, poverty, persecution, climate change, and more. When given accessible procedures to enter another nation legally, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers will do everything possible to follow the rules. Because, why not? Why would they deliberately jeopardize their own long-term security when given the chance? It turns out, the system has been deliberately broken in order to manufacture a crisis and help gutless politicians claim they are being tough on immigration.

The U.S. desperately needs immigrant workers. This is true not only in low-wage industries but in such highly skilled fields as medicine where immigrants are disproportionately represented.

For example, the Migration Policy Institute found that [w]hile immigrants represent 14 percent of the Illinois population, they make up 37 percent of its physicians and 19 percent of its registered nurses. There is a nationwide shortage of medical workersphysicians, nurses, technicians, and home health aidesa gap that could be filled by skilled new immigrants.

As the U.S.s elder population continues to live longer, needing more care, and as the national birth rate falls, immigrants have stepped in to provide care and pay taxes to fund services they arent even allowed to access. Indeed, many nations in the Global South are struggling with the brain drain of their most talented workers leaving to work in the U.S. and other Western nations.

The stories we are telling about immigrants are fueling misplaced panic in the U.S. We cannot rely on Trump to fix what he sought to break. In the coming months and years, the devastation the incoming president will wreak on vulnerable populations will test our collective morality.

Whats needed before the next election are truthful narratives about immigrants, including the fact that the migrant crisis has been manufactured and the legal immigration system deliberately broken for political gain, forcing most people into untenable situations.

Most importantly, we need to be clear that our nation needs immigrants just as, if not more than, immigrants need the U.S.

_____

1 Our white yardman in Alabama did farmwork, along with family members, while growing up. It is not clear to me that Americans would not perform some agricultural labor if pay levels were higher.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- A 42-year-old Malaysian man in Brunei was fined 7,000 Brunei dollars (5,225 U.S. dollars) for possessing smuggled alcoholic drinks, local media reported on Saturday.

Brunei's customs officers stopped a vehicle for inspection on Wednesday and discovered 192 cans of alcoholic beverages that had been brought into the country without proper authorization, the local daily Borneo Bulletin reported.

The Magistrate's Court of Brunei further ordered the confiscation of all seized beverages, which will be handed over to the government for destruction. According to the report, the man would have to serve six months in jail if he failed to pay the fines.

Brunei is a Sultanate located in Southeast Asia. The laws in Brunei impose strict regulations on cigarettes and alcoholic beverages. 
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Shimla, Dec 6 : Himachal Pradesh, whose economy largely banks on agriculture and horticulture, is going to promote maize flour produced through natural farming.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday said the maize flour would be marketed under the brand name 'Himbhog'.

More than 4,000 quintals of maize have been procured from 1,506 farmers practicing natural farming across the state, with the exception of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts.

The highest procurement was done from Solan district (1,140 quintals) followed by Chamba (810 quintals) and Mandi (650 quintals), an official statement said.

He said Himachal Pradesh is the first state to offer the highest minimum support price (MSP) for wheat and maize. The government is providing Rs 40 per kg for wheat and Rs 30 per kg for maize produced through natural farming.

The government is currently promoting natural farming across 35,000 hectares, benefiting 1.98 lakh farmers.

Free certification has been provided to over 1.5 lakh farmers and an additional 36,000 farmers are being connected with natural farming.

The Chief Minister said the government has strengthened the infrastructure at 10 mandis to facilitate the marketing of natural farming produce so that people do not have to face any inconvenience while selling their produce.

He said the government is also focusing on linking agriculture with employment through phase three of Rajiv Gandhi Startup Yojana started with a budget of Rs 680 crore.

Emphasising the importance of agriculture and horticulture in the state's economy, the Chief Minister said about 90 per cent of population of the state resides in villages.

To strengthen the rural economy the government is introducing several initiatives, including direct monetary support to farmers.

He said the government is also purchasing cow milk at Rs 45 per litre and buffalo milk at Rs 55 per litre, along with increasing the daily MNREGA wage by Rs 60 to a historic Rs 300.

All these measures aim to improve the economic well-being of farmers and ensure farming becomes a sustainable source of income.

Interestingly, farmers in state's landlocked valleys like Pangi in Chamba district and Dodra Kwar in Shimla district have never used pesticides and fertilisers for growing crops.

Rakesh Thakur, a Dodra Kwar farmer, has been growing organic rajma (kidney beans) that command remunerative prices in the domestic market.

Most of the farmers who adopted organic farming are in the Rampur area in upper Shimla district, where pilot organic farming projects were launched in 2005.
New Delhi, Dec 6 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday that the Union government has been proactively associating with the state government for hosting the investor summit -- Advantage Assam 2.0 in February next year.

In an X post, CM Sarma said, "The Union government is actively partnering with us to ensure #AdvantageAssam 2025 showcases the investment potential of Assam. Every Ministry has offered their unstinted support towards this effort."

The top brass of the Central government, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and others have agreed to attend the summit.

The Chief Minister said, "All Union Ministers assured their participation and collaboration in making the Summit successful."

Moreover, he argued that Assam occupies one of the most prominent spaces in the Central government's scheme of things.

"From the Prime Minister to Union Ministers, the entire government machinery is committed to helping us build a Viksit Assam," he added.

"There is widespread recognition of the strides Assam has taken particularly in undertaking key reforms and delivering a citizen-centric governance model," CM Sarma said.

The Chief Minister also held a discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and invited him to attend the summit.

According to CM Sarma, the Prime Minister has agreed to begin the investor summit.

He wrote in a post on X, "Wrapped up a very meaningful visit to Delhi where I had the privilege to seek the guidance of Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, meet several Union Ministers and attend the exceptional #AshtalakshmiMahotsav2024."

Notably, "Advantage Assam 2.0," the Investment and Infrastructure Summit will bring Assam's rich cultural legacy to the world stage.

According to CM Sarma, the event, which is set for February 24 and 25, would highlight the traditional Jhumur dance of the tea tribe clans.

A spectacular Jhumur dance performance with more than 7,500 dancers and artists will be part of the event. The preparations are underway for this cultural event.

The concert, which is planned for either day of the summit, is anticipated to have a lasting effect on those present.

This comes after Assam already set a Guinness World Record for the biggest Bihu dancing performance.

The goal of Advantage Assam 2.0, the second iteration of the international investor summit since its 2018 launch, is to increase infrastructure development and investment in the state.

The two-day event is expected to draw investors from all around India and the world, solidifying Assam's stature as a new investment destination in the country.
Guwahati, Dec 6 : The Central government has decided to open a Kendriya Vidyalaya and six Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in different parts of Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday.

The new Kendriya Vidyalaya will be established in Jagiroad town in Morigaon district.

In a post on X, CM Sarma wrote: "Boost to School Education in Assam! Extremely grateful to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji for the Union Cabinet's decision to establish one new Kendriya Vidyalaya at Jagiroad and six new Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in Sonitpur, Charaideo, Hojai, Majuli, South Salmara-Mankachar, and West Karbi Anglong districts. My heartfelt gratitude to Shri @dpradhanbjp."

Meanwhile, in an effort to improve the state's educational system, the Assam government has launched a bold plan to build 700 cutting-edge leader schools.

According to a senior official, this innovative action aims to improve educational standards and give pupils access to cutting-edge learning resources.

"In order to create transformative learning settings, this project prioritizes cutting-edge technology, modern infrastructure, and skilled management. With top-notch facilities, the schools will strive for academic success, encourage skill development, and offer a supportive learning atmosphere," the official added.

Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu asserted that the state government has been eyeing to promote digital classes in schools along with physical teaching. He has mentioned that the education department's digital attendance system will be utilised to bring down school dropout rates in the state.

He said, "As the academic session for this year resumed after a gap of one month, I addressed the teachers through virtual mode. I wished them good luck for the upcoming days."

The minister mentioned that the education department has been working to promote digital education in schools.

"We have decided to give thrust on imparting teaching through digital mode. The majority of schools in Assam are equipped with smart classrooms along with seamless internet connectivity. These facilities will be utilised to give students exposure to digital education," he added.
New Delhi, Dec 7 : The Central government has approved the release of Rs 944.8 crore to the Tamil Nadu government as two installments of central share from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to help it provide relief to people affected by cyclone Fengal, the Home Ministry said in an official statement.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the government stands shoulder to shoulder with the states affected by natural calamities in mitigating the hardship faced by people, the statement said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the release of Rs 944.8 crore to the Tamil Nadu government as both the instalments of central share from the SDRF to help the state in providing relief assistance to people affected by cyclone Fengal on November 30, it said.

An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) has been sent to Fengal-affected Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for an on-the-spot assessment of the damage caused.

After the assessment reports of IMCTs are received, additional financial assistance from NDRF will be approved for the disaster-affected states as per the established procedure, the release said.

More than Rs 21,718.716 crore has already been released by the central government to 28 states during this year.

This includes Rs 14,878.40 crore from SDRF to 26 states, Rs 4,808.32 crore from NDRF to 18 states, Rs 1,385.45 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 11 states, and Rs 646.546 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to seven states.

In addition to financial assistance, the central government has also provided all logistic assistance, including deployment of requisite NDRF teams, Army teams, and Air Force support to all the flood and cyclone-affected states.

In a letter to the Centre on Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said Cyclone Fengal caused "unprecedented" devastation in the state and urged PM Modi to release Rs 2,000 crore interim relief from the NDRF as a single disbursal.

Stalin said that more than 69 lakh families and 1.5 crore individuals were severely affected by the calamity in northern Tamil Nadu districts like Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Kallakurichi.

The state government's initial assessment revealed that an estimated Rs 2,475 crore was required for temporary restoration efforts.

"Despite our best efforts, the scale of this disaster has overwhelmed the states resources, and the state needs urgent financial assistance to manage the fallout of this natural disaster," Stalin said in the letter.
Chennai, Dec 7 : Villagers of Gudallur district of Tamil Nadu on Saturday called on the Tamil Nadu Forest Department to take immediate action to drive away a herd of wild elephants camping in a forest area just 2 km away from residential zones.

M. Lokanathan, a farmer in Gudalur, told IANS, A herd of more than ten elephants is camping in the forest area, which is barely 2 km from our homes. We urge the forest department to act immediately to drive away these elephants.

The villagers report that the elephants frequently raid agricultural farms and banana plantations, causing extensive damage to crops.

In a recent incident on Friday, a wild tusker reached a residential area and attacked the house of Suresh, a farmer in Puliyamvayal, Gudalur.

Suresh and his pregnant wife had a miraculous escape though the elephant destroyed their house.

According to Gudalur range forest officials, Suresh opened his door after hearing noises, only to find the wild tusker outside. He and his wife fled through the back door, but the elephant demolished their house and belongings.

The previous night, a herd of wild elephants emerged from the forest and destroyed houses in the Allurvayal area of Gudalur district.

Villagers have demanded that the forest department implement preventive measures such as digging trenches and erecting solar fences to prevent wild elephant intrusions.

In another instance, a herd of eight elephants has been camping in Thailathoppu, just 2 km from the forest area.

Meanwhile, farmers in the Denkanikottai locality of Krishnagiri district have also urged the forest department to drive elephants back into the forest.

Tamil Nadu has recorded 256 deaths due to wild elephant attacks in the past five years.

Many people have been injured or incapacitated due to random attacks, particularly in areas adjacent to forests.

The Environment Ministry has issued guidelines to states and Union Territories to manage human-wildlife conflicts, including damage to crops.

These guidelines advocate for cultivating crops that are unpalatable to wild animals in forest fringe areas.

Farmers are encouraged to adopt agroforestry models using cash crops like chillies, lemongrass, and khus grass, mixed with trees and shrubs.

A Tamil Nadu government-constituted committee has identified 42 elephant corridors in the state and invited public comments on its draft report.

This number is significantly higher than the 20 corridors listed in 2023 by the Project Elephant division of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

The Elephant Corridor Committee, chaired by V. Naganathan, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), conducted a reassessment through literature surveys, ground validation, and mapping.

The report highlights that human-elephant conflicts are prevalent across 20 forest divisions in Tamil Nadu, with Coimbatore, Gudalur, Hosur, and the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve experiencing severe conflicts.

The 2017 synchronised pachyderm census recorded 2,761 elephants across 26 forest divisions in Tamil Nadu. The 2023 census reported a slight increase, estimating 2,961 elephants across 20 of the 26 forest divisions, covering 9,217.13 sq. km.

IANS
New Delhi, Dec 7 : The Union government has approved a financial outlay of Rs 15,000 crore for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for pharmaceuticals, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing.

In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel said the government has taken several measures to encourage domestic manufacturing in the pharmaceutical sector. This includes Bulk Drugs and Medical Devices which will help reduce import dependence, boost domestic manufacturing, and attract large investments.

Patel informed that the PLI scheme for the promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical Key Starting Materials (KSMs)/ Drug Intermediates (DIs) and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in India (also known as the PLI scheme for Bulk Drugs) has been approved with a financial outlay of Rs. 6,940 crores.

The scheme, which will provide financial incentives for manufacturing notified products, will be carried out from FY 2022-2023 to FY 2028-29.

The PLI scheme for pharmaceuticals, with a financial outlay of Rs. 15,000 crores, for the FY 2022-23 to FY 2027-28 tenure provides for a financial incentive to 55 selected applicants for manufacturing of identified products under three categories for a period of six years, Patel said.

Under this scheme, Patel noted that high-value pharmaceutical products such as patented/off-patented drugs, biopharmaceuticals, complex generics, anti-cancer drugs, auto-immune drugs, orphan drugs, etc. are manufactured.

Another Rs. 3,420 crore has been assigned for the PLI scheme for promoting domestic manufacturing of medical devices from FY 2022-2023 to FY 2026-27.

It provides an incentive to selected companies at the rate of 5 per cent on incremental sales of medical devices manufactured in India and covered under the four target segments of the scheme, for five years.

Under this scheme, high-value medical devices such as linear accelerators, MRI machines, CT-scans, mammograms, C-arms, ultrasound machines, etc are manufactured, which were previously imported into the country, Patel said.

The scheme allows investment in new plant and machinery, R&D, product registration, and building.

As of October 2024, a total investment of Rs 33,534 crore has been realised under the scheme and has surpassed the original projected investment of Rs 17,275 crore. An incentive amount of Rs.3,215 crore has been released under the scheme to 45 companies, the MoS said.
New Delhi, Dec 7 : India has seen remarkable growth in medical education in the last 10 years. Medical colleges have doubled from just 387 in 2013-14 to 780 in 2024-25 -- witnessing a 102 per cent growth, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed the Rajya Sabha.

During the same period, the seats for MBBS also rose from 51,348 to 1,18,137 -- a 130 per cent surge.

Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest growth. From just 30 in 2014, the state now has 86 medical colleges. The state is also leading in terms of the highest growth in medical seats. From 3,749 in 2014, it now has 12,425 seats.

Maharashtra saw an increase from 44 to 80 medical colleges. The state also increased its MBBS seat capacity to 11,845 seats from 5,590, a decade ago.

Telangana which also had no medical college in 2014, now has 65. The state now also offers 9,040 MBBS seats.

Further, one medical college each has been established in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Mizoram, and Nagaland. These states and Union Territories (UTs) had no medical colleges in 2013-14.

Rajasthan witnessed a significant rise, growing from 10 colleges with 1,750 seats in 2013-14 to 43 colleges with 6,475 seats in 2024-25.

Madhya Pradesh expanded from 12 colleges (1,700 seats) to 31 colleges (5,200 seats), while Chhattisgarh increased from five colleges (600 seats) to 16 colleges (2,455 seats).

Delhi added three more colleges, going from seven to 10, with MBBS seats increasing from 900 to 1,497.

The number of medical colleges in Karnataka expanded from 46 to 73, while Tamil Nadu increased MBBS seats to 12,050 from 6,215.

Meanwhile, the Ministry informed the Lok Sabha that a total of 90,794 posts are sanctioned for the medical colleges in the country.
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of civilians are estimated to have been killed or injured, and at least 370,000 people have been displaced over the week of fighting in northern Syria, UN humanitarians said on Friday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned the escalating hostilities in the north, which are expanding to other parts of the country, present a grave threat to the safety of civilians, and damage to infrastructure threatens the delivery of aid.

Hundreds of civilians are estimated to have been killed or injured over the past week, although the situation is highly fluid and exact casualty figures are yet to be confirmed, OCHA said.

Since the escalation of hostilities in Syria, at least 370,000 people have been displaced, including 100,000 who have been displaced more than once. Most of them are women and children, according to the office.

The office said that while exact numbers remain to be confirmed, it had received reports more than 370 civilians were killed in Hama alone.

OCHA said public services and critical facilities in Aleppo are either disrupted or non-functional due to shortages of supplies and personnel, which severely impacts the local healthcare system, leading to the suspension of operations at key health facilities in Aleppo and Idlib.

Tens of thousands of people have fled to the country's northeast, the humanitarians said.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and non-governmental organizations operating in the northeast estimate that 60,000-80,000 people are newly displaced, including more than 25,000 hosted in collective displaced persons centers.

"These centers are filling up as soon as they are assigned," OCHA said. "With these sites now at capacity, people are sleeping on the streets or in their cars, in sub-zero temperatures."

The United Nations is working with its humanitarian partners in the northeast to assess the needs of families who have arrived at reception centers. 
Wellington, Dec 7 : England pacer Gus Atkinson bagged a hat-trick against New Zealand on Day 2 of the second Test at Basin Reserve to bowl out hosts for paltry 125. England finished the day with a daunting 533 runs lead with Ben Duckett (92), Jacob Bethell (96), Harry Brook (55) and Joe Root (73 not out) scoring half-centuries to post 378/5 in 76 overs at stumps on Saturday.

Atkinson, who returned with the figures of 4-41, said he wasn't thinking of a hat-trick adding that he stuck to the team's plan of bowling short-pitch deliveries followed by yorkers.

"It (our plans) worked out well in the morning and the batters batted pretty well. Never thought of getting a hat-trick, but it was nice to get it. We wanted to set them up with the shorter balls and then go for the yorker. Yesterday, I didn't feel great, but I felt nice today," the pacer said after the end of the play.

New Zealand began the day at 86/5 but collapsed quickly, being dismissed for 125 within 10 overs. Brydon Carse struck early with a brilliant delivery that bowled Tom Blundell, reminiscent of his Day 1 delivery to Kane Williamson, which had been nullified by a no-ball. William O'Rourke was trapped LBW in the same over for a duck.

Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith added quick runs to push the score past 100, but Atkinson wrapped up the innings decisively. Smith inside-edged onto his stumps, Matt Henry edged a short ball to Ben Duckett at gully and Tim Southee fell LBW to a full, skidding delivery, completing Atkinson's hat trick.

England, with a 155-run first-innings lead, started their second innings aggressively. Although Zak Crawley fell early to Matt Henry, Bethell and Duckett launched a counterattack, piling pressure on New Zealand. Duckett was given a lifeline when Tom Latham dropped a tough catch, and Southee wasted a review on Bethell.

Bethell and Duckett struck breezy fifties and looked on course for centuries before Tim Southee dismissed both in quick succession. Bethell edged to Latham, while Duckett dragged one onto his stumps. Despite these breakthroughs, New Zealand couldn't stem England's dominance as Joe Root and Harry Brook combined in the final session to extend the lead beyond 400. A blossoming partnership left New Zealand without answers, with a failed review on Root adding to their frustrations.

Brook continued his free-flowing form, pulling short balls and driving overpitched deliveries with ease. Glenn Phillips, bowling a lengthy spell, finally dismissed Brook, who mistimed a lofted shot to long-off. Brook's departure came after a stellar knock, while Root reached his 65th Test fifty, also marking his 100th 50-plus score in Tests.

As England approached a 500-run lead, Ollie Pope fell to Matt Henry, but captain Ben Stokes decided against declaring. Stokes hammered an unbeaten 36 off 26 balls, supporting Root, who remained unbeaten on 73, setting himself up for a potential 36th Test century on Day 3.

Atkinson didn't reveal England's plan for Day 3 and emphasised to continue their approach to target batters.

"Not really sure what the plans are. We'll see tomorrow and assess the conditions. We'll stick to the usual plans and try to challenge the batters," he said.
Mumbai, Dec 7 : Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai, who is rumoured to be separated from her actor husband, Abhishek Bachchan, was seen attending a wedding with her daughter Aaradhya Bachchan recently.

A picture of the mother-daughter duo from the event has now gone viral. It shows the actress sporting a light pink lehenga, with minimal jewellery. Aaradhya, on the other hand, opted for a matching yellow coloured lehenga. The actresss mother Brinda Rai can also be seen in the viral picture.

A fan-made post compared this picture of Aishwarya and Aaradhya with an old picture of mother and daughter from 2012 when Aaradhya was only a year old. In the throwback picture, Aishwarya carried Aaradhya in her arms. The picture shows how Aaradhya is now as tall as her mother. The fan wrote, Aaradhya has grown as tall as Aish.

Last month, Aaradhya celebrated her birthday on November 16. While the media reported that Abhishek missed Aaradhyas birthday celebrations, the actor was indeed present at the celebrations, and this can be corroborated with the latest video shared by the event management company that has been organising Aaradhyas birthday for the past 13 years.

The video shows Abhishek expressing his gratitude to the owner of the event planning company for organising his daughters birthday and their association of 13 years.

Earlier, Aishwarya had shared photos from Aaradhyas birthday celebrations on her father Krishna Rais birth anniversary on November 21. The photos show Aishwarya and her mother Brinda, along with Aaradhya, paying tribute to Krishna Rai with flowers. Other photos gave a glimpse of Aaradhyas birthday as well as childhood moments. The actress wrote in the caption, You are officially a teenager Aaradhya.

A feud has been reported by the media between Abhishek and Aishwarya, as the former has been accused of his entanglement with actress Nimrat Kaur during the filming of Dasvi.
New Delhi, Dec 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the starting of a special 100-day campaign with a focus on the high-burden Tuberculosis (TB) districts and urged the citizens to read an article written by Union Health Minister J P Nadda.

Responding to Union Minister JP Nadda's post on X by Union Minister Shri JP Nadda, PM Modi wrote, "Health Minister Shri JP Nadda Ji gives an insightful picture of the steps we are continuously taking to make India TB-free. Do read."



"Our fight against TB just got stronger! Powered by a collective spirit to defeat TB, a special 100-day campaign is starting today with a focus on the high-burden TB districts," he added.



He further mentioned that India is fighting TB in a multi-pronged manner with doubling support to patients, 'Jan Bhagidari', newer drugs and the use of tech and better diagnostic tools.



"Let us all come together and do our bit to eliminate TB," PM Modi added.



Earlier in the day Union Minister JP Nadda posted on social media X, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is making remarkable progress in the fight against TB. Initiatives like the 100-day campaign in high-burden districts enhanced nutritional support through Nikshay Poshan Yojana, and faster, cost-effective diagnostic tools are accelerating the country's efforts. These steps have significantly increased treatment coverage and reduced TB incidence. The emphasis on Jan Bhagidari has united communities, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment. India's innovative approach is setting global benchmarks and moving the country closer to a 'TB Mukt Bharat' (TB-free India)."



To gain momentum in eliminating TB in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with key stakeholders launched the 100-Day TB elimination campaign. The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda launched this intensified campaign from Panchkula, Haryana.



The initiative, set to be implemented across 347 districts in 33 States and Union Territories has been designed to enhance TB case detection, reduce diagnostic delays, and improve treatment outcomes, particularly in high-risk groups. It represents yet another significant strategic effort by the country in its bid to strengthen programmatic activities and reduce disparities in TB outcomes across diverse regions of the country to achieve the aim of TB elimination.




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International Civil Aviation Day 2024: Theme, History, Significance, Celebrations, And Quotes

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 09:01 IST

International Civil Aviation Day 2024 theme is "Safe Skies. Sustainable Future: Together for the next 80 years.

International Civil Aviation Day is celebrated on December 7 every year. (Image: Shutterstock)

International Civil Aviation Day (ICAD) is celebrated worldwide on December 7 every year. The day honours the Wright brothers first powered flight and serves as a reminder of how far humanity has come in fostering cross-cultural understanding, advancing economies, and pushing the envelope of human potential.

International Civil Aviation Day 2024 Theme

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Every five years, coinciding with ICAO anniversaries (2014/2019/2024/2029/etc.), the ICAO Council establishes a special anniversary theme for International Civil Aviation Day. Between these anniversary years, Council representatives select a single theme for the full four-year intervening period. The theme for the year 2024 is Safe Skies. Sustainable Future: Together for the next 80 years," as per the United Nations website.

This theme celebrates the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation in 1944.

On International Civil Aviation Day, #AAI extends its warm wishes to the global aviation community. Recognizing the importance of civil aviation, AAI celebrates the achievements & advancements of this field which connects people and fosters economic growth. pic.twitter.com/N1KhpaYBHa Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) December 7, 2023

As we celebrate this milestone, ICAO reaffirms its unwavering commitment to reducing aviations carbon footprint, with the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

International Civil Aviation Day 2024: History

In addition to the 2024 theme, the history of International Civil Aviation Day is also linked to the Chicago Convention. The day was first celebrated to mark the 50th year of the signing of the convention.

Delegates from 54 countries signed this historic pact, which set the rules for international air transport. Two years later, in 1996, December 7th was formally acknowledged by the UN General Assembly as a day to highlight the value of civil aviation in promoting sustainable development and global connectivity.

International Civil Aviation Day 2024: Significance

In addition to acknowledging the Chicago Convention anniversary, the day draws attention to the vital role that civil aviation plays in our world, greatly assisting in globalisation, economic development, emergency response and social progress.

It appreciates the hardworking professionals of the aviation industry including pilots, air traffic controllers, engineers, technicians and regulatory bodies.

International Civil Aviation Day provides a forum to talk about and address issues of sustainability, congestion and technological conventions. It also fosters international cooperation by sharing best practices and expertise, coordinating regulations and standards and investing in research and development.

International Civil Aviation Day 2024: Celebrations

International Civil Aviation Day is celebrated worldwide in a variety of ways. To further aviation innovation and advance global development, the ICAO Council hosts a range of events, including workshops, seminars, and online forums.

Future generations are inspired to seek careers in aviation by aviation education programs in schools and universities.

Stakeholders from the industry come together to talk about worldwide safety standards and upcoming advances. With hashtags like #CivilAviationDay and #GlobalConnectivity raising awareness, social media campaigns take off on the internet.

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International Civil Aviation Day 2024: Quotes

Happy International Civil Aviation Day! May your journeys be as smooth as take-off and your destinations as exciting as the landing. Cheers to the spirit of aviation! Happy International Civil Aviation Day! May the sky be your canvas, and every flight a masterpiece Wishing you a Sky Full of Achievements! Happy International Civil Aviation Day 2023! May your dreams soar to new heights Wishing you a day filled with the magic of flight and the wonders of innovation! Happy International Civil Aviation Day On International Civil Aviation Day, lets celebrate the visionaries who turned our skyward dreams into reality. Safe travels and blue skies to all May the wings of progress and innovation carry you to new heights! Happy International Civil Aviation Day! Blue skies and safe travels to all Celebrating the marvels of the skies on International Civil Aviation Day! Safe travels and smooth landings.

First Published: December 07, 2024, 06:00 IST
BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- As of October, Chinese procuratorates had initiated public prosecutions against over 114,000 individuals involved in duty-related criminal cases referred by supervision commissions since 2018.

The Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) disclosed the figure at a recent meeting on procuratorial work against duty-related crimes.

A total of 6,751 individuals involved in cases referred by procuratorial investigation organs were indicted during the period, while the illegal income of 163 suspects or defendants of crimes of embezzlement and bribery who had escaped or deceased had been confiscated, the SPP said.

Procuratorates have also initiated public prosecutions against more than 16,000 individuals for offering bribes, as they implemented the arrangements by the Communist Party of China Central Committee on cracking down on both taking and offering bribes, according to the meeting.

China has maintained a tough stance against duty-related crimes, as its courts concluded 24,000 cases of duty-related crimes in 2023, an increase of 19.9 percent year-on-year, according to a Supreme People's Court work report.

The country also launched a cross-border anti-graft operation in March, under which the National Commission of Supervision spearheaded a targeted campaign to combat duty-related crimes, hunt down fugitives who have fled to other countries and retrieve assets they had stolen. 
Ajit Pawar Cleared Of Benami Property Charges In Major Relief, IT Dept Releases Seized Assets

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 08:16 IST

The development comes as Ajit Pawar was sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday in the new Mahayuti government.

Ajit Pawar cleared of benami charges (PTI Image)

In a major relief to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, he and his family were cleared of benami property ownership allegations. An order in this regard was passed by the Prevention of Benami Property Transactions Appellate Tribunal, a day after Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy CM on Thursday.

After the order, the Income Tax Department on Friday cleared properties worth over Rs 1,000 crore that were sealed in 2021 during searches.

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What Was The Case Against Ajit Pawar?

The case dates back to October 7, 2021, when the IT Department raided several locations linked to Ajit Pawar and his family. It was alleged that they held properties through benami transactions.

The department had seized properties which included multiple land parcels across Maharashtra, a flat in Delhi, Jarandeshwar Sugar Factory in Satara, and a resort in Goa.

What Was The Tribunal Verdict?

Delivering the verdict, the tribunal said that it found no substantial evidence against Pawar owning the benami properties. It said that all financial transactions for the concerned properties were made through legitimate channels, either using bank transfers or other legal medium.

There is no evidence to suggest that Ajit Pawar or his family transferred funds to acquire benami properties," the tribunal said.

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Advocate Prashant Patil who represented Pawar argued that his family had not committed any wrongdoing and the allegations were baseless and did not have any legal standing under the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act.

He highlighted that all property transactions were conducted through legitimate channels, including banking systems, with no discrepancies in the records provided. The tribunal underlined that the evidence submitted by the Income Tax Department failed to demonstrate any connection between the Pawar family and benami properties.

First Published: December 07, 2024, 08:00 IST
Bangladeshis, Rohingya Working As Delivery Agents In India: Giriraj Singh

Last Updated: December 08, 2024, 00:13 IST

Union minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday claimed Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingya were working as delivery agents for food delivery companies and online shopping platforms and added that they should be identified.

Union minister Giriraj Singh. (Image: PTI/File)

Union minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday claimed Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingya were working as delivery agents for food delivery companies and online shopping platforms and added that they should be identified.

Singh made these remarks in Hyderabad, where he attended the convocation of NIFT-Hyderabad.

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"The services sector, whether it is Zomato, Swiggy or Flipkart, the delivery boys are Bangladeshis and Rohingya. Efforts should be made to identify them and hand them over to police," he told PTI Videos on the sidelines of the event.

The Union minister also threw his weight behind Yogi Adityanath over his comments drawing a parallel between Sambhal and Bangladesh, saying the Uttar Pradesh chief minister did not say anything wrong.

Adityanath had on Thursday said the actions of Mughal emperor Baburs commander in Ayodhya and Sambhal 500 years ago and the events happening in Bangladesh at present shared the same nature and intent.

"Look at the kind of acts our enemies in neighbouring countries are committing. Remember this, if anyone is under any illusion. Five hundred 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 had said.

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Responding to a question on Adityanaths remarks, Singh also took a swipe at All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi.

"India got divided in the form of Pakistan. Hindus got finished in Pakistan. The same thing is happening in Bangladesh today. Jinnahs DNA was there in Pakistan and Jinnahs DNA is in Bangladesh. Jinnahs DNA is also in Sambhal. Your Owaisi, Jinnahs gene entered him," Singh said.

First Published: December 08, 2024, 00:13 IST
Camels & Forts Passe, Modi Rebrands Rajasthan As Indias Next Business Hub With December 9 Summit

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 10:07 IST

PM Modi had initiated the idea of a big-ticket business summit by starting Vibrant Gujarat as the states chief minister in 2003, which became a template for all business summits in India

Rising Rajasthan has been packaged and marketed much like Vibrant Gujarat but on a smaller scale. (X @my_rajasthan)

Camels, forts, sand dunes, and colourful turbans representing the desert state are passe  or so the BJP-ruled Rajasthan government wants to prove  by pitching Rajasthan as the next business destination of India. Come December 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the states first-ever summit titled Rising Rajasthan to be held in Jaipur till the December 11.

At present, the Rajasthan economys size is a little above Rs 15 lakh crore. The government wants to double it to Rs 30 lakh crore and believes that the summit is a good beginning. In her budget speech earlier this year, Rajasthan finance minister Diya Kumari committed to making the state a $350 billion economy as part of the action plan for Developed Rajasthan @ 2047, which comprises 10 resolutions.

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PM Modi had initiated the idea of a big-ticket business summit by starting Vibrant Gujarat as the states chief minister in 2003, which became a template for all business summits in India.

Rising Rajasthan has been packaged and marketed much like Vibrant Gujarat but on a smaller scale. The discipline, however, is intriguing. Not only has a young chief minister toyed with the idea in his very first year of governance, but there has been a well-orchestrated global outreach before the main event in December this year. The man executing every small detail in the run-up to it is Rajasthans commerce minister Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.

 #Rajasthan is on track for a $350Billion economy! The #RisingRajasthan Global Investment Summit is set to drive Rajasthans growth trajectory with major investments.  December 9th to 11th, #Jaipur  Expanding green energy by boosting solar and wind sectors, along  Col Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) December 6, 2024

In an earlier interview with News18, he had said: What sets Rising Rajasthan apart is the thrust on communication. We have deputed 23 IAS officers for 23 countries for the next five years as points of contact for ease of doing business. We have deputed one RAS (Rajasthan Administrative Service) officer each for every state of India as a communication officer for business investment purposes."

During the three-day event, one day will be dedicated for non-resident Rajasthanis. The Rajasthan government has already created 21 investment policies, such as a textile park or land aggregation policy.

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A state that was so used to the revdi culture of free mobiles, free ration kits, free electricity, and the Chiranjeevi scheme, is now getting used to terms like the ease of doing business. The governments goals  both realistic and ambitious  will also translate into creating direct and indirect jobs once realised.

For now, Jaipur is getting decked up to extend the red carpet for PM Modi and the attendees, while the government hopes to sign enough MoUs that it can be proud of.

First Published: December 07, 2024, 09:51 IST
Govt Notifies Rules To Intercept Messages, Gives Agencies Maximum 6 Months For Surveillance

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 12:54 IST

It is likely that the rules will trigger a debate on Right to Privacy as there have been cases of misuse of unauthorised interception by different agencies in the past

The government agencies will have to provide particulars of the person whose messages need to be intercepted, the officer who has been authorised, and the data destruction time. (Pixabay)

The Union government has notified the new Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024, which will guide law enforcement and security agencies with the procedure to intercept any message for a specific reason and period. These rules are similar to call-interception rules.

It is likely that the rules will trigger a debate on Right to Privacy as there have been cases of misuse of unauthorised interception by different agencies in the past. Agencies have been allowed to intercept a persons messages for a maximum duration of six months.

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The rules say that the competent authority, which is the home secretary for the Union government and the chief secretary for the state, can pass an interception order, directing to intercept any message or class of messages.

On August 28 this year, the government had invited objections and suggestions from the public after making the document available.

In case of unavoidable circumstances, a joint secretary or inspector general-level or above officer, can also issue order of interception. But, as per the notification, interception order shall be submitted within three working days of the date of its issuance to the competent authority and the competent authority shall, if it considers appropriate, confirm such order within a period of seven working days from the date of issue.

In case authorities seeking permission do not get any reply within seven working days, such interception shall cease and any messages intercepted will not be allowed to be used for any purpose, including as evidence in a court of law.

The government agencies will have to provide particulars of the person whose messages need to be intercepted, the officer who has been authorised, and the data destruction time.

Each authorised agency will have to authorise two nodal officers, not below the rank of superintendent of police or equivalent rank, to communicate an interception order.

The rules say agencies have to submit fortnightly reports twice in a month comprising the list of interception orders received during the preceding fortnight with details, including reference number and date of interception orders issued or confirmed.

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The telecommunication entity has been made responsible in case any of its employees is found involved in unauthorised interception.

A high-level committee will be made for review which will have Indias top officer Cabinet Secretary as chairman and Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice and Secretary, Department of Telecommunications as members. Every state government will also have to make a committee where Chief Secretary of the state will be the chairperson and Secretary, Law or Legal Remembrancer In-charge, Legal Affairs and Secretary to the State Government, other than the Home Secretary will be members.

First Published: December 07, 2024, 12:54 IST
Kerala Lottery Results 7.12.2024: Karunya KR-683 Winners Announced; Full List Here!

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 11, 2024, 09:07 IST

Kerala Lottery Results: Here's FULL LIST of winning numbers for Karunya KR-683 lucky draw for Saturday, December 7.

Kerala Lottery Karunya KR-683 Result: The first prize winner of Karunya KR-683 will get Rs 80 lakh. (Image: Shutterstock)

KERALA LOTTERY KARUNYA KR-683 RESULT ON SATURDAY, 7.12.2024, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Karunya KR-683 lucky draw for Saturday, 7 December. This weekly lottery offers impressive cash prizes, with a first prize of Rs 80 lakh. The second and third-place winners will receive Rs 5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively. Check the Full List of Winning Numbers below.

ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Results 11.12.2024: Fifty Fifty FF-121 Winners; First Prize Rs 1 Crore!

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FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA KR-683 LOTTERY

WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 80 LAKH IS KZ 652161 (CHERTHALA)

Agent Name: PARVATHY R NAIR

Agency No.: A 4930

WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKH IS KV 914439 (THIRUVANANTHAPURAM)

Agent Name: H M RAFI

Agency No.: T 2062

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 LAKH ARE

KN 267510

KO 188757

KP 529106

KR 682584

KS 946720

KT 585930

KU 964524

KV 719451

KW 116600

KX 878092

KY 320504

KZ 878575

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE

0906 1407 1576 1964 2216 2229 4665 5013 5033 5847 5923 6430 6718 7225 7372 7564 7653 8890

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE

1106 1286 2982 3255 5133 6429 7279 7356 7884 9014

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE

0016 0720 1123 2219 2676 2769 3113 3174 6555 7012 7966 8574 9445 9996

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE

0075 0380 0418 0542 0629 0653 0759 1033 1176 1194 1248 1325 1443 1553 1699 1894 1933 2197 2224 2370 2485 2490 2820 3070 3294 3528 3595 3615 3670 3674 3699 3799 3806 3808 3872 3993 4140 4215 4277 4296 4350 4443 4482 4514 4954 5055 5198 5543 5961 5970 6089 6508 6703 6731 6778 6807 6922 7280 7436 7446 7461 7478 7489 7664 7705 7707 7824 7904 8014 8184 8334 8593 8665 8844 9131 9319 9472 9485 9487 9552

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE

0030 0175 0233 0299 0317 0335 0699 0701 0725 0861 0925 0957 0997 1279 1458 1541 1643 1715 1782 1962 2099 2226 2378 2416 2546 2559 2562 2603 3016 3229 3233 3336 3397 3461 3463 3478 3520 3557 3593 3675 3729 3730 3856 3882 3895 3948 4052 4118 4147 4154 4283 4364 4370 4430 4547 4625 4811 4886 4936 4947 4975 5018 5036 5264 5429 5434 5490 5567 5603 5620 5906 5938 6005 6135 6150 6165 6213 6268 6464 6564 6655 6783 6826 6920 7006 7053 7107 7271 7469 7610 7661 7715 7834 7837 7867 7885 7968 8000 8027 8034 8098 8146 8150 8181 8207 8226 8254 8268 8290 8327 8499 8698 8812 8851 8920 9009 9478 9516 9580 9603 9713 9729 9889 9904

WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE

KN 652161

KO 652161

KP 652161

KR 652161

KS 652161

KT 652161

KU 652161

KV 652161

KW 652161

KX 652161

KY 652161

HOW TO VERIFY KERALA KARUNYA KR-683 LOTTERY RESULTS?

Visit www.keralalottery.info, the official website of the Kerala Lottery Department, to check the Kerala Karunya KR-683 Lottery results. The Kerala Government Gazette office is where the winning numbers can be checked. The official sources can provide reliable and trustworthy lottery results.

HOW TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY?

Compare the numbers listed in the Kerala Government Gazette with the ones on your ticket.

Your ticket number must match those on the official winning list for you to be eligible for a prize.

If you win, you have to go to Thiruvananthapuram, the Kerala Lottery headquarters, to pick up your prize.

After the draw date, you have 30 days to turn in your winning ticket.

Keep your winning ticket and a valid form of identification on hand so you can pick up the prize.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY

A copy of the winning ticket, with both sides bearing the winners self-attestation. Passport-sized photos with a Gazette officials signature. A copy of the participants signed PAN card. Fill out the online award money receipt form, attach a revenue stamp, and submit it. Documents proving identity, including voter IDs, ration cards, PAN cards, and Aadhaar cards

HOW DO I DOWNLOAD A PDF WITH A COMPLETE LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS?

Go to www.keralalotteries.info or keralalotteryresult.net, the official websites of the Kerala Lottery Department.

Click the link to see the Karunya KR-683 Results.

Every winning number should now appear in the results.

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Locate the download link on the page.

Click the link to view the lottery results in PDF format.

Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India

First Published: December 07, 2024, 09:00 IST
Man Jumps On Train Engine, Dies After Being Electrocuted At Jhansi Station

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 14:00 IST

The incident caused the train to be halted at the Jhansi railway station for approximately 45 minutes, railway officials said.

The victim is yet to be identified | Image/X

A man was electrocuted after jumping onto the engine of a Goa-bound train in Uttar Pradeshs Jhansi on Friday, said railway officials, adding that the persons body burnt after coming in contact with the engines overhead live cable.

The visuals showed the unidentified person jumping from the tin shed of the platform after the train entered Platform 1 of the Jhansi railway station.

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Chaotic scenes were witnessed at the Veerangana Laxmibai Jhansi Railway Station after the person died by suicide. The Railway Police intensified their efforts to retrieve the body from atop the 12780 Hazrat Nizamuddin-Vasco Da Gama train.

The incident caused the train to be halted at the Jhansi railway station for approximately 45 minutes, railway officials said.

The charred body of the victim was recovered after the overhead electrical cable was shut. It was later sent for post-mortem, according to officials.

Railway Police Circle Officer Naeem Mansuri said the victim could not be identified but seems to be aged around 40 to 45 years, reported NDTV.

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DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata)

Location : Jhansi, India

First Published: December 07, 2024, 12:23 IST
Man Who Posed As Long-Lost Son Duped 9 Families In 6 States: UP Police

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 20:56 IST

Rawat, a native of Rajasthan, duped three families in the state, said Nimish Patil, Deputy Commissioner of Police (trans-Hindon).

Indraraj Rawat has been charged with impersonation, cheating, and house trespassing, police said.

A day after a man was arrested here for allegedly posing as the long-lost son of two different families  one in Ghaziabad and another in Uttarakhand, police on Saturday said the accused duped at least seven more families in other states using the same story.

Out of the seven families, police have identified two families and are trying to find out deatils of five others, officials said.

related stories

A total of nine families from six states  Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand  fell victim to accused Indraraj Rawats deception, they said.

Rawat, a native of Rajasthan, duped three families in the state, said Nimish Patil, Deputy Commissioner of Police (trans-Hindon).

"Rawat had lived with at least nine families over the years, convincing them with a fabricated story of being a long-lost son who had been kidnapped as a child. Police have identified four such families, and investigations are on to find out five other families he may have similarly deceived," said Patil.

Rawat has been charged with impersonation, cheating, and house trespassing, police said.

The case came to light last month when Rawat, posing as Raju, approached Khoda police station on November 24, claiming he was kidnapped 31 years ago at the age of seven. According to his story, he was abducted by three men in a tempo while walking home from school with his sister in Sahibabads Shaheed Nagar Colony.

Rawat told police that the kidnappers took him to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, where he was kept in a room and forced to work as a shepherd, enduring physical abuse and being shackled at night.

He claimed that a Delhi-based businessman, who saw his plight, took pity on him, brought him to Ghaziabad and left him at the border. With polices help, Rawat was accepted by a local family, the Tularams, who believed him to be their missing son.

However, police investigations soon revealed discrepancies in Rawats account. Upon further probe, they discovered that his real name is Indraraj Rawat and that he has a history of criminal activity.

"In 2021, Rawat had stayed with a family in Rawatsar, Rajasthan, pretending to be a distant relative, before stealing from them and fleeing. He was later arrested, but after serving a short jail sentence and being released on bail, he continued with his method of deception.

"In 2023, the accused lived with a family in Sikar, Rajasthan, where he assumed the identity of their missing son, Pankaj. He later moved to Dehradun, where he spent four months with another family, claiming to be their son Monu," the DCP said.

His travels also took him to Bhatinda in Punjab, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, and Sirsa in Haryana, where he convinced families that he was their long-lost child, said the officer.

A serial thief, Rawat was abandoned by his own family in 2005 after being fed up of constant complaints about his petty thefts, according to police. He initially lived with several of his relatives for a few months before starting his spree to dupe other families in 2021, they added.

"Rawats modus operandi involved using emotionally charged, fabricated stories to win the sympathy and trust of families, often those who had missing children, making his deceptions more convincing.

"Once accepted into these homes, he would live a comfortable life, free from the need to work, while secretly stealing valuable goods from his hosts before disappearing when he felt his secret might be exposed," said the DCP.

During interrogation, Rawat admitted that after being removed from his family in 2005, he worked as a labourer in fairs, but his habit of theft continued, officials said.

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Police are now working to piece together his full criminal history, including his movements and activities from 2005 to 2021, and are investigating whether there are additional families that fell victim to his fake story.

Rawat has been arrested and is currently in judicial custody. Police investigations are on to uncover the full extent of his deceptive activities, said the officer.

Location : Ghaziabad, India

First Published: December 07, 2024, 20:56 IST
Sambhal Violence: Woman Claims Husband Gave Her Triple Talaq For Praising Cops

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 18:56 IST

In her complaint, the woman alleged that her husband had warned her not to watch videos of the violence in Sambhal

The incident took place when the woman visited Gurugram on Thursday to resolve an issue with her husband. (Representational Image)

A 36-year-old woman from Uttar Pradeshs Moradabad has filed a police complaint against her husband and in-laws, accusing her husband of giving her triple talaq after she praised the polices role in managing the recent violence in Sambhal district.

In her complaint, the woman alleged that her husband had warned her not to watch videos of the violence in Sambhal.

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I told him that the role of the police that day was commendable in putting a check on large-scale violence,," she stated. In his anger, the woman claims, her husband pronounced triple talaq, thereby ending their marriage, as per Indian Express report.

This is the womans second marriage, she had been divorced in 2021 from her first husband.

As per the publications report, the incident took place when the woman visited Gurugram on Thursday to resolve an issue with her second husband. While waiting for him at his office, she came across a video of the violence in Sambhal and expressed her admiration for the polices actions. According to her, when her husband saw her watching the video, he became furious and warned her not to do so.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Moradabad, Satpal Antil, confirmed the incident. He said the womans complaint had been forwarded to the womens police station for further investigation.

Under Indian law, triple talaq is a cognisable offence, and appropriate action will be taken, a woman police officer at the Mahila Thana in Moradabad stated.

What is happening in Sambhal?

The trouble began in Uttar Pradeshs Sambhal on November 19, when a court ordered a survey of a Mughal-era mosque following claims that a Hindu temple had once stood at the site.

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On November 24, during a second survey, protests broke out near the Shahi Jama Masjid, leading to violent clashes with security forces, resulting in four deaths and many others injured.

This incident has intensified communal tensions and sparked a political slugfest in the state, where several temple-mosque disputes are simmering.

Location : Moradabad, India

First Published: December 07, 2024, 18:55 IST
Scindia, Majumdar Ramp Walk At Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav Fashion Show | Watch

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 23:41 IST

Scindia and Majumdar, donning the northeastern style jackets, walked on the ramp to promote the northeast fashion.

Union Ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sakunta Majumdar walk the ramp during a fashion show organised on the North-Eastern region of India at the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi

Union Ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sukanta Majumdar doubled up as models and walked the ramp at the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav fashion show, being held at New Delhis Bharat Mandapam on Saturday.

Scindia and Majumdar, donning the northeastern style jackets, walked on the ramp to promote the northeast fashion.

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#WATCH | Delhi | Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with MoS Sukanta Majumdar walked the ramp at the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav fashion show, at Bharat Mandapam.(Source: Office of Jyotiraditya Scindia) pic.twitter.com/xO7F4o51d2  ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2024

Truly a celebration of culture and creativity! Had an amazing time at the fashion show showcasing the vibrant styles of Northeast India! Each state was beautifully represented by talented artists and models. Honoured to be part of the event with my colleague Sh @DrSukantaBJP Ji," Scindia said in a post on X.

Truly a celebration of culture and creativity!Had an amazing time at the fashion show showcasing the vibrant styles of Northeast India! Each state was beautifully represented by talented artists and models. Honoured to be part of the event with my colleague Sh @DrSukantaBJP pic.twitter.com/eyj39NSvTm  Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) December 7, 2024

The Mahotsav will provide an unprecedented platform to showcase the regions vibrant textile industry, artisanal crafts and unique Geographical Indication (GI) products, Scindia had said at a press conference.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated three-day Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav to celebrate the vast cultural tapestry, vibrancy of northeast India, bringing together an array of traditional arts, crafts and cultural practices.

In the last decade, we have seen a wonderful journey of the development of the northeast but it was not easy. We have taken every possible step to connect the northeastern states with Indias growth story.

Modi said he strongly believes the coming days are of eastern India and the northeast. Like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru, cities of the region such as Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal, Itanagar and Aizawl will be new beacons of growth, the prime minister said.

With its vibrant culture and dynamic people, the northeast holds immense potential to propel Indias growth, he said.

The first-ever Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav is being celebrated from December 6 to 8 in New Delhi. This festival aims to showcase the beauty, diversity, and promise of the eight states of northeastern states  Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim. Together they are known as the Ashtalakshmi.

The event features a variety of programmes and other exercises aimed at promoting economic opportunities in areas such as traditional handicrafts, handlooms, agricultural products and tourism.

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The cultural festival showcases artisan exhibitions, grameen haats, state-specific pavilions and technical sessions on key areas crucial to the development of the northeastern region.

(With inputs from agencies)

First Published: December 07, 2024, 23:41 IST
SFJs Seize Parliament Call To Sikh Farmers Unwarranted, Canada Must Respond, Say Top Intel Sources

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 16:42 IST

The secessionist group had announced a travel budget of Rs 25 lakh for Sikh farmers to seize Indian Parliament on December 13, coinciding with the 23rd year of the 2001 Parliament attack

Earlier, in yet another threat, SFJ founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had targeted the DG-IG Conference that was held in Odisha from November 29. (PTI)

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)s call to farmers to Seize Indian Parliament on December 13 is unwarranted" and a sign of foreign interference" that the Canadian government should respond for, top intelligence sources have told CNN-News18.

The secessionist group had announced a travel budget of Rs 25 lakh for Sikh farmers to seize Indian Parliament on December 13, coinciding with the 23rd year of the 2001 Parliament attack.

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Foreign interference was visible last time and this time too. The protest is an internal matter and unwarranted. Farmers have faith in the government set-up and soon, the issue will be resolved," they added.

Farmers protesting in the Capital are demanding a farm loan waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice" for the victims of 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2023, and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21.

They want an allocation of 10 per cent plots and 64.7 per cent increased compensation under the old acquisition law, that is four times the market rate compensation, and 20 per cent plots on the land acquired after January 1, 2014.

Earlier, in yet another threat, SFJ founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had targeted the DG-IG Conference that was held in Odisha from November 29.

According to top intelligence sources, Pannun is getting money for every post against India and is now trying to intervene in every matter.

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After holding pro-Khalistan rallies at Hindu temples in Canada against life certificate camps organised by Indian diplomats, SFJ has also launched a Kill Modi Politics" campaign in the United Kingdom, top intelligence sources have told CNN-News18.

The Kill Modi Politics" and Wanted" banners of the Prime Minister and external affairs minister S Jaishankar have been conspicuously displayed at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, West Bromwich, they added.

First Published: December 07, 2024, 16:42 IST
SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's ruling People Power Party decided to vote down President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment motion set to be voted on Saturday afternoon, according to multiple media outlets.

After Yoon's declaration of an emergency martial law earlier this week, the opposition parties submitted the motion to remove Yoon from office scheduled to be voted at 5:00 p.m. local time (0800 GMT).

Before voting on it, lawmakers were slated to cast ballots on the bill to investigate scandals involving the first lady.

The embattled president has struggled with the scandals involving his wife, including stock price manipulation and election interference allegations.

Yoon declared an emergency martial law Tuesday night before repealing it early Wednesday as the parliament voted against it. 
Suspended Jharkhand IAS Officer Gets Bail In Money Laundering Case

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 20:47 IST

Pooja Singhal has been in custody since May 11, 2022, after raids were conducted at properties linked to her in connection with the money laundering case.

Pooja was given bail on the condition of furnishing two bonds of Rs 2 lakh each and depositing her passport.

A special PMLA court here on Saturday granted bail to suspended Jharkhand cadre IAS officer Pooja Singhal in a money laundering case.

She was given bail on the condition of furnishing two bonds of Rs 2 lakh each and depositing her passport.

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Singhals lawyer said that she was granted bail after the court heard her bail petition for two days.

Singhal has been in custody since May 11, 2022, after raids were conducted at properties linked to her in connection with the money laundering case.

The case relates to alleged corruption in implementing MGNREGA, the Centres flagship scheme for rural employment.

The ED has accused Singhal, a former state mines department secretary, of money laundering. The agency also seized over Rs 36 crore in cash linked to alleged illegal mining in two money laundering cases.

On February 10, 2023, the Supreme Court granted Singhal interim bail for two months to enable her to take care of her ailing daughter.

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Apart from the 2000 batch IAS officer, premises linked to her businessman husband, a chartered accountant associated with the couple, and others were also raided by the ED as part of the probe.

Singhal was suspended following her arrest.

Location : Ranchi, India

First Published: December 07, 2024, 20:47 IST
Will Bangladeshs Muktijoddhas Attend Vijay Diwas Celebrations This Year? Heres What We Know

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 17:31 IST

Every year, the war veterans of the neighbouring country come to the Eastern Command headquarters to honour the Indian Army for its victory in the 1971 war that gave birth to Bangladesh

Retired officers say the Muktijoddhas have been an inalienable part of the fanfare and if they give the Vijay Diwas celebrations a miss, it will be a significant moment in India-Bangladesh ties. (News18)

Vijay Diwas is celebrated with much grandeur and fanfare every year in India on December 16 to honour the Indian Army for its victory in the 1971 war that gave birth to Bangladesh.

Every year, Muktijoddhas (war veterans) of Bangladesh  who were an essential part of the guerrilla resistance force Mukti Bahini  come to the Eastern Command headquarters in Kolkata to mark the occasion. In 2022, 29 Muktijoddhas and six Bangladesh Army personnel had attended the event.

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However, this year, given the political turmoil in Bangladesh, there is a big question mark on their attendance, with sources telling News18 that till now, there has been no confirmation from the Bangladeshi side.

Major General Mohit Seth, Headquarters, Eastern Command, said we will let you know" when asked about the veterans participation.

Retired officers say the Muktijoddhas have been an inalienable part of the fanfare and, if they give the Vijay Diwas celebrations a miss, it will be a significant moment in India-Bangladesh ties.

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On December 16, like every year, a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Eastern Command to mark Pakistans surrender to the Indian Army which led to the creation of Bangladesh.

One of the main triggers for the current unrest in the neighbouring country has been the Muktijoddha or War Heroes quota, as protesting students argued that extending the reservation to the grandchildren of freedom fighters is unconstitutional, given that the original constitutional provision was meant for the freedom fighters and not their children and grandchildren.

First Published: December 07, 2024, 17:31 IST
Lisa Ray Reveals The Healing Power Of Tears During Cancer Treatment, Check Out Its Importance

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 14:00 IST

In a heartfelt conversation, Lisa Ray advocated the importance of crying during her cancer treatment. Here are some curated medical research and reports supporting her statement.

Lisa Ray said, All of our emotions are legitimate.

Lisa Ray, a renowned actress known for her roles in Bollywood and international films, once gave a tough fight against cancer. In a heartfelt conversation with breast cancer survivor and actress Chhavi Mittal, Ray opened up about her challenging journey. She revealed her emotional battles throughout the healing process and advocated the importance of embracing ones emotions during the same phase. Her battle with cancer, which began in 2009 when she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable form of blood cancer, was a turning point in her life and career.

In a candid discussion with Chhavi Mittal for her podcast Candid Confessions, Lisa Ray shared insights into her emotional journey while finding self-compassion in healing. She mentioned that expressing emotions is not a sign of weakness and said, All of our emotions are legitimate and sacred." Ray also revealed that the real danger is in suppressing them. Prioritizing crying during her cancer treatment helped her find relief with the release of tensions.

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Check out the video here.

Ray further admitted that the diagnosis gave her a reason to pause in her life and step back to reassess all the things she had done till then. She expressed, Finally, I can stop; I can get off this train," adding how her illness forced her to slow down and confront her emotions.

Scientific research supports Lisa Rays perspective on the importance of crying during cancer treatment. According to a report published by Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers, crying can help balance hormones, relieve strong emotions, and restore the body to its initial state. The body releases oxytocin and other endorphins while crying, providing relief from pain. The report also suggests that crying can help release tension, as tears contain stress hormones and the mineral manganese.

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According to a report in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, crying has been shown to increase the levels of natural killer cells, which destroy cancer cells in the lymphatic system as part of the immune response. Thus, they recommend that crying therapy should be actively utilized in interventions for patients with cancer. The same report mentioned that the autonomic nervous system responds to increased blood flow by raising heart rate and blood pressure while initially shedding tears. However, after crying, stress hormones and adrenaline decrease. The parasympathetic nervous system is activated at this point, and the individual becomes calm. Hence, blood pressure decreases, improving cardiovascular functioning.

For those unaware, multiple myeloma happens to the white blood cells, also known as plasma cells, that produce antibodies. Following her diagnosis, Ray began writing The Yellow Diaries, a blog about her experiences of battling cancer. In April 2010, she announced she was cancer-free due to a stem cell transplant. Since then, she has been an active advocate of stem-cell therapy and often participates in several fundraisers and cancer awareness campaigns.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 07, 2024, 13:57 IST
Kumbh Mela 2025: UP Govt To Set Up 2,000 Swiss Cottage-Style Tents

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 27, 2024, 20:00 IST

Kumbh Mela 2025: In Sector 20 (Arail) of the Mahakumbh Mela area, the Yogi government is setting up a luxurious tent city with around 2,000 Swiss cottage-style tents.

Kumbh Mela 2025: The tent city is scheduled to be open from January 1 until March 5, 2025. (Images: Shutterstock)

The Uttar Pradesh government is constructing a tent city to accommodate thousands of devotees expected to attend the Maha Kumbh 2025. More than 2,000 Swiss cottage-style tents will be set up in the Maha Kumbh Mela areas Sector 20 (Arail). Six companies are involved in the project, which is being managed by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Limited (UPSTDC). The six companies are Aagaman, Kumbh Camp India, Rishikul Kumbh Cottage, Kumbh Village, Kumbh Canvas, and Era. The accommodations in the tents will be on par with those found in five-star hotels.

Maha Kumbh 2025: All About The 2,000 Swiss Cottage-style Tents

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There will be four different types of tents available: dormitory, villa, maharaja, and Swiss cottage. It will cost between Rs 1,500 and Rs 35,000 a day, and extra non-dormitory tents will cost between Rs 4,000 and Rs 8,000.

The facility is expected to serve 45 crore tourists from 75 nations.

ALSO READ: Kumbh Mela 2025: AI Chatbots, Apps To Transform Maha Kumbh Mela Experience

Tent sizes will range from 250 to 400 square feet for Deluxe Blocks, 480 to 580 square feet for Super Deluxe Tents, and 900 square feet for Villa Tents.

Furthermore, air conditioners, sofas, workstations, beds, mattresses, geysers, fire extinguishers, mosquito nets, WiFi, and dining areas are among the amenities.

Information about yoga, cultural activities, and important historical and religious places in Prayagraj and the surrounding areas will also be included in the tent package.

ALSO READ: Maha Kumbh 2025: Coloured Vehicle Passes With QR Codes For Seamless Access

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The tent city is scheduled to be open from January 1 until March 5, 2025. People can make reservations via the Mahakumbh app or the UPSTDC website.

In Prayagraj, the upcoming Maha Kumbh, conducted once every 12 years, is set to start on January 13 and end on February 26, 2025.

Location : Prayagraj, India

First Published: December 07, 2024, 09:15 IST
On Rome Vacation, Sonakshi Sinha, Zaheer Iqbal Stay At Luxury Hotel. Here's How Much A Room Costs

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 13:53 IST

Following their visit to New York, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal are currently enjoying quality time in Rome, Italy.

A few days ago, Sonakshi and Zaheer celebrated their five-month anniversary.

Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal, who tied the knot in June 2024, are on vacation these days. After they visited New York, the power couple is currently having a gala time in Rome, Italy. Rome in a jiffy at the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi! Cozy dinners with a view, a fun buggy ride thru the city, and some mandatory sightseeing! A 2 days well spent," read Sonakshis Instagram post.

During their trip to Rome, Sonakshi and Zaheer decided to stay at the lavish Anantara Palazzo Naiadi hotel. A quick glance at the photos, available on the hotels website, suggests that the love birds stayed at the Junior Suite Piazza View.

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According to Makemytrip.com, prices for the junior suite start from Rs 62,694 along with Rs 6,269 taxes and fees per night. The price for the junior suite goes on to Rs 82,429 along with Rs 8,243 taxes and fees per night. The 41 square metre Junior Suite Piazza View offers a balcony, a minibar among other splendid amenities.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonakshi Sinha (@aslisona)

A few days ago, Sonakshi and Zaheer celebrated their five-month anniversary and fourth honeymoon in Italy. Uploading a cheerful photo from Italy along with her husband, Sonakshi wrote in a story, Couple celebrating 5th month (adversary) on the 4th honeymoon, vibe hai, vibe hai, vibe hai," along with laughing emojis.

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According to reports, Sonakshi started dating Zaheer in 2017 after they met at a party hosted by Salman Khan. Both Sonakshi and Zaheer made their Bollywood debut with Salman. While Sonakshi featured in Dabangg, Zaheer was a part of Salman Khans home production Notebook.

In November 2022, the two also featured in a movie named Double XL. They were also part of a music video titled Blockbuster.

First Published: December 07, 2024, 13:53 IST
Aamir Khan Confirms Discussing A Film Together With Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan: 'It Will Happen Soon'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 10:51 IST

Aamir Khan says he, SRK and Salman Khan are hoping to get the right script and are looking forward to the much-awaited collaboration.

Aamir Khan says Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan are also keen on their much-awaited collaboration.

Aamir Khan was recently honoured at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia when the actor was also asked about the possibility of him uniting with Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan on screen. The actor confirmed that he had discussed the idea of the three Khans coming together with SRK and Salman. Aamir revealed that they are hoping to get a perfect script soon and are looking forward to the much-awaited collaboration.

About six months back, Shah Rukh, Salman and I were together and we did speak about this. I was the person who brought this up and told Shah Rukh and Salman that it would be really sad if the three of us didnt do a film together. I think Salman and Shah Rukh were equally in agreement and were, Yes, we must do a film together. The three of us. Hopefully, it will happen soon. It will need the right kind of story. So, well have to wait for the right script. We are all looking forward to it," Aamir said.

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Latest: Aamir Khan on "Khan-trio" in a single project  "Me, Shah Rukh Khan & Salman did speak about it 6 months back. Salman & Shah Rukh agreed to it & hopefully we will do a film together." at Red Sea Film Festival 2024 in Jeddah.#ShahRukhKhan #SalmanKhan pic.twitter.com/DCJE0wlOWu  (@Vamp_Combatant) December 6, 2024

This is not the first time that Aamir Khan has talked about collaborating with SRK and Salman. The actor appeared on The Great Indian Kapil Show earlier this year and also shed light on the most talked-about union and said, I recently met both Shah Rukh and Salman when both of them were together. I told them that we are working in the film industry for so many years, we need to do a movie together. It will be unfair to the audiences if we do not collaborate during our film careers. At least we should share screen space in one film."

So, I have conveyed to both Salman and Shah Rukh and both have insisted on finding a good story. In fact, I met Salman two days ago when he came to my house and gifted me jeans. Whenever a new collection of Being Human arrives, he delivers a box at my house. So, well try that we soon get to work in a movie together. Lets hope that good directors approach us with interesting scripts," he added.

Aamir Khan last collaborated with Salman Khan for the film Andaz Apna Apna. On the other hand, SRK and Salman have worked together in multiple movies like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, Tubelight, Zero, Pathaan and Tiger 3. They will soon be seen together in Tiger Vs Pathaan.

First Published: December 07, 2024, 10:51 IST
Allu Arjun Fan's Death In Pushpa 2 Stampede Raises Concern: 'Superstars Should Avoid FDFS' | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Shrishti Negi



Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 04:55 IST

Trade guru Ramesh Bala recalls more fan deaths & explains why Allu Arjun's compensation is 'good gesture' towards deceased's family.

Pushpa 2 has beaten RRR to emerge as the highest opener of all times.

A benefit show for Pushpa 2: The Rule in Hyderabad on December 4 took a tragic turn when a stampede broke out amidst overwhelming crowds of Allu Arjuns fans. The situation spiralled out of control as the South superstar made his grand entry, leading to chaos. In the commotion, a woman and her son were severely injured, with both losing consciousness. While the police rushed them to a nearby hospital, the woman was declared dead upon arrival, and her son remains in critical condition.

Following the incident, a criminal case was filed against Allu Arjun, his private security, and the management of Hyderabads Sandhya Theatre, citing criminal negligence under Sections 105 and 118(1) BNS.

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Benefit shows and crowd

Reacting to the incident, south trade analyst Ramesh Bala exclusively speaks to News18 and says that stampedes during benefit shows are inevitable. Small actors going to theatres to promote their films is fine but superstars like Rajinikanth, Vijay, Ajith, Mahesh Babu, Yash and Allu Arjun shouldnt be going to a theatre for the first day first show. When big actors do this, its always a problem. By nature, benefit shows are always crowded," he tells us.

He adds, Before the show begins, a stampede-like situation almost always occurs right at the entrance. The parking lots become a bed for all kinds of celebrations. When the first show starts, the entire crowd tries to get in at the same. Sometimes, those who dont even have tickets, try to see if they can get in. Ive seen glass doors being broken in Chennai."

Cancellation of early morning shows in Tamil Nadu

Bala recalls the death of an Ajith fan in January 2023 and says that the decision to do away with 4 am shows in Chennai was to prevent such mishaps. When a big star like Allu Arjun goes to a benefit show, it adds to the frenzy. Thats the reason early morning shows are banned in Tamil Nadu. During the release of Thunivu, a fan of Ajith climbed atop a lorry or a bus and fell and died while he was dancing. From them on, early morning shows have been stopped and the first show can only start from 9 am on the release day. Tamil Nadu pioneered 4 am shows but that has also stopped now," he remarks.

No more benefit shows for films in Telangana: State cinematography minister Komatiredyy Venkata Reddy

Sharing his stance on how he thinks Telugu stars will maneuver this new rule, Bala tells us, The Telangana government has now also said that early morning shows cannot happen without proper permissions. This will definitely stop the top stars from visiting multiplexes and theatres running benefit shows. They can attend a screening in the latter part of the day, unannounced, when fans dont know that their favourite star is going to be there."

The road ahead for AP and Karnataka

With Tamil Nadu and Telangana cancelling these shows, Bala believes that it will soon reflect in the other south states too where hero worship is widely prevalent. Weve to wait and see what the Andhra Pradesh government announces. Pawan Kalyan is the deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh. Hes also from the film industry and so, Im not sure what plan theyll come up with. But both Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are good candidates to regulate this if not ban it because crowd control is definitely a problem," he opines.

Sharing some past instances, he recounts, Ive seen it in Bengaluru also where they burst crackers. Sometimes, people climb atop the big cut-outs of their idols to pour milk over it and fall down and die. Pawan Kalyans fans have died because of electrocution from wires. Such risks are always there and it needs to be regulated."

However, Bala feels that it will be tough for the governments to bring about stringent measures. I dont know how theyll bring in extra protection. Theatres need to ban celebrations within their premises. For a 9 am show, audiences should be allowed in the parking lot only at 8:45 am. The other problem is that theatres also encourage these celebrations. The government always acts after a death. Until some unfortunate incidents happen, they dont react," he rues.

Team Pushpa 2s support towards deceaseds family

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the production house of Pushpa 2: The Rule, Mythri Movie Makers, issued a statement expressing their grief over the tragedy and stated that they would be extending all possible support to the family during this difficult time. On Friday (December 6), Arjun also took to X and said that hes deeply heartbroken and assured that he will meet the family personally. He added that he would be donating them Rs 25 lakh and take care of all the medical expenses.

Talking about it, Bala shares, Often stars give a few lakh rupees to the family of the deceased. Financial compensation is always counted as a good gesture. When the frenzy dies, Allu Arjun may visit the family, maybe a month later. It has happened in the past when actors have quietly visited the families in the wee hours of morning or late at night, clicked pictures with them, paid their respects and announced to take care of the kids education. Some stars have monetarily helped their families quietly and others have done it more openly."

Shift in fan-hero dynamic

In light of how stars are deified in south, Bala mentions that such incidents have never left a bad taste in the fandoms mouth. Ive not seen an actors stardom being dented because of such mishaps. It has also happened in the past where after a fan meet, a fan club president has died in a car accident on their way home. The rival fans may say something to the rival stars but Ive never seen a fan bad-mouthing their idol because of such mishaps. Since these stars arent directly responsible for these deaths, they arent held accountable," he informs us.

Whats a benefit show?

The first show on the release date is allotted to fan clubs. They can choose to sell those tickets at a higher price for their benefit, activities or charitable causes. It has been going on for many years now. That way, theatres get a lump sum amount from the association or the fan club president. This is applicable to only early morning or premiere shows. In Pushpa 2s case, the premiere show happened at 9:30 pm, a day before its release. But in case of most films, it happens post 12 am," explains Bala.

First Published: December 07, 2024, 04:55 IST
Allu Arjun On Delay In Apologising To Pushpa 2 Stampede Victims Family: 'It Takes Me Time to Process...'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 21:02 IST

Allu Arjun has finally addressed the tragic death of a woman during a stampede at the Pushpa 2 premiere in Hyderabad.

Allu Arjun apologised to the family of the fan who died.

Allu Arjun has finally addressed the tragic death of a woman during a stampede at the Pushpa 2 premiere in Hyderabad. After apologising on X, the actor spoke about it during the press meet in Hyderabad on Saturday.

About the mishap, director Sukumar said, My heart is broken due to what happened. I am very sorry for thatI apologise to the family and assure you, we will always support you."

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Allu Arjun apologised, saying, We are extremely sorry. We genuinely didnt know what happened. Ive been doing this for 20 years (going to theatres on opening day); its very unfortunate that this happened."

He clarified that he didnt leave the theatre midway because he knew about the fans death, but because the management told him it was causing a disturbance. I watched the film and left midway because management told me it was causing issues. We only found out the next day that Revathi had died; I was shocked," he said.

Allu Arjun was criticised for not addressing the issue immediately. To this, he said that he was not ready psychologically. He added, It took me time to respond psychologically I want to stabilise and come back to the table; it takes me time to process. When we heard what happened, we all blanked out. Sukumar garu became really emotional; all our energies went down."

Sharing a video, Allu Arjun had earlier written on X, Deeply heartbroken by the tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving family during this unimaginably difficult time. I want to assure them they are not alone in this pain and will meet the family personally. While respecting their need for space to grieve, I stand committed to extend every possible assistance to help them navigate through this challenging journey."

About the video and the Rs 25 lakh, Allu Arjun said, The money Ive given ( Rs 25 lakh) is only a gesture to show were there for them. I dont want to disturb them; Im giving them their space. I will never be able to help with their loss, but I will meet them once they recover. Ill help them in whatever way I can," he said.

Following the incident, the deceaseds family lodged a complaint at Chikkadapally Police Station. A case has been registered under Sections 105 and 118(1) read with 3(5) of the BNS Act. Central Zone DCP Akshansh Yadav stated: According to the complaint, the theatre management, actor Allu Arjun, and his security team have been made accused We have to identify who in his security team were present yesterday and who pushed people, creating this situation Our deployment was there, and there is no lapse on the polices part. Investigation is ongoing."

First Published: December 07, 2024, 21:02 IST
Mission: Impossible  Ghost Protocol Clocks 13 Years: Anil Kapoor Says The Memories Remain Timeless

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 17:24 IST

One of the films standout moments was Tom Cruise performing the daring stunt of scaling the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Mission: Impossible  Ghost Protocol was released in December 2011. (Photo Credit: X)

Anil Kapoor and Tom Cruise-starrer Mission: Impossible  Ghost Protocol completed 13 years since its release. The fourth film in the Mission: Impossible series featured Anil Kapoor as Brij Nath, a media tycoon in Mumbai, alongside Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. Written by JJ Abrams, Andre Nemec and Josh Appelbaum, and produced by Abrams, Cruise and Paula Wagner, the film remains a significant part of the franchise. To commemorate the milestone, Anil Kapoor shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos and scenes from the film on his Instagram Stories.

Sharing the pictures, Anil Kapoor also wrote a note expressing his pride in being part of the iconic franchise and reflecting on his experience during the film. The actor shared, 13 years ago, Mission: Impossible  Ghost Protocol brought together a powerhouse cast and unforgettable moments. From scaling the Burj Khalifa to iconic red-carpet appearances, these memories remain timeless. Truly an honour to have been part of this incredible journey. Heres to the legacy of impossible missions!"

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The plot of Mission: Impossible  Ghost Protocol centred around Ethan Hunt and his team being disavowed after being falsely accused of a bombing at the Kremlin. This set them on a high-stakes mission to clear their names and prevent further attacks. One of the films standout moments was Tom Cruise performing the daring stunt of scaling the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Anil Kapoor was last seen in Fighter, directed by Siddharth Anand. The film featured an impressive cast, including Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, with Kapoor playing the role of an elite fighter pilot.

Currently, Anil Kapoor is working on the film, Subedaar, which is being shot in Agra. Directed by Suresh Triveni, the film is produced by Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN) and Opening Image Films. Additionally, Kapoor is set to appear in Geetu Mohandass Toxic, slated for release in 2025. The film will star Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria and Shruti Haasan in key roles, with Huma Qureshi rumoured to play the antagonist.

First Published: December 07, 2024, 17:24 IST
Salman Khan House Firing: What Would Police Achieve By Killing 18-Yr-Old Boy, Bombay HC Asks Teen's Lawyer

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 04:00 IST

Four rounds were fired outside the Bollywood actor Salman Khan's Bandra residence, Galaxy Apartment on April 14, 2024.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan (R) with his father and veteran screenwriter Salim Khan.

The Bombay High Court on Friday observed that there was nothing amiss" in the death of an 18-year-old arrested in connection with the firing outside Bollywood actor Salman Khans residence. The court, after reviewing a magisterial inquiry report, stated it did not appear that the individual had died in police custody due to any acts by the police, as alleged. Four rounds were fired outside the Bollywood actors Bandra residence, Galaxy Apartment on April 14, 2024.

The bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj K Chavan noted that there was no plausible explanation" to suggest why the police would harm Anuj Thapan, the deceased, who was not the primary accused in the case, according to a report in Indian Express.com. The court directed the lawyer representing Thapans mother, Rita Deviwho had sought a CBI probeto review the inquiry report and respond next month.

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According to the inquiry, CCTV footage from May 1 showed Thapan entering the bathroom in the police lock-up alone, where he was later found to have died by suicide. He had been detained at the Mumbai Crime Branch lock-up.

The petitioner, Rita Devi, had alleged police foul play and claimed an FIR had not been registered despite her sons custodial death. She sought immediate registration of an FIR and a CBI investigation.

The court, however, questioned the rationale behind the allegations. Why, according to you, was the police trying to kill someone who is not even the main accused? An 18-year-old boy. He went to the bathroom alone He is not even a shooter. What would the police achieve by killing him? We understand the mothers emotions, but we also have to see the circumstances," the judges said.

When Devis lawyer argued that Thapan was a healthy individual, the court remarked, Physical strength has nothing to do with mental strength. Who knows what circumstances led him to hang himself? None can vouch for anyone. It is a fraction of a moment in which it happens There could be many reasons. He was poor. He might have thought of lawyers expenses he was coming from outside Maharashtra."

Justice Chavan further noted, The CCTV footage does not indicate anyone accompanied him to the toilet. That possibility is ruled out. Normally, he would have struggled or resisted."

Justice Mohite-Dere added, Do not get carried away by emotions. The mother will always harbour suspicion. You have to tell her. We understand the anxiety or emotions of a mother having lost her son."

First Published: December 07, 2024, 04:00 IST
MONTEVIDEO, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed Friday the completion of negotiations for a trade agreement between the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) and the European Union (EU).

During the 65th Mercosur Summit (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) and Associated States, which is held Friday in Montevideo, Lacalle Pou stated that an agreement of this nature "is not a solution, it is an opportunity."

Exercising the temporary presidency of Mercosur, the Uruguayan president noted that the speed of progress would depend on the will of each country, emphasizing that it must proceed with "small, but secure" steps in the same direction.

Lacalle Pou spoke on behalf of the other founding members of the South American bloc: Javier Milei (Argentina), Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Brazil), and Santiago Pena (Paraguay).

Meanwhile, von der Leyen expressed the "success" of the negotiations, calling it an "ambitious" deal that sends a "clear and powerful message to the world" by demonstrating that democracies can support each other mutually.

"Today is truly a historic milestone, and allow me to thank the chief negotiators for their dedication and determination," von der Leyen said.

"This agreement is not just an economic opportunity; it is a political necessity. We are partners with shared mindsets and common roots," she added, speaking at the Mercosur headquarters.

Mercosur and the European Union had initially reached an agreement in 2019, but it was never ratified and had to be renegotiated.

The agreement still requires ratification by the parties involved, including the parliaments of the four founding Mercosur countries. However, it faces resistance from some European nations, led by France, which fear that the influx of agricultural products from South American countries could negatively impact their own agricultural sectors.

The deal would create a market of more than 700 million people, making it the largest free trade area in the world.

Mercosur expects to export more food products such as beef and soybeans, while the European Union aims to increase shipments of cars and machinery.

Uruguayan Foreign Minister Omar Paganini explained that the agreement allows Mercosur countries to eliminate 70 percent of tariffs on exportable products such as industrial oils, fish, fruits, vegetables, and infusions.

For Paganini, the trade pact also opens opportunities for European investments in Mercosur as part of value chains.

Due to challenges in securing parliamentary approval in the European Union, the agreement has been divided into two parts: an Association Agreement with three pillars and an Interim Trade Treaty as the commercial pillar.

The trade agreement will be approved more quickly than the Association Agreement, as it falls within the exclusive competence of the European Union, requiring only adoption by the EU institutions and its Parliament.

The Association Agreement, on the other hand, is a mixed-competence agreement and must be approved not only by EU institutions but also by the national and regional parliaments of each member state. 
Opinion | Indias CAA Stands Vindicated Despite Misinformation Campaign As Hindus Face Persecution In Bangladesh

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 12:09 IST

While CAA has nothing to do with depriving people of citizenship or disenfranchising Indian citizens, that is exactly what the BJP was accused of trying to do with the law

What is essentially a tool to correct historical injustices was spun as a political tool that would be used alongside NRC to specifically target Indian Muslims. (PTI)

On December 8, 2019, a landmark bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha. Called the Citizenship Amendment Bill, the legislation sought to amend the Citizenship Act of 1955. The amendments goal was to provide persecuted Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis Indian citizenship if they arrived in the country before 2014.

What was intended to be a noble initiative to help Indic minorities was, unfortunately, dragged through the mud by vested interest groups. The Modi government was accused of being exclusionary in its vision since there was no proposal to grant similar citizenship benefits to Muslims from across the Indian subcontinent. In fact, the exclusion of Muslims would go on to become the biggest point of contention between the government, supporters of CAA and those against it.

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For reasons best known to those who opposed the law, no effort was made to understand why Muslims found no mention in the Citizenship Amendment Bill. The law seeks to grant Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs and other Indic minorities from three countries: Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Do you know what is the common thread among these three countries? While Pakistan and Afghanistan are explicit Islamic nations, Bangladesh, despite being a constitutionally secular" republic, has seen mass violence and persecution of non-Muslim minorities, especially Hindus.

The contention of those opposing CAA also falls flat on its face when one considers the implications of including Muslims in CAA. Will that not clear the deck for entire populations from these countries applying for Indian citizenship? Logic, however, was abandoned very early on in what would progress to become the anti-CAA agitation" of India.

Remember, CAA has been the victim of some of the worst misinformation campaigns over the past five years. While CAA has nothing to do with depriving people of citizenship or disenfranchising Indian citizens, that is exactly what the BJP was accused of trying to do with the law. What is essentially a tool to correct historical injustices was spun as a political tool that would be used alongside NRC to specifically target Indian Muslims. That was why mass protests broke out against CAA in 2019 and 2020.

Indian Muslims were specifically targeted with misinformation campaigns that sought to inflame their sentiments, triggering violent agitations across the country and even leading to riots in North East Delhi. Remember the protests at Shaheen Bagh in Delhi and how violence was strategically timed with Donald Trumps visit to India? It was all based on the false narrative that once CAA is implemented, Indian Muslims will be asked to prove their citizenship, and if found lacking, will be transported to deportation camps.

Five years have passed since, and no Indian Muslim has been disenfranchised. Instead, the CAAs need has become all the more pronounced. Today, Hindus in Bangladesh are struggling to survive. Islamist mobs have been on a rampage in the country since Sheikh Hasinas ouster. Even with her in power, it would take a miracle for Hindus to observe a peaceful Durga Pujo in Bangladesh. With her gone, all safeguards which minorities in Bangladesh enjoyed have been systematically eliminated. Now, the streets are ruled by mobs on the lookout of Hindus, who are being painted as traitors to Bangladesh.

According to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council  an umbrella body of religious minorities in the country  there were 200 documented attacks on Hindus in the three days following Hasinas ouster, in which five Hindus were killed and scores suffered grievous injuries. Many more such cases, say leaders of the council, have gone unreported. Transparency International Bangladesh has recorded 2,010 cases of attacks on Hindus between August 5 and 20, in which nine Hindus were killed. In addition to the assaults on Hindus, their homes, businesses and numerous temples, approximately 500 Hindu police officers, teachers, and government officials were compelled to resign by Islamists across the country. Apart from Hindus, several Buddhists and Christians have also come under attack in Bangladesh ever since Muhammad Yunus took over the country.

The situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan does not really require much elaboration. Non-Muslim minorities face persistent threats in both these Islamic nations. Only in October, for instance, Hindus in Pakistans Sindh province were living in fear as some influential people threatened them with dire consequences in the wake of a supposed blasphemy" incident.

While the lies surrounding the CAA have been exposed, the plight of minorities in neighbouring countries has underscored the legislations necessity. The fears propagated by the naysayers have proven baseless. Instead of the imagined disenfranchisement of Indian Muslims, what has become evident is the real and ongoing persecution of minorities in neighbouring nations. The CAA was designed as a compassionate response to this persecution, and its importance has only grown over time.

Unfortunately, due to a massive misinformation campaign mounted against the law, its implementation was delayed. In fact, CAA rules only got notified in March this year, just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

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Apart from vindicating Indias decision to grant citizenship to religious minorities fleeing Islamist persecution from across the neighbourhood, the continuing attacks on Hindus has also established a strong case for the cut-off date of CAA to be done away with. Presently, only those individuals who arrived in India before 2014 are eligible to be given citizenship. However, persecution of religious minorities continues unabated in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Therefore, there is an urgent need to rescue Indic minorities who are still living in these three countries. To do so, the Indian government must rid the Citizenship Amendment Act of its cutoff date of 2014. As the pre-eminent democracy in the subcontinent, India has a duty to ensure protection for those who have nowhere else to go. India needs to give hope to people whose lives are being torn apart by systemic persecution.

First Published: December 07, 2024, 12:09 IST
Opinion | Persecution Of The Hindu: A Blindspot Of Global & Indian Liberal Intelligentsia

Written By : &

News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 08:54 IST

The status of any minority group in a country cannot be defined by random incidents but rather must be assessed through the lens of institutional mechanisms, policies and systemic structures in place

Members of the Bangladeshi Hindu community hold banners and chant slogans against violence targeting the country's minorities during a protest in Dhaka. (File image/AFP)

For decades, the self-proclaimed intelligentsia in both India and the West have positioned themselves as the guardians of the marginalised. Yet, they have done so while tactfully providing intellectual cover to those pushing for the establishment of a totalitarian regime rooted in Islamic Othering.

At the same time, they have demonstrated a calibrated blindspot and have wilfully overlooked the systemic persecution of Hindus, particularly in Pakistan and Bangladeshtwo nations where their very existence is constantly under threat, not just from religious bigotry but also through State-engineered constitutional mechanisms.

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The distortion of narratives in media

The narratives we often consume through social and mainstream media regarding Indias treatment of its Muslim population tend to focus on isolated incidents of violence or socio-ethnic clashes. The so-called liberal voices, often nothing more than manifestations of paternalism, habitually use these stray incidents to engineer false equivalences, drawing comparisons between Indias societal issues to those of its neighbours, countries (Pakistan and Bangladesh) carved out from India on the premise of Islamic Othering. At best, this oversimplifies the situation and distorts reality by drawing misleading and false parallels.

This approach is deeply misleading and problematic. The status of any minority group in a country cannot be defined by random incidents but rather must be assessed through the lens of institutional mechanisms, policies, and systemic structures in place.

State patronage and religious reservations

In India, Muslims, as a minority, have received disproportionate state and political patronage compared to Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, or Christians in Bangladesh and Pakistan, where minorities face systemic and institutional oppression. Had the liberal intelligentsia in both India and the West been truly committed to an honest evaluation, they would have expressed an alarming outrage over policies like the amendments to the Waqf Act of 1995, which they instead endorsed with their deafening silence. Legislations of this kind granted unchecked powers to an overtly exclusionary and bigoted religious institution in a secular state.

Further, these same voices would raise concerns about the religious reservations set aside specifically for Muslims. If that werent enough, we see further political pandering with the introduction of a special reservation for OBC Muslims, despite the fact that Abrahamic faiths are often perceived as vehicles for bridging caste divides, not reinforcing them.

The distorted lens of liberal narratives

Despite the undeniable persecution of religious and systemic nature in Muslim-majority states like Pakistan and Bangladesh, countries carved out of the former India", the global and Indian liberal intelligentsia rarely speaks out against the deeply entrenched religious and institutional discrimination faced by Hindus who were left behind during partition. Instead, there is a tendency to downplay these issues, drawing false equivalences between the treatment of Muslims in India and the systemic persecution of Hindus in these neighbouring Islamic states.

This selective blindness is especially evident in the context of debates surrounding the portrayal of Indias Muslim population. In India, Muslims, despite being a significant minority, have been the recipients disproportionately of substantial state patronage, particularly in areas like religious funding, educational institutions, and affirmative action policies. What the intelligentsia fails to address is that this preferential treatment has led to a disproportionate allocation of state resources, violating the principles of the Uniform Civil Code, which seeks to provide equal rights to all citizens, regardless of religion. The policies designed to benefit Muslims alone while neglecting true minorities like Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians, and Parsis raise valid concerns about the imbalances they create within the secular framework of the country. Yet, these concerns are often dismissed as Islamophobic" by the same intelligentsia that remains silent on the far graver abuses occurring in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The quiet erasure of Hindus in Bangladesh and Pakistan

In both Bangladesh and Pakistan, Hindus are systematically discriminated against, subjected to violence, and disenfranchised by state policies. For instance, in Bangladesh, under the Vested Property Act (VPA) of 1974, the State declared itself the custodian of Hindu lands previously seized under the Enemy Property Act (EPA) of 1965. This legislation was particularly discriminatory, as it declared all Hindusirrespective of nationalityas enemies. The state seized their lands, claiming them to be the property of the enemy", particularly those suspected of sympathising with India.

After Bangladeshs independence in 1971, hopes were high that the discriminatory laws would be repealed. While Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did repeal the EPA, he replaced it with the VPA, which continued the states control over Hindu lands. Successive governments, including that of Zia-ur-Rahman, further amended the VPA, allowing the state not only to seize Hindu lands but also to lease them to third partiesoften on a perpetual basis. This created a system where local political goons, Muslim elites, and party workers could forcibly evict Hindus from their lands, using violence, intimidation, and State complicity. As a result, scores of Hindus were rendered landless and displaced.

When Sheikh Hasinas Awami League took power, there were efforts to return the seized lands, but these efforts have yielded minimal results. As of now, the state has expropriated over 26 lakh acres of land from 14 lakh Hindu families, with 83% of this land being agricultural. Of the land seized, 43% is now in the hands of BNP workers and Muslim goons, while 34% is controlled by Awami League-affiliated individuals.

Furthermore, the fact that 8 million Hindus have disappeared from the Bangladeshi census since 1971, likely forced to flee to India, demonstrates the scale of the land grabs and the forced migration caused by religious persecution.

The Islamo-Leftist alliance and its deliberate blindspot

The reluctance to acknowledge the plight of Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh can be attributed to a deeper ideological alliance between Islamism and Leftist political forces, both in the West and in India. This Islamo-Leftist alliance" pushes a narrative that portrays Muslim communities as perennial victims, particularly in the context of Indias rising Hindu nationalism. However, this narrative selectively ignores the far more severe oppression of Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh, the two Islamic-majority countries that have actively sought to erase the cultural and social identity of their Hindu populations.

By turning a blind eye to the religious persecution faced by Hindus in these neighbouring states, the liberal intelligentsia allows Pakistan and Bangladesh to avoid scrutiny and accountability. This selective silence serves to shield these regimes from global criticism while simultaneously stoking division in India. The focus on Indias Muslim minority, often portrayed as victims of a Hindu-majority State, distracts from the much graver situation faced by Hindus in these Islamic countries, where they are literally fighting for survival.

The need for a balanced narrative

The global intelligentsias approach to religious persecution must evolve beyond ideological biases and false narratives. The suffering of Hindus in Bangladesh and Pakistan must be acknowledged and brought to the forefront of international discourse. Hindus in these countries are not only facing societal discrimination but also State-sponsored policies that continue to undermine their existence. These abuses cannot be ignored in favour of politically motivated narratives that create false moral equivalences between the treatment of Muslims in India and the treatment of Hindus in Islamic countries.

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If the global liberal intelligentsia truly cares about human rights, religious freedom, and minority protection, it must begin to challenge the narrative that shields regimes like those in Pakistan and Bangladesh at the cost of silencing the voices of Hindus. This means acknowledging the systemic abuse of Hindus in these countries, questioning the harmful policies that fuel their persecution, and holding these regimes accountable for their actions. Only then can we foster a truly inclusive and honest dialogue on religious tolerance and human rightsone that does not pick and choose its victims based on ideological convenience.

Both Sanjeev (@Crystal_X_Clear) and Adit (@IndicSociety) regularly host spaces on X, where they engage in insightful discussions and deconstruct misleading narratives related to Indian history and other geopolitical matters from an Indian prism. Views expressed in the article are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views

First Published: December 07, 2024, 08:54 IST
Ambedkar Would Be Ashamed If He Were Alive Today: TVK Chief Vijay Slams BJP, DMK For Atrocities Against Dalits

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 10:20 IST

The actor-turned-politician blamed both the Centre and Tamil Nadus ruling DMK for straying widely from the path shown by the icon

Actor Vijay, who has declared his political ambition for Tamil Nadu, will contest the 2026 elections. (PTI)

Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam chief and actor-turned-politician Vijay has said Indias revered jurist and social reformer BR Ambedkar would hang his head in shame" looking at the still-downtrodden" social position held by Dalits today as he sought to blame both the Centre and Tamil Nadus ruling DMK for straying widely from the path shown by the icon.

Vijay was speaking at a book launch in Chennai, held alongside Ambedkars death anniversary on December 6.

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Thinking about Ambedkar, one cannot but think about law and order and the states role in keeping it intact. But, looking at what is happening in Manipur, it is clear there is a government ruling us without giving a shred of attention to what is happening there," he said.

Continuing his attack on governments, Vijay took a hit at the DMK-ruled Tamil Nadu government. In Tamil Nadu, we all know what happened in Vengaivayal," he said, alluding to a village in Pudukottai district where miscreants befouled the drinking water allocated to a Dalit community, allegedly a casteist crime. The government [TN] does not seem to have taken any action."

If Ambedkar were alive today, he would hang his head in shame. We see and read about so many atrocities against our people. To solve this once and for all, we need the only solution  a government that truly loves its people," Vijay thundered, and raised his hands in a celebratory gesture, setting waves of festivity across the crowds.

The current DMK government is in alliance with VCK, led by Thol Thirumavalavan, who has been a long-standing proponent of Dalit rights. Vijay said governments completely dependent on alliance arithmetic" with little regard for people welfare will be taught a lesson in the 2026 state polls.

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Interestingly, Thirumavalan announced on Friday morning that he wouldnt participate in the book launch. Vijay blamed pressure from the alliance partner, alluding to the DMK, for Thirumavalans absence and said: his [Thirumas] heart is nevertheless here".

Actor Vijay, who has declared his political ambition for Tamil Nadu, will contest the 2026 elections. After the mammoth success of his first political extravaganza in Vikravandi, his next conference will be announced soon.

First Published: December 07, 2024, 10:20 IST
BRS, BJP Slam Congress Over New Telangana Thalli Statue, PIL Filed Against Its Installation

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 18:48 IST

The petitioner Juluru Gaurishankar said that the modified statue hurts the sentiments of the people of the state.

Old image of Telangana thalli and New image of Telangana Thalli. (Image: X/ @amitmalviya)

A Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) worker has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Telangana High Court against the installation of new and modified statue of Telangana Thalli (mother of the state) on the premises of the Secretariat.

The petitioner Juluru Gaurishankar said that the modified statue hurts the sentiments of the people of the state.

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BRS, BJP Slam Congress

A political tussle broke out between the ruing Congress and opposition parties, BRS and BJP over images of the new statue of Telangana Thalli. BRS leader KT Rama Rao slammed the Revanth Reddy government saying that several elements that represented the ethos and culture glory of the state were missing in the redesigned statue.

He further pointed out that the new statue lacked several key features that were present in the original design including the crown. He said that the crown of the goddess, which symbolises the pride and self-governance of Telangana, has was gone. The traditional floral festival Bathukamma, which represents the cultural heritage of Telangana, was absent.

Revanth should stop playing with Telanganas identity!The Telangana Thalli statue is a symbol of our identity, created through consensus among Telanganites from all sections during the Telangana movement. To assert our identity, thousands of Telangana Thalli statues were pic.twitter.com/ZXdD47UftK  BRS Party (@BRSparty) December 6, 2024

The party said that CM Reddy should stop playing with the identity of Telangana.

Rao further vowed, If voted to power, BRS will replace the statue with the original one, and install it where Rajiv Gandhis statue has been erected by the Revanth Reddy government. We will also change the names of all the projects/ initiatives named after Congress leaders/Gandhi family."

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya also hit out at Congress government for hampering with the states cultural identity.

Malviya said that in the modified image, the saree colour of the goddess was changed from pink to green. Further the government added the Abhaya Hastam (symbolizing the Congress logo) in the new image of goddess, replacing with the Bathukamma.

In a post on X, he said, As the Congress government in Telangana marks its first anniversary, here is a striking example of an attack on the states cultural identity. The @revanth_anumula led Congress government has altered the depiction of Telangana Thalli, the revered Goddess of Telangana: Changed the saree color to green; Removed the Bathukamma; Removed the crown and jewellery; and Added Abhaya Hastam (symbolizing the Congress logo)."

As the Congress government in Telangana marks its first anniversary, here is a striking example of an attack on the states cultural identity.The @revanth_anumula led Congress government has altered the depiction of Telangana Thalli, the revered Goddess of Telangana:  pic.twitter.com/jOdtReCdAw  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 7, 2024

The BJP leader further said that no one should forget that CM Reddy once called Congress veteran Sonia Gandhi the Mother of Telangana."

This is deeply shameful," he added.

Telangana Govt to Invite KCR, Union Ministers for Inauguration

Meanwhile CM Reddy is scheduled to unveil the statue on December 9, which also marks the birthday of Sonia Gandhi, as part of the Congress governments ongoing first anniversary celebrations.

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On Friday, the government sought time from Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, as well as BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, to invite them for the inauguration.

The new Telangana Secretariat was constructed during the previous BRS regime after demolishing the old buildings, which had been built during the undivided Andhra Pradesh era.

First Published: December 07, 2024, 16:43 IST
Eknath Shinde Demanded Home Ministry From BJP, Shiv Sena Keen On New Portfolios, Says Party MLA

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 11:40 IST

After the formation of the Maharashtra government following days of hectic parleys, brainstorming is now underway for the portfolio allocation in the Mahayuti administration.

Maharashtra government formation: Eknath Shinde with PM Modi, Devendra Fadnavis (PTI Image)

Maharashtra portfolio allocation: As talks for the portfolio allocation continue after the Maharashtra government formation, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has put forth the demand for the key Home Ministry from the BJP, Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogavale said.

Shindes aide Gogavale on Friday said that the cabinet expansion is likely to take place between December 11 and 16, ahead of the Winter Session of the State legislature in Nagpur, the second capital, from December 16.

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Shiv Sena Cites Fadnavis Keeping Home In Shinde Govt

The Shiv Sena leader pointed out that Devendra Fadnavis, who is now back as the Chief Minister in the new state government, held the Home Department as the Deputy CM in the Shinde administration. Saheb (Eknath Shinde) has demanded the home and talks (on portfolio allocation) are in progress," Gogavale said.

When asked to whom the demand was made, the Shiv Sena leader said it was probably made to Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

He said that Shiv Sena is attempting to change the portfolios it held in the previous Mahayuti government and hoped that the talks on the department allocations would be finalised in a day or two.

Maharashtra Government Formation

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the chief minister for a third term on Thursday at a grand event at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Shinde and Ajit Pawar took the oath as Deputy chief ministers.

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PM Modi, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, and top NDA leaders were present at the event.

Barring the top three leaders, no other MLA was administered the oath of office at the ceremony.

First Published: December 07, 2024, 11:28 IST
No Enthusiasm Seen Among Maharashtra People After Mahayuti's Poll Victory: Sharad Pawar

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 19:33 IST

Sharad Pawar said the Opposition need not worry, but it should go back to the people after the setback.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar (File image)

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday claimed that no enthusiasm or overt joy was visible among the people of Maharashtra after the BJP-led Mahayuti coalitions landslide victory in the November 20 assembly elections.

Speaking at a press conference at Kolhapur in western Maharashtra, Pawar said the Opposition need not worry, but it should go back to the people after the setback.

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The Oppositions Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance will work to ensure that the government kept all its pre-poll promises including increasing the financial assistance for women under the Ladki Bahin scheme to Rs 2,100 from Rs 1,500, he said.

"No enthusiasm is visible in the people after the Mahayutis massive mandate," said the veteran politician whose party could win only 10 seats in the 288-member assembly.

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On Samajwadi Partys Maharashtra chief Abu Asim Azmi announcing that his party was pulling out of the MVA alliance over the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday hailing those who demolished Babri Masjid in December 1992, Pawar said the central leadership of the SP was firm on maintaining the Opposition unity.

About the appointment of Leader of Opposition in the assembly, Pawar said the MVA parties can not insist that they get the post as they dont have required numbers.

Location : Kolhapur, India

First Published: December 07, 2024, 19:33 IST
Who Will Be Mamata Banerjees Successor? TMC Supremo Says Decision To Be Made By

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 12:26 IST

Mamata Banerjee clarified that the TMC stands as a disciplined party where no one can dictate terms or dominate over others.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee with her nephew and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee | File Photo/PTI

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Friday that the decision on her potential successor as the leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) would be made collectively by the party and not her alone.

The remarks come amid the ongoing internal power struggle within the TMC party in West Bengal between the veteran leaders and younger factions.

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In an exclusive interview with News18 Bangla, Mamata Banerjee dismissed the rumours around her dominance and said, I am not the party, we are the party. It is a collective family, and decisions will be made collectively."

Banerjee clarified that the TMC stands as a disciplined party where no one can dictate terms or dominate over others. The party will decide what is best for the people. We have MLAs, MPs, booth workers, this is a joint effort," she said.

Maintaining a balanced approach to the ongoing debate about giving more chances to the younger generation, Banerjee said, Everyone (old and new generation leaders) is important. Todays newcomer will be tomorrows veteran."

Although the TMC has not yet announced any successor for Banerjee, the remarks came amid an ongoing debate over the old guards, considered loyal to Mamata Banerjee, versus the next-generation leaders, considered close to Abhishek Banerjee.

Abhishek Banerjee, the TMCs national general secretary and nephew of Mamata Banerjee, is considered to be more famous than any other party leader among the youth of Bengal. Hes often criticised as well by the old guards for dictating terms within the party, according to reports.

Banerjee did not mince words when addressing the role of political consultants, taking an indirect jibe at I-PAC, which has been working as TMCs political consultant since 2019.

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Some strategists make surveys sitting at home and change them later. They can arrange things but not bring voters. Its the booth workers who know the villages and people who actually win elections," she remarked, adding, They are like artisans who do their work in exchange for money. But elections arent won by them."

The next election for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly is expected to be held in MarchApril 2026 to elect all 294 members. In recent years, the state has seen the rise of BJP as the key opposition party.

First Published: December 07, 2024, 08:21 IST
From Smoking To Reading Habits, The Unexpected Link Between Kerala and Cuba

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 10:54 IST

In his new book, Mad About Cuba, author Ullekh NP has shared how, in Kerala and Cuba, tobacco factory workers hire literate people to read news, books and speeches.

Although factory owners were initially against this practice, it became common. (Representative Image)

For many, reading is a way to escape the busy pace of everyday life. But in the past, workers in tobacco factories in Kerala and Cuba turned reading into a way to stay informed while they worked. In his new book, Mad About Cuba: A Malayali Revisits the Revolution, author Ullekh NP explores this unique tradition in two faraway regions. He shares that in 1990s Kerala, beedi factory workers often hired young students or someone literate enough" to read newspapers aloud while they rolled beedis. Similarly, in Cuba, very professional readers" were hired, who read books, news and speeches for workers since 1865.

The author recalled, I had once read about the interesting link between tobacco and reading habits, a story true of Kerala too. For my Masters thesis, I examined how a Marxist newspaper played a role in the dissemination of information among beedi workers in Kerala. My paper was set in 1990s Kannur, my hometown, when the rolling of beedis, thin cigarettes made with beedi leaves, offered a route out of poverty for hundreds of otherwise unskilled labourers. Back then, as the workers slogged at such beedi-rolling enterprises, they typically hired young students, or someone literate enough, to read newspapers aloud to keep them all abreast of the news."

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In some beedi factories, workers offered readers a packet of beedis and a cup of tea as a reward for reading. If the reader was also a beedi worker, others helped them by sharing some of their rolled beedis to meet their daily target. In certain beedi units, workers had readers who would read aloud novels and books, including works by famous politicians like EMS Namboodiripad and other well-known authors such as Albert Camus from France and Juan Rulfo from Mexico.

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Far away from his hometown, Kerala, the author further shared, In Cuba, too, a similar practice is deeply entrenched among cigar rollers. They have very professional readers who read books for the employees of cigar factories. It is a well-documented aspect of Cuban cigar factories and a practice since 1865 when workers at the El Figaro factory in Havana picked a colleague to read to them as they rolled. The reader was promised more cigars to compensate for his missing hours. Later, the others chipped in to pay the reader a salary."

Although factory owners were initially against this practice, it became a common habit. It is believed that the Cuban independence hero, Jose Marti, once sat on a readers chair and delivered a speech to Cuban tobacco workers in a factory in Florida. The readers role became so prominent that the Cuban government was forced to officially recognize it as part of the countrys cultural heritage.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 07, 2024, 10:28 IST
This Turkish Pasta Is Internet's New Obsession

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 12:46 IST

The Turkish pasta recipe has become viral, dethroning Gigi Hadids vodka pasta that trended on the Internet for a long time.

Do you want to try it? (Photo Credits: Instagram)

Among rapidly changing food trends, influencer Anna Pauls Turkish pasta recipe has appealed to many social media users. The recipe has become viral, dethroning Gigi Hadids vodka pasta that trended on the internet for a long time. The influencer shared her version of the classic meal inspired by Turkish manti. The recipe features a unique blend of flavours with ground meat, creamy yoghurt, and pasta a true comfort meal for any home cook.

Annas Turkish pasta went viral after several users on TikTok and Instagram posted pictures and videos of trying the recipe. Food enthusiasts displayed their attempts at perfecting the dish under the hashtag #TurkishPasta with posts garnering thousands of views. A few have also added their own flair to the recipe.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anna Paul  (@annapaul)

If you are wondering what the recipe is, we have got you covered:

Key ingredients:

Pasta: Any variety will work, but whole-grain pasta is recommended for extra nutritional value.

Minced Meat: Chicken or lamb.

Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and sourness.

Spices: Salt, pepper, curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for added flavour.

Butter: Adds to the sauce used to knit the dish together.

Preparation

The beauty of Anna Pauls Turkish pasta lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The creamy yoghurt sauce, buttery paprika drizzle and savoury ground meat take over the bowl. While many recipes use traditional ground beef, Anna allows for flexibility by adding ground chicken or lamb according to ones personal preference.

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This dish has appealed to users not just because of its rich taste but its easy preparation. Many home cooks reported preparing this meal in less than 30 minutes. Preparing boiled pasta, browned meat with spices, and lightly prepared yoghurt sauce makes it perfect for weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.

Before Annas recipe, Gigi Hadids spicy vodka pasta rose to culinary fame and became an internet sensation in 2020. After she shared the recipe on her Instagram account, it became the most searched pasta recipe online. Fundamentally, a creamy penne alla vodka, this richness takes a different turn by using pasta shells instead of the usual shapes.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 07, 2024, 12:46 IST
Why Fidel Castros Bear Hug To Indira Gandhi In 1983 Is An Iconic Cold War Moment

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 10:56 IST

The moment was politically charged, particularly since India had recently been under criticism due to violent incidents accompanying local elections in Assam that stained the image of Gandhi.

Castro and Gandhi were at the forefront of non-alignment. (Photo Credits: X)

The 7th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in New Delhi, from March 7-9, 1983, was significant on many counts. It brought together the leaders of countries committed to independence from the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union. It was amid this an iconic moment happened a bear hug by Fidel Castro to Indira Gandhi. The incident not only showed the friendship between the Cuban revolutionary and the Indian Prime Minister but also sent a strong signal to the world in the Cold War geopolitical environment.

At this summit, Castro, fresh from serving as chairman of NAM, was to pass the gavel of leadership to Indira Gandhi. The moment was politically charged, particularly since India had recently been under criticism due to violent incidents accompanying local elections in Assam that stained the image of Gandhi.

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As Castro moved to hand her the gavel, he startled herand everyone in attendanceby enveloping her in a giant bear hug. The unexpected move caught Gandhi by surprise, but it quickly turned into a moment of celebration and unity as applause erupted from the delegates representing 140 nations. It was an image that lasted, symbolizing solidarity among the non-aligned nations, and one that helped take attention from Gandhis domestic troubles.

Beyond the hug, Castro was instrumental in the summits success, having mediated the expected crisis with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) leader, Yasser Arafat. Arafat had threatened to storm out of the conference when he took umbrage over the order in which he was due to speak. Castro intervened decisively by inviting Arafat to a meeting with him and Gandhi. He reminded Arafat that he knew his friend Gandhi wanted him to stay for the afternoon session, thereby defusing a situation that could have derailed the summit.

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During that same summit, Castro brought together Indira Gandhi and the celebrated Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez, whose works were dominated by magical realism and which, perhaps, best exemplified by his novel One Hundred Years of Solitude. That was not Castros impulsive whim, since earlier the Indian leader and the Cuban had a tacit understanding at their meeting in Moscow on the occasion of Leonid Brezhnevs death. On that occasion, Indira Gandhi requested the Cuban leader to bring Garcia Marquez along with him whenever he came to India.

He reached India on Castros official plane and spent three days there in conjunction with the summit. His presence added a much-needed cultural dimension to the event, which was mostly saturated with political discourses. Most interestingly, Marquez held Gandhi in high esteem; he later named his daughter Indira Cato after her as a symbol of his respect for the Indian leader.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 07, 2024, 10:56 IST
Police on Friday said it arrested more than 500 suspects in London this year using Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology, Azernews reports, citing Philippine News Agency .

A total of 540 individuals wanted for criminal offenses ranging from shoplifting to rape have been arrested with the help of LRF tech, a Metropolitan Police statement said.

"Live Facial Recognition is an advanced technology employed by the Met in specific areas of London. Officers position a van equipped with cameras in a pre-agreed location," the statement said.

It said that of the 540 people arrested by Met officers, 406 have already been charged or cautioned.

"LFR technology enables the Met to take a more precise and intelligence-led approach to tackling crime."

The statement said that each deployment is carefully planned based on operational needs" and is guided by data to ensure resources are directed at offenders who pose the greatest threat to public safety.

Lindsey Chiswick, director of Performance at the Metropolitan Police, said that this technology is helping the force to protect communities from harm.

"It is a powerful tool that supports officers to identify and focus on people who present the highest risk that may otherwise have gone undetected," she added.
KABUL, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Afghan caretaker government's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has issued more than 65,000 work permits over the past eight months, spokesman for the ministry Samiullah Ebrahimi said.

In talks to a local media the Tolonews on Saturday, the official revealed that the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs had issued work permits to over 65,000 individuals including women and some foreign nationals since March.

Without providing more details, the official noted that the caretaker administration would do its best to create job opportunities as part of efforts to alleviate poverty in the poverty-stricken country.

In the meantime, local economic observers believe that launching major development projects and encouraging Afghan and foreign companies to invest in Afghanistan could ease poverty in the Central Asian nation. 
22 Terrorists, 6 Soldiers Killed During Security Operations In Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 23:40 IST

There has been an uptick in terrorism incidents by militants & separatist groups in Pakistan in recent months as TTP and other outfits have intensified actions against security forces

Province's CM Ali Amin Gandapur paid tributes to the six security personnel and extended heartfelt sympathies to their families. (AP file photo)

At least 22 terrorists were eliminated while six soldiers were killed during three separate operations over two days in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northwestern Pakistan, media wing of the army said on Saturday.

The intelligence-based operations (IBO) took place in Khyber Pukhtunkhwas Tank, North Waziristan, and Thall districts from December 6 to 7, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

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In Tank district, the troops effectively engaged the terrorists location in Gul Imam area on the reported presence of terrorists resulting in the death of nine terrorists while six were injured.

At least 10 terrorists were successfully neutralised in North Waziristan while in the third encounter, as per the ISPR, the security forces thwarted terrorists attempt to attack a check post in Thall district during which three terrorists were killed.

However, six soldiers were also killed during the intense exchange of fire, the ISPR said adding, sanitisation operations have been launched in the area.

Provinces Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, paid tributes to the six security personnel and extended heartfelt sympathies to their families.

There has been an uptick in terrorism incidents by militants and separatist groups in Pakistan in recent months as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant outfits have intensified actions against security forces. It has prompted the security forces and the local police to intensify operations against the terrorists.

The third quarter (July-September) of 2024 saw a sharp increase in fatalities of terrorist violence and counter-terrorism campaigns, with a 90 per cent surge in violence, according to a report issued by think tank Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).

A total of 722 people, including civilians, security personnel, and outlaws, were killed while 615 others wounded in as many as 328 incidents recorded during the period under review.

Nearly 97 per cent of these fatalities occurred in KP and Balochistan  marking the highest percentage in a decade, and over 92 per cent of these incidents of terror attacks and security forces operations were recorded in the same provinces.

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The total fatalities from three quarters of this year have now surpassed the total fatalities recorded for the entire 2023; with the number of fatalities rising to at least 1,534 in the first three quarters compared to 1,523 in 2023.

Meanwhile, terrorist groups continue to reorganise and beef up their ranks. Most of the terror attacks remained unclaimed by terrorist or insurgent groups, likely for tactical reasons, as per the report.

Location : Pakistan

First Published: December 07, 2024, 23:38 IST
ISKCON Alleges Its Dhaka Centre Was Attacked, Idols Set Ablaze

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 15:33 IST

ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson Radharamn Das said that the religious organisation's Namhatta Centre and deities of idols were set on fire.

ISKCON said that their Namhatta Centre in Dhaka was set ablaze | Image/X@RadharamnDas

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) said on Saturday that one of its centres and temples were set ablaze by miscreants in the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka.

ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson Radharamn Das said that the religious organisations Namhatta Centre and deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan, along with other items inside the temple were set on fire. CNN-News18 could not independently verify the authenticity of the claim.

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It seems that atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh are continuing unabated. Today, in the wee hours, our centre and temple were burnt down. We are deeply pained," Radharamn Das, vice-president of ISKCON, Kolkata, and spokesperson, told the media.

Das claimed that the fire was initiated from the backdoors of the temple using petrol in an X post, adding that the arson and vandalism took place between 2 and 3 am on Saturday.

Early morning today, between 2-3 AM, miscreants set fire to the Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple and the Shri Shri Mahabhagya Lakshmi Narayan Temple, which fall under the Hare Krishna Namhatta Sangha, located in Dhour village, under the jurisdiction of Turag Police Station, Dhaka district. The fire was initiated by lifting the tin roof at the back of the temple and using petrol or octane," Das said in his X post.

Another ISKCON Namhatta Centre burned down in Bangladesh. The Deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan and all items inside the temple, were burned down completely . The center is located in Dhaka. Early morning today, between 2-3 AM, miscreants set fire to the Shri Shri Radha Krishna pic.twitter.com/kDPilLBWHK Radharamn Das   (@RadharamnDas) December 7, 2024

Unforgivable Act Of Hatred

The West Bengal BJP unit strongly condemned the attack on the Hindu temple in Bangladesh and called the recent incident an unforgivable act of hatred."

State unit chief and minister Sukanta Majumdar took to X and wrote, Strongly condemn the horrific arson attack on the #ISKCON Namhatta Centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which destroyed the Deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan and sacred temple items. This is an unforgivable act of hatred against a place of worship. Immediate action must be taken to bring the culprits to justice and ensure the safety of religious minorities."

Strongly condemn the horrific arson attack on the #ISKCON Namhatta Centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which destroyed the Deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan and sacred temple items. This is an unforgivable act of hatred against a place of worship. Immediate action must be taken to bring pic.twitter.com/DXtetKnmBZ Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) December 7, 2024

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Agitations have erupted in several parts of West Bengal, Tripura and other parts of India over the alleged atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh and the forceful" arrest of religious leader and Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu in the neighbouring country.

ISKCON had claimed earlier that many of its centres and temples were being forcibly shut down in Bangladesh and urged devotees and monks in the neighbouring country to be discreet and not wear tilak or saffron garb in public.

Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: December 07, 2024, 14:27 IST
Hezbollah Send 2,000 Fighters To Syria Amid Rebel Offensive: Report

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 19:01 IST

The rebel coalition in Syria has already seized two of Syria's main cities, Aleppo in the north and Hama in the centre

The source said that since the Islamist-led rebel offensive began last week, Hezbollah has not taken an active part in the fighting. (Reuters file image)

Lebanons Hezbollah has sent 2,000 fighters into Syria, a source close to the armed group said on Saturday, as ally Damascus reels from a rebel offensive that has seized major cities.

The Iran-backed group, which has fought alongside the forces of President Bashar al-Assad during Syrias war since 2011, sent 2,000 fighters to the Qusayr area" near the Lebanese border, the source told AFP, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

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The source said that since the Islamist-led rebel offensive began last week, Hezbollah has not taken an active part in the fighting.

The groups fighters had been sent to defend its positions" in the mountains along the Syria-Lebanon border, the source said, adding that Hezbollah has not yet participated in any battles".

The rebel coalition in Syria has already seized two of Syrias main cities, Aleppo in the north and Hama in the centre.

They launched their offensive on November 27, the same day that a ceasefire took effect in the war between Hezbollah and Israel, which has left the Lebanese group weakened.

On Saturday, rebel forces were at the gates of the key central city of Homs and were advancing towards the capital Damascus, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor.

The source said Hezbollah sent 150 military advisers to Homs, to help the Syrian army if it decides to defend" the city.

Since 2013, Hezbollah has openly backed Assads forces.

Hezbollah fighters helped Assad regain territory lost earlier in the civil war, which broke out in 2011 after the repression of anti-government protests.

The Lebanese group supported Syrian government forces as they seized Qusayr city from rebel control in 2013, with Hezbollah later setting up a military base and training camp there.

But as the war in Syria had been largely dormant until last week, Hezbollah has withdrawn the majority of its fighters over the past two years", said the source.

It did keep military advisers in Aleppo and Hama, the source said, without specifying whether they had left before the rebel forces captured the two cities in recent days.

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Russia and Iran have also intervened in the war to prop up Assads rule and help his forces claw back territory.

Tehran on November 28 announced that one of its Revolutionary Guards generals had been killed in the fighting in Aleppo.

Location : Beirut, Lebanon

First Published: December 07, 2024, 19:01 IST
We All Want This To End...: Zelenskyy Thanks Trump, Macron After Productive Ukraine War Talks

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 08, 2024, 08:37 IST

Zelenskyy said the trio had "agreed to continue working together and keep in contact."

France's President Emmanuel Macron (C), US president-elect Donald Trump (L) and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wait to pose before a meeting at The Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris (AFP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksyy on Saturday vowed to end the ongoing war with Russia soon in a just way" after attending trilateral talks with US President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron

Zelenskyy said that he had a good and productive" meeting with both the leaders at the Elysee Palace in Paris, almost three years into Moscows invasion and ahead of Trump taking office in the US in January.

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Zelenskyy said the trio had agreed to continue working together and keep in contact."

I had a good and productive trilateral meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and President @EmmanuelMacron at the Elysee Palace. We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace. We agreed to continue working together and keep in contact. Peace through strength is possible," he said in a post on X.

I had a good and productive trilateral meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and President @EmmanuelMacron at the Elysee Palace.President Trump is, as always, resolute. I thank him. I also extend my gratitude to Emmanuel for organizing this important meeting. We all want pic.twitter.com/eKMtuhp2ZI  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) December 7, 2024

He thanked Macron for organising the meeting and said, President Trump is, as always, resolute. I thank him. I also extend my gratitude to Emmanuel for organizing this important meeting," he said.

Macron today hosted trilateral talks with Trump and Zelenskyy in Paris, the French presidency said.

Let us continue joint efforts for peace, security," Macron said after the meeting.

United States, Ukraine, and France. Together on this historic day. Gathered for Notre-Dame. Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security. pic.twitter.com/hEYGEklihT Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 7, 2024

Trump who arrived at Paris to attend the opening ceremony of the Notre-Dame Cathedral five years after it was ravaged by fire, held talks with Macron inside the Elysee Palace with Zelenskyy arriving and immediately joining them.

Zelenskyys meeting with Trump just before the three men headed to Notre Dame for the re-opening ceremony of the great Paris cathedral was his first face-to-face meeting with tycoon-turned-politician since his election victory.

Earlier, Macron welcomed Trump, and both the men embraced and shook hands several times on the steps of the French presidential palace, with Trump given a full guard of honour.

It is the first time a foreign leader has hosted Trump since winning the US presidency election and marks the president-elects first trip abroad following the election.

After meeting Macron, Trump said that the world was a little crazy"

It seems like the world is going a little crazy right now and we will be talking about that,"

Despite tensions between the two Presidents during his first term, Trump hailed his ties with the French leader, saying, We had a great relationship as everyone knows. We accomplished a lot."

Macron said it was a great honour for the French people" to welcome Trump back to Paris for the re-opening of the iconic cathedral.

You were president at that time and I remember the solidarity and the immediate reaction," Macron added.

Trump has pledged to end the war in Ukraine swiftly but has not specified how, raising concerns in Kyiv about what terms may be laid out for any future negotiations.

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Trumps return to power has rung alarm alarms in Paris and many European capitals after his promises on the campaign trail to force an end to fighting in Ukraine which could see US military assistance to Kyiv withheld.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : Paris, France

First Published: December 07, 2024, 21:47 IST
Notre Dame Cathedral In Paris To Reopen 5 Years After Fire: All You Need To Know

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 07:43 IST

Notre Dame Reopening: US President-elect Donald Trump and dozens of heads of state and government accepted invites from French President Emmanuel Macron.

A view of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral as restoration works continue before its reopening | Reuters Image

The reopening this weekend of Notre Dame is a succession of ceremonies to breathe life back into the iconic cathedral and celebrate the recovery from its devastating fire in 2019.

High points will be the ritualised reopening of the cathedrals massive doors, the reawakening of its thunderous organ and the celebration of the first Mass. For both France and the Catholic Church, the televised and tightly scripted ceremonies will be an opportunity to display can-do resilience and global influence.

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US President-elect Donald Trump and dozens of heads of state and government accepted invites from French President Emmanuel Macron. The Catholic faithful are so eager to worship again inside Notre Dame that tickets for the first week of Masses were snapped up in 25 minutes, the cathedrals rector says.

During part one of Notre Dames rebirth on Saturday evening, Archbishop Laurent Ulrich will lead more than 1,500 guests through a reopening service. Part two, on Sunday, is an inaugural Mass, with special rites to consecrate the main altar.

Open, great doors On Saturday, Ulrich will first reopen Notre Dames great doors  by tapping them with his crosier, or bishops staff.

The staff was created for the occasion by designer Sylvain Dubuisson. The wood  bearing visible black traces from the blaze  was made with pieces of the cathedral roof that collapsed in the inferno, Dubuisson told The Associated Press.

In response to the archbishops door-knocks, the cathedral will erupt into song, its choirs once again filling the cavernous spaces.

That back-and-forth will happen three times. The doors will then open so guests can stream inside past their sculptures of biblical figures.

Reawakening the great organ The voice of Notre Dames great organ hasnt been heard in public since the blaze coated the nearly 8,000 pipes with toxic dust released when the lead roofing burned.

After the door-opening rites, Ulrich will reawaken the giant instrument. Hell address it directly with a series of eight incantations, starting with Awaken, organ, sacred instrument: Sing the praise of God." That prompt will launch a conversation with the organ, with four organists (Olivier Latry, Vincent Dubois, Thibault Fajoles and Thierry Escaich) taking turns to play its responses.

Theyll be perched high above the congregation, seated at the newly renovated giant console that controls the instrument  through five keyboards of 56 notes each, foot pedals for 30 notes, and 115 stops.

Off-the-cuff responses Latry says he and the other organists will improvise their responses to the archbishops prompts  depending on their own and the congregations mood.

Since its improvisation, you really need to feel the moment," Latry told AP.

When I am there, I will know what I am going to do. Before that, I simply have a few ideas but the ideas are not fully formed  because they will change depending on the atmosphere, the lighting, the people wholl be down below, their reaction." The organ has a vast palette of sounds to play with. The deepest of its 7,952 pipes are as large as a human torso, producing a low rumbling sound. The smallest are no larger than a pen.

The painstaking re-tuning of the organ  after it was dismantled, cleaned and put back together  took around six months, with tuners working at night so they could tweak the notes in silence.

Billionaires and poor Parisians among the guests Before the fire, efforts to fund renovations of the nearly 900-year-old cathedral had been struggling. But that changed with the blaze.

We had an outpouring of support," says fund-raising committee member Michel Picaud. I received 400 donations an hour, so my smartphone completely crashed." In all, 340,000 people from more than 150 countries donated 846 million euros (US$364 million), the public body in charge of Notre Dames restauration says. The support testifies to global affection for the monument that transcends frontiers and faiths.

Its something which belongs to everybody," Picaud told AP. The nonprofit he leads, Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, has raised $57 million from 50,000 international donors, most of them Americans.

Its not only a Parisian cathedral or monument," he said. All over the world, I think, people have the feeling that this is part of their  I would say  heritage." At the reopening, billionaire donors from France and beyond will rub shoulders with other guests far less fortunate.

Theyll include the poorest among Parisians, all those who are helped by charitable associations and who will be several hundred inside the cathedral," Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, Notre Dames rector, told AP.

Primped for the occasion Although construction work continues outside, the restored interiors look more magnificent than they have for generations.

The limestone walls are creamy and luminous, cleaned of years of accumulated grime. Vaulted ceilings that collapsed have been repaired. The archbishop and other members have new garments, from a designer who has also dressed Beyonce, Rihanna and others. The cathedral also has new furniture, including a new altar to replace one crushed when the flaming spire collapsed.

The rector says no one alive has seen the cathedral" as it looks now.

The blondness of the stone, the brilliance of the paintings, the light through the stained glass windows, all the artworks, all the paintings, that were cleaned, the statues that were restored," he said.

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All of that did not exist before the fire."

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : Paris, France

First Published: December 07, 2024, 07:42 IST
South Korea President Survives Impeachment As Ruling Party Boycotts Ballot

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 19:58 IST

Opposition parties, which hold 192 seats in the 300-seat parliament filed the impeachment motion, which needed 200 votes to pass.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol has been struggling to push his agendas through in an opposition-controlled parliament. (Reuters)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol escaped impeachment Saturday over his brief declaration of martial law, after lawmakers from his ruling party boycotted a vote despite huge protests outside parliament.

Yoon stunned the nation and the international community on Tuesday night by suspending civilian rule and sending troops to parliament, but was forced into a U-turn after lawmakers nixed his decree.

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Opposition parties proposed the impeachment motion, which needed a two thirds majority to pass, but a near-total boycott by Yoons People Power Party (PPP) doomed it to failure.

The number of members who voted did not reach the required two-thirds majority," National Assembly speaker Woo Won-shik said, saying that as a result, the impeachment vote was not valid".

The country  and the world  was watching, he said, adding it was very regrettable that a vote could not even be held on such a significant national issue".

He said it signified a failure to engage in the democratic process" on the part of the ruling party.

The PPP claimed after the vote that it had blocked the impeachment to avoid severe division and chaos", adding that it would resolve this crisis in a more orderly and responsible manner".

The outcome disappointed the huge crowds  numbering 150,000 according to police, one million according to organisers  demonstrating outside parliament for Yoons ouster.

Demonstrators booed while some sighed or even wept in frustration as the ruling party lawmakers walked out of the chamber.

Even though we didnt get the outcome we wanted today, I am neither discouraged nor disappointed because we will get it eventually," said Jo Ah-gyeong, 30.

Ill keep coming here until we get it," she told AFP.

Politically dead

The opposition has already vowed to try again as soon as Wednesday, and many protesters vowed to continue demonstrations next weekend.

I will impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, who has become the worst risk for South Korea, at any cost," opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said.

Before the vote, Yoon, 63, apologised for the turmoil but said he would leave it to his party to decide his fate.

I caused anxiety and inconvenience to the public. I sincerely apologise," he said in the televised address, his first public appearance in three days.

He said he would entrust the party with measures to stabilise the political situation, including my term in office".

The backing of PPP lawmakers came despite party head Han Dong-hoon  who was allegedly on an arrest list on Tuesday night  saying Yoon must go.

Only three PPP lawmakers  Ahn Cheol-soo, Kim Yea-ji and Kim Sang-wook  voted in the end.

The failure of the impeachment motion means a more protracted political crisis," Vladimir Tikhonov, professor of Korean Studies at the University of Oslo, told AFP.

We will have a politically dead president  basically unable to govern any longer  and hundreds of thousands coming to the streets every week until Yoon is removed," he said.

Had the motion passed, Yoon would have been suspended from duties pending a ruling by the Constitutional Court.

An opinion poll released Friday put backing for the president at a record low of 13 percent.

Painful memories

The ruling partys vote boycott might delay the demise of Yoons tenure but wont prevent it  its road will be messier," Gi-Wook Shin, a sociology professor at Stanford University, told AFP.

Regardless of the vote, police have begun investigating Yoon and others for alleged insurrection.

In his address declaring martial law late Tuesday, Yoon claimed it would eliminate anti-state elements plundering peoples freedom and happiness".

Security forces sealed the National Assembly, helicopters landed on the roof and almost 300 soldiers tried to lock down the building.

But as parliamentary staffers blocked the soldiers with sofas and fire extinguishers, enough MPs got inside  many climbed walls to enter  and voted down Yoons move.

Soldiers had been ordered to detain key politicians, officials from both parties have said, with the special forces chief later describing being given orders to drag out" MPs from parliament.

Experts and lawmakers have speculated that the elite special forces soldiers may have slow-walked following orders, after discovering themselves to be involved in a political rather than national security incident.

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The episode brought back painful memories of South Koreas autocratic past and blindsided its allies, with the US administration only finding out via television.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yul on Friday that he expects the democratic process to prevail".

Location : Seoul, South Korea

First Published: December 07, 2024, 17:16 IST
Syrian Rebels Claim To Have Begun Encircling Capital Damascus As Govt Denies Retreat

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 19:51 IST

The Islamist-led coalition, led by the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has announced that they are closing in on the capital

An anti-government fighter gestures from inside a vehicle patrolling the streets of Hama after they captured the central Syrian city, on December 6, 2024. (AFP photo)

Syrian rebels on Saturday claimed that they are in the final phase of encircling the capital, Damascus, as part of a major offensive, while Bashar al-Assads government forces denied any withdrawal from areas near the city.

The Islamist-led coalition, led by the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has announced that they are closing in on the capital.

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Our forces have begun the final phase of encircling the capital, Damascus," said rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, adding the rebels are now within 20 kilometres of Damascus.

However, the Syrian government flatly denied any retreat, with the Ministry of Defence stating, There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces, present in all areas of the Damascus countryside, have withdrawn."

Despite the Syrian governments denial, Abdel Ghani and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported significant setbacks for the government forces, including the loss of southern Daraa province and military positions in Quneitra near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The war monitor further added that government forces were also withdrawing from towns just 10 kilometres (six miles) from Damascus.

Abdel Ghani earlier confirmed that our forces were able to control the Saasaa (security) branch in the Damascus countryside. The advance towards the capital continues."

The conflict has seen rising civilian casualties as government forces, with support from their ally Russia, have launched airstrikes and artillery bombardments to slow the rebel advance. At least seven civilians were killed in strikes near Homs on Saturday.

The rebel gains mark a dramatic escalation in Syrias long-standing civil war, which had largely reached a stalemate in recent years. With the capture of key cities like Aleppo and Hama, the rebels now find themselves at the doorstep of Damascus, bringing the fight directly to President Bashar al-Assads seat of power.

Earlier today, Abdel Ghani, in a statement on Telegram, reassured the local population, saying, We ask that all sects be reassured for the era of sectarianism and tyranny has gone away forever."

Syrias diverse religious and ethnic minorities have long been caught in the crossfire of the civil war, but the rebels have pledged to protect them from further persecution.

The Syrian government has responded by redeploying forces to defend its southern provinces, including Sweida and Daraa, as it battles to retain control of strategic areas. Despite this, the Syrian Observatory confirmed that Daraa, once a key stronghold of the uprising, is no longer under government control.

Meanwhile, amid the intensifying rebel offensive, Lebanons Hezbollah has deployed 2,000 fighters to Syrias Qusayr area, near the Lebanese border.

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A key ally of President Assads regime since 2011, Hezbollah has been supporting Syrian government forces. However, sources suggest that the group has not yet taken part in the fighting, instead positioning itself to protect its interests along the Syria-Lebanon border.

(With inputs from AFP)

Location : Beirut, Lebanon

First Published: December 07, 2024, 19:07 IST
'Target Is Damascus': Turkey's Erdogan As Rebels Advance, Take Control Of Another Syrian City

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 13:05 IST

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan hoped that the Syrian rebel forces advance against President Bashar Al-Assad's forces.

Syrian rebels capture Hama (Reuters Image)

In a series of setbacks to Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, the rebels took control of yet another city  Daraa  which is often referred to as the origin of Syrias 2011 civil uprising.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that opposition forces now control more than 90 percent of Daraa province, as regime forces have been retreating in successive waves.

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Erdogan Hopes Rebels Advance Further

On the other hand, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said that he hoped the Syrian rebels would continue their advance against Assads forces.

Erdogan said that he was following the offensive which was heading to the Syrian capital. The target is Damascus. I would say we hope for this advance to continue without any issues," he said.

However, while this resistance there with terrorist organisations is continuing, we had made a call to Assad," Erdogan added, making a reference tp his approaches to Assad earlier this year to meet and make attempts to normalise ties after over a decade of animosity.

He said that the problematic advances" in the region are not in a manner we desire". Our heart does not want these. Unfortunately, the region is in a bind," he said as he underlined the complex structure of the rebel forces fighting against Assad.

Turkey Extends Support To Syrian Rebels

Turkey has extended support to the Syrian rebel forces for years, aiming to oust the Iran and Russia-backed Assad rule, however, Ankara also views some regional forces as terrorists, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist former Al-Qaeda affiliate that is part of the rebel force.

The Syrian rebels captured Hama city on Thursday in a major win the week-old offensive across northern Syria.

Turkey has denied its involvement in the uprising and said that it has not provided any support to the rebels.

Turkey has suggested to Assad that he needs to engage in talks with the Syrian people to find a political solution and that Ankara does not want to see a new wave of migrants fleeing the country due to violence.

Iran Evacuates Its Military

Iran started evacuating its military commanders and personnel from Syria on Friday, as Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) launched an offensive against President Bashar Al-Assad and his Army last week, The New York Times reported.

Irans latest move comes as a sign of its inability to help keep President Bashar al-Assad at the helm as he is facing a resurgent rebel offensive. For the last week, the Syrian government troops have fallen back against the offensive.

Among those evacuated to neighbouring Iraq and Lebanon were top commanders of Irans Quds Forces, the external branch of the Revolutionary Guards Corps, The New York Times reported.

The Iranians started leaving Syria on Friday morning, according to the officials.

The evacuations were ordered at the Iranian Embassy in Damascus and at the bases of the Revolutionary Guards, according to officials, who said that some of the embassy staff had departed.

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The evacuation was carried out by planes to Tehran while some left via land routes to Lebanon, Iraq, and the Syrian port of Latakia, The New York Times reported.

The Syrian war started in 2011 with a peaceful uprising against the government of President Bashar al-Assad and then took the shape of a multisided conflict led by armed rebels and extremists. The protests were dealt with an iron fist. As the rebels took up arms to defend themselves against the violent crackdown by the government, civil war broke out.

Location : Damascus, Syria

First Published: December 07, 2024, 10:08 IST
'Not Our Fight': Trump Reacts As Syrian Rebels Enter Damascus In Big Challenge To Assad

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 08, 2024, 09:02 IST

Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani confirmed that their forces had entered the final phase of encircling Damascus, signalling an imminent challenge to Assads control

Donald Trump said that the United States should not get involved in the situation in Syria. (AP photos)

US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday said that the United States should stay out of Syria, calling it a mess" and adding that the removal of President Bashar al-Assad could be the best thing that can happen" to the country.

Trumps comments came as fast-moving rebel forces in Syria claimed they had begun encircling the capital, Damascus. The rebel groups, led by the Islamist coalition Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have intensified their offensive, posing the most significant challenge to Assads regime in years.

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Not Our Fight: Trump

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that the US should have nothing to do with it" and called for the situation to let it play out."

Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!" Trump wrote.

The US President-elect further stated that, with Russiaan ally of Assadoccupied with its war in Ukraine, it seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years."

Damascus Awaits

Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani confirmed that their forces had entered the final phase of encircling Damascus, signalling an imminent challenge to Assads control. Earlier reports indicated the rebels had taken control of the Saasaa security branch, located in the Damascus countryside.

Damascus awaits you," declared HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in a message to his fighters, shared via Telegram. The use of his real name, rather than his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, was seen as a call for unity and focus within the ranks.

No truth to news

Despite the claims made by the rebels, Syrias defence ministry has strongly denied the accusations of withdrawal, insisting that government forces remain in all areas surrounding the capital. There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces, present in all areas of the Damascus countryside, have withdrawn," the ministry stated.

However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that government forces had been retreating from towns located as little as 10 kilometres from Damascus, confirming the rebels territorial gains.

Airstrikes Kills 7 Civilian

The Syrian government has responded to the advancing rebels with airstrikes and shelling, including in the Homs region. The airstrikes have led to civilian casualties, with at least seven people killed, according to the Observatory. As the rebels close in on key cities, the Syrian government is deploying large reinforcements in an attempt to halt the rebels momentum.

Hezbollah Sends Fighters

In a sign of escalating external support for Assads forces, Lebanons Hezbollah has sent 2,000 fighters to Syrias Qusayr area, near the Lebanese border. A source close to the group confirmed the deployment but stated that Hezbollah fighters have yet to engage directly in combat. The fighters are positioned to defend Hezbollahs interests along the Syria-Lebanon border.

Syrian Troops Flee To Iraq

In another development, hundreds of Syrian soldiers, some of them wounded, have reportedly fled to Iraq. Security sources confirmed that the soldiers crossed the border into Iraq with permission, following intense pressure from the advancing rebel forces. Estimates suggest that approximately 2,000 soldiers, including officers, have sought refuge in Iraq.

Russias Stand On Syria

Russia, a key ally of the Syrian regime, has expressed concern over the rebel offensive. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Syria should not fall into the hands of what he referred to as terrorist" groups.

Its inadmissible to allow the terrorist group to take control of the lands in violation of agreements which exist, starting with the UN Security Council Resolution 2254 which strongly reiterated sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Syrian Arab Republic," Lavrov made the comment at an event in Qatar, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for a political settlement in Syria.

Qatar Criticises Assads Approach

At the Doha Forum, Qatars Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani criticised Assad for failing to engage with his people during the relative calm of the past few years. He pointed out that Assad had missed opportunities to address important issues, such as the return of refugees and national reconciliation.

Doha had given early support to the rebels in the wake of Assads crackdown in 2011.

Iran, Turkey And Russia Push For Dialogue

In a bid to seek a political resolution to the ongoing conflict, Iran, Turkey, and Russia, who have been involved in peace talks since 2017, announced a new push for dialogue. The three countries met in Doha to discuss ways to initiate talks between the Syrian government and opposition groups.

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Additionally, Russia and Turkey had brokered a 2020 ceasefire in Syrias northwestern Idlib region, which was the last major rebel stronghold in the country at the time.

(With inputs from AFP)

Location : Syria

First Published: December 07, 2024, 21:09 IST
BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- With traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) gaining wider recognition in recent years, medical experts have eyed that it will play a bigger role in both tumor and chronic disease control.

Integrating TCM with Western medicine and traditional medicine with modern medicine, via an interdisciplinary approach, is going to be a trend, according to experts who attended the 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine, which concluded in Beijing earlier this week.

"The integration of TCM with Western medicine can give full play to the advantages of two medical systems," said Zhang Haibo, director of the tumor department at the Guangdong provincial hospital of TCM.

Shedding light on how much difference TCM can make to cancer treatment, Zhang said TCM can play a particularly "dominant" role in both preventing tumors and inhibiting recurrence.

"In the terminal stage and in the case of palliative treatment, also when patients are not tolerant of or unable to accept chemotherapy and other Western medical treatment, TCM can help improve their life quality and prolong their survival," he said when explaining another benefit of TCM treatment.

In fact, integrating TCM with Western medicine to combat cancer is growing in popularity in China, with more and more patients benefiting from such an approach.

A small-cell lung cancer patient, then 61, resumed his normal life after receiving integrated treatment featuring TCM and chemotherapy.

The male patient was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in 2021. Resistance to Western drugs compelled him to pin hopes on traditional medicine. He was admitted to a hospital affiliated with the Shanghai University of TCM in February 2022.

After four rounds of integrated treatment, a re-examination revealed that his tumor marker had decreased even without chemotherapy, and his immunity was improving.

According to the National Cancer Center, the five-year survival rate of malignant tumor patients in China increased from 40.5 percent in 2015 to 43.7 percent in 2022. Experts believe TCM has made an indispensable contribution to this progress.

Experts have also acknowledged the value of TCM in preventing and controlling major chronic diseases -- a common challenge facing human health globally.

In China, the incidence of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, is on the rise. The number of deaths from such diseases accounts for more than 80 percent of the total, according to the National Health Commission.

Due to a high incidence, long course of disease and heavy financial burdens, chronic diseases have become a major factor that threatens people's health. It is even more so with an aging population.

Liu Liang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), emphasized a three-pronged principle of TCM intervention in disease development -- preventing disease onset, preventing disease from worsening and preventing relapse after recovery.

He said this principle is exactly in accordance with the need to prevent and control chronic diseases, while adding that medical evidence has proved the efficacy of TCM in tackling chronic infectious arthritis and chronic heart failure.

TCM has been endorsed by the Chinese government to play a role in chronic disease prevention and control. An outline issued by the cabinet in 2017, for the period through 2025, laid out measures including enhancing people's TCM-based health management and formulating a TCM-led plan for intervention in such diseases.

Experts have also called for applying a multi-disciplinary approach and leveraging advanced modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data, to cope with the difficulty of elucidating the activity mechanism of TCM.

Zhang Boli, a CAE academician who is known for his contributions to curbing COVID-19 via TCM, expounded on how TCM combats infectious disease from the perspective of modern science.

"TCM primarily exerts its effects through inflammatory immune regulation, mediated by macrophages, NK cells and other immune cells," Zhang explained.

Rudolf Bauer, chairman of the European Pharmacopoeia Committee on TCM, said the search for active compounds in traditional medicine is just like "searching for the needle in a haystack."

Bauer suggested applying holistic concepts, interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration, while also taking synergistic effects into consideration, when explaining the functioning of traditional medicine. 
RAMALLAH/JERUSALEM, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian was killed on Saturday by Israeli gunfire near a military checkpoint in the West Bank, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources.

Local sources and eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces stationed at the Qalandia military checkpoint, north of Jerusalem, fired live bullets directly at a Palestinian man.

Israeli forces halted Palestinian vehicles at the checkpoint and temporarily closed it, according to eyewitnesses.

The Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry identified in a statement the victim as 27-year-old Tariq Amjad Musa Ghazawneh, whose body was sent to a hospital.

Israeli Police confirmed the incident in a statement, saying it thwarted an attack at the Qalandia checkpoint.

According to the statement, a man armed with a knife arrived at the checkpoint and fired fireworks at Israeli security forces.

It added that a civilian security guard shot dead the man on the spot, with no casualties reported among Israeli forces. 
A federal judge on Friday allowed the US Naval Academy to keep considering applicants' race and ethnicity in its admission practices, calling the issue a matter of national security. In rejecting a challenge by a group opposed to affirmative action, US Senior District Judge Richard D. Bennett of Maryland made clear that the academy, given that it trains officers for the Navy, has a special interest in achieving diversity in its enrollment, the New York Times reports. Students for Fair Admissions had prevailed in similar challenges last year to Harvard and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. But the group's effort to force a change at the Naval Academy, Bennett wrote, "has FAILED."

The organization said it will appeal. The case had been closely watched in light of the Supreme Court decision blocking the use of affirmative action at Harvard and UNC. That ruling exempted the military academies, including West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy. It still led to challenges of diversity initiatives at companies and government agencies, per the Washington Post, and certain other universities changed policies. "The US Naval Academy is distinct from a civilian university," Bennett wrote in a 175-page decision.

The government argued that national security depends on the academies' ability to develop officers who reflect the demographic composition of the troops and the nation's population overall, per the Times. The judge pointed to a 2024 Senate committee report saying underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in the military service academies remains a problem. "This is fundamentally a military personnel issue," Bennett said. (More US Naval Academy stories.)
It's been more than 72 hours since UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down in Manhattan, with still no sign of the suspect who fatally shot him. Sources tell the New York Post, however, that police investigators searching Central Park on Friday retrieved a gray backpack hidden in the brush there, which could be the one the gunman was seen wearing in surveillance footage of the shooting. The bag, said to have been found in "good condition" south of the carousel near the park's Heckscher Playground, was sent right to the lab for forensic testing without being opened, per the paper's sources. More on the case:



Backpack II: Peter Dering, CEO of Peak Design, tells the New York Times that he believes the backpack seen with the gunman is an older incarnation of one of his company's Everyday Backpacks, often used by photographers. Dering, who says he called the police tip line with his suspicions, notes that the backpack seen in video of the shooting resembles a version sold by Peak Design between 2016 and 2019.

Peter Dering, CEO of Peak Design, tells the New York Times that he believes the backpack seen with the gunman is an older incarnation of one of his company's Everyday Backpacks, often used by photographers. Dering, who says he called the police tip line with his suspicions, notes that the backpack seen in video of the shooting resembles a version sold by Peak Design between 2016 and 2019. A bus escape? The Times also features a tentative timeline of what appears to have transpired after the early morning shooting at around 6:45 on Wednesday. According to Joseph Kenny, the NYPD's chief of detectives, the suspect fled initially on foot, then grabbed a bike to ride into Central Park. From there, surveillance footage shows him emerging on the bike near 86th Street and Columbus Avenue, then grabbing a cab to a Port Authority bus depot with interstate buses in Upper Manhattan, which he entered around 7:30am but never came out of. Kenny says it seems likely the suspect fled the city.
The mother of Austin Tice, an American journalist missing in Syria for more than a decade, said Friday that she was confident her son was alive, reports the AP . Debra Tice said she received information from a "significant source" that had been vetted by the US government and treated as credible.

"He is being cared for and he is wellwe do know that," Debra Tice said at an event Friday following a White House meeting with national security officials that unfolded amid ongoing turmoil in Syria, as insurgent fighters who've already captured the northern city of Aleppo, the country's largest, are pressing their march against President Bashar Assad's forces.

Houston native Tice, whose work had been published by the Washington Post, McClatchy newspapers, and other outlets, disappeared in August 2012 at a checkpoint in a contested area west of Damascus. A video released weeks later showed him blindfolded and held by armed men and saying, "Oh, Jesus." He hasn't been heard from since. Syria has publicly denied that it was holding him. Austin Tice's sister, Naomi, said she asked officials whether there was a way to leverage the unrest to help secure Austin's freedom. "We were basically just told that we need to wait and see how it pans out." She said the response was "understandable" but "beyond frustrating."

story continues below

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed Friday that the Tice family had met with President Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, but she said she didn't know the specifics of what was said. "Austin Tice's family, I can't even imagine what they're going through," she said. In the final months of the Trump administration, two US officialsthe government's top hostage negotiator, Roger Carstens, and Kash Patel, now Trump's pick to lead the FBImade a secret visit to Damascus to seek information on Tice and other Americans who've disappeared in Syria. It was the highest-level talk in years between the US and Assad's government, though Syrian officials offered no meaningful information on Tice.

(More Austin Tice stories.)
House Republicans seem determined to keep transgender women out of women's restrooms on Capitol Hill, but transgender activists are equally adamant that they're not going to stand for such a ban. That push-and-pull came to a head on Thursday when trans activists entered a woman's bathroom inside the US Capitol in protest, leading to multiple arrests, including that of one big name, per CNN : former US Army analyst, whistleblower, and trans woman Chelsea Manning. The protest is said to have taken place right outside of House Speaker Mike Johnson's office in the Cannon House Office Building.

"I'm here today because every person deserves dignity and respect, both in daily life and in more symbolic places like the US Capitol," Manning, 36, said in a statement. "As someone who has fought against similar rules, I know what it's like to feel pushed aside and erased." Demonstrators held signs with slogans such as "Flush Bathroom Bigotry" and "Congress, Stop Pissing on Our Rights," per the New York Post. A Capitol Police spokesperson tells the newspaper that about 15 people in total were arrested, including Manning. CNN notes that it's illegal to protest inside the US Capitol or in congressional buildings.

The Advocate notes that cis women also joined the demonstration, which was organized by the Gender Liberation Movement. GLM co-founder Raquel Willis was also arrested. In her statement, Manning, whose prison sentence for leaking classified info to WikiLeaks was commuted by President Obama in 2017, praised the "incredible power and resilience" of the trans community. "I'm 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," she noted. "We didn't start this fight, but we are together now." (More Chelsea Manning stories.)
Bob Fernandez thought he'd go dancing and see the world when he joined the US Navy as a high school student in August 1941. Four months later, he found himself shaking from explosions and passing ammunition to artillery crews so his ship's guns could return fire on Japanese planes bombing Pearl Harbor, a Navy base in Hawaii. "When those things go off like that, we didn't know what's what," Fernandez, who's now 100, told the AP . "We didn't even know we were in a war."

The morning of Dec. 7, 1941, Fernandez was working as a mess cook on his ship, the USS Curtiss, when he heard an alarm sound. Through a porthole, he saw a Japanese plane fly by. He rushed down three decks to a magazine room, where he and other sailors began distributing ammunition to the ship's guns. "I felt kind of scared because I didn't know what the hell was going on," Fernandez said. Shortly after, the guns hit a dive bomber that slammed into the ship and exploded belowdecks, setting the hangar and main decks on fire. The Curtiss lost 21 men, and nearly 60 of its sailors were injured. "We lost a lot of good people, you know. They didn't do nothing," Fernandez said.

After the attack, Fernandez had to sweep up debris. That night, he stood guard with a rifle to make sure no one tried to come aboard. When it came time to rest, he fell asleep next to where the ship's dead were lying. He only realized that when a fellow sailor woke him up and told him. The bombing killed more than 2,300 US servicemen; nearly half were sailors and Marines on board the USS Arizona, which sank during the battle. The remains of more than 900 Arizona crew members are still entombed on the submerged vessel.

story continues below

Dozens of survivors once joined the annual remembrance in Hawaii, but attendance has declined as survivors have aged. Today, there are only 16 still living, and only two planned to return to observe the 83rd anniversary of the attack that thrust the US into World War II. Although many laud Pearl Harbor survivors as heroes, Fernandez doesn't view himself that way. "I'm not a hero," he says. "I'm just nothing but an ammunition passer." (More Pearl Harbor stories.)
Pope Francis on Saturday installed 21 new cardinals, many of whom are key figures in his agenda of change: a Dominican preacher who acted as the spiritual father for Francis' recent gathering of bishops, a Neapolitan "street priest" like himself, and a Peruvian bishop who has strongly backed his crackdown on abuse. Francis' 10th consistory to create new princes of the church is also the biggest infusion of voting-age cardinals in his 11-year pontificate, further cementing his imprint on the group of men who will one day elect his successor, the AP reports. With Saturday's additions, Francis will have created 110 of the 140 cardinals under 80, thus eligible to vote in a conclave.

Francis appeared at the ceremony in the St. Peter's Basilica with a significant bruise on his chin but presided without apparent problems. A Vatican spokesman said later Saturday that the bruise was caused by a contusion Friday morning, when Francis hit his nightstand with his chin. The pontiff, who turns 88 later this month, appeared slightly fatigued on Saturday but carried on as normal. This consistory is notable too because the 21 men being elevated aren't the same ones Francis named Oct. 6 when he announced an unusual December consistory. One original pick, Indonesian Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur, the bishop of Bogor, asked not to be made a cardinal "because of his desire to grow more in his life as a priest," the Vatican said. Francis substituted the Naples archbishop, Domenico Battaglia, known for his pastoral work in the slums of Naples.

Perhaps the most familiar new cardinal to those following Francis' agenda is the Dominican Timothy Radcliff, the spiritual father of the just-concluded synod, or gathering of bishops. The yearslong process was intended to make the church more inclusive and responsive to the needs of rank-and-file Catholics, especially women, per the AP. A British theologian, Radcliffe often provided clarifying, if not humorous, interventions during the weekslong debate and retreats. At one point he set off a mini-firestorm by suggesting that external financial pressures influenced African bishops to reject Francis' permission to allow blessings for gay couples. He later said he just meant that the African Catholic Church is under pressure from other well-financed faiths.

(More Pope Francis stories.)
The president of Tyler Perry Studios was killed Friday night in Florida when the small plane he was piloting crashed. Steve Mensch was 62. The Atlanta-based studio announced his death Saturday, CNN reports. "Steve was a cherished member of our team for more than 8 years, and well beloved in the community of Atlanta," a statement said. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash in Homosassa, about 60 miles north of Tampa, per the AP.
JINAN, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Nine people have been missing in a fire that broke out at a refrigerated warehouse under construction in east China's Shandong Province on Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

The fire occurred around 1 p.m. at the warehouse owned by a local company called Lanrun in the city of Rongcheng as the insulation materials caught fire.

The fire has been brought under control and rescue efforts are in full swing, according to rescuers at the site.

The cause of the accident is being investigated. 
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In the Italian city of Florence, a Chinese restaurant named "Xinge," combining the charm of the East with a modern and stylish atmosphere, has become a favorite among local food enthusiasts.

Founded by Liu Xinge, who studied fashion design in Florence, the restaurant aims to blend various Chinese culinary traditions-from Sichuan and Cantonese to Shanghai and Beijing-with a modern twist, making Chinese cuisine appealing to more Italians.

Italian vlogger Laura Della Corte, a loyal fan of Xinge, sees the restaurant as a bridge for cultural exchanges. Follow Laura to chat with the restaurant owner and discover the fusion of Chinese tradition and Italian elegance.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has promoted global growth and delivered mutual benefits to all involved since its launch in 2013, one former ambassador has said.

Gert Grobler, a former South African ambassador to Spain, Japan, and Madagascar, told Xinhua that Western aid programs are often limited to humanitarian efforts. Conversely, the BRI emphasizes trade, investment, and infrastructure development while addressing global challenges.

The former diplomat noted that the BRI involves countries in different regions, at different development stages and with different cultures. "It commendably transcends differences in ideologies and social systems," he added.

Grobler highlighted the BRI's significant impact on Africa, where 52 African countries and the African Union Commission have signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with China.

"Infrastructure is probably the most outstanding dimension of the BRI in Africa," Grobler remarked, citing the construction of nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, over 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 1,000 bridges, and almost 100 ports.

Grobler said that the BRI is transforming Africa's economies through infrastructure, job creation, and trade.

He also commended the BRI's green development efforts, noting China's promotion of sustainable projects, including the Green Investment Principles and international green collaboration. These initiatives align BRI projects with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

"The BRI presents a unique opportunity for recipient countries to achieve modernization and inclusive growth," he said.

Addressing accusations of the so-called "Chinese debt trap," Grobler dismissed them as "lies made up by the United States and some other Western countries." He referenced a 2022 study by British charity Debt Justice, which revealed that African countries owe three times more debt to Western institutions than to China.

"The allegations against China are therefore simply untenable, and the developing countries and people with insight from the rest of the international community will not fall for this," he said, noting China is the biggest contributor to the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative.

Grobler added that the BRI respects the sovereignty and independence of participating nations, fosters equal partnerships and promotes a peaceful international order.

Despite potential challenges ahead, Grobler expressed optimism for the BRI's future. "Cooperation will thrive, and the BRI can look forward to an even brighter future," he said. 
A New Jersey resident became the victim of a scam by paying nearly $300,000 worth of Bitcoin to two men from Europe in exchange for counterfeit gold.

The alleged fraudsters, Ciprian A. Tiber, 33, and Ahmed Zarei, 43, both residents of Romania, have been charged with two counts of money laundering and one count of theft by deception, the Bergen County Prosecutors Office said on Friday.

Arrest warrants for the two men were issued on Oct. 25. They are both still at large.

The pair came to New Jersey in September 2023 and met with a Bergen County resident to discuss the sale of gold coils. The victim ultimately sent them about 11 Bitcoins, which at the time, when Bitcoins price was around $26,000, was equivalent to $289,000, authorities said.

The gold coils that the victim received were later determined to be fake, officials said.

Investigators later worked to trace the transaction and found that the digital currency was sent to a crypto wallet owned by both Tiber and Zarei, prosecutors said. The duo also transferred the funds to several cryptocurrency exchanges, where they owned accounts that were registered under fake names, authorities alleged.

Cryptocurrency scams are sophisticated and can be difficult to detect, but investigators in Bergen County will make every effort to shine a light on schemes that look to take advantage of the popularity surrounding cryptocurrency, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said.

The Bergen County Prosecutors Office is asking anyone with information about Tiber and Zareis whereabouts to call its tip line at 201-226-5532.

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Actor Mark Withers, known for his roles in Dynasty and other TV series, has died.

Withers, 77, died Nov. 22.

His daughter, Jessie Withers, told Variety that the cause was pancreatic cancer.

He confronted his illness with the same strength and dignity he brought to his craft, creating a legacy of warmth, humor, and dedication, along with his remarkable ability to make every role unforgettable, she said in a statement.

The actor, who hailed from Binghamton, New York, played Ted Dinard, lover to Steven Carrington (Al Corley) in ABCs popular primetime soap Dynasty in 1981.

Teds death at the hands of oil giant Blake Carrington (John Forsythe), Stevens father, was a major happening in the shows first season (see clip below).

Withers other TV credits included 1970s and 80s shows Wonder Woman, The Dukes of Hazzard, Magnum, P.I., Days of Our Lives, Remington Steele, L.A. Law, Matlock and a 23-episode run as Peter Colcourt on the crime drama Kaz.

After a hiatus for most of the 90s, he returned to TV in the early 2000s with roles in episodes of Frasier and The King of Queens.

His later credits included Stranger Things, True Blood, Sense8 and Criminal Minds.

Withers started out in a McDonalds commercial and appeared in ads for Folgers, American Airlines, Irish Spring and Crest.

He is survived by his daughter Jessie and his wife, Haiyan Liu Withers.

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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup.
A former Assistant Dean at Seton Hall Law School was sentenced to three years in prison Thursday after pleading guilty earlier this year to her role in a $1.3 million embezzlement scheme that lasted more than a decade, officials from the U.S. Attorneys Office announced Friday.

Teresina DeAlmeida, 59, of Warren previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud earlier this year along with two co-conspirators, officials said.

Two other employees, Rose Martins, 44, of East Hanover and Silvia Cardoso, 61, of Warren also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to the embezzlement scheme.

From 2009 until 2022 DeAlmeida, Martins, and Cardoso worked together to misappropriate over $1.3 million from the university, officials said.

DeAlmeida was an assistant dean in charge of financial functions at the law school and Martins was her assistant, officials said. Cardoso, who is DeAlmeidas sister, worked for the university in a support staff role, according to officials.

A university spokesperson told NJ Advance Media in July that the financial irregularities were discovered during a routine internal review.

We immediately conducted a more intensive review utilizing a third-party auditor and notified the appropriate higher education and government entities, the spokesperson for the university said. This process led to our implementation of additional financial safeguards and controls to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents.

Starting in 2009, DeAlmeida instructed a vendor of the law school to pay Martins and Cardoso as if they were employees of the company even though they did not work for the company, authorities said.

For four years, DeAlmeida and Martins had the vendor submit false invoices to recover the money paid to Martins and Cardoso, officials said.

DeAlmeida and Martins also had vendors order hundreds of thousands of dollars in gift cards and prepaid debit cards for their and Cardosos personal use between 2010 and 2022 and then directed the vendors to submit fraudulent invoices to the university claiming the expenses were for goods and services that were never provided, according to officials.

The women were also accused of using DeAlmeidas school issued credit card to purchase hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of prepaid debit cards and gift cards from the school store, expenses DeAlmeida ultimately approved and Martins forged signatures of other employees on paperwork, authorities said.

Prosecutors also accused the women of using DeAlmeidas university credit card to make over $70,000 in personal online purchases that were shipped to their homes including womens shoes, smart watches and bed linens.

And in 2015, authorities said Martins opened a shell entity called CMS Content Management Specialists which fraudulently billed the university for more than $208,000 of services DeAlmeida approved but were never provided to the university.

In addition to the three-year prison sentence, DeAlmeida was ordered to pay almost $1.4 million in restitution and spend two years under supervised release.

DeAlmeidas attorney did not immediately return a request for comment Friday.

Cardosos attorney declined to comment Friday, but told NJ Advance Media after her guilty plea that she regretted her involvement in the scheme.

Silvia faithfully devoted decades of her career to the law school. She hopes that the judge will weigh that against her acceptance of gift cards and other valuables to which she was not entitled, her attorney Henry Klingeman said in July.

Cardosos sentencing was scheduled for Nov. 26, but rescheduled for Feb. 3, 2025, according to court records.

Martins' attorney declined to comment on her case Friday as well, but told NJ Advance Media in July after her pleading that she was deeply sorry for her actions that she would do everything possible to make amends.

Martins' sentencing was also pushed back to Feb. 3, 2025 after initially being scheduled for Dec. 3, court records show.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X.
A moist rainbow cookie, decadent layers of tiramisu, and crisp, nutty biscotti are just a few of the irresistible Italian sweets loved by many.

Riposo Coffee Roasters in Rumson has reimagined how we savor these beloved desserts  by transforming them into indulgent lattes!

Husband and wife Andrew Schittone and Adriana Cabrera started the roastery in Hazlet in 2022 before opening their first coffee bar in Rumson in November 2023.

But earlier this year, the coffee bar went viral on social media, more specifically on TikTok, for their Italian dessert lattes with users boasting about the quality and look of the drinks.

READ MORE: The 51 best coffee shops in New Jersey, ranked, for 2024

From left to right: Tyler Federico, Dillon Cafiero and Migdalia Araujo of Risposo Coffee Roasters in Rumson, NJ (Lauren Musni | NJ Advance Media)Lauren Musni

Dillon Cafiero, director of retail operations, helped the couple create the Italian dessert drink menu. Cafiero told NJ Advance Media that when they first opened they started out with the tiramisu latte, which he says was a great hit.

But the feedback was that it was a little sweeter than a normal latte. We love the recipe, its very authentic and theres mascarpone in the drink, said Cafiero. I thought, how can we differentiate that drink from other lattes? So I had the idea of creating a category thats unheard of, called Italian dessert lattes.

Italian dessert latte section of the menu at Risposo Coffee Roasters in Rumson, NJ (Lauren Musni | NJ Advance Media)Lauren Musni

The Italian dessert lattes section of their menu highlights the three staples: tiramisu, chocolate covered biscotti and rainbow cookie. They also offer seasonal specials such as their cannoli latte during the summer and pumpkin tiramisu during the fall. Prices range from $5.50 to $7.50 depending on the size.

It should give you the experience of that dessert, but that also comes with its looks. It looks incredible on camera as well, said Cafiero.

And he was right, these drinks look absolutely stunning, especially the rainbow cookie latte with an exquisite pink color layered on top of the coffee with adorable, tiny rainbow cookie garnish. But looks can be deceiving, how do they taste?

Italian dessert lattes from Risposo Coffee Roasters in Rumson, NJ (Lauren Musni | NJ Advance Media)Lauren Musni

The tiramisu latte was delightfully rich and creamy, with mascarpone cream dusted with cocoa powder and served alongside a delicate ladyfinger. The chocolate-covered biscotti latte echoed the nutty essence of the cookie, paired with a touch of chocolate decadence. The rainbow cookie was my favorite, with delicious notes of raspberry and amaretto cutting through  no wonder its their most popular drink.

I can confidently say that these drinks are appropriately hyped. They may even deserve more praise.

Cafiero mentions that a coffee shop is already in the works for the small coffee bar. If so, I have no doubt that it might make our next best coffee shops list.

For now, Ill just wait patiently for whatever amazing flavor they come up with next  perhaps a panna cotta, tartufo or pistachio cake latte?

Related coverage:

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Lauren Musni may be reached at lmusni@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Laurengmusni. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
NEW YORK  The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer likely left New York City on a bus soon after the brazen ambush that has shaken corporate America, police officials said. But he left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park.

Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still did not know the gunmans name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. Investigators were looking at whether the shooter may have been a disgruntled employee or client of the insurer, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters.

The FBI announced Friday night it was offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Video of the gunman fleeing Wednesdays shooting showed him riding a bicycle into Central Park and later taking a taxi to the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal that offers commuter service to New Jersey and Greyhound routes to Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C, according to Kenny.

Traffic rolls past the George Washington Bridge Bus Station in New York, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, where the gunman fleeing Wednesday's shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson took a taxi to, according to surveillance video. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)AP

Police have video of the man entering the bus station but no video of him exiting, leading them to believe he left the city, Kenny said.

Investigators on Friday found a backpack in the park that had been worn by the gunman during the shooting, police said, following a massive sweep to find it in a vast area with lakes and ponds, meadows, playgrounds and woods.

Police didnt immediately reveal what, if anything, it contained but said it would be analyzed for clues.

The gunman made sure to conceal his identity with a mask during almost all of his time in the city, including during the attack and while he ate, yet left a trail of evidence in view of the nations biggest city and its network of security cameras.

The gunman arrived in New York City on Nov. 24 and shot Thompson 10 days later outside his companys annual investor conference at a hotel just blocks from Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center.

The gunman got off a bus that originated in Atlanta and made several stops along the way, Kenny said. Police have not determined where he got on the bus. Investigators have a list of passengers, but none of them would have had to provide an ID when they climbed aboard, Kenny said.

Investigators believe the suspect used a fake identification card and paid cash, Kenny said, when he checked in at the hostel, which has a cafe along with shared and private rooms and is blocks from Columbia University.

Investigators have tested a discarded water bottle and protein bar wrapper in a hunt for his DNA. They also were trying to obtain additional information from a cellphone found along the gunmans escape route.

Photos of the suspected shooter that were taken in the lobby of a hostel on Manhattans Upper West Side appear to from the only time he removed his mask, Kenny said. The images, showing a man smiling in the lobby of the HI New York City hostel. They are among a collection of photos and video circulated since the shooting  including footage of the attack, as well as images of the suspected gunman at a Starbucks beforehand.

The man used a fake New Jersey identification to check into the hostel on the Upper West Side, the New York Times reported.

From every indication we have from witnesses, from the Starbucks, from the hostel, he kept his mask on at all times except for the one instance where we have him photographed with the mask off, Kenny said.

His roommates at the hostel also said he didnt speak to them. Nothing of investigative value was found in a search of the suspected shooters hotel room.

Asked how close he felt police were to making an arrest, Kenny said, This isnt Blue Bloods. Were not going to solve this in 60 minutes. Were painstakingly going through every bit of evidence that we can come across. Eventually, when an apprehension is made, we will have to present all of these facts to a judge and jury, so were taking our time, doing it right and making sure were going to get justice for this victim and closure for his family.

Security video of the shooting shows the killer approaching Thompson from behind, firing several shots with a gun equipped with a silencer, barely pausing to clear a jam while the executive fell to the sidewalk.

Police were looking into the possibility that the weapon was a veterinary pistol, which is a weapon commonly used on farms and ranches if an animal has to be euthanized quietly, Kenny said  though he stressed that hadnt been confirmed.

The words delay, deny and depose were scrawled on the ammunition, one word on each of three bullets, Kenny said. A law enforcement official previously told The Associated Press the words were deny, defend and depose. The messages mirror the phrase delay, deny, defend, which is commonly used by lawyers and critics about insurers that delay payments, deny claims and defend their actions.

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows a man wanted for questioning in connection to the investigation of the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)AP

Thompson, a father of two sons who lived in a Minneapolis suburb, had been with Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years.

The insurers parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., was holding its annual meeting in New York for investors. The company abruptly ended the conference after Thompsons death.

UnitedHealth Group said it was focused on supporting Thompsons family, ensuring the safety of employees and assisting investigators. While our hearts are broken, we have been touched by the huge outpouring, the company said.

UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for more than 49 million Americans. It manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programs.

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.

The shooting has rocked the health insurance industry in particular, causing companies to reevaluate security plans and delete photos of executives from their websites. A different Minnesota-based health care company said Friday it was temporarily closing its offices out of an abundance of caution, telling employees to work from home.
Can Americans still have a sensible and friendly political discussion across the partisan divide? The answer is yes, and we prove it every week. Julie Roginsky, a Democrat, and Mike DuHaime, a Republican, are consultants who have worked on opposite teams for their entire careers yet have remained friends. Here, they discuss the weeks events with editorial page editor Tom Moran.

Q. President Biden broke his promise and pardoned his son Hunter, who had pled guilty to tax evasion, and was found guilty by a jury of obtaining a gun permit by lying about his drug addiction. Will this damage Bidens legacy? Does his claim that political pressure caused prosecutors to single out his son for harsh treatment lend credence to Donald Trumps claim that the Department of Justice has been infected by politics?

Mike: Biden lied, and not only did he lie, he laid it on thick, telling all his supporters to flood the airwaves with lies about his respect for the rule of law, just to distinguish himself from Donald Trump. In this regard, he sure looks different: He actually looks worse. Trump tells you what hes going to do, whether you like it or not. Somehow, Trump looks authentic, and he looks truthful when he says all the other politicians are liars, because Biden just proved him correct.

If you think Biden flipflopping on Hunter pardon after Trump names Kash Patel his FBI Director is worse than Trump flipflopping on whether Project 2025 is the core of his policy agenda, you should turn in your journalism credentials and also your democracy ones.  emptywheel (mr. blue sky) (@emptywheel) December 2, 2024

Julie: The whole notion of presidential pardons is so anathema to me because I thought we fought a revolution to deprive our leaders of royal prerogatives like this. But since it is in the constitution, let me just say that I dont care that Biden pardoned Hunter. You want to be outraged that he lied while this country voted for a man who lies as easily as he breathes? Enough of the double standard.

President Biden's pardon of his son Hunter was proper & advances justice



Hunter was charged w/ crimes that no one not named Biden wouldve been prosecuted forhe deserved a no-jail plea & deserves a pardon now



I explained w @richardquest on @cnni pic.twitter.com/8ToEwTfe9A  Norm Eisen (#TryingTrump out now!) (@NormEisen) December 2, 2024

Julie: This country has no problem electing Trump, so I, for one, will urge Democrats to start exercising power just as ruthlessly as Trump and the Republicans have. Give me a break and stop wasting time on this process nonsense about whether Biden lied or what this means for his legacy. Time to take the gloves off, learn how to message properly, and then you can stop giving a damn about perception, once you bend it to your will. Republicans are masters at this and thats why they control every branch of government, from the majority of state courts to the majority of state Legislatures to Congress to the Supreme Court to the White House.

John Gottis Underboss, Sammy the Bull Gravano, who admitted to committing 19 murders, is platformed by Newsmax as an organized crime expert, to claim that Hunter & Joe Biden are worse than him and John Gotti: We look like choir boys compared to them. pic.twitter.com/9RZDnzScoE  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) December 5, 2023

Q. Trump has nominated Charlie Kushner as ambassador to France. Kushner was convicted of what then-U.S. Attorney Chris Christie called one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes his office handled, referring to Kushner hiring a prostitute to seduce his sisters husband during a family fight over money, and then showing his sister a taped recording of the encounter  along with campaign finance violations. Trump pardoned Kushner in 2020, and now wants to send him to Paris. Quelle horreur! Will he win confirmation? Should he?

Mike: I mean, what else is there to add? Christie was the top federal prosecutor for one of the biggest federal districts in the country, the entire state of NJ, and he puts Kushners actions at the top of the loathsome and disgusting list. Pretty bad. But Trump will do anything for daughter, and this is her father-in-law. The real issue is, this is not some tiny nondescript country on the other side of the world. This is France, our oldest ally and an important player in world affairs. This Kushner case will now get international attention in a country being rocked by its own heinous sex scandal right now.

#DonaldTrump intends to nominate Charles Kushner as ambassador to France.



As a U.S. attorney, @GovChristie prosecuted Kushner for tax evasion and witness tampering.



Christie told @MargaretHoover Kushner's case was "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes" he had handled. pic.twitter.com/SAeKepKHwF  Firing Line with Margaret Hoover (@FiringLineShow) December 2, 2024

Julie: Im not big on lifelong punishments for felons, and Charlie Kushner served his time. The larger question that Senators should focus on is whether Kushner is qualified to serve as our chief diplomat at a time in France even as the EU and NATO are both fraying, France is undergoing massive political upheaval, and Marine Le Pen may be knocking at the Elysee Palace door. I believe he will be confirmed, and so I have only one real plea for him: He is the son of Holocaust survivors, and France is undergoing a wave of antisemitism that is unprecedented in its post-war history. I truly hope he does everything he can to keep someone like Le Pen out of power, despite the help she is getting from other Trump supporters to be Frances next president.

Convicted felon nominates convicted felon. https://t.co/O1PkbcxlY4  Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) November 30, 2024

Q. Meanwhile, credible reports of Pete Hegseths drunken misbehaviors, along with accusations of sexual assault, seem to be sinking his nomination as Defense Secretary, and Trump might replace him with Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida. Why DeSantis? Wouldnt that strengthen DeSantis posture as a future presidential candidate? Is there political gamesmanship at work?

Mike: Ive not always been a big fan of some of DeSantis politics and posturing, but there can be zero doubt he is far more qualified than Hegseth. DeSantis is veteran, former member of Congress, and two-term governor of one of Americas largest states. DeSantis also has the reputation as a good family man, obviously not a requirement in Trump world, but DeSantis eliminates the distractions of Hegseths personal life with higher qualifications. It is a no-brainer to move Hegseth out and DeSantis in.

Julie: Its an easy calculus. Trump wants his daughter-in-law Lara to take Marco Rubios Senate seat. DeSantis, as governor, has the power to appoint her to the vacancy that will arise when Rubio is confirmed as Secretary of State. Its a typical quid pro quo.

Pete Hegseth, NDAs and me. https://t.co/b6MTOJ4V73  Julie Roginsky (@julieroginsky) December 6, 2024

Q. Trumps nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, has vowed to use the Bureau to investigate Trumps political opponents, to come after media that helped Joe Biden win presidential elections, and shut down the FBIs Washington headquarters and disperse its people across the country. Will he make it? If so, what consequences do you see?

Mike: Obviously, no federal agency is perfect, but the FBI is the premier law-enforcement agency in the world. I am hopeful he is not successful in dismantling it, and I dont think the public truly supports that anyway. Sure, Trump got votes because there is frustration with government, but I dont think people want the FBI to no longer exist.

Trumps nominee for the FBI praised QAnon, Theres a lot of good to a lot of it, and agreed with a host who said Q had been so right on so many things. Patel said of QAnon, Were just blown away at the amount of acumen some of these people have. https://t.co/IEBA1gI1bf  Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) December 1, 2024

Julie: If Kash Patel has his way, he will be teaching the nation a graduate course on authoritarianism. What can be more chilling than knowing you will have to go through the expense of a federal investigation, regardless of whether it results in an indictment? It has already cast a pall in the way some journalists cover Trump and it will result in Democratic members of Congress and other people opposed to Trumps agenda to temper their behavior for fear of being investigated or even denounced. This is not how a democracy functions.

Trump's first term Attorney General said he would resign if Kash Patel ever got close to the FBI. Why? Because Patel wants to turn the FBI into Trump's personal political police, hunting down those who oppose Trump.



Let's stop pretending this is normal. IT ISN'T. pic.twitter.com/qBQRVbXV5Z  Chris Murphy  (@ChrisMurphyCT) December 3, 2024

Q. Hanging over all of Trumps nominations is his threat to use recess appointments to install them without Senate approval. First, will the GOP majority surrender its confirmation powers by going into recess willingly? And if not, might Trump break another norm by forcing a recess, as some Constitutional scholars say he can do?

Mike: I do not think the Senate will abdicate its responsibility here. They rejected Trumps pick for Senate Majority Leader (Rick Scott) and have already sent Matt Gaetz packing. There are enough senators who will stand firm.

Unfortunately, Matt Gaetz is unable to accept a recess appointment because he has plans during most recess periods.  Rep. Jack Kimble (@RepJackKimble) November 18, 2024

Julie: Hope youre right, Mike. Our Constitution set up co-equal branches of government. Trump effectively already owns the judiciary. All that stands between him and the eradication of 250 years of constitutional government is for the legislative branch to also abdicate its role in ensuring that there are checks and balances on the executive branch.

The Senate's constitutional power over advice and consent assures that executive branch employees and judges will faithfully serve the laws and the people. Evading the Senate's critical confirmation process destroys an essential constitutional safeguard. pic.twitter.com/j2VOcJcxMo  Rep. Jamie Raskin (@RepRaskin) November 15, 2024

Q. Sen. Cory Booker was chosen to join the Senate Democratic leadership, taking a position as chairman of the Strategic Communication Committee, a new post that is said to rank fourth in the partys hierarchy. Does that sound like a position of real influence? Will other senators listen to the directives of a message czar when they may have their own ideas on that front?

Mike: Its great for Sen Booker and for NJ to have him in leadership. Im not sure what the role entails, but Booker has been one of the most effective communicators in the state and country for decades, so they should heed his advice.

Julie: Democrats desperately need a new message and a new messenger. Senator Booker brings many things to the table, not the least of which is that he is young and he is an excellent communicator. I do think there are real disagreements among Democrats about which approach to take when communicating on behalf of the party. Booker is a conciliator, who tries to bring out the better angels in us all. Others believe that in this day and age, you need to fight fire with fire and just obstruct every single thing Republicans try to do, no matter what, so that they dont get any wins on anything. (Kind of how Trump killed Sen. James Lankfords hardline immigration bill so he could run on a crisis that would have otherwise been tempered.) This is all to say that Booker has his work cut out for him.

We must get harmful chemicals out of our foods and prevent dangerous chemicals from being sprayed on them.



I will continue this fight - sounding the alarm, introducing legislation, and raising awareness - please join me. We need more voices calling for change. pic.twitter.com/MCjMlJ8kez  Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) December 2, 2024

Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.

A note to readers: Mike and Julie are deeply engaged in politics and commercial advocacy in New Jersey, so both have connections to many players discussed in this column. DuHaime, the founder of MAD Global, has worked for Chris Christie, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and President George W. Bush. Roginsky, a principal of Comprehensive Communications Group, has served as senior advisor to campaigns of Cory Booker, Frank Lautenberg, and Phil Murphy. We will disclose specific connections only when readers might otherwise be misled.
The next few days will define the Yankees offseason.

Either theyre able to retain Juan Soto  who is expected to make his decision in free agency during next weeks Winter Meetings, if not before they begin on Sunday in Dallas  or theyll watch him pick a different destination, forcing them to pivot.

Bringing the superstar outfielder back to the Bronx after his career year in pinstripes has been a top priority this winter for the Yankees and owner Hal Steinbrenner. It wont be cheap and they have high-spending competition driven to make a splash, though.

Bidding for Soto has reportedly eclipsed the $600 million mark. Its possible  some would say its even probable at this point  that Soto will end up signing a contract worth more than $700 million, breaking the record Shohei Ohtani set with the Dodgers this past offseason.

Sotos decision will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for other acquisitions across the league. Teams that miss on Soto will be on the clock to turn their best backup plans into reality. The next tier of free agents after Soto  even some trade chips  could come off the board quickly.

The Yankees have been busy when it comes to contingency plans. Theyve been active in exploring the starting pitcher market, keeping in touch with the likes of Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. Steinbrenner mentioned earlier this winter that the Yankees would be taking a close look at their rotation and bullpen, seeking out upgrades. Coveted position players like shortstop Willy Adames have been linked to the Yankees as well.

If the Yankees dont re-sign Soto, theyll be in a position to spend aggressively on a handful of impact players. The focus should be on pitching, first base and left field along with either third or second base depending on where Jazz Chisholm Jr. plays on defense next season. What isnt clear yet is whether the Yankees will be willing to sign Soto and another high-profile piece. Would Soto and a top starting pitcher fit into the clubs offseason budget, for instance? What about Sotos contract and a trade for an impact player like Cody Bellinger of the Cubs?

The reality is this team has flaws. Re-signing Soto would be worthy of a celebration  just thinking about his departure are enough to make a Yankees fan shudder  but other positions cant be ignored if the Yankees want to make it back to the World Series next fall and have a chance to win it.

That in mind, dont be surprised if the Yankees explore different ways to free up more money this offseason, cutting some payroll. That process could begin at the Winter Meetings after Sotos sweepstakes are settled, too. They have a handful of expensive pieces coming off the books this winter in free agency but can also look to save money by trading away veterans like starters Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes, fourth outfielder Trent Grisham or catcher Jose Trevino.

Stroman is a name to watch closely as hes owed $18 million in 2025 with a $18 million vesting player option for 2026 (if he pitches 140-plus innings next year). The right-hander was consistent to begin this past season, his first year with the Yankees, but his production dipped over the summer. By the playoffs, he was a total non-factor, pitching in zero games in October. The Yankees rotation is already full  with an acquisition possibly on the way this winter  so Stroman, an innings-eater, could be expendable. Packaging him with a prospect would be one way to cut cost and in this wild offseason market for pitching, another club desperate for depth may be hungry to add a starter like Stroman.

Meanwhile, Cortes, Grisham and Trevino are all entering the final year of their current contracts before hitting the open market. Another team could look at Grisham and Trevino as possible starters while theyd likely be relegated to the Yankees bench next year if everything goes according to plan in the outfield and behind the plate.

Trades can be another avenue for the Yankees to bolster their roster without paying top dollar in free agency. Say they re-sign Soto and dont want to pay Pete Alonso or Christian Walker to fix their lack of production at first. Bellinger is an option, or the Yankees can pursue first basemen like Josh Naylor of the Guardians or Yandy Diaz from the Rays, to name a few.

Keep in mind that the Yankees have cost-effective options within the organization as well. Top prospect Jasson Dominguez and versatile infielder Caleb Durbin are poised to play bigger roles next season. The same could be said for prospect Ben Rice, who filled in for Anthony Rizzo at first base for a stretch this past summer. Dont expect Rizzo  or second baseman Gleyber Torres  to return to the Yankees this winter. Ex-closer Clay Holmes is already gone, signing with the Mets on Friday night.

Ultimately, everything flows through Soto and where he ends up. The entire league is on Soto watch until the generational outfielder makes his decision. Then the dominos will begin to fall.

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.
One of the best backup options for the Yankees in free agency  if they miss on Juan Soto  came off the board on Saturday night.

Shortstop Willy Adames signed a seven-year, $182 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. Jeff Passan of ESPN was first to report Adames signing, the biggest contract in Giants franchise history.

Earlier this week, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the Yankees were showing interest in Adames. It wasnt a perfect fit necessarily, since the Yankees already have Anthony Volpe at shortstop, but they couldve made it work, using Adames to fill one of their other infield holes. The free agent was coming off a career year with the Brewers.

An option for the Yankees couldve been to move Adames to third base, sliding Jazz Chisholm Jr. over to second. Adames was reportedly willing to change positions for the right situation and the right deal in free agency.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Giants, Braves and Dodgers were the most active pursuers of Adames in free agency. The Yankees love Adames, Heyman said, but they have another priority at the moment.

That priority is Soto, who is expected to make his free agency decision imminently. He could pick a team over this weekend with the Winter Meetings set to begin on Sunday in Dallas.

The Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Dodgers are the known suitors for Soto. Offers for the generational outfielder have reportedly eclipsed the $600 million mark and many expect the final contract for Soto to be higher than $700 million.

If the Yankees dont retain Soto and he chooses one of those other high-spending contenders, theyll need to pivot quickly and turn their best remaining backup plan into reality. With Adames no longer available, other position players the Yankees have been linked to include third baseman Alex Bregman, first baseman Pete Alonso and first baseman Christian Walker. Cubs outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger is another veteran piece the Yankees are interested in, but that would require a trade. Chicago is reportedly determined to get rid of Bellinger this winter.

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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South Korea's National Assembly lawmakers vote on a bill to investigate scandals involving the first lady of President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 7, 2024. Of 300 National Assembly lawmakers, 198 voted for the bill on the special prosecutor investigation of the first lady, with 102 against it. At least two-thirds of the lawmakers need to vote yes to pass the bill. (Xinhua)

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's parliament is expected to vote down President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment motion on lack of quorum, TV footage showed Saturday.

After voting against the bill to investigate scandals involving Yoon's wife, most of the 108 ruling People Power Party lawmakers left the parliamentary hall except three. One ruling party lawmaker remained in the hall and two came back after leaving.

Of 300 National Assembly lawmakers, 198 voted for the bill on the special prosecutor investigation of the first lady, with 102 against it. At least two-thirds of the lawmakers need to vote yes to pass the bill.

Lawmakers of the opposition parties, including the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, named the ruling party lawmakers one by one in unison, calling for them to come back and cast ballots.

More than 200 lawmakers are required to vote yes to pass the impeachment motion.

The motion will be scrapped at 00:48 a.m. local time Sunday (1548 GMT Saturday) as it needs to be voted between 24 hours and 72 hours after being reported to the National Assembly.

The Democratic Party and five other minor parties submitted the impeachment motion over the president's martial law declaration Wednesday.

Yoon declared an emergency martial law Tuesday night before repealing it early Wednesday as the parliament voted against it. 

South Korea's National Assembly lawmakers vote on a bill to investigate scandals involving the first lady of President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 7, 2024. Of 300 National Assembly lawmakers, 198 voted for the bill on the special prosecutor investigation of the first lady, with 102 against it. At least two-thirds of the lawmakers need to vote yes to pass the bill. (Xinhua)

South Korea's National Assembly lawmakers vote on a bill to investigate scandals involving the first lady of President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 7, 2024. Of 300 National Assembly lawmakers, 198 voted for the bill on the special prosecutor investigation of the first lady, with 102 against it. At least two-thirds of the lawmakers need to vote yes to pass the bill. (Xinhua)

South Korea's National Assembly lawmakers vote on a bill to investigate scandals involving the first lady of President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 7, 2024. Of 300 National Assembly lawmakers, 198 voted for the bill on the special prosecutor investigation of the first lady, with 102 against it. At least two-thirds of the lawmakers need to vote yes to pass the bill. (Xinhua)
Guests attend the inauguration ceremony of the China-UAE Economy and Trade Exchange Center at the China Pavilion of Dubai Expo City in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dec. 6, 2024. The inauguration ceremony of the China-UAE Economy and Trade Exchange Center was held on Friday at the China Pavilion of Dubai Expo City. (Xinhua/Wen Xinnian)

DUBAI, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The China-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Economy and Trade Exchange Center was officially inaugurated on Friday at the China Pavilion in Expo City Dubai, with the witness of over 100 Chinese and UAE dignitaries and guests.

In his opening remarks, Chinese Ambassador to the UAE Zhang Yiming praised the remarkable achievements of China-UAE economic and trade cooperation.

He noted that this year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE. The center's opening serves as the culmination of the anniversary celebrations, providing a platform for deepening bilateral economic ties, injecting fresh vitality into their relationship, and creating new opportunities for shared development.

Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, executive director of the Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, emphasized that Expo City Dubai is dedicated to building bridges for international cooperation and hailed the center as a vivid example of Dubai's commitment to diversified development.

Shi Dai, director and president of China Merchants Group Limited, underscored her company's role as an important witness, participant, and beneficiary of China-UAE friendship. She pledged to uphold the principles of openness and innovation, ensuring the efficient operation of the center.

Shi described it as a "window for trade exchange, a bridge for technological cooperation, and a hub for cultural integration," aimed at enhancing global understanding of China, its culture, and its enterprises.

The event also featured an exhibition that highlights the rich history and future potential of cultural exchanges between China and the UAE.

The China-UAE Economy and Trade Exchange Center, upgraded from the China Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, is operated by Sinotrans, a subsidiary of China Merchants Group Limited.

The center offers a range of services, including operational management, event planning, exhibition design and construction, logistics, and promotional support. It will serve as a key platform for advancing comprehensive cooperation between the two nations in trade, culture, and innovation. 

Guests visit a cultural exchange exhibition at the China Pavilion of Dubai Expo City in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dec. 6, 2024. The inauguration ceremony of the China-UAE Economy and Trade Exchange Center was held on Friday at the China Pavilion of Dubai Expo City. (Xinhua/Wen Xinnian)

This photo taken on Dec. 6, 2024 shows the China Pavilion of Dubai Expo City in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The inauguration ceremony of the China-UAE Economy and Trade Exchange Center was held on Friday at the China Pavilion of Dubai Expo City. (Xinhua/Wen Xinnian)
As I look back over 2024, I am proud of what we have achieved as a council against a change in the political climate and continued tough economic conditions.

Twelve months ago, we announced details of our new strategic plan that will help shape business plans and spending across the district over the next five years.

Sitting alongside this, we also confirmed the setting up of a Torridge Place Board to address the governments announcement that Torridge was identified as one of 20 councils invited to form a levelling-up partnership with the government and potentially in line for a share of the 400m pot.

Fast forward a couple of months and a general election was called, putting all plans and discussions on hold.

Thankfully, at the end of October the new government reaffirmed its commitment to the levelling-up partnership.

We have so much potential in Torridge and northern Devon to enhance our key sectors whilst creating new opportunities in areas such as high-tech engineering and clean maritime technologies, among others.

Im looking forward to working with fellow members of the Place Board to see these projects scoped and developed in 2025.

2024 has been a positive year for our leisure services.

In April, we opened our spectacular new Victoria Park play area in Bideford.

A great example of real project design and facilities, which will benefit the local community and visitors for many years to come.

In October, we also announced that Holsworthy Leisure Centre will be receiving over 1 million in energy improvements.

A key community resource for both young and old, these new upgrades will

enable us to provide a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective place for future generations to enjoy.

At the same time, we also announced that funding had been approved for three new play zones in Holsworthy, Bideford, and Great Torrington.

Meanwhile, councillors agreed to extend our contract with Active Torridge and extend our portfolio of leisure centres by adding a fourth site at the old Bideford library.

This year, we were also delighted to secure planning permission for a much-needed new operational services centre. We have been actively seeking to acquire a site to consolidate our facility for some time, so I am pleased that our employees will be moving into their new purpose-built site in 2025.

With construction due to start on the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre, next year is already shaping up to be busy!

While we welcomed the Waverley in the summer, we have also been delighted to witness the return of cargo ships to the Torridge estuary.

The choice to ship cargo into Torridge not only reduces the carbon footprint but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

We are looking forward to welcoming more ships to the ports of Torridge, as the sight of these vessels is always a spectacular and well received attraction for onlookers.

So as 2024 draws to a close, I would like to thank my fellow councillors and officers for their support and hard work over the last twelve months.

2025 holds many exciting projects for us, and I am looking forward to working with colleagues to see these plans develop.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati arrives for a special cabinet session in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, Dec. 7, 2024.

Lebanese Information Minister Ziad Makary on Saturday confirmed that the country's cabinet had approved the Lebanese army's deployment "in the area south of the Litani River."

Makary made the announcements after attending a special cabinet session held in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, during which Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati reiterated his call for the international community to put an end to Israel's ongoing violations of a ceasefire agreement and to withdraw from occupied territories. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Information Minister Ziad Makary on Saturday confirmed that the country's cabinet had approved the Lebanese army's deployment "in the area south of the Litani River."

He said that "the Lebanese army has begun sending its forces to the south and needs a lot of equipment, personnel, and supplies," adding that assistance was being sent to the military.

"The rubble and debris of destroyed buildings will be removed, and the areas in the south will be cleared of cluster bombs," the minister said, revealing that the cabinet had also "agreed on a draft law to rebuild homes destroyed by the war."

According to Makary, Lebanon has deployed its army along the northern and eastern borders with Syria and "is taking appropriate measures in conjunction with the events there."

Makary made the announcements after attending a special cabinet session held in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, during which Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati reiterated his call for the international community to put an end to Israel's ongoing violations of a ceasefire agreement and to withdraw from occupied territories.

The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, went into effect on Nov. 27, aiming to halt nearly 14 months of fighting between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

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. 

This photo taken on Dec. 7, 2024 shows Lebanese army soldiers and vehicles in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre.

Lebanese Information Minister Ziad Makary on Saturday confirmed that the country's cabinet had approved the Lebanese army's deployment "in the area south of the Litani River."

Makary made the announcements after attending a special cabinet session held in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, during which Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati reiterated his call for the international community to put an end to Israel's ongoing violations of a ceasefire agreement and to withdraw from occupied territories. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Dec. 7, 2024 shows Lebanese army soldiers and vehicles in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre.

Lebanese Information Minister Ziad Makary on Saturday confirmed that the country's cabinet had approved the Lebanese army's deployment "in the area south of the Litani River."

Makary made the announcements after attending a special cabinet session held in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, during which Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati reiterated his call for the international community to put an end to Israel's ongoing violations of a ceasefire agreement and to withdraw from occupied territories. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)
CROWN POINT  A judge denied bail for a Munster woman charged with the murder of a man whom was with when they forced their way into a Hammond home that the man allegedly planned to burglarize when he was fatally shot by the homeowner.

Lake Criminal Court Magistrate Mark Watson denied bail to Marysa Rodriguez, 22, was charged in October for the death of Alijah Adams, 22, according to an order filed Friday.

Rodriguez was charged under Indiana's felony murder rule. The law allows prosecutors to charge a co-conspirator with murder if another person was killed during the commission of a crime, such as robbery, rape or arson, even if that individual is not directly responsible for the homicide.

Deputy Prosecutors Keith Anderson and Gary Marek alleged during a bail hearing Tuesday that Rodriguez knew Adams was planning to rob the residents of an apartment in the 600 block of 169th Street in Hammond when they forced their way into the residence together, which sparred a physical fight that resulted in the homeowner shooting Adams in self-defense.

Hammond police Detective Michael Nemcek testified during the hearing that witnesses said Rodriguez, Adams and two others were on their way home after a night of partying when they decided to stop at the apartment. One of the women who was with them had moved out of the apartment the day before and needed to get some items, he said.

The woman moved out because she and the apartment resident had ended their relationship; however, the resident had begun to date one of her friends and the friend moved in the same day the woman had moved out, which caused tension, he said.

The group arrived at the apartment around 2:30 a.m. The female friend went inside while the others stayed in the car. Not long after, Rodriguez and Adams banged on the door, Nemcek said.

Nemcek said the resident told police he holstered his gun on his hip upon hearing the loud knocking.

When the resident opened the door he saw Rodriguez, whom he knew as a friend to one of the other two individuals who were home with him. He refused Rodriguez entry but she tried to push the door open, a probable cause affidavit alleges. Adams then successfully pushed the door open and entered with Rodriguez. Witnesses saw him push the door with a handgun.

Rodriguez reportedly got into a fight with her female friend and another woman inside the residence and Adams jumped in, stomping on one of the women.

The resident of the house then fatally shot Adams. He has not been charged with any crime, according to court records.

Defendants in murder cases have a right to petition for bail, which can be granted if the court finds the state failed to prove "by a preponderance of the evidence" that the presumption of a defendant's guilt of murder  not a lesser offense  is strong.

Defense attorney John Cantrell challenged Nemcek's testimony and said Rodriguez went to the door of the home because she needed to use the bathroom. She supposedly texted her friend who was inside the residence and asked to be let in.

When Nemcek was asked if he had looked at Rodriguez's phone to find these messages he said he had not, but intended to.

Cantrell asked if the four witnesses in the case gave consistent statements. Nemcek said the statements were "similar statements with some differences."

Cantrell said there was a clear contrast in the witness accounts: one witness said he heard Adams say in the car that he intended to steal from the homeowner, but another witness said she never heard that statement.

Nothing was ultimately stolen from the home, Cantrell said, and evidence does not support the claim Rodriguez intended to steal anything.

Marek said that witness statements show Rodriguez was denied entry to the apartment and went inside anyway, which makes her culpable. Plus, while inside, she got in a fight and committed battery. Marek said both of these facts support her guilt and charge of felony murder.
How Protesters Filled the Streets in South Koreas Center of Power

Tens of thousands of South Koreans from across the country gathered in the streets outside the National Assembly in Seoul on Saturday, demanding President Yoon Suk Yeols ouster. Mr. Yoon briefly imposed martial law on Tuesday, reopening old wounds and plunging the country into political chaos. An attempt to impeach Mr. Yoon failed to garner the required number of votes, prolonging the political upheaval and uncertainty that has roiled the country this week.

National Assembly Vehicles are parked to prevent military helicopters from landing The police lined up along the gates 1,700 feet Protesters Thousands of protesters walking toward the National Assembly Yeouido Park N National Assembly Vehicles are parked to prevent military helicopters from landing The police lined up along the gates 1,700 feet Protesters Thousands of protesters walking toward the National Assembly N Yeouido Park National Assembly Vehicles are parked to prevent military helicopters from landing The police lined up along the gates 1,700 feet Protesters Thousands of protesters walking toward the National Assembly N Yeouido Park Photographs and composite image by Pablo Robles

Protests in the city and around the country have intensified since Mr. Yoons audacious move on Tuesday. The rally at the National Assembly ahead of the impeachment vote on Saturday was the largest one yet, despite freezing temperatures. By 3 p.m. the areas in front of the National Assembly were filled.

People waved flags representing labor unions, human rights groups and smaller political parties. The police, wearing neon jackets, were lined up along the crowds to keep order.

Photographs by Chang W. Lee; composite image by Pablo Robles

As the grand boulevard facing the National Assembly filled up with protestors, people moved to the street that runs across the front of the complex.

National Assembly Traffic camera

National Assembly main gate National Assembly main gate National Assembly main gate Source: Korea Traffic Authority

Meanwhile, in another part of Seoul, supporters of Mr. Yoon gathered near Gwanghwamun Square. There were chairs set up for the supporters, unlike the crowds sitting on the ground outside of the National Assembly. Soon after the impeachment vote began, speakers were quick to announce that impeachment looked unlikely, and the crowd turned jubilant.

Gwanghwamun Square SEOUL National Assembly Han River

Supporters of Mr. Yoon National Assembly main gate Supporters of Mr. Yoon Supporters of Mr. Yoon Source: Korea Traffic Authority

Protesters in front of the National Assembly stayed well into the night, as the voting session dragged on. People held candles and colorful light sticks. South Korea has a tradition of holding candlelight rallies to express political dissent.

As 9 p.m. approached, it became clear there were not enough votes to impeach Mr. Yoon and the crowd began to thin out.

National Assembly Traffic camera

Source: Korea Traffic Authority

However, many protesters said they would not give up. I plan to come every weekend, said Subin Park, 29, who had traveled from Bucheon, west of Seoul. I hope a lot of people will show up from Monday.
People plant trees in Nalaikh District of Ulan Bator, Mongolia, Oct. 10, 2021. (Photo by Suriya/Xinhua)

Mongolia-China cross-border preservation, collaborative research, and cross-border corridors significantly contribute to protecting the species in their native habitats and conserving biodiversity, the minister noted.

ULAN BATOR, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia-China cooperation in combating desertification, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating climate change is fruitful and flourishing, Mongolia's Minister of Environment and Climate Change Saldan Odontuya has said.

Joint environmental initiatives are a key area of bilateral eco-cooperation, said the minister in an interview with Xinhua, adding that they are in line with the shared goals outlined in the 2022 joint statement on advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era between Mongolia and China.

To further strengthen cooperation in desertification prevention, the two countries have jointly established the China-Mongolia Desertification Prevention and Control Cooperation Center. A research team from Peking University is preparing a comprehensive technical and economic feasibility study, and a joint working group is conducting research on the project, the minister added.

As part of this collaboration, China has supported Mongolia's "Plant a Billion Trees" plan, which aims to plant at least 1 billion trees by 2030 to combat desertification.

China International Development Cooperation Agency has reached an agreement with Mongolia's Ministry of Economy and Development and other relevant agencies to advance desertification prevention. Additionally, Mongolian officials and environmental experts have traveled to China to learn from the country's desertification control experience.

Odontuya highlighted the success of a joint project between Mongolia and China from 2018 to 2024, which aimed at protecting the critically endangered Gobi bear (Mazaalai) through technical assistance to improve research conditions and facilitate collaboration between Mongolian and Chinese scientists.

The Gobi Desert is home to rare and endangered species, such as the Gobi bear, Przewalski's horses (Takhi), argali wild sheep, snow leopards, and migratory birds. This area is the only habitat of the critically endangered wild Bactrian camel (Khavtgai).

Looking ahead, Mongolia seeks to expand cross-border conservation efforts, with an emphasis on wildlife migration routes protection, zoonotic diseases prevention, and capacity-building, Odontuya said.

Mongolia-China cross-border preservation, collaborative research, and cross-border corridors significantly contribute to protecting the species in their native habitats and conserving biodiversity, the minister noted.

In southern Mongolia's Gobi Desert, the government is developing infrastructure in an environmentally sustainable manner to protect wildlife like the white gazelle and Mongolian wild asses (Equus hemionus), the minister said.

"We have already begun approving and implementing standards for wildlife-friendly crossings and fences," Odontuya said. "Drawing on this experience, Mongolia is ready to collaborate with China to make the border fences between the two countries more wildlife-friendly."
BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Alex Jacobs, who attended the 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine that concluded in Beijing this week, was thrilled to experience a blend of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) moxibustion and Qigong in the exhibition area between sessions.

He Nian, a moxibustionist from the Beijing Zhiai Academy of Chinese Traditional Medicine, skillfully stimulated acupoints on Jacobs' back with her fingers to promote blood flow, winning the admiration of visitors, especially foreign guests.

He then placed a small, gently heated moxibustion pot, shaped like the Temple of Heaven -- one of Beijing's iconic architectural landmarks -- on Jacobs' left palm while flexing his right shoulder and arm. "Very comfortable and relaxing," Jacobs exclaimed. "She has a lot of strength in her hands, which was very impressive."

Another highlight in the exhibition area was an intelligent moxibustion robot featuring four types of moxibustion treatment. Operators could customize settings, including acupoints, techniques, duration, amplitude and speed, through its advanced control panel.

"This product not only saves labor and enhances the accuracy of moxibustion treatment but also ensures a smoke-free and pollution-free moxibustion process," said Li Lin, chairman of a biotechnology company based in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, the developer of the intelligent moxibustion robot.

According to Li, in just one morning, foreign guests from countries including the United States, Switzerland, Belarus, Hungary and Kazakhstan visited the company's exhibition booth to learn more about the products.

"Among them, guests from Egypt and the Republic of Korea expressed interest in purchasing the product, with the Egyptian guest even inquiring about the freight cost for the equipment, priced at 300,000 yuan (about 41,755 U.S. dollars)," Li said.

Scenes like these at the event reflect the growing global recognition of TCM for its unique strengths in disease prevention, control and rehabilitation. Data shows that TCM has spread to 196 countries and regions, with more than one-third of the world's population having received TCM treatment.

Over the years, the Chinese government has worked closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) to integrate traditional medicines more deeply into the global health system.

China has signed TCM cooperation agreements with over 40 governments, regional authorities and international organizations. A total of 30 high-quality overseas TCM centers have been established in countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Meanwhile, the WHO has included traditional medicine, with TCM as the mainstay, in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases.

Traditional medicine plays an important role in helping achieve universal health coverage, and TCM has much experience for the world to draw from, said Martin Taylor, the WHO representative in China.

"Chinese medicine is incredibly popular in the West," said Jacobs, who is a TCM doctor and was appointed as the CEO of the British Acupuncture Council six months ago. "In the UK, everyone has either had acupuncture before or knows someone who has had it."

About 20 years ago, Jacobs, an enthusiast of Chinese culture, traveled to Taiwan to study Chinese language. Unexpectedly, he developed a deep passion for TCM. Upon returning to his home country, Jacobs, who already held a bachelor's degree in economics, spent another five years studying acupuncture, massage and TCM at university.

According to Jacobs, the council has more than 3,000 members, all of whom undergo at least three years of training in TCM, and is committed to helping the public find qualified practitioners.

In Hungary, the first EU country to legislate on TCM, the public has a relatively higher acceptance of TCM. According to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, 25 percent of the Hungarian population is familiar with and has received TCM treatments.

TCM products can be found in nearly 5,000 mainstream pharmacies across Central and Eastern Europe, said Chen Zhen, president of the Association of Chinese Medicine Academies of Central and Eastern Europe.

"More than 5,000 Western acupuncturists trained in the past 30 years have become the main force in promoting TCM in the region," Chen said.

China plans to train over 1,300 individuals from abroad in TCM over the next three years, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine announced Wednesday at the conference's closing ceremony. The initiative aims to promote international exchanges and enhance the expertise of professionals in the field.

"Chinese medicine is an advanced technology," Jacobs said. "However, the vast majority of the wisdom and knowledge of TCM has not yet made an impact. It has the potential to revolutionize healthcare." 
SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's parliament is expected to vote down President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment motion on lack of quorum, caused by the refusal of the ruling People Power Party lawmakers to cast ballots, TV footage showed Saturday. 
JINAN, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Nine people have been missing in a fire that broke out at a refrigerated warehouse under construction in east China's Shandong Province on Saturday afternoon, authorities said. 
KABUL, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan caretaker government has renewed its contract with Turkmenistan to import electricity from the neighboring country in 2025, the state-run Bakhtar news agency reported Saturday.

The agreement to import power from Turkmenistan was renewed for another year during the recent visit of Abdul Bari Omar, managing director of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (Afghan Power Company), to the neighboring country, the state-owned media outlet added.

According to the official, Afghanistan produces around 300 Megawatts of power from domestic sources and imports 620 Megawatts annually from the neighboring countries of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Iran.

Power shortages and load shedding are everywhere in Afghanistan, including the capital city Kabul, as the residents of the capital city have been regularly suffering from power shortages for eight to 10 hours daily.

To overcome the power shortage, the Afghan caretaker administration has been working on solar panels, gas-generating power, and building water dams throughout the country. 
US pledges support for Sri Lankas anti-corruption drive and economic recovery

Posted by Editor on December 7, 2024 - 8:02 pm

The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Mr. Donald Lu, expressed the United States governments commitment to supporting Sri Lankas ongoing anti-corruption initiatives during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (December 7).

Mr. Lu stated that the U.S. is prepared to provide financial and technical assistance to strengthen Sri Lankas security and economy.

He also emphasized the U.S. governments willingness to offer technical expertise to help recover funds that were illicitly taken out of the country as part of Sri Lankas anti-corruption program.

The discussion highlighted the U.S. governments appreciation for the new administrations prioritization of key political, economic, and social challenges.

Mr. Lu reaffirmed the United States support for safeguarding Sri Lankas sovereignty and territorial integrity.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, speaking at the event, noted that Sri Lankas political culture significantly contributes to corruption and waste.

He emphasized that efforts are underway to address these issues by fostering a new and improved political culture.

The President also discussed initiatives to improve rural living standards through economic development and efforts to establish a modern civil service by enhancing the quality of public services.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ms. Julie Chung, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Ms. Anjali Kaur, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia and the Pacific at the U.S. Department of Treasury Mr. Robert Kaproth, USAID Mission Director Gabriel Grau, and Counsellor for Political and Economic Affairs Ms. Shawn Gray, among others.
The International Criminal Court's recent issuance of arrest warrants to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza has stirred up a considerable backlash. Dismissing the charges as "absurd and false", Netanyahu announced that Israel would "not recognize the validity" of the ICC's action. U.S. President Joe Biden denounced the arrest warrants as "outrageous", while the French government, after agreeing to support them, reversed its stance.

Thanks to a vigorous campaign by human rights organizations, the International Criminal Court (ICC) became operational in 2002, with the mandate to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and, after 2018, the crime of aggression. Nations ratifying the Rome Statute, the ICC's authorizing document, assumed responsibility for arresting these individuals and submitting them to the Court for trial. The ICC prosecutes cases only when countries are unwilling or unable to do so, for it was designed to complement, rather than replace, national criminal justice systems.

Operating with clearly delimited powers and limited funding, the ICC, headquartered at the Hague, has thus far usually taken modest but effective action to investigate, prosecute, and convict perpetrators of heinous atrocity crimes.

Although 124 nations have ratified the Rome Statute, Russia, China, the United States, India, Israel, and North Korea are not among them. Indeed, the world's major military powers, accustomed to the privileged role in world affairs that their armed might usually affords them, have often been at odds with the ICC, for it has the potential to investigate, prosecute, and convict their own government officials.

The desire of the "great powers" to safeguard themselves from the enforcement of international law is exemplified by the record of the U.S. government. Although President Bill Clinton signed the Rome Statute in December 2000, he warned about "significant flaws in the treaty", among them the inability to "protect US officials". Refusing to support U.S. Senate ratification, he recommended that his successor continue this policy "until our fundamental concerns are satisfied".

U.S. President George W. Bush "unsigned" the treaty in 2002, pressured other nations into bilateral agreements requiring them to refuse surrendering U.S. nationals to the Court, and signed the American Servicemembers Protection Act, authorizing the use of military force to liberate any Americans held for crimes by the ICC.

Although, subsequently, the Bush and Obama administrations warmed somewhat toward the Court, then engaged in prosecuting African warlords and Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, President Donald Trump reverted to staunch opposition in 2018, informing the UN General Assembly that the U.S. government would not support the ICC, which he claimed had "no jurisdiction, no legitimacy, and no authority". In 2020, the Trump administration imposed economic sanctions and visa restrictions on top ICC officials for any effort to investigate the actions of U.S. personnel in Afghanistan.

Like the United States, Russia initially signed the Rome treaty. It withdrew its signature, however, after Ukraine appealed to the ICC in 2014 and 2015 to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity that Russia committed in Ukraine. The ICC did launch a preliminary investigation that, after the full-scale Russian military invasion of February 2022 and Russian murder of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war in Bucha, expanded into a formal investigation. Taking bold action in March 2023, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova for the mass kidnapping of Ukrainian children.

Having previously denied wrongdoing in Bucha, the Russian government reacted furiously to the kidnapping charge. "The very question itself is outrageous," declared Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, and the ICC's decisions "are insignificant for the Russian Federation". Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of the Russian Security Council and a former Russian president, publicly threatened a Russian hypersonic missile attack upon the ICC headquarters, remarking: "Judges of the court, look carefully at the sky." Subsequently, Moscow issued arrest warrants for top ICC officials.

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SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will make a televised address ahead of the impeachment motion vote against him at the parliament, the presidential office said Saturday morning. 
Dear Annie: My wife of 19 years still to this day keeps in contact with her ex-boyfriend from high school.

They dated all through high school, and after they broke up, he ran her through the mud by spreading rumors about her to all her friends and then wrote a long letter to her stating how she was a slut.

Fast-forward many years, when we had just gotten married, and by some strange accident, they reconnected. I told her I did not like her communicating with him because he doesnt respect me or our marriage. He used to call her at 2 or 3 a.m. to talk to her and even asked her to go on vacation with him.

Recently, I found out she asked him to come to a music festival that she was attending with some of my friends. I was furious at the fact that she knew I would not approve, yet she did it anyway. I stated to her once more that he does not respect me and that she isnt respecting my wishes. She brushed it off as no big deal. What should I do? -- Frustrated About Wife

Dear Frustrated: Well, I certainly dont blame you for being frustrated! If your wife wanted to stay friends with her ex, then she should have spoken to you about some ground rules. Speaking to him in the middle of the night or behind your back is disrespectful to you and the marriage that you have built with her.

Calmly express to her your point of view and share some specific requests that would make you more comfortable with the relationship. For example, maybe you want to be included when the two of them see each other, or maybe you want to be in the room when she talks to him on the phone. Or maybe you should tell her that she should not be talking to him in the middle of the night. Seriously, you have to put up with that?

If shes not willing to compromise on her relationship with her ex, then shes compromising your marriage.



Dear Annie: Every year, my brother and sister-in-law create a calendar with pictures for the whole family. The calendar also lists all of our family birthdays and anniversaries.

My mom just passed away. Of course, well include photos of her in the 2025 calendar, but should we continue to list her birthday and marriage anniversary? Part of me thinks that my dad would not want to be reminded of his loss, while another part of me thinks hell be insulted if we remove the dates. Hes so emotional right now that I hate to ask him.

Thoughts? -- Calendar Conundrum

Dear Calendar Conundrum: First off, Im so sorry for your loss.

Whether you include these dates or not, your father will no doubt be thinking of your mom and grieving what would have been special days together if she were still alive.

Your brother and sister-in-law should make the calendar for this year as they usually would, with your mothers birthday and wedding anniversary included. This will serve as a reminder that, although she is gone, she is never forgotten.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.



COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM


Salem officials confirmed that a cougar has been spotted along the Willamette River at Minto-Brown Island Park.

Sundays sighting happened just before 7 p.m., following a series of unconfirmed reports in the area. Another suspected sighting was reported Thursday by a park staff member who was clearing debris along the Willamette.

Park supervisors are urging visitors to use caution, particularly at dawn and dusk when cougars are most active.

READ MORE: Cougar tranquilized on Oregon coast dock dies after falling into water

Matthew Johnston, Salems parks field supervisor, said city officials set up cameras where deer are highly active and where people have said theyve seen cougars. Then they post signs nearby to encourage people to be aware of their surroundings.

And we are continuing to monitor it, Johnston said.

Minto-Brown Island Park spans 1,200 acres and boasts 29 miles of trail and a 30-acre off-leash dog park. One of Salems most popular recreational areas, it is larger than New York Citys Central Park. Minto-Brown also serves as a natural habitat for cougars, with an abundance of deer and other prey.

City officials said in the news release they are closely monitoring the situation in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Visitors are reminded by the city that the park is closed after dark, which is when most sightings have occurred. Visitors are also asked to keep dogs on leashes except for at off-leash areas.

If you encounter a cougar, ODFW suggests staying calm and maintaining eye contact. If you have children, pick them up without bending down or turning your back. Slowly back away from the animal without running. If a cougar becomes aggressive, make yourself appear larger by raising your arms and clapping. In the event of an attack, fight back using rocks, sticks or any available items.

Cougar sightings in Minto-Brown Island Park can be reported to ODFWs South Willamette Watershed District office at 541-757-4186. In emergency situations, when someones life is in danger, call 911.

Johnston said that while the cougar hasnt harmed anyone, people should act with caution.

The cougar isnt showing signs of aggression right now, said Johnston.  Its doing exactly what you would expect a mountain lion to do; its living its best life, but we are continuing to monitor it. I do encourage people to be vigilant and keep on trails, use the buddy system and keep dogs on leashes.

 Tyler Brown is a multimedia reporter covering breaking news for The Oregonian/OregonLive. You can reach him at tbrown2@oregonian.com or 503-221-8243.
They had worked nearly nonstop for four days, facing exhaustion and defeat but holding on to hope.

The search effort grew to more than 100 first responders and engineers, racing against the clock to find Elizabeth Pollard, a Westmoreland County grandmother who had fallen through a sinkhole and into an abandoned mine that spanned miles.

Portions of the sinkhole off Marguerite Road in Unity Township had buckled and the roof collapsed, making it too dangerous for crews to continue descending into the black depths of the mine. By day three, the rescue operation turned to a body-recovery mission.

On Friday, they had finally tunneled through the thick wall of dirt in the right section of the mine and found Pollards body. She was lying about 12 feet away from the bottom of the shaft. A Hershey Kiss-shaped formation of debris appears to have deflected her as she fell about 30 feet.

It was a rough, rough go mentally and emotionally, and there were times we doubted ourselves, said Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani. We were running out of options, time, and resources. I was worried we werent going to find her. But we werent quitting.

Pollard was last seen Monday while searching for her cat, Pepper, outside Mondays Union Restaurant. She fell through the sinkhole that had just enough dirt for a roof system and grass to grow, Limani said.

Her family reported her missing about 1 a.m. Tuesday, and her car was found two hours later with her 5-year-old granddaughter inside, scared but unhurt. Peppers whereabouts were unknown and police said there had been no sightings of the cat in the area.

Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said the effort to find Pollard was massive and involved first responders from across Pennsylvania, the states emergency management agency, the U.S. Bureau of Mines and multiple other agencies.

This wasnt just a Unity Township response, he said. This was a Pennsylvania response. It was amazing.

Trooper Limani said he wasnt surprised so many people came out to work around the clock to find her alive and, when it was clear that wouldnt happen, to return her to her family.

Thats what its like to be from southwest Pennsylvania, he said. If youre lost, were not giving you directions. Were driving you there ourselves. Thats what the people here are like. If someone needs help, we all help. If someone is hurting, were all hurting. Thats the southwest Pennsylvania were proud of.

Pollards family members said they were hoping she would be found alive, but in the end were grateful her body had been recovered.

The family and members of the search team were somber throughout Friday afternoon, huddled inside the restaurant next to long tables filled with chocolate chip cookies, cartons of Dunkin coffee, bags of chips and other food donations from community members.

The sinkhole leads to the Marguerite Mine, which was developed, mined and then abandoned by the H.C. Frick Coke Co. by the middle of the last century. The mine once fed coal to coke ovens and then steel mills in Pittsburgh and across the Eastern U.S.

One of many such mines along a strip spanning from Derry Township to Mount Pleasant, the Marguerite Mine encompassed more than 1,000 acres underground, according to mine maps available from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Shortly after Pollards body was recovered, the state Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation started filling in the massive hole created from the dayslong dig to find her, Limani said. State police planned to remain stationed in the area overnight to keep curious onlookers away from the sinkhole site, he said.

DEP officials were at the scene throughout the week and will continue to investigate the incident. The DEP is responsible for resolving problems related to mining performed prior to 1977.

Limani said Unity Township is one of hundreds of patch towns in southwest Pennsylvania  communities built atop of abandoned mines.

Over the next year, engineers will fill the entire mine with concrete grounding to prevent another tragedy, Limani said. He said ensuring the community that the mine  which he said is almost like a mini town underneath this town  is safe again is a top priority.

The garage behind Mondays Union Restaurant at the edge of the hole  so close that icicles on its roof were dripping into the black depths on Friday  will likely have to be demolished because of safety concerns.

All land around the building will be examined for unstable areas, Limani said. Over the weekend, crews will clean the restaurant, which has been closed to the public since the search began Tuesday.

Some nearby residents said they had long worried about their homes being above the abandoned mine, but this weeks excavation has heightened those fears.

Cordero Martinez, 29, has lived across the street from Mondays for five years. His house also sits above the Marguerite Mine, and he said it was stressful seeing how fast disaster could strike.

He took a detour to his job all week, and said his son, Adrian, 5, is only allowed to play in the front yard, where his father can keep an eye on him.

Since childhood, Mark Koloshinsky has lived across the street from the sinkhole site. He said hes worried the stability of the mine has been further stressed, and knowing Pollard fell into the sinkhole just walking across the ground made him nervous about something as simple as going to his mailbox.

Obviously, things are going to have to change, he said.

2024 PG Publishing Co. Visit at post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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 nations 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.

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 coauthor James Paulson, a biochemist and molecular biologist. This one mutation satisfies a requirement for transmission, he said.

Richard Webby, director of the World Health Organizations Collaborating Center for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals and Birds, said the studys finding countered prevailing thought on the virus  specifically, that it would take multiple mutations for the virus to pose a threat to humans.

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.

Several months ago, Paulson and coauthor Ian Wilson, a Scripps structural biologist, decided theyd 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.

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.

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.

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.

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, its mostly been associated with conjunctivitis and only occasionally with mild, upper respiratory disease in people.

Why is that? I dont 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.

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.

_____

2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The decision this week to sideline the top two health care managers for the Oregon Department of Corrections comes as the agency confronts a torrent of criticism for delaying or ignoring necessary medical treatment for prisoners.

Dr. Warren Roberts and Joe Bugher, both longtime corrections officials, were placed on paid leave Thursday. Roberts, hired in 2019, serves as chief medical officer for Oregons prison system of roughly 12,000 prisoners.

Bugher, Roberts boss, began his career as a corrections officer in eastern Oregon in 2004 and rose through the ranks to become assistant director of health services, a division with 634 employees.

It is unclear what prompted Corrections Director Mike Reeses decision, but he said in a statement that the state hired an outside expert to investigate the management of our healthcare systems.

Roberts, reached by phone Friday, declined to comment. Bugher also declined to comment.

Complaints about prison health care in Oregon are well documented and longstanding. In multiple state and federal court filings, prisoners have accused the state of failing to treat everything from asthma to traumatic head injuries  and in many cases the courts have sided with them.

Earlier this year, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care, an accrediting organization, placed Oregons womens prison on probation after a review of its health services.

The group blasted Coffee Creek Correctional Facility specifically for creating excessive delays in medical care and requiring extra steps to approve standard treatments in the areas of cardiology, endocrinology and nephrology.

The prison underwent a subsequent review and was taken off probation, records show.

Juan Chavez, director of the Oregon Justice Resource Centers civil rights project, has taken the Department of Corrections to court for failing to properly address prisoners medical needs.

He said the departments health care approach is dogged by denial and delay and accused staff of ignoring minor health conditions until they become dire.

Its the opinion of anybody kind of in prison law right now that its always been bad, but its gotten distinctly worse in the last few years, he said.

He cited Roberts role on panels that sign off on whether prisoners can seek a specialists care outside of prison as especially problematic. He said the process often deprives prisoners of needed treatment.

Once they become catastrophic, maybe the right thing will happen, he said. Maybe theyll be sent out to another provider.

The Department of Corrections proposed budget for health services is nearly $500 million in the upcoming biennium.

To contain costs, the department has tried to tightly control off-site medical visits; its a key performance measure reported each year to the Legislature, with a goal of limiting outside visits to 1% or less of overall medical encounters.

Between 2019 and 2023, outside visits comprised between slightly less than 1% to nearly 2% of all medical encounters, according to the public records obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

The cost of those outside services was $62 million during the last two-year budget cycle, up from $50 million in the previous biennium, agency data shows.

Prisoners routinely claim that their requests for medically necessary care  including requests to see outside providers recommended by corrections staff  are denied.

The gatekeepers in that process are so-called Therapeutic Level of Care Committees, which are staffed by medical providers, prison administrators and Roberts.

Other than life-threatening situations requiring emergency care, if a prisoner needs surgery, access to a specialist or medical imaging that the department cant provide, the request goes before a committee that acts like an insurance panel and renders a decision.

The process is opaque and largely shielded from public scrutiny.

The Department of Corrections doesnt compile any statistics on how frequently the panels approve or deny sought-after care. And it denied The Oregonian/OregonLives request earlier this year for redacted copies of the one-page forms issued by the panels documenting each decision.

The Oregon Department of Justice denied the newsrooms appeal of that decision.

The review process by the panels can drag on for months and even years, said Kate Edwards, a Hillsboro lawyer who frequently represents prisoners in health-related lawsuits.

People never get an explanation of those decisions, she said. They just get a one-page form back, usually saying its not medically indicated at this time.

THEYVE SAID NO

Chad Cheever, 51, who is serving time at Two Rivers Correctional Institution in Hermiston, said hes been stuck in that medical no-mans land since December 2022.

He said his biceps tendon separated from his shoulder while undergoing physical therapy prescribed by a corrections physician for an earlier injury.

He was taken to an outside emergency room, then saw an orthopedist, who recommended an MRI and subsequent shoulder surgery to reattach the tendon. He said his request for both was denied by an agency review panel; Roberts and Bugher then rejected his subsequent appeals, he said in an August interview.

Its at a standstill, he said at the time. Theyve said no. Theyve refused to provide anything but physical therapy. I think its reasonable to have the full function of my arm, but there comes a point when its too late. Too much time has gone by.

His Portland-based attorney, Jody Davis, said the process has been wasteful and more costly than the surgery he sought in the first place.

Our goal would be to settle this expediently with the care he needs, Davis said.

Cheever is serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole in 25 years for the 2018 murder of Don Whisenhunt, 60, in Linn County.

His lawsuit against the Department of Corrections is set for trial next year.

DENYING NECESSARY  CARE

Over and over, court rulings have called out the Department of Corrections for failing to provide basic medical care.

A case filed in federal court over the summer accused corrections officials of engaging in a consistent practice of wrongfully delaying or denying necessary medical care and slow-playing requests for medical care that leads prisoners to experience unnecessary pain and suffering.

In another recent case, a Umatilla County Circuit Court judge wrote in an opinion that corrections medical staff failed to adequately assess and treat a man who had been beaten by other inmates, leaving him with a brain injury.

In a 2021 case, a man was released from prison after a judge determined the Department of Corrections had let the mans pain medication run out and the agency failed to provide him with physical therapy.

Also in 2021, a judge determined that corrections staff provided substandard medical care to a prisoner who suffered from asthma, pulmonary disease and chronic pain and that the prison system failed to treat the mans dislocated wrist.

In that case, the judge issued findings that questioned Roberts competence as a physician, calling him an unreliable witness who lacks credibility.

State records show Roberts is the subject of a corrective action agreement by the Oregon Medical Board, a non-disciplinary agreement he entered into in 2020.

The agreement was reached after examiners investigated allegations that Roberts had provided substandard care to five patients in 2011 and 2013, predating his tenure with the Department of Corrections.

The records show Roberts was alleged to have: performed surgery on a 41-year-old woman when it was not medically indicated; performed an inadequate surgical procedure on a 65-year-old mans spine; performed surgery on a 60-year-old woman when it was not indicated and demonstrated substandard surgical skill; failed to address post-operative complications in a 28-year-old patient, which contributed to patient harm.

The board records note that Roberts, who previously practiced in Colorado, was the subject of a malpractice lawsuit in that state that ended in a settlement.

Three years ago, a Multnomah County jury awarded a married couple more than $4.5 million after the husband alleged he suffered lifelong injuries from a spinal surgery performed by Roberts that altered the couples sex life and left the man unable to urinate without difficulty. That lawsuit was ultimately settled with the couple receiving a total of $1 million. Roberts said under the settlement agreement, he was found not liable for the mans injuries.

In January 2022, the Oregon Medical Board agreed to Roberts request to remove two of the conditions of his 2020 corrective action agreement: a one-year mentorship program with a pre-approved board certified physician and a requirement that he complete 40 hours of continuing medical education.

The original agreement said those conditions could be removed if he met the boards requirements and submitted a letter of support from his mentor.

The rest of the agreement remains in place, including a prohibition on his ability to resume a surgical practice until he successfully completes a one-year mentorship program with a neurosurgeon pre-approved by the boards medical director.

CYCLE OF UNNECESSARY SUFFERING

Since 2020, Portland lawyer Tara Herivel said shes represented more than 100 prisoners who have alleged inadequate medical care and shes helped out on hundreds of other similar cases.

She said the Department of Corrections has ignored court-ordered medical care, which leads to additional hearings and what she called a cycle of unnecessary suffering.

We would litigate the same issues, she said, and win again and again and again and again.  This has just been this loop for years under Dr. Roberts.

The Department of Corrections plans to designate a fill-in for Roberts next week while he is on leave, a spokesperson said.

Bugher answers to Deputy Corrections Director Heidi Steward, who is filling his role while he is on leave.

Roberts salary is $380,724 and Bughers is $241,176.

 Ted Sickinger is a reporter on the investigations team. Reach him at 503-221-8505, tsickinger@oregonian.com or @tedsickinger

 Noelle Crombie is an enterprise reporter with a focus on criminal justice. Reach her at 503-276-7184; ncrombie@oregonian.com

Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com.
Portlands mayor-elect got his first taste of pushback this week while announcing plans to bring city workers back to their desks four days a week.

Incoming Mayor Keith Wilsons return to the office proposal landed like a wet pancake Thursday during a speech, given virtually, to 1,400 city employees, according to a public radio report.

Oregon Public Broadcasting said employees slammed the idea in a chatroom attached to the video conferencing application. Mayor Ted Wheeler ordered office dwellers to work in-person 50% of the time in late 2022.

It is critical that decision makers recognize that remote work opportunities are essential for equity, one employee wrote, according to the radio station.

Kari Koch, president of the City of Portland Professional Workers Union, told The Oregonian/OregonLive on Friday that Wilsons speech ignored the positives of the citys hybrid work schedule, including increased efficiency and flexibility for workers.

Hybrid work allows us to be creative, collaborative and to meet the needs of the community, she said. Culture is built through working together not by walking by each other in the hallway everyday.

Koch, who works as a Portland Permitting & Development coordinator, said flexible schedules remain a top priority for her unions 800 members, who range from financial analysts to information technology workers.

Desks sat empty inside the Portland Building in 2023.Zane Sparling/The Oregonian

While battle lines have been drawn, its unclear if Wilson will keep up the fight when he takes office next year. The mayor-elect didnt respond to OPBs reporting and his incoming chief of staff, Aisling Coghlan, said Friday she was traveling abroad and unable to comment.

Government employees arent alone in their preference for seconds-long commutes from bedroom to home office.

More than 360,000 Oregonians worked from home in 2023, at least part of the time, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported recently. Thats about 18% of the states workforce  and it makes Oregon the No. 2 state overall for hybrid workers.

But some economists have warned of a so-called doom loop if central business districts stay empty, saying forlorn office towers will lead to falling property tax revenue and empty city coffers.

Portlands newly-elected 12-member City Council already faces a grim budget forecast that may require clipping costs by 5%, the newspaper reported in October.

A trucking CEO, Wilson ran for mayor as an outsider with no prior elected experience, but touted his can-do attitude and plans to tackle the homelessness crisis. He won with a strong mandate from roughly 60% of the voters in the citys first-ever election using ranked-choice voting.

Koch, the union leader, said Wilsons speech suggests he still has some adjusting to do from private to public sector life.

Its a strange battle for the new mayor to pick, she said. Im hoping that Wilson can recover from this and be a forward-looking, visionary mayor focused on the citys biggest challenges, not looking backwards with sepia-toned glasses.

Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, zsparling@oregonian.com or @pdxzane.

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe.
JAKARTA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The handover ceremony of China-aid anti-narcotics inspection devices to Indonesia was held in Jakarta on Friday, attended by Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong and Indonesian National Narcotics Board Head Marthinus Hukom, along with over 80 officials and representatives.

"During Indonesian President Prabowo's recent visit to China, the two sides issued a joint statement, stating our commitment to jointly combat transnational crimes such as drug manufacturing and trafficking," Wang said at the ceremony.

He noted that the handover of anti-narcotics inspection devices is a concrete step toward implementing the consensus reached by the two heads of state, adding that it also reflects the shared determination of China and Indonesia to address global challenges through partnership and cooperation. Wang expressed confidence that the devices would enhance Indonesia's ability to combat drug-related crimes, maintain social stability, and ensure public safety.

Marthinus expressed deep gratitude for China's support, emphasizing that the devices would significantly boost Indonesia's anti-narcotics capabilities. "These devices will undoubtedly enhance our capacity to prevent and combat drug-related crimes," he said, adding that he hoped for further bilateral cooperation in drug control efforts.

During the ceremony, Wang and Marthinus signed the handover certificate on behalf of their respective governments. 
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (front C) attends the 65th Summit of the Heads of State of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) in Montevideo, Uruguay, Dec. 6, 2024. The 65th Mercosur Summit, taking place Thursday and Friday in Montevideo, marks a pivotal moment for the South American bloc, according to the participants. (Photo by Nicolas Celaya/Xinhua)

MONTEVIDEO, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 65th Summit of the Heads of State of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), taking place Thursday and Friday in Montevideo, marks a pivotal moment for the South American bloc, according to the participants.

The key event on Friday will be the presidential meeting, preceded by discussions between foreign and economy ministers from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia which is in the final stages of full membership.

The surprise arrival of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stirred up anticipation ahead of the summit. Her presence in Montevideo strengthens hopes of finalizing the technical aspects of the Mercosur-EU trade agreement.

"We hope to deliver good news tomorrow," Uruguayan Foreign Minister Omar Paganini said Thursday, referring to the agreement that was first announced as nearly completion in 2019 but was delayed due to obstacles from some European countries, requiring multiple rounds of negotiation.

"All the countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) have expressed support for the text," said the top diplomat of Uruguay, noting that the agreement was "in its final stages" and that leaders would make their "final decision" on the matter.

Von der Leyen arrived in Montevideo on Thursday afternoon and met with Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou. She will lead the European delegation at the Mercosur-European Union meeting on Friday, ahead of the summit of Mercosur's presidents.

On social media platform X, von der Leyen wrote, "The EU-Mercosur deal is within reach. We're going to work to seal it."

She stressed that "we have the opportunity to create a market of 700 million people" and to establish "the largest trade and investment partnership the world has ever seen. Both regions will benefit."

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. local time (12:30 GMT) at the Mercosur building, with a press conference following 50 minutes later, according to the official agenda.

The presidential summit is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. local time, with participation from Lacalle Pou, Javier Milei (Argentina), Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Brazil), Santiago Pena (Paraguay), Luis Arce (Bolivia), and representatives from Associated States.

The summit will also serve as the occasion for Uruguay to hand over the six-month presidency to Argentina for the first half of 2025.

This is Milei's first Mercosur summit after missing the July meeting in Asuncion, nearly a year after taking office on Dec. 10, 2023.

Additionally, Panama will join Mercosur as an associated state at this summit, where it will sign the Economic Complementation Agreement with Mercosur's member states.

The gathering is taking place at the permanent headquarters of the bloc, located in Parque Rodo, a green area in the capital that is close to the city center and the shores of the Rio de la Plata. 

Argentine President Javier Milei attends the 65th Summit of the Heads of State of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) in Montevideo, Uruguay, Dec. 6, 2024.

The 65th Mercosur Summit, taking place Thursday and Friday in Montevideo, marks a pivotal moment for the South American bloc, according to the participants. (Photo by Nicolas Celaya/Xinhua)

Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou (R) and president-elect Yamandu Orsi attend the 65th Summit of the Heads of State of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) in Montevideo, Uruguay, Dec. 6, 2024.

The 65th Mercosur Summit, taking place Thursday and Friday in Montevideo, marks a pivotal moment for the South American bloc, according to the participants. (Photo by Nicolas Celaya/Xinhua)
Amber Heard, the Aquaman actress, is reportedly expecting her second baby. She welcomed her first baby in April of 2021.

The pregnancy is in its early stages. The news was first reported by PEOPLE magazine, which cited a spokesperson for the actress.

"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 spokesperson told the magazine.

It is unclear if Heard's second baby is being conceived through surrogacy.

Who Is Oonagh Paige?

The actress is already a mother to Oonagh, her first child who she welcomed via surrogate on April 8, 2021. She revealed Oonagh's birth in an Instagram post three months later. In the post, Heard said she had already decided to have a child four years prior to Oonagh's birth but added that she "wanted to do it on my own terms."

She has since shared periodic updates and photos featuring Oonagh and her parenting journey on her social media page. Some posts include calling herself "just the mom and dad."

Read Also: Gisele Bundchen Expecting Her First Child With Jiujitsu Instructor Boyfriend

Where Is Amber Heard Now?

Heard has relocated to Madrid, Spain, following her highly publicized defamation trial with her ex-husband, actor Johnny Depp in the summer of 2022. That trial resulted in a seven-person jury siding mostly with Depp and awarding him over $10 million in damages. On the other hand, Heard was awarded $2 million in damages on one of her three defamation countersuit claims.

It is unclear whether Heard will return to Hollywood or the screens anytime soon. Speaking in a June 2022 interview, the actress told NBC News' Savannah Guthrie that she was looking forward to focusing on being a full-time mother to Oonagh.

Before leaving Hollywood, Heard has been in various high-profile roles. One of the most iconic was her portrayal of the Atlantean princess Mera in the DC Extended Universe Films. She initially appeared as Mera in "Justice League" in 2017 and reprised the role in "Aquaman" in 2018.

Apart from her DC films, Heard also starred as Chenault in "The Rum Diary" as the low interest of Depp's character, and as Piper in "Drive Angry," which starred Nicolas Cage.
Employees of China's Norinco International Cooperation Ltd. (Norinco International) work at the control room of the Senj Wind Farm in Croatia, on Dec. 6, 2024. Saturday marked the third anniversary of the Senj Wind Farm, built by the Norinco International. (Xinhua/Li Xuejun)

SENJ, Croatia, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese have proven to be "a very reliable, high-quality partner," with cooperation on Croatia's largest wind farm deemed "very successful," according to Ante Tojcic, director of Croatia's Fractal Company.

Saturday marked the third anniversary of the Senj Wind Farm, built by China's Norinco International Cooperation Ltd. (Norinco International). Fractal, an engineering company based in Split, the second-largest city in Croatia, has been maintaining it since its operation began.

"We have years of successful cooperation behind us, and I can only praise the Chinese company's leadership and the efforts they have made to successfully implement the project," Tojcic said.

He noted that compared to other Asian companies he had worked with, "the Chinese partners have proved to be very professional, and we are really satisfied with the cooperation."

Though language barriers posed challenges initially, Tojcic highlighted the "full trust" of the Chinese team as key to their success. "This is very important for doing the job," he said.

The collaboration has also been financially rewarding for Fractal, which holds a five-year contract with Norinco International worth 2.5 million euros (2.64 million U.S. dollars), set to run until 2028.

Tojcic added that the partnership's value extends further, with Norinco International expanding operations to neighboring countries, increasing opportunities for Fractal.

In addition to meeting European Union safety and environmental standards, Tojcic praised the wind farm's job creation, noting over 40 Croatian contractors participated in the project, with over half of the 500 daily workers during peak construction coming from Croatia.

Currently, 32 Croatian employees work in the Senj and Zagreb offices of Norinco International, outnumbering their Chinese counterparts.

"The local community has benefited greatly," Tojcic said. The wind farm produces 530 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity annually, easing energy shortages and reducing Croatia's carbon dioxide emissions by about 460,000 tons per year.

Located on Croatia's Adriatic coast, the Senj Wind Farm symbolizes the strong potential for future China-Croatia collaboration. "I foresee a successful development of relations between the two countries," Tojcic said. 

An engineer of China's Norinco International Cooperation Ltd. (Norinco International) works at the control room of the Senj Wind Farm in Croatia, on Dec. 6, 2024. Saturday marked the third anniversary of the Senj Wind Farm, built by the Norinco International. (Xinhua/Li Xuejun)

Engineers of China's Norinco International Cooperation Ltd. (Norinco International) check the power grid of the Senj Wind Farm in Croatia, on Dec. 6, 2024. Saturday marked the third anniversary of the Senj Wind Farm, built by the Norinco International. (Xinhua/Li Xuejun)
An apologetic Lancaster woman was sentenced to a nine-year minimum prison term Friday for driving drunk and causing a February 2021 crash in Manheim Township that killed her 11-year-old son and left occupants of the other vehicle badly injured.

Jennifer C. Johnson, 39, was sentenced two days after County President Judge David Ashworth found her guilty of charges including homicide by vehicle while DUI and multiple other charges at the conclusion of a three-day non-jury trial.

In handing down his sentence Ashworth told Johnson, of the 600 block of 4th Street, she chose to place herself, her son and others at risk when she got behind the wheel of a weapon while severely intoxicated, according to a release from the Lancaster District Attorneys office.

A blood draw taken less than two hours after the crash determined that Johnson - whos drivers license was suspended at the time of the collision because of prior DUI convictions - had a BAC of .262% at the time, prosecutors said.

A crash reconstruction determined Johnson was driving between 67.57 and 69.19 miles per hour. The area she was driving in is a 25 mile-per-hour zone.

You clearly were not a good mother on the night of this accident, Ashworth said, noting that despite previous run-ins with the law Johnson had not made any changes to address persistent alcohol issues, according to reports in Lancaster Online.

Over the case prosecutors objection, however, the judge did give Johnson credit for 19 months of house arrest served prior to her conviction.

Police said Johnson, 35 years old at the time, was driving south on Lititz Pike in Manheim Township around 8:26 p.m. on Feb. 23, 2021, when she lost control and drove into oncoming traffic, striking a Toyota Highlander head-on as they both crossed Thaddeus Stevens Bridge.

Eyewitnesses told police they saw Johnson driving erratically and speeding before fishtailing into the opposite lane of traffic, barely missing one oncoming car, before crashing into the Highlander. Johnson made no attempt to brake throughout the entire incident, the witnesses said.

Johnson and her son, Calvin Murrey, were extricated from her Honda Accord when police arrived. Officers said the Accord was littered with empty alcohol containers and Johnson was slurring her speech and smelled of alcohol.

The boy suffered a collapsed lung in the crash and was flown to a Philadelphia hospital where he was pronounced dead the next day. His cause of death was blunt force trauma from injuries sustained in the crash, including a torn aorta.

The two occupants in the Highlander suffered several serious injuries, but did survive the crash.

According to the DAs release, Johnson apologized Friday for taking Murrey away from her family, and expressed disbelief that she survived the crash, adding I just cant wrap my head around it.

Johnsons family also asked Ashworth the court to be lenient to give her a chance to raise her three surviving daughters  ranging in age from 1 to 18  and to address her mental health and substance abuse issues, the release stated.

But case prosecutor Kyle Linardo argued Johnson was not a mother to her son.

The defendant was not a monster, but on the night of Feb. 23, 2021, she was not a mother, Linardo said, according to LancasterOnline. Her actions did not just defy the laws of this commonwealth, but the laws of nurture.

In his final hours alive, Linardo said, Murrey wanted the safety of a mothers love, but Johnson was too inebriated and incapacitated to be present for him. It was instead a complete stranger who stood by the boys side as he waited for first responders.

With credit for the time served on house arrest, the earliest that Johnson could become eligible for parole is spring 2032.
Elon Musk spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars on electing Donald Trump this year  an investment that was particularly focused on Pennsylvania.

A federal election report released this week showed Musk, the worlds richest man, dumped at least $277 million into nationwide efforts to elect Trump and other Republicans.

According to campaign finance disclosures, Musks super PAC raised a quarter of a billion dollars since its creation in May 2024. Roughly $238 million of that sum came from the tech billionaire himself, or entities directly linked to him  like a corporation he created earlier this year, called United States of America Inc.

Musk dedicated the last four months of the race to getting Trump elected, campaigning in Pennsylvania, and funding ads and canvassing efforts in the crucial swing state. Now, as Trump prepares to take office a second time, Musk has been named the colead of a new office of government efficiency, called DOGE, along with tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Musk, the Tesla CEO and X chairman, has become part of Trumps inner circle, appearing frequently with him at Mar-a-Lago.

And Musk has indicated he wants his America PAC, which had about $2 million cash left on hand as of Nov. 25, to continue its work by targeting progressive district attorneys, including Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who is up for reelection next year.

Where Musks money went

The vast majority of the PACs funds flowed to out-of-state PR firms for ad buys, or political consultancies for canvassing operations, many of which targeted voters in the Keystone State.

But a little over $1 million flowed directly to entities based in Pennsylvania.

Close to half that amount went to Red Maverick Media, a Harrisburg-based consulting firm cofounded by longtime strategists Ray Zaborney and Mike Leavitt, mostly to fund political mailers.

Zaborneys firm has worked with the campaign arm of the state GOP to reelect representatives in Harrisburg and also lobbies lawmakers there. He and his wife have advised Pennsylvania Congressional Republican campaigns, including for U.S. Reps. Dan Meuser and John Joyce.

Much of the remainder of the PAC money went to fund event costs  facility rentals, event staff costs and payments to local law enforcement for security services. The PAC also spent $13,000 shortly before election night to secure a catered space at the Four Seasons in Center City, a five-star hotel.

Musk also made additional donations to Trump-aligned groups bringing his total buy-in this year to roughly $277 million. That includes a $20 million donation to RBG PAC  a committee named after former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, to the denouncement of her family  that sunk money into ads designed to make Trump appear more supportive of abortion access.

About $40.5 million of America PACs money notably went toward checks to voters in swing states across the country, including some in Pennsylvania.

The PAC offered registered voters in Pennsylvania $100 to sign a petition in support of the First and Second Amendments, and another $100 to refer another signer. In late October, Musk announced he would start awarding $1 million checks each day through Nov. 5 to swing state voters who signed up.

Legal challenges to the petitions  including one from Krasner  failed in court, but the giveaway continues to draw criticism from some Pennsylvania residents who said they got checks without participating in the petition.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General Offices Bureau of Consumer Protection received about 20 complaints statewide regarding unsolicited and unwanted $100 checks that appear to be from Musks pro-Donald Trump America PAC, The Inquirer reported this week.

America PAC claims on its website that individuals who participated in the cash-prize program were thoroughly evaluated for eligibility.

Musks focus on Pennsylvania

Musk endorsed Trump on July 13, shortly after Trump survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler. He became a loyal campaigner from that moment on, with an intense focus on delivering Pennsylvania for Trump.

From a centralized hub in Pittsburgh, Musk crisscrossed the state ahead of the election, appearing with Trump in his return to Butler on Oct. 5, and visiting a Delaware County high school to stump for him later that month. He made at least four check giveaway appearances in the state in the run-up to the election.

Its unclear how much of Trumps win in Pennsylvania can be directly credited to Musks involvement. While Pennsylvania flipped to Trump, other swing states where Musk did not campaign, like Wisconsin and Michigan, did, too, amid a nationwide red wave.

Still, Pennsylvanias margin for Trump was higher here, and the states longtime Democratic senator, Bob Casey, lost his reelection to Republican Dave McCormick while Democratic incumbent senators in the other swing states hung on.
The U.S. government on Friday ordered testing of the nations milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows.

Raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processors nationwide must be tested on request starting Dec. 16, the Agriculture Department said. Testing will begin in six states  California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania.

Officials said the move is aimed at containing and ultimately eliminating the virus, known as Type A H5N1, which was detected for the first time in March in U.S. dairy cows. Since then, more than 700 herds have been confirmed to be infected in 15 states.

This will give farms and farmworkers better confidence in the safety of their animals and ability to protect themselves, and it will put us on a path to quickly controlling and stopping the virus' spread nationwide, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement.

The risk to people from bird flu remains low, health officials said. Pasteurization, or heat treatment, kills the virus in milk, leaving it safe to drink.

Last week, Pennsylvania announced it would begin testing milk from Pennsylvania farms for H5N1 at processing plants as an additional measure to prevent the spread of disease. No virus has been detected in Pennsylvania cattle, the Agriculture Department said.

Veterinarians, farmers, scientists and academics have been calling for nationwide milk testing for months, said Keith Poulsen, director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, who led the efforts.

Its another step in the right direction, Poulsen said. Theyre coming around that we need a better handle on it.

Dairy farmers and processors across the U.S. have been reluctant to test animals or milk for the virus, fearing economic or other repercussions. Jamie Jonker, chief science officer of the National Milk Producers Federation, said the industry supports USDA efforts to eliminate the virus.

Under the federal order, dairy farmers and those who handle raw milk intended for pasteurization must provide samples of the milk on request for testing for bird flu. It requires reporting of positive tests to the USDA and it requires herd owners to provide basic information to allow tracing of the disease in cattle.

The move follows an April 24 federal order that mandated testing of certain dairy cattle before they could move between states and required reporting of any positive tests. Despite that order, the virus has continued to spread, Poulsen noted.

Raw milk from infected cows contains high loads of live virus, testing has shown.

At least 58 people in the U.S. have been infected with bird flu, mostly farm workers who became mildly ill after close contact with infected cows, including their milk, or infected poultry.

Bird flu has also been spreading among wild birds and a number of other animals.

Federal officials continue to warn against drinking raw milk, which can contain a host of germs that make people sick. In California, officials quarantined a farm and halted distribution of milk after bird flu virus was detected in raw milk sold in stores. Raw Farm of Fresno issued a voluntary recall of raw milk and cream produced after Nov. 9.
By AUDREY McAVOY, The Associated Press

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP)  Bob Fernandez thought hed go dancing and see the world when he joined the U.S. Navy as a 17-year-old high school student in August 1941.

Four months later he found himself shaking from explosions and passing ammunition to artillery crews so his ships guns could return fire on Japanese planes bombing Pearl Harbor, a Navy base in Hawaii.

When those things go off like that, we didnt know whats what, said Fernandez, who is 100. We didnt even know we were in a war.

Two survivors of the bombing  each 100 or older  had planned to return to Pearl Harbor Saturday to observe the 83rd anniversary of the attack that thrust the U.S. into World War II. They will join active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for a remembrance ceremony hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service.

Fernandez had been planning to join them but had to cancel because of health issues.

Pearl Harbor Navy veteran Bob Fernandez smiles while being photographed at home Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, in Lodi, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)AP

The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. Nearly half, or 1,177, were sailors and Marines on board the USS Arizona, which sank during the battle. The remains of more than 900 Arizona crew members are still entombed on the submerged vessel.

A moment of silence will be held at 7:54 a.m., the same time the attack began eight decades ago. Aircraft in missing man formation are due to fly overhead to break the silence.

Dozens of survivors once joined the annual remembrance but attendance has declined as survivors have aged. Today there are only 16 still living, according to a list maintained by Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. Military historian J. Michael Wenger has estimated there were some 87,000 military personnel on Oahu on the day of the attack.

Many laud Pearl Harbor survivors as heroes, but Fernandez doesnt view himself that way.

Im not a hero. Im just nothing but an ammunition passer, he told The Associated Press in a phone interview from California, where he lives with his nephew in Lodi.

Fernandez was working as a mess cook on his ship, the USS Curtiss, the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, and planned to go dancing that night at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki.

He brought sailors coffee and food as he waited tables during breakfast. Then they heard an alarm sound. Through a porthole, Fernandez saw a plane with the red ball insignia painted on Japanese aircraft fly by.

FILE - In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, the destroyer USS Shaw explodes after being hit by bombs during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1941. (U.S. Navy via AP, File)AP

Fernandez rushed down three decks to a magazine room where he and other sailors waited for someone to unlock a door storing 5-inch, 38-caliber shells so they could begin passing them to the ships guns.

He has told interviewers over the years that some of his fellow sailors were praying and crying as they heard gunfire up above.

I felt kind of scared because I didnt know what the hell was going on, Fernandez said.

The ships guns hit a Japanese plane that crashed into one of its cranes. Shortly after, its guns hit a dive bomber which then slammed into the ship and exploded below deck, setting the hangar and main decks on fire, according to the Navy History and Heritage Command.

Fernandezs ship, the Curtiss, lost 21 men, and nearly 60 of its sailors were injured.

We lost a lot of good people, you know. They didnt do nothing, Fernandez said. But we never know whats going to happen in a war.

After the attack, Fernandez had to sweep up debris. That night, he stood guard with a rifle to make sure no one tried to come aboard. When it came time to rest, he fell asleep next to where the ships dead were lying. He only realized that when a fellow sailor woke him up and told him.

After the war, Fernandez worked as a forklift driver at a cannery in San Leandro, California. His wife of 65 years, Mary Fernandez, died in 2014. His oldest son is 82 and lives in Arizona. Two other sons and a stepdaughter have died.

He has traveled to Hawaii three times to participate in the Pearl Harbor remembrance.

Fernandez still enjoys music and goes dancing at a nearby restaurant once a week if he can. His favorite tune is Frank Sinatras rendition of All of Me, a song his nephew Joe Guthrie said he still knows by heart.

The ladies flock to him like moths to a flame, Guthrie said.
This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows a man wanted for questioning in connection to the investigation of the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)AP

NEW YORK  The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer likely left New York City on a bus soon after the brazen ambush that has shaken corporate America, police officials said Friday.

Three days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still did not know the gunmans whereabouts or a motive for the killing. Investigators were looking at whether the shooter may have been a disgruntled employee or client of the insurer, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters.

Video of the gunman fleeing Wednesdays shooting showed him riding a bicycle into Central Park and later taking a taxi to a bus terminal that offers commuter service to New Jersey and Greyhound routes to Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C, according to Kenny.

Police have video of the man entering the bus station but no video of him exiting, leading them to believe he left the city, Kenny said. CNN first reported that the suspect may have escaped the city by bus.

Investigators found a backpack in Central Park that was carried by the shooter, police said Friday following a massive sweep to find it in a vast area with lakes and ponds, meadows, playgrounds and a densely wooded section called The Ramble.

The gunman made sure to conceal his identity with a mask during the attack and even while he ate, yet left a trail of evidence in view of the nations biggest city and its network of security cameras. Thompson was shot outside his companys annual investor conference at a hotel just blocks from Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center.

The gunman arrived in New York City on Nov. 24, getting off a bus that originated in Atlanta and made several stops along the way, Kenny said.

A law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Friday that surveillance footage shows the suspect riding the subway and visiting establishments in Manhattan, providing more clues about his actions in the days before the shooting.

He appeared to pay with cash in any establishment where he was captured on camera, said the official who was not authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

Investigators have tested a discarded water bottle and protein bar wrapper in a hunt for his DNA. They also were trying to obtain additional information from a cellphone found along the gunmans escape route.

Police have released photos of the suspected shooter that were taken in the lobby of a hostel on Manhattans Upper West Side. The images, showing an unmasked man smiling in the lobby of the HI New York City hostel, add to a collection of photos and video circulated since the shooting  including footage of the attack, as well as images of the suspected gunman at a Starbucks beforehand.

Surveillance images from the shooting show 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.

Investigators have learned the man lowered his mask at the front desk of the hostel because he was flirting with the woman who checked him in, Kenny said, leading to a photo of his face. The woman told investigators that during that encounter she asked to see his smile and he pulled down his mask, a law enforcement official told AP.

Investigators believe the suspect used a fake identification card and paid cash, Kenny said, when he checked in at the hostel, which has a cafe along with shared and private rooms and is blocks from Columbia University.

Investigators also believe the shooter had at least some firearms training and experience with guns, the law enforcement official said.

Security video shows the killer approaching Thompson from behind, firing several shots with a gun equipped with a silencer, barely pausing to clear a jam while the executive fell to the sidewalk.

The words deny, defend and depose were scrawled on the ammunition, Kenny said. The messages mirror the phrase delay, deny, defend, which is commonly used by lawyers and critics about insurers that delay payments, deny claims and defend their actions.

Thompson, a father of two sons who lived in a Minneapolis suburb, had been with Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years.

The insurers parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., was holding its annual meeting in New York for investors. The company abruptly ended the conference after Thompsons death.

UnitedHealth Group said it was focused on supporting Thompsons family, ensuring the safety of employees and assisting investigators. While our hearts are broken, we have been touched by the huge outpouring, the company said.

UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for more than 49 million Americans. It manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programs.

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.

The shooting has rocked the health insurance industry in particular, causing companies to reevaluate security plans and delete photos of executives from their websites. A different Minnesota-based health care company said Friday it was temporarily closing its offices out of an abundance of caution, telling employees to work from home.
Heres something you probably shouldnt get your child for a holiday gift.

A radioactive atomic energy lab kit complete with real uranium, considered the worlds most dangerous toy, is hitting the auction block.

Created by Alfred Carlton Gilbert in the early 1950s, the toy is known as the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory. It was developed during a time when atomic bombs were a topic of conversation and was marketed as an educational toy for children who aspired to be scientists.

According to what RR Auction told TMZ, fewer than 5,000 Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratories were made, making it a rare find.

In 1951, the toy was discontinued, with Gilberts company blaming government restrictions and the difficulty of obtaining materials.

The lab kit includes a cloud chamber for viewing alpha particles, a spinthariscope to observe radioactive disintegration, a Geiger-Muller radiation counter and an electroscope to measure radiation levels in the four included substances of carnotite, autunite, torbernite, and uraninite.

The kit, packaged in a custom metal case, also has extras, including a U.S. government guide to uranium prospecting.

The uranium samples remain radioactive and will be for 4.5 billion years.

According to a 2020 analysis by IEEE Spectrum, the worlds leading engineering magazine, the radiation level is equivalent to UV exposure from the sun as long as the samples remain in the sealed containers.

The set also came with a comic book featuring Dagwood from the popular Blondie comic strip. It was titled Learn How Dagwood Splits the Atom, written in conjunction with General Leslie Groves, director of the Manhattan Project.

Bidding on the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory ends Dec. 11, meaning theres still time for someone to nab this as a Christmas gift.
By Jack Panyard, LNP, Lancaster, Pa. (TNS)

A Salisbury Township woman told police she regularly put potato salad, eggs, peanut butter and other foods under her porch to poison and kill feral cats  a practice that resulted in charges of animal cruelty filed Wednesday.

Police began their investigation in March after the death of a 10-year-old beagle-type dog, Bella, that belonged to one of the womans neighbors.

The Pennsylvania SPCA began investigating Doreen L. Scott, 70, on March 19 after Bellas owners, the Whitemans, said the dog died suddenly with a distended belly, according to charging documents. The Whitemans live on 30 acres near Scott.

PSPCA investigators interviewed the Whitemans son on March 20, who told them Scott was known to have dead cats under her porch whod eaten poisoned food Scott had placed nearby, according to charging documents.

Investigators then spoke with Scott who admitted to leaving poison out for feral cats, according to police. Scott told officers she felt horrible about what she did to the cats, but justified it by saying the cats attacked her dog.

Police said they noted multiple domestic dogs, cats and children in the trailer park near Scotts home.

Scott offered to show them the latest serving of poisoned potato salad she had left out, but the plate was empty by the time they had arrived, with Scott saying the cats must have gotten to it.

Officers told Scott that killing cats is not allowed under state game law since cats are not nuisance wildlife, vermin or pests.

Police said a necropsy connected Scotts poison to Bellas death and charged her Wednesday. She did not have a lawyer listed on her docket as of Friday.

Scott hung up when asked for comment on the charges Friday.
A 13-year-old girl from Carlisle was reported missing Friday when she did not return home after school, police said.

London Price was last seen going to school around 7 a.m. wearing a black jacket, black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black Jordan sneakers with small white dots on them, according to Carlisle police.

Price stands 5-feet 4-inches tall and weighs 120 pounds, police said.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts should call Carlisle police at 717-243-4121.
A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok as soon as next month,AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File

A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok as soon as next month, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied TikToks petition to overturn the law  which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January  and rebuffed the companys challenge of the statute, which it argued had ran afoul of the First Amendment.

The First Amendment exists to protect free speech in the United States, said the courts opinion, which was written by Judge Douglas Ginsburg. Here the Government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversarys ability to gather data on people in the United States.

TikTok and ByteDance  another plaintiff in the lawsuit  are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court, though its unclear whether the court will take up the case.

The Supreme Court has an established historical record of protecting Americans' right to free speech, and we expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue, TikTok spokesperson Michael Hughes said in a statement.

Unfortunately, the TikTok ban was conceived and pushed through based upon inaccurate, flawed and hypothetical information, resulting in outright censorship of the American people, Hughes said. Unless stopped, he argued the statute will silence the voices of over 170 million Americans here in the US and around the world on January 19th, 2025.

Though the case is squarely in the court system, its also possible the two companies might be thrown some sort of a lifeline by President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok during his first term but said during the presidential campaign that he is now against such action.

He wants to save TikTok, Rep. Michael Waltz, Trumps pick for national security adviser, said Friday during an interview on Fox Business.

The law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, was the culmination of a yearslong saga in Washington over the short-form video-sharing app, which the government sees as a national security threat due to its connections to China.

The U.S. has said its concerned about TikTok collecting vast swaths of user data, including sensitive information on viewing habits, that could fall into the hands of the Chinese government through coercion. Officials have also warned the proprietary algorithm that fuels what users see on the app is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities, who can use it to shape content on the platform in a way thats difficult to detect. The European Union on Friday expressed similar concerns as it investigates intelligence that suggests Russia possibly abused the platform to influence the elections in Romania.

Todays decision is an important step in blocking the Chinese government from weaponizing TikTok, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement Friday.

TikTok, which sued the government over the law in May, has long denied it could be used by Beijing to spy on or manipulate Americans. Its attorneys have accurately pointed out that the U.S. hasnt provided evidence to show that the company handed over user data to the Chinese government, or manipulated content for Beijings benefit in the U.S. They have also argued the law is predicated on future risks, which the Department of Justice has emphasized pointing in part to unspecified action it claims the two companies have taken in the past due to demands from the Chinese government.

Fridays ruling came after the appeals court panel, composed of two Republicans and one Democrat appointed judges, heard oral arguments in September.

In the hearing, which lasted more than two hours, the panel appeared to grapple with how TikToks foreign ownership affects its rights under the Constitution and how far the government could go to curtail potential influence from abroad on a foreign-owned platform. On Friday, all three denied TikToks petition.

In the courts ruling, Ginsburg, a Republican appointee, rejected TikToks main legal arguments against the law, including that the statute was an unlawful bill of attainder, or a taking of property in violation of the Fifth Amendment. He also said the law did not violate the First Amendment because the government is not looking to suppress content or require a certain mix of content on TikTok.

Content on the platform could in principle remain unchanged after divestiture, and people in the United States would remain free to read and share as much PRC propaganda (or any other content) as they desire on TikTok or any other platform of their choosing, Ginsburg wrote, using the abbreviation for the Peoples Republic of China.

Judge Sri Srinivasan, the chief judge on the court, issued a concurring opinion.

TikToks lawsuit was consolidated with a second legal challenge brought by several content creators  for which the company is covering legal costs  as well as a third one filed on behalf of conservative creators who work with a nonprofit called BASED Politics Inc. Other organizations, including the Knight First Amendment Institute, had also filed amicus briefs supporting TikTok.

This is a deeply misguided ruling that reads important First Amendment precedents too narrowly and gives the government sweeping power to restrict Americans' access to information, ideas, and media from abroad, said Jameel Jaffer, the executive director of the organization. We hope that the appeals courts ruling wont be the last word.

Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, lawmakers who had pushed for the legislation celebrated the courts ruling.

I am optimistic that President Trump will facilitate an American takeover of TikTok to allow its continued use in the United States and I look forward to welcoming the app in America under new ownership, said Republican Rep. John Moolenaar of Michigan, chairman of the House Select Committee on China.

Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who co-authored the law, said its time for ByteDance to accept the law.

To assuage concerns about the companys owners, TikTok says it has invested more than $2 billion to bolster protections around U.S. user data.

The company has also argued the governments broader concerns could have been resolved in a draft agreement it provided the Biden administration more than two years ago during talks between the two sides. It has blamed the government for walking away from further negotiations on the agreement, which the Justice Department argues is insufficient.

Attorneys for the two companies have claimed its impossible to divest the platform commercially and technologically. They also say any sale of TikTok without the coveted algorithm  the platforms secret sauce that Chinese authorities would likely block under any divesture plan  would turn the U.S. version of TikTok into an island disconnected from other global content.

Still, some investors, including Trumps former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and billionaire Frank McCourt, have expressed interest in purchasing the platform. Both men said earlier this year that they were launching a consortium to purchase TikToks U.S. business.

This week, a spokesperson for McCourts Project Liberty initiative, which aims to protect online privacy, said unnamed participants in their bid have made informal commitments of more than $20 billion in capital.
DENVER  A Pennsylvania couple who divorced nearly 50 years ago is planning to remarry.

Fay Gable, 89, and Robert Wenrich, 94, met because he was a friend of her older brothers, and she says he told them he was going to marry her someday. They were wed in November 1951 and had four children together but divorced in 1975 for reasons they declined to discuss.

Both eventually remarried and remained with their spouses for many years until the spouses died. However, relatives say Gable and Wenrich always had a good relationship and often attended family events together. They recently decided it was time to tie the knot again.

Theyre like two teenagers in love. They do everything together, Carol Smith, the couples youngest daughter, told LNP. Referring to her father, she said, He said, She was the first love of my life. I never thought Id get her back. And now that I did, Im not wasting any time.

They have 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and twin great-great grandchildren, and Gable has two stepsons who will be among those attending the wedding Sunday in the borough of Denver, in Lancaster County.

I think well be good now for the next couple years, Wenrich said.
ACCRA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- An official of Ghana's Electoral Commission (EC) has been detained in the Bono East Region during the ongoing general election polls in Ghana, the police announced Saturday.

The EC official is said to have issued ballot papers to voters without the first presidential candidate on the ballot paper, according to a statement issued by the police.

"The suspect is under investigation for issuing about 15 ballot papers to voters that omitted the first presidential candidate at the Ampesika-Bayere polling station," it said.

Ghanaians are currently voting in a general election to elect a president and 276 parliamentarians Saturday.

The polls are expected to close at exactly 5 p.m., local time, which will be followed by vote counting and declarations at the polling station levels. 
Pennsylvanias political elite are descending on New York City for their annual weekend getaway full of exclusive parties.

Both Republicans and Democrats from the states political class will schmooze their way around Midtown Manhattan for the annual Pennsylvania Society weekend, where they will enjoy elaborate dinners and fancy parties  and maybe even a little political business, too.

And after the 2024 red wave election, Republicans have a lot to celebrate, while Democrats need to regroup.

This years weekend of swank parties will unfold in the shadow of the recent shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside the Hilton Midtown  the same place legislators and policymakers will close out the weekend with a charity dinner on Saturday night.

Gov. Josh Shapiro, a first-term Democrat with an unusually high popularity rating, is scheduled to not only attend but speak at the 126th Pennsylvania Society dinner  an event his predecessor, Gov. Tom Wolf, often avoided.

Here are three things to watch for this weekend.

Who will challenge Shapiro in 2026?

Now that Pennsylvania Republicans have unseated longtime U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, won control of all three statewide row offices, picked up two U.S. House seats, and maintain a strong majority in the state Senate, theyre first going to celebrate their successes. Then theyre going to be strategizing and thinking about potential candidates for the next big election: the 2026 midterm, when Shapiro will be up for reelection.

The governors popularity was relatively unshaken by his first few scandals in his office, and only grew during his time in the national spotlight when he was under consideration to be Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, and he remains the most popular politician in the state. His success in 2026 will likely determine whether he pursues his long-rumored presidential ambitions.

For Republicans, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who just broke Shapiros record for the most votes ever received in a statewide row office election, is seen as a top choice to run against him. She is term-limited in her current position as the states top fiscal administrator, and was elected last month to a second four-year term.

But who else will Republicans size up as possible foils to Shapiro? And will any of 2022s unsuccessful candidates throw their hats in the ring again? Those questions will surely be on the minds of the folks who gather this weekend to schmooze, talk politics and plan for future elections.

Are Democrats regrouping or still in mourning?

Pennsylvanias Democrats have no choice but to rethink how they communicate with voters after stinging losses last month.

The Philadelphia Democratic Party started a nasty feud with Harris' campaign after her loss that culminated in a senior Harris campaign adviser calling for city party Chairman Bob Brady to resign. (Brady and his allies have said hes not going anywhere, and said he is not responsible for a nationwide rightward shift.) And poor performances up and down the ballot statewide  excluding the Pennsylvania state House, where Democrats retained a narrow majority  mean there will likely need to be shake-ups in state party leadership.

Well be watching to see if Democrats are focused on strategizing how they should move forward after bleeding working-class voters across racial and ethnic lines in the November election  or if they spend the weekend recuperating.

This weekend could provide a preview for the Democrats' state committee meeting next month, where top leaders will reorganize and could potentially change state party leadership.

Republican celebrations  and potentially a Pa. Society without a Bob Casey

Republicans will certainly boast about their many big wins throughout the weekend. But none was more critical  and more impressive  than the GOP Sen.-elect Dave McCormicks unseating of Casey.

That means this weekend may mark the first in decades without the presence of a member of the Casey family political dynasty. Caseys Senate career spanned four presidencies, from George W. Bush through Joe Biden, a fellow Scranton native. His father, Bob Casey Sr., also had a long political career, during which he served as a state senator, auditor general, and eventually Pennsylvanias governor.

Well look for how McCormick celebrates his win with his party, and watch to see if Casey shows up as a last hoorah.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

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JERUSALEM, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that its Air Force struck a Hezbollah militant in southern Lebanon on Saturday.

According to the IDF, the militant posed a threat to the troops deployed in southern Lebanon in violation of the agreements and understandings between Israel and Lebanon.

It added that the attack was part of IDF operations on Saturday against "several terrorist activities in southern Lebanon that posed a threat to Israel."

The statement noted that the IDF maintains the ceasefire conditions, remains deployed in southern Lebanon, and will operate against any threat against Israel and its citizens.

The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, went into effect on Nov. 27, aiming to halt nearly 14 months of fighting between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

Despite the truce, tensions remain high as both sides exchange accusations of ceasefire violations. 
Is Thomas Santerne France's Next Poker Superstar?

Dan O'Hair Live Reporter Calum Grant Senior Editor & Live Events Executive Copy link

When it comes to French poker royalty, names like Bertrand "Elky" Grospellier, Antoine Saout, David Benyamine, and Julien Martini ring out. But could the torch be passed to a new flag bearer for the tricolor? Enter Thomas Santerne, the meteoric talent who is taking the poker world by storm.

Less than two years ago, Santerne was an unknown entity, with not a single recorded cash on The Hendon Mob. Today, hes a bona fide sensation, racking up over $4 million in live-tournament earnings and earning the respect of the high-roller elite.

Santernes latest triumph came in the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Prague at the Hilton Prague, where he bested a 15-entry field to claim the 20,000 No-Limit Hold'em title. His victory over Morten Klein in a heads-up battle secured him the 175,000 first-place prize from the 285,000 prize pool.

This marks Santerne's second major victory of the year, following his Super High Roller win at EPT Paris in February. With results like these, its no longer a question of whether Santerne belongs among the greatsbut how soon hell join them.

EPT Prague 20,000 No-Limit Hold'em Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Thomas Santerne France 175,000 2 Morten Klein Norway 90,000 3 Nikita Kuznetsov Russian Federation 20,000

Tournament Recap

A muted start saw only a couple players register by the time the tournament was supposed to begin, which led to a small delay before the action got underway five-handed.

Niklas Astedt, who placed third in the WSOP Main Event earlier this year, began the day running hot and nearly doubled his stack through the first couple levels of play. However, it would be mostly downhill for the Swede from that point on.

Not long after, Astedt lost a large pot to Teun Mulder after running pocket tens into pocket kings. Astedt was then among the early eliminations along with Klein after getting all in preflop against Enrico Camosci, who caught a pair of kings on the river with Big Slick. Astedt and Klein both quickly reentered.

The 2022 WSOP Main Event champion, Espen Jorstad, was also among the early entrants but was unable to gain any momentum from the get-go. Jorstad ended up making a stand with ace-six against Mulder and busting after chipping down for several levels. Unlike Astedt, Jorstad declined to reenter.

Poker crusher Steve O'Dwyer joined the fray at the start of Level 7 and wasted little time putting his chips to work. Shortly after entering, O'Dwyer managed to double up, holding aces against the pocket tens of Camosci.

Steve O'Dwyer

Meanwhile, Klein busted and reentered two more times, first after getting short and running ace-nine into Camosci's pocket nines preflop, and then after running pocket kings into Camosci's pocket aces in a classic cooler. Klein reentered a third a final time just before late registration closed.

Astedt saw his tournament end after getting all in preflop with ace-king against Nikita Kuznetsov, who ended up ended up making a flush with ace-ten for the bad beat.

Klein's fortune would finally turn around after he eliminated O'Dwyer and Mulder. He first took out O'Dwyer with ace-queen against king-queen in a preflop collision and later faded a massive draw against Mulder for his second knockout.

The money bubble arrived after Camosci shoved jack-ten into Santerne's aces and failed to improve. With three players left and only two getting paid, Santerne made a move on Klein with unfortunate timing as Klein woke up with pocket kings to double through Santerne. At that point, the remaining three players agreed to give 20,000 back to the third-place finisher.

Kuznetsov, who had been nursing a short stack for a while, became the first "in the money" elimination after shoving prelfop with queen-six and getting called by Klein, who had ace-trey and held up.

Morten Klein

Heads-up play between Klein and Santerne looked to be a short affair. Just a few hands in, Santerne shoved on Klein with queen-trey and was snapped off by Klein, who held ace-six. Santerne caught a trey on the flop, but Klein paired his ace on the turn and was just one card away from clinching victory. Fate was on Santerne's side, however, as he caught a queen on the end to pull his stack to even against Klein.

A few hands later, Klein committed his stack against Santerne on the turn after flopping trip nines but was up against Santerne's turned flush. The river bricked out for Klein and he was forced to settle for a second-place finish for 90,000 while Santerne claimed his second EPT title and 175,000 first-place prize.

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Dan O'Hair Live Reporter
Deeb Playing His Biggest Buy-In Ever: Hopefully It Goes Well and I Don't Lose Too Much

Chad Holloway PR & Media Manager Copy link

The World Series of Poker Paradise, which is in its second year, has partnered with the Triton Poker Series for the Triton Million, a unique tournament that paired an invitee with a poker pro  each putting up a $500,000 buy-in  and then each competing in their respective fields on Day 1 before combining into one field on Day 2.

One of the last pairs announced for the Triton Millions, which is being live reported by PokerNews, was that of invitee Texas Mike Moncek and poker pro Shaun Deeb.

PokerNews caught up with the latter prior to the start of play, and the man who won a million-dollar body fat prop bet earlier this year shared his excitement.

Theres only been bigger, the Big One for One Drop $1,000,000, and I only won a satellite to that. I never played it. explained Deeb, who received a cash payout for that 2012 event as he was an alternate to the 48-man field.

Texas Mike & Shaun Deeb (Image: Triton Poker)

So, how did Deeb, who doesnt really play the high roller scene, end up in one of pokers largest buy-ins ever?

Mike messaged me a couple of months ago about possibly wanting to play this. I was like, You know, I can get you a better pro if you want one. But he was like, I want to play with you and we kind of went back and forth. Then a few days ago he decided, OK, let's do it and so we just had to coordinate. Everything was very last minute. I like to procrastinate.

"It's cool to get this opportunity. I don't think I'll do this very often in my career regardless of the result of this."

As for his connection to Texas Mike, their friendship dates back several years, and actually both began and blossomed during the WSOP.

We met at the WSOP over the years playing a couple of times, and then a guy who does all these big side bets with him introduced us, Deeb shared. We started chatting, I gave him some poker advice, and so over the years, we just talked more and more. We had some big side bets going this WSOP but his health wasn't great, so we canceled. He's just a great guy to be friends with. We try to hang out whenever we're around each other and yeah, it's cool to get this opportunity. I don't think I'll do this very often in my career regardless of the result of this. Well just have fun, take a shot, and see how it goes.

Texas Mike Moncek in earlier WSOP action.

Win or lose, Deeb is intent on making the most of his trip to the Bahamas.

My family is coming down later. I really wanted to go to the Wynn as well and play the WPT Freeroll and stuff, but the days are just too conflicting. I looked at flying back and forth. I had some crazy things in my head, but I ended up here and we'll see how it goes. You can get buried, a lot of high buy-ins here, and a lot of re-entries. Hopefully, it goes well and I don't lose too much.

The six-time bracelet winner is looking for his third WSOP Paradise cash having notched two in 2023. The first was a 99th-place finish in Event #1: $1,500 Mystery Millions for $3,690 and the other 88th in Event #11: $740 Flip & go for $1,400.

Click here to read the PokerNews live updates from the Triton Millions.

The players in the WSOP Paradise Triton Millions will complete 10 levels of 50 minutes each on Day 1, with a 15-minute break after every two levels. It is a one-reentry event, so if any player busts they will have until the start of Day 2 to reenter if they so choose.

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The 1,100 Eureka Main Events Day 1f, the final starting flight of the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour at the Hilton Prague, has officially wrapped up. This turbo flight attracted 839 entries, a considerable increase compared to the 543 from yesterdays Day 1d. By the end of 20 levels of play, 125 players secured a bag at the end of play, locking up their spot in Day 2 and guaranteeing themselves a min-cash.

The full field for the tournament now totals 4,732 entries, setting a new record high prize pool of 4,542,720, with 709 players returning for Saturdays Day 2 restart.

Vidar Oie bagged the top stack of the day, finishing the night with an impressive 760,000 chips.

Top Ten Chip Counts

Place Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Vidar Oie Norway 760,000 127 2 Martin Kabrhel Czech Republic 644,000 107 3 Ewen Trevidy France 636,000 106 4 Alexandros Papadopoulos Greece 604,000 101 5 Ryan Plant United Kingdom 550,000 92 6 Christian Pedersen Denmark 513,000 86 7 Pavel Binar Czech Republic 440,000 73 8 Matthias Auer Austria 425,000 71 9 Mateusz Dabkowski Poland 418,000 70 10 Jack Sinclair United Kingdom 415,000 69

Martin Kabrhel

Martin Kabrhel was undoubtedly the voice of the room, managing to bag the second biggest stack of the day. Kabrhel, along with other notables such as Jack Sinclair (415,000), Juha Helppi (220,000), Steve O'Dwyer (158,000) and others, will return tomorrow for their chance to advance to Day 3 and ultimately claim the trophy.

Niklas Astedt

On the other hand, Niklas Astedt was one of the notables who didnt make it to Day 2. Astedt failed to hit the river in a hand against Matthias Auer and didnt manage to survive. Others who fell short of making it to Day 2 include Barny Boatman, and Felix Schneiders.

Jerry Odeen claimed the overall chip lead after reporting 841,000 at the end of Day 1e.

Day 2 starts on Saturday, December 7, at 11 a.m. The blinds will be 3,000/6,000 for the first 21 minutes of play. Subsequent levels will be extended to 60 minutes each.

The PokerNews live reporting team will return tomorrow to bring you more coverage of the Eureka Poker Tour Main Event here at EPT Prague, so stay tuned.
Less than two years ago, Thomas Santerne was an unknown in the poker world without a single recorded cash on The Hendon Mob. Fast forward to today and you'd be hard-pressed to find a regular on the high-roller circuit who isn't aware of the French poker phenom, who has already amassed over $4 million in live-tournament earnings over that short timespan.

Santerne added to his stellar poker resume today in the European Poker Tour Prague at Hilton Prage after overcoming a 15-entry field and defeating Morten Klein heads up in the 20,000 No-Limit Hold'em. In addition to the title, Santerne was awarded the 175,000 first-place prize, which represents the lion's share of the 285,000 prize pool.

Santerne's win is his second of the year, including his Super High Roller victory back in February at EPT Paris.

EPT Prague 20,000 No-Limit Hold'em Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Thomas Santerne France  175,000 2 Morten Klein Norway  90,000 3 Nikita Kuznetsov Russian Federation  20,000

Thomas Santerne

Tournament Recap

A muted start saw only a couple players register by the time the tournament was supposed to begin, which led to a small delay before the action got underway five-handed.

Niklas Astedt, who placed third in the WSOP Main Event earlier this year, began the day running hot and nearly doubled his stack through the first couple levels of play. However, it would be mostly down hill from that point on for the Swede.

Not long after, Astedt lost a large pot to Teun Mulder after running pocket tens into pocket kings. Astedt was then among the early eliminations along with Klein after getting all in preflop against Enrico Camosci, who caught a pair of kings on the river with Big Slick. Astedt and Klein both quickly reentered.

The 2022 WSOP Main Event champion, Espen Jorstad, was also among the early entrants but was unable to gain any momentum from the get-go. Jorstad ended up making a stand with ace-six against Mulder and busting after chipping down for several levels. Unlike Astedt, Jorstad declined to reenter.

Poker crusher Steve O'Dwyer joined the fray at the start of Level 7 and wasted little time putting his chips to work. Shortly after entering, O'Dwyer managed to double up holding aces against the pocket tens of Camosci.

Steve O'Dwyer

Meanwhile, Klein busted and reentered two more times, first after getting short and running ace-nine into Camosci's pocket nines preflop, and then after running pocket kings into Camosci's pocket aces in a classic cooler. Klein reentered a third a final time (for a total of four bullets) just prior to late registration closing.

Astedt saw his tournament end after getting all in preflop with ace-king against Nikita Kuznetsov, who ended up ended up making a flush with ace-ten for the bad beat.

Klein's fortune would finally turn around after he was able to eliminate both O'Dwyer and Mulder. He first took out O'Dwyer with ace-queen against O'Dwyer's king-queen in a preflop collision and later faded a massive draw against Mulder for his second knockout.

The money bubble arrived after Camosci shoved jack-ten into Santerne's aces and failed to improve. With three players left and only two getting paid, Santerne made a move on Klein with unfortunate timing as Klein woke up with pocket kings to double through Santerne. At that point, the remaining three players agreed to give 20,000 back to the third-place finisher.

Kuznetsov, who had been nursing a short stack for a while, became the first "in the money" elimination after shoving prelfop with queen-six and getting called by Klein, who had ace-trey and held up.

Morten Klein

Heads-up play between Klein and Santerne looked to be a short affair as just a few hands in, Santerne shoved on Klein with queen-trey and was snapped off by Klein, who held ace-six. Santerne caught a trey on the flop, but Klein paired his ace on the turn and was just one card away from clinching victory. Fate was on Santerne's side, however, as he caught a queen on the end to pull his stack to even against Klein.

A few hands later, Klein committed his stack against Santerne on the turn after flopping trip nines, but was up against Santerne's turned flush. The river bricked out for Klein and he was forced to settle for a second-place finish for 90,000 while Santerne claimed his second EPT title and 175,000 first-place prize.

That concludes PokerNews coverage of the event. Be sure to check out our live-reporting hub for continuing coverage of EPT Prague and other events around the globe.
A majority of South Korea's ruling People Power Party lawmakers boycotted the vote on President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment motion, TV footage showed Saturday. #XinhuaNews
DIFC opens 2nd Future Sustainability Summit to accelerate global transition to low-carbon, climate-stable future

PR-Inside.com: 2024-12-07 18:39:40

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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 UAEs 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 UAEs 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 forums 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 UAEs 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 UAEs 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 worlds 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 regions 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 Centres 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 regions 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 Dubais 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.com Rasha Mezher | Dubai International Financial Centre AuthorityManager, Marketing & Corporate Communications+9714 3622451Shadi DawiSenior Director  PR & Media+971 55 498 4989shadi@ tresconglobal.com
DAMASCUS, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army said Saturday it has redeployed forces in the southern provinces of Daraa and Sweida to set up a stronger defense front after "terrorist" attacks on military checkpoints.

The general command of the armed forces said in a statement that the army's move was made to ensure the security of the nation and its citizens.

"Our armed forces are dealing with recent developments out of concern for the safety of the homeland and civilians, and will confront this terrorism with full decisiveness and strength," said the statement.

Separately, the defense ministry reported intensified artillery and rocket strikes by army units on militant positions and supply lines in Hama and Homs, resulting in "direct hits" on and heavy losses among the opposition fighters. 
SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's ruling People Power Party lawmakers boycotted the vote on President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment motion by leaving the plenary session after casting secret ballots on the bill to investigate scandals involving the first lady, TV footage showed Saturday. 
This photo taken on May 23, 2023 shows a platform of the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway in Nairobi, Kenya. The Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya has become a flagship project of China-Africa cooperation, a "business card" of Chinese enterprises and a demonstration project of the Belt and Road Initiative. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

The Belt and Road Initiative is transforming Africa's economies through infrastructure, job creation and trade. It also fosters equal partnerships and promotes a peaceful international order, said a former South African diplomat.

JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has promoted global growth and delivered mutual benefits to all involved since its launch in 2013, one former ambassador has said.

Gert Grobler, a former South African ambassador to Spain, Japan, and Madagascar, told Xinhua that Western aid programs are often limited to humanitarian efforts. Conversely, the BRI emphasizes trade, investment, and infrastructure development while addressing global challenges.

The former diplomat noted that the BRI involves countries in different regions, at different development stages and with different cultures. "It commendably transcends differences in ideologies and social systems," he added.

Grobler highlighted the BRI's significant impact on Africa, where 52 African countries and the African Union Commission have signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with China.

"Infrastructure is probably the most outstanding dimension of the BRI in Africa," Grobler remarked, citing the construction of nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, over 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 1,000 bridges, and almost 100 ports.

Grobler said that the BRI is transforming Africa's economies through infrastructure, job creation, and trade.

He also commended the BRI's green development efforts, noting China's promotion of sustainable projects, including the Green Investment Principles and international green collaboration. These initiatives align BRI projects with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

"The BRI presents a unique opportunity for recipient countries to achieve modernization and inclusive growth," he said.

Addressing accusations of the so-called "Chinese debt trap," Grobler dismissed them as "lies made up by the United States and some other Western countries." He referenced a 2022 study by British charity Debt Justice, which revealed that African countries owe three times more debt to Western institutions than to China.

"The allegations against China are therefore simply untenable, and the developing countries and people with insight from the rest of the international community will not fall for this," he said, noting China is the biggest contributor to the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative.

Grobler added that the BRI respects the sovereignty and independence of participating nations, fosters equal partnerships and promotes a peaceful international order.

Despite potential challenges ahead, Grobler expressed optimism for the BRI's future. "Cooperation will thrive, and the BRI can look forward to an even brighter future," he said. 
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. federal appeals court on Friday upheld a law mandating that ByteDance sell the widely-used social media app TikTok or face a potential ban in the United States, despite widespread opposition.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. dismissed TikTok's claim that the ban is unconstitutional and infringes on the First Amendment rights of the 170 million Americans who use the app.

If ByteDance does not sell TikTok by Jan. 19, the law will require Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores, leading to a ban of the app.

"Unfortunately, the TikTok ban was conceived and pushed through based upon inaccurate, flawed and hypothetical information, resulting in outright censorship of the American people," TikTok said in a statement on X.

The TikTok ban, unless stopped, will silence the voices of its users in the U.S. and around the world on January 19th, 2025, it continued.

In April, U.S. President Joe Biden enacted the law -- which only gave ByteDance 270 days to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese buyer -- following concerns from lawmakers across both parties about TikTok's suspected ties to the Chinese government. In May, TikTok sued the U.S. government to block the potential ban.

The TikTok ban, based on unfounded national security concerns due to its Chinese ownership, has drawn widespread criticism.

Congressman Jim McGovern from Massachusetts is among those who voted against a TikTok ban in March. In a post on X earlier this year, he laid out four reasons: First, the bill was rushed; Second, there are major free speech issues; Third, it would hurt small businesses; Fourth, "America should be doing way more to protect data privacy & combatting misinformation online. Singling out one app isn't the answer."

Echoing his views, Congressman Mark Pocan from Wisconsin said on X that "we need to address data privacy across all social networks, including American companies like Meta and X, through meaningful regulation that protects freedom of expression. Not just single out one platform."

Gary Clyde Hufbauer, a nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, wrote in an article in September that as with Huawei, "no evidence was disclosed" by U.S. authorities that TikTok accounts are subject to actual surveillance.

Hufbauer noted that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan previously promised that U.S. restrictions on direct commerce with China would be confined to limiting the flow of advanced technologies with "a small yard and a high fence." Unfortunately, the "small yard has since grown into a pasture with no discernable fence," he said. 
MEDFORD, Ore., Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the renowned global retail chain offering a wide range of affordable and unique products, is thrilled to announce the grand opening at The Village in Medford, Oregon on December 21st. "We are thrilled to open our store at The Village," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "This achievement reflects the dedication and support of our customers who have embraced Daiso's unique concept and diverse product range. We are excited to provide an exceptional shopping experience to the vibrant Medford community and look forward to serving our customers with the utmost care and dedication."

The new Daiso store at The Village encompasses 8,500 square feet and promises to be a haven for shoppers seeking quality merchandise at affordable prices. With its extensive range of products spanning various categories, including Japanese inspired home decor, stationery, food, and more, Daiso has become synonymous with accessible and innovative offerings. John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA says, "Oregon based Daiso customers have shown us through our online business and social media their desire for us to have more stores within the state, influencing our immediate growth strategy in this region. We currently operate 164 units in 8 states with more states opening in 2025".

On both Saturday, December 21st and Sunday, December 22nd, the first 100 customers to shop at The Village location and make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive an exclusive goodie bag. These special offerings are Daiso's way of expressing gratitude to its loyal customers and welcoming new shoppers to the Daiso community.

Daiso invites customers to join in the celebration. The Village Daiso, at 513 Medford Center, is by neighboring tenant Empire Home Loans and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 9 p.m and Sunday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.

About Daiso:

Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its vast array of unique and affordable products across various categories such as household goods, stationery, beauty, and more. Daiso entered the US market in 2005 and continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The Daiso US headquarters is located in Anaheim, CA.

SOURCE Daiso USA
TROY, Mich., Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C. has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2024 honor by The Michigan Top Workplaces. This recognition is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling respected and supported, enabled to grow, and empowered to execute, to name a few.

"Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees," said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. "That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they're allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends."

ABOUT GIARMARCO, MULLINS & HORTON, P.C.

Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C. ranks as one of Michigan's top law firms. With over 60 attorneys and 36 practice areas, GMH is a full-service law firm offering clients a diverse range of capabilities and specialties.

GMH is known for:

Excellence in handling complex and challenging matters

Experience with over 60 attorneys

Expertise across 36 areas of the law

Proven results

Unmistakable value in our service

GMH has been recognized as:

Best Law Firm by U.S. News & World Report

by Best Place to Work by Fortune and Detroit Free Press

by and Crain's Detroit Business "Cool Place to Work"

"Cool Place to Work" Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and DBusiness Top Lawyers

Our firm offers expertise in 36 distinct areas of the law, spanning a broad range of legal expertise to serve clients when and where they need us. Some of our practice areas include:

Estate & Trust

Municipal, Government, Schools & Education

Workers' Compensation

Business/Corporate

Health Care Law

Medical Malpractice Defense

Business Litigation

Family Law

Real Estate

Tax Law

For a full list of our practice areas, please visit www.gmhlaw.com.

ABOUT ENERGAGE

Making the world a better place to work together.

Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and insights from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture.

For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

SOURCE Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C.
ATLANTA, Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RYSE Creative Village, a creative talent incubator in Southwest Atlanta, has received a $125,000 grant from Develop Fulton to support the county's burgeoning creative talent pipeline. Approved unanimously by Develop Fulton's Board of Directors during their Dec. 3 meeting, the funding will help propel the initial phase of a groundbreaking redevelopment project.

RYSE Creative Village, located at 1261 Lockwood Drive SW, plans to reimagine a long-vacant Atlanta Public School building into a state-of-the-art, tech-enabled content production studio and incubator for creative professionals. The facility will offer training and skills development programs essential for accessing high-demand careers in Georgia's thriving film, music, arts, gaming, and immersive media industries.

"RYSE Creative Village is advancing a $30 million mixed-use development in a historically underserved area, expanding resources for Georgia's multi-billion-dollar creative industry," said Kwanza Hall, Chairman of the Develop Fulton Board. "This $125,000 grant represents an essential first step in helping RYSE Creative Village close a $500,000 funding gap needed to bring this project to life. Our board is eager to consider doubling this commitment to a total of $250,000, reinforcing our belief in the power of this initiative to uplift the creative community."

During its meeting, Develop Fulton approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the one-time grant to fund critical capital improvements for RYSE Creative Village. The project aims to transform a blighted area into a vibrant creative hub and foster an emerging workforce equipped to succeed in Georgia's growing creative economy.

"We are profoundly grateful to Develop Fulton for this generous contribution to RYSE Creative Village," said Jay Jackson, leader of the RYSE initiative. "This significant investment reflects a shared commitment to empowering our community through creativity, innovation, and opportunity. As we work to close the current funding gap, we're building a future where ideas flourish and dreams become reality."

Future plans for RYSE Creative Village include alternative educational pathways for creative professionals, offering opportunities for ongoing learning and upskilling. The development will also feature 91 affordable housing units adjacent to the main facility, promoting economic inclusion within the community.

Develop Fulton anticipates evaluating additional funding opportunities for RYSE Creative Village in 2025. "We're calling on Atlanta to 'Rise Up' and join us in supporting this worthy endeavor, ensuring RYSE Creative Village becomes a cornerstone of innovation and opportunity in Southwest Atlanta and Fulton County," Hall said.

For more information about the project, visit rysecreativevillage.com.

About Develop Fulton and Fulton County

Develop Fulton, also known as the Development Authority of Fulton County, delivers diverse, targeted economic development financing services, connecting qualified development projects with taxable and tax-exempt bond financing and tax incentives to diversify the tax base, encourage thoughtful and

balanced investment, retain existing businesses, promote job creation, and ultimately improve the quality of life for residents throughout Fulton County. Together, we are partnering for progress, powering development.

Fulton County remains committed to its mission of fostering business growth and sustainability across the county. Bolstered by its exceptional infrastructure and connectivityencompassing major highways and airportsFulton County offers unparalleled opportunities for business investments, industry expansion, and regional collaboration. Its robust infrastructure not only provides businesses with essential logistical support for navigating the global economy but also ensures seamless connectivity, facilitating access to diverse markets worldwide.

Contact: Erik Burton

[email protected]

770-294-8475

SOURCE Develop Fulton
Transformative breakthrough in pediatric leukemia made possible by decades of St. Baldrick's Foundation funding and support.

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Groundbreaking results from a major clinical trial, supported in part by the St. Baldrick's Foundation, were unveiled today at the 66th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in San Diego, Calif. The Children's Oncology Group (COG) announced transformative findings that are set to redefine the standard of care for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This breakthroughhailed as one of the most significant advancements in pediatric oncology in decadesrepresents a milestone made possible by 25 years of donations to St. Baldrick's head-shaving events, fundraisers, and the generosity of dedicated donors.

As COG's largest philanthropic donor, St. Baldrick's provides vital funding for both groundbreaking discoveries and the clinical trials that bring these innovations to patients. Through the COG's cooperative research network, thousands of children gain access to lifesaving clinical trials each year. At any given time, more than 100 trials are actively recruiting participants. An annual St. Baldrick's grant helps offset the cost of these trials by providing per-patient reimbursements to member institutions, ensuring more children have access to cutting-edge treatments.

This latest trial demonstrates that adding blinatumomab, a targeted immunotherapy drug, to traditional chemotherapy significantly improves disease-free survival (DFS) rates for children with standard-risk (SR) ALL. The results are so impactful that the COG has suspended all ongoing SR ALL trials to incorporate this game-changing treatment into its protocols.

Key Findings

The trial enrolled over 4,200 children and achieved unprecedented results:

A 96% three-year DFS rate for children receiving blinatumomab compared to 87.9% with chemotherapy alone.





Blinatumomab was shown to be well-tolerated, with minimal severe side effects, paving the way for reducing the use of older, more toxic chemotherapy drugs.

"Blinatumomab represents a paradigm shift in how we treat ALL," said Doug Hawkins, M.D., COG Group Chair. "For the first time, we can envision replacing toxic treatments with a safer, targeted therapy without compromising, and even improving, survival rates. We are grateful for the support of so many donors who helped make this discovery possible, including the St. Baldrick's Foundation."

How Blinatumomab Works

Blinatumomab is a type of immunotherapy and monoclonal antibody that targets CD19, a protein found on leukemia cells. By engaging the body's immune system, the drug enables it to recognize and destroy cancerous cells more effectively. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, blinatumomab shows no evidence of causing long-term side effects, an especially critical factor for young patients.



A Milestone Made Possible by Generous Support

The success of this trial underscores the critical role of philanthropic support in advancing pediatric cancer research. To date, St. Baldrick's has granted over $101 million to the COG, empowering the COG to explore cutting-edge treatments like blinatumomab, changing the outlook for children diagnosed with ALL.

"This transformative breakthrough represents a monumental step forward in our fight to conquer kids' cancer," said Kathleen Ruddy, CEO of the St. Baldrick's Foundation. "Thanks to the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, partners, and advocates, we're not only improving survival rates but also paving the way for safer, less toxic treatments. Together, we are making cures a reality."

A New Era in Treatment

With these results, the medical community is optimistic about the potential to extend this treatment approach to other childhood cancers. Researchers will continue to build on this success, ensuring that children with cancer receive safer and more effective care.

Read full abstract.

For more information about the St. Baldrick's Foundation and how you can support lifesaving pediatric cancer research, visit StBaldricks.org.

About St. Baldrick's Foundation

Every 2 minutes, a child somewhere in the world is diagnosed with cancer. In the U.S., 1 in 5 will not survive. The St. Baldrick's Foundation, the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, has awarded more than $354 million to researchers to Conquer Kids' Cancer. When you give to St. Baldrick's, you don't just give to one hospital  you support every institution with the expertise to treat kids with cancer across the U.S. St. Baldrick's ensures that children fighting cancer now  and those diagnosed in the future  will have access to the most cutting-edge treatment, by supporting every stage of research, from new ideas in the lab to the training of the next generation of researchers, to lifesaving clinical trials. St. Baldrick's has played a role in virtually every advancement in the field over the past 25 years and remains essential in advancing progress and fostering innovation in childhood cancer research. Visit StBaldricks.org and help #ConquerKidsCancer.

About The Children's Oncology Group

The Children's Oncology Group (childrensoncologygroup.org), a member of the NCI National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN), is the world's largest organization devoted exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer research. The Children's Oncology Group unites over 10,000 experts in childhood cancer at more than 200 leading children's hospitals, universities, and cancer centers across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia in the fight against childhood cancer. Today, more than 80% of the 15,000 children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States are cared for at Children's Oncology Group member institutions. Research performed by Children's Oncology Group institutions over the past 50 years has transformed childhood cancer from a virtually incurable disease to one with a combined 5-year survival rate of 86%. The Children's Oncology Group's mission is to improve the cure rate and outcomes for all children with cancer.

SOURCE St. Baldrick's Foundation
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A lawsuit has been filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas against Carbon Health Urgent Care and one of its employees, Ramon Garcia, alleging gross negligence and sexual assault during a pre-employment drug screening. The plaintiff, identified as C.S. to protect her privacy, is represented by the law firm Andreozzi + Foote.

According to the complaint, in March 2024, the plaintiff visited Carbon Health Urgent Care in Philadelphia for a routine drug test. Ramon Garcia, an employee who falsely represented himself as a registered nurse, allegedly forced the plaintiff into inappropriate and invasive situations, including locking the door of the restroom and observing her undress and urinate. The plaintiff later reported the incident to the Abington Police Department, leading to criminal charges against Garcia, including aggravated indecent assault, impersonating a licensed professional, and invasion of privacy.

The lawsuit claims that Carbon Health Urgent Care failed in its duty to properly screen, supervise, and monitor Garcia, who allegedly engaged in similar conduct with other victims. The claims against Carbon Health include negligence, corporate liability, and failure to implement adequate safeguards against abuse.

"This case highlights the dangers of insufficient oversight and accountability in healthcare settings," said attorney Veronica Hubbard. "Healthcare providers must prioritize patient safety and ensure that those entrusted with their care meet the highest standards of conduct."

The plaintiff seeks damages for emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and punitive damages for the defendants' gross negligence and reckless indifference.

About Andreozzi + Foote

Andreozzi + Foote is a national law firm focused on representing survivors of sexual abuse and holding institutions accountable for negligence. The firm is committed to advocating for justice and systemic change to protect vulnerable individuals.

For more information, please contact Attorney Veronica Hubbard at (717) 525-9124 or [email protected].

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]

SOURCE Andreozzi + Foote
GROVER, N.C., Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For immediate release, no embargo. Being the Executive Chef to the President of the United States holds key opportunities and insights as does being a Master Chef in the White House at parties and state dinners. At this time of the year, with all of the votive candles lit and folks dressed to the nines leaning over tables for a cookie  it's no wonder a fox stole became engulfed with flames and screaming to be ripped off of a visiting lady of prestige and splashed with a champagne urn of ice-cold water to put it out! Working with the past seven Presidents of the United States across a variety of matters, Master Chef Marti Mongiello documents this Top-Secret event in his rollicking video about fires at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKSdOA2RbNo for everyone to enjoy! Then Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier had a long running battle with Head Florist Nancy Clarke about the votive candles on buffet tables. During the Clinton Presidency, this occurrence has rarely been shared with the world but is now being added to the Clinton state china and exhibit newly acquired from Nate Sanders Auction House.
MIAMI, Dec. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Miami-Dubai Chamber of Commerce (MDCC) has officially launched, creating a platform for collaboration between Miami and Dubai. The launch event is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the Capital Club in Dubai. Sponsored by Evoca Bank and the Keran Foundation, the event will bring together business leaders and organizations to explore opportunities for growth and cooperation.

Co-founded by Yolanda Perez and Nick Naamou, the MDCC is focused on supporting trade, investment, and shared initiatives. "Our goal is to connect professionals and businesses in both cities to create meaningful partnerships," said Nick Naamou, Co-Founder and Chair. The Chamber aims to use partnerships and modern tools to support its members and promote progress in Miami and Dubai.

The MDCC provides services such as trade connections, professional networks, and access to learning resources. It also encourages sustainable practices and cultural exchange to strengthen ties between the two cities. "We want to assist businesses in understanding international operations and finding new opportunities," said Yolanda Perez, Co-Founder and Chair.

The event will introduce plans for trade missions, forums, and foreign investment programs. Led by an experienced team, the Chamber seeks to connect professionals and businesses ready to expand their activities internationally. "This effort is about building lasting relationships between two vibrant cities," said Spiro Vamvakos, VP of Operations.

About the Miami-Dubai Chamber of Commerce

The Miami-Dubai Chamber of Commerce connects Miami and Dubai as centers for global business, supporting trade, innovation, and sustainable progress. With a leadership team spanning diverse sectors, the MDCC offers resources and support to help members achieve their goals.

About Evoca Bank

Evoca Bank is a financial institution dedicated to helping businesses and individuals thrive with practical and modern banking services. Focused on sustainable progress, Evoca Bank assists clients in understanding and navigating complex markets.

About the Keran Foundation

The Keran Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports education, innovation, and cultural exchange. By working with partners and creating effective programs, the foundation promotes meaningful change in communities worldwide.

SOURCE Miami-Dubai Chamber of Commerce
LEXINGTON, Ky., Dec. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just announced MosquitoMate as its first awardee in a new effort to fight the growing crisis of mosquito transmitted diseases. To help address the growing problem, in 2022 Congress mandated that the EPA create the Vector Expedited Review Voucher (VERV) program, which promotes new pesticidal measures against important mosquitoes. The VERV program is modeled after the successful Tropical Disease Priority Review Voucher Program that was legislated in 2007 at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VERV is intended to encourage the development of novel products against selected diseases by rewarding innovative companies with a 'priority review voucher' that can expedite registration of a second product. Speeding a second product to market generates value for the manufacturer, which offsets the high development costs that are typical in registering public health products. In the same way, the EPA's VERV program stimulates the development of innovative public health pesticides to combat mosquito-related diseases. The voucher can either be used by the awarded company directly, or it can be sold to a different company, providing a financial incentive to innovate within neglected areas.

The MosquitoMate pesticide is innovative in multiple ways: it is a new and effective active ingredient and a novel delivery method. MosquitoMate makes and releases male mosquitoes that are infected with the Wolbachia bacterium. The approach does not use genetic modification and is listed as an organic product. "The male mosquitoes are 'self-delivering' and do not bite or transmit disease-causing pathogens," describes Dr. Stephen Dobson, who is the MosquitoMate founder and CEO. Only female mosquitoes bite, and the Wolbachia-infected males cause a form of sterility known as 'Cytoplasmic Incompatibility' (CI). Those female mosquitoes that mate with the Wolbachia-infected males lay eggs that do not hatch, causing the mosquito population to decline without the need to use harsh chemicals. "It's a species-specific method," says Dobson, "because the male mosquitoes only mate with females of the same species." This specificity and chemical avoidance can be particularly important in environmentally sensitive areas, such as wetlands, where concern exists that a chemical might harm non-target and endangered animals, including beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

The US EPA has announced MosquitoMate as its first awardee in a new effort to fight mosquito transmitted diseases. Post this

MosquitoMate began working with the EPA years before the VERV was proposed. "We are thrilled that the WB1 male mosquitoes are being recognized by the EPA's new VERV program," exclaims Dobson. The WB1 male mosquito is effective against the Aedes aegypti mosquito (commonly known as the Yellow Fever mosquito), which occurs around the world and is responsible for transmission of dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever pathogens. This mosquito prefers to feed on people, and it is perfectly adapted to live and breed in the communities that humans create. One published study from California shows the reduction of an Ae. aegypti population by more than 95% following the release of WB1 males. With the EPA's registration, MosquitoMate can now begin to offer WB1 males nationally.

"The problem is growing," describes Dobson, "and the combination of climate change and increasing globalization of goods and human travel is making matters worse, both inside the USA and beyond." As an example, in 2023 the USA reported cases of local malaria transmission for the first time in two decades. This follows cases of local US transmission of the chikungunya and Zika viruses by mosquitoes in 2014 and 2016, respectively. "Exotic diseases that were 'over there,' are now occurring right here at home," says Dobson. Also contributing to the problem is the current lack of effective pesticides. "We have only a few tools that we can use in our fight against mosquitoes," he says. The number of effective insecticides has been declining at an alarming rate, as more mosquitoes develop resistance to existing insecticides.

"The Ae. aegypti mosquito is an invasive species in the USA," says Dobson. "It was accidentally introduced from Africa during early trade by European colonists of North America." The MosquitoMate WB1 method is a species-specific approach. There are more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes on the planet, and most of them do not bite people or cause disease. "We're not trying to eliminate all mosquitoes," says Dobson, "many of which are important to the local ecosystem."

The VERV program was championed by a consortium that includes Duke University's Global Health Institute and the Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) program.

Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE MosquitoMate, Inc
ROTTERDAM, the Netherlands and SAN DIEGO, Dec. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SkylineDx, an innovative diagnostics company specializing in the research and development of molecular diagnostics for oncology, inflammatory, and infectious diseases, announce that groundbreaking data on the Prognostic Value of the SKY92 Classifier over High-Risk Cytogenetic Aberrations in Multiple Myeloma will be presented during the upcoming American Society of Hematology (ASH) conference. The results were obtained from the PROMMIS real-world study, conducted in nine academic cancer centers across the United States. The presentation, led by Dr. Noa Biran, Associate Professor at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, highlights the significant impact of SKY92 on risk stratification in multiple myeloma patients.

Multiple myeloma is a hematological malignancy characterized by a complex molecular landscape. Despite advancements in modern therapies, a subset of patients classified as high-risk continues to experience poor survival outcomes. Traditional risk stratification relies heavily on identifying cytogenetic aberrations. However, the PROMMIS study provides compelling evidence that the SKY92 gene expression profiling (GEP) classifier offers crucial biological insight and independent prognostic value.

The study [1] included 251 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients that were follow up for over nearly four years to monitor their progression. The results showed that individual chromosomal abnormalities and their co-occurrence had limited prognostic value, with the sole exception of the 1q21 abnormality, which prognostic significance for PFS was exclusive to patients aged 65 years and older. SKY92 proved to be a much stronger predictor of poor outcomes. Patients that had the high-risk biomarker SKY92 had significantly worse progression-free survival rates, regardless of whether they had other genetic abnormalities.

The research also showed that combining SKY92 results with specific genetic markers like gain(1q21) could offer even more detailed insights. For example, patients flagged as high-risk by both tests had some of the poorest outcomes, underlining the complementary value of using SKY92.

Dr. Jvalini Dwarkasing, Chief Scientific Officer at SkylineDx, emphasized the importance of this research: "These findings highlight how the SKY92 test can make a real difference in the care of multiple myeloma patients. By offering a clearer and more reliable way to identify high-risk disease, we are giving doctors powerful tools to tailor treatments and improve outcomes. This research reinforces our commitment to advancing personalized medicine."

This study marks a significant step forward in understanding and treating multiple myeloma. The SKY92 test not only provides a more accurate way to identify high-risk disease but also helps refine how we use existing genetic information. By integrating this advanced technology into routine care, clinicians can better support patients facing this challenging disease.

SkylineDx is grateful to the patients, doctors, and research teams who contributed to the PROMMIS study, which would not have been possible without their dedication.

About MMprofiler with SKY92

Multiple Myeloma is a heterogeneous disease and its course can vary significantly between patients. MMprofiler with the SKY92 biomarker enhances the biological insights into the diseases. This molecular diagnostic test measures the activity of 92 genes in the malignant myeloma plasma cells, and determines how aggressive the myeloma is. When myeloma is more aggressive (high-risk disease) it is less likely to respond to conventional treatments and the patient might benefit from intensification of therapy. MMprofiler with SKY92 is CE-IVD registered in Europe and available as laboratory developed test (LDT) from SkylineDx's CAP/CLIA lab in San Diego (CA, USA).

About SkylineDx

SkylineDx is a biotechnology company focused on research & development of molecular diagnostics in oncology inflammatory, and infectious diseases. SkylineDx uses its expertise to bridge the gap between academically discovered gene expression signatures and commercially available diagnostic products with high clinical utility, assisting healthcare professionals in accurately determining the type or status of disease or predicting a patient's response to treatment. Based on test results, healthcare professionals can tailor the treatment approach to the individual patient. SkylineDx is headquartered in Rotterdam. the Netherlands, complemented by a U.S. base of operations and a CAP/CLIA certified laboratory in San Diego California, USA. To learn more about SkylineDx, please visit www.skylinedx.com.

Footnotes:

Brian et al. Enhanced Prognostic Value of the SKY92 Classifier over High-Risk Cytogenetic Aberrations in Multiple Myeloma: Results from the Prommis Real-World Study

Paper: Enhanced Prognostic Value of the SKY92 Classifier over High-Risk Cytogenetic Aberrations in Multiple Myeloma: Results from the Prommis Real-World Study

SOURCE SkylineDx
SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- A majority of South Korea's ruling People Power Party lawmakers boycotted the vote on President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment motion, TV footage showed Saturday.

The majority of legislators left the plenary session right after casting secret ballots on the bill to investigate scandals involving the first lady.

Some of the governing party members were shown sitting in the parliamentary hall, indicating their willingness to vote for the motion to remove Yoon from office.

After Yoon's declaration of an emergency martial law earlier this week, the opposition parties submitted the motion.

Yoon declared an emergency martial law Tuesday night before repealing it early Wednesday as the parliament voted against it. 
SANYA, China, Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Yin Min Htwe, a former civil servant in Myanmar, is currently pursuing her academic career in China as an assistant researcher at the Coconut Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CRICATAS). Based in Sanya, a coastal city in Hainan in south China, she calls China her second home.

A new chapter

Yin Min Htwe in the laboratory. (COURTESY PHOTO)

In 2016, Yin was working at the Biotechnology Department of Myanmar when she learned there was an opportunity to conduct research in China as a visiting scholar. Yin, who had a PhD in biotechnology from Mandalay Technological University in Myanmar, decided to apply and was accepted.

"Though she didn't have much research output at that time, her academic background matched what we do here, so we offered her the position," Wang Yong, a professor at CRICATAS and Yin's supervisor, told Science and Technology Daily.

They found her to be a diligent researcher. Research is no easy job, and experiments may last till midnight, but Yin showed strong implementation capacity, according to Wang. Turning a research idea into result timely is very important to the entire research project and Yin always did her assignments fast. Her work included data analysis, writing manuscripts and feedback for correction, contributing to the smooth operation of the project.

Yin called her research period at CRICATAS "enriching and transformative." She said the work enhanced her knowledge and skills, particularly in areas such as gene mining and data analysis, and shaped her outlook on applying research to address real-world challenges, especially in palm crop improvement.

Pushing boundaries

After three years' research as a visiting scholar, Yin decided to do full-time postdoctoral research in China as she wished to continue her previous work, and found the research environment in China aligning with her interests in gene mining and data analysis for palm crops.

"The research environment in China is highly dynamic and collaborative with a strong emphasis on innovation and applied research, which fosters a productive and competitive atmosphere," Yin said. "Researchers in China are encouraged to push the boundaries of their fields."

She secured a position with CRICATAS and both were happy about it. "She did well when she was a visiting scholar, so we were glad to continue our cooperation with her," Wang said.

Yin once again proved her worth. She was named as Class E (full-time) talent by the Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City in 2021, and her research program, in which she is the lead researcher, received the 2024 Fund for Less Developed Regions within the scope of the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

During her stay in China, she also published nine Science Citation Index (SCI) papers as the first author or joint first author.

But she modestly attributes these achievements to others. "I am fortunate to have strong support from my supervisor and all my team members, whose collaboration is invaluable. The SCI papers are a direct result of our collective efforts," she said.

Finding her 'family' in China

Research aside, Yin enjoys her life in China, finding it "welcoming and supportive."

She arrived in Hainan in March 2017 and received unstinting help from her supervisor and colleagues. "They taught me the relevant techniques and how to operate the machines in the laboratory," Yin said. "They are like my family, supporting me all the time. I didn't feel I was in a foreign country."

She in turn helped her fellow researchers to improve their English, Wang said.

Since 2019, Yin has been learning Chinese and can speak fluent Mandarin now. "I want to learn Chinese to gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese culture and China's rich history. Also, knowing the language enables me to communicate more effectively, both in academic settings and in daily life," she said.

Promising prospects

Yin's story is a facet of the sci-tech cooperation between China and Myanmar.

In November, China's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) released guidelines to apply for the first batch of key special projects for the 2025 Intergovernmental International Cooperation on Science and Technology Innovation.

Under this cooperation framework, there will be 10 programs for China-Myanmar intergovernmental joint research project with a total fund of 15 million RMB. The fields of research are agriculture, climate change, artificial intelligence, measurement, agricultural machinery, forests and biodiversity.

In 2018, China and Myanmar established an intergovernmental cooperation mechanism on science, technology and innovation. In November that year, MOST and Myanmar's Ministry of Education held the first meeting of the China-Myanmar Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation. The meeting named the priority areas in bilateral sci-tech cooperation, ranging from agriculture and drinking water safety to new energy, traditional medicine, environmental protection, disaster prevention and mitigation, and measurement and standards.

China and Myanmar also collaborate through the Belt and Road Initiative, China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center, and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation.

With support from MOST, every year Chinese universities, research institutions and enterprises organize technological training sessions for personnel from other developing countries, including Myanmar.

In 2018, a China-Myanmar Joint Laboratory on Radar and Satellite Communications was inaugurated in Yangon. The China (Guangxi)-Myanmar Agricultural Technology Demonstration Base in Myanmar promotes agro-technology.

The eighth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit, which concluded in Kunming, Yunnan province in southwest China, on November 7 this year, endorsed the GMS Innovation Strategy for Development 2030. The strategy aims to establish the GMS as a dynamic hub of innovation, creativity, and sustainable development, driving inclusive economic prosperity, and improving the well-being of its people through a more sustainable and integrated economy.

Yin thinks prospects of cooperation between China and Myanmar in science, technology and talent training and exchange are highly promising. Closer collaboration means immense potential for knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and sharing advanced technologies.

She hopes her experiences in both Myanmar and China will enable her to bridge different scientific perspectives and foster meaningful collaborations.

This column is written in cooperation with the China Science and Technology Exchange Center (CSTEC).

SOURCE Science and Technology Daily
DALLAS, Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Yadot Group and Hitch Media, an Austin-based full-service advertising agency, have agreed to acquisition terms.

The Yadot Group's Global CEO, Kyle Borgman, said, "We are excited to announce the acquisition of Hitch Media, which will aid our Group significantly with strong integrated agency services across creative, production services, as well as brand and performance media. Their fast-growing agency brings us a strong initial anchor within the Austin market."

Yadot Group CEO and Hitch Media

Known as an ROI-driven up and coming shop in the artisitc city of Austin, Hitch Media has worked with brands such as PlayStation, Bud Light, Walmart, Jeep, and more!

"We are thrilled to announce that Hitch Media is joining The Yadot Group," stated Hitch Media CEO Sean Cleland. "This marks an exciting new chapter in our journey to redefine the media landscape through a deal that will not only amplify our capabilities but will also propel our agency to new heights and become a leading media powerhouse across the nation."

Hitch Media's CCO, Thomas McGuane, stated, "Together, we are poised to take on bigger challenges, deliver unparalleled results for our clients, and solidify our reputation as the go-to agency for creative innovation. The future of Hitch Media is bright, and we can't wait to see what the future holds."

This marks the fourth acquisition for The Yadot Group within the prior five month-period and sets the global advertising services company up with momentum to hit twelve additional acquisitions throughout 2025.

Media Contact:

Andrew Gregg

Vice President

[email protected]

SOURCE The Yadot Group
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Wolfspeed, Inc. (NYSE: WOLF) securities between August 16, 2023 and November 6, 2024, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), have until Friday, January 17, 2025 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit. Captioned Zagami v. Wolfspeed, Inc., No. 24-cv-01395 (N.D.N.Y.), the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit charges Wolfspeed as well as certain of Wolfspeed's top executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-wolfspeed-class-action-lawsuit-wolf.html

You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at [email protected].

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Wolfspeed operates as a bandgap semiconductor company that focuses on silicon carbide and gallium nitride (GaN) technologies.

The Wolfspeed class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Wolfspeed's optimistic claims of potential growth of its Mohawk Valley fabrication facility and general demand for Wolfspeed's 200mm wafers in the electronic vehicle market fell short of reality; and (ii) Wolfspeed had overstated demand for its key product and placed undue reliance on purported design wins while the Mohawk Valley facility's growth had begun to taper before recognizing the $100 million revenue per quarter allegedly achievable with only 20% utilization of the fabrication, let alone the promised $2 billion revenue purportedly achievable by the facility.

The Wolfspeed class action lawsuit further alleges that on November 6, 2024, Wolfspeed announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, revealing that 20% utilization of the Mohawk Valley fabrication facility would result in 30% to 50% below the $100 million mark defendants had claimed, attributing the results and lowered guidance to "demand . . . ramp[ing] more slowly than we originally anticipated" as "EV customers revise their launch time lines as the market works through this transition period." On this news, the price of Wolfspeed stock fell more than 39%, according to the complaint.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Wolfspeed securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud cases. Our Firm has been #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for six out of the last ten years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. We recovered $6.6 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases  over $2.2 billion more than any other law firm in the last four years. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever  $7.2 billion  in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Contact:

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal

655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101

800-449-4900

[email protected]

SOURCE Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
by Xinhua writer Ji Ze

DAMASCUS, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- As opposition fighters claimed control of Syria's Daraa city, the capital of the namesake province, late Friday, it reminded me of a trip in June to Bosra, located in the heart of the province, where I explored its renowned legacy and historic sites.

Along the way from the Syrian capital Damascus to Bosra, I passed several checkpoints manned by local militants. Although the Syrian military regained control of Daraa in 2018, the region continues to witness sporadic security incidents and attacks, threatening its fragile security situation.

The Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011 and ravaged countless cultural treasures, left its scars on Bosra. Situated in the heart of Daraa, the southern province where the crisis began, Bosra has been embroiled in crossfires for years. Columns lay scattered on the ground from mortar shells, ancient walls bore bullet holes, and many precious artifacts have reportedly been looted.

However, when traversing this meticulously planned, Roman-style city just north of the Jordan-Syria border, its stunning historic relics -- the well-preserved 2nd-century Roman amphitheater, along with Nabataean and Roman monuments, Christian churches, and Muslim mosques -- still stand as vivid reminders of Bosra's past glory.

The ancient city standing on a basalt plateau rose to prominence in the 2nd century as the capital of the Roman province of Arabia, and later maintained its significance as a vital stopover on ancient caravan and pilgrimage routes to Mecca.

Nabataeans, Romans, Byzantines, and Islamic Caliphates all left their marks here, making the city an extraordinary conservation area for architecture: an open-air museum where the most significant periods in the history of ideas and beliefs are represented.

"The site is bereft of its former bustle," sighed Alaa Al-Salah, director of the Bosra Archaeological Site, looking upset.

"The site was once teeming with foreign visitors, drawn by numerous cultural and artistic events. The Roman amphitheater, with a capacity of 15,000, was always packed, as artists from around the world vied to perform on its stage," said Al-Salah, who has overseen the site for 25 years.

As I strolled through Bosra, Ali, a former guide in his forties, followed me timidly. Carrying a bag with a few outdated souvenirs, bottles of drinking water, and the last remaining English tourist brochure -- printed back in 2009 -- he occasionally peddled his wares.

"The old city of Bosra is worth a week to explore, but now there are no visitors," said the raggedly dressed man, offering a reason no buyer could ignore: "I have four children to feed."

The stagnation of Bosra reflects the complex challenges facing Syria's cultural and tourism sectors.

Compared to other pressing issues, such as ongoing conflicts, food insecurity, and other humanitarian crises, protecting cultural heritage seems far from a priority in Syria.

Aside from inadequate financial resources and the absence of authorities capable of implementing heritage protection measures, the war-torn country suffers from choking economic blockades and sanctions imposed by the United States and its Western allies.

"No international aid, no foreign organizations or missions are allowed to enter due to the unjust sanctions. It's even difficult to acquire construction materials from abroad," said Al-Salah.

In 2013, two years into the crisis, the World Heritage Committee placed all six of Syria's World Heritage sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger, citing risks they are facing "because of the situation in the country." Among them is Bosra, a jewel of Syrian cultural heritage inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1980.

Over a decade later, with renewed conflict in northwestern Syria, the preservation of Syria's cultural heritage continues to receive far less attention than it deserves.

"No one cares about us now. Nobody knows the difficulties we face," Al-Salah said. 
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Lucknow, Dec 7 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed immediate financial assistance of Rs two lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to those who sustained serious injuries in the Kannauj accident, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said.

This comes after eight people lost their lives and at least 19 others were left injured after a double-decker bus collided with a water tanker on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway on Friday.

According to the police, the bus was travelling on the way to Delhi from Lucknow when the accident occurred.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences over the death of commuters in the bus accident in Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj.

The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office said, "Saddened by the loss of lives in the bus accident in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected."

"An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs50,000: PM @narendramodi."

Providing details of the incident, Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Kumar said, "Today, a bus and a water tanker collided on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway. The bus was travelling from Lucknow to Delhi. Police reached the spot as soon as we received the information. Eight people have died in the incident, and 19 injured individuals are undergoing treatment."

Kannauj District Magistrate Shubhrant Kumar Shukla, SP Amit Kumar, and Tirwa MLA Kailash Rajput are at the scene, overseeing rescue operations. All the injured have been admitted to Saifai Medical College.

This was the second major road accident in Uttar Pradesh within five hours.

Earlier on Friday, six people were killed, and five others injured in a road accident in Chitrakoot, police said. In this accident, an SUV collided head-on with a truck on the Jhansi-Mirzapur highway in the Raipura police station area at around 5:30 a.m.

In Pilibhit, six people were killed when a car carrying a wedding party crashed into a tree and plunged into a ditch around Friday midnight.

In the Pilbhit accident, a car with 11 people on board collided with a tree before falling into a ditch on the Pilibhit-Tanakpur road in the Neora police station area.

The driver of the car lost control while trying to overtake another vehicle.

The victims, all from Uttarakhand's Khatima district, were returning from a wedding in Chandoi village when the tragedy struck.

The deceased have been identified as Munni (65), Manzoor Ahmed (60), Bahiuddin (55), Sharif Ahmed (60), Sahe Alam (35), and Rakim (11).

Three of the injured were referred to a higher medical facility, while the others received initial treatment at the local hospital.
New Delhi, Dec 7 : The Central government has approved the release of Rs 944.8 crore to the Tamil Nadu government as two installments of central share from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to help it provide relief to people affected by cyclone Fengal, the Home Ministry said in an official statement.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the government stands shoulder to shoulder with the states affected by natural calamities in mitigating the hardship faced by people, the statement said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the release of Rs 944.8 crore to the Tamil Nadu government as both the instalments of central share from the SDRF to help the state in providing relief assistance to people affected by cyclone Fengal on November 30, it said.

An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) has been sent to Fengal-affected Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for an on-the-spot assessment of the damage caused.

After the assessment reports of IMCTs are received, additional financial assistance from NDRF will be approved for the disaster-affected states as per the established procedure, the release said.

More than Rs 21,718.716 crore has already been released by the central government to 28 states during this year.

This includes Rs 14,878.40 crore from SDRF to 26 states, Rs 4,808.32 crore from NDRF to 18 states, Rs 1,385.45 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 11 states, and Rs 646.546 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to seven states.

In addition to financial assistance, the central government has also provided all logistic assistance, including deployment of requisite NDRF teams, Army teams, and Air Force support to all the flood and cyclone-affected states.

In a letter to the Centre on Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said Cyclone Fengal caused "unprecedented" devastation in the state and urged PM Modi to release Rs 2,000 crore interim relief from the NDRF as a single disbursal.

Stalin said that more than 69 lakh families and 1.5 crore individuals were severely affected by the calamity in northern Tamil Nadu districts like Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Kallakurichi.

The state government's initial assessment revealed that an estimated Rs 2,475 crore was required for temporary restoration efforts.

"Despite our best efforts, the scale of this disaster has overwhelmed the stateas resources, and the state needs urgent financial assistance to manage the fallout of this natural disaster," Stalin said in the letter.
New York, Dec 7 : An appeals court has cleared the way for shutting down TikTok in the US unless its Chinese owners sell it by January 19, upholding a law passed by Congress to safeguard national security.

The court on Friday threw out the appeal by TikTok against the law disagreeing with the company's Chinese owner's contention that the law violated the Constitution's guarantee of freedom of expression.

"The government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary's ability to gather data on people in the US," Judge Douglas Ginsburg wrote in the majority opinion.

Attorney General Merrick Garland, whose department defended the law, welcomed the ruling.

"Today's decision is an important step in blocking the Chinese government from weaponising TikTok to collect sensitive information about millions of Americans, to covertly manipulate the content delivered to American audiences, and to undermine our national security," he said summarising the lawmakers' opposition to TikTok.

While it is ironic that a company operating under the iron fist of the Chinese Communist Party invokes the US Constitution's free expression guarantee, ByteDance said it will appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.

The social media for short videos is owned by ByteDance and has about 170 million users in the US.

Under the law passed in April and signed by President Joe Biden, app stores like Google and Apple cannot provide TikTok in the US, and internet hosting companies cannot support it from January 19.

If they do not comply, they could face fines running into billions of dollars because the penalty is $5,000 for each user given access to TikTok.

The January 19 date is significant because it is two days before Donald Trump, who once supported the ban but changed his mind, becomes President.

He can ask Congress to rescind the law and in the interim not enforce it or accept cosmetic changes in ByteDance's ownership as complying with the law.

In 2020, Trump citing national security risks unilaterally ordered it sold or face a ban, and while several companies scrambled to buy it, a court stayed the order.

Joe Biden, who succeeded him, revoked the order, but Congress enacted the law requiring its sale.

Trump changed his mind while out of office because it did not ban or restrict him like several US social media gaints and said he was for allowing it to operate in the US.

Of the three judges in the Washington DC Court of Appeals panel, two were Indian Americans.

Judge Naomi Rao concurred with Ginsburg, while Chief Judge Srinath Srinivasan wrote a separate judgment also upholding the ban.

India banned TikTok and 58 other apps in 2020 over national security concerns.
Seoul, Dec 7 : The National Assembly is poised to vote on Saturday for an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol over his surprise declaration and subsequent lifting of martial law, which left South Korea in political turmoil.

The political future of Yoon has been thrown into question after he abruptly declared martial law on Tuesday night, attempting to prohibit all political party activities and control the media. It was lifted six hours later after being rejected by 190 lawmakers in Parliament, Yonhap news agency reported.

The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) and five other minor opposition parties earlier submitted an impeachment motion, arguing Yoon's martial law declaration constituted violations of the Constitution and other laws.

A two-thirds majority is required to pass the motion, which would need support from at least eight lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party (PPP).

Among the PPP lawmakers, Representative Cho Kyoung-tae has expressed his support for Yoon's impeachment, the first such case for a ruling party lawmaker.

On Friday, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon called for the immediate suspension of Yoon's presidential duties. However, the ruling party later decided to maintain its stance of blocking the impeachment motion.

If the motion is passed, the Constitutional Court will decide whether to reinstate or remove Yoon from office.

If upheld by the court, Yoon would be the second President to be impeached since former President Park Geun-hye in 2017.

The DP will also seek to hold a revote on a bill calling for a special counsel investigation into First Lady Kim Keo Hee's corruption and election interference allegations during the plenary session on Saturday.

The bill, vetoed by Yoon for the third time, requires a two-thirds majority to override the veto.
Seoul, Dec 7 : South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol had ordered the arrest of prominent lawmakers of the ruling and main opposition parties, shortly after he declared martial law earlier this week, a top intelligence official told a lawmaker.

Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS), made the remark on Friday during his talks with Representative Shin Sung-bum, chair of the intelligence committee, at the National Assembly earlier in the day, Representative Kim Byung-kee of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) told reporters.

Included in the list were DP leader Lee Jae-myung, ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-Shik, DP floor leader Park Chan-dae, Representative Cho Kuk of the minor opposition Korea Rebuilding Party and other politicians, Yonhap news agency reported.

Hong claimed Yoon made a phone call late Tuesday and ordered him to "take this opportunity to take them all in and get rid of them".

Hong said he called Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung to deliver Yoon's instructions.

Hong also said he submitted a letter of resignation after hearing from NIS Director Cho Tae-yong that Yoon had ordered Hong to be sacked on Thursday, but Cho rejected it the following morning.

Meanwhile, Cho claimed he received no direct orders from Yoon about arresting any politicians, nor were there any talks about dismissing Hong either from the President or the presidential office.

A document submitted by the police agency to the DP, meanwhile, revealed that Yeo had asked Cho Ji-ho, the head of the Korean National Police Agency, to check the locations of major political figures during their phone calls immediately after the declaration of martial law on Tuesday.

The police agency said that its chief, however, did not take any action as it required a legal review.

During the phone call, Yeo also mentioned that a joint investigation headquarters could be set up, in which case he would ask the police for support, and that he planned to head to the National Election Commission.

The National Assembly's intelligence committee plans to hold an emergency meeting on Saturday to question the NIS director and other key spy officials on the martial law declaration.
Kyiv, Dec 7 : At least 12 people were killed and 39 others injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine, authorities reported.

Ten people lost their lives, and 20 others were injured when guided aerial bombs struck the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, igniting a fire at a car service station, said the State Service for Emergencies on Friday.

The blaze, which spread to an area of 250 square metres and damaged six vehicles, was extinguished, Xinhua news agency reported.

In central Ukraine's city of Kryvyi Rih, a ballistic missile hit a civilian administrative building, killing two people and injuring 19 others, said Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city's defense council.

Vilkul said the attack also damaged six apartment buildings, five private houses, and several vehicles.
GUANGZHOU, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Guangzhou branch of the China National Archives of Publications and Culture (CNAPC), a newly established landmark in the southern Chinese metropolis, stands as both an architectural masterpiece and a repository of the profound richness of Chinese civilization.

The CNAPC opened in July 2022, composed of its Beijing headquarters and branches in Guangzhou, Xi'an and Hangzhou. They collect print and digital works that embody the essence of the Chinese civilization, serving as a seed bank of Chinese culture.

The Guangzhou branch, or Wenqinge, located some 90 kilometers away from the city's downtown area, integrates the lush greenery and clear waters typical of southern China into its grand buildings.

In front of the main building -- a seven-story gray tower -- is a tranquil pond accompanied by an ancient tree and a large ink stone, creating a scene reminiscent of traditional Chinese paintings.

"To protect the tree, which is over 200 years old, we realigned the central axis of the architecture and designed a space for it to flourish in the middle of the pond, inadvertently creating the most stunning view," said chief architect He Jingtang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Within the exhibition area, an antique-style sailboat model highlights the rich history of Guangzhou. The southern coastal city served as a crucial starting point for the ancient Maritime Silk Road and is a trading port that has remained open continuously for over 2,000 years.

Wenqinge boasts a rich collection of historical texts in various languages that explore Chinese culture and history. These works illustrate the cultural exchange that occurred between the East and the West along the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

Highlighting a particular book published in Italian in 1586, Huang Zhen, who works in the research and publicity department of Wenqinge, said, "The book, 'Historia del Gran Reino de la China,' was originally authored in Spanish, drawing from the accounts of missionaries who traveled to Guangdong and Fujian. It was one of the most comprehensive and widely read works on China at that time."

The Maritime Silk Road not only facilitated economic and cultural exchange, but also accelerated the movement of people. From the late 19th to the early 20th century, a significant number of people from China's southern coastal regions migrated to Southeast Asia, driven either by necessity or the hope of better opportunities.

Among the precious collections at Wenqinge are the "Qiaopi" letters, which are remittances and letters sent home by overseas Chinese through non-governmental channels, financial institutions and postal services. They are unique records of the challenging and often tumultuous history of earlier generations of overseas Chinese.

According to Zhang Weitao, director of the Guangzhou branch of the CNAPC, the branch has collected over 3.6 million items and publications through various means, including donations and entrusted acquisitions. A significant portion of these materials focuses on the history of overseas Chinese, underscoring Guangzhou's role as a key hometown for these emigrants.

The Guangzhou branch is also exploring the integration of archives and technology, applying advanced technologies such as naked-eye 3D tech and holography to exhibitions and displays.

One of its most eye-catching high-tech displays is a graph system for Song Dynasty (960-1279) paintings, which not only allows for multidimensional and immersive displays of existing Song paintings but also enables visitors to create their own Song-style paintings using AI technology.

"Traditionally, 'archives' refer to printed editions and different editions of books," Zhang said. "The establishment of the CNAPC has enriched the meaning of the word, and it now refers to various carriers that bear the imprints of Chinese civilization."

The national archives can be seen as "a repository, museum and encyclopedia" of Chinese culture, he said.

"In the future, we will continue to enrich our collection, promote the scientific and safe preservation of the archives, and enable the inheritance and creative use of these resources," Zhang added. 
Seoul, Dec 7 : South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Saturday that he is "sincerely sorry" over causing public concerns for declaring martial law earlier this week, while pledging not to make another such attempt again.

"I am sincerely sorry and apologise to the people who must have been very surprised," Yoon said in a televised public address, hours ahead of a parliamentary vote on an impeachment motion against him, Yonhap news agency reported.

Yoon made the remark in his first public appearance after he declared martial law on Tuesday night and rescinded it six hours later after the National Assembly voted against it.

He said he imposed martial law due to "desperation" as President but acknowledged the abrupt decision caused "concerns and inconvenience" to the people.

"I will not avoid legal and political responsibility related to this martial law declaration," he said, vowing to leave all decisions, including his term, to his People Power Party in order to stabilise the nation.

Yoon was elected in May 2022 to a single, five-year term.

South Korean lawmakers are set to vote later Saturday on impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived attempt to impose martial law, as protests grew nationwide calling for his removal.

It wasn't immediately clear whether the motion submitted by opposition lawmakers would get the two-thirds majority required for Yoon to be impeached.

But it appeared more likely after the leader of Yoon's own party on Friday called for suspending his constitutional powers, describing him as unfit to hold the office and capable of taking more extreme action, including renewed attempts to impose martial law.

The president is facing growing pressure to step down after he shocked the nation by imposing martial law to root out "anti-state forces," accusing the opposition of paralyzing the government functions with impeachment motions and the proposed budget cut.

The opposition bloc, which together holds 192 seats in the 300-member National Assembly, is set to vote on his impeachment motion at around 5 p.m. The motion requires at least eight votes from the ruling party, which holds 108 seats.

Following the two-minute address, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, reiterated his call for Yoon's immediate resignation or impeachment.

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon also questioned Yoon's ability to govern, saying his early resignation is "unavoidable".
Islamabad, Dec 7 : The New Gwadar International Airport is set to commence operations by the end of December, Acting Director General of the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, said.

During his visit to the airport, the officer was briefed about the airport's cutting-edge features and the promising business and investment opportunities it is expected to generate in the future, Xinhua news agency reported quoting PAA.

The airport, a donation by China, is a 4F-grade state-of-the-art facility that can handle the largest civil aircraft. Its 3,658-metre-long, 75-metre-wide runway, with specialised foundation treatment, sets a benchmark in engineering standards.

Designed to transform connectivity, the airport features a spacious apron with five slots for wide-body aircraft and plans for extensive cargo operations with a dedicated cargo shed and future expansions.

Addressing previous connectivity challenges, the airport will enable modern airlines to serve Gwadar, enhancing regional economic growth and positioning Gwadar as a transhipment hub linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Launched in 2013, CPEC, a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, is a corridor linking the Gwadar Port in southwest Pakistan's Balochistan province with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which highlights energy, transport, and industrial cooperation in the first phase, while in the new phase expands to fields of agriculture and livelihood, among others.
Srinagar, Dec 7 : The evening cackle in the sky as a large flock of migratory birds start descending on the water surface announces the fact that these avian visitors are keeping their annual tryst with Kashmir Valley.

The kaleidoscopic view on the water surface inside the Hokersar bird reserve on the outskirts of Srinagar city proves beyond doubt that nature is the greatest painter of them all.

Teals, Mallards, Coots, Wigeons, shovelers, Brahminy ducks, Pochards, Pintails, Tufted ducks, Shelducks and the Greylag geese are the major species of migratory birds that come to the Valley from Russian Siberia, China, Japan, Eastern Europe and the Philippines.

These visitors come to spend the winter months in the rather sanguine environs of the Kashmir winter to ward off the extreme cold of their summer homes.

Regional wildlife warden, Tawheed Ahmad Deva told IANS that although the migratory bird arrivals are still not very large because of the long dry spell, as the winter season brings rain and snow in the common days, the bird arrivals will improve in the next 10 to 20 days.

"Say for example, if we expected 100 bird species till now, we have around 60 of them in our wetlands at the moment. This is definitely going to improve as rain and snow occurs in the days ahead", the wildlife warden said.

Last year, official data said the Valley hosted 8 to 12 lakh migratory birds while in 2021-2022, the number was 11 to 12 lakh.

In addition to the migratory birds that make Kashmir's wetlands their winter home, certain species of migratory birds called 'birds of passage' spend some time in early winter and late spring in the Valley before moving to and out of the Indian plains.

These are the Sandhill cranes and Cormorants that spend just a few weeks in the Valley while on their way to and back from the Indian plains.

The first to arrive are the Coots and the Teals while the Greylag geese come towards the first week of December.

The famous migratory bird reserves of Kashmir are Hokersar, Chatlam, Shallabugh and Hygam while a large number of migratory birds also home in the Wular Lake, Dal Lake and other water bodies in the Valley.

Bird poaching has been a major threat that the wildlife protection department faces.

"We have control rooms to supervise these bird reserves and to ensure that poaching is prevented. Migratory birds are not only our guests that impart beauty and majesty to the local environment, but these are also pointers to the health and well-being of our ecology," said the wildlife warden.

It is a magnificent sight to watch the migratory birds fly high in the sky with the eldest of the flock leading the way. If the eldest of the flock falls sick or dies, it is the next in the hierarchy that takes over.

"Instinct guides these birds to negotiate thousands of miles with arithmetical precision. The flight to winter homes is so tough and challenging that a bird loses more than half of its body weight while flying from the summer home to its winter home," said another wildlife protection officer.

It is a well-known tradition in Kashmir for elders to tell tales of the migratory birds to their children and grandchildren.

During long winter nights, the children in remote villages of Kashmir gather around parents and grandparents to listen to these 'Duck tales'.

It is hoped that the legacy of the migratory bird stories continues from generation to generation to create awareness about the health of the local water bodies and its bearing on the lives of humankind.
Chennai, Dec 7 : Villagers of Gudallur district of Tamil Nadu on Saturday called on the Tamil Nadu Forest Department to take immediate action to drive away a herd of wild elephants camping in a forest area just 2 km away from residential zones.

M. Lokanathan, a farmer in Gudalur, told IANS, "A herd of more than ten elephants is camping in the forest area, which is barely 2 km from our homes. We urge the forest department to act immediately to drive away these elephants."

The villagers report that the elephants frequently raid agricultural farms and banana plantations, causing extensive damage to crops.

In a recent incident on Friday, a wild tusker reached a residential area and attacked the house of Suresh, a farmer in Puliyamvayal, Gudalur.

Suresh and his pregnant wife had a miraculous escape though the elephant destroyed their house.

According to Gudalur range forest officials, Suresh opened his door after hearing noises, only to find the wild tusker outside. He and his wife fled through the back door, but the elephant demolished their house and belongings.

The previous night, a herd of wild elephants emerged from the forest and destroyed houses in the Allurvayal area of Gudalur district.

Villagers have demanded that the forest department implement preventive measures such as digging trenches and erecting solar fences to prevent wild elephant intrusions.

In another instance, a herd of eight elephants has been camping in Thailathoppu, just 2 km from the forest area.

Meanwhile, farmers in the Denkanikottai locality of Krishnagiri district have also urged the forest department to drive elephants back into the forest.

Tamil Nadu has recorded 256 deaths due to wild elephant attacks in the past five years.

Many people have been injured or incapacitated due to random attacks, particularly in areas adjacent to forests.

The Environment Ministry has issued guidelines to states and Union Territories to manage human-wildlife conflicts, including damage to crops.

These guidelines advocate for cultivating crops that are unpalatable to wild animals in forest fringe areas.

Farmers are encouraged to adopt agroforestry models using cash crops like chillies, lemongrass, and khus grass, mixed with trees and shrubs.

A Tamil Nadu government-constituted committee has identified 42 elephant corridors in the state and invited public comments on its draft report.

This number is significantly higher than the 20 corridors listed in 2023 by the Project Elephant division of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

The Elephant Corridor Committee, chaired by V. Naganathan, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), conducted a reassessment through literature surveys, ground validation, and mapping.

The report highlights that human-elephant conflicts are prevalent across 20 forest divisions in Tamil Nadu, with Coimbatore, Gudalur, Hosur, and the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve experiencing severe conflicts.

The 2017 synchronised pachyderm census recorded 2,761 elephants across 26 forest divisions in Tamil Nadu. The 2023 census reported a slight increase, estimating 2,961 elephants across 20 of the 26 forest divisions, covering 9,217.13 sq. km.

IANS

aal/rad
Kinshasa, Dec 7 : The World Health Organisation (WHO) is deploying experts to support health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with investigations to determine the cause of a yet undiagnosed disease that has been reported in Panzi, a locality in Kwango Province in the southwest of the country.

The WHO experts are joining the Congo response team and are on their way to Panzi, the WHO regional office for Africa confirmed in a statement on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

An initial local WHO team has been supporting the health authorities in Kwango since the end of November to reinforce disease surveillance and identify cases.

"Our priority is to provide effective support to the affected families and communities. All efforts are underway to identify the cause of the illness, understand its modes of transmission, and ensure appropriate response as swiftly as possible," said WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti.

According to the Congo public health ministry, 394 cases and 30 deaths have been reported so far in the Panzi health zone. Symptoms of the illness include headache, cough, fever, breathing difficulties, and anaemia.

A respiratory pathogen such as influenza or Covid is being investigated as a possible cause, as well as malaria, measles, and others. Until laboratory test results are received, the cause remains unclear, said the WHO.

Panzi is a rural community located more than 700 km from the capital of Kinshasa. Access by road is difficult, and the communication network is limited.
New York, Dec 7 : As of mid-November, a record 282 ships carrying more than 4,000 seamen had been abandoned by their owners this year, according to the International Transport Workers' Federation, or ITF, a labour union.

In 2023, the figure was 132 vessels.

"The figure rose when supply chains became snarled during the pandemic and again when Western sanctions were imposed on Russian interests in 2022, causing a surge in illicit maritime trade. Before 2020, about 40 ships a year were left stranded by absentee owners," reports Xinhua news agency, quoting The Wall Street Journal on Friday.

"The obscure ownership structures make it difficult for enforcement authorities to do any more than impound the vessels," it noted.

"If it's a shadow vessel, you can't hold the owners into account because they are nowhere to be seen," Guy Platten, secretary-general of the International Chamber of Shipping, a body representing shipowners, was quoted as saying.
New Delhi, Dec 7 : A team of doctors at Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow has removed a rare giant gallbladder, sized over 15 cm, from a 35-year-old woman, giving her a new lease of life.

Shalini Tiwari reported to the hospital with severe pain in the abdomen. Her ultrasound revealed a gallstone disease -- hardened deposits in the gall bladder. During her surgery, the doctors found that besides gallstones, her gall bladder was giant.

"Per operatively we found out the patient has a giant gallbladder, that is more than 15 cm in size. The normal size of the gallbladder is about 7-8 cm. The surgery called giant cholecystectomy is rare. Only 9 cases have to date been reported worldwide," Dr. Suramya Pandey, general surgeon at Lucknow Civil Hospital, told IANS on Saturday.

The patient was managed efficiently by the team. And the surgery went uneventfully, said the doctor.

Pandey noted that Tiwari was discharged after five days, without any post-operative complications.

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that sits just below the liver on the upper right side of the abdomen. It collects and stores a digestive fluid made in the liver called bile.

Giant gallbladder is a rare condition that can be caused by cholecystitis -- a redness and swelling (inflammation) of the gallbladder, gallstones, gallbladder cancer, or other diseases. It can develop in patients of any age and can mimic an abdominal tumour.

People with gallbladder problems can experience a sudden, severe, and sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, or the center of the abdomen just below the breastbone. They can also suffer from back pain between the shoulder blades, and pain in the right shoulder, among others.
New Delhi, Dec 7 : In a move to consolidate its political foothold in the national Capital, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has amplified its campaign against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, focussing on what it termed as public dissatisfaction and the promise of a "double-engine government" to transform Delhi.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, while addressing party workers and the press, said there was a "prevailing sentiment of dissatisfaction among the people of Delhi."

Commenting on the poster released by the BJP on Saturday, which says, 'Ab nahi sahenge, badal ke rahenge (we will not tolerate anymore, we will bring change)' Sachdeva remarked that it was the people's slogan.

"This is the slogan of the people of Delhi. When we were preparing the manifesto engaging with the people and meeting traders, Residents Welfare Associations, and speaking to the public at large, including those living in slums, everyone shared the same opinion, they want to be free from Arvind Kejriwal. They will no longer tolerate him and want change," Sachdeva said.

He further emphasised that this dissatisfaction has turned into a collective call for change.

"It is from this sentiment that the call for change has arisen  we will no longer tolerate this, we will bring change, and we will form the BJP government in Delhi," he added.

The BJP has framed its campaign around the idea of aligning Delhi's governance with the policies and vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The people of Delhi understand that only a double-engine government, one at the state and the other at the Centre, can bring real development to the national Capital," Sachdeva stated, asserting that Delhi's improvement requires synergy between the local and central governments.
Mumbai, Dec 7 : In another major swoop, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) carried out raids at seven locations in Mumbai and Ahmedabad and seized proceeds of alleged crimes worth Rs 13.50 crore, an official said here on Saturday.

The seizure pertains to a case lodged on November 7 against the Nashik Merchant Cooperative (NAMCO) Bank, in Malegaon town of the Nashik district.

Following a complaint, the Malegaon Chavani Police Station had lodged an FIR last month on mystery deposits of huge money of more than Rs 100 crore in 14 newly-opened bank accounts at the NAMCO Bank.

The police FIR named the prime suspect as Siraj A. M. Harun Memon, who operates a hot and cold beverages agency, plus his accomplices who used "identity documents of various innocent persons (obtained by false promises / monetary considerations) to layer and transfer the proceeds of the crime".

Later, the case, taken up by BJP ex-MP Kirit Somaiya as an alleged 'Vote-Jihad' matter, was probed by the ED as the suspicious transactions in multiple states came just weeks before the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly elections.

The ED probe found that at least five similar accounts were maintained with the Bank of Maharashtra, Nashik Branch.

The ED investigated the money trail of "debit transactions" made through various online banking channels from the 14 accounts at NAMCO Bank and the five accounts with BoM.

The startling outcome was that the funds from these accounts were transferred to 21 sole proprietary concerns through debit transactions, which also came under the ED's radar.

A detailed analysis of the bank statements of the 21 sole proprietory concerns where the hundreds of crores of rupees of funds were transferred through online banking channels, and these in turn were further routed to various other firms/companies said to be fake accounts.

Subsequently, the analysis revealed that a huge amount of money was withdrawn in cash from these dummy accounts, including by Nagani Akram M. Shafi, and Vasim V. Bhesaniya.

The duo then distributed the cash to various entities through 'angadiyas' (traditional personal couriers) or 'hawala' operators in Ahmedabad, Surat and Mumbai.

The ED contended that the Bhesania-Shafi duo - later arrested for money-laundering charges - worked under instructions of one Mehmood Bhagad alias Challenger King.

Last month, the ED carried out around 25 searches in Ahmedabad, Surat, Nashik and Mumbai and laid its hands on bank balances of Rs 5.20 crore, plus incriminating documents, digital evidence, bank deposits and other deals, etc.
Mumbai, Dec 7 : Telugu superstar Venkatesh Daggubati has given his blessings to the newly wed actor couple, Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala.

Mumbai, Dec 7 (IANS) Telugu superstar Venkatesh Daggubati has given his blessings to the newly wed actor couple, Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala.

Recently, the senior actor took to his Instagram, and shared several pictures from the wedding celebrations of Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita.

In the pictures, he could be seen with Naga Chaitanya and his family as they happily posed for the camera. The first picture shows the senior actor putting kala tika on Naga Chaitanya. One picture also features Venkatesh Daggubati's nephew, the Telugu actor, Rana Daggubati.

Venkatesh Daggubati wrote in the caption, "Celebrating love, happiness and family #SoChay".

Earlier, Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala visited Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh. The couple was accompanied by Telugu megastar and Naga Chaitanya's father, Nagarjuna.

While Naga Chaitanya was dressed in a traditional white pancha, his wife opted for a yellow saree. Nagarjuna wore a kurta and pyjama during the appearance.

Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala's wedding was a grand affair in Hyderabad. The event saw the who's who of the Telugu industry attending the celebrations.

Naga Chaitanya paid tribute to his grandfather, the legendary Akkineni Nageswara Rao, by donning traditional attire called 'pancha' reminiscent of his grandfather's timeless style during his wedding ceremony.

Sobhita Dhulipala also wore the traditional jewellery of her mother and grandmother for the 'Raata ceremony'. The Raata ceremony is a significant pre-wedding ritual in many Telugu traditions. It marks an important step before the bride is officially married. During this event, a bamboo stick is planted along with leaves of mango, jamun, and Jammi trees, which are then worshipped with sacred materials like pancha loha, navaratan (nine gems), and navadhaanya (nine grains).

A sacred potli (bag) is tied to the pole, and prayers are offered to the pancha bhuta (five elements) and devtas of all eight directions. This ritual is believed to purify and bless the bride before her journey into married life.

Naga Chaitanya was earlier married to actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The two tied the nuptial knot in 2017. However, the couple announced their separation 4 years later in 2021.
MONTEVIDEO, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Bolivia is committed to regional integration as a full member of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), President Luis Arce said Friday.

The 65th Mercosur Summit in Montevideo, Uruguay, "holds very special significance" for Bolivia, Arce told his regional counterparts during a plenary session held at the Mercosur building.

"It is our first summit as a full member of Mercosur," Arce said, pointing to this historic step in Bolivia's relationship with the regional bloc founded by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

"Being part of this great family fills us with pride and hope because we are convinced that unity and integration ... are the path to addressing the challenges of the current international context," he said.

Mercosur was created in 1991 to promote free trade and the free movement of people and capital among its member countries. 
Wellington, Dec 7 : England pacer Gus Atkinson bagged a hat-trick against New Zealand on Day 2 of the second Test at Basin Reserve to bowl out hosts for paltry 125. England finished the day with a daunting 533 runs lead with Ben Duckett (92), Jacob Bethell (96), Harry Brook (55) and Joe Root (73 not out) scoring half-centuries to post 378/5 in 76 overs at stumps on Saturday.

Atkinson, who returned with the figures of 4-41, said he wasn't thinking of a hat-trick adding that he stuck to the team's plan of bowling short-pitch deliveries followed by yorkers.

"It (our plans) worked out well in the morning and the batters batted pretty well. Never thought of getting a hat-trick, but it was nice to get it. We wanted to set them up with the shorter balls and then go for the yorker. Yesterday, I didn't feel great, but I felt nice today," the pacer said after the end of the play.

New Zealand began the day at 86/5 but collapsed quickly, being dismissed for 125 within 10 overs. Brydon Carse struck early with a brilliant delivery that bowled Tom Blundell, reminiscent of his Day 1 delivery to Kane Williamson, which had been nullified by a no-ball. William O'Rourke was trapped LBW in the same over for a duck.

Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith added quick runs to push the score past 100, but Atkinson wrapped up the innings decisively. Smith inside-edged onto his stumps, Matt Henry edged a short ball to Ben Duckett at gully and Tim Southee fell LBW to a full, skidding delivery, completing Atkinsonas hat trick.

England, with a 155-run first-innings lead, started their second innings aggressively. Although Zak Crawley fell early to Matt Henry, Bethell and Duckett launched a counterattack, piling pressure on New Zealand. Duckett was given a lifeline when Tom Latham dropped a tough catch, and Southee wasted a review on Bethell.

Bethell and Duckett struck breezy fifties and looked on course for centuries before Tim Southee dismissed both in quick succession. Bethell edged to Latham, while Duckett dragged one onto his stumps. Despite these breakthroughs, New Zealand couldnat stem Englandas dominance as Joe Root and Harry Brook combined in the final session to extend the lead beyond 400. A blossoming partnership left New Zealand without answers, with a failed review on Root adding to their frustrations.

Brook continued his free-flowing form, pulling short balls and driving overpitched deliveries with ease. Glenn Phillips, bowling a lengthy spell, finally dismissed Brook, who mistimed a lofted shot to long-off. Brookas departure came after a stellar knock, while Root reached his 65th Test fifty, also marking his 100th 50-plus score in Tests.

As England approached a 500-run lead, Ollie Pope fell to Matt Henry, but captain Ben Stokes decided against declaring. Stokes hammered an unbeaten 36 off 26 balls, supporting Root, who remained unbeaten on 73, setting himself up for a potential 36th Test century on Day 3.

Atkinson didn't reveal England's plan for Day 3 and emphasised to continue their approach to target batters.

"Not really sure what the plans are. We'll see tomorrow and assess the conditions. We'll stick to the usual plans and try to challenge the batters," he said.
Mumbai, Dec 7 : Actress Snehil Dixit Mehra, who will be next seen in 'Vanvaas', has shared an anecdote from her meeting with the film's director Anil Sharma.

The actress, who is popular as 'BC Aunty' on social media, said that she was told by the director that she represents the women of this country.

Anil also asked her not to change anything about herself as a person and at the same time offered her a role which was very far off from her.

The actress said, "When I met Anil Sharma Sir, he told me, 'I've seen so many of your comedy videos on Instagram, but I have a completely different role in mind for you. Would you be up for the challenge?' I was intrigued. Then he said something that stayed with me, 'Don't change a thing about yourself, no need to lose weight or conform to any industry standards'".

She further mentioned, "People want to see characters that reflect their reality. You represent the women of this country, and that's what makes you perfect for this role'. Those words gave me a sense of confidence and purpose I hadn't felt before".

Her role in 'Vanvaas' marks a significant career shift for the actress as she transitions from comedy to portraying a complex character caught in the moral grey zone.

'Vanvaas' also stars Nana Patekar and Anil Sharma's son, Utkarsh Sharma.

Directed by Anil Sharma, 'Vanvaas' is set against a backdrop of intense drama, where every character walks a fine line between right and wrong. Mehra's performance promises to surprise audiences, proving she is much more than just a comedic genius.

The film is set to arrive in cinemas on December 20.
Chennai, Dec 7 : DMK senior leader and Tamil Nadu Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE), P.K. Sekar Babu, asserted that his party would sweep the 2026 Assembly elections, winning all 234 seats.

He made this statement in response to remarks by Tamil superstar-turned-politician Vijay, who criticised the DMK's claims of securing 200 out of the 234 seats in the upcoming elections.

Vijay had stated on Friday that the people of Tamil Nadu would reject the DMK and its alliance, dismissing their predictions as "boastful."

Sekar Babu, speaking to the media after distributing welfare assistance to 10 orphanages in Kolathur on Saturday, said, "Some critics, who have never stepped onto the ground, are questioning our statement that we will win in 200 constituencies.

"Our target for the 2026 elections is not just 200 constituencies; we are aiming for all 234 constituencies. The DMK will secure all the seats."

He also criticised "certain intellectuals and critics, who are self-proclaimed experts" for being skeptical about the party's ambitious goals.

This exchange follows remarks made by Vijay during the inaugural public meeting of his newly-launched political outfit, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Vijay declared that while BJP was his ideological adversary, the DMK was his primary political opponent.

The superstar's entry into politics has drawn parallels with the legendary Tamil actor and politician M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), who served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until his death in 1987.

During his inaugural speech, Vijay criticised the DMK for its alleged dynastic politics, a practice that, according to him, has persisted since the tenure of former Chief Minister K Karunanidhi.

These comments have irked the DMK, and the sharp rebuttal from Sekar Babu, a trusted aide of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has sparked discussions in Tamil Nadu's political circles.

Chief Minister Stalin has directed party district secretaries to ensure that the DMK and its allies win a minimum of 200 seats in the upcoming elections.

The DMK has activated its organisational machinery, assigning full-time workers to each Assembly constituency to coordinate campaign efforts. The DMK's full-time workers, chosen based on their performance during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, are tasked with managing campaign activities in their respective constituencies.

Interestingly, these workers are not residents of the constituencies they oversee, a strategic decision aimed at ensuring impartiality and focus.

These constituency in-charges are required to submit weekly reports to the state party headquarters, highlighting progress, strengths, and weaknesses in their areas. To further enhance coordination, the DMK has also appointed ministers in charge of each district.

The Chief Minister's Office is actively monitoring these ministers' performance to ensure the effective implementation of government schemes and programs.

The DMK-led INDIA bloc achieved a landslide victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, securing all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone seat in Puducherry. The party's organisational structure was instrumental in this success, and a similar strategy is being adopted for the 2026 Assembly elections.

A core team of DMK leaders, including Youth Wing leader and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, state ministers Thangam Thenarasu and E.V. Velu, and party organising secretary R.S. Bharathi, is overseeing the election strategy.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, in particular, is managing day-to-day operations.

During a recent high-profile meeting at Anna Arivalayam, Udhayanidhi Stalin reportedly criticised underperforming party leaders who failed to meet expectations during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, despite being assigned specifically.

With the DMK currently holding 133 Assembly seats, the party is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to achieve its ambitious target.

The 2026 elections are set to be a critical test of the DMK's political strategy and organisational strength.
New Delhi, Dec 7 : Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday greeted members of the Armed Forces on the occasion of Flag Day and called upon citizens to wholeheartedly contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day fund.

Kharge said, "The Armed Forces Flag Day is a solemn occasion to pay tribute to the extraordinary courage and indomitable grit of our brave soldiers and express sincere gratitude to their valour and selfless service to our country."

In a post on social media platform X, Kharge said, "On the behalf of the Indian National Congress, I appeal to all my fellow citizens to contribute generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day fund. These voluntary donations will serve as a gesture of solidarity and support for the families of our ex-servicemen, war veterans, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation."

"I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all members of our Armed Forces and their families, wishing them continued success, glory, and happiness in the years to come," he said.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also hailed the armed forces.

"On Armed Forces Flag Day, I salute the unwavering courage and determination of the brave men and women of the Indian Armed Forces," said Gandhi in a post on social media.

"Your innumerable sacrifices and dedication keep our country safe and inspire us all," he said.

The Armed Forces Flag Day or the Flag Day of India is a day dedicated to honouring the soldiers and veterans of India's armed forces. It is observed annually in India on December 7 since 1949.

On this day small flags are distributed to civilians in return of donations. Flag Day gains more significance as it considers that it is the responsibility of the civilian population to take care of the families and dependents of the armed forces personnel who fight for the country.

The Kendriya Sainik Board's (KSB) regional wings manage the fund collection across the country as part of the Flag Day. Other voluntary organizations also join the effort.
Seoul, Dec 7 : A massive crowd of protesters gathered on Saturday in western Seoul to call for the ouster of President Yoon Suk Yeol over this week's martial law turmoil.

The large-scale rally took place in Yeouido, where the National Assembly is located, as parliament was set to vote on an impeachment motion against Yoon, Yonhap news agency reported.

Yoon declared emergency martial law in an unexpected decision Tuesday night but subsequently lifted it hours later as the opposition-controlled parliament voted to reject it.

The President issued a public apology ahead of the vote earlier Saturday and pledged that he won't order martial law again.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), one of the largest umbrella labour unions in the country, participated in the gathering.

"An apology cannot cover up treason," the KCTU said in a statement while calling for the "immediate impeachment and arrest" of Yoon.

The Federation of Korean Trade Unions, another major umbrella union, also condemned the president, saying the apology was aimed at preventing the passage of the impeachment motion.

Calls for an impeachment also emerged from the legal community.

The Korean Bar Association issued a statement shortly after Yoon's public address, declaring its support for impeachment. "We agree with the impeachment of the president for disrupting the constitutional order through an unconstitutional declaration of martial law."

Members of various civic groups across the country, including those from Gwangju, Daejeon and Busan, also headed to Seoul on buses to participate in the rally.

A man in his 50s was detained by police after trying to immolate himself near the National Assembly in protest of Yoon's martial law declaration, according to officials.

The police plan to deploy hundreds of officers to help cars make detours around the route of the march in central Seoul and Yeouido.

"Although this is an extremely sensitive and challenging situation, we will do our utmost to ensure safety," a police official said. "We will communicate with the organisers to minimise inconvenience to citizens."
United Nations, Dec 7 : UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for the immediate and unconditional release of the humanitarian personnel detained by the Houthis in Yemen.

It has been six months since the detention of more than 50 humanitarian personnel from the United Nations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society and diplomatic missions, in addition to four other UN personnel detained since 2021 and 2023, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief.

The Secretary General acknowledges the recent release of one UN staff member and two NGO personnel, but recalls that the continued arbitrary detention of dozens of others is unacceptable and constitutes a violation of international law, the statement said.

"These detentions threaten the safety of humanitarian personnel and significantly impair efforts to assist millions of people in need. These actions are inconsistent with genuine engagement in peace efforts," it added.

The United Nations, NGOs and other relevant international partners are working through all possible channels and authorities to secure the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained, the statement said.
London, Dec 7 : King Charles III has annulled the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) honour of British businessman and Indian-origin peer of the House of Lords Raminder Singh Ranger for alleged breach of parliamentary Code of Conduct relating to "bullying and harassment", an official said on Saturday.

London, Dec 7 (IANS) King Charles III has annulled the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) honour of British businessman and Indian-origin peer of the House of Lords Raminder Singh Ranger for alleged breach of parliamentary Code of Conduct relating to "bullying and harassment", an official said on Saturday.

Lord Rami Ranger, as he is popularly known, is the founder of UK-based FMCG Sun Mark and Sea Air and Land Forwarding, an international marketing and distribution company, lost the CBE honour on Friday for reportedly "bringing the honours system into disrepute".

The Conservative Party peer's spokesperson called the cancellation "unjust" and said that Ranger will challenge it.

Raising "significant concerns" over the "lack of transparency and the high level of secrecy" of the process, the spokesperson said, "Lord Ranger has not committed any crime nor has he broken any law, where the majority of the people who have had their honour revoked in this way, have committed a crime or broken the law."

Lord Rami Ranger was conferred the CBE for services to British business and the Asian community by the late Queen Elizabeth II in the New Year's Honours list of December 2015.

While the Forfeiture Committee of the UK Cabinet Office does not specify its reasons behind such recommendations, the move follows a Lords probe concluding last year that Ranger had breached the parliamentary Code of Conduct relating to "bullying and harassment".

"The King has directed that the appointment of Raminder Singh, Baron Ranger to be a Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, dated December 31, 2015, shall be cancelled and annulled and that his name shall be erased from the Register of the said Order," reads the official public notice in 'The London Gazette'.

According to the Cabinet Office guidelines, honour can be withdrawn if an individual is "found guilty of a criminal offence, behaviour which results in censure by a regulatory or a professional body, or any other behaviour that is deemed to bring the honours system into disrepute".

"Each case is considered individually.... The Committee is not an investigatory body  it does not decide whether or not someone is guilty or innocent of a particular act. Instead, it reflects the findings of official investigations and makes a recommendation of whether or not the honours system has been brought into disrepute," the rules state.

The Conservative Party peer's spokesperson said, "Lord Ranger is devastated that the CBE awarded to him for his services to British business and for promoting community cohesion has been taken away. The Forfeiture Committee has re-visited a number of matters that had already been dealt with and for which Lord Ranger apologised, undertook rehabilitative training around his use of language, and came off social media."

The spokesperson further added that he is looking at all options for redress via various legal avenues open to him and will challenge this unjust decision in order to vindicate himself and clear his name in the UK and abroad. Lord Ranger was a worthy recipient of his CBE. The manner in which it has been taken from him is shameful."

Earlier, Ranger had faced a Code of Conduct investigation by the Commissioner for Standards for the House of Lords following a Diwali-related event within the Houses of Parliament complex in London in October 2022.
Beirut, Dec 7 : Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stressed Italy's continued support for the Lebanese army during a meeting with his Lebanese counterpart Maurice Slim.

"Italy will continue supporting the Lebanese army by organising more conferences to enhance its capabilities, especially at this critical stage," Crosetto said on Friday.

The two officials discussed bilateral relations, developments in Lebanon, military cooperation between the two countries, and the importance of the role played by the Italian unit within the framework of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), reports Xinhua, quoting Lebanon's National News Agency.

For his part, Slim thanked Italy for its support to Lebanon and its assistance to the army, stressing Lebanon's keenness to ensure the safety of UNIFIL and its continued execution of assigned tasks despite the Israeli attacks on its sites.

"The army was and will remain keen to cooperate with UNIFIL, especially at this stage where the army plays a central role in maintaining security and stability in the south in close cooperation with UNIFIL," Slim said.

The Lebanese minister highlighted the continued "hostile actions" carried out by the Israeli enemy, which constitute a flagrant violation of a ceasefire deal between the two sides while stressing Lebanon's commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in all its provisions.

The ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, went into effect in late November, aiming to halt nearly 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
Mumbai, Dec 7 : Newly-elected legislators of the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance staged a walk-out of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly during the MLAs' oath-taking ceremony and slammed what they termed as a 'EVM magic' government that has assumed power, here on Saturday.

Almost all the MLAs of the Congress-Shiv Sena (UBT)-Nationalist Congress Party (SP) and their supporting smaller parties marched out of the House slamming what they called an unprecedented '90 per cent majority' regime courtesy the Electronic Voting Machines.

Samajwadi Party state President and MLA Abu Asim Azmi and another MLA were the only two MVA legislators who took oath.

Similarly, the ruling side MLAs of the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP and their allies started the oath-taking ceremony presided over by Pro-Tem Speaker Kolambkar.

Senior MVA leaders, who led the walkout of the other MLAs, interacted with the media near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Vidhan Bhavan precincts, declaring that they are "not against the oath ceremony" but would not take the oath today.

Congress' state President Nana F. Patole and Vijay Wadettiwar, NCP (SP)'s General Secretary Dr Jitendra Awhad and Rohit R.R. Patil, SS (UBT)'s Group Leaders Aditya Thackeray and Bhaskar Jadhav and others said that the MahaYuti 2.0 has secured a brute majority due to the 'EVM magic' which they are protesting.

"They (MahaYuti) have won hugely, but there's no joy in their camps They are bulldozing the Opposition, not allowing them to have their say. Our protest is against this undemocratic attitude of the government. We have doubts on the EVMs," said Aditya Thackeray.

"This government has got a huge majority but not the peoples' support This is the alchemy of the EVMs. We are protesting peacefully to save democracy and the Constitution. We are not against the oath-ceremony but object to the manner in which the current regime has come to power," said Jadhav.

Awhad emphatically pointed out how the government has been trying to muffle the Opposition, not allowing them to speak and throwing them in jails when they raise issues.

"We are keeping off the oath-ceremony today because they (MahaYuti) have won the elections by EVMs manipulations," declared a grim Patole.

Reiterating the demand to hold elections on ballot papers, Awhad later went to meet SS (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray, who is a Member of the Legislative Council.

Patole, Wadettiwar, Awhad, Aditya Thackeray, Leader of Opposition in Council Ambadas Danve and other legislators were scheduled to hold a meeting to chart out the future strategy of the MVA in the House.
Lucknow, Dec 7 : Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) National President Mayawati has accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress of exploiting communal tensions for political gains in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow on Saturday, she alleged that both parties are inciting divisions within the Muslim community in Sambhal to secure votes.

Mayawati claimed that SP and Congress are prioritising Muslim votes over other pressing issues. "These two parties are pitting Turks and non-Turks in the Muslim community against each other in Sambhal. Muslims must remain cautious about these tactics," she said.

She also attacked the Congress for its 'silence' on the plight of Hindus in neighbouring Bangladesh, where many have fallen victim to crimes.

"The Congress has remained silent on atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh but is now vocally addressing Sambhal solely to win Muslim votes. This proves that Congress and SP are two sides of the same coin," she remarked.

Mayawati expressed disappointment over the silence of Dalit MPs on issues affecting their community. She accused them of prioritising party loyalty over the interests of Dalits, whether in India or Bangladesh.

She mentioned historical injustices faced by Dalits during the Partition of India. According to her, the Jessore-Khulna region in Bangladesh, which was a Hindu-majority area, was handed over to Pakistan during Partition as a deliberate move by the Congress. This, she said, was an act of casteist politics aimed at punishing Dalits for electing Dr B.R. Ambedkar to the Constituent Assembly.

Mayawati pointed out that Dalits and weaker sections, who form the majority of oppressed Hindus in Bangladesh, continue to suffer, and the Congress has turned a blind eye. "It was due to these conspiracies that Dr Ambedkar resigned and returned to India. Today, Congress is shouting about Sambhal, but only to cater to Muslim voters, ignoring the broader issues," she claimed.

The violence in Sambhal broke out on November 24 when a team reached the Shahi Jama Masjid to survey the site which the Hindu side claims to be a Hari Har temple. At least four people were killed in the violence.
DAMASCUS, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Syria's Defense Ministry on Saturday dismissed reports that army forces had withdrawn from rural Damascus, calling such reports "a disinformation campaign aimed at spreading panic."

The Syrian army maintained its position and remained fully deployed in rural Damascus, standing ready to confront "any terrorist aggression," according to the ministry.

The denial came as multiple reports of government troops pulling back from several positions in southern provinces, including Quneitra and Daraa near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, as well as Sweida.

Rebels in Daraa reportedly advanced to within 20 km of the Syrian capital Damascus after seizing numerous military posts and persuading some government units to surrender or defect. Late Friday, opposition fighters claimed control of Daraa city, the provincial capital.

In Sweida, local armed factions released prisoners not involved in crimes, and negotiations were ongoing for government forces' withdrawals from military intelligence branches, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor.

These developments reflect the escalating fighting between government forces and rebel groups, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, for territorial gains since Nov. 27. 
New Delhi, Dec 7 : As India aims to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded Nikshay Mitras and other such shorter and effective treatments that have reduced the incidence of the deadly infectious disease.

PM Modi said that such initiatives have helped in increasing the rate of recovery.

"Initiatives like Nikshay Mitras and shorter, effective treatments have significantly reduced TB incidence, improved recovery rates, and reinforced India's global leadership in combating TB," the PM said in a post on X.

This was in response to a post by the Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda who elucidated on several initiatives such as the 100-day campaign in high-burden districts, enhanced nutritional support through Nikshay Poshan Yojana, undertaken by the government in the fight against TB.

"Union Health Minister Shri @JPNadda elaborates how India's TB elimination efforts have seen transformative progress with nutritional support through Nikshay Poshan Yojana," the PM said.

Meanwhile, Nadda is expected to officially launch the ambitious 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign in Panchkula, Haryana on Saturday.

The campaign aims to accelerate the fight against TB by improving case detection, reducing diagnostic delays, and enhancing treatment outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The campaign will span 347 districts across 33 states and Union Territories. It represents a critical component of India's strategy to eliminate TB and build a TB-free nation.

India has also significantly reduced the incidence rate of the deadly infectious disease as well as the related deaths."The incidence rate of TB in India has shown a 17.7 per cent decline from 237 per 100,000 population in 2015 to 195 per 100,000 population in 2023," said Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Patel noted that "TB deaths have reduced by 21.4 per cent from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh population in 2023." TB notification, which has been a concern in India, has also seen improvements in recent years. "Notified TB cases increased from 18.05 lakh in 2020 to 25.52 lakh in 2023," said the MoS.
Imphal, Dec 7 : As at least 2,000 soldiers of the Army and Assam Rifles continued their hectic search operation to locate the 56-year-old man from the Meitei community, Joint Action Committee (JAC) and the Meira Paibis have sought the intervention of the Defence Minister and Assam Chief Minister to rescue the man who has remained untraced for nearly two weeks.

The influential Meira Paibis (women vigilantes in Manipur) and the JAC, who are continuing their agitations separately in protest against the abduction of Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, who has been missing since November 25.

The JAC leaders, who on Friday met Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and discussed the abduction of Kamalbabu Singh, on Saturday told the media that they are also seeking the intervention of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to ask the Army officials in Manipur to intensify the search operation to locate the missing person.

Meira Paibis leaders said that as Kamalbabu Singh is a resident of Assam, and state Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma must talk to all concerned to rescue him.

Kamalbabu Singh, a resident of Gossaipur under Cachar district in southern Assam, who was staying at Loitang Khunou village in Imphal West district, left his residence on November 25 for the Leimakhong military station, where he was working as a supervisor for a contractor working with the Military Engineering Services (MES), but went missing.

Defence sources said that the Army has deployed over 2,000 soldiers including Assam Rifles personnel and is conducting hectic searches in Kangpokpi and adjoining districts to locate Laishram Kamalbabu Singh.

The Army as part of their search operation deployed tracker dogs, drones and other devices.

According to a defence spokesman, the Army officials are constantly interacting with village heads and community elders to gather information to further intensify the search operation.

The CCTV feeds have been scanned, Singhas co-workers were being spoken to, and an intense search operation, including with the aid of sniffer dogs, has been launched, he said.

The Manipur High Court has earlier this week constituted a four-member committee to conduct an enquiry in connection with the missing man.

A Home Department official said that the Division Bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui heard the petition filed by the brother of the missing person and constituted the committee headed by the District Magistrate of Kangpokpi.

The other members of the committee include Superintendent of Police of Kangpokpi and Imphal West Districts and the Commanding Officer of the 57 Mountain Division, Signal Regiment.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh earlier urged the Army to undertake all-out efforts to locate and rescue Kamalbabu Singh and take responsibility for finding the missing person.

Leimakhong military station, located 16 km away from the capital Imphal, is surrounded by Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribal-dominated areas.

After ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May last year, people belonging to the Meitei community fled the areas near Leimakhong village.
Los Angeles, Dec 7 : After a judge has ordered Jane Doe to reveal her identity in her sexual assault lawsuit against American rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the accuser has come forward, and revealed herself as Anna Kane, the ex-wife of Edmonton Oilers player Evander Kane.

In an amended complaint filed in Federal District Court in Manhattan on Friday, December 6, Kane used her real name, reports 'People' magazine.

Earlier, the U.S. District Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke ruled that she has to reveal herself in order to continue her lawsuit against the music mogul.

Kane gave a statement to 'People', as she said, "I had hoped to use a pseudonym in pursuing justice for what happened to me as a teenager. Defendants' demand that I use my name was an attempt to intimidate me, but I am not intimidated. I am prepared to proceed and hold accountable those who have harmed me".

As per 'People', Kane sued Combs, former Bad Boy CEO Harve Pierre and a third unknown associate for sex trafficking and gang rape when she was 17 years old in December 2023, one month after Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura filed her own bombshell sexual abuse and sex trafficking lawsuit against Combs. Diddy, 54, has denied both the allegations and reached a settlement the next day with Ventura.

In the filing, Kane claims that Pierre approached her at a Detroit-area lounge in Michigan and convinced her to take a private jet with him and a third assailant to Teterboro, NJ. Once she arrived at Daddy's House Recording Studio in Manhattan, Kane alleges she was given drugs and alcohol before being "viciously gang raped", "one after the other", the lawsuit claims.

Things took a turn when she allegedly began to slip in and out of consciousness. Kane claims the three men took turns raping her in the bathroom while she pleaded for them to stop. Eventually, she claims that she blacked out, later waking up on the floor in the fetal position and experiencing vaginal pain. After she "regained her bearings", the lawsuit claims Kane was taken back to an airport and flown to Michigan.

Combs had denied Kane's allegations in a statement to 'People' shortly after the lawsuit was filed last year. "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH," he said in a statement in 2023.

"For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy. Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth", he added.
Patna, Dec 7 : Tension prevailed in Bajitpur village of Darbhanga district in Bihar following stone pelting during the Vivah Panchami tableau procession on Saturday. The police force is deployed in large numbers to prevent any untoward incident.

The tensions erupted when the procession passed near a mosque in Bajitpur area on Friday night.

According to the police, unidentified persons pelted stones and bricks on the tableau, leading to a clash between two groups. Some persons sustained Injuries in this incident, and were admitted to a local hospital. The situation was brought under control after police intervention.

The incident disrupted a 30-year-old tradition of peaceful tableaux on Vivah Panchami, an event marking Lord Rama and Sita's marriage.

Organizer Nago Das expressed shock over the violence, stating that such incidents had never occurred earlier. "We have been organizing religious rituals for many years. When the tableau of Panchami Vivah reached the mosque, stone pelting started from the other side. Many women and children were also part of the procession. They were rescued to a nearby temple and we have informed the local police," Das said.

According to statements from women involved in the tableau, there have not been previous instances of resistance when Hindu processions passed through the area.

It is alleged that people from the other community had stocked bricks and stones, and deliberately disrupted the procession when it passed from the area on Friday. The situation escalated quickly, leading to injuries and widespread chaos.

Following the incident, some police personnel present there rescued the victims, additional force was also brought to the site. The police tried to pacify both sides and maintain peace and tranquility.

Officials from the district administration are now camping in the area to prevent further escalation.

The police are also actively investigating the incident, including reviewing CCTV footage to identify and take action against the offenders.
Bengaluru, Dec 7 : Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H. D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday expressed shock over the death of 327 women following delivery this year alone in Karnataka, underlining that the Congress government cannot escape from its consequences.

"This information provided by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has shocked me. Even in this modern era, where the medical field has made tremendous advancements, it is disgraceful for women to be losing their lives in hospitals," he stated.

"Hospitals have become death traps for pregnant women in the state. The Congress government cannot escape from the consequences of these deaths. An investigation should be conducted by the sitting judges of the High Court. Immediate action is needed to restore the failing healthcare system," Kumaraswamy demanded.

"The state government, which claims to empower women financially with the Griha Lakshmi Guarantee, is ironically causing the deaths of these very women in hospitals. Women who trust government hospitals for birth are returning home not just without their babies, but without their lives," Kumaraswamy charged.

"The government health system in the state has completely deteriorated. Hospitals have become death traps. Women are dying from poor-quality glucose and medicines. It is disturbing to learn that nine women became critically ill just two hours after receiving an IV infusion of Ringer's Lactate infusion at Ballari Hospital. Which company supplied this infusion? Whose responsibility was it?" Kumaraswamy questioned.

"What has the government been doing while substandard glucose and medicines were being supplied for so many days? Why was the Health Minister neglecting such a crucial issue? Didn't the minister know what was happening in the department?" he went on.

he pointed out that the Health Minister's statement, "I will resign if I am at fault," is unacceptable. "Simply resigning will not solve the problem. What is needed is proper treatment for the ailing health department. Atonement is more important than escape. It is the minister's responsibility to fix the department. The suffering of these women cannot be overlooked," he underlined.

The issue of maternal deaths in government hospitals in Ballari district came to the forefront with the death of Sumaya, the latest victim, who was admitted to VIMS in Ballari on November 10. Following a cesarean surgery on November 12, she was administered IV fluids, after which she developed kidney issues that eventually led to multiple organ failure. She was undergoing dialysis but succumbed on December 5.

Prior to Sumaya, Rojamma, Nandini, Muskaan, Mahalaxmi and Lalitamma also died due to post-delivery complications in Ballari district. These incidents have caused widespread concern and outrage across the state.
Bogota, Dec 7 : At least a dozen people were injured and several children went missing after a dam burst in the rural southwest Colombian department of Cauca, the Colombian Civil Defence reported.

"It seems there was a mass movement that dammed the Aguas Claritas stream, and the resulting water flow swept away the homes in the area," Major Juan Carlos Sandoval, said the director of the Civil Defence in Cauca.

Efforts to access the mountainous Micay Canyon area in the municipality of El Tambo for search and rescue have been hindered by landslides blocking roads, Sandoval said. Among the injured is the father of the missing children, reported Xinhua news agency quoting local media.

Carlos Carrillo, director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, announced plans to establish a Unified Command Post in Popayan to coordinate the search for the missing, giving priority to the safety of vulnerable populations amid heavy rains in the region.
Kochi, Dec 7 : The Kerala High Court on Saturday reprimanded the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government for its failure to provide clarity on the utilisation of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). This comes a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the state for not submitting a detailed memorandum on the damages caused by the Wayanad landslide that devastated four villages.

The state government has publicly blamed the Centre for delays in sanctioning a special package for Wayanad. However, the Congress-led opposition has hit out at both the Centre and the state government for failing to act swiftly in the aftermath of the July disaster.

The High Court, during a suo motu hearing on compensation related to the Wayanad landslide, questioned the state's lack of transparency on SDRF utilisation. Despite a reported balance of Rs 782.99 crore in the SDRF, the state informed the Court that it could not access central funds for immediate relief without demonstrating that at least 50 per cent of the SDRF had been utilised.

The Court expressed frustration when the Finance Officer of the Disaster Management Department revealed that Rs 677 crore remained in the SDRF but was unable to specify what portion could be allocated for disaster relief in Wayanad.

"You have Rs 677 crore in your SDRF account, yet you cannot specify how much is available for immediate use. Any reasonable person should have at least some idea of available funds. If you are not able to give us a statement, even on the approximate amount, no point in having this discussion that we have not got this money, we don't have this money," the Court remarked.

The Court emphasized that without clear details on SDRF usage, it could not order the Centre to release additional funds. "You must first clarify your own resources before requesting further assistance," it stated.

Highlighting the delay, the Court said, "The landslide occurred in July, and itas now December. People's needs should take precedence. Article 21 concerns the right to life, and such delays shift focus from real issues."

The Court has directed the state government to submit a detailed report on SDRF utilisation by Thursday.

State BJP President K. Surendran criticized both the state government and the opposition for shifting blame to the Centre. "Itas shameful that instead of addressing these issues, the state and Congress-led opposition are blaming the Centre. The real problem lies in the lack of accountability and clarity at the state level," Surendran said.
Mumbai, Dec 7 : Leading automaker Mahindra on Saturday said it will strongly contest the brand rights of its electric SUV 'BE 6e' in court, after InterGlobe Aviation Limited, which runs IndiGo airline, sued Mahindra over using the name '6E'.

Mahindra's mark is "BE 6e" not the standalone "6E," the company said, adding that it reserves the right to the brand name "BE 6e".

Earlier this week, InterGlobe Aviation filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Mahindra Electric for using '6E' in its new car called Mahindra BE 6e. Indigo's "6E" represents an airline.

In a fresh statement, Mahindra said it find it "unseemly that two large, Indian multinationals should engage in a distracting and unnecessary conflict when, in fact, we should be championing each other's growth and expansion".

"We are hence taking the decision to brand our product the "BE 6," it added.

"We believe it differs fundamentally from IndiGo's '6E,' which represents an airline, eliminating any risk of confusion. The distinct styling further emphasizes its uniqueness. Our registration application is for an entirely different industry sector and product and hence do not see any conflict," said the automaker.

In fact, "we would like to point out that in the past, Tata Motors had objected to InterGlobe using the IndiGo mark, given their Tata Indigo car brand".

"InterGlobe continues to use the mark IndiGo in a different industry and business. We therefore find their objection to BE 6e to be inconsistent with their own previous conduct," Mahindra said, adding that "we would not like to get distracted from our vision of popularising electric transport in India".

It further added that the claim by IndiGo is "baseless and if not challenged, will set an unhealthy precedent of monopolizing alpha-numeric 2-character marks, despite our mark being distinctive and different. This will be enormously constraining for all companies across industries and sectors".

The case will come up for hearing on December 9, according to reports.
Mumbai, Dec 7 : Expressing concern over surveys being conducted at various mosques, Robert Vadra, husband of Wayanad Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi and son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, on Saturday underscored the need for having a secular government and remaining together for progress.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, after offering prayers at Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai, the 55-year-old entrepreneur said that as a diverse nation, we must let everyone follow their faith.

He hoped his wife, along with Rahul Gandhi, would take on the BJP and expose the issues that the ruling party tries to hide. He also raised the issue of votersa doubts over EVMs and called for an early solution from the EC before it gets too late and people lose faith in the method of voting.

Here are the excerpts from the interview.

IANS: How do you feel that your wife is an MP now?

RV: I am very happy that Priyanka is in Parliament now. I am sure she will raise the issues hidden or suppressed by the BJP. She will talk about all the issues including those related to farmers, women, and minorities, every issue that the country is facing which the BJP tries to hide. With Rahul (Gandhi), Priyanka would take up these issues.

IANS: What do you think about the demands being raised across the country for conducting surveys at various mosques?

RV: It is incorrect. I am very worried about all the surveys being conducted in mosques. Ours is a diverse nation, we must let everybody follow their faith. When people are in trouble they think about their gods, at that time, politicians donat come to help them. They go to pray to the gods they believe in. We should have a secular government.

I am sure Priyanka, along with Rahul Gandhi, will try to reach Sambhal (in Uttar Pradesh that has witnessed violence over a mosque survey) and every place where there is disturbance caused by the government there.

IANS: What according to you are the ill-effects of the frequent communal flare-ups?

RV: We are a strong, secular nation and thatas the way we should stay together. Thatas how we will progress ahead. We should just stay secular and together for all of us to move forward.

IANS: What do you have to say about the farmersa agitation and their march towards Delhi?

RV: When the government does not listen to people who have issues and there is no hearing at alla Farmers have been protesting for two years, many of them have dieda nobody was listening to the farmers. I feel before the 2024 general elections, when all three farm bills were reversed it was just for the optics.

IANS: How do you see the recent Assembly election results in Haryana and Maharashtra?

RV: I think there is definitely an issue with the EVMs. If all the (protesting) farmers are coming from Haryana, how is it that Haryana has elected a government that is pro-BJP. When all farmers from Haryana are protesting against it, there is certainly an issue with the EVMs. How can such a result come in Haryana?

In Maharashtra, we had much hopes. But I think the Congress will rise again and people will work hard. I congratulate Mahayuti but it should work for people in a secular manner.

The result was not on the expected lines. I have gathered from some people that they donat believe in EVMs. People donat believe in some EVMs because some of the EVMs have a battery life of 99 per cent and some of them have 66 per cent. These things have been taken to the Election Commission and I hope it will focus on this. People need to believe in EVMs and the voting system. People have doubts in Haryana and Maharashtra elections and the EC needs to look into it otherwise the people will lose faith in the democratic process.

IANS: Is the Manipur issue being addressed to your satisfaction?

RV: All the real issues of the country have to be heard by the Prime Minister. He goes to a fair for the North-East but he does not go to Manipur. They have a government there and there is so much disturbance. The women are being harassed, everybody is in trouble. If they cannot find a solution, they have to be above party lines and put all parties together to find a solution for Manipur.

So, there are a lot of issues that need to be taken up but if they are not going to listen to the Opposition, the Lok Sabha is not going to function. And I feel it is harmful for the country that the Lok Sabha is non functional.

IANS: How do you feel about being in Mumbai?

RV: I am very fortunate to be here and thankful for the love and affection that I got from everyone here. I offered a achadara and prayers for me and my family. I am here for prayers for brotherhood, peace and harmony. I am on a spiritual visit and, spiritually, I am learning and joining everybody. I try to help all the orphanages that I can go to.
New Delhi, Dec 7 : The Congress on Thursday responded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's expressed willingness to lead the INDIA bloc, emphasising that leadership decisions for the Opposition alliance would be made collectively by all member parties rather than public declarations.

Mamata recently voiced dissatisfaction with the functioning of the INDIA bloc and stated her readiness to lead the alliance if given the opportunity.

Mamata also clarified that while she would not leave Bengal, she could oversee the bloc's operations from there.

Her remarks followed TMC MP Kirti Azad's suggestion, along with many others, that the West Bengal Chief Minister should be appointed as the head of the INDIA bloc.

Speaking to IANS, Congress leaders, however, highlighted that such decisions require consensus.

Congress leader Rashid Alvi told IANS, "Nitish Kumar also expressed his desire to lead the INDIA bloc. But in a coalition of this magnitude, leadership decisions are not made unilaterally."

"It requires agreement and consultation among all members. The bloc will collectively decide who will lead, who will be the convener, or if there will be a chairperson, who that person will be," he said.

"It's natural for leaders to aspire to lead, but such decisions are not about individual ambitions," Alvi added.

Congress Lok Sabha MP Tariq Anwar echoed this sentiment, stating, "The INDIA bloc is a coalition of many parties, and leadership decisions will be made collectively."

Another Congress MP, Tanuj Punia, stressed the importance of internal discussions over public declarations.

"This matter should be discussed with the Leader of Opposition and the party's National President. It's not something to be debated in the media. If Mamata Banerjee has suggestions, they should be presented for discussion among all member parties, and decisions will be taken accordingly," he said.

The INDIA bloc, formed to challenge the BJP in the elections, comprises over two dozen Opposition parties.

While the Congress, as the largest party in the bloc, is seen as the natural leader, the TMC has consistently advocated for Mamata to take on a prominent leadership role.

Meanwhile, the bloc has faced criticism for internal divisions and a lack of coordination, raising questions about its effectiveness in presenting a unified challenge to the BJP.
Several observatories in China have captured rare images of a falling near-Earth asteroid, formally designated as 2024 XA1.

This combo photo provided by the Lijiang branch of the Yunnan Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) shows the telescope in Lijiang (L) and the image of asteroid 2024 XA1 (R, bright line). [The Lijiang branch of the CAS Yunnan Observatories/Handout via Xinhua]

The images, along with the observation results of foreign observatories on the asteroid, mark the 11th successful early warning of an asteroid impacting Earth, and the 4th such prediction of 2024, according to China Science Daily on Friday.



The asteroid has an estimated diameter of between 75 centimeters and one meter. It was first discovered by a University of Arizona telescope at 5:55 a.m. (UTC) on Dec. 3, the report said.

China played a crucial role in monitoring the event due to its strategic geographic location.

The Lijiang branch of the Yunnan Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) detected the asteroid during the time from 3:10 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (UTC) on Dec. 3 through its 2.4-meter telescope, said Zhang Xiliang, a researcher at the Lijiang observatory.

At 4:15 p.m. (UTC) on Dec. 3, the asteroid entered Earth's atmosphere over eastern Siberia and ignited, creating a bright fireball. The time between when the asteroid was first detected and its fall to Earth was less than 12 hours.

Telescopes at the CAS Purple Mountain Observatory (PMO), the Lenghu observatory in northwestern China's Qinghai province, and the Xingming Observatory in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, also in northwestern China, all captured images of the asteroid.

Within two hours following the impact, the Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union had received a total of 64 observations from around the world, and formally designated the asteroid as 2024 XA1, according to the report.

The destructive power of near-Earth asteroids impacting Earth is enormous, and early warnings and defense against such asteroids are of great importance to the safety of humanity. However, most near-Earth asteroids are not detected before they impact Earth due to our limited observation capacity, Zhang said.

"The achievement made this time will provide solid scientific support for China's efforts in early warnings and defense against near-Earth asteroids," he said.

The Lijiang observatory is located in a low latitude area with an altitude of over 3,200 meters, making it one of the best astronomical observation sites in China for night sky observations.

Zhang said that the research team at the Lijiang observatory formulated an observation plan based on forecast information and the characteristics of the asteroid six hours before it was expected to fall to Earth.

The team adopted a wait-and-see method at its designated position in anticipation of the fast-moving nature of 2024 XA1, and successfully captured precious images within the hour before its fall to Earth.

The observatory's 2.4-meter telescope is currently the largest general-purpose optical astronomical telescope in East Asia with the capability of tracking and observing fast-moving targets such as near-Earth asteroids with high precision.

The increasing success of asteroid-Earth impact predictions has been attributed to the continuous improvement of global near-Earth asteroid monitoring and warning capabilities.

The PMO also captured images of the asteroid approximately 42 minutes before its Earth impact.

The PMO is committed to researching methods to monitor and predict near-Earth asteroids, and actively advocates for the construction of a next-generation near-Earth object monitoring and warning network.
MONTEVIDEO, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Uruguayan Foreign Minister Omar Paganini has confirmed that the Mercosur-European Union (EU) trade agreement is nearly finalized, during the 65th Summit of the South American bloc, which took place from Dec. 5 to 6 in Montevideo.

In a press conference at Mercosur's headquarters on Thursday, Paganini announced that a consensus had been reached at the Ordinary Meeting of the Common Market Council, following direct negotiations with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.

He emphasized that "all the countries" in the bloc have expressed their "support for the text," including Argentina, which will assume the temporary presidency of Mercosur for the first half of 2025.

"Tomorrow, there will be a meeting of leaders, and we will conclude the negotiation process," Paganini said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Montevideo on Thursday afternoon to meet with Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou. On Friday, she will lead the European delegation at the Mercosur-EU meeting, which will precede the summit of the South American bloc's presidents.

Von der Leyen posted on X, "The EU-Mercosur deal is in sight. We're going to work and seal it."

"We have the opportunity to create a market of 700 million people -- the largest trade and investment partnership the world has ever seen. Both regions will benefit," she added.

An initial trade agreement between Mercosur and the EU was reached in June 2019 after 20 years of negotiations. However, its ratification has been delayed, and some parts of the agreement have been renegotiated.

Mercosur consists of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with Bolivia in the process of joining. 
Srinagar, Dec 7 : Continuing its crackdown on drug smugglers and peddlers, Jammu & Kashmir Police on Saturday attached properties worth Rs 4.3 crore in Anantnag district.

A police statement said that they have intensified crackdown on drug trafficking in Anantnag district where properties worth Rs 4.3 of drug peddlers have been attached.

"In a significant operation against drug trafficking and narcotics-related crimes, police in Anantnag have attached five residential houses and three vehicles, collectively valued at Rs 4.3 crore under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

"This decisive action is part of ongoing efforts to combat the drug menace in the region. The attached houses include a single-storied house of Reyaz Ahmad Dar son of Mohammad Ramzan Dar resident of Hassanpora Tawella attached by Bijbehara police for involvement in several NDPS cases, a double-storied house of Mohammad Yousuf Reshi son of Ali Mohammad Reshi, linked to a major narcotics recovery case attached by Bijbehara police, single-storied residential property of Subzar Ahmad Mir son of Sonaullah Mir from Hassanpora Tawella; a double-storied residential house of Mohammad Shafi Dar, son of Mohammad Maqbool Dar resident of Tulkhan Bijbehara for involvement in NDPS activities; a residential house valued at Rs 30 lakh of habitual offender Abdul Hamid Chopan from Malpora Ranipora attached by Achabal Police.

"Besides the vehicles include a Santro car bearing registration number JK02B-6823 belonging to Mohammad Shafi Dar, a WagonR bearing registration number HR28C-9580 owned by Manzoor Ahmad Mantoo of Waghama Bijbehara and a Toyota Corolla bearing registration number HR51AL-0505 registered to Rahul Singh of New Delhi.

The proactive measures reflect the commitment of J&K Police in dismantling drug trafficking networks and ensuring that those involved in such crimes face stringent legal consequences. By targeting the properties and assets of offenders.

"J&K Police aims to deter further illegal activities and disrupt the financial backbone of drug networks, he said. J&K Police reaffirms their dedication in creating a drug-free society and call upon the public to support their efforts in this vital mission," the statement added.
Mumbai, Dec 7 : Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan, who was recently seen in the streaming movie 'Ae Watan Mere Watan', is celebrating 6 years of the release of her movie 'Kedarnath'.

On Saturday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a video featuring a collection of clips of the movie and its BTS. She wrote in the caption, "6 years of Kedarnath. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday and sometimes it feels like a lifetime away Jai Bholenath. Thank you for making me me. And thank you for giving me a lifetime of memories".

'Kedarnath' marked Sara's debut in Bollywood, and starred her opposite the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

The disaster film is based on the 2013 flash floods in Uttarakhand, and tells an inter-faith love story between a wealthy Hindu Brahmin girl whose family owns a lodge and shops near the historic Kedarnath Temple in the Uttarakhand mountains and a Muslim boy who is a 'pithoo' (porter) working in the same vicinity.

As their relationship grows closer, the pair face many obstacles, including familial disapproval and contrasting backgrounds; when the sudden rains of the 2013 Uttarakhand floods devastate the region, the couple are forced to survive against the elements and face the ultimate test of their love.

The film was written and directed by Abhishek Kapoor, who is known for 'Rock On!!' and 'Kai Po Che!'.

While Sara went on to struggle at the box-office after the success of 'Kedarnath', SSR went on to do the critically acclaimed 'Sonchiriya', the box-office hit and the National Award-winning movie 'Chhichhore', and the streaming disaster 'Drive' before he was found dead at his house in Mumbai during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
New Delhi, Dec 7 : The Indian startup ecosystem saw its cumulative funding reach $250 million across 18 deals this week, a significant 72 per cent increase.

Domestic startups had raised more than $145 million last week, as investor confidence revived in the country when it came to VC funding.

Global investment group Prosus disclosed it infused $100 million in NBFC Vastu Housing Finance and $80 million in fintech Mintifi.

AI-enabled customer feedback intelligence platform Enterpret raised $20.8 million in Series A funding led by Canaan Partners, a US-based venture capital firm.

The electric two-wheeler maker Ultraviolette raised Rs 130 crore in a fresh round of funding from its existing investors Zoho, Lingotto, Mudhal Partners and Ojas Consultation.

Kleiner Perkins, Peak XV Partners (a Sequoia Capital India), Wing Ventures, and Recall Capital, as well as angel investors also participated in the round.

Agrileaf, a leading Indian manufacturer and exporter of biodegradable dinnerware, secured Rs 16 crore (around $2 million) in growth funding led by Capital-A and Samarsh Capital. The Money Club, an on-demand liquidity platform, raised $2.5 million in their Series A funding round led by Prudent Investment Managers.

Glow, a pioneering Ethereum-based solar company, secured $30 million in funding from renowned venture capital firms Framework and Union Square Ventures. This significant investment will fuel Glow's ambitious mission to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and decentralise the global energy grid in India and across the globe.

Meanwhile, recognised startups in India have created over 16.6 lakh direct jobs across more than 55 varied industries, the government informed. The highest number of direct jobs were created in the IT sector (2,04,119), followed by healthcare and life sciences (1,47,639) and professional and commercial services (94,060), informed Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

India is currently home to over 1,46,000 DPIIT-recognised startups, and more than 100 unicorns.
Mumbai, Dec 7 : On anticipated lines, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has quit the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) opposition alliance in Maharashtra, barely a fortnight after the state Assembly election results were declared, here on Saturday.

Speaking to media-persons, state SP President and MLA Abu Asim Azmi cited several grouses for his abrupt decision to withdraw from the opposition and slammed the MVA leaders of Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (SP)-Shiv Sena (UBT) for their stance on various political issues.

"There was absolutely no co-ordination in the MVA during the elections or the seat-sharing process. They never called us for meetings or joint rallies. They used to avoid sharing each other's campaign platforms and all this resulted in the MVA parties' massive debacle in the Assembly polls," said Azmi.

The SP had sought 12 seats from the MVA, it contested six but bagged just two  Azmi himself from Mankhurd-Shivajinagar (Mumbai) and Rais Kasam Shaikh from Bhiwandi East (Thane) seat.

Targeting the SS (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray, he claimed that in an internal party meeting, Thackeray had reportedly exhorted his leaders and party workers to aggressively pursue the Hindutva agenda once again before the upcoming civic elections in the state. "Yesterday, (December 6), a SS (UBT) leader posted a social media message claiming credit for the (undivided) party on the razing of the Babri Mosque demolition (1993). How can we tolerate this," asked a visibly irked Azmi.

He made it clear that the SP stands for secular values, saving democracy and the Constitution, and hence it would not side with any party adopting such a communal approach.

Azmi's grudge stems from a post on X of SS (UBT) MLC Milind Narvekar who lauded the Babri Mosque demolition 32 years ago, including pictures of the (undivided) Shiv Sena founder-patriarch the late Balasaheb Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray (MLC) and Aditya Thackeray (MLA).

"They should realise that such posts hurt sentiments, and are contrary to the ethics of unity, secularism and respect for all communities. We are here to promote harmony among all sections, not to divide the people," Azmi said sternly.

To a query whether the state unit's move would impact the status of the SP national party - headed by Akhilesh Yadav  vis-a-vis the INDIA bloc, Azmi remained evasive. "I have been given full authority to take any decision in the party's interest in Maharashtra. The decision at the Central level shall rest with the top leadership. I had called to convey our (state) move to Akhilesh Yadav, but could not speak with him," contended Azmi.

Similarly, whether the SP would now sit as a separate group or have some other arrangement, he smiled and said, "How can a 2-MLA party become a separate entity in the house (of 288 legislators) We shall see what is to be done in the coming days," declared Azmi.

The leaders of Congress-SS (UBT)-NCP (SP) have not yet responded to the development, but defying the MVA decision not to attend the MLAs' oath-ceremony, the 2 SP legislators took their oath today along with the MahaYuti alliance legislators.

Nevertheless, the SP supported wholeheartedly the movement against Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in favour of a return to the ballot paper voting that has been launched from a small village of Markadwadi in Malshiras assembly constituency of Solapur from December 3, that has grabbed national attention.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at qnajmi@gmail.com )
Bhopal, Dec 7 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted raids under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Indore and Raisen districts of Madhya Pradesh.

ED officials carried out searches at four premises associated with Manoj Parmar and a manager of Punjab National Bank (PNB) Mark Pius Karari.

During the search, various incriminating documents and details of immovable and movable properties were recovered, and have been seized.

In an official statement issued on Saturday, ED said that during the search, statements of certain persons were recorded and a bank account with of Rs. 3.5 lakh has been frozen.

It said that the details of four immovable properties of key persons were also found during the searches.

ED said that the action has been initiated on the basis of an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Mark Pius Karari and Manoj Parmar, who have been booked under various sections of BNS.

According to the ED's statement, CBI's chargesheet filed against Paramar and Karari revealed that funds amounting to rupees six crore were availed as loans under the government's schemes, however, the loan amount was used for other purposes.

"An amount of Rs six crore loan was availed under Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Program and Chief Minister Yuva Udhami Yojna schemes, but were diverted and misutilised," ED said.

It further added that during the investigation, bank account analysis revealed that the bank funds were diverted to various proprietorship concerns, firms and were subsequently withdrawn in cash for the purpose of investment in properties.

Further investigation into the matter is underway.
Pune, Dec 7 : His passion fuelled by a support system made of family, friends, and community who believed in his potential, M. Sudhakar has crossed numerous hurdles as he rose from the hinterland in Tamil Nadu to stardom in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 as a star player for former winners Patna Pirates.

He played a big role in his team's surge into the semifinals last year and is doing well this year too.

His dream began in a nondescript village in rural Tamil Nadu, not in a grand stadium but amid the passionate cheers of family members playing kabaddi. M. Sudhakar's story is a testament to how determination, hard work and the power of unwavering support and fuel a dream and help achieve success.

"From an early age, I saw my father and brothers playing kabaddi," the young star from Palayanallur recalls with nostalgia in the 'Rise of a Star' video. "I knew then that I wanted to make something of myself in this sport."

However, the road was far from easy. Coming from a background where survival often meant working from a young age, Sudhakar's journey was marked by challenges. "It was incredibly difficult," he admits. But what set him apart was an extraordinary support system comprising of his family, friends, and community who believed in his potential.

"Whenever I went somewhere, people would ask me to tell my story," he says. "My father would be so proud, telling everyone about my achievements." Those moments of recognition meant everything to a young man who once wondered if his dreams were too big.

His breakthrough came with the Pro Kabaddi League, where he didn't just play  he made a statement. In his first season, he stunned audiences, becoming a player who could turn the tide of a match with his extraordinary skills. "I became someone who could protect my team's honour," he says proudly.

In 19 matches, he scored 105 points, with three Super 10s as well. This was crucial to his team's run to the semifinal in Season 10.

The most touching aspect of Sudhakar's journey is his humility. Despite becoming a national-level athlete, he remains connected to his roots. "I want the small children in my village to know that dreams are possible," he shares. "If I can do it, so can they," he says in the video.

For Sudhakar, kabaddi was never just a sport. It was a pathway to success, a bridge between his modest beginning and a future filled with possibilities. His story is a powerful message: that passion, hard work, and belief can help one conquer the most challenging circumstances.

From an unknown village to becoming a kabaddi superstar, M. Sudhakar's journey proves that true champions are not born  they are made, one passionate raid at a time.
Manila, Dec 7 : In a bid to help India strengthen and modernise its logistics sector, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $350 million policy-based loan to support wide-ranging reforms in the sector.

The logistics sector reforms are also expected to create substantial employment opportunities, both in urban and rural areas. The increased demand for skilled logistics workers, driven by private sector investments and process efficiency, will contribute to job creation.

The loan will finance the second subprogramme of the 'Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem Programme', which supports the government's efforts to create a comprehensive policy, planning, and institutional framework at the federal, state, and city levels.

The government has launched several strategic policies to address logistics sector constraints, including the Prime Minister Gati Shakti-National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) and the National Logistics Policy (NLP).

"The development of the logistics sector has a profound impact on the manufacturing sector's competitiveness. Improved logistics efficiency enhances supply chain resilience, reduces transaction costs, and boosts export competitiveness," said Sameer Khatiwada, ADB Senior Public Management Economist.

"The integration of digital technologies and standardised processes facilitates smoother movement of goods, which is crucial for manufacturing growth," Khatiwada added.

ADB's programme supported India's reform efforts, which have improved India's ranking in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index and reduced logistics costs significantly.

Key actions include the establishment of institutional arrangements for logistics planning at the state and city levels, implementation of a grain storage plan, and adoption of green transition guidelines for inland waterways.

From 2000 to 2022, India's goods export increased from $48.5 billion to $467.5 billion while industrial exports grew from $39.6 billion to $317.4 billion.

The government aims to reach $2 trillion in exports of goods and services by 2030.

Through strategic policy reforms, infrastructural improvements, and digital integration, the government's ongoing reforms are set to transform the logistics landscape, said ADB.
Bengaluru, Dec 7 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Saturday that the state government will not spare those who have minted money in the alleged Covid scam case.

The state government has formed a commission which is headed by High Court Justice John Michael D'Cunha to probe the alleged case. The commission has former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and then Health Ministers B. Sriramulu and K. Sudhakar guilty of Covid management-related irregularities.

On Saturday, the cabinet sub-committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar met at Vidhana Soudha to review the recommendations of Justice Cunha's commission and the actions to be taken.

"Officials are conducting an investigation based on the recommendations of Justice Michael Cunha's committee on Covid management-related irregularities. Those who embezzled Covid funds will not be spared. Our government has received Justice John Michael Cunha's report on Covid-period corruption. We are reviewing the report and have instructed officials to take action within the legal framework as per the committee's recommendations. Investigations will also be conducted against department officials, and criminal cases may be filed against some, as suggested in the report," said Shivakumar.

He added that the government does not accept the report that stated there were no faults in the Chamarajanagar oxygen tragedy during the Covid pandemic.

"We demand a fresh investigation into this incident. Both I and CM Siddaramaiah visited the hospital and witnessed the situation where 36 people died, yet the then-minister claimed only three deaths. I personally visited the families of the deceased," he said.

Referring to Covid testing irregularities, he said, "In Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits, 84 lakh RT-PCR tests were reportedly conducted, with bills amounting to Rs 502 crore, out of which Rs 400 crore has been paid. If 84 lakh tests were conducted, it would mean two tests per household in Bengaluru."

He added that in Kidwai Hospital alone, 24 lakh tests were reportedly conducted, generating a bill of Rs 146 crore, despite not having the technical capacity or ICMR approval.

"Conducting so many tests at a single location raises questions about logistics and crowding. We will review the entire process and decisions taken beyond the legal framework," he added.

He said that a committee of retired officials would be formed to guide the investigation. "We don't want to unnecessarily harass anyone, so this committee will help ensure fairness," he clarified.

Reacting to the former health minister's claim of political conspiracy, he remarked, "There's a saying: When a pumpkin thief is accused, they check their shoulder. I haven't spoken about him, so why is he responding? The report mentions officials, politicians, private hospitals, and laboratories involved in corruption under Section 71 and Section 11 of the Prevention of Corruption Act."

When asked about filing FIRs, he said, "Officials are handling the investigation and will take necessary action. We will not interfere in this. In the assembly, we accused the BJP government of making money off dead bodies. People are furious about this. Those who misused Covid funds will not be spared," Shivakumar reiterated.

He added that officials are also investigating PPE kit and equipment procurement while notices have been issued to some individuals.

Regarding the alleged embezzlement in PPE kits and equipment procurement, he said, "Officials are handling the process. Notices have been issued to some individuals, and we are supervising this process."
Srinagar, Dec 7 : A large wild Capra goat called Markhor was found on Saturday in Jammu & Kashmir's Baramulla district. Officials of the Wildlife Protection Department started efforts to catch and relocate the rare animal.

Srinagar, Dec 7 (IANS) A large wild Capra goat called Markhor was found on Saturday in Jammu & Kashmiras Baramulla district. Officials of the Wildlife Protection Department started efforts to catch and relocate the rare animal.

Markhor (capra falconeri) is a large wild goat species native to South and Central Asia mainly Pakistan, the Karakoram mountain range, parts of Afghanistan and the Himalayas. It is listed on the IUCN red list as "near threatened" since 2015.

Villagers in Noorkha of Boniyar area in Uri tehsil of Baramulla district found the wild goat near a waterfall this morning.

The villagers promptly contacted the local police station and a team from Wildlife Protection Department came to capture and relocate the rare animal.

Villagers said that the wild goat is not found in the area and it has most likely crossed the line of control (LoC) from Pakistan and entered Baramulla district.

Markhor is the national animal of Pakistan where it is commonly called the screw-horned goat. The word aMarkhora comes from Pashto and classical Persian language which means snake-eater.

It refers to an ancient belief that the Markhor kills and eats snakes. The regional myth is believed to owe its origin to the snake-like horns of the male Markhor goat.

Alos in folklore, the Markhor is believed to kill and eat serpents. Thereafter, while chewing the cud, a foam-like substance comes out of its mouth that drops on the ground and dries. This foam-like substance is sought after by the local people, who believe that it is useful in extracting poison from snakebites.

United Nations General Assembly has declared May 24 as the International Day of the Markhor.

Markhor are adapted to mountainous terrain and can be found between 2,000 to 11,800 feet altitude.

The animal inhabits shrub forests made up primarily of oaks, pines and junipers. They are diurnal in behaviour, which means they are active mostly in the early morning and late afternoon.

Their mating season is during winter when the males fight each other by lunging, locking horns and attempting to push each other off balance.

Their gestation period lasts 135-170 days and usually results in the birth of one or two offspring, but occasionally three.

Markhors live in herds, usually numbering nine animals, composed of adult females and their young ones. Adult males are largely solitary.

Adult females and fawns comprise most of the markhor population, with adult females making up 32 per cent and kids making up 31 per cent . Adult males comprise 19 per cent of the population.

Their alarm call closely resembles the bleating of domestic goats. During summer, the males remain in the forest while the females generally climb to the highest rocky ridges.

In spring time, the females stay closer to cliffs in areas with more rock coverage to provide protection to their offspring. The males stay in higher elevated areas with more access to vegetation for foraging so as to improve their body condition.
New Delhi, Dec 7 : The development of an indigenous antibiotic Nafithromycin is an important achievement by Indian scientists, and may be crucial in the country's fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), said experts on Saturday.

Developed by Indian pharma company Wockhardt, with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Nafithromycin targets Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP).

The drug marketed as "Miqnaf" is effective against CABP caused by drug-resistant bacteria, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

"Development of the indigenous antibiotic Nafithromycin is a very important achievement by Indian scientists. Potency and newness of the Nafithromycin shall help doctors to treat multi-drug resistant bacteria, particularly causing respiratory infections," Dr. Harshal R Salve, Additional Professor, Centre for Community Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS.

"As respiratory infections are one of the most important hospital-acquired infections this new antibiotic shall provide great help to the infection management of hospitalised patients," he added.

Nafithromycin is designed to treat both typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria -- making it a crucial tool in addressing the global health crisis of AMR (Anti-microbial Resistance). It boasts superior safety, minimal side effects, and no significant drug interactions.

It belongs to a class of antibiotics, called Macrolides, that treat bacterial infections by preventing bacteria from producing proteins. Its development marks a pivotal moment in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, showcasing India's growing capabilities in pharmaceutical innovation.

The drug is also 10 times more effective than current treatments like azithromycin and offers a three-day treatment regimen, significantly shortening the recovery time while improving patient outcomes.

"Macrolides are 'tailor-made' antibiotics for the management of pneumococcal infections in outpatient and hospital settings. Its features include oral bioavailability; exponential lung (site-of-infection) penetration; and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) features permitting less frequent dosing. Macrolides are the most abused class of antibiotics which was expensively used in covid era too," Dr. Dhiren Gupta, head dept of Pediatric pulmonology from Sir Ganga Ram hospital, told IANS.

The expert noted that both in India and globally, invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal infections are accountable for a substantial healthcare burden.

"Development of this new antibiotic is definitely going to help India but it's going to be temporary if antibiotics are misused. Bacteria will likely develop resistance against Nafithromycin as well," Gupta said.

With the threat of AMR being one of the biggest public health challenges, the experts called out the need to curtail the use of antibiotics by limiting their availability in the open market and also off-prescription availability.

"Rational use of antibiotics, stoppage of over the counter supply of antibiotics capacity building of both patients, communities and health care provides for in stopping irrational use of antibiotics though the systematic approach is essential to address the issue of AMR at the community level," Salve said.
BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- China's top economic planner said Saturday that funds raised through the 1-trillion-yuan (about 139 billion U.S. dollars) ultra-long special treasury bonds this year have all been allocated to support specific projects and programs.

Among the total, 700 billion yuan was allocated to implement major national strategies and build up security capacity in key areas, while 300 billion yuan was channeled to fund equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

The NDRC listed several projects supported by the funds, including constructing railways, highways and airports along the Yangtze River, building high-standard farmlands in northeast China, and the shelterbelt program in northeast, north and northwest China.

The NDRC has vowed to work with relevant authorities to enhance monitoring and evaluation, and ensure that construction of these projects is launched as soon as possible.

Starting this year and over each of the next several years, China will issue ultra-long special treasury bonds, with 1 trillion yuan set for this year, according to this year's government work report. 
Chennai, Dec 7 : The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on December 11 and 12.

The districts from Cuddalore to Ramanathapuram are expected to bear the brunt of these rains, according to the RMC.

The weather department, in a statement released on Saturday, indicated that a low-pressure area is likely to form in the Bay of Bengal within the next 12 hours. It may be recalled that a low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal on November 23 had developed into a Cyclonic storm -Fengal which caused massive destructions in around 14 districts of Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Puducherry.

Cyclone Fengal, which struck Tamil Nadu and Puducherry from November 29 to December 1, caused widespread destruction.

The calamity resulted in the loss of lives with 12 deaths reported, 2,11,139 hectares of agricultural and horticultural land inundated leading to major losses for farmers, damage to 1,649 kilometres of electric conductors, 23,664 electric poles, and 997 transformers, 9,576 kilometres of roads, 1,847 culverts, and 417 tanks were damaged.

The cyclone also caused extensive damage to houses, huts, and other infrastructure.

According to the Tamil Nadu government, 69 lakh families and 1.5 crore individuals were adversely affected by the disaster

In particular, the districts of Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Kallakurichi received over 50 cm of rainfall in a single day - equivalent to an entire seasonas average - leading to severe flooding and damage to crops and infrastructure.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had earlier written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the devastation caused by the cyclone.

In his letter, he requested immediate assistance of Rs 2,000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund as interim relief. Following this request, an inter-ministerial central team has begun assessing the damage across various districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The Tamil Nadu government has submitted an initial damage assessment report, estimating the requirement of Rs 2,475 crore for relief and reconstruction.

The Central government has sanctioned Rs 944 crore as interim relief for the flood-affected regions.

The central team, led by Rajesh Gupta, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, arrived in Chennai on Friday evening.

The team met with Chief Minister Stalin at the state secretariat and held discussions with senior state government officials and teams that are undertaking surveys in the affected districts.
Ballari, Dec 7 : The sleuths of Karnataka Lokayukta raided the Government Hospitals in Ballari on Saturday in connection with the series of maternal deaths following caesarean section deliveries.

The three teams of the state Lokayukta conducted searches on the premises of the Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) and the Ballari District Government Hospital.

The teams, led by Lokayukta SP Siddaraju, raided the delivery wards and warehouses of the medical facilities.

The teams also inspected the Medicine Department of Ballari District Hospital and gathered information regarding intravenous (IV) and Ringers Lactate (RL) fluids, administered after surgery.

They also questioned health officers on complications faced by women after administration of IV fluids.

However, an official statement about the Lokayukta raids was yet to be made.

In one month, five maternal deaths were reported from the Ballari District Health Hospital and one from the VIMS in Ballari.

Karnataka Upalokayukta Justice B. Veerappa recently ordered the registration of a case against the doctors of the District Hospital and Ballary Medical College and Research Centre (BMRC), Ballary in connection with the deaths of five women post-delivery.

A report in this regard was submitted on November 29 and on that basis, the Upalokayukta ordered registration of a case against the doctors.

It also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Ballary district, the Chief Executive Officer of Ballary Zilla Panchayat and the Commissioner, the Health and Family Welfare Department, Bengaluru to submit a detailed report within one month.

The Karnataka BJP had lodged a complaint with the Lokayukta on Friday demanding an investigation into maternal deaths in the state allegedly due to poor quality IV fluids and demanded a judicial probe into the tragedy.

The BJP also demanded immediate relief and compensation, prosecution of responsible individuals and comprehensive healthcare reforms.

"We write with immense outrage and deep sorrow over the horrifying deaths of several women in government hospitals across Karnataka due to the administration of substandard intravenous (IV) fluids. This tragedy reflects a catastrophic failure of the Congress-led government in Karnataka. The gross negligence is coupled with active collusion to hide the truth," the BJP said.
New Delhi, Dec 7 : Twenty-three years after Delhi Chief Minister Atishi passed out from the elite St. Stephen's College in Delhi University, she was back on the campus on Saturday to interact with students and showcase her journey in politics.

Delivering an address on Founder's Day at her alma mater, the AAP leader and former Oxford University scholar said, "When I was a student, politics was considered 'dirty business'. Politics was where these gundas went, politics was where people with white, starched kurta-pyjamas would go. Middle-class parents used to tell their children to maintain distance from politics and politicians."

"But not anymore," she said.

The Delhi Chief Minister also shed light on the challenges she faced in politics. "It has been a difficult journey but it's been worthwhile because of the change we have been able to bring in and the impact that we have had," she said, talking about her decade-long association with Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party.

Asking youngsters to be agents of change, she said, "What change happens in our country is not in anyone else's hands but in our hands. And, if change is not happening and if we feel there is a problem, then it is not just others who are responsible, all of us are responsible. Because, as citizens of the country we are going to get the kind of governance that we ask for."

Highlighting how politics has opened up as a career option now, she said when she was in college, most of the students did not even know how to enter politics or people who wanted to make a difference didn't consider politics as a means to do so.

But things have changed now, she said, adding that when well-meaning people stay away from politics, it leads to a situation in which all important decisions about our lives are taken by politicians and elected representatives.

"So what kind of educational opportunities that I will get or my children would get, will be decided by politicians, same with health facilities," she said in the address whose video she uploaded on a social media platform.

"My safety when I step out of the house and the chances of getting a job after education are also in the hands of politicians," she said.

"When educated and well-meaning people stay away from politics, we end up leaving most important decisions about our lives in the hands of the worst kind of people," she said.

Encouraging people to join politics to bring about change, she said, "There is a need for people who care about this country, to engage with politics and engage with democracy."

Talking about challenges to the mission to bring about change, the CM said that she and many of her colleagues were shocked to see the kind of vested interests that existed in politics.

"We were amazed by the kind of obstruction and vested interests that existed. For the last year or so my colleagues have been in custody because we had hit against vested interests," she said, in a veiled reference to the imprisonment of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy scam.

"So the question arises, is this the path that young people should think about? My answer in bold capital letters is: Absolutely. You must," the Delhi CM said.

"My life changed when I entered a government school's run-down premises as a politician in 2015," Atishi said.

"But today, 2,000 students from government schools have cleared IIT-JEE and NEET and got admission to good engineering and medical colleges," she said.

When we made bus rides free of cost, there was skepticism. But today, 11 lakh women a day are stepping out of their homes because of the right policies of the Delhi government, she said.

"It is this change that gives hope that if decision-making is in the hands of the right people, India can change," Atishi concluded.
New Delhi, Dec 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the starting of a special 100-day campaign with a focus on the high-burden Tuberculosis (TB) districts and urged the citizens to read an article written by Union Health Minister J P Nadda.

Responding to Union Minister JP Nadda's post on X by Union Minister Shri JP Nadda, PM Modi wrote, "Health Minister Shri JP Nadda Ji gives an insightful picture of the steps we are continuously taking to make India TB-free. Do read."

"Our fight against TB just got stronger! Powered by a collective spirit to defeat TB, a special 100-day campaign is starting today with a focus on the high-burden TB districts," he added.

He further mentioned that India is fighting TB in a multi-pronged manner with doubling support to patients, 'Jan Bhagidari', newer drugs and the use of tech and better diagnostic tools.

"Let us all come together and do our bit to eliminate TB," PM Modi added.

Earlier in the day Union Minister JP Nadda posted on social media X, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is making remarkable progress in the fight against TB. Initiatives like the 100-day campaign in high-burden districts enhanced nutritional support through Nikshay Poshan Yojana, and faster, cost-effective diagnostic tools are accelerating the country's efforts. These steps have significantly increased treatment coverage and reduced TB incidence. The emphasis on Jan Bhagidari has united communities, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment. India's innovative approach is setting global benchmarks and moving the country closer to a 'TB Mukt Bharat' (TB-free India)."

To gain momentum in eliminating TB in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with key stakeholders launched the 100-Day TB elimination campaign. The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda launched this intensified campaign from Panchkula, Haryana.

The initiative, set to be implemented across 347 districts in 33 States and Union Territories has been designed to enhance TB case detection, reduce diagnostic delays, and improve treatment outcomes, particularly in high-risk groups. It represents yet another significant strategic effort by the country in its bid to strengthen programmatic activities and reduce disparities in TB outcomes across diverse regions of the country to achieve the aim of TB elimination.

-IANS

rs/dan
New Delhi, Dec 7 : After AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal questioned the silence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the deteriorating law and order situation in the national capital, the BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa launched a scathing attack against the former chief minister, alleging that Kejriwal himself had "ruined Delhi" and turned Tihar Jail into an "extortion centre."

Sirsa stated, "Arvind Kejriwal has completely destroyed Delhi. What enmity do you have with the people of Delhi, who gave you such a massive mandate? Today, criminals are operating freely from Tihar Jail under your watch, orchestrating murders and extortion. Tihar Jail has become a hub of criminal activities, and it seems you have a strange attachment to the place, indulging in financial dealings even from there."

He further claimed that as per conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, Rs 16 crore were taken from him. "If you can't handle Delhi's situation, then step aside, we will take care of it. Stop ruining Delhi and endangering its citizens," he added.

Sirsa also criticised Kejriwal's failure to fulfil promises made to the people of Delhi, alleging, "He promised to build schools and universities, but not a single one has materialised. He vowed to improve water quality and clean the Yamuna, but nothing has been done. The only promise he has kept is filling his own pockets."

Earlier, Arvind Kejriwal questioned the asilencea of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over a spurt in incidents of crimes in the national Capital, stating that the onus for the security of Delhiites lies with him.

Kejriwal's direct charge at the Centre came after twin murders rocked the national Capital on Saturday.

In an interaction with IANS, the former Chief Minister said that the issue of the cityas law and order rests with the Home Minister and his silence is raising many questions.

aJust the way I am responsible for Delhias education and health, he is accountable for law and order. Why is Amit Shah silent, why is he not giving any answer when so many crime incidents are happening in the city daily?" he said.
Chamarajanagar, Dec 7 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiaah said on Saturday that he is at the end of his political career.

"You will become Chief Minister for the third time," shouted a supporter when the Chief Minister was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the newly constructed Lakshmamma Soseyya Siddayya Government Higher Primary School building in Chamarajanagar.

"I am now at the end of my political career," the Chief Minister retort back to the enthusiastic supporter.

He emphasised that people's support is very important, saying that without earning such support, it is impossible to survive in politics.

He remembered late B. Rachaiah was a towering political figure in the region and acknowledged Rachaiah's role in his own political growth.

He said that when Chamarajanagar was part of the Mysuru district, it was during the tenure of the late B. Rachaiah that Mysuru and Chamarajanagar were declared as separate districts.

"During my tenure as Deputy Chief Minister, we announced the formation of a new district, at the time, late J.H. Patel was the Chief Minister," he said.

The Chief Minister added that some legislators spread the superstition that if the Chief Minister visited Chamarajanagar, they would lose their position, preventing them from visiting the district.

"This stigma was imposed on Chamarajanagar that any Chief Minister visiting would lose power. However, Rachaiah and I did not believe in such superstitions. We both visited Chamarajanagar and announced the new district. I have been the Chief Minister twice. I visited Chamarajanagar at least twenty times. Instead of losing the Chief Minister's position, it only became stronger," the Chief Minister said.

"When we were students, we used to go to school barefoot. During my earlier tenure as Chief Minister, I implemented the 'Shoe Bhagya' programme, ensuring that every student wore shoes, socks, and uniforms," he said.

The Chief Minister said that now the state government is providing milk, ragi malt, eggs, chikki, bananas, uniforms, and books to children.

"Children should now study and not be deprived of education," he said.

The Chief Minister said that to prevent financial difficulties for children, the 'Griha Laxmi' programme has been implemented.

"More than Rs 30,000 crore is being spent to bring economic and social empowerment to people. Rs 56,000 crore is being spent on the guarantees," he said.
Bengaluru, Dec 7 : Discussions on innovative efforts in furthering aerospace medicine initiatives dominated the 63rd annual conference of the Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine Institute (ISAM) that concluded here on Saturday.

The conference at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) celebrated the multi-faceted discipline of Aerospace Medicine and showcased the various collaborative achievements of the medical services of the Indian Air Force, a statement said.

The event, held from December 5 to 7, was inaugurated by Air Marshal S.P. Dharkar, Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS), in the presence of military and civilian dignitaries from Bengaluru and other parts of the country.

The conference themed 'Collaborate for Research', portrayed the determination of the Aerospace Medicine Society to explore new horizons with the collective efforts of associated partners and yet remain connected to origins

The VCAS, in his inaugural address, emphasised the criticality of collaboration in achieving 'Atmanirbharta' in the defence forces.

He also felicitated the young academic achievers in Aerospace Medicine. Air Marshal Rajesh Vaidya, Director General of Medical Services (Air), delivered the presidential address highlighting various collaborative achievements of the medical services of the Indian Air Force

The prestigious Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee Memorial Oration, instituted in the honour of the first Indian Chief of the Air Staff, was delivered by Dr V.R. Lalithambika, Professor of Practice, Dept of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, and Distinguished Scientist, former Director DHSP ISRO.

Her talk on the topic, aThe Next Giant Leap: My reflections on India's Human Space Flight Programme', introduced the delegates to the space domain, in addition to apprising them about the country's pioneering steps in human space exploration.

Her talk followed in the footsteps of several eminent personalities, including Dr Raja Ramanna, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Madhavan Nair, Dr Naresh Trehan, Wg Cdr Rakesh Sharma (Retd) and Syed Kirmani, who have delivered this prestigious oration in earlier editions of the conference

The Air Vice Marshal M.M. Srinagesh Memorial Oration was delivered by Wg Cdr Karthik Kalyanram (Retd) from Rishi Valley Rural Health Centre.

He spoke on 'Effective Strategies for low resource settings: Insights gained from my IAF journey', portraying innovative and sympathetic application of his IAF experience to provide health care to the needy rural population.

Other high points included 'The Jemi Harmusji Framji Manekshaw Panela featuring guest lectures by notable experts including Dr S.L. Vaya, Project Head at Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA), Rashtrya Raksha University, and Dr Hanumantray Baluragi, Director, Directorate of Human Space Programme (DHSP), ISRO.

Scientific deliberations on a variety of topics like Aviation Medicine, Space Physiology and Medicine, and High Altitude Physiology formed part of the conference, offering valuable insights into operational Aerospace Medicine
Bengaluru, Dec 7 : Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi charged that the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government has completely lost sensitivity regarding the series of maternal deaths reported from the state's Ballari district.

Speaking to the media on Saturday at the BJP state headquarters, "Jagannath Bhavan" in Bengaluru, Pralhad Joshi expressed his concern over the maternal deaths and the increasing mortality rate of newborns.

He claimed that the government supplied low-quality medicines due to corruption, thus playing with people's lives.

The Union Minister further criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saying in order to protect himself from scams related to MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority), Valmiki Tribal Welfare, and the Excise Department, has neglected governance completely and is making frivolous statements.

Pralhad Joshi said that healthcare is a critical sector for the state government. He also criticised the Congress-led government for often blaming the Central government for everything.

In response to another question, Pralhad Joshi said that state Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao lacks sensitivity and finds satisfaction in acting like a sycophant to CM Siddaramaiah.

"If Minister Gundu Rao had any moral integrity, he should have resigned immediately," he said.

Pralhad Joshi described the situation as nothing more than "drama company" antics.

He also pointed out that the in-charge minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Minister for Health Dinesh Gundu Rao, and the Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil had not visited Ballari.

The issue of maternal deaths in government hospitals in Ballari district againt came to the forefront with the death of Sumaya, the latest victim, who was admitted to VIMS in Ballari on November 10.

Following cesarean surgery on November 12, she was administered IV fluids, after which she developed kidney issues that eventually led to multiple organ failure. She was undergoing dialysis but succumbed on December 5.

Prior to Sumaya, Rojamma, Nandini, Muskaan, Mahalaxmi and Lalitamma also died due to post-delivery complications in Ballari district.

These incidents have caused widespread concern and outrage across the state.
Bengaluru, Dec 7 : The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has served notices to Karnataka DGP Alok Mohan and Hubballi-Dharwad Superintendent of Police (SP) Gopala Byakod for not filing an FIR against Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, who allegedly misused his authority for personal gains.

DGP Mohan and SP Byakod have been asked to appear before the ST Commission on December 12, sources said.

The notice was issued following the complaint by Arun Hirehala, a resident of Dharwad.

The complainant alleged that after identifying R. N. Pujar as a person from a Scheduled Tribe, Horatti, being an elected representative, misused his authority and influenced officials in 2009 to register Sarvodaya Shikshana Trust in Dharwad in his name.

"This act is illegal and has resulted in the economic exclusion of Scheduled Tribes. It has subjected Scheduled Tribes and others to exploitation. The Scheduled Tribes, entitled to benefit from the trust's services in education and employment, have been denied all rights under Article 14 of the Indian Constitution," the complaint alleged.

However, in January 2022, acting on the complaint of Akhila Karnataka Valmiki Nayaka Mahasabha, Karnataka Police filed an FIR against Horatti and five others at Dharwad Rural Police Station. The complainant alleged that when members of the Mahasabha visited schools in Dharwad for inspection, the followers of Horatti assaulted them.

Horatti was made the fifth accused in connection with the dispute over the management of the Trust.

The complaint also mentioned that the members were abused, casteist remarks were hurled at them and their car was also damaged in the incident.

The FIR against Horatti was condemned and the Members of the Legislative Council demanded the suspension of the Superintendent of Police and Police Inspector of the Dharwad district.

Later, the Karnataka Police Department suspended the Police Inspector of Dharwad Rural Police Station Sridhar Satare, for lodging an FIR against Horatti.

Basavaraj Horatti is an eight-time MLC and BJP leader.
Patna, Dec 7 : A day after the lathi charge on protesting BPSC aspirants by Patna Police sparked strong reactions across the political spectrum, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP from Jamui, Arun Bharti, accused opposition parties of manipulating the peaceful protest for political gain.

The LJP (Ram Vilas) leader claimed that anti-social elements allegedly instigated by the opposition disrupted the protests, creating unnecessary chaos.

"I condemned these actions. The issues related to students' futures should not be exploited for political mileage. Some anti-social elements entered the peaceful protest and made it provocative. The leader of the party which becomes irrelevant in current circumstances is asking questions about it. I want to ask him how many entrance examinations he has given," he said.

Drawing from his personal experience as a student, Bharti supported dialogue instead of protests to resolve concerns about changes in examination systems.

Earlier, Leader of the Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav supported the students, emphasising their demands to remove the controversial 'normalisation' policy.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Rabri Devi also backed the students, criticising the Nitish Kumar government for initiating forceful action against the demonstrators.

"Peaceful protest is a democratic right of the students and the government should resolve the students' grievances through clear communication rather than repression. They are the students of Bihar and if they do not raise their voice for the rights against the government then who would do it," Rabri Devi said.

Amid these political reactions, the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) clarified that normalisation will not be applied in the upcoming 70th Combined Preliminary Examination, signalling an effort to address student concerns.

The incident has escalated into a political flashpoint, with different parties aligning themselves based on their broader political strategies. While the government faces criticism for its handling of the protest, opposition leaders are seizing the moment to challenge the ruling coalition.

At its core, however, the issue remains the students' demand for fairness and transparency in the examination process, which underscores the need for constructive engagement and resolution.
DAMASCUS, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Rebel groups entered the central Syrian city of Homs Saturday night as government forces moved to reposition around the city, war monitor and local media reported.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions have taken control of several neighborhoods in Homs.

Police forces in the central prison of Homs opened the gates for the prisoners and released all of them, said the Observatory.

Meanwhile, pro-government radio station Sham FM said the Syrian army is redeploying its units on the outskirts of Homs without offering details on whether the army has withdrawn from any urban areas.

Homs, which was once considered a stronghold of the Syrian opposition in the early years of the country's civil war, has been largely under government control since 2014.

The city is the latest to fall in the rebels' hands since they launched a major offensive on Nov. 27, having seized so far Aleppo and all of Idlib provinces in northern Syria, as well as the western-central Syrian city of Hama. 
New Delhi, Dec 7 : The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has urged the Supreme Court to consolidate all the cases against e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart in the country to expedite the antitrust probe.

In a petition, the nation's competition watchdog sought consolidation of multiple proceedings filed by at least 20 e-tailers of Amazon and Flipkart at various high courts, alleging that they attempt to "scuttle the investigation" against the two e-commerce giants.

The matter pertains to a 2019 antitrust probe against Amazon and Flipkart for giving preferred treatment to some e-tailers, including Cloudtail India Pvt, Samsung India Electronics Pvt, Vivo Mobile India Pvt Ltd and Appario Retail Pvt, according to reports.

The CCI stated before the apex court that multiple proceedings initiated before the high courts aim to 'stall' the proceedings before the regulator.

The cases filed before different high courts are an "attempt to scuttle the well-established procedure of investigation laid down under the Act," and if allowed to continue, it will lead to "absurdity."

It has been alleged that the cases intend to restrict CCI's investigation only against those parties that have been identified by the regulator for the purposes of an investigation.

The competition watchdog pointed out that writs filed by e-tailers are based on entirely misconceived issues of law, resulting in grave prejudice to the regulator, "as its enquiry has been halted, which is affecting the public and e-commerce sector as a whole," the petition reads.

The commission has stated that all arguments that are being made before various high courts can be raised before the commission itself. It has been contended that the non-confidential version of the investigation report has been shared with the parties involved, and such parties can object wherever it is deemed fit.

Amazon and Flipkart were yet to comment.

The plea seeks that these matters, which are presently being heard by 6 different high courts across the country, be combined and heard by either the Supreme Court or the Delhi High Court.
Bhopal, Dec 7 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Surendra Singh Gaharwar and a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) indulged in a heated argument during a public hearing in Madhya Pradesh's Satna district om Saturday.

The verbal heated argument that has gone viral on social media took place during a public hearing in the Majhigavan tehsil under the Chitrkoot Assembly constituency in Satna district.

In the viral video, Chitrakoot MLA Gaharwar can be seen taking up the issue of farmers. He said the revenue officers often remain absent and do not visit villages which causes a lot of problems for the farmers.

"I have raised this issue before the district collector and the concerned minister in the state government as well. However, there has been no change in the attitude of the revenue officers. I want to know why SDM is not taking action against Patwaris," MLA asked.

He also accused SDM Jitendra Verma of protecting the revenue officers. MLA's allegation wasn't received well by Verma and he responded by saying, "You are levelling false allegations on me. All revenue officers are visiting the villages."

Gaharwar then asked, what action you have taken? "Didn't you (SDM) receive a call from the minister and district collector? But, you did nothing," Gaharwar said with aggression while pointing his finger towards Verma.

Then Verma said, "If you want me to transfer, you are free to do whatever you want."

MLA Gahay then said, "I can't transfer you, yes, but I will complain against you at a higher level and you will see the result soon."

The heated arguments between MLA and SDM came to an end after some other officials intervened and handled the situation. Notable, the public hearing is an initiative of the state government to address the grievances of local citizens.
Patna, Dec 7 : The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, has come as a 'lifeline' for many farmers facing financial difficulties.

Under the scheme, farmers get yearly assistance of Rs 6,000 directly into their accounts. In the last financial year, i.e. 2022-23, a total amount of Rs 58,201.85 crore was disbursed to eligible beneficiaries.

Dilip Kumar Paswan, a resident of Madhubani district of Bihar, spoke to IANS and shared how he and his family saw a drastic change in their living standards following their enrollment in the governmentas popular welfare scheme.

Giving an insight on benefits received under the PM KISAN scheme, he said: "Rs 6,000 comes into the bank account every year from the central government. This provides us a lot of relief in farming as we use this money to buy seeds and fertilisers. At times, it also helps us tiding over some financial crisis."

"I and my family want to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this scheme," he said, and also suggested that the yearly assistance could be increased from time to time, as per the prevailing market scenario.

Notably, there are many like Dilip Paswan, who are garnering benefits of the PM KISAN scheme.

The PM-KISAN is a central scheme, aimed at providing financial assistance to all landholding farmer families across the country.

Under the scheme, an amount of Rs 6,000 is transferred annually in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 directly into the Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts of the farmers.

Till date, the government has disbursed over Rs 2.60 lakh crore to more than 11 crore farmers.

Not just PM-KISAN, the government has launched many schemes to support and uplift the life of farmers.

They include Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS), Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Soil Health Card, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and more.
Kolkata, Dec 7 : In a most unfortunate incident, three tiger cubs housed at Bengal Safari Park at Siliguri in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal were killed on Saturday after being bitten by their mother tigress, Rika.

Rika had given birth to the three cubs last week only. The officials of the Safari Park had claimed that the accident happened while the mother tigress was sifting her cubs from one place to another. During this process, the three cubs were bitten by Rika following which they punctured. Two of the three cubs died instantly while the third one died after some time.

"Initial investigation has revealed that the mishap happened because of the mistake of the mother tigress. However, a thorough investigation into the matter will be conducted. It will also be seen whether there was any negligence on the part of the Safari Park authorities or not," said a senior official of the state forest department.

This is not the first time that such unfortunate deaths of tiger cubs at Bengal Safari Park have taken place. In July last year, mother tigress Kika gave birth to two cubs. However, one of them died on the very next day, while the other survived. However, just a month after in August 2023, the second cub also died reportedly due to acute malnutrition.

The Safari Authorities came under scathing criticism from wildlife enthusiasts who accused the authorities of gross negligence.

The West Bengal Zoo Authority was also accused of giving a face-saving report into the matter. Back then the zoo authorities had also held mother tigress Kika responsible for the death of two cubs.

As per the report, both the cubs since their birth on July 12 last year have been suffering from some genetically-borne ailments which they inherited from their mother Kika, the only albino tigress at Bengal Safari Park.

However, the report mentioned that mother Kika was also negligent in taking care of her cubs and that negligence coupled with genetically-borne ailments led to their deaths.
Panchkula, Dec 7 : Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda on Saturday launched in Panchkula in Haryana the 100-day intensified campaign spearheaded by the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) across 347 districts.

The campaign aims to find and treat missing TB patients through intensified detection drives, especially in high-risk groups, and reduce TB deaths significantly.

It will deploy advanced screening and diagnostic technologies to reduce delays in diagnosis and the beginning of treatment.

The campaign was launched amidst the presence of the Chief Minister of Haryana Nayab Singh Saini, state Health Minister Arti Singh Rao, besides, officials of the Union and state health ministries, and the National Tuberculosis Division.

Addressing the gathering, Union Health Minister Nadda said the campaign would give new vigour to the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. He said the campaign would involve accelerated detection, treatment and supportive strategies in the 347 focused districts.

The minister drew attention to the situation prevailing before the year 1960 when TB detection meant a sentence for slow death. "People found having TB used to be kept away from home; food used to be served separately. Many used to be sent even to TB sanitoriums. And today, our resolve is for a TB Mukt Bharat."

He said in 1962 the National TB Programme was launched and medicines began to be given. "In 1997, we began Directly Observed Treatment (DOT). Later, we launched the Revised National TB Programme."

He said while the discourse was the fight against TB, the Prime Minister introduced a shift in the year 2018 by making a clarion call to end TB, becoming a bold statement not just for India but for the world.

"The Health Ministry has worked towards this goal with full commitment and we will achieve the goal of ending TB before the year 2030 -- the target year for meeting Sustainable Development Goals," Nadda added.

The campaign implementation will be tailor-made to address the diverse and specific challenges of each region. The 347 districts across 33 states and UTs have been selected based on indicators such as death rate, presumptive TB examination rate, and incidence rate as compared to the national average.

The objectives of the campaign are to increase disease detection through intensified case-finding drives using advanced screening and diagnostic technologies to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation.

The campaign will deploy mobile ultraportable, AI-enabled X-ray units and molecular tests to bring advanced diagnostics closer to people, especially in remote areas.

In addition to screening vulnerable people for TB symptoms, the NTEP will be screening all high-risk groups for TB, irrespective of whether they display symptoms or not.

In parallel, to reduce mortality due to TB, the programme will expand access to novel initiatives such as Differentiated TB Care to provide specialised care for high-risk patients and increased nutritional support through Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana.
Mumbai, Dec 7 : Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who was last seen in the action film 'Tiger 3', is all set to perform for his Dabangg Reloaded Tour in Dubai, which is set to start from Saturday.

On Saturday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a BTS video from the venue in which he could be seen rehearsing for the performance.

He wrote in the caption, "All set for tonight".

The event will mark his first global appearance since receiving threats from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The Dabangg Reloaded Tour will kick-start on Saturday at Studio A, Dubai Harbour, the tour will then make its way to other Middle Eastern cities like Jeddah and Doha.

The actor will be joined by other stars on the tour including Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueliene Fernandez, Sonakshi Sinha, Aastha Gill, Sunil Grover, Prabhu Deva and Maniesh Paul.

This comes amid death threats issued to Salman by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Earlier, in October this year, Salman's close friend Baba Siddique was gunned down near his office in the Bandra area of Mumbai.

Salman on his part has been maintaining a low-profile, and has limited his public appearances after the assassination of Baba Siddique.

Salman's tour to Dubai signals some respite for the actor as Dubai is known to be one of the safest places in the world. Recently, rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh, who also received threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang had stated that he prefers to stay in Dubai owing to the security in the middle eastern city.

Meanwhile, Baba Siddique, who was very close to the Hindi film fraternity, was killed by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

He was known for throwing lavish Iftar parties and hosting several high-profile guests in those parties. It was a Baba Siddique Iftar party in 2013 that ended a long-standing feud between the two of the biggest superstars of Bollywood, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan after a 5 year-long spat which divided the entire Bollywood into 2 camps of loyalists.
Patna, Dec 7 : The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has released the dates for matriculation (Class 10) and intermediate (Class 12) examinations for 2025.

While sharing the details with the media persons in Patna, Anand Kishore, the chairman of the Bihar School Examination Board said that the intermediate examination will be held from February 1 to February 15 next year while the matriculation examination will be conducted from February 17 to February 25.

"Conducting hassle-free and fair examinations is our top priority. We have encouraged the students to prepare for their examinations and perform well. The Nitish Kumar government is committed to providing every possible help in the forms of financial help and rewards to encourage students," Kishor said.

Kishore said that the supplementary and special examination will be expected between May and June 2025. The D.El.Ed entrance Exam will be scheduled on 27 February 2025, the ITI language subject examination will take place on April 25-26 and the Simultala Bashi Vidyalaya examination for class 11 will be held on June 11 and class 6 on October 17, 2025. The main examination of Simultala Bashi Vidyalaya will be scheduled on 20 December 2025.

The BSEB has also enhanced the cash rewards for the meritorious students in 2025. Students who are first, second, third, fourth and fifth will respectively get 2,00,000, 1,50,000, 1,00,000, 30,000, and 30,000.

The students who passed the matriculation examination and scored first, second and third rank will get a similar cash prize to the intermediate students and only the fourth and fifth position will get 20,000 each. Additionally, all top-ranking students will receive laptops.

The Bihar School Examination Board will also give a scholarship to the intermediate and matriculation pass students to 2,500 and 2,000 per month for two years respectively.

The board has promised swift results publication in March-April 2025 for regular exams and May-June 2025 for supplementary exams.
Samba, Dec 7 : The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in 2019, with the goal of providing tap water supply to every household, is accomplishing its objective with many astounding success stories.

In Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district, a centuries-old well has been revived to meet the drinking water requirements of the local population and interestingly, it is receiving accolades from the local populace.

The historic well located in Uttar Wahani village in the hilly area of Samba was built by Maharaja Gulab Singh about 200 to 250 years ago for the convenience of the people. It has been revived under the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme.

The well was in a poor condition for years. The work of cleaning and repairing this historical well was completed by Samba's Jal Shakti Department. Today, it is supplying clean water to the people of the area for 16 hours, every day.

Following the successful transformation of the well into a source of water supply, the locals are making abundant praise for the Central government and are also praising the efforts of Jal Shakti Department and District Administration.

Many local residents said that they are now relieved from the problem of shortage of clean water. They say that the initiative not only helped them preserve their historical heritage but also provided a sustainable water source for the local community.

Pawan Kumar Sharma, a local resident said, "since there is no water reservoir in hills, people used to drink unclean water, but it is no longer the case. It's because of the Central government, we are getting clean and safe drinking water."

Rajendra Singh, another Samba resident, said that the well which was formed by Maharajas centuries ago has proved to be a blessing in disguise.

"The well remained ignored for many years, but it has been revitalised under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The well is covered to ensure clean water and a water purification unit has also been installed," he said.

A Jal Jeevan Mission official told IANS that during inspection of water sites in Samba, the locals recalled the importance and historical relevance of this well.

"Today, 60,000-90,000 gallons of water is being supplied, catering to more than 200 families. It has turned out be a boon for villagers as it has not provided them with clean water but also rekindled their beliefs associated with Maharaja-era well," he said.
Ahmedabad, Dec 7 : The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), one of the largest organisations of the Swaminarayan sect, is celebrating the International Golden Jubilee of its activities at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The grand event features Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Home Minister Amit Shah as chief guests, with over one lakh devotees in attendance.

Prominent saints from the sect, which boasts a network of 1,300 saints and temples in 56 countries, are also part of the celebrations. BAPS recently gained international attention for constructing a magnificent temple in the UAE.

Packed to capacity, devotees from across the globe chanted "Jai Swaminarayan".

Meena, a devotee from New York, expressed her amazement: "I had not imagined such a massive gathering. Today, I realised the scale of BAPS and its global network. Iave been associated with this organisation for a long time, and this event is truly inspiring."

Roshni from California shared her gratitude: "I feel incredibly fortunate to witness the 50th-anniversary celebrations of BAPS. My husband and child have also come here because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Shashi, also from California, said: "Being here at Narendra Modi Stadium feels surreal. I am immensely grateful to be part of this historic moment."

The event began with a heartfelt tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj on his birth anniversary, honouring his pioneering efforts in fostering a global community of selfless volunteers.

The Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav celebrations commenced on January 28 this year and concluded on Saturday with this grand finale. Volunteers from India and around the world, including the UK, Europe, the USA, Australia, and the Middle East, participated in the event.

The Suvarna Mahotsav symbolises the enduring legacy of service inspired by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and nurtured by the guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj.

The Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav (1972a"2022) celebrates 50 years of selfless service by thousands of BAPS volunteers. While satsang activities for children, teenagers, and adults were initiated by Yogiji Maharaj in the 1950s, a formal organisational structure was established in 1972 under Pramukh Swami Maharajas guidance.

Over decades, the Satsang Pravrutti Central Office (SPCO) for teenagers, youths, and adults, and the Bal Pravrutti Central Office (BPCO) for children have empowered karyakars to promote values of selfless service and devotion as taught by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Gunatit Gurus.

Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and Mahant Swami Maharaj have personally inspired karyakars to grow in spirituality and serve communities, leaving behind an indelible legacy of compassion and dedication.
Kolhapur, Dec 7 : On the eve of his visit to Markadwadi village in Solapur district, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar on Saturday demanded to know why the villagers (Markadwadi) there were barred from conducting a 'mock ballot paper poll' on December 3.

Speaking to the media persons, Pawar (83) said that against the backdrop of the Assembly election results in the state, the Markadwadi (Malshiras constituency) villagers wanted to ascertain where exactly their votes had gone.

"What is wrong with that? Why were the people of Markadwadi prevented from holding the 'mock ballot paper poll' that day," asked Pawar, adding that he would go there tomorrow and seek their views on the issue.

Markadwadi shot to national prominence after it prepared to carry out the unique ballot paper polling exercise to challenge the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) inspired by the winner NCP (SP) MLA Uttamrao S. Jankar on December 3.

However, the local police and district authorities clamped down on the villagers by issuing prohibitory orders, warned that even if a single ballot paper vote was cast they would take stringent action, and even initiated proceedings against over 100 locals, as the village grabbed the attention of all political parties in the country.

The NCP (SP) supremo cited polling data to emphasise how in the state Assembly elections last month (Nov. 2024), the MVA allies secured more votes but got fewer seats while the MahaYuti allies bagged fewer votes but managed to win more seats.

In the 288-member house, the MahaYuti allies Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party bagged a total of 230 seats, the MVA partners managed only 48, and other parties/independents won the remaining 10 seats.

Pawar said the analysis of the voting data revealed that the Congress got 80 lakh votes, but elected only 16 MLAs, while the ruling Shiv Sena got 79 lakh votes, but got 57 seats, NCP (SP) bagged 72 lakh votes but managed merely 10 seats, while the ruling NCP got 58 lakhs votes and got 41 elected.

"These vote figures are amazingThere is something But I will not comment on anything till we have some basis and evidence to prove all this," declared Pawar.

Hinting at possible malpractices in the EVM voting, Pawar pointed out that BJP seems to win elections in all the big states like Maharashtra or Haryana and 'loses' in the smaller states like Jharkhand and Jammu & Kashmir, "and in Maharashtra, there is no excitement on the ruling side though it has won such a landslide victory."

Starting with Pawar's visit tomorrow, Congress' Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is likely to take out a padyatra in Markadwadi and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray will visit the village and other INDIA Bloc parties' leaders are likely to go and meet the village folks in the coming weeks.
ACCRA, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Ghanaian government has closed all land borders ahead of the country's presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday, the Ministry of the Interior announced late Friday.

According to a statement issued by the ministry, the closure is meant to ensure the integrity of the polls.

"The Ministry of the Interior has ordered the temporary closure of all land borders as part of measures to ensure the integrity of the Dec. 7 general elections," said the statement.

The statement said the temporary closure is effective immediately and will end at 6 p.m. local time on Sunday.

The ministry urged all citizens and travelers to and from Ghana to cooperate with the security agencies in the course of enforcing the directive.

Ghana shares borders with Togo in the east, Cote d'Ivoire in the west, and Burkina Faso in the north.

Ghanaian voters will cast their ballots on Saturday to elect a new president and 276 parliamentarians. 
Kolkata, Dec 7 : Another temple of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has been burned down in neighbouring Bangladesh in Dhaka, said the vice-president and spokesman of ISKCON-Kolkata Radharaman Das on Saturday.

"Another ISKCON Namahatta Centre has been burned down in Bangladesh. The deities and all items inside the temple were burned down completely. The centre is located at Dhaka," Das said.

He said that the attack took place in the early morning on Saturday around 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.

"Miscreants set fire to the Radha Krishna Temple and the Mahabhagya Lakshmi Narayan Temple, which comes under the Hare Krishna Namhatta Sangha, located in Dhour village, under the jurisdiction of Turag Police Station in Dhaka district," Das said.

He also said that the fire was initiated by lifting the roof of the back of the temple. "Petrol or octane was used to ignite the fire," said Das.

Condemning the attack, BJP's state president in West Bengal and the Union minister of state Sukanta Majumdar said that this was an unforgivable act of hatred against a place of worship.

"Immediate action must be taken to bring the culprits to justice and ensure the safety of religious minorities," Majumdar said.

Earlier this month, Das accused the international peace organisations of being indifferent about the attacks and atrocities on minority Hindus in Bangladesh.

Recently, while addressing the West Bengal Assembly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sought the intervention of the United Nations (UN) in Bangladesh. She also floated a proposal for the Union government to consider peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh following UN intervention.

However, the West Bengal Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari has described her proposals as yet another example of her dichotomy.

"The Chief Minister placed a proposal on the floor of the assembly so that peacekeeping forces can be sent to Bangladesh. What had her police in the state been doing when the jihadis were obstructing Hindu religious festivals in different pockets of the state? Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh and Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal are the same," the LoP said.
Vatican/Kottayam, Dec 7 : Syro Malabar Catholic Church Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad (51) will be remembered in history as the first priest to be elevated as a Cardinal from Kerala.

The other five Cardinals in Kerala were bishops before being elevated to this exalted post in the Catholic Church.

In the global Catholic Church, there are 232 active Cardinals at present and from Saturday, the numbers will go up to 253 after Koovakad and 20 others will be elevated.

It's this group of Cardinals who will be sitting together to elect the next Pope, whenever that time comes.

"My parents and my close relatives have come for the function and we are going for the function when the Pope will receive all the guests. This is God's will which I never expected. This elevation is a selection done by God. I owe this to all who made it possible. When I was sent here (in 2006), I was told by my respected seniors, that if it's to learn the Bible, that can be done in Kerala itself, but since you are being sent to the Vatican it's being done to learn things deeply," the smiling Koovakad told media just before he was taking his immediate family who had come to see the elevation to have the customary meeting with the Pope.

"We are excited as we are flooded with calls. We wished to go but could not due to our children's studies. Our parents and siblings have all reached the Vatican. God created the way for his elevation. Once a year he used to come and meet us all," said Koovakad's sister Ditty Jacob.

On Saturday at the home parish of Koovakad at the Changnacherry Mamood Lourde Matha Catholic Church in Kottayam there was a special mass and it was attended by a large number of parishioners to celebrate the elevation of their own 'son'.

"Even though the elevation is taking place at 9 p.m., we have made arrangements to stream it live in our church, when the function starts in the Vatican," said a Church office bearer.

"We are deeply excited as this is a gift from God to our parish," remarked an elderly lady who had known Koovakad since childhood.

While another parishioner could not hide her happiness and remarked, "He lived among us and now become a Prince," said another.

Born on August 11, 1973, in the state capital city, Koovakad became a priest and later pursued training for diplomatic service at the prestigious Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.

In 2006, he began his diplomatic career at the Apostolic Nunciature in Algeria. He has served in Apostolic Nunciatures in Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela.

Christians in Kerala make up around 18 per cent of the state's 32 million population, of which Catholics are the dominant group, comprising 50 per cent of the Christians in the state. There are three Catholic rites in Kerala the Syro-Malabar, Latin, and the Syro Malankara Churches.
New Delhi, Dec 7 : Internal rift in the INDIA bloc has once again come to the fore as West Bengal Chief Mamata Banerjee has expressed her willingness to lead the opposition alliance.

Responding to Mamata's remarks, senior Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi on Saturday said that the regional leaders are not happy with Rahul Gandhi's leadership and there is also a dispute regarding leadership in the INDIA bloc.

While answering a question on the latest friction in the INDIA bloc involving Mamata's statement, he told IANS, "That is why Janata Dal-United and Nitish Kumar came out of the alliance. We knew about its future that it cannot work together."

Speaking on the Maharashtra episode where Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs did not take oath during the special Assembly session on Saturday, he said, "They do not have faith in democracy and the Constitution and on the contrary, the Samajwadi Party MLAs have shown them a mirror by taking an oath."

On AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal raking up law and order issues in Delhi, Tyagi said, "Elections are to be held in Delhi within the next two months and that is why all the parties are busy with their poll strategies."

Meanwhile, the Congress on Saturday responded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's willingness to lead the INDIA bloc, emphasising that leadership decisions for the Opposition alliance would be made collectively by all member parties rather than public declarations.

Mamata recently voiced dissatisfaction with the functioning of the INDIA bloc and stated her readiness to lead the alliance if given the opportunity.

The Trinamool Congress chief also clarified that while she would not leave Bengal, she could oversee the bloc's operations from there.

Her remarks followed Trinamool MP Kirti Azad's suggestion, along with many others, that the West Bengal Chief Minister should be appointed as the head of the INDIA bloc.
New Delhi, Dec 7 : Bangladesh government under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is drawing global flak for failing miserably in stopping the genocide of Hindu minorities, reining in the Islamist forces and controlling the country's consistent slide into the abyss.

To make matters worse, the Yunus regime's attempt at 'cosying up' with Pakistan has brought it under greater scrutiny and widespread denunciation.

Two of its policy reversals, announced recently, mark a significant departure from the past. First, the Yunus regime has instructed its Customs department to exclude Pakistani shipments from 'physical inspection' in the hope of enhancing trade ties. Secondly, it has relaxed its policy of mandatory security clearance for Pakistani citizens seeking visas.

Both the policies are fraught with risk and are prone to misuse by Pakistani terrorists, drug syndicates and mafia as this may serve as a 'conduit' to infiltrate into the troubled nation and then put the entire Southern region into peril.

Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, a noted Bangladesh journalist has raised strong concerns and apprehensions over Yunus govt's reworked trade ties with Pakistan and also over 'rules relaxation' for Pak nationals.

"By abruptly withdrawing mandatory security clearance for Pakistani nationals and exempting Pakistani cargo from customs inspections, the Yunus regime has created an open gateway for threats to infiltrate the subcontinent," wrote the journalist in a local daily 'Blitz'.

"The calculated removal of security and customs checks serves not only to embolden Pakistani networks but also to erode India's regional dominance and global reputation," he wrote.

He has also gone ahead to make sensational and explosive charges at the US-Pakistan 'nexus' in bringing Bangladesh down, for their own interests.

Dropping a bombshell over Pak's shipment of 30,000 kg sugar to crisis-hit Bangladesh, he said that narcotics and terrorists will be sneaked into the country which will yield another death blow to the already 'failing' country.

"A country which has no standing of its own is exporting sugar to Bangladesh. In the guise of sugar supply, it is sending a hidden consignment of cocaine amounting to 300 kg of narcotics in 30,000 kg sugar," he said in an explosive charge.

He also launched an unsparing attack on the United States and its deep state for 'conspiring' to destroy Bangladesh in a planned manner.

"Behind Bangladesh's plunge into anarchy and chaos, the US administration led by Joe Biden and its deep state is responsible. Biden government, the influential deep state including investors like George Soros have colluded with Pakistan to destabilize Bangladesh," he underlined.

"The special privilege being meted out to Pakistani nationals as well as Pakistani produce in our country should be seen in this context. There is a well-coordinated approach to mislead and derail the Bangladeshi youth with drug supply, in a bid to keep the country in prolonged crisis," he added.

He said that as a Bangladeshi national, he is extremely worried about the country's downfall and also expressed fears about impending sanctions on his country after the Trump administration takes charge in the US.

"I sincerely believe that the new US government would act harshly on extremist regimes and Bangladesh may be one of them. I fear punitive tariffs, travel bans and sanctions on certain individuals," he said.

Notably, the relaxation in 'trade and human' ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh comes at a time when the former itself is battling with rising extremism and radicalism. Many Muslim nations including UAE and Kuwait continue to maintain strict visa restrictions for Pakistani nationals, citing security concerns.
Damascus, Dec 7 : Syria's Defense Ministry on Saturday dismissed reports that army forces had withdrawn from rural Damascus, calling such reports "a disinformation campaign aimed at spreading panic."

The Syrian army maintained its position and remained fully deployed in rural Damascus, standing ready to confront "any terrorist aggression," according to the ministry, Xinhua news agency reported.

The denial came as multiple reports of government troops pulling back from several positions in southern provinces, including Quneitra and Daraa near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, as well as Sweida.

Rebels in Daraa reportedly advanced to within 20 km of the Syrian capital Damascus after seizing numerous military posts and persuading some government units to surrender or defect. Late Friday, opposition fighters claimed control of Daraa city, the provincial capital.

In Sweida, local armed factions released prisoners not involved in crimes, and negotiations were ongoing for government forces' withdrawals from military intelligence branches, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor.

These developments reflect the escalating fighting between government forces and rebel groups, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, for territorial gains since November 27.
Chennai, Dec 7 : Tamil Nadu BJP Spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad said on Saturday that the state government should eliminate lottery and corporate politics from the state.

"These lottery tycoons have left many poor families in Tamil Nadu struggling to survive. The actor turned politician, Vijay must recognise the political schemes associated with events funded by lottery money that exploit and deceive the poor," he said.

Prasad said that Vijay should join hands with good people to propagate the principles, ideologies, and way of life of B.R. Ambedkar across Tamil Nadu.

The BJP leader called upon the people of Tamil Nadu to act vigilantly to prioritise the development of Tamil Nadu for the 2026 Assembly elections.

He said that the people of the state should reject corrupt parties, dynastic politics, and organisations driven by communal, divisive, or separatist ideologies.

ANS Prasad said that Adhav Arjuna was instrumental in creating the current DMK-led government, which has been marked by corruption and anti-people governance.

He said that in the same event, with no hesitation or shame, Adhav Arjuna claimed that the DMK's regime must be removed in 2026.

The BJP leader said that despite portraying himself as a critic of DMK, Adhav Arjuna conveniently omitted his past involvement in bringing them to power in 2021.

He said that Adhav Arjuna's statements were hypocritical and charged that While he worked to establish the DMK regime in 2021, he now falsely claims to oppose it.

He said that Adhav Arjuna tried a parliamentary ticket from the DMK and when it was denied he joined VCK expecting a Lok Sabha seat.

"Your political drama, driven by an ulterior motive to protect your massive lottery wealth and gain power, has now come to light," he said.

The BJP leader said that BJP stands against dynastic politics and monarchy-like governance anywhere in India.

He added that in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, a BJP-led coalition must emerge to defeat the DMK, which has acted like an octopus draining Tamil Nadu's resources.
Tehran, Dec 7 : Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Saturday dismissed a report about the country's evacuation of personnel from its embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus, according to the official news agency IRNA.

He made the remarks while reacting to a report by The New York Times on Friday, which claimed that Iran began to evacuate its military commanders and personnel from Syria and ordered evacuations at its embassy in Damascus earlier in the day, Xinhua news agency reported.

Baghaei said the news about the evacuation of Iran's embassy in Damascus was not true, adding the embassy was continuing its operations.

Since November 27, Syrian rebel groups, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have launched major offensives on several fronts in Syria, seizing key cities like Aleppo and Hama.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday reaffirmed his country's support for the Syrian people and government, according to IRNA.

In an address to reporters in the Qatari capital Doha, where he attended a trilateral meeting with Turkish and Russian foreign ministers on the situation in Syria, Araghchi said, "It is natural that we will continue supporting the Syrian people and government. This is a political campaign in which we should play our role."
New Delhi, Dec 7 : Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Devender Yadav on Saturday concluded his month-long Delhi Nyay Yatra, which covered all the 70 Assembly constituencies, and said Delhiites now want good governance which can be delivered only by the Congress.

He said that the "unprecedented" public support for the Yatra was a clear message that people want Congress back in power to run a democratic government and not one-man shows like that of Arvind Kejriwal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Thousands of Congress workers and local residents joined the Yatra on Saturday when it started from Krishan Vihar, Rathi Complex, Burari with Yadav getting a rousing reception.

The Delhi Congress chief said that after walking over 650 km within Delhi, talking to a cross-section of people, he has got a sense of the difficulties and sufferings of the people.

He promised to address issues related to youth who are unemployed, street vendors, teachers who languish in ad hoc jobs, and housewives who struggle to make ends meet, besides the menace of dirty drinking water, inflated electricity bills, and air and water pollution.

The Delhi Congress president also hit out at the BJP for giving up its plans to launch a 'Parivartan Yatra' to influence the voters in view of the upcoming Assembly elections.

He said that other than making promises and indulging in rhetoric, the BJP has done nothing for the people of Delhi, and the voters have been repeatedly rejecting the BJP for the past 26 years, as it was corrupt and inefficient like Kejriwal.

Yadav said that Kejriwal, instead of asking his own Government to take fool-proof steps to ensure the safety and security of the people, was indulging in cheap politics by blaming the BJP.

He said that AAP and BJP were equally guilty of creating a "jungle raj" in Delhi.

He said that when Congress was in power in Delhi, Kejriwal had demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit following the Nirbhaya incident and wondered why he was not demanding the resignation of his own Chief Minister Atishi over law and order.
Bengaluru, Dec 7 : Slamming the Congress-led Karnataka government for criticising the Centre over the series of maternal deaths in the state, Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Saturday said that blaming the Central government over the matter is unfair.

Speaking to reporters here, Pralhad Joshi, addressing claims that the Central government approved the intravenous (IV) fluid samples causing maternal deaths, said that similar problems have not occurred in the neighbouring states.

He criticised the Karnataka government for unfairly blaming the Centre and pointed out that even Telangana, under a Congress government, has not faced such issues and maternal deaths are not reported from there.

"The Congress leaders must speak with responsibility," the Union Minister said.

Pralhad Joshi noted that maternal and newborn deaths have been increasing in the state over the past few months. He accused the Siddaramaiah-led state government of being indifferent to this crisis.

"Despite the maternal deaths, CM Siddaramaiah has not visited Ballari. The government is mired in corruption and irresponsible in supplying poor-quality IV fluids. They are playing with the people's lives," he said.

The Union Minister asserted that the cause of the maternal deaths in Ballari was the administration of substandard IV fluids. He also slammed Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao for failing to handle the situation.

Pralhad Joshi earlier charged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government has completely lost sensitivity regarding the series of maternal deaths reported from the state's Ballari district.

Speaking to the media on Saturday at the BJP state headquarters, "Jagannath Bhavan" in Bengaluru, Pralhad Joshi expressed his concern over the maternal deaths and the increasing mortality rate of newborns.

He claimed that the government supplied low-quality medicines due to corruption, thus playing with people's lives.

The Union Minister further criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saying in order to protect himself from scams related to MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority), Valmiki Tribal Welfare, and the Excise Department, has neglected governance completely and is making frivolous statements.

Pralhad Joshi said that healthcare is a critical sector for the state government. He also criticised the Congress-led government for often blaming the Central government for everything.

In response to another question, Pralhad Joshi said that state Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao lacks sensitivity and finds satisfaction in acting like a sycophant to CM Siddaramaiah.

"If Minister Gundu Rao had any moral integrity, he should have resigned immediately," he said.

Pralhad Joshi described the situation as nothing more than "drama company" antics.

He also pointed out that the in-charge minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Minister for Health Dinesh Gundu Rao, and the Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil had not visited Ballari.

The issue of maternal deaths in government hospitals in Ballari district again came to the forefront with the death of Sumaya, the latest victim, who was admitted to VIMS in Ballari on November 10.

Following cesarean surgery on November 12, she was administered IV fluids, after which she developed kidney issues that eventually led to multiple organ failure. She was undergoing dialysis but succumbed on December 5.

Prior to Sumaya, Rojamma, Nandini, Muskaan, Mahalaxmi and Lalitamma also died due to post-delivery complications in Ballari district.

These incidents have caused widespread concern and outrage across the state.
New Delhi, Dec 7 : Since the formation of the opposition 'INDIA' bloc, tensions began to surface among its constituent parties. Just as the alliance started to take shape, JD(U) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar distanced himself and aligned with the NDA ahead of the 2024 general elections.

New Delhi, Dec 7 (IANS) Since the formation of the opposition aINDIAa bloc, tensions began to surface among its constituent parties. Just as the alliance started to take shape, JD(U) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar distanced himself and aligned with the NDA ahead of the 2024 general elections.

Disputes over seat-sharing within the INDIA bloc grew more intense ahead of Lok Sabha polls. In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee denied seats to Congress and Left parties like CPI-M and CPI. In Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) allocated seats to Congress, while in Punjab, AAP and Congress were unable to reach a seat-sharing agreement. In Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and in Bihar, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) divided seats arbitrarily, leaving Congress with a smaller share than it had hoped for.

With the NDA government's return in this yearas Lok Sabha elections, infighting within the INDIA bloc persisted. In the subsequent state Assembly elections, signs of fragmentation within the alliance became evident. In several states, regional parties refused to offer seats to Congress, and in states like Haryana, attempts to form a coalition between Congress, AAP, and SP failed to materialise.

AAP even announced that it would contest the Delhi Assembly elections independently. In the bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, Congress had to accept the seats allocated to them by the Samajwadi Party (SP).

Now, questions are being raised about the leadership of the INDIA bloc, particularly after Congress' performance under Rahul Gandhi in the Maharashtra and Haryana elections. Leaders from Mamata Banerjee's TMC, following the Maharashtra results, and AAP leaders after the Haryana results, have suggested that Congress engage in some self-reflection.

While opposition parties came together to keep the BJP out of power, leadership ambitions began to surface. As a national party, Congress was expected to lead, with Rahul Gandhi positioned as the face of the alliance. However, behind closed doors, many alliance members are blaming Rahul Gandhias leadership for the allianceas shortcomings.

In the backdrop of Congress' failure to defeat the BJP in several elections, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expressed her desire to lead the INDIA bloc in an interview on Friday, a statement that quickly drew significant political attention.

Several alliance leaders voiced their support for her and suggested opening discussions on the matter. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut even stated that he would visit Mamata in Kolkata to discuss the issue, while Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also backed her statement.

Mamata went further, claiming she had formed the INDIA bloc, a statement that holds partial truth. While it was Nitish Kumar who originally brought together Congress and other parties, Mamataas claim carries some weight, as Nitish Kumar is no longer part of the alliance. She said, "I formed the INDIA alliance. Now it's up to those leading it to manage it. If they cannot, what can I do?"

Mamata also stated that, if given leadership, she could ensure the alliance functions smoothly, a sentiment that received support from the Samajwadi Party (SP). SP leaders like Abu Azmi have even expressed a desire for Akhilesh Yadav to consider exiting the INDIA bloc, with SP leader Uday Pratap also endorsing Mamataas leadership qualities.

Earlier, CPI had voiced dissatisfaction with Congressa handling of the alliance. The root cause of this discontent lies in the fact that Congressa influence has waned within the opposition, especially as smaller parties have outperformed it in recent elections.

Mamata's recent comments are being viewed by many political analysts as a potential exit strategy from the alliance. Since Congress is unlikely to accept Mamata as its leader, she could choose to exit, much like Nitish Kumar did.

Mamata's party also appears to be at odds with Congress in Parliament. While Congress prefers disrupting parliamentary proceedings through protests, TMC leaders favour engaging in debates.

It seems Mamata has realised that Congress is more inclined to contest elections with regional allies in states where it is weak, such as Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand. However, in states where Congress is strong, like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, it has been unwilling to involve its allies. Therefore, Mamata appears to have crafted a safe exit plan ahead of the Bengal elections, which may also offer a potential exit strategy for other parties within the INDIA bloc.
ALGIERS, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Algeria and South Africa signed here on Friday five cooperation agreements and a declaration for strategic partnership to deepen their relations, Algeria's official news agency APS reported.

The signing ceremony at the Algerian Presidency was overseen by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa began his three-day visit to Algeria on Thursday, coinciding with the 7th session of the joint high committee between the two countries.

The five cooperation agreements covered agricultural research to promote innovation in farming, collaboration between their space agencies to advance technological exchange, and partnerships in entrepreneurship and innovation to foster economic growth. The two countries also agreed to enhance joint economic cooperation to boost trade and investment while promoting legal and judicial collaboration to strengthen bilateral legal frameworks.

Following the ceremony, Tebboune highlighted the historical ties between the two countries, emphasizing their "close cooperation and enduring solidarity" and describing their bilateral relationship as "strategic."

He noted that his discussions with Ramaphosa earlier in the day "covered regional and international issues, including the Israeli aggression on Gaza and Lebanon, and the situations in the Sahel, Libya, Sudan, and Central and Southern Africa."

Tebboune stressed that both Algiers and Pretoria "reaffirm their shared vision for resolving crises through political and negotiated solutions, free from external interference."

He also added that the two countries agreed to intensify efforts at the UN and African Union to push for reforms in the UN Security Council, advocating for Africa to gain two permanent seats.

Ramaphosa expressed South Africa's aspiration to strengthen ties with Algeria, reflecting their historical relationship. He emphasized enhancing trade between the two countries and fostering African cooperation through the establishment of a free trade zone.

On international matters, Ramaphosa called for "adherence to international law regarding Palestine" and expressed solidarity with "oppressed peoples worldwide."

The visit also included discussions on military cooperation, with meetings between Algerian Army Chief of Staff General Said Chengriha and South African Minister of Defense and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga.

Topics such as energy, irrigation, trade, and industry were also addressed on the margin of Ramaphosa's visit. 
Kigali, Dec 7 : Rwanda has published the fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5) in the Rwandan capital of Kigali to build resilient, sustainable agri-food systems.

The ambitious plan, themed Building Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems, serves as a blueprint for transforming the agriculture sector to achieve food security, sustainable land use, and economic development, Xinhua news agency reported.

Speaking at the launch Friday, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe emphasised the transformative potential of PSTA5, calling it a unique approach to agricultural development. "PSTA5 is unique because it is centered on agri-food systems-that is the central pivot," he said.

Bagabe urged Rwanda's youth to play a pivotal role in implementing the plan, highlighting the integration of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. "When you talk about using technology tools like the Internet of Things and AI to move agriculture forward, I can tell you we are together. I see young people as the pillar of productivity," he said.

He also stressed the importance of translating the strategy into tangible results. "We must chip into this strategic plan and ensure this blueprint is translated into actions," he added.

Bagabe also emphasised that the success of the strategy lies in collective action to ensure resilient, sustainable, and equitable agri-food systems for all.

PSTA5 focuses on modernising agriculture and animal resource production, fostering inclusive markets, and creating jobs within agriculture and food systems.

The five-year strategy aims to address pressing challenges such as low productivity, food insecurity, and limited commercialisation in the sector while enhancing resilience to climate shocks like droughts and floods. It aligns with national priorities and global frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

PSTA5 incorporates lessons from its predecessor, PSTA4, which made significant progress in areas such as marshland development, agroforestry, and irrigation infrastructure. Challenges like climate change and limited investment in agriculture, however, persist, necessitating further innovation and funding.

The expected impact of PSTA5 is transformative. The plan targets an average annual agricultural growth rate of 6.5 per cent, increasing export revenues to 1.54 billion US dollars and creating over 644,000 off-farm jobs in agri-food systems, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources. The strategy also aims to empower 72 per cent of women in agriculture and improve food and nutrition security nationwide.

With the launch of PSTA5, Rwanda has reaffirmed its commitment to driving inclusive and sustainable agricultural development.

Rwanda's agricultural sector remains vital to the country's economy, with about 69 per cent of households engaged in farming and around 400,000 people employed in agri-food systems, according to the Fifth Population and Housing Census (2022).
Jaipur, Dec 7 : A court in Rajasthan's Ajmer has announced life imprisonment for a man for life for raping and killing a minor girl, an official said on Saturday.

The convict, identified as Arshad, hails from the Pisangan area of Ajmer district.

He had befriended a Hindu minor girl on Instagram by claiming to be Hindu.

Soon, both grew closer to each other, following which he established physical relations with the minor girl forcibly.

When the victim opposed that, Arshad killed her by slitting her throat.

On Saturday, a Pocso court in Ajmer, while delivering the verdict, announced life imprisonment for Arshad.

Pocso Court prosecutor Vikram Singh Shekhawat said "Arshad befriended the victim on Instagram by claiming to be a Hindu. Later, he took her to a secluded place and raped her. When the victim protested, the accused killed her by slitting her throat with a sharp-edged knife".

It was learned that when the girl came to know about his original identity, she confronted her and then he raped and killed her, he added.

The court also imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on Arshad.

The prosecution presented 30 witnesses and 81 documents in the case, Shekhawat said, adding: "The prosecution appealed for the death penalty for the accused in this case. However the court has announced lifer "

He said that the victim's family had filed a case under several relevant sections.
Mainpuri : , Dec 7 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's statement expressing her desire to lead the INDIA bloc has sparked a political debate, drawing numerous reactions.

Senior Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav also shared his views on the matter, suggesting that Mamata Banerjee -- the Trinamool Congress supremo -- may have made this statement because Congress did not perform well in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

"In Himachal Pradesh, where the Congress is in power, they lost all four seats. Similarly, in Karnataka and Telangana, both Congress-ruled states, they lost half of their Lok Sabha seats. Furthermore, Congress failed to win even a single seat in Madhya Pradesh. It suffered major losses in Chhattisgarh. Had Congress performed better in the Lok Sabha elections, Narendra Modi would not have become the Prime Minister today.

"This is the reason the leadership change is being discussed. However, I choose not to engage in this debate. The INDIA alliance must remain intact, as without this alliance, these tikadami (trickster) individuals cannot be defeated," Yadav told reporters.

At a press conference in his hometown of Mainpuri, he said: "Doubts about the results in Maharashtra began to grow when people said that their votes were cast for Congress, but Congress' votes didn't show up. This situation points to irregularities. Even Donald Trump had mentioned that Russia interfered with the US presidential election through technology, so in today's technological world, itas not a big deal. We use disappearing messages on our phones, which vanish in minutes. Such changes can easily be made using technology."

The Samajwadi Party leader believes that "elections must be contested, whether they are by-polls or general elections. They are ready and will fully exercise their democratic rights".

Regarding the Sambhal violence, he said: "The BJP is searching temples across the country. The BJP's intention is to create unrest in the country so that they can stay in power. They donat care about the country."
Prayagraj, Dec 7 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday engaged with akharas, and saints' representatives ahead of the Mahakumbh 2025.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the holiness and grandeur of the Mahakumbh owe their essence to the revered saints, with the government and administration merely acting as partners in its organisation. He highlighted that the global recognition of Sanatan culture today is possible only because of the blessings and guidance of the saint community.

"The blessings of saints are the foundation of everything good in Mahakumbh. This time too, we look forward to their guidance for the fair administration," the Chief Minister said during an interaction with saints in the Maha Kumbh Mela area.

During his one-day visit to Prayagraj, the Chief Minister invited representatives of all 13 Akharas, along with those from the Khak-Chowk, Dandibara, and Acharyabara traditions, and pilgrimage priests, to participate in a special program for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit on December 13.

CM Yogi stated that the Prime Minister would perform a puja at Sangam and inaugurate projects worth thousands of crores aimed at ensuring a clean, safe, and well-organized Mahakumbh. The saint community unanimously expressed their consent to attend the event, reflecting their commitment to the program.

Discussing preparations for Mahakumbh-2025, CM Yogi acknowledged some delays in projects due to the late receding of Ganga's waters but assured that the state government would make every effort to meet the expectations of the saint community.

He stressed the importance of cooperation from the sadhu-saint community to maintain the cleanliness of the sacred rivers and enhance every pilgrim's experience visiting the Triveni Sangam.

"The progress of Sanatan society is possible only under the guidance of saints. We must work together to make Mahakumbh 2025 even grander than Kumbh 2019. With the blessings of saints and the guidance of the Prime Minister, the world is witnessing the transformation of Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Braj Dham," he said.

The saint community expressed immense gratitude towards CM Yogi Adityanath for his direct communication and proactive approach to addressing their concerns. They hailed him as the protector of Sanatan Dharma and noted that his leadership had instilled a sense of pride in the Sanatan society.

Representatives from various akharas and saint traditions praised the preparations for Mahakumbh, stating that the arrangements indicate it will surpass all previous Kumbh events in grandeur. They shared concerns about land allotment, camp locations, cleanliness, traffic management, and assistance amounts, to which the Chief Minister assured appropriate resolutions through directives to officials.

The saints unanimously declared their eagerness to contribute to Mahakumbh-2025, emphasising its potential to spread a message of peace to the entire world. They expressed satisfaction with the preparations under CM Yogi's leadership and anticipated a historic event that would uphold the pride of Sanatan culture.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed his commitment to making Mahakumbh a resounding success, underscoring the crucial role of saints in preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of India.
Bhopal, Dec 7 : Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Saturday that all possible measures will be undertaken to develop Vidisha -- the Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh which he represents -- as a model for agriculture and horticulture in the coming days.

The minister said that he would share his ideas with district administration and would ask officials to prepare a complete blueprint for the execution of plans on the ground in a systematic way.

"Farmers and government officials associated with the agriculture field will also be involved in it," said the minister after chairing a meeting with senior officials at the collector's office in Vidisha.

He also reviewed the execution of public beneficiary schemes of the Centre, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (MPAY) and Jal Jeevan Mission.

"We have decided to make Vidisha a model district for agriculture and horticulture. PM Modi has introduced several schemes to help farmers, and we have to ensure that a maximum number of people can avail of this benefit," Chouhan added.

Meanwhile, the minister along with district administration and public representatives watched the first episode of 'Krishi Chaupal' aired on Doordarshan channel. In this programme, farmers can interact directly with agricultural experts through live question-and-answer sessions.

"Krishi Chaupal programme began on Saturday and it will be aired on the first Saturday of every month. It will help farmers to learn new techniques and innovations from agriculture experts and scientists," he added.

Meanwhile, the minister also talked about 'Ladli Ladli Behna Yojana', a cash incentive for women introduced in Madhya Pradesh during his tenure as Chief Minister in 2023.

"Ladli Behna Yojana has brought tremendous change in the society," he said.
Bhopal, Dec 6 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Saturday that the state has received Rs 31, 800 crore in investment proposals during the sixth Regional Industry Conclave (RIC) in Narmadapuram.

"Our government has not only focused on infrastructure but also provided employment to women and youth in Madhya Pradesh. With initiatives across key sectors, we are creating an environment where opportunities thrive, and growth is inclusive," he said.

The Chief Minister informed that during the conclave, he held one-on-one meetings with more than 15 leading industrialists who participated in the conclave and they have submitted proposals for establishing industries in Narmadapuram and other parts of the state.

He added that the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department has signed a MoU with FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) aimed at boosting tourism in the state.

He said that this partnership will focus on sustainable growth, improving infrastructure, and driving tourism to position Madhya Pradesh as a key destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Earlier, addressing the conclave, the Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indiaas growth trajectory has been revolutionised.

"The world now believes in Indiaas growth. And Madhya Pradesh is proud to be part of this journey," he added.

During the beginning of the conclave, the Chief Minister distributed letters of land allotment orders for projects worth Rs. 2,250 crore allotting 260 acres of land in the state.

The Chief Minister also informed that the 7th Regional Industry Conclave will be held in Shahdol. Previously, these conclaves were held in Jabalpur, Ujjain, Sagar, Gwalior, Indore and Rewa. So far, the state government have received investment proposals of more than 75,000 crore.
Ballari : , Dec 7 (IANS) Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao visited the family of Sumaya, a new mother who recently passed away at the Ballari Government Hospital, and offered his condolences.

"I am working sincerely with full awareness of my responsibility to prevent any further tragedies," he stressed.

The minister, who is on a district tour of Ballari following the recent deaths of new mothers at the district hospital, visited Sumaya's home in Azad Nagar, Kudligi. MLA N.T. Srinivas was also present during the visit.

Speaking to the media during his visit, the minister said, "As soon as the deaths of new mothers came to light, we formed an expert committee and instructed them to submit a report on the causes of these deaths. Such incidents should not happen. The government is taking this issue very seriously, and we are taking precautions to prevent such occurrences in the future."

Regarding his visit to the deceased's home, the minister said, "This is my duty, and that is why I am here. The BJP is making criticisms, but I am working sincerely with full awareness of my responsibility."

"We have tested the IV fluid and instructed action against the company. As a precautionary measure, we have suspended the use of IV Ringer's Lactate across the state and have instructed all hospitals not to use it," he added.

Meanwhile, the sleuths of Karnataka Lokayukta raided the Government Hospitals in Ballari on Saturday in connection with the series of maternal deaths following caesarean section deliveries.

The three teams of the state Lokayukta conducted searches on the premises of the Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) and the Ballari District Government Hospital.

Following the series of deaths of six women after delivery in Ballari region, Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Friday that this year, 327 maternal deaths have been reported in the state. He further stated that he had given directions to investigate all cases.

"There should not be tolerance in such cases. Strict legal action needs to be initiated. The pharmaceutical companies are taking shelter under the law. The law has failed to punish them when they are found guilty," Minister Rao pointed out.

He also maintained that if everything is going to be alright with his resignation, then he is ready to tender it.
Aizawl, Dec 7 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested three persons from Mizoram in a trans-border arms ammunition trafficking case, an official said on Saturday, adding the arrests were made following extensive searches at six locations in different districts of Mizoram.

The apprehended individuals have been identified as Lalrinchhunga, Vanlaldailova and Lalmuanpuia.

The trio -- arrested on Friday -- were found linked with the previously arrested accused and suspects, and were actively involved in the explosives, weapons and ammunition trafficking network, an NIA statement said.

The target locations, in Mammit, Serchip and Aizawl districts, included a gunhouse, the release read.

Numerous weapons, ammunition, explosives, weapons manufacturing equipment and tools, digital devices and other incriminating articles were seized during the searches, carried out as part of the NIA's ongoing investigations in the case.

The national probe agency had registered a case in Delhi on December 26, 2023 under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code, IPC, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, Explosive Substances Act 1908 and Arms Act.

The NIA had started investigating the matter on the basis of inputs that some Mizoram-based entities were engaged in an illegal business and running a syndicate involved in the trafficking of arms, ammunition, explosives etc. in the northeastern region of the country.

NIA had earlier in July and November this year chargesheeted accused Lalngaihawma and Solomona alias Hminga alias Lalmithanga respectively in the case.

The agency is continuing with its investigations to unravel the conspiracy behind the arms and explosives trafficking in Mizoram and other northeastern states.

The NIA in July last year also arrested three persons, including a Myanmar national, after extensive searches in connection with the Mizoram explosives, arms and ammunition seizure case.

The three accused were arrested after raids at four locations in Mizoram, including two places in Champhai district, bordering Myanmar, and one each in Aizawl and Lawngtlai districts.

The raids on July 25 were conducted at the homes of the suspects, linked with pilferage and transportation of explosives and arms from Mizoram to Myanmar.

Various incriminating materials were seized during the raids.

On December 4, the Assam Rifles along with the Mizoram Police recovered Rs 1.24 crore of Indian currencies and apprehended one Myanmar citizen identified as Lianbiaksang (26) from Ngur areas of Champhai district along the India-Myanmar border.

Police suspect that the Indian money might be intended for use to purchase arms and ammunition or any contraband.
Mumbai, Dec 7 : Noted filmmaker Subhash Ghai was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Bandra on Saturday after complaining of speech difficulty and memory loss.

"Subhash Ghai presented to the emergency department at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre with complaints of difficulty in speaking, confusion and memory loss since one day. His past medical history was positive for Ischemic heart disease (s/p AVR 2009, CABG in 2011 and pacemaker insertion in 2011) and a recently diagnosed hypothyroidism. He was admitted to the ICU under the care of Dr. Rohit Deshpande. Initial CT angio of the brain, chest and abdomen and initial baseline blood investigations were essentially acceptable for his age and the patient was further evaluated. Ultrasound of the neck suggested features suggestive of thyroiditis with a hypoechoic margin requiring further evaluation. Transrectal Ultrasound of the prostate showed a heterogeneous hypoechoic lesion in the left lobe of the prostate gland with a serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value > 100. The patient is being evaluated for paraneoplastic syndrome secondary to the prostate lesion for which the patient is scheduled for a PET-CT scan on Monday," the hospital in a statement said.

Subhash Ghai (79) started his career in Bollywood as an actor. He did small roles in films like 'Taqdeer' and 'Aaradhna'.

Later he did lead roles in films like 'Umang' and 'Gumrah'. However, his career as an actor did not see much success following which he switched to direction.

His first film as a director was 'Kalicharan' with Shatrughan Sinha as lead. The film was a massive success which established him as a director.

He gave some of the major hits as director in the 1980s and 1990s. He had multiple successful collaborations with Dilip Kumar in 'Vidhaata', 'Karma' and 'Saudaagar'.

He received a Filmfare Award for the best director for 'Saudaagar'. Subhash Ghai also launched Jackie Shroff as the actor in the film 'Hero' which was a blockbuster.
Agartala, Dec 7 : Tripura Police on Saturday detained 10 Bangladeshi nationals, belonging to the Hindu community, after they illegally entered India by fleeing their village due to unrest and tensions in the neighbouring country, an official said.

A police officer said that the 10 Bangladeshi nationals including two women, three teenagers and an elderly person were detained from the Ambassa railway station in Tripura before boarding a Silchar (Assam)-bound train.

"We would initiate legal proceedings against the Bangladeshi nationals as per law," the official said.

Sankar Chandra Sarkar, who led the intruders, said that after facing continuous threats and intimidation, they fled from their Dhanpur village in Kishoreganj district.

"After trekking the forested hills of an arduous route overnight, we entered India on Saturday through Kamalpur (in Tripura's Dhalai district). We were trying to go to Silchar in Assam to stay in a rented house.

"We would never return to Bangladesh under any circumstances. The situation in Bangladesh is very grim. Attacks on the lives and properties of Hindus have become an everyday affair," Sarkar, who worked as a driver to run the house, said.

Talking to the media, he said that they sold some of their properties before fleeing into India, but they had to abandon many of their properties and household goods and assets.

Sarkar claimed that thousands of Hindu families wanted to come to India, but they were unable to do so for various reasons.

"During the Awami League government headed by then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we were happy and there was no enmity between the Hindus and Muslims in our areas. But after the caretaker government headed by Muhammad Yunus assumed office, they were continuously harassed and threatened," the visibly panicky middle-aged man said.

Over the last four months, over 550 Bangladeshi nationals and over 63 Rohingyas were arrested by the Government Railway Police, Border Security Force (BSF), and Tripura Police from the Agartala railway station and various other places in Tripura after they illegally entered India.

After the Bangladesh unrest began in June-July, BSF enhanced surveillance along the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border with the neighbouring country to prevent transborder crime and infiltration, BSF officials said.

Five Indian states  West Bengal (2216 km), Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km) and Assam ( 263 km) share a border with Bangladesh.

The BSF on a number of occasions foiled several infiltration attempts by hundreds of Bangladeshi nationals comprising Hindus and Muslims.
OUAGADOUGOU, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traore on Friday terminated the duties of Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachimson Kyelem de Tambela and dissolved the government.

According to a presidential decree read out on public television, "the duties of the prime minister are terminated" and "the government is dissolved."

The decree said members of the dissolved government will handle current affairs until a new government is formed.

No explanation of the president's decision was given in the decree.

Kyelem was appointed prime minister by Traore in October 2022, who came to power on Sept. 30 that year following a coup. 
Mumbai, Dec 7 : Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, is slated to hold a meeting with a Norwegian industry delegation, led by Norwegian Ambassador May-Elin Stener, here on Sunday, eyeing a $100 billion investment opportunity for both nations.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the key focus of the business roundtable will be on the recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, which holds immense potential for both nations.

"India is particularly keen on attracting $100 billion in investments from the EFTA countries, as outlined in the agreement," the ministry said.

The two sides will hold wide-ranging discussions on all aspects of the bilateral trade partnership, including opportunities, challenges and measures to further strengthen cross-border infrastructure, enhance connectivity and facilitate trade between the two countries.

They will also assess the opportunities in investment partnerships in logistics, supply chain, connectivity, maritime, energy, circular economy, food and agri, infrastructure, technology and more.

Union Minister Goyal is expected to hold discussions on key opportunities and trends for further Norwegian investments in India and potential areas of collaboration between India and Norway.

The discussions will also focus on the current business climate in India and key government reforms and policies conducive for the partnership.

According to the ministry, a high-level visit to Norway is expected in the next year during the IndiaNordic Summit. The forum and the discussions will foster further strengthening the existing close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

According to the government, the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) has the potential to boost 99.6 per cent of Indian exports with market access to EFTA countries and drive $100 billion investment.

India signed TEPA with four developed nations - Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein  which is an important economic bloc in Europe. The agreement will give a boost to 'Make in India' and provide opportunities to the young and talented workforce, according to the government.

EFTA is offering 92.2 per cent of its tariff lines which covers 99.6 per cent of India's exports.

The EFTA's market access offer covers 100 per cent of non-agri products and tariff concession on processed agricultural products (PAP).
New Delhi, Dec 7 : As Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad (51), a priest from Kerala, is set to be elevated as Cardinal by Pope Francis, Prime Minister's Office lauded the development "as a matter of immense pride for India".

Koovakad will be elevated as Cardinal by Pope Francis at a function to be held at Vatican City on Sunday. Taking to X on Saturday, the Prime Minister's Office said: "The Government of India sent a delegation led by Union Minister Shri George Kurian to witness this Ceremony. Prior to the Ceremony, the Indian delegation also called on His Holiness Pope Francis."

On Saturday while speaking to the media just before he was taking his immediate family who had come to see the elevation to have the customary meeting with the Pope, the smiling Koovakad said, "My parents and my close relatives have come for the function and we are going for the function when the Pope will receive all the guests. This is God's will which I never expected. This elevation is a selection done by God. I owe this to all who made it possible. When I was sent here (in 2006), I was told by my respected seniors, that if it's to learn the Bible, that can be done in Kerala itself, but since you are being sent to the Vatican it's being done to learn things deeply."

Koovakad is attached to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Changanacherry and when elevated as a cardinal, he will become the sixth person from Kerala to occupy the post.

The other five Cardinals in Kerala were bishops before being elevated to this exalted post in the Catholic Church.

In the global Catholic Church, there are 232 active Cardinals at present and the numbers will go up to 253 after Koovakad and 20 others will be elevated.

It's this group of Cardinals who will be sitting together to elect the next Pope, whenever that time comes.

Koovakad, currently based in the Vatican has the responsibility of organising the international travel schedule of Pope Francis. He joined the Vatican Diplomatic Service in 2006, after completing his formation at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.

Born on August 11, 1973, in Thiruvananthapuram, Koovakad became a priest on July 24, 2004, and later pursued training for diplomatic service at the prestigious Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.

In 2006, he began his diplomatic career at the Apostolic Nunciature in Algeria.

He has served in Apostolic Nunciatures in Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela.
Agartala, Dec 7 : The ongoing unrest in Bangladesh has disrupted the plans of operating international flights and delayed access to the Chittagong seaport, which is crucial for connectivity and trade with the northeastern states, a Tripura Minister said here on Saturday.

Tripura Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury while addressing a regional seminar titled "Infrastructure in North East India - Challenges and Way Ahead", said that earlier the Bangladesh government in principle agreed to allow the use of the Chittagong international seaport by the northeastern states of India.

The Bangladesh government also earlier agreed to operate international flights between Agartala and the neighbouring country, the minister said, adding that operationalisation of the 'Maitri Setu' over the Feni River was also delayed.

The 'Maitri Setu', built at the Indian expenditure, connects Sabroom in southern Tripura with Chittagong sea port in Bangladesh via Ramgarh.

The Chittagong seaport is just 72 km from Sabroom.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his former Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated the Maitri setu on March 9, 2021.

The 1.888 km long double-lane bridge was built by India at a cost of around Rs 129 crore.

Expressing optimism, the Minister hoped for a swift return to normalcy in Bangladesh to resume these vital connections.

Chowdhury highlighted the commitment of the current central government towards developing the northeast, a region that had lagged behind since Independence.

He cited the Union Finance Minister's allocation of Rs 1.34 lakh crore for infrastructure and communication in the region, along with the ongoing construction of over 4,000 km of national highways.

For Tripura alone, projects worth Rs 4,000 crore are currently underway, he said.

The Minister credited the "double engine government" for this rapid progress, highlighting projects worth Rs 500 crore aimed at boosting tourism infrastructure, with financial assistance from central and external agencies.

He asserted that these initiatives would create significant employment and livelihood opportunities in Tripura.

Chowdhury underscored the visible transformation in infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, and education under the incumbent central and state governments, praising the role of engineers in nation-building.

The seminar brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in Northeast India's infrastructure development, charting a roadmap for sustainable growth in the region.

The seminar was organised by the Indian Buildings Congress, Tripura Chapter, in collaboration with PWD Urban Development, PWD Rural Development, and Agartala Municipal Corporation.
Patna, Dec 7 : Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar graced the second convocation ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi Central University as the chief guest, inaugurating the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp on Saturday.

He also paid floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, honouring his legacy. The event witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, MP and former Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh, Chancellor Mahesh Sharma, and Vice Chancellor Sanjay Srivastava.

Addressing the students, Vice President Dhankhar emphasised that education is a lifelong journey, urging them to continue striving for knowledge and excellence beyond the degree.

"The nation's ascent to becoming the fifth-largest economy in the world, surpassing former colonial rulers, and attributed this progress to the reduction of corruption and elimination of middlemen in governance," the Vice President said while addressing the gathering.

The Vice President articulated the vision of a "Developed India by 2047", describing it as a shared goal that requires collective sacrifice and dedication. He lauded the commended Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, recognising his efforts in transforming the state's development trajectory.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, in addition to presiding over the convocation, visited notable landmarks in the city. He inspected the Charkha Park, a symbolic tribute to Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of self-reliance.

The Vice President also participated in the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign by planting a sapling at the event venue, Gandhi Auditorium.

Accompanied by the Vice Chancellor Sanjay Srivastava, the Vice President entered the auditorium to the resonant tunes of a pipe band, adding grandeur to the occasion. Students attending the convocation adhered to a formal dress code, creating a disciplined and unified atmosphere for the ceremony.

Governor Arlekar echoed the sentiment, reminding students that the convocation symbolizes the beginning of their journey rather than the conclusion of their education. He extended his best wishes for their bright futures. The convocation resonated with messages of perseverance, national pride, and the importance of ongoing education in nation-building.

Local MP and former Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh spoke about the establishment of the university.

"The collective efforts of all political parties and local residents were the reason for bringing the Central University to Motihari. I expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for selecting Motihari as its location," Singh said.
Patna, Dec 7 : Educationist Faizal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, was admitted to the ICU of Prabhat Memorial Hiramati Hospital in Patna due to dehydration and fatigue.

He fell ill after participating in a protest by BPSC aspirants at Gardanibagh in Patna, on Friday. Aspiring BPSC candidates are protesting against normalisation and Khan Sir has shown solidarity with them.

Dr Satish Kumar, CMD of the hospital, confirmed that Khan Sir had suffered from severe dehydration, which necessitated saline treatment. His condition improved significantly, and he is expected to be discharged on Sunday morning if his recovery continues smoothly.

Khan Sir's health issues began on Friday when he experienced repeated vomiting, leading to dehydration. Despite his deteriorating condition, he attended the protest, interacted with a magistrate to mediate, and requested assistance in returning to his car. He was later escorted safely by police to Atal Path in Patna.

The educationist is expected to resume his classroom sessions soon, as doctors have noted considerable progress in his recovery.

Earlier on Friday evening, there were media reports that Khan Sir was detained by the Patna Police. However, Patna's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajeev Mishra said that he was neither detained nor arrested.

On Saturday morning, Anu Kumari, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of the Sachiwalay range, Patna, also denied any such development about the detention or arrest of Khan Sir.

"Khan Sir was not arrested or detained by Patna Police during the protests by BPSC aspirants at the Gardanibagh dharna site. Instead, Khan Sir voluntarily visited the Gardanibagh police station on Friday to meet with the duty magistrate. He assured the magistrate that he would help explain the situation to the protesting students to maintain peace. Following this, he requested assistance from the police to safely reach his car parked on Atal Path. A police team then escorted him in a police vehicle to his car," Anu Kumari said.
Chandigarh, Dec 7 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday said the government is working on "4Ts" -- meaning test, track, treat and technology, to eliminate TB.

Chandigarh, Dec 7 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday said the government is working on "4Ts" -- meaning test, track, treat and technology, to eliminate TB.

He said intensified testing in the past 10 years has led to the identification of new TB cases and treatment of which is being given free of cost.

Speaking at the launch programme of the countrywide intensified 100-Day TB elimination campaign here, the Chief Minister urged the people to upload the data of every new TB case in the Ni-kshay portal that also provides timely updates to TB patients.

He said the state government is working with NGOs and civil society to further bolster its TB elimination efforts.

The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda, who was present here, for choosing Haryana to kick start the intensified 100-day TB campaign.

He assured that Haryana would strive to play a prominent role in the fight against TB in India.

He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India started working against TB with a new mindset and approach after 2014, which is unprecedented.

Over the past 10 years, India has fought against TB through the medium of successful campaigns like Jan Bhagidari, Nikshay Poshan Yojana, Fit India and Khelo India, which are admired across the world. He said the launch of the 100-day National Ni-kshay Camp for TB eradication will be a milestone in this effort.

The Chief Minister said the state government is providing even more advanced technology to eliminate TB. All existing X-ray centers are being connected with Indian Plasma Research Institute in Ahmedabad through AI to eliminate TB. Haryana is the second state in the country to implement this technology. Two state-of-the-art Micro Bacterial Culture and DST Labs have been set up in Rohtak and Karnal.

Besides this, a new lab is being set up in Ambala, said Saini. He said through 59 mobile health vans, TB tests are being conducted in villages, slums, among daily wage workers, brick kiln workers, and farmers.
Mumbai, Dec 7 : Filmmaker Subhash Ghai's Spokesperson informed on late Saturday evening that the veteran director, who was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Bandra, 'is doing fine'.

The spokesperson said in a statement given to the media that the director has been admitted for a routine check-up.

The spokesperson said, "We would like to confirm that Mr. Subhash Ghai is absolutely fine. He has been admitted for a routine check-up and is doing well. Thank you all for your love and concern".

Earlier, the hospital had shared in a statement that his past medical history was positive for Ischemic heart disease (s/p AVR 2009, CABG in 2011 and pacemaker insertion in 2011) and a recently diagnosed hypothyroidism. He was admitted to the ICU under the care of Dr. Rohit Deshpande.

Subhash Ghai started his career in Bollywood as an actor. He did small roles in films like 'Taqdeer' and 'Aaradhna'. Later he did lead roles in films like 'Umang' and 'Gumrah'. However, his career as an actor did not see much success following which he switched to direction.

He is known for films like 'Kalicharan', 'Vishwanath', 'Karz', 'Hero', 'Vidhaata', 'Meri Jung', 'Karma', 'Ram Lakhan', 'Saudagar', 'Khalnayak', 'Pardes' and 'Taal'.

In 2006, he received the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues for producing the social problem film 'Iqbal'. The same year he founded the Whistling Woods International film and media institution in Mumbai.

Recently, the filmmaker attended the 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, where his memoir, 'Karma's Child: The Story of Indian Cinema's Ultimate Showman' was launched. The festival also saw the screening of his musical 'Taal'.

He last produced and wrote the comedy-drama streaming movie '36 Farmhouse' which was released in 2022.
Kohima, Dec 7 : The ongoing silver jubilee edition of the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland's Kisama has been a spectacle of vibrant cultural displays, with jubilant dances and traditional performances taking centrestage on the 7th day on Saturday.

The audience was captivated by a diverse range of performances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Indiaas northeastern states.

The Rongmei community kicked off the cultural presentations on Saturday with their mesmerizing Rangdai Lam, also known as the Hornbill dance, a tribute to the majestic bird that symbolizes the festival.

This was followed by performances from the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), featuring troupes from seven Northeastern states.

The Lusei community of Mizoram enthralled the crowd with the Cheraw dance, a traditional Mizo dance where men tap long bamboo staves in rhythmic beats while girls in colorful costumes dance between them.

From Sikkim, the Bhutia community presented the Singhi Chham dance, where dancers donned lion costumes to symbolize the snow lion.

The Chakma community of Tripura showcased the Bizu dance, a captivating group performance with fluid circular movements.

The Assamese community mesmerised the crowd with the Bihu dance, one of Indiaas most colourful folk dances, full of energy and enthusiasm.

From Manipur, the Meitei community performed the Lai-Haraoba dance, a traditional dance which mirrors the pre-Vaishnavita culture.

Arunachal Pradesh's Adi community performed the Taapu dance, a famous war dance, while the Garos of Meghalaya wowed the audience with their graceful Wangala dance, celebrating the harvest season.

In the evening session, another Sikkim Cultural troupe performed - Lepcha - Dambrow Zow which is a traditional dance form that incorporates rhythmic dance steps symbolizing the process of husking paddy rice.

Mizoramas second cultural troupe presented Sarlamkai dance, which is a warrior dance performed to celebrate a victory in war.

The Arunachal Pradesh another troupe presented the Etor Festival (Adi community) which is one of the most important and popular festivals in the state's Adi belt. This festival is celebrated in the month of May every year and this festival is only for males.

Tripuraas second troupe performed the jhum dance (Chakmas Community), it is another popular dance of the Chakma Community. As agriculture has had a palpable influence on their culture, Jhum cultivation has been a popular theme. In this dance, various steps of Jhum cultivation are depicted by the group of dancers making sometimes round and sometimes horizontal rows.

Another Manipur group presented the Lai - Haraoba Dance by Meitei Community. The ancient Manipuris have developed a very comprehensive form of dance which is popularly known as Lai-Haraoba which mirrors the Pre-Vaishnavita culture.

It is performed generally between the spring and rainy seasons before the temple of Umanglai.

The Khasi Community of Meghalaya performed the Harvest Dance in the field, the 'Nongshoh Kba' or the harvesters, make the 'Phawar' (Khasi traditional couplets) calling for the wind to blow away the chaffs.

While returning home, each and every house gets busy merry making. Men and women in traditional costumes dance with enchantment, rapture and delight.
Bhopal, Dec 7 : As many as 13 people were arrested in connection with a fire incident, wherein more than 30 persons, including children and women, sustained burn injuries in Khandwa district, police said on Saturday.

The incident occurred during a 'mashaal' (flame torch) procession in the Malwa-Nimar region in Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa on November 29. The fire turned into an inferno, triggering panic after which people started running to save themselves leading to a stampede-like situation.

Police registered a case and booked 18 persons for organising the event without mandatory approval from the district administration and police.

On Saturday, district police carried out a search and arrested eight accused persons from different locations in Khandwa. Later, five more accused surrendered themselves to the police. Whereas, five other accused persons were still absconding.

"A total of 13 persons, who are responsible for organising mashaal yatra, have been arrested during a day-long search operation," Khandwa SP Manoj Kumar Rai said on Saturday.

Rai said the investigation revealed that five of them have been involved in criminal activities and they were out on bail. "Search for the remaining five accused is underway and they will be arrested soon," Rai added.

More than 250 people, including women and children, participated in the 'mashaal' procession. As soon as the procession concluded, the participants gathered at Ghantaghar Chowk.

Meanwhile, the fire broke out after some of the 'mashaals' fell on the ground where liquid material used for ignition was kept. Following this, a stamped-like situation emerged.

The police said that most of the people sustained injuries on their hands and face. However, no casualty was reported.
In the National Book Award winners novel Twist (Random House, Mar.), a journalist in search of a story joins the crew of a cable repair ship.

How did you choose the setting?

Ive been interested in the idea of communications and one of the things that I was really particularly interested in was repair, not just physical repair but human repair of the connections between us.

How did you conduct your research?

I spent a good few days on board with the crew of a cable repair ship docked in South Africa, finding out their stories and imagining what their life was like. And I was amazed about what I found. I mean the idea that our conversation right now is shooting down these tiny wires that are the size of your eyelash carrying this light that pulses billions of times per second.

Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness rings in your narrators head. Could you talk about how Conrads novella echoes in your book?

I didnt set out to write a novel with the same structure as Conrads, but as the ship in Twist entered the waters of the Congo River, it just sort of began to emerge. All the old colonial routes are being followed by the wires themselves, and yet its a modern tale. There are cables being laid around Africa right now by Facebook and Google to a cost in the billions. Very little of that money will go to the economies there.

Why did you write the story from a journalists perspective?

He felt like the right vessel into which I should try to communicate. And I was guided a lot by the idea of the narrator of The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway. I wanted a straightforward earnest voice of someone trying to make sense of the world, who has a penchant and desire to tell a story that is bigger than himself and yet at the same time trying to work out some of his own inner demons.

How does Twist compare to your other novels?

For me its a new sort of book in the sense that its quite straightforward and chronological. Often I write in a kaleidoscopic way and use several different narrators, but this one takes place with only one narrator. Hes a character whos interested in the notion of repair and I think he achieves it, but he also talks about the difficulties of achieving a sort of balance when everything seems to be mashed together into one available form of communication. I think it is one of the stories of our times that we are so connected and yet so disconnected, and that we live in a world where we can make these spectacular leaps in fractions of a second and yet sometimes we dont even know the person next door to us.
ULAN BATOR, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia-China cooperation in combating desertification, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating climate change is fruitful and flourishing, Mongolia's Minister of Environment and Climate Change Saldan Odontuya has said.

Joint environmental initiatives are a key area of bilateral eco-cooperation, said the minister in an interview with Xinhua, adding that they are in line with the shared goals outlined in the 2022 joint statement on advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era between Mongolia and China.

To further strengthen cooperation in desertification prevention, the two countries have jointly established the China-Mongolia Desertification Prevention and Control Cooperation Center. A research team from Peking University is preparing a comprehensive technical and economic feasibility study, and a joint working group is conducting research on the project, the minister added.

As part of this collaboration, China has supported Mongolia's "Plant a Billion Trees" plan, which aims to plant at least 1 billion trees by 2030 to combat desertification.

China International Development Cooperation Agency has reached an agreement with Mongolia's Ministry of Economy and Development and other relevant agencies to advance desertification prevention. Additionally, Mongolian officials and environmental experts have traveled to China to learn from the country's desertification control experience.

Odontuya highlighted the success of a joint project between Mongolia and China from 2018 to 2024, which aimed at protecting the critically endangered Gobi bear (Mazaalai) through technical assistance to improve research conditions and facilitate collaboration between Mongolian and Chinese scientists.

The Gobi Desert is home to rare and endangered species, such as the Gobi bear, Przewalski's horses (Takhi), argali wild sheep, snow leopards, and migratory birds. This area is the only habitat of the critically endangered wild Bactrian camel (Khavtgai).

Looking ahead, Mongolia seeks to expand cross-border conservation efforts, with an emphasis on wildlife migration routes protection, zoonotic diseases prevention, and capacity-building, Odontuya said.

Mongolia-China cross-border preservation, collaborative research, and cross-border corridors significantly contribute to protecting the species in their native habitats and conserving biodiversity, the minister noted.

In southern Mongolia's Gobi Desert, the government is developing infrastructure in an environmentally sustainable manner to protect wildlife like the white gazelle and Mongolian wild asses (Equus hemionus), the minister said.

"We have already begun approving and implementing standards for wildlife-friendly crossings and fences," Odontuya said. "Drawing on this experience, Mongolia is ready to collaborate with China to make the border fences between the two countries more wildlife-friendly." 
In A Matter of Complexion: The Life and Fictions of Charles W. Chesnutt (St. Martins, Feb.), the Bowdoin College literature professor chronicles the life of novelist Charles W. Chesnutt.

How did Chesnutts style compare with the broader literary movements of his era?

Chesnutt wrote during what literary critics now call the birth of American realism, alongside authors like William Dean Howells and Mark Twain. He was writing very much in that style, but because he was writing from a different perspectivethat of someone living among poor Black people in the Souththe vernacular that he used followed a different method. With realism, the objective was to transcribe the way people really spoke, instead of the caricatures in, say, sentimental fiction from the previous era. The cool thing about Chesnutt was that he worked as a stenographer and a shorthand legal reporter, so hed been doing that for years, and thats how he came to literature. He understood the oral patterns of the Black vernacular in a way that other realists like Twain and Howells didnt.

Race featured prominently in Chesnutts writings, even as he lamented that Black writers were often burdened with the responsibility of defending and uplifting his race. Can you untangle how Chesnutt thought about the relationship between fiction and race?

He was trying to show what race was doing to people on both sides of the color line by writing about the ways in which race negatively shaped the lives of his characters. He does this in his novel The Marrow of Tradition, which, insofar as it has a main character, follows a white supremacist, Major Carteret. You get inside Carterets head as Chesnutts trying to work out who this guy is, expecting not that youll feel sympathy for him, but that youll see how hes boxed in by his commitment to race.

Why do you think Chesnutt isnt as well remembered today as the Harlem Renaissance writers he influenced?

The Harlem Renaissance really did take over, and Chesnutt didnt fit in with those writers, partly because he saw them as celebrating race in a way that was having a negative effect on what he understood as progress, which he equated with the dissolution of the color line. He saw the Harlem Renaissance celebration of Black culture as a step backward. Critics today have used the Renaissance as a beginning for African American literature, and Chesnutt was not part of it. In one of his final speeches, Chesnutt calls himself a pre-Harlem, postbellum writer. He couldnt quite find a spot for himself, and so he was seen as fathering a renaissance, even as he was ambivalent about doing so. I think he isnt remembered because critics and teachers dont know exactly where to place him.
For all their wit and invention, what might stand out most in TJ Klunes bestselling queer fantasies is the care with which the author invites readers in. Those invitations are to join in fantastic adventures; to witness tender, affirming romances that ignite between male charactersand, on occasion, a robot; and to nest with the found families that populate his books.

There are nourishing teatimes and jazz-record listening sessions in The House in the Cerulean Sea and its sequel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea. There are screenings of Fred Astaire musicals with a Roomba in the posthuman future of In the Lives of Puppets. Theres sparkling lunchtime banter between teens, some secretly superpowered, in the Extraordinaries series. And theres skipping stones and games of Old Maid in his latest, The Bones Beneath My Skin (originally self-published in 2018 and coming in February from Tor), a paranormal on-the-run thriller complete with black helicopters, government secrets, and a young girl who is much more than she seems.

Klunes books offer readers these moments because he still remembers the heartening jolt he felt when a book first invited him in. The very first book I ever read with queer people in it was given to me by my librarian after I came out to her, Klune says via Zoom from his cabin in the Cascade Mountains region of Washington State. The book: Patricia Nell Warrens The Front Runner, a tragic gay love story published in 1974.

Klune lovedand lovesthe book, counting a signed first edition as a prized possession. His own novels, though, tend to be more optimistic, emphasizing tenderness, connection, and the power of openhearted people (or werewolves or amorphous green blobs) to better the world. I do what I do because I know that even now there are kids like I was out there, young people in rural settings, he says, and I want to make sure that theyre seen tooand that they get to see themselves in books. As readers of Green CreekKlunes spicier, often heartrending werewolf romance seriescan attest, Klune understands the power of being invited into a pack.

Still, for all the warmth and tenderness of his books, Klune prefers not to categorize them as cozy, a term that implies low stakes. People have called In the Lives of Puppets cozy, but that deals with the genocide of the entire human race, says Klune, who also resists being saddled with expectations. I dont want to give people the idea that this is all Im going to write for the rest of my career. I want to write a queer western. I want to write a queer space opera. I want to do this. I want to do that. If people care enough about me after Im gone, maybe theyll look back at this point in my life and think, this is when he loved people. He loved seeing characters come together and do things. And then maybe the next part of my career is going to be like, Well, TJ Klune really just wanted to kill off everybody.

Born in Roseburg, Ore., in 1982, Klunewho doesnt speak publicly about his familygrew up poor on his grandmothers farm, where life as a queer and effeminate kid with ADHD wasnt easy. He seized on storytelling as an escape early on, and his familys move to Tucson, Ariz., with its more diverse population, feltwhen he was 16something like his first steps into a wider world. From there, Klune carved his own path, leaving community college after one semester, working as an insurance claims adjuster in Virginia, and writing as much as possible.

Impishly animated behind his signature spectacles, Klune speaks quickly, with passion and fierce focus, whether hes landing a joke, making a point, or doing both at once. His words emerge at such speed, and in such well-shaped sentences, that conversation with him somewhat demystifies his remarkable productivity as an author. Since his 2011 debutBear, Otter, and the KidKlune has published 27 novels, including 2014s haunted small-town romance Into This River I Drown, which won a Lambda Literary Award. Many of his books were published by Dreamspinner Press, a Florida indie specializing in queer romances; others were self-published under his own BOATK Books imprint.

Despite his success and productivity, Klune wasnt making a living as a writer. He describes his decade in insurance as cubicle hell and recalls being devastated, one day, when a company bigwig told him, You are very good at insurance.

Thats not what I wanted to be good at, Klune says. The next week, he put in his notice. I wanted to be good at something Ive wanted to do since I was a kid. So, I took that chance.

The gamble paid off. Klune went full-time as a writer in 2016 and signed on with Tor in 2018. In 2020, Tor published The House in the Cerulean Sea, a commercial breakthrough leading to acclaim, and bigger audiences. And, in 2022, Tor announced a deal for nine Klune titles, including reprints of four books the complete Green Creek series first published by Dreamspinner, and The Bones Beneath My Skin, first published by BOATK. TJ is an outrageous talent, says Ali Fisher, executive editor at Tor. Its a rare storyteller who can have you experiencing their stories so fully in your body and, at the same time, sending your mind to another world entirely.

And if the plot of The Bones Beneath My Skin sounds more conventional than most Klune novels, on the page its all him: the young female protagonist is named Artemis Darth Vader, the male-male romance is both sweet and sexy, and before the action hits, Klune conjures a lovely, extended idyll, with his characters hiding out in a remote cabin and learning how to trust one another.

That cabin sounds a lot like the one where Klune currently lives. And like Artemis Darth Vader and her companions, he relishes nesting but wont back down from a fight. Hes fiercely outspoken about LGBTQ+ rights and the current surge in book banning. Touring the nation with Somewhere Beyond the Sea, Klune addressed audiences in theaters rather than bookshopsoffering that all important invitation to hundreds at a timeand delivered barnstorming speeches about trans rights and standing up for love.

So many people see their rights being stripped away piece by piece, he says. They see segments of the population, whether it be BIPOC people, whether it be LGBTQIA people, being targeted, and theyre not going to stand for it. If adults think that all these young people are so impressionable and that they need to be protected, why does nobody ask them what they think?

Correction: A previous version of this article stated The House in the Cerulean Sea was published in 2021. It was published in 2020.
Top 10

Bees, and After

John Liles. Yale Univ., Mar. 25 ($45, ISBN 978-0-300-27941-2)

Science, the natural world, and the threat of climate change animate this debut from the winner of the Yale Series of Younger Poets prize.

The Essential C.D. Wright

C.D. Wright, edited by Forrest Gander and Michael Wiegers. Copper Canyon, May 13 ($22 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-55659-719-0)

This collection includes previously unpublished poems from Wright, expanding readers familiarity with one of the most formally innovative voices of American contemporary poetry.

The Golden Book of Words

Bernadette Mayer. New Directions, May 6 ($15.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8112-3968-4)

Only 750 copies of this early work by Mayer, who died in 2022, were originally printed. This new edition showcases the poets deadpan humor and erudition.

Heaven Looks Like Us: Palestinian Poetry

Edited by George Abraham and Noor Hindi. Haymarket, May 13 ($21.95 trade paper, ISBN 979-8-88890-365-0)

Documenting the historical struggles of Palestinians and the impact of violence on individuals in the region, this anthology includes selections by emerging and established Palestinian poets.

Jailbreak of Sparrows

Martin Espada. Knopf, Apr. 1 ($29, ISBN 978-0-593-53712-1)

National Book Award winner Espada reflects on violence in his hometown in Puerto Rico, the vestiges of anti-colonial uprising, and commemorations of the forgotten.

Moon Mirrored Indivisible

Farid Matuk. Univ. of Chicago, Mar. 17 ($18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-226-84000-0)

Matuk, a survivor of childhood sexual assault who arrived in the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant at age six, offers layered poems on systems of power and violence.

Pathemata, or, the Story of My Mouth

Maggie Nelson. Wave, Apr. 1 ($25, ISBN 979-8-89106-011-1)

Nelson draws inspiration from Herve Guiberts The Mausoleum of Lovers to chronicle a decade of jaw pain in poems detailing her dreams, daily musings, and reflections on mortality.

Poet in the New World: Poems, 19461953

Czesaw Miosz, trans. by Robert Hass and David Frick. Ecco, Feb. 4 ($28, ISBN 978-0-06-342299-5)

In poems written while he was working as a Polish diplomat in Washington, D.C., Miosz explores the responsibilities of language and the landscape of the postwar United States.

There Lives a Young Girl in Me Who Will Not Die

Tove Ditlevsen, trans. by Sophia Hersi Smith and Jennifer Russell. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Mar. 11 ($30, ISBN 978-0-374-61346-4)

The first English-language edition of Ditlevsens poetry includes darkly humorous ruminations on childhood, loss, disappointment, and memory.

Water

Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, trans. by Haleh Liza Gafori. New York Review Books, Mar. 11 ($14.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-68137-916-6)

Gafori delivers a new selection of work by the Persian mystic, freshly rendering his wit and ecstatic language.

longlist

Abbeville

Haiku: Japanese Poems for the Four Seasons by Ornella Civardi, illus. by Kaori Yamaguchi (Apr. 15, $25 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-7892-1506-2), is an illustrated collection of classic haiku by masters of every period, including Basho, Buson, Issa, and Shiki.

Archipelago

Wickerwork by Christian Lehnert, trans. by Richard Sieburth (May 6, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-962770-24-8). The poems in this bilingual edition from German poet Lehnert explore primordial existence, nature, and growth.

Arsenal Pulp

Buzzkill Clamshell by Amber Dawn (Apr. 1, $17.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-55152-979-0). The third collection from Dawn challenges traditional confessional poetry through hyperbole and myth building. Themes include chronic pain, the disabled body, queer identity, feminine power, eroticism, and aging.

Assembly

The Mountains of Kong: New and Selected Prose Poems by Dag T. Straumsvag, trans. by Robert Hedin (Apr. 1, $19.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-998336-07-4). Presented in Nynorsk and English, this gathering of 60 prose poems from Norwegian poet Straumsvag investigates unfamiliar landmarks.

Backwaters

Locomotive Cathedral by Brandel France de Bravo (Mar. 1, $17.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-4962-4008-8). Climate change, the global pandemic, race, and identity are at the heart of France de Bravos poems, which seek to evoke the complexities of transformation.

Beacon

Boy Maybe by W.J. Lofton (Mar. 25, $17 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8070-1782-1). Channeling the urgency of their subjects, Loftons poems reflect on Black queer Southern identity and honor victims of police brutality and racist violence, including Breonna Taylor, Kendrick Johnson, and Ahmaud Arbery.

Book*hug

No One Knows Us There by Jessica Bebenek (Apr. 8, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-77166-939-9). Grief, the natural world, and reflections on trauma make up the core of this debut, which comprises the stories of a caregiving granddaughter and an older woman reflecting on her younger self.

Bucknell Univ.

Black California Gold

by Wendy M. Thompson (Mar. 11, $19.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-68448-550-5) probes the struggles and triumphs of Black life in Californias Bay Area amid gentrification and the displacement of Black people.

Carnegie-Mellon Univ.

Goat-Footed Gods by Kathleen Driskell (Mar. 4, $20 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-88748-708-8) interweaves stories about the natural world and creatures of American folklore, such as the Goatman of Pope Lick, in Louisville, Ky., with poems about Driskells own traumatic childhood injury.

CavanKerry

Beyond the Watershed

by Nadia Alexis (Mar. 4, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-960327-09-3). In these poems, Alexis considers waters destructive and restorative forces as a mirror for the experience of Black women and girls.

Central Avenue Poetry

Call Me Home by Harman Kaur

(Feb. 18, $17 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-77168-399-9). Different interpretations and examples of home serve as the

bedrock of Kaurs exploration of womanhood, spirituality, and immigration. 50,000-copy announced first printing.

Coffee House

Out of the Blank by Elaine Equi (Feb. 11, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-56689-717-4) reflects on human emotions and experiences, the passage of time, and the reality of physical existence.

Convergent

Make Believe: Poems for Hoping Again by Victoria Hutchins (Mar. 18, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-73571-8) explores childhood, nostalgia, imagination, and self-belief in spoken-word pieces and previously unpublished writings from Hutchins.

Copper Canyon

Every Sound Is Not a Wolf by Alberto Rios (Apr. 8, $17 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-55659-711-4). This collection of poems in couplets explores the bond between people, environments, and nature.

Dial

A Little Daylight Left by Sarah Kay, illus. by Sophia Janowitz (Apr. 1, $25, ISBN 978-0-593-73370-7). The second volume from Kay adopts a lens of curiosity in poems that tackle human vulnerability, bravery, transitions, and challenges, charting a course through the ups and downs of life.

Duke Univ.

What Had Happened Was by Theri Alyce Pickens (Mar. 28, $23.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-4780-3149-9) explores Black storytelling, pop culture, history, personal narratives, and chronic disability through poems that engage with the voices of Harriet Tubman, Mary J. Blige, Lil Kim, and Breonna Taylor.

Farrar, Straus and Giroux

The Other Love by Henri Cole (May 6, $16 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-374-61903-9). Aging and times passage are chief subjects in Coles meditative exploration of the world, and the ceaseless quest to understand and love its mysteries despite

a constant stream of violence.

Fordham Univ.

Carbonate of Copper by Roberto Tejada (Apr. 1, $17.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5315-0970-5). Blending lyric poetry and documentary photography, this collection delivers past stories and present insights on the captivity and

displacement endured by individuals at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Four Way

Willow Hammer by Patrick Donnelly (Mar. 15, $17.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-961897-30-4). The fifth collection from Donnelly views the complexity of memory through the lens of a crime committed by a member of his family.

Fulcrum

Haikus and Hope: 50 States of Climate Change by Maggie Dewane (Apr. 22, $16.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-68275-496-2). These haikus explore the landscapes of the 50 states in their present and future, capturing contemporary environmental threats while celebrating Americas diverse scenery.

Graywolf

Primordial by Mai Der Vang (Mar. 4, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-64445-326-1) investigates the collective trauma and persistence of the Hmong people, as well as the aftermath of the Vietnam War and its ongoing effects on the lives of refugees.

Harbour

First Here and Then Far: Selected Poems 19712024 by David Zieroth (Mar. 25, $18.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-990776-91-5). Arranged chronologically, this retrospective gathers more than 50 years of Zieroths poems, including early reflections on his rural childhood in British Columbia.

HarperOne

Radicle, or When the World Lived Inside Us by Steph Catudal (Apr. 22, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-341455-6) reflects on motherhood, grief, healing, and loves power to redeem. 60,000-copy announced first printing.

House of Anansi

Shadow Price by Farah Ghafoor (Apr. 1, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-4870-1292-2). Borrowing its title from a finance term for the estimated price of a good or service for which no market price yet exists, this debut interrogates the role that narrative plays in interpreting the past and shaping the future.

Alice James

Cold Thief Place by Esther Lin

(Mar. 11, $24.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-949944-70-9) draws on Lins family history for poems about the legacy of authoritarianism and the myth of Americas freedoms.

Johns Hopkins Univ.

The Khayyam Suite by Charles Martin (Mar. 4, $19.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-4214-5071-1). Inspired by the Persian lyric tradition, Martins poems praise the range of human experiences, adding contemporary elements to the ghazal form.

Knopf

Ecstasy by Alex Dimitrov (Apr. 1, $29, ISBN 978-0-593-80292-2) explores sex, drugs, and eroticism in New York and elsewhere, challenging social conventions and shame while exploring the poets Christian upbringing and faith.

Mad Creek

At the Park on the Edge of the Country by Austin Araujo (Feb. 24, $16.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8142-5936-8). Mexican American identity is at the fore of these poems that mine memory, immigration narratives, the rural South, the development of self-knowledge, and the experience of belonging.

MCD

Savings Time by Roya Marsh (Feb. 4, $17 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-374-61579-6) delves into the subjects of Black joy and rage, collective effort, police brutality, queer identity, pop culture, and the potential for healing.

Morrow

Poems of Parenting by Loryn Brantz (Apr. 8, $19.99, ISBN 978-0-06-342643-6). Based on a series of Instagram posts, this illustrated collection tracks the ups and downs of parenthood.

New Directions

Love Is a Dangerous Word: The Selected Poems of Essex Hemphill by Essex Hemphill and John Keene, edited by Robert F. Reid-Pharr (Mar. 4, $18.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8112-3234-0). Containing selections from the only published collection by Hemphill (19571995), this volume brings to a new audience his poems on identity, sexuality, gender, race, and his experiences as a Black gay man during the HIV/AIDS crisis.

New York Review Poets

Pink Dust by Ron Padgett (Mar. 11, $16 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-68137-908-1) delves into the uncanny, the wondrous, and the realities of aging.

Norton

Doggerel by Reginald Dwayne Betts (Mar. 4, $26.99, ISBN 978-1-324-08925-4). Political critique and personal reflection inform these poems on the many forms of companionship, drawing on traditional forms (pantoum, ghazal, and canzone) and alluding to rappers including Freddie Gibbs and Lil Wayne.

Omnidawn

Bloodletting by Kimberly Reyes (Apr. 14, $19.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-63243-166-0). Contemplating the nature of relationships in an age of violence and social media, Reyes focuses in particular on the challenges contemporary culture poses for Black women.

Penguin Books

End of Empire by Marissa Davis (June 3, $20 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-14-313847-1). Drawing from the language and landscape of Daviss rural Kentucky hometown, this collection about desire, myth, and the natural world explores Black womanhood within a framework of ecology.

Scribner

Late to the Search Party by Stephen E. Dawson (May 6, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-6680-8156-3) is a memoiristic, four-part debut that draws on Dawsons memories of family, addiction, and grief to better understand community and growth.

Soft Skull

Ekho: A Poem in Three Parts by Roslyn Orlando (Apr. 8, $15.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-59376-798-3). Inspired by an art installation, this poem in three parts ponders the figurative layers of echo/ekhOfrom EkhO, the nymph of Greek mythology whose voice is stolen, to the Amazon Echo smart speaker.

Storey

Love Is for All of Us: Poems of Tenderness and Belonging from the LGBTQ+ Community and Friends, edited by James Crews and Brad Peacock, illus. by Lisa Congdon (May 6, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-63586-895-1). This illustrated anthology praises the universal powers of love in affirming poems of romantic love, familial and friendship love, and self-love.

Ten Speed

Washing My Mothers Body: A Ceremony for Grief by Joy Harjo (Apr. 1, $17.99, ISBN 978-1-9848-6136-8) is an illustrated edition of former poet laureate Harjos Washing My Mothers Body, which explores persistence through unbearable loss, mother-daughter bonds, and the experience of grieving.

Tin House

We Contain Landscapes by Patrycja Humienik (Mar. 18, $16.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-963108-04-0) digs into themes of place and memory, landscapes, desire, intergenerational experiences, and immigration.

Tupelo

Jalousie by Allyson Paty (Apr. 1, $19.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-961209-21-3). These experimental poems investigate how personal experience is informed and shaped by societal expectations, evoking the challenges of communicating ephemeral moments, the pressure of gender roles, and the history of New York City.

Univ. of Nebraska

When We Only Have the Earth by Abdourahman A. Waberi, trans. by Nancy Naomi Carlson (Mar. 1, $17.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-4962-4135-1). Djibouti writer Waberi addresses the planets precarious state in poems that frequently use wordplay and unexpected diction to reveal the beauty in the everyday.

Univ. of Wisconsin

What Sex Is Death? by Dario Bellezza, selected and trans. by Peter Covino (Feb. 25, $18.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-299-35034-5), makes poems by the late 20th-century poetthe first openly gay writer to win the prestigious Viareggio Prizeavailable for the first time in English.

Washington Square

Scorched Earth by Tiana Clark

(Mar. 4, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-6680-5207-5). Clarkes second collection draws from history, Black joy, queer identity, divorce, and the art world.

Wave

I Imagine I Been Science Fiction Always by Douglas Kearney (Apr. 8, $22 trade paper, ISBN 979-8-89106-012-8). The latest compilation of visual poetry from Kearney showcases his innovative use of typography and multimedia collage to consider Black subjectivity.

Wayne State Univ.

In the Bone-Cracking Cold by M. Bartley Seigel (Mar. 18, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8143-5216-8). The history of Michigans Upper Peninsula takes center stage in Seigels sophomore collection, which examines the self, nature, and history.

Wesleyan Univ.

Chaotic Good by Isabelle Baafi (Mar. 11, $16.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8195-0180-6). Self-discovery and recovery after a divorce inform this debut, which traces transformation after trauma and turmoil.
In August, the nations second-largest school district announced a major policy shift that caused the soon-to-be-unemployed minds at the Los Angeles Times editorial board to collectively explode last month. Why?

Because in the wake of a federal civil rights complaint filed by Parents Defending Education in 2023, the U.S. Department of Education forced the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to open up its $120 million Black Student Achievement Plan tutoring program to all students with academic need  no longer conditioning participation on skin color alone.

Read that again: a public school system  underwritten by public tax dollars  is no longer allowed to discriminate on the basis of race. In 2024.

The horror!

Just what was this program, though? Depending on a learners skin color, totally different courses were offered; for example, during the 2020-2021 school year, students of color were given exclusive resources including a Black Cultural Arts Passport, STEM Makerspace Labs, and Parent Workshops and Community Fairs. Students of other racial backgrounds, however, were left out of these learning opportunities altogether. Change black to white and this system is something the KKK would applaud.

How, exactly, was such an obviously illegal program able to take root?

Look no further than AFT/NEA affiliate the United Teachers Los Angeles, which bragged that as part of our last contract fight, we successfully pushed the district to codify BSAP into our 2022-25 contract, winning agreements for more resources, staffing, and professional development for BSAP schools.

To be clear, the program hasnt been shuttered; as Superintendent Alberto Carvalho told the Times, Our solution is one that preserves the funding, the concentration of attention and resources on the same students and same schools  We were able to reformat the program without sacrificing impact.

Yet far too many see the end of the race-based program  which should be considered a civil rights victory as a defeat, exposing their own support for racial discrimination in K-12 schools. Students protested at an October school board meeting, while an online campaign demanded not only the expansion of the program but also a formal apology.

Sure, excluding students from educational programming based on race is  and has been!  illegal since the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and immoral since forever. Yes, proficiency scores for all children of all races in LAUSD are below the national average. And yes, the Supreme Court ruled in 2023s Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard decision that Eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it.

Man, that pesky Constitution and its insistence on equality before the law!

LAUSDs revision of the race-based grant program frees up the $120 million in funding for use among needy students or those suffering from genuine socioeconomic disadvantages  of whom there are many. In 2023, more than half of California students were unable to meet grade-level reading standards, setting them up for a lifetime of failure. It would be far more beneficial to students if LAUSDs grant was directed towards actually improving subject matter proficiency for all students  and now, it can be. This is a momentous achievement coming from LAUSD, which has an otherwise shameful track record of centering racial differences in nearly every student interaction.

Much to the chagrin of DEI activists, the program was revised in a way that brings it into compliance with federal antidiscrimination law  and not simply given a cosmetic lift, as so many similar programs receive when they are challenged outside of court.

As the saying goes, the price of eternal liberty is vigilance  and in Los Angeles and other cities, ensuring that the program doesnt backslide will be an ongoing effort. In an interview with The 74, University of Southern California education professor Julie Slayton noted that Theyll take away the language of Black,  But it doesnt have to change, profoundly, the way that theyre thinking about the distribution of these resources and the schools that will receive them. Meanwhile, the much-aggrieved LA Times editorial board asserted, There are grounds to defend the program, even in California, which bans affirmative action in the public sector.  government agencies are constitutionally allowed to use race-conscious remedies to make up for past race-based discrimination. District leaders certainly should be able to do this.

But remember: this complaint was resolved by a Biden Administration Office for Civil Rights  which has loudly and clearly telegraphed its support for identity politics over the past four years but still found LAUSDs program to be a bridge too far. An incoming Trump Administration is likely to have far less tolerance for taxpayer-funded discrimination in Americas public schools. Let the administrators beware.
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Margo Martindale and Chris Diamantopoulos said the desperation of their criminal characters is what made The Sticky, on Prime Video on Friday, funny.

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The crime comedy is inspired by a true story of a 2012 heist of maple syrup from Quebec's national reserve.

The cast plays fictional characters. Martindale, 73, plays Ruth Landry, a maple farmer in danger of losing the family farm while her husband is in a coma.

"Desperation equals, to me, the funny," Martindale told UPI in a recent Zoom interview. "The more desperate you are, the more real, the funnier it is to me, sometimes."

Diamantopoulos, 49, plays Mike Byrne, a Boston mobster who thinks the maple syrup heist will be easy money. When it gets complicated, Mike panics.

"His real character starts oozing out of his pores like maple syrup through a degraded waffle," Diamantopoulos said. "It's a chance for that reality, even though grounded, to lend itself to some pretty great humorous moments."

Martindale and Diamantopoulos are joined by Canadian actor Guillaume Cyr as Remy Bouchard, a security guard Mike and Ruth tap as their man inside the syrup warehouse. Cyr, 42, remembered the real heist.

"The show is 'inspired by,' so it's not really important to know the real facts of the story," Cyr said. "The Boston mobs were not involved."

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The Sticky was created by Brian Donovan and Ed Herro. Diamantopoulos appreciated that Donovan and Herro told about a Canadian caper without mocking the country, as other American comedies have.

"They crafted a really unique world that we haven't seen on screen before - - a non-parodied Canada," Diamantopolous said, adding that The Sticky shows "a Canada with a criminal underbelly, this northern French Canadian gritty world that I think we haven't seen."

Diamantopoulos and Martindale have portrayed criminals before. Diamnatopoulous recently played an arms dealer in the movie Red Notice and a Greek mobster in the Netflix series True Story.

Martindale played Kentucky druglord Mags Bennett on TV's Justified, a much more experienced criminal than Ruth in The Sticky.

"Mags could rule a mountain," Martindale reflected.

The animated comedy Bojack Horseman even made Martindale a criminal. She voiced herself in the Hollywood spoof in which she escaped from prison after staging a bank robbery.

"Wikipedia said that I'd been in jail for the last year," Martindale said. "It did. ' Margo Martindale spent the last year in jail for armed robbery.'"

Cyr said he enjoyed his foray into crime comedy.

"I love watching comedy action and we don't see that genre that much," Cyr said. "So I was really, really happy to be in that kind of project."
MANILA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- A multi-vehicle collision in the Philippine capital has killed one person and injured five others, police said Saturday.

Police said the brake of a speeding 10-wheeler truck malfunctioned, resulting in crash into a pickup truck and five more vehicles in Paranaque City on Friday night.

Police detained the 54-year-old driver of the 10-wheeler truck.

The accident happened one day after a truck crashed into several vehicles in Quezon City on Thursday night, killing four and injuring 30 others.

Traffic accidents in the Philippines are common as cars crowd roads during the Christmas season. 
Mahindra & Mahindra on Saturday said it has decided to rename its new electric vehicle brand as 'BE 6' but noted that it will continue to contest strongly in court with InterGlobe Aviation for the trademark 'BE 6e'.

Photograph: Courtesy, Mahindra

InterGlobe Aviation, which owns IndiGo airlines, has taken the automaker to court over the usage of 6E in its new EV brand.

"Our priority and focus is on ensuring an excellent experience for our customers as we take our product to the market.

"We would not like to get distracted from our vision of popularising electric transport in India," M&M said in a statement.

It further said, "We also find it unseemly that two large, Indian multinationals should engage in a distracting and unnecessary conflict when in fact we should be championing each other's growth and expansion."

Hence, the company is taking the decision to brand its product as "BE 6", it added.

"We, however, do believe the claim by IndiGo is baseless and if not challenged, will set an unhealthy precedent of monopolising alpha-numeric 2-character marks, despite our mark being distinctive and different.

"This will be enormously constraining for all companies across industries and sectors," it said.

"We will thus continue to strongly contest this in court and reserve our right to the brand name BE 6e," it added.

M&M said in the past, Tata Motors had objected to InterGlobe using the IndiGo mark, given their Tata Indigo car brand.

"InterGlobe continues to use the mark IndiGo in a different industry and business.

"We, therefore, find their objection to BE 6e to be inconsistent with their own previous conduct," it added.

Mahindra revealed its electric origin SUVs the BE 6e and XEV 9e on November 26, 2024.

Mahindra said it has applied for trademark registration under class 12 (vehicles) for "BE 6e" as a part of its electric origin SUV portfolio.

The mark "BE" is already registered with Mahindra in Class 12, and it stands for its "born electric" platform underpinning the BE 6e, the automaker said.

Elaborating further, it said the company's mark is "BE 6e" not the standalone "6E".

"We believe it differs fundamentally from IndiGo's "6E," which represents an airline, eliminating any risk of confusion.

"The distinct styling further emphasises its uniqueness," it stated.

The company's registration application is for an entirely different industry sector and product and hence does not see any conflict, it added.
We no longer have the ambition to rival China save through words.

We are happy to be fighting ourselves and digging up disputes from centuries ago as a substitute for real development, argues Aakar Patel.

IMAGE: Devotees arrive at the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhalto offer Friday prayers, November 29, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Donald Trump's stunning victory has sharpened focus on America's relationship with its only peer competitor, China.

Eight years ago, Trump had identified China as America's primary threat and had acted to curb its economic rise.

He did this by attempting to deny China market access to the US, through tariffs.

This was to some extent successful and the tariffs were continued by Trump's successor Biden.

Mexico became the US's largest trading partner this year, eclipsing China which had held the position for a decade.

Of course much of Mexico's exports to the US were initially from China so it is unclear what the actual damage to China has been.

Biden also took the next step towards trying to handicap China's growth by denying it access to the most advanced microchips and the machinery used to design them.

This was explained as a move that was aimed at China's military capability but the real reason is economic.

China has responded by starting its own development of these goods and experts estimate it is only a few years behind and will at some point catch up.

China is by far the global leader in electric vehicles and clean energy including solar panels.

Meaning its products are priced competitively and often better in quality than what is made in Europe and the US.

Tesla owner Elon Musk says that the cars produced by his Chinese plant are the best the company makes.

But even Chinese designed cars by local brands in China are thought to have caught up with the best the world has to offer and at a cheaper price.

America is stuck with what they call gas cars and trucks, which are powered by petrol and are a sunset industry.

The only way for American giants Ford and General Motors to not only compete today but to survive is by blocking Chinese cars through tariffs and other barriers.

This likely will not go on for much longer for two reasons. The first is consumer interest and denying people cheaper alternatives for strategic reasons is not going to be popular.

And the other of course is the fact that electric vehicles are the future and even if they are not mandated will replace those running on petrol.

China is now two thirds the size of the US economy ($18 trillion to $26 trillion) and the same size as the economy of the entire European Union.

In the next 10 years, China will come close to equalling the US. No other nation has done that or come close to doing it.

Before it collapsed, the Soviet Union was a fourth the size of the US economy. But that was a very different time and the Russians never had the dominance of China in key sectors.

China is the world's largest manufacturer and makes a third of all goods.

This has happened though Chinese wages have grown multiple times in the last decade and a half. For several years now, it has not been cheap labour that has powered Chinese exports.

China's growth has slowed since Covid but a slow China is still formidable. It is growing at twice the rate of the United States and, based on the latest numbers out on November 29, at the same rate as India though it has an economy five times larger.

It will not be easy for the United States to stop it from rising further and, given the pace at which China has boomed, the moment of reckoning will be upon us perhaps inside of this decade itself.

This is the primary question and the main issue in geopolitics today: What can the US do to stop China from equalling it?

If there is not much, then what happens to the world once China becomes the equal of the US and soon after, the largest power on earth? We will find out the answer to both.

On many key issues, things will likely shift. For one, America and its allies will be less capable of doing what they have done across the world over the last few decades.

China claims it is non-interventionist, and perhaps it will turn out to be that way, but then again China has never before been the dominant power in a connected world.

For us Indians, unfortunately, though we are the world's most populous nation, our role here is limited. We are onlookers because we have not managed to do what China has.

In 1990, India and China were together with economies the same size in per capita GDP (the World Bank data in fact says India was marginally ahead).

Three and a half decades of 'liberalisation' and one decade under the genius of Modi has not produced any shift.

China's per person GDP was $7,600 in 2014 and ours was $1,559. A decade later they are at $12,614 and we at $2,400.

In any case, we no longer have the ambition to rival China save through words.

Across the landscape of geopolitics there is as much reference to India as there might be to, say, the United Kingdom or France.

Both spent powers and neither especially relevant in the meaningful sense. India is similar.

This is a shame for a nation with so much potential and for which there had been so much hope only a few years ago.

On the other hand, of course, we are happy to be fighting ourselves and digging up disputes from centuries ago as a substitute for real development.

The present and the future can wait while we will fix the past.

Aakar Patel is a columnist and writer and you can read Aakar's earlier columns here.
Hours after Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar president Sharad Pawar said that the Maha Vikas Aghadi allies can not demand that a Leader of Opposition must be appointed as they do not have the required numbers, Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Bhaskar Jadhav on Saturday claimed there is no provision in the law which talks about the appointment of the LoP in legislature merely on the strength of the party.

IMAGE: NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar. Photograph: ANI Photo

"I have given a letter to the legislature secretary seeking details of the provision of law under which the leader of the opposition is appointed. I met the state legislature secretary and he has not found any provision regarding that," Jadhav told reporters.

There is a provision to give the post of LoP to the largest party, he said.

Jadhav said although the speaker can approve the LoP's post, the government has to support it.

"I am confident that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis along with the deputy CMs will approve the LOP post," Jadhav said.

Usually, according to convention, for the LoP's post, the opposition party has to win 10 per cent seats. But no party has been able to get the required number.

In the November 20 assembly polls, the Shiv Sena-UBT won 20 seats, Congress 16 and NCP-SP 10.

Earlier, at a press conference in Kolhapur, Pawar said MVA parties cannot insist on appointment of LoP as they don't have required numbers.

None of the Opposition parties individually have the minimum 29 MLAs -- 10 per cent of the Assembly's strength -- to be eligible to get the post.

Pawar, however, noted that in the 1980s, when his own party was reduced to just six MLAs following defections, he still became the Leader of the Opposition for a year followed by Mrinal Gore and Nihal Ahmed as the Opposition decided to rotate the post.

Pawar said the Opposition should not lose heart over its rout but go back to the people who do not seem to be enthused by the massive victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti in the Maharashtra elections.

The Opposition's priority would be to ensure that all the election promises made by the ruling alliance including increasing the financial assistance to women under the Ladki Bahin scheme from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 are implemented at the earliest, he said.

Pawar said a comparison between votes polled and seats won by political parties in the Maharashtra assembly polls was surprising.

"It is true that we have been defeated. We should not fret over it, but go back to the people, as no enthusiasm is visible among the people about the election results. There is a lot of resentment," the senior politician said .

Jadhav, meanwhile, also demanded the deputy speaker's post for the opposition.

He recalled that in 1999, Shiv Sena-BJP made a mistake of breaking convention and fielding a nominee for the speaker's post, which was otherwise an unopposed contest.

In response, then chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh declined the deputy speaker's post for not following the convention.

Jadhav said new conventions can be set by giving the deputy speaker's post to the opposition.
Two days after being sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday took oath as MLA along with deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi boycotted the ceremony alleging electronic voting machine (EVM) misuse.

IMAGE: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar take oath as MLAs during a three-day special session of the assembly, in Mumbai on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Photograph: ANI on X

The opposition members refused to take oath on the first day of the three-day special session of the Maharashtra assembly after questioning the Mahayuti's massive mandate and the trustworthiness of EVMs.

They are likely to take oath on Sunday.

Fadnavis, Shinde and Pawar were administered the oath of office as MLAs by pro tem speaker Kalidas Kolambkar soon after the proceedings began at 11 am.

Before them, Chainsukh Sancheti, Jaykumar Rawal (both Bharatiya Janata Party), Manikrao Kokate (Nationalist Congress Party) and Ashish Jaiswal (Shiv Sena) took oath as they have been appointed as members of the pro tem speaker's panel by Governor C P Radhakrishnan.

They were the first to take oath as members of the House on Saturday.

Fadnavis, who represents the Nagpur South-West assembly constituency, took oath as a member of the state legislature's Lower House for the sixth time, having been first elected as an MLA in 1999.

As Fadnavis' name was called out by the pro-tem speaker, he was greeted by members of the treasury benches by thumping their desks. Some members raised slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji'.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde was also greeted with similar slogans with BJP's Ashish Shelar, Girish Mahajan and Ravindra Chavan, thumping their desks before he took oath.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar sported a traditional red 'pheta' (head gear) with golden border.

His party members raised 'Ekach (only one) Dada, Ajit Dada'.

Pawar, who represents the Baramati assembly seat, was first elected as an MLA in 1991.

Kolambkar said 200 newly-elected MLAs, including several who have been elected for the first time, took oath as members of the House.

NCP-SP MLA Bapusaheb Pathare was the sole opposition MLA to take oath on Saturday.

Pathare said he met with an accident and was unaware of the opposition plan to not take oath on the first day.

Talking to reporters on the premises of the Vidhan Bhavan about the opposition's boycott, Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Aaditya Thackeray said, "The MVA has decided not to take oath as members of the house on day one."

"When a government comes to power with such a thumping majority, there are celebrations. But a question arises whether the mandate it received was given by the people or (got with the help of) the EVMs and the Election Commission of India," he said.

The opposition is also protesting against the curfew and arrests made in Markadwadi village in Malshiras assembly constituency of Solapur, where villagers have been demanding a mock poll using ballot papers, Thackeray said.

"We are not taking oath considering the doubts that people have in their mind," he added.

In the November 20 assembly polls, the Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP retained power in Maharashtra, pocketing a whopping 230 of the 288 assembly seats.

The BJP won 132 seats, the Shiv Sena 57 and the NCP got 41 seats.

The MVA managed to win only 46 seats with the Shiv Sena-UBT getting 20, the Congress 16 and the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar 10.

Before the proceedings of the House began, Aaditya Thackeray was seen shaking hands with CM Fadnavis as the two met on the Vidhan Sabha premises.

Meanwhile, former assembly speakers Dilip Walse-Patil, Rahul Narwekar, former deputy speaker Narhari Zhirwal, senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, BJP leaders Vijaykumar Gavit, Girish Mahajan also took oath as MLAs.

Mahajan took oath in Sanskrit. The former minister said he has taken oath six times as an MLA in the past and continued to do so for the seventh time.

NCP leader Hasan Mushrif took oath with an invocation to Allah.

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Asim Azmi was also administered the oath of office.

NCP MLAs sported phetas of pink colour.

The pink jacket being worn by Ajit Pawar, especially during the election campaign, has become a talking point in political circles and common people. It is being seen as Pawar's attempt to reach out to women voters.

The Shiv Sena MLAs wore saffron phetas.

Before entering the house, Fadnavis, Shinde and Pawar paid floral tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji in the premises of the state legislative assembly.
Punjab farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said on Saturday that they have not received any message from the Centre for talks to address their issues and said a group of 101 farmers will again begin their march to Delhi on December 8.

IMAGE: Farmers try to break police barricading at the Shambhu border during their 'Delhi Chalo' protest march, in Patiala on Friday, December 6, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

On Friday, protesting farmers suspended their foot march to the national capital for the day after some of them suffered injuries due to tear gas shells fired by security personnel, who stopped them at the Punjab-Haryana border. The farmers have been pressing for various demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP).

Addressing the media at Shambhu on the Punjab-Haryana border on Saturday, Pandher said 16 farmers suffered injuries and one of them lost hearing ability because of the teargas shelling by Haryana security personnel.

Except four injured farmers, the rest of them have been discharged from hospital, he said, adding, "We have not received any message from the Centre for holding talks. The (Narendra) Modi government is in no mood to hold talks."

He further said the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have already decided that a 'jatha' of 101 farmers will again march towards the national capital on Sunday noon in a peaceful manner.

As part of a call given by the farmer unions SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, a 'jatha' of 101 farmers began its march to Delhi on Friday from their protest site at the Shambhu border to press for their demands.

The 'jatha' was stopped by multilayered barricading erected by Haryana security personnel. Undeterred by prohibitory orders, the farmers attempted to force their way through the barricades but were stopped by security personnel who lobbed multiple tear gas shells to force them to go back to their protest site at Shambhu, which falls in Punjab.

On the action by security personnel against protesting farmers, Pandher said the BJP government at the Centre has been "exposed".

"What did they do yesterday? People are angry with this action. People are asking the BJP since the farmers were not taking tractor-trolleys along with them then why they were not allowed to move ahead," Pandher posed.

Another farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal continued with his fast unto death at the Khanauri border. Farmers claimed that Dallewal has lost eight-kilogramme weight.

Pandher on Friday said they appealed to the government to either hold a dialogue with the protesting farmers or 'allow us to move to Delhi'.

However, the Haryana Police had said the protesting farmers created a ruckus and also made their best efforts to demolish police barricades set up at the Haryana side of the border.

Shortly before the farmers' march, the Haryana government on Friday suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS service in 11 villages of the Ambala district till December 9.

The protesting farmers had earlier attempted to march towards Delhi on February 13 and February 21 but were stopped by security forces deployed at the border points.

Besides MSP, the farmers are also demanding a farm debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases (against farmers), and "justice" for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 and compensation to the families of farmers who died during the previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands.
Some more glimpses from the year gone by.

Part 1 In The Series: Yes, It Happened This Year

IMAGE: Cows and buffaloes wade into the polluted Yamuna river on a smoggy morning in New Delhi, November 5, 2024. Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters

IMAGE: A farm labourer holds a rice sapling as he prepares to plant them in a field on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, July 22, 2024. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

IMAGE: The moon blots out the sun during a total solar eclipse, as seen from Carbondale, Illinois, April 8, 2024. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

IMAGE: The last supermoon of 2024, dubbed 'Beaver Moon' rises behind a minaret of a mosque under construction in Cairo, Egypt. November 15, 2024. Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters

IMAGE: Sigrid Pena wears a homemade mask to view a partial solar eclipse at the New York Hall of Science in Queens borough, New York City, April 8, 2024. Andrew Kelly/Reuters

IMAGE: A man jumps off the apparent remains of a ballistic missile lying in the desert, following an attack by Iran on Israel, near the southern city of Arad, Israel. October 2, 2024. Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters

IMAGE: The sister of Major Mohammad Farhat, who was killed in an Israeli strike with two other soldiers on the outskirts of the village of Yater in southern Lebanon, attends a ceremony to pay tribute to his death in Beirut, Lebanon, October 26, 2024. Photograph: Yara Nardi/Reuters

IMAGE: Security forces spray people as Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men protest an Israeli supreme court ruling that requires the State to begin drafting ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students to the military in the Mea Shearim neighbourhood of Jerusalem, June 30, 2024. Photograph: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

IMAGE: A surfer rides a wave at the Paris 2024 Olympics surfing site in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, August 6, 2024. Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters

IMAGE: Buddhist monks pray at the Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple during a ceremony commemorating Makha Bucha Day in Pathum Thani province outside Bangkok, Thailand, February 24, 2024. Photograph: Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters

IMAGE: Gendarmes of the French National Gendarmerie Intervention Group take part in a drill as part of their preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, near Paris, April 26, 2024. Photograph: Christian Hartmann/Reuters

IMAGE: A person is detained after the shooting of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Handlova, Slovakia, May 15, 2024. Photograph: Radovan Stoklasa/Reuters

IMAGE: Greek university students clash with riot police during a demonstration against a planned bill which opens the way for the operation of private universities in Athens, February 1, 2024. Photograph: Louisa Gouliamaki/Reuters

IMAGE: Slovenia's Timi Zajc in action during ski jumping training at the 4 Hills tournament in Innsbruck, Austria. Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

IMAGE: Ice swimmer Fenwick Ridley takes a cold water swim class into a manmade ice channel in Sweethope Loughs ahead of open water practice in Harle, Northumberland, Britain, January 17, 2024. Photograph: Lee Smith/Reuters

IMAGE: Firefighters work at the Haneda international airport in Tokyo, January 2, 2024 after a Japan Airlines' A350 airplane caught fire. Photograph: Issei Kato/Reuters

IMAGE: Ambulances and vehicles of Russian emergency services are parked at the burning Crocus City Hall concert venue outside Moscow, March 22, 2024, following a shooting. Photograph: Yulia Morozova/Reuters

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Questions are being raised on the future of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) as differences among its constituents come to the fore and several parties call for serious introspection by the Congress after a string of debilitating electoral losses.

IMAGE: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Opposition MPs hold the Constitution in their hands during a protest at the Parliament premises in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

The latest point of friction has come from Maharashtra, where the Samajwadi Party has announced quitting the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the state avatar of the opposition alliance, after a Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader hailed the Babri mosque's demolition.

The SP and the Trinamool Congress were also not seen with their other INDIA bloc partners during protests on the Adani issue, prompting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party to claim that 'cracks' are appearing in the opposition alliance and it will disintegrate soon.

There are differences among the INDIA bloc partners on other issues as well both inside and outside Parliament.

Parties are now flexing their muscles within the bloc, especially after the Congress's shock defeats in the Haryana and Maharashtra elections.

They are speaking out against the 'dominance' of the Congress in the opposition alliance and asking it to be accommodative towards others.

Questions are now also being raised by some on Rahul Gandhi's leadership in the Congress.

Amid the disagreements on issues among the opposition bloc partners, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed dissatisfaction with the INDIA bloc's functioning while signalling her intent to take charge of the alliance if given the opportunity.

The TMC supremo has said she can manage the dual responsibility of running the opposition front while continuing in her role as the chief minister of West Bengal.

All eyes are now on the Congress over its next move as the principal opposition party increasingly finds itself isolated in Parliament on several matters, such as protests on the Adani issue and farmers' problems, with many of its partners staying away.

The opposition alliance was formed in June 2023 with the motto of 'BJP hatao, desh bachao' ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

But one of its founders, Janata Dal-United chief Nitish Kumar, has since switched sides and joined hands with the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP.

SP's Rajya Sabha MP Javed Ali Khan said his party is still in the INDIA but admitted that 'differences of opinion' exist within the bloc.

"We are still a part of the INDIA bloc as we were among the founders. But differences of opinion on some issues among the alliance partners are there," he told PTI.

On recent developments within the opposition alliance, Communist Party of India general secretary D Raja said Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is the chairperson of the bloc and he should respond to the issues.

He, however, added that the Congress has to be more accommodative towards its partners and should do some 'serious introspection'.

"The Congress will have to do some serious introspection and ponder on why seat sharing was not done properly for the Assembly polls where it lost badly," Raja told PTI.

He said all the parties have to remain united as the INDIA bloc was formed with the 'BJP hatao, desh bachao' slogan and that everyone should work towards that goal.

"That is why the Congress must be accommodative to the other parties and should listen to them," the Left leader said, pointing to the poor performance of the grand old party in recent assembly polls.

JD-U leader Rajiv Ranjan said, "The INDIA bloc has always been prone to disintegration. Now, it is just a formality so that the effects of its disintegration could be transformed into reality."

He said during the Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the SP expressed surprise at the Congress's stand after the latter refused to get into any seat-sharing arrangement.

"This alliance was visible only on papers but now, it will not even exist there," the JD-U leader said after the SP announced that it is walking out of the MVA.

BJP leader C R Kesavan termed the INDIA bloc 'opportunistic' and said, "It is a divided house of hypocrisy. The bitter bickering among them, which is now in the open, is because the INDI bloc feels that Rahul Gandhi's failed leadership is the reason for its repeated defeats in elections."

On Banerjee's 'ready to lead the INDIA bloc' remark, Rashtriya Janata Dal spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari said the leaders of all the constituents of the opposition alliance will decide who would lead them.

"Mamata Banerjee is a strong pillar in the fight against the BJP-led NDA government. Various leaders are leading from the front in their respective states," he said.

SP leader Abu Asim Azmi said, "The MVA never respected us.... Uddhav Thackeray and his party had said they would leave communalism and join hands with secular forces. However, he and his party have once again hailed those who demolished the Babri masjid. The Samajwadi Party can never stay with those who want to divide people on the basis of religion."

"We were never called for the coordination meeting of the MVA. We wanted coordination like it was during the Lok Sabha polls, but the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) kept fighting with each other over seat sharing. That is why we (MVA) lost (the Maharashtra Assembly election)," the state unit chief of the SP said.

The INDIA bloc's first meeting in Patna was hosted by Nitish Kumar. At the time, several opposition leaders had expressed their willingness to work together to defeat the BJP, while admitting to their differences.

"We will have to evolve separate plans for every state and work together to dethrone the BJP from the Centre," Kharge had said.

More than 32 leaders of around 17 political parties had attended the Patna meeting.

Gandhi had said he attended the meeting with a clean slate, "without any memories of past likes or dislikes with any of the parties in attendance", according to sources.

"We may have some differences but have decided to work together with flexibility and to protect our ideology," the Congress leader had said and alleged that India's foundations and institutions were being attacked under the BJP's rule.

"The message from the Patna meeting is clear for all of us that we need to work together to save the country," SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had said.
A group of people set fire to an ISKCON temple in Dhaka district in Bangladesh in the early hours of Saturday.

IMAGE: Bangladeshi Hindus stage a protest in solidarity with the ISKCON temple in Bangladesh, in Montreal. Photograph: ANI Photo

While ISKCON Bangladesh said it was a 'family temple' belonging to an ISKCON devotee, the organisation's Kolkata office said 'ISKCON Namhatta Centre' was targetted.

The attack in Dhour village, under Turag police station in Dhaka district, took place in the early hours of Saturday.

A Turag police station official said a manhunt was launched to track down the culprits.

According to Charu Chandra Das Brahmachary, general secretary of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Bangladesh, the temple was set on fire after lifting the tin roof.

"The fire was, however, doused quickly but an idol was damaged and curtains burnt," he added.

In India, however, ISKCON Kolkata vice president Radharamn Das told PTI that the 'vandals set ablaze idols inside the temple at the Namhatta property'.

'ISKCON Namhatta Centre burned down in Bangladesh. The deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan and all items inside the temple were burned down completely.

'Early morning between 2-3 am, miscreants set fire to the Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple and the Shri Shri Mahabhagya Lakshmi Narayan Temple, which fall under the Hare Krishna Namhatta Sangha, located in Dhour village, under the jurisdiction of Turag Police Station, Dhaka district,' Das said in a post on X.

'The fire was initiated by lifting the tin roof at the back of the temple and using petrol or octane,' he added in the post and also gave the address.

The relations between India and Bangladesh came under strain after the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus came to power after deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5 following a student-led protest.

The relations deteriorated further in recent weeks over continued attacks on Hindus and especially after the recent arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former member of ISKCON Bangladesh and now, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote organisation.

The Iskcon Kolkata vice president also expressed concern over Chinmoy Krishna Das's safety following his denial of bail and the violent attacks.

Das' arrest in a sedition case on November 25 from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport had triggered demonstrations by supporters of the monk.

An assistant government prosecutor, Saiful Islam Alif, was killed during a protest in Chattogram after the monk was denied bail on November 26.

The attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have triggered protests in India. The Bangladesh foreign ministry summoned the Indian envoy recently and lodged a protest over the storming of the Bangladeshi mission in Agartala by a group of protesters.

Meanwhile, in the Indian state of Assam, the Barak Valley Hotel and Restaurant Association has announced they would not host any Bangladesh national till attacks on Hindus and other minorities in the neighbouring country stopped.

Barak Valley, which comprises three districts of Cachar, Sribhumi (formerly Karimganj) and Hailakandi, shares a 129-km-long border with Bangladesh's Sylhet region.
Bihar Police on Saturday dismissed social media rumours about the arrest of Patna-based tutor and YouTuber Khan Sir, stating he had come to a police station on his own accord to express solidarity with protesters detained over an illegal demonstration near the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) office.

IMAGE: Educator Faizal Khan, known as 'Khan Sir', being taken away by Bihar Police, after he joined students protesting against the change in rules of the 70th BPSC preliminary exams, in Patna on Friday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Anu Kumari, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Sachiwalay-1, warned of initiating action against the social media handle 'Khan Global Studies' for spreading misinformation about his arrest.

"Police have initiated the process of taking legal action against social media handle 'Khan Global Studies' for spreading misinformation about the arrest of Khan Sir. It's baseless... he has not been arrested," she said.

"People associated with the social media handle are demanding the release of Khan Sir through various posts since this morning," she said.

Patna Police clarified that Khan Sir had come to Gardani Bagh police station after meeting protesters in the locality where they were staging a dharna on Friday evening.

"He was repeatedly asked to leave the police station. On this, he requested personnel of the Gardani Bagh police station to drop him in a police vehicle near his car parked near Atal Path. As requested, he was taken in the police vehicle to the spot where his car was parked. He was neither detained nor arrested," she said.

Khan Sir openly supported the agitating BPSC aspirants following the lathi-charge in Patna on Friday.

He reached the dharna site in the Gardani Bagh locality in Patna to express their solidarity with the agitators.

Police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the large group of protesting aspirants near the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) office in Patna, who were demanding withdrawal of 'changes' to the rules for the 70th BPSC Preliminary Examination scheduled for December 13.

Police registered a case against agitating students who attempted to block the movement of traffic on Bailey Road near the BPSC office and arrested student leader Dilip Kumar for attempting to organise a protest in the restricted area.

Eyewitnesses claimed that two-three aspirants were injured in the lathi-charge, a charge denied by the officials.

"No protester sustained any injury. Mild force was used to disperse those who tried to break the police barricade," a police officer said.

The protesters were demanding that the BPSC preliminary examination be conducted in the 'one shift, one paper' format, rather than using the 'normalisation of marks' process.

Normalisation equalises scores from examinations held in multiple shifts using a statistical formula.

BPSC said that no changes will be made in the examination process and the old system will be used.

Khan Sir on Friday demanded that a statement be issued by none other than the BPSC chairman ruling out the use of the 'normalisation process' for the examination, and extend the examination date as many aspirants faced technical issues while applying.

The 70th BPSC Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination, scheduled for December 13, will recruit candidates for Group A and B posts.

Around five lakh candidates are expected to appear for the exam, which will be conducted across 925 centres.

The BPSC on Saturday clarified that no 'normalisation process' would be followed in the BPSC exam and it will be held on December 13 across the state.
SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said he will let his ruling People Power Party decide on his presidential term during a televised address to the nation on Saturday. 
The Samajwadi Party has announced its departure from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), an opposition alliance in Maharashtra, following a post from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray that praised the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Samajwadi Party chief Abu Azmi said. Photograph: ANI Photo

This move comes from the Samajwadi Party, which has two members in the 288-member strong Maharashtra Assembly, and has been facing criticism for its alignment with the alliance.

The impact of the SP's exit is expected to be minimal for the MVA, which suffered a significant defeat in the recent assembly elections, securing only 50 out of 288 seats.

Nevertheless, the development reflects ongoing discontent among regional parties within the Congress-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

Political analysts feel that while the SP's exit is unlikely to harm the MVA directly due to its limited presence in the state, it could be a strategic move ahead of upcoming civic body elections.

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar president Sharad Pawar said Samajwadi Party's central leadership is firm on opposition unity.

The announcement was made by SP MLA Abu Azmi after a local newspaper published an advertisement congratulating those involved in the Babri Masjid demolition. Additionally, a post by a close aide of Uddhav Thackeray, MLC Milind Narvekar, celebrated the act, further aggravating tensions.

"We are quitting the MVA. I am speaking to (Samajwadi Party president) Akhilesh Yadav," Azmi told PTI.

Expressing displeasure, Azmi said, "If anyone in the MVA speaks such language, what is the difference between the BJP and them? Why should we stay with them?"

He criticised the reopening of old wounds, emphasising that no one has been held accountable for the mosque's demolition and said, "The Congress has to decide whether it can ally with someone who speaks like this."

Shiv Sena-UBT leader Bhaskar Jadhav responded to the criticism, questioning the Samajwadi Party's realisation of Shiv Sena's stance after 31 years.

He accused the SP of leaning toward the ruling coalition.

In response to the SP's departure, senior Congress leader Nitin Raut said, "We will discuss with the Samajwadi Party about its decision and understand what the problem is."

The Samajwadi Party's decision also highlights the broader tensions within the national INDIA bloc, which has seen increasing dissatisfaction from various regional parties.

This follows recent comments from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who expressed her intent to take a more prominent role within the alliance amid electoral setbacks for the Congress in other states including Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and now Maharashtra.
Amid intense discussions among Mahayuti allies over the distribution of portfolios and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's insistence on the home ministry, the clarity on the composition of the council of ministers is expected by Sunday, sources said.

IMAGE: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis with state Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Maha Yuti MLAs attend the special session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai on Saturday. Photograph: ANI Photo

The expansion of the Devendra Fadnavis-led cabinet is likely to take place on December 11 or 12.

Despite Mahayuti, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party, securing a massive mandate in last month's assembly elections, the new chief minister took oath after 12 days on December 5, apparently due to the internal pulls and pressure.

With Fadnavis firm in the saddle as the CM and Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar taking oath as Deputy CMs, the focus is now shifted to the formation of the new Cabinet, which is likely to be tricky, sources indicated on Saturday.

Leaders like Uday Samant and Sanjay Shirsat had openly demanded the allocation of the home ministry to the Shiv Sena after former chief minister Shinde finally accepted the fait accompli and agreed to become a Deputy CM under Fadnavis.

The composition of the cabinet, including the allocation of portfolios, is being discussed in the internal meetings of all three allies of Mahayuti and among the leaders of the alliance, sources in the BJP and NCP said.

The huge electoral mandate has created a problem of plenty for the Mahayuti coalition as each ally performed well at the hustings.

The Mahayuti won 230 seats in the 288-member House while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising the Congress, the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, and the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar, could bag only 46.

The BJP, which leads the Mahayuti tally with 132 seats, is expected to keep 21-22 ministerial posts including the chief minister for itself.

The Shiv Sena may get 11 to 12 portfolios and Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party may be allotted nine to 10 berths, according to sources.

The Maharashtra cabinet, including the chief minister, can have a maximum of 43 ministers.

"A final decision on the number of ministers to take oath in the Cabinet expansion will be taken in two to three days," a senior BJP leader told PTI.

Fadnavis left for Akole in Ahilyanagar district on Saturday to attend the funeral of BJP leader Madhukar Pichad, who passed away on Friday. He returned to Mumbai later in the evening.

The three-day special session of the 15th Maharashtra legislative assembly began on December 7, with several newly-elected members being sworn in by protem Speaker Kalidas Kolambkar on the first day, except members of the Opposition parties.

The Speaker's election is scheduled for December 9, followed by a Trust Vote for the new government and the Governor's address to a joint session of both Houses.

The winter session of the state legislature is set to commence from Nagpur on December 16.
Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has demanded the crucial home department from the Bharatiya Janata Party and talks on portfolio allocation are in the progress, Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogavale said on Friday.

IMAGE: Maharashtra feputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde lays a wreath at the statue of BR Ambedkar on his 69th death anniversary, observed as Mahaparinirvan Diwas, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai, December 6, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Gogavale, an aide of Shinde who heads the Shiv Sena, said the cabinet expansion is likely to take place between December 11 and 16, just ahead of the winter session of the state legislature.

The winter session of the legislature will start in Nagpur, the state's second capital, from December 16.

"When Devendra Fadnavis was the deputy chief minister (in Shinde-led government), he also held the home department. Saheb (Shinde) has demanded the home and talks (on portfolio allocation) are in progress," Gogavale said.

Asked to whom the demand was made, Gogavale said it was probably Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The MLA from Mahad in Raigad district maintained that attempts are being made to change the portfolios held by the Shiv Sena in the previous Mahayuti government.

Gogavale hoped the talks on portfolio allocation would be over in the next two days.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the chief minister for a third time on Thursday at a grand ceremony in south Mumbai's Azad Maidan, while Shinde and Ajit Pawar were sworn-in as his deputies.

Barring the top three Mahayuti politicians, no other leader was administered the oath of office at the ceremony.

The BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP are constituents of the Mahayuti coalition which won 230 seats in the 288-member assembly in the last month's polls.
India asked Pakistan on Friday to take strong action against Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, after reports emerged that he delivered a speech recently at a public gathering in the Pakistani city of Bahawalpur.

IMAGE: File image of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Photograph: ANI Photo

New Delhi said if the reports of Azhar's location are correct, then Pakistan's "duplicity" has been exposed as it has been maintaining that the JeM chief is not in that country.

Azhar, known to be the mastermind of the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was designated as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council the same year.

"He is a UN-designated terrorist. We demand that strong action be taken against him, that he is brought to justice," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.

His remarks came when asked about reports that Azhar delivered a speech at a public gathering in Bahawalpur last month.

Jaiswal also questioned Pakistan's persistent position that Azhar is not in the country.

"There has been denial that he is not there in Pakistan. If the reports (of his location) are correct then it exposes the duplicity of Pakistan," he said.

"Masood Azhar is involved in cross-border terror attacks against India and we want that strong action be taken against him," Jaiswal added.

In 2022, the then Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto had reportedly said that Azhar had fled to Afghanistan.

India had released Azhar in 1999 in exchange for freeing the hostages of hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 (IC814).

In his speech last month, Azhar reportedly said "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.

Azhar is also believed to be the mastermind of the 2001 terror attack on Parliament and the 2016 Pathankot strikes.

Over the last few years, India has been asking Pakistan to take stringent action against the JeM chief
Mumbai Police on Saturday received a message threatening to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an official said.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photograph: ANI Photo

The number from which the message was sent was traced to Ajmer in Rajasthan and a police team was sent there immediately to nab the suspect, said an official.

The WhatsApp message, received on the helpline of the traffic police in the early hours, mentioned two ISI agents and a plot to carry out a bomb blast to target Modi, he said.

The investigators suspect that the sender is a mentally disturbed person or was under the influence of alcohol but further probe was on, the official added.

A first information report was registered under the relevant Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections.

The helpline of the Mumbai traffic police has received hoax threat messages many times in the past.
Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant on Friday said deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde did not want to join the new Maharashtra government and instead wanted to focus on building his party.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar after their swearing-in ceremony, in Mumbai on December 5, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

But the Shiv Sena chief, who served as chief minister in the previous Mahayuti government, relented due to the demand of the party leaders, he said.

"Eknath Shinde was not interested in becoming deputy CM. Party MLAs and leaders insisted that he should be part of the government because it is his responsibility to ensure that the schemes he launched are taken forward," Samant told reporters.

After the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, Shinde spoke to Shiv Sena leaders at the party office, he said.

"He told us he wanted to build the organisation but honoured our request," Samant said.

Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as chief minister on Thursday while Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar took oath as his deputies, two weeks after the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition won a massive victory in the assembly elections.
SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party, said Saturday that he was very disappointed at President Yoon Suk-yeol's televised address to the nation. 
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.
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Pro-European demonstrators shot fireworks at Georgia's parliament building during ongoing protests over the prime minister's decision to end accession talks with the European Union. Georgian police are continuing a crackdown on pro-European demonstrators that has included beatings and hundreds of arrests.
 Flash

Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko on Friday signed a new treaty on security guarantees between Russia and Belarus within the framework of the Union State, according to local media.

"I am certain that this treaty will reliably protect the security of Russia and Belarus, and consequently create conditions for the continued peaceful and sustainable development of our two nations," the Kremlin reported, citing Putin at the meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State in Minsk.

According to the Russian leader, the new pact outlines mutual defense obligations aimed at protecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Russia and Belarus, "with the use of all available forces and means," including Russian tactical nuclear weapons.

He recalled that Moscow reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to a potential attack with weapons of mass destruction or conventional weapons, which creates a critical threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia or Belarus, as defined in Russia's renewed nuclear doctrine.

"With the signing of ... the interstate treaty on security guarantees today, we are reaching an unprecedented level of strategic cooperation and military coordination," Lukashenko said during the meeting.

The Belarusian leader said the new deal will protect the territorial integrity of both countries, safeguard sovereignty and independence, and guarantee peace and security for the citizens of Russia and Belarus.

During a press conference following the meeting, Putin noted that Russia's new Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile system could be deployed in Belarus in the second half of next year.

The Russian president arrived in Minsk on Friday to attend a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State.
NEW DELHI, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 people were killed and over two dozen injured Friday in three separate road accidents in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, police said.

In Pilibhit district, six were killed and five injured after a car carrying them crashed into a tree and fell into a ditch around midnight, a police official said, adding that in Chitrakoot, another six were killed and five injured when a vehicle collided head-on with a truck.

The police official added that eight passengers traveling in a private bus were killed and 19 others injured when the bus struck a water tanker in Kannauj district.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in these mishaps.

Deadly road accidents are common in India often caused due to overloading, bad condition of roads and reckless driving.

Around 150,000 people are killed every year in about half a million road accidents across India, officials said. 
Syrian rebels led by Islamist militants have entered the central city of Homs as they close in on Damascus while the countrys main allies -- Russia and Iran -- scrambled to protect the regime of authoritarian President Bashar al-Assad and their own assets in the country.

Abu Mohammad al-Golani, a leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group, said late on December 7 that the insurgent fighters were "in the final moments of liberating" Homs, a city of 775,000 people.

HTS is considered a terrorist group by the United States, Britain, Canada, and the European Union.

Experts said the future of the Assad regime was hanging in the balance -- and that, if it fell, it would also represent a major geopolitical setback for the Kremlin which, along with Tehran, has supported the Syrian government through many years of civil war.

Media reports said many residents of Damascus were stocking up on supplies as thousands were attempting to leave the country through the border with Lebanon -- itself a war-torn nation in the increasingly chaotic Middle East.

As fighting on the ground and rebel gains intensified, the foreign ministers of Russia, Iran, and Turkey held emergency talks in Doha, Qatar, on December 7 calling for an end to hostilities in the most serious challenge to Assads rule in years.

The U.S. State Department told RFE/RL that Washington was closely monitoring the situation on the ground in Syria.

A spokesperson said the United States and its partners and allies urged that civilians, including members of minority groups, be protected.

The spokesperson said it was time to negotiate an end to the Syrian conflict consistent with principals established in UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The spokesperson added that the refusal of the Assad regime to engage in the process has directly led to the current situation.

The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said that Assad regime forces have collapsed and Assads backers do not appear willing to bolster the Syrian Arab Army by rapidly deploying additional forces.

Russia has multiple military sites in Syria, including an air base at Hmeimim and strategic naval facilities at Tartus, which are also used to support the Kremlins actions in Africa.

The ISW said that Moscow had not yet begun to evacuate the base, but it remains unclear whether Russia will keep its vessels at the port as Syrian rebels continue to advance swiftly across regime-held territory.

The American Enterprise Institutes Critical Threats blog said the Assad regime faces an existential threat given the widespread collapse of regime forces and lack of sufficient external backing to bolster these forces.

It added that Russia will face logistic challenges that will undermine its Africa operations if it loses its footprint in Syria.

Mark Katz, a professor emeritus at George Mason University who focuses on Russia and the Middle East, told RFE/RL that the Kremlin risks losing its air assets in Syria if it cant agree with Turkey on the use of its airspace.

In one sense, the Turkish government might be happy to grant permission as the more the Russian Air Force is out of Syria, the happier Ankara will be, he said.

"Russia would also face difficulties relocating its warships because they would need Turkey's permission to get into the Black Sea. They would have to go through NATO waters," he added.

Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said the United States should have nothing to do with the war in Syria, where a small contingent of U.S. forces remain deployed in some areas.

"Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT, he wrote on the Truth Social platform.

THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!

Fast-moving developments on the ground were difficult to confirm, but media outlets quoted witnesses as well as rebel and Syrian army sources as saying militant fighters were continuing to make large gains on December 7 in their effort to topple Assad.

Some reported signs of panic in Damascus, with shortages of critical supplies, although the government said Assad was at work as usual in the capital.

Government forces and their Russian allies appear to have failed in their attempt to halt the rebel push toward Homs, which stands at an important intersection between the capital, Damascus, and Syrias coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus. Homs is 140 kilometers from the capital.

Witnesses and army sources told Reuters and other news agencies that rebels had entered Homs amid reports that government forces had pulled out. Celebrations were reported in some areas of the city.

Homs Province is Syrias largest in size and borders Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan. The city is also home to one of Syrias two state-run oil refineries.

The AFP news agency quoted security sources as saying hundreds of Syrian government troops, some injured, had fled across the border into Iraq.

The surprising offensive was launched last week by a coalition of rebel groups led by the Islamist HTS faction.

Besides HTS, the fighters include forces of an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army. Turkey has denied backing the offensive, though experts say insurgents would not have launched it without the country's consent.

The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said civilians were fleeing from Homs toward the Mediterranean coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus, strongholds of the government and the site of the Russian air and naval bases.

Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declined to comment on the fate of the Russian bases, saying he wasnt in the business of guessing.

The United Nations said on December 6 that almost 300,000 people in Syria had already been displaced since late November by the fighting, and that up to 1.5 million could be forced to flee as the rebels advance and inflict losses on Assad, as well as his Russian and Iranian allies.

Assad has relied on Iran and Russia to remain in power since the conflict erupted in 2011.

Following the foreign ministers' meeting in Doha, Lavrov said -- referring to HTS rebels -- that it was "inadmissible to allow terrorist groups" to take control of Syrian territory and that Russia would oppose them with all means possible.

Since the rebels seized control of Aleppo a week ago, they have moved on to capture other major cities with Assads forces providing little resistance.



Besides capturing Aleppo in the north, Hama in the center, and Deir al-Zor in the east, rebels rose up in southern Suweida and Deraa, saying on December 6 they had taken control of the two cities and posting videos showing insurgent celebrations there.

Taking Deraa and Suweida in the south could allow a concerted assault on the capital, Damascus, the seat of Assad's power, military sources said.

Video posted online showed protesters in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana chanting and tearing down a statue of Assads father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria from 1971 until his death in 2000, when his son took power.

Golani, the HTS leader, told CNN in an exclusive interview on December 5 from Syria that Assads government was bound to fall, propped up only by Russia and Iran.

The seeds of the regimes defeat have always been within it, he said. But the truth remains, this regime is dead.

With reporting by AFP and Reuters
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-two terrorists and six security members were killed in separate military operations in Pakistan, the military said on Saturday.

Security forces conducted the operations in various districts of the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, said in a statement.

During an intelligence-based operation in Tank district, nine terrorists were killed and six others injured.

In another operation, 10 terrorists were killed after security forces engaged terrorists' location in North Waziristan district of the province.

Separately, security forces successfully thwarted terrorists' attempt to attack a security check post in Hangu district and killed three terrorists.

The statement said that six soldiers were killed during the operation in Hangu district. 
Australia Introduces Skills in Demand Visa for International Workers

Most visa holders will be permitted to stay in Australia for up to four years.

Australia Skills in Demand Visa for International Workers, Immigration News: Starting December 7, 2024, Australia will roll out its new Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482), replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. The program aims to streamline pathways for skilled international workers while addressing labor shortages in key sectors.

Key Features of the Skills in Demand Visa

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The visa introduces three streams:

Specialist Skills Pathway Core Skills Pathway Essential Skills Pathway

Duration: Most visa holders will be permitted to stay in Australia for up to four years, providing flexibility for businesses seeking skilled talent and offering migrants an efficient entry route.

The Core Skills Stream specifically targets filling critical gaps in sectors like health, education, construction, agriculture, and technology, focusing on positions where no suitably skilled Australian workers are available.

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Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Skills in Demand Visa, applicants must:

Be nominated for a skilled role by an approved sponsor.

Possess the required skills for the nominated position.

Meet English language proficiency requirements.

Updated Occupation Lists

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has released an updated Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) applicable to the Core Skills Pathway under this visa. The list features 456 occupations, including roles such as:

Medical professionals

Software engineers

Cooks and chefs

Dog trainers

Electricians, carpenters, and bricklayers

The updated CSOL also extends to the Direct Entry Stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa, fulfilling the government's commitment to modernizing occupation lists within skilled visa programs.

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Salary Expectations

Workers earning between AUD 70,000 to AUD 135,000 are anticipated to form the majority under the Core Skills Stream, offering businesses and migrants substantial opportunities to contribute to Australias economy.

This move underscores Australias efforts to create a dynamic and flexible immigration system while addressing critical workforce needs across its regions.

(For more Immigration news, apart from Australia Skills in Demand Visa for International Workers, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Taste, refinement and socialising in early 20th century Bucharest

Exhibition hosted by the Filipescu-Cesianu Museum aims to reconstruct life in early 20th century Bucharest.

Credit: MMB (muzeulbucurestiului.ro)

Ion Puican, 07.12.2024, 14:00

Hosted by the Filipescu-Cesianu Museum in Bucharest, the exhibition entitled Taste, refinement and socialising in early 20th century Bucharest is aimed at reconstructing fragment of daily life, namely the dining ritual, among the Bucharest elite under the influence of profound cultural transformations, between the strict ceremony from before the First World War to the more relaxed approach from the inter-war period.

Andreea Maniceanu, one of the curators of the exhibition, told us more the rules of etiquette among the Bucharest society at the start of the 20th century: In the first part of the 20th century, the etiquette and lifestyle of the Bucharest high society were marked by a series of distinct elements, such as the western influence, for many of its members were educated abroad, especially in France, which led to the adoption of western manners and lifestyle. The fashion, the architecture and social habits all reflected these tendencies.

Andreea Maniceanu also spoke to us about the fashion of the day: The Bucharest high society also paid special attention to clothing. Men used to wear elegant suits after the latest fashion inspired by the trends in western Europe, while women used to wear very elegant dresses, often created by fashion houses. Moreover, the balls and receptions were important opportunities for showing off this elegance.

The exhibition also shows the public the lifestyle of the Bucharest high society in the first half of the 20th century in terms of habitation and social life: The residence of the Bucharest high society in the first part of the 20th century were often located in central areas like Calea Victoriei and Cotroceni and had an eclectic architecture that combined Neoclassical, Art Nouveau and Romanian Revival styles. Their residents attended balls, receptions and dinners given at the Royal Palace and other sumptuous residences. The cafes, clubs and fancy restaurants like Capsa were meeting places for politicians, aristocrats and artists. The exhibition Taste, Refinement and Socialising explores the transition and mutual influences between lifestyle and living space in the pre-war and interwar periods, emphasizing the dynamic between exterior and interior. In the pre-war period, the aristocratic lifestyle was defined by opulence and a sophistication that was visible in the architecture and interior design of homes. There was a strong external influence, especially regarding the interior design of spaces inspired by Western models and artistic trends such as the Baroque. The houses reflected a lifestyle oriented towards show and social status, and the interior spaces were designed to impress guests. The furniture, decorations and materials used in the pre-war houses expressed this relationship of continuity between exterior and interior grandeur. Through this alternation between exterior-interior and interior-exterior dynamics, the exhibition emphasizes how the social and economic changes of the two periods influenced the perception and organization of the home space in the pre-war period. The interior space was a reflection of the exterior world, social hierarchies and etiquette, while in the interwar period interior changes in everyday life and aesthetic preferences began to shape the way in which exterior space was perceived and organized.

Andreea Maniceanu also tells us about the cultural life of the era: The Bucharest elite also had a close connection with the cultural scene. Opera, theater and art exhibitions were appreciated by this social class. Moreover, patronage of art and literature was a way for elites to display their prestige.

How does the exhibition at Casa Filipescu-Cesianu present the dynamics of transformations in Bucharest society in the first half of the 20th century? The exhibition Taste, refinement and socializing in early 20th century Bucharest conveys the message of an evolution from a society centered on status and show to a functional, individualistic one, where privacy and personal comfort begin to prevail over ostentation and social grandeur. (CM, LS)
December 7, 2024

A roundup of local and world news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 07.12.2024, 13:55

ELECTION The Romanian Central Election Office has applied the Fridays ruling of the countrys Constitutional Court on cancelling the entire voting process in the presidential runoffs. The head of the Permanent election Authority, Tony Grebla, says that all voting operations have been frozen in all the polling stations abroad as well as the preparations in the country. After the first round of the presidential election on November 24, the runoffs have been scheduled for December 8. The voting already started abroad, where the Romanian nationals were allowed to cast their ballots for three days. In the meantime, the CCR has motivated its decision on cancelling the results of the first round. The magistrates say that after the de-classification of some documents in the countrys Higher Defence Council, they noticed that the entire election process was affected. The court says that the transparent and equitable character of the election campaign has been affected and that the legal regulations on its funding have been ignored. According to the same sources, the candidate who won the first round of the election, the independent Calin Georgescu, benefitted from an aggressive campaign, which violates the national election law through the abusive employment of the social media algorithms and the lack of specific elements of election advertising.

SEARCHES Prosecutors and policemen in Bucharest and other Romanian counties are conducting large-scale search operations on the alleged illegal funding of the election campaign for the independent candidate Calin Georgescu as well as the online behaviour of several citizens active on social networks. The anti-mafia department DIICOT has opened an in-rem criminal file on Calin Georgescus campaign regarding the illegal use of IT programmes and the attempt of disturbing the good functioning of IT systems and the attempted illegal access to an IT system. In a communique the DIICOT explains these arent accusations but the mere framework for evidence gathering and assessment of facts which may lead to a legal and solid resolution.

APPEAL The United States has made an appeal to all the Romanian political parties to ensure the countrys constitutional order and get involved in a peaceful democratic process without violence and intimidation, to reflect the peoples democratic will. The Department of State says in a communique that the Romanians are the ones to express their will not any other country or foreign players. The USA says it was notified by the Constitutional Court ruling over the election in Romania and reiterates its trust in the Romanian institutions and democratic processes including in the investigations concerning any possible interferences in the election process. Parliament parties in Romania have hailed the CCR decision but called for an investigation into any possible interference in the countrys election process. Elena Lasconi, who ranked second in the first round of the election, says the Romanian state stomped on democracy and the election should have been allowed to go on in observance of the peoples will. Independent candidate Calin Georgescu has also lashed out at courts decision, which he described as an officialised coup de etat. Georgescu says that the CCR judges have altered democracy and the countrys legal system is subordinated to the political class.

(bill)
KIEV, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 people were killed and 39 others injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine on Friday, authorities reported.

Ten people lost their lives, and 20 others were injured when guided aerial bombs struck the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, igniting a fire at a car service station, said the State Service for Emergencies.

The blaze, which spread to an area of 250 square meters and damaged six vehicles, was extinguished.

In central Ukraine's city of Kryvyi Rih, a ballistic missile hit a civilian administrative building, killing two people and injuring 19 others, said Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city's defense council.

Vilkul said the attack also damaged six apartment buildings, five private houses, and several vehicles. 
Genre-wise, the closest rival to Toyota Innova Hycross is the recently launched BYD eMAX 7 fully electric premium MPV

Third-generation Innova, officially called Innova Hycross, is among the most popular vehicles in Indias premium car segment. It boasts a design blending elements of an SUV and an MPV and makes a strong case for itself as it appeals to both audiences. It remains Indias first hybrid-electric MPV and is a default choice for many chauffeur-driven customers.

For the month of December 2024, Toyota Innova Hycross silently received a price hike, making Indias favourite premium MPV dearer for buyers. Not all the variants of Toyota Innova Hycross gets a uniform price hike. Lets dive into specifics and see just how dearer Innova Hycross has gotten.

Innova Hycross Price Hike Dec 2024

At a time when many rival car manufacturers are offering year-end discounts, here is Toyota, hiking the prices of Innova Hycross MPV. This shows just how popular Innova Hycross is in Indian premium vehicle segment and it continues to be a favourite among the chauffeur-driven owners.

This move also demonstrates the immense trust Toyota has in Innova Hycross sales performance. At the fag end of 2024 in the month of December, Toyota increased the price of Innova Hycross by up to Rs 36,000 on its ex-sh pricing. New prices for Innova Hycross now range between Rs 19.94 lakh (Ex-sh) and Rs 31.34 lakh (Ex-sh).

Innova Hycross is offered in as many as six trim levels  GX, GX (O), VX, VX (O), ZX and ZX (O). Only the top-spec ZX and ZX (O) trim levels get the highest price hike of Rs 36,000. The price hike associated with VX and VX (O) is very close to that of ZX and ZX (O) at Rs 35,000.

The lower-spec GX and GX (O), on the other hand, get the lowest price bump of just Rs 17,000. These price hikes are not associated with any bump in specs or features or equipment. Not even associated with any official accessories. Toyota also didnt cite any reason for this price hike.

Any other changes?

Innova brand has emerged as an absolute phenomenon for Toyota. It has been Indias best-selling premium MPV ever since it debuted. Currently in its third generation, Innova Hycross offers many features like a large free-standing infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a panoramic sunroof and a powered ottoman for 2nd-row occupants, among others.

Toyota is known for its reliability. Under the bonnet of Innova Hycross, we can see a 2.0L TNGA petrol engine with or without a self-charging hybrid setup. Peak total system output is up to 183.7 bhp and it is mated to an eCVT. Claimed fuel efficiency figures include 23.24 km/l.
Calin Georgescu (2nd L), winner of the first round of Romania's presidential elections, shakes hands with a supporter in front of a closed polling station in Mogosoaia, near Bucharest, Romania, Dec. 8, 2024. Independent presidential candidate Calin Georgescu has called on Romania's Central Electoral Bureau (BEC) and Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP) to disregard the Constitutional Court's (CCR) decision that annulled the presidential election, and to allow the voting process to continue. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)

BUCHAREST, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Independent presidential candidate Calin Georgescu has called on Romania's Central Electoral Bureau (BEC) and Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP) to disregard the Constitutional Court's (CCR) decision that annulled the presidential election, and to allow the voting process to continue.

In a statement issued late Friday night after consulting his legal team, Georgescu emphasized that while the CCR's decision is mandatory, there are no legal sanctions for failing to implement it. Georgescu topped the first round of the presidential election on Nov. 24 and is to face off against Elena Lasconi in runoff scheduled for Dec. 8.

He argued that the responsibility to uphold democracy now lies with BEC and AEP, which he urged prioritizing the people's right to vote.

"The decision of the CCR is not contestable, however, any decision of the BEC or AEP can be appealed by Mr. Calin Georgescu to the High Court of Cassation and Justice, which will happen, in the name of the people and democracy," Georgescu declared.

The CCR annulled the election on Friday, citing systemic flaws and widespread violations of electoral laws that compromised the fairness of the process.

The ruling disrupted the presidential runoff between Georgescu and Lasconi, with voting already underway in the diaspora.

Meanwhile, the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism has opened a preliminary investigation into Georgescu's campaign. 

Calin Georgescu (front), winner of the first round of Romania's presidential elections, gestures after talking to the media in front of a closed polling station in Mogosoaia, near Bucharest, Romania, Dec. 8, 2024. Independent presidential candidate Calin Georgescu has called on Romania's Central Electoral Bureau (BEC) and Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP) to disregard the Constitutional Court's (CCR) decision that annulled the presidential election, and to allow the voting process to continue. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)

Calin Georgescu (front), winner of the first round of Romania's presidential elections, talks to the media in front of a closed polling station in Mogosoaia, near Bucharest, Romania, Dec. 8, 2024. Independent presidential candidate Calin Georgescu has called on Romania's Central Electoral Bureau (BEC) and Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP) to disregard the Constitutional Court's (CCR) decision that annulled the presidential election, and to allow the voting process to continue. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
THE HAGUE, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Dutch leaders expressed their shock on Saturday after a huge apartment building explosion in The Hague, which left at least four people injured.

"Shocked by the terrible images of a collapsed apartment building in The Hague," Prime Minister Dick Schoof wrote on social platform X.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima also reacted on X, saying, "We sympathize with all those who have been personally affected or who fear for the fate of their loved ones."

The apartment building in The Hague partially collapsed on Saturday morning following a powerful explosion, leaving at least four people injured. The victims, including a child, were transported to the hospital for treatment.

Emergency services, including a specialized Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, are continuing rescue and search operations, as officials warned that the number of victims could rise to around 20.

The incident occurred on Tarwekamp Street in the northeastern Mariahoeve district of The Hague. Images from the scene show that the facade of several apartments has been swept away.

The apartment building houses shops on the ground floor and two residential floors above. The cause of the explosion remains unclear.

Police reported that a car was seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the explosion. Authorities are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the vehicle to come forward. 
MINSK, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko on Friday signed a new treaty on security guarantees between Russia and Belarus within the framework of the Union State, according to local media.

"I am certain that this treaty will reliably protect the security of Russia and Belarus, and consequently create conditions for the continued peaceful and sustainable development of our two nations," the Kremlin reported, citing Putin at the meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State in Minsk.

According to the Russian leader, the new pact outlines mutual defense obligations aimed at protecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Russia and Belarus, "with the use of all available forces and means," including Russian tactical nuclear weapons.

He recalled that Moscow reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to a potential attack with weapons of mass destruction or conventional weapons, which creates a critical threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia or Belarus, as defined in Russia's renewed nuclear doctrine.

"With the signing of ... the interstate treaty on security guarantees today, we are reaching an unprecedented level of strategic cooperation and military coordination," Lukashenko said during the meeting.

The Belarusian leader said the new deal will protect the territorial integrity of both countries, safeguard sovereignty and independence, and guarantee peace and security for the citizens of Russia and Belarus.

During a press conference following the meeting, Putin noted that Russia's new Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile system could be deployed in Belarus in the second half of next year.

The Russian president arrived in Minsk on Friday to attend a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State. 
At the core of the Aquarius man's persona lies an unwavering intellect, fueled by a thirst for understanding the intricacies of the universe. These individuals possess a keen analytical mind, capable of dissecting complex issues and formulating groundbreaking solutions. Their thought processes often venture into the realms of the unconventional, as they challenge the status quo and explore the boundaries of what is possible.

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By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK - A former Allianz fund manager was spared prison time on Friday over his role in a meltdown of private investment funds sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic that caused an estimated $7 billion of investor losses.

Gregoire Tournant, 57, of Basalt, Colorado, pleaded guilty in June to two counts of investment adviser fraud. He agreed to give up $17.5 million in ill-gotten gains, including bonuses that were inflated by his fraud.

Chief Judge Laura Taylor Swain of the federal court in Manhattan sentenced him to 18 months home confinement and three years probation.

Tournant's defense lawyers had urged Swain to spare him prison time, citing health issues. They also said Tournant had expressed remorse, and called the case less serious than the typical investment adviser fraud scheme.

"We are deeply appreciative to the Court for imposing this just sentence and recognizing that incarceration was not appropriate in this case," defense lawyers Seth Levine and Daniel Alonso said in a statement.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan had recommended that Tournant be sentenced to at least seven years in prison. They argued that more than 100 investors in Tournant's funds lost billions of dollars when they collapsed, and that he continued to minimize the importance of what he had done.

The case stemmed from the March 2020 collapse of the German insurer's now-defunct Structured Alpha funds, which Tournant had created and oversaw as chief investment officer.

In May 2022, Allianz agreed to pay more than $6 billion and its U.S. asset management unit pleaded guilty to securities fraud to resolve government probes into the collapse. Two other former Allianz fund managers pleaded guilty at the time.

The Structured Alpha funds had bet heavily on stock options, in a manner designed to limit losses in a market selloff, which Tournant likened to a form of insurance.

Prosecutors said Tournant misled investors about the funds' risks by altering performance data and diverging from his promised hedging strategy, and obstructed a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission probe by directing a colleague to lie.

The funds once had more than $11 billion of assets under management, but lost about $7 billion in February and March 2020 as the start of the pandemic set off a worldwide market panic.

Prosecutors said the fraud ran from 2014 through March 2020, with Tournant being paid more than $60 million over that time.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
In an effort to expand access to care, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched a new campaign to encourage eligible veterans to enroll in VA health care.

The campaign aims to include 27,234 unenrolled New York veterans who fought in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan -- urging them to enroll in VA health care through texts, emails, PSAs, ads and events.

This campaign follows rising concerns from veterans about health issues, including mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts, potentially linked to repeated blasts and head trauma from sources such as low-level artillery, IEDs, missile launches and heavy fire.

We take veteran concerns about repeated blast exposure very seriously, and we are studying this matter urgently to learn more about potential health impacts, said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. While we do that, we dont 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.

Veterans enrolled in VA have access to specialty screenings and services for health issues related to blast exposure, the VA said.

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, said VA Under Secretary for Health, Shereef Elnahal, M.D.

Although the latest push follows the concern about blast exposure, the VA effort hopes to reach all eligible veterans who can -- and should -- apply for VA care. Step-by-step instructions are on https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/.

Notably, veterans who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan and other designated areas are eligible for VA health care based on their deployments, regardless of whether they have specific health conditions linked to their service.

Additionally, earlier this year, the VA made all Veterans exposed to toxins and hazards eligible to enroll in VA health care.

This includes those who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any post-9/11 combat zone, as well as Veterans exposed to toxins during training or active duty in the U.S.

Veterans not meeting these criteria can often still access VA health care by receiving VA disability benefits or based on income.

This latest outreach is part of a larger campaign that began in 2022. According to the VA, due to the campaign, more than 835,000 veterans have enrolled in VA health care (a 37% increase), more than 900,000 have upgraded their priority groups for lower copays, and more than 4.4 million veterans and survivors have applied for disability compensation benefits, setting new all-time records.

How to apply for VA health care

Apply by Phone

Call VAs toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET for assistance.

Apply by Mail

Complete Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ) and mail it to: Health Eligibility Center, PO Box 5207Janesville, WI 53547-5207

If using a power of attorney, include the Power of Attorney form. If signing with an X, two witnesses must sign the form.

Apply in Person

Fill out VA Form 10-10EZ and bring it to your nearest VA medical center or clinic. Find a VA medical center or clinic near you here.

Apply with Help

Get assistance from an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative to apply for benefits.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A firefighter was injured during an emergency response to a fire at Staten Island Technical High School in New Dorp Friday night, according to an FDNY spokesperson.

Twelve units, consisting of 60 fire and EMS personnel, responded to the scene at 485 Clawson St., following the report at around 7:03 p.m. Friday, according to the spokesperson.

By 7:30 p.m., there were no flames or smoke visible from the exterior that would indicate an active fire. However, the FDNY says it wasnt until 7:47 p.m. that the fire was officially brought under control. The cause of the fire is under investigation, the spokesperson said.

The FDNY responds to a fire at Staten Island Technical High School in New Dorp on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

The injured firefighter refused medical attention, the FDNY spokesperson said.

A ladder could be seen extended to the schools rooftop and a hose was extended through an entrance to the school on Lindbergh Avenue.

Alarms and bells could be heard ringing within the school and many of the lights inside were activated. At least a handful of windows were being opened on the third floor in the wake of the response.

Firefighters respond to a fire at Staten Island Technical High School in New Dorp on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

A second ladder could also be seen extended to the third floor in the rear of the school at the time of the emergency.

Firefighters respond to a fire at Staten Island Technical High School in New Dorp on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Actor Michael Rainey Jr. has partnered with the Recovery Education Foundation (R.A.R.E. Foundation) to donate $2.4 million in financial literacy services to three high schools in his hometown of Staten Island.

The 24-year-old actor, best known for his role as Tariq St. Patrick on Power and Power Book II: Ghost, has donated $600,000 to kickstart a financial literacy initiative aimed at empowering high school students with knowledge and tools for building financial security. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Rainey Jr., the R.A.R.E Foundation and Equifax.

While Rainey Jr.s $600,000 donation kicked off the initiative, Equifax is providing students and their families with credit monitoring, identity theft protection and educational tools. The R.A.R.E. Foundation will supply financial literacy materials and the infrastructure to deliver the program across three Staten Island high schools.

On Nov. 14, the initiative was introduced at Port Richmond High School, where Rainey Jr. met with students to share his financial journey and emphasized the importance of building credit scores and protecting your identity.

As a kid being from in this room, I would definitely go home and ask my parents what their credit score is and start the conversation of when can I become an authorized user on their account, so I can start building my own, said Rainey Jr.

Rainey Jr. and the R.A.R.E. Foundation also visited Curtis High School to discuss financial literacy and their credit program.

The third Staten Island high school that will be involved has yet to be announced.

According to the organizations website, the R.A.R.E. Foundation is dedicated to providing essential financial recovery education and training to underserved communities.

Through this initiative, Rainey Jr. and the R.A.R.E. Foundation aim to provide resources and education on money management, credit, and identity protection. The program aims to sponsor up to 250,000 students.

With a minimum donation of $25, both the donor and the student will receive a financial literacy package that includes a one-year Equifax Complete Premier subscription to monitor their credit and identity theft protection, and access to e-books like The Power of Credit and Who Stole My Identity? by financial literacy advocate Preston Kid Kredit Luzunaris.

They will also offer a 12-course digital financial literacy curriculum and free one-on-one credit consultations to further your understanding of the fundamentals of financial management.

To learn more about the R.A.R.E. Foundation, visit its website.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Two of Staten Islands three Community Boards will hold full board meetings this week.

And a future Annadale sewer project will be explained by city representatives during a Community Board 3 committee meeting.

Heres a breakdown of whats on the agendas.

Community Board 1

Community Board 1 will host a meeting of its full board on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in St. Marys Episcopal Church, 347 Davis Ave., West Brighton.

Committee reports and a discussion of old and new business will be on the agenda.

Community Board 2

Community Board 2 has no meetings taking place this week.

Community Board 3

On Tuesday at 7 p.m., the full board will meet in the Our Lady Help of Christians auditorium, 23 Summit St., Tottenville.

In addition to routine board business, any motions voted on in committee will be voted on by the entire board.

Also, on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 6:30 p.m., the Parks and Environmental Committee will meet and hold a public hearing at 1243 Woodrow Rd., Woodrow.

At the meeting, representatives from the city Department of Environmental Protection and the New York City Department of Design and Construction will provide updates on the Halpin Avenue Sewer Project, which encompasses Halpin Avenue and some surrounding Annadale streets.

Open to the public

All Community Board meetings and meetings of their committees are open to the public. They provide an excellent opportunity for residents to learn about happenings in their neighborhood and surrounding areas. Below is more information about the Islands three Community Boards:

COMMUNITY BOARD 1

Arlington  Castleton Corners  Clifton  Concord  Elm Park  Fort Wadsworth  Graniteville  Grymes Hill  Livingston  Mariners Harbor  New Brighton  Port Richmond  Randall Manor  Rosebank  St. George  Shore Acres  Silver Lake  Stapleton  Sunnyside  Tompkinsville  West Brighton  Westerleigh.

The board chairman is Nicholas Siclari. The district manager is Joan Cusack. The telephone number is 718-981-6900.

COMMUNITY BOARD 2

Arrochar  Bloomfield  Bulls Head  Chelsea  Dongan Hills  Egbertville  Emerson Hill  Grant City  Grasmere  High Rock  Lighthouse Hill  Midland Beach  New Dorp  New Springville  Oakwood  Ocean Breeze  Old Town  Richmond  South Beach  Todt Hill  Travis.The phone number is 718-568-3581. The fax number is 718-568-3595. The chairman is Fred Guinta. The district manager is Debra A. Derrico.

COMMUNITY BOARD 3

Annadale  Arden Heights  Bay Terrace  Charleston  Eltingville  Great Kills  Greenridge  Huguenot  New Dorp  Oakwood  Pleasant Plains  Princes Bay  Richmond Valley  Richmond  Rossville  Tottenville  Woodrow.The office phone number is 718-356-7900. The board chairman is Frank Morano; the district manager is Charlene Wagner.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The Staten Island Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) recently held its annual Founders Day on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The much-anticipated event honored the legacy of the organizations trailblazing founder, Mary McLeod Bethune with a moving candlelight vigil to commemorate her legacy.

Bethune is well-regarded as an esteemed educator, philanthropist, and advisor to five U.S. presidents. A tireless advocate for the empowerment of Black women and the advancement of their communities, her legacy continues to inspire and shape the work of the NCNW today.

The event also welcomed the Young Diamonds, the youth division of Staten Islands NCNW chapter, whose involvement reflects the organizations dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders.

Overseen by Third Vice President Tylah Davies, the youth group brought energy and inspiration to the event under the guidance of Beth Coleman-Oliver, the current president of the Staten Island chapter.

Speaking on the importance of the event, Davies shared, The legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune reminds us that the strength of our community lies in the empowerment of its youth. She once said, Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough.

The youth are the diamonds of tomorrowready to shine and make a difference. Together, we will continue her mission to uplift, inspire, and create lasting change for all.

The officers of the Staten Island Section of the NCNW . (Courtesy Beth Coleman-Oliver)Courtesy Beth Coleman-Oliver

STATEN ISLAND SECTION OF NCNW OFFICERS

The officers of the Staten Island Section of the NCNW include: Beth Coleman-Oliver, President; Marcia Allen, 1st VP; Aurora Evans, 2nd VP; Tylah Davies-Doe, 3rd VP; Nitrisha Zhang, Treasurer; Germaine Buchanan, Recording Secretary; and Tanish Smith- Franks, Assistant Recording Secretary.

Also: Dr. Grace Feyijnmi, Corresponding Secretary; Tawanna Muniz, Financial Secretary; Theodora Cross, Chaplain; Barbara Maxwell, Historian; Courteny Oliver, Parliamentarian; and Brittany Waddy, Sergeant at Arms.

Founded in 1935, the NCNW is a coalition of 33 national womens organizations committed to advancing education, entrepreneurship, economic security, healthcare, and social justice. Its Staten Island chapter continues to honor this mission, fostering unity and progress through community-driven initiatives and events like Founders Day.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  There is no doubt that New York City public school students are counting down the days until winter recess later this month  offering a weeklong break at the end of December through the start of the new year.

Students wont have to wait much longer  as there are only two full weeks left of classes before the break starts. New York City recently announced it would start winter recess earlier this year  with Monday, Dec. 23 included as an additional day off.

The city Department of Education (DOE) 2024-2025 school calendar originally listed winter recess was initially set to start on Tuesday, Dec. 24, which is also Christmas Eve  requiring students and teachers to come to school on Monday, Dec. 23.

Schools will now be closed on Monday, Dec. 23. The additional day off during recess will allow families more time for travel and vacation.

Public schools will be closed for winter recess from Monday, Dec. 23, to Wednesday, Jan. 1. The last day of classes before break will be Friday, Dec. 20.

Students will return to campus on Thursday, Jan. 2.

It means students will have 12 days off, including weekends, during winter recess this year.

The city DOE public school calendar includes some two dozen days off between the first day and the last day of classes. The calendar gives time off for the religious holidays, week-long breaks for winter recess, mid-winter recess and spring recess, and federal holidays.

After winter break, students will still have plenty of time off for the rest of the school year, with time off for mid-winter recess, spring break, and other federal and religious holidays until the last day of classes on Thursday, June 26.

You can go here to view more important dates for the 2024-2025 academic year.
By Sriparna Roy

(Reuters) - Shares of health insurance companies including UnitedHealth Group continued to fall on Friday, two days after Brian Thompson, the CEO of the company's health insurance unit, was fatally shot outside a Manhattan hotel by a gunman lying in wait.

The shooter is still at large and his motive for the attack has not been determined, police officials say.

Thompson's death sparked a wide social media conversation over frustrations with navigating the U.S. health insurance system, particularly when medical expenses are not covered or insurance claims or requests for care are denied.

"The anti-insurer sentiment expressed by the public after this event suggests that UnitedHealth and perhaps the industry may need to adjust how they handle coverage decisions," said Morningstar analyst Julie Utterback.

Shares of UnitedHealth were down 4.8% on Friday after a 5% drop on Thursday. Rival insurers Elevance, Centene, CVS Health, and Cigna also fell between 1% and 3% in afternoon trading. Those shares all lost ground on Thursday as well.

The words "deny," "defend" and "depose" were carved into shell casings found at the scene, police sources told ABC and the New York Post. The words evoke the title of Jay Feinman's 2010 book critical of the U.S. insurance industry: "Delay Deny Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don't Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It."

Social media sites have been flooded with angry posts attacking the companies and users sharing personal frustrations on coverage rejections and how they have been denied necessary care, as well as sarcastic videos with unsympathetic messages like "thoughts and prayers require prior authorization."

Health insurance companies are reassessing the risks for their top executives with both UnitedHealth and CVS removing photos of their leadership teams from their websites after the shooting.

Potential changes in coverage decisions may be prompted by internal initiatives or external pressures that could pose risks for profits, said Utterback.

The insurance industry has been facing higher costs over the past few quarters due to increased demand for healthcare under government-backed Medicare plans for older adults or those with disabilities, as well as changes in Medicaid eligibility from states, which has left insurers with more patients who require more medical services.

(Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
Senior staff members at nine Sydney private schools earned an average of $300,000 or more last year, as parents braved sharp fee rises.

The total salaries of key managers at some private schools jumped by hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2023, financial information schools must now disclose as part of charity reporting rules introduced two years ago shows.

It comes as federal education bureaucrats labelled the high salaries of some private school principals as inconsistent with community expectations.

The total amount paid to all senior leaders at Riverview jumped from $1.2 million in 2022 to $3.7 million last year. A key manager now takes home $310,538 on average at that school.
The designer who created the Australian Broadcasting Corporations Lissajous logo  inspired by broadcast vibrations  seems to have had some insight into the cycle of birth, death and recrimination through which the ABC is doomed to cycle. The logo is reminiscent of an ouroboros  a snake-like creature with its tail in its mouth, representing birth, death and renewal  but twisted into tortuous knots. Or perhaps an infinity symbol with an extra loop of infinity tacked on.

We must be on the third arc of infinity this year, a time of especial drama before the swooping logo enters another valley of lassitude. An unusually high number of producers and journalists are retiring or being retired. The process is supposed to set the scene for renewal. But the question, as always, is how to introduce renewal into a closed system.

Kim Williams (right) might do well to find journalists who are curious enough to tune into Joe Rogan. Credit: Digitally altered image. Artwork: Marija Ercegovac.

Conservatives like to call for the ABC to be defunded. Thats a defeatist approach. The ABC is a powerful tool of social cohesion and new migrant integration. Its given generations a shared cultural point of reference. From Playschool to Bluey, the ABC gives Australian children something in common regardless of their cultural backgrounds. Flagship current affairs shows once drove national conversations. When the majority of the population consumes the same entertainment and news, it creates a sense of nationhood.

The worst sin of the ABC is, therefore, not that it is biased. It is that it has become so dull it is no longer worth tuning into. Chairman Kim Williams is focused on the need for objectivity, but emphasising journalistic dispassion is only part of the solution. With the exception of a small number of programs, most relegated to minor time slots and barely promoted, the ABC has become incurious.
(Reuters) - India's CEAT said on Friday it would buy French tyremaker Michelin's Camso brand for $225 million, as it looks to expand into higher-margin tyres at a time when elevated rubber prices have eaten into its profits.

Camso, a Canadian brand that Michelin acquired in 2018 for $1.45 billion, makes tyres that are fitted into heavy-duty vehicles such as tractors, harvesters and bulldozers.

"The Camso brand is an excellent fit with the growth strategy of CEAT's off-highway tyre business, thereby improving our margin profile," CEAT MD and CEO Arnab Banerjee said.

Indian tyremakers have been struggling with surging prices of rubber, their key raw material.

CEAT missed its September-quarter profit estimates on higher material prices and weak demand due to a drop in car deliveries to dealers in the September quarter.

The company is the third largest Indian tyremaker by sales and competes with MRF and Apollo Tyres, among others, in the domestic market.

CEAT said it will own two manufacturing facilities of Michelin in Sri Lanka following the deal.

(Reporting by Hritam Mukherjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
Woolworths has struck a deal with the United Workers Union, ending a long-running warehouse worker strike that had stripped the supermarket giants shelves bare.

The company announced the deal in a statement on Saturday afternoon, declaring its major Dandenong South distribution centre in Melbournes south-east could be open again within hours.

The United Workers Union (UWU) later confirmed workers across three warehouses in Victoria and one in NSW had voted to accept a revised offer after striking for 17 days.

The union said the strike was primarily about the Woolworths framework, a worker performance management program that monitors pick rates.
Protests outside places of worship could be outlawed in NSW after Premier Chris Minns ordered an examination into strengthening protections of religious institutions, saying holding the line is inadequate after a spate of antisemitic incidents across the nation.

With the nation reeling from the pre-dawn firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on Friday morning, Minns said he had instructed Attorney-General Michael Daley and the Cabinet Office to explore reform options to prevent intimidation of worshippers practising their faith.

A protest across the road from the Great Synagogue in Sydney. Credit: Twitter

About 70 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Sydneys Great Synagogue on Wednesday evening, rallying against an event held by Technion, the Israel Institute of Technology, and calling for sanctions against the Jewish state. Congregants inside were reportedly unable to leave.

That incident occurred soon after two masked men vandalised cars with anti-Israel messages and set others alight in Woollahra, in Sydneys eastern suburbs. Minns deplored the incident as an antisemitic attack and un-Australian.
The US embassy in Damascus on Friday urged Americans to depart Syria now while commercial options remain available in Damascus. The bottom line, said Mehdi Rahmati, an Iranian analyst, is that Iran has realised that it cannot manage the situation in Syria right now with any military operation and this option is off the table. Despite being largely overshadowed by the wars in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, the Syrian civil war never ended and instead fell into a protracted stalemate. Diplomatic efforts to find a solution have been stagnant for years. Defectors line up to register with Syrian insurgents in Aleppo on Thursday. Rebels have called on government soldiers and security agencies to defect and receive protection cards. Credit: AP The coalition of advancing rebels is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group previously affiliated with al-Qaeda. Although it split with the terror group in 2016 and has attempted to gain international legitimacy, it is still designated as a terrorist organisation by the US and the United Nations.

The groups leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, said in an interview with The New York Times this week that his goal was to liberate Syria from this oppressive regime. The reactions of Syrias neighbours appeared to reflect the deep concerns about the spiralling and unpredictable war. Lebanon announced it was closing all land borders with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Israel said it would reinforce aerial and ground forces in the Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria after the Arab-Israeli War of 1967. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria after insurgents captured the area on the Syrian side, Jordans Interior Ministry said in a statement. A Syrian opposition fighter holds up a mobile phone atop a seized Syrian airforce fighter plane at the Hama military airport on Friday. Credit: AP

And beyond the main rebel advances, the Assad government appears to be losing other pockets of territory. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitoring group, said the city of Sweida, south of Damascus, was no longer under government control. The Russian embassy in Damascus issued a statement warning Russians of the difficult military and political situation in Syria. The embassy reminded Russians of the opportunity of leaving the country on commercial flights through operating airports. Russia is one of Syrias most important allies. The sudden rebel advance, launched last week, has abruptly changed the landscape of the 13-year civil war. Residents leave the city carrying their belongings in the aftermath of the oppositions takeover of Hama, Syria, on Friday. Credit: AP The rebels have swept through major cities such as Aleppo and Hama and captured a significant amount of territory across four provinces, while government forces seemed to put up little resistance.

US officials have been surprised by the rebels progress so far and had not assessed that the Assad governments control on Aleppo was so weak. They said the rebels appeared to have quickly taken advantage of the chaos created by their offensive, whose success likely exceeded their own expectations. If the rebels gain control of Homs, it would be a significant turn in fortunes for Assad. The city sits at the crossroads of major highways, including one that leads to Damascus. Without Homs, the government would lose a key buffer between rebel-held areas in the north-west and Damascus further south. Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani first emerged as the leader of al-Qaedas Syria branch in 2011, in the first months of Syrias war. Credit: Al Jazeera Early in the civil war, parts of Homs fell to the rebels. Over the years, government forces besieged and bombarded rebel-held areas to wrest them back, devastating parts of the city. The opposition fighters heading towards Homs on Saturday came out of Hama, the city they breached a day earlier.

While the rebels say their goal is to oust Assad, it is not clear what would happen if he were to fall. Many in the international community had come to grudgingly accept him as Syrias leader, even after he violently crushed his countrys opposition and used internationally banned chemical weapons. For them, Assad offered a semblance of control, while a rebel takeover threatened more uncertainties in a region already in upheaval. Some Arab states last year normalised diplomatic relations with the Assad regime after shunning his government for years. An image of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, riddled with bullets, is seen on the facade of the provincial government office in the aftermath of the oppositions takeover of Hama. Credit: AP Publicly, American officials have been cautious about Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. But inside the US government, some officials said they believe the groups turn to a more pragmatic approach was genuine, adding that its leaders know they cannot realise aspirations to join or lead the Syrian government if the group is seen as a jihadi organisation. The group has retained its identity as a conservative Islamist organisation, but it has shown itself to be pragmatic while governing Idlib, in north-western Syria, US officials said. In areas that it has taken over, officials said, it has quickly focused on providing services to civilians.

In a briefing for reporters this week, Mouaz Moustafa, executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, an opposition group that works with the US military, praised the group for turning on Aleppos electricity soon after it occupied the city. Loading Moustafa said it was wrong to tie the group to its jihadi roots, insisting it was not affiliated with terror groups. He urged the US to give full-throated support to the push against Assad, saying the offensive was in US national interests. Everyone should see this as Iran losing in Syria, he said. The rebel advance struck at a moment of weakness for Assads allies: Irans power has been curtailed by its conflict with Israel, and Russias military sapped by its invasion of Ukraine.

The Syrian government has relied on those countries and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah  now battered by its own war with Israel  to fight the rebels. Russian airstrikes to try to slow the recent rebel advance have been relatively sparse, in what analysts see as a sign of Russias limited ability to aid Assad. Loading The Syrian Observatory said a Russian convoy had fled Deir el-Zour, the eastern city where Kurdish forces were advancing, and was headed to Damascus. On Friday, the Syrian military struck rebels and their vehicles both north and south of Hama with artillery, missiles and airstrikes, assisted by Russia. Dozens of opposition fighters were killed and wounded, according to Syrian state media.

The Syrian military, after withdrawing from Hama following several days of fighting, issued an unusual statement explaining its pullback, saying it was seeking to avoid battles that would endanger civilians. But sacrificing Hama also enables the Assad government to shift its limited military forces to areas it regards as more important, such as Homs. Loading President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, who has backed some of the Syrian opposition, including rebel factions in the current offensive, said he had been frustrated with Assad over his unwillingness to negotiate over Syrias future. He issued a qualified approval of the rebel advance. Idlib, Hama, Homs, and the target, of course, is Damascus, Erdogan told reporters after Friday prayers in Istanbul, Turkish state media reported. The oppositions march continues. Our wish is that this march in Syria continues without incident.
Syria army says 'redeploying' in southern Daraa, Sweida provinces



Damascus, Dec 7 (AFP) Dec 07, 2024



Syria's army said it was redeploying in two southern provinces on Saturday, after a war monitor reported government forces had lost control of most of Daraa province, the cradle of the country's 2011 uprising.

"Our forces operating in Daraa and Sweida are redeploying and repositioning, and establishing a... security cordon in that direction after terrorist elements attacked remote army checkpoints," the General Command of the Army and Armed Forces said in a statement carried by state media.

On Friday evening, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said local factions had taken control of more than 90 percent of Daraa, including the eponymous city.

In neighbouring Sweida, the Britain-based monitor and local media said the governor, the police and prison chiefs, and the local ruling Baath Party leader had left their offices as local fighters took control of several checkpoints.

The army's statement said it was "beginning to regain control in Homs and Hama provinces in the face of terrorist organisations", as rebels who launched a stunning offensive last week, taking key cities Aleppo and Hama, battled troops near Homs.

Sweida is the heartland of Syria's Druze minority and has witnessed anti-government demonstrations for more than a year.

Damascus has turned a blind eye to tens of thousands of Druze men refusing to undertake compulsory military service. The vast majority of them have not taken up arms against the government.

Daraa province, meanwhile, was the cradle of the 2011 uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's rule, but it returned to government control in 2018 under a ceasefire deal brokered by Assad ally Russia.

Former rebels there who accepted the 2018 deal were able to keep their light weapons.

Daraa province has been plagued by unrest in recent years, with frequent attacks, armed clashes and assassinations, some claimed by the Islamic State group.
'Luminous object' in Tehran sky part of Guards field test: media



Tehran, Dec 7 (AFP) Dec 07, 2024



A glowing object observed in the skies above Tehran and neighbouring cities on Saturday was part of a test conducted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, according to media reports.

Early Saturday, residents of Tehran and Karaj in neighbouring Alborz province shared footage showing the object leaving a trail in the sky.

Local news agency Tasnim later reported that the "luminous object" and its trail were connected to a "field test" conducted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps.

Some online users described the object as a "missile", but neither the report nor the Guards provided details about the nature of the test.

The Revolutionary Guards, particularly its aerospace force, play a significant role in Iran's missile program, which has drawn criticism from Western nations.

In October, the unit launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in Iran's second-ever attack on its arch-foe, prompting Israeli retaliation against its military sites.
Mark Cuban Says 'Every Billionaire Has Gotten Lucky,' Claiming Exploitation No Longer Leads To Massive Wealth

Mark Cuban, the outspoken billionaire, has always had bold opinions about wealth. In a recent discussion on Threads, he responded to a user accusing billionaires of exploiting others to get rich. Cubans take is that luck plays a bigger role than many people want to admit.

https://www.threads.net/@mcuban/post/DCXuO4Cun_Y?hl=en

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In his response, Cuban didnt shy away from acknowledging the role of luck in his success. He said, Exploitation in this country wont get you to that level of wealth any longer. Luck will. Every billionaire has gotten lucky. Lucky Sperm Club. Lucky with the Stock Market. Lucky they werent born 10 years earlier or later.

Cuban believes that hitting it big is no longer about exploiting others but rather being in the right place at the right time or having the right opportunities fall into your lap. He also pointed out that 61% of Americans own stocks, suggesting that most people are part of the same system that has helped build billionaires.

See Also: Its no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $70 million in art  this alternative asset has outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Heres how everyday investors are getting started.

This isnt the first time Cuban has shared his thoughts on wealth and opportunity. In an interview with Bill Gates on Netflixs Whats Next?, Cuban said that building wealth isnt the problem  its proof of the American dream. To him, becoming rich isnt just about personal gain but a sign of the opportunities that America provides. In his words, Getting filthy, stinkin rich is one of the most patriotic things you can do, while pointing out that wealth allows people to create jobs, pay taxes and contribute to society in meaningful ways.

Cuban made it when he sold his internet-radio company, Broadcast.com, to Yahoo in 1999 for $5.7 billion. Since then, he has invested his fortune in a wide range of companies, from startups tackling major issues like lowering the cost of prescription drugs through his Cost Plus Drug Co. to, most famously, the Dallas Mavericks.

Trending: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it?

Still, Cuban is aware of the criticism directed at billionaires. He knows not everyone sees them as a positive force, especially with growing wealth inequality in the U.S. Cuban clarified in his reply to the Threads user, Because I know not every[one] has gotten lucky like I have and I try to not take this for granted. Ever, also saying that he pays his taxes gladly. Cuban added that while he doesnt like paying those big checks to the IRS, hes proud to contribute to public services like roads, education and health care that benefit everyone.
Turkey's Erdogan says he hopes Syria 'finds peace'



Istanbul, Dec 7 (AFP) Dec 07, 2024



Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday he hopes neighbouring Syria "finds peace", as rebels fighting to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad advance towards the capital, Damascus.

"Our wish is for our neighbour, Syria, to find the peace and tranquility it has been dreaming of for 13 years," said Erdogan, a key player in the region, adding that Syria "is tired of war, blood and tears".

Turkey, which has a long border with Syria, has become home to about three million Syrian refugees since the start of the civil war in 2011.

"Our Syrian brothers and sisters deserve freedom, security and peace in their homeland," Erdogan added, voicing hope "to see a Syria where different identities co-exist in peace".

"We hope to see such a Syria in the very near future," he said in a speech delivered in the southeastern city of Gaziantep, to which several hundred thousand Syrians fled.

The Turkish president was long a supporter of the resistance to Assad since the civil war erupted.

But in recent months Erdogan tried to reconcile with his Syrian counterpart -- an olive branch he accused Assad of not grasping.

"There is now a new political and diplomatic reality in Syria," he told the crowd in Gaziantep, accusing Damascus of not having grasped "the hand extended by Turkey" through Russian mediation.
Israel army says assisting UN force in 'repelling attack' in Syria



Jerusalem, Dec 7 (AFP) Dec 07, 2024



The Israeli army said Saturday that its troops were assisting UN peacekeepers in the Golan Heights in repelling an attack "by armed individuals", while the foreign minister said "armed forces" had entered the UN-patrolled buffer zone.

There was no immediate comment from the UN force.

"A short while ago, an attack was carried out by armed individuals at a UN post in the Hader area in Syria," the army said in a statement, referring to a Syrian town on the edge of the buffer zone.

"The (Israeli army) is currently assisting the UN forces in repelling the attack."

Late on Saturday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar posted on X: "During the last day, armed forces entered the buffer zone on the Syrian side of the border with Israel. Among other things, attacks were carried out on the (peacekeepers) in the area".

He said Israel was "troubled by violations" of the 1974 armistice with Syria. "Israel does not intervene in the internal conflict in Syria," he added.

Earlier on Saturday, Syrian rebels took control of the provincial capital of Quneitra around 12 kilometres (eight miles) south of Hader, Britain-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The long-stalemated Syrian civil war burst back into life late last month, with rebels sweeping across the country and capturing multiple major cities.

The military said that army chief Herzi Halevi visited the Syrian border on Saturday, He too underlined that Israel was not intervening in Syria.

He said Israel's "primary focus is on observing Iran's movements and interests" while a "secondary focus" was on Syrian factions and "ensuring they do not mistakenly direct their actions towards us".

The military declined to comment on Saturday evening when asked if the attack was ongoing.

On Friday, the Israeli military said it was "reinforcing aerial and ground forces" in the Israeli-occupied parts of the Golan in response to the situation in Syria. And on Saturday it said it had conducted exercises to ensure troop readiness.

Israel conquered most of the Golan Heights during the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed the territory in a move never recognised by the international community as a whole.

A UN peacekeeping force, UNDOF, has patrolled a buffer zone between the Israeli- and Syrian-controlled zones since 1974.

In August 2014, Islamist rebels attacked UNDOF and took more than 40 Fijian peacekeepers hostage, holding them captive for almost two weeks.
US announces new $988 mn military aid package for Ukraine



Washington, Dec 7 (AFP) Dec 07, 2024



The United States on Saturday announced a new $988 million military assistance package for Ukraine as Washington races to provide aid to Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

Trump's victory in the November election has cast doubt on the future of American aid for Ukraine, providing a limited window for billions of dollars in already authorized assistance to be provided before he is sworn in next month.

The package features drones, ammunition for precision HIMARS rocket launchers, and equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks and armored vehicles, the Pentagon said in a statement.

The aid will be funded via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, under which military equipment is procured from the defense industry or partners rather than drawn from American stocks, meaning it will not immediately arrive on the battlefield.

It follows a $725 million package announced on Monday that included a second tranche of landmines as well as anti-air and anti-armor weapons.

The outgoing US administration is working to get as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump -- who has repeatedly criticized US assistance for Kyiv and claimed he could secure a ceasefire within hours -- takes over.

Trump's comments have triggered fears in Kyiv and Europe about the future of US aid, and Ukraine's ability to withstand Russian attacks in the absence of further American support.

The United States has spearheaded the push for international support for Ukraine, quickly forging a coalition to back Kyiv after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022 and coordinating aid from dozens of countries.

Ukraine's international supporters have since then provided tens of billions of dollars in weapons, ammunition, training and other security aid that has been key to helping Kyiv resist Russian forces.
National Rail said the storm was likely to affect services across the whole network, advising people to check their journey in full before travelling as it may mean last services of the day are cancelled and passengers may not reach their destination.
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
By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU antitrust regulators are asking Nvidia (NVDA) rivals and customers if the U.S. artificial intelligence chipmaker bundles its products that may give it an unfair advantage, people with direct knowledge of the matter said, in a move that may lead to a formal investigation.

Nvidia, which has a near-monopoly with an 84% market share, far ahead of rivals Intel (INTC) and AMD (AMD), has in recent years attracted regulatory scrutiny from regulators in the European Union, the United States, the UK, China and South Korea.

The company has seen high demand from customers involved in generative AI and accelerated computing for its chips.

The European Commission recently sent out questionnaires asking if there is any commercial and technical tying of graphics processing unit (GPU) products by Nvidia, the sources said. The document is separate from another related to Nvidia's proposed buy of artificial intelligence startup Run:ai.

The EU competition enforcer wants to know how Nvidia sells its GPU products to various customers and whether the contracts require them to buy networking equipment with GPU, the sources said.

The Commission declined to comment.

Nvidia said: "We support customer choice and compete on merit across the board. Our products are best-in-class and able to stand on their own. We support open industry standards, enabling our partners and customers to use our products in a wide variety of configurations and system designs."

Such questionnaires are usually part of the watchdog's fact-finding procedures which could beef up initial concerns. EU antitrust violations can cause companies fines as much as 10% of their global annual turnover.

The French antitrust regulator is already investigating Nvidia and is preparing to hit the company with charges, other sources told Reuters earlier this year.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
The first utility stock well look at is AES, a power company with an extensive portfolio of generating capacity and other assets, as well as a global footprint. From its base in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac from Washington, AES manages a network that spans the Americas and extends into Europe and Asia. The companys focus is on the development and deployment of green power generation technology and capacity, on carbon-free electricity, and on creating the smart grid tech and digital solutions that will meet the ongoing needs of the electric utility sector as a business. What all of this means is that AES has a solid base, commensurate with its $9.5 billion market cap and $12-billion-plus in annual revenues.

Against this backdrop, Tucker has zeroed in on two utility stocks uniquely positioned to benefit from this trend, thanks to their strategic investments in data center infrastructure. We ran them through the TipRanks database to see what other Street experts make of his choices.

RBCs Shelby Tucker, a 5-star analyst rated in the top 2% of the Streets stock pros, highlights this dynamic in a recent report: We expect load growth estimates to be revised upwards, following the trends established throughout 2024. Demand, driven by the growth in AI data centers, has combined with the surge in reshoring of manufacturing to drive commercial and industrial load growth to levels not seen since the early 2000s Ultimately, we expect utilities whose service territories experience heightened interest from large-load customers to continue to update IRPs and increase load forecasts, leading to the potential need for more incremental resources.

This situation has made it profitable for utility companies to start expanding their generation capacity, as well as to look into new power technologies. Nuclear power, alternative power sources, renewable energy  all are getting more attention as the data center expansion continues. The result is a surge of opportunity for investors in utility stocks.

Utility companies have long delivered reliable power, a service weve come to depend on without question. However, growing demand is putting new pressure on the grid and highlighting the need for expansion. The source of the new demand is hardly a secret  AI technology is booming, and it requires large-scale data centers to support its software and applications. And those data centers are notorious power consumers.

Story Continues

AESs recent activity footprint includes power plants in Brazil and Argentina, electric generation facilities in both the Netherlands and the UK, coal-fired power plants in India, and utility-scale electric generation capacity in the US. The company prides itself on its ability to match the facilities to the local needs  and that brings us to the data center connection. In the third quarter of this year, AES added 900 megawatts of new power load growth to its AES Ohio operations, to provide supply to meet increasing data center demand.

Data centers arent the only source of demand for power, and AES has plenty of new programs on its plate. Along with the expanded ops in Ohio, the company also completed 2.2 gigawatts of new power supply contracts in Q3, including 1.3 gigawatts of renewable energy in long-term power provision agreements. Also in Q3, AES reported having a substantial list of new projects in the pipeline to bring into operation before the end of this year. The company is also streamlining its operations by conducting asset sales, with proceeds up to $3.5 billion targeted through 2027.

All of this activity produced almost $3.3 billion in revenue for AES during 3Q24, the last period reported. That revenue total was down 4% year-over-year and missed the forecast by $170 million  but the companys earnings in the quarter beat the estimates. The non-GAAP EPS came to 71 cents per share, 7 cents better than had been expected.

For RBCs Tucker, the main attractive points for this stock are the companys leading position in its niche as well as its solid pipeline of projects. He writes, We view AES as a leader in the renewable IPP development space, primarily from their existing pipeline and relationships with large data center customers. As one of the largest corporate PPA developers, we expect the companys 66 GW pipeline and 12.7 GW backlog to be largely servicing data center customers who are building the new wave of projects. The company has also made it clear that while input costs have increased in recent months, the growing competition for sourcing power has led to PPA prices outpacing input costs, driving margin expansion.

Putting his stance into quantifiable terms, Tucker rates AES as Outperform (Buy), with a price target of $17 to suggest a one-year upside potential of 28%. (To watch Tuckers track record, click here)

The 11 recent reviews here include 9 to Buy and 1 to Hold and Sell, each, for a Moderate Buy consensus rating. AES stock is priced at $13.29 and its $20.56 average target price implies that the shares will gain 55% in the coming months.. (See AES stock forecast)

Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP)

Now well turn to Brookfield Renewable Partners, the renewable energy company that operates as a public entity under the aegis of the larger Brookfield Asset Management. Brookfield Renewable Partners holds a portfolio based on, as the companys name indicates, renewable energy, with a focus on distributed and sustainable energy projects. The companys portfolio is made up of a wide range of green energy generation assets, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric power facilities. These assets operate at utility scale, and are spread across both North and South America, as well as Europe and Asia. Brookfield Renewable Partners boasts that its operating capacity exceeds 35,000 megawatts, and that it has another 200,000 megawatts in the development pipeline.

This company is always moving to proactively expand and enhance its asset portfolio. A quick look at highlights from the recent 3Q24 report will bear this out. During the third quarter of this year, BEP commissioned approximately 1,200 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity, and the company expects to reach a record level of 7,000 megawatts in new power capacity for the year as a whole. The company advanced its commercial initiatives, and secured contracts to deliver an incremental 6,100-gigawatt hours per year of generation. To back this activity, the company could count on $4.6 billion in liquidity at the end of Q3. The company credits its success to fast growing demand, particularly from the tech sector  and within that, to the rapid expansion of data center and AI development.

Looking at the financial results, we find that BEP posted revenues of $1.47 billion in Q3, a total that was up almost 25% year-over-year and came in $40 million better than had been forecast. The company missed the estimates at the bottom line, however; the quarterly funds from operations (FFO) of 42 cents per share was a penny less than expectations.

That bottom-line miss didnt bother RBC, and Shelby Tucker notes both BEPs scale and its expansion: Over the last five years, BEP more than doubled its clean energy contracted to corporate customers to over 20 TWh/year (representing about ~30% of its total contracted volumes), and management expects it to double to 44 TWh/year in 2028. Big tech represents a minority of what is currently contracted, but management expects big tech to represent the majority of volume growth to corporate customers going forward. In the last year, the company contracted to supply 35 TWh (delivered over a number of years) to big tech, representing about 78% of contracts to corporate customers and 70% of new contracts to all off-takers.

These comments back up an Outperform (Buy) rating on BEP, while the price target of $31 points toward a one-year gain of 26% for the stock.

These shares have earned a Strong Buy consensus rating, based on 9 reviews that include 7 Buys and 2 Holds. The stock is currently trading for $24.54, and its $31.11 average target price closely matches the RBC outlook. (See BEP stock forecast)

To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
Working longer can help with long-term financial security, retirement expert Alicia Munnell said. - MarketWatch photo illustration/Caitlin Cunningham, Boston College, iStockphoto

Economist Alicia Munnell, one of the nations leading experts on retirement, has some advice that may seem counterintuitive: The key to a successful retirement, she says, is not to retire.

Munnell, 82, has followed her own advice and postponed her retirement for decades. At the end of December, the founding director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College will step down after more than two decades at the helm. She will remain with the center as a senior adviser.

Most Read from MarketWatch

Working longer is the answer. I get a lot of flak about that position  that not everyone can do it, said Munnell, who also writes the Encore column for MarketWatch (and will continue to do so when she steps down from her director role). I know people have health issues. I know people have physical jobs they cant continue. But for a large portion of the population, work as long as you can. Get larger Social Security payments, have a smaller number of years to support yourself.

The average retirement age in the U.S. is 62, according to a 2024 MassMutual survey. And about six in 10 retirees left the workforce before they planned to, according to the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies.

Munnells other advice may be simple, but its powerful, especially for young people just starting out in the workforce who have decades of potential compound investment growth in their future. The best moves they can make, she said, are to start saving for retirement as early as possible, to save enough to at least get a full matching contribution from their employer, and to plan for a long career.

Plan to work longer, and put yourself in a position where you can work longer. Do all this, and youll be in pretty good shape financially, Munnell said.

Prior to working at the Center for Retirement Research, Munnell served as an assistant secretary at the Treasury Department under President Bill Clinton and spent 20 years at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, where she became a senior vice president and director of research.
WASHINGTON  The United States has opened an investigation into whether NATO ally Spain has been denying port entry to cargo vessels reportedly transporting U.S. weapons to Israel.

The Federal Maritime Commission, an independent body charged with monitoring and evaluating conditions that may affect shipping and U.S. international trade, said it had opened the probe after receiving information that Spain had refused to allow at least three cargo vessels into its ports.

The commission is concerned that this apparent policy of denying entry to certain vessels will create conditions unfavorable to shipping in the foreign trade, it said Thursday in a notice published in the Federal Register.

If the investigation determines that Spain has interfered with such commerce, the commission could levy millions of dollars in fines, up to $2.3 million per voyage, it said.

The notice said the commission had been informed on Nov. 19 that Spain was denying port entry to ships, including those enrolled in the U.S.-run Maritime Security Program, which is supposed to afford vessels and their owners protection against restrictive and discriminatory licensing because their services are often used by the U.S. military.

Two of the three incidents noted by the commission involved vessels run by the Danish shipping giant Maersk in November. The other occurred in May.

Spanish authorities did not immediately comment on the November incidents. But in May, Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente said the foreign ministry had denied a request to dock by the Danish-flagged ship Marianne Danica, saying it was carrying weapons to Israel.

A day later, on May 17, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told Spains state broadcaster RTVE that this was the first ship carrying arms to Israel that had been denied entry.

We are not going to contribute to any more arms reaching the Middle East, he said. The Middle East needs peace. That is why that this first denial of authorization will start a policy for any boat carrying arms to Israel that wants to dock at a Spanish port.

The refusal to allow the Marianne Danica to dock at the Mediterranean port of Cartegena came just days before Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, recognized a Palestinian state on May 28.

Spain stopped its own defense companies from shipping arms to Israel in October 2023.
Air Force airmen and other volunteers prepared packages for delivery during Operation Christmas Drop at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam  Hundreds of volunteers crowded into a hangar over the weekend to decorate about 220 boxes of food, supplies and toys to be airdropped to isolated communities across the South Pacific.

At least 1,000 people from local charities, school groups and churches joined U.S. airmen and their families Saturday morning for the Bundle Build at Andersens Hangar 5, the finishing touches for the U.S. Air Forces 73rd Operation Christmas Drop.

The packages were full of canned goods, water, rice, clothing, diving gear, first aid kits and toys. They are bound for 60 remote islands, according to Master Sgt. Theresa Buck, this years operation president.

This year air force contingents from Australia, Canada, South Korea and Japan pitched in to support the mission, Buck, a distribution superintendent for the 734th Air Mobility Squadron, told Stars and Stripes at the event.

Members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force were among the volunteers at Operation Christmas Drops Bundle Build event at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes) Some Christmas Drop volunteers decorated the supply boxes with elaborate designs during the "Bundle Build" at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)

Weve had such amazing support this year that each box gets six toys, she said. So, for the kids on the islands, it gives them something to look forward to as well.

For some volunteers, the event defines the Christmas season.

December Taisakan, 18, said she grew up on Yap, an island in Micronesia of about 11,000 people. She recalled how close to the ground the massive C-130J Super Hercules aircraft would fly as they dropped the packages.

I remember there would be four boxes, and all the people from the island would come together and divide them among the families, she said Saturday at the event.

Scouts from Troop 20 decorate a box for Operation Christmas Drop at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes) At least 1,000 volunteers helped prepare boxes for Operation Christmas Drop at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)

One of Taisakans favorite childhood presents, a toy makeup set, was included in one of the boxes. Taisakan, who moved to Guam to attend Okkodo High School in Ukudu, said she was excited to be on the other side of the operation.

It just makes Christmas better, Taisakan said. She said she hopes the box she and the volunteers from Bethel Baptist Church decorated would make it to Yap.

Throughout the morning, volunteers added their own personal flair to the boxes, painting Christmas- or island-themed images and writing messages such as Merry Christmas or the operations signature Love From Above catchphrase.

Bruce Best, also known as Brother Bruce, a Guam-based telecommunications expert who has participated in the event for decades, said the supplies will mean even more this year due to several droughts and other hard times for the islands.

Operation Christmas Drop bundles carry gifts and practical supplies, as well as personalized messages like this one prepared at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes) Bruce Best, wearing a Love from Above T-shirt and a Santa hat, discusses Operation Christmas Drop with a volunteers. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)

To compensate, supplies this year include extra water jugs that can also serve to collect rainwater, he told Stars and Stripes.

The outer islands are really waiting, this is Christmas for them, and its the one day of the year where everybody stops - they stop school, they stop everything, he said.

Operation Christmas Drop is the Department of Defenses longest-running humanitarian airlift mission. It began when crew aboard a U.S. B-29 Superfortress dropped supplies to islanders on Kapingamarangi, about 3,500 miles southwest of Hawaii, after they waved as the aircraft flew by, according to Andersens website.
(Carroll Sprague/Stars and Stripes)

Berlin, Germany, Feb. 6, 1947: Military Police wait at the snow-covered entrance at Berlins Lichterfelde-West train station for former President Herbert Hoover to arrive.

Hoover travelled to Germany as President Trumans special investigator for Continental relief needs. As Honorary Chairman of the Famine Emergency Committee (FEC), Hoover and his team travelled 50,000 miles to thirty-eight different nations from March and into June 1946 to witness and evaluate famine needs in the afflicted nations and arrange food supplies. His 1947 trip to Germany and Austria was his second trip as the two countries were still struggling.

Check out Stars and Stripes coverage of post-war Europe and Asia with a subscription to our historic newspaper archive. We have digitized our 1948-1999 European and Pacific editions, as well as several of our WWII editions and made them available online through https://starsandstripes.newspaperarchive.com/
An agricultural worker from Thailand working on irrigation pipes in the fields near Kibbutz Nahal Oz, against the background of destruction in the Gaza Strip near the border between Israel and Gaza. (Heidi Levine/The Washington Post)

METULA, Israel  Israels northern border with Lebanon has been largely emptied of civilians for over a year. Even before the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah started to fray in recent days, Israeli officials had said it wasnt safe for residents to return.

There is one group of civilians, however, who have been here throughout the war.

When Israel ordered more than 143,000 of its citizens to evacuate border regions more than a year ago, it allowed migrant farmworkers, mostly from Thailand, to stay put  to water crops, prune trees and harvest fruit as rockets fell around them. Thousands of Thai workers have been laboring in Israels frontiers for months, some inside closed military zones where theyre the only civilians present alongside Israeli soldiers, authorities say.

At least six migrant workers  five Thai, one Indian  have been killed in cross-border attacks in the north this year. Four Thai workers died of rocket fire in October after receiving Israeli military permission to work in the evacuated town of Metula, about 500 feet from the border, Thai authorities said.

We have tried everything, everything possible to stop this, Thailands ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, said in an interview in Tel Aviv.

Even before the Metula incident, Thai leaders had pleaded with Israeli officials dozens of times not to allow workers in high-risk zones, the ambassador said, and each time were given assurances by Israeli officials. The legality of sending foreign workers into military zones was vague, workers rights groups said, until October, when a Thai worker was killed. Then Israeli Interior Minister Moshe Arbel said it was illegal to employ them in areas that had been evacuated. In a private meeting the following month, Pannabha said, he promised again that Thai workers would not be sent to the front lines.

And yet, Pannabha said, she knows Thai citizens remain in the open fields of Israels embattled north and south, far from shelters and with virtually nothing to shield them from exploding shrapnel. As air attacks across the Israel-Lebanon border intensified in mid-November, Washington Post reporters saw trucks of Thai workers being waved into closed military zones at Israeli checkpoints.

Its unacceptable, Pannabha said, her voice rising in exasperation. Thailand has already lost too much in this war, she added. Forty-one Thai nationals were killed by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, 2023, and six were taken hostage  the third most of any country, after Israel and the United States.

The Israel Farmers Federation, which represents private farmers in the country, did not respond to requests for comment. Israels Interior Ministry directed questions to the Population and Immigration Authority, which said responsibility for allowing workers to enter high-risk zones lies with the Israeli military.

In a statement, the military said, Agriculture is a central component of the northern residents economy, and to balance various needs and allow for the preservation of agriculture as much as possible, requests from farmers for agricultural work in closed military zones are reviewed. Based on situational assessments, exceptions are made to permit agricultural work in restricted military areas.

A free choice

Israeli officials say Thai workers are not being forced to work in border regions or even to stay in Israel. But labor rights advocates say this is disingenuous.

Its not a free choice. Not really, said Nir Dvortchin, an Israeli filmmaker who produced a documentary on Thai workers in Israel. Even if they want to change employers or work sites, most Thai laborers are too afraid to ask or arent able to because they speak little to no English, said Orit Ronen, manager of the agriculture workers department at Kav LaOved, an Israeli rights group.

A half dozen Thai workers interviewed by The Post said they earn four to ten times more in Israel than in Thailands impoverished northeast, where many of them are from. All said they have young children to raise, and some said they incurred debts to travel to Israel.

Employers dont pay them if they choose on a given day not to work because of security concerns, the workers said. So on most days, they do. Videos from the workers show them plucking apples and kiwis with air-raid sirens blaring, ducking behind trees or under trucks as missiles streak overhead, and taking off through the fields on foot when panic set in.

Thai farmworker Bunnlod Chalsonngkram, 41, needed amputations after a tick bite caused a blood infection while working along the Israel-Gaza border in June 2023. (Heidi Levine/The Washington Post)

Its not normal work, said Thitiwat Klangrit, 35, as he stood pruning a peach tree in Metula one recent afternoon. Dressed in a thin cotton shirt and a sun hat, he grimaced as rocket fire boomed nearby.

He had been getting used to the sounds of war, he said, but became more skittish a few weeks ago, after a group of four workers he knew went to work near the hill behind him. Thitiwat squinted into the sun, pointing at the direction of the borderline. His friends went past that hill, he said, and never came back.

Leaving and returning

Israel has come under mounting pressure to boost its domestic agriculture sector, especially after Turkey, which had been a major food exporter, severed all trade in May.

But much of Israels homegrown crops are in its northern and southern border regions, where labor is in short supply. Palestinian laborers have been barred from working in Israel since the war and many Israeli workers have been conscripted to fight.

Before the Oct. 7, attack, about 30,000 Thais worked on Israeli farms, the result of a decades-old recruitment effort by Israel to wean itself off a Palestinian workforce, say labor researchers. About 9,000 of them went home immediately following the attack. But Israeli farmers offered higher wages to those willing to return  and many accepted, coming in waves since the start of the year. As of November, there were 35,000 Thai workers in Israel, according to government figures.

Lior Bez, 51, a member of the IDF reservist unit guarding a checkpoint into Metula said there were loads of Thais working in and around the heavily bombarded town. They have their own reasons for coming back, Bez said. Its not like we can ask them to leave.

Suraphut Theerawuth, 37, was working on irrigation systems along the Gaza border during the Hamas assault and said he survived by locking himself inside a bunker. He fled to Thailand but there were no jobs in his home province of Udon Thani that rivaled his pay in Israel of 10,000 shekels or about $2,700 a month, he said. So he returned to his old farm, abandoned, he said, except for Thais.

The sounds of Israeli bombardment on northern Gaza are near-constant. Grenades and occasionally rockets are still launched onto the Israeli side of the border. Of course Im scared, Suraphut said, but I have to work. He shared photos of his 5-year-old daughter, a girl with bright eyes and dark, bushy brows.

Anuchat Khokham, 43, said he came back to Metula because his wife gave birth to twins eight months ago.

Pradoemchai Samart, 37, said he returned to the farmlands north of Haifa because he accrued debts in Thailand he now has to pay off. He thought it would be safer in the north than in the south. But there, too, the sounds of the missiles, jets and drones play in a loop, keeping him up at night, said Pradoemchai. I didnt know it was going to be like this, he said.

Thai farmworkers at a makeshift camp in northern Israel in November. (Heidi Levine/The Washington Post)

I had no idea how to feel

When Thitiwat arrived to work in Metula in April, Prahyat Pilasrum had been there six months. The two shared a room, along with a third worker, at a hotel about 17 miles from the border, Thitiwat recounted. They cooked Thai food for each another on a gas stove they set up on their balcony and shared beers on Saturdays, their only days off.

In recent months, theyd talked more about the war. Prahyat was more optimistic than he was, said Thitiwat. Once it became less dangerous, his roommate told him, they would go fishing together.

On Thursday, Oct. 31, Thitiwat was at work on a peach grove when he saw an explosion that seemed nearer than usual. Soon after, he and other workers watched a helicopter descend onto the site of the blast. Thitiwat said he called Prahyats phone repeatedly but his roommate didnt pick up. I had no idea what to do. I had no idea how to feel, remembered Thitiwat.

Prahyat was one of four Thai workers killed on Oct. 31. He was 42, a father of three and his familys breadwinner.

The workers remains were collected and sent to Israels Ben Gurion Airport, where Pannabha led Thai and Israeli officials in a ceremony. Pannabha said repatriating the remains of Thai citizens, which shes had to do multiple times in the last year, has been the toughest assignment of her career. Every single time, she said, I pray its the last.

After the incident, Thailands foreign minister sent Israel a letter of protest and called for all Thai nationals to evacuate the border regions. The Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv circulated pamphlets telling workers its not safe in the north. But ultimately, said Pannabha, Thailand doesnt have authority in the country.

Thitiwat said he couldnt bring himself to go to work the day after Prahyat was killed. He didnt go on the second day either. On the third day, he called his wife, who was home in Thailand, taking care of their 2-year-old daughter.

And on the fourth day, Thitiwat said, he got up before sunrise, left the hotel room with Prahyats empty bed, and went back to work.

Wilawan Watcharasakwej in Bangkok contributed to this report.

Video: Southeast Asia bureau chief Rebecca Tan visited Israel in November to speak with Thai workers that are laboring in Israels high-risk military zones.(c) 2024 , The Washington Post
None of Ms Mitchells family or friends were present in court for the brief hearing.

Brandon Rainey (inset) is charged with the murder of Chloe Mitchell

A senior judge yesterday dismissed a compassionate bail application by a Co Antrim man charged with the murder of Chloe Mitchell.

Brandon John Rainey (28), formerly of James Street in Ballymena, had mounted the application at Belfast Crown Court to attend his mothers funeral next week.

Rainey is currently on remand charged with murdering Chloe Mitchell (21) in Ballymena on June 3, 2023, and attempting to prevent the lawful burial of her body.

None of Ms Mitchells family or friends were present in court for the brief hearing.

Defence counsel Neil Connor KC informed Mr Justice OHara that the bail application would not be proceeding.

My application is to withdraw the [compassionate bail] application. We are unable to perfect it, said Mr Connor.

He told the court that a man who had been proposed as a suitable surety for Rainey is himself currently under bail conditions imposed from Craigavon Magistrates Court.

Those bail conditions prohibit him from entering Ballymena. There was an application this morning to vary those conditions to allow him to enter Ballymena for the purposes of taking Mr Rainey to his mothers funeral.

That application was refused, so I am not in a position to perfect the application. My simple application is to withdraw the bail application.

Mr Justice OHara said: I will then dismiss the application.

Senior prosecution barrister David Russell KC told the court that there was a facility for the defendant to watch the funeral proceedings at the nursing home from custody.

During proceedings in September this year, the court heard Rainey had been examined by a psychiatrist in prison over his mental health problems dating back to childhood.

Mr Connor told those proceedings that Rainey has had contact with various mental health services since the age of seven.

He added that the defence would not be relying on the contents of the psychiatrists report and would be seeking a face-to-face meeting with his client to formulate a way forward in the case.

Chloe Mitchells remains were found days after she went missing.

She was last seen alive on CCTV in Ballymena town centre in the early hours of June 3, 2023, and an extensive search operation was conducted.

Detectives investigating her disappearance later launched a murder investigation after human remains were discovered in the Co Antrim town.

This led officers to attend a flat in the James Street area of the town, which prompted Raineys arrest.
Edward Connors (50) and his son, Larry Connors (27) of Bridgeview, Cloverhill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 2 were remanded in custody by Judge Sandra Murphy following an objection to bail by Garda

Larry Connors arriving at the sitting of the court.

Edward Connors arriving at the sitting of the court.

A father and son from Dublin have appeared at a special sitting of Sligo District Court charged with burglary offences in the West of Ireland.

Edward Connors (50) and his son, Larry Connors (27) of Bridgeview, Cloverhill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 2 were remanded in custody by Judge Sandra Murphy following an objection to bail by Gardai and will appear again at Sligo District Court on Thursday.

The two men were charged with having in their possession, gloves, torches, pry bar, pliers, heavy duty axe, screwdrivers, a signal interference device, telescopic ladder, a vehicle refuelling kit, surface disinfectant and two sets of number plates not matching the car he was travelling in which was stopped at Cadamstown, Johnstownbridge, County Kildare on November 29th last.

Edward Connors arriving at the sitting of the court.

They are also charged with possessing stolen jewellery taken during the course of a burglary at a house in Manulla, County Mayo on November 29th. They are further charged with possessing stolen jewellery taken during the course of a burglary at a house in Tuam, County Galway on November 28th.

Detective Garda John Duggan of Castlerea Garda Station, gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in respect of Larry Connors at Sligo Garda Station at 3.45pm on Friday. Connors made no reply to any of the charges.

Inspector Angela Cummins told the court Gardai were objecting to bail and after hearing evidence from Detective Sergeant Martin McHale, Judge Murphy refused to grant bail.

Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor (defending) appeared for Larry Connors and made the application for bail. The court heard Connors was a married father of two children.

Larry Connors arriving at the sitting of the court.

Detective Garda Conor Jordan gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in respect of father of five, Edward Connors at 3.35pm on Friday. The defendant replied he had nothing to say when each of the charges were put to him.

Mr John Anderson, solicitor (defending) made an application for bail but this was objected to by Inspector Cummins and Judge Murphy refused to grant bail after hearing evidence from Det. Garda McHale.

He too was remanded in custody to appear before Sligo District Court on Thursday next.

Applications in respect of legal aid were adjourned to that court sitting.
This story was originally published on Supply Chain Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Supply Chain Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Volkswagen Group subsidiary PowerCo SE inked a five-year battery raw materials supply deal with Australia-based Novonix, according to a Nov. 24 press release.

Under the agreement, Novonix will supply PowerCo with at least 32,000 tonnes of synthetic graphite material for EV battery production, starting in 2027.

All materials will be manufactured from Novonixs Riverside facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which is slated to begin commercial production in 2025.

Dive Insight:

The agreement with Novonix is yet another step toward Volkswagens electrification goals.

PowerCo was established by the automaker in 2022 with the intention of boosting battery cell production globally. The company oversees international factory operations, cell technology development and the vertical integration of the battery value chain, according to the press release.

The Volkswagen subsidiary plans to open three gigafactory locations in Germany, Spain and Canada with a combined capacity of up to 200 GWh/year. The factory in Germany is slated to go online first in 2025.

The automaker has also secured other strategic partnerships to advance EV development, including with Rivian Automotive.

In November, the two companies launched a joint venture named Rivian and VW Group Technology to develop shared electrical/electronic architecture and software for EVs. Additionally, in February, PowerCo and battery startup QuantumScape signed an agreement to mass produce batteries for Volkswagen EVs.

Automakers are pushing to boost battery production to meet electric vehicle assembly needs, prompting a boom of battery material and EV projects in the U.S. despite a slowdown in consumer demand for EVs.

With the Biden administration finalizing tariffs in September for China-made goods  including components for EVs and raw materials for batteries  along with the possibility of additional tariffs under the incoming Trump administration, incentives for domestic battery sourcing have only heightened.

In addition to its Riverside facility, Novonix is planning to build a second battery materials plant in the Southeast to meet customer demand, with a initial capacity of 30,000 tonnes annually. Production will eventually be expanded to 75,000 tonnes a year, according to the press release

Novonix also signed a four-year deal with Panasonic Energy in February for 10,000 tons of synthetic graphite, starting in 2025.
Last May it was ruled the assets which also included a car were paid for with criminal cash made through his chop-shop operation.

GANGLAND figure Edward Blondie Stokes is appealing against a High Court ruling that his house and 60,000 are the proceeds of crime.

Stokes, described by the Criminal Assets Bureau as a leading member of the Longford-based Stokes Organised Crime Gang is due to have his appeal heard next month.

Last May it was ruled the assets which also included a car were paid for with criminal cash made through his chop-shop operation.

The violent thug is serving a seven-year sentence for a pub assault carried out renovations worth 400,000 on his house including his den known as Blondies Boom Boom Bar.

The father-of-seven had a previous sentence increased from two years by the Court of Appeal last March for the attack.

In the High Court ruling Judge Alex Owens said there was no explanation for the source of money spent on the extensive renovations on the Longford property.

He said the bar, in his view, was a very well-appointed den that took considerable resources showed a degree of taste and was not done on the cheap.

It was also heard Stokes had spent 28,800 in a month on two Rolex watches bought from Weirs in Dublin which were not found by CAB officers.

Edward 'Blondie' Stokes

The judge said the evidence from CAB that Stokes is involved in crime was reasonable and backed up by the financial evidence put to the court.

Blondies uncle Edward Sonny Stokes was named as part of the criminal outfit that set up sophisticated chop shops to re-sell vehicles and equipment, stolen in the UK.

Blondie and his wife Sharon were targeted by CAB in which 72,000 in credit union accounts, their house and a Ford Focus were declared the proceeds of crime.

In making his order Judge Owens said that 12,900 that came from an insurance pay out is to be given back to Sharon Stokes.

Edward 'Blondie' Stokes

She has not lodged an appeal against the High Court ruling.

In one garda raid vehicles and equipment such as mini-diggers and horse trailers worth 670,000 were found and traced back to when and where they had been stolen in England.

Counsel for CAB said Stokes operated a chop shop which was a very sophisticated operation that generated a significant amount of funds.

It was pointed out that, even if the evidence of criminality was not accepted by the court, Mr Stokes admitted that he had paid no tax on his business which in itself is the proceeds of crime.

CAB said that Sharon Stokes controlled a credit union account with almost 40,000 in it and at that time was overpaid 200,000 in social welfare payments.
Christopher Nevin (37) with an address at 11 Grange Heights, Mullingar, Westmeath allegedly launched into an aggressive and extremely abusive tirade at gardai as they responded to a domestic related incident at the accused mans home just after 4pm on February 12, 2024.

Christopher Nevin was remanded on bail to a sitting of Mullingar District Court in the new year.

Christopher Nevin (37) was charged with dangerous driving and criminal damage after a court heard State evidence of his alleged role in a garda patrol car being struck four times during an incident in Mullingar in February.

A man in his 30s has appeared in court accused of telling gardai: Move that f**king car before reversing into a garda patrol vehicle four times in front of pedestrians and young children, a court has heard.

Christopher Nevin (37) with an address at 11 Grange Heights, Mullingar, Westmeath allegedly launched into an aggressive and extremely abusive tirade at gardai as they responded to a domestic related incident at the accused mans home just after 4pm on February 12, 2024.

Sgt Paul McNally said it will be the States case that when gardai arrived, they found Nevin sitting in the drivers seat of a silver Kia Rio with the engine running.

Christopher Nevin (37) was charged with dangerous driving and criminal damage after a court heard State evidence of his alleged role in a garda patrol car being struck four times during an incident in Mullingar in February.

The court heard when gardai approached the vehicles drivers side, Nevin immediately became aggressive by waving his hands and shouting.

Nevin, it was alleged, refused to exit the car and instead suddenly put the hatchback into reverse, causing the car to strike the patrol car on its drivers side.

Sgt McNally said the episode took place as pedestrians and children watched on from a footpath a matter of yards away.

Despite the initial coming together of both vehicles, Sgt McNally said Nevins demeanour became increasingly violent as he yelled at officers: Move that f**king car, I wont f**king get out.

Christopher Nevin was remanded on bail to a sitting of Mullingar District Court in the new year.

The deteriorating nature of the incident, Sgt McNally said, caused gardai to withdraw to the damaged patrol car and where a decision was taken to try and hem in Nevin for the safety of other road users while also trying to prevent his escape.

It was at that stage, Sgt McNally said Nevin allegedly reversed a further three times, this time into the front of the patrol car.

The court was told it will be further claimed that Nevin held down the accelerator, causing his own cars engines decibel levels to rise in his attempts to push the patrol car back.

Having failed in those attempts, the court was told Nevin parked the car up and remained sitting in his driveway before two detectives arrived on the scene and conveyed him to Mullingar Garda Station.

In the wake of that incident, Judge Bernadette Owens was told it will be alleged Nevin became extremely abusive and refused to answer questions.

Christopher Nevin.

Nevin was consequently charged with dangerous driving and criminal damage.

Photographs of the patrol car which resulted in 2,000 worth of damage were also handed in. Judge Owens, upon hearing the States case, accepted jurisdiction in a move which meant the case could remain in the District Court as opposed to be sent to the higher Circuit Criminal Court which has broader sentencing powers.

Nevin did not enter or indicate a plea with defence solicitor Louis Kiernan making a disclosure order to examine all relevant prosecution evidence.

Nevin was subsequently remanded on bail to appear back at a sitting of Mullingar District Court on February 20, 2025.
The victim was beaten with a metal object and possibly driven over during a harrowing assault, according to police.

Belfast Magistrates' Court heard emergency services were called to the scene after the victims wife discovered him lying in an alleyway close to their home. (Niall Carson/PA)

A Co Antrim man allegedly tried to murder his neighbour as part of an escalating dispute over dog fouling, a court heard today.

The victim was beaten with a metal object and possibly driven over during a harrowing assault outside his home in the Irish Quarter West area of Carrickfergus on Tuesday night, according to police.

Jason Lee Deignan, 47, is accused of carrying out the attack which left him with several fractured bones and a bleed on a brain.

Details emerged as Deignan, of Irish Quarter West in the town, was remanded in custody on a charge of attempting to murder the other man.

Belfast Magistrates' Court heard emergency services were called to the scene after the victims wife discovered him lying in an alleyway close to their home.

She informed police he had gone outside to leave a bin out and let their dog urinate, but phoned her minutes later moaning in pain.

Despite initially thinking it was a joke, she realised something was wrong and found her husband with bone sticking out his leg and blood pouring out from his swollen face.

The victim informed her that their neighbour Lee was allegedly responsible.

An investigating detective told the court CCTV footage showed Deignan emerge from his car as the other man left the bin out and also captured audio recordings of the attack involving an unidentified metal object.

He was moaning, crying out in pain and it was somewhat harrowing to listen to, he said.

Deignan allegedly left the scene before returning to inflict a further assault while shouting: You think youre a big man, you think youre a hard man.

The victim suffered fractures to his skull, face, arm and leg, along with the bleed on the brain.

He underwent surgery to stabilise some of his injuries and is expected to remain in hospital for some time.

Deignan handed himself in for questioning at a PSNI station in Belfast on Thursday.

But the court was told police have not located either his vehicle or any weapon allegedly used in the attack on the victim.

It cannot be ruled out at this stage if he has in fact been driven over by the suspect, the detective added.

Opposing Deignans application for bail, he indicated the incident is being linked to a year-long dispute involving the two men.

There have been issues about dog faeces being left in (the accuseds) yard and the same being thrown at the injured partys windows, the detective revealed.

This is a severe escalation of violence.

Defence barrister Michael Halleron argued that Deignan could be released to live at a relatives home under a prohibition on entering parts of Carrickfergus.

Bail was refused, however, due to risks of re-offending and interference with the investigation.

Remanding Deignan in custody until January 3, District Judge Steven Keown said: This is a very concerning (case) involving extreme violence.
Evidence was heard that 4,500 was making its way into the account of Jack Conachy when the transaction was stopped by the bank.

The case was heard in Dundalk Court.

A 23-year-old man who allowed his bank account to be used by fraudsters has been given time to compensate the victim of a scam.

Evidence was heard that 4,500 was making its way into the account of Jack Conachy when the transaction was stopped by the bank.

It was part of 37,500 which had been taken from the injured party.

Mr Conachy, of Coolfore, Monasterboice, Drogheda, pleaded guilty to a money laundering charge in respect of 4,500 at AIB, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, on April 22, 2022.

The court was told that the defendant made a full admission when arrested.

He had clicked on a Snapchat advertisement which promised money if he handed over his card and bank details.

Explaining how the scam worked, Det Garda Brian McCarthy, Garda National Technical Bureau, said that the victim in this instance clicked on a link he received in a text on April 20, 2022.

He then got a phone call purporting to be from AIB and gave them his information.

The man, from the west of Ireland, was working on a building site in Co. Meath at the time.

The fraudsters contacted him again and sent a courier to the site to collect his AIB card having told him that it had been compromised. A man who arrived by taxi was given the card and left.

It was subsequently discovered that 13 transactions, totalling 37,500, had been made on the victims account, the money sent to various bank accounts, most out of the country, but a couple in this jurisdiction, according to Det Garda McCarthy.

He continued that the injured party got all the money back.

The witness said he met Mr Conachy by arrangement. He co-operated. He made no money from this. He had strong family support.

Solicitor Frank McDonnell said that his clients parents were present.

Mr Conachy had completed an apprenticeship in metal fabrication and worked six days a week for a timber frame company.

He was very regretful for participating in this. Mr McDonnell said it tended to be youngsters who got drawn in by unscrupulous people.

Judge Nicola Andrews remarked that the defendant was an essential cog.

Mr Conachy was remanded on continuing bail to March 5, 2025, for payment of 2,000 compensation.

The judge said that even though the victim got his money back, it must have been enormously stressful when he realised 37,500 was gone.

The court indicated that the defendant would be dealt with leniently if the money was paid.
A high-powered car was stopped in Enfield, Co. Meath and a large sum of cash was seized

Gardai have arrested three people including a teenager as part of a major operation targeting an organised criminal gang suspected of committing burglaries across the country.

The search operation took place by Gardai from the Meath/Westmeath Division with assistance from National units on Friday night

A high-powered car was stopped in Enfield, Co. Meath and a large sum of cash was seized along with a number of items used to carr out burglaries.

During the course of the search, three males (aged in their 30s, 20s and a teenage juvenile) were arrested and are all currently detained at Garda Stations in the Eastern Region pursuant to Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006, a garda spokesperson said.

Investigations are ongoing, gardai added.

The operation forms part of Operation Thor, An Garda Siochana's national strategy targeting organised crime groups involved in burglaries and associated criminal activity, gardai said.
Answering a call from Joshs grandson to get the ponies ready for the funeral, horse and pony owners from Finglas and beyond turned out

Dozens of horse-drawn carriage drivers joined the funeral cortege of murdered grandfather Anthony Josh Fowler today  as his grieving family laid the 63-year-old to rest.

Answering a call from Joshs grandson to get the ponies ready for the funeral, horse and pony owners from Finglas and beyond turned out to escort Joshs remains to Glasnevin Cemetery Chapel.

The father-of-four lost his life after he was stabbed by a youth who called to his house in Dunsink Green in Finglas, Dublin 11 at around 12.30am on November 26 looking for a younger associate.

Gardai do not believe that the attack which claimed Joshs life was premeditated but rather that he was stabbed during a struggle that broke out at his front door.

Josh Fowler's funeral took place today

Ahead of yesterdays funeral, Joshs family paid tribute to him as a person who had the rare gift of making everyone feel seen and valued.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of Josh, a devoted and cherished husband to Barbara and an endlessly loving father to Glen, Kaide, Joshua and his late son Shane, who he now joins in eternal rest, his funeral notice read.

Predeceased by his beloved parents, Maura and Anthony, and his dear brothers, Derek and Andrew, Josh leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unforgettable memories.

Josh's life was one of warmth and generosity.

He will be profoundly missed by his adoring wife Barbara, his children, and his treasured grandchildrenDylan, Alisha, Kayden, Ella, Tristan, Troy, Kallie, and little KKeach of whom held a special place in his heart.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters-in-law Leanne, Cathrina, and Jenny, his sister Geraldine, brother Noel, and countless nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, and friends.

Josh had the rare gift of making everyone feel seen and valued. His smile, humour, and unconditional love brightened the lives of all who knew him.

There have been no arrests yet following the killing almost two weeks ago.

Gardai suspect the chief suspect for Fowlers murder has fled the area and may even have left the jurisdiction.

The suspect was well known to Mr Fowler.

Josh Fowler's funeral took place today

Gardai are working on the theory that he did not arrive at the victims Finglas home with the intention of stabbing him.

It seems to be a criminal caper that went out of all control when Fowler confronted who was at his door, a source said.

The young man they were looking for cash from was present and it seems the victim was trying to protect him when he suffered the fatal stab wound.

This young man has also not made himself available for questioning.

Josh Fowler was known to local gardai and had a number of criminal convictions, including one in relation to growing cannabis in 2019, for which he received a two-year sentence.

His son Shane Fowler, aged 35, lost his life in 2018 when he lost control of a motorbike he was driving and hit a lamppost.

He was carrying a handgun at the time and when paramedics were treating him someone took the firearm and fled with it, in order to conceal the weapon from gardai.

Josh Fowler's funeral took place today

It was suspected he was on his way to murder local gang boss Mr Flashy who had links to the Kinahan crime cartel.

The victim and his associates had been involved in a long-standing criminal dispute with the gang controlled by Mr Flashy.

Before and after being locked up, Josh Fowler was a target for the Mr Flashy gang and gardai responded to an assault linked to that dispute in the Ratoath Road area around two years ago in which he was brutally attacked.

However, his murder is not connected to the feud.

In the wake of Joshs murder, there have been a number of incidents, feared to be reprisal attacks, suspected to have been carried out by associates of the deceased man.

One of these was an arson attack at a property in north Dublin.

Detectives believe that associates of Fowler  some of whom are involved in drug dealing in the locality  paid a local burglar to burn down a property in the aftermath of the murder.

Gardai are appealing for any witnesses, particularly anyone with video footage (including dash cam) from the area at the time of the killing, to contact Finglas Garda Station on 01 666 7500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
Jonathan Gerard Turley (43), who was extradited from Thailand and caged for GBH on taxi driver, is back in court accused of another assault on warder

An ear-biting thug jailed for attacking a taxi driver a decade ago is facing two charges of assaulting prison staff.

Representing himself on Wednesday at Limavady Magistrates Court, sitting in Coleraine, Jonathan Gerard Turley said he had quite a few charges pending.

Appearing by video-link from HMP Magilligan, Turley told District Judge Peter King he is due to be charged over a second allegation of assaulting a warder.

Turley, currently serving a sentence for grievous bodily harm on a fonaCAB driver 10 years ago, already faces a charge of assaulting a prison officer on September 14 last year.

The latest accusation this week alleges Turley, once considered one of the most dangerous criminals locally, assaulted a second prison officer on April 8 this year.

Judge King said he would hear a contest relating to the September 2023 allegations on January 8.

As he remanded Turley (43) back into custody, the defendant declared: Happy Christmas, Your Honour.

Originally from Windsor Road in Belfast, Turley was jailed for the attack on the cabbie a decade ago.

Part of the victims ear was bitten off on September 9, 2014.

Turley had been extradited from Thailand to face the charges.

When he was sentenced in June 2022, the court heard a taxi driver was called to an address to pick up a fare, but when he got there Turley got into the passenger seat.

Suspecting it wasnt actually Turleys booking, the driver asked what name it had been booked under, and when he wasnt happy with the attitude of his passenger, he asked Turley to get out.

At this stage the male said: How about I throw you out of the car. He punched the driver with a closed fist, connecting with his jaw, and punching him several times more, he leaned forward and bit his right ear, detaching part of it, said the judge.

The victim had to undergo plastic surgery. Crime scene investigators were able to retrieve a partial DNA hit that led detectives to Turley.
Crews were out from early morning battling to repair widespread and extensive damage

The ESB has warned that it could take as long as a week before power is fully restored after hundreds of thousands of homes were cut off by Storm Darragh.

Crews were out from early morning battling to repair widespread and extensive damage caused to the electricity infrastructure in the wake of the storm that saw 140kmh winds rip across the country in some areas.

By 5.15pm this evening, approximately 175,000 homes, farms and businesses were still without power while 220,000 customers had been reconnected during the day.

At the peak of the storm, 395,000 customers had been affected, which is similar in number to that of Storm Ophelia in 2017.

ESB Networks crews and partner contractors were working to safely restore power as quickly as possible, a spokesperson said, however, they were operating in challenging conditions.

Power restoration will continue late into the evening but significant numbers may be without supply for a number days, a spokesperson said this evening.

Due to the severity and significant scale of the damage some customers could be without power for approximately a week. Assessment of the extent of damage is continuing

Taoiseach Simon Harris warned that it will take some time for work to be fully completed as he thanked ESB crews.

Over 370,000 homes & businesses without power across Ireland after #StormDarragh, he tweeted at midday. Thank you to ESB crews working to restore power.

"This is major work & will take some time to be fully completed. Other agencies will assist where appropriate too & met this morning to plan that work.

Transport for Ireland said there had been significant travel disruption to DART, Belfast and Northern commuter services.

The line between Howth Junction and Malahide reopened after crews removed a fallen tree but there were further delays of more than an hour for DART, northern commuter and Dublin-Belfast services.

A number of sailings to the UK and France were cancelled by Irish Ferries.

They warned that passengers would be notified by SMS/email if their crossing is affected by the adverse weather.

While Dublin Airport remained fully operational thorough the storm, some flights were cancelled yesterday morning including British Airways services to and from Heathrow, and Air France flights to and from Paris.

Another 13 flights to other airports in Ireland were diverted to Dublin and 12 flights in and out of Cork Airport were cancelled overnight and early yesterday

Meanwhile, local authorities across the country continued to work clearing fallen trees and debris reported in counties Cork, Kerry, Sligo and Galway.

Even though the brunt of the storm had passed by late yesterday evening, the director of the NDFEM Keith Leonard urged the public to continue to take care in the aftermath of the storm.

"In particular, motorists should avoid take extra care as there are fallen trees reported all across the country with many roads closed, he said.

"Ideally, I would advise drivers not to travel today unless necessary and to check your route in advance if you have to head out, he said.

A man in Lancashire in the UK died after a tree fell onto his van while he was driving on a dual carriageway.

Gusts of up to 146kmh have been reported in some parts of the UK and millions of people have been told to remain indoors.
Small children waited throughout the ceremony with flowers in their hands to place on Malikas grave

It was the windiest of days in Kilbarry Cemetery, Waterford, but the sky was blue and the sun was shining as hundreds of mourners gathered and peacefully awaited the funeral cortege of eight-year-old Malika Noor Al Kattib.

Malika died after being stabbed while trying to defend her mother, Aisha, during a violent altercation on William Street, in New Ross late on Sunday night, December 1.

Her father Mohammad Al Shakir Al Tamimi (34) has since been charged with murder of his eight-year-old daughter, Malika Noor Al Kattib and the attempted murder of Malikas mother, Aisha Al Kattib (31) in their home.

The ceremony was entirely new to many of those in attendance, but the horror following Malikas violent death was felt equally across all faiths.

A beautiful white carriage that held Malikas small white coffin was carefully drawn by two white horses into the cemetery grounds, closely followed by her mother Aisha, grandparents, uncle and other close family members and friends.

They had travelled from University Hospital Waterford where the women privately performed the Ghusl Mayyit ritual, which involves cleansing of the body.

Upon the arrival of the cortege, the mourners arranged themselves respectfully, as they adhered to the requests of men filing to the front and women to the back of the crowd.

The funeral of Malika Al Kattib at Kilbarry cemetery in Waterford. Photo: Mary Browne

The prayers were vaguely heard with the crosswinds, but in unison, hands were held out in front of their bodies and palms faced the sky, peacefully, without a flinch despite the wintry temperatures.

Small children waited throughout the ceremony with flowers in their hands to place on Malikas grave.

Shortly after the burial and prayers concluded, Malikas family were approached by members of the New Ross and Tramore communities to offer their condolences, including staff from Malikas school, Educate Together New Ross.

Colourful flowers that were brought by mourners, including a white and yellow arrangement that read Uncles Angel and a separate white and purple arrangement that read Daughter, were placed on Malikas grave.

Placed among the flowers was a small blue teddy bear of Stitch, from the Disney classic, Lilo and Stitch, a reminder to those who mourned Malika deeply that her precious life was taken far too soon.
A group of eight GirlGuiding rangers from around the Bay of Plenty are preparing to head to Japan next year.

The rangers are from three units  four from Tauranga, three from Katikati, and one from Whakatane, along with two leaders  and will participate in a sister city exchange to Hitachi City in April.

GirlGuiding Bay of Plenty has a long-standing exchange programme with the Girl Scouts of Hitachi City in Japan, said Team Bay of Plenty co-local coordindator and Papamoa Brownies leader Lauren Davis.

This initiative began in 2001 following an invitation from Mayor Kashimura of Hitachi City as part of the sister city relationship between Tauranga and Hitachi.

The exchange occurs biennially, with either Hitachi Girl Scouts visiting New Zealand or Bay of Plenty Ranger Guides traveling to Japan.

Davis said 2023 was the most recent visit by the Hitachi Girl Scouts who came to New Zealand, we proudly celebrated the 22nd anniversary of this enriching exchange programme.

Over the past 22 years, Bay of Plenty girls and leaders have visited Hitachi five times, with the last in-person group sent in 2017.

In 2021, due to international border closures caused by Covid restrictions, we adapted by hosting a virtual exchange, said Davis.



Isabelle Stockdale, left, Ava McCarthy and Emma Hunt prepare for the task ahead.

To date, about 95 members have participated in this cultural exchange - 49 from New Zealand and 46 from Japan.

The primary goal of this programme is to foster cultural understanding and meaningful friendships between New Zealand Girl Guides and Japanese Girl Scouts, said Davis.

Participants live with guiding host families, engage in guiding, cultural, and school activities, and learn to appreciate both the differences and similarities between their cultures.

Ultimately, this programme helps to strengthen the sister city bond between Hitachi and Tauranga.

This exchange programme is one of the many opportunities open to members of GirlGuiding New Zealand, but this Exchange programme with Hitachi Girl Scouts is unique to Bay of Plenty GirlGuiding.

The exchange is self-funded, said Davis.

Our rangers and their families are fundraising for this trip.

We would also welcome any support from the local community.

For more information, visit www.girlguidingnz.org.nz

- SunLive
Shares of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) fell for the second session in a row today as investors seem to be reckoning with the backlash against the company following the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Wednesday morning.

UnitedHealth stock finished the day down 5.1% after losing 5.2% on Thursday. Other health insurance stocks also slipped, even as the broad market gained on a strong jobs report.

Are You Missing The Morning Scoop? Breakfast News delivers it all in a quick, Foolish, and free daily newsletter. Sign Up For Free 

Image source: Getty Images.

Is the business model under threat?

Today's sell-off comes even as some analysts raised their price target in response to the company's earlier 2025 guidance, which it released after hours on Tuesday ahead of an investor conference that was canceled after Thompson, who headed the company's insurance division, was killed.

Across social media and in comments sections in news articles, there has been a substantial outcry against the company's insurance practices, in particular its denial rate and its use of AI to deny coverage. One widely shared chart showed UnitedHealth denies 32% of claims, more than any other insurer and double the industry average.

Dean Phillips, the congressman representing UnitedHealth's home district in Minnesota, acknowledged the insurance crisis in a post on X, and concluded, "The real culprit is Congress and money in politics, and it's time for change."

What's next for UnitedHealth?

It's unclear what the ultimate fallout will be from the event, or if anything will change for the health insurance industry. For the moment, however, the issue has captured the nation's attention, and investors seemed to be surprised by the level of outrage directed at the company.

There could be ESG-related calls for institutional investors to divest from UnitedHealth and other health insurance stocks, or there could be changes at the regulatory level that impact profits at UnitedHealth and its peers.

In its filing, UnitedHealth forecast adjusted earnings of $29.50 to $30 in 2025, up from the $27.50-$27.75 it's forecasting for 2024, showing the company continues to expect steady bottom-line growth even as it faces rising costs from an aging population.

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A local expert fears that Taurangas most at-risk families will suffer from the closure of Parents Centre Aotearoa Trust creating uncertainty around the future of free ante and postnatal classes.

Parents Centre Tauranga is part of the Parents Centre Aotearoa Trust charity thats operated for more than seven decades providing free early parenting classes to more than 10,000 families annually in more than 60 locations.

Parents Centre Aotearoa Trust chief executive Fleur Howard said a reduction in national funding along with rising service delivery costs have led to the decision to wind down the trust with the intention to cease operations by December 31, 2024.

While financial sustainability and resourcing are always challenges for the non-profit sector, the current climate of rising service delivery costs and reduced national funding availability, during a time when the wider charitable sector is experiencing the most challenging operating environment in many years, has intensified these challenges.

Were currently contacting parents who have classes booked with the PCA Trust in 2025 to provide refunds, and are actively communicating and working to support our people during this challenging time.

Parents Centre antenatal classes in Tauranga were free thanks to a Te Whatu Ora contract to deliver classes in the region, but its unsure whether that funding will be continued.

According to the Parents Centre Aotearoa Trust in an email, its antenatal classes in Tauranga were free thanks to a Te Whatu Ora contract to deliver classes in the region.

But Tauranga facilitator Mandy Hewson is unsure whether any other agencies will apply for funding to continue the work in Tauranga. The Sun has approached Te Whatu Ora for comment.

It breaks my heart that all these people have formed these incredible connections through our classes at such a fragile time in their lives. There are so many people who still need us, said Hewson, who was in tears telling The Sun of the news.

Hewson is a qualified childbirth educator who has been a contractor with the PCA Trust for 21 years  serving Tauranga families for the last two years and Christchurch and Hawkes Bay prior to moving to the Bay of Plenty.

She is concerned local whanau may be left with fewer affordable options for valuable advice and education. The classes create a community that helps parents feel less alone and therefore help reduce the rates of postpartum depression.

Im so worried for people who are just trying to survive by paying rent and food and dont have anything left to pay for self-funded antenatal classes. Theyre the ones who need the education the most.

Parents Centre Taurangas free antenatal or postnatal Baby and You classes have been facilitated for at least the last two decades. Parents who signed up for classes in early 2025 now face the prospect of having nowhere to go with alternative free and self-funded courses booked up for months in advance, said Hewson.

Antenatal education is so important for parents to feel empowered and to help them make informed decisions and with that knowledge to keep mother and baby safe. Im deeply concerned that without this education, its going to lead to adverse outcomes for mums and babies, she said. We already have a shortage of independent midwives in Tauranga and the loss of antenatal classes would put further pressure onto them.



Anna Theron holds 12-week-old Kaila Theron, Parents Centre Tauranga facilitator Mandy Hewson with MJ Pitts and 11-week-old Liam Pitts. Photo: Debbie Griffiths

For Tauranga parent MJ Pitts, becoming a mum for the first time was a scary prospect.

We decided we were going to do a few classes and it helped to ease the anxiety about the unknown, said Pitts. I appreciated it made me a little more confident about being a parent because you just dont know what you dont know.

Fellow Tauranga parent Anna Theron agreed. I did some reading when I fell pregnant, but it was pretty overwhelming and there were still things that we learned in antenatal classes that we didnt know. We wanted to be the best parents we could.

Hewson is inviting the community to a Teddy Bears picnic at Te Puna Quarry Park on Wednesday, December 10 from 10am as a farewell to Parents Centre Tauranga.

The organisation is 75 years old, so I thought anyone who has used the services over the years might like to come along to honour the work weve done and how important it was in our community. More information is at Parents Centre Tauranga Teddys bears picnic page on Facebook

- SunLive
The Japanese mantis shrimp (Oratosquilla oratoria) has been detected for the first time in the Bay of Plenty region.

A single shrimp was captured in a trap near Omokoroa that is part of Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Councils Asian paddle crab trapping programme, being carried out in Tauranga Harbour by Manaaki Te Awanui.

The species was first reported in New Zealand in Kaipara Harbour, Northland, in 2010. The closest known location to the Bay of Plenty where they have been identified is Thames Harbour.

It is not known how the shrimp came to be in the Tauranga Harbour, but it may have migrated by natural spread.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council marine biosecurity staff have formally identified the species, a council spokesperson said. Initial investigations are under way, and staff will be assessing next steps for a response plan over the coming days.

If you think you have seen this pest, please contact the Bay of Plenty Regional Council on marine.pests@boprc.govt.nz.

The council is asking the community to help prevent the spread of marine pests by doing the following:



Japanese mantis shrimp. Photo / Dr S. Ahyong

What does it look like?

Japanese mantis shrimps are light grey and can grow up to 18.5cm long. They have two spiny claws used to capture food.

These shrimps can easily be confused with a native species of similar size and colour. However, the Japanese shrimp has thin red-maroon lines running down the length of its body and the outer surface of the tail fan is blue and yellow (it is grey and yellow in the native species) as opposed to the thicker red-maroon midline found on the native mantis shrimp (Heterosquilla tricarinata).

Japanese mantis shrimps live in burrows in soft sediments, sand and mud in sheltered bays and estuaries. They are native to the northwestern Pacific where they are most common in the temperate waters of China and Japan.

Environmental impacts

The Japanese mantis shrimp preys on shrimps, crabs and thin-shelled molluscs, and can alter habitats through its burrowing activities. When abundant, these shrimps can play a role in structuring benthic communities and may compete for food and space with other crustaceans.

- SunLive
Want to be a Top Gun? Not everyone can be Tom Cruise, but Jet Fighter CEO Craig Mossman can give people a taste of the real thing.

He has three Aero L-39 Albatros jet fighter trainers in his hangar on Dakota Way, Tauranga, waiting to take passengers to the skies.

The smell, the sensation, sitting under a bubble (cockpit), and just the sensation is just different, Mossman said.

The first jet was purchased by Mossman 13 years ago, and Jet Fighter has been taking people on rides for six years.

They were made in Czechoslovakia. So he said that these two are the Ukraine Air Force, and the third one is ex-Russian Air Force, he said.

Theyre all identical. All three of them, but there are different colours.



Albatross-48 one of the ex-Ukrainian Airforce trainer jets. Photo/ Fighter Jets NZ

In their heyday, Mossman said the jets were used as advanced trainers where frontline fighter pilots were trained before moving into the MiG29.

These wont go supersonic, but for what we do, it doesnt matter.

The group offers three different packages: Top Gun, a 30-minute thrill ride putting passengers through aerobatic twists and turns; Thermal Recon, a 30-minute flight that takes you to Rotorua in 10 minutes, flying around the volcanic activity in the region; Buzz, and Break a 20-minute taster that will drop down and do some low-level flying.

The prices range from $3888 for the Buzz and Break to $4299 for the Top Gun and Thermal Recon package.

Every passenger is taken through a PowerPoint presentation and safety briefing so they know what to do in case of emergency, Mossman said.



Albatros-48 gets ready for take-off at Tauranga Airport. Photo / Fighter Jets NZ

Passengers will witness a top speed of a touch under 500km/h and can accelerate to 700km/h when pulling manoeuvres, said Mossman.

You dont get that sensation of speed that you get in a Formula 1 car. Its a lot faster, and were a little higher off the ground, he said.

According to Mossman, unlike propeller aeroplanes, there isnt a lot of bite off the start line, so there is no sensation of being thrown back into the seat.

Theres a little kick as you head off, but its not like a drag car or something.

The aerobatic manoeuvres start gently, with a few twists and turns to get the passenger used to the sensations of being in the cockpit, he said.

The first one, we just pull a little bit of G-force and go vertical and climb vertically.

Then we go into quite a gentle, a barrel roll, with no G-force.

G-force measures the acceleration felt as weight, commonly experienced during rapid changes in speed or direction.

Once the passenger is settled and comfortable with these manoeuvres effects on their bodies, the pilot can go to four-and-a-half sustained G-force if requested.

Because of the physical exertion and effects of G-force on the body, Mossman suggests having someone else who can drive after the flight.

It is very draining, putting your body through all that pressure.

To find out more, please visit FIGHTER JETS NZ  The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush

- SunLive
Three lucky Lotto players from Auckland, Napier and Upper Hutt will be feeling fantastic after each winning $333,333 with Lotto First Division in Saturday nights live Lotto draw.

The winning tickets were sold at Andrew Spence Pharmacy in Napier, Pak n Save Upper Hutt in Upper Hutt, and on MyLotto to a player from Auckland.

Powerball was not struck on Saturday evening and has rolled over to Wednesday night, where the jackpot will be $20 million.

Strike Four has also rolled over on Saturday night and will be $500,000 on Wednesday night.

23 Lotto players win Second Division

Twenty-three lucky Lotto players had luck on their side after each winning $14,117 with Lotto Second Division in Saturday nights live Lotto draw.

The winning Second Division tickets were sold at the following stores:

Store Location Woolworths Silverdale Silverdale Hobsonville Superette Auckland Newton Pharmacy Auckland MyLotto (x4) Auckland Paper Plus Waiuku Waiuku Woolworths Fraser Cove Tauranga Halfway Store Whakatane Four Square Matakaoa Gisborne Tamatea Pak n Save Napier MyLotto Hastings Trafalgar Lotto Whanganui Paper Plus Select Karori Wellington MyLotto (x2) Wellington Black Cat Store Nelson Pak n Save Richmond Nelson MyLotto Tasman Pak n Save Moorhouse Christchurch MyLotto Canterbury New World Centre City Dunedin

Anyone who bought their ticket from any of the above stores should check their ticket as soon as possible in-store, on MyLotto, or through the MyLotto App.

Lotto NZ Christmas promotion

Lotto NZs Christmas promotion starts today, and this year is the biggest Christmas ever, with $6 million in extra prizes to be won.

Theres one prize of $1 million and 100 prizes of $50,000 up for grabs and all Triple Dip tickets bought between Sunday December 8 and 7.30pm Saturday December 28 will be in the draw with a chance to win.

At Lotto NZ we take responsible gambling seriously, so were reminding our customers if theyre giving any of our products as presents over the Christmas period to only gift them to adults, says a Lotto NZ spokesperson.

Lotto NZ exists to return 100 per cent of its profits to Kiwi communities through lottery grants programmes run by Te Puna Tahua NZ Lottery Grants Board.
Jamesville, N.Y.  A Jamesville man who worked as a volunteer firefighter is accused of possessing and promoting child pornography, deputies said.

Michael R. Metzger, 47, was charged after a report from a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children tipline, according to a news release from the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office. He was arrested on Nov. 29, according to jail records.

Metzger is accused of possessing and distributing child pornography, deputies said. Investigators traced the content to Metzgers phone, said Tom Newton, a sheriffs office spokesperson.
Brutus, N.Y.  A man driving an SUV was killed Thursday night in the town of Brutus after his vehicle collided head-on with a pickup truck, deputies said.

Deputies responded to the crash on Route 34 between Bently School Road and Downs Road around 7:13 p.m. where the SUV driver was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a Cayuga County Sheriffs Office news release.

Deputies did not release the name of the driver at this time.
Waterloo, N.Y.  A 16-year-old boy was arrested Friday when officers found drugs, firearms and ammunition in his home in Seneca County, deputies said.

A search warrant was executed at 8 West River Rd. in Waterloo, where the items were seized from the residence, according to a news release from the Seneca County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies said 426 individual rapid-fire modification devices and two illegally possessed handguns and ammunition were found in the home. Multiple gun parts, accessories and a 3D printer  used to manufacture the rapid-fire modification devices  were also found they said.
Utica, N.Y.  A man led officers on a car chase and then a foot chase Thursday afternoon in Utica when police tried to stop him for selling and dealing drugs, police said in a statement.

Officers attempted to pull over a car driven by Tracy Harris, 60, of Utica, at 12:30 p.m. after they obtained a search warrant, but Harris refused to stop, according to a news release from the Utica police.

The car crashed into a utility pole during the chase, and then Harris got out of the car and ran, officers said. Police chased him and apprehended him, police said.

Officers found he had drugs on him, so they then searched his residence at 623 Blandina St., police said.

Police said they found methamphetamine, fentanyl, and over 50 grams of cocaine, as well as a loaded handgun.

Harris was charged with three counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminally using drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a firearm, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, according to the statement.

Stacy Gannon, 39, of Utica, who was in the home, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a firearm, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
An active search continues for a 22-year-old-Quebec man who went missing on November 30, 2024, setting off a multi-agency search now in its sixth day.

At 2:30 a.m. on December 1, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Dispatch in Ray Brook received a call about an overdue hiker on Allen Mountain. The caller reported that his son, Leo DuFour, was hiking alone on Friday and was expected back Saturday night.

New York State Police located DuFours car at the Mt. Adams trailhead, covered in snow. Dozens of rangers are now leading search efforts in difficult terrain and weather conditions.

Rangers located one set of tracks in the trail leading from the subjects vehicle, but recent snowfall makes tracking difficult. State police aviation joined the search efforts with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR).

Nine rangers are continuing the search on Allen Mountain on a three-night assignment.

New York State Police is seeking the publics assistance in locating 22-year-old Leo DuFour, of Quebec. DuFour went missing on November 30, 2024, at approximately 11:00 p.m., near Upper Works Road in the town of Newcomb.NYSP/Facebook

To date, ongoing search efforts have not yielded any results. Yesterdays efforts focused on the east side of Allen Mountain and in the Marcy swamp area. Rangers have established two backcountry outposts to facilitate the search.

DuFour weighs approximately 150 lbs, height approximately 57, and has brown hair. He is traveling in an unknown direction.

If anyone has any information about DuFours location, please contact state police at 518-873-2778.



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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.
rajathv8 BHPian



Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 430 Thanked: 947 Times

Re: Procedure of renewing vehicle registration at the 15-year mark | It's easier than you think



Car prep:



The A-Star was in fairly good nick with no major dents or scratches on the body panels. The bonnet had a few scratches and the roof had few small dents (thanks street dogs!) but nothing one would lose sleep over. All lights were functional without any major cracks/damage. Passenger side headlight had a bit of yellowing. One tail light had a 5cm crack but it did not have any water ingress and the crack was visible only at close quarters.

The front and rear bumpers took the brunt of Bangalore's close knit friendly traffic. The front bumper had a few dog bite marks and paint chipped off in some areas. The rear had a 2-inch tear in lowest center region. A rear-ending incident had left very obvious and nasty looking scratches on the passenger side of the rear bumper. Both bumpers were mended and repainted.



While the IND plates on the car were fine, to avoid any scope for trauma, I installed HSRP plates post bumper repaint. Made sure to get the windshield sticker fixed as well.



The 15-year-old OEM horn was weak at best. It occasionally squeaked like a mouse but remained in silent meditation majority of the time when I needed it. It was replaced with MindaUNO D95 horn pair.



The Oct 2018, 28K run MRF ZLX tyres had sufficient tread left.

The mirror caps had many visible scratches on them which I left unattended.

All glasses were in good condition and without any sun film.

The A-Star had no aftermarket accessories apart from a Pioneer HU and a dashcam.



During the car prep phase, I met some interesting folks, had some nice conversations and engaged in some DIY. All part and parcel of a healthy long-term car ownership.



Paperwork:



The process is fairly straightforward and has been described in sufficient detail in previous posts. I applied and paid Rs.6762 online. Got all the papers in order with a file and envelop.



- Form 25 - printout with chassis number pencil imprint at the bottom

- Fee paid receipt  2Nos, printout

- Receipt of online application - printout

- RC card - original in a small zip lock pouch

- PUC - copy

- Insurance - copy

- Aadhar - copy

- Self attested envelope

- RTO file



I carried a bunch of additional documents since I didnt know what to expect. PAN/Aadhar/marriage-certificate/horoscope the lot!

Drinking water, snacks and a cap go a long way to make things pleasant while waiting for the inspector in the blistering heat.



Inspection:



The big day! Where every beloved car owner is made to feel powerless!

Washed the car in the morning, prayed to the powers above and headed to the RTO.



This is how the stars aligned:



10:25am:

Bought file/envelope, arranged stuff. Made my way to 2nd floor - all paperwork was restricted to 2nd floor only.



10:35am:

Counter 5. Docs were checked.



10:55am:

Counter 3. Docs were checked again against entry in computer, file handed back. Was asked to proceed for inspection.



11:00am:

Reached inspection area. I was 13th in the row on a Saturday. Count went up to 20 by the time I left.



12:05pm:

Two-wheeler inspection starts



12:10pm:

Four-wheeler inspection starts



12:40pm:

A-Star passed with flying colours. No comments, no questions, file handed back to me. Was asked to head back to RTO room 20.



12:50pm:

I am No.3 in queue at room 20. This is the Vehicle Inspectors office.



1:15pm:

Inspector arrives. I present my file. Inspector signs and seals the Form25. Assistant inspector checks the file, makes note in his notebook and hands file back to me.



1:20pm:

Submit file at Counter 1. Details were entered in computer. I was asked for any other document which could be stamped as acknowledgement. I handed the extra fee paid receipt. It was stamped, signed and handed back.



Less than 3hrs and I was done!



Details about the inspections:



The inspector and his assistant approached the car. The bonnet had to be kept open. The assistant inspector peeked in the engine bay, he closed it and asked me to start the car. In this time the inspector took a walk around the car and checked the file. He had a notebook in which he would jot down any irregularities/fines. This notebook was later checked before signing the form-25 in room 20. When the car was started, the inspector glanced at the tailpipe. In my case, the electricals, tyres etc. were not explicitly inspected. The inspection was done in under 5 minutes!



Every single car before mine had some or the other questionable qualities - I believe this greatly helped my cause. The defects ranged from broken bumpers, cracked lights, massive tyres and alloys popping outside the bodyline, visibly faded paintwork patches, bald tyres, bright-red horns visible through the grill, aftermarket aux-lights, rusting on fender/running board, rusting on the shock towers under the hood, rusted out chassis number (could not take chassis imprint on form), shabby paint touchups, painted stock alloys. You name it, they had it!



The wait:



After the inspection on 18th May, the application was approved on June 25th. Vaahan reflected the updated expiry date. I received a RC dispatch SMS with tracking number on 19th July, but the tracking number was incorrect. I was unable to retrieve the details from Speedpost. I decided to wait it out. Finally, I received the RC card on 25th Aug - 3 months and 7 days later.



Other points:



- Though I spoke in Kannada, at no point in time did I feel that language would be an issue. The officers were open to other languages.

- The flow and proceedings were smooth, no confusion.

- Majority (if not all) other four-wheelers came with agents

- I did not at any point feel I should have enlisted the services of an agent

- The RC arrived in an envelope without any tracking number on it and it was not in the envelop I had attached in the RTO file!

- Through the whole process there were only two phases of strain

1. Getting the car ready  identifying what should be fixed and what is acceptable. Its anyones guess really and all boils down to the mood of the inspector on that day.

2. Waiting for the RC to arrive post inspection. This took an unusually long time.



Acknowledgements:



Thanks to all the folks who posted on this thread. Without the treasure of details here, I would not have got through this as smoothly as I did.



Pictures:



The car as presented







Notice the slight fading of the headlight. Also notice the rotting vehicles in the background below the dried vegetation.















Queue of vehicles before the A-Star







Form-25 with seal and sign just before handoff to the last clerk







Fee paid receipt handed back as acknowledgement



My 2009 A-Star was up for its RC renewal this year at KA-03 RTO. I decided to start the car prep works 2 months before expiry and get the inspection done 1 month before expiry.The A-Star was in fairly good nick with no major dents or scratches on the body panels. The bonnet had a few scratches and the roof had few small dents (thanks street dogs!) but nothing one would lose sleep over. All lights were functional without any major cracks/damage. Passenger side headlight had a bit of yellowing. One tail light had a 5cm crack but it did not have any water ingress and the crack was visible only at close quarters.The front and rear bumpers took the brunt of Bangalore's close knit friendly traffic. The front bumper had a few dog bite marks and paint chipped off in some areas. The rear had a 2-inch tear in lowest center region. A rear-ending incident had left very obvious and nasty looking scratches on the passenger side of the rear bumper. Both bumpers were mended and repainted.While the IND plates on the car were fine, to avoid any scope for trauma, I installed HSRP plates post bumper repaint. Made sure to get the windshield sticker fixed as well.The 15-year-old OEM horn was weak at best. It occasionally squeaked like a mouse but remained in silent meditation majority of the time when I needed it. It was replaced with MindaUNO D95 horn pair.The Oct 2018, 28K run MRF ZLX tyres had sufficient tread left.The mirror caps had many visible scratches on them which I left unattended.All glasses were in good condition and without any sun film.The A-Star had no aftermarket accessories apart from a Pioneer HU and a dashcam.During the car prep phase, I met some interesting folks, had some nice conversations and engaged in some DIY. All part and parcel of a healthy long-term car ownership.The process is fairly straightforward and has been described in sufficient detail in previous posts. I applied and paid Rs.6762 online. Got all the papers in order with a file and envelop.- Form 25 - printout with chassis number pencil imprint at the bottom- Fee paid receipt  2Nos, printout- Receipt of online application - printout- RC card - original in a small zip lock pouch- PUC - copy- Insurance - copy- Aadhar - copy- Self attested envelope- RTO fileI carried a bunch of additional documents since I didnt know what to expect. PAN/Aadhar/marriage-certificate/horoscope the lot!Drinking water, snacks and a cap go a long way to make things pleasant while waiting for the inspector in the blistering heat.The big day! Where every beloved car owner is made to feel powerless!Washed the car in the morning, prayed to the powers above and headed to the RTO.This is how the stars aligned:Bought file/envelope, arranged stuff. Made my way to 2nd floor - all paperwork was restricted to 2nd floor only.Counter 5. Docs were checked.Counter 3. Docs were checked again against entry in computer, file handed back. Was asked to proceed for inspection.Reached inspection area. I was 13th in the row on a Saturday. Count went up to 20 by the time I left.Two-wheeler inspection startsFour-wheeler inspection startsA-Star passed with flying colours. No comments, no questions, file handed back to me. Was asked to head back to RTO room 20.I am No.3 in queue at room 20. This is the Vehicle Inspectors office.Inspector arrives. I present my file. Inspector signs and seals the Form25. Assistant inspector checks the file, makes note in his notebook and hands file back to me.Submit file at Counter 1. Details were entered in computer. I was asked for any other document which could be stamped as acknowledgement. I handed the extra fee paid receipt. It was stamped, signed and handed back.Less than 3hrs and I was done!The inspector and his assistant approached the car. The bonnet had to be kept open. The assistant inspector peeked in the engine bay, he closed it and asked me to start the car. In this time the inspector took a walk around the car and checked the file. He had a notebook in which he would jot down any irregularities/fines. This notebook was later checked before signing the form-25 in room 20. When the car was started, the inspector glanced at the tailpipe. In my case, the electricals, tyres etc. were not explicitly inspected. The inspection was done in under 5 minutes!Every single car before mine had some or the other questionable qualities - I believe this greatly helped my cause. The defects ranged from broken bumpers, cracked lights, massive tyres and alloys popping outside the bodyline, visibly faded paintwork patches, bald tyres, bright-red horns visible through the grill, aftermarket aux-lights, rusting on fender/running board, rusting on the shock towers under the hood, rusted out chassis number (could not take chassis imprint on form), shabby paint touchups, painted stock alloys. You name it, they had it!After the inspection on 18th May, the application was approved on June 25th. Vaahan reflected the updated expiry date. I received a RC dispatch SMS with tracking number on 19th July, but the tracking number was incorrect. I was unable to retrieve the details from Speedpost. I decided to wait it out. Finally, I received the RC card on 25th Aug - 3 months and 7 days later.- Though I spoke in Kannada, at no point in time did I feel that language would be an issue. The officers were open to other languages.- The flow and proceedings were smooth, no confusion.- Majority (if not all) other four-wheelers came with agents- I did not at any point feel I should have enlisted the services of an agent- The RC arrived in an envelope without any tracking number on it and it was not in the envelop I had attached in the RTO file!- Through the whole process there were only two phases of strain1. Getting the car ready  identifying what should be fixed and what is acceptable. Its anyones guess really and all boils down to the mood of the inspector on that day.2. Waiting for the RC to arrive post inspection. This took an unusually long time.Thanks to all the folks who posted on this thread. Without the treasure of details here, I would not have got through this as smoothly as I did.The car as presentedNotice the slight fading of the headlight. Also notice the rotting vehicles in the background below the dried vegetation.Queue of vehicles before the A-StarForm-25 with seal and sign just before handoff to the last clerkFee paid receipt handed back as acknowledgement Last edited by rajathv8 : 8th December 2024 at 16:21 .
Ripcord09 BHPian

Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Bangalore Posts: 80 Thanked: 1,069 Times

Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 vs Triumph Scrambler 400X vs Harley Davidson X440 vs Others







Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450







What you'll like:



 All-new, well-rounded and well-differentiated roadster from the Himalayan platform

 Sporty and youthful motorcycle, targeted at a younger audience. More exciting colourways than with any Royal Enfield motorcycle ever

 Looks substantial compared to some rivals, with a long wheelbase and some elements like the tyres being the largest in class

 Very approachable motorcycle with a seat height of 780 mm and a kerb weight 11 kg lighter than the Himalayan. Feels well balanced as well, not top-heavy!

 39.5 BHP Sherpa engine has been retuned for a very peppy midrange. Refinement levels are slightly better than the Himalayan too

 Slick 6-speed gearbox with a decently light slip and assist clutch helps to stay in the torque band all day long. Best experienced between 3,000 to 6,000 rpm

 Competent city ride and handling package from Showa - compliments the urban nature of the motorcycle well

 Excellent instrument cluster carried over from the Himalayan - now with updated features. Navigation, though not a perfect implementation, is still useful



What you won't:



 Not for everyone! With its scrambler-inspired looks and loud colourways, the Guerrilla is set to polarize opinion

 The Sherpa motor has a slightly erratic idle, followed by a slightly jerky low-end below 2000 rpm - best kept within the torquey mid-range even when in the city. Not newbie-friendly

 Single-cylinder vibrations, though made smoother now compared to the Himalayan, are present throughout the revv range. No deal-breaking resonance experienced at any rpm range, but certainly not dismissible either

 Runs hot - The radiator fan was unexpectedly busy even on rainy and cold Bangalore days. Summer performance needs to be monitored

 Suspension is good for the city but feels significantly less sophisticated than in the Himalayan when ridden hard. 11L fuel tank could also affect touring abilities!

 Poor lamps all around. The headlamp is woefully inadequate and the quirky new indicator stalk + tail lamp vibrate on bad roads, making it blurry for traffic behind

 Fit and finish could be improved. Good overall build is marred by poor execution of touchpoint items like the joystick switch, indicator switch, etc. Also, the stock mirror is useless at highway speeds

 Missing features for rider control like traction control, IMU / cornering ABS, quick shifter, adjustable clutch and brake levers, backlit switchgear, etc.



Review Link



Triumph Scrambler 400X







What you'll like:



 Quintessential Triumph design that looks distinctly like its bigger Scrambler siblings for the most part

 Build quality, fit and finish are among the best in the segment

 Thanks to its taller and more substantial stance, it does better visual justice to the 400cc big bike feeling than the much more compact Speed 400

 Larger riders will also appreciate its relatively roomier ergonomics compared to the Speed

 Nice bespoke touches that lend aesthetic value as well as utility where needed - sturdier metal bash plate, headlight grille, twin barrel exhaust with the black cladding, round indicators, tank grips, step-up seat to highlight some

 19 wheel, superior ground clearance, longer wheelbase and better suspension travel, all make for a much more stability-biased ride, in keeping with its Scrambler DNA

 39.5 BHP engine is reasonably tractable with a strong pull. Smooth & refined power delivery at a kerb weight of ~185 kg results in fairly peppy performance aided further by a slick 6-speed gearbox

 Still a hoot to ride despite its taller stance and longer wheelbase

 Generous 16,000 km / 1-year service interval. Parts and service costs are also expected to be kept competitive



What you won't:



 Missing features like connected tech, riding modes, adjustable clutch and brake levers, etc.

 Inexperienced riders (especially shorter ones) may find the 835 mm seat height a tad challenging

 Analogue + digital instrument cluster doesn't suit the bike's character

 Some ergonomic issues such as mirrors fouling with hand and footpegs flexing downwards while stand-up riding

 Vibrations at higher rpms

 Split rear seat is compact. Riders should carefully evaluate how comfortable the bike will be for two-up touring with luggage if that is a key use case

 Only single-sided saddle bag luggage is being offered by Triumph as of now. You will have to look at aftermarket solutions for double-sided saddle bags or wider luggage options

 Entire service experience remains uncharted territory with Triumph leaving a negative perception on this front in some parts of the country. Whether one can have a positive dealership experience under Bajajs watch is something that remains to be seen



Review Link



Harley Davidson X440







What you'll like:



 Single-cylinder, 440cc engine has good low-end torque to make city riding as well as highway cruising comfortable

 NVH and refinement are really good. Combined with good ergonomics, you can cruise at 80-100 km/h all day long

 Well priced. It is on par with its peers, albeit with an extra ~40-90 cc

 Built by Hero, who knows the Indian two-wheeler consumer extremely well

 Decent level of kit - standard dual-channel ABS, Bluetooth connectivity, connected features, etc.



What you won't:



 Design and styling can be polarising. Not your typical Harley

 In a segment that has heated up with lots of new offerings, the X440 doesn't ace any specific aspect

 No riding modes or traction control. Essentially not a lot of ways to customize your ride

 This is the first product of the Harley Davidson - Hero partnership. Sales, after-sales and service support and experience are unknown



Review Link



Hero Mavrick 440







What you'll like:



 Single-cylinder, 440cc engine has good low-end torque to make city riding comfortable. Fairly responsive mid and top-end keep highway cruising engaging

 Superb ride comfort; gobbles up bad roads without letting the rider, or even pillion feel them

 NVH and refinement are really good. Combined with good ergonomics, you can cruise at 80-100 km/h all day long

 Features such as standard dual-channel ABS, Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation etc. are standard on all variants. Top variant gets e-sim connectivity

 Hero's sales and service network is unparalleled, even in tier 2 and 3 towns

 Well priced for what it offers. Undercuts most competitors



What you won't:



 Very basic instrumentation cluster in terms of look, feel and functionality

 Missing features such as riding modes, traction control, upside-down suspension fork, etc.

 Built to a cost. Cost-cutting is evident in a couple of areas

 Ride gets unsettled at higher speeds

 To many people, the Hero brand doesn't have the badge cachet of Royal Enfield, Honda or Harley-Davidson

 Long-term reliability of the new engine is unknown



Review Link



Husqvarna Svartpilen 401







Ownership Review  All-new, well-rounded and well-differentiated roadster from the Himalayan platform Sporty and youthful motorcycle, targeted at a younger audience. More exciting colourways than with any Royal Enfield motorcycle ever Looks substantial compared to some rivals, with a long wheelbase and some elements like the tyres being the largest in class Very approachable motorcycle with a seat height of 780 mm and a kerb weight 11 kg lighter than the Himalayan. Feels well balanced as well, not top-heavy! 39.5 BHP Sherpa engine has been retuned for a very peppy midrange. Refinement levels are slightly better than the Himalayan too Slick 6-speed gearbox with a decently light slip and assist clutch helps to stay in the torque band all day long. Best experienced between 3,000 to 6,000 rpm Competent city ride and handling package from Showa - compliments the urban nature of the motorcycle well Excellent instrument cluster carried over from the Himalayan - now with updated features. Navigation, though not a perfect implementation, is still useful Not for everyone! With its scrambler-inspired looks and loud colourways, the Guerrilla is set to polarize opinion The Sherpa motor has a slightly erratic idle, followed by a slightly jerky low-end below 2000 rpm - best kept within the torquey mid-range even when in the city. Not newbie-friendly Single-cylinder vibrations, though made smoother now compared to the Himalayan, are present throughout the revv range. No deal-breaking resonance experienced at any rpm range, but certainly not dismissible either Runs hot - The radiator fan was unexpectedly busy even on rainy and cold Bangalore days. Summer performance needs to be monitored Suspension is good for the city but feels significantly less sophisticated than in the Himalayan when ridden hard. 11L fuel tank could also affect touring abilities! Poor lamps all around. The headlamp is woefully inadequate and the quirky new indicator stalk + tail lamp vibrate on bad roads, making it blurry for traffic behind Fit and finish could be improved. Good overall build is marred by poor execution of touchpoint items like the joystick switch, indicator switch, etc. Also, the stock mirror is useless at highway speeds Missing features for rider control like traction control, IMU / cornering ABS, quick shifter, adjustable clutch and brake levers, backlit switchgear, etc. Quintessentialdesign that looks distinctly like its bigger Scrambler siblings for the most part Build quality, fit and finish are among the best in the segment Thanks to its taller and more substantial stance, it does better visual justice to the 400cc big bike feeling than the much more compact Speed 400 Larger riders will also appreciate its relatively roomier ergonomics compared to the Speed Nice bespoke touches that lend aesthetic value as well as utility where needed - sturdier metal bash plate, headlight grille, twin barrel exhaust with the black cladding, round indicators, tank grips, step-up seat to highlight some 19 wheel, superior ground clearance, longer wheelbase and better suspension travel, all make for a much more stability-biased ride, in keeping with its Scrambler DNA 39.5 BHP engine is reasonably tractable with a strong pull. Smooth & refined power delivery at a kerb weight of ~185 kg results in fairly peppy performance aided further by a slick 6-speed gearbox Still a hoot to ride despite its taller stance and longer wheelbase Generous 16,000 km / 1-year service interval. Parts and service costs are also expected to be kept competitive Missing features like connected tech, riding modes, adjustable clutch and brake levers, etc. Inexperienced riders (especially shorter ones) may find the 835 mm seat height a tad challenging Analogue + digital instrument cluster doesn't suit the bike's character Some ergonomic issues such as mirrors fouling with hand and footpegs flexing downwards while stand-up riding Vibrations at higher rpms Split rear seat is compact. Riders should carefully evaluate how comfortable the bike will be for two-up touring with luggage if that is a key use case Only single-sided saddle bag luggage is being offered by Triumph as of now. You will have to look at aftermarket solutions for double-sided saddle bags or wider luggage options Entire service experience remains uncharted territory with Triumph leaving a negative perception on this front in some parts of the country. Whether one can have a positive dealership experience under Bajajs watch is something that remains to be seen Single-cylinder, 440cc engine has good low-end torque to make city riding as well as highway cruising comfortable NVH and refinement are really good. Combined with good ergonomics, you can cruise at 80-100 km/h all day long Well priced. It is on par with its peers, albeit with an extra ~40-90 cc Built by Hero, who knows the Indian two-wheeler consumer extremely well Decent level of kit - standard dual-channel ABS, Bluetooth connectivity, connected features, etc. Design and styling can be polarising. Not your typical Harley In a segment that has heated up with lots of new offerings, the X440 doesn't ace any specific aspect No riding modes or traction control. Essentially not a lot of ways to customize your ride This is the first product of the Harley Davidson - Hero partnership. Sales, after-sales and service support and experience are unknown Single-cylinder, 440cc engine has good low-end torque to make city riding comfortable. Fairly responsive mid and top-end keep highway cruising engaging Superb ride comfort; gobbles up bad roads without letting the rider, or even pillion feel them NVH and refinement are really good. Combined with good ergonomics, you can cruise at 80-100 km/h all day long Features such as standard dual-channel ABS, Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation etc. are standard on all variants. Top variant gets e-sim connectivity Hero's sales and service network is unparalleled, even in tier 2 and 3 towns Well priced for what it offers. Undercuts most competitors Very basic instrumentation cluster in terms of look, feel and functionality Missing features such as riding modes, traction control, upside-down suspension fork, etc. Built to a cost. Cost-cutting is evident in a couple of areas Ride gets unsettled at higher speeds To many people, the Hero brand doesn't have the badge cachet of Royal Enfield, Honda or Harley-Davidson Long-term reliability of the new engine is unknown
PointZero BHPian



Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Kolkata Posts: 531 Thanked: 4,124 Times

Happy Parents, Happier Kids: The Perfect Mix of Comfort and Scenic Beauty



As a father and a son, planning family trips is no small task. I need to choose places that make my 4-year-old son happy, are comfortable for grandma and grandpa, and offer a pleasant driving experience for me. Finding all this in one place, along with perfect weather, isnt easy. Luckily, we managed it this time. Looking back at the trip, everything turned out to be better than what we expectedsome things were even more beautiful than we imagined. 



Thats why I chose such a title for this travelogue of mine, which can sum up the overall experience of our journey.



Glimpse:





Tishan in his own mood





Lazy Turtle on Vizag





My Parents in bheemili beach





Deomali, what we have seen





Chitrakoot Waterfall



Tishan in his own moodLazy Turtle on VizagMy Parents in bheemili beachDeomali, what we have seenChitrakoot Waterfall



Itinerary:

Day 01: Kolkata - Barkul (Chilka), Odisha

Day 02: Barkul - Araku

(Happy Parents, Happier Kids: The Perfect Mix of Comfort and Scenic Beauty)

(Happy Parents, Happier Kids: The Perfect Mix of Comfort and Scenic Beauty) Day 03: Araku - Araku Tribal Museum - Bora Cave - Sunabeda (Semiliguda), Odisha

Day 04: Sunabeda / Semiliguda - Deomali (Odisha) - Chitrakoot Falls (Chhattisgarh) - Jeypore (Odisha) (Happy Parents, Happier Kids: The Perfect Mix of Comfort and Scenic Beauty)

Day 05: Jeypore - Vizag (Andhra Pradesh)

Day 06: Vizag

Day 07: Vizag - Barkul (Odisha)

Day 08: Barkul - Puri - Kolkata



People and Cars:



It was the festive season, and since the schedule matched perfectly with the school holidays, I travelled with two other families this time.



In our Lazy Turtle (Mahindra Bolero), it was me, my son Tishan, and my parents. My cousin Debasish, his wife, and their two kids travelled in a Ford Ecosport. My friend Santu Da, his wife, and their two teenage children came in a Hyundai i10 Nios.











The team, me taking the picture



The team, me taking the picture

We all started the journey together, but after visiting Bora Cave, my cousin and his family went straight to Vizag to spend two extra days there. They skipped visiting Chitrakoot and Deomali. Later, on the 7th day (Vizag to Barkul), Santu Da took a detour to Puri and spent an extra day there. They returned to Kolkata on day 9, while the rest of us finished the trip in 8 days.





The Travel Story:





Day 01: Kolkata - Barkul (Chilka), Odisha:



Theres not much to say about this part of the journey since it was mostly highway driving. With so many speed cameras and sensors on the Odisha highways, we decided to stick to a speed of 80 km/h and covered the 567 km in about 11 hours, including breaks.



We hadnt booked a hotel in advance, so we searched for options on the way and found that Chilika Heritage Resort had three family rooms available at a reasonable price.



The start of the trip was quite frustrating. As usual, during the holidays, Kolkata roads were packed with traffic, and to make it worse, the WB administration decided to repair roads at all the entry and exit points that Saturday morning, right before Durga Puja. This caused a massive traffic jam. Thanks a lot for the timing, WB administration!



There wasnt much to do that evening except take a short walk around. My son was desperate to see a beach and the sea, as he had insisted on visiting the beach instead of the mountains. To calm him down, I pointed to the lights over Chilika Lake from the perimeter of Pantha Nivas and pretended it was the sea we came to visit. He believed it and finally settled down for dinner.



Someday, when hes older and reads this blog, he might be mad at me for this little trick, but for then, it was the only way to keep him happy and end the day peacefully.



Day 02: Barkul - Araku:





Yesterday was mostly spent travelling on highways, so the kids were thrilled to explore something other than sitting in the car. Tishan had already checked out every corner of the car, played with the seat setup, fiddled with all the switches, and even used up all the windshield washer fluid multiple times. With nothing left to discover, he asked for an extra steering wheel on the left side so he could "drive" while sitting in the child seat next to me. All three kids were surprisingly well-behaved during breakfast, knowing they had a boat ride on Chilka Lake to look forward to.



As promised, we went for a boat ride on Chilka. There werent many tourists around that morning, and our group seemed to be the only one there, so we didnt have to wait in line. All 11 of us enjoyed the ride, and the kids were especially excited. Tishan, however, was curious why the sea ( actually a lake ) didnt have waves like the ones hed seen on TV. I tried to explain the difference to him, and while he still had questions, all the kids were really happy overall.



































The latter part of the day involved more highway driving in the intense heat. The weather was harsh, especially during the noon drive from Barkul to Vizianagaram. The Boleros AC wasnt very effective, making the journey quite uncomfortable. However, the weather became pleasant after 4:00 PM. Since we avoided taking breaks during the hot afternoon, except for lunch, we decided to stop for a break once the sun went down.



My cousin, Debashish, was not in favour of a break, as he was very particular about avoiding hill drives at night. On the other hand, Santu Da and his family, travelling in their i10, were flexible and agreeable to all decisions throughout the trip, as they didnt have young kids and were very easygoing. We took a long break just before sunset and then resumed the drive to Araku.











When we arrived in Araku, the weather had drastically changedit was cold and foggy. The sharp contrast between the highway heat and Arakus cool climate surprised us all. Although we hadnt booked a hotel in advance, we had contacted two hotels with available rooms. Thankfully, the first one we visited was satisfying, and we checked in at 8:00 PM. The resort was newly built and didnt offer dinner, so we drove out to a nearby restaurant and ended the day with a delicious meal.



To be continued ... It often feels unfair about how Ive explored India - i.e., focusing mostly on the Himalayas. Sometimes, Google Timeline reminds me and, in the process, nudges me to realize that I have yet to appreciate the beauty of other places as much as I have been opportune to appreciate the Himalayan expanse. I admire people who can afford trips to various parts of our country, including the Himalayas. Ive always wished that I could manage a few more trips each year to explore other regions. But time is running out, and the clock wont wait for me.As a father and a son, planning family trips is no small task. I need to choose places that make my 4-year-old son happy, are comfortable for grandma and grandpa, and offer a pleasant driving experience for me. Finding all this in one place, along with perfect weather, isnt easy. Luckily, we managed it this time. Looking back at the trip, everything turned out to be better than what we expectedsome things were even more beautiful than we imagined. Thats why I chose such a title for this travelogue of mine, which can sum up the overall experience of our journey.It was the festive season, and since the schedule matched perfectly with the school holidays, I travelled with two other families this time.In our Lazy Turtle (Mahindra Bolero), it was me, my son Tishan, and my parents. My cousin Debasish, his wife, and their two kids travelled in a Ford Ecosport. My friend Santu Da, his wife, and their two teenage children came in a Hyundai i10 Nios.We all started the journey together, but after visiting Bora Cave, my cousin and his family went straight to Vizag to spend two extra days there. They skipped visiting Chitrakoot and Deomali. Later, on the 7th day (Vizag to Barkul), Santu Da took a detour to Puri and spent an extra day there. They returned to Kolkata on day 9, while the rest of us finished the trip in 8 days.Theres not much to say about this part of the journey since it was mostly highway driving. With so many speed cameras and sensors on the Odisha highways, we decided to stick to a speed of 80 km/h and covered the 567 km in about 11 hours, including breaks.We hadnt booked a hotel in advance, so we searched for options on the way and found that Chilika Heritage Resort had three family rooms available at a reasonable price.The start of the trip was quite frustrating. As usual, during the holidays, Kolkata roads were packed with traffic, and to make it worse, the WB administration decided to repair roads at all the entry and exit points that Saturday morning, right before Durga Puja. This caused a massive traffic jam. Thanks a lot for the timing, WB administration!There wasnt much to do that evening except take a short walk around. My son was desperate to see a beach and the sea, as he had insisted on visiting the beach instead of the mountains. To calm him down, I pointed to the lights over Chilika Lake from the perimeter of Pantha Nivas and pretended it was the sea we came to visit. He believed it and finally settled down for dinner.Someday, when hes older and reads this blog, he might be mad at me for this little trick, but for then, it was the only way to keep him happy and end the day peacefully.Yesterday was mostly spent travelling on highways, so the kids were thrilled to explore something other than sitting in the car. Tishan had already checked out every corner of the car, played with the seat setup, fiddled with all the switches, and even used up all the windshield washer fluid multiple times. With nothing left to discover, he asked for an extra steering wheel on the left side so he could "drive" while sitting in the child seat next to me. All three kids were surprisingly well-behaved during breakfast, knowing they had a boat ride on Chilka Lake to look forward to.As promised, we went for a boat ride on Chilka. There werent many tourists around that morning, and our group seemed to be the only one there, so we didnt have to wait in line. All 11 of us enjoyed the ride, and the kids were especially excited. Tishan, however, was curious why the sea ( actually a lake ) didnt have waves like the ones hed seen on TV. I tried to explain the difference to him, and while he still had questions, all the kids were really happy overall.The latter part of the day involved more highway driving in the intense heat. The weather was harsh, especially during the noon drive from Barkul to Vizianagaram. The Boleros AC wasnt very effective, making the journey quite uncomfortable. However, the weather became pleasant after 4:00 PM. Since we avoided taking breaks during the hot afternoon, except for lunch, we decided to stop for a break once the sun went down.My cousin, Debashish, was not in favour of a break, as he was very particular about avoiding hill drives at night. On the other hand, Santu Da and his family, travelling in their i10, were flexible and agreeable to all decisions throughout the trip, as they didnt have young kids and were very easygoing. We took a long break just before sunset and then resumed the drive to Araku.When we arrived in Araku, the weather had drastically changedit was cold and foggy. The sharp contrast between the highway heat and Arakus cool climate surprised us all. Although we hadnt booked a hotel in advance, we had contacted two hotels with available rooms. Thankfully, the first one we visited was satisfying, and we checked in at 8:00 PM. The resort was newly built and didnt offer dinner, so we drove out to a nearby restaurant and ended the day with a delicious meal. Last edited by PointZero : 6th December 2024 at 12:13 .
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Recap: New Windows AI features at the heart of Microsoft's Copilot+ PCs debuted exclusively on laptops equipped with Qualcomm's Arm-based Snapdragon X processors a few months ago. While the latest x86 chips from Intel and AMD also have integrated NPUs and carry the Copilot+ label, they have yet to receive any OS-level generative AI functionality.

Windows 11 Insiders using CPUs from recent lineups such as Intel Core Ultra 200 and AMD Ryzen AI 300 can finally begin testing Copilot+ features like Recall and image generation. The GenAI features were previously exclusive to Snapdragon X chips.

Dev channel participants can get started by updating to build 26120.2510. Other users can join the Microsoft Insider Program by registering on the website, then navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program > Get Started and selecting Dev Channel before rebooting.

Using new GenAI features might require installing the latest AMD and Intel NPU drivers, available on TechSpot or each manufacturer's website.

Recall, likely the most essential yet controversial Copilot+ feature, "remembers" user activity by periodically taking screencaps and reading on-screen text. The functionality aims to help users retrieve information, but serious security concerns led Microsoft to delay it and later reintroduce Recall on an opt-in basis.

Activating the feature allows users to open previously accessed files or programs through natural language text prompts if they've forgotten the locations or file names. Recall also contains a function called Click to Do, through which users can copy, summarize, or rewrite selected text using prompts.

Additionally, Copilot allows the Paint and Photos apps to generate images from text prompts. Photos can also use prompts to restyle existing pictures.

Snapdragon X PCs have gradually received Windows Insider builds with new GenAI features over the last few months. Paint recently received automatic fill-and-erase functionality, and Photos can upscale pictures using super-resolution upscaling. It remains unclear when this and other functionality will expand to x86 Copilot+ systems.

The exclusivity period stems from Qualcomm's early cooperation with Microsoft on the Copilot+ initiative, which aimed to use the introduction of onboard GenAI to boost Arm Windows adoption. Snapdragon X CPUs were the first to meet Microsoft's Copilot+ standards by including NPUs capable of at least 40 TOPs, but similarly-specced x86 processors from Intel's Core 200V series and AMD's Ryzen AI 300 lineups soon followed.

Bringing GenAI to the standard version of Windows 11 could broaden its reach, but customer enthusiasm for the technology has yet to solidify. Recent sales charts suggest that AI PC adoption is driven primarily by more extended battery life and typical upgrade cycles.
WTF?! Romania's constitutional court has thrown out the results of the first round of the presidential election amid evidence of possible Russian meddling through cyberattacks. There was also evidence of an insidious social media influence campaign.

It's been a wild ride for democracy in Romania lately. A declassified report from the country's Intelligence Service reveals that this year's presidential elections were targeted by over 85,000 cyberattacks originating from 33 nations on November 19.

The agency said the hackers accessed Romania's central election infrastructure to alter information and deny system access. The bad actors used various vectors, including SQL injection and cross-site scripting on voter registration websites.

The hackers also leaked account credentials for these sites on a shady Russian hacker forum less than a week before the first round of voting. The Intelligence Service believes the attacks were state-sponsored due to the massive scale and resources involved.

Unfortunately, it doesn't end there. A separate declassified Romanian intel report states that officials uncovered evidence of a coordinated Russian influence campaign on TikTok. The effort favored Romanian presidential long-shot Calin Georgescu.

The report says over 100 Romanian TikTok influencers with a combined 8 million followers were paid to post pro-Georgescu content using specified hashtags. The campaign got seriously amplified around November 13, with Georgescu's videos cracking the top 10 trending by November 26. Some of the suspected TikTok accounts used for the campaign were years old but had been largely inactive until mid-November, when they suddenly kicked into high gear promoting Georgescu.

The Intelligence Service connected the dots back to Russia, noting textual overlaps between the Georgescu messaging and a similar Russian-backed campaign in Moldova. Bleeping Computer notes that investigators believe Russia views Romania as a strategic adversary because of its NATO ties. However, they didn't explicitly name the country as the perpetrator of the attacks.

With all this weighing on the election's legitimacy, Romania's top constitutional court decided to scrap the results entirely and call for a re-run. It's a pragmatic move but could shake public confidence in the electoral process.

Image credit: Sasha Pleshco
Rio Tinto's Bougainville mine poses ongoing threats: report



Sydney, Dec 7 (AFP) Dec 07, 2024



A long-abandoned Papua New Guinea mine once operated by Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto poses environmental and safety concerns for nearby communities, who live under the threat of landslides, a new report shows.

A two-year study of the Panguna mine -- located on the autonomous island of Bougainville -- found that mine structures had "deteriorated", while "tailings continued to migrate downstream and chemicals continue to be released".

The Rio Tinto-commissioned study, conducted by environmental firm Tetra Tech Coffey, found that in some areas, buildings, bridges or the ground itself were "unstable and may collapse".

This poses the risk of harm, injury or death to the local community, according to the report.

The mining giant has for years been accused of sidestepping responsibility for cleaning up poisonous waste at the vast mothballed copper and gold mine.

Rio Tinto's Australian chief executive Kellie Parker said the "comprehensive assessment" marked an important milestone in understanding the long-term impacts of the mine.

"While we continue to review the report, we recognise the gravity of the impacts identified and accept the findings," she said in a Friday statement.

Parker acknowledged it would take time, but vowed to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the legacy of the mine was addressed in a "fair and equitable manner" for impacted communities.

The report found that tailings from the mine -- which run into the Kawerong-Jaba River -- had "permanently changed the river system" and it would not "naturally return to how it was before the mine for at least 100 years".

The river system also posed a risk to the communities' health and high metals in soil that made plants difficult to grow, the report said.

But there were still some water sources that people could safely drink, bathe and swim in.

The report made 24 recommendations, including outlining areas that need further investigation, which will be considered by relevant stakeholders to determine the next steps.

Australia's Human Rights Law Centre, which helped organise legal action against Rio Tinto, said communities continued to live with the "devastating impacts of the mine".

"Mine infrastructure is crumbling, putting lives at risk. Villages are being flooded and communities cut off from access to water and essential services," the centre said in an update on its website.

It vowed to continue working with the community.

The mine is estimated to still hold more than five million tonnes of copper and 19 million ounces of gold -- worth billions of dollars at current market prices.

The Panguna mine, which operated between 1972 and 1989, was one of the South Pacific's largest mines.

But anger among locals over the environmental damage and distribution of profits triggered an uprising that forced its closure.

The ensuing civil war left up to 20,000 people dead -- about 10 percent of Bougainville's population at that time.

As part of a 2001 peace agreement that ended the civil war, Bougainville voted overwhelmingly to gain independence from Papua New Guinea.

lec/cwl
Cambodian journalist investigating illegal logging shot dead



Phnom Penh, Dec 7 (AFP) Dec 07, 2024



A Cambodian journalist died on Saturday after he was shot this week while investigating illegal logging in the country's northwest, police said.

Chhoeung Chheung, 63, who worked for local news outlet Kampuchea Aphivath, was shot in the abdomen with a homemade weapon on Wednesday evening in a forest in Siem Reap province, provincial police chief Huoth Sothy told AFP.

"He went to investigate problems at a community forest when he was shot," Huoth Sothy said, adding that the journalist died at a hospital in the early hours of Saturday.

The police chief said a suspect had been arrested and confessed to shooting the journalist over "a personal dispute".

Run Sareth, editor of Kampuchea Aphiwat, could not be immediately reached by AFP.

But he told local news outlet Kiripost that Chhoeung Chheung had faced "many threats" from illegal loggers due to his reporting.

"It is a regretful incident that happened to a journalist, especially when he went to see logging in a community forest," Nop Vy, executive director of the Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA), told AFP.

Since 1994, at least 15 journalists have been killed in the Southeast Asian country, according to the Cambodian Center for Human Rights.

In 2014, Taing Try was shot dead while investigating the illicit timber trade in northeastern Kratie province.

Three suspects -- a former soldier, a policeman and a military police officer -- were arrested for killing the journalist.

The tussle over protecting or exploiting natural resources has long been a contentious issue in Cambodia, with environmentalists threatened, arrested and killed in the past decade.

A court in July this year sentenced 10 local environmentalists to between six and eight years in jail over their activism.

Last month, Ouch Leng, a prominent Cambodian environmentalist who was awarded a 2016 Goldman Environmental Prize, was detained for a day alongside five other activists while investigating illegal logging in a national park in northeastern Stung Treng province.

Unchecked illicit logging has contributed to a sharp drop in Cambodia's forest cover over the years, according to activists.

From 2002 to 2023, a third of Cambodia's humid primary forests -- some of the world's most biodiverse and a key carbon sink -- were lost, according to monitoring site Global Forest Watch.
A rendering shows a proposed 27-story, 300-foot apartment building that would be constructed in southwest downtown Colorado Springs. Developers this week submitted the project to city government planners for review. On Tuesday, the City Council approved the development plan.
State Rep. Larry Selders and Carolyn Hill, who served a term on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, are vying to win the seat that state Sen. Cleo Fields is vacating following his election last month to the U.S. House.
Kate was interviewed by a police officer from the child abuse squad and denied the sexual abuse. She said she was interviewed alone, without a support person, and the officer said the interview meant she was missing out on time with her own children. I kept on telling them my parents hadnt done anything wrong  They refused to let me leave until I said something, Kate said. Kate then disclosed specific allegations of physical abuse. An investigation into alleged offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm is ongoing. There is no investigation into sexual abuse. Before being removed from her foster placement, Kate used to sleep in her bed with her dog, Teddy. Credit: Edwina Pickles Molly and Michael deny the allegations and have offered to provide evidence disputing the claims. They say Kates mental health diagnoses mean she can be easily led, highlighting the need for an independent support person.

Kates message to police begging to be returned to her foster carers. Credit: Kate has repeatedly tried to retract her statement and said police refused her a formal reinterview. When I got someone stressing me out, especially a cop and yelling at me asking the same questions repetitively  of course I was going to say random bullshit that isnt even true, she texted the interviewing officer. You have literally destroyed everything that I had and destroyed me as a human being. A spokesperson for NSW Police said retractions were dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Detectives must scrutinise the possibility a child was influenced to retract a statement, the spokesperson said. The rights and wellbeing of a victim are always a number one priority for NSW Police, and detectives follow strict guidelines when conducting interviews with vulnerable persons and children.

$1 million home and a rotating roster of staff Kate and Kieran have been living in an Intensive Therapeutic Care home in government care since July. Kate and Kierans government care home is stark and clinical compared with their foster home. Credit: Theyre supervised by 15 staff working on shifts who Kate said dont have adequate disability training to work with Kieran. Two-bed intensive therapeutic care homes receive $1 million a year in baseline funding and are designed to help high-needs children transition into other forms of care. But Kate says she doesnt receive any therapies and theres no talk of transition. Aside from her twice-weekly outings provided by carers separate from the home and the occasional trip to the store, Kate says she is stuck inside. She can ask to leave but must be supervised, and said there are no activities for her mental health.

She doesnt attend school, hasnt seen her friends in months except for when she runs away, and her parents cannot reply to her text messages due to the AVO. Once, when Kate texted Molly threatening self-harm, Molly had to inform police she had breached the AVO to help Kate. She said staff have complained about the lack and quality of food, and school teachers complained about Kierans broken shoes and his use of a tablet not fully compatible with his communication software. Six months and no outcome No charges have been brought against Molly or Michael in the six months since police began investigating Kates complaints.

Reports have been made about Kates self-harming behaviours, and the parents have been investigated previously for bruises on Kates arm. One report was substantiated, although the children remained in their care. Loading Her parents have submitted a complaint about the officer to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission. They said theyve spent more than $30,000 on legal fees defending the AVOs and are selling their Sydney home to fund the legal fight. I dont understand how the placement theyre in now is acceptable to anybody, Molly said.

In September, Kate wrote to the office of the Minister of Communities and Justice Kate Washington. My anxiety and depression have worsened and spiralled out of control, and I desperately need my family and my old life back ... my current placement [is] jail, she wrote. She didnt receive a written response from the office, but caseworkers visited the home to discuss her concerns. A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson said they couldnt comment out of respect for [those] involved and their wellbeing and in line with privacy laws. Kate said she was speaking publicly because she feels children in care dont have a voice.
But can it really be branded scandalous and extreme, given 157 nations voted in favour of the motion, with just eight abstaining and seven voting against? Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, France and Germany all voted in favour of the resolution.

Some self-reflection would not go astray from Israels leaders and advocates about why the nation has become so isolated on the international stage. The war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas monstrous massacres on October 7, 2023, has stretched on for more than a year with no end in sight and tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians dead.

Loading

The two-state solution is going nowhere under Netanyahus government, the most far-right in Israeli history. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir recently called for Palestinians to be encouraged to migrate from Gaza so that Israeli settlers can move in, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is preparing plans to annex the Palestinian-dominated West Bank. Netanyahu, the great survivor of Israeli politics, is a divisive leader who has been ordered to take the stand on corruption charges and has been accused of war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

Which is not to say the Albanese government has masterfully handled its relationship with Israel. It clearly has not, given that Australia is being singled out for such vituperative attacks. Relations got off to a rocky start in 2022 when the government caught Israel off guard with the timing of its decision to no longer recognise West Jerusalem as Israels capital. Many Israelis were offended that Foreign Minister Penny Wong did not visit a kibbutz massacre site when she visited Israel in January, unlike some other foreign dignitaries. Australian Jewish community leaders are fuming over what they describe as a lack of government consultation and declining access to key decision-makers. They say relations between Labor and the Jewish community have never been worse.
Images obtained by this masthead show extensive damage inside the synagogue. The blaze gutted the building, leaving charred ruins, a tangle of wiring and a collapsed roof. Police were on patrol in Ripponlea after the states Counter Terrorism Command was called in to help investigate the firebombing. Security guards remained stationed outside the charred synagogue on Saturday. But police would not confirm how many extra officers they had deployed to patrol the area, saying they would not comment on operational matters. Several police sources contacted on Saturday were unable to provide any further detail on the progress of the investigation. The Victorian government also provided no further detail on what security measures would be put in place. It was quiet on Saturday afternoon  the Shabbat or day of rest in the Jewish tradition  near the synagogue, apart from several people laying flowers outside the building in a show of support for the local Jewish community.

Flowers placed in front of Adass Israel synagogue on Saturday. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Earlier in the day, members of the Adass Israel congregation filed past heavy security into a temporary venue in St Kilda East for Saturday morning services. Chani Goldberger, a member of the community who attends Adass Israel each Saturday, said it was a disgrace to burn a synagogue down. Why are we being treated like this for? Why this hatred? she said as she surveyed the damaged building. We cant pray, we cant live in society, we cant go freely, we cant live a normal life. What is the world coming to?

City of Port Phillip Mayor Louise Crawford told this masthead it had been a distressing and devastating time for Adass Israel congregants and members of the local Jewish community. Theres been a mix of reactions, everything from devastation to shock to anger that this [hatred] could come into an area which is actually so welcoming and inclusive, Crawford said. Loading But for much of the Jewish community, they were not shocked. Theyve been expecting something like this to happen, given the rise in antisemitism, which is a terrible state of affairs. Were in conversation to help [Adass Israel congregants] find a new space to pray and study. Thats the biggest thing  keeping the community together.

Other synagogues nearby have raised their security measures following the targeted blaze, Crawford said. Aamer Chida arrived at the synagogue with flowers on Saturday morning in a show of support for the Adass Israel community. As he shook hands with members of the ultra-Orthodox community who were surveying the burned building, he said that as a Muslim and human being, it was clear the actions of those who targeted the synagogue were wrong. It always makes me happy to see the Jewish community engaging with their faith when I drive past, so it made me very sad that someone had disrespected their place of worship, he said. A man holding a sign reading Hate wont Bring Peace walks in front of the Adass Israel on Saturday. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui

In a statement posted to social media overnight, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu connected the firebombing to Australias scandalous decision to vote in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution calling on Israel to withdraw from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip earlier this week, along with its refusal to grant a visa to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked last month. Unfortunately, it is impossible to separate this reprehensible act from the extreme anti-Israeli position of the Labor government in Australia, Netanyahu said. But Crawford disagreed, saying she believed policymakers in Australia were trying their best to ease tensions around the Israel-Palestine conflict and encourage togetherness. I think a lot of the governments  council, state and federal  have been trying to bring calm and reduce that heightened emotion, she said. Were all human beings, and these are innocent people that were attacked yesterday. Im hoping its the wake-up call the world needs to take a deep breath and look at each other as people.

Victorian Roads Minister Melissa Horne, who was answering questions on behalf of the Allan government on Saturday, declined to respond directly to Netanyahus criticisms. Im not here to comment on what Israels prime minister has said. But what I can say, having spoken to the federal member for Macnamara Josh Burns, who is a member of the Jewish community, [is] that there could not be a more fierce advocate to stand up to antisemitism and support his community. As for what her government was doing in the wake of the firebombing, Horne said police would step up their patrols, and that strengthened anti-vilification laws were now before parliament. We stand ready to do more. Henry Pinskier, who is in his 60s, has lived in the Jewish community in Melbournes inner south-east for his entire life. He said the targeting of the synagogue exemplified the rising tide of antisemitism he has witnessed in Melbourne in recent years.

A long-standing Australian Labor Party member and former vice president of the Victorian branch, he said he was shocked and dismayed by the lack of action by the state and federal Labor governments to stamp out antisemitism. I think both governments have lost control of the situation, theres been a lot of rhetoric but no action, he said. These repulsive deeds have to have consequences, and the law has to be followed and acted upon. If the police and authorities are not acting sufficiently, governments have to stand up and say, This is what we are going to do. No ifs, no buts, no maybes. Pinskier said his 98-year-old mother had come to Australia fleeing persecution but was now seeing daily reports of antisemitism. He said increasing antisemitism from Australias political left was beyond anything he could have conceived.

This is a very strong post-Holocaust community who fled Europe to get as far away as possible and came to Australia because it was a slice of heaven. Pinskier said recent local events were no different from the antisemitism that occurred historically in Russia and Europe. Liberal state MP David Southwick on Saturday described the attack as an act of domestic terrorism. Labor have allowed this hatred to fester unchecked and become normalised, said Southwick, who represents the seat of Caulfield, which has a large Jewish population and includes the suburb of Ripponlea.
The company said it was talking to Victoria Police for advice and assistance. The actions of these picketers are continuing to have an impact on Victorians being able to access essential grocery items such as nappies, drinks and toilet paper from our supermarkets across the state. The Age approached the non-UWU picketers for a response but they declined to comment. Woolworths has said the industrial action has cost the company at least $50 million so far. Workers are striking for better pay and conditions, and in protest against the use of automation in the Dandenong centre that the union says treats people as though they are robots. The commission did not order the strike to end, finding there was nothing to stop unionised workers from rallying at the four centres  but the picketers were ordered to allow safe passage in and out of the sites.

In a statement released on Friday night, Woolworths said it planned to reopen its major Dandenong South distribution centre as soon as possible. The supermarket giants shelves have been stripped bare as the company was unable to restock groceries during a two-week strike that shuttered distribution centres in Victoria and NSW. Some Dan Murphys and BWS stores were also affected. Empty shelves at Woolworths Southbank store earlier this week. Credit: Woolworths filed an urgent Fair Work Commission application this week after previously attempting to bus workers  who were not UWU members  across the picket line and into the Dandenong South facility. The supermarket giant abandoned its plans, citing safety fears. The commission heard that about 30 staff, including Woolworths managers, had sought to work at the site before the company abandoned its plans to allow some non-union workers to return to work during the week.

It also heard the centres usually had about 100 workers during each shift. About 300 people regularly work at the Dandenong site. Loading Woolworths alleged that the union had breached good-faith bargaining provisions because the picket line blockaded the site. The Fair Work Commission found the union had an obligation not to obstruct work at the site, issuing a bargaining order against the union that it had breached the law in how it had operated the picket line. Commission deputy president Gerard Boyce ruled the picket line across the driveway of the distribution centre had been conducted in a way that was capricious and unfair.

I find that unlawful picketing or conduct that has the effect of obstructing the worksite has occurred, Boyce said. I find that the UWU is not meeting its good-faith requirements under the act. Boyce also said the UWU had failed to provide evidence to support its position that the picket line was within the law. Negotiations between the union and Woolworths about the pay deal continue.

Reacting to the decision, a Woolworths spokesperson said on Friday night that the company was pleased with the outcome. Todays decision is a positive step for our team members who want to get back to work before Christmas, they said. It also means we will be able to progressively boost stock levels across stores in Victoria. The scene this week at Woolworths distribution centre in Dandenong South, where a strike has left shelves bare in stores all over Melbourne. Credit: Wayne Taylor During the hearing, Woolworths described the picket line as forcing it to negotiate with the striking workers union as though the company has a gun to its head. Woolworths said this week that the strike had cost $50 million in lost sales, and it expects further impacts on turnover until the strike is resolved.

The unions counsel, Hugh Crosthwaite, told the commission that the orders were unnecessary because the picket had not affected bargaining. Bargaining since [December 2] has continued at great frequency, the parties are meeting regularly, he said. Bargaining is progressing in a completely orthodox way. There is simply nothing in the bargaining process to remedy. Indeed while were here, bargaining representatives are bargaining. Crosthwaite also said it was utterly implausible that Woolworths could have operated the facility with the few staff it planned to bus in, as they were cleaners and others who did prep work rather than operators of the centre.
The Victorian development sector has the opposite view, warning the Allan government not to set targets at a time when the industry is struggling to make projects stack up commercially. Current market conditions and construction costs are necessitating a price of as much as $12,000-$15,000 per square metre  or $1.5 million for a family-sized apartment. This is well above the borrowing capacity of most Victorian families, said Linda Allison, Urban Development Institute chief executive. Allison said affordable housing targets made it harder for projects to stack up where sales of market rate apartments are used to subsidise social and affordable homes. Industry recommends prioritising overall supply, which will put downward pressure on prices, she said. But one Melbourne developer has found a formula that is enabling it to deliver projects with close to 10 per cent social and affordable housing.

Eleni Modinos, a professional actor and director, moved into a social apartment in Kensington in August, after leaving a live-in relationship with a partner who had multiple addiction issues. Eleni Modinos moved into a social apartment in August and says it saved her from a desperate situation. Credit: Justin McManus Moving back in with her family was not possible. Modinos struggled to find an apartment within her price range, and what was affordable to her was barely habitable, she said. One apartment in South Yarra had cardboard instead of a glass pane in the bathroom window. That was $415 a week, she said. The Womens Property Initiative referred her to Local: Kensington, a new $380 million build-to-rent housing development launched in inner Melbourne this month.

Modinos pays 30 per cent of her income on rent for a one-bedroom unit. I dont know where Id be without this. My life could look very different if I didnt have this opportunity, she said. Forty-two of the 477 apartments at Local: Kensington are social and affordable homes, with 33 dedicated to women in need, and nine for people living with disabilities. Kensington is Locals first build-to-rent project. The company is developing two more in Box Hill and South Melbourne and has set a target of at least 10 per cent affordable housing in all of its projects. Its co-CEO, Matt Berg, said the Kensington project was profitable overall, but lost a small amount on the affordable housing component.

Local: Residential co-founders Dan McLennan and Matt Berg are pushing for a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and social dwellings in their developments. Credit: Justin McManus Berg backed the call to include targets in new developments and said that although 10 per cent was historically high for Australia, the figure paled in comparison to some other countries. If you try and develop anything in London, minimum 10 per cent, up to 30 per cent is the requirement. We think 10 years from now hopefully other people are doing the same thing and with higher numbers. Womens Property Initiative chief executive Roberta Buchanan said the developments 33 social and affordable homes for women were like gold. Like gold: Womens Property Initiative chief executive Roberta Buchanan said she could have filled the Kensington complexs 477 apartments with women in need of secure housing. Credit: Justin McManus

We could have filled this building with women in need of housing, thats the reality, she said. Locals build-to-rent developments are being financed by NAB, whose chief executive, Andrew Irvine, said that Australia needs Local: Kensington. Last year, we had something like 600,000 newcomers come to our shores, and we only built something like 100 [thousand] dwellings, Irvine said. Dr Kate Shaw, honorary research fellow with the University of Melbourne school of geography, said she did not know of any social democratic cities outside of Australia that do not require a percentage of social housing in large new developments. Urban geographer at Melbourne University Dr Kate Shaw says Australia is an outlier for its lack of affordable housing targets in new developments. Credit: Penny Stephens

Even in solely private residential developments a social housing component is routine, she said. Shaw said it was a scandal that a state-led pilot project would seek to build 60,000 new homes without stipulating one new affordable home. We are in an affordable housing crisis  the city is not short of high-end houses and apartments, its the low-cost end we need to focus on, she said. Building more of the expensive dwellings that the market likes to provide is not helping those on low incomes  despite the trickle-down nonsense from the YIMBY [Yes In My Backyard] crowd. An Allan government spokesperson said its plan to build more homes around 50 train stations would give young Victorians the opportunity to rent or buy a place that is connected to public transport.
Boele turned Bradfield from safe Liberal seat to marginal, with Fletcher suffering a 15 per cent swing against him. ABC Electoral analyst Antony Green estimates the former Liberal minister is now sitting on a slim margin of 2.5 per cent. Kylea Tink and Nicolette Boele. Credit: Edwina Pickles Fletcher also said in his speech the teals constitute the most serious threat to majority government in 80 years. Tink agrees with this. We are going back to the earlier roots in our democracy, where it was much more about constructive coalitions.

Loading She is considering running for the Senate as a community independent, as some in the movement believe its time the teals extend their reach to the upper house. She says Labors proposed political donations reforms are designed to kill off the community independent movement. Instead, Tink believes the laws will force the movement to evolve and take the shape of a coalition or alliance. Something is going to have to rise up  to bring us back to a sensible centrist right.

The decline of the Liberal Party and its lack of women candidates for the 2025 election shows how deeply embedded the sexism is when it comes to the Liberal National Party, Tink says. But her biggest concern with the Coalition remains what seems to be their intractable obsession with fossil fuels. Even now, what we hear from them is a strategy that would condemn our childrens children to a lifestyle we cant even imagine. Tink also targets Labor, which she predicts will lose its majority. She warns that community independents will soon start to run in Labor seats. Labor has been very gun shy, she says. Every time the opposition has barked, theyve flinched.

Asked if she thinks Anthony Albanese is a good prime minister, Tink pauses for a long moment. I think Anthony Albanese is a good Labor Party man, she says. I think hes a good human being. But is he the person to lead us forward in the next 10 years? Is he a transformational leader? No. Teal candidates took seven seats from Liberals at the 2022 election and are hoping to broaden their electoral footprint in 2025. They are not formally aligned  Tink says the community independent MPs (as they prefer to be known) met in person for the first time when the 47th parliament commenced. But they all share the backing of Climate 200  a multimillion-dollar fund created by wealthy philanthropist Simon Holmes a Court.

Climate 200 is already supporting about 30 candidates, up from 23 at the last election, including those running in fresh territory like the Liberal seat of McPherson on Queenslands Gold Coast. Last election there were four Climate 200-backed incumbents; this time there are 10. In Bradfield, Boele has continued to campaign since she ran against Fletcher in 2022. Boele, who has a background in green-tech finance and policy, says she was approached by the grassroots body Voices for Bradfield in 2021, asking if she would be interested in running as an independent. She decided to accept following an encounter with Fletcher at North Turramurra shops.

Boele says he gave disappointing responses to her questions about near-term emissions reduction targets. I just couldnt believe as a moderate Liberal he didnt say: I agree its hard, but I believe in climate solutions, she says. Bradfield candidate Nicolette Boele, who will take on sitting MP Paul Fletcher. Credit: Edwina Pickles Afterwards, Boele says, he asked for her name and wrote it down in his little black book. Fletcher declined to comment in person, but sent a statement saying people in Bradfield know that a vote for a teal is a vote to keep Anthony Albanese as Prime Minister in a Labor-Greens-teals minority government.

Boele dismisses this as a recycled scare campaign that shows how the party fails to understand how disillusioned people in the community are with the Liberal Party. He basically called all the people who decided to put independent above him or his party, dim and naive. She says she will run on a platform of housing affordability, easing cost of living pressures, climate action and government integrity. Boele says her campaign has raised about $450,000 from a mixture of local small donors and major donors who gave more than $1500. There was a bump in donations this week following Fletchers speech, she says. The campaign has also received a donation of $42,000 from Climate 200. Last election, Boele received $100,000 from Climate 200.

I want to make it clear that yes, Bradfield is in play, she says. A lot of people get engaged when they think their vote might actually count. Boele will not say which party she would back in the event of a hung parliament, but says she would prosecute her stated policy priorities in any conversation about guaranteeing supply. Community independents have been criticised for their multimillion-dollar backing, for mostly voting with the government and the Greens and for being ineffectual. Tink counters that in this 47th parliament the legislation has been more scrutinised than any other parliament because there are people like me on the crossbench.
Members of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have narrowly voted against three contentious resolutions that would have prevented NSW Police from marching in the 2025 parade.

At the organisations annual meeting on Saturday, the first motion put forward by the events board would have barred police until such time as they demonstrate a commitment to improving relationships with LGBTQIA+ communities. It went down, with 493 votes against to 459 in favour.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb (centre) marches with colleagues at the 2023 Mardi Gras parade. Credit: AP

A second and more severe resolution put forward by activist group Pride in Protest was also rejected. The motion called for police to be banned without providing any avenue for them to rejoin in the future.

A third motion, put forward by Rainbow Labor supporting police marching at the parade but without uniforms or weapons, was also defeated.
A panel of Colorado lawmakers on Thursday night rejected legislation that sought to ban all new oil and gas drilling in Colorado by 2030.
Many observers attributed Georgescus success to his TikTok account, which now has 6 million likes and 541,000 followers. But some experts suspected his online following was artificially inflated, while Romanias top security body alleged he was given preferential treatment by TikTok over other candidates. The secret services alleged that one TikTok user paid 361,000 ($597,000) to other users to promote Georgescu content. Intelligence authorities said information they obtained revealed an aggressive promotion campaign to increase and accelerate his popularity. Georgescu, when asked by the AP in an interview on Wednesday whether he believed the Chinese-owned TikTok posed a threat to democracy, defended social media platforms. The most important existing function for promoting free speech and freedom of expression is social media, he said. A woman wearing a mask holds a banner  Your children are now free  during a protest against Calin Georgescu. Credit: AP

I have only one pact  with the Romanian people and God, Georgescu said in a video statement. We are no longer talking about fairness, but rather about a mockery that betrays the principles of democracy  It is time to show that we are a courageous people who know that the destiny and rights of the Romanian nation are in our hands. Loading Lasconi also strongly condemned the courts decision, saying it was illegal, immoral, and crushes the very essence of democracy and that the second round should have gone forward. Whether we like it or not, from a legal and legitimate standpoint, 9 million Romanian citizens, both in the country and the diaspora, expressed their preference for a particular candidate through their votes, she said. I know I would have won. And I will win because the Romanian people know I will fight for them, that I will unite them for a better Romania, she added.

Iohannis said he would remain in office until a new presidential election could be rerun from scratch. On December 1, one week after the first round of the presidential race, Romania also held a parliamentary election, which saw pro-Western parties win the most votes but also gains for far-right nationalists. Iohannis said that once the new government was formed, the date of the new presidential vote would be set. Loading Some 9.4 million people  about 52.5 per cent of eligible voters  had cast ballots in the first round in this European Union and NATO member country. The president serves a five-year term and has significant decision-making powers in national security, foreign policy and judicial appointments. Most surveys had predicted the top candidate would be Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, of the ruling centre-left Social Democrats. They indicated that second place would be claimed by either Lasconi or the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, George Simion. As the surprising results came in with Georgescu on top, and Lasconi narrowly beating Ciolacu, the political establishment plunged into turmoil.

The same court last week ordered a recount of the first-round votes, which added to the myriad controversies that have engulfed a chaotic election cycle. Following a recount, the court then validated the first-round results on Monday. Many observers have expressed concerns that annulling the vote could trigger civil unrest. The court said its decision was meant to restore citizens trust in the democratic legitimacy of public authorities, in the legality and fairness of elections. Simion, of the far-right party, said the development was a coup detat in full swing but urged people not to take to the streets. We dont let ourselves be provoked; this system has to fall democratically, he said. Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, said the courts decision amounted to a crisis mode situation for Romanian democracy. In light of the information about the external interference, the massive interference in elections, I think this was not normal but predictable because its not normal times at all. Romania is an uncharted territory, he said. The problem is here: do we have the institutions to manage such an interference in the future?
I did not sleep last night, and I refused to sleep until I heard the news of his fall, said Mohammed Amer al-Oulabi, 44, who works in the electricity sector. From Idlib to Damascus, it only took them [the opposition forces] a few days, thank God. May God bless them, the heroic lions who made us proud. Rebel forces led by HTS in the city centre of Homs. Credit: Anadolu via Getty Images Thousands in cars and on foot congregated at a main square in Damascus, waving and chanting freedom, witnesses said. We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and releasing their chains and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya Prison, the rebels said. Sednaya is a large military prison on the outskirts of Damascus where the Syrian government detained thousands.

But the Syrian army later said it was continuing operations against terrorist groups in the towns of Hama and Homs and Deraa countryside. Assads departure marks the end of the 54-year iron-fisted rule of the Assad family in Syria. His father, Hafez al-Assad, rose to power in a bloodless coup in 1970 and ruled until his death in 2000. Bashar al-Assad was elected weeks after his fathers death and ruled Syria until he was overthrown on Sunday. The rebels declared on Telegram the end of the dark period and the beginning of a new era in Syria. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali said on Sunday that the government was ready to extend its hand to the opposition and hand over its functions to a transitional government.

Opposition fighters arrive to cheers in the Syrian capital on Sunday. Credit: AP I am in my house and I have not left, and this is because of my belonging to this country, Jalali said in a video statement. He would go to his office to continue work in the morning, he said, and called on Syrian citizens not to deface public property. He called for Syria to hold free elections to allow its people to decide their leadership. Jalali did not address reports that Assad had left the country. Assad and the Syrian defence ministers whereabouts were unknown, the prime minister said. There has been speculation Assad could flee to the United Arab Emirates, where his extended family is known to own properties in Dubai. Flight-tracking data showed private jets moving between Damascus and the UAE on Saturday.

When senior Emirati diplomat Anwar Gargash was faced with a question directly asking him if Assad was going to the UAE, he dismissed it, saying it was a footnote in history, without answering. A Syrian Air plane took off from Damascus airport around the time the capital was reported to have been taken by rebels, data from the Flightradar website said. A giant portrait of Bashar al-Assad sits on a building in Damascus. Credit: AP The aircraft initially flew towards Syrias coastal region, a stronghold of Assads Alawite sect, before making an abrupt U-turn and flying in the opposite direction for a few minutes, then disappearing off the map. Reuters could not immediately ascertain who was on board.

Hours earlier, rebels announced they had gained full control of the key city of Homs after only a day of fighting, leaving Bashar al-Assads 24-year rule dangling by a thread. Thousands of Homs residents poured onto the streets after the army withdrew from the central city, dancing and chanting Assad is gone, Homs is free and Long live Syria and down with Bashar al-Assad. People arrive at the Jordanian side of the border as others wait in their cars on Saturday, after a ban on crossings into Syria. Credit: Getty Images Rebels fired guns into the air in celebration, and youths tore down posters of the Syrian president, whose territorial control collapsed in a dizzying week-long retreat by the military. The fall of Homs gave the insurgents control over Syrias strategic heartland and a key highway crossroads, severing Damascus from the coastal region that is the Alawite sects stronghold and where Assads Russian allies have a naval and an air base.

Homs capture was also a powerful symbol of the rebel movements dramatic comeback in the 13-year-old conflict. Swaths of Homs were destroyed by gruelling siege warfare between the rebels and the army years ago  fighting that ground down the insurgents, who were forced out. Loading Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) commander Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the main rebel leader, called the capture of Homs a historic moment and urged fighters not to harm those who drop their arms. In one suburb, a statue of Assads father was toppled and torn apart. Since the rebels sweep into Aleppo a week ago, government defences have crumbled at a dizzying speed as insurgents seized a string of major cities and rose in places where the rebellion had long seemed over.

The advances were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaeda and is considered a terrorist organisation by the US and the United Nations. The insurgents have met little resistance from the Syrian Army. The UNs special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an orderly political transition. Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, Pedersen said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assads chief international backer, said he felt sorry for the Syrian people. In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syrias border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the city were shuttered, a resident told the Associated Press, and those still open had run out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price.

The situation is very strange. We are not used to that, the resident said, insisting on anonymity for fear of retributions. Assad has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia is busy with its war in Ukraine, and Lebanons Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assads forces, has been weakened by a year-long conflict with Israel. Iran has had its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. Israel, which has severely weakened the Iran-backed groups Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, will likely celebrate the fall of Assad, another of Irans key regional allies. But the prospect of an Islamist group ruling Syria will likely raise concerns. US President Joe Biden and his team were monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and in touch with regional partners, the White House said.

A Syrian opposition fighter holds a rocket launcher in front of the provincial government office. Credit: AP President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that the US should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on implementing a 2015 UN resolution calling for a Syrian-led political process would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with UN-supervised elections. Foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pedersen, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha summit on Saturday to discuss the situation. Loading

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Russia issued a joint statement that said the crisis was a dangerous development and called for a political solution. Turkey is the main backer of the rebels. HTS controls much of north-west Syria and, in 2017, set up a salvation government to run daily affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Jolani has sought to remake the groups image, cutting ties with al-Qaeda, ditching hardline officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since the conflict broke out in March 2011, and many Syrians remain fearful the rebel group will impose draconian Islamist rule. Jolani has tried to reassure minorities that he will not interfere with them and the international community that he opposes Islamist attacks abroad. In Aleppo, which the rebels captured a week ago, there have not been reports of reprisals. Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. Credit: Al Jazeera

When asked on Saturday whether he believed Jolani, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov replied: The proof of the pudding is in the eating. The shock offensive began on November 27, during which rebel fighters captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syrias largest, and the central city of Hama, the countrys fourth-largest city. The pace of events has stunned Arab capitals and raised fears of a new wave of regional instability. Qatars top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticised Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the countrys underlying problems.
Washington: US President-elect Donald Trump and his allies have declared that his incoming administration has an unprecedented and historic mandate. While he won the popular vote by only a small margin, its true that voters shifted in his favour across the country and sent him back to the White House. But does that equate to a full-throated endorsement of his policy proposals?

Broadly speaking, polls show most Americans want change in many of the areas where Trump has promised sweeping reform, including the economy and immigration. But when asked about specific policies and the effects on their daily lives, Americans, including many who voted for Trump, arent always as supportive and often have mixed opinions.

President-elect Donald Trump takes the stage before receiving the Fox Nation Patriot of the Year award, in Greenvale, NY, on Thursday. Credit: AP

You go down the line of all these policies, and you find high levels of opposition, and it reflects that, for many Americans, they werent voting on specific policies, said Tatishe Nteta, director of the UMass Poll.

Thats not to say that polling suggests all of Trumps plans are unpopular  but they arent all broadly popular, either. Instead, polling reveals that many Americans hold nuanced views on some of the issues Trump plans to tackle or are unsure how they feel about them.
Abu Dhabi and Archer Announce Agreement With Cross-Industry Stakeholders To Launch First Commercial Electric Air Taxi Flights

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Archer Aviation Inc. today announced that it has entered into a multi-party collaboration agreement with key UAE and Abu Dhabi entities to advance the establishment of electric air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi.

The agreement aims to formalize the cooperation between UAE and Abu Dhabi stakeholders in preparation for the launch of the first commercial eVTOL flight. It was signed under the auspices of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs.

The agreements goal is for Archer Aviation to be the first manufacturer of electric vertical-take-off-and-landing aircraft in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and the first to launch commercial flying taxi operations in the Emirate.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office, a key signatory to the agreement, will facilitate coordination among Abu Dhabi entities in preparation for launch of commercial operations. Forming a robust ecosystem for eVTOL development, other parties to the agreement include Abu Dhabi Airports (AD Airports), Falcon Aviation Services, Etihad Aviation Training, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Global Air Navigation Services (GANS), Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) and the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility).

The collaboration outlines the roles and responsibilities of each party and lays the foundation for definitive agreements between Archer and the commercial stakeholders.

The partnership represents a strong alignment between leading industry entities, and follows a previous collaboration agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to accelerate air taxi commercialization.

His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), said: "We are pleased to see leading members of Abu Dhabis aviation sector collaborating with Archer to support the launch of air taxis in the emirate. This partnership marks a major milestone in the efforts led by Abu Dhabis Smart and Autonomous Systems Council to accelerate smart and advanced mobility solutions, further solidifying the emirates position as a global leader in smart and autonomous vehicles.

Director General of the GCAA, His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, said: We are committed to launching electric air taxis safely in the UAE. Todays consortium announcement showcases the importance of collaboration across the countrys preeminent aviation entities in order to host Archers Midnight in the region next year.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, Elena Sorlini, said: "We are proud to support this pioneering collaboration, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban mobility in Abu Dhabi. This partnership reinforces our commitment to innovation and positions the emirate as a global leader in next-gen transportation, ensuring seamless connectivity for future passengers."

Etihad Aviation Training CEO, Captain Paolo La Cava, commented: Abu Dhabi continues to lead the way in safe aviation innovation, and we look forward to working with Archer to train pilots and other aviation professionals for their electric air taxis, which we hope will carry passengers to and from many airports and future vertiports in the region in the near future.

Falcon Aviation Services CEO, Captain Raman Oberoi, said: "This partnership represents a significant milestone in the evolution of aviation, and we are committed to contributing to the successful integration of eVTOL operations in Abu Dhabi. For nearly two decades, Falcon Aviation has been at the forefront of helicopter passenger transport in the UAE. Our involvement underscores our dedication to innovation and excellence in the aviation industry as we work together with leading stakeholders to shape the future of air mobility in Abu Dhabi and beyond."

Global Air Navigation Services CEO, Yahya Al Hammadi stated: "GANS is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to enable the integration of UAM operations into the Abu Dhabi airspace. GANS is developing the capabilities to enable U-Space Service Provider (USSP) operations to accelerate smart and advanced Urban Air Mobility solution.

Global Aerospace Logistics CEO, Mahmood Alhameli, commented: As a leading provider of aviation maintenance and manpower services, GAL is proud to support Abu Dhabis eVTOL ambitions via this Partnership, and commits to spurring the local ecosystem to the exciting technological frontier of air mobility.

Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer of Archer Aviation, emphasized the significance of the consortium: "The UAE is a cornerstone of Archers future, and these partnerships are key to making that future a reality. The comprehensive support from our partners, combined with Abu Dhabi's forward-thinking approach to next-gen transportation, creates an ideal environment for launching Midnight.

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has been working closely with Archer, mostly recently through the organization of a week-long workshop at Archers headquarters and flight test facility in November 2024. At this workshop the two worked together to establish the necessary regulatory framework to certify Archers Midnight aircraft and approve commercial air taxi operations in the UAE.

About Archer

Archer is a leader in the electrification of aviation. We are designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft that are necessary to power the next great transportation revolution. Our goal is for our proprietary technology to deliver unprecedented connectivity across the most congested cities in the world.

To learn more, visit www.archer.com

About Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabis growth and enabling the emirates economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources, and value-added services. Initiatives focused on regional tourism and retail development, as well as public-private partnerships, ensure that community well-being is at the centre of Abu Dhabis economic transformation. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders, and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact. For more information, visit: https://www.investinabudhabi.gov.ae.

About the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)

The General Civil Aviation Authority was created in 1996 by Federal Cabinet Decree (Law 4) to regulate Civil Aviation and provide designated aviation services with observance to the safety and security to strengthen the aviation industry within the UAE and its upper space. Since 1996 the Authority has made considerable progress and embarked on bold new initiatives to provide a better service to its civil aviation clients and stakeholders. Since 1996 many new projects and innovations have been initiated with generally excellent result, such as modernization of the air traffic control center program, Radar equipments and establishing of new facilities to serve the growth of the civil aviation within the UAE.

About The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility)

The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport is responsible for the oversight of land transport, aviation, and maritime activities, in addition to driver and vehicle licensing services, underlining the governments commitment to establishing a smart, sustainable, and safe mobility ecosystem.

About Abu Dhabi Airports

Abu Dhabi Airports operates five airports and welcomed over 23 million passengers in 2023, working to position the emirate as a global aviation hub. Since November 2023, AUHs new state-of-the-art airport has enhanced operational capacity and passenger experience with world-class facilities, further strengthening Abu Dhabis position as a leading destination for traveler.

About Etihad Aviation Training LLC (EAT)

Etihad Aviation Training LLC is a leading aviation training organization in the UAE, offering state-of-the-art training solutions for pilots, cabin crew, and aviation professionals. EAT is committed to advancing the aviation industry through innovation and excellence.

About Falcon Aviation

Falcon Aviation is a leading business aviation services provider in the UAE and MENA, renowned for its reliability and excellence. Offering comprehensive services, including operating over 30 state-of-the-art helicopters for Heli-tours, VIP charters, Oil & Gas, and Medevac, along with charter of business jets, aircraft management, MRO, CAMO, and helipad management. Driven by a vision of innovation, Falcon Aviation is committed to quality, safety, and operational excellence.

About Global Air Navigation Services (GANS)

Global Air Navigation Services (GANS) is a leading provider of Air Navigation Services, delivering innovative, safe and efficient air traffic management solutions. GANS is leveraging innovative technological developments, enhancing service delivery and unlocking value for customers across the Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM) domains.

About Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL)

Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) is a leading provider of integrated aerospace and defense services, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Established in 2007, GAL offers a wide range of military-specific support services including maintenance, overhaul, and inspections to ensure the operators assets are at peak mission readiness.

Source: Archer

Text: ArcherIR
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With President-elect Donald Trump taking office in January and a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate, the federal appeals court in Denver could soon see a vacancy arise for one of its Colorado-based seats.
Modi Govt will purchase all farm produce at MSP





NEW DELHI :

THE Narendra Modi Government will purchase all farm produce at minimum support price, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in Rajya Sabha on Friday. He gave the assurance while answering supplementaries during Question Hour on the issue of MSP to farmers. The assertion came on a day when farmers are planning to embark on a foot march to Delhi with their demands. I want to assure the house through you that all produce of farmers will be purchased at minimum support price. This is the Modi Government and the guarantee to fulfil Modis guarantee, Chouhan told the house. When our friends from the other side were in power, they had stated on record that they cannot accept the M S Swaminathan Commission recommendations, especially on giving 50 per cent more than the cost of produce. I have the record, he said.

He cited former MoS Agriculture Kantilal Bhuria, Agriculture Ministers Sharad Pawar, and K V Thomas to back his claim. After his remarks, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar asked him to place on record the documents to substantiate his claim, which Chouhan agreed to. They have never honoured the farmers and never gave a serious consideration to farmers demands for remunerative prices. I want to assure the house through you that since 2019 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to calculate the minimum support price by giving 50 per cent profit on cost of production to farmers, the Minister claimed.

He also claimed the Modi Government is already giving remunerative prices to farmers, saying that paddy wheat, jowar, soyabean were being purchased at 50 per cent above the cost of production from three years ago. He also cited intervention in changing export duties and prices whenever rates of commodities fall. Govt disburses Rs 20,657 cr to 9.58 crore farmers in 18th installments of PM-KISAN scheme: The Government has disbursed Rs 20,657 crore to over 9.58 crore farmers in the latest 18th installment under the PM-KISAN scheme. In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Agriculture Ram Nath Thakur informed that 9,58,97,635 farmers received Rs 20,657.36 crore under the PM-KISANs 18th installment for August-November 2024 period. The PM-KISAN scheme is a central sector scheme launched in February 2019 by the Prime Minister to supplement the financial needs of land-holding farmers. Under the scheme, a financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per year is transferred in three equal installments, into the Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts of farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode, he said. A farmer-centric digital infrastructure has ensured the benefits of the scheme reach all. the farmers across the country without the involvement of any middlemen, he added.

Maintaining absolute transparency in registering and verifying beneficiaries, the Government of India has disbursed over Rs 3.46 lakh crore in 18 installments since inception. During the release of the 18th installment of PMKisan, over 9.58 cr beneficiaries received the benefit of the scheme, Thakur said. Answering a separate question, he informed that the recoveries from ineligible farmers marked due to income tax payee, higher income groups, Government employees etc. Have been initiated by the concerned State Governments. A total of Rs 335 crore has been recovered from the ineligible beneficiaries so far across the country, the Minister said. In reply to another query, Thakur said, Presently, there is no proposal under consideration to expand the scheme to tenant farmers.
7.0 magnitude earthquake off Northern California prompts brief tsunami warning





SAN FRANCISCO :

A 7.0 MAGNITUDE earthquake shook a large area of Northern California on Thursday, knocking items of grocery store shelves, sending children scrambling under desks and prompting a brief tsunami warning for 5.3 million people along the US West Coast. The quake struck at 10:44 am West of Ferndale, a small city in coastal Humboldt County, about 130 miles (209 km) from the Oregon border, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It was felt as far south as San Francisco, some 270 miles (435 km) away, where residents felt a rolling motion for several seconds. It was followed by multiple smaller aftershocks. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injury. The tsunami warning was in effect for roughly an hour. It was issued shortly after the temblor struck and covered nearly 500 miles (805 km) of coastline, from the edge of Californias Monterey Bay north into Oregon.

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. , a store packed with food, wares and souvenirs that is a main attraction in Ferndale. We lost a lot of stuff. Its probably worse than two years ago. I have to go, I have to try and salvage something for the holidays because its going to be a tough year, Kreitzer said before hanging up. The region  known for its redwood forests, scenic mountains and the three-county Emerald Triangles legendary marijuana crop  was struck by a 6.4 magnitude quake in 2022 that left thousands of people without power and water. The northwest corner of California is the most seismically active part of the state since its where three tectonic plates meet, seismologist Lucy Jones said on the social media platform BlueSky. Shortly after the quake, phones in Northern California buzzed with the tsunami warning from the National Weather Service that said: A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts near you. 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. South of San Francisco in Santa Cruz, authorities cleared the main beach, taping off entrances with police tape. Numerous cities urged people to evacuate to higher ground as a precaution, including Eureka.

I thought my axles had fallen apart, said Valerie Starkey, a Del Norte County supervisor representing Crescent City, a town of fewer than 6,000 about 66 miles (106 km) north of Eureka. Thats what I was feeling ... My axles are broken now. I did not realize it was an earthquake. Governor Gavin Newsom said he has signed off on a state of emergency declaration to quickly move state resources to impacted areas along the coast. State officials were concerned about damages in the northern part of the state, Newsom said. Crews in Eureka, the biggest city in the region, were assessing if there was any major damage from the quake, Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel said. Bergel, who works as a resource aid at a middle school, said lights were swaying and everyone got under desks.

The kids were so great and terrified. It seemed to go back and forth for quite a long time, she said. Some children asked, Can I call my mom? The students were later sent home. In nearby Arcata, students and faculty were urged to shelter in place at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. The campus in was not in the tsunami hazard zone and after inspections, all utilities and building systems are normal and operational, the university said in a statement. Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal said residents experienced some cracks in their homes foundations, as well as broken glass and windows, but nothing severe.

There also have been no major infrastructure problems, building collapses or roadway issues, and no major injuries or deaths have been reported, he said. Honsal said he was in his office in the 75-year-old courthouse in downtown Eureka when he felt the quake. Were used to it. It is known as earthquake country up here, he said. It wasnt a sharp jolt. It was a slow roller, but significant. Michael Luna, owner of a Grocery Outlet in Eureka, said that besides a few items falling off shelves, the store on Commercial Street was unscathed by the earthquake. We didnt have any issues but a couple of deodorants fall off.... I think the way the earthquake rumbled this time, it was a good thing for our store because the last earthquake was a huge mess, he said.

They evacuated customers and closed their doors temporarily until officials lifted the tsunami warning, he said, rushing off the phone to attend to a growing line of customers at check-out. 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, and the San Francisco Zoos visitors were evacuated. Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator for the Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska, said the computer models indicated that this was the type of earthquake that was unlikely to cause a tsunami and gauges that monitor waves then confirmed it, so forecasters canceled the warning. This quake was a strike-slip type of temblor that shifts more horizontally and is less prone to cause tsunamis, unlike the more vertical types, said National Weather Service tsunami program manager Corina Allen in Washington state. The California Geological Survey says the states shores have been struck by more than 150 tsunamis since 1800, and while most were minor, some have been destructive and deadly.
Armed Forces Flag Day Special Distt tops Vidarbha in collection of Flag Day Fund; Third in State





By Kunal Badge :

Former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri had announced Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan to rally the citizens behind the brave soldiers who guard the borders by staying away from their families. The government takes care of the soldiers after their retirement through a dedicated Office for soldiers welfare in every district. This office not only looks after the returning soldiers, but also of their families after retirement or demise of the soldiers. The citizens of Nagpur district showed their affection for the soldiers by collecting Rs 3.09 cr for Armed Forces Flag Day Fund in 2023-24, making it the top collector in Vidarbha region while coming at number three in the State. This collection was 161% more than the intended collection target of Rs 1.88 cr for the same period. Major Anand Patharkar (Retd), an officer decorated with Sena Medal, is currently holding additional charge as Zilla Sainik Welfare Officer (ZSWO) of Nagpur. He expressed his satisfaction over the fund collection while talking to The Hitavada.

He said, This is a big achievement for the district that we are among the top three in the State and top in Vidarbha region. There was an immense contribution of District Collector Dr Vipin Itankar in raising this fund, he said. He also acknowledged the contribution of Major Dr Shilpa Kharapkar, former ZSWO of Nagpur who is now Deputy Director of Department of Sainik Welfare. Major Patharkar and Dr Vipin Itankar will be felicitated for the achievement at the hands of C P Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra, on Saturday on occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day in Mumbai. The Zilla Sainik Welfare Office utilises this fund to sponsor education of wards of former soldiers who pass the 10th and 12th examination, students who secure admission in top colleges in the country like IIT, IIM, or AIIMS, National Defense Academy (NDA); or wards who get commissioned as officers in the Indian Defense Forces. The fund is also used for any requirement of the families of former soldiers like building houses or establishing new business.

Major Patharkar informed The Hitavada that the Nagpur office had taken up the work worth Rs 76 lakh to repair the Girls Hostel opposite Hislop College in Civil Lines. He also informed that Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM) had committed to donate Rs 20 lakh every year as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment. Along with Nagpur, Amravati has also performed well in fund collection. Amravati district has managed to collect Rs 1.38 cr against target of Rs 1.10 cr while Yavatmal district in the division has collected Rs 88 lakh against the target of Rs 55 lakh.
Fadnavis credits ek hai toh safe hai, Ladki Bahin for mega win





MUMBAI :

MAHARASHTRA Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has credited PM Narendra Modis ek hai toh safe hai (together, we are safe) slogan and schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana, for the massive mandate the BJP-led MahaYuti alliance got in the Assembly elections. Hindutva played an important role and counter-polarisation also helped the MahaYuti score the thumping victory, Fadnavis told TV news channels. PM Modis ek hai to safe hai slogan caught the imagination of the people, Fadnavis said. During the election campaign, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had raised the batenge toh katenge (divided we are destroyed) slogan, which was followed by Modis ek hain toh safe hain call. Fadnavis claimed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Yatra was done with foreign funding of forces working to destabilise India. Fadnavis also defended his call for dharma yudh of votes to counter an appeal by an Islamic scholar for vote-Jihad against the MahaYuti alliance. If anyone speaks of vote jihad, we will indulge in dharma yudh of votes, Fadnavis said. Hindutva is in our blood.

It doesnt need a poster boy. Hindus dont discriminate. Modi did development and didnt discriminate, Fadnavis said. On Yogi Adityanaths batenge toh katenge slogan, Fadnavis said, it looks nice in English. Fadnavis, who took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the third time on Thursday, said Hindutva and development are two sides of the same coin and described BJPs Hindutva as a way of life. He also alleged that opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance had an agreement with people like Islamic scholar Sajjad Nomani, and agreed to withdraw riot cases filed against Muslims. The voter turnout increased because Congress tried to suppress Hindus. When you try to suppress someone, they rise strongly.

Our development schemes and Hindutva worked, he said. BJPs Hindutva is a way of life and not related to religious rituals. Muslims have different religious rituals. One should not have a narrow-minded view of Hindutva, Fadnavis said. Through his actions, PM Modi has shown what inclusive Hindutva is, he added. Those who used to be scared of going to temples for fear of losing Muslim votes, are now frequently visiting them, he said, without naming Rahul Gandhi. Fadnavis also criticised the Oppositions election strategies, accusing them of leveraging religious platforms for political gain. Using religious places for asking for votes was wrong, he said, adding the Oppositions consolidation tactics backfired. People have woken up against this consolidation that is making life difficult. Every action has a reaction, he said. Fadnavis highlighted women-centric schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana, designed to boost economic growth. We have brought in women-supporting schemes that will take forward the overall economy, he said. Fadnavis said that after taking the oath of office on Thursday, he called up many senior state leaders, including political rivals Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar. They responded well, he said, adding, They congratulated me. He also slammed the Opposition for casting doubts on electronic voting machines (EVMs). When they win, they dont speak against EVMs, but after losing any election, they start crying against EVMs, he said.
Failed Narrative





THE Opposition camp should learn right lessons from its narrative that has failed in recent legislative as well as by-elections. Though some parties in the Opposition camp have won a couple of State elections, the overall performance of the Opposition camp has shown a decline from the levels it demonstrated during the Lok Sabha elections six months ago. The lesson, thus, from the fresh wave of polls is that the Oppositions narrative has stopped working in its favour. Time has come for its stalwarts to have a rethink of its strategy to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party and the National Democratic Alliance juggernaut. Unfortunately, the Opposition leadership has refused to learn right lessons from this continued debacle at the hustings over the past 10-plus years.

That is the reason why the Opposition has lost more elections than it won in the past one decade. It surprises political observers no end as to why the Opposition refuses to learn right lessons. There need not be any grief for this continued refusal of the Opposition to learn right lessons. For, if a political party or grouping chooses to mess up its own act, then nobody can save it from a collapse or down-slide. But the actual point of grief is the damage the Oppositions obstinacy is causing to the nations public discourse. It is muddying the process through baseless charges and allegations and senseless statements -- that have earned them only political discredit. Pursuing their obstinate stance, many elements in the Opposition camp are known to have collaborated with many elements outside the country only to malign the country and its legitimately elected Government and its leaders occupying constitutional positions. This has only created bitterness in the discourse and a sense of disgust in common peoples minds. This has reflected in the voting pattern, too, that sent the Opposition packing in most elections in the past ten years. Despite this continuous setback, the Opposition has refused to learn its lessons.

This pig-headedness surprises the people since it does not yield any positive results for the Opposition. Until recently, we have been describing the Opposition as I.N.D.I. Alliance. From now on, there appears no need to do so -- since that grouping stands virtually dissolved. This is proved by the manner in which almost every constituent of that grouping appears to be charting its own political and electoral course. When the experiment has failed so authentically and when all the narratives have fallen short of their stated objectives of earning voters goodwill and stamp, the Opposition leadership should take this as a time to get back to school and start learning basics of politics once again.

The question, however, is: Will it do that? Going by the general experience of the past few years, the answer appears to be rather a No. This is one attribute that has characterised the Opposition politics in the past many years. The real problem, thus, is that its stalwarts are refusing to acknowledge that the manner and method and tone and tenor of domestic discourse has changed dramatically and drastically from what it used to be say a quarter of a century ago, thanks to the dynamic and innovative leadership of Mr. Narendra Modi and his high-end close associates. The Opposition simply does not know how to counter this new-era politics with old machinations and shenanigans. It simply does not have the wherewithal to device newer narratives to defeat the narrativeless developmental thrust of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modis people-orientedness. In other words, the Oppositions divisive politics does not have a considered response to Mr. Narendra Modis unifying appeal that cuts across communities.
Farmers suspendmarch after8 injured intear gas shelling





SHAMBHU :

PROTESTING farmers on Friday suspended their foot march to Delhi for the day after some of them suffered injuries due to teargas shells fired by security personnel, who stopped them at thePunjab-Haryana border. As part of a call given by thefarmer unions Samyukta KisanMorcha (Non-Political) and KisanMazdoor Morcha, a jatha of 101farmers began its march on footto Delhi at 1 pm from their protest site at the Shambhu border topress for various demands, including a legal guarantee forMinimum Support Price (MSP). The farmers have also been pressing the Centre to initiate talks withthem to address their issues.

The jatha was stopped a fewmetres away by multilayered barricading erected by Haryanasecurity personnel.Water cannonvehicles have also been deployedat the Shambhu border point. The Haryana Police asked thefarmers not to proceed furtherand cited a prohibitory orderclamped by the Ambala administration under Section 163 of the
Douglas County commissioners Abe Laydon and George Teal voted to reissue the 2023 censure of fellow Commissioner Lora Thomas, accusing her of spreading "misinformation, disinformation, or frank untruths" in her weekly newsletter to constituents.
An official proclamation declaring Dec. 7 as Pearl Harbor Day has been a longstanding tradition for the El Paso County Board of Commissioners.
Construction is winding down on several key projects around the Colorado Springs area as the year ends, but delays and closures will still be affecting drivers next week.

Here's a roundup of projects that might impact your commute the week of Dec. 9.

South Academy

The southbound off-ramp from South Academy Boulevard to Coventry Drive will be closed temporarily next week for the installation of new sound wall panels, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. Monday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. and Tuesday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Drivers wanting to access Coventry Drive will be detoured, continuing east to Venetucci Boulevard. There they will travel north on B Street, turn east on East Las Vegas Street, head south on Maxwell Street, and then turn onto Coventry.

Interstate 25

The northbound I-25 on-ramp from eastbound South Academy Boulevard will also be closed starting next week as crews install drainage pipes across the roadway. From Friday, 7 p.m. to Saturday at 1 p.m.

Motorists trying to enter northbound I-25 will be detoured. Traffic will continue east on South Academy, exit at U.S. 85-87, turn around, travel west on South Academy to enter I-25.

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Air Force Academy North Gate

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in-bound on Tuesday, Dec. 10 and one lane outbound on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the U.S. Air Force Academy's North Gate due to maintenance on the active vehicle barriers, a security measure at the gate.

The closures will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. During the inbound lane closure, only one lane will be closed at a time with both outbound lanes remaining open. Similarly, during the outbound lane closure, only one outbound lane will be closed at a time with both inbound lanes open.

In a statement, an Air Force official advised drivers to expect delays and consider using the South Gate as an alternative.

Black Forest Road

Final road striping at the four-way intersection of Black Forest Road, Woodmen Road, Vollmer Road and Research Parkway is set to be done Sunday, Dec. 8, weather permitting.

The city of Colorado Springs said crews would begin alternating lane closures at 6:30 a.m. and continue until about noon. One eastbound and one westbound lane of Woodmen Road will remain open for traffic.

Crews will be enacting similar short-term lane closures at Vollmer Road and Research Parkway throughout the day, with work expected to be completed by late afternoon.

The striping is a last step in a project funded through Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority dollars to widen Black Forest Road to two lanes in each direction from Woodmen Road to north of Research Parkway. The city said that project completion is on track for the end of 2024.
An El Paso County sheriff's lieutenant is being held in the Teller County jail without bond after being arrested on domestic violence charges, the Sheriff's Office said Saturday.

Colorado Springs police arrested Paul Mynatt, 42, early Saturday morning on suspicion of third-degree assault and harassment, both misdemeanors, authorities said. Court records do not list an attorney for Mynatt, and his initial court appearance has yet to be scheduled.

Mynatt, who joined the Sheriff's Office in February 2007, has been placed on administrative leave, the agency said.

No other details were immediately available.
Netflix knows how to tell a good story.

For millions of living room sleuths, the networks recent three-part documentary series  Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey?  has reignited the 28-year-old unsolved child murder case.

JonBenet, who participated in child beauty pageants, was 6-years-old when her parents reported her missing from their Boulder home the day after Christmas in 1996. She was found in the afternoon of Dec. 26 in the basement of the familys home, strangled, with a garrote around her neck. An autopsy later revealed she had suffered a blow to the head.

Those who rode the investigation from the beginning watched the much-anticipated show to see if there was anything new. Some who didnt know much about the case are going down the social media rabbit hole, hungry for more. And a new generation is discovering the fascinating investigation for the first time.

Minds were changed. Minds are still set.

Even the programs director has chosen a side. In an interview with Netflix, Joe Berlinger said he thinks there is zero chance that the family had anything to do with this horrendous crime.

There was some new information introduced in the docu-series, which took a couple of years to produce.

What was fresh? For the first time, viewers heard the voice of detective Lou Smit from an audio diary he left behind after he died.

In a steady voice, he recorded his thoughts as he investigated the case and the documentary did a nice job clarifying dates and times.

Netflix tracked down an old interview with the district attorney who oversaw the case in the early days. Alex Hunter said he was at peace and that he did the right thing when he opted not to take the case to trial immediately after a grand jury recommended that the kindergartners parents be indicted on charges of child abuse resulting in death and being accessories to a crime

Also new were details about JonBenets mother, Patsy, who died of cancer in 2006. Never before on television had John Ramsey opened up about what those last sad days were like for the family.

It was good to see some investigators come forward. Producers were able to convince an always-wary Michael Kane, the special Ramsey grand jury prosecutor, to give a rare interview.

Kane revealed he advised Hunter that 13 months of intense investigation behind closed doors did not shake enough evidence loose to establish probable cause to convict anyone should the case have gone to trial at that time.

Kane was interviewed side-by-side with Ramsey DNA expert and former Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey.

Smit, a respected, longtime El Paso County detective who resigned from the Ramsey case when he realized that a grand jury would focus on JonBenets parents, devoted the last years of his life to investigating the murder using his own money and evidence, which he brought out of the Justice Center.

The Colorado Springs detective died in 2010, but he made sure that reams of detailed spreadsheets listing at least 100 suspects who could have possibly killed the little girl were overseen by his family and friends. They still run those possible suspects down one by one using DNA technology and private labs.

The production value of Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey was rich, with well-written narration woven in and out of Ramsey home videos, decades-old interviews, and an ornate reproduction of the familys 6,500-square-foot four-level Boulder home.

John Ramsey, who will be 81 in a few days, was the central character of the series. A home video likely supplied by the family showed them on a sledding holiday. At the very end of the series, Ramsey turned JonBenets small black-and-white cowboy boots in his hands, which were placed on a bookcase among treasures from his grandchildren.

His interview appeared genuine, his explanations those of a father who has resigned himself to a mindset of enjoying the short time he had with his child whose life was cut short so violently in the familys own home.

Media missteps

The Netflix crew unloaded plenty of criticism on how the local and national media  especially tabloids  centered on JonBenets own family in the first months and years that followed.

Charlie Brennan, a Rocky Mountain News reporter who often led the charge as information was leaked, admitted that as pressure mounted to stay ahead in the news wars, he frequently used only one trusted source. That method, he said, led to at least one untrue headline  that John Ramsey piloted the plane that took the family to Atlanta for JonBenets burial, which was untrue. It was a vulnerable moment that gave Brennan credibility.

On the heels of Brennans admission, Geraldo Rivera, who ran a mock trial against the Ramseys on his cable show, apologized on live television to Ramsey.

Because of the documentary, journalists and talk show hosts are rethinking their own biases and what they could have done differently with their coverage. The Ramseys did not talk to the press, likely on advice of their lawyers.

As a reporter who was on the case within the first few days of JonBenets death, I have seen and been on the production side of many of these kinds of television shows. When I was asked to be interviewed for this Netflix series, I had some reservations about it because its never easy for me to open up about personal work experiences. However, I liked the producers and grew to trust that they were not going to create yet another sensational program, as has been done so many times in the last nearly 30 years.

The horrific death of a little girl has been lost in the sensationalism.

Youre not going to solve this case by just a DNA hit

As it turns out, this series struck gold with viewers because it was well-told.

Neighbors stop me while Im walking my dog, and old friends have texted, wondering about why the case was never solved.

As former 20th Judicial District Attorney Stan Garnett explained it: There is a reason so much debate continues to swirl around the case. The evidence is complex and confusing.

Boulders district attorney for nearly three terms, Garnett was the first at the helm of the office to build a strong relationship with the Boulder Police Department in the place of a rift and where there was little trust for years.

He said hes never heard a decent explanation as to why an intruder would have left the two-and-a-half page ransom note, which Patsy Ramsey said she found on the spiral staircase. Garnett said he also believes that the case should be solved by the totality of the evidence.

Theres too much emphasis on the DNA, Garnett said. Youre not going to solve this case by just a DNA hit, unless you can explain all the other evidence, including the note.

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Whats left unsaid

Though its very hard to get every piece of information of a nearly 30-year-old case into a three hour show, it is my opinion that Netflix omitted important evidence  perhaps by design.

The following are three examples.

First, the show spent 10 precious minutes concentrating on one of the greatest debacles in a case full of confounding twists  the investigation of a deranged school teacher on the run in Thailand from child pornography charges out of California.

Netflix showed John Mark Karrs disturbing emails and played phone conversations he had with a University of Colorado Boulder journalism professor, which left viewers wondering if he and several other mentally disturbed persons of interest might still be guilty of JonBenets murder.

In truth, the expensive trip investigators took to Thailand where Karr lived should never have happened.

The formal investigation into Karr started in April 2006, 10 years after JonBenets death. Then-District Attorney Mary Lacy and her team so distrusted the Boulder police, they left them out of the loop. In fact, Lacy did not bring in local law enforcement until Lacys team was on the plane, according to sources familiar with the investigation. When the police and sheriffs asked Lacy if she had simply checked Karrs whereabouts to find out if he was in Boulder Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 1996, she admitted she had not.

Within 24 hours, police discovered through Karrs ex-wife and witnesses that he was in Georgia on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and could not have made the drive to Boulder to watch JonBenet die by accident, as he had claimed.

Secondly, the documentary played the infamous 911 call that Patsy Ramsey made just before 6 a.m. on Dec. 26, 1996. But for some reason, Netflix producers decided to cut the call short, instead of letting it play in its entirety.

The last six seconds, which the docu-series omitted, were critical.

The Ramsey 911 call could be one of the most investigated six-second snippets in crime scene history. Police believe that Mrs. Ramsey did not immediately hang up the phone and the ensuing conversation was recorded on a still-rolling dispatch tape.

The 911 operator, Kim Archuletta, stayed on the phone during that time and thought she heard Patsy Ramsey change her tone from distress to business-like and ask someone what to do next. When Archuletta first told police about the extra seconds, she said that they didnt take her seriously. When investigators realized she had uncovered an important clue, they investigated further.

To the naked ear, the audio sound like gibberish. However, Boulder police sent the tape to the U.S. Secret Service and to the Aerospace Corporation, a California technical analysis company, to have it enhanced. Audio experts thought they heard a conversation between John Ramsey and his 9-year-old son, Burke, whom the Ramseys had always contended was in bed asleep.

Though its unclear exactly what was heard, the 911 call was played for the Boulder grand jury, according to a grand juror who wished to remain anonymous.

Thirdly, Netflix would have viewers believe that JonBenet did not wet the bed the night she was killed, a major pillar in the police theory that the parents had been involved in her death. The production backed that up when it showed Smit explaining that JonBenets sheets were not soiled on the night she was killed. Smit used a crime scene photo of her room to bolster his case, and insisted that there were no urine stains on the sheets.

Investigators have stressed that Smit came into the case four months late so he never held the evidence and instead had to rely on crime scene photos.

When Smit showed me the photo of JonBenets Beauty and the Beast-themed sheets on her bed, I agreed they looked clean. It was worth a call to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, where I knew one of the administrators.

What about these sheets? They dont look urine-stained, I asked him.

Carol, you should smell em. The ammonia would knock you out, he said.

I am not identifying the CBI supervisor because he is no longer with the organization and he asked me not to.

Similarly, Mark Beckner confirmed the presence of urine on JonBenets sheets in a Reddit interview after he retired as chief from the Boulder force after 16 years.

Was urine found anywhere in the victims room bathroom or on her clothes? Reddit thread asked.

Her clothes and bed appeared to be stained, he answered.

Fresh eyes?

Boulder has a new police chief.

Last week, Stephen Redfearn, an outsider who came from the Aurora Police Department, made a 5:45-minute video assuring citizens that the agency is not sitting on valuable evidence.

We are doing everything we can to bring justice to JonBenet and hold her killer responsible, he said.

Redfearn acknowledged the mistakes that were made by police early on.

Will this latest documentary put renewed pressure on the Boulder police to solve the case?

Redfearn indicated the police dont need a production to make them do their jobs. In his video, Redfearn said investigators are utilizing outside forensic labs and experts in the latest DNA technology, but didnt expand what that meant.

He said that open-minded investigators most recently met with the Ramsey family in mid-2024. Theyve digitized the voluminous case file, which includes 21,000 tips, 1,000 interviews, 200 reports, and they also looked at the handwriting, DNA, fingerprints and shoe prints of 200 people.

JonBenet Ramsey would have been 34-years-old today had she lived.

Editors note: Denver Gazette reporter Carol McKinley covered the JonBenet Ramsey murder case from the beginning. She has followed the case through her journalism career at KOA Radio, Fox News Channel, and ABC national news. She joined The Denver Gazette in 2021.
Bollywood actress Vidya Balan today rued about the yellow taxis being phased out and getting lost saying the symbolic transport is one of the images that one can associate with Kolkata and she would miss the iconic vehicle in the city.

The actress was in the city at the 30 Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) for the screening of her first feature film, Bhalo Theko that was released about 21 years back. Speaking about her memories while doing the film, the actress pointed out how she was nostalgic about Kolkatas iconic features including trams and yellow taxis. The yellow taxis marked an iconic part of her films including Kahani and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, having portrayals of Kolkata in the story. Even during the promotion of her recent film, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, the actress had posed with a yellow taxi barefoot at the symbolic Howrah Bridge. During the promotions of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Kartik and I posed in yellow taxis on Howrah Bridge, barefoot. So there are some images that you associate with Kolkata  the trams, Howrah Bridge, puchkas and yellow taxis. So, I will miss it. It breaks my heart to think that I am not going to get any more of the yellow taxis on the streets of Kolkata. I have heard, trams are also getting reduced. I will miss both, said the actress.

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Speaking about her role models in acting from the Bengali film industry, the actress reiterated her admiration for Soumitra Chatterjee, Madhabi Mukherjee, Suchitra Sen, Uttam Kumar, Anil Chatterjee, Rabi Ghosh and so on.

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Getting nostalgic about her attending the KIFF 20 years back, the Parineeta actress also underlined reasons of her love for Bengali films and said, Bengali cinema is such that it is loved by all. Even in Hindi films, there are so many Bengali directors. Their way of portraying the stories is very different. Maybe thats the reason they are liked by all.

Talking about the things she loves about the city, the protagonist of the film Kahani added, The joy one has in Kolkatas culture of adda with friends is great. Also, if I am unable to come to Kolkata, I start wishing to visit Kalighat Temple. The third thing I love from Kolkata is nolen gurer sandesh.

Elucidating on the recent trends of people not preferring to watch movies in cinema halls, the actress said, It is sad to see that people have forgotten to watch movies in cinema halls. But I firmly believe that even though people have forgotten going to theatres for now, they will return to cinema halls. We all like to watch and experience something together at home or somewhere else. But watching films together is a different experience. So people will return to cinema halls.
Ancient city Anyang emerges as popular tourist destination

People's Daily Online) 14:29, December 06, 2024

Anyang, a national historical and cultural city in central China's Henan Province, has transformed into a popular tourist destination by integrating its rich cultural heritage with tourism in recent years.

The city, known for its proud history and brilliant culture, has received record-breaking tourist visits since the beginning of last year. During this year's week-long National Day holiday, it witnessed a tourism boom.

Within the city, a museum for the World Heritage Site Yinxu, the Yinxu Museum, which opened to the public on Feb. 26, has become a major draw for visitors.

Tourists visit the Memorial Hall of the Hongqi Canal in Linzhou, a county-level city administered by Anyang, central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan)

"We came specifically for oracle bone inscription," said Zhao Rui, a tourist hailing from Beijing. Oracle bone inscription, an ancient form of Chinese writing that was engraved on animal bones and turtle plastron for divination during the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 B.C.), is the source of Chinese characters. Zhao chose Anyang as the first stop of her family's trip during the National Day holiday.

During the holiday, the museum held featured exhibitions, including one on oracle bone inscription, calligraphy and seal engraving, innovatively choreographed artistic performances, and organized activities such as night tours in the museum. The number of visitors continued to increase, with visitor arrivals hitting 29,116 on Oct. 3, a record high since the opening of the museum.

The Yinxu scenic area (including the Yinxu Museum) welcomed 195,700 tourist visits during the holiday, a staggering 149.14 increase year on year. Specifically, the Yinxu Museum attracted 180,000 tourist visits during the holiday, and the average daily sales of the museum's creative cultural products reached 370,000 yuan ($51,660).

The National Museum of Chinese Writing is another sought-after destination in Anyang. During the National Day holiday, the museum attracted over 20,000 daily visitor arrivals on average.

An exhibition on oracle bone inscriptions kicked off in the National Museum of Chinese Writing on Oct. 31, showcasing 135 artifacts, including 72 rare pieces, making ancient wisdom accessible through engaging questions and interactive experiences.

"This exhibition represents our fresh approach to properly utilize the oracle bone culture," said Duan Yanqin, deputy curator of the National Museum of Chinese Writing.

Duan added that the museum will continue to make innovations to better promote the creative transformation and development of the oracle bone culture and contribute to establishing Anyang as a new landmark of Chinese culture centered on oracle bone inscriptions.

In addition to traditional culture, Anyang is also known for the Hongqi Canal, an irrigation project built on the steep Taihang Mountains and a major cultural relic site under national protection located in Linzhou, a county-level city administered by Anyang.

Visitors admire oracle bone inscriptions on display at the Yinxu Museum in Anyang, central China's Henan Province. (Photo/Wang Jian'an)

64 years ago, the local people, in order to deal with the severely harsh local environment where they lived, completed the water conservancy project after 10 years of efforts. The Hongqi Canal is a monument inscribing the heroic spirit of the unyielding and valiant local people who dare to fight to change their fate.

The Hongqi Canal scenic area has welcomed over 22 million tourist arrivals since its official operation in 1991.

During the National Day holiday, Anyang rolled out six premium tourism routes for visitors, with themes ranging from Chinese character culture to historical figures and nighttime tours. The 2024 version of the city's promotional video titled "Anyang" also helped fuel tourism growth. The nighttime tourism sector alone attracted over 1.3 million tourist visits during the holiday, according to incomplete statistics.

Thanks to a wide range of cultural and tourism activities, Anyang received nearly 7.63 million tourist visits during the week-long holiday, an increase of 79.81 percent compared to 2023, generating a cumulative tourism revenue of 4.85 billion yuan, up 84.38 percent compared to last year.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
The Colorado Springs Police Department is asking for community assistance in locating 13-year-old Jaelynn Medina.

Police say Medina was last seen around 7 p.m. Thursday near her home in the 2200 block of Glenwood Circle.

Medina is described as a Hispanic female with long dark hair, standing about 4-foot-9 with a medium build.

If anyone has seen or knows of Medina's whereabouts, call CSPD at 719-444-7000.
In a continued endeavour to uplift the lives of prison inmates and children in correctional homes, A S Sahney, chairman, Indian Oil launched Phase IX of Indian Oils Parivartan  Prison to Pride and Phase VI of NayiDisha-Redefining the Future today. In this phase, Indian Oil will touch the lives of over 1,650 individuals across 28 prisons and 14 correctional homes.

Inaugurating the ninth phase of unique social stewardship programmes, the chairman shared that he is immensely proud that IndianOil is providing second chances to prisoners and giving purpose in the form of sports. In the last 38 months, these programmes have reached 150 locations across 29 states and Union Territories. Over 7,300 lives have been impacted and these efforts resonate with IndianOils ethos of Nation First, reflecting our commitment to go beyond business and support the most vulnerable, he mentioned.

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Highlighting the other welfare initiatives at Indian prisons, Mr Sahney mentioned, Beyond these commendable initiatives, we are also transforming lives through our Umeed  A Hope project. In collaboration with the State Prison Departments, we have established fuel stations operated by current and former inmates. Additionally, the opening of the first Tihar Jail Store (TJs) at an Indian Oil fuel station in New Delhi last year marked a milestone in mainstreaming marginalised communities.

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Parivartan  Prison to Pride, which was launched on August 15, 2021, coinciding with Indias 75thYear of Independence celebrations under the Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav. The Corporation had also launched the first phase of this prestigious programme on 26 January, 2023. With todays launch, the initiative now empowers over 8,950 inmates and children in correctional homes at 192 locations across 29 states and Union Territories, through ten sports.
Miscreants looted the house of a policeman in the heart of Durgapurs administrative corridor this morning that sparked off sensation.

Sanjoy Ankuli, a police officer posted with the Purulia district police currently is undergoing training at the Police Training Center, Barrackpore. His family is lodged at a D-type quarter of the state government housing estate at City Centre in the town.

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Miscreants broke open the entrance door of Ankulis quarter when his wife Sathi had left home to collect their children from a kindergarten school at 11.30 am. The miscreants, as was learnt from the police, possibly had struck within minutes of her exit and continued looting.

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They fled with Rs 15,000 in cash and 4 tola gold jewellery, Sathi said. Police arrived at the house shortly after being informed. The miscreants couldnt be traced back as yet, the officials said.
A three-star like hotel was inaugurated in Jhargram, the most popular tourist destination in Bengal.

Subarnarekha Inn, situated in the heart of Jhargram town will provide all modern amenities to the guests.

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Jhargram is coming up as the most popular tourist destination. There are hotels both state run and private, homestays and farm stays. People visit the district throughout the year.

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After coming to power in 2011, chief minister Mamata Banerjee went to the district many times to win the confidence of the people. Jhargram was under the control of Maoists for several years in the Left Front regime. People had stopped visiting the district apprehending trouble. Sumit Dutta, founder Jhargram tourism said the three-star like hotel that was opened today will invite domestic and foreign guests
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva on Saturday stated that any criminal incident is a matter of concern and criticized AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly exploiting such events for political gains.

He asserted that the public easily recognizes the double standards of politicians who use such incidents as a diversion.

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Sachdeva said that while the people of Delhi are demanding accountability from Kejriwal over his governments alleged corruption, including controversies like the Sheesh Mahal expenses, the liquor scam, and several other issues, the AAP leader is attempting to deflect attention by politicizing unfortunate criminal incidents.

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He cited a recent example during the legislative assembly session where Kejriwal condemned the police for a murder involving three members of a family. However, just two hours later, it was revealed that the murderer was the son of the deceased couple.

The BJP leader emphasized that while Kejriwal terms a school fight a criminal incident, he remains silent on crimes allegedly involving members of his own party, such as Naresh Balyan, Naresh Yadav, Prakash Jarwal, Sharad Chauhan, Amanatullah Khan, and Tahir Hussain.

Sachdeva further questioned why the AAP has not expelled members like Naresh Balyan, who has been arrested under MCOCA, and Naresh Yadav and Prakash Jarwal, who have already been convicted.

Highlighting the nature of most crimes in Delhi, Sachdeva remarked that they often involve family members or close individuals, which is an alarming trend requiring serious attention.
A 108-foot high mast National Flag was unveiled today at the Laungewala Yudh Sthal to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen heroes of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The installation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Indian Army and the Flag Foundation of India.

The event was attended by war veterans Naik Jagdev Singh and Hav Mukhtiyar Singh of the 23 PUNJAB Regiment, who fought valiantly in the historic Battle of Laungewala 53 years ago. They were joined by eight other 1971 war veterans from the Jaisalmer district.

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Dignitaries from the Indian Air Force, Border Security Force, civil administration, and local community members also participated in the ceremony. Patriotic songs performed by school students added vibrancy to the event, paying heartfelt homage to the courage of the nations Armed Forces.

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The Battle of Laungewala, fought from December 5 to 7, 1971, remains a legendary testament to the valor of Indian soldiers who overcame overwhelming odds. Today, the Laungewala War Memorial stands as a revered tourist destination, drawing thousands of visitors each year to honor the sacrifices of the Armed Forces.

The newly installed flag is a tribute to this legacy, serving as a towering symbol of the indomitable spirit of the Indian Army and a source of inspiration for all who visit Laungewala.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday reviewed preparations being made at Panipat ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit on December 9. Prime Minister Modi will be launching the Bima Sakhi Yojana from Panipat.

During the review, the Chief Minister held meetings with officers and issued necessary directives. He said that the government has always been committed to womens empowerment. The state is actively working towards empowering women.

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Deputy Commissioner, Dr Virender Kumar Dahiya assured the Chief Minister that all arrangements for the programme have been completed, making it a historic event.

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The Chief Minister said that the nationwide Bima Sakhi Yojana inauguration programme will be a significant event dedicated to women empowerment.

He said that in 2015, the Prime Minister had given the impactful message of Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao from the historic city of Panipat only.

The Chief Minister said that the Bima Sakhi Yojana will certainly further give a major boost to women empowerment, create new employment opportunities, and enable them to progress further.

Enhancing womens living standards through self-help groups is a key priority of the government, he said.

He said that the passing of the Womens Reservation Bill by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modis government has further strengthened womens position.

He said that empowering women significantly contributes to the nations development. The Chief Minister while interacting with the mediapersons reaffirmed the governments robust efforts for farmers welfare.

He said that despite attempts by some political parties to mislead farmers, they have not succeeded.

The Prime Minister has implemented decisive and impactful measures in favor of farmers, empowering them and extending the benefits of government schemes, said Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

Cabinet Ministers Krishan Lal Panwar, Mahipal Dhanda, Krishan Kumar Bedi, MLA, Pramod Vij, former MP, Sanjay Bhatia were also present on the occasion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) is about saluting the valour, determination and sacrifices of Indias courageous soldiers.

In a post on X on the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day, Modi urged people to contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day fund.

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Armed Forces Flag Day is about saluting the valour, determination and sacrifices of our courageous soldiers. Their bravery inspires us, their sacrifices humble us and their dedication keeps us safe. Lets also contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day fund, the Prime Minister said in the post on X.

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The AFFD is celebrated every year to honour the fallen heroes and the personnel in uniform who fight valiantly on the borders to protect the motherland.

The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence has been working for the welfare and rehabilitation of war widows, wards of fallen soldiers and ex-Servicemen, including disabled ones by providing financial assistance for their identified personal needs such as penury grant, childrens education grant, funeral grant, medical grant and orphan/disabled children grant.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has exhorted the people to come forward and contribute generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, terming it as the collective responsibility of the country to ensure the welfare of the soldiers, both serving and retired, as well as their families.

In a video message on X on the occasion of AFFD, the Defence Minister described the day as an opportunity for the citizens to recognise the indomitable courage, sacrifice and dedication of the soldiers and reaffirm the resolve to fulfill the responsibilities towards these bravehearts.

Our Armed Forces act as an impregnable security shield, which is ever-ready to protect us in every situation  not just external threats, but also during natural disasters. Their sacrifice and discipline of our soldiers is a source of inspiration for every Indian, said Singh.

Reiterating the Governments commitment towards the welfare of the ex-servicemen, the Defence Minister said all efforts are being made to cater to the needs of the veterans and their families.

He urged the people to play their part, emphasising that their contribution can prove to be crucial for the soldiers and their kin.

For the welfare of society, it is the duty of every citizen to earn with a hundred hands and donate with a thousand hands, the Defence Minister said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged the citizens to generously contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) Fund, highlighting the collective responsibility of the nation to ensure the welfare of serving and retired soldiers, as well as their families.

In a message on X, Singh described AFFD as an opportunity to honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the armed forces while reaffirming citizens commitment to their welfare.

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Our Armed Forces serve as an impregnable shield, protecting us not only from external threats but also during natural disasters. Their sacrifice and discipline inspire every Indian, he stated.

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He emphasized the governments ongoing efforts to support ex-servicemen and their families while urging the public to contribute, stating, It is the duty of every citizen to earn with a hundred hands and donate with a thousand hands.

Armed Forces Flag Day, observed annually, honors the bravery of fallen heroes and the service of uniformed personnel.

The AFFD Fund, managed by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, supports war widows, veterans, and their families through financial aid for education, medical needs, funeral expenses, and care for disabled dependents.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray on Saturday announced that the winning MLAs of the party will abstain from taking their oaths, citing alleged discrepancies in the electoral process. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Thackeray questioned the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs), claiming that the huge mandate that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance received in the assembly elections was not given by the people.

Today we have decided that our (Shiv Sena UBT) winning MLAs will not take the oath. If this was the mandate of the people, people would have been happy and celebrated it, but people did not celebrate this victory anywhere. We have doubts about EVM, Aaditya Thackeray said.

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However, Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader and MLC Sachin Ahir clarified that the party has not called for the boycott of the oath ceremony of newly elected MLAs but echoed Mr. Thackerays concerns claiming the mandate the Oppositions Maha Vikas Aghadi received was not given by the people but EVMs.

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Today, we have not called for any boycott. We are participating in this process. We stand united for the national anthem, and many of our Shiv Sena MLAs are present here today. Now, the representatives of the three parties will sit together to decide the next steps. No decision has been made yet, but one thing is certainthe mandate we received is not the peoples mandate, but the EVM mandate. Public opinion and the EVM results are different, he said.

Ever since the results of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly were declared, the Opposition has been alleging EVM tempering. The BJP-led Mahayuti won 230 of the 288 seats, while the Oppositions MVA coalition could manage just 56 seats.

Reacting to Mr Thackerays allegations, NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said that there is no point in making such allegations and suggested they should go to the Election Commission or the courts.

There is no point in making such allegations here. They (the opposition) should go to the Election Commission, and if they do not get justice there, they should approach the court, he advised.

Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) leader Manisha Kayande also dismissed the allegations as baseless and inconsistent. Look, these are very childish actions from their side, constantly expressing distrust. They distrust everything. They dont trust any government institution. And when they win in the Lok Sabha, they say EVMs are fine. When they lose, they start questioning the EVMs, she said.

Earlier today, the Maharashtra legislative assemblys three-day special session began with senior-most legislator Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kalidas Kolambkar administering the oath to the newly elected MLAs. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputies Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, along with other ruling party legislators were administered the oath by Kolambkar. Kolambkar will also preside over the election of a permanent Speaker during this session of the 15th state assembly.
India and Russia discussed ways to strengthen defence cooperation at a meeting Indian Ambassador in Moscow Vinay Kumar held with Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin, Russias Deputy Minister of Defence.

In the course of the conversation, the parties discussed in detail topical issues of bilateral cooperation in the military and military-technical spheres, and reiterated their focus on further strengthening of specialised cooperation in the spirit of a particularly privileged strategic partnership, the Russian Defence Ministry said.

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The meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, traditional for Russian-Indian relations.

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The meeting came ahead of Defence Minister Rajnath Singhs three-day visit to Russia from Sunday to co-chair the 21st meeting of India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov in Moscow on December 10.

The two leaders will review the entire range of multi-faceted relations between the two countries in the field of defence, including military-to-military and industrial cooperation. They will also exchange views on contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest.

As part of the visit, the Indian defence minister will also commission the Indian Navys latest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate INS Tushil at Yantra Shipyard, Kaliningrad on December 9. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi will accompany Mr Singh for the commissioning ceremony.

In addition, Mr Singh will pay tributes at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow to honour the Soviet soldiers killed during the Second World War. He will also interact with the members of the Indian community.
The Pueblo Police Department is seeking assistance in locating missing 1-year-old Ezra Aragon, who is believed to be with his mother.

Police say the mother, Brittany Ramsey, has had possession of the child for the past five months but recently lost custody. The current whereabouts of the two are unknown.

The last known vehicle Ramsey was driving was a 2015 green Ford Explorer with Colorado license plate number CQT-O33.

Ramsey has history in Ordway and possible ties to Wolfforth, Texas, according to a social media post by the department.

If anyone has any information on the pair, contact the Pueblo Police Department at 719-553-2502. To remain anonymous, contact Pueblo Crime Stoppers at 719-542-STOP, 719-542-7867.

Tips can be submitted online http://pueblocrimestoppers.com.
Noting that public service was equal to service to the people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said Service is that in which there is no sense of self and it gives direction to ones spiritual journey and strengthens it over time.

Addressing the Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav in Ahmedabad via video conferencing, he said when this service was done in an organised form with lakhs of workers as an institution, then amazing results were achieved.

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He noted that such kind of institutional service had the potential to solve the major problems and eradicate many evils of the society and the country. Modi further said when lakhs of workers were connected with a common purpose, it would transform as a great strength of the country and society.

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Emphasising that Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav was an important milestone in the journey of 50 years of service, the PM remarked that 50 years ago, the process of registering volunteers and connecting them to service work began which he said was a novel initiative.

He said it was pleasing to see that lakhs of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) workers were engaged in service with utmost devotion and dedication. Lauding it as a huge achievement for the organisation, he congratulated and extended his best wishes to BAPS.

Reciting the Sanskrit saying, Seva Param Dharma, meaning service is considered as the greatest religion, the Prime Minister remarked that these were not just words, but our life values and Service was placed much higher than devotion, faith and worship.In our culture, Service has been considered the greatest religion, he said.

The PM said, Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav is a celebration of the humanitarian teachings of Bhagwan Swami Narayan.

He added that it is the glory of those decades of service, which changed the lives of millions of people. Expressing happiness over his good fortune to have witnessed the service campaigns of BAPS at close quarters, Modi said he has had the opportunity to join them on multiple times like after the devastation caused by the earthquake in Bhuj, the reconstruction of Naranarayan Nagar village, the floods in Kerala, the pain of landslides in Uttarakhand and even during the recent disaster of a global pandemic Corona.

Lauding the Karyakars for standing besides people as a family and serving everyone with compassion, Modi said that everyone had witnessed how the BAPS temples were transformed into service centres during the Covid period.

The PM also narrated how the BAPS workers helped the Government and people who were evacuated from Ukraine to Poland when the hostilities of war increased in Ukraine. He lauded them for their swift organization of bringing together thousands of BAPS workers from all over Europe overnight and helping the large number of Indians who were reaching Poland.

Highlighting this power of organization of BAPS, Modi said their contribution in the interest of humanity at the global level was commendable.

Expressing his gratitude to all the BAPS workers on the occasion of Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav, the PM remarked that today BAPS workers were bringing about a change in the lives of crores of people through their tireless service across the world.

He urged all the Karyakars to take up a resolution and work with dedication. He urged them to work across a plethora of options like natural farming, spreading the feeling of unity in diversity, fight against drug abuse to protect the youth, reviving the rivers, or sustainable lifestyle to save the future of the earth.

The PM also urged them to prove the authenticity and impact of the vision of Mission LiFE that India had given to the whole world. He added they could also actively promote the campaigns like Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Fit India, Vocal for Local, Millets that accelerate Indias development.

Modi said the youth of India will give their ideas and prepare the outline of their contribution to fulfill the resolve of developed India during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue to be organised in January 2025. He urged all the young Karyakars to participate in it.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) President Mayawati on Saturday slammed the opposition for its silence in Parliament on atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.

She said that instead of raising issues of national and public interest, they are covering for the violence that took place in Sambhal to serve their political self-interest.

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The opposition parties, especially the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress, are trying to woo Muslim votes by even dividing Muslims along the lines of Turks and non-Turks. The Muslim community must also be cautious of their conspiracy, she told reporters here on Saturday.

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The BSP supremo said that the opposition parties are keeping silent on the issues of Dalit oppression to please their respective party bosses.

Whether it is the case of oppression of Dalits in our country or in Bangladesh, they are being neglected by society. Hindu people from all sections are becoming victims of atrocities in Bangladesh, but most of these Hindus are Dalits, who form the majority in India. Despite this, during partition, they were forcibly given to Pakistan as a punishment for sending Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar to the Constituent Assembly, she alleged.

She said, When Baba Saheb was elected to the Constituent Assembly from the Jaysore-Khulna region of Bengal, despite it being a Hindu majority area, it was first handed over to Pakistan under a conspiracy, which is now part of Bangladesh. Due to this, Baba Saheb resigned and returned to India.

The Congress party orchestrated this casteist game. Now, Dalits are being exploited there, and the main opposition party remains silent on this while focusing only on Muslim votes. In this matter, Congress, SP, and their supporting parties are all in the same boat, the BSP chief added.

Mayawati demanded that the BJP and the central government fulfil their responsibilities to provide relief to Dalits and others suffering in Bangladesh.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Saturday claimed that the dream of a Welfare State envisioned by the framers of the Constitution has been realised between 2014 and 2024 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He stated that the PM has ensured the provision of basic amenities to millions of people across the nation. He emphasised that the development of the country cannot be achieved unless the welfare of the poor reaches crores of underprivileged citizens.

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Addressing the Lok Seva Utsav programme organised by the Gujarat Lok Seva Trust in Ahmedabad, Mr Shah said that during the framing of the Indian Constitution, the President of the Constituent Assembly Dr. Rajendra Prasad, stated that the fundamental objective of the Constitution should be the establishment of a Welfare State.

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He underlined that the Constitution set a core goal to create a state where every individuals welfare, inclusive development, and dignified living for every family are ensured.

Mr Shah said that in 2014, Mr Modi pledged that no household in the country would be left without basic amenities essential for life. He further mentioned that PM Modi ensured the provision of toilets, gas connections, housing for the poor, and free food grains to every household. Additionally, the Government of India bears healthcare expenses of up to Rs. 5 Lakh for millions of poor families across the country.

He said that PM Modi identified the mantra of Garib Kalyan (welfare of the poor) and implemented it at the grassroots level of society.

This is why 25 crore people in the country have risen above the poverty line today. He added that no government can achieve such a massive feat alone; it is made possible through the collective efforts of numerous trusts, individuals, and service-oriented organisations.
Opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan on Saturday said the LDF governments decision to increase electricity rates again is a challenge to the people of the state.

Speaking to the media in Kochi on Saturday, Satheesan said the state government has given an electric shock to the people through the recent power tariff hike. He said that the increase in rates is a burden imposed on the people due to corruption and mismanagement by the Electricity Board, and called on the government to urgently prepare to withdraw the hike, which is making life even more difficult for the people.

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This government has raised electricity charges five times since coming to power. Apart from the recent raise of 16 paise, it has been declared that another 12 paise will be added at the start of the next financial year, he said.

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KPCC President and MP, K Sudhakaran, said that the Congress would launch strong protests against the governments decision to hike electricity rates. This marks the fifth time that the Pinarayi government has increased the power tariff. In a statement here, K Sudhakaran said that this is a challenge to the people. He also demanded that the government clarify why the long-term contract for purchasing electricity was cancelled without proper planning.

The LDF government in Kerala on Friday announced a 16 paise per unit increase in electricity tariffs for the 2024-25 financial year, effective from December 5. An additional hike of 12 paise per unit is set to follow in the 2025-26 financial year. This marks the fifth tariff increase under the Pinarayi Vijayan governments tenure since it came to power in 2016.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will embark on a two-day official visit to the Russian Federation on Sunday. During the visit, he will co-chair the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) alongside his Russian counterpart, Andrey Belousov, in Moscow on December 10.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the two leaders will comprehensively review the diverse aspects of India-Russia defence relations, including military-to-military ties and industrial cooperation. They will also exchange perspectives on contemporary regional and global issues of mutual concern.

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As part of the visit, Singh will commission the Indian Navys latest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, at Yantra Shipyard in Kaliningrad on Monday. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi will join the Defence Minister at the ceremony.

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Additionally, Singh will pay homage at Moscows Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor Soviet soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War II. He will also engage with members of the Indian community in Russia during his visit.
NCP leader Sharad Pawar has said that he plans to visit the EVM-sceptic village of Markadwadi on Sunday to interact with the villagers who conducted a mock repoll recently using ballot papers.

The election process is over. So why is a mock ballot repoll banned here? The people of that village wanted to see who got the votes. So now we have decided to hear what the people of that village have to say, Pawar said while announcing about his decision at a press conference in Kolhapur on Saturday.

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Four elections have been held in the last two months. In Haryana, the BJPs condition was very bad, but they won there. In Jammu & Kashmir, the Congress did not get much success, while the National Conference got success. In Maharashtra, the BJP won, but it was defeated in Jharkhand. The results show that the BJP has won in big states, while smaller states have gone to the opposition, he said.

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He said that an analysis of voting data has revealed that the Congress got 80 lakhs votes, but ended up with only 16 MLAs, while the ruling Shinde-led Shiv Sena got 79 lakh votes, but got 57 seats, while the NCP (Sharad Pawar) bagged 72 lakh votes but managed only 10 seats, even as the ruling Ajit Pawar-led NCP got 58 lakhs votes and bagged 41 seats.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi is likely to go on a padyatra to Markadwadi village and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray will also visit the village. It is also learnt that leaders of other INDIA bloc parties are likely to go to the village and interact with the people in the coming days.

It may be recalled that Markadwadi village shot to fame after EVM-sceptic villagers attempted to carry out a mock repoll using ballot papers inspired by the NCP (Sharad Pawar) MLA Uttamrao S. Jankar on December 3.

However, the local police and district authorities clamped down upon villagers by issuing prohibitory orders and warned them that even if a single ballot paper vote was cast, stringent action would be taken against them. So far, it is learnt that legal proceedings have been taken against more than a 100 villagers in Markadwadi.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has demanded the crucial home ministry from the BJP and talks on portfolio allocation are still in progress, Shindes aide and Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogavale said in Mumbai on Saturday.

When Devendra Fadnavis was Deputy Chief Minister in the Shinde-led government, he held the home ministry. Therefore Shinde has demanded the home ministry and talks on portfolio allocation are in progress, Gogavale said.

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Gogawale stated that cabinet expansion is likely to take place between December 11 and December 16, just ahead of the winter session of the Maharashtra legislature.

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The Maharashtra cabinet, including the chief minister, can have a maximum of 43 ministers. A final decision on the number of ministers to take oath in the cabinet expansion will be taken in two to three days, a senior BJP leader claimed.

Incidentally, the winter session of the legislature is set to begin on December 16 in Nagpur, which is Maharashtras second capital. Though it has been claimed that there will soon be clarity about allocation of ministerial portfolios in three days, there are indications that talks could be full of compromises and hard bargaining, sources said.

Discussions about allocation of ministerial portfolios seem to be complicated despite the previous talks Shinde had with both Union Minister Amit Shah immediately after he was sworn in. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah are being informed of the ministerial portfolio allocations talks going on in Mumbai, it is learnt.

Another issue which has not gone down well with the Shinde-led Sena is BJPs alleged attempts to change the portfolios held by the Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the previous Mahayuti government, according to a Sena leader.
Emphasising that Indias fight against tuberculosis just got stronger, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the starting of a special 100 day campaign today with a focus on the high burden TB districts.

He also urged the citizens to read an article written by Union Health Minister J P Nadda.

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In a post on X, Modi said, Our fight against TB just got stronger! Powered by a collective spirit to defeat TB, a special 100 day campaign is starting today with a focus on the high burden TB districts.

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The Prime Minister said India is fighting TB in a multi-pronged manner with doubling support to patients, Jan Bhagidari, newer drugs and use of technology and better diagnostic tools.

Let us all come together and do our bit to eliminate TB, Modi further said in the post.

Modi highlighted that initiatives like Nikshay Mitras and shorter, effective treatments have significantly reduced TB incidence, improved recovery rates and reinforced Indias global leadership in combating TB.

Responding to a post on X by Union Minister J P Nadda, Modi in another post said, Union Health Minister Shri @JPNadda elaborates how Indias TB elimination efforts have seen transformative progress with nutritional support through Nikshay Poshan Yojana. Initiatives like Nikshay Mitras and shorter, effective treatments have significantly reduced TB incidence, improved recovery rates and reinforced Indias global leadership in combating TB.

Responding to a post on X by Union Minister JP Nadda, Modi, in another post on X, said, Health Minister Shri JP Nadda Ji gives an insightful picture of the steps we are continuously taking to make India TB-free. Do read. @JPNadda.

Earlier, the Union Health Minister said under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India is making remarkable progress in the fight against TB.

Initiatives like the 100-day campaign in high-burden districts, enhanced nutritional support through Nikshay Poshan Yojana, and faster, cost-effective diagnostic tools are accelerating the countrys efforts. These steps have significantly increased treatment coverage and reduced TB incidence. The emphasis on Jan Bhagidari has united communities, ensuring timely diagnosis

and treatment, Nadda said in the post on X.

Indias innovative approach is setting global benchmarks and moving the country closer to a #TBMuktBharat, the Union Health Minister further said in the post on X.

Meanwhile, Nadda on Saturday officially launched the ambitious 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign in Panchkula, Haryana.

The campaign aims to accelerate the fight against TB by improving case detection, reducing diagnostic delays, and enhancing treatment outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The campaign will span 347 districts across 33 states and Union Territories. It represents a critical component of Indias strategy to eliminate TB and build a TB-free nation.

India has also significantly reduced the incidence rate of the deadly infectious disease as well as the related deaths.

The incidence rate of TB in India has shown a 17.7 per cent decline from 237 per 100,000 population in 2015 to 195 per 100,000 population in 2023, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel, had said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Patel said, TB deaths have reduced by 21.4 per cent from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh population in 2023. TB notification, which has been a concern in India, has also seen improvements in recent years. Notified TB cases increased from 18.05 lakh in 2020 to 25.52 lakh in 2023, said the MoS.
Cracks appear to be widening within the Oppositions Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance as Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi hinted at severing ties over a controversial post by Shiv Sena (UBT) related to the Babri Masjid demolition.

Azmi criticized Uddhav Thackerays party, accusing it of returning to its Hindutva agenda despite its alliance with secular parties.

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They (Uddhav Thackerays party) said that they have turned secular and joined the alliance with Congress, Sharad Pawar, and the Samajwadi (Party). However, after the recent assembly election defeat, they have come back to their Hindutva agenda. The MVA will not work like this, Azmi said.

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Azmi also expressed frustration over the lack of coordination between the Samajwadi Party and other MVA constituents during the recent Maharashtra assembly elections.

What we have to do with the MVA? We were not contacted during ticket distribution; there was no coordination whatsoever during elections, he remarked, adding to his grievances.

The Samajwadi Party MLA further alleged that Uddhav Thackeray instructed his party members to aggressively pursue the Hindutva agenda during an internal meeting held after the MVAs election defeat. He also pointed out that Shiv Sena (UBT) posted a message on its social media handle on December 6, supporting the Babri Masjid demolition.

Azmi stated that he plans to discuss the matter with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to decide the partys future course of action regarding the alliance.

However, Azmi aligned with the MVAs stance on electronic voting machines (EVMs). I also suggest removing EVM if there is doubt among the people, he said, reiterating the coalitions demand for a return to ballot-based voting.
A delegation of prominent Ulemas and Muslim residents of the city from Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin and Basti Hazrat Nizamuddin met Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena here on Saturday and demanded stringent action against illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in the national capital.

During the meeting, the delegation expressed deep concern about the attacks being undertaken on the Hindu and other minority communities in Bangladesh, the LG office said. They stated that they were worried about the situation of their Hindu brethren and other minorities in Bangladesh, it said.

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The delegation urged the LG to take stringent against illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in Delhi.Besides that, illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators should not be given houses on rent and those houses who have already rented out their premises should evict them. They should not be given employment by any establishment and those who have given employment to them, should remove them.

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They also requested the LG to call upon Delhi residents that if they find that any illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators are living in their neighbourhood, they should provide the information in this regard to the police. In addition to that, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Police be directed to remove illegal infiltrators from roads, footpaths, parks and other government lands, over which they have forcefully encroached, they said.

The delegation also demanded that any documents like Aadhar Card, voter ID, or any other government document acquired illegally by Bangladeshi infiltrators be cancelled immediately. If any Masjid or Madarsa has given shelter to such infiltrators, they should immediately evict them, as per the LG office.

A special drive be launched to identify such infiltrators and they be sent back to Bangladesh, it said.
Colorado Springs police are actively searching for a suspect allegedly involved with a bank robbery just outside Briargate Friday afternoon.

Around 12:15 p.m., police were alerted to a bank robbery in the 500 block of Powers Center Point, near North Powers Boulevard and Research Parkway. When Stetson Hills patrol officers got the scene, they found the suspect had fled the area.

An investigation by Colorado Springs Police Department's robbery unit is underway, currently seeking and investigating leads.

Anyone with any information related to this investigation is asked to call the non-emergent phone number at 719-444-7000.
Countries across the globe have started recalibrating their foreign policy priorities ahead of a second Donald Trump administration in the US and the unpredictability that stems from his statements, many of which are controversial. This rebooting is manifested more in the Indo-Pacific region as there are many hotspots, necessitating the countries in the region to reposition their priorities. The region that is destined to hog the limelight is the South China Sea. This is seen as a major flashpoint as there are many Asian countries which have contesting claims to the areas that fall within their Exclusive Economic Zones.

In contrast, China claims its sovereignty almost in its entirety. There lies the danger as Beijings muscle-flexing threats and activities have unnerved the smaller Asian claimant nations. As an insurance to such possible escalation of tensions and potential conflict, Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam chief visited Malaysia in late November 2024 during which both sides pledged to deepen their cooperation on the South China Sea amid rising maritime tensions between Beijing and Manila. Both sides upgraded diplomatic ties and elevated bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in a clear step towards easing tensions over the competing territorial claims in the waterway. The move also signals an accelerating realignment of power in South-east Asia.

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This could lead to a more united front from claimant countries in the overarching maritime dispute with China. Analysts speculate that Trumps return signals stormier waters for Beijing in the South China Sea. Beijing has alleged that the US-Philippine task force is fanning the flames in the South China Sea. As tensions continue to rise in the area, Beijing calls for friendly talks, which in effect means that others must accept its terms. Chinas envoy has told the Association for South East Asian Nations that alliances with the US mar peace and stability. The agreement between Vietnam and Malaysia makes the latter the first Asean member state to become a top-tier diplomatic partner with Vietnam, a status it shares with China.

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In the joint statement, both sides pledged to work together to maintain peace, security, stability, safety, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, as well as peaceful resolution of disputes without resorting to threats of use of force. They also reaffirmed the importance for all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and to refrain from undertaking activities that could escalate tension which in turn could affect peace and stability in the South China Sea. At the joint press conference, Lam reiterated the call for restraint by all relevant parties and committed to the early adoption of a substantive and effective South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC). The code should be in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The COC is an important document that should prescribe the parameters for all claimants to follow and which can eliminate the room for any conflict. Unfortunately, even though ne  gotiations for a COC started in the 1990s, it remains elusive. Despite Asean and China having agreed in 2023 to conclude talks by 2026, the members remain divided ~ including on whether it should be legally binding. What has led to the slow progress of the negotiations for a COC is that there are differences among the Asean member states and China. This lack of unity among the member states, including over competing claims with each other, and the role of China has contributed to the slow pace of progress. Interestingly, despite the diplomatic upgrde between Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi, there are reports that Malaysia lodged a rare protest over Vietnams alleged expansion of a South China Sea reef in the Spratly Islands that is claimed by both countries.

Interestingly, the claims by four members of the Asean bloc ~ Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei ~ overlap with Chinas expensive assertions of territorial rights over much of the waterways. There is another dimension behind the Malaysia-Vietnam upgrade. Vietnam may be backing Malaysia because Malaysia is going to assume the Asean chair in 2025, which Vietnam may be seeing as an opportunity to push the maritime issue in concluding the legally binding COC as soon as possible. The timing of the understanding between the two countries is equally important. There are concerns that when Trump returns to the White House in January 2025, he may not be willing to stand by the Asean members on the South China Sea issue and therefore there is an urgent realisation to secure a binding COC as the best option.

Be that as it may be, the Malaysia-Vietnam upgrade sends a strong signal of shared priorities as both sides recognise that a fragmented Asean only benefits those who wish to dominate the South China Sea. The move to lift Malaysia to the top tier of Vietnams partnerships ~ an eight-strong group that also includes the US, Russia, India, Japan and France ~ fits well into Hanois broader diplomatic strategy. The Malaysia-Vietnam up  grade is likely to be trend-setter for other members of the Asean bloc to follow, to scale up their relationships. Having built a strong partnership with Malaysia, Hanoi is likely to forge stronger bonds with Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines, thereby quietly weaving a network of partnerships that could help South-east Asian nations better coordinate their approach to maritime disputes.

Though no immediate impact on the South China Sea dynamics may be expected following the growing coordination between claimant states, the momentum for a more cohesive regional response could be a move in the right direction. Given the on-going fights between the Philippines with China over the South China Sea, the Philippines might feel encouraged to deepen its own partnership in light of Malaysias Asean chairmanship in 2025 and feel emboldened for a resolute response to deal with Beijing. Lam is more assertive on the South China Sea issue than his predecessor Nguyen Phu Trong, who died in July at the age of 80. Since he came to power in August 2024, Lam has tried to cultivate Vietnam for an understanding on maritime issues.

Lam visited Bach Long Vi Island in the Gulf of Tonkin in mid-November and stressed the islands strategic importance to Vietnams national security and sovereignty. This was obviously aimed at Beijing. China is best advised to consider the sensitivities of the South-east Asian nations with interests in the South China Sea and craft its policies accordingly.

(The writer is former Senior Fellow at MP-IDSA and PMML, New Delhi. He is also a former ICCR Chair Professor at Reitaku University, Japan)
The attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar has sent shockwaves through Punjabs political and religious landscape. The accused, Narain Singh Chaura, is a 68-year-old with a long history of alleged ties to militant organisations, including the now-inactive Khalistan Liberation Army and Babbar Khalsa International. His background, which includes connections to the 2004 jail escape of Babbar Khalsa leader Jagtar Singh Hawara and multiple cases under the Explosives and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Acts, underscores the persistent challenges posed by the remnants of Punjabs militancy era.

At the time of the attack, Mr Badal was serving a religious sentence pronounced by Sri Akal Takht, related to unresolved allegations of sacrilege and failures during his governments tenure from 2007 to 2017. These include the controversial pardon granted to Dera Sacha Sauda leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and the fallout from incidents like the Bargari sacrilege as well as the Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan police firings. These issues have long fuelled anger within the Sikh community and kept the political atmosphere in Punjab on edge. The attack, thwarted by quick action from security personnel and sewadars, raises critical questions about the law-and-order situation in Punjab. While Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann commended the police for their swift response, opposition leaders, including SAD and BJP figures, have criticised the government for intelligence lapses. BJP leader Fatehjung Singh Bajwa, for instance, questioned how someone with Chauras record could roam freely near a Z+ security protectee like Mr Badal. The political ramifications of the attack are significant. SAD leaders have labeled it a conspiracy to destabilise Punjab, with possible links to Khalistani elements abroad and external actors, including Pakistan. They argue that such incidents are attempts to reignite the fires of militancy in the state. Congress leaders, while condemning the attack, have pointed to administrative failures under the Aam Aadmi Party government. Former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh has also weighed in, warning against allowing Punjab to slip back into its dark past and calling for collective vigilance to preserve peace.

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This incident also highlights the enduring impact of unresolved grievances within Punjabs society. Decades after the height of militancy, mistrust between different groups ~ religious, political, and administrative ~continues to simmer. Addressing these divisions requires honest dialogue, meaningful action on long-standing issues like sacrilege and justice for past crimes along with a commitment to building trust among all stakeholders. Without this, sporadic acts of violence could escalate, threatening the states hard-earned peace. The incident underscores the fragile state of Punjabs political and social stability. It highlights the need for robust intelligence mechanisms, proactive governance, and concerted efforts to address the root causes of discontent. The state cannot afford to let historical wounds fester or allow extremist narratives to gain traction. Punjabs leaders must rise above partisan politics to ensure that peace and progress remain the cornerstones of its future.

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Five bodies have been recovered, and seven others are missing after flash floods and landslides destroyed hundreds of houses and infrastructure in Indonesias West Java province, an official said on Friday.

The natural disasters, which began on Tuesday, damaged 589 houses and forced 1,400 residents to evacuate in Sukabumi regency, said Hadi Rahmat, spokesperson for the provincial disaster management and mitigation agency. The disaster also caused the collapse of 10 bridges, disrupting residents movements, Xinhua news agency reported.

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Five victims bodies have been found. The search for the missing is still underway. Previously, four people were reported missing, but now the number has risen to seven, Rahmat told Xinhua.

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Of the seven missing persons, five were victims of the landslides, while the causes of disappearance for the remaining two are unknown, Rahmat added. He noted that search efforts for the five landslide victims are focused on affected areas, while the search for the other two extends beyond these zones.

According to him, two evacuation centres have been set up to accommodate evacuees and provide logistics, medicines, and other essential items. However, many survivors have opted to take shelter with relatives.
Syrian rebels have captured Daraa, the southern city known to be the cradle of the 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, marking a significant shift in the prolonged Syrian civil war that has claimed over half a million lives. Daraa is the fourth major city to fall from government control within a week.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, local armed groups launched intense battles against government troops, seizing military installations across the city. After seizing control of the town, the rebels have reportedly reached an agreement with the Army, allowing military officials and the government troops a safe retreat to Damascus.

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Daraa holds symbolic importance as the birthplace of Syrias pro-democracy protests in 2011, which spiraled into a civil war claiming lakhs of lives. It is also seen as a major blow to Assads hold over key territories.

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In view of the escalating violence, the Indian government has urged its citizens to avoid travel to Syria and advised those currently in the country to leave immediately. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released emergency helpline numbers for the Indians in the violence-hit country.

Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number +963 993385973, the MEA stated. An emergency email ID has also been provided for assistance.
The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) on Friday issued an urgent appeal for $278.2 million to support children in South Sudan in 2025 amid an escalating humanitarian crisis.

UNICEF highlighted the worsening situation in South Sudan, where funding gaps have severely hampered the humanitarian response. Approximately 9 million people, including 4.9 million children, 2.2 million women, and 1.4 million people with disabilities, will need humanitarian assistance, the UN agency said.

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South Sudan is bracing for a challenging 2025, with deepening vulnerabilities, rising humanitarian needs, and significant reductions in aid budgets. The political landscape remains fragile following a two-year postponement of general elections initially scheduled for December, Xinhua news agency reported.

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UNICEF noted that a convergence of crises, including extensive flooding linked to climate change, conflicts, disease outbreaks, economic deterioration, and an influx of refugees and returnees fleeing war in Sudan, has exacerbated the countrys challenges.

From April 2023 to October 10, 2024, more than 826,000 people, including 415,000 children, entered South Sudan, fleeing war in Sudan, according to the UN. South Sudan now hosts more than 484,000 refugees, with an estimated 2 million people internally displaced largely due to floods, intercommunal conflicts, and food insecurity.

Children are particularly vulnerable in this crisis, facing heightened risks of abuse, violence, exploitation, and psychological distress, UNICEF said. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the effects of ongoing conflicts, poverty, displacement and gender-based violence, including forced marriage.


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Stephen Redfearn has been on the scene of some of Colorados most high-profile tragedies  Columbine, the Aurora theater shooting, the death of Elijah McClain, and the December 2021 Marshall Fire.

It seemed like if it was going to happen, I was working, he said in an interview from his second-floor Boulder office Tuesday.

As president of the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation, Boulders new interim police chief also took the lead in planning Boulder Police Officer Eric Talleys funeral after he was killed responding to the March 2021 King Soopers shooting.

Former Chief Maris Herold announced her resignation this November and Redfearn has officially been at the helm for two weeks.

He plans to apply for the permanent position with the City of Boulder. He joined the Boulder force in September 2021 as Herolds deputy chief after 23 years at the Aurora Police Department.

"I needed a break from the constant chaos," he said. "My phone rang almost every night as Aurora's Division Chief of Operations. My phone doesnt ring as much here."

Redfearn helped Herold establish, and is carrying out, a Reimagining Policing Plan which was approved by Boulder City Council in September 2023. It's a national effort pushed by the Obama Foundation, which calls for police departments to review and reform use-of-force policies and/or ways to redefine public safety and combat systemic racism within law enforcement.

To do that, the Boulder Police have asked for extra patrol officers, sergeants and lieutenants, plus the millions it will take to implement a transformation to the system. Redfearn calls the reimagining idea "police reform in a non-traditional sense" because "something had to be done after the murder of George Floyd."

Boulders plan works on a 60-40 principle, which stipulates that 60% of an officer's time should be spent responding to calls for service and the other 40% lies in community problem solving, for instance, issues dealing with the unhoused, said Redfearn.

The 27-year-old unsolved murder case of JonBenet Ramsey case is now his to oversee as an administrator and he is tight-lipped about last fall's meeting with the Cold Case Review Team  although he did budge on a timetable to get a DNA profile, assuring that "in the very near future we will be able to proceed with that."

Though he has met with the slain six-year-old's father, John Ramsey, and her brother John, he won't say whether Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey are persons of interest in the unsolved murder.

"We are not sitting on our hands," he said. "We are never going to stop trying to solve this case."

Priorities

At the top of the 45-year-old's priorities as interim chief are community engagement, and recruiting and retention of officers.

Like many local police departments, the competition to get new recruits is intense. Even with 16 recently sworn officers, the Boulder force is at 172, down from the target 190-officer level.

Were constantly in a hiring cycle and sending people to the academy, said Redfearn, who is anxious for people to see his officers as human beings at events like "Coffee with a Cop."

There's been a disconnect between law enforcement and the general public since the murder of George Floyd, he said.

After 2020 we lost a lot of the face-to-face communication. We were vilified. We all became that officer who leaned on George Floyds neck. Right wrong or indifferent, he said. Good change has come out of the Floyd tragedy because weve all taken a look at our systems.

One of his most controversial duties at Aurora Police, it turns out, came when he was called to oversee an active situation involving a young Black man who had been jumped by officers and then injected with an overdose of ketamine by paramedics.

Elijah McClain Case

Redfearn took criticism last year when members of the NAACP Boulder County called on him to resign over his involvement and testimony in the McClain case.

The night of Aug. 24, 2019, Redfearn arrived on scene as McClain was unconscious and on the way to the hospital. At issue with the Boulder NAACP was the fact that as night captain, Redfearn updated the original call with dispatch from being classified as a suspicious person incident to assault on an officer." He changed the classification code, he said, because he was told that McClain had tried to take one of the officers guns. This turned out to be untrue, according to prosecutors and evidence presented during the criminal trials of the three APD officers at the end of 2023.

At the time there was no classification code for an incident specifying the attempt to confiscate of an officers gun.

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Redfearn said that when he arrived, the incident was so heated that he immediately made the order to investigate it further instead of sending the officers on their way to write reports.

I was like Woah, everybody time out. This is a critical incident. Weve got to treat this like an officer involved shooting', he told The Denver Gazette. He said that the protocol involved interviewing the officers and calling the district attorney and critical incident team.

He later testified against the officers for the prosecution in the trials, which he said was difficult.

One officer was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide third-degree assault in McClain's death, and sentenced last month to 14 months in jail, with work release, and four years probation. The other two officers were acquitted of all charges.

But Annette James, president of NAACPs Boulder chapter, said she is concerned that Redfearn just took that statement, she said. He should have been a bit more thorough. If you really care about building community engagement, then you are truthful and dont hide behind an archaic police policy.

Darrin Olson, chair of the group's justice committee accused Redfearn of being "non-inclusive" and "not appropriate for a chief or even beat cop."

These are statements which Redfearn said were frankly offensive. He wrote an op-ed to in the Boulder Daily Camera to defend himself, describing McClains death as heartbreaking.

Aurora theater shooting

Just after midnight July 20, 2012, Redfearn was on duty when he received an urgent call to respond to a shooting at the Century 16 movie theaters in Aurora. Sirens blaring, he was one of the first officers on scene by the back door where the gunman's car was parked. As he began pulling bleeding victims from theater 9, James Holmes was placed in his patrol car.

With so many lives on the line and minutes to spare, ambulances were slow in coming. The only option was to place victims in police cars and send them to hospitals.

The decision was desperation. I was so frustrated, he told The Denver Gazette.

The makeshift ambulances with frightened and often dying victims began careening to hospitals which had beds to spare.

To make sure he didnt overwhelm medical personnel, Redfearn made a mark on his plastic gloves every time a vehicle took off. By the time proper ambulances and fire trucks arrived, Redfearn had already navigated at least 27 wounded people to emergency rooms.

That hour of quick thinking was one of his proudest.

It was insane," he said. "I hope we never deal with anything like that again.

The hiring process

Redfearn may be interim police chief at least until this summer, as the process of recruiting and hiring Heralds replacement has just begun, according to Sara Huntley, director of communication and engagement for the City of Boulder.

The hope is to have a new chief by 2025. Maybe even summer or early fall, Huntley said.

The city is in the process of hiring a specialized recruiter to find the right pool of applicants for the job.

In the meantime, Redfearn is moving ahead with running the Boulder force  happy to be in a place where violent crime does not consume his life as it did in Aurora. His nights are no longer tied to the phone, so he's able spend time with his husband, a Venezuelan immigrant, and their rescue dog Roscoe.

His advice? Dont believe everything you read. Or see.

I walk into a room and people say 'look at that guy. Hes a White, assumed cisgender, straight male," he said. "The White part is right, but there are a lot of layers to many of us here.
Around two months have passed since South Korean automobile giant Hyundais India unit raised around USD 3.3 billion in what was the biggest initial public offering to date in the country. Now, the local arm of another South Korean giant is getting ready to go public.

LG Electronics Indias Korean parent will sell 101.8 million shares in the maker of TVs, washing machines and air-conditioners among other consumer durables. The share sale will amount to 15 per cent of the post-offer paid-up equity share capital of LG Electronics India, according to the companys draft red herring prospectus.

The issue size is estimated to be around USD 1.8 billion (around Rs 15,200 crore), according to some reports.

Whats worth noting is that this will be a complete offer for sale, and the parent, LG Electronics, will get all the proceeds.

Our company will not receive any proceeds from the offer, and all the offer proceeds will be received by the selling shareholder after deduction of offer-related expenses and relevant taxes thereon, to be borne by the selling shareholder, LG Electronics India said in its IPO filing.

The company is one of the largest appliance makers, competing with Korean rival Samsung, Japans Panasonic US company Whirpool and homegrown Voltas, among others. In the year ended March 2024, LG Electronics India reported a net profit of Rs 1,511 crore on revenue of Rs 21,352 crore in the year ended March 2024.

LG Electronics and Hyundai are two of the several large companies that have gone public in what has been a red-hot IPO market in India in 2024.

According to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, 298 companies have listed on Indias stock exchanges in 2024 as of December 3, cumulatively raising Rs 1.40 lakh crore.

The total number of IPOs this year is almost 23 per cent higher than 2023, when there were 243 listings. Fundraising volumes, meanwhile, have surged 139 per cent from last years Rs 58,827 crore, as per S&P Market Intelligence data.

Softbank-backed food delivery and quick commerce platform Swiggy, state-owned NTPCs renewable energy arm NTPC Green, private sector mortgage lender Bajaj Housing Finance, electric scooter maker Ola Electric and telecom service provider Bharti Hexacom have been among the big public issues this year.

Swiggy raised Rs 11,327 crore in November. NTPC Green Energy raised Rs 10,000 crore in the same month. Earlier, Bajaj Housing Finance raised Rs 6,560 crore in September, and Ola Electric raised Rs 6,146 crore in August. Bharti Hexacom raised Rs 4,275 crore going public in April.

Indias economy has been among the fastest growing, with S&P Global Ratings estimating 6.8 per cent growth in the year ending March 2025. Stock market indices, too, hit a record high in September. Several public issues saw huge investor interest. The surge in IPOs echoed all this.

However, the GDP growth sharply slowed to 5.4 per cent in the July-September quarter, prompting the Reserve Bank of India to revise its GDP growth forecasts for 2024-25 to 6.6 per cent from 7.2 per cent. Markets, too, saw a correction phase amid a sell-off by foreign institutional investors in October and November.

The expectation is that the economy will rebound in the second half of the financial year, with government spending expected to pick up and the elections out of the way.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday that the third quarter GDP growth numbers would make up for the loss in the second quarter.

Analysts expect 2025 could be another strong year for IPOs in India. As of November 29, around 85 companies were at various stages of the listing process, of which 40 have already received approval to go public, data compiled by S&P Market Intelligence showed.
The defence ties between Moscow and New Delhi, including military-to-military and industrial cooperation, will be in focus during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's two-day official visit to Russia, beginning on Sunday.

During the visit, Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov will co-chair the 21st meeting of India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) in Moscow.

READ MORE: Russia's Su-57 fighter jet better than all its counterparts in the world, claims Russian test pilot

The two leaders will review the entire range of multi-faceted relations between the two countries in the field of defence and exchange views on contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest, a release from the defence ministry stated.

Commissioning of INS Tushil

During his visit, Singh will also commission the Indian Navys latest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate INS Tushil at Yantra Shipyard, Kaliningrad on Monday.

Tushil has been constructed in Russia as part of an over $2.5-billion deal that India signed with the country in 2016 for four stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. Upon commissioning, INS Tushil will join the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy and will rank amongst the most technologically advanced frigates in the world. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi will accompany the defence minister for the commissioning ceremony.

ALSO READ: Russia's new nuclear beast, 'Arkhangelsk', ready to dominate the oceans

Besides, Singh will pay tributes at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow to honour the Soviet soldiers killed during the Second World War. The defence minister will also interact with the members of the Indian community.

India-Russia defence ties

Russia has been a major supplier of military platforms and hardware to India for the last seven decades. Over the years, guided by the Agreement on the Programme for Military Technical Cooperation signed between India and Russia, the military cooperation between the two countries has evolved into one of joint research, design development and production of state-of-the-art military platforms, as evidenced by the production of Brahmos cruise missile.

The defence ministers of the two countries meet annually, alternately in Russia and India, to discuss and review the status of ongoing projects and other issues of military and military-technical cooperation.
Noting that it is the collective responsibility of the country and its people to ensure the welfare of its soldiers, both serving and retired, as well as their families, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged people to contribute generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) Fund.

On the Armed Forces Flag Day, the nation salutes the courage, valour, fortitude and sacrifices of Indian Armed Forces. pic.twitter.com/zHjlkwlDYK  Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 7, 2024

In a video message on X on the occasion of Flag Day on Saturday, the defence minister said the day offers an opportunity for people to recognize the courage, sacrifice and dedication of the soldiers and reaffirm the resolve to fulfill their responsibilities towards them.

Our armed forces act as an impregnable security shield, which is ever-ready to protect us in every situationnot just external threats, but also during natural disasters. Their sacrifice and discipline of our soldiers is a source of inspiration for every Indian, said Singh.

ALSO READ: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Russia from Sunday; INS Tushil commissioning, review of military ties on agenda

Reiterating that the government is committed to ensuring the welfare of ex-servicemen, Singh said the Centre is making every effort to cater to the needs of the veterans and their families. Requesting people to do their part, the defence minister said their contribution could prove to be crucial for the soldiers and their families.

For the welfare of society, it is the duty of every citizen to earn with a hundred hands and donate with a thousand hands, he said.

Armed Forces Flag Day is celebrated annually to honour the fallen heroes and the personnel in uniform who fight valiantly on the borders to protect the country.
The growing defence collaboration between Russia and China, including joint military exercises and military technology exchange, is causing concern to the US.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Arctic and Global Resilience Iris A. Ferguson recently observed that China is working closely with Russia in an attempt to be seen as an Arctic power, although China is not an Arctic nation.

Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, the US, and Sweden are the Arctic nations. According to the US, Chinese leaders, however, see the Arctic region as a new source of raw materials and new avenues for manifesting its growing power.

ALSO READ: Russia's new nuclear beast, 'Arkhangelsk', ready to dominate the oceans

Ferguson further observed that despite the war in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin is investing heavily on military and economic strategies in the Arctic.

"(China) is one of the newer entrants on the scene. Over time, the strategic interests that they have in the region are  giving us pause. How their long-term vision for the region could affect our interests, is (also) giving us pause," she said.

She called the increasing level of military collaboration between Moscow and Beijing "disturbing" and said, "Just this past summer, right after we released our department (Arctic) strategy, we saw a joint bomber patrol off of the coast of Alaska."

She noted that this kind of increased level of military cooperation is new.

READ MORE: China's explosive nuclear expansion: Beijing will have more than 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, says US Intel report

Ferguson said the new Arctic strategy of the US Department of Defence (DOD) is aimed at preserving the region as a place that is both stable and secure and added that the US is also focused on engaging with its allies and partners.

According to the DOD, these nations are a unique US strategic advantage that stretches from the border of European Russia to the Bering Strait.

While the US is working on using military exercises in the region, this may not be enough to counter China as Beijing is also involved in scientific and research projects in the region and is looking to establish economic ties within the Arctic region.

"We (the US) 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," Ferguson said.
A special bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, will hear pleas challenging the constitutionality of the Places of Worship Act, 1991 on December 12.



A three-judge bench led by the CJI and comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar, and K.V. Viswanathan will take up the matter for hearing at 3.30pm on the day. The petitioners question the constitutional validity of certain sections of the Act passed by then P.V. Narasimha Rao government.

Though the lead petition in the case was filed in 2020, the Centre is yet to file a counter-affidavit in the matter despite the apex court giving an extension several times, Live Law reported.

The petitioners in the case include persons from all walks of life including the daughter of the Kashi royal family, Maharaja Kumari Krishna Priya; BJP leader Subramanian Swamy; former MP Chintamani Malviya; Anil Kabotra, a retired army officer; advocates Chandra Shekhar; Rudra Vikram Singh, resident of Varanasi; Swami Jeetendranand Saraswati, a religious leader; Devkinandan Thakur Ji, resident of Mathura and a religious guru and advocate Ashwini Upadhyay.

The petitioners contend certain sections of the Act violate fundamental rights granted to a citizen under Articles 14 and 25 of the Indian Constitution. The petitioners have questioned the validity of sections 2,3 and 4 under the Act and said it violates the rights of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs to pray, profess, practice and prorogate religion as per the Constitution.

Meanwhile, the Gyanvapi mosque management committee, the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and the India Muslim Personal Law Board have also filed petitions in the apex court demanding the petitions against the Act be dismissed. The Muslim side argued that the consequences of granting the petitioners prayer of declaring the Act would be  drastic.
Congresss guarded response after Mamatas ready to lead INDIA bloc remark

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expressed her willingness to lead the opposition alliance if given a chance.

Amid reports of serious differences among the INDIA bloc constituents, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed her willingness to lead the alliance, if given a chance.

"I had formed the INDIA bloc, now it is up to those leading the front to manage it. If they can't run the show, what can I do? I would just say that everyone needs to be taken along," she said in an interview to a Bengali TV channel on Friday.

Banerjees remarks came at a time when several allies of the bloc have raised questions about the future of the bloc and urged the Congress to do a serious introspection in the wake of recent electoral drubbing.

The Trinamool Congress chief said she can perform the dual role of leading the opposition bloc while being the chief minister of West Bengal.

"If given an opportunity I would ensure its smooth functioning, she said.

Fissures emerged in the opposition alliance after the Maharashtra elections in which the Maha Vikas Aghadi faced a humiliating defeat and managed to win only 46 seats in the 288-member assembly.

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee recently called on the Congress and other INDIA bloc parties to shed their ego and recognise Mamata Banerjee as the leader of the alliance.

As the chief ministers latest remarks set the tongues wagging in the political circles, the TMC denied that she had sought leadership for personal ambition.

Mamata Banerjee is not interested in a chair in Delhi. If the INDIA bloc demands her leadership, she will do so from Kolkata only," TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said.

The Congress, the largest party in the bloc, gave a guarded response, saying leadership decisions in a coalition require agreement and consultation among all members.

The bloc will collectively decide who will lead, who will be the convener, or if there will be a chairperson, who that person will be. It's natural for leaders to aspire to lead, but such decisions are not about individual ambitions," Congress leader Rashid Alvi told news agency ANI.

Other Congress leaders like Tariq Anwar and Tanuj Punia also echoed the same opinion. If Mamata Banerjee has suggestions, they should be presented for discussion among all member parties, and decisions will be taken accordingly," said Punia.

The Samajwadi Party said it will support if the INDIA bloc parties decides to name Banerjee as the alliance leader.

#WATCH | Lucknow, UP | On West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's reported statement 'willing to lead INDIA alliance', SP leader Udaiveer Singh says, "She is a senior leader, she has a lot of experience...she is capable. Our party's relationship with her is good and we have trust in her pic.twitter.com/0UUAewvp0y  ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2024

"She is a senior leader, she has a lot of experience...she is capable. Our party's relationship with her is good and we have trust in her leadership. INDIA bloc leaders together need to decide what needs to be done...if such a decision is taken, we will support it, SP leader Udaiveer Singh said.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) said it will hold talks with Banerjee in Kolkata soon. "We know this opinion of Mamata ji. We also want her to be a major partner of the INDIA alliance. Whether it is Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal or Shiv Sena, we are all together. We will soon go to talk to Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata, party MP sanjay Raut said.

#WATCH | Delhi: On West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's reported statement 'willing to lead INDIA alliance', Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut says "We know this opinion of Mamata ji. We also want her to be a major partner of the INDIA alliance. Whether it is Mamata Banerjee, Arvind pic.twitter.com/LazToK5QtS  ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2024

Nationalist Congress Party-SP leader Supriya Sule said they would be happy if Banerjee wanted to take more responsibility.

"Mamata Banerjee is absolutely an integral part of the INDIA alliance. In a vibrant democracy, the opposition has a big role and responsibility, so if she wants to take more responsibility, we will be very happy, Sule said.
With Syrian rebels making significant advances leading to violence and unrest in the Arab republic, India, late on Friday, issued an advisory urging all its citizens to avoid travelling to Syria.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also asked the Indians in Syria to remain in touch with the embassy, and advised those who can, to leave by the earliest available commercial flights.

An emergency helpline number and an email id, too, were provided in the advisory for the Indian nationals to stay in touch with the embassy in Damascus.

Earlier in the day, India had said that it was closely following the situation in Syria. "We have taken note of the recent escalation in fighting in the north of Syria. We are closely following the situation. There are about 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 who are working in various UN organisations," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said.

ALSO READ: Aleppo Syria rebel war explained

Russia and Jordan, too, have urged their nationals to leave Syria.

Rebel forces have been on the offensive in Syria in a bid to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad's rule. Former Al-Qaeda affiliate, the Islamist group, which is now known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), said early on Saturday they had seized Daraa, near Jordan, after striking a deal with army officials to give them safe passage to Damascus.

They have, reportedly, taken control of the strategically important city of Homs, days after capturing Aleppothe country's largest cityand Hama. If the rebels capture Homs, it would cut Damascus from the coast, which, Reuters reports, is a stronghold of Assad's minority Alawite sect and has Russian naval base and air base.

Reuters also reported that a US-backed alliance led by Syrian Kurdish fighters captured Deir el-Zor, the Assad government's stronghold in east Syria.

A street uprising against Assad in 2011 transformed into a civil war, killing more than 5 lakh people in 13 years, according to the Observatory for Human Rights,. Assad's alliesRussia, Iran and Hezbollah grouphad helped him regain control of most of Syria, but with all three engaged in conflicts of their own nowRussia with Ukraine, and Iran and Hezbollah with Israelthe rebel forces have been trying to regain control of Syria.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Saturday alleged that its centre in Dhaka district, Bangladesh was burnt down on Saturday.

ISKCON also alleged that the deities in the temple were also burned down completely.

Radharamn Das, ISKCON Kolkata vice president told PTI that the "vandals set ablaze idols inside the temple at the Namhatta property."

Another ISKCON Namhatta Centre burned down in Bangladesh. The Deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan and all items inside the temple, were burned down completely . The center is located in Dhaka. Early morning today, between 2-3 AM, miscreants set fire to the Shri Shri Radha Krishna pic.twitter.com/kDPilLBWHK  Radharamn Das   (@RadharamnDas) December 7, 2024

In a post on X, Das said, "ISKCON Namhatta Centre burned down in Bangladesh. The deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan and all items inside the temple were burned down completely...miscreants set fire to the Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple and the Shri Shri Mahabhagya Lakshmi Narayan Temple, which fall under the Hare Krishna Namhatta Sangha in Dhour village."

VIDEO | "I am very shocked to receive the message that today, between 2 am and 3 am, miscreants attacked one of our ISKCON centres in Dhaka, threw petrol and burned the temple. The deities - Shri Shri Radha Krishna and Shri Shri Lakshmi Narayan - there were damaged. This is very pic.twitter.com/4uR7oW3iNL  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 7, 2024

The incident took place around 3 am in the morning, he noted.

"The fire was initiated by lifting the tin roof at the back of the temple and using petrol or octane," he added.

Despite raising concerns with the interim government over the rising attacks against the Hindus, not much is being done by the administration and the police officials, said Das.

Earlier, ISKCON urged monks and followers from Bangladesh not to wear 'tilaks' and to practice their faith discreetly.

Since the ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, attacks against minorities have been increasing in the country. The arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das worsened the situation. Widespread protests erupted in different parts of the country following Das's arrest.

A lawyer was killed amid the clashes between the protesters and security personnel after Das's arrest.

West Bengal BJP president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar condemned the arson attack on the ISKCON Namhatta Centre in Dhaka. "This is an unforgivable act of hatred against a place of worship. Immediate action must be taken to bring the culprits to justice," he said.

India has also expressed concerns in the wake of the rising attacks against minorities in Bangladesh. Indias foreign secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to visit Dhaka on December 9 amid the strained ties. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that he is visiting the country for structured interactions from Indias side.
The authorities in Jammu have intensified their efforts to tackle illegal immigration of Rohingya in the region. According to reports, the administration has decided to disconnect electricity and water supplies to the plots and semi-constructed houses where Rohingyas are residing.

The presence of Rohingyas in Jammu has been flagged as a potential security threat, especially in light of increasing militant attacks in the region. Officials fear that the youth among these immigrants could be exploited by anti-national elements.

The latest figures estimate that approximately 6,500 Rohingyas are residing in Jammu district in Narwal Bhatindi, Railway Station, Qasim Nagar, and Channi Rama. Smaller numbers of Rohingyas are living in Samba and Kathua districts, as well as scattered families in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri, and Poonch.

The police have launched a major crackdown, registering First Information Reports (FIRs) against property owners who have rented their properties to Rohingyas without conducting mandatory tenant verification.

The authorities are also targeting those who provided support for illegal settlements, including individuals and organisations.

Reports said that between 2008 and 2014, the number of Rohingyas and Bangladeshi nationals in Jammu surged to around 13,700.

Many of these immigrants had earlier managed to secure essential documents such as Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and domicile certificates through systemic loopholes.

The current crackdown is aimed at not only displacing illegal immigrants but also sending a strong message that such activities will not be tolerated in Jammu.

The Rohingya immigrants, who practice Islam, belong to Myanmar's Rakhine state and fled to Bangladesh after the Myanmar military launched a crackdown against them.

Some of them later crossed over to India from Bangladesh in search of a better life. Some were accepted as refugees but others spread to different parts of India, especially in the north including Jammu. In Jammu, the Rohingyas took menial jobs and set up small colonies on rented plots.
A three-day special session of the Maharashtra Assembly commenced on Saturday and the newly elected members took oath as MLAs today. The opposition boycotted the event raising doubts over electronic voting machines and results of the assembly election.



Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar took oath as members of the Maharashtra Assembly on Saturday. Pro-tem speaker Kalidas Kolambkar administered the oath to the newly elected members. The assembly will elect its new speaker on Monday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti alliance won the election by a landslide, with the party alone winning over 130 seats in polls conducted to the 288-seat assembly. The BJP, along with allies Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and Nationalist Congress Party (AP) won 230 seats in the election. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi won less than 60 seats.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray says, "We boycotted the oath-taking ceremony today as democracy is being murdered by the use of EVMs...This (the results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections) is not the mandate of the public it is the mandate of EVM and pic.twitter.com/3dPx3gvvFM  ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2024

Chief Minister Fadnavis and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar paid tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji after the ceremony.

The opposition abstained from Saturdays ceremony raising doubts over the functioning of EVMs and the election results. Today, we have decided that our (Shiv Sena UBT) winning MLAs will not take oath. If this was the mandate of the people, people would have been happy and celebrated it, but people did not celebrate this victory anywhere. We have doubts about EVM, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray told reporters outside the assembly. He charged the assembly election results were not mandate of the public.

However, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar rubbished the claims and said, There is no point in making such allegations. Opposition should go to the Election Commission and if they do not get justice there, they should approach the court, ANI reported.
In a major blow to the Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra, the Samajwadi Party (SP) announced its exit from the alliance, over a controversial remark by Uddhav Thackeray's close aide on the demolition of Babri mosque.

On the 32nd anniversary of the demolition, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Milind Narvekar posted a photo of the mosque, with a quote from Shiv Sena patriarch Balasaheb Thackeray which read, "I am proud of those who did this".

Responding to the post, Maharashtra SP unit chief Abu Azmi said, "An advertisement was given by Shiv Sena (UBT) in a newspaper congratulating those who demolished Babri masjid. His (Uddhav Thackeray) aide has also posted on X hailing the demolition of the mosque."

"We are quitting the MVA. I am speaking to (Samajwadi Party president) Akhilesh Singh Yadav," Azmi told PTI. "Samajwadi Party can never remain with communal ideology, hence we separate ourselves from Maha Vikas Aghadi. If anyone in the MVA speaks such language, what is the difference between the BJP and them? Why should we stay with them?"

Though MVA parties skipped the oath-taking ceremony today alleging EVM tampering in the state polls, Abu Asim Azmi and party leader Rais Shaikhthe two SP MLAs in the assemblytook their oaths in an act of defiance.

"Milind Narvekar, who is from Uddhav Thackeray's party, posted a tweet, and we have only responded to him. The MVA was formed on two key principles: protecting the Constitution and upholding secular values. Shiv Sena has received votes in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha in the name of the MVA, with support from people of all religions and secular-minded individuals," said Rais Shaikh.

The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar's NCP faction, won 230 of the 288 seats. The MVA allies, Congress won 103, Shiv Sena (UBT) 20 and the NCP, led by Sharad Pawar, secured 10.
Mumbai Police have launched an investigation after they received a WhatsApp message threatening to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The message was received on the helpline of the traffic police on Saturday morning.

Officials said the number from which the message came was traced to Ajmer and a police team has been formed and dispatched to the Rajasthan city to nab the suspect.

Also read Back-to-back threats to Salman Khan keep Mumbai Police on its toes

The message mentioned two ISI agents and said there was a plot to carry out a bomb blast to target the prime minister.

PTI quoted an official as saying that the investigators suspect that the sender is a mentally disturbed person or was under the influence of alcohol but further probe was on.

Police have filed a First Information Report under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The prime minister was in the city on Thursday to attend the swearing-in of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputiesEknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

Mumbai Police had recently received two messages threatening to kill Bollywood actor Salman Khan. The message threatened to eliminate Khan if he doesnt apologise to Bishnoi community in the blackbucks case and pay Rs 5 crore.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged party legislators to exercise patience until statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir.

The advice came during a provincial meeting in Srinagar, where National Conference (NC) MLAs complained about officers' non-cooperation, which they said was hampering their efforts to address public grievances.

The meeting, held at the party headquarters Naw-e-Subah, was the first provincial gathering after the formation of the NC-led government on October 16.

The MLAs alleged that even minor public issues remain unresolved.

Acknowledging these concerns, Abdullah told his party colleagues to wait for statehood, possibly by March.

He urged them to maintain calm and avoid actions that could lead to confrontations with the Lieutenant Governor's administration, which might delay the process.

This is a critical time, and we must work together to ensure the restoration of statehood without unnecessary disruptions, he told the gathering.

He reiterated his dedication to the welfare of the people, vowing to work for the regions overall development and restoration of its statehood.

NC leader and Pampore MLA Hasnain Masoodi stated that the meeting reviewed the partys functioning and roadmap for fulfilling promises made to the people.

Discussions also covered the developmental backlog caused by six years of bureaucratic rule, he said.

He asserted that the restoration of statehood is a constitutional obligation, referencing a Supreme Court directive on the matter.

There can be no trade-off between progress and the dignity of our people. Both must advance together, he said.

He planned to address public grievances and tackle developmental challenges. The Chief Minister reiterated his dedication to the welfare of the people, vowing to work tirelessly for the regions overall development and the restoration of its statehood.
Mayawati has accused the Samajwadi Party and the Congress of promoting infighting between various Muslim sects and of ignoring the plight of Dalits who constitute the majority Hindu population in Bangladesh.

She said that behind the cloak of the violence in Sambhal, the Congress and the SP were trying to attract the Muslim vote bank by stoking the differences between the Turks and the non-Turks. She also accused them of being silent on the issue of atrocities on Dalits- be it in India or Bangladesh despite making use of the Dalit vote to get people from the community elected to Parliament.

Also read | Amid Sambhal, Gyanvapi, CJI-led SC special bench to hear pleas against Places of Worship Act

Mayawatis criticism of the BJP though was almost absent as she called upon the government to fulfil its duties by protecting Dalits against atrocities- be they in the country or in Bangladesh.

She also accused the Congress of being responsible for the plight of Dalits and weaker sections in Bangladesh and urged that the government get them back to India. She said that the BSP would be very grateful to the government for such an act that ensured the security of the weakest.

The BSP president and former UP chief minister said that the opposition in the state was more interested in raising the issue of Sambhal rather than issues of public interest. She cautioned Muslim communities against the Congress and the Samajwadi Party using them for votes and harming them.

She said that Dalits were being punished for electing Baba Saheb Ambedkar to the constituent assembly. She said that the Congress had also punished Ambedkar by giving him a constituency which fell in the territory of Pakistan.

They (the Congress) were silent when they (Dalits) were being exploited and is now shouting the name of Sambhal for its benefit, Mayawati said.

She asked the BJP to undo the wrongs which had been done to Dalits by the narrow sectarian policy of the Congress.
The fear of resurgence of the ISIS if the Kurds are run over is as real as the resurgence of Al Qaeda. New Delhis urgent advisory asking citizens to leave Syria by the earliest available commercial flights and it observing utmost precaution about their safety, comes in the backdrop of advancing rebel forces announcing the capture of Daraa, a southern city near Jordan.

The offensive by the rebel forces in Syria, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), marks the fourth major territorial gain in a week by the rebels who have seized control of Aleppo, Hama, and Homs. The destabilisation of Syrias political landscape is being closely watched by Indian security agencies as the HTS militant group is looking to capture political space.

PHOTOS: Life in Hama as Syrian rebels capture the city from Assad regime

HTS chief Abu Mohammed al-Jawlanis attempts to project himself as voice of Syrians to destabilise President Bashar Assads regime is being seen as an uneasy development by New Delhi where the security brass considers HTS as part of the larger Al Qaeda umbrella. Rebranding does not change the intent or the radical ideology, said a senior security official, pointing towards the infighting that gave birth to HTS with its limited goal of establishing fundamentalist Islamic rule in Syria instead of a wider caliphate. It is the tactical flexibility that makes it potent, said a senior security official.



READ: Israel beefs up IDF security in Golan Heights, Iran evacuates IRGC commanders from Syria as rebels advance

But the gap has closed since. The ISIS can well be back on its feet and so can Al Qaeda as the pot continues to boil in Syria.

SDF commander @MazloumAbdi holds a press conference to talk about the latest developments in #Syria pic.twitter.com/4jEusQKTtA  NORTH PRESS AGENCY - ENGLISH (@NPA_English) December 6, 2024

At the same time, for Indian agencies, the concern isnt just northern Syria but also the evolving situation in southern Syria that increasingly has the presence of different entities. Besides the defence forces of neighbouring Iran and growing role of Turkey, there is worry over the activities of shared militias, including those who are associated in the war in Ukraine as well as suspected presence of Uyghur fighters among the ranks, security sources said. Central Asia remains a hotbed for New Delhi whose assessments and strategy will be key to warding off potential threats as the violence and unrest spills over.

READ: Iran-backed Iraqi militias join fight in Syria after rebels seize Aleppo

Assessments by agencies have also pegged the number of foreign fighters at 4000-5000 besides their families in the displaced camps and if the situation worsens, the area can turn into a tinderbox with repercussions for the entire region. Already, the Afghanistan-Pakistan region is witnessing a deadly merger of interests of terror groups leaning towards Pakistan for support. Any routes opening towards this region that can allow ISIS fighters find refuge will be a threat going forward, said a senior security official.
The ongoing protest by Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants in Patna took a fresh turn last night after police detained educator and YouTuber Faizal Khan, after he joined the protesting students.

The protesting students are demanding withdrawal of "changes" to the rules for the 70th BPSC Preliminary Examination to be held on December 13. They are demanding that the exams be held in 'One Shift and One Paper' to avoid the normalisation process.

The BPSC, however, denied making any changes to the examination process.

The police had to resort to a mild lathicharge to disperse the protesting aspirants who had gathered near the BPSC office on Bailey Road around noon, in a bid to march towards the office. Senior Superintendent of Police Rajeev Mishra said the protesters had organised a sit-in, which was disrupting the traffic and they refused to leave even after repeated requests.

Who is Faizal Khan, also known as 'Khan Sir'?

Educator and YouTuber Faizal Khan, also known as 'Khan Sir', takes coaching classes for students preparing for different competitive exams in the country. He has a popular YouTube channel named Khan GS Research Centre, where he provides free classes for poor students.

The YouTube channel, which has close to 400 videos on subjects ranging from current affairs to politics and mathematics, has close to 24 million subscribers. Khan, who is an alumnus of Allahabad University, has a coaching centre, too, in Chak Musallahpur, Patna.

Khan, who was released from Patna's Gardanibagh police station later at night, told the media that it is unfortunate that the students have to agitate with just a week left for the examination.

We want the president (of BPSC) to say that there will be no normalisation the examinations will be held in one shift and one paper will be given to all the students. We will not move from here until normalisation is assured to be removed, he said.

He asserted that the protesters have nothing to do with politics. "We believe in the Constitution. That's why we are not protesting on the streets. We reached the Dharna-sthal (protesting site) to protest constitutionally. We will make sure that the normalisation (process) is cancelled. We don't have any expectations from BPSC. We have hopes from the government. We have nothing to do with politics. We will stand with those who will listen to our demands," he added.
Syrian rebels entered the key city of Homs on Saturday and are advancing further to Damascus. The rebel commander said that the Syrian insurgents reached the suburbs of Damascus.

According to Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the insurgents were active in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya.

Hassan Abdul-Ghani, rebel commander, said that the opposition forces had started to encircle Damascus in the "final stage" of their offensive.

Reportedly, Syria's President Bashar al-Assad remains in Damascus. As the rebels are approaching close to the capital city, President-elect Donald Trump said that the US should not be involved in the Syria conflict.

"Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED! Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

Opposition fighters in Syria, in an unprecedented move, have totally taken over numerous cities, in a highly coordinated offensive, and are now on the outskirts of Damascus, obviously preparing to make a very big move toward taking out Assad. Russia, because they are so tied up  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 7, 2024

Meanwhile, protesters in a Damascus suburb tore down the statue of Assad's father.

Besides capturing Aleppo in the north, Hama in the centre and Deir al-Zor in the east, rebels said they have taken southern Quneitra, Deraa and Suweida.

Protesters brought down a statue of the late father of Syria's president in a main square few miles from Damascus city centre.



Read more: https://t.co/YSCBzZ8j5n pic.twitter.com/Bc3AlJf0Tt  Sky News (@SkyNews) December 7, 2024

The twin threats to strategically vital Homs and the capital Damascus now pose an existential threat to Assad's decades of rule in Syria. Homs is a key crossroad city, seizing the region would cut off Damascus from the coast, a longtime redoubt of Assad's minority Alawite sect and where his Russian allies have a naval base and air base.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Russia, Iran and the main rebels' backer Turkey met on Saturday and agreed on the importance of Syria's territorial integrity and on restarting a political process, they said. However, it seems no concrete decision was taken in the meeting as the situation is worsening in Syria.

Though Russia, Iran and Hezbollah have offered assistance and deployment of more troops to fight for Syria, no one has so far made any significant move.
The Israel Defence Force is beefing up security in the Golan Heights bordering Syria as the rebels advance further towards Damascus. Iran has also evacuated its commanders from the civil war-torn country, leaving the ruling Bashar al-Assad regime high and dry.

This comes as the rebels were reportedly set to drive out the Assad troops from Homs, which is the third largest city in Syria after Damascus and Aleppo. The rebels already recaptured Aleppo, which they lost in 2016. The control of Homs brings the rebel army closer to the Syrian capital of Damascus.

The IDF said it is tracking the developments in Syria and is prepared for any scenario, adding that it will not allow a threat near the country's border.

IDF has targeted several crossings on the border between Syria and Lebanon, including the Arida Crossing and the land routes in al Qusayr area, to stop arms from being supplied to Hezbollah.

Senior commanders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force were among those evacuated by Iran. The New York Times reported that some of the officials left for Tehran on flights while others headed to Lebanon and Iraq by land. However, Iranian officials said they would send missiles, drones and more advisers to Syria.

Israel and several other world countries fear that the chemical weapons in the possession of the Assad regime might fall into the hands of the rebels, posing threat to the entire Middle East. Iraqi government representative Bassem Al-Awadi said his country see the civil war in Syria as a "red line".
US President-elect Donald Trump reportedly intervened to bring Hamas leaders back in Qatar weeks after the Joe Biden administration asked Doha to expel them.

The revelation comes as Trump's pick for Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff recently visited Qatar to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The meeting was held in the backdrop of both Trump transition team and Biden administration agreeing to coordinate in their efforts to get the hostages released.

Qatar Stresses Need for UN General Assembly to Shoulder Responsibility towards Palestinian Cause



 to learn more: https://t.co/PsyjAUsGTr#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/H9xr3xaEwB  Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) December 6, 2024

Why did Trump want Hamas leaders back in Qatar?

The officials in the incoming president's transition team had asked Qatar to recall the ousted Hamas leaders in a bid to resume negotiations regarding a ceasefire and hostage release, said sources quoted by The Times of Israel.

Last week, Trump said Hamas should release the hostages before his presidential inauguration on January 20, warning that the Middle East will have "all hell to pay" if this does not happen.

Earlier, the Biden administration said it had requested Qatar to boot the Hamas leaders amid their refusal to join the negotiations. However Qatar claimed that the decision to oust the militant leaders was its own, saying it would resume mediation only when both sides are willing to negotiate in good faith.

Qatar has been working with the US and Egypt to reach a truce between Israel and the militants for several months now. In November 2023, a weeklong ceasefire was declared and more than 100 hostages were released. It is believed that there are 100 more Israeli hostages in Gaza.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Participating Parties' Lack of Serious Negotiations Pushed Qatar to Suspend Mediation in Gaza



to learn more: https://t.co/6I7xJWScLL#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/zztBf7buzO  Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) November 20, 2024

Hamas leader Bassem Naim recently said in an interview in Turkey that a ceasefire is likely soon, with the global mediators resuming negotiations with Israel and Hamas.
Why has the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned iPhone and Android users in the United States against sending text messages? Why has the agency, time and time again, reminded the US citizens that SMS is not end-to-end encrypted and thus poses cybersecurity risks? At the centre of the controversy is the "Salt Typhoon" -- a data intelligence compromise reportedly orchestrated by the Chinese regime.

What is Salt Typhoon data theft?

One of the biggest intelligence compromises in US history, China-empowered hackers is believed to have compromised networks of multiple telecom companies over the months. The incident, which remains to be fully remediated, was called "Salt Typhoon" by Microsoft first.

According to NBC News, China managed to hack telecommunication majors AT&T, Verizon and Lumen Technologies to spy on customers. An FBI source who spoke to Forbes later confirmed that call and text metadata was stolen in the attack extensively.

Salt Typhoon was executed by the Chinese hackers in three stages, US media reports said:

The first type has been acquiring metadata, call records and logs of Washington D.C. residents, the FBI has reportedly found out.

ALSO READ | Why are cyber experts concerned about data security in India?

The second has been targeted attacks on individuals whose live phone calls were accessed. Among the people who were warned about the attacks were members of the Kamala Harris and Donald Trump campaigns, the NBC News report said.

The third has been the strike on telecommunications systems. China used its hackers to target the system America's telecommunication majors use to help law enforcement track peoples communications. However, the FBI has refused to reveal to the press whether any classified material was compromised due to Salt Typhoon.

But how is sending and receiving simple text messages part of this seemingly big international warfare? According to cybersecurity experts, that is where E2EE comes in.

What is end-to-end encryption?

Encryption is the process of transforming readable plaintext into unreadable ciphertext to mask sensitive information from unauthorized users. Organizations regularly use encryption in data security to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and data breaches. Encryption works by using encryption algorithms to scramble data into an indecipherable format. Only the authorized parties with the right secret key, known as the decryption key, can unscramble the data.

ALSO READ | 'Data breach, ransomware threats amount to cyberattack on India, not trolling Prime Minister or LoP online'

According to IBM, End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a secure communication process that encrypts data before transferring it to another endpoint. Data stays encrypted in transit and is decrypted on the recipients device.

E2EE transforms readable plaintext into unreadable ciphertext by using cryptography. This process helps to mask sensitive information from unauthorized users and ensures that only the intended recipientswith the correct decryption keycan access sensitive data. End-to-end encryption differs from other encryption methods because it provides data security from start to finish. It encrypts data on the sender's device, keeps it encrypted during transmission and decrypts it only when it reaches the recipient's endpoint. This process ensures that service providers facilitating the communications, such as WhatsApp, cant access the messages. Only the sender and the intended recipient can read them, the report said.

Why FBI issue a warning against sending text messages?

Simply put, SMS messages are not encrypted and thus the FBI is worried.

Without fully end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls, ethical hackers and experts believe, threats can never be ruled out. Thus, privacy experts have always backed people completely switching to end-to-end encrypted apps. WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, and so does Signal. "Every device in an end-to-end encrypted chat has a special key that's used to protect the conversation," Facebook has said about its Messenger App.

ALSO READ | Cyber security professionals in India report rising stress amid complex threat landscape

While messaging Android to Android or iPhone to iPhone is secure, messaging from one to the other is not, Forbes pointed out in a report.
After President Yoon Suk Yeol's ill-fated declaration of martial law, the impeachment vote initiated against him in the national assembly failed as the ruling party boycotted the vote.

South Korea's presidential impeachment vote fails after members of President Yoon's ruling party walk out. The main opposition Democratic Party says it will try again https://t.co/J4sO16x9OH pic.twitter.com/9XyZZK9DVC  Reuters (@Reuters) December 7, 2024

With the ruling party walking out, the national assembly did not have the required number of votes- 200.

With a total of 195 votes, the number of members who voted did not reach the required two-thirds majority of the total members, the national assembly speaker, Woo Won-shik, said. Therefore, I declare that the vote on this matter is not valid.

However, the opposition Democratic Party said that they will propose a new impeachment bill against the president on 11 December.

In a surprise move, Yeol on Tuesday declared an emergency martial law accusing the opposition of controlling the parliament. However, the law lasted only six hours before it was overturned by MPs in the early hours of Wednesday.

Meanwhile, South Korea ruling party leader Han said that the president effectively agreed to depart early from office.

The opposition parties who brought the impeachment motion had 192 seats, but only three lawmakers from the PPP participated in the vote. The motion was scrapped without ballot counting.

The failure to hold a qualified vote on this matter means we were not even able to exercise the democratic procedure of deciding on a critical national issue, said Woo Won-Shik.

If Yoon is impeached, his powers will be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office. An election will occur within 60 days if Yoon is removed from office.

On Saturday, Yoon issued a public apology over the declaration of martial law. He promised not to make another attempt to impose martial law.

The declaration of this martial law was made out of my desperation. However, in the course of its implementation, it caused anxiety and inconveniences to the public. I feel very sorry over that and truly apologise to the people who must have been shocked a lot, Yoon said.

With an opposition-controlled parliament, Yoon has struggled to push his agenda since 2022.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the national assembly, shouting slogans for Yoon's ouster.

The Defence Ministry said Friday it suspended three military commanders including the head of the defence counterintelligence unit over their involvement in enforcing martial law. Defence Minister Kim Yong Hyun resigned on Thursday after allegations were made that he recommended the president to enforce the martial law.
The reliability of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids has dramatically improved, narrowing a wide gap with gas-powered automobiles, according to the latest survey by Consumer Reports.

But vehicles with internal combustion engines and gas-electric hybrids are still far more dependable, the survey found.

Consumer Reports subscribers, who filled out surveys during much of 2024, reported that electric vehicles had 42% more problems than gas autos on average. But that was down from 79% more in the 2023 survey. The survey released Thursday measured reliability of vehicles mainly from the 2022, 2023 and 2024 model years.

Plug-ins, which travel a short distance on battery power before a hybrid powertrain kicks in, had 70% more problems than gas vehicles, but that was less than half the difference found in last years survey.

The reason for the improvement? EV and plug-in technology are maturing, said Jake Fisher, head of Consumer Reports automobile test center.

As the automakers get more experience with the new technologies and new platforms, they will improve, Fisher said.

He said he expects plug-in and electric vehicles to keep getting better, further closing the gap with gas vehicles. But one thing may stand in the way: Automakers often test new automation and other features on EVs, and the new stuff is prone to glitches.

Until we get to where an EV is just a car that does practical things with their own powertrain, Im not sure theyll ever catch up totally to gas vehicles, Fisher said.

The new technology may offer more than the next wave of EV buyers would like, as EVs move from early adopters to more practical mainstream buyers, Fisher said. There are people who just want a car thats easy to maintain, he said. I dont use gas. I dont need this automation feature and electric door handles or whatever the heck they are putting out.

Consumer Reports has noted that concerns about EV and plug-in quality add to issues that may have buyers hesitating before switching from gasoline engines, including concerns about higher up-front costs, too few charging stations and long charging times.

Gas-electric hybrids, which switch from internal combustion to electric power to get better mileage, were about as reliable as cars with combustion engines. While the technology is pretty technical, it has been refined for a quarter century, mainly by pioneer Toyota, Fisher said. CRs tests have shown that they are often quieter, quicker and more pleasant to drive than their gasoline-only counterparts, he said.

Through September of this year, the last month for which all automakers have reported results, electric vehicle sales are up 7.2%, plug-in sales rose 11.6%, but hybrids led with a 32.6% increase, according to Motorintelligence.com.

Consumer Reports said its 2024 survey of subscribers representing about 300,000 vehicle owners found that Subaru was the most reliable brand for the first time, followed by perennial top finishers Lexus and Toyota. Rounding out the top five were Honda and its Acura luxury brand. It was the first time since 2020 that neither Toyota nor its Lexus luxury brand were in the top spot, Fisher said.

The highest-ranked brand from a U.S.-based automaker was General Motors Buick at No. 11.

The five lowest of 22 brands that were ranked were electric upstart Rivian, followed by GMs Cadillac luxury brand, GMC, Jeep and Volkswagen, Consumer Reports said.

The magazine and website didnt get enough data this year to rank Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Lucid, Maserati, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Porsche and Ram.

Electric vehicle sales leader Tesla finished 17th, down three spots from last years survey.

Subaru took first place in the survey by following the same formula that Toyota uses to get high reliability scores: It doesnt make huge changes when updating or unveiling new vehicles, Fisher said. Instead of going with new engines or transmissions, Subaru carries parts over from the prior generation.

They dont fix whats not broken, he said. They continue to refine their products, and because the products perform quite well, they dont have to have big changes.

Rivian, Fisher said, is a new company with new electric models that have more glitches. Since the company is a startup, it cant use proven powertrains from prior generations yet. Its expected that youre going to have issues when you have nothing to carry over from previous model years, he said.

The survey found that the gas-powered Toyota RAV4 small SUV was the most reliable vehicle, followed by the Toyota Corolla compact car. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid was third, followed by the RAV4 gas-electric hybrid, Fisher said.

Consumer Reports survey of its subscriber base does not represent all vehicle purchasers in the U.S. or the population that bought specific vehicle types. The survey results were released at a meeting of the Automotive Press Association of Detroit.

(AP)
Iran stands poised to quite dramatically increase its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium as it has started cascades of advanced centrifuges, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency warned Friday.

The comments from Rafael Mariano Grossi came just hours after Iran said it conducted a successful space launch with its heaviest payload ever, the latest for its program that the West alleges improves Tehrans ballistic missile program.

The launch of the Simorgh rocket comes as Irans nuclear program now enriches uranium at 60%, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%. While Iran maintains its program is peaceful, officials in the Islamic Republic increasingly threaten to potentially seek the bomb and an intercontinental ballistic missile that would allow Tehran to use the weapon against distant foes like the United States.

Grossi, speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the International Institute of Strategic Studies Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, said his inspectors planned to see just how many centrifuges Iran would be spinning after Tehran informed his agency of its plans.

I think it is very concerning, Grossi said. They were preparing and they have all of these facilities sort of in abeyance and now they are activating that. So we are going to see.

He added: If they really make them turn  all of them  its going to be a huge jump.

An IAEA statement issued shortly after Grossis remarks said Iran had begun feeding two cascades of advanced IR-6 centrifuges with uranium previously enriched up to 20%.

Cascades are a group of centrifuges that spin uranium gas together to more quickly enrich the uranium. The IR-6 centrifuges enrich uranium faster than Irans baseline IR-1 centrifuges, which have been the workhorse of the countrys atomic program.

The facilitys updated design information showed that the effect of this change would be to significantly increase the rate of production, the IAEA statement said.

Iran did not immediately acknowledge the preparations. The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Iran has always denied seeking nuclear weapons and says its space program, like its nuclear activities, is for purely civilian purposes. However, U.S. intelligence agencies and the IAEA say Iran had an organized military nuclear program up until 2003.

Meanwhile, the launch Friday took place at Irans Imam Khomeini Spaceport in rural Semnan province, some 220 kilometers (135 miles) east of Tehran. Thats the site of Irans civilian space program, which has suffered a series of failed Simorgh launches in the past.

The Simorgh carried what Iran described as an orbital propulsion system, as well as two research systems to a 400-kilometer (250-mile) orbit above the Earth. A system that could change the orbit of a spacecraft would allow Iran to geo-synchronize the orbits of its satellites, a capability Tehran has long sought.

It also carried the Fakhr-1 satellite for Irans military, the first time Irans civilian program is known to have carried a military payload.

Iran also put the payload of the Simorgh at 300 kilograms (660 pounds), heavier than all its previous successful launches within the country. State television carried footage of a correspondent discussing the payload just as the Simorgh lifted off into the sky, as people called out: God is the greatest!

There was no immediate independent confirmation the launch was successful. The U.S. military referred questions to the countrys Space Command, which did not respond.

The announcement comes as heightened tensions grip the wider Middle East over Israels continued war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip and as an uneasy ceasefire holds in Lebanon.

The United States has previously said Irans satellite launches defy a U.N. Security Council resolution and called on Tehran to undertake no activity involving ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. U.N. sanctions related to Irans ballistic missile program expired in October 2023.

Irans work on space-launch vehicles  including its Simorgh  probably would shorten the timeline to produce an intercontinental ballistic missile, if it decided to develop one, because the systems use similar technologies, a U.S. intelligence community report released in July said.

Under Irans relatively moderate former President Hassan Rouhani, the Islamic Republic slowed its space program for fear of raising tensions with the West. The late hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi, a protege of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who came to power in 2021, pushed the program forward. Raisi died in a helicopter crash in May.

Irans reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who has been signaling he wants to negotiate with the West over sanctions, has yet to offer a strategy when it comes to Irans ambitions in space. The Simorgh launch represented the first for his administration from the countrys civil space program. Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard conducted a successful launch of its parallel program in September.

(AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Belarus on Friday to sign a treaty offering security guarantees for Moscows closest ally, including the possible use of Russian nuclear weapons to help repel an aggression.

The signing of the document follows the publication of a revised version of Russias nuclear doctrine, which for the first time placed Belarus under the Russian nuclear umbrella amid the tensions between Moscow and the West over the Ukrainian conflict.

Speaking alongside Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin emphasized that the new document includes the potential use of Russian tactical nuclear weapons deployed to Belarus in response to an aggression.

Im sure that the treaty will ensure the security of Russia and Belarus, Putin said in televised remarks.

After the two leaders signed the security pact, Lukashenko asked Putin to deploy more advanced weapons in Belarus, including the Oreshnik intermediate range ballistic missile that Russia used for the first time last month against Ukraine.

I would like to publicly ask you to deploy new weapons systems, primarily Oreshnik, to Belarus, Lukashenko said. It will help calm some heads.

Putin responded that Oreshnik missiles could be deployed to Belarus in the second half of next year, adding that they will remain under Russian control but Moscow will allow Belarus to select the targets.

The Russian president has described the Nov. 21 strike on Ukraine with Oreshniks as a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian military facilities in the Bryansk and Kursk regions with Western-supplied weapons. He has warned that Russia could use the new missile to strike military facilities of Kyivs Western allies that allow Ukraine to use their weapons for attacks on Russian territory.

Putin has hailed the Oreshnik missiles capability, saying that its multiple warheads that plunge to a target at 10 times the speed of sound are immune to interception by any existing air defense systems. Russias missile forces chief said the missile, which can carry conventional or nuclear warheads, has a range allowing it to reach all of Europe.

The revamped nuclear doctrine that Putin endorsed last month formally lowered the threshold for Russias use of its nuclear weapons, a move that follows U.S. President Joe Bidens decision to let Ukraine strike targets inside Russian territory with American-supplied longer-range missiles.

The doctrine says Moscow could use nuclear weapons in response to the use of nuclear and other types of weapons of mass destruction against Russia or its allies, as well as in the event of aggression against Russia and Belarus with conventional weapons that threaten their sovereignty and/or territorial integrity.

Putin and other Russian officials have repeatedly said that Russian tactical nuclear weapons deployed to Belarus remain under Moscows control, but the secretary of Belarus Security Council, Alexander Volfovich, said Friday that their use would require Lukashenkos sanction.

Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus with an iron hand for more than 30 years and has relied on Russian subsidies and support, allowed Russia to use his countrys territory to send troops into Ukraine in February 2022 and to deploy some of its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

Belarus opposition leader-in-exile, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, condemned the security pact between Russia and Belarus as part of Moscows efforts to tighten control over the country.

Putins visit to Minsk isnt about security, its about Russia tightening control over our country, she said. The deployment of new weapons and using Belarus as a pawn in his imperial ambitions threatens us all.

(AP)
The sale of the Observer, the worlds oldest Sunday newspaper and a bastion of liberal values in Britains media landscape, was approved Friday despite two days of strike action from journalists this week.

The Scott Trust, the owner of the Guardian Media Group, which includes the Observer and its sister paper the Guardian, said the sale to Tortoise Media is expected to be signed in the coming days.

The Scott Trust said it will invest in Tortoise Media, becoming a key shareholder, and take a seat on both its editorial and commercial boards.

Under the terms of the deal, Tortoise will invest 25 million pounds ($32 million) in the Observer, and has committed to continue its Sunday print edition and build up its digital brand.

It has also committed to safeguarding journalistic freedom and the editorial independence of the Observer, undertaking to honor the liberal values and journalistic standards of the Scott Trust in its editorial code.

Tortoise was launched in 2019 by James Harding, a former editor of the London Times and director of news at the BBC, and the former U.S. ambassador to London, Matthew Barzun.

Harding said the Observer name represents the best of liberal, pioneering journalism, and promised readers that we will do all we can to live up to its history as a defender of human dignity and to give it a new lease of life as a powerful, progressive voice in the world.

Ole Jacob Sunde, who chairs the Scott Trust, said the Observer needed an ally to be sufficiently funded, long-term in nature and respect editorial independence and liberal values.

Journalists at both the Guardian, which publishes print editions between Monday and Saturday and has a deep digital footprint around the world, and the Observer, have protested the sale and went on a 48-hour strike on Wednesday and Thursday. Though the Guardian is clearly the bigger brand, especially in the digital space, the two newspapers had a very close relationship, operating from the same building in London and sharing resources.

I recognize how unsettling this period has been for Observer staff but were confident we have agreed the best possible way forward for the titles journalists, its readers and the future of both the Observer and the Guardian, said Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of Guardian News & Media.

Members of the National Union of Journalists from both papers will meet later Friday to consider next steps, its general secretary-elect Laura Davison said.

The timing of the decision, before the end of two extremely well-supported days of action, is particularly shabby, she said.

The Observer was founded in 1791 and became part of the Guardian Media Group in 1993.

(AP)
A recent study of the Israel-Lebanon wars impact on children and teens found that most have developed significant emotional challenges, made worse by a lack of proper adult guidance, Ynet reported.

Noam (not his real name), a father of three and a mental health professional from northern Israel, described the wars impact on his children. Our oldest acts as if everything is normal, but shes extremely tense and grappling with deep fears. Our middle child suffers from severe anxiety  at night, she curls up silently and cries, as if she wants to disappear. Shes terrified to be alone, even at home. Meanwhile, our youngest runs to the safe room at the slightest sound.

Its a roller coaster. The root of the problem lies in the systems inability to handle the situation. Nobody has taken the time to speak with educators about what their behavior during a missile alert means for the children, how to support a child dealing with anxiety, or the impact of overhearing adults discuss the crisis. Most of the challenges we face come from the fear instilled in children due to unprofessional handling. While we sought support from the educational psychology service on our own initiative, theres been no proactive outreach, no guidance, no parental training. These are critical resources that simply dont exist.

As a mental health expert, Noam fears the long-term consequences of the situation. Children are developing deep-seated anxieties, a lack of independence, difficulty in growth, low frustration tolerance, diminished self-esteem, social withdrawal, and nighttime bedwetting. This is the reality. There will be no true recovery. These kids, already struggling with deficits from the pandemic, are now facing yet another year of disruption. The emotional scars are growing, and there are no sufficient interventions.

Nadav, a father of three from Kiryat Shmona, described the impact of living in a city that was evacuated shortly after the October 7, 2023 attack.

Its losing every pillar of stability in your life  your home, your room, your bed and the familiar neighborhood, friends, youth movements, schools and activities. All of that disappeared overnight and was replaced by a makeshift existence: a hotel room, then one apartment, then another. Theres no stability, and my kids are afraid to form attachments because they know its all temporary. I see it in them  they dont want to invest emotionally because they sense another transition is coming. Its this constant tension.

His children also suffered from academic setbacks. At their regular school, we had resources like integration hours to address gaps. In the current framework, those resources arent available. I dont know how these gaps, which feed into issues like self-confidence and life skills, will ever be closed. While we had better support during the hotel phase, once we moved out, those resources disappeared. The availability of services depends entirely on the specific staff at each school.

The ceasefire has not helped improve matters: My youngest is experiencing regressions, including temper tantrums we thought were behind her. These resurfaced in the last two weeks as talks of a cease-fire brought everything back to the surface. On one hand, its exciting to go back, but on the other, it raises so many fears. What will it be like? Will it be safe?

The study was carried out at the University of Haifa, led by Dr. Ortal Buchnik-Azil, in collaboration with Dr. Lilach Lev Ari and Dr. Maayan Shorer from the Ruppin Academic Center and Dr. Liat Helfman from the University of Haifa,

We anticipated that families uprooted from their natural environment or enduring constant rocket attacks would experience high-intensity stress, leading to significant psychological repercussions, explains Buchnik-Azil, a faculty member at Ruppin Academic Center and a psychologist specializing in parent and child therapy. Our goal was to amplify the voices of these families and shed light on a region receiving inadequate support.

When parents exhibit high levels of anxiety and stress, their children mirror these emotions, says Buchnik-Azil. Many children are also exposed to distressing content through schools or peers. Some parents mistakenly think their children accidentally came across such information and opt to avoid addressing it, which only amplifies the symptoms.

Schools dont explain, contextualize or teach children how to process the situation, leaving them to construct their own narratives and deepen their trauma. Mediation is critical  when parents step up to articulate whats happening, childrens symptoms significantly decrease.

The situation in the north isnt just a case of acute stress, Buchnik-Azil continued. Its a chronic stress environment that erodes parents ability to regulate themselves and provide a stable foundation for their children. We see children growing up in fear, lacking tools for self-soothing, social skills, and academic focus. A post-traumatic generation is emerging, marked by a loss of trust in systems and their ability to provide help. We call on the government to immediately allocate funds and resources to provide psychological support for parents and educational staff.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
An IDF soldier was seriously injured in a ramming attack near Chevron on Motzei Shabbos.

A large number of IDF forces arrived at the scene following the attack and launched a manhunt for the terrorist who fled the scene. The soldiers set up roadblocks and enforced a military closure around Chevron. The terrorist later turned himself into the IDF.

The soldier was treated at the scene by an IDF medical unit and evacuated by military ambulance to Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva. According to MDA reports, he suffered from severe injuries to his limbs.

During the attack, a civilian vehicle was also hit by gunfire, and a man was lightly injured by shattered glass. He was treated at the scene and evacuated to Soroka Hospital. Two passengers, another man and a child, suffered from shock and were treated at the scene.

The IDF released a video of the manhunt:

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
The IDF announced on Motzei Shabbos that its forces aided UN forces to repel a Syrian rebel attack on a UN outpost near the Druze village of Hader in southern Syria, just a few feet away from Israels Ramat HaGolan.

A short while ago, an attack was carried out by armed individuals at a UN post in the Hader area in Syria, the IDF spokesperson stated. The IDF is currently assisting the UN forces in repelling the attack.

The IDF is deployed with reinforced forces in the Ramat HaGolan area and will continue to operate to protect the State of Israel and its citizens.

The IDF decided to further bolster its forces near the Syrian border following a situational assessment. The move comes after the IDF announced on Friday that it is reinforcing its Air Force and ground forces in the Ramat HaGolan area.

The presence of rebel jihadist Syrian rebels near the Israeli border is a serious security threat for Israel.

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
Possibly a sign of growing desperation here in flyover country . . . We wanted to share this roundup that dominated local headlines today in order to consider rising Heartland domestic violence . . . Check-it:



"As officials with the Eudora Police Department arrived at the home, they said they heard a gunshot ring out from inside. They were able to establish contact with a 52-year-old man inside the home who was overtly hostile and threatening to shoot law enforcement officers, before he barricaded himself in the house.



"The Sheriffs Office noted that the Lawrence Police Department was called to utilize drone technology to gain access to the residence. The tools were able to show law enforcement officials that a 44-year-old woman lay deceased in the home.



"After several hours of negotiations, investigators said they lost contact with the man but continued to use tech in an attempt to reestablish contact or take him into custody.



"During part of the investigation, Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister said there were concerns about possible explosives inside the house. This was part of the reason why the standoff lasted for nearly 20 hours.



"Just before 4:30 p.m. on Friday, the Kansas Highway Patrol indicated they were able to enter the home and found the suspect deceased as well."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Victim, suspect dead following shooting, standoff south of Eudora Deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office are remaining on the scene of a shooting and standoff that occurred Thursday night and is continuing into Friday afternoon at a property sout...

Douglas County Sheriff's Office investigating suspected shooting south of Eudora A suspected shooting from Thursday night is under investigation in rural Douglas County, Kansas.

Developing . . .
Actually . . . We always try to be fair and objective . . . But it seems like this guy his taking pretty good care of his pet . . . Here's the story that we hope is a publicity stunt . . . Check-it:



Kansas City Action For Animals will demonstrate on the sidewalk in front of the Pet Stop, asking for the release of Frankie, a monkey the pet store has cared for since he was young, so he can live in an animal sanctuary in Texas.



Weve been working for the last year, really formalizing this pressure campaign against Pet Stop, whos keeping Frankie in extreme captivity, said Amanda Williams, a community activist with Kansas City Action for Animals.



In a short statement, Greg Smith, the owner-operator of Pet Stop, a long-standing business in Shawnee, said the store wants to continue caring for Frankie.



We have been Frankies sole caretaker for over 18 years. We will continue to provide a safe, healthy, and loving home for him, he wrote.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
This morning activist, actress & social media influencer hottie Siri inspires our latest peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Season Of Song Starts

Kansas City's holiday concerts and shows range from traditional to rowdy, new-era merriment There's plenty of song and celebration this season with holiday concerts and shows around Kansas City.

Pupper Push Back Ahead

Kansas City may take back animal control from KC Pet Project. What does nonprofit do now? The nonprofit that runs Kansas City's animal shelter responds to bites by stray dogs & cats. What exactly do they do in contract with KC?

Suburbanites Value Stroll

Downtown Shawnee development aims to make area more walkable The Johnson Drive Streetscape Project will revitalize Johnson Drive between Nieman Road and Barton Street.

Troubling Ballers

Which of the Chiefs' Issues Are Worth Worrying About? The Kansas City Chiefs keep winning close games. Some of KC's issues are legitimate cause for concern, while other factors are being a bit overblown.

Kangaroo Route Considered

UMKC plans to redevelop plot of land near new KC Streetcar stop As the extension inches closer to UMKC on Brookside Boulevard, it's starting to become real how it could have a positive impact not only on the school but on students.

Siri Talks Access

My OnlyFans Content Leaked. I Learned a Bleak Truth About the Internet. Leaks result in financial loss, jeopardize their privacy and safety, and create an ongoing nightmare.

White House Pardon Perspective

Haley on Biden's pardon reversal: 'He thought he was going to be president again Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley (R) recently weighed in on the reason behind President Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter, pointing to the twists and turns of the presidential election cycle. Biden, who announced on Sunday that he would offer clemency to Hunter Biden for his federal gun and tax charges, had previously vowed...

MAGA French Twist

Trump to return to world stage for Notre Dame Cathedral reopening in Paris | CNN Politics The Notre Dame Cathedral will provide a lofty backdrop for President-elect Donald Trump's return to the geopolitical stage on Saturday, when French officials put an ornate line under the five-year project to restore the soaring landmark with a reopening ceremony featuring dozens of world leaders.

Trolling For HealthCare Reform



UnitedHealthcare CEO's shooting opens a door for many to vent frustrations over insurance The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has opened the door for many people to vent their frustrations and anger over the insurance industry.

Tech Cash Powers Politics

Tech poured $394.1m into US election as Musk and crypto giving boomed FEC filings offer only a glimpse of the money tech is pouring into Washington as it seeks to influence government

Sketchy Protest Teachings

Anti-Israel convention in Chicago suburb instructs students how to 'make your campus Palestinian': Report The Free Press reported on the 17th Annual Convention for Palestine in Tinley Park where anti-Israel college students learned how to advocate their cause on campus.

Eastern Europe Tactics Explored

Russia's 'meat-grinder' tactics bring battlefield success - but at horrendous cost As 2024 draws to a close, Russian forces are continuing to push their Ukrainian opponents back.

Middle-East Fight Future

Syrian rebels say they have reached Damascus in 'final stage' of offensive - Middle East crisis live Hassan Abdul-Ghani, an insurgent commander, said fighters were heading from eastern and southern Syria towards Damascus

Seoul Survivor Seyz Sorry

South Korea President Yoon apologises for martial law ahead of impeachment vote South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday apologised for his attempt to impose martial law this week and bowed during a televised speech to the nation, only hours head of a planned impeachment vote.

American Icon Entertains Eternity

'It doesn't concern me': Dick Van Dyke says he's not afraid to die in Coldplay music video The Emmy-winning actor starred in Coldplay's new music video for the track "All My Love," in which Van Dyke opens up about his positive perception of mortality.

End Game Options Open?!?

Couples are turning to kinky sex to save their relationships: survey Couples are exploring kinky sex in a bid to salvage their relationships, according to a new survey. In a new 2024 State of Intimacy Report from Arya, a personalized erotic concierge site for partners, 35% of its users revealed they want to explore kink.

Super Bowl Champs Still Learning

How the Chiefs treat ugly wins as lessons for sustained greatness in the NFL The 11-1 Chiefs face doubts over inconsistencies and challenges despite their dominance.

Local Reads Shared

2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Great local finds for the booklover - KC STUDIO This last year was a busy one for the writers whose insightful stories, profiles and reviews graced the pages of KC Studio.

Kansas City Music Scene Mentoring

Making Movies gives back to Kansas City with energy, music - and enriching young minds | Opinion The band's mix of Latin American and rock music has brought them success. Their nonprofit Art As Mentorship teaches young people creativity.

Local Artsy Talk Redux



356: Exhibiting Artists Share Creative Background Ahead Open Studio Tour - Northeast News On this episode of Northeast Newscast, we will continue our Open Studio series. Local artists, cake sculptor and muralist, Mike Elder and Author, Jerry Potocnik join Julia Williams in the studio to discuss their creative backgrounds and current work, which they will prepare to exhibit this weekend, Dec.

Weekend Warmup Again

FIRST WARN FORECAST: Major weekend warmup comes with wind and possible rain Major weekend warm-up, comes with wind and a slim rain chance.

Coldplay - ALL MY LOVE is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Readers checking out this post are up late and/or early and we respect that kind of commitment to the local news game . . . Accordingly, we share some of our reading by way of pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Local Burnout Before Holidays

KCMO families lose everything in apartment fire Instead of wrapping Christmas gifts, mom of two April Antwine is wrapping her mind around her new reality. Sunday just before 8 a.m., her home at the Orchard Apartment complex caught fire.

JoCo Doesn't Know How To Save The World

OP committees have two different ideas on green building code Overland Park is developing a code to make new and renovated city facilities greener, but two committees have different ideas on how to proceed.

Harvest Hot Mess?!?!

Farm groups say producers need a new farm bill, but many expect another extension as time runs out The clock is ticking for Congress to address the expired farm bill. Several groups are urging lawmakers to get an updated bill to the finish line before the end of the year.

Life & Death In Flyover Country

How a clinic on the Kansas-Missouri border is navigating a shifting abortion rights landscape As Missouri's abortion ban lifts, Planned Parenthood's new clinic in Pittsburg, Kansas fields patients from across the region.

Show-Me Granny Still Waiting For Snail Mail

Prescription delivery in Missouri faces delays under USPS rural service plan USPS plans to consolidate some services to regional hubs in Kansas City and St. Louis. Critics say the move will create negative outcomes for rural customers, especially those who rely on the mail for their medication delivery.

Super Bowl Ballers Best Legacy

Have the Kansas City Chiefs really surpassed Cardinals in St. Louis popularity? Media Views The worst-rated Kansas City Chiefs game this season has a 20% higher rating locally than the best-rated St. Louis Cardinals telecast this year.

MAGA On Track

Trump train could derail Amtrak expansion plan for Wichita, Kansas City | Opinion Changes in Washington and obstruction in Topeka could leave Kansas waiting at the station for a train that's not coming.

Holiday Schedule Shapes Up

KCTV5 to air Chiefs-Steelers game on Christmas Day The Chiefs will face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 25 at 12 p.m.

Fashioning Social Media Interest

Addison Rae smolders in a sheer lace leotard at Jingle Ball On Friday evening, the 24-year-old TikTok influencer put on a very cheeky display while strutting her stuff on the star studded bash's red carpet.

White House In Reverse

Jean-Pierre shredded for wrongly claiming 64% of Americans support pardon: 'Literally got a poll backwards' White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced a wave of mockery after she wrongly claimed a poll showed majority support for President Biden pardoning his son.

MAGA Shares Confidence

Donald Trump says he thinks Pete Hegseth can get confirmed in NBC News interview President-elect Donald Trump acknowledged "people were a little bit concerned" about Fox News host Pete Hegseth's nomination to run the Pentagon, but Trump said he maintains confidence in his pick.

Tesla King Tactics Exposed

Elon Musk revealed as sole funder of RBG Pac that claimed Trump and Ginsburg were aligned Musk bolstered Pac with $20.5m ahead of election while late supreme court justice's family denounced it as 'appalling'

Former Prez Offers Perspective

Obama claims 'politicizing' military or weaponizing judiciary is a red line in first public remarks since election Former President Obama declared that if "one side" attempts to cement "a permanent grip on power," "a line has been crossed."

Sailors Save DEI?!?

US judge upholds Naval Academy's race-conscious admissions policies A federal judge on Friday ruled that the U.S. Naval Academy may continue to consider race when evaluating candidates to attend the elite military school, even after the U.S. Supreme Court last year barred civilian colleges from employing similar affirmative action policies.

More Eastern Europe War Tech Debuts

Ukraine shows off new 'rocket-drone' in bid to boost long-range strikes Ukraine showed off a new locally-produced "rocket-drone" which it said could fly 700 km - more than twice the longest range attributed to missiles supplied by Western allies.

War Worsens Middle-East Biz

Israel Hezbollah war: Lebanon's bombed businesses face unknown future Traders and shop-owners lost their livelihoods as a result of destruction from Israeli attacks.

Far East Leader Asks Forgiveness

South Korean president apologises for martial law attempt as impeachment vote looms Yoon Suk Yeol tells nation he will face legal consequences and will not try to impose martial law for a second time

Hollywood Diva Discounts Talent

Eva Longoria Says Directors, Writers Will "Suffer" as Hollywood DEI Programs Shut Down The 'Desperate Housewives' star talked about problems ahead for diversity, equity and inclusion across the industry as she appeared at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia on Friday.

Dry Spell ALMOST Explained

I'm a doctor - this is main reason why women stop having sex at 60 It can be soul-crushing. And yes, it can also feel terribly unfair, especially since men's sexual lifespan can be easily extended with cheap prescription pills.

More Worthwhile Kansas City Tribute To Local Legend

Remembering Al Fitzmorris One of the original Royals

Holidaze Drinking Games Ahead

Kingdom's Greetings: An inside look at Arrowhead's holiday pop-up bar The Chiefs-themed holiday pop-up bar inside Foolish Lounge on Arrowhead's Community America Club Level is expected to welcome more than 9,000 guests

Middle-Class Good Life Enjoyed

KC needs elevated ambience, founder says; how her soon-to-open Westwood home store sets the table for 'touches of trend' The moment local shoppers - aspiring to better entertain friends and loved ones - heard what Sarah Brown's online store was offering, her home and lifestyle business "just blew up," she said, detailing the demand now pushing the brand's jump to brick and mortar.

Kansas City Coffee Game Cont'd

Prefix closes and opens A Prefix Grandview location closed Friday, but it will soon open in another downtown location with a drive-thru.

December Uptick Awaits

Slight weekend warm-up before cold returns next week After a cold Friday night into Saturday morning, sunshine is on the way, sticking around through the weekend and the Chiefs game.

BAD BUNNY - EL CLuB was the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Once again our blog community has been proven correct . . .

We told local voters that Council Dude Bunch would disappear after he won reelection and that's exactly what happened.

In fact . . . Just like Mayor Q there's a bit of doubt that he'll finish his term.

And so . . .

MEET THE LEADING ACTIVIST CONTENDER TO REPLACE COUNCIL DUDE ERIC BUNCH WHO IS ALREADY MISSING IN ACTION MOST OF THE TIME!!!

Turns out she runs my neighborhood and I didn't even know until recently . . . Here's how she describes herself . . .



Westside Neighborhood Vice President. Housing is a human right. Radically for all people. Jewish Mexican-American. Bi. 

That's cool . . .

I'm not really interested in trashing my neighbors . . . So TKC will reserve judgement.

However . . . What we can say for certain is this . . .

Like it or not, the next KCMO council might be more radical & activist than KC has seen in a long time given that the local reaction to MAGA amongst progressive leaders is to double down on activist opposition.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Becky: "I serve on the neighborhood association board, and I am a longtime resident of Kansas Citys 4th District."

Developing . . .
Bottom line . . .

Controversy amongst local news junkies was fun but we're still not sure that any of this hurts Mayor Q's rep but merely signals that his progressive pals are tired of him.

Also . . .

ANYBODY NOTICE THE KANSAS CITY STAR TOTES SKIPPED COVERING THIS STORY?!?!



It may not be a big deal but there's no denying that it's newsworthy.

Either way . . .

He answered the controversy and it's important to document his response . . .



The nonprofits been around since the 1970s, according to Lucas. In an interview with FOX4 Friday, Lucas said he did not know how prior administrations spent the money in it. Lucas is a board member of the entity.



For me fundamentally, my goal is always to save taxpayer dollars, he said. So, I think rather than trying to bill the taxpayers for things like business prospecting, promotion, rather than spending thousands of dollars and some cases tens of thousand of dollars, instead you do something that saves taxpayer dollars.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Mayor Lucas defends use of nonprofit spending On Friday, FOX4 talked to Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas following a report questioning how he's spending nonprofit money.

Mayor Quinton Lucas accused of using nonprofit to pay for travel in possible violation of city gift ban A new report from the Missouri Independent shows that Lucas received tens of thousands of dollars to pay for travel, Super Bowl tickets and more from the nonprofit Mayors Corps of Progress for a Greater Kansas City Inc.

Developing . . .
Again, just so nobody gets confused . . .

THIS IS MISSOURI JOKE LEGISLATION HOPING TO EARN NATIONAL HEADLINES SO THAT SOME PO'DUNK POLITICO CAN GARNER MEDIA FACE TIME!!!

However . . .

It does remind us that at least the Missouri GOP is thinking creatively about their legislative future in the MAGA era whilst Missouri Democrats are busy looking for more trans bathroom stalls to clean, worship & defend . . . And then blaming voters for their lack of support.

Either way . . . It turns out there might be some financial incentive to attend my next family reunion.

Check-it . . .



"The bounty-hunter-style system was proposed by Senator-elect Davod Gregory, who wants to allow regular bail bond agents to be certified to go after those who crossed the border illegally.



"Gregory introduced Senate Bill 72 on December 1, and it includes bars for undocumented migrants on receiving benefits, a driver's license or the ability to be a legal resident of Missouri.



"American Families United President Ashley DeAzevedo said in a statement that the bill's introduction was "an alarming sign" of things to come in regard to anti-immigration policies."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Criticism, concern mount over MO bill creating bounties for undocumented immigrants A Missouri senator-elect may be getting just what he wanted when he pre-filed a bill directed at unlawful immigration.

Missouri floats program to deputize citizens as migrant bounty hunters Residents signed up to the program could be paid $1,000 for reporting undocumented migrants to authorities.

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.
A closer look at the latest situation in Syria

The HTS invasion of Aleppo in recent days was carried out at the expense of the Syrian regimes army, backed by Iranian and Russian forces

Saturday December 7, 2024 11:55 AM , Gilbert Achcar

[Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). He says wants to establish an Islamic system in #Syria based on institutions, rather than the whims of a single leader.]

In just a few days, after having remained relatively static for a few years, Syria has turned anew into a theatre of war of movement, in what looks like a resumption of the last major displacement of the battlefronts that took place in 2016, when the Assad regime regained control of Aleppo with Iranian and Russian support and Turkish complicity.

Here we are now, facing a surprise attack accompanied by a sudden expansion of the forces of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (Organization for the Liberation of al-Sham, i.e. Syria, commonly referred to by its Arabic acronym HTS), the Salafi militant group that has controlled the Idlib region in northwestern Syria since 2017.

As is well known, the origin of the group goes back to Jabhat al-Nusra, which was founded in 2012 as a branch of Al-Qaeda in Syria, then announced its defection from the organization under the name Jabhat Fath al-Sham in 2016, before absorbing other groups and becoming Hayat Tahrir al-Sham the following year.

Watch: HTS Chief Abu Mohammad al-Julani in conversation with CNN

Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). He says wants to establish an Islamic system in #Syria based on institutions, rather than the whims of a single leader. pic.twitter.com/7IZBboOKjJ  ummid.com (@ummid) December 7, 2024

The HTS invasion of Aleppo in recent days was carried out at the expense of the Syrian regimes army, backed by Iranian and Russian forces. As for the Turkish role, it was again one of complicity, but in the opposite direction this time, as HTS has become dependent on Turkey, which is its only outlet.

Let us take a closer look at this mayhem, starting with the Turkish role.

At the beginning of the popular uprising in Syria in 2011, Ankara aspired to impose its tutelage over the Syrian opposition and through it over the country in the event of its victory. It then soon cooperated with some Arab Gulf states in supporting armed groups raising Islamic banners, when the situation got militarized and transformed from a popular uprising against a sectarian, despotic family rule into a clash between two reactionary camps, exploited by a third camp formed by the Kurdish movement.

These developments paved the way for the Syrian territories to become subjected to four occupations, in addition to the Zionist occupation of the Golan Heights that began in 1967: Iranian occupation (accompanied by regional forces affiliated with Tehran, most notably Lebanons Hezbollah) and Russian occupation backing the Assad regime; Turkish occupation in two areas on Syrias northern border; and US deployment in the northeast, in support for the Kurdish forces confronting ISIS or its remnants.

So, what happened in recent days?

The first thing to stand out was the rapidity with which the Assad regime forces collapsed in the face of the attack, recalling the collapse of the Iraqi regular forces in the face of ISIS when it crossed the border from Syria in the summer of 2014. The reason for these two collapses lies mainly in the sectarian factor, their common feature being that the Alawite majority in the Syrian forces and the Shiite majority in the Iraqi forces had no incentive to risk their lives defending the Sunni majority areas under their control targeted by the attack.

Add to this the resentment created by the existing regimes failure to create incentivizing living conditions, especially in Syria, which has been undergoing an economic collapse and a major increase in poverty for several years. Last Saturday, the Financial Times quoted an Alawite saying:

We are prepared to protect our villages and towns, but I dont know that Alawites will fight for Aleppo city  The regime has stopped giving us reasons to keep supporting it.

What is clear is that HTS, along with other factions under Turkish tutelage, have decided to seize the opportunity created by the weakening of Iranian support for the Assad regime that resulted from the great losses suffered by the Lebanese Hezbollah, Irans main armed wing in Syria, due to Israels onslaught on Lebanon.

This weakening, combined with the weakening of Russian support due to the involvement of the Russian armed forces in the invasion of Ukraine, created an exceptional opportunity that HTS did seize. It is also clear that Turkey blessed this attack. Since 2015, Recep Tayyip Erdogans shift towards playing on the Turkish nationalist chord, along with his alliance with the Turkish nationalist far right, meant that his primary concern has become the fight against the Kurdish movement.

In 2016, Ankara stabbed the Syrian opposition forces in the back by allowing the Syrian regime to retake Aleppo with Iranian and Russian support, in exchange for Russia allowing it to launch Operation Euphrates Shield and seize the Jarabulus area and its surroundings, north of the Aleppo Governorate, from the Kurdish forces that were dominant there.

This time too, Ankara took advantage of the attack by HTS on Aleppo to unleash its Syrian suppletive forces against the Kurdish forces. Erdogan had previously tried to reconcile with Bashar al-Assad, offering him support in extending his regimes control over the vast area where the Kurdish movement is dominant in the northeast. However, the latters insistence that Turkey hand over to him the areas it controls on the northern border thwarted the effort.

Erdogan then turned against the Assads again and gave his green light to HTSs attack, angering the backers of the Syrian regime. The difference of viewpoints that Irans foreign minister alluded to during his visit to Ankara after the start of the attack, consists in the fact that Tehran sees the greater threat in HTS, while Ankara sees it in the Kurdish forces.

Despite a common hostility towards the Kurdish movement, Tehran, Moscow and Damascus had concluded a long-term truce with it, waiting for the circumstances to change to allow them to resume the offensive for the control of the whole Syrian territory, while Ankaras relationship with that movement has remained extremely hostile, in contrast with its cooperation with HTS which controls the Idlib region.

As for Israel and the United States, they are cautiously monitoring what is happening on the ground, as the two parties  the Assad regime and HTS  are almost equally bad in their eyes (despite the UAEs efforts to whitewash the regime and Ankaras efforts to whitewash HTS). The Zionist states main concern is to prevent Iran from seizing the opportunity of this new battle to strengthen its military presence on Syrian territory and find new ways to supply Hezbollah with weapons through it.

Finally, by stirring up sectarian animosities, these developments are pushing away the only hopeful perspective that arose in recent years in Syria, constituted by the massive popular protests against the deterioration of living conditions that have been taking place in the country since 2020. These protests began in the Suwayda region (inhabited by a Druze majority) in the territories controlled by the regime, and quickly turned into demanding Bashar al-Assads departure and the fall of the regime, thus reviving the spirit of the popular, democratic, non-sectarian uprising that Syria witnessed amid the Arab Spring, thirteen years ago.

Let us hope that the unity of the peoples interests in livelihood and emancipation will, in a not-too-distant future, lead to the renewal of the original Syrian revolution and allow the country to be reunited on the democratic basis that the pioneers of the 2011 uprising dreamed of.

[The writer, Gilbert Achcar, grew up in Lebanon. He is a Professor of Development Studies and International Relations at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London. His books include The New Cold War: Chronicle of a Confrontation Foretold. Morbid Symptoms: Relapse in the Arab Uprising; The People Want: A Radical Exploration of the Arab Uprising; The Clash of Barbarisms; Perilous Power: The Middle East and U.S. Foreign Policy; and The Arabs and the Holocaust: The Arab-Israeli War of Narratives. He is a member of Anti-Capitalist Resistance. The above article is translated from the Arabic, originally published by Al-Quds al-Arabi.]

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Bashar al Assad's location unknown, family flees Syria

The location of Bashar al Assad is unknown even as the reports claimed that his family members, including his wife Asma and children, have left Syria

Sunday December 8, 2024 0:20 AM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies

[Bashar al Assad and his wife Asma in a file photo]

Damascus: The location of Bashar al Assad is unknown even as the reports claimed that his family members, including his wife Asma and children, have left Syria.

The U.S. based The Wall Street Journal in a report said Bashars British wife Asma al Assad has fled to Russia along with the couples three children.

The reports came after claims that Bashar al Assad has fled the country. Syrian officials, however, said Assad is in Syria.

"As of December 6, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad remained in the country, but his wife and three children left for Russia", The Wall Street Journal reported with reference to Syrian security forces and Arab officials.

Reports further claimed that Bashar al Assads two brothers-in-law have fled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Wall Street Journal also reported that some Egyptian and Jordanian officials have urged "Syrian President" Bashar al Assad to leave the country and form a government in exile.

Assad's family fled the country after the opposition forces captured in lightning speed Aleppo, Hama and are currently kilometers away from capital Damascus.

Syria War - Timeline

Bashar al Assad is President of Syria since 2000. He became president after the death of Hafez al Assad in June 2000.

Assad family is in power in Syria since 1971. But, protests against the brutal regime started and took turn into a civil war in 2011.

A ceasefire between the opposition fighters and Syrian security forces was established in February 2016 but clashes continued.

On November 27, 2024, a coalition of Syrian opposition groups called the Military Operations Command led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied Turkish-backed groups in the Syrian National Army (SNA) launched an offensive against the pro-government Syrian Arab Army (SAA) forces and in lightning speed captured Aleppo, Hama, Homs and now closing in on capital Damascus.

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Claim that Saudi Arabia plans to suspend oil export to India is false

Claims made in various social media posts that Saudi Arabia is considering to suspend oil exports to India is false, as per the fact check analysis done by ummid.com



Saturday December 7, 2024 7:31 PM , Fact Check by ummid.com

What is the Claim?

Some social media users citing Qatar based broadcaster, Al Jazeera, are claiming that Saudi Arabia is likely to suspend oil exports to India.

Saudi Arabia is the largest exporter of oil, and India is one of the Kingdoms largest oil importer.

However, social media user Asad Nasir in a single line post Friday December 06, 2024 claimed, Saudi Arabia is likely to suspend oil exports to India.

He tagged an image of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and cited the source of his information as Al Jazeera.

BREAKING NEWS:-



Saudi Arabia is likely to suspend Oil exports to  India.



Source: Al Jazeera. pic.twitter.com/HcpEorYaxu  Asad Nasir (@asadnasir2000) December 6, 2024

Asad Nasir identifies himself on X as Businessman and Stock Trader, and has over 13.3K followers. His post about Saudi plan to suspend oil exports to India has been viewed by more 187,000 social media users and re-tweeted 550 times.

The same post has also been shared by some little known X accounts like NHS Media and Abdullah Al Noman.

Fact Check Analysis

After a fact check analysis of the viral post, ummid.com found no such report, article, tweet or news by the Qatar based broadcaster, Al Jazeera.

To further authenticate the claim, ummid.com made relevant and site specific keyword search using keywords like saudi oil export to india, is saudi suspending oil export to india, saudi arabia oil exports to india al jazeera, saudi oil to india al jazeera.

Not a single keyword listed above showed the claim made in the viral post - neither from Al Jazeera nor from any other news source.

A glance at the Al Jazeera X timeline of the last two days is also silent on any such plan.

The official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and ARAMCO which looks after oil production and supply have also not reported about any such proposal.

Instead, the Google search of the above listed keywords resulted in Al Jazeera reporting about the ever expanding India and Saudi trade ties, and the Kingdoms plan to invest in oil and energy sector in India.

About the latest oil trade between the two countries, all the leading news outlets in India and abroad are talking about an October 2024 data that showed Indias oil import from Saudi Arabia has surged by about 40%.

The Verdict

Ummid fact analysis of the claim Saudi Arabia is likely to suspend oil exports to India as made by some social media posts is false, fake, misinformation, and has nothing to do with reality.



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Not Mandate of People: Maharashtra Opp Boycott Oath Taking Ceremony

The opposition parties in Maharashtra Saturday December 07, 2024 boycotted the oath taking ceremony of the newly elected MLAs

Saturday December 7, 2024 5:06 PM , Zohair M Safwan, ummid.com

[Maharashtra Assembly in Mumbai has been lit for the 3-Day Special Session convened for oath taking ceremony]

Mumbai: The opposition parties in Maharashtra Saturday December 07, 2024 boycotted the oath taking ceremony of the newly elected MLAs.

A 3-day Special Session of the Maharashtra Assembly was convened today for the purpose. The newly elected MLAs of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprising of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharad Pawar) however refused to take oath.

While talking to media Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLA Aditya Thackeray said the MVA decided to boycott the oath taking ceremony as a mark of protest against the 2024 Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha Chunav.

We are boycotting the ceremony as a mark of protest against the manipulated election results, Thackeray said.

This is not the mandate of the people, but result of manipulation and EVM, he said.

He also said that there should have been celebrations all around the state after such a massive victory of the BJP and its allies.

However, no one is celebrating. Why? Because, people are in shock because of the unexpected election result, he said.

Thackeray also slammed the government for its decision to stop by force the mock polling in Markadwadi village of Solapur district.

It is surprising why the government stopped the mock polling in Markadwadi. It was not going to affect the election result. Yet, the government did not allow it. What is the government afraid of? he asked.

Samajwadi Party quits MVA

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party (SP) announced to quit the MVA protesting against the remark by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader praising the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

Milind Narvekar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader posted a photo of Babri Masjid, accompanied by a quote from Shiv Sena patriarch Balasaheb Thackeray which read, "I am proud of those who did this."

Protesting against this the Samajwadi Party announced to quit the opposition alliance. Soon later, the two SP MLAs - Abu Asim Azmi and Rais Shaikh, took oath defying the oppositions boycott call.

The lone AIMIM MLA, Mufti Muhammad Ismail Qasmi, also took oath in an indication that the party will have a different political strategy in the house than the Opposition MVA.



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Syrian Opp groups kilometers away from capital Damascus

Syrian opposition groups are kilometers away from Damascus and have started to surround the Capital  the only major city under the control of Bashar Al Assad regime

Saturday December 7, 2024 10:27 PM , Agencies

Jordan: Syrian opposition groups are kilometers away from Damascus and have started to surround the Capital  the only major city under the control of Bashar Al Assad regime.

The Syrian opposition groups have already captured Aleppo and Hama in a lightening advances in the last two weeks.

According to the reports coming from the war hit country, around 70% of Syria is now under the control of the opposition groups.

Reports said thousands of residents fled from Homs as the opposition groups closed in to capture the third largest city of Syria after Damascus and Aleppo.

Tens of thousands of people from President Assad's Alawite minority community are fleeing their homes in Syrias third city of Homs as the opposition forces continue their lightning offensive to overthrow the regime, news agency AFP reported.

The Syrian opposition forces commander, Hassan Abdul Ghany, says they have overrun a Syrian army camp and villages in the countryside around the city of Homs.

Opposition groups surrounding Damascus

Al Jazeera correspondent, Resul Serdar Atas, while talking to the Qatar based broadcaster from Turkiye-Syria border said the opposition groups are surrounding capital Damascus from different sides.

Resul said realizing that the Assad government is losing control across the country, people are rising up and going against the government.

They are taking over state facilities and government buildings and toppling the statues that have represented that dynasty, particularly now, President al-Assad and his father, Hafez al-Assad, have had their statues toppled, Resul said.

There are skirmishes very close to Damascus, roughly around 10km (six miles), he added.

Resul further said that in some neighbourhoods in Damascus, particularly in the southern neighbourhoods, some government soldiers are seen leaving their posts.

A govt for all

Meanwhile, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), while talking to CNN said the opposition wants to establish a government in Syria based on institutions, rather than the whims of a single leader, in a direct reference to Assads dictatorial regime.

Allaying the fear of minorities and people from different sects, al Julani said these are the people who are living in Syria since thousands of years and will continue to do so. No one has any right to suppress or eliminate any group or sect from Syria, he told CNN.

Also Read: A closer look at the latest situation in Syria

He said the opposition groups aim is to overthrow Bashar Assad and form an inclusive government.

Al Julanis assurance vis-a-vis forming a government of all where everyone should live in peace is seen a major shift in the opposition camp since 2016.

Meanwhile, the Syrian government has denied reports that Bashar Al Assad has fled the country.



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Last month, November, colleges turned to AI for streamlined teaching assistants, to which students reacted to positively. As it turns out, students are actually looking for mentors in professors, which likely AI have filled in those institutions, although there are limitations.

A Student Voice survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed and Generation Lab, in particular, found that 55% of students believe professors are at least somewhat responsible for mentoring them. This expectation reflects a shift in the relationship between faculty and students, where students no longer view professors as merely instructors but as career guides and supporters.

Mentorship, especially in career development, is becoming an increasingly important aspect of the student experience, and many faculty members are starting to see it as part of their roles, Insight Higher Ed reported.

Mentoring students is not new among faculty members. In fact, Emily J. Isaacs, the executive director for Faculty Excellence at Montclair State University, considers this a natural extension of academics. Professors very often share their own career journey with students to help navigate students' paths. This may include assisting the students to seek internships, connecting them with potential employers, or just advising them on their professional development.

The career-specific aspects of mentoring are gaining importance because students now require more assistance in starting up their careers once they graduate. According to studies, private nonprofit institutions, as well as younger students, tend to expect more career-related mentoring.

Professors as Mentors

Faculty members are increasingly being involved as guides in these processes. However, training and encouragement of professors to assume mentorship roles remain challenging issues. While many professors support mentoring, particularly in how to prepare students for work after graduation, others counter that faculty members are not properly trained or motivated to include any form of career-related guidance into their teaching.

However, not all professors are equipped to mentor students effectively, since it depends on key trust, mutual enjoyment, and above all, understanding the mentee's individuality. After all, mentorship is not just about providing career adviceit's about building a meaningful, supportive relationship, as found by a study by Miske (2024).

At the same time, not all students are proactive towards seeking mentorship, which sometimes makes the professors also initiate those connections. Forming trust and nurturing is a rather complicated and a time-consuming process.

Regardless, a number of institutions have begun offering faculty advising programs to try to standardize mentorship, allowing professors to spend more time providing discipline-specific, personalized support.

The idea is that faculty members will spend more time mentoring while administrative staff handle more technical matters, such as degree mapping. Another way to do this is by creating informal settings where students can interact with professors outside of class: casual office hours or departmental events, for example.

By making these interactions more personal and approachable, professors can help build stronger, more effective mentorship relationships with their students.
A pro-Israel American philanthropist has pulled a 315,000 ($333,000) donation from Trinity College, Cambridge, in a row over the college's investments and its handling of recent activism.

The donor, Ivan Berkowitz, is a Jewish-American corporate executive, who expressed disappointment on the recent vandalism of Arthur Balfour's painting. The figure is considered 'controversial' in the history of Britain's foreign secretary as Balfour has been supportive of a Jewish occupation in Palestine according to the 1917 Balfour Declaration.

According to Middle East Eye, Berkowitz criticized the college for not investigating enough even when video evidence of defacement was available. The report also shared that earlier this year, Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms manufacturer, was stated to have over $78,000 invested in Trinity.

The company actually produces most of the military drones used by the Israeli military. These investments cause students to protest, alleging that the companies are involved with Israel's military actions toward Gaza. Berkowitz was allegedly "outraged" by claims that Trinity's administration had considered divesting from said companies due to student protests.

Adding to the controversy, Trinity College remained silent for months regarding its investment decisions. Some students believed that the college had voted to divest, but later revelations indicated no plans to move away from arms investments.

Many students felt misled, accusing the college of lacking transparency. Freedom of information requests confirmed that Trinity still holds investments in arms companies, further fueling the tension.

Middle East Eye also added that Berkowitz criticized the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law at Trinity, where he serves as an honorary fellow, over its approach to talking about Israel and Palestine, saying it is too "bleeding" in its critique of Israeli policy. These feelings have led him to withdraw his support from a Rabbinic Book Project at the college's Wren Library, dedicated to the preservation of Jewish historical texts.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Dec, 2024) The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) proudly commemorates 70 years of its Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Pakistan, a milestone marked by a captivating photo exhibition showcasing the positive impact of various projects across the country, said a press release issued here on Saturday.

The exhibition, held in the heart of Islamabad, brings together prestigious guests, including government officials, development partners, and key stakeholders, to celebrate this significant achievement, through a Photo Exhibition at Lok Virsa, Islamabad.

Since Japan initiated ODA in 1954 by receiving trainees from Pakistan, JICA has been committed to fostering sustainable development in Pakistan through diverse initiatives such as education, health, and disaster management, and infrastructure such as road and electricity network. The photo exhibition highlights the successful JICAs projects, featuring compelling visuals that capture the dedication and joy of communities that have benefited from this long-standing partnership.

At the inauguration of the exhibition, JICAs Chief Representative in Pakistan, Mr. Naoaki Miyata., addressed " Building reciprocal relationships through continuous dialogues with partner countries to create solutions is a strong tradition of Japans cooperation.

By leveraging the tradition, JICA is ready to advance co-creation among stakeholders for a better future of Pakistan.

Also Charge d Affaires of Embassy of Japan, Mr. Shuichi Takano stated We would like to create our social values together, through dialogue and cooperation. Japan will continue to collaborate with Pakistan in realizing its vast potential..

The event showcases photographs from various successful projects. Each image tells a story of partnership, highlighting the shared commitment to improving the quality of life for millions of Pakistanis.

Distinguished guests at the exhibition included Secretary of Ministry of Economic Affairs, Dr. Kazim Niaz, who emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in tackling Pakistan's development challenges. Their presence not only underscores the significance of JICA's efforts but also reaffirms the enduring friendship between Japan and Pakistan.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until 8th of December 2024 from 10 am to 4 pm at white gallery in Lok Virsa, Islamabad, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history of JICA's contributions to Pakistan and to inspire future generations to engage in development efforts.
(@Abdulla99267510)

Sindh Home department decides to impose Section 144 and install mobile jammers around examination centers to ensure transparency in medical entrance tests

KARACHI: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Dec 7th, 2024) The MDCAT test is due in Sindh on Sunday (tomorrow).

The authorities would impose Section 144 around eight educational institutions.

The Sindh Home department ordered the imposition of Section 144 and the installation of mobile jammers around the examination centers to ensure transparency in the medical entrance tests.

The police would provide adequate security arrangements at the admission test centers for medical colleges and universities.

Bringing digital devices, mobile phones, or ladies' handbags into the examination centers is prohibited. Additionally, the movement of unauthorized individuals and vehicles around the test centers has been restricted.

The MDCAT test would take place at eight different locations across Sindh including the University of Karachi, NED University, Public school Hyderabad, Police Training Center Larkana, Mehran University Jamshoro, IBA Public School Sukkur and Quaid-e-Awam University in Shaheed Benazirabad (Nawabshah).

It may be mentioned here that on October 26, 2024, the court ordered the retaking of the MDCAT test.

In its detailed decision, the Sindh High Court stated that all reports confirmed the lack of transparency in the previous MDCAT test.

The investigation team and FIA also verified that the MDCAT paper had been leaked.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Dec, 2024) The C-level maintenance of Unit-2 at the 1320MW Sahiwal Coal Power Plant was successfully completed, marking a significant achievement in the plant's operational efficiency.

The maintenance work was carried out with exceptional professionalism by the various departments, including Instrumentation & Control (I&C), Electrical, Mechanical and Operations, all of whom played vital roles in ensuring a seamless and timely process, said a press release issued here on Saturday.

The Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) department also ensured a safe working environment throughout the maintenance period. The outstanding teamwork and dedication exhibited by all departments reflect the high standards upheld at Sahiwal, setting a benchmark for excellence in the power generation sector.

The maintenance departments at Sahiwal Coal Power Plant, including Instrumentation & Control (I&C), Electrical, and Mechanical, performed exceptionally well during the C-level maintenance of Unit-2 in November 2024. Their collective efforts were pivotal in ensuring that all systems were thoroughly inspected, repaired and optimized.

Each class of department demonstrated high levels of expertise, dedication and coordination, tackling complex challenges and achieving remarkable results. The work was completed with precision and attention to detail, maintaining the high standards that the plant is known for. Their seamless collaboration ensured that the maintenance process was efficient, safe, and successful, enhancing the overall performance of Unit-2.

The Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) department played a critical role in maintaining safety standards throughout the C-level maintenance process at Sahiwal. They excelled in ensuring that all safety protocols were followed meticulously, from the preparation phase to the execution of maintenance tasks.

The HSE team effectively identified and mitigated potential risks, conducted safety training and ensured the well-being of all personnel on-site. Their unwavering commitment to safety provided the necessary assurance that the maintenance activities were carried out without compromising the health or safety of the workers, demonstrating exemplary leadership in managing the challenging environment of a coal power plant.

The Operations department at Sahiwal Power Plant displayed an outstanding level of professionalism and efficiency during the Unit-2 C-level maintenance.

They worked diligently to support the maintenance team, facilitating smooth operations by issuing the proper permits to work (PTWs) at the appropriate times.

Their coordination ensured that maintenance activities could proceed without delays while adhering to all safety measures. The Operations teams proactive approach in accommodating the needs of the maintenance department demonstrated their commitment to maintaining the plants operational integrity and ensuring that all safety precautions were implemented before any work commenced.

Leadership at Sahiwal Power Plant, including CEO Dr Li Xin, Vice President Mr Wu Xiaolong and their counterparts Mr Huang Xuewen and Mr Wang Xuejun, expressed great admiration for the outstanding efforts of the maintenance and operational teams.

They recognized the hard work and dedication showed throughout the Unit-2 C-level maintenance, praising the staff for their professionalism and teamwork. The leadership emphasized the importance of continuous effort and encouraged everyone to keep working hard to contribute to the success of the national grid. Their recognition and appreciation further motivated the teams to maintain the highest standards of performance.

The successful completion of the C-level maintenance of Unit-2 at Sahiwal Power Plant stands as a remarkable achievement, showcasing the extreme professionalism and competence of the entire team. The maintenance work was executed with precision, setting a benchmark for excellence that has become a point of admiration and inspiration for other power plants across the country.

The high standards set by the Chinese team in Sahiwal are now viewed as a competitive measure for other plants to match, pushing the entire sector towards continuous improvement and innovation.

NPCC also expressed great satisfaction with the completion of the maintenance ahead of the allocated deadline. The early completion of the Unit-2 C-level maintenance not only reflects the efficiency and dedication of the Sahiwal team but also demonstrates the plants commitment in meeting its operational objectives ahead of schedule, setting a positive example for the industry.
LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Dec, 2024) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that promoting trade and industry in the province will enhance employment opportunities.

Chairing a meeting on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) development in Punjab, here on Saturday, the CM directed the authorities to take measures for the grant of interest-free small and medium loans to promote commercial activities in the province.

The CM ordered introducing Business Card and Chief Minister Easy business Financing schemes for the purpose. Under the Business Card scheme, medium business

loans ranging from Rs 1 to 10 lakh will be given, whereas relatively bigger loans of up to Rs 03 Crore (30 Million) will be provided under "Chief Minister Easy Business Financing Scheme.

She also sought a comprehensive plan for the award of small and medium loans under these schemes.

The CM directed them to allocate separate zones for small and medium industries in big cities. She said loans will have to be repaid in 5 years under the "Chief Minister Easy Business Financing Scheme. A grace period of 3 months will also be given to the borrower after receiving the first loan instalment. She also reviewed a proposal to provide loans on preferential basis to selected commercial sectors.

CM Maryam Nawaz informed that Business Card will not be used for payment in 10 areas including restaurants, saying that IT startups in Nawaz Sharif IT City will be able to get preferential loans.
KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Dec, 2024) Governor of Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori has lauded the federal governments measures to tackle economic challenges, emphasizing that positive economic indicators are driving improvements in various sectors.

This he said while meeting Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb at Governor House, a Governor House communique said.

On the occasion Federal Minister for Finance noted that comprehensive support is being provided to investors to boost investment. He acknowledged Governor Sindh's pivotal role in facilitating coordination between the federal government and industrialists.

Later, the Federal Minister, accompanied by Governor Sindh, visited the IT Marquee. Addressing the students, he remarked, "People only talked about IT, but Governor Sindh has proven it through action.

" He highlighted the importance of youth in shaping the future and emphasized the critical roles of IT and agriculture sectors in economic development. He also praised the Governor's initiatives, deeming them highly commendable.

Speaking to the students, Governor Sindh stated, "The promise to open the doors of Governor House to the public was someone elses, but I took the practical step."

The Federal Minister also visited the Ration Drive, inspected the distribution process and handed out ration bags to deserving individuals. Expressing pleasant surprise, he rang the "Bell of Hope," terming it a unique initiative.

Furthermore, he visited Quaid-e-Azam's room, examining historical artifacts.

As part of the Governor House Plantation Drive, the Federal Minister also planted a tree.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Dec, 2024) The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Saturday organized a photo exhibition in order to celebrate 70 years of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Pakistan, highlighting the transformative impact of its projects across the country.

The exhibition brought together prestigious guests, including government officials, development partners and key stakeholders, to celebrate this significant achievement.

Since Japan initiated ODA in 1954 by receiving trainees from Pakistan, JICA has been committed to fostering sustainable development in Pakistan through diverse initiatives such as education, health and disaster management, and infrastructure such as road and electricity network. The photo exhibition highlights the successful JICAs projects, featuring compelling visuals that capture the dedication and joy of communities that have benefited from this long-standing partnership.

At the inauguration of the exhibition, JICAs Chief Representative in Pakistan, Naoaki Miyata said, "Building reciprocal relationships through continuous dialogues with partner countries to create solutions is a strong tradition of Japans cooperation. By leveraging the tradition, JICA is ready to advance co-creation among stakeholders for a better future of Pakistan.

Also Charge d Affaires of Embassy of Japan, Shuichi Takano said, We would like to create our social values together, through dialogue and cooperation. Japan will continue to collaborate with Pakistan in realizing its vast potential.

The event showcases photographs from various successful projects. Each image tells a story of partnership, highlighting the shared commitment to improve the quality of life for millions of Pakistanis.

Distinguished guests at the exhibition included Secretary of Ministry of Economic Affairs, Dr. Kazim Niaz, who emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in tackling Pakistan's development challenges. Their presence not only underscores the significance of JICA's efforts but also reaffirms the enduring friendship between Japan and Pakistan.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until 8th of December 2024 from 10 am to 4 pm at white gallery in Lok Virsa, Islamabad, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history of JICA's contributions to Pakistan and to inspire future generations to engage in development efforts.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Dec, 2024) United Nations Edducation Scientific and Cultural organization (UNESCO), in partnership with the Institute for Research Advocacy and Development (IRADA), held here a national consultation to foster dialogue on digital governance and freedom of expression in Pakistan.

The discussion centered on implementing UNESCOs Guidelines for Governance of Digital Platforms, aiming to balance freedom of speech with the challenges of disinformation and harmful online content.

Antony Kar Hung Tam, Officer-in-Charge of UNESCO in Pakistan, highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to tackle these issues. Addressing disinformation and harmful content online, while protecting freedom of expression and access to information, is a shared responsibility, he said.

Government representatives echoed similar concerns. Muhammad Shahzad, Director General at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, emphasized the importance of managing hate speech and disinformation without curbing legitimate discourse. Ahmed Shamim Pirzada, Director General of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), pointed out that digital governance challenges extend beyond Pakistan, requiring global cooperation for solutions.

The UNESCO Guidelines outline a framework for digital governance, urging states, platforms, and civil society to ensure human rights are respected in the digital space. These include self-regulation, co-regulation, and statutory mechanisms, along with media literacy, cultural diversity, and robust content moderation practices.

At a recent UNESCO Executive board session in October 2024, Pakistan spearheaded a resolution to counter disinformation while protecting freedom of expression and access to information.

The resolution called for collaborative, evidence-based approaches involving governments, media, and digital platforms.

The session stressed the importance of digital and media literacy education, fact-checking initiatives, and transparent technological solutions as key tools to combat disinformation in line with international human rights laws.

Prior to the national consultation, UNESCO and IRADA conducted four provincial-level discussions to gather recommendations from diverse stakeholders, including academia, civil society, and media professionals. These inputs were refined and presented during the national event.

Participants proposed several measures, such as strengthening cooperation among stakeholders. Promoting media and information literacy. Enhancing content moderation and accountability by digital platforms.

These proposals were discussed in detail during a panel session, providing a foundation for a national regulatory framework aligned with UNESCOs guidelines.

UNESCO and IRADA aim to establish a multistakeholder advocacy forum to promote the implementation of the consultations recommendations. This forum will work on creating evidence-based strategies that integrate global best practices with regional concerns to govern digital platforms effectively.

The consultations have also led to a roadmap for implementing the Guidelines for Governance of Digital Platforms. The roadmap focuses on enabling digital rights, protecting fundamental freedoms, and fostering an inclusive and secure online environment for Pakistan's citizens.

Through these initiatives, UNESCO and its partners are setting the stage for a digital governance model that ensures freedom of expression while addressing the pressing challenges of the digital age.
Tehran, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Dec, 2024) The top diplomats from Iran, Turkey and Russia met in Qatar on Saturday for talks on Syria, where rebel forces have taken parts of the country in a lightning offensive.

After the discussions in Doha with his Russian and Turkish counterparts, Sergei Lavrov and Hakan Fidan, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the parties agreed on the initiation of "political dialogue between the Syrian government and the legitimate opposition groups".

The three countries have been involved since 2017 in the so-called Astana format talks seeking a political settlement in Syria.

However, the situation in the country has changed dramatically in recent days after rapid gains by rebel forces who oppose Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

On Saturday, a commander with the alliance that launched the new offensive said "our forces have begun the final phase of encircling the capital", though the Syrian defence ministry said "there is no truth to news claiming" the army had withdrawn from positions near Damascus.

Ahead of the meeting, Araghchi said he had "very frank and direct" talks with his Turkish counterpart and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who this week called on Assad to "reconcile with his people", said Friday he "hoped the advance of the rebels would continue without incident", identifying Damascus as their objective.

Qatar, meanwhile, supported the rebels at the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011, but is now calling for a negotiated end to the conflict.

On November 27, a coalition of rebels led by the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched an offensive from its stronghold in Idlib, seizing dozens of localities and the strategic cities of Aleppo and Hama, among others.

Araghchi said during a joint press conference with his Iraqi and Syrian counterparts in Baghdad on Friday that the offensive in Syria poses a "threat" to the whole middle East.

"This threat will not be limited to Syria and will affect Syria's neighbouring countries such as Iraq, Jordan, and Turkey," he added.
UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Dec, 2024) The World Health Organization (WHO) says that Israel hit one of the last partially functional health centres in northern Gaza several times overnight into Friday, leaving 4 health workers among the casualties and the dead.

All night, there was heavy bombing around the Kamal Adwan Hospital, Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO Representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territory said

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the "catastrophe" in Gaza represents "a complete collapse of our humanity," amid the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Strip for more than 14 months.

"This nightmare must stop," he urged.

"We cannot continue to turn a blind eye" to what is happening in the besieged Strip, the UN chief added.

From Gaza, WHO's Peeperkorn also reported that an Israeli tank was seen outside the hospital at around 4am on Friday, while people were told to move out the health centre.

There was no official evacuation order, he maintained.

People started to climb the wall to escape," with the Israeli fire resulting in deaths and arrests.

Dr.Peeperkorn explained that very few aid deliveries and emergency health teams have reached Kamal Adwan Hospital since the beginning of the Israeli military operation in Gaza's far north in early October. This has left the facility without critical reserves, including fuel.

After seven weeks of unsuccessful attempts and denied requests for access, an international Emergency Medical Team (EMT) with basic supplies was finally deployed to Kamal Adwan less than a week ago, only to be told to leave again seven days later, explained Dr. Peeperkorn.

The team comprised two surgeons, two emergency nurses, one gynaecologist and one logistician. They are just there, and within one week they are gone again. This is not only for me incomprehensible but also incredibly, incredibly sad, said the senior WHO medic, who added that no surgeons remain at Kamal Adwan Hospital.

Since October 2023, 58 per cent of the 273 WHO-led missions inside Gaza have been either denied, cancelled or impeded.

This has added to the urgent but extremely difficult task of evacuating patients who need specialist medical support outside the enclave.

Since 7 Oct 2023, 5,325 patients have been evacuated from Gaza.

Almost 5,000 travelled via the Rafah crossing before it was closed last 7 May, including 4,000 children. The UN health agency estimates that at least 12,000 patients across Gaza still need medical evacuation to survive.

At least 44,612 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed and 105,834 wounded since the beginning of the war on October 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian health authorities. The majority of those killed were women and children.

Gazas children continued to die this week while sheltering inside tents, or desperately queuing for bread, said UNICEF middle East and North Africa Regional Director Edouard Beigbeder on Friday.

An airstrike in Nuseirat Camp, central Gaza, reportedly claimed the lives of four children near a local food distribution point on Wednesday.

They were amongst civilians lining up for a meal until bombs started falling from the sky. Two boys and a girl under 10 years old, and a teenage boy of 16, he said, adding that an airstrike reportedly hit 40 tents that evening in Al Mawasi, a unilaterally designated humanitarian zone, causing massive explosion and fires. At least 22 people were reportedly killed, including eight children, with dozens more injured.

Last week, two children and a woman were reportedly crushed to death while waiting in line outside a bakery in central Gaza. Hungry children swept up by despair, he continued.

The overall humanitarian response in Gaza is teetering toward full collapse. The lives of virtually all children are at risk or have been shattered by unimaginable trauma, loss, and deprivation, said the senior UNICEF official.

Their safety and access to essential humanitarian aid is not being facilitated as explicitly demanded by international lawThe ongoing normalization of such horror needs to turn into action to stop it. Enough is enough.

APP/ift
Seoul, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Dec, 2024) South Korea has been in turmoil since President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law and sent troops and helicopters to parliament before being forced into a U-turn in a night of extraordinary drama.

With Yoon facing a touch-and-go impeachment motion in parliament later Saturday, AFP looks at recent events in a country thought to have consigned dictatorships to history.

- Prelude -

Yoon, elected in 2022, lurches from crisis to crisis and becomes a lame duck after the opposition wins control of parliament in elections in April this year.

For months, some opposition lawmakers accuse Yoon of a slide towards authoritarianism.

One lawmaker, Kim Min-seok, in September even claims Yoon has martial law in mind, but almost no one takes it seriously.

- National address -

On Tuesday at 10:23 pm, (1323 GMT) Yoon comes on screen to declare martial law to protect South Korea from "communist forces".

Yoon, who has been in a legislative dispute over next year's budget, says the opposition had "paralysed governance" and claims parliament is a "haven for criminals".

- Defiance -

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung livestreams himself being driven to the National Assembly, calling on lawmakers and protesters to join him in opposing the "illegal imposition of martial law".

An emergency session is scheduled for later that night, and lawmakers scramble to parliament, some leaping over fences, to vote down Yoon's decree.

- Helicopters -

Helicopters carry special forces to parliament, as other troops scale perimeter fences and smash windows to get in.

Sometime after midnight, soldiers attempt to enter the main parliament, with scuffles breaking out as staffers and lawmakers bar their way with office furniture as barricades.

As news of Yoon's stunning move spreads at home and abroad, thousands of protesters make their way to parliament.

- Rejection -

At 1:03 am Wednesday, lawmakers vote 190-0 to nullify Yoon's declaration.

Soon after, soldiers begin withdrawing. Protesters chant: "Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol!".

"We are watching the recent developments in (South Korea) with grave concern," the US State Department says.

Hours pass and finally at 4:20 am, Yoon comes on television again and says he will lift martial law. Protesters celebrate. Yoon goes to ground.

- Impeachment motion -

As bleary-eyed protesters and lawmakers recover, six opposition parties file an impeachment motion against Yoon at 2:40 pm on Wednesday.

Yoon "gravely and extensively violated the Constitution and the law" and sought to "evade imminent investigations.

.. into alleged illegal acts involving himself and his family," the motion says.

Opposition lawmakers also file separate complaints of "insurrection" against Yoon, his defence and interior ministers and key military and police officers.

Thousands of protesters begin marching to towards the presidential office while others rally at the National Assembly.

Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun offers to resign. Later this is accepted and he is slapped with a travel ban.

- Enquiry -

On Thursday, the head of Yoon's People Power Party (PPP), Han Dong-hoon, says it will block the impeachment motion. Only eight of its MPs need to break ranks for it to pass.

Police announce they are investigating Yoon and others for "insurrection", and lawmakers start to grill those involved.

General Park An-su says he only found out on television that martial law had been declared, and subsequently that he was in charge of the operation.

He said he signed a decree banning anti-government political activities after being told the defence minister had checked its legality.

- Han turns -

On Friday morning Han warns that South Korea is in "great danger" if Yoon remains in office, implying the president could declare martial law again.

Han says "credible evidence" suggests that Yoon ordered the arrest of key politicians. A fresh poll Yoon's approval rating hits a record low of 13 percent after the declaration of martial law.

Special Forces Commander Kwak Jong-geun says he was ordered to "drag out" lawmakers from parliament. Three senior commanders are suspended.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tells his counterpart Cho Tae-yul that Washington "expects the... democratic process to prevail".

Impeachment looks increasingly likely. Opposition MPs hole up in parliament all night and protesters hunker down outside in freezing temperatures.

"With the impeachment vote set for tomorrow, the hours leading up to it are extremely precarious," opposition leader Lee Jae-myung tells AFP.

- D-Day -

Despite Han's comments, the PPP decides late Friday that it would still vote against the impeachment vote, scheduled for Saturday evening.

On Saturday at 10:00 am Yoon finally reappears, and in a two-minute televised address apologises for the "anxiety and inconvenience".

But he stops short of resigning.

"I will not shy away from the issue of legal and political responsibility regarding the declaration of martial law," Yoon says.

"I will leave it up to our party to stabilise the political situation in the future, including my term of office," he says.
Australian authorities are being criticized for ruling out drug decriminalization at an international summit in Sydney this week, ignoring a call by many experts and health groups for a health care response to drug use and addiction rather than criminal penalties.

Several hundred politicians, policy experts, police officers and health professionals gathered this week for a summit on drug reform in Sydney.

The New South Wales government is examining ways to redraft the states drug laws and policies.

Calls for the decriminalization of drug use and possession were the focus of the meeting.

Campaigners say not treating drug use as a crime would encourage people to seek help without fear of legal consequences.

New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park told local media Friday, though, there is not enough local support for such reform.

The summit is not just about decriminalization, and for a government to move to decriminalize in the drugs ... would be a seismic shift to the way in which we handle drugs in New South Wales, Park said. In relation to decriminalization, we think that is too significant to put on the table now without a clear mandate.

The Sydney summit heard from the mayor of Portland, in the U.S. state of Oregon, Ted Wheeler. He told delegates that earlier this year, state lawmakers repealed laws that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs in the state. He said that the health system has been overwhelmed, and that drug-related crime has risen sharply because of the legislation.

International debate is passionate and divided.

A report by the Global Commission on Drug Policy, formed in 2011 to campaign for drug reform, called for a total reexamination of the approach to illicit substances.

Louise Arbour, a former U.N. high commissioner for human rights, was involved in the report and told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that a new approach is needed.

Globally, it is very clear that this so-called war on drugs has created a gigantic international illegal drug trade, Arbour said. The worst aspect of that war is that it has essentially been a war on people  been a war on people who use drugs and not a war on people who actually prey on them.

The annual number of drug overdose deaths in Australia has almost doubled over the past 20 years, according to the Penington Institute, a nonprofit organization in Victoria state.

Some 100,000 people are estimated to die each year from drug overdoses in the United States, but the number of fatalities has decreased, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A federal appeals court in Washington on Friday upheld a law requiring the wildly popular social media app TikTok to be sold to a non-Chinese owner or face closure in the United States by next month. The court cited "persuasive" and "compelling" arguments presented by the federal government that TikTok poses a risk to national security.

The ruling could leave the 170 million Americans who regularly use TikTok without access to a social media platform that has enjoyed explosive global growth in recent years. It could also mean that the millions of Americans who create content for TikTok  some of whom rely on monetizing that content for their livelihood  could be cut off from their audiences.

The government has argued that TikTok presents a unique danger to national security because it collects vast amounts of information about its users, and because the Chinese government ultimately exercises control over its parent company, ByteDance, and over the algorithm that determines what content TikTok users see.

Because ByteDance is in the People's Republic of China (PRC) it is subject to that country's laws, including measures requiring private companies to cooperate with government intelligence agencies.

The three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found that the government has a compelling interest in taking steps "to counter the PRC's efforts to collect great quantities of data about tens of millions of Americans" and "to limit the PRC's ability to manipulate content covertly on the TikTok platform."

TikTok signals an appeal

TikTok immediately signaled that it would appeal the circuit court's ruling to the Supreme Court.

In a statement posted to its website, the company said, "The Supreme Court has an established historical record of protecting Americans' right to free speech, and we expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue."

The company said that the law underlying the case "was conceived and pushed through based on inaccurate, flawed and hypothetical information, resulting in outright censorship of the American people," and warned that it "will silence the voices of over 170 million Americans here in the U.S. and around the world."

The Supreme Court is not obligated to hear the company's appeal, and it was not immediately clear that it would do so. If the high court accepts the case, it is possible that it would block the government from enforcing the law until the case is decided.

President-elect Donald Trump, who once supported a TikTok ban before changing his mind during the recent presidential election, has suggested that he will act to save the app when he takes office. However, it is unclear what options he might have for doing that.

Lack of trust

In April, President Joe Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act into law. The measure gave TikTok 270 days to find a way to separate itself from ByteDance before a ban on the application would kick in on January 19, 2025.

The federal government made it clear that the only kind of divestiture that it would accept was a complete separation of TikTok from its Chinese parent. The company offered alternatives, and established TikTok U.S. Data Security Inc. (TTUSDS) as a subsidiary in Delaware, to wall off U.S. user data from ByteDance.

However, the government cited instances in which U.S. user data that the company claimed to have shielded from the PRC was, in fact, accessible to ByteDance employees in mainland China. It told the court that it lacked "the requisite trust" that "ByteDance and TTUSDS would comply in good faith" with any arrangement other than complete separation of TikTok and ByteDance.

In Friday's ruling, the judges wrote, "The court can neither fault nor second-guess the government on these crucial points."

First Amendment concerns

TikTok and its supporters have claimed that severing TikTok from ByteDance is both practically impossible for technological reasons and legally impossible because the Chinese government will block the sale of the company. Therefore, they claim, the law constitutes a de facto ban and a violation of the guarantee of free speech enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution.

In a sign of how seriously the court took the First Amendment arguments, the panel of judges agreed that the law should be subject to "heightened scrutiny," which the Supreme Court has applied to measures restricting fundamental rights.

In the end, the panel determined that the law satisfies even the most stringent form of "strict scrutiny," which requires that the government "prove that the restriction furthers a compelling interest and is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest."

Free speech advocates respond

The decision came under immediate criticism from free speech advocates.

"Although we're still analyzing the decision, we find it deeply disappointing," David Greene, civil liberties director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said in a statement emailed to VOA. "The court appropriately applied strict scrutiny as we have urged it to. But the strict-scrutiny analysis is lacking, relying heavily on speculation about possible future harms.

"Restricting the free flow of information, even from foreign adversaries, is fundamentally undemocratic," Greene said. "Until now, the U.S. has championed the free flow of information and called out other nations when they have shut down internet access or banned online communications tools like social media apps."

George Wang, a staff attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, told VOA that the court accorded "a shocking amount of deference" to the government's claims about the danger TikTok poses to national security.

"We should be really wary whenever we allow the government to use vague national security arguments as a justification to shut down speech," Wang said. "That's a tactic of authoritarian regimes, not democracies. It's usually the job of courts to stand up to the government when it infringes on the constitutional rights of millions of Americans, and I think the D.C. Circuit really didn't do that today."

'A victory for the American people'

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, the senior Democrat on the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, and one of the original sponsors of the law requiring TikTok's divestiture or ban, released a statement Friday praising the court's decision.

"With today's opinion, all three branches of government have reached the same conclusion: ByteDance is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, and TikTok's ownership by ByteDance is a national security threat that cannot be mitigated through any other means than divestiture," Krishnamoorthi said.

"Every day that TikTok remains under the Chinese Communist Party's control is a day that our security is at risk," Krishnamoorthi added.

Representative John Moolenaar, the committee's Republican chairman, said in a statement that the ruling was "a victory for the American people and TikTok users, and a loss for the Chinese Communist Party, which will no longer be able to exploit ByteDance's control over TikTok to undermine our sovereignty, surveil our citizens and threaten our national security."

Moolenaar also held out hope to the app's users that access to it may, in the end, be preserved under a Trump presidency.

"I am optimistic that President Trump will facilitate an American takeover of TikTok to allow its continued use in the United States and I look forward to welcoming the app in America under new ownership," Moolenaar said.
The Israeli military said Saturday that it struck a Hezbollah fighter in southern Lebanon who posed a threat to its troops, adding it was operating within ceasefire agreements while remaining deployed to address threats to Israel.

The Israeli military released aerial footage of an operation along with the statement, showing a motorcycle being targeted with an airstrike, resulting in the bike bursting into flames.

Hezbollah did not immediately comment about the incident.

Deaths in Gaza

Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 30 Palestinians Saturday, local health officials said, as Qatar voiced hope of fresh momentum in efforts to reach a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the reported strikes in Gaza City and Rafah.

Palestinian health officials said dozens were also wounded across the enclave Saturday. The territory's Health Ministry doesn't differentiate between civilians and militants in the daily death tallies, and Reuters could not independently verify the figures.

The Israeli military said Friday it killed several Hamas militants who were identified as operating from a structure in Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, according to a statement issued Saturday.

Palestinian health officials said at least 20 people, including six children and five women, were killed in that attack.

Israel accuses the Islamist group of using civilian population and property as shields. Hamas denies this.

Ceasefire talks

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Qatar was engaging with the incoming Trump administration on Gaza after sensing fresh momentum for ceasefire talks following the U.S. election.

Donald Trump's Middle East envoy has traveled to Qatar and Israel to kick-start the U.S. president-elect's diplomatic push for a ceasefire and hostage release deal before his inauguration on January 20, a source briefed on the talks told Reuters on Thursday.

Hamas said Saturday a ceasefire agreement could only be reached if it secured an end to the war in Gaza, reaffirming its outstanding position. Israel says the war can only end once Hamas is eradicated.

"Stopping the war and aggression is the condition for any agreement," said a Hamas statement, quoting a top official of the group, Mohammad Darwish.

Hamas has not appointed a new leader after Israel killed the group's chief, Yahya Al-Sinwar, in Gaza on October 17, but the statement described Darwish as the head of the leading council.

Darwish met with Turkey's foreign minister Friday and Iran's foreign minister Saturday to discuss the developments in Gaza and the region, the statement said.

Both meetings were held in Doha, Qatar, which announced earlier Saturday that officials were trying to revive the ceasefire talks.

"He [Darwish] explained that Hamas was open to offers by the mediators as long as they served the interest of our people and ending their suffering," the statement said.

Mediating countries, including Qatar, see increased momentum for a possible deal that could allow the hostages being held in Gaza to be released in exchange for scores of Palestinian prisoners, after Israel signed the landmark ceasefire deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon last month.

The war in Gaza has been raging for over 14 months, with much of the enclave laid to waste and more than 44,500 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza health authorities, as Israeli forces continue their drive to wipe out Hamas and rescue hostages taken by the militant group.

The deadliest Israeli-Palestinian violence in decades began when Hamas stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages back to Gaza. Israel believes Hamas is still holding 101 hostages, including 35 the military says are dead.

A death in West Bank

In the occupied West Bank on Saturday, a Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli forces at a checkpoint, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. Police said that a security guard had shot him after he threw firecrackers at the forces there and that a knife was found on his person.

The United States, Britain and other Western countries designate Hamas and Hezbollah as terror groups.

Nearly three-quarters of Gaza's 2.3 million population is displaced, and nearly the entire population is at risk of famine, according to the United Nations.
American journalist Austin Tice is still alive, more than 12 years after he was detained in Syria, his mother, Debra Tice, said Friday, citing a source vetted by the U.S. government.

"Austin is alive and being treated well, and I can tell you he is waiting to come home," Debra Tice told VOA. "We have a very reliable source that is totally verified."

A Texas native and former U.S. Marine, Austin Tice is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer who works for outlets that include The Washington Post, CBS and McClatchy.

Austin Tice was detained at a checkpoint in Damascus in August 2012. Aside from a brief video after his capture, little has been seen or heard of him since.

"He is so ready. And he has known from the very first day that he was detained that he was going to walk free again," Debra Tice told VOA. "And so, we want to see him on the tarmac. We want to see that happen."

Austin Tice's father, Mark, characterized the source as "unimpeachable" but said the family could not share more details because the intelligence was classified.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately reply to VOA's request for comment.

The revelation comes as the Tice family met with White House officials on Friday to push for the U.S. government to do more to secure Austin Tice's release. The meeting occurred amid renewed clashes in Syria, as insurgent fighters who have already captured the northern city of Aleppo, one of the country's largest, are pressing their march against President Bashar Assad's forces.

At a press conference following the White House meeting, the Tice family criticized Biden administration officials for not providing any updates during their meeting.

Debra Tice told VOA she hopes President Joe Biden uses his final weeks in the White House to do everything he can to secure her son's release.

The family's update comes the same week that President-elect Donald Trump announced that he would select Adam Boehler to serve as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs. The former chief executive officer of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, Boehler was a lead negotiator on the Abraham Accords.
A judge handed down long sentences Saturday to three former officers of Brazil's Federal Highway Police over the 2022 death of a Black man who was killed by asphyxiation inside an SUV's smoke-filled trunk.

Video of officers forcibly keeping Genivaldo de Jesus Santos, 38, in the back of their police vehicle as a dense cloud of what appeared to be tear gas emerged from the car sparked outrage across Brazil and protests in Umbauba, in the northeastern state of Sergipe.

Police had said the man displayed aggressive behavior and was "actively resisting" the officers who pulled him over. They said agents immobilized him then used "instruments of lesser offensive potential" to contain him.

The man could be heard screaming and local media later reported that the victim had tried to explain that he was taking medication for psychiatric disorders.

Jurors found the officers guilty of torturing and killing the man at the end of a 12-day trial. Justice Rafael Soares sentenced Paulo Rodolpho Lima Nascimento to 28 years in prison for homicide, according to a statement from the 5th Federal Regional Court.

Soares sentenced the other officers, William de Barros Noia and Kleber Nascimento Freitas, to more than 23 years in prison each for torture resulting in death.

In August 2023, an internal disciplinary process recommended that the three officers be dismissed, a decision that was later confirmed by the Justice Ministry.

Police violence has once again come into sharp focus in Brazil recently. Last Tuesday, footage of a military police officer in Sao Paulo throwing a man off a bridge and into a river prompted a backlash.

A day earlier, local media G1 published a video that showed an off-duty military police officer last month firing a series of shots at and killing a young man who had stolen packets of soap. That incident also occurred in Sao Paulo.
Pakistan said Saturday that a predawn assault on a security post and intelligence-driven counterinsurgency raids in its northwestern province bordering Afghanistan killed at least six troops and 22 militants.

The militarys media wing said that the violence occurred in several districts, including Tank and North Waziristan.

The statement identified the slain militants as khwarij, a term employed by the government to categorize insurgents affiliated with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, a globally recognized terrorist organization.

Area security officials said that dozens of heavily armed TTP militants staged a multipronged attack on the security outpost in the town of Thall, resulting in the deaths of six paramilitary troops and injuries to several others in the ensuing gun battles.

The TTP reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack but did not comment on its casualties in the reported military raids elsewhere.

Intensified TTP-led attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and separatist ethnic Baloch insurgents in Pakistans southwestern Balochistan province, which borders Afghanistan, have resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives, including many security personnel this year alone, according to official data.

Pakistan alleges TTP leaders and fighters orchestrate terrorism from Afghan hideouts with the support of the neighboring countrys Taliban government, which is not recognized by any country.

Taliban leaders reject the charges, saying they are not allowing anyone to use Afghanistan to threaten other countries, including Pakistan.
A retired Washington, D.C., police officer charged with lying about his private communications with former Proud Boys national leader Enrique Tarrio testified Friday that he never leaked sensitive police information to the far-right extremist group leader.

Taking the witness stand at his federal trial, former Metropolitan Police Department Lieutenant Shane Lamond said he was upset that a prosecutor labeled him as a Proud Boys "sympathizer" who acted as a "double agent" for the group after Tarrio burned a stolen Black Lives Matter banner in December 2020.

"I don't support the Proud Boys, and I'm not a Proud Boys sympathizer," said Lamond, whose bench trial started Monday and continues next week.

Tarrio, who testified Thursday as a witness for Lamond's defense, is serving a 22-year prison sentence for his role in a plot to use force to keep Donald Trump in the White House after the 2020 election. Tarrio previously was sentenced to more than five months in jail for burning the banner stolen from a historic Black church in downtown Washington and for bringing two high-capacity firearm magazines into the district.

Lamond said Tarrio never confessed to him that he burned the banner. He also denies tipping off Tarrio that a warrant for his arrest had been signed before he arrived in Washington on January 4, 2021  two days before other Proud Boys joined a mob's attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Lamond's indictment says he and Tarrio exchanged messages about the January 6 riot and discussed whether Proud Boys members were in danger of being charged in the attack.

"Of course I can't say it officially, but personally I support you all and don't want to see your group's name and reputation dragged through the mud," Lamond wrote.

Lamond said he considered Tarrio to be a source, not a friend. But he said he tried to build a friendly rapport with the group leader to gain his trust.

Justice Department prosecutor Joshua Rothstein pointed to other messages that suggest Lamond provided Tarrio with "real-time updates" on the police investigation of the December 12, 2020, banner burning.

Lamond is charged with one count of obstruction of justice and three counts of making false statements. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson will decide the case after hearing testimony without a jury.

Lamond, who met Tarrio in 2019, had supervised the intelligence branch of the police department's Homeland Security Bureau. He was responsible for monitoring groups like the Proud Boys when they came to Washington.

The men exchanged hundreds of messages across several platforms, with Lamond frequently greeting Tarrio as "brother." However, Lamond acknowledged that he only sent encrypted messages to Tarrio or met him in person after the banner burning.

On the day of his arrest, Tarrio posted a message to other Proud Boys leaders that said, "The warrant was just signed." Tarrio testified Thursday that he didn't confess to Lamond or receive any confidential information from him.

After the banner burning but before Tarrio's arrest, Lamond told him that the FBI and U.S. Secret Service was "all spun up" by chatter that Proud Boys planned to dress up as supporters of President Joe Biden for the Democrat's inauguration in January 2021.

"I'm just going to let them get all freaked out. They're idiots," Lamond wrote of his federal colleagues.

"Lol," Tarrio responded.

Lamond, 48, of Colonial Beach, Virginia, retired in May 2023 after 23 years of service to the police department.
Haitian historian Michel Soukar says the "Bwa Kale" anti-gang movement is the citizens' homemade defense solution. Citing rampant corruption among the national police force and ruthless violence against the civilian population, Soukar said the Bwa Kale movement is a means for the Haitian population to defend itself as best it can against bandits. Soukar says Haitians understand they are alone in this fight so "the people defend themselves however they see fit.

See the full story here.
Amid opposition to the "Hijab and Chastity" law, more than 140 Iranian journalists have issued a statement warning that this law represents a "widespread violation of the citizens' fundamental rights," including their social rights, privacy and basic freedoms.

See the full story here.
The Iranian government is significantly increasing its stockpiles of uranium enriched to 60% purity, Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said in an interview with Reuters. His remarks are expected to increase global concerns about the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.

See the full story here.
Sean McLoughlin wears a lot of hats: YouTuber. Voice actor. Coffee entrepreneur. But McLoughlin, better known by his pseudonym Jacksepticeye, likes to say he would be a therapist if he wasn't posting video game playthroughs for his nearly 31 million subscribers.

The 34-year-old Irish creator finds that gaming enthusiasts aren't just drawn by his expressive reactions to the latest action role-playing games; fans also resonate with his candid discussions of mental health. The supportive responses from his niche but passionate following make McLoughlin feel "less alone," he said, forging the same camaraderie that brought him to online gaming communities as a lonely 20-something living at his family's remote home.

That shared connection is also central to his annual fundraiser, "Thankmas." The charity livestream is one of many online specials emerging as a modern spin on the classic telethon. Total donations have increased more than 50% over the last year on Tiltify, a digital platform that integrates giving tools into streams. The spaces are credited for allowing more authentic interactions between nonprofits and young donors  and encouraging benevolence in a corner of the web marked by incendiary rhetoric.

"If you want to do good things, the people are there, and they'll listen," McLoughlin said. "They're already following you for what you do for a reason. So they'll follow you to help out people as well."

Follow they have. His streams have raked in more than $26 million, according to partner Tiltify. This year's goal is to collect $6 million for two nonprofits supporting mental health: Crisis Text Line and Samaritans.

A seven-figure target would have seemed a longshot when McLoughlin entered the space. The initial idea was to hold monthly fundraisers. He hosted seven charitable streams in 2018, Tiltify records show, for causes including pediatric cancer and clean water. The year culminated in the inaugural "Thankmas," which pulled over a quarter of a million dollars.

But McLoughlin said the pace became "a bit much." That same year he announced a brief break from YouTube, in part due to unhappiness from the demands he felt for high content volumes. He resolved to focus on one big holiday event at the end of the year, when he said people are "a bit more giving and heartfelt."

It wasn't until 2020 that Tiltify CEO Michael Wasserman said the two began working closely to maximize the streams' reach. McLoughlin reached out, according to Wasserman, and said he wanted something "more impactful." With communities worldwide reeling from the pandemic, they put together the #HopeFromHome campaign: a peer-to-peer event where multitudes could simultaneously rally around the same cause. McLoughlin served as a tent pole supporting the other streamers.

Their first effort together yielded $1.9 million for United Way Worldwide and more than one-third came from McLoughlin's stream alone. The following "Thankmas" generated more than $4.7 million. Wasserman said he'd never seen his technology used so collaboratively.

"That's what really made this a regular, multimillion-dollar event," Wasserman said. "Not just making it, 'Hey I'm going to fundraise and just watch me,' but, 'We as a community can do this and get involved together.'"

Specials feature calls, celebrities

This year's "Thankmas" will be performed before a live audience in Los Angeles but broadcast online. Recent specials have seen McLoughlin make surprise calls into streams that are also pooling contributions. Comedic segments sometimes feature traditional celebrities; actor Jack Black played a life-sized game of Jenga in 2022.

The idea resembles the star-studded telethon pioneered last century by comedian Jerry Lewis. But new technologies and web cultures enable more engaging experiences. Wasserman said charitable livestreams like McLoughlin's are not a "passive watching experience."

It's "a much more personable approach to giving," according to Yvette Wohn, a professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology who studies human-computer interaction.

A streamer's audience "cares about them," Wohn said, and donors flock to their content because "they really like that person." Social media and chat boxes allow fans to feel seen by hosts in ways television viewers could never expect. Followers might get shoutouts by name upon contributing. McLoughlin has previously shared fan art submitted through specific hashtags.

Fandoms also develop subcultures. McLoughlin's gaming catchphrases are especially popular among his circles. Jacksepticeye content often starts with him shouting, "Top of the morning to ya, laddies!" and fans have uploaded video compilations of the expression. Members then form friendships with others in the fandom. That creates a "positive social pressure" to donate, according to Wohn, helping new generations "dip their toes into building an identity as somebody that gives."

"Giving habits are things that build over time," Wohn said. "If younger people start to engage in this culture of giving, I feel like the general culture of giving might expand in ways that cannot be done from a top-down perspective."

Online communities offer kinship

Still, McLoughlin describes online communities as a "double-edged sword." The "monetization of hate," he said, is "bigger than it's ever been." And the desire for acceptance can introduce lonely people to dark pockets of the internet that nevertheless provide kinship.

"Thankmas" aims to prove it's easy to do good online. Yes, he acknowledged, charity work is "quite intimidating." Where is the line between promoting the fundraiser and promoting himself? McLoughlin doesn't know. He just hopes people trust it's coming from the right place.

At least one longtime follower was drawn by McLoughlin's ties to this year's cause. Jack Worthey, a 20-year-old from Texas, said McLoughlin brought much comfort growing up with "similar family troubles." It had been several years since he watched Jacksepticeye content, he said, but he was pulled back by an October video where McLoughlin detailed his journey finding mental health treatment.

Worthey said he wouldn't have looked into "Thankmas" had McLoughlin had not made the promotion so personal. He now plans to raise awareness through digital art. For Worthey, returning to the channel as an adult and seeing the "positive product" has been "really amazing."

"It makes you see what I was enjoying when I was younger in a different light," Worthey said. "It brings a different type of joy."
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Donald Trump to Paris on Saturday with a full dose of presidential pomp as the two held a hastily arranged meeting with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy before celebrating the grand reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

On a day that mixed pageantry with attention to pressing global problems, the once and future American president was warmly embraced by Macron upon arriving at the Elysee Palace.

"Its a great honor for French people to welcome you five years later," Macron told Trump. "Welcome back again."

Trump said it was a "very great honor" to be there, while hinting at challenges ahead.

"It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now. And well be talking about that," Trump said.

An actual red carpet was rolled out for Trump as Macron bestowed the kind of full diplomatic welcome that France offers sitting American presidents, complete with trumpets blaring and members of the Republican Guard in full uniform. It was a clear sign that even though Trump doesn't take office until Jan. 20, 2025, Macron and other European leaders are already working to win his favor and treating him as America's representative on the world stage.

President Joe Biden declined an invitation to attend the Notre Dame ceremony, five years after a devastating fire, with the White House citing a scheduling conflict. First lady Jill Biden was the official U.S. representative in his place.

Macron and leaders across Europe are trying to persuade the president-elect to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russias invasion. Macron's office said the war, along with conflicts in the Mideast, would be discussed.

As Trump arrived at the official residence of the French president, Macron went out of his way to project an image of close ties, offering handshakes and plenty of back-patting for the cameras.

In a video posted later on X, Macron could be heard asking Trump: "You remember?" as both men entered a reception room.

"I remember," Trump answered.

Trump spent about 90 minutes inside, meeting first with Macron before they were joined by Zelenskyy for about 35 minutes.

Macron had long planned to meet separately with Zelenskyy. The French president's office said the three-way talks were proposed by Macron and arranged shortly before Trumps arrival. Trump has pledged to end the war in Ukraine swiftly but has not specified how, raising concerns in Kyiv about what terms may be laid out for any future negotiations.

A person familiar with Trump's plans had said before the meeting was announced that while Trump and Zelenskyy were attending the cathedral ceremony and surrounding events and probably would interact, Trump's transition team had not worked with the Ukrainians to schedule formal talks.

After the place meeting, a Trump senior transition official did not push back on the idea that it had come together at the last minute, but said it had been "discussed fully and agreed to" and that Trump had been "fully briefed" ahead of time.

The three leaders spoke in English, and translator was in the room, according to a French official.

Accompanying Trump to Paris was a small contingent of advisers that included incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles, along with Steve Witkoff, a longtime friend and real estate investor whom Trump has tapped as his special envoy to the Middle East, and Massad Boulos, who is the father-in-law of Trumps daughter Tiffany and will serve as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.

The group did not appear to include anyone with expertise on Ukraine.

"United States, Ukraine and France. Together on this historic day. United for Notre-Dame. Lets continue to work together for peace and security," Macron wrote on X afterward.

Trumps victory last month threw into doubt the Biden administration's flow of money and arms to Ukraine  aid bolstered even more on Saturday by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's announcement of a $988 million package that brings American military support to more than $62 billion since Russias invasion in February 2022.

Trump has characterized Zelenskyy as "the greatest salesman on Earth" for winning billions in U.S. aid. Trump also has said he work out a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within a day of taking office and has promoted his good relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In an effort to build trust with the incoming U.S. administration, Zelenskyys top aide Andriy Yermak met key members of Trumps team on a two-day trip to the U.S. earlier this week.

Macron has argued that Ukraine's defeat or a cease-fire with Russia on unfavorable terms to Ukraine would be viewed as a loss for the U.S. and even Trump himself, according to two European officials familiar with the matter.

After arriving at Notre Dame for the ceremony, Trump was greeted by Macron and his wife, Brigitte. He was given prime seating at the service right between them  a better location than Jill Biden, who sat on Brigitte Macron's other side  and many current heads of government and state.

Inside, Trump also greeted Zelenskyy as well as Britains Prince William, who Trump met with later at the British ambassadors residence in Paris. Trump was greeted in the foyer, shook the royals hand and said "good man, this one."

Trump told reporters the Prince of Wales was doing "a fantastic job" before the two went to sit down and talk in a private room reserved for high-profile figures in the residence that once was the Paris town home of Princess Pauline Borghese, the youngest sister French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

Prince William was also scheduled to meet separately with Jill Biden, according to the British royal palace.

Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and X who has spent considerable time with Trump since the election and spent millions to elect him, was also in attendance at Notre Dame.

Macron, who has had an up-and-down relationship with Trump, has made a point of cultivating their bond since the Republican defeated Democrat Kamala Harris. But Macron's office nonetheless played down the significance of the invitation, saying other politicians not now in office had been invited as well.

Trump was invited as president-elect of a "friendly nation," Macron's office said, adding, "This is in no way exceptional, weve done it before."

Trump is known to revel in pomp and circumstance. One of his first trips as president his first term was to Paris, where Macron made him the the guest of honor at Bastille Day events. Trump later said he wanted to replicate the grand military parade back in the United States.

Relations between France and the U.S. during Trumps first term began warmly enough but grew increasingly strained over time.

Macron was the guest of honor at Trumps first state dinner, and Trump traveled to France several times. But the relationship suffered after Macron criticized Trump for questioning the need for NATO and raising doubts about Americas commitment to the mutual defense pact.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump often mocked Macron, imitating his accent and threatening to impose steep tariffs on wine and champagne bottles shipped to the U.S. if France tried to tax American companies.

But Macron was one of the first global leaders to congratulate Trump last month after the election.

When he accepted the invitation to travel to Paris, Trump said Macron had 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!" Trump was president in 2019, when a fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark.
Efforts to reduce the nation's persistently high maternal mortality rates involve state panels of experts that investigate and learn from each mother's death.

The panels  called maternal mortality review committees  usually do their work quietly and out of the public eye. But that's not been the case recently in three states with strict abortion laws.

Georgia dismissed all members of its committee in November after information about deaths being reviewed leaked to the news organization ProPublica. Days later, The Washington Post reported that Texas' committee won't review cases from 2022 and 2023, the first two years after the state banned nearly all abortions. In Idaho, the state let its panel disband in 2023 only to reinstate it earlier this year.

"They've become more of a lightning rod than they were before," said epidemiologist Michael Kramer, director of the Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities at Mercer University in Georgia.

Here's what maternal mortality review committees across the nation do and what might happen next:

What are they?

"Maternal mortality review committees are important because they are the most comprehensive source of information about maternal mortality that we have," said David Goodman, who leads the maternal mortality prevention team at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The panels review deaths that occur during pregnancy or within a year after it ends, whether directly related to the pregnancy or not. Causes of death can range from hemorrhage during childbirth to drug overdoses to traffic accidents.

The goal, Kramer said, is to examine maternal deaths and help "decide what we can do about them."

All states, a few cities and Puerto Rico have these committees. Their membership varies and may include OB-GYNs, maternal-fetal medicine doctors, nurses, midwives, mental and public health experts and members of patient advocacy groups. Most have representatives from several areas of expertise, which the CDC recommends.

How members are selected also varies; people may apply, submit letters of interest or be invited to serve.

The selection shouldn't be politically motivated, Kramer said, because "if there's a systematic exclusion of certain data or certain perspectives" it's difficult to truly understand what's happening.

How do they look at deaths?

First, the panels work with state vital statistics offices and epidemiologists to identify deaths associated with pregnancy by examining death certificates and looking for a pregnancy checkbox or a related cause of death. They may also search for links to birth and fetal death records, or delve into hospital discharge data, media reports and obituaries.

Once they identify cases, they collect as much information as possible, such as prenatal care records, hospital and social service records, autopsy reports and interviews with family members. Professional "abstractors" distill all this into case narratives, which committee members pore over. Most use a standardized review process developed by the CDC  and all panels can get help and guidance from the agency.

They consider questions such as: Was the death pregnancy-related? What was the underlying cause? Was it preventable? What factors contributed?

States generally have privacy rules that protect committee members and people who provide information on the deaths.

The groups then issue public reports that don't name moms or hospitals but include overall findings, trends and recommendations. Some come out a couple of years or more after the deaths.

Across the nation in 2023, Goodman said, 151 recommendations from those reports were implemented by communities, hospitals, medical professionals and policymakers.

What about Georgia, Texas and Idaho?

Georgia will rebuild its committee through a new application process, the state public health commissioner said.

Texas' committee has been reviewing 2021 deaths and will start on 2024 cases at its next meeting, Texas Department of State Health Services spokesperson Lara Anton said in an email to The Associated Press.

"Reviewing cases is a lengthy process and legislators have asked for more recent data. Starting the next review cycle with 2024 cases will allow us to provide that in the next report," Anton said, adding that maternal and child health epidemiologists will continue to analyze and publish data for 2022 and 2023.

In Idaho, the reconstituted review committee now falls under the state board of medicine, which licenses doctors, instead of the state's health and welfare department. It will operate like it always has, said Bob McLaughlin, spokesperson for the medical board. Members met for the first time in November and plan to issue a report by Jan. 31. Because the legislature wanted the most up-to-date information, McLaughlin said the first report will cover only 2023 cases, and the group will review 2022 deaths next.

Goodman said he's encouraged that every state has a review committee now  only 20 had them in 2015.
As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, many are turning to Ajo  a community savings system rooted in trust and tradition.

For traders and low-income earners, its a lifeline, providing lump sums of cash for projects and urgent needs. But without regulation, Ajo users risk losing their savings to fraud.

Trader Tessy Ajakaye, 50, is one of the millions of Nigerians relying on Ajo. For her, its more than just a savings tool  its the backbone of her business. Ajakaye contributes daily, knowing her payout later will help expand her inventory.

In the Ajo system, participants make cash contributions daily or weekly to a money holder as part of a savings program. Each participant gets a periodic lump sum that can be used for business needs.

"Ajo means small, small savings that you don't take to the bank," she said. At year's end, she collects those amounts from Ajo, and "I use it for next year to boost my business. When you take a loan, you pay back with interest. But Ajo, this is your money. What you save is what they give to you."

Ajo isnt without its risks. Rose Ojoma, another trader, lost her savings to a fraudulent collector during a festive period  a common problem with unregulated schemes.

Ojoma said unscrupulous collectors have taken her money during the Christmas season. Some, she said, will take a month's worth of contributions "as an opportunity to run away, and you cannot find them." She said that as a result, she contributes less to reduce her risk.

Ajo, a Yoruba term for thrift or microsavings, has existed for generations in Nigeria and across Africa under names like Esusu and Adashe. It thrives in low-income communities, offering a simple way to save and access funds without banks.

Economist Jide Ojo said Ajo fills the gap for Nigerians excluded from formal banking systems. He said Ajo is simple and helpful because it lets contributors do projects or access services much easier with their savings. He said it also helps them to be prudent in their spending, because it's a way of putting something aside, rather than using all your income.

But the lack of regulation leaves participants vulnerable.

Development economist Hauwa Mustapha acknowledges the system's benefits, but he is calling for reforms to improve security.

"The government does not have any role directly to protect informal savings schemes," Mustapha said. "The informal savings scheme, as it is, is informal, it's personal, it's about your choice, it's voluntary. I think it will be important, if they can be very well educated and enlightened, to understand how to put some legal form into the concept of Ajo, so that can help to secure the funds more. And I also think that the banks can become more flexible and adopt that principle of Ajo into the bank."

Despite its flaws, Ajo remains a lifeline for millions in Nigerias informal economy.

Experts say that by blending tradition with regulation, Ajo could become a safer and more powerful tool for financial stability in Nigerias challenging economy.
Pope Francis was seen with a significant bruise on his chin Saturday, but he presided over a ceremony to install new cardinals without apparent problems.

A Vatican spokesperson said later Saturday that the bruise was caused by a contusion on Friday morning when Francis hit a nightstand with his chin.

The pontiff, who turns 88 later this month, appeared slightly fatigued but carried on as normal with the scheduled ceremony to create 21 new cardinals in St. Peter's Basilica.

Francis has suffered several health problems in recent years and now uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain.

In 2017, while on a trip to Colombia, Francis sported a black eye after he hit his head on a support bar when his popemobile stopped short.
Turkey, Russia and Iran are expected to meet this weekend in Qatar to discuss their response to a shock rebel advance that has dramatically altered the front lines in Syria's 13-year civil conflict.

The meeting will take place on the sidelines of the Doha Forum, an annual event that attracts senior officials, academics and business leaders from more than 150 countries to discuss common concerns.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan "will meet with the Russian and Iranian ministers ... for a meeting under the Astana process" on the sidelines of the forum, a foreign ministry source told Agence France-Presse.

Russia and Iran, which support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, launched the Astana process along with Turkey  which supports some of the rebel factions  in the Kazakh capital, Astana, in 2017. Their goal was to find a political solution to the civil war.

Russia and Turkey succeeded in brokering a ceasefire in 2020 that largely quelled the fighting, leaving Assad in control of all major cities and an estimated 70% of Syrian territory.

But in a stunning offensive over the past week, Islamist rebels Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized Syria's second-largest city, Aleppo, and moved on to capture Hama, inching closer to Syrias third-largest city, Homs.

Hama had remained in government hands since civil war erupted in 2011.

According to Kremlin statements reported by Reuters, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke this week with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, insisting on the need to end aggression against the Syrian state.

Erdogan, according to reports, expressed Turkish support for Syrias territorial integrity but underscored the Assad government's obligation to "engage in the political solutions to the crisis.

Turkey, which does not want an independent Kurdish entity in northeastern Syria, has long supported the Syrian National Army, a coalition of armed opposition groups that is at odds with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)  a Kurdish-led military alliance that has been a major U.S. partner in the fight against the Islamic State terror group, also known as ISIS.

Days after the start of the HTS offensive, clashes broke out between the rival militias.

Russia, which changed the course of the war in favor of Assad years ago by providing air power, is now distracted by its assault on Ukraine, while Iran, another key backer of Assad, is weakened by Israels war against its proxies in Lebanon and Gaza.

While some former U.S. officials with experience in the region say advances by HTS rebels could force Assad and his backers to compromise, others aren't so sure.

I dont think Moscow is ready to accept the end of the Bashar al-Assad government," said former U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford. "I think Iran, too, wants to see Assad survive, although Iran's position is particularly difficult.

James Jeffrey, former U.S. ambassador to Turkey and former special representative for Syria engagement, said the fall of Aleppo was major blow to Assad, and that Iranian and Russian support might no longer be sufficient to retake it.

Retired General Joseph Votel, chief of U.S. Central Command from 2016 to 2019, pointed out that neither Russia nor Iran wants to risk compromising strategic positions in the region.

Syria provides Russia with a foothold in the Middle East and access to warm-water ports," Votel told VOA, referring to Russia's Tartus naval port on the Mediterranean coast of Syria, along with the Hmeimim airbase near Latakia.

"For Iran, it is crucial to maintain the so-called Shiite Crescent," he added, describing a predominantly Shiite Muslim area stretching from Tehran through Iraq and Syria to Beirut. "Losing this access and control would be highly significant for them.

Turkey, for its part, is concerned about any development that would strengthen Kurdish forces in Syria whom it considers to be associated with the PKK  a U.S.-designated terrorist organization that has staged attacks in Turkey in support of that countrys Kurdish population.

Within days after the start of the HTS offensive, clashes broke out between the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army and the U.S.-backed SDF.

When it comes to the Kurds, [Turkey] has some concerns about their own security, which we certainly have acknowledged and have tried to work with them to mitigate any of the risks that they believe they're being posed against them, said Votel.

Ankara, which is hosting 3 million Syrian war refugees, is also seeking conditions that would facilitate the return of some of those people to Syria.

If there is a ceasefire quickly and we do not have big Russian bombing raids, the liberation of Aleppo is an opportunity for hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees to leave Turkey and return to their homes, said Ford.

US position

U.S.-backed SDF fighters on Tuesday began a round of renewed fighting against Syrian government forces in the northeast, opening another front in the battle against Assad's military.

Pentagon officials on Tuesday said the U.S. military carried out a strike in self-defense against weapons systems in eastern Syria, calling it unrelated to rebel advances in the country.

There are nearly 900 U.S. troops in Syria supporting the SDF in its fight against ISIS militants.

White House national security spokesperson Sean Savett said last weekend that the latest turmoil in Syria arose from Assads refusal to engage in a political process and his reliance on Russia and Iran.

According to Ford, control of Aleppo is not particularly important to American interests so long as it does not trigger a new surge of refugees.

The Turks, of course, don't want that," he said. "And it could even lead to a refugee flow back into Lebanon, especially if the ceasefire holds. So, it seems like the sooner there is a ceasefire, the better.

Another key concern for Washington is a resurgent ISIS that might exploit the chaos.

During a NATO meeting Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it remained vital that the jihadist caliphate by ISIS is not resurrected.

Votel also expressed concern about this possibility.

One of the things that we see is that ISIS has retreated into the central part of Syria," he told VOA. "This is an area under the control of the Syrian government. Many of the forces that he had originally assigned to this area have now been withdrawn. This is allowing ISIS to regroup, to get reorganized and be prepared to rise again.

This story originated in VOAs Turkish service.
In the year since Russia's Supreme Court effectively outlawed any promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, activists say they are experiencing a climate of fear and intimidation in the country.

LGBTQ+ rights have been under legal and public pressure for over a decade under President Vladimir Putin, but especially since the Kremlin launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Putin has argued the war is a proxy battle with the West, which he says aims to destroy Russia and its "traditional family values."

Putin insists Russia doesn't discriminate against LGBTQ+ people, but he also decries "perversions that lead to degradation and extinction." Parliament speaker Vyacheslav Volodin last year called gender transitioning "pure satanism" that should stay in the U.S.

Any public representation of gay and transgender people is banned. Gender-affirming medical care and changing one's gender in official documents is prohibited. With the Supreme Court's ruling in November 2023 that found "the international LGBT movement" to be extremist, members of the LGBTQ+ community can be prosecuted and imprisoned for up to six years.

As a result, many people like Gela Gogishvili and Haoyang Xu have fled Russia. They lived a happy life in the republic of Tatarstan, where Gogishvili was a pharmacist and Xu was a student from China.

They were detained after the Kremlin in December 2022 expanded its ban of "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" from minors to adults, effectively outlawing any public endorsement of LGBTQ+ activities.

Authorities accused them of spreading "LGBT propaganda" among minors. Gogishvili was fined, while Xu was put in a detention center for migrants pending deportation. They eventually fled abroad separately and are seeking asylum in France.

"I'm scared for the queer community in Russia that remains in the country," Gogishvili said.

Targeting nightclubs, rainbow flags and gay tourism

Those who remain find themselves pushed into the shadows, marginalized even further and dogged by fear of repression and prison.

"Six years, it's not a joke," said Olga Baranova, head of the Moscow Community Center for LGBT+ Initiatives. She says activists must decide if what they're doing is worth that kind of a prison sentence.

Just days after the Supreme Court ruling in 2023, the LGBTQ+ community was rattled by news of police raiding gay bars, nightclubs and venues that hosted drag shows in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities.

Last spring, the first criminal case on charges of involvement with the "LGBT movement" extremist group was lodged against the owner and staff of a bar in the city of Orenburg that held drag performances.

Charges have been filed for displaying symbols such as a rainbow flag  even though many of those accused had nothing to do with the LGBTQ+ community, said human rights lawyer Max Olenichev.

More raids of bars and nightclubs were reported in Moscow last month, almost exactly a year since the Supreme Court ruling.

One man arrested for allegedly running a travel agency for gay customers faces charges of organizing activities of an extremist organization. Independent news outlet Mediazona reported that Andrei Kotov, 48, rejected the charges and said police beat him and administered electric shocks during his arrest, even though he didn't resist.

Fear, intimidation and terror

This "speaks more about the desire of the authorities to create some kind of atmosphere of fear. It's not repressions, it's terror," said Vladimir, an LGBTQ+ rights advocate in Russia who like many interviewed by AP insisted on being identified only by a first name out of security concerns.

Ikar, a fellow activist and transgender man, described the actions by authorities as "an attempt to intimidate ... to make people lose their social connections, stay silent, stay home."

Vladimir and Ikar belong to an underground LGBTQ+ rights group offering legal aid. Activists thoroughly verify identities of anyone seeking its help.

The group sees a growing number of cases related to violence against LGBTQ+ people, Vladimir said.

Some regional organizations have closed and others have changed their operations. The Moscow Community Center for LGBT+ Initiatives moved much of its work to online chats and meetings so people can still "support each other," according to Baranova.

Help for hard-hit transgender community

The ban and other repressive laws and rulings have delivered a harsh blow to the already-vulnerable trans community, says Yan Dvorkin, head of the Center T trans rights group.

Finding a job is more difficult, both for those who haven't changed their gender marker in documents and those who have. Access to gender-affirming medical care is a major issue. Violence has spiked, Dvorkin said, as has harassment and discrimination, including blackmail attempts, by threatening to report them to authorities.

Anna, a 25-year-old transgender Muscovite, said being part of the community provided the courage to transition last year, after the ban on gender-affirming care was enacted.

Anna considers herself lucky to have a good paying job to afford a doctor advising her from abroad on hormonal therapy, and is able to get the medicine in Moscow.

But she said she hasn't come out to her colleagues for fear of losing her job, and she is sometimes harassed on the street because of her appearance.

She says she has a support network of friends and doesn't want to leave Russia, even though she' knows the risks.

Uncertainty for those staying in Russia

Yulia, another transgender woman, also says she wants to stay, describing it as a kind of mission to show that "people like me are not necessarily weak." In her mid-40s, she has a family and children, a successful career, and the respect and acceptance from colleagues and friends.

For her, "it's about normalizing" being trans, she said.

But much "normalizing" is possible now and in the future is uncertain.

The ban on "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" forces print, TV and movie censorship of LGBTQ+ relations. In a recent example, two Russian streaming services cut a trans character from the 1990 drama series Twin Peaks.

At the same time, there is abundant official rhetoric condemning LGBTQ+ people.

Gela Gogishvili, the gay man who fled Russia last year, worries about the next generation of LGBTQ+ people who are currently growing up and "will be taught that (being queer) is bad."
New satellite imagery of an Iranian military site that Israel apparently destroyed in October and that some Western analysts said was a nuclear facility shows that Iran made efforts to conceal the debris. Those efforts indicate the site contained something of value, the analysts told VOA.

The commercial satellite images from Maxar Technologies published Monday on the X platform by the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security show the destroyed building known as Taleghan 2 at Iran's Parchin military base on November 6 and November 24.

An archive of Iranian nuclear documents seized by Israel from Tehran in 2018 and later shared by Israel with the institute included what the group has said were pre-2004 images of Taleghan 2, showing the building housing equipment used in nuclear weapons research.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has said Iran suspended an active nuclear weapons program in 2003. Iran has denied Israel's allegation that it has covertly continued that program.

Israel apparently struck Taleghan 2 in its October 26 aerial assault on Iran, according to Western media citing researchers who examined before-and-after commercial satellite images of the rectangular building, which had been built in a carved-out section of hillside.

The new images published by the institute show that by November 6, Iran had covered the demolished building with a makeshift horizontal structure and erected vertical security screens next to debris piles, shielding the site from being viewed from above and on the ground.

The images also show that by November 26, the vertical security screens had been removed, while the horizontal structure remained over the building and the debris piles remained visible around the site. The institute identified one pile as probably containing destroyed equipment.

In an interview with VOA, the institute's president, American physicist David Albright, said the resolution of the commercial satellite imagery was not high enough to identify what kind of equipment likely had been destroyed inside Taleghan 2. But he said the erecting of two vertical screens at the site for several weeks indicates that some of the debris was of a sensitive nature.

"I think Iran put up the screens because it was nervous that foreign intelligence agents could use a telescope from down the road to figure out what was in the debris," Albright said. "They later took down the screens probably because they had hauled away the sensitive stuff and wanted to make it easier to continue the cleanup process at the site."

Olli Heinonen, a researcher at the Washington-based Stimson Center and a former IAEA official who inspected Iran's Parchin base twice in the early 2000s, shared his observations of the latest satellite imagery with VOA in a separate interview.

"Even if the Iranians removed the most valuable equipment from Taleghan 2 for some reason before the October 26 strike, the building still would have equipment left, considering its purpose," Heinonen said. "Any valuable material in the rubble certainly could have been taken away."

Heinonen said the temporary vertical screens at the site may have been intended to conceal the debris not only from prying foreign eyes but also from Iranian dissidents and curiosity-seekers.

"It also is logical for authorities to clean up the site, so that the morale of Parchin's thousands of workers is not harmed by them seeing destruction caused by a foreign power," he said.

Israel initially said its October assault on Iran targeted aerial defense and missile production sites. It was the first major Israeli attack on Iran after more than a year of fighting that began with an attack by Iranian proxy group Hamas on the Jewish state and grew into a multifront conflict directly involving Tehran and its other regional proxies.

Netanyahu revelation

Speaking to Israel's parliament on November 18, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that the October offensive also "harmed" what he called a "certain component" of the Iranian nuclear program, without elaborating. Taleghan 2 was the only site with an alleged link to that program identified by Western media as one of the targets of the Israeli operation.

Iran's U.N. mission in New York did not immediately respond to a VOA email, sent on Friday, asking whether the Taleghan 2 building was an undeclared part of the Iranian nuclear program.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi told a news conference on November 20 that the U.N. nuclear agency does not see Taleghan 2 as a nuclear site.

A November 15 report by U.S. news site Axios cited unnamed U.S. officials and unnamed current and former Israeli officials as saying it was an "active top-secret nuclear weapons research facility."

Grossi said the site "could have been involved in the past in some activities" of concern, but he added: "We don't have any information that would confirm the presence of nuclear material there ... [or] that would substantiate this idea that recently some activities [there] ... could be of relevance for us."

The lack of clarity on the equipment in the rubble of Taleghan 2 makes it difficult to assess the significance of the building's destruction to Iran, researchers told VOA.

Albright noted that Netanyahu described Israel as having "harmed" a component of Iran's nuclear program, rather than saying Israel severely damaged Tehran's bomb-making ability.

"Sometimes in a strike like this, the bomb doesn't damage every important piece of equipment. One piece is in a corner, survives and can be fixed later, or the Iranians have a replacement at some university or other military production site," Albright said.

Andrea Stricker, a nonproliferation researcher at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said regardless of whether serious harm was done to nuclear weapons research at Taleghan 2, the significance of the strike is in the message that Israel apparently was sending.

"The message is that further attacks on more consequential nuclear sites are to come if Tehran does not halt such efforts," Stricker said.
The Taliban said Thursday it had shuttered an Afghan TV station over what it said was "vulgar" programming.

Around eight Taliban officials, including at least one who was armed, raided the Kabul office of Arezo TV on Wednesday morning.

Men and women were separated, and their phones taken, according to an employee who spoke with Agence France-Presse on the condition of anonymity. At least six staff members were detained and placed under investigation.

The offices were sealed and the staff told to wait for further orders, the employee said.

The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice said Thursday that Arezo TV had been working with foreign media to dub TV programs into the Afghan language. The content appears to have been foreign TV dramas.

"Some people were using the name of Arezo TV to carry out actions that were contrary to Islamic values and national traditions," the ministry said in a statement.

"It became clear that some people had used the name and building of Arezo TV as well as their position in the media outlet to pay temporary workers to dub vulgar serials and programs that were against Islamic and Afghan principles and traditions with the financial support of exiled media outlets outside the country," it said.

Arezo TV, which was founded in 2006, produces news, wildlife documentaries and "Islamic series" that are dubbed from Turkish. The broadcaster has a staff of about 70 in Kabul, according to a local journalists' association.

The raid and arrests will have a negative impact on media in Afghanistan, media associations said.

Mohammad Graan, president of the Afghanistan chapter of the South Asian Association of Reporters Club and Journalists Forum, or SJF, said that detaining Arezo TV staff could "dishearten" journalists.

"It is clear that it will pressure journalists psychologically and demotivate them," he told VOA.

Graan said that under the law, no one has the right to search an individual's phone or computer but, he said, "the Taliban are doing that, and that would have a negative impact on all journalists."

He said that the Taliban are selective in dealing with the media and journalists.

"It is clear that whoever is against them or whatever damages their image, they would take action against it," said Graan.

When the Taliban seized power in August 2021, they said media were free to report, if they didn't publish content that is "contrary to Islam."

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has said that there are no restrictions on journalists, if they "consider the national interest and Islamic values and avoid spreading rumors."

But journalists say a lack of clarity around rules makes reporting in Afghanistan hard.

A Kabul-based journalist who did not want his identity to be disclosed told VOA that the Taliban actions "show that they are not committed to their words on respecting freedom of speech."

"It is not the first time, and it won't be the last time in Afghanistan that the Taliban closed a TV [station]," he said. The journalist said that the Taliban have closed stations in the capital and other provinces for years.

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders says that since the Taliban takeover, more than 40% of media outlets have disappeared and that media work under strict conditions.

The watchdog ranks Afghanistan as the third-worst country globally for press freedom.

The Kabul journalist said journalists are working under a lot of pressure.

He said managers at the media outlet he works for pressured him to remove a post this week about the Taliban ban on women training at medical institutes.

"They [the management] told me that if there is any problem, we would not be able to help you as we are also under a lot of pressure," he said.

Graan, of the SJF, said that the journalists in Afghanistan do not feel safe.

"They live in fear. They fear that what they report could create problems for them. They could lose their job or be put in jail."

The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and the Human Rights Office have both said that journalists and media outlets "operate under an environment of censorship and tight restrictions."

Some information in this report came from Agence France-Presse.
President-elect Donald Trump said on Saturday the U.S. should not be involved in the conflict in Syria, where rebel forces are threatening the government of President Bashar Assad.

"Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!," Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

Trump said because Russia, an Assad ally, is tied up fighting a war with Ukraine, it "seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years."

If Russia were forced out of Syria, it "may actually be the best thing that can happen to them" because "there was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia," Trump said.

Trumps comments appeared to reflect his opposition to the presence of some 900 U.S. troops in Syria, mostly of them in the northeast, where they have backed a Syrian Kurd-led alliance in preventing a resurgence of Islamic State militants.

Trump announced in 2018 during his first term that he wanted to withdraw the U.S. troops because he said Islamic State was near defeat.

But he held off as advisers warned that a pullout would leave a void that would be filled by Iran and Russia.
Denmark has delivered a second batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday as he traveled to Paris to meet with top politicians and dignitaries.

In a message on Telegram, Zelenskyy praised Denmark and lamented a lack of dedication from other allies.

The first batch of planes provided by the Danes are already shooting down Russian missiles: rescuing our people and our infrastructure. Now our air shield is reinforced even further, he said. If all partners were so determined, we would have been able to make Russian terror impossible.

The announcement comes as Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region marks a day of mourning for 10 people killed in a Russian attack on Friday. A further 24 people, including two children, were injured when a missile struck a local service station, said regional Governor Ivan Fedorov.

Three more people were killed in a strike on the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih on Friday, Ukraine's State Emergency Service said.

Addressing the attacks, Zelenskyy said that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not seek real peace."

Putin only seeks the ability to treat any country this way, with bombs, missiles, and all other forms of violence, Zelenskyy said. Only through strength can we resist this. And only through strength can real peace be established.

Zelenskyy is due to meet other world leaders Saturday, including French President Emmanuel Macron, at an event in Paris celebrating the renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral after a devastating fire in 2019.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is among those expected to be in attendance, with European leaders keen to cultivate the incoming leader's favor to persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine against Russias three-year invasion. Its not clear whether Trump will meet with Zelenskyy.
Lost in much of the debate over "hostage diplomacy" after last week's rare prisoner swap between the U.S. and China is that in addition to the three Americans, three Uyghurs were on the flight from China. The exchange highlights Beijing's persecution of ethnic minorities prompting renewed international scrutiny.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed to VOA that the three Uyghurs were on the flight but declined to provide additional details "out of respect for their privacy."

"The Biden-Harris administration has continuously advocated for cases of humanitarian concern, including Uyghurs," the spokesperson told VOA. "We are pleased that these [Uyghur] individuals are home with their families."

Among those freed was 73-year-old Ayshem Mamut, the mother of prominent Uyghur rights advocate and Uyghur American lawyer Nury Turkel.

According to Turkel, the last time he saw his mother was 20 years ago, when she traveled to Washington for his graduation from American University.

"Her last trip to the U.S. was in the summer of 2004, when she came to D.C. with my late father for my law school graduation," Turkel told VOA.

Turkel's parents stayed in the U.S. for about five months before returning to China. Since then, his mother had been barred from leaving the country.

"The Chinese authorities never specifically said why my parents couldn't leave the country," Turkel said. "However, I believe a travel ban was imposed on my parents because of my decadeslong advocacy work and my U.S. government service from 2020 to 2024."

Turkel served as a commissioner and chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom from 2020 to 2024. In response to his advocacy for religious freedom for oppressed communities, he was sanctioned by China in 2021 and Russia in 2022.

Turkel described the reunion with his mother as a profoundly emotional moment, crediting years of persistent advocacy by individuals and institutions across multiple U.S. administrations.

"This reunion is a testament to the U.S. government's steadfast commitment to human rights and justice for the Uyghur people," Turkel said. "I am so proud of our country and leadership at the highest level  President [Joe] Biden, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Secretary [Antony] Blinken and countless national security professionals invested so much time and energy over the years."

He added that the reunion has been transformative for his mother.

"For my mother, this moment represents a rebirth of joy and humanity," Turkel said.

"After decades apart, she can finally experience the love and laughter of her grandchildren  a connection that transcends the pain of separation and reminds us of the enduring power of family. She is profoundly grateful to those who made this reunion possible, especially Ambassador Nick Burns, whose compassionate actions reflect the best of humanity."

Advocates push for continued U.S. action

Rayhan Asat, a fellow at the Atlantic Council and a Uyghur lawyer whose brother, Ekpar Asat, remains imprisoned in China, welcomed the release but called for continued efforts to secure freedom for other Uyghurs.

"I urge President Biden to secure Ekpar's release and bring him home during the remainder of his presidency. His continued imprisonment sends a chilling message that participating in U.S. programs comes with grave risk," Asat told VOA.

Ekpar Asat was sentenced to 15 years in prison after participating in a U.S.-China cultural exchange program organized by the State Department.

"As the ambassador emphasized today, the state of U.S.-China relations hinges on the choices China makes, including its support for unjust wars. One of those choices must be to end the ongoing genocide against the Uyghur people," Asat added.

Ferkat Jawdat, another Uyghur American advocate, expressed mixed emotions about the release. Jawdat has lobbied U.S. administrations to secure the freedom of his mother, whom he has not seen since 2006. She has been barred from leaving China for nearly two decades.

"While I'm very happy for @nuryturkel and his family's reunion with their mother, I'm very sad that my mom was excluded from this," he wrote. "I've been asking the U.S. government for years for the same when I met with former Secretary of State @mikepompeo and @SecBlinken," Jawdat said in a tweet on social media platform X.

Turkel offered a message of hope and resilience to the global Uyghur community, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their advocacy.

"To my Uyghur communities around the world, I urge you to hold onto hope and faith," Turkel said. "My family's reunion is a living testament to the possibility of change, even in the face of immense challenges. Share your stories, advocate for your loved ones and know that your voices matter."

He emphasized that international attention and tireless efforts are making a difference.

"The world is listening, and there are people tirelessly working for justice and reconnecting families like ours," he said. "Together, our resilience and solidarity can pave the way for others to experience similar moments of joy and relief."
Pearl Harbor "changed the future of the world," U.S. President Joe Biden said at a White House event for veterans and their families on Friday, the eve of the anniversary of Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

The president recalled that he "heard so much" about Pearl Harbor when he was growing up and talked about his uncles who enlisted in the military after the attack.

"During World War II, we stood at an inflection point," the president said. "We still stand at an inflection point. The decisions we make now in the next four to five years will determine the course of our future for decades to come. ... We owe it to the next generation to set that course on a more free, more secure and more just path."

Saturday, December 7, marks the 83rd anniversary of Japans surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, a U.S. naval base on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, near Honolulu.

Hundreds of Japanese fighter planes unleashed bombs, bullets and aerial torpedoes on Americas Pacific Fleet in the Sunday morning attack.

More than 2,400 U.S. sailors, soldiers and civilians were killed that day. About half of them died on the USS Arizona battleship.

The Japanese succeeded in sinking four of the eight U.S. battleships at Pearl Harbor and damaging the remaining four.

According to the Naval History and History Command website, "That more Japanese aircraft were not shot down had nothing to do with the skill, training or bravery of our Sailors and other servicemembers.

"Rather, U.S. antiaircraft weapons were inadequate in number and capability, for not only had the Japanese achieved tactical surprise, they achieved technological surprise with aircraft and weapons far better than anticipated  a lesson in the danger of underestimating the enemy that resonates to this day."

The day after the attack, U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt appeared before a joint session of Congress, seeking a declaration of war. After he delivered his famous "Day of Infamy" speech, the Senate unanimously supported the declaration. In the House, there was one dissenter, Montanas Representative Jeanette Rankin, a pacifist.

Roosevelt signed the declaration Monday afternoon. The United States had now been officially drawn into World War II.

Before the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States had imposed economic sanctions on Japan as a way of stopping Japans expansion goals in Asia. The sanctions affected Japans access to aircraft exports.

The attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor was part of Japans plan to prevent any challenges to those goals in Asia.

There is now a USS Arizona Memorial that expands over the hull of the sunken vessel without touching it.

Earlier this week, a 104-year-old survivor of Pearl Harbor returned to Hawaii to participate in this years commemorations. Ira Ike Schab Jr. of Portland, Oregon, who was a Navy musician, was greeted at the airport in Honolulu with a water cannon salute and music from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band.

When asked what he remembers about that day, Schab told the Hawaii News Now website, Being scared, more than anything else. Schab said he made the trip because he is one of the Pacific Fleets very few survivors remaining from that day.

He said, They deserve to be recognized and honored.
South Korean lawmakers failed Saturday to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his attempt to impose martial law, an outcome that delivers at least a temporary reprieve for the embattled conservative president.

During a tense session at South Korea's National Assembly, nearly all conservative lawmakers of the People Power Party, or PPP, walked out of the legislative chamber just minutes before the vote was to be held, effectively boycotting the opposition-led impeachment motion against Yoon.

For about four hours, opposition forces made an emotional, last-minute plea to persuade their conservative colleagues to return and support the impeachment measure. They ultimately failed to get even enough PPP members in the chamber for a vote to be formally held.

The liberal Democratic Party, which has a solid majority in the unicameral legislature, has vowed to quickly hold another impeachment vote, possibly as soon as next week, raising the prospect of a prolonged period of political instability. To pass, the impeachment effort needed the votes of eight conservative PPP lawmakers.

Watch related video by William Gallo:

The public will continue to demand that the president, the instigator of this rebellion, will face prosecution or arrest, Representative Kim Min-seok told VOA Saturday.

Kim, a senior Democratic Party leader, said the Korean public is not satisfied with Yoon's explanation for imposing martial law. Public anger will intensify, and impeachment will just be a matter of time, he said.

Outside the legislative compound, an estimated 100,000 people gathered to express support for the impeachment measure. The mood was a mixture of festivity and anger, as candle-waving protesters called for the arrest of Yoon and also sang popular Korean pop songs. Activist and labor groups say they will continue to hold regular demonstrations and strikes until Yoon resigns.

The protests could eventually echo those that led to the impeachment of South Korea's former conservative president, Park Geun-hye, in 2016 on corruption-related charges after weeks of demonstrations. Those developments deeply fractured the conservative party  an outcome the PPP would like to avoid this time.

After the failed impeachment effort, a PPP spokesperson said the country cannot repeat the tragedy of another paralyzed government.

Declaration of martial law

Yoon declared martial law late Tuesday, claiming it was necessary to "crush anti-state forces" and "protect constitutional order. The decree was overturned by opposition lawmakers within hours.

Earlier on Saturday, he apologized for causing public anxiety and vowed he would not attempt a second martial law decree.

In an apparent attempt to find a path forward that does not involve his resignation, Yoon also said future governance will be jointly handled by our party and the government.

It is not clear how Yoon would yield any presidential authority to his ruling People Power Party, analysts said, since there does not appear to be an established political process for doing so.

Some PPP lawmakers have begun pushing for a compromise proposal, whereby South Koreas constitution would be amended to shorten presidential terms to four years, rather than the current five.

Under such a rumored proposal, Yoon apparently would step down early and the powers of the presidency could be reduced in some manner.

However, opposition party lawmakers have given no indication they would support such a deal.

"This is a cunning tactic only in order to buy time," Kim Joon-hyung, a lawmaker with the opposition Rebuilding Korea Party, told VOA. "This regime, and the ruling party, is dead and dysfunctional, even if the impeachment vote fails.

South Koreas presidential office has not clarified Yoons remarks or whether he would support such an arrangement.

A Seoul-based law professor, who preferred not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the ongoing discussions, said there is no process by which the president can transfer the powers of the presidency to the party.

But more importantly, I dont think thats what [Yoon] meant, he said. I think he merely meant that he will follow whatever decision the party makes regarding how to stabilize the situation. ... Whether that refers to constitutional revision is unclear.

Yoon and his party may be trying to avoid a vacancy in the office of the president, because under such a scenario, an election must be held, according to the constitution, he said.

President Yoon seems to be trying everything he can to hang on to power, said Hans Schattle, a professor of political science at Yonsei University. But the idea of him staying in office any longer seems totally out of sync with the public outrage right now.
Black Doves In The Bleak Midwinter Season 1 Episode 6 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * *  Previous Next  Previous Episode Next Episode  Photo: Netflix

Ah, a season finale: alliances renewed (Williams and Eleanor, yay! Reed and Helen, tread lightly!), alliances formed (Sam and Hector, strategic!), scores settled (byeeeee, London branch of the Clark Family!), sides of ones life integrated (Sam attending the Webb Family Christmas, aww!). For all that Black Dovess first season has been a fun roller coaster of international and interpersonal intrigue, I love that at its center, its a gooey love note to how important it is to have friends you can rely on.

Every woman for herself, stay cold, stay alive, its just business  that big, Fortress of Solitude-inspired claptrap Williams was spouting earlier; what a relief that shes thought better of it. First of all, its not a viable long-term strategy, and most of the good (or at least non-fatal) outcomes weve seen in Black Doves argue powerfully against it. Everyone is calling people they trust for help when theyre out of their depth, and the vulnerability in relying on others has been lifesaving, over and over again. That happens for good  Sam saving Williams, Michael sheltering everyone, Sam protecting Helen  and for ill, as in Trent Clark begging his mother Alex for help after he accidentally kills Ambassador Chen.

It turns out to be the most consequential phone call Trent ever makes, as it ultimately leads to the final moments of his own life, as well as the lives of Maggie, Philip, Jason, Jasons landlady, Kent, Yarrick, Alex, Alexs mouthy and menacing deputy, and the many other people who found themselves facing the business ends of everyone elses guns. Trent is every bit the dingus Cole described him as, but still makes two modestly worthwhile contributions to the entire affair. His acknowledgment that he deserves to face some kind of punishment for his role in Chens death and its coverup is correct and a proper moment of contrition. The other is his description of his mother as not a mob boss; shes a criminally-adjacent person of influence, which may be the funniest line of the entire season.

The big showdown with the Clarks  featuring the Tracey Ullman in a far-too-short guest role  ends with several bangs, courtesy of Sam, who insists on protecting Helen from both harm and regrettable murders, and also with the whimper of realizing the whole revenge plot was kind of a nothingburger. By removing the London leadership of the Clark Organization from the chessboard, Sam has actually done his nation a service, but how long will that last? In his lets team up/hey kids, lets put on a show pitch to Sam later, Hector Newman himself points out that the vacuum Sam created wont stay empty for long. The Clarks are down but not out, and giving them something to prove will make them even more dangerous. For her part, Helen finds that avenging Jasons murder doesnt make her feel any better about his death, and shell need another path to resolving her grief. Perhaps shell find it in her next professional and personal chapter as the wife of the incoming Prime Minister? At their post-mortem for the whole operation, Reed shares some vital bits of intel, including the news that the current Prime Minister is going to step down in the spring for health reasons, a sure, Jan reason if ever weve heard one.

Im curious to see how Helen fares in an even more significant formal role alongside Wallace as he ascends to his premiership, not least because tracking down and scooping up Trent at the stables where he worked revisits Black Dovess case for the notion that nations and their formally-recognized organizations can do their thing all they want, but individuals and networks outside of that structure can be just as significant in making the world spin in a different direction, too. That argument is further bolstered by how little it shows of the CIA vs. Clarks gun battle in the warehouses courtyard and by Jasons warm-hearted, deeply risky MI5 report exonerating Helen. Its dead handy to be in the clear again (though who knows what Wallace will be on the lookout for as time goes on).

The first seasons remaining plot resolutions are all what they should be. Sam gets a proper, bittersweet goodbye with Michael, affirmation and love with Helen at her familys Christmas, and bygones with Lenny. Helen is secure enough in what she knows and feels about Jason to let go of the supplementary information Reed dug up for her and enjoys being snugly embedded in her family. Wallace learns from CIA Station Chief Porter that he might be the Tories highest-ranking member free from any whiff of the Chen murder scandal. Michael and Ruby spend their Christmas safe and sound with Arnie and Zack. Williams, Eleanor, and Kai-Ming get to enjoy not dying and, later, are partying it up on Eleanors houseboat. Ill throw in my hope for a blood transfusion and/or a massive helping of leafy greens for Williams, and a cozy group watch of The Santa Clause for them, too.

Bookending this season with Fairytale of New York is a little heavy-handed, but justifiably so. Its the best Christmas song for singing along with gusto until you get to a lyric that breaks your heart (and your voice) while also leaving you with a glimmer of hope. It mirrors the structure and themes of the show: rowdy in some places, melancholy in others, funny and spiteful, and lovely in the end.

Closing Doors, Opening Windows

 Its too bad that Helens solid dating advice to Trent  The next time you like a girl, maybe just talk to her about her interests instead of trying to buy her love with heroin.  will go unused by him, but its pretty evergreen, so she should be able to pass some version of it along to her kids when the time comes.

 Its easy to miss in the Christmas celebrations montage, but it looks as if Webb Family Nanny Marie is perched on Reeds couch  is she a visitor, or does she live there? Is she a Black Dove? Reeds daughter? Both???

 Speaking of Reed, the sight of her calmly wrapping Christmas gifts in her enormous, window-rich apartment and, with equal equanimity, cutting herself off from anything resembling responsibility for everything thats happened in the last 24 hours is one of the most chilling scenes of the year. Bad bosses can quite literally be toxic, huh? Shudder.
Well, things were bound to get increasingly messy on the way to resolution, werent they? After regrouping at Williamss flat in the previous episode, everyone now has to flee from a massive gunfight with the Clarks, who are still after Kai-Ming and that ever-elusive pinhole camera. At the end of episode four, Sam and Helen realized that they were not delivering Cole to an anonymous life of fabulous wealth but to an uncertain fate at the hands of the Chinese government  which also wants answers about Ambassador Chens death, as well as that camera and footage  and have to make a literal run for it after they get stuck in horrible traffic. Even Dani has a crummy night-to-day at the office, spectacularly misjudging the mark in her attempt to seduce Wallace and ultimately getting her ass kicked by Helen. Whew!

In the middle of it all is poor, reasonable civilian Michael, trying to process Sam showing up at his door with half of Londons most wanted and would just like everyone to keep their voices down so as not to wake 4-year-old Ruby in the wee hours. Michael is easily the MVP of this episode. He shouldnt have to be, and its monstrous that the reason hes involved at all is that Sam made a hash of his assignment back in 2017. Still, without Michael and his willingness to hear Sam out, everyone else would be dead.

The Clarks attack on Williamss flat is about what Cole led us to expect; they rely on overwhelming firepower and ruthlessness, even when theyre just planning a run-of-the-mill home invasion, double homicide, and kidnapping. I salute Williams and Eleanor for managing as well as they do on their own until Sam shows up and manages to extract Williams. At least they had Eleanors mini rocket launcher to supplement their arsenal, and Kai-Mings sense of self-preservation got her to lie down in the bathtub. Sam is leaning into some heroics and acts of loyalty in this episode by racing upstairs to Williamss flat, which is in flames when they arrive, and whisking an injured Williams out and into the taxi he commandeered earlier.

This is a very ultimatum-intensive episode. The new Chinese ambassador insists on restitution for Chens death in the form of military contracts or blood. CIA station chief Porter demands the return of Cole Atwood, incorrectly assuming that he was removed from the Embassy by Chinese agents. The prime minister calls  an as-yet unidentified someone, demanding the recording device. The Clarks demand the recording device from Helen and Sam, lest they kill Eleanor and Kai-Ming in ways so absurdly cruel that the manner of their passing will haunt you til your own dying day. This guy really loves a florid turn of phrase. Reed instructs Sam to kill Alex Clark (and to deliver Cole to her). I just want to point out here that the governments of three major world powers with very sophisticated and well-funded intelligence apparatus at their command have thrown up their hands in the quest for this bit of technology and are relying on the unpaid services of a handful of exhausted solo practitioners, most of whom arent even spies. Seems like a managerial skill issue to me!

Fortunately for Helen, Sam, and Cole, theyre able to cobble together something resembling a plan. Cole gets to work trying to inform Trent that they know where Kai-Ming is. Once Trent shows up, they can draw his mother out into the open, too. Helen and Sam work on retracing Maggie and Phillips steps since they actually saw the footage and will have hidden it and/or the device somewhere safe. Or, they would work on that, but Helen has been summoned home by her nanny, Marie. In all the excitement, she lost track of time, Wallace is still at No. 10, and Marie has stayed well past the end of her usual hours. Work-life balance is a real bear in Helens line of work, and she and Wallace arent exactly crushing it on the work-emergencies front.

What comes next is one of my favorite beats in the story, mostly because its a little ambiguous. Wallace turned Dani down quite firmly, but shes gotten in his head a bit, too. He half-quotes her to Helen, musing out loud that he must disappoint her and that nobody ever knows 100 percent of another persons inner feelings. Something shifts in his perception of her again when Agent Perryman drops by for a quick confirmation of Helens presence at the U.S. Embassy that evening. Perryman doesnt seem to entertain even a whisper of the notion that she was there for any reason other than to have coffee with Vanessa, but a blend of confusion, suspicion, and maybe a teeny bit of admiration for Helen sweeps across his face. Its the look of a man who has a big important job, whose wife takes care of all of the details that make their lives run smoothly, so he hasnt had occasion to pay attention to them til just now, and now he realizes just how much he hasnt seen because he hasnt been looking for it.

Rather than address the specifics of whats making him wonder about Helen and all she gets up to, he goes for a more oblique angle, with an unexpectedly affecting declaration of love. Hes loved her since the day they met; hes desperately grateful that she wants anything to do with him, particularly as hes just a pretty uncomplicated guy who loves her and the life theyve built together. His top priority is protecting that, fighting for them and her, because, as previously noted, he loves her.

I dont think Helen quite understood how profound Wallaces love is til just now  he sees her. Whoever Helen is, the person shes created out of this and that over the years, shes who he loves. We know thats a bit tenuous given how betrayed Wallace would likely feel if he knew she was a spy causing the leaks that the CIA station chief mentioned in their meeting with the prime minister.

On a purely personal level, Wallaces sense of betrayal would probably bear a close resemblance to Michaels response to Sam showing up out of the blue in the previous episode. Maybe, like Michael, hell be able to excavate happy, untainted-by-treason-and-murder memories that keep alive the notion that a renewal of their former relationship is possible. Maybe, also like Michael, hell find himself more afraid of his partner than of the people whove come to kill him. Helen tells Sam that it didnt faze Jason, so maybe the revelation that Helen steals state secrets and commits the occasional murder wont be as troubling to Wallace as Helen imagines.

Jason, who Reed has the gall to say might not be worth avenging, does Helen one more good turn from beyond the grave. The bracelet he gave her? Its from the shop where Maggie Jones worked, and its where the recording device has been quietly waiting in the office safe. If Dani hadnt shown up looking dreadfully smug, Helen could have gotten on with her morning and done her bit to prevent a war. Instead, we first get a knife-fight scene thats got a whiff of Kill Bill about it and concludes with Helen finding shed rather be magnanimous. Rather than garroting Dani with a double strand of pearls or cutting her to ribbons, she tells her vanquished rival, Im not going to kill you because Im still Helen Webb, and Helen Webb doesnt stab girls to death in jewelry stores on Christmas Eve. A brave stance, which I hope will pay off in both the short and long terms!

Helens review of the long-sought footage reveals quite a twist. After all the shootings and explosions weve seen, it turns out that Ambassador Chens death was just an accident and that the perpetrator isnt a professional assassin or a covert operative, but trust-fund-baby moron Trent Clark. Panicked, Trent calls his mother for help, police commissioner Yarrick shows up, and thats it. Everyones been assuming this weeklong bloodbath was being masterminded by one of those sophisticated intelligence apparatuses we were talking about earlier, but its all been the ripple effect of a failson doing what he does best (or worst, depending on your interpretation of events).

Closing Doors, Opening Windows

 Williams gets two runners-up to the best line of the episode. Shes being weirdly lighthearted about having a gunshot wound, on the grounds that I dont like to make a fuss! Her encouragement to pray to the nonreligious Kai-Ming, maybe nows a good time to have a chat with your man upstairs, also had me in stitches.

 Of course Reed turns out to be a Christmas girly; I shouldve known shed have a fondness for studding oranges with cloves to make a pomander ball!

 Officer Perryman is played by Adam Best, who graced screens recently as Joe Lynskey in a few episodes of Say Nothing.
Oh, Outlander friends, I laughed so, so hard during A Hundredweight of Stone. It was, perhaps, not the intention. But youre telling me that after seven seasons of scenes chock full of unrelenting looks at gore and violence and tragedy, Outlander has finally found a line it will not cross and that line is Claire Fraser and Lord John Grey having grief sex?! That is the scene the powers that be thought, hm, no, this will simply be too much for audiences to stomach! We must film it as quick cuts leading up to the sex and then fade to black right before the sex, and then cut to them awkwardly waking up next to each other! We cannot put people through anything more than that! I have a whole list of gratuitous Outlander scenes I wish I could unsee, and this one would be nowhere near it. Anyway, hilarious.

Its not like Im over here suddenly shipping Claire and Lord John. If Outlander is going through with this storyline, which, honestly, is insane  I get the time constraints with the spy accusations, but Claire isnt going to, like, write one letter to double-check her husband is dead?  it needs to commit to the bit. Time is of the essence with this season, sure, but it feels like were speeding through all the most interesting beats to  continually check in with Roger, who this week buys a gemstone for a return trip through the stones and finds his fathers Royal Air Force jacket. Thats it! These Roger/Buck scenes are giving off real this meeting couldve been an email vibes. We have much juicer stuff going down in 1778. We even, dare I say it, have juicer stuff going on in 1980 where  surprise!  Rob Cameron reveals he did not take Jemmy through the stones; he just wanted to get rid of Roger. Bree still doesnt know where her son is, but she does slam Robs face in with a frying pan, which is very cool.

Whats not cool, however, is not giving this whole Claire/Lord John thing room to breathe. Their marriage, their drunken hook-up, and their grief is surely going to reverberate through each corner of what is one of the wildest TV love triangles around for the rest of Outlanders run. Its doubly frustrating because Caitriona Balfe and David Berry have proven time and time again how skilled they are at portraying the complicated (and thats putting it mildly) relationship between Claire and Lord John. We dont even get a full episode of it before Jamie arrives very much alive in Philadelphia for one of the least shocking reveals of the series. Yes, shit will surely go down once Jamie actually learns what his wife and best friend have been up to in his absence, but it wouldve been nice to dive a little bit deeper into Claire and Johns new dynamic.

Please note: Im complaining out of love! What we do get of this duo is so good! Its such an interesting look at how this pair are dealing with their grief both separately and as a pair: Claire, a zombie person; John, beside himself, pouring his sadness into his mission to keep Jamies wife safe. When William cant understand why his father would risk his reputation and marry a rebel, why he would go to bat so hard for this other man who was just a groom and now a traitor, John has to work so hard not to blurt out first because Jamie is the love of his life and second because Jamie is your real father and you are my greatest joy; What two insane secrets to keep! The tears in that mans eyes! The moment when he looks over at the empty chair across from his chess board, weeping? Thats devastating right there.

So, it makes sense that Lord John, bereft, lonely, and drunk out of his mind, would find his way to Claires room that night. She has been spending the evening contemplating her own death (the memory of Jamie dissuades her from that tragedy), wailing at the heavens, and chugging whiskey. The moment when they come together on that bedroom floor is so intimate (maybe the most intimate part of this whole thing, so jokes on you, fade to black!) that it is hard to watch. They are both angry with each other (Claires he is not yours to mourn! is quite effective!), angry with Jamie, steeped in this despondency, and almost irrevocably broken. They drunkenly claw at each other; its a mix of fighting and holding on to each other for dear life.

When they awkwardly wake up next to each other the next morning there is a different kind of intimacy. The fact that they can both fully admit that they were thinking of Jamie while having sex with each other displays such a level of trust, even if they dont want to admit it. Its honestly probably so nice for John to have someone to speak freely with about Manoke, the cook at his Virginia estate with whom he has an open relationship, even if that whole speech about how their relationship is like the gorgeous deer that magically appears and disappears on his property is less romantic and enchanting and more Example of a Colonial Fuckboi. The whole scene almost gives you hope that should they have to, these two could live a great life as friends who are married.

It wouldnt be without some bumps, of course. The first occurs when Claire and John go to check on Henry Grey, still recovering at Mercy Woodcocks house. Henrys doing great. So great, in fact, that he informs his uncle and new aunt that he and Mercy are madly in love and they want to get married. Could Lord John write to Henrys dad, the Duke of Pardloe, and tell him, pretty please? The second John puts on that ARE YOU OUTSIDE YOUR MIND look on his face, you know Claire is going to have words. In the end, she has one word, mainly, and that word is bigot. In the carriage ride home, she takes her husband (!!) to task for being so against Henry marrying a Black woman. There is a church in Philly that performs weddings in secret for interracial couples, the two of them are desperately in love, and also doesnt John know exactly how awful it is to be forbidden to be with the person you love most? Johns like, whoa, whoa, lets back up the bigot train here, lady, which is impressive because trains werent even invented yet. Johns only objection to Mercy is that she is the widow of a traitor to the crown, and Claires response is, to paraphrase, it me. Johns putting up a stink because he knows his brother, Henrys father, would disown him and cut him off if he were to marry without approval (and he would never get approval). He also knows that Henry and Mercy would spend their lives living in fear of getting caught and perhaps facing violence in the end. John wouldnt want that for Henry or Mercy. John does look terrified at the thought of a life like that for his nephew. He isnt as awful as that interaction with Henry and Mercy made him look, but still, Claire is winning this argument. Give Henry and Mercy their own spinoff, you cowards!

The argument Claire decides isnt worth pursuing comes later, when Lord John gifts her a dress and tells her, surprise, were throwing a big fundraising dinner for all the Loyalists in town. Claire hates this, of course; she is a rebel till the day she dies. And, as she told Ian, one of the reasons she isnt going to head through the stones and return to her own time is because she and Jamie believed in this fight for independence, and she wants to continue it in his name. Still, John reminds her that they are still very much in the stage of convincing people their marriage wasnt some ploy to take the heat off those traitorous spy rumors (it was). He is trying to keep Claire alive, but he needs her to play the part just a little.

Eventually, Claire puts on that blue dress, adds Lord Johns wedding ring to her growing collection, and joins the party. This party provides two major moments. First, after watching William  her closest tie to Jamie, even if he doesnt know it!  blow off some very nice woman named Peggy because, as he admits to Claire, he is still down bad for Rachel. She gives her new step-son advice that basically boils down to the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else, and I love that for both of them. Even if you were moved by Ian and Rachels declaration of undying love for each other before they head off to Valley Forge, you still have to feel a little bad for William who did murder for Rachel just last week and literally no one is talking about it. Poor guy, it is not meant to be.

The other important moment is a fun surprise on the dance floor. Captain Richardson, yes, the same one who came to Lord John with evidence of Claire being a rebel spy, asks Claire for a dance and then immediately informs her that he is working for the rebels, too. Hes quite loud about it, to be honest. He thinks they should team up and wants Claire to especially focus on getting information from and about Lord Johns brother, the Duke of Pardloe. Now, Claire is all for the American Cause, but she isnt about to turn on Lord John  shell do it her own way. She promises to keep Richardsons secret, but thats about all.

It feels like yet another sign that while they have their differences, Claire and Lord John are attempting to become a team.

And wouldnt you know, just as things are taking a positive turn in this new marriage, Jamie fucking Fraser bursts through the door. Hes alive! His luggage made it onto that ship, but he never did! And now, for some reason, Im sure well learn at a later date, he needs Claire so they can peace out because a whole bunch of Redcoats are hot on his tail. Both Claire and Lord John are overcome, but only one of them gets to make out with that resurrected hottie with a body. John interrupts the happy reunion by informing Jamie that his son is due shortly and he needs to get out of there. Jamies response is, William, hes here? and babes if you didnt think that back-and-forth meant that William was definitely eavesdropping, you dont know TV.

William finally learning that Jamie is his real father is everything I hoped it would be. Unlike the whole Jamie is dead! thing that no one in their right mind believed would stick, this reveal is real, permanent, and heartbreaking. The way William screams at both Jamie  James, now is NOT the time for a callback to the stinking papist moment that William definitely does not remember, okay, read the room  and then at John, will ruin your day. And if it doesnt, well, think back to earlier in the episode when John told William that his life is worthwhile because of his son, and now he might lose that son!!

Holy hell is Lord John taking some real Ls in this episode! Heres hoping he can sneak off to hang out with Manoke sometime soon and they resume their open deer relationship or whatever. I mean, the episode ends with Jamie pointing a gun at Johns head and taking him hostage, so the Redcoats who storm into the house back off, which will take up some of his time, but, like, after that.
After a stellar premiere followed by two straight episodes of grinding setup, Silos second season really gets rolling this week, with one of the most gripping hours of the entire series. We get a major character death and one pulse-pounding action sequence, balanced by some quiet, well-observed character moments that actually advance the plot rather than slow the momentum. Theres so much to discuss with The Harmonium that I almost dont know where to begin.

So lets begin with an ending: the sad and shocking farewell of Judge Mary Meadows.

I feel like weve just gotten to know Judge Meadows over the past two weeks, and we get a couple of scenes in this episode to make her loss even more meaningful. First, she has an extended conversation with Lukas, whos trying to avoid being sent to the mines. Before she makes her decision, she asks him what hes learned from watching the night skies in the dining hall, and when she realizes his knowledge is rudimentary, she lectures him on what stars are and how our world both revolves and orbits, changing how the skies look each night. Then Lukas asks if there are other worlds too, and Meadows immediately calls in the guards, sentencing him to the mines for five years. (She doubts hell survive even one.)

Meadowss other big scene happens with Bernard, who is clinging hard to the Order and trying to follow its step-by-step instructions for How to Prevent a Rebellion That Kills Everybody in the Silo. Although he clearly has (reciprocated!) romantic feelings for the judge, hes wary of many of Marys moves, including her agreeing to review Lukass case and her agreeing to meet with a delegation from Mechanical. She tries to explain that shes just defusing tension through bureaucracy, but the IMPEACH MEADOWS signs (hung at Simss secret command) make Bernard too nervous about what might happen next. It doesnt help when her thoughts about her impeachment are, I dont care; Ill be long gone before it could happen.

So he invites her over for a dinner date, promising to let her try on the suit hes ordered for her excursion outside the silo. After some pleasant chitchat and some Erik Satie, Meadows asks to see the suit, and when Bernard stares at her for a long time, she realizes hes poisoned her. (The man does love to poison, folks.) In the minutes they have left together, they have a plot-relevant conversation as Bernard asks about the time she disappeared for four days, and Meadows responds by alerting him to what was on Juliettes scandalous hard drive, dropping a name  Salvador Quinn  that Im sure well hear more about later.

Then he pulls out a pair of forbidden VR goggles from his relic stash and lets her spend her final seconds watching Costa Rican wildlife. Its a nice bit of staging that we dont see what she sees. We have to use our imaginations  and Tanya Moodies excellent performance  to picture it all.

Why kill the judge? This is all part of Bernards larger plan to whip up public anger against Mechanical, thus strangling the Down Deep rebellion in its cradle.

The delegation from below works its way up the stairs throughout this episode, starting at one of the lowest levels, where Knox shows his people a list of names that he believes are the people who died in multiple past rebellions, never mentioned in their history classes. They send a message to Meadows to ask for a meeting, in which theyre going to lay out their plan to try out the advanced suit/tape technology and explore outside. (Knox, it turns out, is aching for Juliette and desperate to find out if shes still alive out there.)

Before they reach the judges chambers, there are challenges. Rumors of the meeting have spread through the upper levels, where an angry mob  stoked by Sims and Bernard, of course  has assembled to stop them. The delegation then flexes their muscles by dropping a red ball down the silos center, signaling to their comrades in Mechanical to shut down the power.

All of this pleases Bernard. The power shutdown reminds everyone how dangerous Mechanical can be. And when Bernard encourages the mob to let the delegation through to see the judge, he springs his next trap. He and Sims have posed the corpse of Judge Meadows behind her desk with a knife in her chest. Knox & Co. have been set up as patsies for her murder. Bernard lets them start walking back down the stairs for a while before he has Sims whip the mob back into an anti-Mechanical frenzy. The episode ends with a nifty shot of the mob rushing down the stairs, just a few levels above where the Mechanical delegation is fleeing.

It says something about how well balanced this episode is that Ive gotten so deep into the recap without mentioning Silo 17. But rest assured, while the action in Silo 18 (which is finally identified by number out loud by Solo) is very strong this week, the Juliette story line remains this seasons strongest.

The main thrust of the action in Silo 17 involves Juliettes efforts to retrieve a firefighting suit from an area of the silo thats on the other side of a deep pool of water. The title of the episode comes from Solos suggestion for how Juliette can get air during her long swim. Theres a harmonium in a childrens classroom, and the bellows from the instrument  operated by Solo  could pump the air Juliette needs.

Juliettes swimming scene is an outstanding set piece, filled with the kind of unexpected complications that make an already tense sequence more nerve-wracking. Her air tube isnt long enough. The weight she uses to help pull her down into the water gets stuck. The lockers containing the firefighting suits are locked and have to be pried open. Fantastic plotting and execution here.

But Juliettes biggest obstacle is Solo. Now that Solo is out of the vault, exploring the silo and talking (incessantly) to Juliette, its become obvious that he has the interests and attention span of a little boy. Juliette does the math when Solos looking at a childs backpack in the classroom  and talking about how that kid sat next to him  and she realizes he mustve gone into the vault at age 11 or 12. Even with all his access to music and literature, Solo has been without any grown-up role models, which may be why his taste has stalled at the level of the circus and adventure stories like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

Solos sole purpose in life has been to keep the vault safe, so the longer he spends outside the vault with Juliette, the more distracted and anxious he gets about what might be happening back in his little fortress. He almost abandons Juliette mid-swim, then he takes off back to the vault as soon as she emerges from the water. (He then fumbles his passcode and is briefly locked out, which upsets him even more.)

Juliette is able to bond with Solo over their shared feelings of loneliness, curiosity, and fear. But theres still something uncomfortably off-kilter about their interpersonal dynamic. Theres a heartbreaking moment in this episode when Solo realizes Juliette will have to tear apart the harmonium to make her breathing apparatus. He asks, like a child, You can put it back together, right? She responds, like a parent, Well see. And like moms and kids everywhere, they both know deep down that  in many ways  shes going to break something thatll never be fixed.

The Down Deep

 Because of the nature of life in the Silo  where information is tightly controlled from birth to death  the show hasnt really been plagued by one of Losts biggest problems, where characters would inexplicably fail to ask relevant questions about this place where theyd been stranded. But now that we know Bernard and Solo have secret knowledge, it may start to get more frustrating when someone like Juliette (who is smart, savvy, and aware theres more to the story than shes been told) doesnt take advantage of an opportunity to get answers.

 Sheriff Billings has a significant subplot this week, investigating the firebombing from the previous episode and finding it suspicious that Judicial (and perhaps some other entity) is hindering the inquiry by whisking away corpses. Bernard may think he has a tight lock on the post-Juliette narrative in Silo 18, but having a sheriff who worked in Judicial and knows its tendencies could inadvertently keep the rebellion alive.

 Keep an eye on Sims as well. He thought his impeachment banners would manipulate Bernard into confiding in him again instead of Meadows. Instead, Bernard now trusts him less. Although Bernard is pleased with the ultimate outcome  the judges request to go out nullified and Mechanical properly demonized  hes not happy his hand was forced. He apparently means to make Sims suffer some consequences. But Sims is a dangerous man who controls his own miniature army, so it may not be the best idea for Bernard to freeze him out.

 When Juliette says shes familiar with oceans, Solo asks if they let people read books in Silo 18, to which she says, Uh  no. Some things are different from silo to silo  for example, Silo 17 had Founders Day and Silo 18 has Freedom Day  but apparently they all see literature as contraband.

 Im glad they didnt push this too far, but the combination of terror and fascination in Solos eyes when Juliette strips down to her undergarments for her swim was wholly the reaction youd expect from a man whose life was frozen in preadolescence.

 To play us out, a little harmonium solo from Solo. Take it!
Delays on high-speed line from January to March.

Italy's high-speed trains travelling between Rome and Florence will slow down from 7 January to 4 March due to maintenance works, the state railway company said on Friday.

Travellers face two months of delays and timetable changes as part of the 12 million works to modernise the Direttissima high-speed network between the Italian capital and Florence.

The works will renew railway tracks between Capena and Gallese and between Settebagni and Rome Tiburtina, for a total of about 20 kilometres.

Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) said the works will require trains to travel at a slower speed, resulting in "longer travel times" on the Orte-Rome section, affecting High Speed, InterCity and Regional rail services.

In a statement, FS added that construction works would take place at night "to minimise inconvenience" to rail travellers.

Work was carried out on the same railway line last August, leading to timetable changes, cancellations and diversions with longer travel times.
Restoration of landmark church completed in time for Vatican's Jubilee Year.

Rome's Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, a jewel of the Roman Renaissance and Baroque, has reopened following extensive restoration works that began in 2022.

Built in the late 15th century on the site of an earlier church, Santa Maria del Popolo contains works by masters including Bernini, Bramante, Caravaggio, Pinturicchio and Raphael.

The newly completed restoration, undertaken in a public-private collaboration, has returned the church's masterful examples of architecture and art to their original splendour.

The two-year project was overseen by Rome's special Superintendency and the Fondo Edifici di Culto (the trust for the protection and conservation of ecclesiastical buildings under the care of Italy's interior ministry), with the financial contribution of media company Urban Vision and the Mecenati Roman Heritage association.

Exterior of Basilica di S. Maria del Popolo

The restoration involved both the interior and exterior of the basilica, incorporating the central nave, transept, roof and decorative features including stuccoes and the marble coat of arms of Pope Sixtus IV under whose pontificate the church was reconstructed between 1472 and 1477.

The restored masterpieces include the Cerasi Chapel, designed by Carlo Maderno and renowned for Caravaggio's masterpieces: the Crucifixion of Saint Peter and the Conversion of Saint Paul.

Other notable works to be restored include the Chigi Chapel, designed by Raphael and enriched by Bernini's bronze lamp which forms a Marian crown, and the funerary monument of Flaminia Odescalchi Chigi, an example of the late Roman Baroque.

The restoration of the landmark Roman church was completed in time for the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025 when more than 32 million pilgrims and tourists are set to arrive in the Eternal City.

Photos Simona Sansonetti.
The Gardai are appealing to the public for help tracing the whereabouts of a man reporting missing in Waterford.

Mark Myler, aged 38, was reported missing from his home in Waterford City on Saturday morning, December 7.

A spokesperson for the Gardai told Waterford News & Star that Mark was last seen in the early hours of Wednesday, December 4, in the John Street area of the city.

Mark is described as being approximately 6 foot 2 inches in height, is of slim build and has blonde hair and blue eyes. When last seen he was wearing a blue padded jacket with blue jeans.

Mark Myler was reported missing from Waterford City

Gardai and Marks family are concerned for his well-being.

Anyone with any information on Marks whereabouts is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305 300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Following a ritual washing which took place at noon at University Hospital Waterford, the coffin carrying the remains of eight-year-old Malika Al Katib was transported through Waterford in a horse drawn carriage to a windswept Kilbarry Cemetery for burial this afternoon, Saturday, December 7.

Two white horses pulled the carriage that was preceded by a black hearse that carried numerous floral tributes that included the words, Daughter and Uncles Angel where mourners wiped away tears as the community came together to bid farewell to the young girl, who was tragically killed on Sunday last, December 1, following an incident in New Ross, Co Wexford.

Funeral of Malika Al Katib arriving at Kilbarry cemetery today. Photo; Mary Browne

Amid heartbreaking and poignant scenes inside the bitterly graveyard, the service was officiated by Imam Rashid Munir of the Waterford Islamic Centre, where men, women and young children, some the same age as Malika, mourned her incomprehensible death.

The young girls mother, Alisha Al Katib (31), who was a native of Tramore, was present at the burial of her beloved daughter after arriving in a wheelchair from hospital, where she was receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the same incident that claimed the life of her daughter.

She held the hand of a close family relative for the duration of the short service with some of young Malikas teachers and classmates standing close-by, many holding roses and the hands of their parents.

Funeral of Malika Al Katib arriving at Kilbarry cemetery today. Photo; Mary Browne

Mourners of varying faiths gathered for the burial at the dedicated Muslim plot at Kilbarry Cemetery. Imam Munir said earlier this week that the impact of the tragedy has far reaching impacts for the entire community, a sentiment that was felt in full during todays service.

It is a big loss for the community Imam Munir said, 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 neighbourhood are feeling this pain.

Malika Noor Al Katib

As the mourners left the cemetery, family members embraced at the grave as they bid a final farewell to young Malika, who was taken from them in such horrific and tragic circumstances leaving hearts shattered and broken.
Sunrise co-host Natalie Barr has been part of Carols in the Domain for the better part of 13 years, co-hosting with Grant Denyer, Matt White, David Koch, or as part of a Sunrise group effort. This year will mark her second alongside Matt Shirvington, and the first since the pandemic to be broadcast live. The theatrical nature of the event still makes her nervous.

I dont perform on a stage any day of the week, says Barr. When you step out on a big stage like this with proper performers, its nerve-wracking. There are people tuning their instruments and practising their dance moves, and choirs humming. Its an exciting vibe backstage, but we dont necessarily know what were doing or where were standing. We have to be told everything.

Natalie Barr with her Sunrise co-host Matt Shirvington. Barr has become one of the great survivors of breakfast TV.

Barr is more comfortable in the Sunrise studio in the wee hours of the morning, where she has, over the last 21 years, become one of the great survivors of breakfast television, outlasting former Sunrise hosts Koch, Melissa Doyle and Samantha Armytage. Shes been there longer than her counterparts on Nines Today (Karl Stefanovic started in 2005), while ABC News Breakfast just lost their longest-serving host, Michael Rowland, who announced his departure this week after almost 15 years in the job. Barr, however, isnt going anywhere.

I grew up in a country town [Bunbury in Western Australia], hoping that Id get to Perth to a television station, and here I am in Sydney hosting the biggest breakfast show in the country, says Barr, who joined Sunrise in 2003 as a newsreader. I have no complaints.
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 Maugean skate, a kite-shaped ray that lives on the murky floor of Macquarie Harbour on Tasmanias wild west coast, appeared on Earth with the dinosaurs but was discovered in 1988. Just seven years later it was listed as endangered. Since then its population has collapsed to about 1500, and scientists fear it will soon become extinct, partly because its home is being fouled by the salmon-farming industry. Tasmanian salmon farming has become a political flashpoint. Credit: Edwina Pickles If it does die out, it will be the first shark or ray species to be eradicated entirely by human action  and inaction. It will be, says James Trezise, director of the Biodiversity Council, another victim of successive Australian governments failure to reform the nations failing environment protection laws. For its part, the salmon industry says it is already highly regulated and informed by the best science. In a submission to a recent federal government review, Salmon Tasmania said the industrys presence in Macquarie Harbour was not a critical threat to the skate. Last week Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the shock announcement that he would abandon a deal made with the Greens over law reforms reportedly agreed to by his environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, and the Greens Sarah Hanson-Young, after extensive negotiations. The endangered Maugean Skate has an extremely narrow distribution. It is closely related to a Gondwana ancestor that lived off southern Australia some 80 million years ago. Credit: CSIRO

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Albaneses decision prompted analysis of the political realities that might have prompted it, and its implications. It was noted, for example, that Labor would need to win seats in Western Australia and Queensland, where mining companies fear reform, and in Tasmania, where the Maugean skate was battling for its life and where loggers value access to ancient forests. The relationship between Albanese and Plibersek, who is seen as a potential future rival, was canvassed. It was suggested that as the election drew closer, Albanese did not want to be seen as too close to the Greens. But there was less discussion of what the failure to pass significant reform meant for Australias biodiversity and ecosystems, and its efforts to address climate change, Trezise says. Delays to real reform, he fears, could be catastrophic. There is little argument that the laws as they stand are failing. When an animal is listed as vulnerable or endangered in a nation such as the United States, says Trezise, environmental laws kick in, mandating recovery plans and protections. Populations then rebound. In Australia, the listing of an animal does little more than mark its continued decline. The former Coalition government set the ball rolling for the current reform push, appointing Graeme Samuel to review the legislation. He recommended root-and-branch reform underpinned by a set of national standards and some form of environment protection agency (EPA)  in other words, a set of rules and an umpire to enforce them. That body might also assess and approve developments with significant potential environmental impact, depoliticising a process in which huge pressures are placed on environment ministers by powerful interests.

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When Labor won power, it vowed to introduce reforms. Plibersek promised that on her watch there would be no more extinctions, in a nation that has led the world in mammalian extinctions. Later, she split the reform package into separate tranches, saying it would pass the laws package by package. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Labor capitulated to the fossil-fuel lobby when they dumped the main recommendations from the Samuel Review to fix Australias broken environment laws, and now theyre rolling over again, says Greens senator Hanson-Young. With Albaneses abandonment of the deal to install an EPA with teeth, and strong amendments blocked, Trezise believes Pliberseks promise is now at risk. Which brings us back to the Maugean skate. If a federal set of standards was in place with an EPA, it could have intervened in the coming year to ensure that the skate was not sent extinct by the salmon farms. It could have instructed the industry how it needed to clean up its operations. Similarly, he says, WA stands to lose the Baudins black cockatoo, which has lost 90 per cent of its population over the past three generations due to development. Koalas in northern NSW and south-east Queensland are under threat due to development and logging. In Victoria, the grassland earless dragon, a tiny but fierce-looking lizard, was thought to have been lost until it was rediscovered last year around Bacchus Marsh in a path of suburban development.

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Greater glider habitat on the east coast is still being bulldozed, as is swift parrot habitat in Tasmania. Baudins black cockatoo is at risk. Credit: But it is not just animals under threat. Native forests are one of the best ways to store carbon: the mountain ash forests of Victorias central highlands store 1867 tonnes of carbon per hectare  more than the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. But few protections for our native carbon sinks are on offer: the Greens had been seeking an amendment for a process to phase out native forest logging. Emeritus Professor Lesley Hughes says it is impossible to quantify how many tonnes of greenhouse emissions could result from the government refusing to include a climate trigger in the reforms, which would result in emissions being considered in the approvals process, because the number and nature of new coal and gas developments is unknown. Leadbeaters possum colonies are critically endangered. Credit: Zoos Victoria

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Without a climate trigger, and with new projects still in the pipeline, Australia will continue to be a large contributor to the climate catastrophe, she says. Australia is a significant contributor to climate change. Were relatively small domestically, but we ship about three times as much of our domestic emissions offshore to be used overseas. And while we continue to do that, we will continue to contribute to the climate crisis. Scientists led by the Threatened Species Recovery Hub maintain a grim list of the 47 Australian animals at the greatest risk of extinction. It includes fish and frogs, mammals and birds. Some animals, like the Leadbeaters possum, the Mountain-Pygmy possum and the swift parrot, are well known to many Australians. Others, like the Top End nabarlek, a shy little rock wallaby with a habit of darting about at night with its fluffy tail held aloft, might wink out of existence without most of us noticing its passing. Loading The list is longer than that of other countries because more Australian animals are under dire threat. In turn, this is in part because Australia, having evolved in isolation, simply has more unique flora and fauna than other parts of the world. For the same reason, those species are particularly vulnerable to predation and dislocation by invaders, and from human development. But it is also because our laws fail to protect them, says Trezise.

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Maggie Tabberer in a Shannon Originals beach coat, 1960. Credit: Fairfax Keen to move on in the world, she quickly married Charles Tabberer when she was 17. He was 20 years older, owned a car yard and seemed very glamorous and grown up. She and Charles had two daughters, Brooke and Amanda. She was fitting in occasional modelling jobs in Adelaide alongside caring for her daughters when a friend passed some photographs of her to the legendary German-Australian photographer Helmut Newton. Tabberer flew over from Adelaide to meet Newton in Melbourne  not before first cooking and freezing Charles dinners and dropping Brooke and Amanda at her mothers. Happily, Newton pronounced the photographs to be wonderful, just wonderful! and took her under his wing, launching her career in the process. In those days they used to take Polaroids, so you could see what you looked like, and those images were so sexy, like nothing Id ever been in before, she said. For instance, Ive never smoked in my life but Helmut loved me to have a cigarette in some of the shots, sometimes in a long sleek holder. That was something that he really loved. I felt like Greta Garbo, it was all so European.

In 1960, she was crowned model of the year and moved to Sydney, going on to feature on the cover of Vogue Australia and fashion magazines across Australia and New Zealand. The marriage to Charles didnt last  his business was in difficulty and, although his wife was working, working, working to support them, he became resentful of her success. After her marriage ended, Tabberer had an affair with Newton, who was married, something which she said, didnt sit easy with me but was very enjoyable. By the age of 25, she could already see the limitations of modelling, yet retained her fiercely ambitious and independent streak, knowing that, as a single mother, she must find lucrative opportunities to provide for her daughters. In 1964, she made her debut on the panel talk show Beauty and the Beast as the Beauty to Eric Baume (until 1965) and then Stuart Wagstaffs Beast. This transformed her career, leading to her own award-winning chat show, Maggie, and freelance presenting roles for the ABC and 2GB.

Serendipitously, Newton introduced her to her second husband, Ettore Prossimo, an Italian restaurateur, whom she married at the Wayside Chapel in 1967. Tragically, their son, Franceschino, died just 10 days after he was born from SIDS, a cot death, later that year. This devastated Tabberer, who told 2GB in 2021 she was a mess. Like anyone who loses a child, youre not supposed to bury your children. It was a year before I slept through the night. Although she and Prossimo  who she observed wryly loved the ladies  eventually divorced after 17 years together, they rekindled their friendship before he died in 1998 of a heart attack. When she joined The Australian Womens Weekly, as well as being the public face of the magazine and fronting its advertising campaigns, she brought a new confidence and style to the fashion pages, championing emerging Australian designers and becoming the driving force behind the Weeklys Australian Fashion Awards, which won a high distinction at the International Emmy Awards in 1982. Maggie Tabberer, fashion editor of The Australian Womens Weekly, on a fashion shoot with photographer Greg Barrett in 1987. Credit: Fairfax Tabberer was recognised by the fashion industry with several significant awards. In 1985, she became the first woman to win the Sir Charles McGrath marketing award, and the year after received the recognition of excellence award by the Fashion Group of Melbourne and the Advance Australia award for her achievements in fashion. In 1986, she was picked to design the ANZ Banking Corporations corporate uniforms.

Inspired by her own frustration at never finding any fashionable clothes to fit her, she launched Maggie T, a fashion chain for plus-size women, in 1981; it grew to 28 stores across some of Australias most salubrious suburbs, including Bondi in Sydney and Brighton in Melbourne. Loading Although she felt the label had started to change attitudes, there was still a way to go for the rest of the fashion industry. I still think that they perhaps dont acknowledge the importance of the market  I sometimes think that the fully figured woman is still seen as a third-class citizen [by larger department stores]. [Her section is] down the back  around by the dunny, she told the Herald in 1996. By 1990, she was back on the nations screens with ABC lifestyle program The Home Show, co-hosted with her then-partner, journalist Richard Zachariah. The program was a ratings hit but faced criticism for being elitist, something that Zachariah countered in a Herald interview. Maggie Tabberer and Richard Zachariah at the 1990 Melbourne Cup. Credit: Fairfax

Some people said we were showing houses that Australians couldnt afford, but we got more letters from viewers saying, I live in a fibro house and Ill never be able to live in the houses we see on the program, but I want to dream so dont dare take them off,  he said. Tabberer then became the face of the FX Channel with the Maggie at Home with series, in which she interviewed and scrutinised the interiors of everyone from Blanche DAlpuget to Ian Thorpe. This then evolved into Maggie with, a show in which she interviewed famous Australians such as Kylie Kwong, Tracy Grimshaw and Jackie Weaver in their homes, for the Bio channel. In 1998, she was made a member of the Order of Australia for services to the fashion industry and charitable causes. She published her bestselling autobiography Maggie in the same year  a frank account of her life that included honest descriptions of her relationships with men. Her former partner of a decade, Zachariah, complained that people crossed the street to avoid him after reading about his part in their split because breaking up with Maggie was like breaking up with the Queen Mother. The book was described by a Herald reviewer as rather like having a wonderful long conversation with a much lived and much loved female friend  No wonder her friends, and her audience, love her. Maggie Tabberer at the Stuart Wagstaff Memorial at the MLC Centre in Sydney, 2015. Credit: James Brickwood
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 This story is part of our investigative series on medical misogyny in Australia, exploring its impact and sharing solutions to address it. See all 7 stories . It is terrifying how swiftly and almost completely Keira Rumble came to believe she was going insane. The first knock to her perception of reality was an emergency department doctors poorly concealed eye-roll and condescending tone. What makes you think that? Rumble recalls him asking. The 28-year-old had just told him she suspected she was experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening complication in which an embryo implants and grows outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. It was January 2019 and Rumble was about five weeks pregnant, living on the NSW Central Coast. She had miscarried twice before, but something about this felt alarmingly different. A sudden stabbing pain and waves of nausea, unrelenting pain in her shoulder tip and down the left side of her body. I saw the look on that doctors face, and I immediately thought: OK, I have no idea what Im talking about, Rumble says. An ultrasound showed she was pregnant. Once that tiny sac in her uterus was visible on the screen, any further investigation was deemed unnecessary.

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But Rumble had been right. Something was critically wrong, and for four weeks, no one would listen. Rumbles story and the stories of other women are being shared to launch an investigative series by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age into medical misogyny. We want to understand how this is occurring in Australia and share the best ideas to address it. To do that, we want to hear from you. You can share your story with our team of health and investigative reporters using the form below. Lack of research

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A significant barrier for women experiencing pain is that doctors are trained that many symptoms they experience will resolve themselves, says the vice president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Dr Nisha Khot. We dont research womens health enough, [so] we dont know enough about it; so we dont teach medical students enough about it and the cycle repeats itself, she says. Loading There is such a lack of emphasis in medical school training on gender-specific health, Khot says, that some universities proposed to drop rotations of trainee doctors through obstetric and gynaecological units because it was too niche for the general medical student. The proposal was rejected in Australia but adopted by a couple of New Zealand institutions. When women go to emergency departments with acute abdominal pain, they are treated differently from men, a study by researchers from the University of Queensland and Deakin University found last year. They wait longer for pain management  median time from emergency presentation to analgesia was 80 minutes for men and 94 minutes for women. Women waited three times as long as men for a second dose of analgesics (94 minutes, versus 30 minutes).

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Dismissive attitudes to women in hospital with pain were also highlighted by nurses and midwives in testimonies given as part of an Australian Nurses and Midwives Federation submission to a Victorian pain inquiry this year. We are treated different and are often labelled as emotive or anxious. Nurse testimony to ANMF pain inquiry submission Gynaecology patients reporting maximum pain (10/10) were given paracetamol and told to wait and see, whereas other surgical patients were given two or three lines of analgesia immediately, nurses said, and womens subjective pain scores were mocked as precious, princess or overreacting. Men are believed a lot sooner and treated a lot sooner, one nurse wrote. Theyre often given more options. Ive watched a man with a carpal tunnel be written up for 20 mg of iv [intravenous] morphine but a woman with a full reproductive system removal gets written up for only a max of 10 mg of iv morphine. We are treated different and are often labelled as emotive or anxious. Just a miscarriage When Rumble started bleeding so heavily that she soaked through successive menstrual pads every 30 minutes, she was told it was just a miscarriage.

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It wasnt, but even if it had been, this was a heartless way to describe it to a woman who desperately wanted her baby. Rumble presented to the hospital four times in as many weeks with severe lethargy, dizziness and nausea, as well as shoulder-tip and right-side pain. Loading It got to the point where a nurse or a doctor turned to my partner and said: She is clearly not dealing with this miscarriage very well. She may need to see the counsellor or a psychologist. My partner would look at me and say, I dont know what is going on. Everyone is telling me there is nothing wrong with you, Rumble said. I thought I was going insane, she said. Was my body having all these weird and intense symptoms because I was mentally unstable and I was not coping with another pregnancy loss? Because that is what I was being told. Hospital staff told her that they did not have the time or resources to scan her, but she could pay for a private ultrasound, Rumble said.

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Noufls father had earlier migrated to Australia with the hope of saving enough money to bring his family there. After the childrens grandmother died, he brought them to Sydney. When Noufl was 11, her mother convinced her father to let them visit her at her new home in Syria: a two-week holiday that allegedly turned into seven years of torture. Noufls father believed her mother had bought Noufl and her sister a return ticket home but, instead, her sister said they were kidnapped and Noufl was kept as a slave, made to do all the housework and severely abused simply for existing. The beatings we experienced in Syria still haunt me  and have affected me forever, her sister wrote. Police investigate the alleged murder at the house in Juno Parade, Greenacre. Credit: NSW Police

The sisters were bashed with an electric cord, heavy vases and knives. The most extreme examples of abuse are too gruesome to detail. When Noufls father eventually managed to bring her back to Australia as a teenager, she could barely eat or speak and had black teeth. But in Sydney, they found no reprieve, according to Noufls sister. Noufl was only allowed to leave the house to study at TAFE, with her stepmother enrolling in the same course to keep an eye on her. At the age of 18, with the life experience of an eight-year-old because she was isolated and barred from contacting anyone, she was allegedly forced to marry Mamdouh Noufl, a man almost a decade older, who lived in Egypt. The affidavit states Mamdouh Noufls brother knew Nirmeen Noufls father and convinced him to order his daughter to sponsor a marriage visa. I believe he [their father] sold Nirmeen and it was purely a money deal, Noufls sister wrote, adding the couple had not met or spoken before he moved to Australia.

Her marriage with Mamdouh Noufl was described as extremely abusive. Nirmeen Noufls sister said the husband bashed her at her wedding simply for dancing, before destroying any videos or photos of her there. Noufl would write on the walls, labelling her husband the devil. Several of her eight childrens affidavits echoed the picture of abuse. A new floor was put down at the Juno Parade home, police said. Credit: NSW Police One child wrote that her mother continually became pregnant in the hope of gaining some reprieve from the abuse, giving birth to eight children within 12 years. About 18 years ago, Nirmeen Noufl and her children managed to escape Mamdouh Noufl, her sister wrote, finding refuge with a womens rescue shelter. But with Mamdouh Noufl having financial control over the family, they later returned.

As well as the physical abuse, the children described their fathers threats to kill their mother and constant degrading behaviour, including calling her crazy and ugly, refusing to take photos with her and showing his children photos of a husband dragging his wife with a leash. Once, she allegedly fled the home to spend days sleeping on the floor of her husbands empty investment property in Condell Park, barely eating or sleeping and returning dishevelled and depressed. Police reports detailed domestic violence incidents over years. Nirmeen Noufl wanted a divorce, but for religious and cultural reasons, the husband needed to say a certain word to allow it. The report said Mamdouh Noufl picked up a knife and said, I would rather see you dead than give you a divorce. Noufls family members affidavits suggested Noufl suffered severe emotional distress from the abuse, often cleaning the house and forgetting she had done so, talking to her husband inside the home when she had seen him leave, and telling her family voices of angels told her things would be OK. Psychiatric reports tendered to court confirmed psychotic symptoms and Nirmeen Noufls self-reporting of much of the trauma described in the affidavits.

Loading Egyptian fiancee, property sales and deceiving messages While both the prosecution and defence acknowledged Nirmeen Noufl suffered extreme abuse, the prosecution submitted she was also motivated by financial gain and anger over her husbands fiancee. According to the police fact sheet, Mamdouh Noufl travelled to Egypt from August to November 2022 and became engaged to a local woman. Tensions arose when Nirmeen Noufl found out about this and Mamdouh Noufl said he wanted to continue both relationships.

Mamdouh Noufl sent the woman the equivalent of $15,000-$20,000 to assist with setting up their new life together in Egypt. In April 2023, Mamdouh Noufl sold his investment property in Condell Park for nearly $1.7 million. About the same time, he allegedly told his fiancee in Egypt he would visit her soon and that his wife had requested the married couple take a holiday to a remote area in Australia with no phone reception. He reported suspicions his wife and children were monitoring his social media accounts. The prosecution alleges that, on May 3, the married couple went to the Egyptian consulate to grant Nirmeen Noufl power of attorney over her husbands properties in Egypt. Mamdouh Noufl was allegedly murdered during a physical altercation with his wife sometime between returning from a walk with an associate at 9pm and 2am. Nirmeen Noufl then allegedly placed a plastic sheet on the living room floor and dismembered his body with knifes and an electric drop saw. She allegedly dismantled the saw using a drill, and placed it, along with the body parts, into 20 to 30 bags, which were dumped in bins in Bexley and Chullora.

Over the following days, she allegedly chemically cleaned the crime scene, burnt her husbands clothes and arranged for the vinyl sheet flooring to be replaced. Throughout May, attempts by Mamdouh Noufls loved ones to contact him were either ignored or responded to by messages they believe were sent by someone else, the facts read. The police fact sheet outlines messages sent from Mamdouh Noufls Facebook account to his apparent Egyptian fiancee, asking her for money. Peace be with you. I urgently need money. Of the money you owe, transfer to me 550,000 [Egyptian pounds] ... today and send me picture of the transfer, the message from Mamdouh Noufls account read.

The woman in Egypt responded: Peace be with you. Please, before I transfer the money, I need you to call me so I can be sure that it is you who is asking for it ... If you cannot call me, you may send a voice recording in which you ask for it. After some back-and-forth, the woman sent an image of the money confirmation. On May 23, Nirmeen Noufl allegedly went to Egypt and sold her husbands apartment. Police allege she accessed her husbands bank accounts until July when he was reported missing. At the time, she told police she hadnt seen him for months and believed he was in Egypt. The investigation has captured evidence of the accuseds manipulative and controlling behaviour, including instructing a number of relatives to not assist police with their investigation into the deceaseds disappearance, the fact sheet read.
The December 7 Edition

Jo Taylor is a grieving mother. Shes also an angry mother. Shes right to suspect that, in different circumstances, six people going missing from the same sparsely populated area, in less than half that number of years, would be big national news. As she points out, the hunt for four-year-old white girl Cleo Smith in another part of Western Australia occupied police for 18 days in 2021, and became a national talking point. Was it the colour of the skin of Taylors missing son, Wes Lockyer, that saw the initial search for him called off after only four days? Did rumours that his disappearance could be linked to drug-running and bikie gangs play a part? And what of the five other West Australian Indigenous men whove also gone missing in recent years? Are they linked to Wess case and, if so, how? Beyond exasperated, Taylor and her family hired private investigators to try to get to the bottom of it all. She wants her son  or his body  found. She wants the police, the politicians and the wider populace to care about where he might be. If foul play was involved, she wants those responsible charged. Underneath all this, she wants an end to the unknowing. Editor, Katrina Strickland.
While neither Albanese nor Wong directly addressed Israels prime minister in their comments, their remarks represented a full-throated defence of Australias positioning and hit back at Netanyahus broader criticism that Labor has abandoned Israel and given succour to anti-Israel hate. In separate remarks, Albanese told this masthead he wanted the alleged arsonists behind the un-Australian and antisemitic synagogue fire caught and to face the full force of the law, and defended the governments contentious voting record in the UN that Netanyahu said was impossible to separate from the arson. Senator James Paterson accused Labor of encouraging extremists. Credit: Joe Armao 157 countries voted for that resolution, including four of the Five Eyes partners  Australia, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand as well as Japan and other regional partners, Albanese said. The same resolution was supported by the Howard government for a number of years.

Our vote was consistent with the long-held bipartisan position of support for a two-state solution: the State of Israel and a Palestinian state side by side behind secure borders.

Wong noted that in our democracy, Australians are free to support or disagree with the actions of Israel, cutting across Netanyahus claim that anti-Israel sentiment is antisemitism. Loading She added: But disagreement must not be used as a cloak for prejudice. Targeting the Australian Jewish community is an act of antisemitism and utterly unacceptable. In a statement posted to social media expressing his shock at the classic, despicable, antisemitic incident at the Adass Israel Synagogue, Netanyahu pointed to Australias scandalous decision to vote in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution calling on Israel to withdraw from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip earlier this week, along with its refusal to grant a visa to a former Israeli minister last month. In response to Netanyahus claim on the nature of antisemitism, Australias envoy against antisemitism Jillian Segal said criticism of Israel veered into antisemitism when it held Israel to a different standard to other nations or called for the erasure of the state.

But not all criticism of Israel by any means is antisemitic, she said in an interview, adding that ongoing pro-Palestine protests and displays of terror insignia in Melbourne and Sydney had created a culture of permissibility that likely led to the firebombing. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, whom the opposition criticised for allegedly not taking swift action after the synagogue attack, confirmed late on Saturday afternoon that federal counterterrorism officials were now probing the incident. Josh Frydenberg and Nova Peris speak in Caulfield South, Melbourne, on Saturday. Credit: Ashleigh McMillan Earlier in the day, former Liberal treasurer Josh Frydenberg called on Albanese to declare the firebombing a terrorist attack and create a national police taskforce to combat antisemitism, escalating the domestic political dispute over the Gaza conflict that has plagued the government since the October 7 attacks. Frydenberg and pro-Israel former Labor senator Nova Peris held a joint press conference near the synagogue site, at which Peris said she was sad to denounce her partys rhetoric and policies towards Israel.

The prime minister doesnt speak out with any conviction, with any clarity; without any courage against the misuse of that terminology, Frydenberg said. This is not about other forms of hate, this is not about Islamophobia. If theres a fence to sit on, he finds it. He gives us mealy-mouthed words that mean nothing and lead to nothing. Former Australian ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma, now a Liberal senator, said Netanyahu was not attempting to act in a partisan manner, and that he probably held genuine concern about Australias diplomatic positioning and the safety of Jews in what has traditionally been a country with less antisemitic sentiment than Europe. Sharma noted: The way his words carry internationally is an asset for him politically domestically. The local dispute comes against the backdrop of Israels year-long war launched in response to Hamas murder of 1200 Israelis. Netanyahu and Hamas leaders have been accused of war crimes by the International Criminal Court, and Netanyahu has become increasingly isolated on the world stage as civilian deaths have grown and Israels exit plan in Gaza has not become apparent.
GREENSBORO  Three schools in Guilford County top the U.S. News & World Reports respective rankings of the best elementary, middle and high schools in North Carolina for 2024.

The Early College at Guilford was ranked as the best public high school in North Carolina, Brown Summit Middle School as the best public middle school, and The Academy at Lincoln as the best public elementary school.

The rankings, released this week, are based on a number of weighted factors such as mathematics and reading proficiency and performance, college readiness, state assessment proficiency and performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth and graduation rates.

The three top-ranked schools are all magnet schools, which require students to apply in order to attend.

Superintend of Guilford County Schools, Dr. Whitney Oakley, shared the following statement with the News & Record via email regarding the rankings.

"I am incredibly proud of our amazing students and staff. Their hard work is why Guilford County Schools has the number one elementary, middle and high school in the state and consistently ranks among the top schools in the nation," Oakley said. "Each of our 120 schools provides a unique educational experience that prepares students for the world. "

Swati Revankar, the president of the PTSA for the Early College at Guilford said the schools No. 1 ranking in the state is well-deserved. The school was also ranked No. 1 for North Carolina in 2023.

The students are really great, and the staff and the teachers, they really work hard, Revankar said. They really challenge the students, and it is a very aggressive academic curriculum.

Revankar was also very appreciative of the principal, Pete Kashubara, and the staff.

It takes a village so its the entire administration, Revankar said. Kudos to the staff and principal who make it work for the students.

The Early College at Guilford wasnt the only high school in the county that did well in the rankings.

The STEM Early College at N.C. A&T was ranked the second best public high school in the state  a position the school also earned on last years list by The U.S. News & World Report.

Nakeshia Williams, vice provost for undergraduate education at A&T, shared the following statement with the News & Record via email:

The recognition of the STEM Early College at North Carolina A&T as the second-best high school in North Carolina for the second consecutive year highlights the power of our strong partnership. This collaboration provides students with unparalleled access to college-level coursework, innovative resources, and mentorship opportunities that prepare them for success in STEM fields and beyond. Together, we are cultivating an environment that nurtures academic excellence, innovation, and leadership, ensuring the NC A&T STEM Early College students are well-equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Rounding out Guilford Countys representation in the top 10 was the Philip J. Weaver Ed Center, also known as Weaver Academy, which placed seventh on the list of best public high schools in North Carolina.

It was 100% not surprising Weaver did so well, said Susan Leach, a former PTSA president and current PTSA member at the school.

Leach, a Weaver graduate herself with one daughter who also graduated from the school and another currently enrolled, said Weaver provides a unique experience to kids interested in performing and visual arts.

Its a very, very, very, amazing opportunity for any student that is lucky enough to go there, Leach said. The environment that the kids get to spend their time in for a high school is probably second to none, and Ive been involved with a lot of different schools over the years.

Fellow PTSA member Katja Maas whose daughter is in theater at Weaver said the schools ability to pair high performance in the arts with high performance in academics is what makes it special.

Anything that develops the imaginations of kids in theater is one of the best things, Maas said. So, a school that has seen the light and got that built into its program and still delivers at the top for its academic program is fantastic in my view.

Additionally, two other schools in Guilford County ranked in the top 50 with Northwest Guilford High School ranked as the 22nd best high School in the state and Grimsley High School ranked as the 43rd best high school in the state.

In addition to Brown Summit Middles first-place ranking for middle schools, two charter schools in Guilford County placed in the top 15 of the rankings: Greensboro Academy ranked as the fifth best middle school in the state and Summerfield Charter Academy ranked 15th.

Cornerstone Charter Academy placed in the top 50 being ranked as the 44th best middle school in the state.

Aside from the Academy at Lincolns first-place ranking at the elementary level, four other elementary schools in Guilford County were in the top 50.

Oak Ridge Elementary was ranked the 14th best school in the state; Southwest Elementary in High Point, 28th best in the state; Greensboro Academy, 41st best; and Ep Pearce Elementary was ranked 43rd in the state.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

A mild and dry evening, then becoming cloudy overnight with some patchy fog and drizzle possible late at night. .

Tonight

A mild and dry evening, then becoming cloudy overnight with some patchy fog and drizzle possible late at night.
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.
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...
Weather Alert

...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. &&
Nine people were arrested after protesting against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over Turkeys ongoing trade and oil shipments with Israel.

While Erdogan was speaking at an event organised by the state-owned TRT World channel on November 29, two protesters chanted, Ships are carrying bombs to Gaza and Why is Azerbaijani oil going [from Turkey to Israel]? The two protesters and two others allegedly preparing for the protest were detained inside the hall, while five people chanting slogans calling for a halt to trade with Israel were detained outside the convention centre.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks at the TRT World Forum. November 29, 2024 [Photo: Ministry of Communications]

Nine protesters were arrested on Monday after a three-day custody period. It is alleged that the headscarves of the female detainees were cut at the entrance of the prison, while three correctional officers were reportedly suspended from duty following an investigation.

The demonstrators were arrested on charges of violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations and insulting the President. The charges were based on the slogan Stop Fuelling Genocide written on the banners carried by the demonstrators and the slogans, Why is the Ship of Conscience [aid ship of the International Freedom Flotilla] not allowed?, Zionists continue their activities in our seas and ports, They invite those who collaborate with the genocidaires to the TRT World Forum, shouted by the demonstrators.

The fact that slogans, which contain no insults or calls for violence, are being used as evidence of a criminal offence itself exposes Turkeys complicity in Israels genocide in Gaza. The World Socialist Web Site and the Socialist Equality Group condemn the arrests and call on the masses of workers and youth to demand the release of those arrested.

These arrests have no legal basis and reveal the lawlessness of the authoritarian presidential regime.

The government had previously arrested members of the group One Thousand Youth for Palestine for calling for a break in relations with the Zionists. A Palestinian university student was sent to a detention centre under threat of deportation after protesting against Turkeys mediation in the supply of oil from Azerbaijan to Israel at another panel discussion on Palestine organised by TRT World.

While previously arrested protesters have been released due to social opposition and the lack of a legal basis, the government continues to use its influence over the judiciary to suppress dissent.

77 out of 83 bar associations in Turkey issued a joint statement on the recent arrests. This peaceful protest, which was carried out without resorting to violence, should be considered within the framework of freedom of expression, the statement said.

Freedom of expression is one of the main pillars of a democratic society. Freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Constitution and international conventions to which we are a party. All expressions that do not instrumentalise violence are protected by national and international law.

During his speech, Erdogan hastily accused the protesters of being Zionist instigators and cynically said, My little one, dont be the mouthpiece of the Zionists here. No matter how much you try to provoke here by being the tongue, mouth and eyes of the Zionists, you will not get any results. The Zionists in the world know very well where Tayyip Erdogan stands. But you still do not understand.

The bourgeois opposition parties approach the issue with equal cynicism. Ozgur Ozel, Chairman of the Republican Peoples Party, wrote on his X account: The decision to arrest 9 young people protesting against Tayyip Erdogan proves the grave situation that our countrys democracy has fallen into. Young people who exercise their right to express themselves must be released. I promise from here that under the administration of our next President, no one who exercises their right to protest will be arrested and all obstacles to freedom of expression will be removed.

Ekrem Imamoglu, the CHP mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, said: Unfortunately, 9 young people who showed their reaction to the persecution in Palestine have been arrested. The arrest of the young people who criticised the president on trade with Israel and who raised their voices at jet speed is a new legal curiosity that hurts the conscience. What is this intolerance? Why are they afraid? These young people are protesting against the hypocrisy in the country and they are not afraid of you. So what are you afraid of?

The CHPs concern is not the genocide against the Palestinians or basic democratic rights, but the exploitation of public anger against the Erdogan government. Since the beginning of the Gaza genocide, the CHP, the Peoples Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) and the pseudo-left forces in their orbit have deliberately refrained from mobilising the masses and mounting an effective opposition on the issue. They, like Erdogan, are defenders of the interests of the ruling class.

The bourgeois opposition parties, which rhetorically criticise Erdogan, have no objection to Ankaras close cooperation with imperialism, which determines its hypocritical policy towards Gaza. They, like Erdogan, are in favour of maintaining military-strategic relations with the US and NATO, Azerbaijan, and also friendly relations with Israel in one form or another.

The US-NATO bases in the country, as well as the mediation of the transport of Azeri oil and the maintaining of indirect trade, prove that Turkey is feeding Israel's war machine.

A study by Oil Change International shows that many countries, including signatories to the Geneva Conventions on genocide, use the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline to supply oil to Israel and are implicated in crimes against the Palestinian people.

Crude oil from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan is delivered through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline, in which BP is a partner. Crude oil is loaded onto tankers at the Turkish port of Ceyhan for delivery to Israel.

The Turkish section of the pipeline is operated by the state-owned BOTAS International AS and Ankara earns one dollar and 27 cents per barrel of oil passing through the pipeline. As the terminus of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline, Turkey ranks first in terms of volume, accounting for 26 percent of shipments to Israel.

Turkey continues its trade with Israel, which it claims to have officially cut off, through Palestine. According to the November 2024 data of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM), while exports to Israel have dropped to zero, exports to Palestine increased by 560 percent in November compared to the previous year and rose from $7,329,000 to $48, 354,000. There is a similar increase for the first 11 months of 2024.

In 2023, exports to Palestine was $110 million, while in 2024, it was around $710 million with an increase of 544 percent. In terms of sectors, the largest item seems to be steel. In November, steel exports to Palestine, in the midst of genocide and destruction, increased by 19,094 percent from $63,000 to $12 million.
Vauxhall workers at both UK plants in Luton and Ellesmere Port spoke out against mass job destruction by parent company Stellantis. World Socialist Web Site reporting teams leafleted both sites this week with the article, Oppose Vauxhall Luton plant closure! Defeat Unites alliance with Stellantis and the Labour government! For a global fightback!

Stellantis announced last Wednesday the closure of the Luton van plant, directly axing at least 1,100 jobs, with production ending in the second quarter of 2025 and all manufacturing transferred to its electric vehicle-only site in Ellesmere Port from 2026.

[Photo: WSWS campaign team with Luton workers on the morning/afternoon shift/WSWS]

The WSWS article states, This brutal restructuring agenda must be met with a combined fight by Vauxhall workers at both plants, and a coordinated strategy to unite with Stellantis workers in Europe and the US against the global jobs massacre being conducted by the company.

At Luton on Wednesday, around 220 workers on the morning/afternoon shift changeover took copies of the leaflet, with several stopping to talk and sign up for the newsletter of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC).

Workers said they were thrown to the wolves by the Unite union on November 26, the day they were called before management and informed of the plan to close the factory and told to go home to process the surprise news.

Unite officials were nowhere to be seen, put that on your web site, said one.

Another described it as a pre-planned operation to prevent a struggle breaking out. There was no mass meeting called by Unite that day. This meant that those on night shift found out about the companys intention to throw them on the scrapheap via social media.

Unite has hailed the 50 million investment in Ellesmere Port while stating that the closure of Luton is not acceptable, when it is clearly part of the same downsizing and cost-cutting operation to ramp up exploitation from a drastically reduced workforce.

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said nothing for a month about the threat to both plants. It was only on November 17 that Unite issued a press release stating a deal could be struck based on the unions participation in talks with the Labour government on the concessions demanded by Stellantis over the UK mandate on ZEV (zero emissions vehicles).

The warning shot of collective action if the company threatened either plant never materialised. Unite has been the chief enabler of Stellantis, playing Luton and Ellesmere Port workers off against one another, just as it pits British workers against their co-workers internationally, tying Vauxhall workers to Stellantis by championing competitiveness and corporate viability.

A worker said they were devastated and had nowhere to go to get another job. I dont know what to do. Another said, Its not just the people who work here. Its their families too. Weve been placed in an awful situation. A colleague said they were facing an exercise in asset stripping, Stellantis dont give a shit about the workers.

An agency worker at the factory for nine years said losing his job meant no real redundancy pay because Im not on a full-time contract. Most workers are on temporary and casual contracts, he said.

The planned closure of the Luton plant is expected to lead to the loss of up to 3,700 jobs in the regional supply chain. It follows the announcement in October of the closure of ball bearing factory SFK in the town, with the loss of 300 jobs.

The WSWS has urged workers to form rank-and-file committees to take the fight against the factory closure out of the hands of the Unite bureaucracy.

A WSWS article on August 25 stated, The unions response to the impending job losses is to call for ever closer collaboration with the company in Britain in order that job losses take place elsewhere. It is in their role as industrial enforcers for the corporation that their lucrative positions as adjuncts of management is maintained.

A Unite banner attached to the factory gate, Save Vauxhall Jobs. Were Backing Luton, appeared days after the announced closure. It was seen as a sick joke by most workers. The union are doing nothing for us, said one. Another was not surprised with the lack of information coming from the union, they never told us anything about the closure of the plant.

Unite's "We're backing Luton" banner on the Luton plant gates

Unite has been embedded with the plans of Stellantis, as shown by the fact that the day after the company announced the planned closure of Luton it launched a Collective Consultation with its trade union partners. This included a commitment to support employees in choosing the right option for them, e.g., implementing the companys demands for transfer, redundancy and retraining.

In a December 5 column in Luton Today, local Labour MP Rachel Hopkins described the fight she was putting up as talking with Labour ministers in different departments of the Starmer government. Labours Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated in parliament just after the announcement that the government had already done everything it could to prevent the closure.

Workers signing up to the IWA-RFC newsletter and for further discussion on establishing a rank-and-file committee at Vauxhall were aware that Stellantis was closing plants in other countries and thought it necessary to organise with workers internationally facing the same attacks. One sign-up said they were very supportive of an international approach and a fight for socialism. An agency worker said he had been reading the articles on the WSWS and agreed with the core principle of the IWA-RFC: Uniting workers in the car industry internationally will give us the collective power to fight these multinationals.

Workers at the Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port were no less critical of Unite when the WSWS reporting team leafleted Thursday as workers came out in the afternoon. Despite pouring rain and the attention of company security guards, around 150 leaflets were taken up as workers exited the site, mainly by car.

Stellantis is also cutting jobs at Ellesmere Port. One worker said he was being laid off; Stellantis want more people on agency. I cant remember when they last gave out permanent contracts. Its so they can let you go.

Other comments included: Ive worked at Luton. There should be solidarity action with the Luton workers. If they get rid of them at Luton, well be next; The union here havent even had a meeting about it; The union arent doing anything, theyre in with management; the unions in the companys pocket.

Stellantis confirmed December 4 that its closure plan for Luton would not be changed by the early resignation of chief executive Carlos Tavares announced last Sunday. There are no changes to the proposals made despite the resignation of the CEO. We are actively engaged with all interested parties in this consultation period. But Unite like its bureaucratic counterparts the UAW in America is seeking to use the enforced departure of Tavares to promise a new dawn for workers, all aimed at facilitating deepened collusion with Stellantis. Graham stated in a Unite press release December 5 that this was an opportunity to turn the page on years of anti-worker strategies.

This was to announce a meeting the next day between union stewards and management at the Luton plant to discuss counterproposals to site closure. The press release states that the plant is highly profitable and had met every manufacturing cost target asked of them by Tavares, before claiming this was without impacting jobs, pay and conditions.

We urge Vauxhall workers to seize the initiative and take up the fight to establish rank-and-file committees at Luton and Ellesmere Port to map out an industrial and political strategy and reach out to Stellantis workers worldwide.
In a draconian ruling Friday afternoon, the pro-business Fair Work Commission (FWC) ordered an end to picketing outside the Dandenong South Woolworths warehouse. It is one of four of the supermarket giants warehouses where more than 1,500 workers have been striking for the past fortnight against brutal working conditions and a pitiful wage offer, amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Striking Woolworths workers at Dandenong South on December 2, 2024 [Photo: X/@vic_socialists]

The industrial tribunals ruling is a dramatic attack on the basic democratic rights of workers. If allowed to stand, this order creates the conditions for any strike, even one that is legally protected under Australias harsh industrial laws, to be undermined and effectively broken up by the state.

Supporters of the striking workers rallied last night at the Dandenong South facility, amid indications that the company will rapidly seek to break the strike and reopen the warehouse using scab labour. That would further isolate the striking workers at the three other warehouses, and set the stage for similar attacks on their pickets.

Those moves underscore the need for a major mobilisation of the working class, defending the picket and the strike more broadly. The unions involved, however, have signalled their hostility to such a struggle. The United Workers Union (UWU), which covers the striking workers, has immediately complied with the Fair Work order, while the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and their affiliates have similarly indicated their acceptance of this attack.

Under the Fair Work Act, Australian workers are only allowed to take industrial action over wages and conditions during narrow enterprise bargaining windows, usually spanning a few months every three to four years, and only with the prior approval of the FWC. Only under these circumstances, or in response to an immediate health and safety threat, are workers legally protected from being sacked if they take part in a strike.

Even within this restrictive framework, Fridays ruling was a far-reaching attack, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for workers throughout the country.

FWC deputy president Gerard Boyce found that the UWUs unlawful picketing was contrary to good faith bargaining.

Boyces interim order prohibits the UWU from: preventing, hindering, interfering or otherwise obstructing with, or attempting to prevent, hinder, interfere or otherwise obstruct with, free access to and free egress from the Dandenong South site, along with three other warehouses owned by the company where workers are not on strike.

The ruling means that, although the strike itself is legal, actually preventing the company from re-opening the Dandenong South warehouselikely with workers sourced from labour-hire providers or other Woolworths facilitiesis not allowed, on the flimsy basis that it prevents the company and union from bargaining fairly.

In other words, the strike is only legal so long as it does not interfere with the ability of the company to continue its operations and profits. Without actually banning the strike, the ruling would render it toothless and futile. This is especially so under conditions where workers are up against a company with more than 8,000 employees in its warehouses, most of whom are covered by different enterprise agreements, meaning they are not allowed to take part in the industrial action.

The ruling demonstrates that the companys strike-breaking attempt earlier in the week was a provocation aimed at creating a pseudo-legal basis to enlist the assistance of the FWC to smash the strike.

With the aid of police, the company sought to forcefully reopen the warehouse on Monday. It bussed in small numbers of scabs, but they were blocked from entering by workers and their supporters at the picket.

The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA)a key section of the ACTUplayed a key role in the unsuccessful strike-breaking attempt. It had struck a deal with Woolworths that provided a pretext for the company to claim that some workers at Dandenong South wanted to go back to work. The police were mobilised by the state Labor government.

The companys lawyers argued that the strike was a metaphorical gun pointed at Woolworths: Its obstructive, its either actually preventing vehicles and people from coming on to the site or having the effect of vehicles and people not coming on to the site. Theres a picket. Its capricious or unfair. It should be stopped.

Labour law professor Shae McCrystal explained to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) ahead of the ruling that Woolworths case was a novel use of bargaining provisions, weve not seen them used like this before.

Despite the unprecedented and draconian character of the ruling, the UWU bureaucracy has already shown that they will go along with the order and with whatever else the FWC determines in attacking the strike.

In accordance with the order, the union issued a public statement declaring, The UWU no longer authorises or supports any obstruction of access to, or egress from, the Sites. UWU members were warned against inciting others to do so, including through social media.

The UWU leadership went even further than what was required by the FWC. Community picketers told World Socialist Web Site reporters at Dandenong South last night that the union had held a meeting earlier, at which workers were advised to disband the strike and go home, although nothing in the order prohibits them from remaining at the site, as long as they dont block the driveway.

This should be seen as a stark warning for striking Woolworths workers, not only at Dandenong South, but at the other three shuttered warehouses, as well as those at Lineage Cold Storage, a key supplier to the company. The UWU leadership is preparing to use the FWC ruling as a pretext to shut down the strike and push through a sell-out deal.

In fact, the UWUs actions throughout the week have created the conditions for the strike to be smashed. The UWU deliberately isolated the striking workers from the rest of the unions more than 140,000 members, not saying a word on its social media accounts about the companys strikebreaking efforts and blocking any broader mobilisation of workers in support of the strike.

What the union did choose to post on social media as this was unfolding is revealing: an ongoing promotion of Labor MPs and ACTU leaderssome of the very forces that were plotting behind-the-scenes to smash the strike.

While Woolworths was trying to break the strike through brute force, and enlisting the aid of the industrial courts, the union bureaucracy stepped up its opaque backroom discussions with the company and the federal Labor government, aiming to broker a rotten deal.

The FWC ruling and the UWUs response to it underscores that the perspective presented to workers by the trade union bureaucracy, of limited pickets and endless backroom negotiations with the company aimed at stitching up a sell-out, is a dead end.

This underscores the urgent need for Woolworths workers to take matters into their own hands. On Thursday, the Socialist Equality Party issued a statement entitled Build rank-and-file committees to expand the Woolworths struggle! Mobilise workers to defeat the companys strike-breaking operation!

It explained: The urgent and immediate task of these committees is to establish connections with broad layers of workers at other Woolworths warehouses, Coles and throughout the logistics sector. Plans must be prepared and put in place to ensure that any further management-police attacks, at Dandenong South or elsewhere, are met with a mass picket.

The strike must be expanded across all warehouses owned by Woolworths and its suppliers, as well as its main competitor Coles. While Woolworths employees across the country are impacted by the brutal Framework, similar punishing regimes are in place in warehouses everywhere and the cost-of-living crisis is universal. Such a mobilisation can only be developed in opposition to the industrial courts, the state and federal Labor governments and their aligned union bureaucracies, including in the UWU.

While blocking such a mobilisation and collaborating with the ACTU and Labor forces involved in attacking the strike, the UWU has already signalled its willingness to accept minor increases to the companys paltry pay offer.

It has called for the abolition of the Framework, a punitive work regime, involving impossible targets and continuous monitoring. However, the UWU has said nothing about the increasing ubiquity of such conditions throughout warehousing, or how that trend will be combatted beyond a formal lifting of the Framework, which the company would inevitably seek to replace with something very similar.

The SEP statement pointed to the need for workers to formulate their own demands, based on what they need, not what the company and the union says is possible. These must include an immediate pay rise of at least 25 percent and equal pay for equal work across all Woolworths warehouses.

The fight against the framework should be based on a repudiation of the whole concept that workers must have every last drop of blood squeezed from them in order to satisfy corporate profit demands must be repudiated. The SEP raised the need for a fight for Workers control of production! Safe, sustainable pick rates would be determined by rank-and-file committees for the purpose of setting staffing levels and rosters, not punishing and humiliating workers.

We appeal to workers seeking to defend the strike to contact us and discuss these issues today.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer used a speech Thursday setting out new milestone policies, on the National Health Service, housing, education , etc., to shift the government sharply to the right.

The Plan for Change speech at Pinewood Studios, near London, was billed as a relaunch of his government amid polls showing plunging popularity among workers and discontent expressed by Labours big business backers. Starmer made clear again that he only has ears for the City of London and Britains boardrooms.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer gives Plan for Change speech, December 5, 2024 [Photo by Number 10/Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Starmers leadership was proof that the Blairite right was firmly back in the saddle, having decisively reversed the brief interlude of nominally left rule under Jeremy Corbyn. But his speech did more than regurgitate the Thatcherite nostrums of Tony Blairs New Labour. It confirmed that there is no limit to the lurch rightwards of Starmers declared party of NATO, of Zionism and the most business friendly government in British history.

Starmer went as far as parroting the oft-repeated threat of fascist US President-elect Donald Trump to drain the swamp in attacking the 500,000 strong civil service workforce and demanding of public sector workers that productivity be ramped up. He warned, Make no mistake, this plan will land on desks across Whitehall with the heavy thud of a gauntlet being thrown down.

Starmers gauntlet is already a metaphor for his savage imposition of austerity in Labours first budget in October, Health Secretary Wes Streetings identical threats to National Health Service workers that the begging bowl culture is at an end and privatisation the order of the day; and, above all, Starmers decision to allow Ukraine to fire UK Storm Shadow missiles into Russia that risks all-out war between nuclear-armed powers.

Starmers fawning before Trump was preceded by his speech at the Lord Mayors Banquet in London Monday, where he rejected calls to prioritise relations with the European UnionBritains largest trading partner (318 billion in imports, 186 billion in exports) at the expense of the United States under Trump. Britains national interest demands that we work with both, he said, and Against the backdrop of these dangerous times, the idea that we must choose between our allies, that somehow were with either America or Europe, is plain wrong.

In an attempt to appease Trump, who has described the EU as a cartel and a mini-China and is threatening trade war against the bloc, Starmer declared, There will be no return to the [EUs] freedom of movement, no return to the customs union and no return to the single market. Instead, we will find practical, agile ways to cooperate which serve the national interest.

In his Thursday speech, Starmer declared again that he stood for country first, party second. Because this is something weve totally lost sight of in British politics, and, to be honest, across Whitehall [the seat of government departments] as well.

Previously such language was the preserve of the most avowed Thatcherite sections of the Tory party in their demands to slash costs and cull the civil service workforce. Starmers predecessor Rishi Sunak left office with a pledge to cut 66,000 jobs in the civil service.

Starmer declared, Change and reform are coming, as he complained that Productivity in the public sector is 2.6 percent lower than this time last year 8.5 percent down compared with just before the pandemic. That wouldnt be accepted in any other sector or walk of life.

Turning to his law-and-order pledge of 13,000 extra neighbourhood police  visible on the beat, he stated, That pledge is only made possible because we are matching investment with reform.

Starmer boasted of 25 billion invested in the NHS, while warning, Theres no investment in our public services, without difficult decisions.

He presented the civil service as embodying a broader opposition to his reforms (read, privatisations and partnership with big business). Therefore, he was sending a very clear message to the nimby [not in my back yard], the regulators, the blockers and bureaucrats, the alliance of naysayers, the people who say no Britain cant do this; we cant get things done in our country. We say to themyou no longer have the upper hand.

Starmer was on message that the funding of the vast rearmament required by British imperialism must come from the backs of the working class in an austerity offensive that will dwarf that imposed over 14 years of Tory rule.

The relentless austerity imposed by the Tories was accepted by the British people, he said, because they understood the need for national sacrifice. They know in their bones  that this is a great nation. No matter how tough things are for their family and their community.

Presenting austerity as the tough medicine required to fund war, he declared, After all, even in the last fourteen years they tightened their belts when they were told were all in it together, they closed ranks to defeat a deadly virus, never once wavered in their commitment to stand with Ukraine.

Starmer gave a stark preview of what this means when he linked the need to slash spending on vitally needed public services to funding the military. Coming to power Labour had found a 22 billion black hole in our public finances, which, just to put it into context is nearly half what we spend on the defence of our country.

A Downing Street document accompanying Starmers speech noted that national security underpins all our missions. The threat to the UK is growing, driven by global instability, conflict, Russian aggression, the systemic challenge posed by China

His government will work tirelessly to enhance the UKs security, maintaining the transatlantic alliance and our unshakeable commitment to NATO, deepening co-operation with the EU, continuing our steadfast support to Ukraine for as long as is needed, and maintaining our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Labour has been subjected to sustained criticism for not committing his government to a timetable for increasing military spending to 2.5 percent of GDP and beyond. It will almost certainly announce a timetable next spring, with a move to 3 percent estimated to cost a further 157 billion. This means a war at home against the working class.

Turning to Labours ruthless assault on migrants, Starmer boasted, Were not hanging around. Were clearing the asylum backlog and Processing thousands more claims than when we came to office. Asylum seeker returns were up 53 percent and This government will reduce immigrationlegal and illegal.

Starmer has developed close relations with Italys fascist leader Giorgia Meloni and spoken in favour of her anti-immigration policies. A week prior to Thursdays speech, he denounced previous Tory governments for a supposed open borders experiment.

Two days later, following a debate on assisted dying in parliament, he made a point of crossing the floor from the front bench to the opposition benches to greet Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-migrant Reform UK. After a brief conversation Starmer walked away giving Farage a thumbs up.

Starmers right-wing programme never commanded any widespread support in the working class. He came to office because the ruling class wanted him in place, relying on widespread hatred of the Tories among millions and the backing of the trade union bureaucracy and Britains pseudo-left organisations who insisted that Labour was the lesser of two evils.

The Socialist Workers Party, who backed Labour except in a few constituencies where anti-Gaza genocide protesters were standing, responded to Starmers speech by claiming, Labours plan for change offers more of the same. Labour was trying to water down its mild election promises, the SWP continued.

The Socialist Equality Party refused to back a vote for Labour and warned the working class that what was to come under Starmer was continuing austerity and war. We stood candidates against Labour in the general election, with SEP Assistant National Secretary Tom Scripps standing against Starmer in his London constituency. Workers must act with urgency and join the party that told them the truth.
This is the first part of a two-part analysis. Part two can be accessed here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called the fluoridation of public drinking water one of the 10 greatest public health achievements, ranking with vaccination, control of infectious diseases, safer and healthier foods and contraception. All of these social gains, based on the development of science and technology, have been severely impacted in recent years as a consequence of the crisis of capitalism. And now fluoridation of drinking water is on the chopping block.

Donald Trumps presumptive health czar Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the anti-vaccine zealot and serial purveyor of disinformation about public health and science, has unequivocally stated that he would advise water districts on Inauguration Day to remove fluoride, which he has described as an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease.

Former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a Turning Point Action campaign rally, Wednesday, October 23, 2024 in Duluth, Georgia. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon]

Although every principled scientist and science-based medical organization has called these claims unfounded, the reemergence of anti-fluoridation as a political campaign led by fascistic and right-wing organizations is a dangerous development. These reactionary forces intend to sow mistrust in science and, by extension, all social programs that provide any even modest benefits to communities across the country.

Unsurprisingly, Floridas right-wing surgeon general, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, has openly endorsed RFK Jr.s quackery and called for the immediate ending of water fluoridation in the state, falsely asserting that fluoride poses a considerable risk to developing brains. Ladapo was previously exposed for altering the findings of a state-led study to support his claims that COVID vaccines are harmful.

Perhaps most revealing has been the rapid adaptation made by the leading corporate newspapersthe New York Times and Washington Postto RFK Jr.s fanatical distortions and deceit. Their in-house public health columnists, economist Emily Oster and Dr. Leana Wen, COVID minimizers par excellence, who promoted the opening of schools at the height of the pandemic and supported Bidens policy of learning to live with the coronavirus, are now applying the same techniques to the attack against fluoridation.

They do not directly address RFK Jr.s bald assertions or the dangers posed by the call for a total war on public health, especially in the context of the threat posed by the emerging bird flu pandemic. Instead, they call for reasonable accommodations to RFK Jr.s anti-science position, even going as far as declaring, as Wen does, that his call to remove fluoride from public drinking water is not an entirely crazy idea,  providing legitimacy to RFK Jr.s fringe conspiracy theories.

Oster asks her readers to assume a more nuanced approach to issues of vaccination, drinking raw milk and fluoridation, where these can be discussed in a more balanced way with right-wing forces. She argues, It also requires health authorities to recognize that prioritizing this messaging means making trade-offs. If health experts share a more balanced message about raw milk, more people might drink raw milk. And, yes, that does entail some increased risk. But her hope is that possibly this strategy may convince people to take vaccines and save some lives.

This argument is a death sentence for science, and, literally, for those who will become the victims of diseases whose spread is assisted by the conspiracy theorists. The Flat Earth Society is based on a not entirely crazy idea, Dr. Wen might argue, because the earth appears flat to the uninformed gaze. Science should make no compromises with a person like RFK Jr. who opposes medical progress and willfully misrepresents it to promote his own career, with catastrophic consequences for the entire public health system.

The National Toxicity Program study on fluoride

In response to criticism from her readers, Dr. Wen cites the discredited National Toxicity Program (NTP) monograph on the state of the science concerning fluoride exposure and neurodevelopment and cognition, a CDC meta-analysis (an overview of other studies rather than independent direct research) which had concluded with moderate confidence that fluoride in drinking water is linked with lower IQ in children.

There are defects in this study too numerous to detail exhaustively, but its significance has been dismissed by the American Dental Association, and it deals with naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water outside the United States, mainly in China, at levels 10 times or more higher than the fluoride added to some US water systems. Wen seems unconcerned by these critical issues, or by the severe limitations of the NTP conclusions cited by many who have reviewed the lengthy document.

Map of documented occurrences of high or endemic fluoride in groundwater (>1.5 mg/L). [Photo: http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/groundwater/health/fluoride.html ]

Instead, she opts to support her fringe position by employing another oft-used false dichotomy, using a purported association between fluoride and lower IQ to suggest an actual causal connection, though none is known. She writes, If given the choice of what is more important to their kidspreventing cavities or saving IQ pointsmany people would probably choose the latter. Cavities can be treated, but effects on the brain are often irreversible.

Her argument effectively declares fluoride a neurotoxin, which has never been established, especially at the recommended levels of fluoride in US drinking water.

First, the current recommended level of 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) is far lower than the more than 1.5 mg/L associated with what has been cited in the NTP as levels that are linked to loss in IQ points. The study did not reach any conclusions about US drinking water, nor have large trials addressing this question been conducted.

A 2019 Canadian study on maternal fluoride exposure during pregnancy that Wen also cited was dismissed by WHOs water quality standards expert, John Fawell, professor at Cranfield University, who pointed out, Theres not a real mechanism to explain the association, so one has to be a little cautious about [their] conclusions. One of the limitations of that study cited by experts was conducting IQ tests at ages three and four, before such tests could be deemed reliable, since most children do not read by that age.

But if Wen is so concerned about neurodevelopmental problems in children, then why does she not call for elimination of COVID, where multiple studies have demonstrated Long COVIDs impact on the brains cognitive functions. Even in patients who had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection, a 3-point IQ loss was seen on neurocognitive testing. Among those with lingering Long-COVID symptoms, an equivalent to a 6-point IQ loss was reported. And among those who had been hospitalized in the ICU, they experienced a 9-point IQ drop.

Furthermore, a recent study found Long COVID rates among children can range from 14 to 20 percent. Another study found that a significant proportion of kids showed inability in maintaining sustained or divided attention. More than half suffered from cognitive regulation and almost all had anxiety and/or depression. And while COVID and Long COVID remain an ongoing public health threat, there is no evidence for fluoridation of drinking water and the impact of IQ drop in US children.

On the inconsistencies of the NTP fluoride monograph, it bears mentioning the following reportFluoride and Childrens IQ: evidence of causation lackingthat reviewed the NTPs meta-analysis and highlighted many of its methodological inconsistencies. The study found selection bias in the monograph, which used studies that had low participation rates and high IQ loss to follow up. Serious questions about the validity of the fluoride and IQ measurements used in these studies were raised. The authors of the critique concluded, [The] current evidence base related to IQ is insufficient to draw conclusions, and further high-quality research is needed.

What the American Dental Association said

The American Dental Associations (ADA) committee reviewing the NTP document said that the NTP monograph provided no new conclusive evidence that would necessitate any changes in the current practice of community water fluoridation.

Dr. Scott Tomar, professor and associate dean at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, who is a member of the National Fluoridation Advisory Committee, said, The bottom line is that the National Toxicology Program report and other recent systematic reviews indicate that the level of fluoride used in community water fluoridation is effective for preventing tooth decay and is not associated with any change in peoples IQ or neurological development.

[Photo: American Dental Association]

Dr. Howard Pollick, ADA spokesperson on fluoridation, said during a panel hearing convened by the National Toxicology Program in 2023 to determine if the organization had resolved the methodological concerns expressed by the reports original peer reviewer, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, several federal agencies, the ADA and others:

After the [National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine] committee reported the first two drafts would not survive scientific scrutiny without major revision, [the National Toxicology Program] abandoned that course of peer review and, instead, hand-picked its own panel to review the draft before you. [The National Toxicology Program] also has not resolved what [the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine] identified as worrisome inconsistencies in its risk-of-bias determinations. That is not consistent with the spirit of a truly independent peer review.

Dr. Jayanth Kumar, DDS, MPH, former California state dental director and NFAC (National Fluoridation Advisory Committee) member, explained that the NTP fluoride report had failed to reveal the biases inherent in the existing studies used to arrive at its conclusion. He also found quite problematic that the authors of the fluoride report had not addressed the concerns raised by the National Academies review, not once, but twice, and which had persisted in their latest draft. The National Academies wrote in 2021:

[The] committee is still concerned about the presentation of the data, the methods, and the analyses in the revised monograph and finds that the monograph falls short of providing a clear and convincing argument that supports its assessment. The committee urges NTP to improve the clarity of the document. The monograph has great importance in the discussion about effects of fluoride on neurodevelopmental and cognitive health effects and will likely influence exposure guidelines or regulations. Thus, it is extremely important for it to be able to withstand scientific scrutiny by those who have vastly different opinions on the risks and benefits associated with fluoride exposure. The committee strongly recommends that NTP improve the revised monograph by seriously considering the suggestions that are provided in this letter report to improve its clarity and transparency.

Kumar, furthermore, said that the report had relied heavily on the use of spot urinary fluoride to assess exposure despite a scientific consensus that such tests are invalid in addressing long-term fluoride exposure. The NTP report had also previously stated that fluoride was a presumed cognitive neurodevelopmental hazard to humans irrespective of exposure levels. The NTP had to remove this after the National Academies took issue with it. In the second review linked above, they wrote, The monograph falls short of providing a clear and convincing argument that supports its assessment. While the final NTP report, released on August 21, 2024, has removed the previous assertion that fluoride is a presumed neurodevelopmental hazard, the study failed to complete the peer review process recognized as confirmation of its conclusions.

The report failed to arrive at any conclusions about water fluoridation in the US. Nearly two-thirds of the studies cited in the meta-analysis were published in less reputable journals that the National Library of Medicine does not index. Many of the studies referenced in the final monograph relied on spot urine samples considered unreliable. Other deficits included problems with how the IQ tests were administered that weakened the reliability of the scores.

Critics have pointed out that the NTP monograph omitted studies from community water fluoridation in Australia, New Zealand and Spain that showed no links between fluoride exposure and cognitive deficits. Instead, the studies reviewed in the NTP report had much higher levels than those in the US water fluoridation program. None of the 19 studies that the NTP selected were from the US, and 17 were in regions with naturally high levels of fluoride, making its generalization difficult.

Steven Novella, a clinical neurologist at the Yale University School of Medicine, who has reviewed fluoride studies extensively, provided context to these discussions that have been seized on as anti-fluoride talking points. He wrote in 2023:

Recent anti-fluoride activism has been focusing on studies showing that high enough fluoride levels can be a neurotoxin. This tactic took off with a Harvard study back in 2012. The Harvard study still gets prominent mention in anti-fluoride posts, as if its still news, or somehow is being suppressed. The study was a meta-analysis of studies, mostly occurring in China. These were ecological studies comparing measures of IQ in children to see if there is a statistical correlation with fluoride exposure from drinking water. The study found a positive correlation, making it a permanent member of the anti-fluoride rhetoric. However, details matter. The studies involved naturally-occurring fluoride in drinking water, not communities where the levels of fluoride were controlled (which is why they took place in China, that largely does not control fluoride levels). They found that communities with high levels of fluoride in the drinking water had lower IQs on average than communities with low levels of fluoride. But here is the critical point missed in a lot of reporting and in anti-fluoride propagandathe low-level communities had fluoride levels in their drinking water in the same range as fluoridated water in the US and other Western nations. Fluoridated water was the low-level control group that had the higher IQs.

Additionally, he also pointed out that the association with lower IQs and very high levels of fluoride have not been established as there are many confounding variables in observational studies that require considerable statistical manipulation to assess small statistical effects. In a 2023 systematic review of 30 studies, the one and only study from New Zealand with a strong quality of evidence, found no adverse effects between fluoride exposure and IQ.

Novella concluded with the following observation:

Of course, all potential neurotoxicity to the developing brain should be taken very seriously. Every IQ point is a precious human resource. For this reason, we should err on the side of caution when it comes to potential toxicity. What the current data shows is that there is a potential of neurotoxicity from fluoride at high levels, significantly higher than in the drinking water. But the same data shows, if anything, the managed drinking water levels are safe. Further, the best quality evidence does not show any clinical effect.

Continued in part two.
The Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee (PWRFC) is calling a public online meeting this Sunday at 1 p.m. Eastern time to discuss the way forward. All who are interested in attending need to click here to register.

Register to attend this Sunday's online meeting at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4915302304502829147

Entitled The Canada Post Strike at the Crossroads, the meeting will underscore that a continuation of the union bureaucracys isolation of the strike will inevitably lead to its defeat and the imposition of a savage restructuring program that will cost tens of thousands of full-time jobs.

Friday marks three weeks since 55,000 postal workers walked off the job at Canada Post to fight for decent-paying, full-time jobs, and oppose the Crown corporations effort to use automation and artificial intelligence to boost profitability at the expense of working conditions. Canada Post strikers are determined to wage a struggle. But they are being hamstrung by the disastrous policies of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), which are forcing the workers to stand alone against the combined strength of corporate Canada and its bought-and-paid-for political representatives.

The Liberal governments Labour Minister, Steven MacKinnon, is waiting in the wings with the arbitrary powers he has arrogated through a reinterpretation of Section 107 of the Labour Code, which allows him to order the unelected Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to end a strike and impose the employers demands through arbitration. Big business could also decide to let market forces bankrupt Canada Post, a process facilitated by the funneling of its lucrative commercial operations to low-cost courier services like Purolator.

In either case, the key to the success of the ruling elites onslaught is the union bureaucracys isolation of Canada Post strikers from their class brothers and sisters across the country and internationally.

The alternative path forward is the broadening of the strike to other sections of the working class in Canada, the US, the UK and elsewhere, which must be mobilized industrially and politically to wage a counteroffensive against the ruling elites drive to privatize public services, impose austerity and wage war.

The strike wave that has swept all economic sectors and parts of the country since late 2021 demonstrates that powerful support for a widespread mobilization to secure workers interests exists throughout the working class. This must be directed against the Liberal government, a close ally of the union bureaucracy and New Democrats that has used budget cuts and attacks on workers to fund the enrichment of the corporate elite, and military rearmament and the waging of wars around the world.

CUPW and the CLC are doing everything they can to block such a development. CUPW dragged its feet for months before calling a strike, even though it was clear that Canada Post management had no interest in bargaining. Although contracts expired at the end of December 2023 and January 2024 for the urban and rural units, a strike vote was only held in October 2024! Further delays by the bureaucracy after the overwhelming Yes vote was announced meant that the postal workers walked out alone, rather than alongside dockworkers in Montreal and Vancouver, whose struggles were criminalized by government intervention just four days before the postal workers strike began.

In a warning sign that the CUPW bureaucracy is planning to capitulate to Canada Posts demands, Wednesdays union bargaining update noted that in response to a framework to restart mediation talks presented by Canada Post, The union has been ready to return to the mediation process since it was suspended by the governments special mediator. As such, our counterproposals include movement on both our demands and employers demands to help bring the parties closer to an agreement.

Any such agreement will be between the bosses and union bureaucrats, not the rank and file. It will include plans to Amazonify Canada Post and open the floodgates for major attacks on workers across the public and private sectors.

The PWRFC was established in June by workers who recognized that to achieve their demands, they must take control of their fight in their own hands. It fights in opposition to the CUPW and CLC bureaucracies to prevent workers from being confined to the pro-employer collective bargaining framework, and to make the strike the spearhead of a mass industrial and political movement of workers to defend all public services, and use societys vast wealth to realize the social needs of the vast majority, not private profits for the few.

Sundays public meeting will provide a platform for workers to speak out about what they think the main issues in their strike are and how it can be led to victory. We encourage postal workers all over the world to attend as well as workers throughout the transport, logistics and other industries.

In addition to PWRFC members, the meeting will be addressed by members of the Socialist Equality Party (Canada), which published a recent statement calling for the broadest mobilization of the working class in defence of the striking postal workers. The statement declared,

To break out of the stranglehold of the trade union/New Democratic Party/Liberal alliancethe prerequisite for mobilizing the industrial and political power of the working classworkers must take the struggle into their own hands by building rank-and-file committees. Successful defiance of an impending intervention by the government to break the postal workers strike and impose Canada Posts demands will only be possible if broader sections of workers are mobilized in an industrial and political movement to bring down the Trudeau government and fight for the transfer of political power to the working class.

To take up the fight for this program, register to attend the PWRFCs Sunday meeting at 1 p.m. Eastern time. Alternatively, you can contact the Committee at canadapostworkersrfc@gmail.com or fill out the form below.
Violent protests have seized the capital city of the country of Georgia for the last week. Demonstrators, backed by the European Union and the United States, are working to drive the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party from power.

Demonstrators launch fireworks at Parliament during a protest against the government's decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov) [Photo by AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov]

The immediate spark for the street fighting outside of the parliament building in Tbilisi was an announcement by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze that he is suspending talks with the European Union (EU) regarding his countrys membership in the alliance. Kobakhidze, whose party recently won elections that the West claims, without proof, were falsified, said he was halting discussions due to Brussels constant blackmail and manipulation.

Earlier this year, the EU froze Georgias ascension process and cut its financial support, after Tbilisi passed a foreign agents law. Brussels insisted that the bill be rescinded. This was, however, the least of their demands.

The NATO powers want Georgia to cut all its ties to Moscow and become the next front in the war against Russia. The Georgian Dream party, despite repeatedly making clear that it wants to bring the country into the EU, has been labeled as pro-Russian by the imperialist powers because it has thus far resisted the total reduction of Georgia into a NATO client state cut off entirely from Russias markets, which are key to its economy. Georgian Dream, which describes its opponents as a global war party, won the election on the basis of its appeal to popular anti-war sentiments.

Estimates of the size of the anti-government demonstrations in Tbilisi have varied from day-to-day, with some news reports putting it as high as hundreds of thousands to, more commonly, tens of thousands, and in the last couple days, thousands. Demonstrators have been holding aloft EU and Georgian flags and signs that read, Russian slaves. One banner read, You suck. Demands that relate to the concerns of the working classfor jobs, higher wages, better working conditions, decent healthcare, and so forthare absent.

The government is responding with force. Several hundred people have been arrested and dozens injured in ongoing clashes with riot police, who are using tear gas, water cannons, and truncheons to break up the crowds. Protesters have transformed fireworks into mini-missiles and are attacking the security services with them and Molotov cocktails. Oppositionists homes and offices are being searched and several have been arrested. Some appear to have been beaten up in the process.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze declared the protests to be an attack on the countrys constitutional order, for which EU politicians and their agents are to blame. He insisted that his government would resist a Maidan-style attempt to overthrow it. Kobakhidze promised oppositionists would face the full rigor of the law.

On Tuesday, the executive secretary of the Georgian Dream party, Mamuka Mdinaradze, declared that 30 percent of those arrested in Tbilisi are foreigners, including individuals from Russia, the UK, the US, and the Netherlands.

At the center of the efforts to bring down the government is the former French diplomat and now Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili. She insists that the parliamentary vote held in October, which delivered a victory to Georgian Dream, was illegitimate. Zourabichvili, who worked in Paris diplomatic corps for three decades, including as its ambassador to Georgia, says that she will not vacate the presidential post when her constitutional authority expires on December 29. She claims that the legislature, which will elect the new president, has no popular mandate.

The United States and its allies are rapidly moving to isolate and strangle the Georgian government. Washington announced on November 30 that it is suspending the US-Georgia Strategic Partnership, halting its foreign assistance, and imposing sanctions. The EU, Canada, Germany, and the Baltic states are following suit.

Unencumbered by hypocrisy, in a November 28 statement that strongly condemns Russias systematic interference in Georgias democratic processes, the European Parliament demanded that Tbilisi nullify its recent vote. MEPs [Members of the European Parliament] want the elections re-run within a year under thorough international supervision and by an independent election administration.

A vote is only valid if it produces the result they want.

The reality or unreality of electoral fraud has nothing to do with why EU and US-allied forces are trying to push out the GD government. In nearby Moldova, Washington and Brussels just hailed the outcome of a highly undemocratic and suspect election that delivered a victory to pro-EU forces on the basis of a 1 percent margin.

When Georgias ruling party won the parliamentary election in late October, garnering 54 percent of the vote in comparison to 38 percent split among various opposition parties, the West and its allies in Tbilisi immediately claimed there was evidence of vote rigging, ballot stuffing, intimidation at the polls, and so forth. The basis of their allegations was reports by not-so-neutral election observers, local and international, who oppose Georgian Dream.

At that time, Georgias state prosecutors office, having launched an investigation into the matter, asked that President Zourabichvili, who was at the center of these allegations, provide them with the evidence she had. She replied, Its not up to the president to provide proof of election fraud, adding, I just want to say that my answer to the prosecutors request that I present proofs to sustain my declarations on the results of the elections is not relevant because the prosecutor should be doing its own investigation.

This was an obvious set up. Zourabichvili had no evidence and knew that the investigators, appointed by a government that she says is illegitimate, would find little to none. Initially, the US and EU held back from saying that Georgian Dream had stolen the vote outright. Following the election of Donald Trump, however, they are anxious to ignite more fronts in the war against Russia before President Biden leaves office. This includes, in addition to Syria, the South Caucasus, which were once part of a unified nation, alongside Russia and other states, in the Soviet Union.

When the Communist Party bureaucrats that ruled the Soviet Union decided to dissolve it in 1991 and turn themselves into capitalist oligarchs, the appetites of American and European imperialism were whet. The South Caucasus sit astride trade routes that are central to the US struggle to destroy Russia, China, and Iran.

In a recent study, the Institute of War noted that Georgia is critical to securing the Middle Corridor, a trade route from Central Asia to Europe that bypasses Russia and drastically reduces transit times. Cargo volumes through this corridor increased by nearly 65 percent in early 2023, surpassing one million tons, observed the Institute. Georgia has emerged as a pivotal hub in this network, playing a vital role in transporting oil, gas, and goods along the Middle Corridor.

For the imperialist powers, it is now time to bring Georgia to heel. Despite years of cutting deals with the EU, the United States, and NATO, Georgian Dream is inadequate. Thus, the countrys opposition has been activated. Its leaders, several of whom were educated in elite universities in the US, have long histories in the countrys previous violent, anti-democratic, right-wing governments, which gutted social spending and privatized services, making Georgia by 2008 the leading economic reformer in the world, according to the World Bank.

Running around yelling about the European path and democracy, they appeal to the grasping sentiments of better-off layers in the major cities, whom often have personal and financial ties to EU and American institutions via business, education, or one of Georgias numerous civil society organizations. They find a further base of support among some sections of youth. Many of Georgias expensive, private universities have shut down in support of the demonstrations.

Two articles on the website of Civil.ge, which is funded by the US National Endowment for Democracy, highlight the political outlook of these layers. The first fawns over Georgias libertarian youth, who combine advocacy for the legalization of drugs with support for right-wing economics and minimal government intervention. Forming groups like the Ayn Rand Center, Institute for Individual Liberty, and Georgias right-wing youth party Girchi, they are hostile to, in the words of one representative, the idea that the Nanny State should provide everything for us.

The second article published by the US government-sponsored website promotes the new generation of leftist youth, who insist, according to one activist, that merging class and national interests is the only way forward. Behind a hodge-podge of references to feminism, labor rights, environmental protection, anti-authoritarianism, social justice, etc., lies the goal of giving Georgian nationalism a left-wing coloration. The ultimate aim is to drown any genuine socialist sentiment that emerges among young people in a cesspool of political reaction. The group highlighted in the piece, Khma, has some association with the Pabloite United Secretariat, whose political life has been dedicated to this very cause.

To the extent that the working class of Georgia is drawn to the anti-government demonstrations, it is due to a combination of illusions and delusions in what a European future means and misdirected, albeit well-founded, anger at the not-so-dreamy reality that Georgian Dream has delivered. But if workers allow themselves to be swept along by the US and EU-directed regime change operation in Tbilisi, they will discover the consequences of the European pathsavaged living standards and a country transformed into a bombed-out parking lot.

The Georgian Dream party is no alternative. It represents a layer of Georgias ruling class which believes that its interests will be best served by finding some sort of balance between Russia and the West. Unable to make any genuine popular appealto call the working class onto the streets in opposition to the machinations of the imperialiststhey resort to police brutality to secure their hold on power. The state violence unleashed against the opposition in Tbilisi today will be directed against the workers tomorrow as soon as they express their own demands.

The challenge that faces the working class of Georgia, and all of the former Soviet Union, is that of casting aside the entirety of the Stalinist and post-Soviet political refuse weighing upon them. Not Washington, not the Kremlin, not the imperialist stooges in Tbilisi, not the politicians of the Georgian Dream party can stop global war or deliver the social, political, and economic rights to which the working masses are absolutely entitled. These aims can only be won on the basis of a politically independent fight, led by the working class and its own party, for socialist internationalism.
The day after the New Popular Front (NFP) and the neo-fascist National Rally (RN) brought down Prime Minister Michel Barniers government and attacked President Emmanuel Macron, several parties in the NFP carried out a 180-degree shift in strategy. They eagerly seized upon Macrons invitation to the NFP to come to the Elysee presidential palace for talks, declaring themselves open to forming a government with Macron.

Lawmakers convene at the National Assembly during a debate on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Paris. [AP Photo/Michel Euler]

Macron and the French political establishment are rushing to form a government and adopt a stopgap budget before 2025 begins. Two parties in Jean-Luc Melenchons New Popular Front (NFP), the big-business Socialist Party (PS) and the Stalinist French Communist Party (PCF), have responded eagerly to Macrons invitations to the entire NFP for talks. They are reportedly proposing to junk the promises of minor reforms in the NFP program and support deep austerity in exchange for ministerial positions.

This makes clear how the bankruptcy and political corruption of the forces promoted by the media as the left enables the rise of Marine Le Pens RN, an ally of fascist US president-elect Donald Trump and of Israels genocidal regime. Le Pen can predictably dismiss the NFP again as cheap Guevarist clowns, argue that left-wing parties are simply corrupt tools of Macron and the banks hostile to the French people, and call on everyone disgusted by Macron and the NFP to vote neo-fascist.

As for Melenchon, whose France Unbowed (LFI) party played the central role in forming the NFP, his entire strategy for dealing with the political crisis is dissolving along with the NFP itself. He called to form an NFP-led government with Lucie Castets, an unknown Finance Ministry bureaucrat, as prime minister, and to refuse to serve in a government under a prime minister from Macrons party. But the PS and the PCF are moving to do precisely that.

In his prime time address to the nation Thursday night, Macron made no apologies and signaled that he would make no changes in his policies after Barnier fell. He said nothing about his pension cuts, his call to send French ground troops to Ukraine for war with Russia and his support for the Israeli regimes genocide in Gaza, all of which are opposed by an overwhelming majority of the French people. Rather, he issued the usual arrogant defence of his massively unpopular government.

Macron did not apologize for calling snap elections on July 7 that produced a hung parliament and Barniers minority government, insisting it was necessary: I must admit this decision was not well understood. Many people blamed me for this and I know many continue to do so. That is a fact and its my responsibility. But no one can say that, by doing that, I did not give the French people the chance to speak out. I believe it was necessary.

He denounced the parties who had voted to censure Barniers government. Accusing them of trying to remove him, he asserted that the far right and the far left came together in an anti-democratic front.  They are not thinking of you, your lives, your difficulties, getting to the end of the month, your plans. Lets be honest. They are thinking of just one thing: the next presidential electionto prepare it, provoke it, rush it. With cynicism and, if necessary, a certain sense of chaos.

Instead, Macron proposed to promptly name a prime minister to rapidly assemble a government and adopt a stopgap budget to reassure the financial markets. He said, This is why I will name in the coming days a prime minister. I will charge him with forming a government of the general interest, representing all the political forces in an arc sufficiently broad to form a government, by either participating in it or agreeing not to censure it. The prime minister will have to carry out these negotiations and form a government to serve the French people.

Yesterday morning, PS National Secretary Olivier Faure went in for talks with Macron at the Elysee palace, declaring his party open to ruling with Macrons party and Barniers right-wing The Republicans (LR) party. I am ready to discuss everything and see what we can do in a brief period of time, Faure said. Asked whether he would continue demanding the abrogation of Macrons unpopular pension cuts, Faure indicated he would not, saying that he is responsible and aware that we need to find money to balance the budget.

PCF Chairman Fabien Roussel also confirmed the PCF would go into government under Macron and scrap the NFPs election program. Proposing to work with Macron to build a democratic and social pact, he said: We are well aware that no coalition has an absolute majority. Calling for compromise, Roussel said the PCF would not ask for the implementation of the entire program of the NFP.

Yesterday evening, Roussel confirmed that Macron had invited the entire NFP to government talks at the Elysee: I was contacted by Emmanuel Macrons chief of staff, who asked if we are open to dialog. I replied that we are. We were told we would have a meeting on Monday.

Marine Le Pen, predictably, pledged to oppose both Macron and the NFP and, if need be, to keep bringing down governments voting budgets unacceptable to the RN.

Mocking the NFPs haste to form alliances with Macron, she told Le Figaro: I am not outraged that I was not invited [to the Elysee palace for talks with Macron]. If I had been invited, I would have been very worried. I do not plan to participate in a majority around the President.  The fact that the Socialist Party sells itself for a plate of lentils is not, frankly, very surprising. That LR might find itself in government with the Socialist Party, on the other hand, amuses me.

She warned, No one should think that my hands are now tied. I can very much vote a new censure motion to bring down Macrons next government. There is growing speculation in French media that repeated collapses of Macrons governments could force him to resign and call new presidential elections in which Le Pen could run.

The PS and PCF move towards governmental talks with Macron underscores the bankruptcy of Melenchons decision to include them in his NFP, although it is widely known that they are tools of the banks, implementing austerity and war when in power. It is completely exploding the strategy that Melenchon has laid out so far.

In a brief television interview on TF1 Thursday night, Melenchon defended the censuring of Barnier and asserted that LFI and the NFP still aim to build an NFP-led Castets government. Referring to the fact that the NFP won the most seats in the July 7 elections, he said: There is one organization that came decidedly in first: the New Popular Front. It is a coalition, it had a candidate. This candidate is maintained.

Yesterday, LFI coordinator Manuel Bompard issued a tweet confirming that LFI had been contacted by Macron for government talks but said LFI would not go to the Elysee palace on Monday: We will not sell out the programme on which all the NFPs deputies were elected to participate in government. We will not govern with the parties of the president and the traditional right, since we just censured their programme.

Whether or not LFI sells out the few minor social measures in its programmewhich also calls to send French troops to Ukraine, and increase funding for police and spy agenciesis not decisive. The PS and the PCF have effectively scrapped the program already. LFI, which went to great lengths to preserve these discredited parties, withdrawing its candidates so that the PS, PCF and then Macrons party could win seats in parliament, ended up building up the forces that scrapped the program LFI claimed to defend.

It again testifies to the bankruptcy and political stupidity of Melenchon and LFI, and its periphery: forces like the Pabloite New Anti-capitalist Party and the Morenoite Revolution permanente group.

The policies of the next government will provoke explosive social opposition in the French working class. However, these struggles will be sold out insofar as they remain under the control of forces like the NFP and its allied union bureaucracies. The decisive question is the building of a movement from below, in the rank-and-file, based on a socialist struggle against imperialist war, genocide, austerity and fascism, on a perspective ultimately of transferring power to the working class.
At the 40th International Documentary Association (IDA) awards in Los Angeles December 5, No Other Land, a scathing indictment of Zionist repression and violence in the illegally Occupied West Bank, received three major awards.

However, the film distribution network, also headquartered in the same city, has refused to see to it that the work is actually shown to the public in the US. This is an explicit act of acquiescing to pro-Israeli intimidation and objectively covering up massive, world-historical crimes.

No Other Land

The film is directed by an Israeli-Palestinian team of co-directors, Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham. As the WSWS explained earlier this year, when the film screened to great success (and vicious attacks from the German establishment) at the Berlin film festival, No Other Land

recounts the brutal expulsion of Palestinian villagers from Masafer Yatta, a settlement of 19 villages south of Hebron in the West Bank.

The directors

convey the harrowing events intimately and in real time. They film everything they experience, exchange material with each other, try to spread it via social media and gain attention in the international media. They are compelled to protect themselves from the aggressive actions of the Israeli army and the fascistic settler militias allied with it. Friends and relatives help repeatedly to hide them and their footage.

Anyone who opposes the eviction of the Palestinians from their land

is mercilessly attacked. Adras cousin is one of those. He initially survives, but is paralyzed. In a cave, he lies on a mattress on the ground, guarded day and night by his desperate mother. His fate triggers significant protests by his friends and the villagers. They demand medical help, but there is no place in a health care facility, and the familys house and beds are destroyed. He ultimately dies, as the film reveals at the end. After the eviction of the Palestinian inhabitants, the [Israeli] bulldozers come and demolish everything people need to livetheir houses, their furniture, lamps, electrical equipment, sheep and chicken sheds, the power supply, roads. Shocking footage shows the destruction of a modern, well-kept bathroom by a bulldozer, followed by two or three Israeli soldiers cutting the water pipe with a saw.  The refugees find refuge in nearby caves, which date back to ancient times, with the few belongings and blankets they were able to salvage. Without water and electricity, they try to manage in the most primitive conditions, collecting wood for heating and cooking. Finally, the Israeli occupiers also destroy the school that the villagers built themselves after their school buses were repeatedly attacked and stopped on the way to the next town.

At the IDA ceremony Thursday held in the Orpheum Theater, the co-directors of No Other Land first received the Pare Lorentz Courage Under Fire award in recognition of the dangerous and arduous conditions under which the film was shot. No Other Lands filmmakers proceeded to collect the award for best director and, the top prize, for best feature documentary.

Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham, unable to attend the event, sent video messages in response to the various honors bestowed on the four directors. They referred to the film as an act of creative resistance. They explained that conditions prevent us from being with you tonight, but that our team had begun working on the film five years ago.

Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham in one of their video messages

Adra and Abraham expressed gratitude and satisfaction for receiving the multiple honors, some of the most prestigious in the world of non-fiction filmmaking, despite the darkness that were living today. They indicated that things are only getting worse and that the recognition for their film from the IDA helped give them strength to continue the struggle against the occupation.

Tellingly, Adra and Abraham referred obliquely to the fact that No Other Land had no distributor in America. A film like ours is not so easy to get it shown in the US, remarked Abraham, a film critical of the occupation. He added, We really hope it reaches people in the United States.

There is of course no innocent explanation for the films failure to be shown in the US. It is a brazen act of political censorship.

No Other Land won out at the IDA awards over dozens of other films. The IDA itself noted that the organization had

received more than 700 entries from 77 countries, an increase over last year both in the total number of entries and the countries represented. IDA Documentary Awards entries were reviewed by jurors consisting of 300 documentary professionals from more than 40 countries.

Deadline noted that Thursday it had been

an extraordinary week for No Other Land, the timely documentary directed by a collective of Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers. No Other Land swept most of the awards announced this week: on Monday, it won Best Documentary at the Gotham Awards, and on Tuesday, the New York Film Critics Circle named it the best documentary of the year. It won the National Board of Review Freedom of Expression Award on Wednesday, although Sugarcane won the NBRs prize for Best Documentary.

And yet there is no US distribution.

On IndieWire, Chris OFalt pointed out that

This fall, dozens of great movies were showcased at the top film festivals across the globe, and many of those that screened at Venice, Telluride, Toronto, New York, and AFI Fest will shape the awards season over the next three months. The very best reviewed of these (higher on Metacritic than The Brutalist, Anora, and Nickel Boys, or any other documentary that premiered) is No Other Land, a film that would appear destined for an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary. If only it could find a distributor.

OFalt, writing in November, referred to the week-long screening of No Other Land at Lincoln Center in New York then partway through.

Each of the four remaining screenings at Lincoln Center...are sold out. A sign the film is not only timely, but is registering with more than just critics. Its a powerful combination for a distributor with guts.
An initial court hearing was held on Thursday, December 5, for the 11 protesters charged by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel for their involvement in the University of Michigan (UMich) pro-Palestinian solidarity encampment erected last spring and later torn down by police.

In this June 4, 2019, photo, Dana Nessel, Attorney General of Michigan, listens to a question from reporters in Detroit. [AP Photo/Paul Sancya]

An hour before the hearing, outside the 14A-1 district county courthouse, the UMich pro-Palestinian Tahrir Coalition held a press conference. Nia Hall, a UMich graduate student, explained the motivation behind the event, stating:

Eleven students and community members have been unjustly charged with felonies and misdemeanors. These charges are unprecedented, politically motivated and designed to crush dissent.

A report by the Guardian published in October revealed that the UMich Board of Regents requested that Nessels office pursue charges against the 11 protesters. The article outlined the substantial financial resources provided to Nessels Democratic Party 2018 campaign for Michigan attorney general by six of the eight regents. One regent served as her campaigns co-chair.

Sammie Lewis, one of the protesters who faces a felony charge with a maximum two-year sentence for trespassing and resisting an officer, made a statement defending the democratic rights of workers and youth to protest. Lewis said:

All of usstudents, faculty, staff, community membershave a right and a responsibility to protest the horrors with which our institutions are funded, and we must defend each other and the Palestinian cause. Across the country, universities and state governments are colluding to suppress the anti-genocide movement under the Palestine exception; the University of Michigan is the latest example of this trend.

Quoting from a statement written by the 11 charged protesters, Lewis added:

The universitys unprecedented pursuit of the charges expresses the determination of the University of Michigan and the Democratic Party to crack down on protests in support of Palestine and obscure their support for the ongoing genocide. Even now, the Biden/Harris regime advances a $680 million arms sale to Israel for the murder of Palestinians.

Lewis also explained that in early November the attorney generals office offered a plea deal to five defendants charged with felonies. The deal would reduce the felony charges to misdemeanors in exchange for formal apologies from the defendants in the form of written admissions of guilt. From Lewis statement it was unclear if those offered the deal had formally rejected it, but none have reportedly accepted the conditions.

Members of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at Wayne State University and UMich attended the hearing and the press conference in defense of the 11 charged protesters. In a statement published for the press conference, the IYSSE at UMich demanded that all charges against the 11 defendants be dropped and that a complaint filed by the university against the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine be withdrawn.

June 4, 2024 rally at Wayne State University in Detroit opposes police attacks on a peaceful student encampment.

The statement was titled: Drop all charges against the UMich 11! Drop the complaint against SAFE! Defend free speech and assembly!

It explained the political context of the attack on the UMich protesters. It identified the leading role played by the Democratic Party in carrying out authoritarian policies directed against peaceful anti-genocide protesters at college campuses in Michigan in conjunction with a national campaign backed by both the Biden administration and the Republican Party.

It refuted the claim that the protesters were antisemitic, pointing to the role played by the Zionist state of Israel, backed by US imperialism, in the slaughter of over 186,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in a genocidal war across Gaza.

The statement concluded:

Trumps second term will bring mass deportations, intensified attacks on democratic rights, and sweeping cuts in basic social services and benefits. Trump is assembling a cabinet of billionaires and fascists to defend the rule of the capitalist oligarchy. The Democratic Party, a party of Wall Street and war, paved the way for this disaster and now pledges to collaborate with Trump. The working class, which is carrying out strike struggles in opposition to the pro-corporate trade union bureaucracy, is the central target of the repressive measures. The development toward world war and fascism cannot be stopped through appeals to the ruling class and university administrations. Instead, students must base their struggles on the international working class. They must turn outward to the factories, schools, hospitals and work places to mobilize the principal revolutionary force in society, the working class, as an independent political force in struggle against war and dictatorship and their root cause, the capitalist system.

Members of the IYSSE spoke with students and workers attending the press conference.

Robin Satori, an Ann Arbor community member, said, Im here to support the students protesting the felony charges for trying to support Palestinians. She continued, Its amazing, we are just going back to conditions more like McCarthyism

The Republicans and Democrats are very right-wing, and they have been moving that way since the Clinton administration. I mean, they are not very different. There are no differences between the parties. They throw us a couple of crumbs as far as abortion issues and that type of stuff. When it comes to squashing free speech, the Democrats are just as bad, maybe worse.

Yosh, a UMich student, said he had come to the press conference because the state AG is bringing charges against students and others affiliated with the university to suppress their right to protest.

He added, These people did nothing wrong other than stand up for whats right at the university. Workers and students want to carry out a struggle for the benefit of society. They dont want it going towards genocide and war, as the state does. Thats why we're here.

The hearing was for seven of the eleven defendants, those charged by Nessel with felony charges. Six were physically present with their legal teams and one attended remotely. The remaining four protesters charged by Nessel will have separate hearings before city courts on their trespassing and misdemeanor charges.

At the hearing, lawyers for the defendants requested that the judge allow them to depose high-ranking members of the Umich administration such as President Santa Ono. The court did not decide on this motion, leaving it to the next hearing date, which was set for February 12.

On the same day as the court hearing for the encampment protesters, the UMich Student Organization Advancement and Recognition (SOAR) office held a hearing reviewing a complaint filed by the university against Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE), the local chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. The complaint could result in SAFE being suspended for two to four years.
The executive of the modern state is but a committee for managing the common affairs of the whole bourgeoisie.

Chapter 1 The Communist Manifesto

On Thursday, Republicans and some Democrats welcomed unelected billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers behind closed doors and discuss massive spending cuts to the entire federal government. The round of meetings was the first of several that will be held with the aim of restructuring the government to better serve the interests of the financial oligarchy.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (Republican-Louisiana), left, walks with Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk as they arrive for a roundtable meeting to discuss President-elect Donald Trumps planned Department of Government Efficiency, on Capitol Hill in Washington on Thursday, December 5, 2024. [AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana]

To this end, Musk and Ramaswamy held closed-door meetings with virtually the entire Republican Conference, including with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and soon-to-be Senate Majority Leader John Thune, to discuss not only slashing the government workforce but eviscerating government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security that overwhelmingly benefit low-income workers and serve workers and their families in retirement.

In a comment posted in the Washington Post headlined The cut spending conversation finally arrives at Medicare, columnist Philip Bump noted that spending on Medicare is equivalent to 95 percent of the amount spent on national defense.

This means that those interested in cutting federal spendinglike President-elect Donald Trumps allies (and fellow billionaires) Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamywere almost necessarily going to eventually arrive at the idea that the government should spend less on programs such as Medicare and [Medicaid] specifically.



Speaking to reporters following the meeting with Musk and Ramaswamy on Thursday, South Carolina Representative Ralph Norman declared, Nothing is sacrosanct. Nothing. Theyre going to put everything on the table.



Commenting on Normans remarks, a FOX Business television host repeated, Everything is on the table and that includes Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid.

Speaking to reporters in Washington on Thursday, Speaker Johnson lent his support to DOGE ... the Department of Government Efficiency. Johnson said, We have long lamented the size and scope of the government that has grown too large. And let me be frank about this, government is too big, it does too many things and it does almost nothing well.

He added that Elon and Vivek ... both of these gentlemen have run very successful organizations, they are innovators and they are forward-thinkers, so thats what we need right now.

Johnson added,

You are going to see a bicameral cooperation and it will, by the way, be bipartisan, over the last 24-48 hours youve seen a number of our Democratic colleagues both in the Senate and the House who have said, You know what, sign me up, I want to be a part of this as well. So we welcome that. It should be a bipartisan effort.

Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (Louisiana) told reporters on Thursday that they just started the DOGE caucus in Congress and there are some Democrats that joined it as well as Republicans. Scalise said the caucus has been talking with Vivek and Elon to let them know ... we are talking about items that add up to hundreds of billions of dollars, or more.



Scalise noted that some of the cuts would be done via executive action under Trump, while others would be legislative. Asked about cuts to Social Security and Medicaid, he responded, We talked about those as well. And you think about work requirements in Medicaid for example. Social Security verification on a lot of these welfare programs.

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Trump sycophant and chair of the new DOGE subcommittee located within the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, told reporters Thursday that the meeting with Musk and Ramaswamy went fantastic.



She said their biggest concern is our debt as a country, adding, It doesnt matter where you fall on the political divide, this debt is going to crush every single one of us.



Greene added:

All we talked about was cutting spending. 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 we are spending the American peoples money.

Democrats and those that caucus with them in both chambers have already indicated their support for the billionaire-led DOGE initiative.

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, an ardent supporter of Israels genocide in Gaza, told reporters he admired Mr. Musk, adding, He has been involved in very important parts of American society, AI, SpaceX and other kinds of things.

Commenting on the class solidarity between the Republicans and Democrats on slashing programs for the working class and their families, Fetterman added:

Yes, hes on a different team, but that doesnt make me an enemy. I dont be, automatically, become a critic. Its like, hey, he has made, he has made our economy and our nation better, and our politics are different and I dont agree with some of the things he might say, but that doesnt make him, like I said, an enemy.

Former chair of Bernie Sanders presidential campaign, California Representative Ro Khanna tweeted on December 5:



Im ready to work with @doge, @elonmusk + @VivekGRamaswamy to slash waste. I have a track record of doing so.



He called for a Truman Committee to ensure Americans get their moneys worth with DOD spending.

Later the same day, Khanna noted that his previous post, which was retweeted and boosted by Musk, had 23 million plus views on X (formerly Twitter), the most any post of mine has had in 9 years in Congress.



From this, Khanna concluded, Millions of Americans want us to work with @DOGE to cut wasteful spending, adding that it was common sense.



In an interview with Business Insider posted that same day, Khanna said any opposition to proposed spending cuts will be much more effective and reasonable if were willing to work with them on areas where there is government fraud and abuse.



Representative Jared Moskowitz (Democrat-Florida) likewise told Insider that some of the recommendations, Im sure, will be horrible, but that a broken clock is right twice a day, so if there are things that they find that we can improve, shouldnt we give it a chance?



In another interview with NPR on DOGE, Moskowitz declared, When it comes to the budget, I think fiscal conservatism is a good thing.

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has also stated in multiple interviews his willingness to work with Musk and Trump to accomplish their goals.

In an appearance on the New York Times The Daily podcast last month, Sanders offered praise for Musk, saying, Look, Elon Musk is a very, very aggressive and capable business person, very impressive in what hes accomplished, and he says I can do more in a week than the government can do in, you know, five years, and in some ways he is right.

On December 1, Sanders tweeted, Elon Musk is right. The Pentagon, with a budget of $886 billion, just failed its 7th audit in a row. Its lost track of billions. Last year, only 13 senators voted against the Military Industrial Complex and a defense budget full of waste and fraud. That must change.

Musk replied to Sanders tweet with two American flag emojis and wrote in a later tweet, referring to Sanders, Maybe we can find some common ground.

The genuflection of politicians from both parties before the billionaires and their plans for social devastation marks another stage in the protracted crisis of American democracy, which is incompatible with endless war abroad and staggering levels of social inequality domestically.



Finance capital, as Lenin wrote in Imperialism and the Split in Socialism (1916), is reaction all down the line, noting that in both foreign and domestic affairs, finance capital strives for domination, not freedom.

The domination of finance capital is expressed in the elections themselves. Both Harris and Trump ran right-wing campaigns promising to attack immigrants while not infringing on the wealth of the billionaires.



In the case of Musk and Trump, multiple outlets, including the New York Times and Sludge, reported that Musk spent over a quarter of a billion dollars backing Trumps election.



The latest batch of Federal Election Commission reports shows that Musk spent some $40.5 million in checks as part of his rigged lottery. Overall, the Times found that Musk and entities he controls disclosed about $277 million in donations to federal groups this cycle.



This, however, is not all the money Musk spent electing Trump and his Republican allies. The newspaper noted that Musks total spending on the election is not yet knownand may never be, adding that he spent at least $12 million trying to elect Republican senators.

Musk and Trumps other billionaire backers expect a return on their investment. In addition to social spending cuts, Musk and other financial swindlers want further cuts to regulations that impede financial speculation and protect workers health and safety.

The Democrats willingness to work with Trump and his fascist conspirators underscores that the opposition to oligarchic rule will not come from above but from belowfrom the working class against both big business parties and their social and economic system.
Amazon workers: tell us what conditions at your workplace have been. All submissions will be kept anonymous.

General scenes at the Amazon Fulfillment center in Robbinsville Township, N.J., Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

During the sweltering summer of 2022, three workers died at separate Amazon warehouses in New Jersey. Rafael Mota Frias, Rodger Boland and Eric Vadinsky all died within weeks of each other. In each case, brutal conditions marked by extremely high temperatures within the warehouses were responsible for the deaths. Despite this clear pattern, the company denies all responsibility.

But investigations into these deaths by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) did not attribute the fatalities to the excessive heat or any other workplace factors, leaving the company blameless.

Amazon, a huge transnational corporation, is one of the American states largest employers. It is notorious for poor pay and dangerous working conditions, resulting in a high rate of workplace injuries. The company reported a 54 percent increase in injuries at its New Jersey warehouses from 2021 to 2022. Furthermore, a Rutgers University and New Jersey Policy Perspective 2022 report found that Amazon workers suffered injuries at a rate almost twice as high as the injury rate among all other warehouse workers in 2021. The brutal conditions lead to a 124 percent worker turnover rate in 2020 in the state.

A request for the OSHA report under the Freedom Of Information Act was filed on August 14 by WarehouseLife, an Amazon workers rights group, disputing the finding that extreme heat was not a factor in these deaths and demanding the release of details of the OSHA records and findings. Only the OSHA report of the first death has been made public.

They have yet to receive a response to their request. This is unusual because records collected during such investigations are usually made public at their conclusion.

The lack of response by OSHA has prompted a court filing on behalf of a lawsuit on November 26 by Daniel Schlademan, an organizer with the Online to Offline Strategy Group on behalf of Warehouse Life, demanding that the Department of Labor release the requested information.

What little is known about these deaths strongly implies that physical stress caused by elevated temperatures at each workplace likely created conditions that caused these tragedies.

The first death, that of Rafael Reynaldo Mota Frias, 42, took place on July 13 at the Carteret fulfillment center during Amazons high-pressure Prime Day. At that time, New Jersey was experiencing a heat wave with high temperatures in the 90s (32-38 Celsius). Coworkers have said that he pleaded for fans in the work area, which is not air conditioned, hours before his death. According to the workers, management told them to work through the heat.

Despite this, OSHA listed the cause of death as cardiac arrest, which it attributed to a pre-existing medical condition unrelated to excessive temperatures. At the time, Amazon denied that high heat in the warehouse was to blame.

However, it was reported that the air conditioning system at the Carteret facility was upgraded a month after Mota Frias death, a de facto admission of deficient conditions. Coworkers report that Amazon threatened to fire anyone who contradicted the official story. Only the formal OSHA report on Mota Frias has so far been made public.

Roger Boland, the second fatality, suffered a fatal injury on July 24 at the Robbinsville warehouse while falling from a ladder. He died three days later. Amazon has claimed that Bolands death was due to a seizure unrelated to conditions at the warehouse.

The lawsuit states that, according to the doctors at the hospital where he was treated, Boland suffered brain damage resulting from the fall, not a pre-existing condition, and that the victim had an extremely high body temperature at the time. The high temperature in New Jersey on July 24 was 95 degrees (35 degrees Celsius). The lawsuit further states that, following Bolands death, Amazon had denied OSHA access to the room where the accident happened for several weeks, until temperatures had cooled.

Eric Vadinsky, a worker at an Amazon delivery facility in Monroe, was hospitalized on August 4 and died four days later. Further details on his death are not publicly available pending release of the OSHA report.

In July, OSHA proposed a federal heat standard rule for workplaces. The rule would apply to all employers and be triggered when employees are exposed to temperatures of 80 degrees fahrenheit (27 degrees celsius) for more than 15 minutes in any given sixty-minute period. This is not only way overdue, but unlikely to be implemented under the incoming Trump administration, which has vowed to gut business regulations. Efforts in New Jersey to enact workplace heat protections have gone nowhere.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 500 workers died from heat exposure in the US between 2011 and 2022.

With accelerating climate change leading to hotter summers, heat-related workplace injuries and deaths will inevitably increase. The capitalist crisis will only drive businesses to intensify worker exploitation while reducing workplace safety, which cuts into profits.
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On Wednesday, Amnesty International published an exhaustive, 296-page report proving that Only an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza can explain the scale and scope of the mass murder, forcible displacement, and deliberate starvation of the Palestinians in Gaza by Israel.

Palestinian women mourn a relative killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip at a hospital in Deir al-Balah on Thursday, August 22, 2024. [AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana]

Since October 2023, Israel has killed at least 44,580 people in Gaza, according to official statistics, and the death toll has been estimated to be 186,000 or more in a study published in The Lancet. More than 1.9 million people, or 90 percent of Gazas population, have been internally displaced. In a report last month, the UNs human rights office alleged that 70 percent of verified deaths in Gaza were among women and children.

In its report, Amnesty International conclusively establishes that the mass killing has been done with conscious genocidal intent. With the publication of this report, Amnesty International became the first major international human rights organization to formally accuse Israel of genocide.

If it has taken so long for major human rights organizations to make this assertion, it is because of the vast implications of this finding. Whatever Amnesty International may say or write, to accuse Israel of acting on the basis of genocidal intent is to accuse the leaders of the worlds democraciesUS President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macronof conscious complicity in one of the highest international crimes.

On November 27, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing the two men of the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts. This followed the July 19 declaration by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that the Israeli occupation of Palestine was illegal and ordered all countries to cease their cooperation with the occupation.

On December 9, 1948, 39 countries signed the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, a treaty that officially made genocide a crime and required participants to enforce its prohibition. It has since been ratified by the vast majority of the worlds states.

The treaty was a response to the Holocaust, the deliberate, systematic effort by the leaders of Nazi Germany to exterminate the Jews of Europe, which led to the industrial massacre of 6 million European Jews. The convention systematized the writings of Raphael Lemkin, who coined the term genocide to describe both the Holocaust and the Ottoman Empires earlier genocide of Armenians.

Lemkin worked closely with the legal team of Robert H. Jackson, chief US prosecutor at the Nuremberg tribunal, which exposed and prosecuted the conspiracy by the leaders of Nazi Germany to launch an aggressive war to conquer Europe.

Under international law, the crime of genocide requires not only the physical killing of members of a particular national, racial or ethnic group. For such acts to constitute genocide, they must be committed by the perpetrators with the intent to destroy the targeted group and to be part of a manifest pattern of similar conduct directed against that group. The Amnesty International report establishes that both of these elements are satisfied in Gaza.

The American government, the primary financial, military and political backer of Israel, denies that the Netanyahu government is perpetrating a genocide in Gaza. In December 2023, President Joe Biden alleged that Israel was carrying out indiscriminate bombinga statement the White House immediately attempted to walk back. But in the 14 months since Israel began its onslaught on Gaza, the US government has asserted hundreds of times that while Israel may be exercising insufficient care in striking Gaza, it has no intent to kill Palestinian civilians.

The Amnesty International report exposes this argument as a deliberate and absurd lie. The report compiles dozens of statements made at every level of the Israeli state, from the president to key cabinet leaders, to local officials, down to the statements, writings and testimony of Israeli soldiers.

An exhibit from Amnesty International's report

Amnesty International explains that its report:

Reviewed 102 statements made by Israeli government officials, high-ranking military officers, and members of the Knesset made between 7 October 2023 and 30 June 2024, which dehumanized Palestinians or called for or justified genocidal acts or other crimes under international law against them. Of these, it identified 22 statements that were specifically made by members of Israels war and security cabinets, high-ranking military officers, and Israels president between 7 October 2023 and 30 June 2024 and appeared to call for or justify genocidal acts.

These statements verify entirely with the actions of the soldiers carrying out the destruction of Gaza and extermination of its people.

To consider further the possible influence of these statements over the militarys conduct, Amnesty International analyzed 62 videos, audio recordings, and photographs posted online showing Israeli soldiers making calls for the destruction of Gaza or the denial of essential services to people in Gaza, or celebrating the destruction of Palestinian property, and examined the extent to which they echoed statements made by senior government and military officials.

On the basis of these statements,

Amnesty International finds that genocidal intent is the only reasonable inference. Sufficient evidence exists to find that Israels purpose and goal in Gaza is the destruction of Palestinians in Gaza, and there is no reasonable alternative explanation. Because Israel is acting in the context of an armed conflict, it obviously has military goals as well, which may operate in tandem with genocidal intent or which the destruction of Palestinians serves. But these military goals are insufficient to explain the scale and scope of Israels ongoing unlawful actions. Only an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza does so.

An exhibit from Amnesty International's report [AP Photo]

At this point, it is necessary to continue where Amnesty Internationals report stops. What happens when the statements of American leaders are held to the same legal tests to which Amnesty International subjects the statements of Israeli leaders?

Amnesty International attributed great significance to the biblical references made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Amalek, a mythical tribe of people whom the biblical texts allege were exterminated by the mythical King David.

In October, former President Bill Clinton justified Israels killing of Palestinian civilians by declaring, Hamas makes sure that theyre shielded by civilians, adding, Theyll force you to kill civilians if you want to defend yourself.

He then went on to justify Israeli actions by referencing the myth of King David, declaring, Well, I got news for them [the Palestinians]. They [the Israelis] were there first before their faith [Islam] existed. They were there in the time of King David, the southernmost tribes had Judea and Samaria.

The same biblical texts that assert the existence of King David declare that in his campaign against the Amalekites, David struck the land, leaving neither man nor woman alive. David was acting according to the biblical commandment of Yaweh to go and smite Amalek  slay both man and woman, infant and suckling.

In December 2023, Senator Lindsay Graham raised the prospect of Israel using nuclear weapons in Gaza and openly advocated the killing of civilians. This is a radicalized population, Graham said. I dont want to kill innocent people, but Israel is fighting not just Hamas, but the infrastructure around Hamas.

The undeniable fact is that these statements, too, are not merely a defense of war crimes but declarations of genocidal intent.

The only logical inference from the Amnesty International report is that Biden, Macron, Starmer, Scholz and the other government heads who are accomplices of Israel must be immediately arrested.

Where is this incitement to mass murder coming from? In the 2008 book, Empire, Colony, Genocide: Keywords and the Philosophy of History, genocide scholar A. Dirk Moses explains that far from being coined just in response to the Holocaust, Extra-European colonial cases also featured prominently in [Lemkins] projected global history of genocide. These included genocide against the American Indians, as well as against the Incans and Aztecs, and in the Belgian Congo.

In other words, the Holocaust was the expression, on a massive, concentrated and industrial scale, of all the murderous traditions of capitalism, which, to use the words of Karl Marx, comes into the world dripping with blood and filth from every pore.

The imperialist powers have proclaimed, in the words of President Joe Biden, a new world order, to which he adds, and were going to lead it. This new world order is a return to naked colonial domination, imposed through violence not seen since the Second World War. The Gaza genocide is not an accident or aberration but rather the deliberate and concentrated expression of this struggle to reshape the world by the imperialist powers.

The open embrace of genocide by the democratic states marks a turning point. The era in which the imperialist powers could deck themselves out in a democratic toga, to pretend to uphold constitutional, legal and democratic traditions, is over. They have shown the world what they are: a gang of blood-drenched murderers and cutthroats.

History teaches that changes in objective circumstances take time to find their reflection in politics. But when they do, the consequences are earth-shaking. The role of the imperialist powers in perpetrating the Gaza genocide will be a powerful impetus for the building of a movement by the working class to put an end to the capitalist system.
On Thursday, Akron, Ohio officials released bodycam and dashcam videos showing a police officer opening fire on 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker with a long-arm and then, along with six other officers, waiting ten minutes to provide aid to the teen. Tucker died shortly after he was taken to a local hospital by paramedics.

In this image taken from police body camera video released by the Akron, Ohio, Police Department, officers display their weapons late Nov. 28, 2024, as they confront 15-year-old boy Jazmir Tucker in Akron, Ohio [AP Photo/Akron Police Department]

From the way the videos have been edited, it is clear that Akron authorities are doing everything possible to present the police gunning down of a ninth grade student at North High School as justified.

On the day of the shooting, which took place at 10:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving, police said they heard gunshots in the area and encountered Tucker in the yard of South High School. The reports said he was carrying a loaded gun.

The reports also said that the officer who fired the shots that killed the teen had been on the force for five years. The second officer, who did not fire his weapon, has been with the Akron police for four years. Both officers, who have not been named, have been placed on paid administrative leave.

In one eight-minute bodycam video, an officer is seen running with his automatic rifle drawn. He stops and then fires multiple rounds. There is no audio for the first 30 seconds and once the audio begins, the officer is heard yelling put your hands out to your side, and other officers at the scene are yelling stop moving, and put your hands up.

The police officers repeat these commands more than 30 times with their guns drawn and aimed at the teenager who is down on the ground suffering from multiple gunshots.

Another video shows the group of seven or eight officers walking up to Tucker and handcuffing him while he is on the ground and not moving. The officers can be seen pulling a handgun out of the teens jacket pocket.

On Friday, the family of Jazmir Tucker held a press conference with two attorneys, Robert Gresham and Stanley Jackson from the Cochran Firm. Family members had viewed the released body and dashcam videos the previous day.

Tuckers mother, Ashley Green, said, He was still a baby. He was loved by everybody. Were always going to remember him and the great things he did for everybody. Were always going to miss him because he put a smile on everybodys face. She also said that she learned of the news about her son through social media, saying, The police never addressed us. No one ever came to me. I came to them.

When asked about the gun found on Tucker, attorney Gresham said, contrary to the claims of the police, these officers had no idea he had a weapon on him based on where they found it. So, from our perspective and from a legal perspective, at this time considering the officers dont appear to have known about it, its not relevant to whats going on here.

Also responding to the video, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said the recordings left him with many questions, including why the officers did not turn on their bodycams immediately after leaving their cruiser and why it took so long for them to provide aid to Tucker.

When asked why the officers identities had not been released, Malik gave a rambling response about specific threats that officers are facing versus the value that we do have in transparency, and so we will continue to work on assessing that and making that evaluation in light of releasing the information we did last night.

Mindful of the mounting public anger against the epidemic of police shootings across the US, the Democratic Party mayor also said, In hindsight, the amount of time that expired between the shooting and the initiation of physical aid to Jazmir is deeply troubling to me.

Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said the investigation is in its early stages and that My hope is that the investigation will provide more clarity. Although he did not specify what needed to be clarified, most investigations of police killings return a judgement that the shooting was justified. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the probe and Akron police are carrying out their own separate internal investigation.

The Akron Police Department has not released how many times Tucker was shot and where on his body he was shot. That information, according to Captain Michael Miller, was not immediately known by department officials and was likely known by the Summit County Medical Examiners Office.

News 5 has reported that the automatic rifle used by the officer to kill the teen was not department-issued, but was his personal weapon. Chief Harding said the majority of police rifles are not department-issued and the officers purchase their own, but they have to qualify them with us and they go through training.

When a reporter for the Akron Beacon Journal contacted the medical examiners office on Thursday, Chief Investigator Gary Gunther said preliminary details about Tuckers death could not be released due to state law.

A group of protesters organized a demonstration on Friday on South Main Street in downtown Akron. The protesters chanted No justice no peace and Justice for Jazmir and brought hand-made signs, one of which said, Jazmir was a boy forever.
Plenty of people from all over the world move to Los Angeles with hopes of making it big in Hollywood. However, once they've become pretty big stars, some people move out of the city  and some leave the US altogether.

Here are 11 American celebs who moved out of the US and why:

1.In 2024, Eva Longoria told Marie Claire that she and her family have been splitting their time between Spain [where she often works] and Mexico [where her husband, Jose Baston, is from] for the last few years.

She said, "I had my whole adult life here. But even before [the pandemic], it was changing. The vibe was different. And then COVID happened, and it pushed it over the edge. Whether its the homelessness or the taxes, not that I want to shit on California  it just feels like this chapter in my life is done now. ...Im privileged. I get to escape and go somewhere. Most Americans arent so lucky. Theyre going to be stuck in this dystopian country, and my anxiety and sadness is for them. Her comments led to online speculation that she'd moved out of the US because of the 2024 election. So, to set the record straight, Eva called into her friend Ana Navarro's podcast The View: Behind the Table. She asked Ana, "Will you please let them know I didnt move out of Spain, I mean the United States, because of Trump? Then, Eva added, "Ive been in Europe working for almost three years. By the way, the article says that. People just grabbed some clickbait stuff to be divisive, which makes me so sad, you know. Everything you say is just meant to be divisive when we cant be that way right now. ...I didnt leave because of the political environment. I left because my work took me there." Kevin Winter / WireImage / Via Getty

2.In a 2024 Instagram video, Britney Spears shared that she moved to Mexico because of the "extremely mean and cruel" treatment she'd faced from paparazzi.

She said, "It really kind of hurts my feelings that the paparazzi make my face look like I'm wearing, like, a white Jason mask. It doesn't even look like me. They've always been incredibly cruel to me, the paparazzi and pictures and the way they've illustrated me to be in some of it." Steve Granitz / WireImage / Via Getty

3.Lindsay Lohan and her family live in Dubai. She relocated to the UAE in 2014.

According to Cosmopolitan, she moved to Dubai because paparazzi are illegal. In 2024, she told Flaunt, "Its still a city. So its pretty similar. I mean, I do anything that anyone else does in their daily life. Im up with my son in the mornings, I do breakfast with him, go to my pilates, come home for lunch, and go to the park, the same things that any normal mom would do in their daily life. Or you would do in LA. I think the only difference is the time zone shift. Theres a big disconnect between when work starts for me and other places. I can do my work calls with New York at like three or four, around this time, and then LA picks up later." Thestewartofny / Getty Images

4.In 2024, People reported that Ellen DeGeneres fell in love with a house in the Costwalds in the UK and moved there with her wife, Portia de Rossi.

Per sources that spoke to The Wrap and TMZ, the couple reportedly moved abroad following the results of the 2024 presidential election. Dave Benett / Dave Benett / Getty Images for RH

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5.Lily Collins and her husband, Charlie McDowell, relocated to Copenhagen, Denmark in 2023.

The couple honeymooned in Denmark in 2021, and they co-own the media production and real estate company Case Study Copenhagen. Dave Benett / Alan Chapman/Dave Benett / Getty Images

6.Janet Jackson has lived in London, UK since about 2016.

According to the Guardian, she stayed in the city after her 2017 divorce from billionaire Wissam Al Mana, who is from Qatar but lives in London, because they co-parent their son. Gilbert Carrasquillo / GC Images / Via Getty

7.In April 2024, Richard Gere told Vanity Fair Spain that he and his family planned to move to Spain, where his wife, Alejandra Silva, is from, later in the year.

He said, "For me, going to Madrid is going to be a great adventure because I have never lived full-time outside the United States. And I think it will be very interesting for my children as well. For Alejandra, it will be wonderful to be closer to her family, her lifelong friends, and her culture. She was very generous in giving me six years living in my world, so I think it is only fair that I give her at least another six living in hers. In any case, I love Spain, and I think your lifestyle is fabulous. Also, your ability to live, transmitting joy and happiness. It is a beautiful place, the food is extraordinary, and the people exude sensitivity and generosity, as well as a strong will to laugh and enjoy. So I'm looking forward to going there." Carlos Alvarez / Getty Images

8.In 1995, Tina Turner moved to Switzerland with Erwin Bach, her then-boyfriend (and later husband).

In 1997, she told CNN, "I have left America because my success was in another country, and my boyfriend was in another country." She also said she was "as big as Madonna" in Europe. She said, "I went to England for a couple of years, and then I met a man, and I lived three years with him in his country, in Germany. Then I bought a house, in the meantime, in the south of France, and I started to rebuild that, so I'm in and out of there. That's not a place I can go often. [Home is] Zurich. Because my boyfriend was moved there to run the company, and I always wanted to go to Switzerland, and I was very happy." In 2013, Tina married Erwin and became a Swiss citizen. Bertrand Rindoff Petroff / Getty Images

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9.In 2021, George Clooney reportedly moved to Brignoles, Provence, France with his wife, Amal Clooney, and their children.

He and his wife, Amal Clooney, reportedly want to have a "peaceful life" and raise their children primarily in France. James Devaney / GC Images / Via Getty

10.In 2023, Christina Milian and her family moved to France, where her husband, Matt Pokora, is from.

She told the Jennifer Hudson Show, "My husband is French, and weve been together for over seven or eight years, and for like the last three or four years, we were commuting back and forth every six months. And then we decided to commit to it last year because our kids were going to go to school." Marc Piasecki / Getty Images

11.And finally, Josh Hartnett and his wife, Tamsin Egerton, lived between the US and the UK (her home country) for years but spent lockdown in the UK. Then, when they were expecting their third child, they decided to stay in Hampshire for good.

In 2024, he told the Guardian that in NYC or LA, people only want to talk about your career," but he prefers how, in Hampshire, "nobody cares." He also said that, because he'd on a marriage visa, he's only allowed to leave the UK for work for 180 days out of the year, giving him time to make about one movie. He's fine with that and enjoys getting to spend more time with his kids while they're growing up. Dave Benett / Alan Chapman/Dave Benett / WireImage

If you were going to move to a different country, which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments!
Celebrity Cruises set sail from Floridas Port Canaveral for the first time ever this week, setting out on a week-long journey to the warm Caribbean.

The cruise line set sail from its newest homeport on its Celebrity Equinox ship on Tuesday, Celebrity shared with Travel + Leisure. Travelers will now be able to board seven-night voyages from the central Florida port through April 2025 heading to popular destinations like the Bahamas, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Belize, and beyond.

The cruise line will also sail from the port to Royal Caribbeans private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which Celebrity started visiting earlier this year. Both Celebrity and Royal Caribbean are part of the Royal Caribbean Group.

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At Celebrity we are continually striving to elevate our guests vacation experience from start to finish, and are delighted to offer even more ways to relax, unwind and explore the Caribbean, Laura Hodges Bethge, the president of Celebrity Cruises, said in a statement shared with T+L. The addition of Port Canaveral offers guests the ultimate flexibility for their perfect Caribbean getaway.

On board, the Celebrity Equinox welcomes 2,852 guests and features more than 20 food and beverage options along with a seemingly endless array of activities from Pickleball to glass blowing classes, and more.

For its part, Port Canaveral sits along Floridas Space Coast and offers access to popular destinations like NASAs Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Cocoa Beach. In addition to Celebrity, the port serves several other major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises.

Celebrity said it will plan to expand its presence at the port in winter 2025 with 7-night sailings on the Celebrity Apex, a 2,910-guest ship.

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In total, Celebrity sails more than a dozen ships from its oldest, the Celebrity Millennium, to the newest Celebrity Ascent, which launched in 2023 as the fourth ship in the cruise line's Edge class.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
We are all familiar with the four seasons  winter, spring, summer and fall. Hikers are only too familiar with our 5th season  shoulder season. This season can occur in early spring and late fall. This November, in areas such as Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake temperatures have dropped below freezing several times accompanied by some of that fluffy, white stuff.

If I look out my window in Peru, the grass is still green and the sun is shining in a bright blue sky. Looks can be deceiving. It is hard to believe but local hikers are reporting from 1 to 2 feet of snow on some of the high peaks. Some of the hikes start on very muddy trails which turn to icy trails as they ascend and the higher they go, a winter wonderland. It is not only the high peaks that are getting snow but some of the lower mountains have the mud to ice to some snow. In the warmer months, an emergency may not be so critical but this time of year a hike can rapidly turn from a fun day to a life threatening event for unprepared hikers who become injured or lost if the weather suddenly changes.

No matter what mountain you choose to climb, these conditions are a recipe for disaster if one is not prepared. The rule of thumb is that for every 1000 feet of elevation gain, you drop 5-8 degrees in temperature not counting the wind chill. Keeping warm and dry are two important factors in having a positive outing.

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Following are a few tips of what to pack and prepare for when hiking in shoulder season.

- Check the latest update on snow conditions.

- Start earlier as there is less daylight.

- Dress in layers.

- Extra socks and bread bags in case you get wet feet.

- Poles  I always use them for water crossings and descending.

- Boot traction  Microspikes, snowshoes and or crampons. (Decide after checking trail conditions)

- Communication device  Make sure your phone is charged. Bring a power pack as cold temperatures will decrease your battery quicker.)

- Headlamp with fresh batteries. (I always bring 2 headlamps.)

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- A light bivy is very handy if a hiker is injured and has to wait for rescue.

- Waterproof matches, a candle and fire starter.

- Hand Warmers

- First aid kit.

- Ample food and water.

- Know the first signs of frostbite and hypothermia and how to treat them. Shivering, confusion and loss of coordination are some of the signs for hypothermia. Numbness, tingling and patches of skin turning color are some signs of frostbite.

- Always tell someone your planned route and rough estimate of when you should be home and stick to it.

These are just a few suggestions. I could go on and on  extra waterproof mittens, navigation devices, map, compass, etc. etc. There are many books and websites with information on hiking in all seasons. The photos provided are taken on the same day. The hikers were prepared for all conditions but you can see how you can be fooled by the lower conditions.

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Just remember, it is not just the destination but the journey. If it begins to be not fun or conditions have become dangerous just call it. There is no shame in turning around. The mountains will always be there.

Happy Trails!

Peru resident Joanne Kennedy is a photographer and writer who can be found exploring the many lakes and mountains in the Adirondacks or other wilderness areas. She enjoys sharing the unique places she visits in the natural world with her readers. Reach her at loonsrcool@gmail.com.


Credit: In Germany, where this renter lives, its common for rental units to not come with a kitchen  the renter must build their own!Credit: Hillary H. Credit: Hillary H.



Credit: It was this renters first time building a kitchen and she wanted to keep her costs under $10,000.Credit: Hillary H. Credit: Hillary H.



Credit: While professionals installed the bulk of the kitchen, taking on a few DIY tasks  like assembling the new island and installing the floating shelves  helped keep costs down.Credit: Hillary H. Credit: Hillary H.

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A peel-and-stick tile backsplash with a light blue finish helps add a little color to the kitchen. This was a DIY install, too. Credit: Hillary H. Credit: Hillary H.



Credit: The oak veneer cabinets, subtle marbled countertop, and vertically stacked blue tiles work really well together to create a warm and inviting kitchen! says the renter of her new space.Credit: Hillary H. Credit: Hillary H.



Credit: Were also happy with our decision to not add upper cabinets but opt for floating shelves instead, as it keeps the space open and bright, she adds.Credit: Hillary H. Credit: Hillary H.

A highlight of the after is the range hood, which has a charming vintage style. Credit: Hillary H. Credit: Hillary H.

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Credit: Everything is easily organized and just makes sense  which is really important for a kitchen! says the renter.Credit: Hillary H. Credit: Hillary H.

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.

ABOUT THIS BEFORE & AFTER

HOME TYPE: Apartment

PROJECT TYPE: Kitchen

STYLE: Scandinavian

SKILL LEVEL: Professional

RENTAL FRIENDLY: No

When you hear that a kitchen is a blank space, you probably assume that its minimally furnished but still has the basics (cabinets, counters, appliances). But in some areas, blank space means, quite literally, blank space. In Germany, for instance, its common for rental units to come without a kitchen  meaning the renter whos moving in literally has to build their own from scratch, or pay extra to keep the previous renters kitchen for themselves.

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When DIYer Hillary and her husband, Pat, moved into their apartment, they found themselves in just that scenario. The space where the kitchen would be was totally empty, meaning theyd have to create their own. Since our apartment is a new build, we did not have the choice to buy [an existing kitchen], but were happy to be able to fully customize our kitchen to our needs, Hillary says. That said, she knew she wanted to make sure that the project cost them less than $10,000 total, including the appliances.

With a hard budget in mind, the couple scouted out options before ultimately landing on IKEA, which Hillary says was the most affordable and we liked the finishing options since our style leans Scandinavian.

Planning the design was a major part of the reno.

Hillary used IKEAs layout tools to map out her ideas for her dream kitchen before discussing with a kitchen designer at the store. She recommends the same for anyone else whos planning to buy an IKEA kitchen  and says you should come with questions, too. The designer helped Hillary and Pat trim costs throughout their space by cutting out any unnecessary upgrades and suggesting that the couple build the island  which wouldnt need to be plumbed or wired  themselves.

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Oak veneer cabinets warm up the space.

Hillary and Pat werent fans of the gray tiled floors, which Hillary says made the space feel cold. To warm it up, the couple went with oak veneer cabinets topped with marble countertops. The new appliances are also from IKEA; the range hood, which has a vintage vibe, is a favorite statement piece.

Pros installed the lower cabinets (and countertops and appliances), but Hillary and Pat decided to skip out on buying uppers. Instead, they installed their own floating shelves  something Hillary says was surprisingly easy and took less than an hour in total. The shelves themselves were made by a local woodworker.

A DIY island adds even more storage.

Another thing Hillary and Pat DIYed themselves? The island, which also came from IKEA. Choosing to do that project on their own saved them about $1,000 in labor costs. Unfortunately, it wasnt quite as easy as the floating shelves. Building the island was the hardest part, Hillary says. We were surprised how there were pieces that we had to cut on our own and it wouldnt have been possible without a power saw. The IKEA manual shows that a regular saw is possible, but it would have taken literally hours to cut manually.

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Peel-and-stick tiles bring a little color.

Hillary found her peel-and-stick tiles while visiting family in Singapore, and knew they were the perfect way to bring a little color to the kitchen. However, she was hesitant to apply them straight to the wall in case they caused damage on removal  they do live in a rental, after all!

Hillary came up with an ingenious plan that helped minimize any repairs the couple would need to do later. Im really proud of how I came up with the idea to install a MDF backing for the tiles to stick on, she says. The MDF backing is installed with a nail gun and super easy to remove and patch if we ever moved out.

Now, the kitchen is anything but a blank space. The oak veneer cabinets, subtle marbled countertop, and vertically stacked blue tiles work really well together to create a warm and inviting kitchen! Hillary says. Were also happy with our decision to not add upper cabinets but opt for floating shelves instead, as it keeps the space open and bright.

And best part? Hillary and Pat came in well under their initial budget; they spent 6,700 (approximately $7,048 USD) in total. Im proud of myself for designing the IKEA kitchen the way I did, from the placement of each cabinet and also choosing when to use drawers versus cupboards, Hillary says. Everything is easily organized and just makes sense  which is really important for a kitchen!

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Inspired? Submit your own project here.

Further Reading

We Tested (and Rated!) All the Living Room Seating at Burrow to Determine the Best for Every Space and Need

We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm  Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need

We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Heres What They Said

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This year marks 50 years since the Kingdom of Bhutan began welcoming international tourism. With a population of approximately 800,000 people and only one main highway snaking through its mountains and valleys  the capital city, Thimphu, is the only one in the world without a traffic light  Bhutan remains relatively unexplored. And with a government committed to low-volume, high-value tourism, it wants to stay that way.

A trip to the Himalayan kingdom  one of Travel + Leisures best places to go in 2025  may take more planning, but its worth the added effort. You can explore stunning valleys and dramatic mountains, go on epic hikes and rafting adventures, and stay in luxurious hotels, all while interacting with the warm people of this country. As a top travel advisor, here's how I would plan a luxurious getaway to Bhutan.

Getting to Bhutan

Two airlines  Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines  serve Bhutan, and only a select few pilots are authorized to fly into Paro International Airport, because navigating the (breathtaking) mountain peaks and valleys is so challenging. Travel companies like The Legacy Untold help make the airport experience seamless; youll be greeted upon arrival by your guide and driver.

Edwin Tan/Getty Imgaes Dochula Pass, Bhutan, located near the capital, Thimphu. Dochula Pass, Bhutan, located near the capital, Thimphu.

Where to Go

Give yourself at least seven to 10 days to explore the countrys wonders. First, youll want to spend time in Thimphu, the capital city, which is about an hour from the airport. Here, you can visit local markets, try your hand at papermaking at the Jungshi Paper Factory, learn about the ancient art of weaving at the Royal Textile Academy, and shop for crafts at an array of boutiques. Don't miss the citys Buddha Dordenma (a giant statue of the Buddha); at 169-feet tall, its one of the largest in the world. For more culturally immersive activities, try an astrology reading from the monks at Pangri Zampa, who blend ancient Buddhist wisdom with cosmic patterns to provide spiritual and practical guidance, or make local dishes during a hands-on private Bhutanese cooking lesson.

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From Thimphu, head to Punakha by way of the Dochula Pass, a stunning mountain pass with 108 memorial stupas (Buddhist monuments). Stop at Chimi Lhakhang Temple and admire the structures believed by some to bestow blessings of fertility. Youll also want to visit the awe-inspiring Punakha Dzong, a fortress steeped in Bhutan's royal history and perhaps the most impressive structure I saw in the country. Its particularly stunning in springtime amidst lilac-hued blooms. For thrill-seekers, navigate the rapids of the Pho Chhu River, an exhilarating way to take in the pristine surrounding landscape.

From Punakha, enjoy the scenic drive to the Phobjikha Valley (also known as the Gangtey Valley). Finish the trip in Paro with a four-hour trek to the famous Tigers Nest, a stunning monastery hugging a dramatic cliffside at almost 10,000 feet above sea level. Here, breathtaking views and moments of quiet contemplation amid the pine forests and Spanish moss might bring about a spiritual awakening.

Courtesy of &Beyond.com andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, in Punakha, Bhutan. andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, in Punakha, Bhutan.

Where to Stay

Despite its limited number of tourists and lack of crowds, Bhutan has several spectacular boutique lodges with a strong sense of place, friendly service, great food, and fabulous design. Working with a travel advisor will help you mix and match luxury hotels that are seamlessly blending modern luxury with Bhutanese charm.

Courtesy of Gangtey Lodge Spectacular views from Gangtey Lodge. Spectacular views from Gangtey Lodge.

I love the Six Senses Bhutan for its architectural brilliance, grand spaces, and focus on wellness and sustainability. Amankora was one of Bhutan's first luxury hotels and now has five lodges in wonderful locations, like Punakha and Paro, each offering exceptional food and service. andBeyond Punakha stands out for its experiential culinary offerings, like an amazing breakfast with views of dramatic vertical mountains, as well as sunset riverside bonfires with cocktails and luxe tented accommodations that connect guests to nature. Upon my visit, I fell hard for Gangtey Lodge, which, at an elevation of 10,300 feet, feels off the grid in the best possible way. I love that when guests arrive at this intimate, family-owned hotel, the staff welcomes them with a song. Plus, the on-site offerings include in-room morning stretches, spectacular hikes, and some of the best hot-stone baths in the country.

Rui T GuedesiStockphoto/Getty Images/ Great Buddah Dordenma on the mountains of Bhutan, near the capital Thimphu. Great Buddah Dordenma on the mountains of Bhutan, near the capital Thimphu.

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Travel Deeper

Go off the beaten path and stay in a luxury mobile camp that moves away from the more typical five-valley travel circuit to villages and wild landscapes rarely visited by tourists. In Punakha, hike to a surprise breakfast overlooking the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Temple, the perfect spot for early-morning contemplation and croissants. In Paro, hang mountaintop prayer flags and offer a prayer for loved ones. For the really adventurous, visit the remote and roadless Laya village in the greater Himalayan range in the north of the country, one of the world's highest human settlements and a distinct subculture of Bhutan. The Legacy Untold may even be able to arrange an overnight stay at one of the royal palaces.

Mark Lakin is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and Travel Advisory Board. He specializes in trips to far-flung locations. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Lakin by contacting him at ml@thelegacyuntold.com.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
I stayed at Hotel Yellowstone, a luxury resort, and Cache House, a hostel, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Hotel Yellowstone costs $1,500 a night, while Cache House is a more budget-friendly option.

Cache House felt surprisingly luxurious for a hostel, with starting rates as low as $65 in winter.

When I visited the luxury vacation hot spot of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, earlier this fall, I simply had to stay at one of the most expensive hotels in the area  Hotel Yellowstone, an adults-only resort with a starting rate of $1,500 a night.

The biggest draw for me was the location. The resort sits on a hill with unobstructed views of the Teton Range and Snake River Valley. Photos online showed epic landscapes that I had to see for myself. So I booked a one-night stay in September 2024, though Business Insider paid a media rate.

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For travelers craving luxury on a tight budget, a hotel this expensive may need to be paired with a cheaper stay. That's why I spent another night in the cheapest accommodation I could find in Jackson Hole. For $150, I got a bunk in an upscale hostel, Cache House, though a company representative told BI that starting rates are $110 in the summer and $65 in the winter.

Before staying in both accommodations, I thought my preference for the more expensive one would be obvious. Still, my previous travel reporting has shown me that it's not always that simple.

Hotel Yellowstone and Cache House serve completely different vacationers, but both offer luxury in their own ways.

On a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I spent one night at Hotel Yellowstone, a resort, and another at Cache House, a hostel.

Hotel Yellowstone and Cache House are in Jackson, Wyoming. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Cache House is in Downtown Jackson, a walkable neighborhood full of boutiques, restaurants, and, in my experience, traffic.

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While Hotel Yellowstone is less than 15 minutes north of the bustling square, it's tucked away in a scenic area with expansive properties. I thought it provided a more isolated experience.

First, I stayed at Hotel Yellowstone, a luxury, adults-only resort that opened in August.

The main building of Hotel Yellowstone. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I booked a one-night stay at Hotel Yellowstone about a month after it opened. When my cab pulled up, I could tell it was a brand-new establishment.

The four-acre resort had 10 sleek, cabin-style buildings with wide windows and sloped rooftops.

The pond at Hotel Yellowstone. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Between buildings, lush, extravagant landscaping framed a glistening pond that attracted wildlife  from ducks to moose.

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The resort's interior design showcased modern luxury with Western flair.

Inside the Hotel Yellowstone lobby. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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I entered a neutral-toned lobby with cathedral ceilings to check into the hotel. The space had an array of cozy seating, from fur seats to cushioned rocking chairs.

"Hotel Yellowstone's design pays homage to the American West while seamlessly blending influences of modern design," a representative of Hotel Yellowstone told Business Insider.

Before heading to my room, I sat briefly and stared in awe out a vast window that framed the Tetons.

A view out the window. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Hills and mountains layered the distant landscape, and a rich, green valley brightened the foreground. It looked like a photograph.

After checking in, I headed to my Grand Teton Suite.

Inside the author's room. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Hotel Yellowstone had nine guest room buildings with four accommodations in each. Each room was 600 square feet and had a private balcony  the main difference between each is the view.

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I booked a room with a balcony facing the Teton Range. It had a plush, king-sized bed, a full bathroom, two seating spaces, and glass doors for nonstop views of the mountains.

The accommodation had basic amenities like a TV, a mini fridge, and a fireplace. I used the in-room smart tablet to close the curtains, ignite the fireplace, activate mood lighting, and change the channel.

The space nodded to the American West, from the lighting to the wall art.

A wide view of the room. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

"The intricate design components pull inspiration from Jackson Hole's history, proximity to national parks, and locale on a wildlife refuge  allowing guests to view Jackson Hole's native animals from the comfort of their suites," the Hotel Yellowstone representative told BI.

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To me, the bathroom felt like a private spa.

Inside the bathroom. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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The Carrara marble bathroom had floor and towel heaters. A stand-alone rainfall shower was stocked with Byredo toiletries. A large, deep tub sat behind a sliding door, revealing the outdoor views.

Hotel Yellowstone had a restaurant for guests only.

Inside Olivia's, the hotel's restaurant. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

At most hotels I've stayed in, the on-site restaurants are open to the public. Still, Hotel Yellowstone's resto, Olivia's, was exclusively for hotel guests.

It was on the lower level of the main building beneath the lobby. As I stepped down the stairs, I spotted an elegant marble bar with couch seating. Just past the bar was a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows.

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Dining at this establishment that locally sources ingredients almost felt like dining outside  without the discomforts of weather and bugs.

There was also a spa, fitness center, pool, and sauna.

A view of the pool with the retractable Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The pool  open 24 hours a day, along with the sauna  was made for relaxing. Known as the Negative Edge Pool, it was indoors with retractable glass windows overlooking the valley and surrounding mountains.

After my tranquil night at Hotel Yellowstone, I headed to Downtown Jackson to stay at a hostel.

Cache House lies beneath the Anvil Hotel. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

To get to Cache House, I went to the Anvil Hotel, which has existed since the 1950s.

In the 1970s, a bunkhouse opened in the basement of the hotel. Then, in 2020, that bunkhouse opened as the "modern, elevated interpretation of the classic European hostel" Cache House, a company representative told BI.

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I checked in at the Anvil Hotel, and a staff member walked me around the side of the building and down an outdoor staircase into the basement.

My key card unlocked the door to the hostel.

Like Hotel Yellowstone, Cache House had a modern design with hints of Western culture.

The communal space in the hostel. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The door at the bottom of the steps opened into a massive, brightly-lit room with a mix of midcentury modern and old Western pieces and accents.

Cache House hired Brooklyn-based Post Company to give the room a sleek, functional look.

Geometric-patterned blankets were laid over black leather futons with wooden feet. Modern built-ins displayed albums behind a rustic, wooden dining table. Rugs and throws added pops of color to the space.

My booking included a locker for my luggage.

The author's key card and locker. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

All Cache House bookings include a private locker for belongings. With just a backpack and a medium-sized duffel bag, there was plenty of space I didn't use.

Unlike Hotel Yellowstone, I didn't have my own bathroom at Cache House  but I had the next best thing.

Stalls of bathrooms with showers in the hostel. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The shared space had several private stalls with a toilet, sink, and shower. And like at Hotel Yellowstone, the bathrooms were spotless and had complimentary toiletries from a high-end beauty brand,

C.O. Bigelow.

After freshening up, I headed to my bunk.

Top bunks at Cache House. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The hostel's midcentury modern style continued into the bunk room, where wooden ladders with gold accents led up and down 50 bunks, ranging from twin- to queen-sized.

Beneath each pair of bunk beds were two storage drawers  one for each bunk.

I had a queen-sized upper bunk.

Inside the author's bunk Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I pulled the curtain at the top of the ladder to reveal a nook with a queen-sized bed, a reading light, a shelf, an outlet, and a fan.

It was a far cry from my 600-square-foot haven at Hotel Yellowstone, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the bunk felt like a tiny room. The curtain blocked sound and light, giving me all the privacy I needed.

The mattress was a bigger surprise. Although a tad smaller, the Cache House bed was just as comfy and plush as Hotel Yellowstone's. With linen and wool bedding, I slept just as soundly and woke up just as refreshed.

Cache House doesn't have on-site amenities like a restaurant, a pool, or a fitness center, but there's plenty to do.

An intersection in Downtown Jackson. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I certainly didn't expect my budget hostel stay to have additional amenities, but since it was centrally located in the walkable downtown area, I thought it didn't need to.

I had dinner nearby and spent the evening strolling around the town square, popping inside various boutiques.

Both accommodations gave me a taste of luxury, and I'd stay at both again.

Hotel Yellowstone and surrounding views. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Hotel Yellowstone would be ideal for the retreat seeker who craves serenity in solitude.

An adventurer who wants to stay out all day sampling the food, shopping, and culture of Jackson Hole would likely have a better time at the centrally located Cache House.

They'd save a buck and still get a taste of luxury.

Read the original article on Business Insider
We've all had things go wrong at work. No matter what industry you work in or what title you have, we've all experienced our fair share of "oh crap" moments.

Luckily, most of us aren't doing open heart surgery, so the stakes aren't as high.

Imagine Entertainment / Via giphy.com

Although, that may make you wonder...do surgeons ever have those panic-inducing moments on the job?

20th Television / Via giphy.com

Well, the answer is yes, and the evidence is right here in this Reddit thread. Dozens of medical professionals shared stories about their "oh crap moments," and it might have you lost for words:

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1."I was doing a corneal transplant when I had the 'oh shit' moment. During surgery, I cut off the patient's own cornea and replaced it with a new donor cornea. During that moment when the host cornea was off, but before I could get the new one on, there was literally nothing on the front of the eye except a tear film and aqueous humor. Anyway, the patient takes that moment to start vomiting."

"The reason we tell everyone to skip food and drink is so they don't aspirate in case they throw up. This patient lied about eating breakfast and started throwing up everything. The eye is still an 'open sky' at this time. Everything inside of the eye can now become outside of the eye. And she's bucking and vomiting.

Those not in the know will say this is not good. Those really in the know will say, 'Oh shit.'

Anyway, I had to grab the new cornea and start stitching as fast as I could on a patient actively throwing up. I use 10-0 nylon sutures which are thinner than an eyelash. It turned out okay but not great.

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Don't lie about eating breakfast before surgery, folks."

seeing_red415

2."The oh shit Ive seen was stuff during transplants."

"There are these things called lifeports that are used for kidneys; they allow fluid to circulate during transport from the donor to the recipient. One surgeon I was working with dropped a kidney inside the lifeport on the ground and it cracked and skidded along the ground. The kidney was ok, though. Another surgeon just couldnt get it to open and was getting frustrated and asked for a mallet: he was going to bash it to try to open it." raftsa Skaman306 / Getty Images

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3."When I was a new RN working the ICU in a large teaching hospital, I came into work one morning to a patient that was admitted that night, intubated (breathing tube in), sedated, Foley catheter (tube in pee pee hole) and all. Long story short, he was extubated (breathing tube out) that same shift and was completely alert and oriented."

"Now, the catheter bag had been empty my whole shift, which is norma,l seeing as how he didn't make urine anymore, and this hospital had a nurse-driven Foley removal policy, meaning while we needed a doctor's order to insert one, we could remove one at our discretion unless a doctor specifically put in orders not to. This patient had no such doctor's order, so I went to remove the catheter. They are held in the bladder by a balloon on the end that is inflated with 10ml of saline. I deinflated the balloon removing 10ml of saline, and pulled it out.

As soon as the catheter left his penis, blood started pouring out in a heavy stream. Turns out the nurse who placed it on admission hadn't advanced it far enough since there was no urine production to indicate correct placement and had inflated the balloon while still in his urethra, causing trauma.

It would not stop bleeding. I had to hold this man's penis 'shut' to put pressure on it while my coworker paged the resident who came and looked at me with pity as he told me to just keep holding this 30-something-year-old man's penis In my hands to staunch the blood flow until urology could get there to assess. It just kept gushing blood every time I eased up to check. For over an hour total I held this mans penis and tried to make polite conversation until the urologist arrived."

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shanbie_

4."Not a surgeon, but was working in obstetric theatre in the UK mid-heatwave last year. This is important as maternity wards are kept quite warm as newborn babies aren't good at regulating their temperatures. Combine this with a heatwave and the fact that in Britain, we're not exactly used to high temperatures, and we have the perfect storm."

"Mid-emergency cesarean, the scrub nurse assisting the op starts feeling faint. This is unusual as this scrub nurse worked in these theatres full time so this was her bread and butter, so I can only conclude it was the heat. She has to step out, so the SHO takes her place, assisting the obs registrar with the section. This SHO looked extremely junior, as in the first C-section ever. And they were trying to assist with the instruments in the uterus when they fainted. I had to jump in and grab the back of their theatre gown to stop them from faceplanting the open uterus, and then sort of gently tug backward to let them fall into me when someone else took over assisting.

This SHO was not exactly small. Thank God the baby was already out."

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Dawn-of-Ilithyia

5."Fifth-year resident here. There are lots of bad 'Oh shit' moments throughout training, such as necrotizing soft tissue infections or takebacks for bad complications or deaths during cases. However, I'd like to share a recent positive 'Oh shit' moment."

"15cm kidney tumor with thrombus into the vena cava. Big incision, great exposure of the vasculature and the tumor. My attending and I are dancing around the aorta and vena cava. We are able to feel the tumor thrombus in the IVC. I was expecting that we'd need to cut and clamp the vena cava to get all the cancer out. But my attending literally squeezes the tumor out of the vena cava back into the renal vein and then has me tie the renal vein off so the tumor doesn't slip back into the vena cava.

Patient went home in like 4 days, margins were negative, and is still doing great.

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The first time I felt like, 'Oh shit. I'm a surgeon.'"

wenkebach

6."Surgeon here. Ive dealt with loads of morbid stuff, but one thing that made me stop and go 'oh shit' was a conversation with a young patient who had a perforated colon from diverticular disease, which is a common wear and tear of the colon."

"He was one of youngest patients I had seen with this condition and certainly the youngest with a perforation so bad as to require an operation. When I was counseling him on the operation, which involves removing the perforated part of the colon and giving him a colostomy, he told me his biggest concern was how he was going to have anal sex with his same-sex partner. He would only have a small stump of rectum left inside, which would be at risk of perforation with any force applied to it. It made me really think about the implications of the surgery we do. The operation is the easy part!" andrewkd Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty Images

7."I was the patient."

"I had a liver transplant and was having an ERCP done to place a new bile duct stent. Well, apparently, my anatomy is different than normal, and my lungs go more down my sides. So he accidentally caused a nick, which caused a hemothorax. So when I woke up I couldn't breathe, they did an x-ray and had to do a chest tube. Eventually, I was so exhausted I asked to be vented, so he vented me. Apparently, he cried. He felt so bad about it all.

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But it wasn't him being malicious or negligent; it was simply an accident."greffedufois

8."Not a surgeon, thought I'd share this though."

"Husband went in for a routine colonoscopy, and as they were prepping him, anesthetist asks him if he's a ginger. My husband tells him yeah. When he was a kid growing up, he had fire-engine red hair, though it's faded to a more strawberry blonde now. The anesthetist laughs and says, okay, I gotcha, we'll give you the redhead dosage and winks.

Well, my husband thinks it's funny until he wakes up at the tail end of the procedure (pun intended), and doctors are just chattin' it up, and what have you. Turns out it's not a joke and redheads have some type of natural block to anesthesia. The dude had given him the allowable dosage, and he still woke up.

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Happened a couple of years later. They gave him ketamine and some other shit to knock him out to get wisdom teeth out when he told the dentist about the colonoscopy thing. He still woke up at the end of that one, too."Berty_Qwerty

9."My grandfather told a story about a clamp coming off an artery while he was pulling a kidney in rural Wyoming in the early 50s."

"The abdominal cavity was quickly filling with blood, and the nurse fainted. He was able to push down with his elbow on the descending aorta and got the clamp back on. The patient lived, but I think he chose his surgical assistants a little more carefully after that."

Spam-Monkey

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10."Not a surgeon. Im a hospitalist physician. Happened at my hospital- a mentally ill young woman, who was pregnant at the time, was in denial, locked herself into her room when she realized the contractions were coming."

"She basically didnt push, and the baby didnt come naturally. Her family called 911 because of the smell. The ER realized her baby had died inside her and was basically rotting due to the smell. She was taken to the OR to remove the baby, and apparently, all the nurses and surgeons were vomiting because once they opened her up, the smell was overpowering, and it was traumatizing to see a rotting baby."

TheSunscreenLife

11."I work in cardiovascular, and I can think of a couple. Over my 8-year career, I've had three patients start moving their arms in the middle of open heart surgery; one of them even tried to sit up (the surgeon was pushing the patients' shoulders down and yelling to anesthesia to 'give the patient something')."

traws06 Danirom / Getty Images

12."Not me, but my unclehe's a respirologist and was supervising/sitting in on lung surgery to remove a tumor. Turns out the tumor was a rootballsome type of seed had gotten into the patient's lungs and started to grow."

NoHartAnthony

13."I had an ingrown toenail. It was supposed to be a quick fix. I was 14 and had my mom with me. They let an apprentice do the surgery, and he goes, 'Oh shit.' The doctor in charge just laughed and said, 'No risk, No fun.' Turns out they fucked up my toe, and I had to have four more surgeries to correct it. I cried."

misterpapabear

14."During my third year of medical school, I was stitching up the wound after breast cancer surgery, and the anesthesiology nurse woke the patient too early as I was making my last stitch, and I felt the patient moving her arm and trying to sit up. The patient was still covered in surgery draping and cables and still intubated. Luckily most people do not remember much from the first moments after waking up but I got quite nervous from the patient starting to move."

Ankuzi

15."Just an RN here. I was working in the ER and had a patient brought in by her husband."

"Apparently the woman had a fall a week prior and injured her face but refused medical care. Her husband finally forced her to come in. As soon as I see the wound on her face (from across the room) I think, 'that does not look like any wound I've seen.' I approached her and realized maggots had infested the wound and were eating the rotting skin. A really simple and quick fix but I cant imagine her living conditions."

Whahappon2020

16."Not a surgeon but when I was in nursing school I was observing a tonsillectomy when the power went out."

"Everything switched over to the backup generators except for the suction which is incredibly important for any surgery but particularly in the throat (aspiration risk). They ended up having to connect a giant syringe to a length of suction tubing to suction manually while someone went to the other side of the building to find portable suction. Luckily ours was the only theatre that had started operating that morning!"

godricspaw

17."Not mine, but my father's. He told me this back when I was 10, so I'm sorry if it doesn't fully make sense. He had a 21-year-old patient who needed to have a penectomy. He had cancer of the penis."

"There were two 'Oh Shit' Moments for this. The first is a common thing. He wasn't fully asleep. The second, however, is funny and humiliating. They are about to start the surgery. Suddenly, one of the nurses that was there suddenly threw up and left. A test later, and boom! She got knocked up! Halfway through the surgery, the other nurse leaves for a call about her father. My dad's [nurse] was just standing there, a half-gone penis in his hand. He calls for help and is standing there, a guy's penis in his hand for thirty minutes." EverydayImASnake Paul Harizan / Getty Images

18."We operated on the carotids of a patient, like a gaping hole in his neck, when the patient woke up. The easy fix was shouting at the anesthesiologist... who wasn't there. Had to hold down the head with my elbow so he wouldn't move too much and hurt/kill himself."

Vulsruser

19."When I was a nursing student, I was on theatre prac. We had a guy in who needed humerus and elbow repair."

"I was pretty useless in everything but emotional support (as I wasn't qualified), so was chatting to him before he went under. He admitted to having a (un)healthy meth habit. I informed the surgeon, who shrugged it off. Apparently, I should have told the anesthetist because this dude woke up mid-surgery and was trying to reach for his open arm that the surgeon was working on. Super 'Oh shit' moment as we scramble to contain this guy's arm and stop it from touching anything sterile."NecessaryFlamingo

20."Not a surgeon but a biomedical scientist."

"My office mate had his MD and was working on his PhD. He did an appendectomy and cut into this person's abdomen, only to find no appendix, and he started freaking out. The support nurses in the room started snickering at him because they knew right away what it was. Occasionally, they see someone with a rare genetic disorder in which all their left-right asymmetries are reversed. The appendix was on the other side."

SatanScotty

21."Orthopedic surgeon here. Mostly do joint replacements."

"Having a unit of blood run down my leg while doing CPR on a patient in the trauma bay. The connector between the blood bag and the patient's IV came loose, and no one noticed until it had basically emptied all down my leg. Mostly just felt cold. But I had to walk through the main lobby of the hospital, covered in blood, past patients, and families to get to my call room. Threw away my underwear and socks and did the rest of the 24 hr shift commando."

jmartino2011

Do you work in the medical field? If so, tell us your wildest stories in the comments!

Note: Some responses have been edited for clarity/length.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  One person was killed and another injured when an SUV crashed into a Las Cruces motel on Friday morning, Dec. 6, Las Cruces Police said.

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The crash happened at about 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Imperial Sky Motel at 1865 W. Picacho Ave.

Investigators say an SUV was trying to leave the motel complex when it drove into the building.

The vehicle struck a 59-year-old man who suffered minor injuries and a 55-year-old woman who died at the scene, police said. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of family.

The 22-year-old driver stayed on the scene and was cooperating with police.

The investigation is ongoing.

We will update this story when we learn more.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Bob Fernandez thought hed go dancing and see the world when he joined the U.S. Navy as a 17-year-old high school student in August 1941.

Four months later he found himself shaking from explosions and passing ammunition to artillery crews so his ships guns could return fire on Japanese planes bombing Pearl Harbor, a Navy base in Hawaii.

When those things go off like that, we didnt know whats what, said Fernandez, who is now 100. We didnt even know we were in a war.

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Two survivors of the bombing  each 100 or older  are planning to return to Pearl Harbor on Saturday to observe the 83rd anniversary of the attack that thrust the U.S. into World War II. They will join active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for a remembrance ceremony hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service.

Fernandez was initially planning to join them but had to cancel because of health issues.

The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. Nearly half, or 1,177, were sailors and Marines on board the USS Arizona, which sank during the battle. The remains of more than 900 Arizona crew members are still entombed on the submerged vessel.

A moment of silence will be held at 7:54 a.m., the same time the attack began eight decades ago. Aircraft in missing man formation are due to fly overhead to break the silence.

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Dozens of survivors once joined the annual remembrance but attendance has declined as survivors have aged. Today there are only 16 still living, according to a list maintained by Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. Military historian J. Michael Wenger has estimated there were some 87,000 military personnel on Oahu on the day of the attack.

Many laud Pearl Harbor survivors as heroes, but Fernandez doesnt view himself that way.

Im not a hero. Im just nothing but an ammunition passer, he told The Associated Press in a phone interview from California, where he now lives with his nephew in Lodi.

Fernandez was working as a mess cook on his ship, the USS Curtiss, the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, and planned to go dancing that night at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki.

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He brought sailors coffee and food as he waited tables during breakfast. Then they heard an alarm sound. Through a porthole, Fernandez saw a plane with the red ball insignia painted on Japanese aircraft fly by.

Fernandez rushed down three decks to a magazine room where he and other sailors waited for someone to unlock a door storing 5-inch (12.7-centimeter), 38-caliber shells so they could begin passing them to the ships guns.

He has told interviewers over the years that some of his fellow sailors were praying and crying as they heard gunfire up above.

I felt kind of scared because I didnt know what the hell was going on, Fernandez said.

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The ships guns hit a Japanese plane that crashed into one of its cranes. Shortly after, its guns hit a dive bomber which then slammed into the ship and exploded below deck, setting the hangar and main decks on fire, according to the Navy History and Heritage Command.

Fernandezs ship, the Curtiss, lost 21 men and nearly 60 of its sailors were injured.

We lost a lot of good people, you know. They didnt do nothing, Fernandez said. But we never know whats going to happen in a war.

After the attack, Fernandez had to sweep up debris. That night, he stood guard with a rifle to make sure no one tried to come aboard. When it came time to rest, he fell asleep next to where the ships dead were lying. He only realized that when a fellow sailor woke him up and told him.

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After the war, Fernandez worked as a forklift driver at a cannery in San Leandro, California. His wife of 65 years, Mary Fernandez, died in 2014. His oldest son is now 82 and lives in Arizona. Two other sons and a stepdaughter have died.

He has traveled to Hawaii three times to participate in the Pearl Harbor remembrance. This year would have been his fourth trip.

Fernandez still enjoys music and goes dancing at a nearby restaurant once a week if he can. His favorite tune is Frank Sinatras rendition of All of Me, a song his nephew Joe Guthrie said he still knows by heart.

The ladies flock to him like moths to a flame, Guthrie said.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  More than 400 people decked out in red packed the Par-a-Dice Hotel for the 10th annual Red Hot Christmas event.

The event is hosted by Echelon Peoria, a group of young professionals who partner with the Salvation Army for community outreach programs. They are hoping to raise $20,000 from the event for the Salvation Army.



We do meal services every other Monday for the shelters. We also do a lot of food drives and toy drives for Christmas. And then we also do this fundraising event to raise money, said Chris Skierski, an Echelon Peoria member who serves on the planning committee.

Salvation Army kicks off 2024 Tree of Lights campaign

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Guests enjoyed a buffet-style dinner, live band and cash bar. They could also bid on silent auction items, raffles, wine pull and balloon pop.

I hope people have a great time. They hear a little bit about what the Echelon and Salvation Army has to offer for helping people within our community and hopefully bring everybody together, said Skierski.

Its Eric and Alisha Woodsons third time attending Red Hot Christmas. The couple often volunteers with the Salvation Army and donates services through their cleaning business.

I love it, I love seeing everybody dressed up, and its for a good cause. Theres lots of food and tons of dancing, and thats my favorite part, said Mrs. Woodson.

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Skierski said it took months of meetings, planning and coordination to put the event together. They partnered mostly with local businesses to donate items for the silent auction and raffles.

So its a really special event. But the main part about it is partnering with our community and with our companies here in Central Illinois in order to make this event happen, he said.

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An 11-year-old girl is critically injured and a boy is in custody after a shooting on Thursday in Richmond.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Wayne County Emergency Operations Center received a report about an 11-year-old girl arriving at Reid Health after being shot, according to a Richmond Police spokesperson.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The victim was later transported to Riley Hospital. She remains in critical condition.

Preliminary information reveals the shooting happened inside a residence in the first block of South 18th Street where several people were present.

They recovered evidence related to the shooting and conducted several interviews, the spokesperson said.

A 17-year-old male has been charged with one felony count each of criminal recklessness and dangerous possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

He has been transported to an Indiana detention facility.

Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly released the following statement:

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This tragic incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences when firearms are not handled responsibly. Every gun owner has an absolute duty to ensure weapons are stored securely and kept out of the reach of the children. Our thoughts and prayers are with this young girl and her family as they endure this unimaginable ordeal. As a community, we must work together to prevent senseless tragedies like this and ensure the safety of every child in Richmond.

The shooting remains under investigation.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Southern Nevada family told 8 News Now a 12-year-old boys phone and memorial site were stolen after he was hit and killed by a car.

He was a young little boy that was happy, Rebecka Ayers said of her nephew.

Ayers and her family said they are doing what they can to remember a child whose life was unexpectedly cut short.

12-year-old Lakoda Hamilton was hit and killed by a car at the intersection of Irene Street and Our Road in Pahrump on November 6.

A Southern Nevada family told 8 News Now a 12-year-old boys phone and memorial site were stolen after he was hit and killed by a car. (Credit: Rebecka Ayers)

He always wanted to help people, Ayers said of Lakoda. His favorite thing was cars.

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Ayers shared with 8 News Now Friday the sorrow she and her family are still feeling.

My heart will never be complete again, she said. I am torn apart.

Ayers said she and her loved ones are now navigating a new type of trauma weeks after Lakodas death.

A Southern Nevada family told 8 News Now a 12-year-old boys phone and memorial site were stolen after he was hit and killed by a car. (Credit: Rebecka Ayers)

My nephews phone has been found by somebody, Ayers said. And they texted me.

She told 8 News Now she believes someone found Lakodas phone after the crash. That person has since texted her multiple times with messages such as I miss you and Happy Thanksgiving.

Ayers said each message she receives hurts her more.

Its rude and disgusting, Ayers said. For people to do stuff like that.

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Ayers said her family is also trying to figure out what happened to the memorial they built for Lakoda at the crash site.

A Southern Nevada family told 8 News Now a 12-year-old boys phone and memorial site were stolen after he was hit and killed by a car. (Credit: Rebecka Ayers)

She told 8 News Now that inexplicably disappeared around November 24, right after they held a vigil in his honor.

His pictures and his bear and stuff like that that was at his memorial site, she explained. I dont understand why anybody would take his stuff.

Ayers hopes that sharing his story and these ongoing struggles can encourage those who took these things to return them.

I want his phone back, she said. Because there are many things on that phone that mean a lot to all of us.

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Therefore, those who loved Lakoda most can keep his memory alive while they try their best to move forward without him.

I never thought my nephew would go before me, Ayers concluded. He was a joyful kid.

Nevada State Police said the crash is still under investigation.

Anyone who would like to help Lakodas family can reach out to hamiltonlisa22@gmail.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  More than a dozen law enforcement agencies in Central Illinois are getting federal dollars to help combat violent crime.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of Illinois announced on Friday that the U.S. Department of Justice is donating $400,000 to these agencies through its Bureau of Justice Assistance. The money will go toward funding various projects and initiatives designed to combat violent crime.

These grants allow area agencies to expand on the excellent services they provide to their communities. U.S. Attorney Gregory Harris said in a statement. We commend the U.S. Department of Justice for its continued support of the Central District of Illinois.

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UPDATE: Danville woman found with unexplained trauma being investigated as shooting incident

The $400,000 award is being split among the following agencies with the listed allotments:

$86,228 for the Champaign County Sheriffs Office, Champaign Police Department and the Urbana Police Department

$53,178 for the Vermilion County Sheriffs Office and the Danville Police Department

$58,510 for the Decatur Police Department

$49,719 for the Moline and Rock Island Police Departments

$11,482 for the Pekin Police Department

$33,963 for the Bloomington and Normal Police Departments and the McLean County Sheriffs Office

$121,391 for the Springfield Police Department and Sangamon County Sheriffs Office

The BJA is a leading source of federal funding to state, local and tribal governments to support a range of programs that include law enforcement.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
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: Kimberly Kay Clark. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

We want to remember Kimberly Kay Clark, 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.
Authorities on Friday reported the stabbing death of a 19-year-old Richton Park man in Chicago Heights.

Camari Branch, of the 22100 block of Hillside Drive, suffered multiple stab wounds at an apartment on Olympic Drive and was pronounced dead shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday, according to the Cook County medical examiners office.

Separately, a 35-year-old Richton Park man died from gunshot wounds in Calumet City, according to the medical examiners office.

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Aaron Hall, of the 4600 block of Saratoga Road, suffered multiple gunshot wounds at an address in the 00 block of Warren Street and was pronounced dead just before 9 a.m. Thursday, according to the medical examiners office, which ruled his death a homicide.

The medical examiners office also reported the shooting death of 18-year-old Daniel Gonzalez, of East 23rd Street, Chicago Heights.

He suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the 2800 block of West Polk Street in Chicago and was pronounced dead at 2:42 a.m. Nov. 29, according to the office, which ruled his death a homicide.

The medical examiners office also reported the shooting death of a Chicago man in Riverdale.

Antonio Reed, 24, of the 10800 block of South Eggleston Avenue, was shot on West 137th Street and was pronounced dead just before 7 p.m. Nov. 22 at UChicago Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, according to the office, which ruled his death a homicide.
THEODORE, Ala. (WKRG)  Two Mobile County mothers received the keys to their brand-new homes through Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Alabama.

Body found in Choctawhatchee Bay  identified as missing boater

The women walked into their homes in Theodore for the first time today.

Today is a great day, homeowner Geraldine Robinson said. Im so glad to be a first-time homeowner, its a blessing. Im just thankful for all the blessings.

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Along with Robinson, it was also the move-in day for her next-door neighbor Jaleisa Davis.

Really surreal to be able to see from just dirt to seeing it built up to this, Davis said.

Robinson and Davis met three years ago, through the Habitat for Humanity program. The women have supported each other during construction.

It was good to have somebody there who understood, who knew exactly what was going on, Davis said. And so, we kind of just, you know, supported each other, and to be able to have her as a neighbor is amazing.

Executive Director with Habitat for Humanity of South Alabama Courtney Rouse-Heinz said the women have certainly earned their new homes.

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Mobile County deputies search for Greers theft suspect (Photos)

For the families, its been a couple of years, Rouse-Heinz said. You know, its a long process for them. They do sweat equity hours where they help build the homes and work on their own homes. They do educational classes.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  The Cherokee County Sheriffs Office announced Saturday that two juveniles were placed into custody after a vehicle pursuit.

According to the sheriffs office, dispatch notified law enforcement of a stolen vehicle from Mississippi that was detected by a license plate reader in the Leesburg area. Dispatch told law enforcement there were two juveniles in the vehicle who were reported missing from Tennessee and possibly armed.

The CCSO and Leesburg police found the vehicle on Alabama 9 near Cedar Bluff and tried to conduct a traffic stop. The driver of the reported stolen vehicle, however, allegedly refused to stop. A pursuit commenced and then ended when the driver drove through a yard in the Lakeplace Lane area, which made the vehicle inoperable.

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How Alabama is spending federal infrastructure dollars

A female juvenile was taken into custody at the scene, but the driver allegedly fled on foot. The CCSO stated the male driver confronted area homeowners, brandished a firearm and demanded vehicle keys. None of the homeowners gave into the demand, and the suspect reportedly fled when more people arrived at the scene.

The CCSO noted deputies, along with Leesburg police, Cedar Bluff police and a state conservation officer met in the area and found the suspect near a residence on County Road 642. The sheriffs office stated there was a short foot chase that ended when the suspect jumped into a lake. He was apprehended.

Though the male suspect is 17, he is being charged with attempting to elude and two counts of first-degree robbery as an adult. He was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center, and he may face more charges.

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The female juvenile was turned over to the areas juvenile probation office and will return to Tennessee. The case remains under investigation.

This is an excellent example of multiple agencies working together to bring this situation to a safe conclusion, said Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver in a statement. We are grateful for the swift response and cooperation that ensured public safety.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Two people died after a crash in north Denver Saturday morning.

The Denver Police Department first posted on X about the crash just before 6 a.m.

According to police, one vehicle crashed near North Colorado Boulevard and East 40th Avenue.

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Just before 9 a.m., police provided an update saying that two occupants in the vehicle, one male and one female, were taken to a hospital where they were pronounced dead.

Two people died after one vehicle crashed near North Colorado Boulevard and East 40th Avenue. (KDVR) Two people died after one vehicle crashed near North Colorado Boulevard and East 40th Avenue. (KDVR)

Police are investigating the crash and the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner will release the cause of death.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KTSM)  The owners of two Las Cruces businesses have been dealing with the aftermath of being burglarized twice in the past week.

First, it was their Fig and Brie restaurant last weekend and then Drip Drive Las Cruces on Thursday, Dec. 5.

I can see on video, someone walking in and they were behind our counter, and they were going through, trying to grab the register, said Mona Rae Waugh, co-owner of Drip Drive Las Cruces and Fig and Brie.

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The front door was shattered at Drip Drive Las Cruces. Surveillance video shows a person wearing a hoodie walking out with what Waugh said is the cash box.

Waugh and Nadia Lopez also own Fig and Brie, a restaurant next to Drip Drive. Waugh and Lopez said it also got broken into on Nov. 30. Surveillance footage shared on social media also shows a person wearing a hoodie walking away with the cash register.

We have staff that relies on their paycheck. You have everything else, utilities, your lease, everything thats in combination with it. So that might not seem like a large amount for a business per se, or two of them together, but it definitely is. It does it hurt, Lopez said.

Both businesses remain open. Waugh and Lopez add that the community has shown them a lot of support during this time.

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KTSM reached out to Las Cruces Police regarding these break-ins. We did not hear back.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Police in Prince Georges County were at the scene of a double fatal shooting Friday night in Forestville.

The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) confirmed two men were shot in a parking lot at the 6200 block of Surrey Square Lane at around 9:23 p.m.

3 seriously hurt in 2-vehicle crash in Upper Marlboro

Both men were taken to the hospital, where they died.

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The investigation is ongoing.

PGPD encourages anyone with information to call 1-866-411-TIPS or leave a tip through the P3 Tips app. Information can also be submitted through Crime Solvers.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
(KRON)  Two San Francisco residents were arrested Wednesday afternoon for allegedly stealing $1,500 worth of merchandise from multiple stores at the Vacaville Premium Outlets.

The Vacaville Police Department (VPD) said officers were conducting extra patrols when an employee from Tommy Hilfiger reported two shoplifters who had escaped with stolen items. VPD said officers located the suspects nearby as they tried to flee on foot through traffic on Nut Tree Road.

The suspects, identified as Naivy Miranda, 30, and Jose Hernandez, 28, were found with stolen merchandise from at least five stores. Police said they admitted to the theft and planned to send the items to relatives in another country.

Photo: The Vacaville Police Department.

Both were booked into Solano County Jail on felony shoplifting charges.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
At least four people were injured and some 20 people are still missing after an explosion set off a fire in a three-storey residential building in The Hague in the Netherlands on Saturday morning.

The building partially collapsed following the explosion, the fire brigade wrote on X. Five flats were destroyed in the blast and subsequent fire.

Firefighting operations were ongoing and rescue workers were searching the debris for further victims. The cause of the explosion is not yet known.

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Police were looking for a car that drove away from the scene at high speed immediately following the blast. Residents have been asked to provide any video material of the scene that could help identify the car.

Explosions and arson attacks have been occurring in the Netherlands for some time, hitting homes, businesses and vehicles. The blasts, often set off at night at entrances or outside buildings, cause damage, but there are usually few casualties.

Police believe the attacks are caused by rival drug-dealing gangs, or with the aim of intimidation or blackmail.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed shock at the blast and offered the government's assistance. The royal family also expressed concern.

An explosion in a Rotterdam residential complex at the beginning of the year claimed three lives. The blast was linked to an illegal drugs laboratory.
Police have confirmed that three men, two adults and one juvenile, accused of firing guns in a busy Cambridge neighborhood last month have been charged with assault.

The two adults have been identified as Daniel Cabrera, 20, and Elias Reardon, 18, both of Cambridge.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:10 P.M. on Friday, November 22, when police responded to the 300 block of Rindge Avenue for reports of shots fired.

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Investigators viewed footage of three males chasing a vehicle down on a sidewalk when one of the males fired 2 shots at the vehicle, causing it to hit a traffic light pole. The individuals then fled the scene in a red sedan. Police collected the shell casings and were able to identify the three individuals.

Cabrera and Reardon are facing charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, with Cabrera additionally facing :

discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling

assault and battery with a firearm

possession of a firearm without an FID card

carrying a firearm

carrying a loaded firearm

malicious destruction of property more than $1200

The Juvenile male was also arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

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All three men have been arraigned while the case is still under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Authorities in Azerbaijan have detained six journalists on smuggling charges, an independent Azerbaijani news outlet said Saturday.

The organization said five of the journalists  Aynur Ganbarova, Aytaj Ahmadova, Khayala Agayeva, Natig Javadli and Aysel Umudova  were Meydan TV employees. It described a sixth person, Ramin Jabrayilzade, as an independent reporter.

Meydan TV, which is headquartered in Berlin and whose website has been blocked in Azerbaijan since 2019, has complained of harassment by the Azerbaijani government. It refuted the charges against its employees and said that most of the detained journalists had had their homes searched and equipment and personal belongings seized.

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The journalists were detained in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku Friday evening, local media reported. The countrys Interior Ministry said Jabrailzade had been detained in connection with the illegal import of foreign currency.

Lawyers representing Umudova, Ahmadova, and Agayeva later confirmed that they too had been accused of conspiring to smuggle contraband into the country. If convicted, they face five to eight years in prison.

Ahmadovas representative, Javad Javadov, said that police were set to detain the journalist for 48 hours. She pleaded not guilty and noted that journalism is not a crime, Javadov said.

Despite these attempts to silence us, we at Meydan TV have continued our work as journalists, publicized the events taking place in the country and the problems of ordinary citizens, and have done this all free of censorship, Meydan TV said.

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Azerbaijan has had a poor human rights record for many years and the government has regularly targeted journalists, activists and independent politicians.

Elections since independence from the Soviet Union in the 1990s havent been regarded as fully free or fair. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said Azerbaijans most recent parliamentary elections in September took place in a restrictive environment. They were marked by turnout of 37% and no opposition party won any seats.
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?
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A brutal attack outside a Union Avenue barbecue restaurant left a 77-year-old man fighting for his life.

Police say they found the victim, Eddie Bond, in the parking lot of Tops Bar-B-Q in the Medical District after someone called 911. Hed been beaten and robbed.

His son, Courtney Bond, says he is making the difficult decision to take his father off life support.

I love the hell out of my daddy. He loved all of us and he showed us everyday, he said. I just wish anyone who ever did this would turn themselves in.

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Eddie Bond was transported to Regional One Hospital in critical condition Tuesday of last week. At the hospital, Bond told officers he recalled two men approaching him, speaking aggressively and shoving him around.

After talking with officers, his condition got worse.

He had gashes and knots on his head, both eyes were swollen shut. When he first got here his eye was just swollen then on the third day blood just started gushing out, his son said.

photos courtesy family photos courtesy family photos courtesy family

He now has irreversible brain and kidney damage and is unresponsive. Bonds friends say hes a well-respected member of the community and theyre outraged.

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Hes known for helping anyone in the Westwood/Whitehaven community, friend Kenny Kamp said. To hear that this happened to him out of all people. This is sad.

His grandchildren traveled to Memphis from Chicago to say goodbye to their beloved grandfather.

Anybody that jumps on a man like that, I believe in God and God got a plan for them and Karma will come back your way, said his grandchild Krishonna Bond.

Community advocate, investor offers to pay Houstons employees after abrupt closure by: Megan Fayard

So far, police have a very vague description of the suspect.

Bonds son said police are now investigating this as a homicide.

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FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI)  Tens of thousands of Southern New Englanders drive over the Braga Bridge each day. But how many of them know who the bridge is named after?

The answer: Navy Yeoman 2nd Class Charles M. Braga Jr., a 22-year-old Fall River native who was killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

The next day the United States formally entered World War II, with President Roosevelt calling Dec. 7 a date which will live in infamy.

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Braga, called Charlie by friends and family, died when a 500-pound bomb hit his ship, the USS Pennsylvania, while he was ferrying messages. Friends called him the peacemaker.

In the video above, 12 News reporter Ted Nesi talks with Charlie Bragas niece as she shared her uncles story on the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor three years ago.

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Colorados drought-stricken Blue Mesa Reservoir near Gunnison is pictured on May 30, 2021. (Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced this week that it has awarded a total of $849 million to repair and improve water infrastructure projects across 11 Western states.

The funding includes more than $32 million toward water projects for four North Dakota tribes:

Five awards totaling over $28 million for the replacement of water mains and other infrastructure on the Turtle Mountain Reservation

Two awards totaling $2.5 million for water metering systems on the Fort Berthold Reservation

Three awards totaling more than $1.1 million for additional pipe infrastructure and to replace equipment at a water treatment plant on the Spirit Lake Reservation

An award for $500,000 to replace water metering systems on the Standing Rock Reservation, which includes land in North Dakota and South Dakota

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North Dakotas tribal nations need updated water infrastructure to meet the vital needs of their communities, Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said in a statement. These awards will modernize aging systems and protect the delivery of clean, reliable water across the state.

The funding also includes $118.3 million for 14 projects located in the Colorado River Basin, where federal officials and state negotiators are weighing high-stakes decisions about the future management of the river ahead of the 2026 expiration of current operating guidelines.

The funding comes from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamations Aging Infrastructure Account, which received a $3 billion boost from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program funds repairs and upgrades to existing water storage infrastructure, hydropower generation and treatment plants.

President Bidens Investing in America agenda provides transformational resources to safeguard clean, reliable water for families, farmers and Tribes, Laura Daniel-Davis, the Interior Departments acting deputy secretary, said in a statement. As we work to address record drought and changing climate conditions in the Colorado River Basin and throughout the West, these investments in our aging water infrastructure will conserve community water supplies and revitalize water delivery systems.

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The Colorado River provides water supplies to more than 40 million people across the Southwest, and irrigates about 15% of U.S. agricultural land. A climate change-fueled megadrought  the regions worst dry spell in at least 1,200 years  has affected the basin since 2000, substantially decreasing flows below the historical averages on which the century-old Colorado River Compacts state-by-state water allocations are based.

A series of interim guidelines for managing the basins water amid continuing shortages were enacted by the Bureau of Reclamation in 2007, but they will expire in 2026. Citing ongoing conversations and collaborations with all Basin stakeholders, the agency last month released a set five alternative proposals that will be analyzed and could form the basis of a post-2026 plan  but finalizing new guidelines will now fall to the incoming Trump administration.

The funding announced by the Biden administration this week includes $34 million for several projects relating to the Blue Mesa Reservoir in Gunnison County, including a $32 million award for the replacement and refurbishing of equipment in the Blue Mesa Dams small hydropower plant.

Projects in other Western states awarded funding include:

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$204 million for correcting subsidence impacts caused by the DeltaMendota Canal in Californias Central Valley

$143 million for reconfiguring water infrastructure in the San Acacia Reach, a 60-mile stretch of the Rio Grande downstream from the San Acacia Diversion Dam south of Albuquerque, New Mexico

Two awards totaling $28.3 million to replace and refurbish equipment in the hydropower station within the Glen Canyon Dam, which forms Lake Powell in northern Arizona

$37.2 million to replace the St. Mary and Halls Coulee siphons in northern Montana, critical canal infrastructure that suffered a catastrophic failure earlier this year

A full list of the 77 newly funded projects is available on the Bureau of Reclamations website.

Reclamation is committed to utilizing these historic investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to revitalize our infrastructure for continued reliability and sustainability for the next generation, said Bureau of Reclamation Deputy Commissioner Roque Sanchez. These facilities are essential to the West as they provide water for families, farms and Tribal communities, while  also producing hydropower and recreation opportunities for communities throughout the Basin.

The North Dakota Monitor contributed to this report.

Colorado Newsline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Colorado Newsline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Quentin Young for questions: info@coloradonewsline.com. Follow Colorado Newsline on Facebook and X.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) condemned Fridays flawed and dangerous federal appeals court ruling that upheld the law banning the social media platform TikTok.

This ruling sets a flawed and dangerous precedent, one that gives the government far too much power to silence Americans speech online, deputy director of ACLUs National Security Project, Patrick Toomey, said in a statement shortly following the ruling. Banning TikTok blatantly violates the First Amendment rights of millions of Americans who use this app to express themselves and communicate with people around the world.

The government cannot shut down an entire communications platform unless it poses extremely serious and imminent harm, and theres no evidence of that here, he added.

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The three judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled on Friday that the legislation is not in breach of the First Amendment, an argument TikTok has deployed in the case.

The Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversaries Act received bipartisan support in Congress with lawmakers expressing national security concerns over the ByteDance, the apps China-based parent company. It sped through Capitol Hill and was signed by President Biden in April.

The legislation provided ByteDance until Jan. 19 next year to either divest from TikTok or have it banned from U.S. app stores and networks. The company could also get a 90-day extension if approved by Biden.

The ruling was condemned by TikTok and the platform said it would appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

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Taking away Americans free speech rights does not make us safer; it endangers our democracy, said Jenna Leventoff, ACLUs senior policy counsel. If the Supreme Court does not step in, the next administration must immediately work with Congress to fix or repeal this flawed legislation.

No one should be stripped of their ability to express themselves, especially on a platform that brings together such an immense, vibrant collection of voices from around the world, she added.

While initially supporting a ban on TikTok, Trump changed his stance on the issue, claiming that TikToks ouster from the U.S. market would bolster Meta. During his successful 2024 presidential run, Trump asked voters to back him in order to save TikTok.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Two groups in Charlotte are calling on local leaders to address an ongoing issue for neighbors: absentee landlords.

OneMeck and Action NC sent a letter to city council members imploring them to address the negligence from landlords that often results in tenants becoming unhouse.

Channel 9s Almiya White spoke to Robert Dawkins with Action NC, and he says they want city council to implement stronger housing code enforcement.

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We want tighter restrictions, Dawkins told White on Friday.

The letter comes after unhealthy living conditions led to tenants being displaced at Lamplighter Inn and Tanglewood. Neighbors faced being without adequate heat and utilities as temperatures dropped, among other issues.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

Carolyn Toney lived in Tanglewood just two weeks ago.

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People shouldnt have to live like that, they should not, where they dont have hot water, they dont have heat, Toney said.

Landlords dont have to be held accountable for anything except the civil penalty, which they decide not to pay, Dawkins said.

Dawkins says oftentimes, landlords also fail to make necessary repairs, to the point that units begin to deteriorate.

To avoid that, he says the city should utilize its own repair remedy.

That would allow the city to make repairs on a property, and if the landlord doesnt pay them back, then they can put a lien on the property and eventually they can take it, Dawkins said.

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Toney says the city should step up.

I feel they got to put more action and really come down on these landlords thats not doing what they supposed to do, she said. Do not accept slumlords having people live in the conditions that they live in, paying rent and nothing is being done.

Dawkins says with stronger policies, more tenants can remain housed.

Its a problem that were not gonna build our way out, weve got to care our way out and I dont think that people in Charlotte care enough if it doesnt impact them, Dawkins said.

White reached out to city council members on Friday. We only heard back from Renee Johnson of District 4. She said city council understands the valid concerns of the community and theyre working with city leaders to develop solutions that better protect residents.

(VIDEO: Nearly a dozen vehicle break-ins reported at Ballantyne apartments)
After an airline denied her entry into Saudi Arabia to present her film Simas Song, which is playing in competition at the Red Sea Film Festival, Afghan filmmaker Roya Sadat is now set to visit the Red Sea Film Festival.

On Wednesday, the 4th, I was stopped at Dallas Airport and prevented from boarding my flight to Jeddah, Sadat said in a statement emailed to Variety. The airline claimed that Saudi Arabia does not accept extended Afghan passports. Extended passports are issued by Afghan embassies abroad and are not recognized by the Taliban, as these embassies operate independently of their control. The Taliban have requested that countries reject these passports, but since countries do not recognize the Taliban as a legitimate authority, they do accept them.

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A representative from the Red Sea Film Festival didnt respond to comment. Its not clear why the airline initially denied her entry, but the situation has now been resolved.

I was shocked when the airline representative stated that Saudi Arabia does not accept extended Afghan passports, Sadat said. Many Afghans travel to Mecca every year, and for most of them, this is the only type of passport they possess. Today, I received a call from the festival organizers informing me that the issue had been resolved and that I would be able to travel with the same visa. Im relieved because this confirms that the situation was a mistake on the part of the airline. It also reassures me that Saudi Arabia aligns with the majority of nations and therefore accepts passports and their extension issued by Afghan embassies, not under Taliban control.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the Red Sea Film Festival for their incredible support in resolving this matter, Sadat said.

Sadats film Simas Song is playing in competition at Saudi Arabias Red Sea Film Festival.

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Sadat, in an email to Variety, said she was scheduled to travel to Jeddah, the Saudi city on the Red Seas eastern shore where the fest is being held, on Dec. 3 to participate and present her film. But I was denied boarding because Saudi Arabia does not accept Afghan passports renewed after the Talibans return to power, she claimed.

A pioneering figure in Afghan cinema, Sadats career spans the turbulent evolution of filmmaking in her homeland, from writing her first screenplay during the initial Taliban regime  when screening movies could result in public lashings  to becoming one of Afghanistans most prominent directors.

Naman Ramachandran contributed to this report

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Joe Biden, making the first trip by an American president to Angola, delivered a speech at the nations slavery museum where he had some wise words about history. I have learned that while history can be hidden, it cannot and should not be erased, Biden said. Its our duty to face our history: the good, the bad, and the ugly  the whole truth. Thats what great nations do.

But thats not what he did in his speech. He rightly painted a picture with words of the horrific nature of slavery, We hear them in the wind and the waves. Young women, young men born free in the highlands of Angola, only to be captured, bound, and forced on a death march along this very coast to this spot by slave traders in the year 1619. In the building next to us, they were baptized into a foreign faith against their will  Then they were condemned to a slave ship bound for the Middle Passage, packed together in hundreds by hundreds. A third of those souls did not survive the journey. It was the beginning of slavery in the United States. Cruel. Brutal. Dehumanizing. Our nations original sin  one that haunted America and casts a long shadow ever since.

Our people lie at the heart of a deep and profound connection that forever binds Africa and the United States together, Biden said. We remember the stolen men and women and children who were brought to our shores in chains and subjected to unimaginable cruelty.

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But he did not say a word about how slavery came about in Angola and how Portuguese traders came upon the hundreds of slaves they put on their ship.

The story of Angola and the United States holds a lesson for the world, Biden continued. Two nations with a shared history, an evil of human bondage. Two nations on the opposite sides of the Cold War, the defining struggle of the late part of the 20th century. And now, two nations standing shoulder to shoulder working together every day, he said. Its a reminder that no nation need be permanently the adversary of another.

Notice how he doesnt exactly say that Angola and America were on opposite sides of slavery, but only implies it. That vagueness is a missed opportunity to address the whole, complex truth of slavery.

When Bidens defense secretary, Lloyd Austin, traveled to the same site in the same nation to give a speech last year, he was a little more blunt in the picture he painted. We all know that the United States and Angola were first connected by the slave trade, Austin said. And four centuries ago, slavers from far away put the men, and women, and children of this country into shackles  people who looked just like you and me.

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But thats missing some important facts about who first put people into shackles. The slavers who did the capturing and kidnapping in Angola were primarily native Africans  the ancestors of many of the Angolans at the slavery museum to hear Bidens speech. The slavery that came to American shores was the product of powerful institutions both Black and white  British, Portuguese and Angolan. Slavery had been an institution in the land that is now Angola at least since the 1300s before the first Europeans showed up on their shores. The same was true throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Foreigners from far away did play a role as a market for slaves, but those foreigners were Arabs fresh from the Muslim conquest of North Africa who created trade routes deep into the rest of the continent trading their sophisticated goods for human flesh and ivory.

While the Atlantic slave trade focused on men to work sugar plantations primarily in South America and the Caribbean (less than 5% of enslaved Africans were sent to North America focused on tobacco and cotton), the Arab slave trade focused its evil on women who after suffering horrific conditions in trafficking were destined for sexual exploitation.

Back in the United States there is a conflict between those who want to remember slavery as Americas defining sin and those who want to whitewash the despicable, racist abuse of millions of human beings by our countrymen.

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There has to be a middle ground that puts Americas sins in the context of the global practice of slavery that stains the ancestry of almost everyone and does not yield one inch to those who would downplay its evil and impact here in the United States. American racism and slavery are part of our national story that needs to be told with brutal honesty, but our public reckoning shouldnt be an easy morality tale that leaves out complexities that paint the tale in shades of gray.

When Biden delivered a speech without that gray, he failed to deliver the whole truth that he said he wanted us to hear.
Four massage parlors were raided in Wayne and Macomb counties Friday and several people were charged in connection with an alleged international human trafficking ring, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced.

In a news release, Nessel's office called the suspected operation "among the largest ever uncovered in the state." Several individuals are accused of operating illicit massage parlors in Detroit, St. Clair Shores and Sterling Heights and are now facing multiple felony charges. Two homes were also searched by law enforcement on Friday.

According to the attorney general's office:

Jingyu Jin, a 45-year-old Chinese national, is alleged to be the leader of the operation. She was arrested and charged with conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy, accepting earnings from prostitution, transportation for prostitution, money laundering and keeping a house of prostitution.

Huazi Piao, a 60-year-old woman from China, was arrested and faces charges of conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy, accepting earnings from prostitution, money laundering and two counts of keeping a house of prostitution.

Jon Villasurda, a 60-year-old Clinton Township resident and American citizen, was arrested and is charged with conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy and transportation in service of prostitution.

Michael Navoy, a 70-year-old Allen Park man, was arrested by state police and charged by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office with two counts of human trafficking, including forced labor and forced labor resulting in commercial sexual activity, accepting earnings from a prostitute, using a computer to commit forced labor resulting in commercial sexual activity and keeping a house of prostitution. Navoy is accused of operating out of a Southgate home he owned.

Oumar Lougue, a 53-year-old non-citizen from West Africa, faces charges of conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy, accepting earnings from prostitution and keeping a house of prostitution. He has not been arrested yet and is believed to be out of the country.

Ming Li, a 59-year-old undocumented immigrant, is charged with conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy and two counts of keeping a house of prostitution. Efforts are still underway to arrest Li as well.

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"In the course of our searches of the four massage parlors today, we liberated seven to nine women of Chinese and Korean nationality," Nessel said during a Friday news conference. "The reason I'm saying seven to nine is because it's not clear to us yet who is a victim and who might be a criminal defendant."

The investigation began over the summer and included the federal Homeland Securities Investigations, Michigan State Police, the St. Clair Shores Police Department, the Sterling Heights Police Department and the Clinton Township Police Department.

Prosecutor: Waterford man gave human trafficking victims crack to keep them up for days

The raided massage parlors included:

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Magic Health Spa at Eight Mile and Lahser roads in Detroit

8 Star on Eight Mile near I-75 in Detroit

111 Healing Studio on Harper Avenue near 12 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores

AM Healing Studio near the intersection of Metro Parkway and Mound Road in Sterling Heights

The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement believes the ring is part of a larger criminal syndicate.

"These charges and this operation make it clear that Michigan will be no harbor for the vile trafficking trade for forced labor, sexual or otherwise," Nessel said.

Individuals who are victims of human trafficking or suspect someone may need assistance can contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-373-7888 or text 233733.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: AG: Metro Detroit massage parlors raided in alleged trafficking ring
ALAMANCE COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP)  North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced on Friday the arrest of an Alamance County elementary school principal on insurance fraud-related charges involving pet insurance.

Robert Grayson Dail, 35, of Gibsonville, was charged with:

felony insurance fraud

felony attempting to obtain property by false pretense

felony common law forgery

felony common law uttering

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According to arrest warrants, Dail tried to get money from the Nationwide Insurance Company by submitting falsified and forged veterinary invoices to the company.

The offenses happened on Dec. 28, 2023, according to a North Carolina Department of Insurance news release.

Dail turned himself in to Alamance County deputies on Dec. 5.

He was released under a $25,000 unsecured bond.

Dail is the principal at B. Everett Jordan Elementary School in Saxapahaw.

The Alamance-Burlington School System released the following statement on Friday evening:

Mr. Dail is currently suspended. We have shared information with staff and families at the school. Our experienced administrative team and dedicated staff will maintain all regular school operations and continue to provide the high-quality education our families expect for their children. ABSS

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Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime, Causey said. It hits all of us in the pocket through higher premiums.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
Dec. 7In a rare exercise of a little-used executive power, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has granted clemency to five people convicted of long-ago drug- and alcohol-related crimes.

In a written statement the day before Thanksgiving, Dunleavy said that he had pardoned William V. May for a 1999 charge of driving while intoxicated; Richard A. Vicknair for a 1970 drug sale charge; Daniel J. Smith for a 2010 drug misconduct charge; Daniel W. Woods for a 2002 charge related to people under 21 in alcohol licensed premises; and Kit A. Stavrum for a 1982 drug sale charge.

The pardons, his office said, are the first of Dunleavy's governorship. Former Gov. Bill Walker pardoned one person during his term.

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In the statement, Dunleavy said clemency "is a tool that recognizes when people have paid their debt to society, have taken responsibility and rebuilt their lives. These five individuals, through their actions, have warranted a second chance that clemency can provide and it's inspiring to acknowledge their efforts."

Dunleavy did not elaborate about why he chose to pardon these five people among many who have applied for clemency during his tenure as governor. The Alaska Department of Law signed off on the pardons, finding they "would not benefit a personal or financial interest" of the governor in all five cases. Dunleavy's office declined an interview request and would not answer questions about how the people pardoned were selected, instead referring questions to the written statement.

A Daily News public records request for clemency applications and data on how many people have applied hadn't yet been fulfilled as of Thursday.

Public records show a person with the same name and birthdate as Vicknair appears to now be a pastor in Washington. A person with the same name as Kit Stavrum is listed as an officer of a Republican county organization in Oregon. Attempts to contact the clemency recipients by phone and email were unsuccessful.

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In Alaska, people with convictions can apply through a process that involves a review by the Alaska Board of Parole and the Executive Clemency Advisory Committee, which has three members appointed by the governor. The governor has the final say on pardon decisions.

The current members of the Executive Clemency Advisory Committee are listed as Ralph Samuels, a former Republican lawmaker; Lonzo Henderson, the former head of the parole board; and Carol Fraser, a hotel management executive. Henderson's term is listed as having expired in March 2024, and Foster's in March 2023. The governor's office did not respond to questions about the current status of the board and whether Henderson and Foster were reappointed.

Alaska's early governors used their clemency powers freely, with Gov. Bill Egan alone issuing 99 pardons. Subsequent governors such as Wally Hickel and Tony Knowles extended only a handful of clemency offers during their terms.

But in 2005, Gov. Frank Murkowski, with little consultation and just before he left office, pardoned the executives of a construction company convicted of negligent homicide after the avalanche death of a construction worker in Cordova. Public outrage followed. In 2007, the Alaska Legislature passed sweeping changes to the clemency system, including more involvement by the Alaska Board of Parole and victims' rights advocates. It wasn't the only controversial pardon Murkowski made on his way out of office: He also pardoned the son of a state employee the governor himself had appointed, for a misdemeanor theft charge. In 2010, the man, Ryan Sargento, shot and killed a rival drug dealer and was later convicted of murder.

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The next two governors, Sarah Palin and Sean Parnell, pardoned no one. Between at least 2007 and 2017, applications for pardons never even reached the governor's office, a report by the state ombudsman found. They stopped at the parole board, which had ceased forwarding them on for consideration. The ombudsman found that no process had ever been set up to comply with the 2007 changes to the law. Gov. Bill Walker's administration worked to restore the clemency procedure in 2018. In an interview, Walker said he chose to pardon one person in 2018  a man from Nome who'd been convicted of a felony theft while he was in high school, making him a felon and restricting his ability to own firearms. The man wanted to teach his kids to hunt for subsistence, Walker said.

"I thought 'Well, this is the one,'" he said.

Many of the applicants, he said, were people "sort of bumping up in their employment but couldn't go higher because of their record," he said.

Walker made the pardon without a news release or announcement, he said.

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"It's a process that's constitutionally mandated. I started it up again and I'm glad to see Gov. Dunleavy continuing the work," he said.

Since 2018, the governor has received 317 clemency applications, the Department of Corrections said. Of those, 206 applications have been denied.

Right now, 105 applications are pending with the governor's office, the department said.

Alaska's clemency process is still broken, said Nick Feronti, an attorney with the Northern Justice Project who has researched clemency applications. As of February 2022, the state said the governor had denied 203 clemency applications, according to data Feronti gathered. At the time, 66 cases were pending a decision from the governor.

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Feronti said he found an extensive and complicated process that was being used, but with an exceedingly low rate of success by applicants.

Clemency is a "woefully underused power of the governor," Feronti said. "If there is a way to get people out and be productive again, we should all want to do that."

Correction: After the original version of this story was published, the Daily News learned that former Gov. Bill Walker pardoned one person during his term. Walker's pardon had not previously been public. This story has been updated to include information about his clemency decision.
You probably know the Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel as the founder of the Nobel Prize and the inventor of dynamite, but he created even more than that over his lifetime, with 355 patents in his name by the time of his death. He was also a shrewd businessman, spoke six languages, had a knack for writing English poetry, and even wrote a four-act play called Nemesis. In honor of the 2024 Nobel Prize ceremony, look back at the legacy of one of the most influential scientists of all time.





A Younger Nobel

This portrait would have been taken in the 1850s or 1860s. His father, Immanuel Nobel, was an inventor and engineer, and Alfred grew up in Stockholm and St. Petersburg. Nobel first began working with explosives with the inventor of nitroglycerin: Ascanio Sobrero. He trained with several well-known scientists but never received a formal university education.

ullstein bild Dtl. - Getty Images





Nobel's Laboratory

This is one of Nobel's laboratories in the county of Varmland, Sweden. He traveled extensively for his work since he had factories in many different companies, and also spent time living in the German town of Krummel (now Geesthacht), Paris, and a villa in Sanremo, Italy, where he passed away.

API - Getty Images





Loss of His Brother Emil

Alfred worked with his brothers Emil, Robert, Ludvig, and father Immanuel on his business ventures, including in realizing his vision of making nitroglycerin easier and safer to manufacture and package for commercial viability. In 1864, his brother Emil tragically died in an explosion while working with nitroglycerin at their father's factory in Sweden along with several other workers.

ullstein bild Dtl. - Getty Images





Dynamite, Nobel's Most Famous Invention

Nobel's first ever patent was an English patent for a gas meter in 1857, but he quickly began filing patents related to explosives starting in 1863 with a Swedish and English patent for "ways to prepare gunpowder," coining the name dynamite in an 1867 patent based on the Greek word "dunamis" meaning "power."

Heritage Images - Getty Images

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Branobel Factory in Azerbaijan

Aflred invested in his brothers' oil company Branobel, which operated mainly in Baku, Azerbaijan but also expanded to Turkmenistan. This investment increased Nobel's wealth greatly, even though his many inventions up to this point had already buoyed him financially.

Heritage Images - Getty Images





Other Notable Patents

Nobel continued to innovate with nitroglycerin after creating dynamite. He patented Gelignite in 1875, a form of blasting gelatin that was even more powerful than dynamite, and revolutionized the mining industry. He also created the smokeless propellant Ballistite, which is still used in some modern rockets.

UniversalImagesGroup - Getty Images





Founding the Nobel Prize

There's an intriguing story behind the founding of the Nobel Prize. When Alfred's brother Ludvig died in 1888, several French newspapers allegedly published obituaries for Alfred by accident. Alfred was reportedly shocked by some inflammatory statements in these obits, including one that supposedly read, "Le marchand de la mort est mort (The merchant of death is dead in English)."

Bettmann - Getty Images





The Nobel Prize is Born

The year before he died in 1895, Nobel dedicated the majority of his sizable fortune in his will to the creation of annual prizes to honor great achievements for humanity in physics, chemistry, peace, physiology or medicine, and literature.

Photo 12 - Getty Images

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First Nobel Prize Winners

The first Nobel Peace Prize was shared by Swiss humanitarian Henry Dunant (pictured), the founder of the International Red Cross, and the renowned French pacifist Frederic Passy. Sully Prudhomme won the Nobel Prize in Literature, Emil von Behring won the Nobel Prize in Medicine, Jacobus Henricus van 't Hoff won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen won the Nobel Prize in Physics.

Getty Images





A Worker in Nobel's U.K. Factory

Nobel first founded this factory under his company Nobel Industries Limited in 1870 in the small Scottish town of Ardeer. At its peak, the factory employed 13,000 people. It became known as ICI Nobel after a merger in 1926 until it was sold to the Japanese company Inabata in 2002, and then sold again to Chemring Group in 2005.

Walter Nurnberg - Getty Images

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President-elect Trumps senior adviser and former personal lawyer Alina Habba predicted on Friday that after he granted his son clemency, President Biden will issue more pardons in the days to come.

Her comments come nearly a week after Biden announced he would pardon his son Hunter Biden of federal gun and tax charges. He cited Trumps rhetoric around retaliation as a reason for his reversal of position, as the president-elect prepares to take office in January.

Ive never seen him smile so much, Habba said of Biden, during an interview with Fox Newss Jesse Watters. And hes saying, My hands are off, everybody. Im still sitting here handing out pardons like theyre tic tacs, and then well be done, and President Trump will be in, but at least Ill have protected my own.'

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Hes going to pardon himself. Hes going to pardon his family, Shifty Schiff, Nancy Pelosi, and anybody else who had their hands in the cookie jar, she predicted, referring to Sen.-elect Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), among others.

In recent weeks, Biden has spoken with his senior team members and officials, including the White House counsels office, about issuing preemptive pardons to figures who have been critical of Trump, according to a source familiar with the matter. Some who have been seen under consideration are Schiff, former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and former White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci.

I do not doubt it. So, all were hearing is leaks of something we already knew, Habba said in response to the news. They lied to us during the election, the American people saw through it, and now here we are, pardon after pardon will be handed out, and I assure you of that.

Some Democrats have been somewhat receptive to the idea, while another contingent  including many of Bidens allies in Congress  has forcefully rejected it.

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The way to stand up to a bully, like Donald Trump, is not to run and hide. Its to confront him, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told CNN on Friday.

I believe the way to confront Donald Trump is to put together a defense team, and a defense fund. Id be happy to join it, he added later. And what we should do is support those people, who are potentially in jeopardy.

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, among others, has supported the potential effort, pointing to Trumps intention to nominate loyalist Kash Patel as FBI director, who has in the past made comments about going after the president-elects enemies.

I think that would be a good idea. In fact, I think he should take a look at the book his FBI nominee Kash Patel wrote, Nadler said. He should probably pardon everyone on that list.

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Bidens decision to pardon Hunter Biden has rattled Washington and came as a surprise to many Democrats who have publicly criticized the decision. The president and White House had previously pledged that he would stay out of his sons legal affairs.

Following the action, some in the party have pushed for more pardons, including one for Trump in his New York hush money case  where he was convicted earlier this year of 34 counts of falsifying business records.

I think that its undeniable that the case against Hunter Biden was really politically motivated, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) told ABCs The View earlier this week. But I also think its true that the trial in New York for Trump was political as well, too.

In both cases I think a pardon is appropriate and I really think collectively that Americas confidence in these types of institutions have been damaged by these kinds of cases, and we cannot allow these types of institutions to be weaponized against our political opponents, he added.

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Outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va) and Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) have also signaled support for such a move.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A local thrift store is recovering after they say someone vandalized it Sunday.

According to the Norfolk Police Department, officers responded to the Hope House Thrift Shop at 1800 Monticello Ave. for a report of vandalism. Once on the scene, officers found a broken window.

I think that maybe they were going to break the window and then come in, but maybe a passerby scared them off, said Frances Ross, operational coordinator at the Hope House Foundation Thrift Shop.

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Ross said she found out what happened when an officer rang the Ring doorbell camera that afternoon. The store was closed at the time.

Theyre, like, eight-foot windows, so thats a lot of glass to clean up, Ross said. But thankfully, nobody was hurt, but there is no video footage of who actually did it.

She said that they had some volunteers help put up wood to secure the building, and theyve ordered the glass to replace the window.

Its always a little bit disheartening when people do things that take away from the mission, whether it be vandalism like this or stealing something you know, or just you know, anything that hurts, what the cause is for, Ross said.

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According to Ross, this isnt the first time theyve gone through this.

The last time that it happened, though they actually did break into the window, it was about five years ago, but they werent caught by the police either, Ross said.

The shop, operated by the Hope House Foundation, helps raise money for the nonprofit that serves adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Ross explained the cost to repair the damage is something theyre still trying to figure out.

One-hundred percent of the proceeds [from the shop] stays here in Hampton Roads, so some of that money that was raised is going to have to go to pay for those repairs, Ross said.

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If anyone has any information about the break-in, theyre asked to contact the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
The U.S. the Embassy in Syria issued an urgent warning on Saturday encouraging citizens to evacuate amid escalating conflict in the region.

Syrian insurgents reached a suburban city of Damascus as opposition fighters have taken over some of the largest cities in the country in recent days, as reported by the Associated Press.

The security situation in Syria continues to be volatile and unpredictable with active clashes between armed groups throughout the country, the embassy wrote in a security alert earlier Saturday. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to depart Syria now while commercial options remain available in Damascus.

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The Aleppo International Airport remains closed while cities including Idlib, Hama, Manbij and Daraa have been captured by rebel forces. Earlier Saturday, insurgents entered the key city of Homs, per Reuters.

Syrian opposition forces, backed by Turkey, launched a shock offensive late last month in an effort to overthrow Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, whose regime is backed by Russia and Iran.

Since then, rebels have pushed out Syrian armed forces in dozens of villages and cities as tensions continue to rise.

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This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a feature highlighting a statement from the news that exemplifies just how extremely normal everything has become.

In many ways, when you look at this election, we defied gravity. Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, speaking to reporters at the Capitol following a closed-door caucus election.

dare we say queen? pic.twitter.com/A31vwShvAh  claire mccaskill chart updates (@plathiandc) December 4, 2024

Last time we checked, about four weeks ago Democrats suffered a devastating loss in the presidential race while also losing both houses of Congress. They lost support among key voting blocs that were formerly considered loyal members of their base, costing them the Electoral College as well as the popular vote. But according to Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Democrats defied gravity in 2024.

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To be fair, the senator seemed to acknowledge the overall loss, and lamented that the party lost critical lawmakers like Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey. But she was reaching to highlight some silver linings: that Democrats won some competitive races in Nevada, Michigan, Arizona, and Wisconsin. And, yes, she did so with a strained reference to one of the most popular songs from the musical Wicked, topped off with a toothy smile and a wink-wink. What was that a reference to? Klobuchar immediately asked when her remark was met with awkward silence. Wicked! Thats right! We defied gravity, and that is what we will continue to do.

Klobuchar was speaking to reporters fresh out of a caucus election where she was promoted to chair of the Steering and Policy Committee, replacing Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow. This new role elevates Klobuchar to the No. 3 spot of Democratic leadership, making her comments about the election all the more alarming.

As Democrats continue their postmortem of the 2024 election, its probably wise to take their losses seriously and take an honest look at what went wrong for the party, instead of continuously patting themselves on the back. In the weeks following the presidential election, Democratic leaders have been delivering oddly celebratory messages. In an interview with the New York Times, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi insisted, House members did very well.

But it was pretty funny to see Sen. Dick Durbin standing completely stone-faced next to Klobuchar while her joke landed like a lead balloon (gravity, folks!). Perhaps Something Bad would have been the more apt Wicked reference.
MANAMA, Bahrain (AP)  At glittering ballrooms in the Mideast this weekend, discussions of the wars and chaos gripping the region gave way to one central question: What's going to happen when U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office next month?

Summits in both Bahrain and Qatar, neighboring Persian Gulf autocracies with a long history of a brothers' rivalry, saw Trump discussed in open sessions, hushed chatter and pull-aside meetings among politicians, diplomats and uniformed military officers.

The reasons for the conversations are many. Chief among them is the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, with over 44,000 Palestinians killed, and the tenuous ceasefire holding in Lebanon. Israel's conduct in the wars, sparked by Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage, enraged the wider Arab world.

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President Joe Biden's tight embrace of Israel in the time since has alienated many. Saudi Prince Turki al-Faisal, a prominent royal who led the kingdom's intelligence service for more than two decades and served as ambassador to the U.S. and Britain, referred directly to Trump's own online messages about the wars.

Friendly countries in the region are hoping that Mr. Trump pursues what he started before  to bring PEACE with capital letters to the Middle East, the prince told the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Manama Dialogue in Bahrain.

The Gulf countries, including my country, Saudi Arabia, are willing to walk with you, Mr. President, to achieve this noble order. It is time for America under your presidency to change the course of this troubled region.

Prince Turki underlined the standard Saudi call for a peace that requires a two-state solution for the decadeslong Israeli-Palestinian crisis to end, with a Palestinian capital in east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip and the West Bank based on 1967 borders fully under Palestinian control. But Trump in 2020 in his first term unveiled a peace plan that sided heavily with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus hard-line nationalist vision for the region and pushed aside many of the Palestinians core demands.

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Biden's administration, meanwhile, made no headway on the conflict prior to the Hamas attack. Barbara A. Leaf, the top Mideast official at the U.S. State Department, described the Hamas assault as having plunged the region into renewed conflict in brief remarks at a side event in Bahrain.

At the Doha Forum in Qatar, Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide referred to the Mideast before the Oct. 7 attack as not a stable, lasting situation  it was like a minefield. Despite that, Trump's experience reaching diplomatic recognition deals for Israel with both Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates might make a larger Mideast peace deal possible, Barth Eide said.

"I think the message now from this region is that that is perfectly doable. There might actually be a major deal, but it has to happen with Palestine," he said. Its not one conflict, but there is a root conflict that connects to all of them, which is the absence of a solution to the Palestinian question.

That extends all the way to Yemen, where the Houthi rebels who have held the country's capital for over a decade now have gained acclaim in the Arab world for their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden over the wars. Trump listed the Houthis as a foreign terrorist group, something rescinded by the Biden administration over their assessment it halted needed aid from getting into Yemen.

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I think in Yemen the upcoming Trump administration is most likely going to implement heavy sanctions, said analyst Mohammed al-Basha, a Yemen expert. That may push the Houthis to retaliate. ... The idea that (sanctions) alone will pressure the Houthis to commit to peace and cease fire in the Red Sea  I don't think that will happen.

Then there's Iran's nuclear program, which the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency warned Friday in Bahrain was poised to quite dramatically increase its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium.

Yet Iranian officials and the public have been openly musing whether Trump might strike a deal with Iran  even as he was the one who unilaterally withdrew America from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers that saw it get sanctions relief in exchange for greatly limiting its program.

And finally, there's the Gulf states themselves. Some attendees at the two summits discussed their flight plans for trying to attend both. That would have been impossible during the yearslong Qatar crisis, which saw Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE cut ties and boycott Qatar from 2017 until January 2021.

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The crisis began after Trump's first foreign trip as president to Saudi Arabia.

___

EDITORS NOTE  Jon Gambrell, the news director for the Gulf and Iran for The Associated Press, has reported from each of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Iran and other locations across the Mideast and wider world since joining the AP in 2006. ___

The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

___

Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/
New research led by University of Glasgow has helped shed light on the origins of the earliest governing institutions in the world. Excavations conducted at the ancient site of Shakhi Kora in northern Iraq, as part of the Sirwan Regional Project, have revealed that the inhabitants of the settlement adopted centralized governing systems but eventually abandoned them.

The abandonment of the institutions, however, without evidence of violence or environmental stress, suggests a move away from centralized top-down control. The research, published in the journal Antiquity earlier this week, indicated that these early governing institutions likely emerged from their role in offering large-scale meals, possibly as labor payment. The study was undertaken in collaboration with the Garmian Directorate of Antiquities, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

A window into early state development

A press statement by University of Glasgow identified Shakhi Kora to be a Late Catholic site in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The statement further noted that over time, cultural items at the site shifted from local traditions to resembling those of ancient Uruk in southern Iraq. Uruk, one of the world's first cities, had a monumental precinct during the later 4th millennium BCE. This city also produced thousands of clay tablets containing some of the earliest written texts.

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Researchers unearthed long sequential structures at the site, along with large quantities of crudely-made beveled-rim bowls which were probably used to distribute meals to workers in exchange for labor in a communal setting.

Analysis of animal bones, along with lipid residue trapped in the ceramic bowls, suggested meals consisted of hearty meat stews. As such, the findings indicate the origins of the state and its institutions in Mesopotamia lie in part at least in their ability to provide food to members of a wider community," the media statement said.

Beveled bowls found at Shakhi Kora. Source: Sirwan Regional Project

Resistance to centralized power

According to University of Glasgow professor Claudia Glatz, who has led the excavation team since 2019, the finds at Shakhi Kora "provide a unique, new regional window into the development, and ultimately the rejection, of some of the earliest experiments with centralized, and perhaps state-like, organization."

The final institutional building at Shakhi Kora was eventually abandoned without adopting any violent methods. According to the study, this was likely a deliberate choice of the local community to do away with the centralized system of authority.

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"This reaffirms that top-down, hierarchical forms of government were not inevitable in the development of early complex societies. Local communities found ways to resist and reject tendencies towards centralized power," added Glatz.

The researchers will study the origins, development, and decline of these early state institutions further. They will investigate how resources were acquired to provide large-scale communal meals. The team will also examine how relationships with surrounding communities were structured and evolved.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A womens organization in the Miami Valley is kicking off the Christmas season with some shopping and some giving back.

The Dayton Catholic Womens Club hosts its Christmas Boutique and Luncheon every year on the first Saturday in December.

This year more than 200 people were expected to attend the event at the Presidential Banquet Center in Kettering.

Its our biggest fundraiser, and we are able to take care of charities with our fundraising money, the clubs president Gail Brockman said.

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Several local vendors set up to sell handmade items for attendees to check a few gifts off their lists.

Theres a lot of variety that people can come and get some great presents for people for Christmas, Lisa Sherbauer, club president-elect, said.

This year, the club is collected personal items and toys for the women and children staying at the St. Vincent de Paul shelter in Dayton.

That means a lot because in in the past, theyve just wanted clothing and socks and those kind of things, and thats important, but every kid should have a present to open Christmas morning, Margene Robinson, previous club president, said.

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Last year, the Dayton Catholic Womens Club provided $20,000 in grants to 20 nonprofit organizations and several scholarships to area high school students.

The money raised from this event supports the clubs mission.

We are just a group of faithful Catholic women who support the community, support non-profits in the community, Robinson said.

To learn more about the Dayton Catholic Womens Club, click here.

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CLEVELAND (WJW)  Saturday marks the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. More than 2,300 Americans were killed on Dec. 7, 1941 when Japan launched a surprise air raid on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

Why flags are flying at half-staff in Ohio

Locally, an annual ceremony was held aboard the USS Cod Submarine Memorial, attended by both veterans groups and the public.

The WWII Submarine, docked at 1201 N. Marginal Road, plays host to the annual wreath casting by members of various local veterans groups, including submarine veterans who are members of Cod Base, USSVI.

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It goes back to the old axiom Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it, said Paul Farace, president of the USS Cod Submarine Memorial, speaking about the significance of the yearly ceremony. We should remember what happened, not only one of the largest losses of life in one particular day in America. If we dont remember what happened, its going to happen again.

USS Cod, a fixture on Cleveland since 1959, was built as a response to the surprise attack on the American Pacific fleet assembled in Pearl Harbor on the Day of Infamy, according to Cod president Paul Farace.

Woman, 20, killed in Lake County crash: OSHP

The 312-foot sub, commissioned in 1943, sank more than 12 Japanese ships during seven war patrols.

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Tours of USS Cod were also be offered at the end of the ceremony.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The annual Economic Development 411 (ED411) conference was held in downtown Columbus today. Community leaders gathered to discuss the impact economic development has on the area.

The goal is to highlight the work thats been done while also preparing for the regions expected growth.

As a mayor of a community, I want to understand whats happening regionally so I can translate that to how that impacts my community, Laurie Jadwin, mayor of Gahanna, said.

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New Gahanna restaurant, cocktail bar opening soon

More than 700 community leaders across 11 counties gathered to talk about the regions constantly evolving economic development. The event focused on the future of infrastructure and talent.

We want people to understand all the opportunities that are available to us as a region to grow our economy, to diversify it, to become more prosperous, to provide more opportunity for everybody in the region, Kenny McDonald, president and CEO of One Columbus, said.

McDonald said a growing region comes with a lot of challenges and responsibilities like housing, transportation and infrastructure.

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We have the responsibility to continue to build great communities across the 11 counties that not only will they live in and work in, but build that career and tell others so that we can continue to not only grow the economy, but build upon the culture that weve built here in central Ohio, McDonald said.

The event was about celebrating the successes and seeing what has been accomplished so far in the region. It also looked ahead to the future to how leaders can keep central Ohio a desirable place to live.

Westland Mall site to be redeveloped into apartments

We put ourselves on the map and we compete globally and we are  the brand of Columbus is known across the globe and really well known across the Midwest, and we capitalize on it every day, Jeremiah Garcia, the director of economic development for the city of Dublin, said.

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Its an environment where we want people to be able to succeed on all levels. And I think every community embraces that, and thats what makes us special, Jadwin said.

This conference provided leaders with the opportunity to network with one another and share ideas. As local communities continue to grow, a key factor in keeping up with the demand will be keeping an open mindset, leaders said.

The world is a fast-paced place. Its incredibly competitive. The companies that are locating here, most of those are highly sought after from every community in the country, McDonald said. We want them to stay here and continue to invest. And so we want to be open to that investment. We want to be competitive and collaborative at the same time.

Leaders said they are excited about what they learned during Fridays conference, and for the future of their communities.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Each winter, thousands of gifts are given to the Salvation Army to help bring some holiday cheer to kids in need. Rarely, however, are those gifts vintage action figures in their original packaging.

An anonymous Minnesota collector has donated 550 classic action figures to the Salvation Army's Toy Shop program, including vintage Star Wars and Batman figures.

Courtesy of Salvation Army

This donation is truly remarkable, says Lt. Colonel Randall Polsley, Salvation Army Northern Division commander. The thoughtfulness of this anonymous donor will bring joy to hundreds of children and allow them to connect with beloved characters like Batman and Luke Skywalker. We are so grateful for this act of kindness, which helps us make the holiday season magical for so many families.



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As part of the donation, the donor made sure that the desirable toys make their way to children as part of the program that ensures thousands of kids have gifts to open during the holidays.

The donation is notable, but just a piece of the overall operation. The Salvation Army estimates it'll give out around 30,000 toys to 15,000 children this year through the Toy Shop program.

Were committed to ensuring that every child feels the spirit of Christmas, no matter their circumstances, Captain Josh Polanco, Twin Cities commander adds. This incredible donation reminds us of the power of giving and how one persons generosity can brighten the lives of so many."

Related: 32 of the best holiday markets around the Twin Cities this year
Antisemitic abuse in British universities has reached record levels, according to a new report.

Verbal abuse, threats and assaults against Jewish students surged after the Oct 7 terrorist attack, reaching the highest recorded levels for a single academic year, it says.

Reported incidents include Jewish students being pelted with eggs after an event with the Chief Rabbi, and swastika graffiti found in lavatories at the National Union of Students conference.

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The findings are revealed in the latest campus antisemitism report by the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity protecting British Jews from terrorism and antisemitism.

The CST has documented antisemitic attacks on British Jews since 1984, and its third biennial campus report shows a record 272 incidents in 2023/24, more than triple that of previous years.

October 2023 alone saw 85 incidents  nearly double the previous peak of 47 in May 2021, which coincided with an earlier intensification of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict.

On Oct 7, the CST documented four antisemitic incidents, including a man knocking on the door of a Jewish university chaplaincy couple, and saying, Were watching you.

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Damage to Jewish property surged, with 17 cases recorded in 2023/24, up from four the previous year, the report said. Reported incidents included a students T-shirt defaced with I [heart] Hitler during a bar crawl.

University-related assaults rose to nine, compared to just one the previous year, while direct antisemitic threats to students increased to 23 from three. Threats detailed in the report included a bomb hoax email targeting a Jewish student society, which read, Everyone inside will die in a pool of blood.

Pro-Palestine activists camp out outside Kings College at Cambridge University - Leon Neal/Getty Images Europe

In one case, the family of a Jewish chaplain at the University of Leeds, reportedly received death threats, including threats to rape and kill his wife and murder his children after he returned from carrying out IDF reservist duty.

Abusive behaviour accounted for 81 per cent of incidents over two years, with 264 cases recorded.

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The report also revealed troubling cases involving university staff and student union officers, with 24 staff-linked incidents recorded, all but one of which occurred in 2023/24.

Just three days after the Oct 7 atrocities, a faculty member at a Midlands university posted antisemitic messages online, calling Jews bloodthirsty. In February this year, a lecturer at another university disrupted a Jewish society event, denying pogroms and refusing to leave.

Social media played a key role in spreading abuse, the report said.

The report found official student WhatsApp group chats were spammed with death threats, including a criminology group chat that featured Nazi glorification. One message said: Id bring Hitler back if I could.

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By May 2024, 36 pro-Palestinian encampments had been set up in universities.

The CST differentiates between antisemitic or extremist incidents and broader pro-Palestinian campaigning, although it found that rhetoric at some protests crossed into support for violence.

Campaign Against Antisemitism protest against Francesca Albaneses declaration of a credible case that Israel is committing a genocide - Guy Smallman/Getty Images Europe

Six antisemitic incidents were linked to the encampments, five abusive and one threatening.

The charity said that one demonstration was infiltrated by older, unaffiliated individuals wearing face coverings and promoting extreme ideas. Socialist Worker Party activists were also twice seen distributing leaflets which said they unconditionally support Hamas.

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At Oxford, students were urged to pledge support for Thawabet, an ideology endorsing armed resistance.

The Student Federation for a Liberated Palestine (SFLP), a coalition of student-led pro-Palestine groups, launched their manifesto endorsing the Palestinian right to resistance in all forms on social media with a pledge to hold universities accountable by any means necessary.

The report finds widespread pro-Palestine activism made many Jewish students feel university life had become increasingly hostile - Martin Pope/Getty Images Europe

The CST found that this widespread pro-Palestine activism led to many Jewish students feeling university life had become increasingly hostile towards Jews.

At an event in February 2024 titled Feminism & Palestine: Decolonisation beyond metaphor, one attendee reportedly said: Rape of Israeli women soldiers, if they are soldiers, is right, and everything is fair presumably in love and war. Should we be ok with rape? Despite complaints, no action was taken.

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A recent survey of 497 Jewish students and staff found that only 22 per cent felt comfortable being open about their Jewish identity after Oct 7, while 70 per cent reported feeling somewhat or very uncomfortable and 60 per cent felt unsafe on campus.

Dave Rich warns teenagers are vulnerable to the ideologies of far-Left groups - Mark Kerrison/In Pictures

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Dave Rich, Community Security Trusts director of policy, told The Telegraph that vice chancellors must show strong leadership in the face of rising student antisemitism, and that university policies are relatively worthless if there isnt the necessary leadership and determination to enforce them.

He warned that teenagers are vulnerable to the ideologies of far-Left groups who the CST found are distributing material on campus saying they support Hamas military struggle and Oct 7 wasnt terrorism. Its a classic pattern of radicalisation, he said.

Mr Rich said: Im sure a lot of students involved would not recognise what they are doing as racism or bigotry in any way, but as our report shows, it is manifesting as racism against Jews and Israelis.

The SFLP has been approached for comment.

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By Yves Herman

THE HAGUE (Reuters) -One person died, three were injured and an unknown number of people were missing after a building in The Hague collapsed on Saturday following explosions and a fire, the mayor of the Dutch city said.

Jan van Zanen told a news conference those missing were believed to be buried under debris.

"The chance that living people will be found is very small," he said.

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The cause of the disaster, which took place shortly after 6 a.m. local time (0500 GMT), was not known. Van Zanen said that there had been a small explosion, followed by a larger explosion.

Police called on people who had seen a car speeding away from the scene, or people who had video of it, to contact them.

Images of the scene posted on social media platform X from a higher building nearby showed one segment, encompassing five apartments, had been reduced to ashes and rubble.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof said in a statement he was shocked by the news and had offered assistance to local authorities.

(Reporting by Toby Sterling, Bart Meijer, Yves Herman; Editing by Toby Chopra and Barbara Lewis)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The city is blaming carmakers Kia and Hyundai for fueling a crime wave in Albuquerque as their cars account for as much as 20% of those stolen.

Its been months after they filed a lawsuit against the two companies, but is the city seeing any change in the problem?

Albuquerque Police Department (APD) Chief Harold Medina thinks getting the word out about that lawsuit, combined with ramped-up tactics, has helped address Albuquerques car theft problem for the better.

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A lot of strong communication technology license plate readers and dedicated officers working towards auto theft reduction is part of the reason why we are seeing some of the success that we see, said Chief Medina.

Defense forgoes opening statement for wrong-way, double fatal crash case

Albuquerques lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai was just filed in June, and its still in the initial stages in a federal court in California.

Albuquerque claimed the two car makers put profits over safety, failing to install standard anti-theft technology in cars made between 2011 and 2021.

APD said those cars are easy targets because they dont have immobilizers that stop the car from starting if the wrong key is used or the ignition is modified.

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While it remains an ongoing issue, Chief Medina said APD has ramped up hot-spot operations,

and theyre also seeing a change in the trend of what is being stolen.

Actually, the newest, current number one vehicle in the City of Albuquerque are Chevy products. So, Chevy has passed Hyundai and Kia towards this part, this later part of the year, and well continue to combat those auto thefts, emphasized Medina.

City of Albuquerque cuts ties with local non-profit after misuse of city funds

APD also continues to put together a top auto theft offender list each month. Additionally, they hold weekly meetings with the New Mexico State Police and other local agencies to talk about operations and tactics around violent crime and car theft.

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APD is also continuing to hand out wheel locks for free to any Hyundai and Kia owners who want them.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau now ranks Albuquerque seventh for auto theft in the country, saying the number of cases has dropped 11% from last year. The Duke City was the top city for auto theft in the US between 2016 and 2018.

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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.
By Jack Queen

(Reuters) - A Connecticut appeals court on Friday largely upheld a nearly $1.3 billion defamation verdict against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones in a case accusing the Infowars founder of spreading lies about the 2012 Sandy Hook mass shooting.

A three-judge panel of the Connecticut Appellate Court found that a jury's October 2022 decision to award $965 million in damages plus attorneys fees and costs to families of the shooting's victims was not unreasonable given the mental anguish they suffered due to the lies by Jones about Sandy Hook.

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In affirming the verdict, the judges found fault only with a portion awarding $150 million in damages under a state unfair trade practices law, finding that should be thrown out because it did not properly apply to the facts of the case.

Jones claimed for years that the 2012 shooting deaths of 20 students and six staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, were staged with actors as part of a government plot to seize guns from Americans. He has since acknowledged that the mass shooting occurred, but plaintiffs said Jones cashed in for years off his lies about the massacre.

An attorney for the Sandy Hook families, Alinor Sterling, praised the ruling.

"The jury's $965 million rebuke of Jones will stand, and the families who have fought valiantly for years have brought Alex Jones yet another step closer to true justice," Sterling said in a statement.

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Jones' lawyer Norm Pattis said in a statement that the jury was falsely led to believe Jones made millions of dollars off the Sandy Hook conspiracy theories and that Jones was to blame for the families' anguish.

"We had hoped the Appellate Court would have seen through the charade and farce that this trial became. It didnt," Pattis said, adding that he plans to appeal to the Connecticut Supreme Court.

Jones and the parent company of his Infowars site, Free Speech Systems, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2022 after the verdict in Connecticut and another in Texas, where a jury in a similar case awarded other Sandy Hook parents $49 million.

In November, the Onion parody news website announced that it would purchase Infowars in a bankruptcy auction, though a losing bidder connected to Jones is challenging the sale.

A bankruptcy judge will consider whether or not to approve the Onion's purchase of Infowars at a Monday court hearing in Houston.

(Reporting by Jack Queen; Editing by Will Dunham)
The heroics of Doris Dorie Miller, the Black Pearl Harbor veteran who downed as many as six enemy planes with a gun he barely knew how to operate, always makes it into the lesson plan.

Millers story, part of the Pearl Harbor and World War II presentation that William OMalley at Dunmore Jr/Sr High School dictates to his class, is just one piece of the presentation he developed over his 26 years of teaching history.

In the curriculum he uses to educate on the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, he also talks to students about the ubiquitous quote by the President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

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Yesterday, December 7, 1941a date which will live in infamythe United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan, said Roosevelt on the Monday after the attacks.

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Rebecca Dicton teaches a class at Wyoming Valley West High School about the tragedy that took place at Peal Harbor 83 years ago on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Rebecca Dicton teaches a class at Wyoming Valley West High School about the tragedy that took place at Peal Harbor 83 years ago on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Rebecca Dicton teaches a class at Wyoming Valley West High School about the tragedy that took place at Peal Harbor 83 years ago on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Rebecca Dicton teaches a class at Wyoming Valley West High School about the tragedy that took place at Peal Harbor 83 years ago on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Rebecca Dicton teaches a class at Wyoming Valley West High School about the tragedy that took place at Peal Harbor 83 years ago on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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I ask them what infamy is, OMalley explained, adding that he uses a PowerPoint presentation containing images of Pearl Harbor, the destruction of Battleship Row and Ford Island, and pages from local newspapers, published in 1941.

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They get to see what the citizens and the people from Dunmore saw when they looked at the newspaper after that attack that killed over 2,300 servicemen and almost 100 civilians, OMalley said.

To help further enhance his lecture, he requests students who are visiting notable spots, while on vacation for example, keep him in mind.

I always encourage my students, whenever they go somewhere historic, to take lots of pictures and send them to me, he said, adding that he keeps them in his notes for future inclusion in his classroom teachings.

One student who visited Pearl Harbor brought him photos of the USS Arizona, a battleship stationed there that was bombed by Japan and sank, killing 1,177 on board. The ship remains in its final resting place. A memorial museum was built floating above the sunken ships visible frame.

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Another student brought him a postcard book of the monuments from a visit to Pearl Harbor, which is now in rotation as part of the lesson plan.

And, of course, Millers incredible story is always recounted.

I show them a picture of him, and hes got his cross on, he said, referencing Millers win of the first Navy Cross awarded to a Black sailor. He worked at the mess hall. He didnt even know how to use the gun he was using, when he jumped in and took down four Japanese war planes. So thats something that I can show them, OMalley said.

Rebecca Dicton, a teacher at Wyoming Valley West High School in Plymouth, said her Pearl Harbor lesson plan is based around how the attack unified the country.

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A faction of the country really wanted to stay out of the war in Europe, she said. It got the country invested because it brought the war to our shores.

She added that America was able to rise above the pain of the attack, in a similar way to recent devastating national events, such as 9/11.

When you go through something like that in a country, its really amazing to see people who are on an opposite side come together, Dicton said. Everyone had an American flag, when we went to Afghanistan and Iraq, everyone had a yellow ribbon  Its very similar.

She said the class goes through the text and video of the speech of President Roosevelt together, and talks about the strategic fault of the battle.

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It failed to really destroy our aircraft carriers, there was an abundance of them left, and that was important because aircraft carriers play a large role in the war moving forward that was problematic on their end, Dicton explained of Japans misstep.

Because her grandfather served in the Pacific in the 154th Engineers Combat Core, she has the added visual aid of his platoon yearbook.

I brought all those records in to show the kids, she said.

Mike Trescavage, 42, of Dallas, teaches 6th graders history at Riverside Elementary School. He puts some focus on the timeframe.

I try to convey to them that this wasnt really that long ago, this is the 83rd anniversary, so there are still people who are alive when this happened, Trescavage said.

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He also puts emphasis on the countrys security.

This is one of the only times that a foreign enemy or a foreign country has attacked us on our soil besides Sept 11, he said. So were very lucky that we live in a place where we are relatively safe and dont usually have attacks from outside.

After teaching students history for almost 20 years, said he hears some of the same questions, and takes the time to go through them.

They ask me, If America wasnt involved in the war, why did Japan attack us? I explain there was some background there that we didnt like what Japan was doing, he said, explaining that Japans attacks on American allies led to American oil bans, angering Japan who depended on U.S. oil, paired with fears the Naval Bases proximity would mean America might attack Japan first.

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He not only brings his teachings to life with short YouTube videos, but also with every day visual aids the students might otherwise miss.

As theyre driving through the streets of our towns, Moosic and Taylor, there are these banners on the side of the street on the poles and obviously a lot of them had some part in WW2, he said. Maybe it wasnt their grandfathers, but someone who was related to them  I just try to tie it into their lives.
(FOX40.COM)  A man accused of a shooting that prompted law enforcement to shut down Capital City Freeway in Sacramento was arrested Friday.

 Video Above: CHP continues investigating road rage shooting on Capital City Freeway

Around 3 p.m. on Nov. 30, the California Highway Patrol responded to northbound SR-51 near the American River Bridge for a shooting. Police said the incident stemmed from road rage and left a person with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the arm. The freeway was shutdown for nearly an hour.

Traffic comes to a standstill on Capital City Freeway Sacramento as police investigate

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CHP said an investigation revealed a 38-year-old man who was using a residence in Roseville as the suspect. The agency partnered with Roseville and Rocklin police departments to execute a search warrant at the residence. He was arrested and booked into the Placer County Jail for alleged attempted murder, shooting at an occupied vehicle, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

This arrest reflects the unwavering commitment of the California Highway Patrol and our law enforcement partners to ensuring the safety of the public, CHP said. Violent crime, especially on our roadways, will not be tolerated, and we will use every resource available to bring those responsible to justice.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
When mafiosas arent drug trafficking or money laundering, it turns out some of them are busy collecting (stealing) valuable artwork.

Eighty works, confiscated by the Italian authorities, went on show at Milans Palazzo Reale this week. The exhibition, Save Arts: From Confiscations to Public Collections, features paintings, graphic works, and sculptures by Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Robert Rauschenberg, Christo, and other prominent artists.

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Italian investigator Maria Rosaria Lagana said, Works destined to remain buried in the networks of organised crime are finally returned to the community, taking on a symbolic role as resistance to crime.

Its a rebirth for these works. It is a bit like digging them out of the earth, like archaeologists, and putting them on display where everyone can see them, she added.

The artworks on show are from the beginning of the 20th century to the early 2000s and include a Dali lithograph of Romeo and Juliet and a piece from Warhols Summer Arts in the Parks series.

Previewed in Rome last month, the traveling show opened in Milan on December 3 and runs until the end of January before moving to Reggio Calabria, the southern Italian city and stronghold of the Ndrangheta mafia group. It will close in April before the artworks are donated to several state museums in the country.

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Italian police confiscated at least 20 of the works from the boss of the Ndrangheta mafia in 2016. Others were seized from an international money laundering network that was dismantled in 2013.

Newspaper cuttings and videos of police recovering the artworks, which were used as currency in arms and drug trafficking, also feature in the show.

One of the most notorious cases of the mafia stealing valuable paintings played out in 2016, when Italian investigators recovered two Vincent van Gogh works from a property near Naples belonging to the incarcerated boss Raffaele Imperiale. They had been stolen from a museum in Amsterdam in 2002 and were estimated to be worth up to $55 million each.

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The killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson could be a disgruntled employee or client of the health insurance giant, the NYPDs top detective said Friday.

Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny revealed investigators thinking on the still-unidentified gunmans motive during a huddle with reporters.

Our thought on it is obviously it could possibly be a disgruntled employee or disgruntled client, he said.

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The potential that the killer bore a grudge against UnitedHealthcare  which attracted hate and controversy even before the shocking murder for denying claims  and its chief executive, Thompson, casts his apparent meticulousness in planning, carrying out and escaping consequences for his shocking crime in an even darker light.

Police are saying its possible the man who killed Brian Thompson was a disgruntled former employee or client. UnitedHealth Group/AFP via Getty Images

The masked gunman is thought to have left New York. DCPI

The masked gunman not only appears to have meticulously planned his shocking hit on Thompson, 50, outside a Midtown Hilton hotel, but also took great pains to conceal his identity, Kenny said.

The suspect said nothing to his roommates during his days-long stay at an Upper West Side hostel, Kenny said.

Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny, center, revealed officers thinking on the investigation on Friday. Gregory P. Mango

He even kept his mask on while eating, the chief said.

Sources have said the sole image showing the suspects face only came about because he was flirting with a receptionist at the hostel.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  A child was seriously injured after being hit by a vehicle in southeast Austin, Austin-Travis County EMS said on social media.

ATCEMS medics said they responded to the crash around 2:55 p.m. in the 1600 block of East Ben White Boulevard service road westbound.

The child was taken by a vehicle to Dell Childrens with potentially serious injuries, according to ATCEMS.

No other details were released Friday.

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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.
Roof joists are being prepared for a new house being built in the Ironwood subdivision in Billings, Montana. (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan)

The Montana Department of Revenue is missing an estimated $300 million a year in new construction value as staff falls behind on property inspections, costing local municipalities and the state tax revenue, reducing budgets and creating inequities in property tax payments, according to a legislative audit released Thursday.

Auditors made five recommendations  one for the Legislature and four for the Department of Revenue  to try to cut down that gap. They include requiring local permitting agencies to send copies to the department, having a better process for statewide permitting, using aerial imagery to better inspect hard-to-reach properties, trying to inspect more properties that havent been inspected in six or more years, and having the department build a plan to retain more staff.

This figure from the report shows how much the unidentified new construction during the study period affected other revenues. (Source: Legislative Audit Division)

Department of Revenue Director Brendan Beatty conditionally or partially concurred with all four recommendations for the department, saying he largely agreed with them, but that many would be contingent on receiving funding from the legislature that has so far not materialized.

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Auditors will present the report to the department and legislators at a Legislative Audit Committee meeting this month, at which lawmakers will respond to the recommendation that it create new permitting reporting requirements to streamline that process.

The report says the department depends heavily on gathering or receiving local permits to determine where properties have been renovated or received additions, which boosts a propertys value but should also mean a higher tax bill for its owner and slight reductions for others in the jurisdiction who did not make improvements during the past year. The department also depends on its appraisers to find new construction every year in their regions.

The report says that due in part to staffing levels, reappraisal reviews and inspections are lower on the priority list of department field staff, and more than one-third of the properties across Montana have not been inspected in more than six years. It says 15% of Montana properties havent been inspected in at least a decade.

The department is supposed to appraise all properties at 100% of their market value as of Jan. 1 of each year, which should capture any new construction done during the prior year. The report says the department typically identifies $1.5 billion a year in new construction through its existing process and another roughly $300 million a year in new residential construction through sales verifications. Auditors still found the department was still missing about $300 million a year for various reasons.

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We estimate the department captures 72 percent of residential new construction through permits, captures 14 percent through sales verifications, and misses about 14 percent each year, the report said.

A chart from the report shows how much value was found through permits and sales verifications, and how much was missed. (Source: Legislative Audit Division)

While there was around $1.2 billion in new residential construction estimated to have been missed during the 2018-2023 timeframe at which auditors looked, the report noted that was only about 1% of total residential value (about $114 billion) in 2023 and about $16.2 million in taxable value, the audit said.

But cities and counties have an array of permits they require people to obtain before undertaking new construction, according to the audit. Rural areas generally require fewer permits than urban areas, and most permits, no matter the jurisdiction, are not stored centrally. While department staff tries to gather as many permits each month, sometimes that requires picking up paper copies in some counties, while others send them electronically.

Further, state law does not require local jurisdictions to provide permits to the department, according to the audit, and some choose not to, saying that its the departments job to identify new construction.

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But not being able to account for the full scope of new construction, even if its a relatively small amount compared to the total residential value, can be costly for local municipalities and school districts.

Using conservative values for these parameters, we then estimate that this unidentified residential new construction accounts of about $8.25 million in potential tax revenue, including $100,000 in annual revenue to state universities and $1.5 million in annual funding for education equalization, the audit report says. In addition, this residential new construction represents a maximum of $6 million in ongoing tax inequity for property owners.

Jurisdictions set annual budgets without including newly taxable value, but then receive that extra revenue after the number of mills levied are applied to the newly taxable value, meaning missed taxable value on new construction could cost those jurisdictions and leave them unable to keep up with rising costs, the report says.

While the Department of Revenue can levy large taxes for property owners who conceal or misrepresent their property to avoid extra taxes, property owners arent responsible for telling the department when they have made improvements. The report says that can disincentivize property owners from reporting new construction, which would increase their tax bill, while it has the opposite effect for people whose property value is declining.

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Moreover, the report says, new construction has been increasing. In 2018, there was less than $1 billion identified in residential new construction value, while that figure grew to more than $2.4 billion in 2023.

A chart from the audit report outlining when properties in Montana were last inspected. (Source: Legislative Audit Division)

In addition to asking the Legislature to require permits be sent to the Department of Revenue, the audit report recommends the department work with the Department of Labor and Industry to come up with a better process to find which permit information would be most useful in identifying new construction.

The report also recommends investing in aerial imagery being used in other states and by the federal government that could be a substitute for on-site inspections, which have proven most difficult in the vast rural lands of Montana.

It recommends working to cut down on the number of properties that have not been inspected in the past six or more years by working to map them and bolster the departments staff, which was cut by the Legislature in 2017 and 2019 and has seen turnover in the years since. The audit found the department only reached about 21% of the properties needed to ensure every property was being inspected within that timeframe.

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Beatty said in a response to the audit that he believes the recommendations will be possible to address if lawmakers can better fund the departments hopes for more staff and for the imagery capabilities, but the audit report said the governors office had declined to include some of those requests in its budget for the upcoming biennium. But Beatty said conditionally, the department could accomplish what is outlined.

The department believes the portions of these recommendations within our control can be accomplished within one year, Beatty wrote.

23P-05
A family is feeling thankful for their lives, but frustrated and saddened after they tried to fight away thieves who stole their car.

Paige Burleson, her 17-year-old son Gavin, and her husband had just returned home from picking up dinner. Her husband parked as the two ran inside with food. Thats when Auburn Police say, a stolen car with five suspects inside, pulled up. The group got out and stole their Alfa Romeo.

But it didnt happen without a fight.

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Gavin jumped into the car, swinging his fists, getting many of the suspects out of the car.

I ran in the car and started trying to get it back by fighting them, Gavin said.

Paige ran out after her son, trying to pull some of the suspects off of him. She used her full weight to take one of them to the ground. Some of the suspects got out of the car. Four of them, Paige says, were teenagers younger than her own son.

14 or 15 is the youngest because when I opened that door I was shocked, shocked to see a child younger than my child in there. She recalled, I almost said what are you doing here? Go home.

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The four teenagers were accompanied by a man, Gavin estimates in his upper 30s or 40s, that appeared to the family as leading the operation. As Gavin swung his fists, the suspects hit him with a gun several times.

I didnt even know I was being hit by the gun or anything until I finally stood up out of the car and I looked over to my left and a gun was being pointed at me.

Its at that point Gavin gave in, the reality of his life being on the line setting in. He was motivated by the importance of the car, nearly as much as he was taken over by the instinct to fight for what is theirs. Gavin still tried to plead to the humanity of the teenagers and man, screaming how hard his family had worked for the car that became a sense of stability for them.

Finally when we made it as a family all three of us as a family together that was one of the first things we bought and just to lose it like that I really thought there was no way.

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Auburn Police Public Information Officer Kolby Crossley says detectives are assigned to the case, trying to use DOT cameras to track where the car went.

This is really hard, he was in his vehicle, he just pulled into his parking spot and you think that when youre pulling into your home you feel safe.

Crossley says people should always weigh whether their life is worth fighting for what is theirs.

You want to protect your belongings but at the same time you have to protect yourself, he said.

Its a conversation Paige has had with her son before. She had put cameras up around her house because of the crime she sees in the neighborhood.

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When youre in the situation it is different the desperation, the frustration, thats all he thought about he didnt think about being killed he was thinking about if I was okay, Paige said. Im more than proud. I dont want any kid risking their life for anything, but I cant be more proud of my son. the child that I raised turned into an amazing man and person.

They moved back to Auburn seven years ago, into the condo that was the pride of her mothers. They had lived in Lakeland Hills before that, what felt like a safe refuge for her family. The cost to keep two homes after her mothers passing was too much, so she returned to the home that meant so much to them. The home where theyd end up fighting armed thieves.

It was me her and Gavin for most of his life, Paige said, It was just us three so selling this place would have been like selling her, selling a piece of her and now I dont think we can stay any more we just cant.

Masks and video have made it hard to identify or describe the suspects, Crossley says. For Paige, she thinks APD is doing the best they can with the workload and staffing they have. Though, as her sons bruises heal, she thinks of how he and the other kids in Auburn deserve better than what city leadership has given them.

if youre not going to protect us we need someone who will who will speak for us and protect our city because it can be done.
Austin Tices entire family visited Washington this week in a show of force to the outgoing Biden administration, asserting they have fresh, reliable information that he is alive and pressing top White House and State Department officials to leverage dramatic changes on the battlefield in Syria to secure a breakthrough in the case of the missing journalist.

Tices parents, Debra and Marc Tice, have frequently visited the capital to advocate for their son, who went missing as a freelance journalist covering Syrias civil war in 2012. But this visit was the first of its kind from the entire Tice family since he first disappeared over 12 years ago.

Little progress has been made on Tices case over those years, spanning three presidents and a transformed Middle East.

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But a resurgence in Syrias war over the past month after years of frozen frontlines has created new opportunities and perils for the American, a former U.S. Marine and Texas native.

Today is a day full of emotions. The news that were hearing from the Middle East  that kind of thing can unsettle a mom, Debra Tice told reporters at a press conference at the National Press Club on Friday. There are all kinds of ways this can go.

She told reporters that the family had a new source telling them that Austin Tice remains alive and healthy. The family is working to be able to share more information with the public, she said.

We have from a significant source that has already been vetted all over our government that Austin Tice is alive  Austin Tice is treated well, Debra Tice said.

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Debra and Marc Tice both said the Biden administration is declining to make the new information public. U.S. officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the familys statement.

Syria erupted in civil war in 2011 following a brutal crackdown on democratic protesters by the Assad government. Tice traveled to the country to cover the conflict the following year for McClatchy, The Washington Post and other publications.

U.S. officials believe he was detained at a Syrian government checkpoint southwest of Damascus on Aug. 14, 2012. A video emerged six weeks after his disappearance purporting to show him in captivity.

With assistance from Russia and Iran, the Assad regime was able to push back an array of opposition forces that increasingly fractured throughout the war. The rise of Islamic State in the country also led to an international military offensive in northern Syria that culminated in 2017. Ever since, Assads hold on power has appeared stable.

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But a surprise offensive launched by a united front of rebel forces last month has put Assads army on the run for the first time in years. In a span of mere weeks, the Syrian army has retreated from Aleppo, Hama and Homs, cities where Assad spent years fighting to regain control.

The offensive is being led by Tahrir al-Sham, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

It is not immediately clear how the resurgence of military action in Syria might affect negotiations over Tice. But U.S. officials are watching the developments closely to monitor for any new opportunities to engage on his case, an official told McClatchy.

Tices family met with State Department officials on Thursday and with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Friday, a White House official confirmed in a statement.

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President Biden and his team have worked around the clock, often in partnership with key allies, to negotiate for the release of Americans held hostage or unjustly detained abroad so that they can be reunited with their families, and the administration will continue to do so throughout the remainder of the term, the official said.

Speaking to the press on Friday, Austin Tices father, Marc, said that Sullivan told the family the administration had done everything it could think of to reach a breakthrough in his case. But his family believes the government has exerted more effort to secure the release of wrongfully detained Americans in Russia, Venezuela, Iran and Gaza than they have for their son.

Similarly, at the State Department meeting, there were complaints and finger pointing about who is preventing things from happening, and whos responsible for doing what, Marc Tice said. We think this is a time of opportunity, actually, and theres no time like now to start doing the right thing.

Last month, as Syrian regime lines were collapsing before the rebel advance, the White House said that Assads refusal to participate in a political process with the opposition, and his reliance on Russia and Iran, had created the conditions now unfolding, including the collapse of Assad regime lines in northwest Syria.

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The United States, together with its partners and allies, urge de-escalation, protection of civilians and minority groups, and a serious and credible political process that can end this civil war once and for all with a political settlement, Sean Savett, spokesperson for the National Security Council, said in a statement. We will also continue to fully defend and protect U.S. personnel and U.S. military positions, which remain essential to ensuring that ISIS can never again resurge in Syria.

Debra Tice was skeptical of the policy, questioning why the administration would support the rebel advance on Assad forces. Biden officials have made clear they are not a part of the offensive.

I dont really understand whats happening in Syria, she said. Im upset by the fact that terrorists are tearing up Aleppo, killing people in Aleppo. I dont understand that. I dont understand why our government isnt running in saying we are not going to allow a terrorist entity to take over Syria.

There are people feeling like its possible this could be Austins release. I certainly pray that thats it, she added.

LONG-STALLED TALKS

In August, marking 12 years since Tices disappearance, President Joe Biden issued a statement that his administration had repeatedly pressed the government of Syria to work with us so that we can, at last, bring Austin home.

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The freedom of the press is essential, and journalists like Austin play a critical role informing the public and holding those in power accountable, Biden said. We stand in solidarity with Austin, his family, and all Americans wrongfully detained and held hostage abroad. I will continue to do everything possible to advocate for and pursue his release and support his loved ones until he is safely returned home.

In 2022, Biden met with Tices parents at the White House and vowed to engage the Syrians directly over Tice. In a statement at that time, the president expressed certainty that Assad had held him in Syrian custody, without specifying when, where or in what condition. During the Obama administration, the CIA obtained Syrian government records indicating Tice had at one point been processed through the Syrian court system.

READ MORE: Secret contacts revive the search for Austin Tice

Bidens team had been hopeful the following year that quiet talks with Damascus could produce a breakthrough. But Hamas attack on Israel, and the war that followed in Gaza and Lebanon, disrupted the discussions.

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Officials in the first Trump administration also attempted to directly engage with the Syrians to secure Tices release, traveling to Damascus in an effort to do so. But Assad aides refused to acknowledge Tices case during that meeting, insisting the U.S. government renew its recognition of Assad as the leader of Syria  and a full withdrawal of U.S. troops in the country there to combat Islamic State  before even uttering his name, U.S. officials told McClatchy.

In August, marking the anniversary, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Tice had been held in unknown conditions and issued a plea to Syria to open an honest dialogue on his case.

For more than a quarter of his life, Austin has been separated from his family and kept in unknown conditions, Blinken said. We know the Syrian government has held Austin, and we have repeatedly offered to find a way to bring him home.

This has gone on for far too long, Blinken added. We call on the Syrian government to work with the United States to end Austins captivity.

U.S. officials told McClatchy this week that the governments knowledge of Tices condition and whereabouts remain unchanged.
The parents of Austin Tice, the American journalist kidnapped in Syria over 12 years ago, are holding onto hope.

Tices mother, Debra Tice, spoke at a news conference Friday, Dec. 6, at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., and claimed her journalist son is indeed alive based on a new report.

"We have from a significant source that has already been vetted all over our government, Austin Tice is alive, Austin Tice is treated well," Debra during at the press conference. "And there is no doubt about that."

Servet Gunerigok/Anadolu via Getty I The family of missing journalist Austin Tice, including his mother Debra (center) at a press conference at the National Press Center on Dec. 6, 2024 The family of missing journalist Austin Tice, including his mother Debra (center) at a press conference at the National Press Center on Dec. 6, 2024

The U.S. government is concealing the sources identity, but government officials have verified the source's credibility, Debra claimed.

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At a White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to comment on the matter, CNN reported.

I dont have anything to share about conversation on this particular matter, Jean-Pierre told the press.

Bill McCarren, the director of the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club, said he is certain the Biden administration is lying about what they know about the journalists kidnapping, CNN reports.

The mother continues to believe her son is being held by the Syrian government.

Weve always known that, Debra said.

Debras husband and Tices father, Marc, also spoke at the press conference.

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"We are confident that this information is fresh, Marc said. It indicates as late as earlier this year that Austin is alive and being cared for.

The Tices flew to Washington, D.C., this week amid the revived Syrian civil war between Syrian rebel offenses and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime, CBS reports. The family says their meeting was initially scheduled for July and unrelated to the current conflict.

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.

Tices family met with President Bidens national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, before the press conference on Friday. In the meeting, they inquired if Biden would contact Assad about their sons release. Sullivan did not provide them with any assurances, they said.

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"There just seems to be a massive disconnect between what President Biden has dictated for Austin in terms of doing everything that we can to bring him home, and then the actions and the behavior of the people that sit just below him," Simon Tice, the brother of the kidnapped journalist, said.

Tices sister Naomi said she asked in the familys meeting if there was a way to negotiate securing Tices freedom: We were basically just told that we need to wait and see how it pans out, Naomi said, adding the response was beyond frustrating."

Related: Mom 'Begging' to Have Journalist Son 'Home Before His Next Birthday' 10 Years After He Was Kidnapped in Syria

However, Debra expressed optimism in President-elect Donald Trump bringing her son home after she said Trump previously "had an obsession" with helping Tice during his previous term.

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Originally from Houston, Texas, Tice reported for numerous news organizations including CBS News, The Washington Post and McClatchy, according to CBS News. Tice disappeared on Aug. 14, 2012, while reporting on the Syrian civil war.

Following his kidnapping, a video surfaced weeks later of a blindfolded Tice being held by armed men saying, Oh, Jesus. That marked the last time anyone heard from him, per The Guardian. In 2022, Biden said with certainty that the U.S. knew that Syrian authorities had Tice in their possession.

The Assad government has denied all allegations of kidnapping Tice.



Read the original article on People
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's government defended its record on curbing antisemitism on Saturday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused it of anti-Israel policies, following an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue.

Netanyahu accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's centre-left Labor government of encouraging crimes such as Friday's attack on the Adass Israel synagogue through policies including support of a recent U.N. motion backing a Palestinian state.

"Unfortunately, this criminal act cannot be separated from the anti-Israel spirit blowing from the Labor government in Australia," Netanyahu posted on X.

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Murray Watt, Australia's minister for employment and workplace relations, responded that "the Albanese Government has taken a range of strong actions to stand against antisemitism and to stamp it out from our community".

Since taking office in May 2022, the government had provided $25 million to Jewish organisations to upgrade security and safety at Jewish sites, including schools, banned the Nazi salute and was taking action against hate speech, Watt said.

"I respectfully disagree with Prime Minister Netanyahu on this matter," Watt said in Brisbane, according to a transcript.

Albanese condemned the attack on Friday, saying there was no place for antisemitism in Australia.

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Police said on Saturday they were still looking for two people suspected of deliberately starting the synagogue fire that injured one and caused widespread damage in Melbourne, the capital of Victoria state.

Australia has experienced a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents since the start of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023. Laws passed last year banned public displays of terror group symbols.

Some Jewish groups, however, say Albanese's government has not done enough to tackle the rise of antisemitism.

Dozens of pro-Palestine protests over the past year have been largely peaceful, although the government raised concerns that protests could inflame community tensions and disrupt social harmony.

(Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney)
Authorities arrest man, find more than 1,000 fraudulent gift cards

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A gift card scammer with possible connections to similar crimes across the country suffered a serious blow when Hendersonville and Spring Hill Police teamed up and busted him.

The case began on Nov. 25 when Hendersonville Police found that someone had tampered with gift cards at an area Publix. Their investigation ultimately led to the identification of a suspect vehicle. Hendersonville authorities sent out that information to surrounding counties.

Using license plate recognition (LPR) technology, Spring Hill authorities found the vehicle at approximately 6:29 p.m. that same day. When they found the car, they waited until the driver, 43-year-old Lin Jiang, returned so they could take him into custody.

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PREVIOUS: Hendersonville police stop elaborate gift card scam

News 2 has obtained body camera footage showing the investigation. According to the Spring Hill Police Department (SHPD), Jiang is a Chinese national with a legitimate California drivers license.

When officers asked Jiang if there was anything on his person, Jiang said that he did not speak any English. Upon searching Jiangs vehicle, officers found more than 1,000 fraudulent gift cards from a variety of major stores  700 stuffed into one duffel bag.

Jackpot, one officer said on the body camera footage.

The discovery surprised even long-time cops at the scene.

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Thats not normal, Lt. Mike Foster with SHPD told News 2. That is a big red flag for us  for that amount of gift cards to have.

The Hendersonville Police Department told News 2 that Jiang went to the gift card rack and put some fraudulent gift cards on the rack before leaving the store. Hendersonville police said Jiang was in the store for less than a minute.

Police said the cards were tampered with so that when activated, the money placed on them would be electronically sent to criminals.

Its a nationwide fraud ring and they just travel around to different jurisdictions, Foster added.

Investigators told News 2 the California license plate on Jiangs car had LPR hits from all across the country. Some states with hits included California, Washington, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Georgia and finally, Tennessee.

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In body camera footage, one SHPD officer said the group Jiang could be associated with has more than 250 Flock hits all across the U.S. Flock hits are a type of LPR hit used across the nation.

Scammers use AI, Bitcoin ATMs to target Rutherford County

Police also showed News 2 a second unidentified man who went into the Spring Hill Target store with Jiang. Police said the second man got spooked when he saw police presence and he got away. Authorities added they were confident that Jiang did not put any fraudulent gift cards in the Spring Hill Target store.

Jiang, who also had outstanding warrants out of Texas, was charged with charged with 10 counts of criminal simulation. Hendersonville authorities said more charges are pending. If you recognize the other man, call Hendersonville or Spring Hill authorities.

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Police also reminded people to slow down and be cognizant about their surroundings and think about purchases. Specifically, look at any gift cards and see if they have been tampered with before unintentionally putting your hard-earned cash into a bad guys pockets.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
The thought of your car doubling as a surveillance device isnt just fodder for dystopian thrillers  its a growing reality thats sparking outrage among American drivers.

Automakers are under fire for allegedly collecting driving data through onboard technology and sharing it with third-party data brokers like LexisNexis and Verisk, who then sell this information to insurance companies.

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The result? Some drivers report spiking premiums, leading to lawsuits and scrutiny from lawmakers  the latest tension point between technological innovation and consumer privacy.

Georgia farmer Brant McDonald told Fox2 News in St. Louis that after reading about the practice, he requested a consumer disclosure report of his driving information from LexisNexis. He received a report spanning nearly 350 pages and 300 pages of that are just my driving history in that short period of time.

Information in the report appears sourced from GM, who made McDonalds then-new truck.

Heres whats really happening, how it could affect you, and what you can do to protect your privacy.

How your driving data gets collected

Todays cars are equipped with advanced technology capable of tracking a variety of driving habits. Telematics systems, for instance, monitor metrics such as speed, braking intensity, mileage, and even the time of day youre driving. This data is then transmitted through cellular networks, creating a treasure trove of information about your driving behavior.

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While these systems are often touted as tools to improve safety, critics say they also serve another purpose: providing valuable data for automakers, data brokers, and insurance companies.

And some automakers have been accused of sharing this driving data  allegedly without clear consent  with information brokers, who in turn sell the information to insurers.

Why this data matters to insurers

Instead of relying on historical data or credit scores, insurers can use telematics data to assess risk more precisely. On the surface, this might seem fair: Safe drivers could theoretically see lower premiums.

But theres a flip side: Drivers who rack up high mileage, commute during rush hour, or exhibit behaviors flagged as risky could see their data used to raise rates. Some drivers allege their premiums have increased despite no change in their driving habits, simply because of data shared by their automakers.

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These practices have triggered legal action in multiple states, with plaintiffs arguing the data collection violates their privacy rights and that they werent adequately informed or given a choice to opt out. At least seven class action lawsuits have been filed against General Motors, OnStar, and data brokers LexisNexis and Verisk Analytics.

Read more: I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement  what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 3 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)

Millions of American drivers wanted to buy a car, not a comprehensive surveillance system that unlawfully records information about every drive they take and sells their data to any company willing to pay for it, said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after his office sued General Motors in August for false and deceptive business practices.

The controversy has caught the attention of lawmakers in Washington. Senators Ed Markey and Ron Wyden urged the Federal Trade Commission this summer to hold senior company officials responsible for their flagrant abuse of their customers privacy.

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Automakers say theyre not collecting any data without customer consent  even if that consent is buried in manuals and legalese, as Markey contends. A 2014 Code of Conduct agreed to by several major automakers provides greater protection to consumers than what is available through other codes of conduct or through comprehensive privacy laws that have been enacted in various states, Hilary Cain, a senior executive for industry group Alliance for Automotive Innovation, told Bloomberg Law in September.

How to tell if your car might be spying on you

Not all vehicles are collecting and sharing data, but it can be tricky to know if yours is. Here are some steps to help you find out:

Check the owners manual: Look for sections on telematics, data sharing, or privacy policies. Some automakers disclose their practices in the fine print.

Contact the manufacturer: Ask directly whether your car collects driving data and if that data is shared with third parties.

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Review mobile apps: Many modern vehicles connect to companion apps. These apps often outline what data is collected and how its used.

Request your data report: Companies like LexisNexis allow consumers to request a copy of their driving data. This can help you see what information has been collected and shared.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Avian flu has been detected in dairy cows in Nye County, according to state officials. Its the first report of H5N1 in dairy cows in Nevada.

State agriculture officials said Friday that the site has been quarantined and mandatory testing will continue until the herd is confirmed to be free of the virus.

The U.S. government on Friday ordered testing of the nations milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows.

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Attention to the virus has increased since May, when officials found transmission from cows to humans. No human-to-human transmissions have been found, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to monitor the situation.

Cow-to-human transmission has resulted only in minor symptoms, but scientists have cautioned that mutations could change the situation quickly. The most recent flu pandemic occurred in 2009 involving swine flu.

Nevada officials said the virus found in Nye County is in the process of being sequenced by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Laboratories.

Nye County is Nevadas largest county, and its largest city is Pahrump, located about 70 miles west of Las Vegas. The Department of Agriculture lists three dairies operating in the Amargosa Valley, just northwest of Pahrump: Ponderosa Dairy I, Ponderosa Dairy II, and Moapa Dairy.

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Ensuring the safety of the industry is our utmost priority, Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director J.J. Goicoechea said. Early action is critical to prevent the spread of animal disease. We have notified industry members and encouraged increased animal and worker safety precautions.

See answers to common questions about H5N1 in this USDA document: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/hpai-dairy-faqs.pdf

The CDC maintains that the risk to humans remains low and the NDA is working with state and county health officials to protect human health and safety, according to a Friday news release.

The NDA thanks our partners from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Nye County Health Officer, Dr. Daniel Griffith, for their support and coordination, Goicoechea said. This is a huge team effort, and we are thankful to have strong partners across Nevada.

Dairy and meat products remain safe for consumption. In addition, the USDA has determined that pasteurized milk will not transmit the virus to humans. Raw milk is illegal in Nevada.

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As always, we recommend following food safety guidelines, only eating or drinking pasteurized milk and cheeses, and cooking meat to the appropriate minimum internal temperatures, Goicoechea said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Dec. 6The looming challenge of writing the next two-year state budget for Gov.-elect Kelly Ayotte came into focus when the state reported a significant slump in business tax revenues last month.

November is not one of the four months in the year when most of the state's taxes and fees come into New Hampshire coffers. But five months into the current fiscal year, returns from the state's two main business taxes  on corporate profits and business activity  are $60 million below the forecast of legislative tax experts.

Compared with the same five months in 2023, those taxes are down by 20.9%, a total decline of $76 million.

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All taxes and fees have brought in $882 million this year, compared with$968 million from July through November 2023.

Ayotte must also deal with the reality that the state's tax on unearned income, interest and dividends, is going away on Jan. 1.

That tax has been cut from 5% to 3% over the past few years and last month brought in only $600,000.

Three years ago, the same tax brought in three times that much in the same month.

The state's main hospitality tax  on hotel rentals and restaurant meals  continues to be strong, reflecting solid summer and fall tourism seasons. For the year, the tax has brought in $3 million more than forecast and $4.8 million over the prior year.

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While experts believe New Hampshire housing prices may have finally peaked, profit from the state's tax on buyers and sellers of real estate has outperformed expectations three months in a row.

Revenue Commissioner Lindsey Stepp said sales data lag by a month but transactions in October were up 4.4% over the same month in 2023 and values soared by 11.9%.

Outgoing Senate President Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, said the revenue slowdown has been expected and can be manageable for Ayotte and larger Republican majorities in both the state Senate and House of Representatives.

"I am optimistic that a new (presidential) administration and a pro-growth economic agenda could help give a boost to revenues here and across the country," Bradley said.

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"I'd say this is a cause for caution but not for panic."

In November alone, the state took in $117 million from all taxes, which was $19.7 million (14.1%) below legislative estimates.

Stepp said an upgraded information management system gives her agency more accurate data about how much revenue comes from the 7.5% Business Profits Tax and how much from the 0.55% Business Enterprise Tax.

The BPT brings in 68% while the BET provides the remaining 32% of business tax revenue, Stepp said. The lower-rate BET is broadly applied to a firm's salaries, interest and dividends.

Stepp said reduced corporate estimate payments and big tax revenues were behind the business tax shortfall.

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Business tax refunds totaled $47 million so far this year; they were $54 million during the same period last year.

The Legislature starting in the 2022 tax year capped at 500% of liability how much a business could hold onto in business tax credits without having to request a refund.

This cap will drop further to 250% of tax liability in 2029.

Budget in five weeks

When she takes the oath of office Jan. 8, Ayotte will have just five weeks to put together the two-year spending plan for all of state government.

Ayotte attended the hearings in October when state agency heads presented their priorities and offered how they could deal with retiring Gov. Chris Sununu's directive that they cut 4% in the first year.

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Sununu said he has tried not to overwhelm Ayotte with massive budget briefings and instead is letting her learn on her own in private sessions she has been holding with key state officials.

"We have been pretty restrictive in handing it to her," Sununu told reporters. "Hopefully she can just build on what we have done."

Sununu said the state's economic fundamentals remain strong and should help the state remain financially healthier than its neighbors.

"I think this is the best transition we have had in 30 years," Sununu said of his handoff to Ayotte, a former U.S. senator and attorney general.

klandrigan@unionleader.com
KANAB, Utah (ABC4)  In 2017, Michelle Galaria and her sister were hit while crossing an intersection in Kanab  the same intersection where the Kanab City police chief allegedly crashed into a pedestrian last month.

I was hit as a pedestrian in a hit-and-run. A man honked his horn and then proceeded to hit both me and my sister as we were crossing that intersection, Galaria told ABC4.com. It was awful.

Galaria said while she was able to recover from her physical injuries relatively quickly, the incident left her traumatized for years. She said it was financially burdensome, time-consuming, and emotionally challenging as she had to relive the crash in each court hearing.

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It was tough, she said, tearing up. If it ever happens again, I dont want to survive it. Thats how bad it was.

The intersection of 100 East and 300 South in Kanab, Utah. This intersection has seen several auto-pedestrian crashes in the last decade. (Credit: KTVX) A photo of Kanab in Kane County, Utah. (Credit: KTVX)

After the crash, she began advocating to change the intersection of 100 East and 300 South, specifically prohibiting unprotected left turns so vehicles are only permitted to turn left on a green arrow.

She said she spoke with the city, county and Utah Department of Transportation  since the highway is not city-owned. Galaria said the department conducted a study and implemented a few changes, but not the elimination of unprotected turns.

They did make a couple of changes, obviously not significant enough to prevent the subsequent death two years later, and then this incident now with the police chief, Galaria said.

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In 2019, Galaria said another woman was struck in the intersection and died from her injuries. In 2020, she said local officials banned protests in the area, citing the dangerous nature of the intersection. In 2024, Chief Tom Cram struck a pedestrian who received moderate to severe injuries.

The most recent incident involving the police chief was initially investigated by Utah Highway Patrol, but is now under the jurisdiction of the Garfield County Attorney General. Attorney General Barry Huntington confirmed with ABC4 that his office is investigating the incident.

As officials determined the crash was not an officer-involved critical incident, Cram has continued to lead the police department.

Sugarhouse Pub alcohol license suspended for underage drinking

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Galaria hopes that this latest incident will once again place a spotlight on the intersection and lead to both safety improvements and victim advocacy. She said both the chief and the victim are going to need a ton of support as they navigate what is to come.

Everybodys gonna need some kind of therapy  physical, mental, emotional, financial  everybody, she said.

While she doesnt always agree with Crams statements, she said her heart still breaks for him  and of course the pedestrian. She said she hopes the community can rally behind them as they did for her and her sister.

As for supporting the victim, Galaria suggested officials communicate resources and provide immediate financial support to assist them while awaiting insurance settlements  actions she said would have helped her seven years ago.

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As for the intersection, she hopes that this is finally the catalyst for change.

We were hit as a hit-and-run, then a woman died, and now the police chief hits somebody. Maybe its enough magnitude to do a little bit more. Regrettably, right? I wish that wasnt the case, she said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
DJ BASSNECTAR at Bumbershoot Music Festival at Seattle Center on Sept. 2, 2013 in Seattle, WA. - Credit: Mat Hayward/FilmMagic

Music producer Bassnectar has failed to win dismissal of a lawsuit claiming he groomed, trafficked, and sexually abused underage girls. In a lengthy ruling issued Thursday, a federal judge said the case could proceed toward a trial set for February.

The electronic music DJ, whose legal name is Lorin Ashton, claimed in his dismissal motion that the three women suing him had lied about their ages to deceive him into believing they were at least 18 years old. He further claimed he never enticed the plaintiffs into underage sex and never paid them for sexual contact. In her 54-page ruling, the judge said those questions were best decided by a jury.

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Ashton was first sued by plaintiffs Rachel Ramsbottom and Alexis Bowling in April 2021. A third plaintiff, Jenna Houston, joined the lawsuit in May 2021.

Ramsbottom alleges she began corresponding with Ashton online in 2012, when she was 17 and he was 34. She says she initially told him she was 18 but later confessed she was only 17. She claims he invited her to a Memphis hotel, had sex with her there, and then pulled a wad of money out of his backpack and handed it to her.

The court finds that whether this money constituted payment or remuneration for sex constitutes a jury question, U.S. District Court Judge Aleta A. Trauger wrote in her ruling.

Bowling says she met Ashton online when she was 17 and initially claimed she was a year older. She says he clearly understood her real age when she was turned away from a show because she was under 18. Alexis reached out to Bassnectar to see if there was anything he could do, but he could not help her. Instead, Bassnectar directed her and arranged for her to meet him near his hotel, the lawsuit states. Bowling claims she subsequently had sex with Ashton at a Kentucky hotel when she was still a minor and that he gave her an envelope containing $1,600.

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Houston alleges she started communicating with Ashton online when she was 16 years old. She says he invited her to a Ritz Carlton hotel in Philadelphia and initiated sex with her as soon as she walked in his room. She claims he later booked her flights to have sex with him all over the country.

The judge said in her ruling that while Houston allegedly misled Ashton about her age, the question remained whether he deliberately ignored what he saw with his own eyes. The court finds that a jury must resolve the question of whether Ashton deliberately disregarded obvious facts from which he should have known that Houston was still a minor when they met, the judge wrote. She said that based on photos of Houston from around the time she first met Ashton, it was possible that no reasonable person would have believed she was eighteen or older. The judge even cited deposition testimony from Ashton in which he allegedly agreed she does not look like shes 19 years old in a photograph she allegedly emailed him.

Judge Trauger did reject some allegations. For instance, she ruled that Ramsbottom failed to show that she received any payments after she turned 18, so she could not accuse Ashton of sex trafficking after she became an adult. The judge also rejected claims Ashton used force, fraud or coercion on any of the women or that he benefitted from participation in a venture that he knew or should have known engaged in sex trafficking.

Our clients are very happy that the court agreed with us that this case must be heard by a jury. Rachel, Alexis, and Jenna all look forward to their day in court, yet another step on their journey to justice in this case, the plaintiffs attorney M. Stewart Ryan tells Rolling Stone.

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In a statement, Ashtons lawyers Mitch Schuster and Kimberly S. Hodde tell Rolling Stone, We welcome yesterdays ruling. The attorneys add, The judges decision to dismiss multiple causes of action is very significant and, as the ruling indicated repeatedly, while the law dictates that other claims are allowed to proceed to trial, the evidence supporting them is extremely thin. This is an important step forward and we look forward to completing Lorin Ashtons exoneration at trial.

Ashton has vehemently denied the accusations since they surfaced. He referred to them as fictitious claims in a letter sent to Rolling Stone in 2023. A former staffer for Bassnectar described the artist as a narcissistic tyrant in a Rolling Stone interview. It was a dictatorship, they said. In which hed say what he wanted to happen and you would need to do it or face a berating phone call that would gaslight you. We were mice in a maze of pain: Youd just go the way you had to go, [because] everything else is gonna be a world of suffering.

Best of Rolling Stone

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A beloved waterfront restaurant in Bradenton, Florida, has permanently closed its doors after sustaining severe damage from back-to-back hurricanes, according to the Herald-Tribune.

What happened?

Caddy's Bradenton Riverwalk, known for its white-sand beach and stunning views of the Manatee River, suffered catastrophic damage during Hurricane Milton, including a collapsed tiki hut that covered one of its two bars.

"It's a kick in the gut having two storms back-to-back," Caddy's CEO Randy Esponda told Fox Weather. "We're resilient and happy as can be that the building is intact."

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While other Tampa Bay area Caddy's locations are temporarily closed for repairs, the Bradenton location's closure is permanent, according to the restaurant's website.

Why are restaurant closures concerning?

The permanent shutdown of this popular gathering spot reflects a troubling pattern of how stronger storms are affecting our coastal communities and local economies.

While extreme weather events have always happened, scientists have found that warming temperatures are making hurricanes more intense and destructive. These storms pose increasing challenges for waterfront businesses, which often serve as economic anchors for their communities.

Caddy's wasn't just a restaurant. It was a beloved local destination that employed dozens of people and created cherished memories for countless families since opening on St. Patrick's Day in 2017.

What's being done to protect coastal businesses?

Many coastal communities are taking proactive steps to help waterfront businesses become more resilient.

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Some cities are updating building codes to require stronger construction materials and better storm protection, while others are offering grants to help businesses install flood barriers and hurricane-resistant windows. Business owners can also work with local climate resilience experts to develop action plans.

What would you do if natural disasters were threatening your home?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

If you want to support affected communities, consider dining at recently reopened restaurants like Pier 22 and Mattison's Riverwalk, which have already bounced back from the storms. Supporting local businesses after natural disasters helps maintain the character of our coastal communities while building economic resilience for future challenges.

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.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A Bergen man has been accused of possessing several illegal firearms following a search warrant that stemmed from on October arrest, Genesee County Sheriffs Office confirms.

According to GCSO, search warrants were executed on the home of Peter Celentano, age 35, in Bergen as part of a multi-agency investigation into manufacturing and possessing illegal firearms.

GCSO said after a search it was found that Celentano allegedly possessed large capacity ammunition feeding devices, short barreled shotguns and 3D printed firearm frames without serial numbers.

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Celentano was arraigned in the Town of Bergen Court and held on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.

This follows after an October arrest by the ATF for possession of AR-style receivers that qualified as machine guns.

Bergen man charged with machine gun possession

He faces charges related to that investigation in Orleans County and is being held on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
President Biden called on Congress to extend the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, tax credits on Friday after a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report highlighted national healthcare disparities.

A new report from the Congressional Budget Office underscores just how critical the legislation to bring down health care costs, enacted under my Administration, have been, Biden said in the statement.

Millions of Americans are benefiting from expanded premium tax credits that lower their premiums. If Congress takes that benefit away, premiums will spike and 3.8 million people will become uninsured, he continued.

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He added that healthcare should be a right and not a privilege, arguing that Congress must support support the tax credit program.

The healthcare subsidies are set to expire in 2025 if Congress decides not to renew the legislation first enacted in 2010.

Republicans, who are set to hold the majority in the 119th Congress, are unlikely to renew the measure before 2025. The decision would leave millions without health coverage.

The CBO report found that not extending the credit will increase the number of people without health insurance and raise the average gross benchmark premiums for plans purchased through the marketplaces.

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The report also noted a renewal would significantly spike the cost of gross benchmark premiums in 2026 if the subsidies expire, rising by an average of 7.9 percent for the following eight 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 The Hill.
An earlier version of this article was first published in the On the Trail 2024 newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox on Friday mornings here.

Happy Friday, friends.

The big idea

The next pardon

President Joe Bidens pardon for his son, Hunter, came out of nowhere. For the better part of a year, he said he wouldnt do it. Unlike most 11th-hour pardons, Biden announced it a month-and-a-half before leaving office. And the news hit inboxes on a Sunday night, before many were back in the office after the Thanksgiving holiday.

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But some are calling for another pardon: Biden should pardon President-elect Donald Trump.

Marc Thiessen, the conservative Washington Post columnist, and Danielle Pletka, a distinguished senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, first made the case in June 2023, days after Trump was served his first indictment. Allowing the charges to pile up against Trump, the two argued, would further delegitimize the Justice Department in the eyes of millions of Trumps followers. If Trump went to trial, they continued, it would be one of the most divisive events in the history of our republic. It would set a new precedent  and create enormous pressure on the next Republican president to go after President Biden, his family and other Democrats.

They werent alone. Sen. Mitt Romney said Biden should pardon Trump, saying it would make Biden the big guy and Trump the little guy. And No. 2, Romney continued, its not going to get resolved before the election. Its not going to have an impact before the election. And, frankly, the country doesnt want to have to go through prosecuting a former president.

Romney, Thiessen and Pletka were all right on some fronts. Trump did go to trial (in a separate case), and Americans trust in the judiciary sank further. Trump has yet to be sentenced, though, nor has he stood trial for his other indictments, after the Supreme Court offered partial immunity to presidents. And since Trump won the election, the former president wont be tried, after all.

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Its likely Trump will never be held responsible for his alleged or convicted crimes. In Georgia, arguments for Trumps election interference case were canceled. In New York, sentencing in the hush money case has been delayed indefinitely. The Jan. 6 case in Washington, D.C., is moving toward dismissal. Jack Smith, the special counsel overseeing that investigation, plans to step down before Trump can fire him.

That doesnt mark the end of the battle, though. Thiessen and Pletka fear we are at the start of a vicious cycle where Republicans now argue they are justified in weaponizing the justice system to go after Democrats, and Democrats then feel free to retaliate when they regain power  sending the country spiraling into a miasma of partisan litigation.

Biden clearly feared such a cycle when he pardoned his son. In trying to break Hunter, Biden wrote, theyve tried to break me  and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. When Trump takes office, Biden suggested, his son could be the subject of a miscarriage of justice.

Pardoning Trump, Sen. Joe Manchin argued this week, could put an end to it all. It would have gone down a lot more balanced, if you will, Manchin said. A pair of Democratic strategists made the same argument in a Fox News op-ed. On CNN, ex-Nixon White House counsel John Dean suggested Biden should strategically pair a pardon of Trump with pardons for his allies that may be targeted by Trump. Take the wind out of retribution/revenge! he said.

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To Thiessen and Pletka, though, the move would serve a higher purpose. If we do not want to go through an endless cycle of what goes around comes around, they wrote, a bold act of statesmanship is required: Biden should announce that he is issuing a blanket pardon for Trump, allowing him to start his presidency with a legal tabula rasa.

The plan has its doubters. MSNBCs Hayes Brown argues that the move, even intended to unite the country, could be wildly unpopular, as was Fords decision to pardon Nixon. The trouble is there is no such thing as a unilateral reconciliation; it is a dialogue by its very nature, he added. Its true that Biden offering a pardon for Trump could be framed as outreach to the president-elects followers. But what, then, could be expected from this show of good faith? Are there reciprocal steps that would bring the MAGA movement away from the edge and toward a more united country?

Biden has said he would not pardon Trump. In May 2020, while running for president, he committed to never pardon his rival. When asked again in May 2023, he laughed.

How will history smile on Biden? He ran as a bridge beyond Trump, then handicapped his partys efforts to defeat Trump by staying in the race. He pledged not to pardon Hunter, then he did. That decision, critics say, could tarnish his legacy. A pardon of Trump would further complicate it.

3 things to know

Goodbye, Mitt: Sen. Mitt Romney offered his final speech on the U.S. Senate floor this week, expressing gratitude for his colleagues and vowing to be a voice of unity and virtue in the future. Colleagues on both sides of the aisle were effusive in their praise, with one suggesting the Senates mantra should be, What would Mitt do? Read more here.

DoD drama: Trumps pick for secretary of defense is shrouded in a series of ugly allegations dealing with sexual impropriety and alcohol abuse. As Pete Hegseth continues to make the rounds at the Capitol to shore up support, another possible name to lead the Department of Defense has arisen: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis? Read more here.

Faith mix: Trumps proposed Cabinet includes a pastor, several Catholics, two Jews, a Hindu and a Latter-day Saint. Other LDS connections: Lee Zeldin, Trumps pick to lead the EPA, is married to a Latter-day Saint; Marco Rubio, Trumps secretary of state nominee, was baptized a Latter-day Saint as a child but is now Catholic. Read more here.

Weekend reads

Star search: Finding the next Democratic presidential contender (The Hill)

In the case of Trump loyalist Ric Grenell, loyalty did not trump all (Politico)

Amid worry about Trump, calls for career Justice Dept. staff to stay (Washington Post)
Imperial County consistently ranks among the most economically distressed places in California. Its Salton Sea, the states biggest and most toxic lake, is an environmental disaster. And the regions politics have been dominated by a conservative white elite, despite its supermajority Latino population.

The county also happens to be sitting on enough lithium to produce nearly 400 million batteries, sufficient to completely revamp the American auto fleet to electric propulsion. Even better, that lithium could be extracted in a way consistent with broader goals to reduce pollution.

The traditional ways to extract lithium involve either hard rock mining, which generates lots of waste, or large evaporation ponds, which waste a lot of water. In Imperial Valley, companies are pioneering a third method. They are extracting the mineral from the underground briny water brought up during geothermal energy production and then injecting that briny water back into the ground in a closed loop. It promises to yield the cleanest, greenest lithium on the planet.

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The hope of a clean energy future has excited investors and public officials so much that the area is being rechristened as Lithium Valley.

In a region desperate for jobs and income, the prospect of a white gold rush is appealing. Public officials have been working to roll out the red carpet for big investors, including trying to create a clear plan for infrastructure and a quicker permitting process. To get community groups support, they are playing up the potential for jobs, including company commitments to hire local workers.

But Imperial Valley residents who have been on the butt end of get-rich schemes around water and real estate in the past are worried that their political leaders may be giving away the store. As we explore in our new book, Charging Forward: Lithium Valley, Electric Vehicles and a Just Future, the U.S. has an opportunity to ensure that these residents directly benefit from the lithium extraction boom, which is an important part of the global shift to clean energy.

Possibilities and perils in Lithium Valley

Imperial Valley is emblematic of the potential and the risks that have long faced impoverished communities in resource-rich regions.

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To understand the possibilities and perils in Imperial Valley, its useful to remember that the world is not just moving away from fossil fuel extraction but toward more mineral extraction. Todays battery technology  necessary for electric vehicles and energy storage  relies on minerals including cobalt, magnesium, nickel and graphite. And mineral extraction is often accompanied by obscured environmental risks.

A prototype for CTRs lithium-producing geothermal facility, in the Hells Kitchen area of Imperial Valley. Manuel Pastor

In Imperial Valley, environmental and community organizations are worried about lithium extractions water use, waste and air pollution as production steps up and truck traffic increases. When your regions childhood asthma rate is already more than twice the national average, and dust from the drying lake is toxic, kicking up a little extra dust is a big deal.

Comite Civico del Valle, a long-established environmental justice organization in Imperial Valley, has sued to slow down a streamlined permitting process for Controlled Thermal Resources, a company planning lithium extraction there. The groups concern is that inadequate environmental reviews could result in harm to residents health. Both the company and public officials are warning that the lawsuit could stop the lithium boom before it begins.

Local communities are also concerned about how much benefit they will see while the industry profits. They note that the electric vehicle boom driving lithium demand occurred precisely because of public policy. Tesla, for example, has benefited from multiple rounds of state and federal zero-emissions vehicle incentives, including the sale of emissions credits that accounted for 85% of Teslas gross margin in 2009 and rose to US$1.8 billion a year by 2023.

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Behind these policies and financial incentives have been public will and taxpayer money.

Young advocates with the Imperial Valley Equity & Justice Coalition have been spreading their concerns through the community. Chris Benner

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We believe that local residents, not just companies, deserve a return. Rather than promising to just pay for community benefits, such as environmental mitigation, contributions to municipal coffers or jobs, the companies could pay dividends directly to local residents and communities.

There are models of this dividend approach. For example, the Alaska Permanent Fund gives an annual amount to all residents of that state from revenues obtained from the oil beneath the ground.

In Imperial Valley, the actual ownership of the lithium is complex, involving a mix of privately owned subsurface rights, public lease rights obtained by companies and public rights held by the regional water district to whom companies will pay royalties.

Given the ownership complexities and the desire to benefit as development takes place, local authorities and community organizations persuaded the state in 2022 to pass a per-metric-ton lithium tax to address local needs.

Controlled Thermal Resources CEO Rod Colwell, right, walks near the Salton Sea with a colleague. AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

That flat tax was bitterly resisted by some in the emerging industry on the grounds that it could make Imperial Valleys less-polluting extraction method too costly to compete with environmentally damaging imports; after the vote, CTRs CEO called the legislators clowns. Meanwhile, CTR has also agreed to hire union workers in the construction phase. Everyone  companies, communities and government officials  is struggling to balance economic viability with accountability.

Lessons for a just transition

The hesitance of low-income Imperial Valley residents to immediately buy into the lithium vision is deeply rooted in history.

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Decades of racial exclusion, patronizing practices and broken promises have led to deep distrust of outsiders who assert that things will be better this time.

Irrigation at the turn of the last century was supposed to bring an agriculture boom, but the early result was a broken canal that released enough water over nearly two years of disrepair to create what is now the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea was then supposed to fuel recreational tourism, but the failure to replenish it with anything but agricultural runoff helped to kill fish, birds and recreation. A more recent scheme to attract solar farms in recent decades delivered little employment and more worries about agricultural displacement.

You can still find old billboards promising a resort life on the Salton Sea, which today is one of the states most polluted lakes. Wind kicks up toxic dust when the water is low. Manuel Pastor

Building the supply chain here, too

In recent years, some people have pinned their hopes on lithium. The main site so far in Imperial Valley has been CTRs Hells Kitchen. Its a fitting moniker on summer days when temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees.

Ensuring that the surrounding communities benefit from this new lithium boom will require thinking about how to attract not just companies extracting the lithium but also those that will use it. So far, Imperial County has had limited success in attracting related industries. In 2023, a company named Statevolt said it would build a gigafactory there to assemble batteries. However, the companys previous efforts  Britishvolt in the United Kingdom and Italvot in Italy  have stalled without any volts being produced. Imperial County will need serious suitors to make a go of it.

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A potentially promising future for modern transportation and energy storage may be brewing in Imperial Valley. But getting to a brighter future for everyone will require remembering a lesson from the past: that community investments tend to be hard-won. We believe that ensuring everyone benefits long term is essential for achieving a more inclusive and sustainable future.

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: Manuel Pastor, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and Chris Benner, University of California, Santa Cruz

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Research for the book from which this article draws was supported by the James Irvine Foundation, New Energy Nexus, the California Wellness Foundation, and Open Society Foundations. Manuel Pastor was also supported by a Residency at the Rockefeller Foundation's Bellagio Center.

Research for the book from which this article draws was supported by the James Irvine Foundation, New Energy Nexus, the California Wellness Foundation, and Open Society Foundations. Chris Benner was also supported by a Residency at the Rockefeller Foundation's Bellagio Center.
Screenshot: Law&Crime Network (YouTube)

The world seemed to forget about the woman whose horrfiying interaction with the police led to a national conversation around Haitian migrants after a racist rumor brigade began. Now, we finally know how that case ended. - Kalyn Womack Read More

Screenshot: X

Just one week after we showed you a video of a teenager throwing a massive tantrum inside a Georgia cell phone store as she pleads with her mother not to disconnect her cell phone service, social media is buzzing with yet another child making an outrageous scene  this time, its a young girl in a Walmart. - Angela Johnson Read More

Screenshot: TikTok

Last month, an airplane Karen was caught on camera on a United Airlines shuttle bus at Los Angeles International Airport hurling racist insults at an Indian American family. The verbal attack was directed at photographer Pervez Taufiq, who recorded the entire incident. - Candace McDuffie Read More

Screenshot: WPDE

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A Black teen girl, LaNisha Hemingway, was wrongfully detained by North Myrtle beach police back in May. Shortly after the ordeal, Hemingway filed a civil lawsuit, and she just received a settlement amount suggesting that she got the last laugh. - Candace McDuffie Read More

Screenshot: TMZ.com

Yesterday, we told you about a viral clip of a young girl going on a path of destruction inside a Walmart store, kicking displays, throwing food items on the floor and breaking glass bottles. - Angela Johnson Read More

Photo: Ricky Vigil (Getty Images)

A new motion filed by the lawyers for Sean Diddy Combs makes some pretty lofty allegations against the government which has imprisoned him.

Combs is accusing authorities of spying on the disgraced music mogul while hes been behind bars. Combs was arrested in Brooklyn back in September after he was indicted on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. - Candace McDuffie Read More

Photo: X/TikTok (Getty Images)

Airports are inherently chaotic, and apparently they serve as the perfect breeding ground for Karens to act out. Earlier this last year, there was one being downright rude to a Spirit Airlines employee at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. - Candace McDuffie Read More

Leon Harris - Screenshot: YouTube/NBC4

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An Emmy-winning newscaster who began his career at CNN in the 1980s is taking some time away from the news desk to focus on his health.



NBC 4 Washington veteran reporter Leon Harris gave viewers a scare as he appeared to be struggling to get through a Thanksgiving Day broadcast. The 63-year-old slurred certain words and appeared to struggle to pronounce others before he was removed from the desk during a break. - Angela Johnson Read More

Photo: Facebook, Coppola Migliore Funeral Chapel

New York authorities indicted a woman after connecting her to the scene of a Queens home that was set ablaze. The fire wasnt even the worst part  it was who was stuck inside the fire. - Kalyn Womack Read More

Photo: GoFundMe

Just two days after Thanksgiving, a California family experienced a nightmare after suffering a shocking loss from an incident that investigators have yet to solve. - Kalyn Womack Read More

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REHOBOTH, Mass. (WPRI)  The American Red Cross hosted a blood drive in honor of 68-year-old Donna Arruda, who was one of the three people that died in a crash on Christmas last year.

Donna, along with her husband 73-year-old Floriano Flo Arruda and 15-year-old grandson Jacoby Arruda, were killed in a wrong-way crash on the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

The man accused of driving drunk and causing the crash, 41-year-old Adam Gauthier, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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MORE: Man facing new OUI charges in deadly Christmas crash

The blood drive partnered with Beckwith Middle School in Rehoboth, where Donna worked at in the cafeteria.

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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 WPRI.com.
Dec. 6Presentations on the new Transition Learning Center, an update on Zavala, Pease and Noel elementary schools and budget priorities will be discussed during an Ector County ISD Board of Trustees workshop at 6 p.m. Dec. 10 in the first floor board room of the administration building, 802 N. Sam Houston Ave.

In February 2024, the board approved reestablishing Noel, Pease and Zavala elementary schools as kindergarten through fifth grade campuses. This was meant to bring families back together at their neighborhood schools.

The principals of each campus will provide an update on the impact this has made on the campuses.

Also, DLR Architects will do a presentation on the new Transition Learning Center financed by Bond 2023 and trustees will discuss budget priorities for 2025-26.
A body found in a hammock in a forest in Alabama has been identified as belonging to an Ohio mother who went missing after leaving for a camping trip months ago.

Vendula Wendy Rose, who disappeared on Sept. 24, was identified by human remains found in the Talladega National Forest by the Alabama Department of Forensic Science on Wednesday, Dec. 4, Cleburne County Coroners Office said in a statement on Facebook.

On Dec. 4, the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office was notified by Cleburne County Coroner Adam Downs in reference to a positive confirmation that the remains believed to be Mrs. Rose located in the National Forest was indeed Mrs. Vendula Wendy Rose, the statement read.

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Her cause of death has not been released.

Cleburne County Sheriffs Department The human remains of Rose were discovered on Dec. 4 The human remains of Rose were discovered on Dec. 4

Related: Woman Disappeared After Going Camping at Alabama Park, Police Believe Shes Suffering a Mental Health Crisis

Rose was last seen leaving for a cross-state camping trip to Alabama on Sept. 24, the Marysville Police Division in Ohio previously shared on Facebook. She was expected to return home from her trip on Oct. 2.

An investigation was subsequently carried out by police in search of Rose when she did not return. She was believed to be suffering a mental health crisis at the time of her disappearance.

According to a timeline shared by police, Rose left for her trip driving in a silver Honda Accord.

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Rose last spoke to her family and friends about going on a hiking trip on Sept. 20, telling them she was leaving some personal belongings in a Safe Deposit Box at her bank. She also left her work keys with her employer at the time, according to police.

Rose arrived in the Dugger Mountain area of Cleburne and Calhoun County on Sept. 20, police said. There, she hiked that portion of the Pinhoti Trail."

She then went to South Carolina on Sept. 24, before coming back to Cleburne County that afternoon, according to police.

Cleburne County Sheriffs Department A body has been found in a hammock in Alabama identified as missing Ohio mother A body has been found in a hammock in Alabama identified as missing Ohio mother

Related: Missing Woman, 24, Found Severely Dehydrated and Emaciated After Surviving Nearly 2 Weeks in Wilderness

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Rose was then captured on camera journeying to Oxford, Ala., and making a purchase at a business before leaving solo on Sept. 24.

Police found later found Rose's vehicle on Oct. 7. They said that the car had multiple notes that were deemed as abnormal for Rose unless she was having a mental health crisis.

A box of ammunition with seven rounds missing was found in the car, according to police. They said at the time that there wasnt any evidence to believe that there is any foul play suspected in this case."

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.

Rose's body was then discovered weeks later by a hunter on Saturday, Nov. 30, police said.

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"I appreciate the hard work that Coroner Downs and the Alabama Department of Forensic Science done to confidently confirm this for the family," Sheriff Jon Daniel said on Facebook.

He added, "My prayers are with Mrs. Rose's family and friends as they go through this loss.

Read the original article on People
SHELBY COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  The body of 67-year-old Shelby County Coroner, Brad Phegley, was found in Lake Mattoon after an apparent hunting accident.

On Dec. 6 at 2:49 p.m., the Shelby County Sheriffs Office received a 911 call of a male subject floating in Lake Mattoon near 3526E and 850 North Road in Shelby County. The caller was a waterfowl hunting partner of the victim who he found near their decoys in front of their shoreline waterfowl blind.

ISP arrests Belleville man for murdering 16-year-old

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Shelby County Deputies and Neoga Ambulance responded to the scene where the victim was pronounced deceased. The victim was positively identified as Shelby County Coroner Brad Phegley. At this time, it appears to be accidental circumstances.

IDNR Conservation Police were called in to investigate the hunting accident. Conservation Police requested the assistance of ISP Crime Scene and Investigations. An autopsy is being performed on Dec. 7 in Bloomington.

The investigation into this event is continuing by the Shelby County Sheriffs Office, IDNR Conservation Police and Illinois State Police. Shelby County Deputy Coroners responded and were assisted by Moultrie County Coroner Lynn Reed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sick staff risk losing their jobs under Angela Rayners workers rights overhaul, recruiters have warned.

Shazia Ejaz at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) said the burden of extra costs imposed by Ms Rayners reforms risked forcing employers to let staff go if they fall ill for long periods or repeatedly.

She said: Small businesses, which make up a significant portion of the market, would bear a disproportionate cost burden, with 60pc of new statutory sick pay (SSP) costs falling on them.

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We urge the Government to set the rate of SSP at a level that encourages employers to retain staff, rather than having to move swiftly to capability-based dismissal.

Under the Governments plans, workers will be able to claim sick pay from the first day of their illness, instead of the fourth.

At the same time, more staff will be eligible for statutory sick pay (SSP). Currently workers must earn at least 123 per week to qualify for sick pay but that threshold is to be abolished.

Ms Ejaz said: A balance between worker support and business sustainability is necessary.

Changes to sick pay come on top of other cost increases facing businesses, including the 25bn rise in employers National Insurance Contributions and another sharp rise in the minimum wage.

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The measures are part of a wider package of reforms to workers rights that includes restrictions on the use of zero hours contracts and tougher rules against fire and rehire practices when companies restructure their workforces.

Ms Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, has called it the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation, boosting pay and productivity with employment laws fit for a modern economy.

However, the Regulatory Policy Committee, an independent government body that scrutinises red tape, has declared the package not fit for purpose, criticising the quality of scrutiny and the lack of assessment of the way these costs will be passed through to employees.

The Governments own impact assessment estimates the changes will cost businesses at least 4.5bn a year.

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Ms Ejaz said: It is important to strike a good balance between the need to make sure people have better levels of SSP and the reality of businesses (especially SMEs) being able to afford this additional cost at a time when they are already struggling with a wide range of rising employment costs, including the National Insurance rises in the Budget, new regulatory costs from the Bill and a minimum wage that has risen by a quarter in just three years.

Agency workers would be particularly hard hit by Ms Rayners proposed changes.

Ms Ejaz said: The expanding scope of SSP will most likely place the burden of increased costs on agencies, not end-hirers, given their ongoing struggles to reclaim SSP from client businesses.

Surveys of businesses so far indicate the result of tax, regulation and pay changes will be that fewer jobs are created, wage rises will be smaller, and companies will put up prices to consumers to cover the costs.

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A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: No one should be forced to choose between their health and financial hardship, which is why we have consulted on plans to strengthen statutory sick pay and make sure everyone is entitled from the first day they are sick, regardless of earnings.

That consultation closed this week and well be considering responses at pace. These reforms as part of the employment rights Bill will support people managing a health condition to stay in work and raise living standards across the country.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Dec. 7Two major projects aimed at improving the mental health of adults and children are taking major steps this week in Decatur and Athens.

On 10 a.m. Tuesday, the Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama will break ground on a new crisis residential unit going up off U.S. 31 South, on the site of the former Alabama state troopers post. The new facility will treat 16 seriously mentally ill adults over age 18 who have been committed to the Alabama Department of Mental Health by a probate judge, said Lisa Coleman, CEO of MHCNCA.

"We're excited about it finally starting," she said, noting the unit should be finished in October 2025.

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At 11 a.m. Wednesday, the MHCNCA will open the Athens-Limestone Youth Counseling Clinic, an outpatient mental health facility for the children of Limestone County. The clinic, located at 1309 E. Elm St. in Athens, will see children ages 4 to 18 with serious emotional disturbances, major depression, anxiety disorders, conduct disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, Coleman said.



It takes two

The city of Athens and Limestone County worked together to make the outpatient mental health clinic for the children happen. Athens contributed $480,000 and Limestone County contributed $600,000, Coleman said.

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"They have been very, very supportive of our services," she said. "I've been here for 30 years, and the Athens City Council and the Limestone County Commission have been very good to help serve the mentally ill."

Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks says he truly understands the value of the new facility.

"As a former social worker, I know mental health is a need that impacts all ages," the mayor said. "It is imperative that our youth have access to support services to address mental health issues as soon as possible, and this project will be a valuable resource."



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Why build it?

In the past, children and adults have been seen in one building in Athens. There wasn't enough room.

"We are exploding in Limestone County," Coleman said. "Number one it's just a space issue. That is a very large program over there seeing adults and children, so having that additional space  the children's clinic is now 5,700 square feet  gives us a place that is new, clean, comfortable, well-lit and insulated for privacy, security and confidentiality."

Mental health counseling services also extend outward to all of the Athens city schools and all of the Limestone County schools, she said. Clients can be seen at the school or at the clinic, whichever they prefer.

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Everywhere

The MHCNCA isn't just tucked away in a few buildings in Morgan and Limestone counties.

"We are everywhere," Coleman said. "We have buildings we provide services in, but we are also in the schools and in the jails. We have crisis teams and mobile units out in the field going into homes. We have case management. We are an organization that is 150-employees deep seeing seriously mentally ill people every day. A lot of people think we are just a storefront  a little clinic  but we are really active in the community."

 jean.cole@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2361
More than 30 years ago, 13-year-old Eric Smith raised a worrying concern with his family when he asked what might happen if it was a kid who killed their 4-year-old neighbor Derrick Robie.



Earlier in the morning on Aug. 2, 1993, investigators discovered Robies body and quickly determined the young boy had been strangled and beaten to death, according to CBS News 48 Hours, which has long reported on the case and its decades-long fallout in the small town of Savona, New York.

[Eric] asked me what would happen if it turned out to be a kid. I said, 'I think they seriously need some psychiatric help.' And he-- 'Oh, OK,' you know. And he walked away, Marlene Heskell, a family friend of the Smiths, recalled to 48 Hours. "And that's when it all kind of came together for me that, OK, he might really know something or have seen something."

Less than a week later, Heskell and Erics mother brought the 13 year old to the police station, where he confessed to the killing after spotting him walking alone to his summer camp. About a year later, Eric was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to nine years-to-life in prison.

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While the nightmare appeared over for the village of 940 people, the trauma recurred every two years for Robie's family when Smith went up for parole. In 2021, Smith, by then 41-years-old, was granted parole and moved to Queens, New York, according to CBS.

AP Photo/John Hickey Eric Smith Eric Smith

What Drove the Teenager to Murder?

In the years after his 1994 conviction, Smith occasionally spoke to media outlets about his crime and the possibility hed see life outside of prison once again. In a 2004 interview, Smith opened up about childhood bullying he faced and how he saw the chance to dole out violence on others as a way to turn his situation around.

Smith grew up in an abusive household, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle reported. Further, he told a parole board, he was bullied by classmates for "my ears, my glasses, being short, my red hair, pretty much all of those.

Instead of me being hurt, I was hurting somebody else, Smith said at a 2004 parole hearing, according to 48 Hours.

48 Hours/CBS Derrick Robie Derrick Robie

Years of Therapy, and Alleged Change

After 28 years behind bars, Smith eventually claimed in a parole hearing that he was a changed man, according to CBS, citing years of therapy that he said helped him manage his emotions.

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You can label me a monster, a cold-blooded killer, a demon child, Satan incarnate, Smith told local WENY in 2009. Doesn't mean that's who I am.

Smith wanted to become a counselor and help other children who were being bullied, according to the local CBS affiliate.

I want to, you know, get married and raise a family, he said. You know, hold down, you know, a job. Pursue the American dream."

48 Hours/CBS Eric Smith Eric Smith

Eric Smith's Controversial Release

Smiths chance came in 2021 when a parole board agreed to allow his release from prison, according to the Democrat & Chronicle.

Dale and Doreen Robie vehemently opposed Smiths pleas for parole over the years, according to the newspaper, even pushing for state legislation that would require more years between parole hearings for convicted criminals who committed violent felonies.

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"I wasn't so much worried about us as I was everybody else," Doreen told 48 Hours when asked how she felt after Smiths release.

"I don't let him take space in my head," the mother added. "I do not focus on where he is, what he's doing.  'cause I don't care."

Read the original article on People
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  A judge on Saturday handed down long sentences to three former officers of Brazils Federal Highway Police over the 2022 death a Black man who was killed by asphyxiation inside an SUVs smoke-filled trunk.

Video of officers forcibly keeping Genivaldo de Jesus Santos, 38, in the back of their police vehicle as a dense cloud of what appeared to be tear gas emerged from the car sparked outrage across Brazil and protests in Umbauba, in the northeastern state of Sergipe.

Police had said the man displayed aggressive behavior and was actively resisting the officers who pulled him over. They said agents immobilized him then used instruments of lesser offensive potential to contain him.

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The man could be heard screaming and local media later reported that the victim had tried to explain that he was taking medication for psychiatric disorders.

Jurors found the officers guilty of torturing and killing the man at the end of a 12-day trial. Justice Rafael Soares sentenced Paulo Rodolpho Lima Nascimento to 28 years in prison for homicide, according to a statement from the 5th Federal Regional Court.

Soares sentenced the other officers, William de Barros Noia and Kleber Nascimento Freitas, to more than 23 years in prison each for torture resulting in death.

In August 2023, an internal disciplinary process recommended that the three officers be dismissed, a decision that was later confirmed by the Justice Ministry.

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Police violence has once again come into sharp focus in Brazil recently. Last Tuesday, footage of a military police officer in Sao Paulo throwing a man off a bridge and into a river prompted a backlash.

A day earlier, local media G1 published a video that showed an off-duty military police officer last month firing a series of shots at and killing a young man who had stolen packets of soap. That incident also occurred in Sao Paulo.
Scottish actor Brian Cox has said he will try to spend as much time here in the UK as he can following the results of the US presidential election.

The Succession star, 78, has been outspoken about his views on President-elect Donald Trump, and called him a monster while he was a guest on Channel 4s live coverage of the US election last month.

Asked if the result has made him lose faith in people, he told The Guardian: No, it doesnt make me lose faith in people. It just makes me realise people are stupid.

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Were in for a pretty rough old four years coming up.

Speaking about whether he will stay in the US, he said: I dont know. Ive got to because my sons are there. But Ill try to spend as much time here (UK) as I can.

Trump, 78, will take office on Inauguration Day on January 20, 2025.

Brian Cox has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump (James Manning/PA))

Last month, Boris Johnson clashed with Cox over Trump in what was branded a highlight of Channel 4s US election coverage.

Cox, who played Logan Roy in the hit HBO series, made his disdain for Trump known during his virtual appearance, during which he said: We have to make sure that he doesnt get in because he is a monster, he really is. Hes crazy, hes insane, he wants to be a dictator.

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I think hes lost it, quite frankly. I think hes deeply mentally unstable and I think he has been for some time. This is not a man who should be the president of the United States, absolutely not. Hes unreliable, hes a convicted felon, Im horrified.

His comments arrived after Johnson explained that he did not think fears about Trump becoming president, including that he would give away Ukraine to Russia, were accurate.

In response, Cox said: Its ridiculous  of course he will. Hell do what suits him. Hell do what suits Donald Trump. The man is completely self-serving. He is totally self-serving. He is only interested in one thing, and thats Donald Trump.

He doesnt give a damn about America, he really doesnt.

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Johnson, who repeatedly plugged his new book, defended Trump from Coxs claims that he is a monster. As Johnson spoke, an unimpressed Cox could be seen glaring at the UK prime minister, with screenshots of the moment going viral on social media.

Cox voices Helm in the new anime Lord of the Rings film The War Of The Rohirrim, and will star in the play The Score at Theatre Royal Haymarket, London, from February.

Additional reporting by the Press Association
The electoral map in November was largely a sea of red, but there is a bright spot  or really, three  for Golden State Democrats.

In the Central Valley, the Antelope Valley and Orange County, a trio of Democratic congressional challengers unseated Republican incumbents as the party narrowed the GOP's razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives.

The victories of Adam Gray, George Whitesides and Derek Tran  and a few Democratic House pickups elsewhere  were a silver lining for their party in a year that Republicans won both houses of Congress, Vice President Kamala Harris lost to Donald Trump in all seven swing states, and California voters backed away from progressive ballot measures and criminal justice reform favored by many Democrats.

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"If you told me all that, I'd ask: How many seats did California Democrats lose?" said Paul Mitchell, a Democratic campaign consultant and vice president of Political Data Inc. "The petri dish was so inhospitable to Democratic gains, but Democrats still somehow still gained."

Read more: Democrats flip seat in California's Central Valley in nation's final outstanding House race

In the aerospace-heavy Antelope Valley, Whitesides ran on his biography as a former NASA chief of staff and Virgin Galactic chief executive to oust GOP Rep. Mike Garcia.

In Orange County, Tran narrowly defeated Republican Rep. Michelle Steel to become the first Vietnamese American candidate to win the congressional district that includes Little Saigon.

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And in the Central Valley, Gray  a moderate Democrat and longtime Modesto lawmaker  beat GOP Rep. John Duarte by a wafer-thin margin of 187 votes. The photo-finish race, called Tuesday, was the last in the country to be decided.

"These candidates told amazing stories about their districts and they were reflective of the districts they're representing," said Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands), the No. 3 Democrat in the House.

The candidates mostly talked about kitchen-table issues, he said, and also worked to show that the Republican incumbents had congressional voting records that were "out of step with their districts."

The Orange County coast also delivered another key victory for Democrats, although not a flip. After Rep. Katie Porter chose not to run for reelection, Democrat Dave Min beat Republican Scott Baugh in the 47th Congressional District, keeping the seat blue.

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All four victories were a vindication for California Democrats, who flipped seven House seats in the 2018 "blue wave," only to lose four seats two years later and again in 2022.

"We knew from the onset how important these seats would be, and so did Republicans," said Dan Gottlieb, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee who worked on West Coast races.

He chalked up their victory to strong candidates with deep ties in their districts, weaknesses with the Republican incumbents and robust fundraising that allowed Democrats to "strain the GOP's resources" and force them to play defense in more districts.

In the view of the Republican mayor of Newport Beach, however, despite Democrats' gains, the party and its candidates didn't spend enough time talking about crime and public safety. "That's going to come back to bite Democrats really hard in two years, if that's not a main focus," Will O'Neill said at a panel at UC Irvine on Friday.

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The swing-district candidates cast themselves as moderates who didn't toe the party line. All four broke with party leaders in Sacramento to support Proposition 36, the criminal justice reform measure that passed with overwhelming support.

Democrats and their outside allies launched their candidates onto the airwaves early on in Southern California's expensive advertising market  including, in Tran's case, in Vietnamese-language media.

Read more: Will a Vietnamese American candidate help Democrats win a congressional seat in Little Saigon?

"We tried to project a message ... that we were going to stay focused on kitchen-table issues of economic growth, local job growth, and bringing costs down, and that really resonated with people," Whitesides said.

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He said his fundraising haul of $10 million helped "bring to light my opponent's record, which past campaigns didn't have to the same extent."

Republicans won California's other two battleground House races by comfortable margins.

In the Central Valley, Rep. David Valadao cruised to reelection, beating Democrat Rudy Salas by a wider margin than two years ago as Kern County swung further right.

In Riverside County, voters reelected longtime GOP Rep. Ken Calvert over Democrat Will Rollins, a former federal prosecutor who raised nearly $12.5 million and sparked a wave of voter enthusiasm.

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Rollins came 1 point closer than during his first run against Calvert in 2022. The 41st Congressional District supported Trump by a slim margin in 2020, but shifted nearly 5 points to the right this year.

In all, nine of California's 58 counties flipped from supporting Biden in 2020 to Trump.

The Republican Party also picked up three seats in the state Legislature, flipping seats in Orange County, Riverside and the Inland Empire, suggesting Democrats in once-safe districts could see bigger fights in the future.

"There's a massive shift right now in realignment of people willing to vote for a Republican, perhaps for the first time in their lives," O'Neill said.

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He said he would not be surprised if Republicans took back "a number of the seats" in 2026, including Tran's, and said Min could have a tough path to reelection if Republicans choose the right candidate.

Read more: Trump gained support in California. What does that mean for the so-called resistance?

Aguilar said California's rightward shift is proof that Democrats will need to work more to address, and talk more about, the economy, but a permanent rightward shift isn't a foregone conclusion.

"They might have been Trump voters in November, but I don't think these are Republican Party voters," Aguilar said. "When they see unified control in Washington, and what a Donald Trump agenda looks like, I do think it will make them recoil."

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Particularly in the Central Valley's 13th Congressional District, voters were saying "we want something different," Gray said.

"When I went out and campaigned on my record of independence in Sacramento ... and being unafraid to take on the political parties, either my own or the opposition, if I needed to  I think that's what people voted for," said Gray, a former member of the state Assembly.

Biden dropping out of the presidential race may also have moved the needle for Democratic candidates in some of the state's most competitive House races  although Harris did not prove to be all that popular in her home state, either.

Although the state's election data aren't finalized, voter turnout fell in 2024 among Democrats and Harris received a lower share of the vote  58.5%  than Barack Obama in 2012, Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Biden in 2020.

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"We had an old-guy problem, and after the debate, we had a credibility problem," said Orrin Evans, a consultant for the Min and Tran campaigns. "We fixed the old-guy problem, but the credibility problem remained."

Read more: Some California House races haven't been decided yet. Campaigns are making sure every ballot counts

After the election, both parties launched massive efforts to hunt down every voter whose mail ballot was flagged for a technicality, such as a missing signature or a signature that did not match the voter's information file.

Hundreds of volunteers and campaign staffers went door to door, sometimes returning to the same doorstep four or five times, to notify voters and walk them through how to correct the issues, a process known as "ballot curing."

Republicans had 70 staff members working on the ballot-curing operation, finding and fixing more than 10 times as many ballots as they had in 2022, the party said. On the Democratic side, the campaign used hundreds of volunteers and paid canvassers, including some who drove from San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Pablo Rodriguez, who ran an independent expenditure committee that supported Gray, said his organization focused on turning out Latina voters and voters without a party preference in the 13th District, including following up during the ballot-curing process.

"It's not anything complicated," Rodriguez said. "The hard part is the labor-intensive part of finding folks and making sure they have a desire to have their vote counted, given that so much of the news has already told them: 'The election is already over, this is already done.'"

Mitchell said state data showed that 1,310 registered Republicans fixed technical issues and had their flagged ballots counted, as did 2,186 Democrats  far more voters than the 187-vote margin of victory.

Times staff writer Hailey Branson-Potts contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A New Brighton man has been sentenced to more than 13 years in prison in the fatal road rage shooting that killed 34-year-old Randy John Burris.

Dhaha Hayi Hassan, 25, was sentenced to 162 months in prison in Hennepin County court on Thursday following his October trial. He had previously been found guilty of one count of 2nd-degree murder without intent as well as of possessing a firearm without a serial number.

He was found not guilty on two other felony charges, including a 2nd-degree murder with intent charge.

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Hassan was arrested in November 2023 for shooting Burris in Minneapolis during a traffic dispute.

Via Hennepin County Jail.

On Nov. 18 of 2023, Hassan was driving the wrong way and blocking traffic on a narrow street when another vehicle attempted to pass him, according to the criminal complaint.

Burris, who was a passenger in the vehicle attempting to pass Hassan, exited the vehicle and told Hassan he needed to reverse to clear the road, a witness told investigators.

Hassan refused, asking Burris: "What are you going to do about it?"

Another passenger from the vehicle Burris was riding in then exited, and both began arguing with Hassan.

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When Hassan tried to open his car door and step out, Burris pushed the car door closed, a witness told police. Hassan then fired his handgun, striking Burris four times.

When police arrived at the area near West River Parkway and Franklin Avenue, they found Burris lying on the ground with gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen. He died around 20 minutes later at Hennepin County Medical Center.

Burris had pointed towards Hassan when police asked who shot him, according to the criminal complaint.

Our thoughts are with Mr. Burriss family today, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a statement.

No sentence returns a loved one and nothing fills the hole they leave behind. However, this sentence protects the community and delivers accountability to Mr. Hassan.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Some Brightspeed customers across the Tri-Cities region are still without internet or phone service two months after Hurricane Helene knocked down cell phone lines.

Mark Keplinger and his parents are Brightspeed customers. While his phone and internet have been restored, his parents have not been able to make a phone call since the hurricane.

Brightspeed customer frustrated over outages, communication

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I just would really like them to try to get it fixed as soon as possible, said Keplinger. It would make our life a lot easier, and we could breathe a lot easier, and she wouldnt have to try to wander off down the road.

Keplinger said his parents only have a landline phone through Brightspeed, which is a concern for him because his parents are elderly and his father has dementia. Without phone service, they cannot call 911 in case of an emergency.

Shes got one of them alerts where if she falls, she can push it to alert people, said Keplinger. Then people try to call here, but they cant call here to see if shes okay because she doesnt have a phone.

News Channel 11 reached out to Brightspeed regarding the issue. The company said it plans to come out and fix the Keplingers phone Saturday. In another statement, the company offered an explanation as to why restoration has taken so long for some customers.

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While we cannot say specifically how many of this areas outages occurred as a result of Helene, we can share that we saw a dramatic increase in service calls after the storm. While that number has declined, our trouble tickets remain above the historical average. Brightspeed

Doris Durey, another Brightspeed customer who spoke to News Channel 11 on Tuesday, said she had been without internet since Helene. However, on Friday, she said her service was by the company.

They fixed it, and its working, said Durey. I was so happy because I really didnt know when to expect internet to come back.

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In another statement from Brightspeed, the company said it is working to get all customers internet and phones back online.

Brightspeed remains committed to responding to all of our customers and bringing them back online as quickly as we can, even as we manage heightened calls for service with added urgency after the disaster. Brightspeed

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Travis Countys Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrar Bruce Elfant will retire from public service on Dec. 31. The press release said Elfant originally took office on Jan 1, 2013, and previously served the county as a constable for 20 years.

Its been an honor to serve the residents of Travis County, Elfant said. Im proud to have

participated in many initiatives and collaborations that have improved peoples lives.

In Elfants role as tax assessor-collector, he collected taxes for nearly all the local taxing entities in the county, Travis County said. These taxes went towards funding local government services, including schools, hospitals, jails and more.

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The Travis County Tax Office said Elfant as voter registrar worked to increase voter outreach, train volunteer registration officials to register votes, advocate for online voter registration.

On Dec. 10, Travis County Commissioners will honor Elfant with a proclamation recognizing Dec. 10 as Bruce Elfant 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 KXAN Austin.
Rapid City, S.D. (KELO) South Dakota Governor Kristi Noems 2025 budget proposal includes setting aside 4-million dollars for education savings accounts.

Under her plan, students could receive 3-thousand dollars each, to go toward things like private school tuition or home schooling expenses.

In her budget address, Noem told lawmakers she would not cut funding from public schools.

However her proposal included a 1.25 percent increase in education funding in 2025, which would be the lowest increase in years.

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Nearly 14-thousand students attend Rapid City Area Schools.

Like public schools across the state, the district relies on federal and state support.

I always look at as a state our obligation is to support public education and when you have high quality public education the communities are going to thrive. And we are the lifeblood of our communities and were also bringing kids through the system, Acting Superintendent Cory Strasser said.

However not every child goes to a public school.

Supporters of vouchers and education savings accounts say the programs give parents more freedom.

Watecha Bowl seeing customer decline

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But thats probably the wave of the future, is a hybrid model. We know were always going to have our public schools and we should. But they can adapt and they can change and overall the system exists to serve the needs of kids and what their parents think is best for them, Republican Rep. Scott Odenbach said.

During the upcoming legislature, lawmakers will discuss which system is right for South Dakota.

Most likely were going to have guard rails set up so that the department of education will be providing guidance on that and will have a basket of curriculum, of acceptable materials that have been looked at previously that are then going to be able to be used, Odenbach, the new House Majority Leader, said.

At this point, its only a proposal in South Dakota, but school districts still have questions.

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How many students does that mean and then what is next years budget, and the more you invest there, are you investing less in public education. And not just public education but other areas of our state government that are funded, Strasser said.

In her budget address, Noem told lawmakers the state should start out by giving the 3-thousand dollars to students who need it the most.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Austin-based dating app Bumble announced the resignation of its chief financial officer and the creation of a new chief business officer role amid ongoing growth challenges.

CFO Anu Subramanian said last week that she would be resigning to pursue unspecified opportunities outside of the company, according to securities filings this week. Subramanian has been with the company since 2020 and played a role in Bumbles initial public offering in 2021. She will remain in her role until March 14. Bumble has begun looking for her successor.

Also, Chief Marketing Officer Selby Drummond will leave the company in January. She joined Bumble in 2020 as well, previously serving as its chief brand officer.

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In the securities filings, Bumble announced the creation of the chief business officer role, to be held by Neil Shah. Previously, Shah was chief operating officer and head of business operations at Slack and held various strategy roles at Twitter, now X.

Chief Financial Officer Anu Subramanian of Austin-based dating app Bumble has announced she will resign to pursue unspecified opportunities outside of the company, according to securities filings. Chief Marketing Officer Selby Drummond will also leave the company.

After the announcement, company shares fell 1.7% in early morning trading.

Earlier this year, Bumble laid off about 30% of its workforce as part of a larger restructuring plan. Bumble relaunched its namesake dating app, and the company will undergo a further strategic transformation in the coming months, one Shah will oversee.

In recent years, dating apps have lost their luster with Gen Z, the target audience for Bumble and other apps such as Tinder. According to a study by Statista, last year Gen Z made up only about 26% of dating app users, with older millennials continuing to champion online dating. Match Group  whose portfolio includes Tinder, Hinge and Match  has seen a decline in total paying users over the past year.

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Bumble came under backlash earlier this year for advertising that positioned celibacy as a poor alternative to online dating. Bumble later apologized and took down the ads.

Over the past year, shares of Bumble have fallen about 40%. In quarter three, its total average revenue per paying user was down to $21.17 from $23.42 in the year earlier period. The total number of its paying users increased 10%. In its third-quarter filings, Bumble reported a net loss of $849.4 million.

In August, shares fell 30% after Bumbles earnings report showed a cutting of its outlook and strategy reset.

Bumble did not respond to questions about Subramanian's and Drummonds departures or Shahs appointment. A representative for Bumble said the only statement would be in the form of the filings and press release.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Bumble CFO resigns amid shifting attitudes toward dating apps
The California Capitol was evacuated Friday morning after an email threat, according to local law enforcement.

On December 6, 2024, an email threat was received at the State Capitol, California Highway Patrol wrote in a post on social platform X.

At the direction of Joint Rules, the Capitol and Swing Space have been temporarily evacuated while California Highway Patrol officers search for any threats.

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Lawmakers were told to leave the area and work remotely for the remainder of the day, according to The Associated Press.

Elected officials met in the Sacramento Capitol for the week to hold a special session geared toward protecting the state from President-elect Trumps proposed policies.

However, many members had returned to their respective districts by Friday morning. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) was not impacted by the threat as he was attending a Democratic Governors Association meeting in Los Angeles.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
For the record:

7:30 a.m. Dec. 7, 2024: An earlier version of this article said that almost half a million Cambodian Americans live in Long Beach. About 20,000 Cambodian Americans live in Long Beach.



Long Beach is home to about 20,000 Cambodian Americans  the largest population of Khmer people in the United States. Yet while attending classes at the Long Beach Unified School District, Savannah Thy said she rarely saw her own community represented in her daily lessons.

The only time I was taught anything about Cambodia was the Khmer Rouge, Thy said, referring to the communist regime that ruled the country in the 1970s. According to her history teachers, Cambodians were victims of genocide and war under that regime. There was no mention of the refugees who had formed a thriving community in Long Beach, nestled along the citys Anaheim corridor called Cambodia Town.

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I believe that there's so much more to our culture than just that piece of history, Thy said.

But now, students across California will have a chance to learn about Cambodian Americans and other Asian communities through the Southeast Asian Studies Model Curriculum, which is the first of its kind in the country.

Although not mandated, the state's K-12 grade teachers can access dozens of suggested lesson plans for Hmong American, Vietnamese American and Cambodian American histories online to incorporate into their classrooms. The curriculum is available for teachers to use now, as a whole or in smaller segments.

It's really important to center the people who experienced those histories and cultures, said Marika Manos, the history and social sciences manager at the Orange County Department of Education, who spearheaded the creation of the curriculum for the California Department of Education. To me, that's what's missing in our history books.

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The curriculum offers dozens of lesson plans that feature Asian Americans living in the diaspora and the histories of how they arrived in the U.S.  many as refugees of war.

Most Americans have little understanding of  how the refugee community came to be formed in the U.S., said Khatharya Um, a professor of ethnic studies at UC Berkeley.

Um, who was a child refugee, said the U.S. hasnt acknowledged its role in Cambodias collapse during the Vietnam War, and that has contributed to her communitys historical trauma.

"'We are here because you were there,'" Um said, quoting the late activist and writer Ambalavaner Sivanandan on postcolonial migration. Cambodian, Laotian, Vietnamese and Hmong refugees are "the human legacies of the wars in which the U.S. was implicated."

Chan Hobson, a survivor of the Cambodian genocide, speaks during "Stories of Resilience and Genocide Survival" at the convention in Long Beach. (Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)

Centering voices from the community

What is significant to Um about this specific Southeast Asian curriculum is the conscious centering of community voices. The Orange County Department of Education sought Hmong, Vietnamese and Cambodian American feedback in dozens of iterative listening sessions as the foundation of its research.

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Last month, the Orange County Department of Education hosted a two-day academic conference at the Long Beach Hilton to roll out the Cambodian American Model Studies Curriculum. Over 500 people attended, some from as far as Florida.

"The beauty of this project is that it's built by the community and for the community," said Tori Phu, one of the curriculum program specialists at the Orange County Department of Education.

Phu grew up in Santa Ana and visited Little Saigon every weekend with her family, but her parents were often reticent in terms of speaking about their Vietnam War experiences. The curriculum she hopes, fills a gap for children of refugees such as herself, who never heard the full story.

"As you're going through the curriculum, you're hearing stories that might be related to your uncle, your aunt, your mom, your dad, your grandpa," she said through happy tears.

Cambodia Town Chair Sithea San does a video interview during the Cambodia American Studies Conference last month at the Hilton Long Beach. (Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)

Teaching compassion

But Phu said the curriculum is also meant to engage students of all backgrounds who might relate to these stories.

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"It's not just for like the Vietnamese students or students that are born from Vietnamese refugees, that there's a thread that can connect to other cultures too," she said.

Tauheedah Graham, a fifth-grade teacher from San Diego Unified School District, said the conference in Long Beach had broadened her perspective as an educator who isn't Cambodian American.

"As an African American, I know that there's my story. Then I [listened] stories of the Killing Field ... the year I was born [in] 1979," Graham said. "I think it just opens up the fact that we all just have so much trauma."

Graham plans to share what she learned from the conference with her young students.

Sithary Ly holds a post card showing men dressed in traditional Cambodian clothing playing on skor thom drums. (Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)

An opportunity to heal and showcase resilience

For many scholars and activists, it felt like the new curriculum was their long-awaited acknowledgment after erasure and neglect had left Southeast Asian communities under-heard and underserved. Income inequality is highest among Asian Americans, according a 2018 study by the Pew Research Center. About 1 in 10 Asian Americans lives in poverty, but that rate is 17% of Hmong Americans and doubles to nearly 1 in 5 for Cambodian Americans.

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"When you're not aware of different communities and what they've gone through, we're also not getting federal dollars to be able to fund different community initiatives," said Laura Ouk, a writer on the Cambodian American curriculum.

Chia Vang, a history professor and vice chancellor of inclusion at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, sees the three-pronged curriculum as a testament to the resilience of Southeast Asian communities. Her family resettled in St. Paul, Minn., home to the highest concentration of Hmongs living in the U.S.

"People never thought that we would survive in this country because we were from a more agrarian background," Vang said. "A curriculum like this is completely contradictory to these predictions. In fact, we have not only survived, but really thrive to tell our own stories in this fashion."

Although ethnic studies face backlash nationally, states such as Wisconsin might follow California's lead. Last year, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed a law mandating Hmong American and Asian American studies in kindergarten through 12th grade.

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Thy was raised by her grandmother, listening to stories about Cambodians and performing traditional Cambodian classical dances with the Modern Apsara Company. But she said a lot of Cambodian Americans havent had the same access to their culture and history.

It's very sad to see some kids my age not be able to talk to their grandparents because of the language barrier, Thy said.

But shes excited to see younger generations such as her baby cousin get the chance to learn about their community through the curriculum.

Ive been waiting for this to happen for a very long time, and I'm just hoping that the next further generations will be able to know more about their culture, Thy said.

Joy Okada, left, and Laura Ouk, right, pose for a portrait after speaking during "Cambodian American Studies into English Course: and Authentic Strategies and Approaches for Teaching Cambodian American History." (Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
EBENSBURG, Pa.  The Cambria County commissioners took steps at Thursdays meeting to make the county safer both digitally and structurally.

The commissioners gave the OK for the countys Information Technology department to purchase Albert Sensors and approved a contract to demolish an elevated walkway attached to the Cambria County Central Park Complex in downtown Johnstown.

The sensors were one of the first items approved at the meeting, and the equipments purpose was explained by county Chief Clerk Alex Ashcom.

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Its a sensor that monitors network activity, he said. It will help to track ... IP addresses that come from foreign countries or come from areas that are of serious risk to the county. The Albert Sensors identify that and let our IT know.

The technology will be purchased for roughly $22,500 and reimbursed through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, according to Ashcom.

Commissioner Keith Rager said county security is important and was recently discussed by the commissioners after they returned from a County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania meeting at the end of November.

The commissioners also approved a proposal from Berkebile Excavating Co. in the amount of $23,977 to raze the elevated walkway that connects the Central Park Complex to Stone Bridge Brewing Co. on Franklin Street downtown.

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It was a significant safety issue, solicitor Ronald Repak said.

He added that the quote for the work came in lower than expected, which was a benefit, and the county would split the cost with the brewery.

Those were two of several unanimously approved actions Thursday. One measure that was not unanimous was the local match of state operation financial assistance contribution for CamTran that was set for $940,062.09. The contribution helps CamTran get its state operating funding.

President Commissioner Scott Hunt and Commissioner Thomas Chernisky voted for the measure, with Rager dissenting.

Rager said after the meeting that he has no ill will toward CamTran, but he thought the contribution was high and that constantly adding more money wouldnt provide long-term solutions. Thats why he voted against the measure, but did vote for a local capital match of $20,150 for CamTran.

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Other matters approved by the commissioners included supporting a $250,000 grant on behalf of the aviation-focused nonprofit Aerium to establish a remote operations center drone hub, and a $134,252.79 statewide interconnectivity grant agreement with the state and PEMA for 911 services that will help emergency management networks operate.

Retirement board

The Cambria County retirement board met immediately following the commissioners meeting and saw the countys contribution to its pension fund scheduled to increase in the new year.

Controller Ed Cernic Jr. said his office recommended a jump to 13.5% of payroll on Jan. 1 and 14% in July so there wasnt as large of a spike in 2026 to 15.87%, according to the enlisted actuarys estimate.

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Ashcom said that based on his review, it may be better to remain at the initial scheduled contribution rates of 13.25% in January and 13.5% in July, assuming it wouldnt have a negative impact.

Obviously well have to keep an eye on it, he said.

Cernic said the countys retirement is trending at 91% to 92% funded at this time, and he worried if these new increases arent made, a deficit would be difficult to rebound from.

Following a discussion among all retirement board members  the commissioners, Cernic and county Treasurer Lisa Kozorosky  the group unanimously approved the increased rate of contributions for the coming year of 13.5% in January and 14% in July.
Dec. 6Two East Anchorage Republicans are facing hefty fines from the Alaska Public Offices Commission after being accused of campaign finance violations in the 2022 and 2024 elections.

Outgoing Rep. Stanley Wright faces $11,442 in fines; former and incoming Rep. David Nelson faces $6,152 in penalties. Both men could also be ordered to surrender campaign funds to the state.

Nelson on Friday acknowledged his "mistake" that included previously undisclosed expenditures. He said he would pay the fine. Wright did not respond Friday to a request for comment.

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The 907 Initiative, a progressive watchdog group, filed the complaints against Nelson and Wright in September. The group alleged that the two Anchorage Republicans improperly transferred funds from their 2022 campaign accounts to use in this year's election.

By state law, leftover campaign funds must be disbursed by February following the November election. The funds can be put into an account for future campaigns.

However, the 907 Initiative said Wright and Nelson did not create those accounts, meaning their leftover 2022 campaign funds should have been surrendered.

Wright faced a tough rematch at the Nov. 5 election for a North Muldoon House seat against Democrat Ted Eischeid. Wright lost by 251 votes.

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Nelson also faced a tough race against Democratic Rep. Cliff Groh to regain a North Anchorage seat he lost to Groh in 2022. Nelson won this year by a razor-thin 22 votes.

Staff at the Alaska Public Offices Commission, the state's campaign finance regulator, recommended penalizing Wright and Nelson in late October. On top of the fines, Wright could be ordered to forfeit $5,155 in campaign funds to the state; Nelson $1,373.

Both Anchorage Republicans amended their 2022 campaign disclosure reports after the September complaint was filed, said staff at the commission.

Nelson's amended reports "showed substantial changes," including thousands of dollars in previously undisclosed expenditures.

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"Perhaps more concerning, the reported activity does not correlate with the campaign's bank records, further calling into question the accuracy of the campaign's reporting," wrote Mike Sargent, the state's campaign disclosure coordinator.

Wright reported having around $2,000 in leftover cash after the 2022 election. The true figure should have been over $5,000, but it was still unclear what caused those discrepancies, regulators said.

"In any event, it is clear that the campaign failed to reconcile its reporting and failed to accurately disclose its financial activity," Sargent said.

In response to the complaint, Nelson told regulators that he had intended to transfer funds to a future campaign account and that he self-reported the undisclosed expenditures.

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"We made a mistake, and accept responsibility for it," Nelson said by text message Friday. "We worked with the APOC staff to identify the problems to ensure that this doesn't happen again. My treasurer and I will pay this fine personally."

Wright did not respond to the complaint, regulators said.

Because of years-long reporting delays, Wright faced a maximum fine of $202,400; Nelson $163,050. Following long-held precedent, the penalties are set to be sharply reduced.

The five-member commission will ultimately decide whether the fines recommended by staff against Wright and Nelson should be imposed as written, increased, reduced or rejected.

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Aubrey Wieber, executive director of the 907 Initiative, said that relatively minor violations of campaign finance rules are common.

Eagle River GOP Sen. Kelly Merrick, for example, faces a $150 fine for failing to report a contribution of salmon for a campaign fundraiser.

However, Wieber said improperly transferring funds at the start of a campaign created an uneven electoral playing field.

"You've got to play by the rules," he said.

The Alaska Public Offices Commission is next set to meet Jan. 16.

Heather Hebdon, executive director of APOC, said she expects that the Wright and Nelson matters will be on the agenda. Both men will have an opportunity to call witnesses and present an argument before the commission renders its decisions, she said.
Canada unveiled a renewed Arctic strategy on Dec. 6, aiming to bolster regional security in response to growing threats from Russia.

The plan includes closer cooperation with the United States, the appointment of an Arctic ambassador, and the establishment of new consulates in Anchorage, Alaska, and Nuuk, Greenland. Ottawa emphasized the urgency of addressing Russian aggression, China's ambitions, and the impacts of global warming, which could open new shipping routes.

Canada plans to initiate Arctic security talks with foreign affairs ministers from other northern nations and strengthen coordination on scientific research in the region. Ottawa will also push forward boundary negotiations with the United States over the Beaufort Sea and complete the implementation of a boundary agreement with the Kingdom of Denmark concerning Hans Island (Tartupaluk).

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Canadian officials raised alarms about Russian activity in the Arctic, highlighting its modernization of infrastructure and military capabilities. The policy document noted that the Canadian Forces station in Alert, Nunavut, is closer to Russia's air force base at Nagurskoye than Iqaluit is to Ottawa or Toronto is to Winnipeg.

"The North American Arctic is no longer free from tension. Canada must work even closer with its closest ally, the United States, to maintain a secure North American homeland," the document said, according to CBC.

Canadas Arctic spans over 4.4 million square kilometers but remains sparsely populated and under-surveyed, with only 16% of its waters adequately mapped.

Read also: Russia claims drone attacks on Murmansk Oblast 1,500 km from Ukraine

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A Canal Winchester man convicted of fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds and of narcotics and firearm charges will serve over 15 years in prison.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office Southern District of Ohio, Thomas Crowell was sentenced to 15 years, eight months. Crowell, also known as T-Mack, was a significant drug trafficker in the Columbus area, federal prosecutors said. He was investigated by multiple agencies and arrested in June 2021.

Court documents and trial testimony state that Crowell, 35, possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana. While executing a search warrant, investigators found fentanyl and cocaine hidden in a grill in the backyard. Drug-packaging materials were also found throughout the home during the search.

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Convicted previously of felony weapons charges, Crowell also illegally possessed firearms in his home, including a rifle and a Glock.

Additionally, a federal jury found Crowell guilty of wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining COVID-relief Paycheck Protection Program funding by falsely claiming to own a trucking business. He received a PPP loan of nearly $20,000 in April 2021.

All three charges carried a combined maximum sentence of 35 years in prison.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Dec. 6CANNON FALLS, Minn.  The Cannon Falls Police Department released more information regarding the identity of the 60-year-old man who went missing on Monday, Dec. 2.

The CFPD received a report of a missing person in the 300 block of Larkspur Lane at 8:11 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2. The man was reported missing after taking his dog on a walk in the woods.

According to the Endangered Missing Person Alert, Christopher Dobson left work and drove home. Police followed his foot tracks from his home down a wooded trail toward Cannon River with his dog, which was part of his normal routine.

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During Monday's search, police found foot tracks on the ice of the river's edge, the updated alert said. The dog was wet when found at a neighbor's house.

The search continued Tuesday morning, with law enforcement using ground personnel, aerial drones and amphibious drones to search previously searched areas again and new areas. Due to extreme weather, law enforcement did not continue the search until Thursday.

Dobson's identity and photos were added to the missing person alert on Friday. Dobson is listed as a 5-foot-9 white man with gray hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a long, dark jacket.

The CFPD, Cannon Falls Fire Department and Cannon Falls Ambulance were assisted by the Dakota County Special Operations Team, Goodhue County Sheriff's Office, Dakota County Sheriff's Offices, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and fire departments from Randolph-Hampton, Miesville, Northfield, Red Wing, Wanamingo, Goodhue and Zumbrota.
Tulane University police and pro-Palestine protestors stand in opposing lines during a demonstration at Tulane University on April 29, 2024. (Drew Costley/Verite News)

A federal judge in Baton Rouge is set to hear oral arguments this week in a challenge to a new state law that makes it a criminal offense to knowingly or intentionally come within 25 feet of a working police officer after being ordered or asked to step back.

Attorneys representing six news organizations with a footprint across Louisiana are asking the judge to declare that the law violates both the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution and to issue a preliminary injunction that stops the state from enforcing the law.

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Attorneys for the state want Federal Judge John deGravelles, of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, to dismiss the case.

Gov. Jeff Landry signed the 25-foot buffer bill into law in May. On July 31, the day before the law was set to go into effect, a group of news organizations, including Verite News and Gannett, sued Attorney General Liz Murrill, Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police Robert Hodges and East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore to stop the law from being enforced.

The judge has yet to weigh in on the case.

The Louisiana law follows similar efforts in other states to limit how close someone can be to a law enforcement officer. Lawmakers in Arizona and Indiana passed such laws in 2022 and 2023, but federal judges have blocked both from being enforced. Florida legislators also passed a similar bill, set to go into effect in January.

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These buffer laws are a trend thats cropping up across the country, and they seem to be an effort to get around the First Amendment right to document what police officers do in public, Grayson Clary, staff attorney with Reporters Committee for the Freedom of the Press, told Verite News.

The Reporters Committee, along with Louisiana attorneys Scott Sternberg and Marcia Suzanne Montero, are representing the plaintiffs. The attorneys argue in addition to violating First Amendment rights, the law also violates the Fourteenth Amendment by failing to uphold peoples due process and equal protection rights because the language of the law is too vague.

They argue that the law fails to tell people what conduct is prohibited, fails to give adequate warning of the buffer being created and encourages arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.

William Most, a New Orleans civil rights attorney who is not involved in the case, told Verite News it was very concerning to watch the bill become law.

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It did not seem to be solving a problem that exists in Louisiana, he said. Louisiana already has a law that makes it a crime to interfere with the law enforcement investigation, and so I didnt see howan additional law was needed to address any existing problem, which raised the concern for me that this was intended to restrict free speech rights.

He said the law could have the effect of restricting all sorts of perfectly legal and constitutional activity, such as a photojournalist taking a photo of a newsworthy event, people at a second line who just happen to be near police officers or protestors demonstrating.

The states response

Landrys office did not respond to multiple requests for comment on this story. Lester Duhe, Murrills press secretary, referred Verite to a post she made on the social platform X about the case in August.

The law is a reasonable time, place, and manner restriction that ensures law enforcement can do their jobs without threat or obstruction by others, the post reads. We have had several incidents where police officers were injured while carrying out their lawful duties protecting the community and attempting to restore order. I look forward to defending this reasonable response to documented interference with law enforcement.

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Verite asked Murrills office for more details on the incidents involving officer injuries, but did not immediately receive a response from her office.

Attorneys for the state said in an October court filing that deGravelles should dismiss the case because the plaintiffs cant show actual harm has been or will be caused by the law, the law had not been enforced against the plaintiffs or their employees and that Murrill and Hodges are entitled to sovereign immunity.

Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that states that governments cannot cause legal harm and prevents governments from being sued for harms done by their employees, agencies or departments.

It cant be this arbitrary distance

Mickey H. Osterreicher, the general counsel for the National Press Photographers Association, has also been a photojournalist and uniformed reserve deputy sheriff with the Erie County Sheriffs Office for over 40 years.

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He told Verite News that he thinks law enforcement officers are entitled to enforce reasonable restrictions on the time, place or manner that First Amendment rights are practiced. But, he said, those restrictions cant be arbitrary.

He said, for example, that an officer could reasonably ask someone to step back two or three feet because to keep them far enough away to prevent that person from taking a service weapon. Another scenario he gave is that officers could block off a five-block radius during an active shooter situation.

But [the restrictions have] got to be based on the totality of the circumstances. It cant be this arbitrary distance, he said.

The law becomes even more complicated to enforce, he said, at an event like a demonstration or protest. To Osterreicher, the concept of the 25-foot buffer law, which was similar to the one passed and eventually blocked in Indiana, turns logic on its head.

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Lets say you back up from one officer and then get closer to another officer, he said. Is everybody going to run around with tape measures? It just is totally unworkable.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

This article first appeared on Verite News and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Dec. 7The following stories from this week appeared on

www.jamestownsun.com

and in The Jamestown Sun.

Commission approves starting study to move water from western Stutsman County

The Stutsman County Commission unanimously approved on Wednesday, Nov. 27, letting Houston Engineering

start a feasibility study

on how to move water from basins in western Stutsman County and Crystal Springs Lake.

The county commission unanimously approved entering into an agreement with the North Dakota Department of Water Resources' State Water Commission for a $99,900 cost-share grant for the feasibility study. Stutsman County must sign the agreement with the State Water Commission by Dec. 16.

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The commission unanimously approved funding up to $42,100 for the remaining cost of the study.

The cost of the feasibility study is $222,000. The local cost share is about $122,000

City Council approves Jamestown's 2026-29 State Transportation Improvement Plan

The Jamestown City Council unanimously approved on Monday, Dec. 2, the city of Jamestown's

2026-29 State Transportation Improvement Plan

.

Submitting the State Transportation Improvement Plan allows the city to get federal or state allocations of money for the projects.

City Engineer Travis Dillman said an official from the North Dakota Department of Transportation recommended not adding the long-distance passenger rail route to the State Transportation Improvement Plan at this time. He said a project is needed to add it to the State Transportation Improvement Plan along with its estimated cost and local share.

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Dillman also recommended adding a concrete pavement repair project in 2028 for Mill Hill in Jamestown with reconstruction of the roads in 2032.

Washington Elementary School could be "retired"

depending on what option the Jamestown Public School Board chooses to address declining enrollment and facility needs.

"As the district grows closer to a final plan for 2025/2026 and beyond, the district will need to consider the impacts to Washington staff," Rob Lech wrote in his superintendent's report for the Nov. 18 school board meeting.

Lincoln Elementary and Louis L'Amour elementary schools could also be retired depending on what the school board and voters decide if a referendum is brought forward for approval.

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When Washington Elementary School would be retired depends on what recommendations the school board gets and the direction the board wants to go, but it could happen as early as next year, Lech said.

The Stutsman County Commission unanimously approved on Tuesday, Dec. 3, adding the feasibility study on how to move water from basins in western Stutsman County and Crystal Springs Lake to the

county's Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan

.

Commissioner Jerry Bergquist said the county could be eligible for up to 75% in federal funds, 10% in state funds if there is a project to move water from western Stutsman County and Crystal Springs Lake. Once the county knows what the project is and its cost, it could be eligible for the funds.

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Daniel Schwartz, president of Nexus Consulting, is working on the language to add to the Stutsman County Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Schwartz said adding the language allows Stutsman County to apply for hazard mitigation assistance.
KILGORE, Texas (KETK)  The Kilgore Police Department is seeking the publics help to identify the person in a Monday vape shop burglary.

Texas Medical Board suspends Tyler doctor for alleged work intoxication

According to the police department, a burglary occurred at around midnight at Blaze City Smoke and Vape on US-259 BUS.

In the footage, a person is seen breaking the glass door of the business and entering through the hole. The person is then seen taking several pieces of merchandise and hurriedly exiting the store.

Courtesy of the Kilgore Police Department.

Courtesy of the Kilgore Police Department.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Justin Murphy at 903-218-6904 with reference case number 2412-0056.

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All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, Kilgore PD said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
CBS moved on Friday to throw out Donald Trumps $10 billion lawsuit over the editing of Kamala Harris interview on 60 Minutes.

Trump sued in the waning days of the presidential campaign, claiming that Harris interview had been deceptively edited to make her appear coherent and decisive.

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In its motion to dismiss, CBS argued that does not amount to a legal claim, and that the First Amendment protects its right to edit news interviews.

The First Amendment prevents holding CBS liable for editorial judgments the President may not like, CBS lawyers argued, noting the network had every right to trim the vice presidents answer for time. Such decisions are not subject to judicial second-guessing.

Trump sued under the Texas consumer fraud statute. His lawyers argued that as a consumer of CBSs broadcast services, Trump and millions of others were deceived and misled by the Harris interview.

CBS countered that the law does not apply to news broadcasts, that Trump would have no standing to sue even if it did, that Trump was not actually confused by the interview, and therefore that he did not rely on it to his detriment.

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At every step, the claim stumbles, CBS argued.

The network also noted that Trumps claims of election interference are moot, since Trump won the election.

Trump filed the suit on Oct. 31 in the Amarillo Division of the Northern District of Texas, which has one judge: Matthew J. Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee.

CBS argued that the case should either be dismissed outright or at least transferred to the Southern District of New York, where CBS is headquartered, given the case has nothing to do with Texas.

A conservative group, the Center for American Rights, also filed a complaint about the Harris interview to the Federal Communications Commission. Brendan Carr, Trumps pick to chair the FCC, has said the complaint likely will come up during consideration of the Skydance merger with Paramount Global, CBS parent company.

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Organizations like Harbor House and its 24-hour crisis Hotline and local shelters work tirelessly to provide resources, crisis interventions and safe planning for those at risk.

Recent reports highlight a disturbing surge in domestic violence cases across Central Florida, with a tragic increase in women losing their lives at the hands of their spouses.

Domestic violence, with it being power and control. Its really about one person wanting to exert their control over another, said Michelle Sperzel, CEO of Harbor House.

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Sperzel said domestic abuse comes in many shapes and forms, from financial abuse to emotional abuse and psychological abuse. Still, most people are more familiar with the physical aspect of abuse.

Sperzel said Harbor House advocates see victims seeking help every day. However, more noticeable cases tend to spike around the holidays, when there is heightened financial stress, relationship strain, and isolation.

Read: Titusville man killed in officer-involved shooting

Sperzel said leaving a violent relationship can be complicated, but a key to leaving sooner than later is watching for warning signs.

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If someone is saying to you, this is what Im seeing and Im scared for you, is a queue that someone should listen. A second one is, you should never be scared of the person that you are in the relationship with, said Sperzel.

Habor House is one of many organizations in Central Florida that helps with domestic violence. They offer a 24-hour crisis hotline.

The Orlando Police Department has the only Domestic Violence Response Team(DVRT) in Central Florida.

Read: Deputies: Victim stabbed 20-70 times in Seminole County homicide investigation

The team consists of officers in first responder roles who assist other officers assigned to these calls and share advanced techniques in identifying primary aggressors and recognizing safety issues for the victims.

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We need to do that as far as language. We need to do that with laws.

Theres many things that need to happen for us to hold abusers accountable. Its not just the court system, not just law enforcement, said Sperzel.

If you need help leaving a dangerous relationship, call the Harbor Houses statewide hotline at 1-800-500-1119 or go to https://www.harborhousefl.com/.

Read: Winter Garden officials pull back curtain on Garden Theatres future

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Credit: Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

A volcanic crater in Indonesia over 7,700 feet (2,350 meters) above sea level is home to Earth's largest acidic lake, with water like battery acid. In this excerpt from " Beyond The Sea: The Hidden Life in Lakes, Streams, and Wetlands " (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2024), author David Strayer examines the extreme chemistry of some of our planet's natural lakes  and the life they host.

I know people who really like water chemistry. They spend all day thinking about redox reactions and mass balance and valences and solubility indices and spiraling metrics, and when the workday is over, they go out for a beer with their friends and talk about redox reactions and spiraling metrics. (In my experience, water chemistry enthusiasts are often beer connoisseurs as well, which makes sense in a weird way if you think of a glass of beer as a special kind of aqueous solution.)

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These are people who when asked to name their favorite chemical element say "ooh, ooh, can I have three?" and then name five. I'm guessing that you're not one of those people.

So instead of going into great detail, element by tedious element, about the enormous variation in the chemical content of inland waters, I'm just going to briefly talk about how much pH varies across inland waters, assume that is sufficient to make my point about the chemical diversity of inland waters, and move on to subjects that you like better than water chemistry.

You may remember from high school chemistry that pH is a measure of whether a substance is acidic or basic (or "alkaline"). Materials that are neutral (neither acidic nor basic) have a pH of 7, acidic materials have a pH less than 7 (household vinegar has a pH of about 2.5), and basic materials have a pH greater than 7 (household ammonia has a pH of about 11.5). The pH scale is logarithmic  a change in pH of one unit represents a 10-fold change in acidity (technically, a 10-fold change in the activity of hydrogen ions). So vinegar at a pH of 2.5 has about a billion times more hydrogen ion activity than does ammonia at a pH of 11.5.

The logarithmic scale allows us to conveniently express enormous differences in chemistry but makes it easy to forget that small differences on the pH scale can mean big differences in chemistry which can have large consequences.

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For instance, the ocean today has a pH of around 8.1, which tells us that it is a little basic. Higher concentrations of carbon dioxide in the air resulting from fossil fuel burning have caused the ocean's pH to fall 0.1 units from a preindustrial value of 8.2, and models suggest that it may fall to 7.8 by the year 2100. These sound like small changes hardly worth worrying about. But a change from 8.2 to 8.1 represents an increase in hydrogen ion of 26%, and a change from 8.2 to 7.8 means an increase of 150%.

These changes are enough to cause serious problems for marine life. Organisms like clams and corals that make their shells out of calcium carbonate find it increasingly difficult to build and maintain their shells if the pH drops just a few tenths of a point. Ocean scientists are now scrambling to understand and find ways to prevent or manage these changes before we lose important parts of ocean ecosystems as the pH drops by 0.3 or 0.4 units.

The pH range across inland waters is far greater than the few tenths of a point that are so important in the ocean. This exposes inland water organisms (and chemical processes) to an enormous range of chemical conditions. Most inland waters have a pH between 4 and 9. Again, this range may sound modest, but it represents a 100,000-fold range in hydrogen ion activity. And there are waters that lie outside even this expansive range.

Kawa Ijen volcano

The most acidic natural inland waters are the lakes that lie in the craters of volcanoes, like Kawah Ijen in Indonesia. These lakes are so rich in sulfuric acid that they may have a pH as low as 0.1. To put this in context, fresh battery acid has a pH of about 0.7. The label on battery acid (which remember is about a quarter as strong as this lake water) warns that it causes severe skin burns and eye damage and advises consumers to use personal protective equipment, to immediately call a poison control center if it gets swallowed, and to dispose of it in an approved waste disposal plant. You might feel pretty confident in guessing that nothing lives in this lake.

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But when scientists sampled Kawah Ijen (an undertaking that required special gear; as you might imagine, a lot of regular gear like aluminum boats would dissolve in the lake water), they found a green alga and three kinds of archaeans living in the lake.

Apparently, no animals live in the lake. However, the acid water in its outlet stream is gradually neutralized as it flows downstream, and the researchers discovered fly larvae called chironomids living in the stream at the point where the outlet stream reached a pH of about 2.5 (like vinegar, remember?).

Related: 'It looks like smoke': Mysterious chimneys spewing shimmering liquid discovered at the bottom of the Dead Sea

And more remarkably, not only do these species survive in highly acidic waters but some of them even prefer these harsh conditions. One of the archaeans living in volcanic waters can tolerate pH below 0 and grows best at a pH of 0.7. That is, battery acid is its ideal pH and vinegar and lemon juice are far too mild for its taste. (If youre wondering about how low the pH of nonnatural waters can go, a pH as low as -3.6, yes thats minus 3.6, has been recorded in some groundwaters in California polluted by mining wastes. It was a major technical problem for scientists to figure out even how to measure such low pH.)

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At the other end of the spectrum, alkali lakes often have a pH of 9.5 to 11.5. Alkali lakes typically occur in regions that are so dry that any water that runs into the lake leaves by evaporation rather than through an outlet stream. This allows minerals dissolved in the water to build up to very high concentrations. Depending on the surrounding geology, such lakes may develop into salt lakes (like the Great Salt Lake in Utah) that are filled with sodium chloride (ordinary table salt) or alkali lakes that contain a lot of sodium carbonate (washing soda) and other minerals that give the lakes such high pH and alkalinity.

Beautifull aerial pictures of Kenya taken by Mario Faubert aviator/photographer.

Alkali lakes and the salt flats that form when the lake dries up altogether have been in the news lately because some alkali lakes and flats are a major source of lithium, which is needed to make batteries for electric cars and which has other uses. Alkali lakes also show up in the old westerns  parched travelers who ran out of water two days ago come across a desert pool, and the greenhorn in the group throws himself into the brackish water, swallowing it in huge gulps. Then he stumbles away from the water, retching, after which the laconic leader of the band remarks: "bad water."

RELATED STORIES

'Worrisome and even frightening': Ancient ecosystem of Lake Baikal at risk of regime change from warming

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Earth from space: Crimea's 'putrid sea' creates beautiful rainbow of color but smells like rotten eggs

Woman accidentally discovers 280 million-year-old lost world while hiking in Italian Alps

Again, you might think that such bad water wouldn't support life. As is the case of the corrosively acidic volcanic lakes, few species other than microbes can tolerate the harsh conditions in alkali lakes, but these few species can be enormously productive. In fact, alkali lakes can be among the most productive of inland waters in terms of the sheer amount of biomass that is grown each year.

So in contrast to the pH of the ocean, which is very near 8.1, the pH of inland waters spans a range from about 0.1 to 11.5, representing a 250 billionfold range in hydrogen ion activity. Life exists and even thrives over this enormous range. This huge range in pH presents both a challenge and an opportunity for evolution to produce species whose ecology and physiology are adapted to some specific part of it: different species for strongly acid waters, mildly acid waters, neutral waters, mildly alkaline waters, and strongly alkaline waters.

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Excerpted from "Beyond the Sea: The Hidden Life in Lakes, Streams, and Wetlands" by David Strayer. Copyright 2024. Published with permission of Johns Hopkins University Press.

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Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is urging Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson to resign after being arrested on federal public corruption charges.

Fernandes Anderson was arrested around 6:30 a.m. Friday morning at her Dorchester home on federal public corruption charges, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office of Massachusetts and FBI Boston.

Fernandes Anderson, who represents Roxbury, Dorchester, and part of the South End, is charged with five counts of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, according to an 11-page federal indictment.

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She pleaded not guilty to the charges in federal court Friday afternoon, still wearing the winter parka she had on when she was arrested hours earlier.

The city has to continue doing our business and making sure that what our residents need is getting addressed as quickly and as effectively as possible, said Mayor Wu on Saturday morning.

Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson arrested on federal public corruption charges

The indictment alleges that Fernandes Anderson launched a kickback scheme by hiring someone related to her in late 2022. Its further alleged that she falsely represented to the city that she and the staff member were not related.

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As part of the scheme, Fernandes Anderson allegedly agreed to pay the staffer a $13,000 bonus on the condition that part of it would be returned to her. U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy said that the bonus was more than twice as much as what the rest of her staff was making in combined bonuses.

Fernandes Anderson accepted $7,000 in a cash kickback withdrawal from that staffer during a meeting in a bathroom in Boston City Hall on June 9, 2023, text messages obtained by investigators showed.

Theres a legal process to play out and everyone in our community deserves the right to a fair legal process, Wu said. With that being said these charges are serious enough that I believe that it is of the nature that it will undermine the ability for the public to trust and have effective representation in this case, she added.

Tania Fernandes Anderson Indictment 12-6-24 by Fox Boston Staff on Scribd

Born in Cape Verde, Fernandes Anderson was elected to the Boston City Council on Nov. 2, 2021, according to biographical information on the citys website. She won reelection in November 2023. Her current term as Councilor is slated to run through January 2026.

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Fernandes Anderson, who earned a salary of about $103,500 in 2022 and 2023, is not new to controversy while serving on the Boston City Council.

In 2023, Fernandes Anderson agreed to pay a $5,000 civil penalty after admitting to violating the conflict of interest law by hiring her sister and son to paid positions on her Boston City Council staff, state officials said.

Its unclear if Fernandes Anderson will retain her position on the City Council moving forward.

Fernandes Anderson was assigned a public defender for her initial arraignment.

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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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  In a presentation before a limited number of lawmakers in a hearing on Friday, Franklin County and River Valley Coalition representatives shared their reasons for wanting the state not to build the recently announced 3,000-bed prison in the community.

On Oct. 31, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that the state had purchased 815 acres in the community for the prison in a $2.95 million transaction.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs Safer Stronger Arkansas prison, funding and sentencing acts

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Before lawmakers, opponents of the prison argued that the prison would be over budget and a threat to water sustainability in the area. Representatives also suggested other locations that are more cost-effective and suitable.

They also discussed what they say is a lack of transparency, given that they had no idea about the prison plans until the day the governor announced them.

How do we have something like this happen without any of us having of us even having a say? one resident, Jonathan Tedford, asked.

Arkansas officials announce land purchase to build new prison in Charleston

Though Sen. Ben Gilmore (R-Crossett), lead sponsor of the criminal justice reform Protect Arkansas Act, said there are reasons for that.

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When you start telling people where its going land starts getting purchased, prices go up, a lot of things happen as a result of that, Gilmore said. I think community involvement is very important, thats why theres been meetings held up there. Thats why the governors staff has gone up there.

For Tedford and his family, their property backs up to where the prison is planned. He said this leaves him with the same concerns as those who spoke in Fridays meeting: Safety concerns for his wife and three young children and worries over a decreased property value.

For a lot of us, family-wise, thats where our sense of security goes out the window, Tedford said.

Crime victims and survivors gather for day of remembrance at Arkansas State Capitol

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In response to these concerns, Gilmore pointed to what he said everyone seems to agree on: The need for a prison in Arkansas.

I think its important that we understand, Hey, theres a problem. We have a crime crisis in this state, and we understand that we have to keep bad people off our streets and away from our communities, Gilmore said.

There are still several more votes that need to happen to release the money set aside for this prison. Gilmore said legislators and the governors office understand that there may need to be more money set aside as they progress this project. He said they intentionally dont allocate all the money they intend to spend and initially set a lower dollar amount, or else all the bids would come in at that price.

New prison coming to Charleston pushing residents to speak out

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Sanders spokesperson, Sam Dubke, provided the following statement in response to Fridays hearing:

The Governor and her staff have been in contact with local leaders and will continue to listen to local input as the state constructs a prison that will bring hundreds of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in investment to Franklin County while building a safer, stronger Arkansas.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Companies across several industries, including in Charlotte, are taking precautions following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson early Wednesday morning in New York City.

Multiple major health insurers have removed images of their top executives from their websites, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. A link that once displayed pictures and writeups of their 10-person executive leadership team is no longer available.

In Charlotte on Thursday, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance held its annual Economic Outlook event. Its a massive gathering where the citys top CEOs share insight on the state of the economy.

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Police believe the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcares CEO left NYC on a bus after the shooting

This years panel included Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, and manufacturing giant JELD-WENs CEO Bill Christensen.

For the past four years, the media has been able to interview at least one of the CEOs following their discussion, but that was not the case this year.

Queen City News was told by event coordinators that due to the death of Thompson earlier this week, security was tight, and one-on-one interviews were not happening.

In an interview with Fox News, a personal protection officer who provided security for Thompson in the past says CEOs across several industries are on edge.

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SafeSport Center changes targeted in new bill aimed at sex abuse in sports

My phone rang off the wall yesterday with people in the food service industry. Their CEOs are getting death threats for, My eggs cost too much. My milk costs too much. These guys are getting threats every day now, every day of the week, Klein Investigations CEO Philip Klein said. And so, theyre getting personal security.

In the interview, Klein says he was shocked to see that Thompson did not have security with him at the time of the shooting.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
CHICAGO (WTVO)  A federal appeals court in Chicago ruled that the Illinois assault weapon ban can remain in effect while the law is debated.

This decision came on Thursday as lawyers representing Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and gun rights groups continue to argue over the ban, which was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker nearly two years ago.

7th Circuit Courts of Illinois intervened after U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn ruled on November 8th that the gun ban violated the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and that it could no longer be enforced after 30 days, according to the Chicago Tribune.

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In 2023, the 7th Circuit delayed McGlynns ruling that said the law was unconstitutional as well, which eventually ended in the state being backed instead of the U.S. District Judge.

Raoul has supported the circuit court by saying [It] is an important tool to prevent weapons of war from being used in our schools and on our streets, and I am committed to defending its constitutionality.

McGlynn has pointed to several U.S. Supreme Court rulings when arguing in favor of his decision.

While the Court is sympathetic to those who have lost loved ones to gun violence, such tragedies are not an excuse to restrict the rights guaranteed to the Illinois public by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, said McGlynn. Regardless of state governments desire to restrict law-abiding citizens Second Amendment rights under the guise of crime control, the Second Amendment conclusively protects law-abiding citizens right to defend themselves utilizing weapons that are in common use.

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The ban against the delivery, sale, import and purchase of hundreds of guns, including semiautomatic rifles, shotguns and handguns was put into place in the wake of the deadly mass shooting at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade in 2022.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
The Chicago man accused of fatally shooting 34-year-old Alexander Nesteruk in the Lincoln Park neighborhood had a multi-paged plan to harm someone else along with maps with Xs marking locations in the city and several Illinois colleges, authorities laid out in court Friday.

John Conway, 35, was ordered detained Friday after he was captured on surveillance footage pulling out a gun and pointing it at Nesteruk in the 2400 block of North Clark Street on Nov. 27, prosecutors told a Cook County judge during a detention hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building. Conway then shot Nesteruk, with whom he shares no known connection, while the mans empty hands were at his sides, prosecutors said.

Conway, who was charged with first-degree murder, was arrested Wednesday at 1:27 a.m. He turned himself in after several witnesses recognized him from photos and videos Chicago police released earlier this week to help identify him.

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Police removed Nesteruk from the Lincoln Park area on Nov. 27 after he was behaving erratically by making loud incoherent statements and kicking car doors, prosecutors said. He returned in the afternoon, and his demeanor, while initially calm, again became erratic toward passersby.

While Nesteruk walked south on Clark Street just before 4 p.m., surveillance footage showed him approaching Conway, who lived nearby, wearing all-black clothing and carrying a black duffle bag. Nesteruk appeared to do an air kick toward Conway, but didnt actually make contact with him, prosecutors said.

At that point, the men were separated by a full sidewalk square, prosecutors said. Conway pulled out a handgun from his right pocket and trained it at waist level on Nesteruk, who had skipped backward and came to a stop facing Conway with his empty hands at his sides.

Conway stepped forward, raised his right arm and shot Nesteruk once, prosecutors said. Emergency services didnt recover any weapons from Nesteruk, prosecutors added.

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Conway paused briefly, watching as Nesteruk fell to the ground. Video shows him walking at a steady pace south on Clark Street and tucking his gun into a holster in his pocket, prosecutors said. He went to a local gym where he was a member until about an hour after the shooting. Chicago police cars drove past him while on the way to the scene of the crime, prosecutors said.

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 his death was ruled a homicide.

Police recovered the bullet that killed Nesteruk from a nearby business that he was standing in front of when he was gunned down, prosecutors said. Prosecutors also said the handgun pictured in the videos matched the revolver Conway  who was issued a concealed carry license  purchased in 2020.

During a search of Conways Lincoln Park apartment, police found the revolver they believe was used in the shooting along with six other firearms, including three handguns and a sniper-type rifle with a scope and bi-pod stand. They also found multiple types of ammunition, ballistic armor, night vision equipment, a cellphone jammer and a notebook that indicated he zeroed in his rifle up to 800 yards, prosecutors said.

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They also recovered a map of a Chicago neighborhood with Xs marking specific locations, an Illinois map with several colleges circled and a written document with derogatory language and a separate multi-paged plan to harm an unrelated individual at a specific event with notes detailing escape routes.

In ordering Conway detained, Judge Caroline Glennon-Goodman said electronic monitoring or home confinement wouldnt be appropriate because they wouldnt prevent Conway from using weapons to settle future disagreements. She said the shooting on a public street put the community at risk, and the randomness heightens the threat he poses.

Conway returns to court later this month.

rjohnson@chicagotribune.com
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A child is in critical condition after reportedly being shot.

According to the Richmond Police Department in Indiana, Reid Health called Wayne County Emergency Operations around 5 p.m. on Dec. 5 after an 11-year-old girl arrived with a gunshot wound.

It is reported that officers came to the hospital to investigate the circumstances. Authorities allegedly discovered the shooting occurred at a residence, where multiple witnesses were reportedly present.

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After an investigation, a 17-year-old male was taken into custody. He is reportedly being charged with two level 5 felonies, including criminal recklessness and possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

The child has been transferred to another hospital for additional treatment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Efforts by New Zealand, the United States and other allies against alleged China-linked espionage activities are "groundless and irresponsible", Beijing said on Saturday, claiming that it had been a "main victim" of large-scale cyberattacks.

The statement was in response to an advisory from New Zealand and its international partners Australia, Canada and the US earlier this week, warning that "threat actors [affiliated with the People's Republic of China] compromised networks of major global telecommunications providers to conduct a broad and significant cyber espionage campaign".

Beijing "rejects such groundless and irresponsible attacks and frame-ups", the Chinese embassy in New Zealand said.

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Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

It also urged countries to stop launching cyberattacks around the world and to not use cybersecurity issues to "slander and smear China".

The advisory, published on Tuesday, included guidelines for network engineers and "defenders of communications infrastructure" to "harden their network devices against successful exploitation carried out by PRC-affiliated and other malicious cyber actors".

New Zealand's National Cyber Security Centre said the recommendations offered "the best protection against a PRC-affiliated threat actor that has compromised networks of major global telecommunications provider" but did not name the actor.

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"This guide recommends actions for organisations to quickly identify anomalous behaviour, vulnerabilities and threats, and how to respond to a cyber incident. It also guides organisations to reduce existing vulnerabilities, improve secure configuration habits, and limit potential entry points," it said.

The guidelines were also released on the websites of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security.

In its response, China's embassy in New Zealand also called for a global effort to fight cybercrime, while alleging online US efforts to malign other nations.

"We call on all parties to jointly address cybersecurity threats through dialogue and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit," it said.

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The embassy also cited a separate report released by its agencies that showed that the US was using advanced technical means to falsify attacks, including "inserting strings in other languages such as Chinese to deliberately mislead the source tracing analysis and put the blame on other countries".

It alleged that the US had been using its dominance in areas like undersea fibre-optic cables to conduct "large-scale, systematic network surveillance and espionage around the world, even targeting the leaders of its allies".

"China is one of the main victims of cyberattacks and has always firmly opposed and cracked down on any form of cyberattacks," the embassy said.

Western countries have increasingly expressed concerns over alleged Chinese cyber espionage activities.

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Last month, the US said Chinese state-sponsored hackers were involved in a "broad and significant cyber espionage campaign" in which they breached multiple telecommunications companies, infiltrating networks to steal customer call records.

Earlier this year, the New Zealand government said hackers linked to the Chinese government launched a state-sponsored operation targeting its parliament in 2021.

Wellington's cybersecurity bureau said it had established links between espionage actor Advanced Persistent Threat 40 (APT40) - said to be affiliated with China's Ministry of State Security - and malicious cyber activity targeting New Zealand's parliamentary services and parliamentary counsel office.

"Foreign interference of this nature is unacceptable," New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said at the time. "New Zealand will continue to speak out - consistently and predictably - where we see concerning behaviours like this."

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In July, Australia's cyber intelligence agency warned about the rising threat of state-backed Chinese hackers that were "actively" looking for targets to compromise.

It singled out the same group, saying APT40 carried out "malicious cyber operations" for an arm of China's Ministry of State Security.

"APT40 has repeatedly targeted Australian networks as well as government and private sector networks in the region, and the threat they pose to our networks is ongoing," the Australian Signals Directorate said.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Dec. 6The city now owns the property it needs to realign a dangerous intersection at Alabama 67 and Upper River Road.

City Attorney Herman Marks said Tuesday that the city has closed on a right-of-way acquisition deal, purchasing 0.2 acres at the southeast corner of the intersection. The city is paying property owner Mary Davenport $450,000 for the site.

Bradley Wisener, of Wisener LLC in Guntersville, negotiated the deal for the city.

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Marks said Brent Davenport, who runs Hwy. 67 Used Furniture and Appliances on his mother's property, has until Dec. 31 to clean out the building and move.

Brent Davenport said Tuesday that the closing was Nov. 18, and he thought he had only 30 days to move out.

"I was hoping they would give me until the end of the year," Brent Davenport said. "I planned to call them (city officials) today to see if they would let me have until Dec. 31."

Brent Davenport said he intends to move his business, but he's having trouble finding a new location that he can afford.

"Rent is so high," Brent Davenport said. "Everything is $5,000 to $6,000 a month, and that's too much."

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He said he understands city officials "are just doing their job," so he's not bitter about having to move.

"I guess I'll just pull up a dumpster and start throwing things away," Brent Davenport said.

City Engineer Carl Prewitt said the closing gives his team access to the site that it previously didn't have.

"We're starting our work, starting with the (geotechnical engineering) work on the site," Prewitt said. "Once our work on the plan is done, we will send it to the state. They will approve it, bid it and manage it."

He said he "has no idea" when the construction will begin and reach completion because of the state's involvement.

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Councilman Carlton McMasters said he's glad to hear that the right-of-way acquisition deal is final so they can move forward with the project.

"That intersection has been a problem for a long time," McMasters said.

He said he's looking forward to the demolition of the business because it will improve the area's looks by removing the items Davenport left outside around the building.

Some people, including Council President Jacob Ladner and former Council President Gary Hammon, are against the project. They both voted against the project several times because of their concerns that adding a traffic signal would have a negative impact on Alabama 67 traffic.

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Regarding a project just down the street, Prewitt said right-of-way acquisition is still ongoing on six properties needed for the Upper River Road roundabout at the intersection with Indian Hills and Old River roads.

In March, the City Council allocated $300,000 to acquire easements and rights for the roundabout.

The estimated project cost for the preliminary design was about $1.5 million. City officials talked about using American Rescue Plan Act funds for the project. Federal ARPA funds were provided to governmental entities to aid public health and economic recovery from COVID.

 bayne.hughes@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2432
Dec. 7Council members plan to discuss submitting a grant application to rebuild more than a mile of Electric Avenue in the next regular meeting.

Among scheduled business for the McAlester City Council, an agenda item of discussion and possible action on a resolution supporting a plan to the U.S. Department of Transportation for the "Electric Avenue Multi-modal Project." City staff recommends adoption of the resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application. The item in discussion is prepared by Michael Allen of the City's Finance and Grants Department.

According to the agenda packet, this will be the City's fourth attempt to secure funding for this project. While last year's application was not selected, the feedback provided by USDOT was encouraging.

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The project aims to address critical issues including road width, utility damage, safety concerns, and lighting improvements.

The resolution states, the City has identified the improvements for Electric Avenue to be critical and has incorporated this project into its 20-year comprehensive plan, which was adopted in 2019, and its five-year capital improvement plan. And, the City is preparing a proposal to USDOT's RAISE program for up to $25 million for the entire project.

The Council will also consider signing the first-year contract and other requisite documentation for a five-year project dedicated to wildfire mitigation.

In May, the City was awarded $5,842,630 through the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program to help at-risk communities protect their homes, businesses and infrastructure from catastrophic wildfire.

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According to the agenda packet, implementation was delayed as federal authorities worked to develop the necessary processes and procedures in coordination with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, which will be addressed in the coming days.

The council members will meet at McAlester City Hall at 28 E. Washington Ave. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m.

Residents may address the Council regarding an item that is not listed on the agenda. Residents must provide their name and address and to speak no more than five minutes.

For a preview of other items not mentioned on the McAlester City Council meeting's agenda packet, visit www.cityofmcalester.com and find agendas, packets, and minutes under the Government tab.
The city of Sanford, Florida, has filed a lawsuit over concerns of a cancer-causing chemical in its drinking water.

What's happening?

As reported by ClickOrlando.com, industrial activities in the Orlando area have led 1,4-dioxane, a harmful chemical, to leak into the region's water supply and endanger public health.

An ingredient in many solvents and cleaners, 1,4-dioxane is known for its ability to seep into groundwater and resist typical water treatment methods. The lawsuit alleges that the exposure in Sanford is a result of the manufacturing process for telephone parts by a Siemens factory.

How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

The Orlando Sentinel reported that recent tests revealed that Sanford's water has higher levels of this chemical than the recommended limits, sparking alarm among residents and environmental groups.

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"1,4-Dioxane contamination posed a substantial threat to public health and welfare," the lawsuit states.

Why is water contamination important?

There is a growing issue of chemical pollution in public drinking water systems. Forever chemicals, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and trifluoroacetic acid, don't break down in the environment and can accumulate in our bodies over time.

These substances have been linked to various health issues, including reduced fertility, high-risk pregnancies, developmental delays in children, immune suppression, high cholesterol, hormonal imbalances, and increased cancer risks. While the specific health effects of TFA are still being studied, the potential for harm is significant, especially as these chemicals are found in drinking water across the globe.

What's being done about water contamination?

Sanford's lawsuit calls on the companies responsible for the pollution to fund the cleanup and implement preventive measures to stop further contamination. Legal efforts reflect a broader push for environmental justice, with cities nationwide suing companies responsible for introducing hazardous chemicals into public waterways.

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At the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency is working on tightening regulations for contaminants such as 1,4-dioxane. Meanwhile, Sanford is exploring advanced filtration systems to address the immediate threat, though city officials caution that these solutions will require significant time and resources.

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.
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  The City of Greensboro will honor the life of longtime Greensboro politician Yvonne Johnson by lowering flags and illuminating a local parking deck.

Johnson died on Wednesday morning at 82, surrounded by her family. In a statement, her family said they were proud of her for everything she accomplished.

Watch: Rep. Kathy Manning honors late Greensboro councilwoman pillar of the community Yvonne Johnson

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The city announced that flags would be lowered to half-staff on Friday. The city will also illuminate the Greene Street Parking Deck in purple, commemorating the citys recognition of Ms. Johnsons lasting legacy and significant contributions to the Gate City, according to a news release.

Johnson was currently serving as an at-large member and mayor pro-tem of the Greensboro City Council with her term expiring in 2025. She had been in that seat since 2011.

She served in the Greensboro City Council as a member from 1993 to 2007 before becoming the first person of color to be elected mayor of Greensboro. She was mayor from 2007 to 2009.

She was a graduate of Dudley High School and Bennett College, and she received a masters degree from North Carolina A&T State University.

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She was part of the Civil Rights Movement and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Washington. She also sat at the Woolworths counter in Greensboro.

Johnson led the nonprofit One Step Further for 40 years since it was founded in 1982. She stepped down in May. The organization is described on its website as a private, nonprofit agency that helps adults, youth, parents and families take positive steps in their lives during times of personal crisis and conflict.

In a statement, Mayor Nancy Vaughan said, Our city lost one of its champions.  Her legacy will forever be a part of the City of Greensboro.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper posted to his X account on Thursday morning:

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Yvonne Johnson was a dedicated public servant and friend who led Greensboro with courage, passion and a sense of justice. I am grateful for her good work and the positive changes she helped make and my prayers are with her friends and family.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
Dec. 6AFTER PULLING off an upset win in District 18 over Senate Democratic Leader Donna Soucy at the polls in November, Manchester's Victoria Sullivan is hitting the ground running as a state senator, putting in a legislative service request (LSR) involving intra-district school choice.

LSRs are drafts for legislation lawmakers would like to see drawn up. They are sent to the Office of Legislative Services, which converts the request into a draft bill.

Sullivan, R-Manchester (whose district includes Manchester Wards 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 and the town of Litchfield), says intra-district school choice would give families interested in choosing a different school in their local district the ability to do so.

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"This is something that I would have implemented in Manchester had I been successful in my bid to become mayor," Sullivan said. "Having this a state law will benefit far more than just Manchester families. Children should not be segregated by socioeconomic status, which is exactly the way public schools divide children.

"I believe this will also improve public schools if there is competition within them."

Also known as open enrollment, intra-district choice lets families choose from public schools within their local district other than their assigned school.

Sullivan's request to the Office of Legislative Services reads as follows:

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"Whereas children should not be segregated by zip code or socioeconomic status, intra-district public school choice will allow families education choice within their own district.

"Every taxpayer within a district is paying into the schools and should therefore have the option to choose the best school for their child.

"Families opting to choose a public school other than the school assigned them by the school board or district will be responsible for providing their own transportation.

"Requests to change schools must be made no later than July 1 for the upcoming school year.

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"An emergency request may be made at any time if it is determined that the child's safety is at risk in their current school.

"The receiving school must be able to accommodate the student based on teacher to student ratio and school capacity.

"The Superintendent of schools will make the determination of availability.

"Any parent denied access based on availability may submit an appeal to the local school board who will have the power to override the Superintendent's decision."

The bill, if ever passed, would take effect July 2025, Sullivan said.

"Local tax dollars pay the bulk of the expenses for public schools," said Sullivan. "Any family interested in choosing a different school in their district should have the ability to do so."

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Sullivan said the current conversations in Manchester around Beech Street School are a "great testament as to why this is important."

"The school board and aldermen keep saying that the children in this neighborhood, where many of our refugees, new Americans and underserved families live, deserve to know they are valued," Sullivan said. "They are correct. Giving these families equal footing and opportunity sends that exact message."

Don't expect any action on Sullivan's request until early 2025.

No overdue fines

As of Dec. 1, the Manchester City Library is no longer charging overdue fines on all items in its collection, joining a "growing movement among public libraries nationwide seeking to remove barriers to increase access," library officials said in a release.

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"Research has shown that overdue fines can serve to prevent lower income members of the community and children from accessing library materials and services, and have been largely ineffective in their stated goal of discouraging tardy returns of library materials," the release states. "Removing fines will allow the library to better serve patrons and meet its mission of 'striving to provide services and materials to meet the needs of our diverse and changing community.'"

While overdue fines have been eliminated, patrons are still responsible for returning items by their due date.

"If an overdue item is not returned within a 40-day window, patrons will still be charged a replacement cost for the item," library officials said in a statement.

Any questions regarding individual library accounts should be directed to the library circulation desk.

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Library director honored

Manchester City Library Director Denise van Zanten was announced as the 2024 recipient of the Ann Geisel Award of Merit from the NH Library Association (NHLA) during their annual Fall Business Meeting & Conference in Plymouth.

The award is named in memory of Ann Geisel (1947-1999), who provided distinguished service to local, regional, and national library communities. Recipients are individuals, groups or organizations that have made similar significant contributions to the New Hampshire library community, or to NHLA.

Van Zanten was honored in part for "helming the ship" of the largest public library in New Hampshire through a period of extreme challenges  financial crises, a pandemic, etc., and serving as a mentor to many new library directors throughout the state over the last 20-plus years.

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New food pantry

Webster Elementary School is opening a new food pantry to serve students and families, following a donation from Hannaford Supermarkets.

Webster Principal Meg Canning, social worker Stacey Evans, Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Chmiel and network director Erin Murphy were on hand at the North Side Plaza Hannaford store recently to accept a donation of $1,500 in gift cards.

Evans, who is coordinating efforts to open the food pantry, said it will help meet the needs of the school community.

"We are thankful to Hannaford for their generous donation of $1,500 in gift cards for the pantry," Evans said. "With the help of partners like Hannaford, our mission is to stop the gap of food insecurity from Friday afternoons to Monday mornings."

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Webster was one of several schools to receive a grant from the city's Health Department over the summer to open a food pantry.

"I'm incredibly proud of the work that is underway in our schools and grateful for the support we are receiving to address this critical issue," Chmiel said in a statement. "Combined with our efforts to increase access to school breakfast, inclusion of culturally appropriate meal options, and emphasis on getting families in need connected to free or reduced(-price) meals, we are approaching this problem on multiple fronts.

"I'm eager to see these new in-school food pantries get up and running."

In addition to Webster, Weston and Beech Street elementary schools, West High School and the Adult High School are planning to open food pantries this year. Those schools, plus Gossler Park Elementary and the Middle School at Parkside were also recipients of health department grant funding.

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Evans and Canning at Webster said they hope to have the food pantry set up by the start of 2025.

"Having this food pantry at Webster will greatly benefit our students and surrounding community," Canning said. "We are so thankful to Hannaford for supporting our food pantry and being an upstanding community partner with Webster Elementary School."

To apply for free or reduced meal prices, complete the application at www.myschoolapps.com.

Paul Feely is the City Hall reporter for the New Hampshire Union Leader and Sunday News. Reach him at pfeely@unionleader.com.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  City Budget Director Christian York said good news from this fiscal year was the states grocery tax being eliminated, with local sales taxes still being applied.

However, York says the bad news is that some retailers havent been applying the local sales tax. Those select stores combined will need to pay up to reimburse what the city has lost.

The grocery tax bill eliminated the states portion of the taxes earlier this year. The cut did not include the local portion of taxes.

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Weve seen about five sales tax checks and all of them have missed target at this point, said York. It was bad news during an already bad season.

York said the Oklahoma Tax Commission speculates select retailers owing $1.4 million dollars.

They are aware of the issues, and I know that the retailers are working on getting that changed over, said York.

News 4 went to an Uptown Grocery location, and their store manager said the company never took away the local sales tax, so they will not be contributing to the pricey payment.

$5 million Kingfisher settlement results in pending layoffs

Bob Blevins is a local shopper at Uptown Grocery. He said he wouldve been alarmed if his grocery bill didnt have taxes.

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Im surprised an educated shopper didnt bring that to their attention. I would have because I know that the law didnt include the repeal of all taxes, said Blevins.

York said it was a heavy lift for some stores. He said retailers had to make adjustments starting at the the line item level for each of the items in their systems.

Despite the shortfall, Blevins said he shops at least 10 times per month and sees a difference.

The grocery bill is lower than it has been in the past. Its not an enormous amount lower, but its noticeable, said Blevins.

York said OKC is dependent on sales and uses local taxes to fund operations.

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Things like road repair, police service, fire services are important to you. We ask you to consider where youre shopping and try to do that within Oklahoma City, said York.

News 4 reached out to the Oklahoma Tax Commission for a list of the stores who owe the city money. We were told that information is considered confidential taxpayer information.

The Oklahoma Tax Commission sent a statement saying:

The Oklahoma Tax Commission does not currently have an estimate of underreported local sales tax on grocery items. When notified of businesses not fully applying the local sales tax on food items, the Commission acts promptly to provide assistance in making the necessary corrections. However, information regarding specific businesses that may be out of compliance following the recent elimination of the state sales tax on food is considered confidential taxpayer information. The Tax Commission remains committed to ensuring businesses remit the correct amount of sales tax and will continue efforts to uphold compliance across the state. Oklahoma Tax Commission

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York says they hope to have the funds back within the next few months, in an effort to get the citys budget back on track.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dec. 6A small town in North Idaho has been scammed out of half a million dollars by a man posing as its construction contractor.

The City of Clark Fork, near the Clark Fork River Delta on Lake Pend Oreille, in mid-November transferred $483,519 in grant funds meant to pay for excavation work done last summer as part of a multi-year water infrastructure replacement project, said Clark Fork Councilman Jay White.

After the payment was made, the contractor, Noble Excavating based in Libby, Mont., became suspicious and alerted the city. Officials worked with the receiving bank to try to freeze and reverse the payment, but there was not enough money left in that account, White said.

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White described it as a "man-in-the-middle" attack, where the scammer impersonates an intermediary in the chain of custody of funds.

In this case, they posed as the contractor's management in emails with the city's engineer, Century West Engineering. The scammer persuaded them of the need to transfer the money to a different account.

The city had no reason to be suspicious, White said. Staff from the contractor attended the meeting in October where the council discussed and approved the payment. The city was never in direct contact with the scammer, White said.

The FBI and Secret Service are investigating, he said.

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Noble Excavating Project Manager Eric Drake said they had no contact with the scammer, either. The company has not received any of the funds, he confirmed.

"We would like to; it's a lot of money," Drake said.

Century West did not immediately return requests for comment.

The funds for the project came from the American Rescue Plan Act through a grant by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. White said he is not sure yet what the next steps for the project will be or how to handle the loss of federal funds, but the city is in contact with its attorneys and insurer to determine how to proceed.

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White said he is still optimistic they will recover the funds. A nearly identical scam this summer swindled $1 million from Gooding, a town in Southern Idaho. Two months later, the FBI recovered a majority of the funds after they had been transferred to another account, according to a Gooding news release.

White said Clark Fork is looking at ways to improve its authentication methods. He said it's a good reminder for people to learn about how to protect themselves from fraud with basic cybersecurity precautions.

In 2023, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center received 21,489 complaints about business email compromise schemes with losses exceeding $2.9 billion.

James Hanlon's reporting for The Spokesman-Review is funded in part by Report for America and by members of the Spokane community. 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.
EIDSON, Tenn. (WJHL)  Clinch School hosted a ground-breaking ceremony on Friday. The school broke ground on its Career and Technical Education (CTE) expansion project.

Jason Roach, principal at Clinch School, said the school already has industrial, welding and maintenance equipment ready to fill the facility.

JC Commission moves forward with rezoning for proposed micro-home community

This is going to offer our students opportunities to develop here in Clinch Valley, he said. So that they can get job skills to go out into the world and provide for themselves and change the world. We need plumbers, we need electricians, we need industrial maintenance. We need all of those skill sets that seem like [they have], in a lot of ways, fallen by the wayside.

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Roach said the new addition will provide post-secondary and vocational opportunities for Clinch School students that may be harder to find while living in such a rural area.

College is important, he said. We believe college is important. But what we really want to develop is post-secondary opportunities, and that involves vocational and technical education as well. So, the biggest change that this is going to make for us is that were going to be able to provide opportunities for our students that they might not have had otherwise.

Roach said he is proud of his school and staff for their dedication to the expansion project. The CTE facility is projected to be ready for students by the 2025-2026 school 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)  Voters dejected by the presidential election results need to find a way to give back and remain involved, Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton said Saturday as they celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Clinton presidential library.

The former president urged audience members in a packed theater to remain engaged and find ways to communicate with those they disagree with despite a divisive political time. The two spoke about a month after former President Donald Trump's win over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election.

Were just passing through, and we all need to just calm down and do something that builds people up instead of tears them down, Bill Clinton said.

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Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state who was defeated by Trump in the 2016 election, said she understands the next couple of years are going to be challenging for voters who don't agree with the decisions being made.

"In addition to staying involved and staying aware, its important to find something that makes you feel good about the day because if youre in a constant state of agitation about our political situation, it is really going to shorten your life," she said.

The Clintons spoke during a panel discussion with journalist Laura Ling, who the former president helped free in 2009 when she was detained in North Korea with another journalist. The event was held as part of a weekend of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Clinton Presidential Library's opening in Little Rock. The library is preparing to undergo an update of its exhibits and an expansion that will include Hillary Clinton's personal archives.

Hillary Clinton said part of the goal is to modernize the facility and expand it to make it a more open, inviting place for people for convene and make connections.

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When asked about advice he would give for people disappointed by the election results, Bill Clinton said people need to continue working toward bringing people together and improving others' lives.

If that's the way you keep score, then you ought to be trying to run up the score, he said. Not lamenting the fact that somebody else is winning a different game because they keep score a different way."

And in addition, figure out what we can do to win again, Hillary Clinton added, eliciting cheers.

The program featured a panel discussion with cast members of the hit NBC show The West Wing and former Clinton White House staffers.

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The weekend amounted to a reunion of former Clinton White House staffers, supporters and close friends, including former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and adviser James Carville.

McAuliffe said he and Carville ate Friday at Doe's Eat Place, a downtown restaurant that was popular with Clinton aides and reporters during Clinton's 1992 White House run. He said he viewed the library and its planned expansion as important for the future.

This is not only about the past, but it's more importantly about the future," McAuliffe said. We just went through a very tough election, and people are all saying we've got to get back to the Clinton model.
A former Republican strategist offered an on-air defense of President-elect Donald Trumps FBI chief nominee amid criticism over his praise of far-right conspiracy theoriesbut his fellow panelists were having none of it.

On Thursday night, CNN Newsnight host Abby Phillip played a sequence of clips in which Kash Patel was heard praising adherents to the QAnon conspiracy theory and the central figure behind it. QAnon posits the existence of a satanic, pedophilic cabal pulling the strings of power in Washington, DC.

Whether its the Qs of the world, who I agree with some of what he doesand I disagree with some of what he doesif it allows people to gather and focus on the truth and the facts, Im all for it, Patel said in the montage. You got to harness that following that Q has garnered and just sort of tweak it a little bit. Thats all Im saying.

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Scott Jennings, an informal adviser to Sen. Mitch McConnell, swiftly cited literally an on-the-record denial of connections, right, from the Trump transition between Patel and this.

Panelist Mondaire Jones, a Democratic lawyer, shot back: But we just saw footage of it?

In response, Phillip said, I dont know about connections to QAnon, because its not really a real thing, but hes talked favorably about it.

Earlier in the broadcast, Jennings attempted to defend Trumps choice of Patel to head up the FBI as a figure who would restore some of the public trust thats been lost in the domestic intelligence agency over the past decade.

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Ten years ago, the FBI had a 59 percent approval rating. Today, its like 41 percent. Theres a lot of restoration work that needs to be done to restore public confidence in this agency, he said. It probably does need a change agent, an outside change agent, and the Republicans right now, they like this nomination. Theres a long way to go, but they like it right now.

Phillip had a quick rejoinder for that too, telling Jennings: This is kind of like how, you know, you tell everybody that elections are rigged and then when confidence in elections go down, were like, Everybody, we need to change elections.

Jennings replied, Are you saying the FBI hasnt made any mistakes?

Phillip answered, Im just saying, when you spend years and years telling everybody the FBI is corrupt, theyre going to believe you.
WAIKIKI, Hawaii (KHON2)  At Queens Beach in Waikiki, an eroding sidewalk that has been a growing hazard for pedestrians is finally set to be repaired after months of delay. What was once a popular pathway is a symbol of Oahus ongoing battle with coastal erosion and rising sea levels.

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The deterioration has been stark and alarming and its been a source of frustration for residents like Oren Schlieman, who walks the beach regularly.

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You could see it happening. You could see it corroding. And there was a complete lack of response by the city and by the state to try and solve the problem before it became a bigger, more costly problem, said Schlieman.

Lane closures, parking changes in place for Laniakea realignment project

Over the last five months, Barefoot Beach Cafe workers said they watched the disintegrating.

One side eroded first, and then a month later, the other side collapsed, and it got pretty close to us, then it just caved in. Lucky, no one was hurt or on it at the time, said Barefoot Beach Cafe worker, Eric Waltz. We were worried when it got close enough, you know, to the lanai area. So were just lucky it didnt go further.

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The city said it just received the permits needed from the US Army Corps of Engineers to do the repairs to the sidewalk and seawall. $1.6 million has been budgeted for the emergency work.

The basic repair of the walkway will begin with reconstructing the seawall and building a new concrete structure behind the wall to stabilize it. Once complete, the concrete walkway will be rebuilt.



According to a study by the US Geological Society and UH Manoa, 70% of Hawaiis beaches and 60% of Oahus beaches are eroding. A long-term solution is what the citys Resilience Office is grappling with right now.

The recently adopted Climate Adaptation Strategy calls for the city to look into the cost of relocating infrastructure versus repairing and maintaining, using something called Adaptation Pathways.

Runners ready to hit pavement for Honolulu Marathon

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You can develop trigger thresholds, points where a particular asset might need a new action, and you can plan backward from that. You can plot out the sequence of what needs to happen, even if the exact timing of when that needs to happen is uncertain because climate change is uncertain, explained Alexander Yee, Coastal and Water Program Manager with the Citys Resilience Office.

The timing of climate change is uncertain, but what it allows us to do is understand the sequence so that we can plan ahead with precisely the types of questions like, whats going to happen to this walkway?' said Yee.

So this is really the cutting edge that were trying to be on as far as planning tools. This is not something that we have done a lot of before in terms of Adaptation Pathway work. Its not something that theres a ton of precedence around the country for either. It is understood in planning communities, hey, this is a way to solve these problems, but it takes time and it takes practice to understand these things, said Ben Sullivan, Executive Director and Chief Resilience Officer. Were at the place where were trying to incorporate this into our work, and its going to be an important tool going forward.

Still, the work has support from others who see it as a temporary, but necessary fix.

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Wave splash will get worse and worse over the top of the seawall. But were talking about another two and a half decades. And its certainly worth the money and the time to continue to make that particular section of coast usable by the public, said Dr. Chip Fletcher, Interim Dean at the UH School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology.

The work is welcome news for many.

Check out whats going on around the nation on our National News page

Thats great because I thought it would take a year or two to finally get them going, said Waltz.

The city said they plan to start construction in early 2025 and expect it to be complete in about six months.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A man suspected of robbing a Columbus church last spring is now facing sexual assault allegations.

Police responded Thursday morning to a 911 call from a woman on the Northeast Side of the city. According to court documents, police arrived at the home on Forest Village Lane, in the Forest Park East neighborhood, and the woman said that Levonne Chatman, 51, had threatened to kill her with a hammer.

She said Chatman had made her stay up overnight and that when she went to get coffee, he attempted to sexually assault her. She recorded the altercation on her phone up until Chatman allegedly began to strangle her.

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Chatman was arrested on charges of kidnapping, attempted rape and strangulation. Officers then connected him to an alleged theft May 10 at the River of Life Church on Refugee Road, on the citys Southeast Side.

Surveillance footage helped to identify Chatman and Dominique Cattledge, 34, as suspects after the two reportedly gained entry to the church and made multiple trips to steal two refrigerators, a freezer, stove, gas grill, charcoal grill and several chairs.

Police tracked the license plate to a stolen truck and identified Chatman and Cattledge as suspects on May 29.

On Friday, a Franklin County Municipal Court judge issued Chatman a $300,000 bond on rape, kidnapping and strangulation charges, in addition to an $80,000 bond for breaking and entering. The judge also granted a temporary protection order of Chatman for the victim.

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Cattledge has not yet been arrested.

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Uniquely is a Modesto Bee series that covers the moments, landmarks and personalities that define what makes living in the Central Valley so special.

Away in a cottage, many cribs, but just one bed; and a little baby Jesus, made of gingerbread.

Like the traditional Christmas song Away in a Manger, 81-year-old Toni Conway is all about the nativity. Around 950 nativities to be almost exact. And exact she is, cataloging, photographing, writing descriptions for, and displaying her collection for the community.

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The collecting started in 1961 with a new marriage, to her husband, Bob, and a new direction in life. I had just committed my life to follow Jesus, and so Christmas came alive, and all of a sudden I heard the Christmas carols. And I thought, Hey, those words mean something. So we wanted a nativity and I ordered that first one, she said.

The first was a set ordered from a Woolworths catalog. Since then, she has acquired sets from near and far, homemade and mass-produced, traditional and nontraditional, and everything in between.

Conway said she hadnt intended to start collecting nativities but received them as gifts and bought a few herself through the years. On our 25th wedding anniversary in 1986, my sister-in-law and her husband gave me the sterling silver Nativity ornament. She said, I want you to have this because I know you collect nativity. And I said, I do? So I guess it started there, with nativity number six, Conway said.

As her collection grew, so did the thought of sharing it with the world. Her mother, Frances Skittone, talked about their beauty and suggested displaying the collection to the public. In 1996, Skittone was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and Conway decided to invite the community to enjoy the collection in her honor. Skittone was there at the very first open house, which had around 200 guests. Since that time, Conway has displayed her collection biennially, and in 2022 had more than 850 visitors over two weekends.

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This year, her labor of love returns. Conway has added 30 sets since 2022 including an intricate beaded nativity set made by handicapped students in Chennai, India, and a steel cowboy nativity set gifted to her by a friend.

The real draw this year is not only a stunning behemoth but a tasty one, too. Its a fresh-baked nativity with three towering tiers and pounds of dough and icing.

Made by her granddaughter, Arizona-based baker Jordan Stime, the creation will stand over 3 feet tall and feature intricate designs made from royal icing and crystalized sugar.

Toni Conways granddaughter Jordan Stime is a pastry chef and has built a gingerbread house for the Nativity Open House hosted by Conway. Photographed in Modesto, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024

How many have I made for you over the years? Stime asked her grandmother about the nativities she had gifted her since childhood. At least 4 or 5. But this will be the biggest.

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The gingerbread nativity will be the centerpiece of the collection displayed throughout Conways entire home, the garage, and a detached nativity room.

For those unable to attend in person, Conway has a detailed website featuring the story and details of her entire collection, complete with photos. The site was the project of her tech-savvy grandson, who also created QR codes on every displayed nativity so visitors can read about each set while taking the tour.

Can Conway pick a favorite set? This one, the one of my family she said, gesturing to a set in a hutch. In 1995, her family gifted her with a custom wooden set featuring each of the family members as figures in the nativity. In the years since, she has added grandchildren to the set. Its just so special, it was a surprise and its so precious to me, she said.

A handmade nativity of the Conway family is part of Toni Conways collection.

Family is a central part of Conways life and essential to keeping her collection thriving. Her sister Pennie Rorex manages the publicity, her grandchildren help organize and catalog, and everyone in the family helps set up and take down the display.

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All of this in addition to managing the family business Valley Harvest Nut Co., started by Bob and Toni Conway in 1994 and now managed by her daughter and son, Janine and Joe Runnels. Conways son Mark Conway and his wife, Laurie, also work for the company, as do several grandchildren.

Conway hopes to display her collection as long as she can but is unsure what will happen to it if it one day becomes too daunting to manage. My deepest prayer is that some organization would want to take and show it, whether it be a church, a school, a library, she said.

As for now, she has no plans on slowing down. I believe that sharing this collection brings our community together in celebration of the true meaning of Christmas, she said. Her energetic spirit is her Star of Bethlehem, guiding her in sharing her passion and delivering Christmas joy to the world.

Conways Nativity Open House is at 3242 S. Carpenter Road in Modesto. Dates and times are Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-7, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1 to 8 p.m.; Dec. 13-14 from 10 a.m.to 8 p.m.; and Dec. 15, from 1 to 8 p.m. There is a light show on each day at 5:30 p.m.

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Groups of 10 or more welcome with an appointment. Admission is free but donations for the Modesto Gospel Mission will be collected. For more information, call 209-538-2110 or visit the website at www.conwaynativities.com.

A nativity made of newspaper and beads from India on display at the Conway house. Toni Conway has a collection of 950 nativities, she has staged them in every room of the house, and is hosting a public viewing this season.

A nativity made from fossilized walrus jawbone.

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Toni Conway with some her nativity sets from her collection of 950 nativities at her home in Modesto, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. Conway has nativity sets in every room of the house, and is hosting an open house for the public this season.

Toni Conways granddaughter Jordan Stime is a pastry chef who has baked and built a gingerbread house for the Nativity Open House hosted by Conway.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Rick Brooks, director of Healthcare Workforce Transformation for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, joined 12 News at 4 Friday to discuss the Caring Careers Rhode Island initiative.

Watch the full interview in the video above.

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Dec. 6A steady stream of law enforcement, elected officials and community members turned out for a hamburger luncheon benefit Friday to support Ector County Sheriff's Patrol Lt. Heather Perkins.

A tragic Nov. 20 accident claimed the lives of three of Perkins' children  18-year-old twins Jaden and Jackie Jurado and their sister, 16-year-old Nautica Carrasco  and the driver of another vehicle.

Several local organizations, along with the Odessa Police Department and Ector County Sheriff's Office joined forces to put on the benefit, held at the Ector County Coliseum.

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Nancy McCain was one of the organizers along with Jason Harrington, president of the Chuck Wagon Community Fund.

As a mother, McCain said her heart went out to Lt. Perkins. Also, she is good friends with Ector County Sheriff Mike Griffis and other members of law enforcement.

Many of the volunteers were from the SandHills Stock Show and Rodeo.

"I cannot imagine what Heather is going through," McCain said. "She has been here for our community for 23 years. Her family has been in law enforcement, her father, (for) 37 years. We just wanted to be here for her, show her the love and outreach of the community."

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McCain, who is with the SandHills Stock Show and Rodeo, said Perkins has helped with the rodeo for many years.

"It just touched my heart. I felt like it was something we needed to do. I got with Jason (Harrington) and the very next day, we organized this. The community, law enforcement has come together as far as getting donations for food and all the volunteers that are here cooking. We just felt like it was what she needed," McCain said.

The SandHills Stock Show and Rodeo went through the Chuck Wagon Community Fund, a nonprofit corporation, so that all the donations from the community are tax deductible.

"Just seeing the people here that have come out to support her, my heart's full," McCain said.

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The GoFundMe page for the Perkins family reached $214,030 as of mid-afternoon Dec. 6.

Griffis thanked the whole community and said West Texas is the "best place in all the world."

He added that the outpouring of support has been overwhelming.

"We got cards and envelopes at the office from all over the country for Heather," Griffis said.

Support has come from people that don't know Perkins.

"It's just absolutely heartwarming, and the West Texas community is so awesome. We're going to continue to support Heather, her family, those students and people at Buena Vista and Imperial, Texas," Griffis said.

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He said they have been able to check on Perkins.

"We have some of our people with her a lot of the time right now. I've spoken with her a number of times, and she's doing remarkably well, in my opinion. Who loses three babies at one time? It's just unimaginably horrific, and I'm so thankful that our community has stepped up in the way they have ... Like I said, she's family to us. We love her, and we're going to take care of her," Griffis added.

About 10 people from Harmony Home Children's Advocacy Center attended the benefit.

Loralinda Curz, program director at Harmony Home, said they work hand-in-hand with law enforcement.

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"They are a partner agency that we do a lot of cases with," so they wanted to show support, Cruz said.

Carrie Bronaugh, executive director of Harmony Home, said when they see one of their own suffering they want to come out and support her.

"That's why we're all here; whatever we can do to support them, like they support us and our children. That's exactly why we're here," Bronaugh said.

Odessa Police Department Chief Mike Gerke said most of them have worked with Perkins over the years.

"Odessa's grown, but we still know each other. On top of that, someone that loses great children, if you have children, that's heartbreak ... so you want to do whatever you can. ... The money will be fine, but really got to make some folks feel good, just to see them, the number of people that show up ... Sometimes that's more important than anything else, just to know that people care," Gerke said.

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There was a gun raffle with proceeds going to the family, live music by James Whitmire and Phil Standefer, and a benefit car wash.

According to a Texas Department of Public Safety report, preliminary information revealed that the driver of a 2024 GM Sierra, Gary Don Liles, 48, of Brownfield, was traveling southbound on FM 1053 and a 2012 Jeep Wrangler, driven by 18-year-old Jackie Lee Perkins, was traveling northbound on FM 1053.

A head-on collision occurred between these two vehicles. As a result of the crash, the Jeep became fully engulfed in flames, and all occupants of Jeep were pronounced deceased on the scene, the report said.

Liles was airlifted to Medical Center Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased, the report said.

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Judge Twilah Ward pronounced the teenagers dead at the scene, the DPS report said. The report said the crash is still under investigation.

The teens attended school at Buena Vista ISD in Imperial.

Griffis said he got a call at 7:21 p.m. that Wednesday night from Lt. Perkins who had received a notification from one of her children's phones that indicated a crash on FM 1053. He said Lt. Perkins was one of the first people on the scene.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  There was an open area fire on Friday afternoon, Savannah Fire Department confirmed.

Around 4:40 p.m., a bloom of smoke could be seen near Wahlstrom Road. The smoke was mostly diminished by 5 p.m.

The cause of the smoke was empty poly containers. There are no threats to the surrounding area, SFD said.

The fire can be seen here, on a WSAV Savannah Camera.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
An Arizona congressman plans to award the Congressional Gold Medal, Congresss highest civilian honor, to Daniel Penny, a 26-year-old student currently on trial in New York on negligent homicide charges for choking a homeless man on a subway train in 2023.

"Daniel Pennys actions exemplify what it means to stand against the grain to do right in a world that rewards moral cowardice," Rep. Eli Crane, Republican of Arizona, told Fox News.

"Our system of justice is fiercely corrupt, allowing degenerates to steamroll our laws and our sense of security, while punishing the righteous, Crane, a former Navy SEAL, added. Mr. Penny bravely stood in the gap to defy this corrupt system and protect his fellow Americans. Im immensely proud to introduce this resolution to award him with the Congressional Gold Medal to recognize his heroism."

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Draft text of the resolution claims Penny "protected women and children of the city of New York, New York, from violence on May 1, 2023 and alleges that throughout President Bidens term as President, local governments across various cities and States failed to adequately protect residents and their property from violent criminals.

Penny is facing a criminal trial in New York over the 2023 incident, in which he held street performer Jordan Neely, 30, in a chokehold for nearly six minutes, after the homeless man yelled threateningly at passengers on a Manhattan subway car.

Prosecutors allege Penny unnecessarily used lethal force that killed Neely, while the defense argues Pennys actions were justified and outside factors could explain Neelys death following the chokehold.

Jury remains deadlocked on reaching verdict for 26-year-old who choked homeless man on subway (AP)

After jurors spent nearly a week in deliberation without reaching a verdict, prosecutors dismissed a more serious charge, second-degree manslaughter, on Friday.

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Pennys actions have proven strongly divisive.

Critics accused the Marine Corps veteran of being a vigilante who took things too far.

New York City public advocate Juamaane Williams previously told The Independent the public attention around the case had created a narrative that devalues the life of a Black, homeless man with mental health challenges and encourages an attitude of dehumanization of New Yorkers in greatest need.

Both conservatives and Democratic New York City mayor Eric Adams have praised Penny.

"Were now on the subway where were hearing someone talking about hurting people, killing people," Adams said on a radio show in November. "You have someone [Penny] on that subway who was responding, doing what we should have done as a city."
NEW YORK (PIX11)  The cold-blooded shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the heart of Manhattan shocked New Yorkers, including Congressman Ritchie Torres, leaving the lawmaker to pose the question: What is happening in New York City?

Torres joined PIX on Politics to discuss city crime with host Dan Mannarino. He also criticized the governor.

More News: PIX on Politics

I have no confidence in the leadership of Kathy Hochul, Torres said.

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The lawmaker said hes considering running for governor in 2026 and will decide by the middle of next year.

Watch the video player for the full interview.

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POLK COUNTY, IOWA  A Polk County man is suing a metro homebuilder and its subcontractors  including his former employer  after he was injured in a trench collapse while working in unsafe conditions, according to a lawsuit filed this week.

Trevor Kilgore says he was standing in the bottom of an improperly dug and reinforced trench that measured twelve-feet deep and ten-feet wide when the wet soil collapsed around him  burying him alive in June 2023. In his lawsuit, Kilgore asserts that he was put in harms way due to the negligence and lack of training and supervision of multiple parties.

The lawsuit names Jerrys Homes, Inc., R & D Plumbing and Edwards Enterprises of Altoona as well its owner  Gregg Edwards  and one of his employees  Troy Herrig. The collapse happened in the 200 block of 13th Street in Bondurant at the site of a new home being built by Jerrys Homes. R & D Plumbing  the exclusive plumbing contractor for Jerrys Homes, according to the lawsuit  subcontracted with Edwards Enterprises of Altoona to dig a trench that would supply lines for water, sewer and stormwater to the home.

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The trench, according the lawsuit, was approximately 12-feet deep, with a maximum with of 10-feet and a length of 50-feet. On June 12th, 2023, Kilgore was working in the bottom of the trench while Herrig was operating an excavator at surface level above him when the walls of the trench collapsed and buried him at approximately 1:25 pm.

Kilgore claims in the lawsuit that he dove against the wall of the trench as the dirt poured in and scrunched his body as he was buried. This protected his head and created an air pocket that allowed him to keep breathing. Kilgore reported seeing the wall falling in, hitting his head on the wall and then yelling for help. He reportedly told Herrig through the dirt Please save me. I dont want to die, according to the lawsuit.

As Herrig worked to clear the dirt from on top of Kilgore, his boss  Gregg Edwards  arrived at the scene and called 911 at 1:36pm. Kilgore had been buried for up to five minutes before the call was placed.

Kilgores head was uncovered and an oxygen tank was brought in by first responders to keep him breathing as the work continued to dig him out. By 1:51pm his legs had been freed. At 1:55pm  approximately 30 minutes after being buried  Kilgore climbed a ladder out of the hole with the help of first responders. The ladder was provided by firefighters as Edwards hadnt supplied his workers at the site with a ladder, according to the lawsuit.

Kilgore was diagnosed with a list of physical injuries  including crush injuries in his head, shoulder, arm, abdomen, lower back, pelvis and lower leg and a referral to a psychologist to discuss PTSD. Doctors reported Kilgore complained of being unable to sleep and that all he sees is dirt when he closes his eyes.

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Those psychological issues have continued since the collapse, with the lawsuit claiming in part:

As a result of being buried alive in the trench collapse on June 12, 2023, Trevor Kilgore

continues to actively treat for his mental health issues, including Posttraumatic stress disorder

(PTSD) which remains highly symptomatic and causes symptoms including but not limited to:

mood liability, concentration problems, generalized worry, panic attacks, nightmares,

hyperarousal, insomnia, speech delay, trouble finding words, impaired concentration and

attention, memory impaired, and continues to struggle finding words for what he is trying to

say.

All of this could have been avoided, Kilgore claims in the lawsuit, if his employer or the companies that contracted them had ensured a safe workplace.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has clearly defined rules for proper trenching. In any trench deeper than four-feet, walls must be supported by a trench box or the trench must be dug at a slope or include benches  or relief cuts that slowly widen the hole in a stairstep pattern. The hole he was working in had benches measuring one-foot in width for every five-feet of depth, Kilgore told authorities. This would be a clear violation of even basic OSHA trenching rules, the lawsuit states.

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According to the lawsuit, in an interview with OSHA officials days after the collapse, Edwards admitted I know I fed up, okay.

Kilgore accuses Edwards of failing to train his employees  including Herrig  on proper trenching techniques and safe jobsite practices. He also accuses Edwards, R & D Plumbing and Jerrys Homes of failing to adequately supervise the jobsite before the trench collapse. Hes seeking unspecified damages for his physical injuries and ongoing mental anguish as well as the Loss of Consortium  or companionship and quality time  with his wife and son.

Jerrys Homes and R& D Plumbing are accused of Negligence while Edwards and Herrig are accused of Gross Negligence.

Kilgore is being represented jointly by R. Saffin Parrish-Sams of West Des Moines and former US Representative Bruce Braley who now practices law in Denver, Colorado.

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Everybody loves Costco. From the food samples and stellar deals to the delicious jumbo muffins and unbeatable pumpkin pie, the membership-only warehouse club has something for everyone. In 2025, however, the mega-retailer is going to stop catering to a particular type of shopper.

Earlier this year, Costco announced that, due to declining sales, it would be removing its beloved book section from stores nationwide, with the exception of table displays during the holidays, according to Yahoo Finance . That means that, apart from the September to December timeframe, browsing the book table will no longer be a Costco pastime.

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The shock surrounding this news seems to have led Costco to reconsider its decision. Yahoo Finance reports that Costco will now be maintaining literary offerings at 100 of the brands 600+ warehouse stores. According to Publishers Weekly , this new model will actually prioritize the publisher, potentially promoting even more book sales, albeit of less variety.

Publishing executives see 2025 as an important year for the future of books at Costco, the outlet reveals. If sales remain strong and a more user-friendly model is created, Costco could return full-year book sections to more stores. If sales decline, however, book sections across the chain could all move to the holiday season model.

This Costco news comes in response to many folks purchasing their books on Amazon, as opposed to in brick-and-mortar stores. As much as we love the convenience and near-instant gratification of shopping with Prime, we hate to see such a beloved Costco section go.

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First Lt. Kermit A. Tyler was the next man up on the squadron duty roster, so he resigned himself to spending the coming Sunday morning, 4 to 8 a.m., at the Aircraft Information Center at Fort Shafter on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. At 3 a.m. on that day, Dec. 7, 1941, the 28-year-old fighter pilot drove south from his house on Oahus North Shore to Fort Shafter, listening to Hawaiian music on his car radio.

The Information Center was the hub of a cutting-edge system designed to warn of air attacks aimed at Hawaii. A half-dozen radar stations were located throughout Oahu, the site of several military bases including the naval base at Pearl Harbor. The radar operators job was to detect approaching planes and report unusual contacts to the center. Center personnel would evaluate the information and determine if the aircraft might be hostile, in which case they would scramble pursuit planes to intercept them.

The idea was sound, but the system was not yet a smooth-running operation. Pilots were randomly sent to man the center, serving as little more than warm bodies. Tyler, for example, had no training in radar  and no idea what he was supposed to do at the center. A few days earlier, he had asked his superior, Major Kenneth P. Bergquist, about his role. Bergquist only suggested that if a plane crashed, Tyler could help with the rescue operation. Even the centers location was makeshift: a room above a warehouse, pending construction of a permanent home.

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The first three hours of Tylers Sunday shift were uneventful, even boring. Only a skeleton staff was on duty. The officer whose job it was to identify approaching aircraft wasnt scheduled to be there that morning, but it didnt seem to matter because there were few planes in the air. Tyler passed the time writing letters home and thumbing through a Readers Digest. But at 7:20 a.m., fate intervened to ensure the young pilot an unwelcome and enduring place in history, branded as the man who had a chance to thwart the Pearl Harbor attack  but didnt.

Pilot Kermit A. Tyler, shown here as a lieutenant colonel in 1944. (U.S. Signal Corps/U.S. Army)

Born in Iowa in 1913, Tyler grew up in Long Beach, California. After two years of college, he joined the Army Air Corps in 1936 and earned his wings the next year. In February 1941, Tyler was assigned to the 78th Pursuit Squadron in Hawaii. For a young airman, life in idyllic Oahu was very pleasant indeed, he said. He and future ace Charles H. MacDonald shared a beach house on the North Shore, splitting the $60 monthly rent, and Tyler took up surfing, an avocation he pursued for the next 50 years.

While Tyler and his fellow pilots honed their flying skills with aerobatics and mock dogfights in their P-40 Warhawks, other officers studied technological advances that would help win the next war. One of the most promising was known as radio detection and ranging, or radar. When high-frequency radio waves hit an object, like an airplane, they deflect back, producing an image on an oscilloscope screen pinpointing the objects location. The British had pioneered important advances in the field; the previous year, radar had proved pivotal in the Battle of Britain, alerting the Royal Air Force to approaching German bombers and enabling its fighter planes to intercept them.

The advent of aircraft carriers had made even island outposts like Hawaii vulnerable, so radar became the linchpin of Hawaiian air defense. Operating at the upper end of the present-day FM broadcast band, the radar sets in use at the time, called SCR-270Bs, could detect planes more than 100 miles away. Still, they had limitations. Foremost, they could not distinguish between friendly and enemy planes. The British had technology to do that  a system called Identification, Friend or Foe  but the U.S. Army Signal Corps was still developing an American version. The SCR-270B also couldnt discern the number of planes in a contact.

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Many junior officers had embraced radar, but the higher-ups showed little interest, noted Major Bergquist, who was setting up the Hawaiian radar system. Cmdr. William E. G. Taylor, a navy officer then working on radar in Hawaii, observed that radar was sort of a foster child at that time, we felt. Turf battles between the Signal Corps and the Air Corps didnt help either, Bergquist said; the result was bureaucratic inertia, a shortage of trained personnel, and a lack of spare parts, which limited radar station operating hours to 4 to 7 a.m. each day. Even when they were active, the sets werent used to detect hostile aircraft. Instead, radar was used more to train for hypothetical future threats rather than for any idea it would be real, explained Lieutenant General Walter C. Short, the army commander in Hawaii.

By late 1941, American relations with Japan had reached their breaking point. U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George C. Marshall issued a war warning to General Short on Nov. 27, alerting him to hostile action possible at any moment. Marshall also ordered Short not, repeat not, to alarm the civil population, so Short confined Marshalls warning to officers he deemed to have a need to know. Short placed his command on alert  but at the lowest possible alert level, one that warned only against acts of sabotage and uprisings within the islands, with no threat from without.

Original radar plot from the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, showing the track of Japanese planes en route to attack Pearl Harbor. (National Park Service)

At the same time that Tyler started his shift on Dec. 7, Private Joseph L. Lockard, 19, and Private George E. Elliott Jr., 23, fired up the radar station on Opana, some 30 miles north of Fort Shafter, on the upper tip of Oahu. Of the two, Lockard was the more experienced, although he had no formal schooling in radar. He operated the SCR-270B, and Elliott plotted radar contacts on a map. It was a rather dull morning. There was not much activity, Lockard recalled. At 7 a.m., with the days scheduled radar operations completed and an hour remaining in Tylers shift, Lockard and Elliott prepared to shut down. But the truck scheduled to bring them back to their camp was late to arrive; in the meantime, they kept the radar on to give Elliott practice operating it.

At about 7:20 a.m., Elliott reached the centers switchboard operator, Private Joseph P. McDonald, and gave his report: Large number of planes coming in from the north. McDonald thought that he was alone and didnt know what to do. When he saw that Tyler was still on duty, he had Tyler speak with Lockard. Lockard told Tyler about the contact, which was now 20-25 miles closer to Oahu, deeming it the most substantial reading he had ever gotten.

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Tyler remembered the Hawaiian music he had heard on his car radio earlier that morning. He knew that the radio station, KGMB, broadcast overnight only when American heavy bombers flew in from the mainland. The Air Force wanted the stations signal available as a navigation aid. That must be it, Tyler thought, and he concluded that the radar contact was a flight of friendly planes. He told Lockard not to worry about it and decided against disturbing his superior, Bergquist, who was at home. In the peacetime military, Tyler knew, lieutenants did not drag majors out of bed on a Sunday morning without good reason. That this contact might be Japanese planes was the farthest thing from Tylers mind because he, too, was unaware of Marshalls war warning. In fact, from the news accounts he had read, he thought the United States relations with Japan had actually improved over the previous few weeks. Lockard and Elliott continued to track the planes until 7:39 a.m., when they lost them 22 miles from Oahu once the islands topography interfered with the radar beam.

At 7:02 a.m., his eyes popped at what he saw on his screen: a large blip 132 miles north of Oahu. Lockard was surprised, too, as it was the largest contact he had ever seen  so large he initially thought the radar had malfunctioned. After verifying that his equipment was working properly, he told Elliott that it looked like a large flight of planes. The SCR-270B, however, could not ascertain how many planes were there or whether they were American. Lockard and Elliott were curious, but not alarmed. Neither had been privy to Marshalls war warning, and neither suspected that the planes might be Japanese. Nevertheless, the contact was so unusual that Elliott thought they should report it to the Information Center. Lockard laughed and told him he was crazy; after some prodding, he relented, and Elliott made the call.

Private Joseph L. Lockard was part of the team that picked up radar warnings of incoming aircraft, like this Aichi D3A carrier dive bomber (U.S. Navy/Naval History and Heritage Command).

A flight of 12 B-17 Flying Fortresses was, in fact, coming in from California that morning. But what Opana had picked up wasnt American bombers, but the first wave of Japanese planes bound for Pearl Harbor. They struck at 7:55 a.m.  35 minutes after Elliotts call. Tyler sensed an inkling of trouble at 8 a.m. when, his shift over, he stepped out of the center for fresh air. Glancing toward Pearl Harbor, five miles away, he saw antiaircraft fire and diving planes but thought it was a drill. Five minutes later, he learned the truth when nearby Wheeler Field called to report that it was under attack.

The Japanese had achieved complete surprise. Their attack killed 2,335 American servicemen, sank or damaged 19 ships, and damaged or destroyed 328 army and navy aircraft. Since General Shorts alert had warned only against sabotage, the planes at the Hawaiian airfields had been lined up wingtip to wingtip  making the planes easier to guard against interlopers but easy prey for the Japanese attackers.

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The Pearl Harbor attack was a seismic shock, and Americans could not grasp how the army and navy could have been caught so flat-footed. The tragedy became one of the most thoroughly investigated events in American history, with a presidential commission, an Army board, a Navy court of inquiry, and a congressional committee all trying to figure out what had happened and who was to blame. These panels focused on the commanders  Short and the Pacific Fleet commander, Adm. Husband E. Kimmel  but Tylers dismissal of the Opana radar contact did not escape scrutiny.

In 1942, the Roberts Commission, appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and chaired by Supreme Court Justice Owen J. Roberts, took testimony and cleared Tyler, noting he had firm reason to believe that the approaching planes were American. Tylers commander, Brig. Gen. Howard C. Davidson, backed Tyler, telling the commission that Tyler would have needed prescience beyond the ordinary persons capacity to recognize the radar contact as Japanese planes.

Members of the Navy court of inquiry during a session of their examination of the circumstances of the attack. In the center is Adm. Orin G. Murfin, with Adm. Edward C. Kalbfus at left and Vice Adm. Adolphus Andrews at right. (U.S. Navy/Naval History and Heritage Command)

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Two years later, a Navy court of inquiry likewise excused Tylers failure to heed the Opana contact due to the SCR-270Bs inability to identify hostile planes and Shorts failure to disseminate Marshalls war warning. That same year, however, the Army Pearl Harbor Board was more critical, chastising Tyler for failing to call Maj. Bergquist. Tyler had no knowledge upon which to base any action, the board noted, yet he assumed to give direction instead of seeking someone competent to make a decision. The boards presiding officer was more understanding. Upon hearing how Tyler had arrived at the center without orders or a defined role, Lt. Gen. George Grunert, a soldier since 1898, noted, It seems all cock-eyed to me.

The final investigation, conducted by a congressional committee from 1945-46, placed the blame squarely on Gen. Short. Tylers failure to alert Bergquist would have been inexcusable had he known of the war warning, the panel concluded, but he didnt. The real reason  that the information developed by the radar was of no avail was the failure of the commanding general to order an alert commensurate with the warning he had been given by the War Department that hostilities were possible at any moment, the committee concluded.

For more than a half-century, history enthusiasts have debated whether Tyler could have changed the course of history by passing the Opana radar contact up his chain of command. Would the Army and Navy have been better prepared to meet the attack? Navy Secretary Frank Knox thought so. In a report issued on Dec. 14, 1941, he asserted that if the Opana radar contact had been properly handled, it would have given both Army and Navy sufficient warning to have been in a state of readiness, which at least would have prevented the major part of the damage done, and might easily have converted this successful air attack into a Japanese disaster.

Other factors, however, dispel the Navy secretarys conclusion. Nothing Kermit Tyler could have done would have been likely to have made a difference.

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The main impediment was American complacency  what Chief of Naval Operations Ernest King later called the unwarranted feeling of immunity from attack that seems to have pervaded all ranks at Pearl Harbor  both Army and Navy. Japan had been viewed as a second-rate power whose planes and ships were inferior to their American counterparts. Few imagined that Japan would have the audacity to attack heavily defended Pearl Harbor  and its hard to be ready for an attack believed to be impossible. It took defeats at Pearl Harbor, Guam, Wake Island and the Philippines to show the United States that Japan was indeed a formidable foe.

If Tyler had acted, he would have called Bergquist, who was home in bed and also unaware of Marshalls war warning. For that call to have had any impact, Bergquist would have had to have believed the contact might be hostile planes and passed a warning to his superiors. Furthermore, Bergquists superiors would have had to have promptly issued a full alert and notified the navy. Given the hubris of which Adm. King had complained, none of these actions was likely, as another incident that December morning shows.

At about 6:45 a.m., the destroyer Ward sank a Japanese mini-submarine near the mouth of Pearl Harbor. The Wards skipper reported this action to his superiors at 6:51 a.m., but naval commanders did not take the report seriously enough to issue an alert. There is no reason to believe that an ambiguous radar contact would have led army commanders to act any more decisively than their navy brethren had. Time was also short: Lockard spoke to Tyler at 7:20 a.m., just 35 minutes before the attack. Even with a prompt alert, there was too little time for ships to get underway or warplanes to get off the ground.

The most tantalizing what if involves an omission that cannot be laid solely at Tylers feet. After the attack began, more experienced officers like Bergquist and Maj. Lorry N. Tindal, an Air Force intelligence officer, took over for Tyler, although Tyler stayed on duty at the center. Due to the shock of the attack, the center was in quite a turmoil, Tindal said. No Navy liaison officer was present, and no one from the Army thought to tell the Navy about the Opana radar contact until two days later  a lapse that Adm. Kimmel called incomprehensible. The Opana stations radar plot showed the path the Japanese planes had taken to Oahu, a valuable clue to the location of the carriers that had launched them. If the navy had had that information on Dec. 7, it might have found and attacked those carriers, Kimmel believed  but without it, the Navy chased its tail, searching to the west and southwest instead of to the north.

Along with Gen. Short, Adm. Husband E. Kimmel, center, was assigned most of the blame for the debacle. On the right is Kimmel's chief of staff, Capt. William W. Smith, and on the left is his operations officer and assistant chief of staff, Capt. Walter S. Delany. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command)

There was a war to be fought, and Tyler moved on. In September 1942, he was promoted to captain and given command of the 44th Fighter Squadron, flying combat missions in the Solomon Islands. Tyler was later promoted to major, named operations officer for the 13th Fighter Command in May 1943, and promoted to lieutenant colonel in November of that same year.

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The Opana stations Private Lockard emerged from the Pearl Harbor attack as a minor celebrity. On Feb. 10, 1942, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for detecting the Japanese planes. The press portrayed him as one of the few people on the ball on Dec. 7, unaware that he had laughed off the radar contact until Private Elliott prodded him to report it. Lockard was commissioned a lieutenant and spent the war as a radar officer in the Aleutians; Elliott stayed out of the spotlight and served as a radar operator in the states for the wars duration.

Radar had done its job in detecting the Japanese planes, and the brass took notice. The attack unlocked a cornucopia of resources for radar operations.

After the 7th I just had to snap my fingers and I got what I wanted, Major Bergquist said.

But Pearl Harbor followed Tyler for the rest of his life. He remained in the Air Force after the war, but a postwar effectiveness report questioned his ability to react in a crisis  the kiss of death for advancement. He retired from the service in 1961 as a lieutenant colonel, the same rank he had held since 1943. Books and films have portrayed Tyler as asleep at the switch that fateful morning, and for the rest of his life, he received occasional angry letters at his home from people second-guessing his performance at Pearl Harbor. When he died in 2010, newspapers across the country ran his obituary, calling him the man who had ignored the approaching Japanese planes.

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Why had fate singled him out? Tyler had often wondered. He agonized over whether he should have done more, but in his heart of hearts, he knew the answer: I could have done the same thing a hundred times, and I would have arrived at the same conclusion, given the state of alert, or lack of alert, that we were in, he reflected in 1991. In the end, Tyler accepted that he was simply the unlucky man thrust into an impossible situation at what had unexpectedly become a pivotal moment in history, and he made his peace with it.

This story originally appeared on HistoryNet.com.
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (TRUSSVILLE TRIBUNE)  Trussville City Councilman Ben Short officially announced his candidacy for Trussville Mayor on Friday.

According to The Trussville Tribune, a media partner of CBS 42, municipal elections are slated for August of 2025. The current five year term is a one-off put in place by the Alabama Legislature to move municipal elections off of a presidential election year.

Mayor Buddy Choat announced at the State of the City address that he would not seek a third term after nine years in office.

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Short said he aims to enhance the quality of life for all residents with a strong focus on city planning and infrastructure.

I am running for mayor because I love this community and feel called to continue serving in this way, Short said.

I am committed to responsible growth, city planning, ensuring the safety of our residents, and making sure our schools have the resources they need to continue being successful.

Short has been a part of the Trussville community since 2003 and began his career with the Trussville Police Department in 2011, serving as a police officer, detective, and public information officer.

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He was elected to the Trussville City Council in 2020.

How Alabama is spending federal infrastructure dollars

As a city employee before his council tenure, Short said he was able to develop an in-depth understanding of local governance and law enforcement.

His experience as an investigator with the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office also allowed him to assist local agencies with complex domestic violence and sexual assault cases.

Short has collaborated with local, state, and federal agencies throughout his career and has served on grant management teams for projects through the Office of Violence Against Women, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the Department of Justice.

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He holds degrees in Criminal Justice, Public Relations, and Forensic Psychology, and recently completed coursework at the University of North Alabama and the Alabama Planning Institute to become a certified Alabama Planning and Zoning Official. In this capacity, he serves as the council liaison to the Planning and Zoning Board, as well as on the Design Review Committee and Finance Committee, while also being the liaison to the newly formed Active Transportation Committee.

I think there is a tremendous benefit in having worked as a city employee and seeing local government from both sides of the coin, both as an employee and as part of its leadership team on the council, Short said.

We need to take a deep dive into city planning so we can address our current infrastructure needs and be better prepared for our future needs. We have the big picture strategic plan with the 2040 planbut we dont have detailed roadmap to guide our growth when it comes to land use. Our last comprehensive master plan was created in 2004 and published in 2006 before Trussville experienced all of the growth we have seen. Its time to bring in consultants and city planners that have been through what we are going through now and create a comprehensive master plan that addresses land use so our staff and our boards/commissions have some guidance as they make decisions for the city. We also need to update our subdivision regulations so we can assure that whats being built in our community is what the community desires and will be of a quality we can be proud of. Through incorporating design standards and implementing those into updated subdivision regulations we can make a positive impact on the community as a whole. We have to update our ordinances and regulations in a way that doesnt stop growth but shapes it in a way that our growth is sustainable.

Deadline approaching for Alabamians to get STAR ID

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Short also volunteers on the Board of Directors for the Trussville Childrens Theater and previously served as President of the Police Benevolent Association for Jefferson County.

Alongside his wife Amanda, they are proud small business owners of Trussville To Go, which they launched in 2018. Their business initiated the Trussville To Go Scholarship, supporting local students and promoting various philanthropic efforts.

Married for 16 years, they are the proud parents of two children, Stella (9) and Kristofer (3). They are also active members of Faith Community Fellowship in Trussville.

Short said his campaign will focus on engaging with residents, addressing their concerns, and creating a sustainable plan for the citys development.

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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 CBS 42.
Dec. 6A proposed amendment approved Nov. 25 by the Johnson County Commissioners Court will increase Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 3 funding.

Commissioners voted to increase county funding levels from 25% to 50% to a maximum $10 million contribution over the life of the TIRZ. Johnson County and the city of Cleburne participate in and contribute to the TIRZ. The terms of the TIRZ otherwise remain unchanged. County and city officials approved creation of the TIRZ in 2011 and it runs through Dec. 31, 2040.

Through a TIRZ, a county or city records all the taxable value of property within the TIRZ zone. Those original values serve as the base year. From that officials can determine the captured appraised value in subsequent years, which basically relates to increased property values over the years of the TIRZ term. Those values, or funds from taxes collected over the years are subtracted from the original base year value with the difference deposited into the TIRZ account. Those funds can only be used for certain improvements within the TIRZ's boundary, or district.

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TIRZ 3 consists of roughly 2,800 acres in and around the Chisholm Trail Parkway's entrance into Cleburne. The then yet-to-come Chisholm Trail Parkway prompted creation of the TIRZ, Cleburne Deputy City Manager Chris Fuller told commissioners.

"The purpose was to support infrastructure and development plans for the area including major streets, sanitary sewer lines and water main and water systems that would facilitate the expected growth," Fuller said.

Cleburne's initial participation rate of 100% remains unchanged under the newly amended agreement, Fuller added.

Projections under the amended plan with increased county contribution anticipate $845 million in new development in the district over the life of the TIRZ, which would generate about $112 million in TIRZ revenue. Those revenues will help fund numerous projects within the TIRZ. Such projects include public utilities projects, parking and transit improvements, street and intersection improvements, pedestrian enhancements, public facilities improvements and open space, park and recreation facility improvements.

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Having received the commissioners approval of the proposed changes, the amendments now go to the TIRZ board,a board consisting of county and city officials. That board will decide whether or not to recommend approval of the changes. Should they recommend so, the matter will go to the Cleburne City Council where council members will decide whether or not to ultimately approve the changes during their Dec. 10 meeting.

Spreading biosolid info

Woolley said he plans to discuss the ongoing biosolids problem at Agri-Life Extension conferences in Nacagdoches and Mount Pleasant. Woolley previously delivered similar talks in Stephenville and Vernon.

Woolley played an instrumental role in the county's decision to test for biosolids as well as research into the potential harms the so-called forever chemicals pose to humans, wildlife, livestock, water supplies and the environment. The chemicals are present in sludge or raw sewage applied to land. Johnson County is the first Texas county to have tested for the chemicals. In large part from that testing, concern over biosolids has since spread throughout the nation and world.

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"Our goal is to try to educate as many county officials as we can in order to empower them to make contact with their state elected leaders [in effort to address the problem]," Woolley said.

Johnson County recently sued the EPA for alleged negligence through failing to impose regulations to monitor and restrict biosolid hazards. Woolley added that state Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-Midland, heard Woolley's presentation in the Panhandle Conference. Woolley said Sparks and state Rep-elect Helen Kerwin, R-Glen Rose, appear supportive of measures regulating and/or limiting the spread of biosolids.

A bill to the effect is being finalized, Woolley said, and will likely be introduced into the House and Senate once the legislative session begins.

Boedeker commended Woolley's efforts in the matter.

"I know you've really spearheaded this issue, which is not something I think any of us expected to deal with but which is now turning into something that's impacting statewide agriculture. I can't think of a better person to lead the charge than a former Ag teacher."
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  El Paso County is seeking a state grant to help with the red flour beetle infestation that hit Socorro.

El Paso County Commissioners Court is being asked at its meeting on Monday, Dec. 9 to approve and authorize the Countys Public Works Department to seek a $30,000 grant through the Texas Department of Agriculture and its Biosecurity Mitigation Response Program.

Funding will support the El Paso County in collecting, transporting, and properly disposing of

large quantities of pecan shells away from population centers and locations where there is habitat and material to reproduce, read a press release sent out by the County.

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This project will benefit the communities in El Paso Countys Lower Valley agricultural region where homes, schools, and businesses have been overrun with invading red flour beetles, the County added in its release.

No County match is required, according to the County.

The item is listed on the consent agenda for Mondays meeting. The consent agenda is reserved for non-controversial items that are typically voted on in one motion with little or no discussion.

Also at Mondays meeting, Commissioners Court will hear a presentation from the Countys government affairs manager about possible projects where they can seek state funding for during the upcoming Texas legislative session.

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In additon, commissioners will continue to discuss the development and implementation of a multiyear capital plan for the County, including project selection. This will include a discussion of the capital improvement bond where voters approved three out of five bond initiatives placed on the ballot by the County during the Nov. 5 general election.

El Paso County Commissioners Court will meet at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9 on the third floor of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dec. 6Eight months after ousted New Lebanon Village Manager Glena Madden filed a complaint in Ohio's Second District Court of Appeals against her former employer, a judge has ruled in favor of the village.

Attorney Dennis Lieberman in March filed a writ of quo warranto on behalf of Madden against the village of New Lebanon and its acting manager Rob Anderson. In the court filing, Madden called for her reinstatement to the position of village manager and the ousting of Anderson, saying village council's actions were in violation of her contract.

The filing argued Madden's March 2024 termination was improper and in violation of her contract, which was previously approved by council in October 2023. This contract, court documents outline, states that Madden could be only be terminated by a council vote of at least 5-2 rather than by the simple majority of 4-3.

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As such, the filing contends Anderson was "unfairly and improperly placed" as the interim village manager role, and that his assumption of the role violates the village charter.

But in a recent Appeals Court ruling, Presiding Judge Christopher Epley disagreed, opining that Madden's contract does not supersede the village charter.

"No provision of New Lebanon's charter indicates that removal of a municipal manager requires the approval of a supermajority of the village council. Thus, only a simple majority is required under the charter for the council to remove a municipal manager from office," the ruling reads.

"Accordingly, we reject Madden's argument that her removal was unlawful because it was not accomplished by the affirmative vote of five council members."

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Madden had further argued that Vice Mayor Nicole Adkins' affirmative vote to remove Madden was invalid, claiming Adkins forfeited her office when she temporarily served as clerk of council.

Village Law Director Mike McNamee commented Friday that this argument by Madden was "doomed from the start."

"Nicole Adkins only served as clerk of council during the Feb. 20, 2024, meeting when Ms. Madden and Finance Director/Clerk of Council Phillip Hinson were placed on paid administrative leave. Interim Village Manager Rob Anderson served as clerk of council for all subsequent meetings, including the March 19, 2024, meeting when Ms. Madden was terminated by village council," McNamee said.

The judge shot this claim down, as well, postulating Adkins is not a party to the case and that Madden "lacks standing to oust Adkins from office, having no good faith or reasonable basis for laying claim to the council seat herself."

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Madden's filing had lastly called for the removal of her replacement, which is currently Interim Village Manager Rob Anderson. The judge again denied this request, claiming lack of evidence to show the appointment of a replacement was done so unlawfully.

Madden's lawyer on Wednesday filed a motion for reconsideration with the court.

McNamee said the court's decision is a welcome and expected outcome.

"The decision issued by the Second District Court of Appeals quite thoroughly vanquished any notion that the former village manager had any legal right to be reinstated, which is exactly what we have maintained from the inception of her termination," McNamee said via email Friday. "Although expected, the decision marks a turning point for New Lebanon to put the prior administration in the rearview mirror, allowing the village to focus on continuing to positively move forward."

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McNamee added the village is prepared for any further litigation that may be filed by Madden.

"I also anticipate that the former village manager will follow this defeat by filing a breach of contract lawsuit against the village," he said. "Any such action taken will similarly end in defeat."

Earlier this year, McNamee said reasons for Madden's firing included failure to comply with her contract renegotiation time frame; self dealing tactics; wrongful payments; violations of Sunshine Laws; and failure to post job openings.

Madden was fired at the same time as the village's Chief Financial Officer Phillip Hinson, Law Director Ronald Keener, Police Chief Curtis Hensley and Service Superintendent Scott Brock. The votes to oust them were all 4-3 votes by village council, with Mayor David Nickerson, Vice Mayor Nicole Adkins and council members Melissa Sexton and Timothy Back voting in favor. Three of those four (all but Adkins) were elected in November, changing the makeup of council.

Nickerson launched an investigation into the village's administrative, financial and legal departments.
Chinese short-form video-hosting service TikTok has suffered a setback in its battle against the US law mandating the sale of the popular app.

An appeals court in the capital Washington declared the law to be legal on Friday. TikTok's remaining option is to approach the Supreme Court of the United States.

The subsidiary of the China-based ByteDance group argued in its lawsuit that the law violates the freedom of speech enshrined in the US Constitution. However, the court noted that the law aligns with long-standing regulatory practices and that the US Congress did not intend to suppress specific expressions.

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According to the law that came into effect in April, ByteDance has around a year to divest from TikTok before the app is banned from app stores in the US. The justification cites the risk that China could gain access to US data and exert political influence.

TikTok says sale 'simply not possible'

The TikTok petition states, among other things, that the separation from ByteDance proposed by the law for remaining in the US "is simply not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally."

Initially, the law gave ByteDance 270 days to divest from TikTok. US President Joe Biden can extend this deadline by another three months if progress in sale talks is evident. However, TikTok clearly stated that, from the company's perspective, this would not happen.

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"There is no question: the act will force a shutdown of TikTok by January 19, 2025, silencing the 170 million Americans who use the platform to communicate in ways that cannot be replicated elsewhere," the petition stated.

According to media reports, ByteDance does not even plan to negotiate a sale of TikTok.

On January 20, Donald Trump is scheduled to be sworn in as the next US president. During his first term, he failed in court in an attempt to force a sale of TikTok.

Recently, during the election campaign, he spoke against a ban on the platform. However, he cannot revoke the law.

Washington sees China's shadow behind TikTok

ByteDance is considered a Chinese company in the US by both main political parties.

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TikTok counters that ByteDance is nearly 60% owned by Western investors. The company's headquarters are in the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean.

However, US politicians argue that the Chinese founder has control, thanks to higher voting rights at a roughly 20% stake, and that ByteDance's main headquarters are in Beijing, where it cannot escape the influence of authorities.

At the same time, TikTok itself noted in the lawsuit that the Chinese government would want to block the sale of the recommendation software, developed in China, which is the core of the app.

The algorithm decides which video is displayed next and is very sensitive, among other things, to how long a clip on a specific topic is viewed.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, whose motto is Disagree Better, is clearly not in the mood to take that stance when it comes to what he says is a bogged-down federal regulatory system.

We cant build things in this country anymore. Weve gotten so stupid in this country, Cox emphasized at a press conference Thursday outlining his budget recommendations.

It is obvious he cannot disagree better with stupid.

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One of the components of Coxs proposed budget in the coming fiscal year is a chief desire to infuse money into Operation Gigawatt, which is the governors initiative to double energy production in Utah in 10 years. He proposes a spending package of $24.7 million, which includes $20.4 million for the advancement of nuclear energy, and $4.3 million to more thoroughly tap Utahs vast geothermal resources.

Large energy projects cant be built because of stupid NEPA processes. Its time to stop this madness, he said.

The National Environmental Policy Act came into effect in 1970, requiring federal agencies to consider environmental impacts of projects to ensure that man and nature can exist in productive harmony.

Yet, a clearly frustrated Cox reiterated his angst over permitting reviews.

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It does not have to be this way. Im excited the administration understands this. Ive already been talking with (North Dakota Gov. Doug) Burgum. We are going to solve nuclear.

Burgum is the choice to the lead the U.S. Department of Interior, selected by incoming President Donald Trump.

Burgum was also tapped to lead the National Energy Council given his experience in a state that witnessed exploding revenues from the shale oil taken from the Bakken formation. The oil and gas, at that time 10 years ago, led North Dakota to have the nations top economy.

Burgum, in his new role, will oversee a panel that crosses all executive branch agencies involved in energy permitting, production, generation, distribution, regulation and transportation, Trump said in a statement. As chairman of the National Energy Council, Burgum will have a seat on the National Security Council, Trump said.

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The Associated Press reported this about the North Dakota governor:

This Council will oversee the path to U.S. ENERGY DOMINANCE by cutting red tape, enhancing private sector investments across all sectors of the Economy, and by focusing on INNOVATION over longstanding, but totally unnecessary, regulation, Trump wrote, according to the the story.

That is what Cox and many in Trump country want: more certainty, more expedience and less expensive red tape for states and other local entities when it comes to projects.

Energy deployment in its many forms that include advanced nuclear technology, geothermal, solar, wind, biomass or oil and gas and even transmission lines have been subject to rigorous scrutiny by federal agencies.

Gov. Spencer Cox speaks at the Western Governors Associations 2023 winter meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyo., on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. | Ellen Jaskol, Western Governors'

The permitting process is a panel topic Monday at the conference by the Western Governors Association, of which Cox is vice chair.

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At the winter conference in Las Vegas, panelists on the issue of permitting are slated to feature Jeremy Harrell, chief executive officer of ClearPath; Joel Pedersen, chief executive officer, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Jill Springer, senior policy adviser for permitting with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

One of those permitting issues under contention is due to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, involving a proposed 85-mile railway project in Utah to deliver waxy crude.

The appellate court in Washington, D.C., struck down projects approval, which prompted an appeal by Utah along with the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition  which is ground zero for oil and gas production in Utah.

Proponents of the project believe the nations highest court has a chance to reshape the scope of environmental reviews. Critics of conservation-based organizations, however, assert the justices are meddling far outside their scope and if there is any tinkering with NEPA, it should be made by Congress.

In a media briefing earlier this week, Earthjustice and other organizations argued there is good cause for federal regulatory scrutiny  especially if it comes at the cost of public safety. That could include anything from air free of harmful pollution, contaminated waterways or threats to protected species of animals.
DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A 70-acre fire that threatened multiple homes in Darlington County Friday afternoon has been contained, authorities said.

The fire off Knotty Pines Road is believed to have started from a debris pile that was recently burned, according to Chief Ricky Flowers of the Darlington County Fire District. Crews from Hartsville, the city of Darlington and the South Carolina Forest Commission joined in the effort to protect the threatened structures.

No injuries have been reported, Flowers said, adding that with the dry conditions, wind and current humidity levels it is extremely dangerous to engage in outdoor burning at this time.

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The Forestry Commissions website shows the fire was first reported at about 1 p.m. No additional information was immediately available.

Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
At the end of November, the Texas Board of Education approved whats known as the Bluebonnet literacy curriculum; the narrow 8-7 vote was preceded by months of predictable outrage, including from teachers and administrators.

By all accounts, Texas seems to be the first state to create its own instructional materials.

The states goal is to provide a library of free, high-quality instructional materials that will allow teachers to more efficiently provide differentiated support for students.

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The Bluebonnet curriculum will be included in those resources.

In early November, I testified before the Texas Board of Education where I witnessed many educators vehemently asserting that including Bible references in the curriculum was an unconstitutional violation of the separation of church and state.

In fact, not only does state law require such content, constitutional precedent supports it.

The Texas Informed American Patriotism Act requires all public-school students to closely study the founding documents of the United States and Texas.

The Bluebonnet Curriculum covers 100 percent of all state standards, known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

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Texas education code also explicitly requires students to receive instruction in religious literature, including Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and New Testament, and its impact on history and literature.

In one of the Bluebonnet lessons, students learn of the Good Samaritan from the New Testament.

The story teaches students the importance of looking out for others even when its unpopular, and it connects the story to the Good Samaritan laws in many states, including Texas.

A fifth-grade lesson focuses on Dr. Martin Luther Kings Letter from Birmingham Jail, in which King mentions the Old Testament book of Daniel and the story of Shadrachs, Meshachs, and Abednegos trial by fire.

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King related to their persecution as he, too, was in trouble because he believed God compelled him to act. To understand King and his impact on his country, one must understand the biblical references he makes.

Despite these obvious rich connections, many educators still criticized the curriculum, claiming that it violated the Constitutions Establishment Clause.

But in recent cases such as Carson v. Makin and Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, the Supreme Court made clear that the Religion Clauses require the government to remain neutral towards religion and cannot subject religious content to disfavored treatment.

This means any public official who is against the curriculum solely because of its religious content is engaging in unconstitutional religious hostility.

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Critics also claim that to be neutral, the state must mention every type of religion in its curriculum.

This is not so.

State Board of Education members Julie Pickren, left, and Audrey Young discuss the controversial Bluebonnet teaching materials at a meeting of the State Board of Education at the William B. Travis Building Friday November 22, 2024. The Bluebonnet materials, which use Bible stories, are K-5 math and reading instructional materials that the 2023 House Bill 1605 mandated the Texas Education Agency created with the intention of creating high quality instructional resources for teachers.

Christianity is wrapped in the fabric of our country in a way that other religions are not.

While not all of Americas founders were Christian, they all were educated in the Bible. They understood the scriptural warnings about giving kings too much power, hence our belief in the separation of powers.

While we could blame the disdain for religion on ignorance, it may have deeper roots.

Recently, Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath discussed the Bluebonnet curriculum on Dr. Ben Carsons podcast. Morath said that one reason Texas created its own instructional materials was to ensure the materials were a good representation of the states standards and values. He said that the materials give teachers the option of excluding the progressive ideology from their classrooms.

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This is the core issue.

Many people dont want teachers to have the option of excluding progressive content. This curriculum will allow teachers to use materials that provide a robust education rather than those that focus on social issues and provide little academic rigor.

When I testified, a member of the education board told me that teachers have neither time nor inclination to apply the First Amendment in their classrooms. I disagree.

Not only should educators know the Constitution, they should know it well enough to teach it to their students. Anything else is a disservice to Americas public school students.

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Keisha Russell is senior counsel with First Liberty Institute, a Plano-based nonprofit organization that works on religious freedom issues.

Keisha Russell

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A Connecticut man was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in federal prison on Friday for assaulting police officers during the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. in 2021.

Richard Markey, 38, of Wolcott was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta to 30 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia.

Markey previously pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers with a deadly or dangerous weapon, court records show.

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According to court records, Markey traveled from his home in Connecticut to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, 2021. The following day, he made his way toward the U.S. Capitol building along with thousands of others. He eventually made his way to the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, the site of some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement, federal officials said.

Around 3:54 p.m., Markey climbed on top of other individuals to make his way toward the police line that was defending the tunnel, according to federal officials. Markey then began forcibly assaulting police officers in the tunnel, federal officials said.

Markey assaulted police with a baton and later his fists, according to federal officials. In one instance, Markey forcibly struck and pulled on a police shield held by two officers.

Court records show that Markey then balanced himself atop the crowd of people, grabbed the police shield again and proceeded to kick the shield several times with considerable force.

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As another officer attempted to stop Markey from striking police with a pole, he reportedly pulled the pole from the officers hands, pointed it at the officer, and screamed, Oathbreaker! Oathbreaker! Youre not doing your (expletive) job. Listen! I fought for this (expletive) country, according to court records.

Markey then reportedly used the pole to continue striking the shield held by the two officers, federal officials said. Court documents show that Markey assaulted the officers with the pole, hitting them with it seven times and did so with such force that on the seventh strike, the pole broke.

Markey struck the shield one more time before discarding the remaining piece. According to federal officials, he continued to assault officers, yelling at them, striking and pushing their shields with his hands as he attempted to render them ineffective.

Markey was arrested by the FBI on July 17, 2023.

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The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Divisions Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Districts of Connecticut provided valuable assistance, federal officials added.

The allegations were investigated by the FBIs Washington and New Haven Field Offices. The U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department also assisted in the investigation.

Since Jan. 6, 2021, over 1,572 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the riot, including more than 590 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony, federal officials said.

The investigation remains ongoing, according to federal officials.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or go to tips.fbi.gov.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  The District 51 Foundation recently announced the recipients of its second round of technology and innovation grants.

A total of $7,500 in grants were awarded to 11 D51 staff members across the district to contribute to the wellness of students and staff.

Executive Director of the D51 Foundation Angela Christensen explains the foundations priorities when awarding the grants.

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The foundation has three funding priorities. One of them is technology and innovation. So, to be able to provide the funds for things like digital cameras and robots and all of the requests we were able to do, really will make a big difference.

Below is a list of the award recipients and items purchased.

Larry Sanders, Grand River Academy, $1,500, 15-Sphero Robots with Power Pack

Brittany Garcia, Redlands Middle School, $600, 70-inch Smart TV with Google/Mounting Brackets

Elyza Willms, Grand Mesa Middle School, $600, 70-inch Smart TV with Google/ Mounting Brackets

Becky Brandon, West Middle School, $600, 70-inch Smart TV with Google/Mounting Brackets

Matthew Bohling, Tope Elementary, $149, Dorico: Composing & Arranging Music

Mandy Beilman, Central High School, $250, Digital Camera for Yearbook

Susan Berg, Fruita Monument High School, $439, Digital Camera for Journalism

Stephanie Rush, Palisade High School, $600, 70-inch Smart TV with Google/ Mounting Brackets

Britni Westbrook, Broadway Elementary School, $1,200, 2 70-inch Smart TV with Google/Mounting Brackets

Marye Helms, Rim Rock Elementary School, $489, Canon EOS: National Elementary Honor Society

Cameron Ricks, Shelledy Elementary School, $600, 70-inch Smart TV with Google/ Mounting Brackets

Megan Henry, Independence Academy, $500, 10 Light Boards: Technology for Future Artists

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
The father of Sonya Massey  the Illinois woman who was shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy in her home after calling 911 for help this summer  is asking if things will "ever make sense."

James Wilburn spoke out about his daughter's killing in an interview with local CBS affiliate WCIA published on Friday, Dec. 6, following an Illinois appellate court's ruling ordering Sean Graysons pre-trial release.

Grayson, the former Sangamon County Sheriffs Office deputy, was charged with first-degree murder after he fatally shot Massey, who was unarmed, on July 6.

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"This man is still a threat to everybody in Springfield, he said. Somehow it needs to make sense. We all saw the film. We saw what occurred."

Wilburn continued, "My granddaughter tells me, 'Papa, why don't this man just plead guilty and leave us alone?' I get the same thing from my sister, my other children, 'Daddy, why doesn't he just leave us alone?' Well, that's the way the justice system works."

Facebook Sonya Massey Sonya Massey

Related: Sonya Massey's Children, 17 and 15, Are Taking It a 'Day at a Time' After Mom Was Killed by Police, Says Uncle (Exclusive)

Wilburn's latest comments come after an Illinois Appellate Court ordered the Sangamon County Circuit Court last month to set pre-trial release conditions for Grayson, per WICS.

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The Sangamon County States Attorney Office has since appealed the ruling. The Illinois Supreme Court has also denied an emergency motion to grant his release on Friday, Dec. 6, per documents obtained and shared by Capitol City Now.

Massey called police on July 6 after fearing there was an intruder in her home. Her shooting death was captured on body camera footage, when Massey got up to remove a pot of hot water from the stove and said, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.

Massey was not seen on camera when Grayson fired at her. She was 36.

Sangamon County Jail Mugshot of Sean Grayson Mugshot of Sean Grayson

Related: Deputy Who Killed Sonya Massey Claimed He Thought She Intended to Kill Him

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In Graysons field report, reviewed by PEOPLE, the now-former deputy claimed he felt imminent fear when he fired at Massey.

On July 17, he was indicted on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct and pleaded not guilty. He was fired by the sheriffs office following the shooting.

Masseys family has since hired prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Per WICS, family members and supporters appeared at the state capitol on Thursday, Dec. 5 to protest the Illinois Appellate Court's actions.

James Wilburn appeared alongside University of Springfield Professor Dr. Lesa Johnson and activist Teresa Haley.

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.

Thomas J. Turney/The State Journal-Register / USA TODAY NETWORK James Wilburn, father of Sonya Massey, speaks at a press conference on July 22, 2024 James Wilburn, father of Sonya Massey, speaks at a press conference on July 22, 2024

My friends, my family, they try to keep me busy so that Im not alone. Its when Im alone that I really, really meditate on our conversations that we used to have, Wilburn told WCIA of the months since his daughter's killing.

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He added that "they're talking about letting a killer go on the streets until its time for his trial."

"But like I said, if these three appellate court justices think that Sean Grayson is not a danger to society, move [him] into their house," he continued, reiterating comments made at the capitol. "Lets see if their wife and kids would allow him to move and live in their house with him."



Read the original article on People
DAMASCUS, Va. (WJHL)Despite Hurricane Helenes heavy impact, Damascus continues to celebrate the holidays while working on restoration efforts. On Friday night, the town held its annual Christmas Parade.

The parade started on E. Laurel Avenue and went down W. Laurel Avenue in downtown Damascus. Multiple floats, Clydesdale horses, decorated vehicles and various organizations were featured in the parade. Holston High School Marching Band students also performed some of their holiday music.

Kingsports Kelley Harrell named TN Principal of the Year

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You could feel a little bit of hope coming back to everybody, Jennifer Connell, a Damascus resident, said. I cant speak for everybody, but thats just how I feel. I think it has stressed the importance of taking care of each other.

Damascus Mayor Katie Lamb said she is proud of her town for their camaraderie after Helene.

Its just amazing that our people and the progress that we have made since the hurricanethe fact that we had Halloween, the fact that we are having this parade this just speaks volumes of the tenacity and resistance of our people, Lamb said.

Some who havent lived in Damascus for long also see the trail towns resiliency. Timothy Stewart and his family moved to Damascus from southern Georgia four years ago.

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Youre seeing people that youre not used to seeing, and you see them all helping each other, Stewart said. This town came together big time; it surprised me. I was blessed. Im blessed to be a resident here just to see how everybody helped each other and came together.

Both Stewart and Connell werent personally affected by Hurricane Helene, but they are grateful for the help the town is receiving.

Lamb asks people to be patient and understanding as they rebuild. She also thanks everyone for their support and donations.

Come and eat with us and eat at the restaurants, Lamb said. Its very important right now. Support our local businesses. Buy your Christmas presents at our local shops. Thats what were doing, and thats very important. And that will help us to keep going and sustain our employees and our workforce.

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The parade ended with Santa and Mrs. Claus spending time with the children at the fire hall. The Grinch also visited the kids.

Photo WJHL

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A Trail Town Christmas celebrations continue in Damascus throughout December. Click here to see a complete list of events.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The author (left) and Natalie at Natalie's EDS specialist. "This is when she wore the brace part-time," the author writes. Courtesy of Beth Swanson

I was packing the day before our flight when the phone call came. I had a stack of Natalies pajamas  the soft ones, cut low enough to sit below her hard cervical collar  a bag of medications for her carry-on, and comfortable clothes for her to wear during the five or six weeks wed be staying in the Ronald McDonald House while she recovered from surgery. Shed offered to help, and shed tried, but it had only taken two attempts at standing in front of her closet before the headache and the nausea and the dizziness took over, before her vision had narrowed to a pinprick and she had to lie back down. She was giving me directions from bed when the phone rang.

Her surgery was canceled, the hospital said. The insurance company had denied their request for coverage of the surgery, and then denied my written appeal and ignored the letters from multiple surgeons and her specialist. She could find comparable local care in Seattle, the insurance company said, and there was no need to travel out of state for care.

I got a copy of the denial in the mail later that day as well. The impersonal letter included assurances that her case had been reviewed by a qualified expert, and provided a list of providers from a basic search of the companys directory of local neurosurgeons. It was 100% incorrect.

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My daughter has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that can wreak havoc on every system in the body. In her case, her high cervical spine is unstable, and her brainstem is sagging out of the base of her skull, acting a little bit like a cork in a wine bottle, stopping the flow of cerebrospinal fluid between her brain and spinal column. Its rare, but treatable.

She needs an uncommon surgery, one that fuses not only her high cervical spine, but also fuses her skull to her spine. And while the neurosurgeons are in there, they need to open up the space where her brainstem sags  just a tiny bit  and then stabilize it so that cerebrospinal fluid can flow. Operating on people with EDS is its own specialty, since the disorder can also limit the effectiveness of some anesthetics, and the poor quality of the tissue itself can make surgeries more complicated.

"This photo is also very Natalie, and taken before her symptoms had progressed," the author writes. Courtesy of Beth Swanson

This is all information that the insurance company would know had it had the basic decency to talk to Natalies neurosurgeons, her EDS specialist, her parents or Natalie herself. Instead, the company refused to agree to care in another state. Because it had a list of surgeons.

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome exists on a spectrum, like so many genetic conditions, and symptoms can be mild to severe. Its not even that rare, but it is poorly understood, and finding providers that can treat it effectively is challenging. Weve been shuttled between specialists for 10 years. Racing heart? Cardiology. Dizzy? Neurology. Have you considered that shes just anxious? Family history of injuries? Genetics. Definitely orthopedics for all the times she tore a ligament doing a noncontact sport like walking. Fainted in school again? Go to the ER. But also, have you considered thats she just anxious? A Google search of providers is not the equivalent of informed, qualified care. Weve seen enough providers to know the difference.

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Natalie started having noticeable symptoms when she was 8. By 9, she was nauseous every time she ate. By 12, she was dizzy when she stood up. At 15, when she returned to in-person school after the pandemic, she needed school accommodations just to make it through the day. At 17, the bottom fell all the way out and she did a modified senior year from bed. She graduated last June  with a four-minute ceremony in our living room  and isnt able to go to college or work until she has surgery.

In some ways, Natalie is the lucky one. We had the resources to find specialists, who in turn found answers. Natalie had her first upright MRI a few years ago, which showed her unstable spine and cerebellar ectopia  her brainstem starting to fall out of the opening in the base of her skull. The insurance company refused to pay for that imaging as well; we were told she wasnt sick enough.

One of the many times Natalie had to go the ER. "There are so many of these photos," the author writes. Courtesy of Beth Swanson

We are not alone in our struggle to get needed care in the maze of denials and delays that is the American health insurance industry. KFF Health News reported in 2021 that of the insurers with the highest volume of claims, denial rates ranged from 4.7% to 41.9%. The outlet goes on to say that only about 1 in 500 claims is appealed, and on appeal, 59% of those denials are upheld. We were one of the 499 people who chose not to appeal the insurance companys denial for Natalies imaging. We needed answers  and quickly. Without that MRI, her care would have stalled, so we paid for it ourselves. It felt like the system was rigged against us.

It felt that way, because the insurance industry designed it to function that way. In 2023, ProPublica reported that both Cigna and UnitedHealthCare used a review system that allows doctors who are hired by the companies to deny claims without even reading them, with a simple click and submit process. (One doctor reportedly denied 121,000 claims in two months). An analysis of a 2023 survey of 4,803 insured people found that nearly half of adults who experienced care delays because of a denial of coverage said their health problem worsened as a result. In October of this year, ProPublica reported that many insurance companies contract with EviCore, a company (owned by Cigna) that uses an algorithm to force more preauthorization reviews. This process leads to higher rates of denied claims: Their sales team has pointed to a 15% increase in denials and a 3-to-1 return on investment for the companies using EviCore.

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The denials across all insurance companies and types of care are so outrageous that NPR features a Bill of the Month segment, highlighting unpaid medical bills and the wild reasons insurance companies refused to pay.

After two years of monitoring and physical therapy, of medication trials and intermittent use of a hard cervical collar, Natalies symptoms got worse, and so did her imaging. The insurance company did cover the follow-up scans, since we had proof  in the form of her first MRI  that, yes, there was a structural problem. But what would we have done without the resources to pay for her initial scan? This just seems like one more example of the fact that patients without the resources to pay for denied care suffer the most.

When Natalies symptoms progressed, our excellent doctors directed us to the very few surgeons in the U.S. who could do the surgery my daughter needs. The surgeon we chose in the end asked her to go from wearing her hard cervical collar when she was symptomatic, to wearing it all the time, as a 10-week trial to see if the surgery would help. After three weeks, she could sit up for a few hours. We could watch a movie together. At six weeks, she could leave the house once or twice a week. We went to Target for 10 minutes. Tiny gains were like magic for Natalie. At the end of the trial, we met the surgeons in person and scheduled surgery for September 23, 2024. Back home, Natalie waited, wearing her collar full time. Maybe its strange to say she was excited for brain surgery, but she was ready. She was hopeful that the surgery might let her go to college, even if only from her bedroom. In her wildest dreams, she wanted to dance again. Then, on September 20, her surgery was canceled..

"This is Natalie in one photo  and obviously before her symptoms progressed," the author writes. Courtesy of Claire Meyer Photograph

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To the insurance companys credit, it assigned Natalie a case manager. That case manager is a gem. She listened to us, quickly confirmed that there was not actually local care, and authorized a single case agreement to cover Natalies surgery with her chosen surgeon. She thought it would be a quick process  just sign some paperwork and get Natalie back on the schedule.

I was hopeful at the beginning. Helpful. Thankful. So kind. I thought wed get farther, faster by being polite and patient. It would go through any day now, the case manager said. I already approved it, but now its with the negotiations team, she told us. It should be quick.

Two weeks in, I was puzzled, but still hopeful.

Why are there so many delays for what should be a quick process? I asked. The insurance company works with this doctor all the time; if we lived in New York state, there would be no problem, right? And even Natalies single case agreement  the insurance companys term for allowing Natalie to have surgery with a doctor that is technically out of network  is simple, right? Something that happens every day?

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Yes, it is, I was assured. We even do single case agreements with this doctor often, because hes so specialized.

Three weeks in, I got an email that said the insurance company was waiting on paperwork from the hospital, and couldnt start negotiations until it had that.

Start negotiations? I asked. As in, we are three weeks into this very quick process, and still at the beginning of the first step?

Well ... yes, it seems that way, the case manager told me. Im not sure what the delay is since Im not part of the negotiations. I can only approve care, and then its someone elses job to negotiate payment. Then Natalies paperwork has to get approved by the insurance companys legal department.

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Does the negotiations team know that Natalie had an unstable cervical spine? I asked. Do they know she had pressure on her brainstem? Do they know what a brain stem does? (For the negotiators and lawyers out there, a brain stem controls important bodily functions  like breathing.) Do they know that her instability could get worse, as it had last year? That it can cause permanent damage?

I will tell them, she said. But she couldnt speed them up.

Natalie getting an infusion. "This is what it looks like when you are too comfortable in that infusion chair, because you are there every week  and it's the only time you leave the house," the author writes. Courtesy of Beth Swanson

As of this writing, we are now well into the fifth week of negotiations. The insurance company has an army of people who are very concerned about paperwork and precise wording. Those people do not seem concerned about my daughter. My kindness and patience has shifted to fury.

I have reminded the insurance company that the hospital and surgeons were in touch in July, that the company managed to ignore and then deny those requests over and over with great speed and efficiency while providing incorrect information about who could help Natalie. I have pointed to the systemic process of denial and delay that harms patients and is terrible for their own staff as well.

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Im fairly certain Natalies case manager would climb through fire to get Natalie care if she could, but her employers process puts so many layers between patients and approval that there is nothing else she can do. I think I told the CEO of the insurance company to go fuck himself on the recorded line. I hope he hears it.

There is currently no signed paperwork. There is no agreement. There are just delays. There are just negotiations. Normally, the next step would be a discussion over dollars and cents. However, weve been told the plan now is to try and skip that, and just tell the hospital the insurance company will pay whatever is necessary to get Natalies surgery. What a business plan  deny care, then delay, then hope that patients either give up or die. For the few people left fighting for care, use those millions of dollars to cover the cost of paying top dollar for the care you failed to negotiate while you waited out a war of attrition? Seems like thats how the system is designed.

So, congratulations, insurance company. Youve taught Natalie that no matter how much her family loves and fights for her, no matter how many specialists document her need for care, it doesnt matter in the end. The strength of the evidence doesnt matter. Somewhere out there, there is an accountant or a lawyer who knows nothing about Natalie  nothing about her condition and maybe nothing about medicine at all. And somehow, thats the person who decides if and when Natalie gets the surgery she desperately needs.

"There's no college or job or social life for Natalie right now, but at least there are cookies," the author writes. Courtesy of Beth Swanson

Im not giving up. But this could have been so easy. Natalie should be in New York, well into her surgical recovery. Instead, she remains at home, wearing her cervical collar, nauseous, dizzy and in pain, with zero control over her fate. She is the one who has gone from choking on food to choking on water while we wait for the insurance company, a piece of a multibillion dollar industry, to nickel-and-dime its way to an agreement. In the end, its always the patients who suffer. Its egregious. Its immoral. And for Natalie and the thousands of other patients just like her, its a terrifying wait.

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Beth Swanson is a freelance writer in Washington. When shes not on the phone with the insurance company, she writes about parenting, active family life, health and health care. Before she became a writer, she was a physical therapist for 15 years. She never expected to need the skills and knowledge from both of those careers to get her daughter health care. Follow her @write4chocolate on X/Twitter and Bluesky.

Do you have a compelling personal story youd like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what were looking for here and send us a pitch at pitch@huffpost.com.

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David Sacks speaks during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, WI, July 15, 2024. - Credit: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty Images

On Thursday evening, President-elect Donald Trump once again took to Truth Social to announce a hire for his incoming administration: David O. Sacks, he wrote, would fill the newly created role of White House A.I. & Crypto Czar, and work to make the U.S. the clear global leader in both areas. Trump also promised that Sacks guidance would safeguard Free Speech online, and steer us away from Big Tech bias and censorship, suggesting that he might have a say on internet policy more broadly.

In a response, Sacks wrote that he was honored and grateful to receive the appointment, adding, I look forward to advancing American competitiveness in these critical technologies, and that under Trumps leadership, the future is bright!

More from Rolling Stone

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But just who is Sacks, this Trump backer out of Silicon Valley who will soon be installed in a high post under Trump without the need for Senate confirmation? In the simplest terms, hes one of the many tech tycoons who saw a second Trump term as a golden opportunity to reshape the governments relationship with their industry.

Like his close friend Elon Musk, Sacks is currently in his early 50s and immigrated to the U.S. from South Africa. He and Musk are both members of the PayPal Mafia, a group of entrepreneurs who worked at the company before its acquisition by eBay in 2002 and went on to build fortunes by founding and investing in other tech startups. (Before serving as product lead and chief operations officer at PayPal, Sacks worked at the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company.) Over the past two decades, Sacks has led or founded a handful of companies but is perhaps better known as an angel investor in businesses including Uber, Facebook, and Airbnb. He also has stakes in Musks SpaceX and Palantir Technologies, which specializes in data analytics software and was co-founded by billionaire Peter Thiel, one of Trumps earliest major donors in Silicon Valley and another member of the PayPal mafia. Both companies have extensive government contracts, with Palantir supplying AI-enabled surveillance and data-mining platforms to the Pentagon and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Sacks co-founded Craft Ventures, a venture capital fund, in 2017.

Sacks has undergone something of a political evolution, donating money first to Republican presidential nominee (and current senator) Mitt Romney in 2012, then Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016, when she ran against Trump. He also contributed to the 2018 gubernatorial campaign of Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom. But by 2022, he was bankrolling hard-right Senate hopefuls such as Blake Masters and now Vice President-elect JD Vance (a Thiel protege in his own venture capital days who retains close ties to the Silicon Valley scene that Sacks represents). When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis launched his 2024 presidential bid in a glitch-addled audio event on Twitter Spaces  prior to Musk rebranding the platform as X  it was Sacks serving as moderator. As with Musk, he donated to DeSantis before ultimately endorsing Trump (though he also donated to third-party candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.), and the pair held a secretive Hollywood dinner of rich elites opposed to President Joe Biden in April. He also hosted a fundraiser for Trump at his San Francisco home in June.

Theres yet another similarity with Musk: Sacks is extremely online, hosting the influential business and tech podcast All-In alongside three fellow VCs, and posting prolifically on X. In both formats, Sacks has veered toward the anti-woke culture war politics that have animated the MAGA movement and informed Musks electoral influence as Trumps largest megadonor. He rails against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, complains about supposedly open borders, attacks legacy media, and claims that leftists hate freedom of speech.

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But whatever his feelings on those issues, Sacks clearly believes that Trump will be a boon for him and his allies in the tech world. An early and vocal proponent of cryptocurrency, he was pleased by Trumps shameless courtship of the executives and investors in the space. This group  Sacks included  had been incensed by Biden and an ongoing crypto crackdown by his SEC chair, Gary Gensler, and spent tens of millions to elect Trump and other Republicans. Trump vowed to fire Gensler on day one and replace him with a crypto-friendly appointee, whom he indeed announced on Wednesday: Paul Atkins, an advocate of digital currencies sure to take a lighter hand in regulating the industry. Crypto assets have rocketed upward in value since Trumps election, with bitcoin surging to $100,000 for the first time ever.

On the AI side, it will also be advantageous for Sacks and his allies to have the presidents ear as the government considers regulatory frameworks for the accelerating technology. Craft Ventures is an investor in Musks own AI company, xAI, while both Sacks and Musk have become bitter critics of rival company OpenAI, which developed ChatGPT. Musk co-founded and funded OpenAI in 2015 but stepped away a few years later and is now pursuing a wide-ranging federal lawsuit against it, alleging that it conspired with multibillion-dollar investor Microsoft to break antitrust laws as it sought to transform from a nonprofit into a for-profit business. After rival OpenAI CEO Sam Altman congratulated Sacks on the czar position in an X post Thursday, Musk replied with a laugh-crying emoji.

The conflicts of interest arising from Sacks White House job look as if they will be nothing out of the ordinary in Trumps second administration. Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamys nebulous advisory commission-to-be, the Department of Government Efficiency (or DOGE), has already targeted federal spending and regulatory agencies in ways likely to benefit their own companies and those of friends across the sectors of transit, tech, pharmaceuticals, banking, and crypto. No doubt Sacks, too, will have some self-interested input on DOGEs recommendations for hacking away at government institutions.

All in all, then, Sacks is but one more more wealthy player who stands to get richer by trying to steer Trump one way or the other on decisions that affect his bottom line. Conveniently, enough crypto moguls, tech CEOs, and VCs aligned on this vision to create a formidable faction of donors  one that Trump would virtually guarantee free rein once they had propelled him to the Oval Office. Trying to predict what will happen to the nation under another four years of his executive power is a tricky game, though if anything seems like a sure bet, its that Sacks, Musk, and their pals are going to get whatever they want.

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Dec. 7 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

In 1909, Leo Baekeland patented the process for making Bakelite, giving birth to the modern plastics industry.

In 1941, Japan launched a sneak attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, catapulting the United States into World War II. The attack killed 2,403 people, wounded hundreds, destroyed 188 planes and crippled the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called Dec. 7 "a date which will live in infamy."

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In 1972, Apollo 17 was launched on the last scheduled manned mission to the moon. Astronauts Eugene Cernan and Jack Schmitt left a commemorative plaque on the lunar surface as they left.

President Ronald Reagan (R) and first lady Nancy Reagan (2nd-L) escort their guests, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev (2nd-R) and his wife Raisa, into a State Dinner at the White House on December 8, 1987. On December 7, 1987, Gorbachev became the first Soviet leader to officially visit the United States since 1973. UPI File Photo

File Photo courtesy of NASA

In 1975, Indonesia invaded East Timor after the latter declared itself a democratic republic in the wake of Portugal's departure from the island. More than 100,000 East Timorese died in the conflict, most of whom were civilians placed in internment camps or killed by the Indonesian military.

Indonesian rescuers use an excavator to search for victims after an earthquake struck Pidie Jaya district, Aceh, Indonesia, on December 7, 2016. File Photo by Hotli Simanjuntak/EPA

In 1982, the first execution by lethal injection took place at the state penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas.

In 1987, Mikhail Gorbachev became the first Soviet leader to officially visit the United States since 1973.

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In 1988, an estimated 25,000 people died in a powerful earthquake in Armenia.

In 1992, the destruction of a 16th-century mosque by militant Hindus touched off five days of violence across India that left more than 1,100 people dead.

In 1993, U.S. Energy Secretary Hazel O'Leary revealed the United States had conducted 204 underground nuclear tests from 1963 to 1990 without informing the public.

In 1993, Colin Ferguson opened fire on a New York commuter train, killing six people and injuring 19 others. The shooter, who was from Jamaica, blamed his hatred of white people.

In 2004, Hamid Karzai was sworn in as Afghanistan's first popularly elected president.

File Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

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In 2016, a 6.5-magnitude earthquake rattled Indonesia's Aceh province, killing nearly 100 people.

In 2016, a Pakistan International Airlines aircraft crashed near Islamabad, killing 48 people. Among the dead was pop-star-turned-Muslim-cleric Junaid Jamshed.

In 2020, the International Olympic Committee announced that break dancing would be added to the medal events program at the 2024 Paris Games.

RELATED Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan attend 'Little Women' premiere in NYC

In 2022, Peruvian President Pedro Castillo was removed from office after attempting to dissolve Congress. The National Police arrested and held him in pretrial custody.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast has declared 7 December to be a day of mourning for those killed in the Russian attack on 6 December.

Source: Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration

Details: Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration reiterated that 10 people were killed as a result of the Russian attack.

Twelve more people who were injured in the Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia remain in hospitals.

Three men are in a critical condition and three children are in a moderate condition.

Background: On the evening of 6 December, the Russian army attacked Zaporizhzhia Oblast, killing 9 people and injuring 17 others.

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When Ricky York walked out of a courtroom at the Payette County Courthouse early Friday, he embraced his wife. The former mayor of New Plymouth had just been sentenced for shooting his then-30-year-old son in the arm following an argument.

Third District Judge Kiley Stuchlik placed the 72-year-old father on probation for five years, following a binding plea agreement between the prosecution and defense. When asked whether hed like to make a statement, York said he regretted the shooting.

Im sorry, thats the best I can do right now, he said.

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York pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery and, in exchange, the remaining misdemeanors against him  possession of a deadly weapon with the intent to assault, and use of a deadly weapon  were dismissed, according to a copy of the agreement obtained by the Idaho Statesman.

With a binding deal, Stuchlik had two choices: follow or reject. If she didnt follow the attorneys requests, then York would have been able to withdraw his guilty plea and go forward with a criminal trial. But Stuchlik said she found the agreement appropriate.

I think this was a one-time incident, Stuchlik said. The incident was unfortunate, she said, but acknowledged that Yorks son also had a role in the argument.

Stuchlik also granted York the ability to receive a withheld judgment. As long as he follows the terms of his probation, York will be able to ask the court to dismiss the felony. This means that York doesnt have to say hes been convicted of a felony  a common disclosure on many applications and background checks  as Stuchlik wont order a judgment of conviction.

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Hes restricted from owning any firearms and could be fined up to $1,000 if he violates his probation.

Boise-based defense attorney Aaron Hooper, who represented York, said in court Friday that most people think of a withheld judgment as a gift, but he called it an opportunity, because York could face a much harsher punishment if he violated his probation. In that case, York could be sentenced to the maximum punishment for aggravated battery: 15 years in prison.

But Hooper wasnt worried. He said York is absolutely capable of following the terms of his probation, which the prosecution echoed.

Ricky York is not a risk to the community, Hooper added during the hearing.

Court documents detail what happened

In early November 2023, Yorks son came home in an irritated mood and drank two beers, along with a shot of liquor, Yorks wife told police, according to a three-page affidavit filed by the Payette County Sheriffs Office.

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Yorks son also said later in court that he was having a rough day, according to a transcript of the January preliminary hearing. He added that his father had been upset that dinner wasnt ready when he got home.

York  who was also drinking  and his son were bickering back and forth and started screaming at each other, the affidavit said. His son also admitted to pushing his father during the altercation, which Hooper argued during Fridays sentencing gave the defense an avenue to argue self-defense.

Its a tough situation because were dealing with family, Hooper said in court. Sometimes these crazy events can just happen.

York grabbed a small knife, which his wife took from him, according to the affidavit. He then went to his bedroom, grabbed his .357 magnum revolver, came back into the living room and pointed the gun at his son.

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Yorks son said during the January hearing that he went to walk away from his dad because his mother was saying, Come back. Come back (or) he will shoot you. York then shot him in the left arm.

The then-30-year-old was taken to a hospital in Boise, where he was stitched up, but he said in court that the medical staff told him he was very lucky because the bullet didnt hit any muscles.

If I wanted to kill my son, I would have shot him in the center of his chest, York told a detective during an interview, according to the affidavit. I didnt shoot him in the leg because there was a possibility of hitting an artery  so I shot him in the arm.

Hooper claimed during the sentencing that there were a lot of mistakes made by the Sheriffs Office in the case. He said he didnt think the errors were malicious, but he believed the prosecution would have lost a lot of its evidence.

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Hooper had previously filed a motion to suppress body-camera footage of Yorks arrest, where he was questioned, saying his client had not been read his Miranda rights. The prosecution argued that York voluntarily provided all the information to authorities.

Days after his arrest last year, York lost his race for re-election against Lisa Binggeli, who received nearly 75% of the vote.
Dec. 6The reported leader of a Dayton-area drug trafficking organization is facing more than a decade in prison after pleading guilty to claims he transported cocaine and methamphetamine in shoes boxes.

Adrian White, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute drugs, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of Ohio.

White is facing a recommended sentence of 15 to 25 years in prison as part of a plea agreement.

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Between February 2023 and January 2024, White's trafficking operation was responsible for 15 kilograms of methamphetamine and 500 grams of cocaine, according to federal court records.

White was reportedly seen transporting shoe boxes to and from a "stash house" on Crestmore Avenue in Dayton.

During traffic stops, investigators found the narcotics in orange shoe boxes. In January, White was stopped for a window tint violation and officers found more than two kilograms of methamphetamine in one shoe box and 60 grams of cocaine in the vehicle, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Investigators found more than three kilograms of methamphetamine and 72 grams of cocaine during searches of White's Valarie Arms residence and the Crestmore Avenue stash house.

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White reportedly had an AK-47 style rifle and approximately $20,500 in cash at his home.

White and two codefendants, 37-year-old Sonequa McGraw of Huber Heights and 36-year-old William Bates of Trotwood, were indicted in federal court in January. McGrew and Bates pleaded guilty in their cases and are waiting to be sentenced.
The body of a dead naked woman was found on northbound I-95 in Miami-Dade County on Saturday morning, police say. Details are scarce and an investigation is ongoing.

Around 6 a.m., authorities received several calls about two people arguing the area of I-95 just north of Ives Dairy Road, Miami-Dade Police Det. Luis Sierra said. Florida Highway Patrol responded to the call and found a womans body on the side of the road.

The northbound entrance ramp from Northeast 203 Street/Ives Dairy Road on I-95 is closed due to the ongoing homicide investigation.

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It is unclear if the argument and the appearance of the dead body are connected. No information on a possible suspect or the deceased has been released.

Police are asking for the communitys help to provide any information on this incident. Anyone with information can reach out anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Miami-Dade & the Florida Keys, either online or at 305-471-8477.
Deadly shooting in Henderson shopping center 2nd within past 6 months

Update: The coroners office identified the 55-year-old as Daryl Keppner.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man was found dead in a shopping center parking lot in Henderson, according to police.

Officers said they responded to a shooting in the 500 block of Marks Street near Sunset Road on Friday shortly before 9 p.m.

Henderson Police reported that detectives determined two vehicles had pulled into the parking lot after one driver suspected the other might have hit his vehicle.

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Police said a 55-year-old man exited his vehicle and revealed a firearm in his waistband. Meanwhile, the other driver, a 42-year-old man, also got out of his vehicle armed.

The 42-year-old then discharged his firearm, striking the 55-year-old, police said.

Despite life-saving measures, police said the 55-year-old died.

This incident is the second deadly shooting in the 500 block of Marks Street within the past six months. As this is an open and ongoing investigation, no further details will be provided at this time, police said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Death row inmate Kevin Ray Underwood is seeking a stay of his execution because of recent turmoil of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.

Underwood is set to be executed December 19 for the murder of a 10-year-old girl. He killed Jamie Rose Bolen in 2006 and planned to cannibalize her body.

His execution has been complicated by changes on the Pardon and Parole Board, with two of Governor Kevin Stitts appointees resigning. One of them, Charles Prince, is under investigation.

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Underwoods clemency hearing was initially set for December 4, but was later moved to December 9.

Underwood sued the Pardon and Parole Board on Wednesday in Oklahoma City federal court over its plans to move forward with his clemency hearing. His attorneys argued he deserves a fair opportunity to present his case for clemency to a five-member parole board.

original filingDownload

Thursday, Stitt appointed Susan Stava to the board bringing the total number of members to four.

Stitt released a statement on the appointment below:

Susan is a seasoned legal professional who has shown integrity, dedication, and a deep understanding of complex law throughout her career. Her experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to prioritize public safety and protect Oklahomans. Im grateful for her willingness to serve. Governor Kevin Stitt

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Stava started her career in Charleston, South Carolina, where she focused on construction litigation, managing large-scale discovery processes. Upon moving to Tulsa, she transitioned into employment law, handling disputes, compliance, and investigations for various firms, including Hartman & Moore, where she practiced for over a decade. Stavas work has encompassed family law, criminal law, and litigation in state and federal courts.

Stava said the following regarding her appointment in a statement:

I am deeply honored to serve my state on the Pardon and Parole Board. Im grateful for the Governors trust in me, as I know the role requires a careful balance of accountability, compassion, and respect for the rule of law. Im committed to approaching each case with fairness and I will always prioritize the integrity of our justice system. Susan Stava

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former Pardon and Parole Board Acting Chairman allegedly requested sex acts in exchange for pardon

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In federal court Friday, Underwoods attorneys brought up that adding a new board member into the mix days before his scheduled clemency hearing could be a detriment if shes allowed to participate and vote. They noted that they felt as if the process of expediting the hearing has been slapped together at the very end.

The U.S. district judge noted that Stava has trained experience with social work.

Itd be difficult to imagine she can go through all of the information by the 9th, said Tulsa attorney Tim Gilpin when asked to weigh in on Stavas appointment.

News 4 employees asked Gilpin if its possible she could recuse herself, meaning Underwood would potentially need all three of the other parole board members votes for clemency.

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The new member may well do that because she may or may not feel like she has enough time to review the loads of material on this matter, said Gilpin.

Underwoods attorneys brought up another argument and believe the state violated the rules for the Open Meeting Act by delaying the clemency hearing.

Underwoods attorneys argue the Open Meeting Act states that all parties must be notified no less than 10 days prior to the implementation of any change.

The attorneys for the State argued they dont believe there was a violation.

[10] Defs Resp (2024.12.06)Download

News 4 employees consulted with Oklahoma State University media law professor Joey Senat for clarification, who trains county officials on the Open Records and Open Meeting Act.

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I dont know of anything that has ever stopped or told a public body they are have violated the statute by canceling a regular meeting for any reason and then holding a special meeting, said Senat.

Senat says the board canceled a regular meeting and rescheduled a special meeting instead for the clemency hearing. He says because another regular meeting wasnt scheduled the same 10 day notification period does not apply meaning legally the board didnt do anything wrong.

A special meeting is not the same thing as a regular meeting, said Senat.

No action was taken on Friday. The judge asked both sides to submit supplemental briefs over the weekend regarding allegations made by Underwoods attorneys about the violation.

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Underwoods attorneys reiterated that this is a mans life on the line. For now, his clemency hearing is set for Monday, which could change depending on the judges ruling that is expected soon.

Gilpin says that, historically, the board isnt likely to grant clemency; and even then Governor Stitt would have to sign off on it.

The pardon and parole board is not generous with clemency, said Gilpin. They never really have been, and they certainly, I would suspect, arent now.

News 4 received a copy of the following supplemental brief from the pardon and parole boards legal team late Friday night.

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014-Defs-Supp.-Resp-2024.12.06Download

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
The Ukrainian emergency services said on Saturday morning that a total of 10 people had died after a Russian glide bomb attack in the south-eastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhya the previous evening.

Eight people died in their cars, while 24 were injured in total, including three children, they said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously posted on X that nine people had been killed in Friday's attack.

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Rescue workers also pulled another body from the rubble of a building that had been hit by a missile strike the same day on the south-eastern city of Kryvyi Rih, taking the death toll to three.

Zelensky is set to travel to Paris on Saturday for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the reopening ceremony for the city's Notre-Dame cathedral, which was damaged in a fire in 2019.

US President-elect Donald Trump is also to attend the ceremony, marking his first trip abroad since his election victory in November.

It was initially unclear whether Zelensky would also hold talks with Trump.

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The Ukrainian president fears that Trump could significantly reduce or even end US aid to Ukraine after he enters office in January.

Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion for almost three years and has repeatedly warned that it will lose the war if allies stop delivering military aid.
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NEWCOMB  Thursday yielded no signs of a hiker who has been reported missing in the High Peaks since late Saturday, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, which is leading the search.

Leo Dufour of Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec set out alone to hike Allen Mountain, a High Peak with an elevation of 4,340 feet, and has not been seen since Friday. Search and rescue personnel have not found the missing hiker as of 3:15 p.m. Thursday, according to a statement from the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

The DEC said that windy conditions Thursday hampered aerial search efforts, while over a dozen rangers continued to look for the missing hiker on the ground.

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The conditions have been full-on mountain winter, said Forest Ranger Scott Sabo in a Wednesday interview. Weve had several wind events of approximately 20 to 30 miles per hour  which create whiteout conditions and extremely slow movement as search crews have to navigate to ensure theyre in the correct drainage or correct elevation.

Temperatures Thursday night were forecasted to dip below zero in the High Peaks, with wind chills between 20 and 30 below zero during that time. Highs today in the mountains are only expected to reach the single digits, with similarly cold conditions tonight and Saturday.

SEARCH METHODS

Helicopters were used to drop rangers off during the week on a limited basis as conditions allowed, according to the DEC. ATVs were also used to try to get rangers as close to the search area as the terrain allowed, with rangers hiking in much of the way by foot.

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The search Thursday again centered around Allen Mountain and possible corridors where the hiker could have gone off-trail, such as stream or drainage depressions that may have resembled a possible route. This area was searched Tuesday and Wednesday as well, according to Sabo, who is serving as the field operations section chief.

The missing hikers last known location was Allen Mountains summit.

Dufour, 22, is an avid hiker, according to Facebook posts from friends and family members, and had winter hiking gear  including snowshoes and microspikes  as well as a stove. He was expected to return Saturday night, according to the DEC.

The DECs Ray Brook Dispatch  which coordinates wilderness search operations for the state  received a call at 2:30 a.m. Sunday from State Police, reporting the overdue hiker. State Police said in a Facebook Post that they received the initial call around 11 p.m. Saturday when a family member reported he had not returned by the time he indicated he would prior to the hike.

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ISOLATED PEAK

His vehicle was located at the Mount Adams Trailhead on the Upper Works Road in the town of Newcomb.

Despite its name, Allen Mountain is most commonly accessed from the Mount Adams trailhead. The two peaks share a trail for a portion of their respective climbs before diverging approximately 1 mile from the parking lot. From there, portions of the trail to Allen are unmarked and unofficial, including the final portion of the hike that gains most of the elevation near the summit.

Allen Mountain is considered an extremely isolated peak  the most remote High Peak in the Adirondacks, according to Sabo. The trail to its summit is approximately 9 miles one-way from the Mount Adams parking lot, with several bridgeless streams to cross.

In addition to the long distances, search and rescue personnel encountered inclement weather, as persistent lake-effect snows impacted that region throughout the weekend. The DEC said it was able to identify one set of tracks from the vehicle, but the snowfall made them difficult to track. Recent unofficial trail reports from hikers in the southern portions of the High Peaks have reported between 3 and 4 feet of snow near the summits as of Thursday.
DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT)  The Decatur Police Department (DPD) said a Decatur man has been arrested and charged with rape after an incident involving a girl under 16.

DPD said on Nov. 20 it received a report of an incident that occurred between Xavier Thorne, 20, and a girl under the age of 16 at a home in Decatur. Court documents show that the girl was 13 at the time of the incident.

HPD: Officers on the scene of robbery at Redstone bank in Madison

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Authorities said during the investigation, it was determined that an incident had taken place between Thorne and the girl.

According to DPD, Thorne was arrested for unrelated offenses on Nov. 23 and was still in jail when a warrant for second-degree rape was issued for him on Dec. 6. That warrant was executed at the jail.

The department said Thorne is being held at the Morgan County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
Dec. 6A 20-year-old Decatur man accused of having sex with a 13-year-old was charged with second-degree rape on Friday, Morgan County District Court records showed.

Xavier Nashon Thorne is charged with the Class B felony and remained in the Morgan County Jail on Friday in lieu of a $100,000 bond, jail records showed.

Decatur police responded to a residence in the 1200-block of Broadus Avenue Southeast after the 13-year-old victim ran away from her grandmother's residence to meet Thorne in the early morning hours of Nov. 20, according to a Decatur police detective's affidavit signed on Friday. The grandmother used Apple iPhone's "Find My" app to trace the runaway to Thorne's friend's house.

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The then-unidentified man and the victim emerged from the residence, and a Decatur police officer returned the victim to her family. Thorne and the victim discussed the act over Snapchat, according to the affidavit, and Thorne was aware of the victim's age.

Court records showed Thorne was free on a $10,000 bond at the time for a first-degree theft of property charge involving an allegedly stolen Chevy Tahoe. He had applied for youthful offender status, scheduled to be heard by a Morgan County judge on Dec. 12. Thorne is now scheduled for a bond revocation hearing on the same day, records showed.

 david.gambino@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438.
DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT)  The Decatur Police Department (DPD) is asking for the publics help in finding a woman reported missing last month.

DPD said Ann Theresa Kipp, 62, was reported missing on Nov. 3, 2024. Kipp is described as being 58 tall and weighing 350 lbs. She has strawberry-blonde hair and blue eyes.

Business license of popular Huntsville restaurant may soon be revoked

The department said Kipp is a sub-contracted driver for RXO and makes deliveries nationwide. Authorities said she does not physically live in Decatur but has a Decatur, Alabama mailing address.

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DPD said they have the following details about Kipps recent whereabouts:

On October 10, 2024, Kipp made a delivery in Corinth, Mississippi,

On October 16, 2024, Kipp called her employer and requested days off due to not feeling well. Her employer advised she was in Louisville, Kentucky at the time,

On October 20, 2024, Kipps employer attempted to contact her, but contact could not be made. Her employer advised she was in Scottsburg, Indiana at the time.

According to the department, Kipp drives a blue 2018 Ford Transit van similar to this one:

(Decatur Police Department)

Authorities said the van has an RXO decal in white lettering on the driver and passenger door. DPD said it has a Michigan tag numbered 8QD B91.

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if you have any information about Kipp or her vehicles whereabouts you are asked to contact Detective Ferizovic at 256-341-4614 or email him at jferizovic@decatur-al.gov.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
Dec. 6WISCASSET  More than a dozen Lincoln County jurors were asked Friday to look at a picture of a 3-year-old girl in a pink shirt and a plastic crown, smiling up at the camera.

Over the next week, they will have to decide whether a 30-year-old man who was dating her mother is responsible for her death.

Makinzlee Handrahan was found dead in her bed in Edgecomb on Christmas morning in 2022.

Her mother, Faith Lewis, 32, was preparing the household for Christmas while battling the flu, prosecutors said Friday. Makinzlee was sick, too. The girl had been in bed most of Christmas Eve, never getting up to eat or use the restroom.

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At some point that night, police suspect, Lewis' boyfriend at the time, Tyler Witham-Jordan, beat her with a hairbrush, dragged her into the bedroom and left her in the bottom bunk, where she slept in the room with his own 9-year-old daughter.

The state said they found his hat wedged between Makinzlee's pillows, next to where her body was found, and blood stains with both his and Makinzlee's DNA profiles.

The state has promised the jury will see text messages between the couple, reports from police interviews, DNA evidence tying Witham-Jordan to Makinzlee's murder and compelling testimony from Lewis.

"Makinzlee was not able to speak for herself," Assistant Attorney General Lisa Bogue said in opening statements. "But her injuries, and the evidence, leave a trail. And that trail leads directly, and only, to this defendant."

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Witham-Jordan pleaded not guilty to one count of depraved indifference murder in January. He was arrested nearly 10 months after Makinzlee was found dead. In that time, both he and Lewis' family complained about the "radio silence" surrounding the state's investigation.

Now at trial almost two years after her death, his trio of defense attorneys aren't just saying that he's innocent  they say Lewis killed her daughter.

Prosecutors have previously said they consider Lewis a victim, not a suspect. She is scheduled to testify next week and was not in court Friday.

The trial will be grueling, lawyers on both side admitted. They spent almost the entire week selecting a jury, which was briefed multiple times before Friday that the case would be uncomfortable. Jurors will see images from Makinzlee's autopsy, in which she is covered in bruises and some blood, a large clump of her hair missing.

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A few of those images were shown Friday afternoon. Bogue told the jury it was necessary to prove the injuries were serious.

Prosecutors plan to hone in on Witham-Jordan's drug use, because they believe the beating happened when he was suffering opioid withdrawal. The day before Makinzlee was found, Bogue said, Witham-Jordan had bought drugs from someone only to discover later that day that they were fake.

Multiple paramedics who were called to help Makinzlee testified Friday about Witham-Jordan angrily shouting "what the (expletive)" while standing over Makinzlee's body.

"It was very loud. It seemed to me like he was angry," recalled Nicholas Bryant, one of the first paramedics on scene.

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Another EMT, Curtis Bramhall, said that he heard Witham-Jordan say "I'm done" as paramedics scooped Makinzlee up and brought her to the ambulance outside. They testified that they felt it would be safer to treat her there than inside, in part because of Witham-Jordan's demeanor.

"He's short-fused. He's agitated. He's grouchy," said Bogue. "That's the evidence you're going to see and hear."

His lawyers suggested their client's behavior might have been misinterpreted. Defense attorney Paul Corey pointed out that in one paramedic's report about the day of the incident, they wrote that it seemed Witham-Jordan had been performing CPR.

The defense has promised a full-fledged attack on Lewis' character, focused on her mental health and alleged discrepancies in her multiple interviews with police.

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James Howaniec, one of the defense lawyers, said jurors won't hear from "a single witness in this household, this crowded small household" that saw Witham-Jordan kill Makinzlee, including his 9-year-old daughter who slept in the same room.

He said the jury will see several texts from 2:30 that morning, in which Lewis tells Witham-Jordan  who was smoking in their parking lot  that she was worried Makinzlee could be "so sick that she doesn't wake up," yet she never walked across the hall to check on her daughter. She also had a baby monitor in Makinzlee's room, which Howaniec said showed her Makinzlee's bed the entire night.

"By the end of this trial you will have far more questions about Faith Lewis' culpability in this murder than you will about Tyler's," said Howaniec. "And at that time we will ask you to return a verdict of not guilty."

Months before she died, Makinzlee's home was investigated for abuse and neglect by the state Department of Health and Human Services. Daycare workers reported seeing several concerning scratches and bruises on Makinzlee.

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Hers is one of several high profile child deaths in recent years that have raised criticism of the state's system for investigating and responding to child abuse.

Police noted the DHHS investigation in an affidavit that ultimately called for Witham-Jordan's arrest. It did not come up in the first day of trial.

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday announced a $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine as he forcefully argued for US leadership around the world.

The troubles of our times will only grow worse without strong and steady American leadership, Austin said in his fourth consecutive appearance at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California.

The package, which includes more drones and ammunition for a critical rocket system, brings the total US security assistance to Ukraine to $62 billion since the war started nearly three years ago, a key component of keeping Kyiv in the fight. Russia has suffered more than 700,000 battlefield casualties since the war began, Austin said, and squandered more than $200 billion.

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The US has led a coalition of countries to arm and equip Ukraines military since February 2022, and Austin said it would be a mistake to abandon Kyiv.

This administration has made its choice. So has a bipartisan coalition in Congress, said Austin. The next administration must make its own choice.

Though the outgoing defense secretary did not mention Donald Trump by name, his arguments for American engagement internationally contrasted sharply with the president-elects promise of America first. Trump has repeatedly cast doubt on the value of US aid to Ukraine, and Vice President-elect JD Vance has said in the past that Russia is not an existential threat to Europe.

Austins message on the importance of aid to Ukraine came the same day Trump met Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky in Paris before the reopening of Notre Dame. The two met in the Elysee Palace with French President Emmanuel Macron for just over an hour Saturday.

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Zelensky described it as a good and productive trilateral meeting in a post on social media afterward.

We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way, he said, adding that President Trump is, as always, resolute.

But key members of Trumps incoming administration have questioned the value of foreign aid in general and military aid to Ukraine specifically.

Vivek Ramaswamy, the co-chair of Trumps commission to cut government spending, said he intends to examine whether foreign aid is worth the taxpayer dollars.

How does that actually advance a purpose that serves the US taxpayer in the best interests of the United States of America? Ramaswamy asked rhetorically on C-SPAN last week.

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Austin argued that it is precisely this foreign engagement that helps preserve and uphold what he refers to as the rules-based international order. In a look back at his time as defense secretary, Austin highlighted increased US military cooperation with Japan and the Philippines, as well as new agreements with India and Australia.

The US has also sent $13.6 billion in aid to Israel as part of nearly 400 cases of foreign military sales since its war against Hamas began just over a year ago, Austin said.

The world built by American leadership can only be maintained by American leadership, the outgoing secretary said.

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Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) spoke out Friday against a comment from Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) that former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii), President-elect Trumps pick for national intelligence director, is a Russian asset, but he held back any endorsement of the nominee.

During a Bloomberg appearance, Himes called the comment a hyperbole and said there is no reason to believe such a claim.

There is also no reason to believe that she has the experience or the temperament necessary to have the top position in our intelligence community, he continued. But look, when we start throwing around loose language like that, what we do is we degrade the quality of the really important conversations that we do need to have about our national security.

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Gabbard, a former Democrat, has been accused of peddling Russian narratives and expressed beliefs that oppose conclusions from U.S. intelligence related to Russia and Ukraine. She has shared content suggesting that the U.S. was involved in making biological weapons in Ukraine and met seven years ago with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, who has been accused of using chemical weapons on Syrian civilians.

Himes joins several other legislators in condemning Wasserman Shultzs comment, made on MSNBC last month. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) previously said it was a slur to call Gabbard a Russian asset.

Several aides and senators say Gabbards path through the nomination process will be incredibly difficult due to her past remarks about the Ukraine war that were sympathetic to Moscow and echoed by Russian state media.

A group of nearly 100 former national security officials urged the Senate to carefully scrutinize her nomination, questioning her experience level and views on the Middle East.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
In the spring of 2018, congressional staffers were anxious ahead of a House Foreign Affairs Committee meeting.

A Syrian defector who had risked his life to expose atrocities committed by the Assad regime was due to appear behind closed doors at a private briefing for lawmakers.

No cameras would be present, but congressional aides worried about one committee member, Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who had repeatedly defended the Syrian regime and even met its leader, Bashar al-Assad, in an unannounced trip in 2017.

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The aides were concerned Gabbard might leak information about the defector, who had hidden his identity out of fear of reprisals from the Assad regime. Some worried that she might even reveal his identity to someone associated with the Syrian government, which at that point had killed hundreds of thousands of its own citizens, according to human rights groups.

Both Democratic and Republican aides told the Syrians accompanying the defector, known as Caesar, to ensure that he covered his face before Gabbard entered the room  just in case.

It was Democratic and Republican staffers on the committee coordinating with me to figure out how do we make sure that Tulsi doesnt take a photograph of Caesar, or learn his real name, or record his voice, said Mouaz Moustafa, executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force who helped organize Caesars appearance and translated for the session.

In the past, Caesar had spoken privately to members of Congress without his face covered when Gabbard was not present. But not at the special briefing in the summer of 2018.

A Syrian military defector using the pseudonym Caesar, while also wearing a hood to protect his identity, testifies about the war in Syria during a Senate Foreign Relations committee hearing on Capitol Hill in 2020.

There were bipartisan concerns for Caesars safety, a former staffer who was involved in the discussions and asked not to be named. Most specifically, because then congresswoman Gabbard had earlier returned from Damascus and met with Assad, the former staffer told NBC News.

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The episode reflects the deep misgivings that many lawmakers, intelligence officials and human rights activists have harbored for years about Gabbard.

Now, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated the former lawmaker to serve as the countrys highest-ranking intelligence official. If confirmed, Gabbard would have access to a trove of top secret material and have the final word on what spy agencies share with the president in regular intelligence briefings.

A spokesperson for the Trump transition team said Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, has an active top secret security clearance and has never breached the confidentiality rules around classified information.

As someone who served for eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives and attended many classified briefings, there is zero evidence that confidentiality has ever been violated, said spokesperson Alexa Henning.

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Asked about the case of congressional staffers in 2018 who were concerned she might not safeguard the Syrian defectors anonymity, she said: This is another smear by anonymous officials with no proof.

As a presidential candidate, a member of Congress and a commentator supporting Donald Trumps campaign, Gabbard has been accused of repeatedly echoing propaganda spread by Russia and the Assad regime, including questioning U.S. intelligence assessments that the Syrian government carried out multiple chemical weapons attacks on its own people.

On Thursday, nearly 100 former diplomats, national security officials and intelligence officials wrote to Senate leaders expressing alarm at Gabbards nomination. The former officials, who have served under both Democratic and Republican administrations, urged closed-door confirmation hearings to allow lawmakers to carry out a full review of government information about Gabbard.

Several of Ms. Gabbards past actions call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus, the letter stated.

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At a moment of historic upheaval in the Middle East with Syrian rebel forces toppling the Damascus regime and Assad fleeing the country, Gabbards views on Syria  and its former Russian and Iranian patrons  will be under fresh scrutiny as senators weigh her nomination. She is expected to begin meeting with lawmakers next week in advance of her confirmation hearings.

Henning, the spokesperson for Gabbard on the transition team, dismissed the letter as an unfounded attack by people who oversaw foreign policy and intelligence debacles in the past, including the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

A Syrian defector named "Caesar" meets with House Foreign Affairs Committee members on Capitol Hill in 2018.

These unfounded attacks are from the same geniuses who have blood on their hands from decades of faulty intelligence, including the non-existent weapons of mass destruction, said Henning, referring to a purported justification for the start of the Iraq War that turned out to be false.

A rising Democratic star

In 2012, after a surprise election victory as Hawaiis new congresswoman at the age of 31, Gabbard was seen as a rising young star in the Democratic Party, a fresh face who had served in the Iraq War with the Army National Guard.

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During her early days in Congress, Gabbard was part of a bipartisan exercise group in the House. She was also often invited to informal gatherings of a small group of Democrats favoring a moderate foreign policy.

Gabbard appeared even-keeled in her manner and there was no sign she had any predisposition toward authoritarian regimes or bought into their propaganda, according to those who knew her at the time.

Every time you talked to her you just felt like this is a measured, thoughtful person. Not prone to hyperbole, not prone to get overly excited or angry, said Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, also a veteran of the Iraq War. Exactly the kind of attitude and demeanor that I grew to expect from the military.

Her arrival in Congress coincided with Syrias descent into civil war.

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The Assad regime brutally crushed peaceful political protests in 2011, firing on unarmed demonstrators and carrying out mass arrests and torture. The crackdown led the opposition to take up arms and an all-out war, with the regime launching chemical weapons attacks and Russian-backed air raids on Syrian cities and towns.

As the war intensified, Gabbards sympathetic statements about the Russian-backed Assad regime raised eyebrows and alarmed her colleagues.

In 2014, Gabbard first encountered the defector Caesar at a hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he appeared before cameras with his face covered to shield his identity.

Citing some 50,000 photographs smuggled out of Syria, Caesar outlined how the regime had executed and tortured tens of thousands of Syrians who dared to oppose the regime.

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Gabbard praised his courage and asked Caesar if armed rebels were strong enough to take on Assad. Caesar assured her that they were strong because they believed in their cause and that their cause was just.

In 2015, Gabbard was invited on a congressional trip to the Turkish-Syrian border, where she and other members met medical workers, activists and wounded civilians who recounted the fallout from the Assad regimes military attacks. Syrian human rights advocates hoped the trip might lead her to reconsider her views.

Gabbard was part of a congressional delegation in Gaziantep, Turkey, near the Syrian border in June 2015.

Gabbard and the other lawmakers traveled to Gaziantep, just over the border from Syria, and spoke to Syrian civilians who had been forced to flee their homes. She took notes and nodded politely but rarely spoke, according to Moustafa, who accompanied the delegation.

Although the trip took place nine years ago, one exchange has stayed with Moustafa. Two Syrian girls described suffering severe burns when aircraft bombed their displaced persons camp.

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She asked them, How do you know it was the Russians and Assad who did it and not ISIS? Moustafa said.

Gabbards question shocked Moustafa, as the lawmaker did not say anything else to the children. And Gabbards intervention showed how badly informed she was, he said. ISIS had no air force.

After that conversation with the little girls, I saw there was nothing to be done, Moustafa said. He concluded that facts dont matter to Gabbard and there was no way to shift her view. He added it would be dangerous for Gabbard to be given the top U.S. intelligence job.

Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin first reported on the exchange.

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Gabbards spokesperson called the account of the conversation with the Syrian children false.

Afterward, Gabbard did not publicly refer to what she and the other members of the delegation saw and heard firsthand from Syrian civilians. Two years later, she made an unannounced trip to meet Assad, the leader of Syria accused of orchestrating large-scale atrocities.

By the time of her 2017 visit, U.S. diplomatic relations with Syria had been suspended for five years and Russian air power, Irans Revolutionary Guard troops and Lebanese Hezbollah fighters had shored up Assads forces.

Gabbard did not tell most of her Democratic colleagues about the trip. Syrian-Americans linked to a pro-regime party paid for her flight and hotel and organized her meetings. After news of the trip became public and Gabbard came under criticism, she said she repaid the cost of the trip in full.

The Trump transition spokesperson said Gabbard handled the trip in accordance with congressional rules.

She did everything that was required of any Member (of Congress) going on foreign travel by getting the itinerary and trip approved by House Ethics Committee prior to travel and submitting post trip reports upon returning, Henning said. She also met with the U.S. Ambassador in Lebanon.

Henning added: Due to security concerns and active terrorist activity that would compromise the safety of everyone on the trip if it were leaked in advance, she kept the trip under close hold.

Tulsi Gabbard at Capitol Hill in 2018.

Following her meeting with Assad, Gabbard defended her trip in interviews at the time and said she was skeptical that Syria was responsible for a chemical weapons attack that killed dozens of people.

U.S. intelligence agencies, the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons concluded that the Assad regime was behind that attack, as well as multiple other attacks.

She also embraced the Assad regimes line that the war was a struggle against Islamist terrorists. Speaking about her trip in 2017, Gabbard told CNN that people of all ages they asked me, why is the United States and its allies supporting these terrorist groups who are destroying Syria, when it was Al-Qaeda who attacked the United States on 9/11 not Syria? I didnt have an answer for them.

The United States waged an air war against ISIS extremists in Syria and Iraq and did not support terrorists in Syria.

The Obama administration did provide limited assistance and training to some Syrian armed groups that Washington deemed as moderate forces opposing Assad. But the military aid ended in 2017 and anti-regime forces splintered, with hardline Islamists taking on a prominent role.

In an interview with journalist Ryan Grimm after her 2017 meeting with Assad, Gabbard aid that during her conversation with the Syrian president, she challenged him to hold free and fair elections with international observers and that Assad agreed. No such elections have taken place.

Gabbard has rejected accusations that she is aligned with authoritarian leaders or undermining U.S. interests. She maintains she is coming under attack for questioning Washingtons establishment and opposing U.S. military regime change interventions including the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Lt. Col. Gabbard has seen the casualties of war firsthand, and like President Trump, is committed to peace and preventing endless wars, Henning said.

Concerns among lawmakers and intelligence officials

Several Republicans have indicated they will enthusiastically support Gabbards nomination. But Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he would like to know more about her 2017 meeting with Assad.

Well have lots of questions. She met with Bashar Assad, well want to know what the purpose was and what the direction for that was, as a member of Congress, Lankford told CNN.

One former senior intelligence official said Gabbards statements on Syria called into question her willingness to accept facts that dont fit her world view.

She basically completely adopted the Assad regime propaganda, where she suggested falsely that the U.S. was supporting terrorist extremists in Syria, and didnt mention that the Assad regime had been slaughtering fellow Syrians there, the former official said. So what does that say about her judgment?

Some lawmakers and former intelligence officials say they worry that Americas partners, including those in the vital Five Eyes intelligence alliance -- the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand -- may choose to withhold some sensitive information if they distrusted Gabbard as director of intelligence.

Nikki Haley, the former Republican governor of South Carolina who served as ambassador to the United Nations in the first Trump administration, has sharply criticized Gabbards nomination, saying her statements showed she was not ready to assess threats to the United States.

After Russia invaded Ukraine, Tulsi Gabbard literally blamed NATO, our western alliance thats responsible for countering Russia, Haley said on her Sirius XM radio show last week. She blamed NATO for the attack on Ukraine, and the Russians and the Chinese echoed her talking points and her interviews on Russian and Chinese television.

She added: This is not a place for a Russian, Iranian, Syrian, Chinese sympathizer.





This story has been updated to reflect the fall of the Assad regime in Syria.





This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Rep. Jamie Raskin talks with Alex Wagner about the race between Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Gerry Connolly for the Democratic Party's top spot on the powerful House Oversight Committee. Raskin left his spot on that committee to become the ranking member on the Judiciary Committee, and explains that the leadership shuffle is about gearing up for the fight against Donald Trump's capricious agenda.
Democrats and Republicans came together on Saturday to honor surviving veterans and those who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor more than 80 years ago.

Today, we honor the brave Americans who perished at Pearl Harbor 83 years ago, and the service members who defended democracy and freedom in the days and years that followed, President Biden wrote on social platform X.

In their memory, let us carry forward their mission of forging a better future for humankind, he added.

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In a separate post from his personal X account, Biden shared a picture of him and first lady Jill Biden at the World War II Memorial in Washington, pressing for a future of greater dignity, opportunity, and security for all.

His comments come a day after he gave remarks honoring those who fought in Pearl Harbor and their families while attending a live performance of PBSs The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day at the White House  a program telling the dramatic story of the final 11 months of World War II.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), in his remembrance post on X, wrote that, America honors the memory of all those who perished on that tragic day.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Commitee, honored the servicemembers and civilians who died during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on the base in Hawaii.

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On the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we remember the American servicemembers and civilians who were tragically killed, Tillis wrote Saturday on X. We will always honor their sacrifice and be grateful to those who answered the call to defend our country. #PearlHarborRemembranceDay

Hundreds of Japanese warplanes attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, killing over 2,400 Americans. Today, there are only 16 Pearl Harbor attack survivors alive, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, Kathleen Farley, confirmed to CNN.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), who serves on the Senate Armed Services Commitee, stated that Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day will forever live in infamy.

We remember the over 2,000 servicemembers and civilians who lost their lives in the horrific attack on December 7, 1941. A day that will forever live in infamy, Duckworth, who was deployed to Iraq in 2004, posted online. We will never forget the courage, service and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation.

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Former Vice President Mike Pence also commemorated the civilians, sailors and soldiers who paid the ultimate price on the Day that Will Live in Infamy.

As we remember, let us resolve to learn the lessons of history and never again heed the voices among us who urge America to turn inward as storms gather on the horizon of freedom, Pence wrote early Saturday.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), in his own post, said he is reflecting on the thousands of servicemembers and civilians who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor, their families and the survivors.

We honor their service, courage, and sacrifices to defend our countrytoday, and always, he added.

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Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) acknowledged in a post online that their sacrifice reminds us freedom isnt free. May we never forget.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Denmark has transferred a second batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, further bolstering the country's air defense capabilities, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 7.

"Denmark's decisive leadership in defending lives stands out," he in a post on social media, adding: "With this additional reinforcement, our air shield is stronger than ever."

Zelensky added that the first batch of Danish-provided F-16 jets has already been deployed, and the second one will improve Ukraine's air defense capabilities against ongoing Russian missile strikes.

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He thanked Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, her team, and the Danish people for their support.

Zelensky said that if all international partners demonstrated the same level of commitment then "Russian terror could already have been made impossible."

On Nov. 19, Frederiksen had surprised Kyiv with a visit, meeting Zelensky on the 1,000th day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"It is important that our industry can visit Ukraine and learn from your experience," he said at the time.

Denmark also became the first country to offer to donate arms to Ukraine via direct purchases from the Ukrainian defense industry.

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Denmark's contributions are only part of a broader coalition effort to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities as the country continues to resist Russian aggression.

On Nov. 27, the heads of government of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Poland, and Sweden agreed to strengthen their support to Ukraine to counter Russia's full-scale war.

The countries described Russia as a significant long-term threat and supported sanctions and stronger defenses against Moscow.

Read also: Tucker Carlson interviewed Russian FM Lavrov  heres what he said and why its not true

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A deputy suffered serious injuries after being hit by a semi on a major interstate in Ohio Thursday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Two Delaware County sheriffs deputies were investigating a crash around 4 a.m. on Interstate 71 South when a semi lost control, according to our news partner WBNS in Columbus.

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The semi jackknifed and went off the west side of the road.

It hit one of the deputies and a Camry involved in a separate crash, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).

Both sheriffs had their cruisers emergency lights on at the time of the crash, WBNS said.

Medics transported the deputy and driver of the Camry to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The Delaware County Sheriffs Office released a statement on social media Friday.

Every day, our deputies face countless dangers  it is part of the job. Thursday, Deputy Golden was struck by a truck while taking a crash report on the side of the highway. He was seriously injured and remains hospitalized.

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Today, he is in good spirits and starting to feel better, but he has a long road to recovery with more procedures to come. He and his family, along with the Sheriffs Office, greatly appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers from the community. We are all family here, and when one of our own is down, we all come together and realize whats most important.

The crash remains under investigation.

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A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.

On Dec. 7, 1941, the empire of Japan launched an air raid on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, killing more than 2,300 Americans. The United States declared war against Japan the following day.

Per reports, the entire live battle took two hours and 20 minutes, start to finish. The Japanese came, dropped their bombs, and headed for Manila for a second attack, leaving behind 2,403 dead, another 1,178 wounded, 18 ships sunk or disabled and 77 aircraft destroyed.

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On Dec. 8, Congress officially declared war against Imperial Japan.

For days after the shattering attack on Pearl Harbor, as America headed into full-scale war with Japan, news stories alluded to the U.S. ships that had been wiped out in the onslaught. But news accounts were incomplete, confused and, in some cases, censored.

Not until the Dec. 13 article was the USS Utah mentioned by name in the Deseret News.

Most understand where the attack on Pearl Harbor fits in world history, how it changed American forever, and what many families remember of lives lost in the war that followed. Here are many thoughtful and well-written stories from Deseret News archives about the attack and what Utahns remember:

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Pearl Harbor is a symbol of the tremendous sacrifice necessary for freedom

Pearl Harbors aftermath

Honoring a hero: One of the last Pearl Harbor survivors dies at the age of 102

Lessons from Pearl Harbor

In this U.S. Navy photo, the USS Shaw explodes after being hit by bombs during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941. The attack launched the U.S. into World War II. | U.S. Navy via Associated Press

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The USS Utah sticks partially out of the waters of the Pacific Ocean in Pearl Harbor. | WesleyFryer, Speedofcreativity.org

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Dec. 6A 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 hospital on Friday said the teen was listed in fair 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."
Dominique Brown, a California resident, was a Disney influencer under the screen name HellooDomo.

In 2018, Brown co-founded BlackGirlDisney with Mia Von, aiming to address the lack of representation in the Disney influencer community and fostering an inclusive space for women of color who share a love for the brands movies and theme parks.

Tragically, Dominique Brown passed away on December 5 at the age of 34 after suffering a severe allergic reaction at an industry event.

Dominique Brown Dies Of Allergic Reaction After Informing Staff About Food Allergens

News of Browns passing emerged following a BoxLunch event, where attendees reported that she tragically died after unknowingly consuming food she was allergic to. The event, hosted by BoxLunch, has since come under scrutiny, as fellow influencer Mike Bryck shared with Funeral Memories that the event organizers had been informed of Browns allergy prior to the incident.

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Her brother expressed his gratitude to her fans by commenting on her final Instagram post.

Hi everyone, this is @pramos313  Dominiques brother, he wrote on Friday, December 6. I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to her social media fam for showing her so much love and light. Disney did bring her joy, but it was unparalleled that she found a community who loved her and Disney as much as she did. I will miss my sister and best friend and that infectious smile she always had. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart.

Disney Influencers Pay Tribute

Tributes poured in from friends and fellow Disney influencers mourning Brown's passing.

Tatiana Kelley, known as Dapper on the Daily, wrote, The kindest most genuine person in this community  we will miss you Domo. Thank you for touching our lives with your joy & wit & for being so incredibly welcoming to us all.

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Andrea Pugh Kelley shared multiple tributes on her Instagram Stories, saying, My girl built this community and inspired so many others. And I will never let anyone forget that.

Kicks At The Castle Honors Dominique Brown

The Disney sneaker podcast Kicks at the Castle honored Browns legacy, noting it was her warmth and joy that truly stole the show.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of a dear friend and beloved member of our Kicks at the Castle family, Domo," they wrote on Instagram. "A true bright light in the Disney community, Domos energy, style, and love for all things Pooh made her unforgettable. Her outfits and kicks were always fire, earning her the title of *Fit of the Week* countless times, but it was her warmth and joy that truly stole the show."

"Our hearts go out to her family and especially to our brother Zay. The love and joy the two of you shared was nothing short of a Disney fairytalea story of style, happiness, and inspiration for all who knew you," they added. "Rest easy, Domo. Youll forever be a part of our Kicks at the Castle family, and your legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone you touched."

Dominique Brown Is Remembered By Many Other Influencers

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Isaiah Campbell, a member of Kicks at the Castle, responded, "I love you all so much thank you for all the kind words and support this is gonna be such a tuff road for me but Im happy I have a community to back me every step of the way we love you Dominique.

Katy Lane, A.K.A. Main St Muse, said, Im so happy I got to hug you last week. Your positivity and passion for life will always inspire me. you were and will continue to be the good in the world Dom.

Who Was Dominique Brown?

Known online as HellooDomo, she co-founded BlackGirlDisney in 2018 with Mia Von to address the lack of representation in the Disney influencer community, creating an inclusive space for women of color who cherish Disney films and theme parks.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Court documents are revealing more details into the divorce of the mother and stepfather of missing girl Madalina Cojocari, including where Diana Cojocari has been living.

On March 3, 2025, a judge will decide on the divorce of Christopher Palmiter and Diana Cojocari. Court documents say the couple was married in Winston-Salem on January 9, 2016.

Our hearts sank: Catawba, SC church total loss following massive fire

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According to the divorce filing, the couple has been separated since Dec. 17, 2022, when they were both arrested for failing to report then-11-year-old Madalina missing.

In May 2024, Diana Cojocari pled guilty to failing to file a report on the disappearance of a child, and Christopher Palmiter was found guilty by a jury of the same charge. Ten days after Palmiters conviction, he filed for divorce from Cojocari.

The Disappearance of Madalina Cojocari

On November 21, 2022, Madalina was last seen on camera exiting her school bus. It wasnt until three weeks later that she would be reported missing after a school counselor continued asking Diana Cojocari and Christopher Palmiter why Madalina was missing from school, officials say.

Two years later, the now-13-year-old Madalina is still missing as the case has gained national and international attention. Cornelius Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) are continuing to investigate.

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Its just very heartbreaking that a member of this community is missing, and two years have gone by, and we havent been able to find her, said Cornelius Police Chief David Baucom.

Where is Diana Cojocari?

In June 2024, Cornelius Police announced that Diana Cojocari was officially considered a suspect in Madalinas disappearance. However, she is not currently facing any charges.

Police say Diana has provided little information. Her standard response is, I dont know where shes at, but I hope shes ok, said Chief Baucom.

In early July, reports circulated that Diana had left the States to go back to her native country of Moldova. Cornelius Police told Queen City News that they couldnt prevent her from leaving since she didnt have any active warrants.

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These latest divorce documents seem to confirm Diana has taken backup residence in Moldova. Her address is listed as an apartment in Costesti, a small city located in the Riscani District of Moldovia. This is in the northern part of the country near the border with Romania.

Will Diana have to attend the March divorce finalization? The short answer is no. Neither Palmiter nor Diana are required to attend this court date since the judge will make the decision on verified pleadings and affidavits. No oral arguments or live testimony will be heard.

If approved, a copy of the divorce judgment will be mailed to Diana.

Queen City News

Finding Madalina

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Authorities have collected DNA evidence in their hunt for the suspect in the midtown Manhattan killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

The suspect has so far evaded capture, two days following Thompsons death in what has been described by police as a premeditated attack. On Friday, officials said DNA evidence linked to the crime has been collected.

Heres what to know:

Whats been found

The DNA collected Friday came from a water bottle found at the scene of the crime, believed to have been bought by the suspect at a nearby Starbucks, according to The New York Times.

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Along with the water bottle, authorities have also found a fake ID and cellphone believed to have belonged to the gunman.

Photos of the suspect were released Thursday, showing him wearing a hooded jacket along with what appears to be a black backpack.

Additional details about recovered evidence have been revealed since the killing. The bullet used to kill Thompson reportedly had the words delay, deny and depose written on it. The words may be in reference to the terms health insurers use when denying claims.

What hasnt been uncovered yet is the suspects backpack, which the New York City Police Department (NYPD) is still searching for in Central Park as of Friday afternoon.

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Now as we speak, we have a huge canvas going on in Central Park. We still have not found the backpack, and so were doing a full sweep of Central Park to find that backpack, which we believe he dropped in Central Park. Were using manpower, but were also using our drones, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in an interview Friday.

Suspects whereabouts

Tisch also disclosed Friday that authorities have reason to believe the suspect has left New York City.

Speaking to CNN, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said, We have video of him entering the Port Authority bus terminal. We dont have any video of him exiting, so we believe he may have gotten on a bus.

Kenny detailed the suspects path on the day of crime, saying that investigators are working backward from a Hilton Hotel, the site of the killing and a path through Central Park which the suspect is believed to have gone through with a bicycle.

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Eventually we have him on 86th Street and Columbus Avenue walking. He loses the bike and then from there, we have him in a taxi cab and a taxi cab takes him up to 178th Street and Broadway, which, as we know, is a Port Authority bus center, said Kenny. Those buses are interstate buses.

The suspect is believed to have ridden into New York on a Greyhound bus with a route that started in Atlanta, though its unclear if he boarded in Atlanta or elsewhere along the route.

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JASPER COUNTY, Mo.  A 30-year-old cold case in Southwest Missouri has grabbed the attention of DNA researchers, who are now trying to uncover the identity of a Jane Doe who died after being struck by a vehicle near Interstate 44.

An accident during the early morning hours of December 21, 1993 claimed the life of an unknown woman, after she was hit by a truck on the eastbound on-ramp of Interstate 44 at the Missouri-Oklahoma line.

She didnt have any identification with her. There were a few items in her purse, a few leads that the highway patrol tried to follow up on at the time, but it didnt ever lead to any viable indication of who she was, said Jasper County Records Center Director, Annie Golden.

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Four days after the accident, the woman known simply as Jane Doe died on Christmas Day in a Joplin hospital.

She is buried in a grave down in Stone Cemetery which is down on the southern border of Jasper County. Someone was kind enough to donate a burial plot for her and a headstone, said Golden.

Unidentified-Remains-Jane-Doe-Newton-County-MissouriDownload

In 2008 Jane Does body was exhumed, after a family in Tennessee thought she might be their missing loved one.

She was not a match to the Jane Doe they were looking for, but they did maintain the samples that they took when they exhumed her, said Golden.

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Recently, Jane Doe captured the attention of anthropologists at Southeast Missouri State University.

I noticed the NamUS, National Missing and Unidentified Persons system entry for this Jane Doe and I was trying to find some information online and it occurred to me, I was like, maybe Ill reach out to the county archivist, said Southeast Missouri State University, Professor of Anthropology, Jennifer Bengtson.

In February of this year, professor Bengtson contacted Jasper County Records Center Director, Annie Golden who then spent months searching for information related to Jane Doe. The information gathered was sent to Bengtson, along with some of the remains.

They still had those bones that they had retrieved those years ago, so were retesting them, said Bengtson.

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The bones will undergo new methods of DNA testing at universitys anthropology lab and will then be sent to a world-renowned forensics lab in Texas for further study. All of this to give Jane Doe an identity.

That would be marvelous, to put a name on that headstone, said Golden.

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP)  Four people are running to be the next Democratic National Committee chair, looking to take on the task of reinvigorating a party demoralized by a second loss to President-elect Donald Trump.

Others may still get into the race as the party reckons with the 2024 election, which saw Trump gain with nearly every demographic group in a decisive repudiation of the incumbent party. The committee's roughly 450 members will elect a successor for outgoing chairperson Jaime Harrison on Feb. 1.

The four declared candidates spoke to The Associated Press this week in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they were making their pitch in public and private at a meeting of state Democratic chairs. Here is a sampling of their responses.

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Should Joe Biden have dropped out sooner?

The 82-year-old incumbent has been criticized for seeking reelection when many Americans were concerned about his age, and he has been accused of not giving Vice President Kamala Harris enough time to distinguish herself against Trump.

KEN MARTIN, Democratic chairman in Minnesota and DNC vice chair: To me its an academic exercise. You cant change the past. So for us, its really about what lessons can we draw right now that can inform the future.

MARTIN O'MALLEY, former Maryland governor and Social Security administrator: I dont know. You guys playing this D.C. parlor game on me, Im not going to engage in that. Sorry.

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JAMES SKOUFIS, New York state senator: "Yes. A 107-day runway made for an exceptionally difficult set of circumstances. And it was clear to most Democrats at the time that President Biden was not well-situated to run for reelection. And if dropping out sooner would have meant a primary, so be it. Vice President Harris, Im very confident, still would have likely been the nominee if there was a primary. She would have been a stronger nominee with that longer runway."

BEN WIKLER, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party: "My campaign slogan is unite, fight, win. And to me, uniting means a reckoning with how we can adapt to do better, but not recriminations about different things in the past. So my focus is on learning every lesson that we can apply in these next four years and beyond to build the new capacities that are going to allow us to win the lessons that were out of reach in 2024 and the last few years."

Did Kamala Harris spend too much time with Liz Cheney and courting Republican votes?

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and other progressives argued before and after Election Day that Harris should have focused more on working-class voters and less on Republicans and right-leaning voters disaffected with Trump.

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MARTIN: Were there things we can learn from the election? Sure. Were going to have to dig into all that. One thing I would say thats important is that we have to make sure that we are competing in all spaces and were talking to all voters. And Im not suggesting we spend a lot of time talking to Republican voters, dont get me wrong. But we need to make sure that we are reaching outside of just our comfort zone and our base and trying to really make a significant play for independent voters.

O'MALLEY: I dont know. Thats another parlor game thing and Im not going to second-guess that. The only thing I know for sure, from all the people Ive talked to now across the country, is that theres pretty widespread belief that Americans primary concern in this election was economic anxieties about the future. Fear of the future. Fear that their own work wasnt sufficient to keep their head above water. And we failed to speak to their economic concerns.

SKOUFIS: I believe it was absolutely the right thing to be spending time and hitting the stump with Liz Cheney and other Republicans, disaffected former Trump administration officials. That was absolutely the right thing to do. And similarly, we absolutely need to be doing more of rebuilding the fraying edges of our tent on the left. Theyre not mutually exclusive.

WIKLER: I live in a state where the suburban counties that Liz Cheney and Kamala Harris visited actually grew vote share for Democrats relative to 2020. Harris did better in the (suburban Milwaukee) counties than Biden had in the 2020 election. And I think there were some voters who are traditionally Republican who are making up their mind in the last second who saw that Republicans like them could vote for a Democrat this year. At the same time, theres a ton of working-class folks who didnt hear our message and who we need to find more ways to reach, that often wont rely on being familiar with political figures that play a big role in cable news but arent present in peoples lives. And figuring out how to how to reach those folks, I think, is the next big challenge that we need to build on.

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How do Democrats do better with Latino voters, particularly Latino men?

While Harris won Latino voters overall, Trump made major inroads with Hispanic voters, especially men, according to AP VoteCast data.

MARTIN: Every hot take right now that we see is completely garbage. Its just hogwash because its not based in any research. We dont know how much ad spend was spent targeting the Latino man. We dont know what the outreach and field programs were. We dont know what universes we targeted and how we were talking to the Latino community. What were the treatments to those universes? All of those pieces, right? Which organizations were tasked with mobilizing and turning out the Latino community, particularly Latino men? All of that has to be on the table to really figure out, what did we do, where were the gaps, how did we fall down? And then you can apply the prescription.

OMALLEY: I may sound like a broken record, but I really do believe it is the economic issues. It is the union jobs, living wages, opportunity for all ... . Too many people heard defending America, defending democracy, and they thought this meant defending the status quo.

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SKOUFIS: I think its showing up. We have to stop speaking in overly academic terms. Sometimes young voters in particular look at us and they think that we ought to be better running for chancellor of a small liberal arts college rather than public office.

WIKLER: Most Latino voters, most Black voters, most white voters are working-class folks who have many issues that they care about. But all those issues take a back seat to the core question of whether you can keep a roof over your head and food on your table and make sure your kids have clothes to wear to school. The thing that Democrats have the chance to do is ... to show that were on the side of those working folks.

Would you support restoring Iowa and New Hampshire as the first states in 2028?

The DNC at Biden's behest made South Carolina the first primary state this year, angering New Hampshire Democrats who went ahead with their primary anyway.

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MARTIN: What I think is important is to make sure that that process is open and transparent, that all states who want to have an opportunity to be considered and that ultimately the end product, whatever calendar we come up with, not only reflects the great diversity of this country and honors some of the traditions of our Democratic Party, but is also, most importantly, putting us in a position to win by having a rigorous and efficient process that battle tests our nominee.

OMALLEY: That will be a decision for the DNC to make in an open and transparent process. Period.

SKOUFIS: Im willing to bet Im the only DNC chair candidate that will give you a straightforward answer on this one. Whether people like the change or not, South Carolina was moved to pole position in the presidential nominating contests. I believe they deserve to have at least a first crack at a competitive primary. Dean Phillips versus Joe Biden was not a serious primary. And so I think they deserve to have a chance at a serious open primary, which will certainly happen in 2028. And then only after then we can evaluate how it went and whether we should reevaluate the order.

WIKLER: My view is that the nominating calendar should serve the goal of finding the nominee whos going to win the general election. And we do that through a process that honors our coalition, that honors our traditions, and gives every candidate a fighting chance to be heard and make their case to become the next nominee.
SANTO DOMINGO (Reuters) - The Dominican Republic on Friday reported its largest ever cocaine seizure, saying it found some 9.5 metric tons of cocaine hidden in a banana shipment that arrived at a port in Santo Domingo, the capital.

Carlos Denvers, the National Drug Control Directorate's communications chief, told a press conference that authorities had discovered 320 bags containing some 9,528 kilograms of cocaine, which they estimated was valued at some $250 million.

"Early investigations show that a container carrying bananas arrived from Guatemala," Denvers said. "Many unknown individuals tried to transfer the drugs to another container that would be shipped on a vessel to Belgium."

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He said it was the country's largest seizure, topping a 2,580-kg seizure in 2006 in Santo Domingo's Caucedo port, the same port where the latest shipment was discovered.

InSight Crime, a foundation that analyzes organized crime, has warned that record-breaking seizures made this year suggest the Caribbean is resurfacing as a major trafficking route from Colombia to Europe, where consumption is estimated to have more than doubled between 2011 and last year.

"As demand grows, traffickers are ramping up efforts to meet it, turning to the Caribbean as an ideal conduit for smuggling cocaine to Europe," InSight Crime said in an analysis in late November, noting that large Dominican transport hubs provide extensive opportunities to traffickers.

(Reporting by Jesus Frias and Erika Santelices in Santo Domingo; Writing by Sarah Morland and Lizbeth Diaz; Editing by Leslie Adler)
It is really no wonder that victims of the Church of England child abuse scandal were outraged by the Archbishop of Canterburys resignation speech.

In his first public address since announcing his resignation last month, Justin Welby appeared completely out of step with his flock as he appeared to make light of his role in the Churchs failure to investigate properly the allegations.

After expressing his pity for his secretary, who he said had worked hard on arranging his diary for the year ahead, he joked: The reality is that there comes a time if you are technically leading a particular institution or area of responsibility where the shame of what has gone wrong  whether one is personally responsible or not  must require a head to roll.

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And there is only, in this case, one head that rolls well enough.

He also referred to a 14th-century predecessor who had been beheaded, adding: I hope not literally.

Abuse victims said they were dismayed and disgusted by the frivolous speech, which made no mention of remorse for survivors.

The Makin review found Mr Welby could and should have reported prolific child abuser John Smyth to the police in 2013 and criticised the Church for not doing enough to prevent further abuse until the lay preacher died. He is believed to have abused more than 100 boys and young men at Christian summer camps in England in the 1970s and 1980s, and later in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The Archbishop has since apologised for his insensitive Lords speech. In his latest mea culpa he has finally taken personal responsibility for the scandal, but why has it taken so long? Is saying sorry really the hardest part?

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This strikes me as a rather un-Godly way to behave. In order to be forgiven of our sins, we must surely confess them in a timely manner?

Odd that the normally outspoken Archbishop should remain silent for so long on the issue of his own guilt. It was bad enough when he shot his mouth off about issues such as Brexit and the Rwanda scheme. Now his 11-year tenure will largely be remembered for this biblical blunder.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Weird was how Shawntay and Niccora Davis described watching Judge Felisha Pitts Davis marry a man and a woman moments before she refused to marry them.

What a sad way for a couple to have to start their marriage, Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick said. There was the human element and then the legal ramifications began to set in after that.

Over the next couple of days the District Attorneys Office, including Fitzpatrick, will be interviewing those involved in the incident.

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If the investigation reveals that this in fact did occur, that she performed a marriage of a heterosexual couple and then incredibly enough recused herself from performing the marriage of a same-sex couple then I will ask her to recuse herself from all cases involving anybody, DA Fitzpatrick said.

The motion will be made sometime in the near future in front of Judge Pitts Davis. She may deny it, accept it, or take some time to ponder it.

If she makes the decision to recuse herself and be assigned to duties in city court that dont involve litigants and personal appearances by individuals whose sexual orientation may be identified, then fine, thats the end of it. If she denies it, then well take our case to a higher court.

Judge Pitts Davis is currently assigned to human trafficking court.

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Many times in human trafficking court the sexual orientation may be revealed in the course of pleadings or its aggravated nature of the charge against the offender, DA Fitzpatrick explained. She certainly should be removed from that immediately.

Fitzpatrick said this incident has raised concern about cases Judge Pitts Davis has handled recently, including the murder of Devonte Crosby, who was killed by a man he was in a physical relationship with.

She undercut us significantly on our bail request, DA Fitzpatrick said. Was that because she was exercising her discretion as a judge? I hope so. But I dont know that for a fact. Maybe she was non-plus because the victim in this case was gay. Again, the doubt in my mind should not exist.

NewsChannel 9 has reached out to Judge Felisha Pitts Davis multiple times but Judge Pitts Davis has made no comment.

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DENVER (KDVR)  The Denver Animal Shelter is warning the public of a scam that targets pet owners who are looking for their lost pets.

The scam was noticed several months ago, but the shelter said it appears to be rekindled this holiday season.

Arvada police looking for suspect connected to stabbed, burned dog

According to a release from the Denver Animal Shelter, multiple people have come to the shelter looking for their lost pets after receiving a phone call from someone who said their pet is at the shelter.

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The scammer tells them that their pet was hit by a car and needs emergency surgery, but says the shelter will not start treatment without a $500 deposit that must be paid with a credit card over the phone.

Potential victims say the scammers phone number comes up as 311Denvers main information numberwhich makes them think the call is legit, the Denver Animal Shelter said in a release Friday.

The shelter said it only takes payments in person and will never take a payment over the phone.

The scam is not limited to the Denver Animal Shelter. According to the release, scammers have called lost pet owners asking for $1,300, with the caller ID showing up as the Buddy Center in Castle Rock.

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Melanie Sobel, director of the Denver Animal Shelter, said scammers might be finding peoples information via lost pet social media websites like PawBoost and 24HourPetconnect. Lost pet owners use these sites to post information about their missing pet along with their phone number in hopes of finding their pet.

It is disgusting that anyone would take advantage of someone who has lost a pet, who is very emotional and desperate to find their furry family member. Luckily, the pet owners whove been contacted by scammers pretending to be with us are suspicious and dont fall for the ploy, Sobel said.

Sickening: Commerce City police search for person who threw dog out of moving car

Avoiding the scam and what to do if you lost a pet

The Denver Animal Shelter said if you receive a call from someone demanding money and saying they have your pet at a shelter, you should hang up and call the shelter yourself.

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The shelter advises anyone who has lost a pet to only post on reputable lost pet websites with only their first name and contact information.

The shelter also recommends regularly checking local animal shelter websites for found pets and posting lost pet signs in the neighborhood.

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Trump's choice of NASA Administrator suggests he wants to shake up the agency's status quo.

Jared Isaacman, a billionaire and SpaceX astronaut, is a mascot of the commercial space age.

He might push for getting humans to the moon and Mars faster, but he'll have to go through Congress.

President-elect Donald Trump has made a bold choice for NASA's new leader.

Trump announced in a Truth Social post on Wednesday that his choice for NASA Administrator is Jared Isaacman  a CEO, fighter-jet pilot, and two-time SpaceX astronaut.

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Isaacman is not exactly a traditional pick. For one, he would be the first billionaire to lead the agency. More importantly, though, he's on the cutting edge of the new commercial space age, where private companies are becoming the biggest actors in space.

Jared Isaacman at SpaceX in Hawthorne, California. SpaceX/Business Wire via AP Photo

Some past NASA administrators were former NASA astronauts. Others were former executives from the aerospace industry. Many were politicians  including Trump's last NASA chief, Jim Bridenstine, and the current administrator, Bill Nelson.

Isaacman is none of those things. He has, however, flown to space in a Crew Dragon spaceship, conducted the first-ever commercial spacewalk in a brand-new SpaceX spacesuit, and plans to fly on future missions with the company  aboard its Starship mega-rocket, no less.

The nomination, which still has to be confirmed by the Senate, suggests that Trump wants to shake things up at NASA.

Jared Isaacman stands at the hatch of Crew Dragon during the world's first commercial spacewalk. SpaceX

"He certainly has the potential to be a disruptor," Leroy Chiao, a former NASA astronaut and International Space Station commander who now works in consulting, told Business Insider. "I think it's a great pick. It's much better than just status quo  another retiring member of Congress."

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It's also another signal that Trump might make a big push to put the next humans on the moon, and even the first humans on Mars.

Speeding up the road to Mars

Isaacman's enthusiasm for space exploration isn't his only bona fide. He also has a businessman's mindset and a close relationship with Elon Musk. The two share the goal of getting humans to Mars.

Chiao hopes Isaacman can speed up the process.

Indeed, in a post on X accepting the nomination, Isaacman wrote that NASA would help make humanity "a true spacefaring civilization."

"Americans will walk on the Moon and Mars and in doing so, we will make life better here on Earth," he added.

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NASA is already working on it. The Artemis program began as the last Trump administration's iteration of a multi-president effort to send humans to deep space again. Artemis aims to send astronauts back to the moon for the first time in over 50 years, and eventually to use the moon as a jumping-off point to send people to Mars.

However, Artemis is years behind schedule and billions over budget, largely due to technical and programmatic challenges with the giant Space Launch System that NASA is building for moon missions. Many industry commentators see SLS as a waste of government funds, when NASA could instead lean on commercial heavy-lift rockets like Starship.

NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA/Steve Seipel

"Frankly, we have been at the status quo of this exploration program in one form or another over the last several presidents since 2004," Chiao said, "and we're not even close to launching the first astronaut on a new vehicle."

In fact, NASA just pushed back the launch date for its first crewed Artemis mission, set to fly around the moon using SLS. On Thursday the agency delayed the mission by another seven months, to April 2026, citing issues with the system's Orion spaceship.

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That's the slow-moving status quo that Trump might aim to shake up.

To that end, efficiency may be a top priority for Isaacman. That could mean reassessing Artemis entirely or cutting back some of NASA's centers and facilities nationwide, according to Abhi Tripathi, a former NASA engineer and SpaceX mission director who now leads mission operations at the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Lab.

"I definitely think SLS will be on the chopping board," Tripathi told BI.

First, though, Isaacman will have to go through Congress.

"He is going to ruffle a lot of feathers," Chiao said.

Pushing through Congress

Congress can be a formidable wall for anyone trying to revolutionize NASA.

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In places like Alabama and Southern California, a status quo NASA fuels the work of legacy aerospace contractors like Boeing and Northrop Grumman.

"The majority of members of Congress want jobs in their district, and they look at the space program primarily through that lens," Tripathi said.

Plus, he added, "the lobbying arms of all of those big contractors will be basically camped outside their congressional representative's office, asking them to thwart any big plans that would change the status quo greatly."

It'll all come to a head when the Trump White House makes its budget proposal. That's when Congress will approve or deny any cuts or reprioritizations that Trump and his NASA Administrator try to make.

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If Trump wants to put boots on Mars fast, he'll have to convince individual Congress members to push those changes through.

"I think Jared is a very smart and capable individual," Tripathi said, "but his ability to wield power will completely depend upon how much his president will back him up."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Donald Trump and Dr. Jill Biden crossed paths at the reopening ceremony of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

On Saturday, Dec. 7, Trump, 78, and Biden, 73, attended the celebration for the landmark church in Paris, France, after it was damaged in a fire in 2019.

At one point, Trump was photographed in conversation with Biden as they sat close to one another while joined by a large group within the church.

Their time together comes ahead of Inauguration Day in January, when the educator and her husband, President Joe Biden, will see the U.S. presidency transferred to Trump.

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Others who attended the reopening ceremony included Prince William; President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron; plus Salma Hayek and her husband, Francois-Henri Pinault.

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.

LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty (From left to right) Jill Biden, Brigitte Macron, Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron. (From left to right) Jill Biden, Brigitte Macron, Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron.

Related: One Year Later: See the Most Dramatic Photos from the Notre Dame Cathedral Fire in Paris and the Aftermath

Trump's appearance at the landmark in Paris comes after he was declared the winner of the 2024 presidential election against Kamala Harris on Nov. 6.

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The politician, who previously served as president from 2017 to 2021, clinched a rare non-consecutive term and became the first convicted felon and the oldest person elected to the role.

Notre Dame, located by the River Seine in Paris, was wrecked by the blaze on April 15, 2019. Macron, 46, previously unveiled the newly completed structure during a televised tour on Friday, Nov. 29, according to NBC News.

"This project was a human adventure of epic proportions in terms of building and prowess, involving the patient and dedicated work of a chain of talents working with one another passing the torch to those of the centuries to come, he said.

Macron added, "It was a challenge many deemed impossible, yet one we will have met on."

Read the original article on People
Donald Trump has made a declaration about the U.S.s involvement in the long-brewing civil war in Syria. On Saturday (Dec. 7), it was widely reported that Syrian insurgents, as described by CBS News, had reached the capital, Damascus. The opposition group has seized major cities such as Aleppo and Hama in its organized effort to oust President Bashar al-Assad and the authoritarian regime.

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Trump still has six weeks before he is inaugurated for a second term after winning the Nov. 5 presidential race against sitting Vice President Kamala Harris. In a Truth Social post, he commented on the Middle East war by stating, Opposition fighters in Syria, in an unprecedented move, have totally taken over numerous cities, in a highly coordinated offensive, and are now on the outskirts of Damascus, obviously preparing to make a very big move toward taking out Assad.

The Republican leader further stated that Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years. This is where former President Obama refused to honor his commitment of protecting the RED LINE IN THE SAND, and all hell broke out, with Russia stepping in. At the end of his two-term presidency, Obama said that he remained haunted by the bloodshed.

I would say of all the things that have happened during the course of my presidency, the knowledge that you have hundreds of thousands of people who have been killed, millions who have been displaced, he told historian Doris Kearns Goodwin in an interview for Vanity Fair in 2016. Syria's civil war began in 2011. Iran, Russia and Hezbollah have been allies of Assad's regime.

Moreover, Trump's message continued that Assad being forced out may be for the best. There was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia, other than to make Obama look really stupid. In any event, Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, [and] THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!

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(FOX40.COM)  Placer County counties to advance their campaign against fentanyl by holding drug dealers who knowingly sold a deadly substance accountable with murder charges.

On Thursday, Carson Schewe received the first murder conviction by a jury for a fentanyl-related death in Placer County.

Schewe was convicted of second-degree murder and providing a lethal dose of fentanyl to 20-year-old Kade Webb in 2021.

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We will again utilize every resource at our disposal to hold you accountable if you choose to pedal poison in our community, Wayne Woo, Placer County Sheriff says.

California correctional officer sentenced for smuggling cell phones

Every seat in the courtroom was taken and the door was left open to allow over a dozen more people to take in the momentous decision.

Prosecutors proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly sold lethal drugs that took the lives of four people including 20-year-old Kade Webb.

There is a chemical war happening in America right now, Kades father said.

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Kades family shared heartbreaking testimony of grief with the court.

Sacramento County parents arrested in connection to daughters death

I had to call his girlfriend Brooklyn and tell her he was gone she was nine months pregnant with his kid, Elizabeth Dillender, Kades mother says. His little girl had missed meeting her daddy by three weeks.

Im now 20 years old, the age of Kade when he passed away. It feels so wrong in unexplainable ways, Kades sister explains. Fentanyl isnt just a drug, its a poison.

Several other families who have also lost loved ones to pills laced with fentanyl were there to take in the emotional moment.

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True justice would be having Kate here, and Zach here, and Spencer and Haley and all of the other names and faces that you see affected by this Fentanyl crisis, Morgan Gire, Placer County District Attorney says.

Community rallies support for boys hurt in shooting at Butte County school

The district attorney shared a message for dealers knowingly peddling these substances.

We will find you, we will prosecute you, Gire continues. And if its a life sentence, it will be a life sentence.

Webbs cousin is Logan Webb star pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. Kades life was tragically taken hours before his wedding.

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I got married and a couple of days later, I was a pallbearer for my cousin, Logan recalls.

ESPN partnered with the family to create a documentary on Kades murder.

Im deeply humbled to have a platform to share Kades story at a national level, Logan adds. I always look up at the sky before I make my start (and) tell him I love him.

Logan, who dedicated this past season to his cousin, says the hardest part of making the film was reliving this preventable tragedy.

Everyone at the sentencing called for change both here in our community and across the country.

We made a lot of history here today, Dillinder says. I hope it sets a precedent that us families are sick of losing our children.

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Kades mom says that while they are content with the sentencing nothing can fill that empty void.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes!

We sit down with pulmonary and critical care physicians Tonya Jagneaux and Hollis ONeal to explore the complex challenges emergency departments face when diagnosing and treating sepsis. With overcrowded EDs, rising patient volumes, and strained resources, they discuss how new host response technologies are transforming early detection and treatment of sepsis, offering hope for better patient outcomes and more efficient care delivery.

Tonya Jagneaux and Hollis ONeal are pulmonary and critical care physicians.

They discuss the KevinMD article, The deadliest condition in emergency departments deserves a new diagnostic approach.

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Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today, we welcome Tonya Jagneaux and Hollis ONeal. Both are pulmonary and critical care physicians. The KevinMD article is The Deadliest Condition in Emergency Departments Deserves a New Diagnostic Approach. Tonya and Hollis, welcome to the show.

Tonya Jagneaux: Thank you, Kevin.

Hollis ONeal: Thank you, Kevin. Great to be here. Thanks for having us.

Kevin Pho: So, Hollis, Im going to start with you. Can you tell us the events that led you to write this collaborative article and then tell us what this article is about for those who didnt get a chance to read it?

Hollis ONeal: Sure. Yeah. So, you know, for, for years, for about the last 10 years, our hospital system and a group of physicians from LSU has been working in conjunction with a biotech company called Cytovale in developing a novel sepsis diagnostic.

And so weve been working with our providers, you know, critical care providers, I.D. providers, and kind of doing some of the preliminary work. Then in 2021, I did a multicentered study looking at this, you know, as a diagnostic test for sepsis and ultimately, in late 2022, it had an FDA clearance. Then in August of 2023, we implemented the test for use in our emergency department.

The way we did that was really a big combined effort between I.T., Dr. Jagneaux, our chief medical informatics officer. So, heavily kind of I.T.-based screening process for patients who walk into the door looking for signs or symptoms of infection. Its a sepsis diagnostic, and so we want to be very clear about whom we actually applied the test to. Dr. Jagneaux was instrumental in developing that process and integrating this into the electronic health record.

It was also led by our quality department. Dr. Chris Thomas is one of our partners and the chief quality officer of our health system. In conjunction with our providers, we put this sepsis diagnostic into clinical use starting in August 2023. The test reports back a probability of sepsis, basically a low, intermediate, or high probability. We developed treatment pathways for that.

One of the things that happens is that for the high-risk population, what we call an interpretation band 3 result, that is a critical value thats called back from the lab to the ED. We go find those patients and begin sepsis care right away. Some of those patients, you know, our ED is big and busy. We see 75,000 to 80,000 visits a year, at an 800-bed hospital. So big and busy. Lots of turnover of patients. Some of those patients are in the waiting room when the test comes back because Dr. Jagneaux had developed a process to order this at triage. Often, the result comes back before the doctor has even seen the patient.

When patients are in the waiting room, we physically retrieve them, bring them back. That obviously creates a resource drain on the ED because the reason theyre in the waiting room is there are no beds. So now were moving patients to the hallway and delivering care in nontraditional areas in the ED.

The question was, are we doing the right thing? When we identify these patients and pull them back, are we actually getting them back faster? Are they the right patients? Are these patients with sepsis? Are we delivering sepsis care to these patients faster?

The crux of this article was looking at that population of patientsthose who were in the emergency department waiting room when the test came back. We physically retrieved them from the waiting room because they had a high-probability result. We found that the answer is yes to all of those questions.

First, we are getting them back faster. Patients with that band 3 high-probability result get back into the ED an hour faster than their counterparts. Second, are they sick? Yes. Ninety-plus percent of those patients are admitted to the hospital. Next, do they have infections? Yes, 90-plus percent of those patients have infections. Then, do they go on to develop sepsis? Yes, over 50 percent of those patients that we physically pull back from the waiting room will be discharged with a diagnosis of sepsis.

Ultimately, this told us that we are able to identify patients with occult sepsis using this rapid diagnostic. Its a host-response tool, but we can find them when they dont look that sick.

What does that mean? It means that a seasoned triage nurse sent that patient to the waiting room because they didnt appear that sick. Their underlying biology says they are, but their overall clinical presentation says theyre not. Were able to identify those patients, get them back, and deliver care more quickly.

Kevin Pho: So, before talking about this technology itself, Tonya, let me ask you: What are the traditional diagnostic approaches to sepsis, and what are some of the clinical limitations they have? What are the repercussions we currently have with traditional methods of diagnosing sepsis?

Tonya Jagneaux: Yes, I mean, pivotal to how the change management occurred with this test. Prior to that, as many physicians know, sepsis presents in varied ways. Its complicated because of different patient presentations, as Hollis just described. Patients can look fine and be critically ill, or they can look critically ill and not have severe sepsis.

And we also, because of electronic health records, had this barrage of predictive tools and maybe sprinkled in there a few, you know, biologic tests that would offer some sense of maybe high risk. But I think the greatest challenge was the preexisting sepsis alerts that many hospitals had deployedwe had them as well. What they do is tell a story of maybe sepsis and generate actions that often result in alert fatigue or overutilization of resources.

We were in that mindset with both physicians and nurses, and there was a negative tone to sepsis alerts. If you mentioned that, most of the time, because they had experienced the low positive predictive value of those tests, it was almost as if there was no capacity to alert because they had been so overalerted. They had so much noise.

Now, we have this test that really brings promise. But we need to order it and ensure we find the right patient. The process to translate what was truly a biologic function into clinical bedside care was a critical piece. Medicine is always about discovery and improvement.

Alert science is interesting because people are hesitant to turn things off and miss something. But when you look at how traditional alerts perform, they also result in the inability to see anything relevant. This happens when youre alerting all the time, not just about sepsis. Electronic health records offer a lot of alerting, creating challenges for the folks delivering bedside care.

We had to figure out how to highlight the needle in the haystackthose who truly needed attention. We also had to ensure we werent going down the wrong pathway with patients who might look critically ill but dont have sepsis. Sometimes the default response was to assume it could be severe sepsis and implement the whole package: fluids, antibiotics, and so on.

So, yeah, that was the starting point. It required a dedicated approach. Thankfully, working with a great team, we were able to make progress. This is not just about deploying a test, making it available to order, and seeing what happens. Theres much more to it than that.

Kevin Pho: Tonya, just to follow up on that, to clarify: The current biomarkers we traditionally use for sepsis, like procalcitonin levels, dont have the predictive accuracy you need to ensure the patient is on the right diagnostic path. Is that fair to say?

Tonya Jagneaux: Correct, yes. The ability of this test to decipher and provide better accuracy is much higher. Additionally, its negative predictive value is just as important. Being able to say, No, this is not sepsis, is equally vital to saying, Yes, this is likely to be severe sepsis.

Again, the challenge of sepsis is how varied it presents across the severity spectrum. The IntelliSep test has demonstrated an ability to parse that out. Theres a middle zonea yellow categorybut even that raises awareness that the risk for sepsis is higher than in the green category. For patients in the green category, we can reduce overutilization of antibiotics and fluids, providing comfort and confidence for providers.

This process allows us to better allocate resources, ensuring those in the waiting room who truly need a bed are prioritized. Its not just about identifying sepsis but also about correcting diagnostics when its not sepsis. Theres true value in distinguishing between critical and noncritical patients, sepsis or not, moving forward.

Kevin Pho: Tonya, just to clarify further: If there is a delay in diagnosing sepsis, can you give us an idea of the clinical impact on a patient?

Tonya Jagneaux: There are a lot of numbers out there, but Hollis, correct me if Im wrong: Every hour of delay increases mortality by about eight to 10 percent in the septic shock population. Traditionally, septic shock had a 40 to 60 percent mortality rate. Its a time-sensitive disease.

We often talk about sepsis in the same way we discuss heart attacks or strokes. Time is muscle, time is brain, and in this case, time is life. Early antibiotics and fluid resuscitation improve survival rates and reduce morbidity. Delays can lead to prolonged hospitalizations, mechanical ventilation, deconditioning, and impaired recovery.

The full approach to sepsis care cannot be applied to everyone who looks septic by traditional SIRS criteria. Identifying patients during triage who need this test and having a process to highlight the results is crucial. If a high-risk patient is in the waiting room, someone must be aware and retrieve that patient.

Our triage process still uses traditional vital signs and logic embedded in the electronic health record. We ask about mental status changes, infections, and hypotension. When triggers are identified, we order specific labs, including IntelliSep, CBC, lactic acid, and chemistry panels. This initiates sepsis care and highlights potential cases for immediate attention.

Kevin Pho: So, Hollis, tell us about the technology behind this new diagnostic approach. You mentioned host-response technology. Briefly talk about the science behind it and why this new test works.

Hollis ONeal: The science behind it is actually fascinating, and its elegant in its simplicity. The fundamental concept is one thats intrinsic to all biologystructure and function are tightly related. If the function of a biological component changes, its structure often changes as well.

This test focuses on white blood cells, specifically neutrophils and monocytes. These cells are key players in innate immunity and are heavily involved in the sepsis response. When these cells are activated, their function shifts from a resting state to an aggressive, pathogen-detecting state. This functional shift is accompanied by structural changes, particularly in their nuclear architecture. For example, neutrophils can undergo a process called netosis, where they release their chromatin into circulation.

While these processes are beneficial at the site of infection, in the general circulation they can become pathological, causing microthrombosis, inflammation, and organ dysfunction. What this test does is detect these structural changes in white blood cells.

Using peripheral blood from a purple-top tube, the test applies microfluidics to expose white blood cells to hydrodynamic forces. High-speed cameras capture the cells responsewatching tens of thousands of cells squeeze under these forces. A computer analyzes the video data and provides a score called the IntelliSep Index, ranging from 0.1 to 10.

The test divides the scores into three interpretation bands: low, intermediate, and high probability of sepsis. In our ED, we operationalize it using colorsgreen for low probability, yellow for intermediate, and red for high probability. These results are tied to specific actions to guide clinical decisions.

The process is quick and simple, requiring only 0.1 cc of blood. Theres no incubation or extensive preparation, and results are available within 10 minutes.

Kevin Pho: How accessible is this test? Is this something your institution is piloting, or is it available nationwide?

Hollis ONeal: This test received FDA clearance in December 2022. We were the first health system to use it in our flagship hospital. Its now implemented in all of the hospitals in our system, from smaller facilities with about 45 beds to our largest hospital with 850 beds.

Weve already started to see improvements, including reductions in length of stay, costs, and mortality, particularly among patients in the low and intermediate bands. The results are promising, and as more institutions adopt this technology, we expect similar outcomes.

Cytovale, the company behind the test, is also working on securing broader insurance reimbursement. Currently, most tests roll into the hospitals DRG because patients are typically admitted. Cytovale has a CPT code and is in discussions with payers to establish consistent reimbursement pathways.

Kevin Pho: Were talking to Tonya Jagneaux and Hollis ONeal, both pulmonary and critical care physicians. The KevinMD article is The Deadliest Condition in Emergency Departments Deserves a New Diagnostic Approach. Now, Im going to ask each of you to end with some take-home messages for the KevinMD audience. Tonya, lets start with you.

Tonya Jagneaux: It has been a pleasure to work with Hollis on this. I think its rare to witness such a breakthrough in the biology and diagnosis of sepsis. This is a significant step forward, not only in developing a test but also in pairing it with effective implementation science.

The lesson here is that any new medical innovationno matter how promisingneeds to be integrated thoughtfully. Implementation science is critical for ensuring that innovations reach the bedside in a cost-efficient and patient-centered way. Its not just about creating the right technology but ensuring that its used correctly and effectively to benefit patients.

Kevin Pho: Hollis, well end with you.

Hollis ONeal: I think this process highlights the power of collaboration. When you bring together academicians, industry partners, and health systems in true partnership, innovation thrives.

This test is a perfect example of how a multidisciplinary approach can lead to better patient outcomes. Its not just the test itself but how its integrated into workflows, from triage nurses to discharge planners. Every step of the process matters, and this level of teamwork is what drives success.

I also want to emphasize the role of our patients. During the research phase, we enrolled and consented patients walking into the ED with possible sepsis. These patients, despite being in distress, were willing to participate in research to improve care for future generations. Their contribution speaks volumes about the strength and resilience of our patient population.

If theres one final message, its this: Innovation doesnt stop at creating new tools. Its about using those tools responsibly, collaboratively, and with the ultimate goal of improving patient care.

Kevin Pho: Tonya and Hollis, thank you so much for sharing your insights and perspectives, and thanks again for coming on the show.

Tonya Jagneaux: Thank you.

Hollis ONeal: Thanks for having us. Really appreciate it.
The family of Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson has revealed hes been diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease.

On the Friday (December 6) episode of the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast, the 78-year-olds sons Jase and Al announced his diagnosis, stating that it comes alongside a long-standing blood disease that has worsened in recent years.

I think I spoke on the 1000th podcast, we were trying to figure out the diagnosis, but according to the doctors, he has some sort of blood disease causing all kinds of problems, Jase said.

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Jase explained that Robertsons Alzheimers is in its early stages, but it has begun to affect his daily life. Despite the challenges, they said their father remains eager to contribute to their Christian podcast, which they launched in 2018.

Im like, Well Phil, you can barely walk around without crying out in pain, and your memory is not what it once was. Hes like, Tell me about it, Jase said, adding that his father struggles to hold conversations but remains determined.

Al noted that his father has lived with the blood disease for years, though its progression has recently accelerated. Jase added that the family is working closely with medical professionals. Weve got a team of doctors, and then we have another set of doctors who are looking at all the tests, and theyre all in agreement that theres no curing what he has, he said.

Robertson talks with Stephen K. Bannon while appearing on Brietbart News Daily in 2016 (Ben Jackson/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

This isnt the first time the Robertsons have gone public with their struggles.

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Robertson has been open about his history with alcoholism and infidelity. In a 2013 short film titled The Robertsons, produced by the Christian group I Am Second, both Robertson and his wife, Kay, discussed the challenges these issues brought to their marriage.

At the time, Kay recounted, The drinking got worse... And I knew then but I didnt want to believe it; [he] was running around on me.

Robertson and his family rose to fame on the A&E series Duck Dynasty, which aired from 2012 to 2017. The popular reality show followed the lives of the Louisiana-based duck hunters.

In 2013, A&E suspended the patriarch for claiming homosexuality was one step away from bestiality in a GQ interview.

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GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, described Robertsons GQ comments as one of the vilest and most extreme statements uttered against LGBT people in a mainstream publication.

He explored the backlash in his 2022 book, Uncanceled: Finding Meaning and Peace in a Culture of Accusations, Shame, and Condemnation.
Dec. 7Today marks one of the most somber anniversaries in our nation's history.

It was 83 years ago when Japan attacked the U.S. naval operations at Pearl Harbor, killing 2,403 military personnel and civilians. Nineteen ships were sunk or damaged. Among the hardest hit was the battleship USS Arizona in which several hundred officers and sailors were entombed due to the bombs dropped on "Battleship Row."

The casualties on Dec. 7, 1941, would rival the toll 60 years later, Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists using passenger jet airliners as missiles crashed two into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York, one into a section of the Pentagon in Washington, and another one into a field in Shanksville, Pa. That day nearly 3,000 lives were lost.

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In declaring war on Japan, President Franklin D. Roosevelt described its sneak attack on the United States as "a date which will live in infamy." Less than an hour after the attack, the Niagara Frontier like countless other areas rushed to activate well-planned security measures. Soldiers from Fort Niagara in Youngstown were deployed to Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, plants that manufactured chemicals and other products vital to the war effort. Huge power plants and hydraulic canals had to be safeguarded.

On the home front, smokestack industries  the area's biggest employers then  would swing into round-the-clock production to fill orders for specialty chemicals and a variety of materials to aid the troops at the front. One of the biggest expansions was undertaken at the Bell Aircraft Co. In 1940, Bell had 1,170 employees; by 1944, three years after Pearl Harbor, its payroll reached 50,674. In the summer of 1942, the company was adding 1,000 new employees every week. With the Buffalo-Niagara area facilities at their peak, Bell started uprooting engineers and other staff to a new division in Georgia.

Military historians and scholars still debate how much FDR and his top advisers knew in advance about the attack. It was found that Japanese fighter planes had been launched from a fleet of aircraft carriers that sailed the North Pacific for 3,000 miles and 12 days to reach their prime target, Ohau, Hawaii. Until it was too late, no one had spotted them coming.

Author Craig Nelson ("Pearl Harbor") notes that with a rage ignited by Tokyo, a confidence born with Gen. Jimmy Doolittle and his B-25 bombers on a famous raid, and the great idealism that such a thing would never happen again, the greatest legacy from the horrific attack in Hawaii is our nation's continuing struggle to make sure there will never be a World War III.

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"Whatever you think of the United States of America," he wrote, "its foreign policy, its military, and its actions overseas, the world at overall peace since 1945 has been an American goal and American triumph."

That may be the greater legacy of those who served and died in World War II, starting at Pearl Harbor.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Eight animals have died after a Des Moines home caught fire just before 2 a.m. Saturday, said police.

It happened in the 2800 block of Southwest 12th Street. Police at the scene told WHO-13 that an elderly woman was pulled from the burning home after neighbors heard screaming. Her husband reportedly managed to escape on his own. Both residents were transported to a hospital after being overcome by heavy smoke. Their conditions were not immediately known. Eight animals inside the home were killed.

The Des Moines Fire Department is investigating what sparked the flames.

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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 who13.com.
PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Putnam County Sheriffs Office announced a countywide operation called Seasons Greetings Friday, which is aimed at drug investigations.

Sheriff Eddie Farris said in a press release that on Monday, Dec. 2, the Putnam County Grand Jury indicted 18 people for various crimes, mostly illegal drug crimes. On Friday, Dec. 6, the sheriffs office and other law enforcement partners served multiple active arrest warrants.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

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Eight individuals were charged and the Putnam County Sheriffs Office said several types of drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, were discovered during Fridays efforts. Those arrested included:

32-year-old Vanessa Nichole Hammock, who was charged with the manufacture, sale or delivery of methamphetamine; manufacture, sale or delivery of Schedule I drugs; possession of ANPP; and possession of fentanyl. Hammock has three prior arrests in Putnam County and her bond was set at $100,000

42-year-old Anna Nicole Smith, who was charged with three counts of manufacture, sale or delivery of Schedule II drugs; two counts of manufacture, sale or delivery of xylazine; two counts of possession of ANPP; and five counts of possession of fentanyl. Smith has five prior arrests in Putnam County and her bond was st at $75,000

42-year-old Crystal Michell Harville, who was charged with manufacture, sale or delivery of Schedule I drugs; manufacture, sale or delivery of xylazine; possession of ANPP; possession of cocaine; and possession of fentanyl. Harville has three prior arrests in Putnam County and her bond was set at $75,000

62-year-old David Doyle Riley, who was charged with the manufacture, sale or delivery of Schedule VI drugs. Riley has two prior arrests in Putnam County and his bond was set at $10,000

The Putnam County Sheriffs Office also added charges to four other individuals who were already incarcerated. Those individuals included:

Jordan ONeal Davis, who was charged with assault on a first responder. Davis bond was set at $5,000 and this is his first incarceration in Putnam County.

Elbert Brian Gleaves, who was charged with having contraband in a penal facility. Gleaves bond was set at $30,000 and this is his first incarceration in Putnam County.

Lamont Deshannon Gist, who was charged with four counts of manufacture, delivery or sale of methamphetamine. Gists bond was set at $150,000 and he has a history of 61 arrests in Putnam County.

Michael Jearome Beach II, who was charged with four counts of manufacture, delivery or sale of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm. Beachs bond was set at $130,000 and he has a history of nine arrests in Putnam County.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Farris added the investigation is ongoing and there are still many people with outstanding warrants.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Judge Maria Salas Mendoza is ready to take over as the chief justice of the Eighth Court of Appeals, making her the highest ranking state judicial officer in El Paso County and for 16 surrounding West Texas counties.

An investiture ceremony for Salas Mendoza as chief justice for the Eighth Court of Appeals will be held at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 10 in the Ceremonial Courtroom on the 12th floor of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio. The public is invited.

Salas Mendoza was elected to her new position in November. The Eighth Court of Appeals considers criminal and civil appeals from trial courts.

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Before that, Salas Mendoza was elected in 2006 as judge for the 120th District Court, where she served for 18 years.

Salas Mendoza, a native El Paso, has been an attorney for 30 years, first licensed in California in 1994. Salas Mendoza attended Harvard-Radcliffe College earning a bachelors degree (cum laude) in history and literature.

She then received her juris doctor from the UCLA School of Law. She is also a graduate of Ascarate Elementary, Riverside Middle School, and Riverside High School in El Paso.

Salas Mendoza said she is honored by the confidence and trust placed in her by the voters.

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It has been a great privilege to serve as a trial judge for almost 20 years. I look forward to continuing to serve the El Paso and surrounding counties and commit to living up to the highest standards expected of our judiciary, she said in a news release.

Here is a biography provided by her office:

Judge Salas Mendoza began her legal career at the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law in south Los Angeles, where she trained volunteer lawyers and students to assist low-income clients representing themselves in family law matters. She also led Spanish-language clinics for clients in east Los Angeles communities.

Upon returning to El Paso in 1996, Judge Salas Mendoza worked as a staff attorney at the El Paso Legal Assistance Society (later TRLA). From 1999-2006, Justice Salas Mendoza served as an Assistant County Attorney focusing on civil defense work.

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In 2006, Judge Salas Mendoza was elected judge of the 120th District Court where she served with distinction for 18 years.

Judge Salas Mendoza lends her time and skills to local, state and national organizations. She is chair of the Hispanic Issues Section, immediate past president and founder of Texas Latinx Judges, and former District 11 Director of the National Association of Women Judges. She also serves on the Supreme Court Advisory Committee, Pattern Jury Charge Committee (Business) and ABA Standing Committee on Diversity in the Judiciary. Judge Salas Mendozas dedication to community service includes numerous programs serving students of all ages, veterans, the unhomed and justice-involved members of our community; most recently her efforts include service through her local Lions Club.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  Voting is underway in Louisiana for the December 7th elections.

Polls for the election opened at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 8 p.m. tonight.

There are 4 statewide Constitutional Amendments being decided in every parish. Youngsville has runoff Elections for Police Chief and Council Seat D. New Iberia has two runoff elections for Council Seat 2 and 5. Pine Prairie voters will be electing a new Police Chief in the runoff election there.

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Tax issues are being voted on in several areas. St. Martin Parish voters are being asked to extend the tax for the Libraries. Franklin voters are being asked to approve a new sales tax for Police and Fire. In Erath, voters are being asked to approve a new sales tax for the Police Department. In Baldwin, voters are being asked to approve a new tax for Police and the Fire Departments.

You can find out your voting location by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
Elon Musk now boasts a net worth of $400 billion, making him the first person in history to ever hit that milestone.

The worlds richest person became even richer Wednesday after SpaceX and its investors agreed to buy $1.25 billion of insider shares, valuing the company at $350 billion, Bloomberg reported. The move ballooned the founders net worth by $50 billion, meaning he is now worth $439 billion, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Musk owns roughly 12 percent of Tesla, the worlds most valuable car company, Forbes noted. The companys shareholders also gave him a 2018 compensation package worth more than $50 billion. But a Delaware judge struck it down Monday. She wrote in her decision that what would have been the largest pay deal in history was an unfathomable sum that seems to have been calibrated to help Musk achieve what he believed would make a good future for humanity.

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Mondays decision reaffirms her ruling in January, when she also rejected the pay package. Never incorporate your company in the state of Delaware, Musk wrote in January on X, another company he owns.

Elon Musk walks on Capitol Hill on the day of a meeting with Senate Republican Leader-elect John Thune (R-SD), in Washington, U.S. December 5, 2024. (REUTERS)

He has vowed to use 58 percent of his Tesla shares as collateral for his personal loans, according to Bloomberg.

Musk acquired the social media platform, then known as Twitter, for $44 billion in 2022. Fidelity valued its stake in X at $5.53 million at the end of October, a nearly 72 percent decrease in value since Musk took over the company, according to its Fidelity Blue Chip Growth Fund monthly report.

The tech billionaire also owns about 54 per cent of xAI, an artificial intelligence company he founded in 2023. The startup was valued at $50 billion last month, according to the Wall Street Journal.

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Then theres SpaceX. Musk owns roughly 42 percent of the aerospace company, which was valued at $210 billion in June, according to Bloomberg. He also founded The Boring Company, an infrastructure company that says it aims to dig transportation tunnels to solve traffic. The company announced that it was worth $5.68 billion in April 2022 after a Series C funding round.

As of Wednesday, the business is valued at $350 billion, meaning SpaceX is the most valuable private startup in the world, according to Bloomberg.

President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk watch the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas, U.S., November 19, 2024. (via REUTERS)

Neuralink, Musks computer-brain interface company that is developing brain chips, was valued at $5 billion as of June 2024, according to Reuters. In January, Musk posted on X that the first human patient received an implant from Neuralink and was recovering well.

Musk contributed a massive $230 million of his personal coffers to Trumps America PAC, which he created, in the last month leading up to the presidential election, FEC filings Thursday revealed. In the weeks leading up to Election Day, Musk made three separate $25 million donations to the super PAC, according to the records.

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But that wasnt all; the SpaceX founder also donated more than $20 million to the controversially named RBG (Ruth Bader Ginsburg) PAC, which falsely presented the late Supreme Court Justice as a Trump champion, in late October, new filings show.

Trump tapped Musk to lead the newly created department of government efficiency alongside billionaire entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Despite campaigning on improving economic conditions for working class Americans, Trump has filled his next administration with a hefty handful of billionares, including Musk. The net worth of Trumps second White House is estimated to be larger than the gross domestic product of more than 11 dozen countries.

Billionaires have doubled their wealth in the past decade, amounting to a combined total of $14 trillion, Swiss bank UBS reported this week.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The state has agreed to purchase upgraded backup services for emergency calls in South Dakota. RapidSOS Unite will cost the state about $170,000 a year. But emergency officials across the state say a backup system is needed after several outages earlier this year.

Emergency call centers like Metro Communications in Sioux Falls handle 911 calls.

Charges pending for Watertown man after two officers fired shots

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Now that Metro is under the control of the city of Sioux Falls, Assistant Fire Chief Mike Gramlick was put in charge. He says Metro is prepared for large-scale 911 outage issues.

We have a completely separate redundant dispatch center, so we currently live and operate out of the Public Safety Campus but our backup center is located at a different location, completely separate, completely different systems we can relocate there in the event there is something catastrophic, said Gramlick.

The South Dakota 911 Coordination Board felt the upgrade was necessary after 3 different 911 outages in South Dakota earlier this year. One was caused by a private contractor digging a hole for a light pole. They were a challenge at the time, but Gramlick says the outages have had a silver lining.

This idea that we would go dark for half a day or half an operational period that just wasnt a thing that we had experienced in that way. Certainly, not at the scale we had experienced it, and again I do think that has had a lot of positive impact in that it kind of forced us to see some things that we wouldnt have potentially have planned for or even known to have planned for and then that has kind of doubled everyones efforts on redundancy planning both local and on a state level, said Gramlick.



Gramlick praised the 911 coordination board which helps in organizing more than two dozen 911 centers across the state. He says backup systems are essential for emergency response centers.



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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Dec. 6A cavalcade of vehicles escorted U.S. Navy Seaman 2nd Class John Auld's remains to Fairview Memorial Park on Friday morning. Awaiting the hearse at his gravesite were more than 50 people holding American flags. Some of them saluted, others cried. While Auld never lived in Albuquerque, he was laid to rest about 100 yards from where his mother, Lillian Auld, and brother, Edwin Auld, are buried.

Auld, 23, was killed at Pearl Harbor 83 years ago on Saturday, Dec. 7, a day that continues to live in infamy.

"It's the end of a long chapter," Auld's nephew, Richard Auld, 64, said after the service.

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Among those who paid their respects was American Legion Post 95 Chaplain Karen Street.

The opportunity to attend a funeral for "somebody that gave their life at such a young age at Pearl Harbor will never" happen again, she said.

On the morning of Dec. 7, Auld was on the USS Oklahoma when a wave of Japanese pilots fired torpedoes at the ship, causing it to rip open and quickly capsize. He was one of 429 people killed.

Auld was posthumously awarded several decorations, including the Purple Heart, which is awarded to those who are wounded or killed in action.

"For me, he's one of the greatest heroes ever," Street said. "He didn't even know what happened. He was just gone."

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Despite John Auld's sacrifice, it took decades for him and other crew members to be identified. After a years-long project, the Department of Defense announced on Tuesday that all crew members who died on the USS Oklahoma have been accounted for.

"I was definitely happy to have them identified and know we could get his remains back with his brother and mother here in Albuquerque," Richard Auld said in a phone interview Tuesday.

"It's pretty satisfying to see the family be able to get some peace and be able to bring back their loved one," Rear Adm. Michael Van Poots said.

'I wish I would have known him'

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John Auld was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, on June 15, 1918. He later moved to Detroit, Michigan, before enlisting in the Navy on Nov. 6, 1940. Two months later, he was sent to the USS Oklahoma.

John's seaman duties included painting, equipment repair and assisting with cargo. He also stood watch as a lookout and was a member of a gun crew.

Richard Auld said he never met his uncle, also known as "Jack." Richard's father, Edwin, did not talk about John.

"From what my grandmother told me about him, he was a good man and very honorable, and a very good-looking man," Richard said. He said she also told him that John "was proud to be in the service and defending the United States."

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"I wish I would have known him," Richard said.

From unknown to identified

From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the USS Oklahoma crew, including John Auld, who were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nu'uanu cemeteries on Oahu. When the Oklahoma was righted in 1944, only 35 people were identifiable. The other unidentified crew members were first interred as "unknowns."

In September 1947, tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, American Graves Registration Service members disinterred the remains of the casualties from the two cemeteries and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).

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In 1950, all unidentified remains were buried in 61 caskets in 45 graves at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific  also known as the Punchbowl  Navy Casualty Office Director Capt. Jeff Draude said.

Over the years, however, improvements in forensics technology would prove to be a game-changer.

In 2015, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, launched the USS Oklahoma Project. The goal was to exhume all unidentified remains from the ship and use DNA analysis to bring closure to families, like the Aulds.

In 2016 or 2017, Richard Auld said the Navy contacted his half-brother, who put them in touch with Richard about giving a DNA sample.

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John Auld was identified in 2018.

To identify his remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial and material evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used Y-chromosome DNA (Y-STR) analysis, according to DPAA.

Once a positive identification has been made, the Navy's Casualty Office notified the next of kin, who then decides whether they want to be the person authorized to dispose of that military member's remains, Draude said.

John's burial was originally scheduled to take place Dec. 7, 2020, but it was postponed due to the pandemic, Richard said. But on Friday, as the flags waved and taps played, John Auld finally reunited with his mother and brother.

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"I'm relieved to get him back with his family," Richard said.

As John's casket was lowered into the ground, a couple of feet away was a gravestone with a final message: "Rest in Peace Brave Soul."
Have you had shock bills from a smart meter? Get in touch money@telegraph.co.uk

After years of soaring bills, George Smith was thrilled when British Gas offered him a smart meter, believing it would solve all our problems.

But two years later, he claims he has been forced to spend nearly 18,000 on electricity bills under duress.

Mr Smith is one of dozens of readers with smart readers who have contacted The Telegraph after receiving shocking bills.

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The Government wants to install a meter in three quarters of homes by the end of 2025, costing an estimated 13.5bn. Yet 10pc of the 37 million smart meters arent working effectively, and it is customers who are paying the price.

In 2022, British Gas installed a smart meter at Mr Smiths two-bed in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, where he lived with his wife and six-year-old daughter.

At the time, he said the messaging was very much that it would solve all his problems, but within weeks his bills skyrocketed. Mr Smith was told there were signal issues but nothing was done to remedy it.

The 49-year-old was forced to pay 4,974.92 for electricity between February 16, 2022 and October 17, 2023. After British Gas failed to address the spiralling costs, Mr Smith switched to Octopus Energy. Despite flagging his concerns, the same smart meter was used and the problems persisted.

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Since opening his account in March 2023, Mr Smith has paid 6,795.05. Octopus also claimed he owed a further balance of 5,769.59, which took his bills since February 2022 to a staggering 17,539.56.

The father of one believed the bills to be incorrect but he did not want to damage his credit score by leaving them in arrears.

I sent countless emails saying, Im paying under duress but you need to engage with me, he explained, Im self-employed and I spent hours attempting to contact them. Neither British Gas nor Octopus seemed willing to engage.

Weve had to make sacrifices as a result of the bills. Weve not been able to pay for things that we wanted.

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The bills continued to rocket so the pair were ultimately forced to move house, where electricity costs have fallen to 25 a month.

A British Gas representative said: We received regular readings from Mr Smith and his account was billed accurately in line with usage.

An Octopus spokesman said: Georges smart meter was recording his energy usage correctly, but he wasnt on the best tariff for him. The supplier has agreed to refund some of his bill.

It comes after Citizens Advice warned that half of the 52,000 customers who reached out for help about their energy bills between January and October had experienced issues with a smart meter. The charity has urged industry regulator Ofgem to do more to protect customers.

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In September, Martin Lewis urged Ed Miliband to overhaul the smart meter rollout. He highlighted that under current targets, companies are too often focused on installations, not repairs, leaving more existing meters not working properly.

Smart meters work by measuring the amount of gas and electricity you use on an almost real-time basis. This information is sent to an in-home display device and your energy provider via a secure smart data network.

Factors such as where customers live and the areas signal strength can affect whether a meter has full functionality. Sometimes meters enter dumb mode, meaning they are not automatically sending meter readings, generally because of connection issues.

In his letter to the energy secretary, Mr Lewis highlighted the variety of issues customers are facing: In-home displays that wont communicate or connect, incorrect data on tariffs or usage, and prepay top-ups that dont register correctly.

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The aim of smart meters is to allow households to monitor their energy usage and make changes to save money. Yet Michael Barnston received four bills from Scottish Power in November alone. The bills amounted to nearly 19,000.

The 81-year-old who lives with his wife, Inger, outside of Chester, said: Were not using a great deal of electricity.

Mr Barnstons smart meter was installed three years ago, on direction from Scottish Power. But he has had to call the supplier each month to dispute soaring bills.

On November 5, he received two bills within the space of half an hour. The first covered the period between March 22, 2024 and October 28, 2025, billing him for 12,755.81. The second covered October 26, 2023 to March 21, 2024 and came to a total of 6,999.66.

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Two weeks later, he received another bill spanning April 23, 2023 to October 28, 2024, claiming he was 18,823.38 in debit.

A week later, Mr Barnston, who estimated his bills should be 200 a month, was told his monthly payment, as of December 16, would be 1,599.88.

He said: I cant understand how they have reached those huge figures. Its like were running a small business.

After The Telegraph intervened, Scottish Power finally corrected Mr Barnstons bills.

A spokesman said: We were able to correct Mr Trevor-Barntons readings from the photos provided and issue new bills. Weve removed one months billing in recognition of the inconvenience hes experienced and have offered 50pc off the remaining balance to resolve the situation.

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Earlier this year, it was revealed that four million households had been hit with shock energy bills because their smart meters were not working properly.

This is the case for Sandra Glenny, whose smart meter has never recorded her gas usage, despite being installed 18 months ago.

We didnt want the meter in the first place. Its a complete waste of time, she said, but was pushed to get it by EDF.

An EDF spokesman said that Mrs Glennys electric meter is working, but unfortunately the gas meter hasnt commissioned, which can happen for a number of reasons including connectivity issues in the local area, blocked/low signal strength in the home, or the gas meter hasnt connected to the electricity meter.

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They have booked an engineer to resolve the problem and offered a gesture of goodwill for the inconvenience.

Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition campaign group, said: When they work, smart meters can be a massive benefit to households trying to manage their bills. All too often we are hearing cases of smart meters failing to work  or being inaccurate.

The industry has very serious questions to answer about how it has gone so badly wrong.

Smart Energy GB, a non-profit that has backed the smart meter rollout, said firms have an obligation to fix broken devices.

A spokesman said: Please be assured that if your meter isnt currently sending readings automatically, it should still be recording your energy use correctly so your energy wont cost you more.

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Energy suppliers have an obligation to ensure that their customers have working energy meters.

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesman said: Smart meters are helping to give consumers more control over their energy and save money on their bills.

However, we know that for too many people the consumer experience has not been good enough, and the number of meters not operating in smart mode remains unacceptably high. We are working with Ofgem to address these issues.

An Ofgem spokesman said: Customers should not be spending hours rectifying incorrect bills or worrying about demands for money they dont owe.

Suppliers are responsible for making sure their customers smart meters work correctly, and we expect them to communicate with customers quickly and clearly if there are any issues with their meter.

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(Bloomberg) -- A Republican senator crucial to Pete Hegseths chances of being confirmed as secretary of Defense said she would meet with him again next week and that he deserves the opportunity to lay out his vision for our warfighters at a fair hearing.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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Joni Ernst of Iowa, who earlier this week had pointedly declined to say if shed advance Hegseths nomination, made the announcement in a Friday evening post on X  hours after President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his support.

Not long afterward, Hegseth said in his own X post that I just had another substantive conversation with Senator Ernst, I appreciate her sincere commitment to defense policy, and I look forward to meeting with her again next week.

Earlier Friday, Trump had taken up Hegseths cause on his Truth Social network: Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe,

That comment appeared after a tumultuous week in which Hegseth faced more allegations of sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse and mismanagement of two veterans organizations  and with the president-elects team examining alternative candidates for the position.

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Earlier: Trump Offers Public Support for Embattled Defense Pick Hegseth

Ernst, a combat veteran and rape survivor who is a powerful voice on military matters in the Senate, wrote that she and Hegseth would continue our constructive conversations as we move forward together in this process.

She 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.

Trump aides are considering replacing Hegseth, a decorated Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who challenged Trump for the 2024 Republican nomination, according to people familiar with the matter.

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This week, Hegseth met with Ernst and other Senate Republicans, sat for an interview with Megyn Kelly and even saw his own mother appear on Fox News to defend him in a bid to shore up his nomination.

Ernsts office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday evening.

--With assistance from Steven T. Dennis.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR)  As you chip away at your holiday shopping list, beware of counterfeit items. Beloved Oklahoma brands are constantly in battle with fakes, including Eskimo Joes.

Holiday shoppers bought shirts, sweats, and everything else at the iconic Eskimo Joes in Stillwater.

During their 50 years in business, the fight against fake merchandise has been a constant struggle.

Weve caught several unscrupulous actors, said Stan Clark, the CEO of Eskimo Joes. But, seems to be really ramping up right now.

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Clark said Friday morning, loyal customers received an email in their inboxes, warning of counterfeit clothing.

They actually charge more! said Clark, talking about the scammers. We just dont want our guest to be burned.

Eskimo Joes has an eye out for copycats. Officials are constantly sending out notices that theyve been caught. However, its a constant game of whack-a-mole; the product will come down, only to pop up on a different website.

Experts warn online shoppers about holiday scams

For that, Eskimo Joes has a game-winning strategy of their own.

Well buy a bunch of the product and well dispute the credit card charge, said Clark. At least we sting them just a little bit!

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Eskimo Joes President, John Killam, showed News 4 some counterfeit clothing. Killam can spot a fake at a glance.

Here we have the original art. Weve got it in a format that gives it the best detail, said Killam, while pointing to pressed-on images on a shirt. Here theyre just pulling an image or a jpeg off of a website.

This is supposed to be an OSU co-branded design. Well, were going to make the orange be the OSU orange, said Killam, while comparing a brown colored orange on a shirt.

If youre looking for something with Joe, or his furry friend Buffy on it, remember the real deal can only be found at their retail stores or on their website.

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Eskimo Joes retail stores can be found at Woodland Hills Mall in Tulsa, Enids Willow Plaza, OKCs Quail Springs Mall, and the Shawnee Mall.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
The EU summit on 19 December will focus on the situation in Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expected to attend.

Source: a letter of invitation from European Council President Antonio Costa to EU leaders, reports European Pravda

Details: The upcoming EU summit will be the first since Antonio Costa became president of the European Council.

Quote: "The situation in Ukraine will be at the forefront of our discussions. I have just returned from a visit to Kyiv, on the first day of my mandate. We need to stand with Ukraine for as long as necessary and do whatever it takes for Russias invasion to be defeated and international law to prevail," Costa stated.

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He stressed that the December meeting of the European Council provides a crucial opportunity to send a clear and united message of support for Ukraine and a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.

"I have invited President Zelenskyy to come to Brussels on the occasion of the meeting of the European Council to share with us the latest developments on the ground and his views on how Europe can best support Ukraine," Costa added.

The summit will also focus on the EUs global role.

"I believe that we need a comprehensive and strategic discussion, without written conclusions, on the way forward regarding our global engagement and priorities in a multipolar landscape marked by geopolitical tensions," he said.

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Ahead of the summit, an EU-Western Balkans summit will take place on 18 December.

Background:

Earlier, Costa said Ukraine could play a significant role in addressing vulnerabilities in the EU's competitiveness.

Additionally, he emphasised that only Ukraine can define what constitutes a "just peace" in the Russian-Ukrainian war.

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By Joan Faus

VALVERDE, Spain (Reuters) - Two years ago forensic pathologist Modesto Martinez, 68, moved to the tiny Canary Island of El Hierro with an eye to retiring. Instead, he's been called out day and night to deal with dead African migrants, as they arrive by sea in increasing numbers.

"I thought El Hierro would be quieter, with two or three deaths a year," said Martinez, who came from nearby Tenerife, as he drove his Humvee car on a windy October Sunday to a funeral home to autopsy another body.

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So far this year, 33 irregular migrants have arrived dead or died shortly after reaching El Hierro, according to official data. In 2023, the number was 11. In 2022, there was one.

The number of migrants arriving from the West African coast in the Spanish archipelago is running at all-time highs. But the rate of migrants going missing or dying on the voyage is growing five times faster, the latest available data shows.

Martinez is the only forensic pathologist on El Hierro, which has a population of 11,400 and is a rising destination for migrants at a time when overall irregular arrivals to Europe have declined.

As some European countries crack down hard on migration, the pathologist's predicament underscores the heightened risks being taken by those impelled to try to make a new life for themselves, as well as the dark months endured by their families seeking news of them.

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The body that Martinez was about to examine was male, African, aged between 30 and 35. Like thousands of others, he had made a treacherous Atlantic crossing of roughly 2,000 km (1,242 miles) from West Africa, crammed into an open-topped boat.

He died the day before, apparently of hypothermia caused by many hours in cold, wet conditions without shelter.

So far this year around 20,000 irregular migrants have arrived on El Hierro, according to the Red Cross. That's about half the total of more than 40,000 who reached the Canary Islands archipelago over the period -- itself a new record.

Migrant arrivals to the Canaries rose 12% between January and October, according to Spain's interior ministry. But the number of dead or disappeared was up 61% in the same period to 891, according to estimates by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

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It says the route is the second-deadliest in the world and since only partial data is available, its estimates are conservative. The Red Cross believes the majority of deceased migrants never even reach the Canaries, but either drown or their dead bodies are thrown overboard.

Spain has no official database of dead migrants: It only counts those arriving alive, said an interior ministry spokesperson.

"The causes of death are almost always the same: dehydration, hypothermia and drinking seawater," said Martinez.

Migrants barely eat or drink potable water in the roughly six-day crossing, Martinez said - when he opens a corpse he doesn't find any food remains, and any trace of water "smells like seawater."

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"BATHIE BARRY"

In this case, El Hierro's authorities had a lead on the man's identity. Another migrant who arrived on the same boat had come forward, said he was a relative, and that the dead man came from Senegal and his name was Bathie Barry.

Confirming the identities of the dead can take months. Most migrants throw their ID cards overboard before reaching shore for fear of deportation, said a Spanish security source. The logic is that if they are unidentified, it will be harder for authorities to prove their country of origin and send them back.

Martinez noted in the autopsy report that the deceased had several teeth broken and missing.

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The pathologist took a blood sample. This he would use to send DNA to a lab in Tenerife, which would upload the information into a database of missing people to compare against records of those already reported.

That process can take up to two months, Martinez said.

In his experience, he added, no match is found in over 90% of migrant deaths: It's too complicated to trace relatives or have them securely provide DNA samples from Africa.

Two of the three forensic police officers based in El Hierro took fingerprints and pictures of the body to upload into a law enforcement database.

VANISHED IN THE OCEAN

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The surge in migration to the Canaries is one of several factors behind the rising deaths and disappearances, said Andrea Garcia Borja, acting coordinator of the IOM's Missing Migrants Project. It tallies estimates of deaths and disappearances via news articles, official sources and independent investigations.

Boats have been coming from further away in West Africa, with smugglers packing in up to 300 people on each craft, she said. Smuggling networks have exploited instability in the Sahel region, where an Islamist uprising is raging, and are dispatching more boats than in the past, according to the European Union border agency Frontex.

In September, only 27 migrants were found alive after a boat said by Spain's coast guard to carry 84 people capsized. It was the Canaries' worst shipwreck on record; a local judge is investigating the accident.

Nine people were buried in El Hierro. The remainder are believed to have sunk into the ocean.

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Martinez said he received a call at 3am to deal with the dead.

At the time, El Hierro only had two cadaver refrigerators -- each with space for one body -- so Martinez placed the seven other corpses in a room normally used for wakes, which can be cooled close to zero degrees Celsius.

Martinez, whose grandfather embalmed the body of Spain's former dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, said he had never worked with migrants before he came to the island.

The absence of grieving families with their pressing questions, he said, makes it easier to maintain a clinical distance.

"The emotional attachment that accompanies death is missing," he said.

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The island has one autopsy table, in a room without air-conditioning. Typical autumn midday temperatures reach around 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit), so pathologists usually open a door onto the street, blocking the view with a hospital screen.

INTO THE VOID

El Hierro is just one example of the void into which migrants are launched when they board smugglers' boats.

"To the best of my knowledge, there is no specific protocol for the search and identification of missing migrants in Spain, any European country or the United States," said Borja, the IOM's Missing Migrants official.

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The IOM said in a 2021 report that Spain lacked specific procedures related to the search, investigation and identification of missing or dead migrants. It called for the creation of a centralised mechanism.

An IOM Spain spokesperson said he was unaware whether Spain had applied those recommendations. Spain's justice ministry did not respond to questions on whether it had.

Following the September shipwreck, NGO Caminando Fronteras - which runs a hotline for migrant boats in distress  said the Spanish authorities have applied double standards in their response to migrant deaths compared with other maritime casualties.

"Spain does not apply the same laws and protocols to someone that suffers a tragedy on a yacht or a fishing vessel to those that die on a migrant boat," the NGO's founder Helena Maleno told Reuters.

A spokesperson for Spain's transport ministry, which oversees maritime policy, said the maritime authority does not investigate migrant boat accidents to determine potential administrative failures, because the boats are not certified and lack ownership information.

Overseas diplomatic offices can cooperate in handling death declarations following an air or maritime accident, but Spain's foreign affairs and justice ministries did not respond to requests for comment on when they had.

The Spanish interior ministry spokesperson said Spain's justice system and Civil Guard police investigate cases of migrant deaths in the sea if there is evidence of corpses missing, but declined to elaborate.

To try to fill the gap, in 2021 the Red Cross launched a programme to gather information about people who disappear or die while migrating to the Canaries.

In about 40% of cases, the Red Cross informally identifies dead migrants through evidence or interviews with friends or families, said Silvia Cruz, who works in the programme.

"SMALL TRIBUTE"

The day after the autopsy, the deceased migrant's body was interred across the island in a concrete grave in a wall of the El Pinar cemetery, at the foot of lava fields and surrounded by goats and shrubs.

It was marked with his case file number, his date of death and the words "Bathie Barry" and "Immigrant." Migrants occupy more than 30 mainly nameless slots out of almost 1,000 in the burial walls.

None of those who travelled with Barry could attend the ceremony. They were being held in police custody or in hospital.

The Red Cross contacted the shelter where his relative was staying to offer help passing word of his death through its global network, Cruz said.

It was a quick, silent interment attended by six people: Four officials and two volunteer mourners who bought flowers. One of them placed red, pink and purple blooms on the grave.

Some were inside a little paper model boat.

"Wherever their families are, we want them to know that we are here to accompany them and pay a small tribute," said the volunteer, Haridian Marichal, 38.

Last month, the regional government installed six new cadaver refrigerators in the port. The cemetery has requested an extension as it is running out of space.

(Reporting by Joan Faus; additional reporting by Borja Suarez and Horaci Garcia, editing by Aislinn Laing and Sara Ledwith)
Police outside the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center, home of the Colorado Supreme Court, on January 2, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Chet Strange | Getty Images)

The outcomes of seven ballot measures in Arizona, California and Colorado reflect the stricter approach to crime thats been seen across much of the country recently, with voters and policymakers driven by concerns over rising retail theft, homelessness, fentanyl misuse and challenges in police recruitment and retention.

Voters have decided in recent years that they prefer to adopt progressive changes to the criminal justice system somewhat less aggressively, said Dan Schnur, a former Republican strategist and a political communications professor at the University of Southern California and the University of California, Berkeley.

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Voters are always course correctors. Theyre always adjusting and readjusting, trying to calibrate policy exactly the way they want it, Schnur said. Its not uncommon for them to try to pull back on a reform effort that they think might be going too far.

This year, local and state leaders in blue and red states  including California, Georgia, Louisiana, Oregon, Tennessee and Vermont  shifted away from more liberal initiatives aimed at reining in police powers and reimagining criminal legal systems. They have instead embraced harsher penalties for offenses such as retail theft and possession or distribution of certain hard drugs, added more felony and misdemeanor offenses requiring cash bail, and moved to prohibit local governments from altering police traffic stop policies.

Then this month, voters in Arizona, California and Colorado overwhelmingly backed ballot measures to increase prison time for certain crimes, revoke bail for others and crack down on illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

While national crime data is notoriously difficult to track and understand, violent crime and property crime across the United States decreased in 2023, continuing a downward trend since the higher crime rates of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the FBIs latest national crime report. Still, some individual cities and neighborhoods might be seeing higher crime rates, which could explain Americans views on the issue.

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Opinions on crime in the United States have improved over the past year, according to Gallups annual crime survey. Fewer people compared with last year believe national crime has increased or consider crime an extremely or very serious problem  but a majority of U.S. adults, 56%, still do.

Perceptions are heavily influenced by political affiliation, the survey showed. While 60% of Democrats believe crime has gone down over the past year, 90% of Republicans think it has increased.

Rethinking theft and drug crimes

In California, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36, a measure that increases penalties for specific drug-related and theft crimes and that also reclassifies certain drug offenses as treatment-mandated felonies. This reclassification will allow judges to impose mental health or drug treatment requirements. Those who complete treatment would have their charges dismissed, while those who fail to meet the requirements could face up to three years in prison.

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Its not the hope or the intention to send a bunch of people to jail or prison who are using drugs. The goal is to incentivize people to engage in treatment again, said Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, one of the measures authors, in an interview with Stateline.

The measure aims to address issues such as retail theft, homelessness, substance use disorders and fentanyl distribution, Reisig said.

Under the new law, people convicted of theft at least twice may face felony charges on their third offense, regardless of the stolen items value. Additionally, those caught distributing fentanyl while armed with a loaded firearm will now face felony charges and up to four years in prison. Previously, possessing fentanyl and a loaded firearm was punishable by up to one year in jail.

Our strong belief is that this will send a deterrent message to others that there are consequences again, Reisig said.

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The measure also received substantial support from law enforcement agencies across the state, although it remains unclear how departments might adjust their enforcement policies. Still, Reisig said, the measure will provide law enforcement with some real, meaningful tools to address specific crimes.

With options for increased sentencing and mandated treatment, Prop. 36 could provide tools to address repeat offenses more effectively, Sacramento Police spokesperson Sgt. Dan Wiseman wrote in an email to Stateline.

Proposition 36 partially reverses some changes made in 2014 by another ballot measure, Proposition 47, that reduced certain theft and drug crimes from felonies to misdemeanors to address prison overcrowding. But Reisig said that this is not a complete rollback.

It was drafted to be more down the middle and just kind of bring the pendulum back to center mass, he said. Were not reinventing the wheel. Were just bringing back something that had proven success, and I think all of California is going to benefit.

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But some Democrats and criminal justice advocacy groups have argued that the measure could reintroduce drug war policies and result in longer prison sentences.

California voters also rejected Proposition 6 by a close margin, 53%-47%. The measure would have amended the state constitution to prohibit forcing inmates into labor as punishment. The proposal originated from a state task force examining whether California should provide reparations to Black residents.

In contrast, voters in more conservative states such as Alabama and Tennessee have approved measures in recent elections to abolish involuntary servitude in their prisons. In a similar effort, Nevada voters this year approved a measure repealing constitutional language that permitted slavery and involuntary servitude as forms of criminal punishment.

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Schnur said Proposition 6 could have been rejected in part because California voters might have carried anti-criminal sentiment over from one ballot measure to the other.

Because Prop 36 passed by such a large margin, its entirely possible that many voters were already thinking in a more restrictive way about criminal justice policy, and those feelings may have moved over into their vote against Prop 6, Schnur said.

Restricting bail, recruiting police

In Colorado, voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment put on the ballot by the state legislature that makes first-degree murder suspects ineligible for bail if prosecutors can demonstrate a strong enough case.

Previously, the state constitution allowed only people charged with capital offenses to be denied bail. This change restores bail policies that were in place before Colorado repealed the death penalty in 2020.

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Voters are always course correctors. Theyre always adjusting and readjusting, trying to calibrate policy exactly the way they want it.

 Dan Schnur, former Republican strategist in California

Voters also backed a pair of measures placed on the ballot through a signature-gathering campaign led by Advance Colorado, a conservative political group.

One measure requires people convicted of certain violent crimes, including second-degree murder, aggravated robbery and sexual assault, to serve at least 85% of their sentence  up from the previous 75%  before becoming eligible for parole.

The other ballot measure directs the legislature to allocate $350 million from the states general fund to help local law enforcement agencies hire additional officers, provide training and bonus pay, and establish a $1 million death benefit for the families of first responders  including police, firefighters and EMTs  killed in the line of duty.

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The approval of that measure could deepen Colorados $1 billion budget deficit, though the financial impact will depend on how quickly lawmakers implement the program. Since the measure does not specify a timeline, legislators may choose to allocate the funds gradually rather than all at once in the next budget year, according to Kristi Burton Brown, Advance Colorados executive vice president.

Linking illegal immigration and fentanyl

Arizona voters overwhelmingly passed two criminal justice measures this year: One mandates life imprisonment for people convicted of child sex trafficking; the other goes after both illegal immigration and the sale of fentanyl not made in the United States.

Proposition 314 grants law enforcement the authority to arrest noncitizens who do not have legal authorization to enter or live in the United States. The law specifically targets people attempting to enter or who have entered Arizona outside official ports of entry.

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This measure expands police powers to address illegal immigration at the state level. Under Proposition 314, unauthorized entry into Arizona will become a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony for subsequent offenses. The measure also allows state judges to order deportations.

However, portions of the law cannot take effect until a court  likely the U.S. Supreme Court  rules on the constitutionality of a similar law in Texas. If the Texas law is upheld and remains enforceable for at least 60 days, Arizonas law could then go into effect. The law now is awaiting an appeals court decision, which is expected to itself be appealed to the Supreme Court no matter the ruling.

And the measure adds a new state felony penalty for selling fentanyl manufactured outside the country that results in another persons death.

Some critics argue that it could lead to racial profiling and heightened community tensions, while supporters claim it will bolster border security and reduce crimes linked to illegal immigration.

Immigration enforcement is usually a federal responsibility, and some critics also have raised concerns about the additional financial and operational burden local law enforcement agencies may face.

Some local police departments contacted by Stateline were unsure of how the measure would be enforced, noting that they are waiting for further direction from state officials.

The Phoenix Police Department said in an email to Stateline that it would continue its current enforcement practices, which prohibit officers from asking about immigration status during traffic stops unless required by state law and consensual contacts with the public, according to department spokesperson Sgt. Mayra Reeson.

Under existing policies, Phoenix officers may only transport people to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement if they are wanted for a criminal immigration violation and have no pending state criminal charges, or if the person has only a civil immigration violation, which includes being in the country without legal authorization, and consents to the transport.

The ACLU of Arizona has vowed to explore all options to block the implementation of Proposition 314, calling it unconstitutional and harmful.

This story was originally produced by Stateline which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network, including the Daily Montanan, supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
Everetts City Council has passed its budget for 2025, bringing cuts to libraries, parks, and staff.

The cuts help address a $12.6 million deficit. Mayor Cassie Franklin said the city focused on prioritizing essential services like public safety while balancing the budget.

City documents show cuts to the library will lead to reduced hours, decreases in new materials added to the collection, and reductions in public programs. However, both branches will stay open.

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The budget will also eliminate the Park Ranger program and decrease facilities staff members at city parks. According to the city documents, this will lead to reduced cleaning and maintenance at parks and buildings.

The budget will also cut some funding for street improvements too.

Several staff positions, especially in administrative roles, have been cut too. 26 positions were eliminated, according to Mayor Franklin, while others were reduced to part-time hours or furloughed.

While several council members expressed concerns about various cuts, the budget was unanimously approved.

Many city leaders, including Mayor Franklin, have blamed financial hardships on a state law that prevents jurisdictions from raising property taxes more than 1% each year unless voters approve additional increases.

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Were in trouble, said City Councilmember Liz Vogeli. We should know that by now. Everybody that listens once a year should know that the 1% tax cap is a problem for revenue for the city.

Our budgets grow much more than 1% each year, as we all know, Mayor Franklin said. The cost of goods and services goes up, and so then we as municipal governments have to make the decision for our residents what to protect as essential.

Voters in Everett rejected a proposal to increase property taxes earlier this year.

They dont want to pay more in taxes for basic services for the city and the county, said City Councilmember Judy Tuohy. We do need to listen to those who we represent, and this means we need to rethink how we do our business.

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Everett is far from the only major city facing budget shortfalls. Most major cities in Washington faced projected deficits this year, including Spokane, Tacoma, Seattle, and Olympia.

Our city is strong, Mayor Franklin said. We are going to continue to do the best we can to serve our residents, and were going to have to do it with the reduced revenues that we have available.
A former bodyguard of the late UnitedHealthcare CEO was dumbfounded by the lack of security for Brian Thompson after he was killed in a fatal shooting, sparking a manhunt in New York City.

It was baffling, to be honest with you. You know, you get at somebody in the No. 1 health care organization in the United States of America, who is a corporate executive, a high-ranking one, as a matter of fact, just sitting on the board of directors, and he has no protection around him, that is just baffling, Philip Klein said during his Thursday night appearance on CNNs Laura Coates Live.

I dont understand it. We still dont understand it, he added.

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Thompson was killed right before 7 a.m. local time Wednesday outside of New York Hilton Midtown, where he was supposed to speak with investors at an annual meeting.

The health care executive was shot in the right calf and in the back, New York Police Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. He was declared dead 30 minutes later in what law enforcement called a targeted shooting.

Police are still looking for the suspect who is on the run as the manhunt reached its third day. The gunmans photos have been released since the homicide took place. Police are testing for fingerprints and collected DNA on a protein bar wrapper and bottle found near the shooting site.

Police believe the suspect left New York City on a bus.

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Klein, who is the CEO of Klein Investigations, told CNN host Laura Coates that there could be two reasons why Thompson did not have security detail around him.

One, it could have been a personal choice. He may have not liked living in the bubble, Klein said Thursday, adding that instead UnitedHealthcare may have chosen to not provide security for Thompson.

The longtime investigator stressed that he does not know the answer, but that the circumstances are highly unusual.

It is highly unusual for the CEO of a multibillion-dollar corporation not to have people around him. Its just  again, its baffling, he 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 The Hill.
FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI)  Former Fall River Mayor William Flanagan has left the Democratic Party to become a Republican  and says a campaign for federal office may be on the horizon.

Flanagan  who made the jump after last months election  said during this years campaign, he could no longer identify with the Democratic Party and its platform on issues such as abortion, the Second Amendment and border security.

Being a Democrat and identifying with the Democratic values has been troublesome for me for quite some time now, he told 12 News on Friday.

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WATCH: Newsmakers 12/6/2024: Thomas Hodgson; reporters roundtable

The Democratic Party was not relating to me and I was not relating to them, he said. And I take the stance that I did not leave the party, but the party left me.

Moving forward, Flanagan said he plans to work hands-on with the Massachusetts GOP in expanding its base, and said Republican leaders have been welcoming.

Were thrilled to welcome Mayor Flanagan to our team, Mass. GOP Chairwoman Amy Carnevale said. Before his announcement, I had the opportunity to speak with the former Mayor, and we had a productive and insightful discussion.

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The city he used to lead has gained national attention after Donald Trump became the first Republican presidential candidate to win Fall River in a century.

READ MORE: Fall River votes Republican for first time in decades as Trump surges in Bristol County

When you looked at the Republican platform and the Democratic platform  for me and the majority of residents of Fall River, it came down to common sense, Flanagan said, explaining his vote for Trump over Kamala Harris.

Carnevale said the party is fully committed to targeting Fall River in future elections.

Flanagan said he is now seriously considering a challenge against incumbent Democrat Jake Auchincloss for Massachusetts 4th Congressional District in 2026, which includes Fall River.

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That would be a race that would be appealing to me, Flanagan said. Representing cities like Fall River and Taunton and Attleboro and Newton  cities that Ive represented before in other capacities.

Auchincloss first won the seat in 2020, prevailing in a crowded field to succeed then-Congressman Joe Kennedy III, who unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Sen. Ed Markey the same year. He went on to defeat Republican Julie Hall that November and was unopposed in his latest re-election bid last month.

Flanagan hasnt been on the ballot since 2014, when he lost a recall election after he allegedly flashed a gun at then-City Councilman Jasiel Correia, who later became mayor but is now in prison on corruption charges.

As for what he thinks his odds would be in a matchup against Auchincloss, Flanagan said, I believe the voter would identify with me and I would identify with them.

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It would be the voters who would fuel this campaign, Flanagan added. And I think if we were to launch a campaign, we would have a very good shot of winning.

Auchincloss campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment about a potential matchup versus Flanagan.

NEXT: Appeals court upholds RI truck tolls but throws out caps for local trips

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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 WPRI.com.
Dec. 26, 2024, will mark three years since James Lowery, a Black man, was fatally shot in the back of the head after being mistaken for a domestic violence suspect by a Titusville, Florida, policeman. On Friday (Dec. 6), it was revealed during a plea hearing that former officer Joshua Payne had been shown favor by the court and sentenced to five years of probation in connection with the killing.

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Hours before the court appearance, civil rights attorney Ben Crump described the slain man, 40, as a devoted father and son whose life was unjustly taken, adding that his loved ones deserve to see accountability for his death. Judge Curt Jacobus spared the ex-law enforcement member from being labeled a felon by withholding adjudication, a sentencing option that bypasses a manslaughter conviction, for which he was charged, but does not assume Paynes innocence. He faced up to 15 years in prison if found guilty.

Payne was expected to accept a plea in April. For Johari Brown, the beloved fathers sister, justice would mean an adjudication of guilt. He will never be able to be a police officer again. He will never be able to possess a weapon again. Thats what it looks like for us, she told local news station WKMG 6. At that time, a trial date had been set for June 7.

The night of the shooting, officers were searching for a suspect when they encountered three separate men, one of whom was Lowery. When bodycam footage was released to the public in 2022, Lowery was seen attempting to run from the cops. Payne ordered him to stop multiple times while holding a Taser in one hand and a gun in the other, which he brandished after believing he saw Lowery reach into his pocket. Lowery managed to jump a fence despite Payne grabbing at him. Soon after, he was struck in the back of the head by a single bullet and died at the scene.

Hands down, our instructions are phenomenal at what they do. If training was followed, this wouldnt have happened, said police Chief John Lau. An internal investigation into the shooting determined that the weapon was likely discharged on accident as the officer followed Lowery over the fence. At no time does our training allow a gun in one hand and a Taser in the other, said the department. Payne resigned when he was charged.

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Gabriel Garcia, a former Miami Proud Boy who was active in local Republican politics, was sentenced on Friday to a year in prison after being found guilty of two felonies related to his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Garcia was also ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution to the U.S. government.

Garcia, 43, was accused of participating in aggressive confrontations with police and helping other rioters storm the Capitol. Garcia also recorded himself inside the Capitol during the riot and posted a video in which he can be heard taunting then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to come out and play.

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At a bench trial in in November 2023, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson found Garcia guilty of civil disorder and obstruction of an official proceeding.

Garcia, a former U.S. Army captain, was arrested on Jan. 19, 2021, less than two weeks after a mob of then-President Donald Trumps supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an effort to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential election.

Several other South Florida-based members of the Proud Boys  an extremist, white-nationalist group  have also faced charges stemming from the riot in Washington, D.C. In one of the most notable cases, the groups former leader  Enrique Tarrio, a Miami native  was convicted last year on charges of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 22 years in prison.

Tarrio was convicted alongside three other Proud Boys of plotting to attack the Capitol in hopes of keeping Trump in power. A fifth defendant was cleared of sedition but was convicted of other felonies.

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Garcia has a history in Miami-Dade County politics.

In addition to once sitting on the Miami-Dade GOPs Executive Committee, he ran an unsuccessful challenge to Florida state Rep. Daniel Perez in 2020.

After his arrest in 2021, Garcia was released from detention on $100,000 bond.

He repeatedly asked the court to remove his GPS ankle monitor, arguing it embarrassed him around business clients and posed a work-safety hazard. He traveled often in the years since his arrest but was eventually placed on home detention by Berman Jackson after he attended the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2023 without the judges authorization.

Since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,572 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the Capitol. More than 590 of them have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. Of those charged, 944 have been convicted and received sentences, according to the Justice Department.
Paris, like no other city, holds a special place in peoples hearts. When Notre-Dame de Paris, the citys emblematic 800-year-old cathedral, caught on fire in April 2019, it was not just locals, but the whole world that looked on in shock. I, like many others, wondered if it would ever recover.

When I worked as a tour guide in Paris, I came to think of Notre-Dames story as intrinsically bound up in the citys history, its long life a symbol of the capitals resilience.

For thousands of people near and far, the prospect of losing this iconic building, which sits on the Ile de la Cite on the Seine in central Paris, was out of the question. In less than 24 hours following the outbreak of the fire, more than 340,000 individual donors from 150 countries pledged money towards the restoration of the cathedral, including huge contributions from some of Frances richest families. A total of 846 million was raised, of which 700 million has already been spent.

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In the months that followed the fire, there was a scramble to work out how the donations would be managed and by which body, particularly difficult in a country where the separation of church and state is enshrined in the Constitution.

Some 250 specialist organisations were brought on board, with 500 people working on the site each day. In five years, it was not one but around 30 simultaneous renovations that we undertook, Villeneuve told the French magazine Beaux Arts. He promised that visitors can expect to find Notre-Dame more beautiful than she has ever been.

So, what can visitors expect to see now the doors have officially reopened? Here are our highlights and everything you need to know to visit.

The cathedral underwent 30 simultaneous renovations - JULIO PIATTI

1. The iconic spire, risen from the ashes

As the rubble caused by the blaze was cleared and the site secured, a national competition was held to redesign the 19th-century spire that perished in the fire  outlandish suggestions followed such as an eco-greenhouse on the roof or a stained-glass spire. In the end, in line with the wishes of the Architect in Chief in charge of Notre-Dame, Phillipe Villeneuve, the decision was made to faithfully reconstruct the medieval jewel largely as it was.

In December 2023 the new spire was completed and a golden cockerel added to replace its predecessor, which was found in the rubble, too damaged to be reinstated. The new bird has flame-shaped wings, giving the idea of a phoenix rising from the ashes.

2. Rose windows and stained glass features

Many of the original stained glass features were preserved - JULIO PIATTI

Miraculously, perhaps, many of the oldest and most precious treasures survived, thanks in part Villeneuve says, to the quality of the original medieval design. This includes the monumental rose windows and stained glass features dating from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

3. The Crown of Thorns

The Crown of Thorns at Notre-Dame de Paris - P Deliss / Godong

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Believed by some faithful to date to the time of Christ, and certainly the same object purchased by Louis IX (Saint Louis) in the 1200s, The Crown of Thorns also survived. It will now be displayed in a dazzling new cedarwood reliquary created by designers Sylvian Dubuisson and Tipahine Maire.

4. A 32-foot Grand Organ

The 32-foot Grand Organ was dismantled and sent away for expert restoration

The 32-foot Grand Organ also remained intact, though coated in lead dust from the fire. It was dismantled and sent away for expert restoration, before undergoing a months-long tuning process.

How to visit Notre-Dame, Paris

Notre-Dame tickets

The cathedral reopened to the public on December 8. There will be limited visiting hours while a number of special masses are held as part of a reopening octave (all places already reserved). The ceremonies will be shown on big screens around the cathedral.

A number of special masses will be held as part of the reopening of Notre-Dame

15 million visitors are expected in the first year. Minimise waiting time by booking a timed entry on the Notre-Dame de Paris website or official app, Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris (slots are available two days in advance). Entry is free; youll receive a digital ticket by email. Expect longer queues without a reservation. Consider booking at opening time for smaller crowds. From inside the cathedral you can buy tickets to visit the renovated treasury (10).

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From mid-January until August 2025 there will be classical concerts every Tuesday evening as part of the Musique Sacree a Notre-Dame de Paris programme.

Religious groups will have access from the start of February. Group tours will operate again from 9 June 2025. Renovations are ongoing in and around the cathedral.

Notre-Dame opening hours

Normal opening hours for visitors will resume on December 16 (Mon-Fri: 7.45am-7pm/closing 10pm Thursday; Weekends: 8.15am-7.30pm; free organ recital 4pm on Sundays).

This article was first published on December 7, and has been revised and updated.

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Two people have been killed and four people injured after an explosion set off a fire in a three-storey apartment building in the Dutch city of The Hague, Mayor Jan van Zanen said on Saturday, as searches continued for missing people under the debris.

Van Zanen said there is little hope of rescuing any more residents alive. "We are preparing for the worst-case scenario."

The mayor said rescue efforts would continue through the night, but was unable to say how many people are still missing.

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Emergency services earlier said that up to 20 people were missing.

Van Zanen said a small explosion occurred at 6:15 am (0515 GMT), followed by a severe one, after which the building caught fire. The cause of the explosions is unknown.

The building partially collapsed following the explosion, the fire brigade wrote on X. Five flats were destroyed in the blast and subsequent fire.

Police were looking for a car that drove away from the scene at high speed immediately following the blast. Residents have been asked to provide any video material of the scene that could help identify the car.

Explosions and arson attacks have been occurring in the Netherlands for some time, hitting homes, businesses and vehicles. The blasts, often set off at night at entrances or outside buildings, cause damage, but there are usually few casualties.

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Police believe the attacks are caused by rival drug-dealing gangs, or with the aim of intimidation or blackmail.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed shock at the blast and offered the government's assistance. The royal family also expressed concern.

An explosion in a Rotterdam residential complex at the beginning of the year claimed three lives. The blast was linked to an illegal drugs laboratory.
A Russian ballistic attack caused an explosion in the city of Konotop in Sumy Oblast before an air-raid warning was issued on the morning of 7 December.

Source: Konotop Mayor Artem Semenikhin; Sumy Oblast Military Administration

Details: Semenikhin reported the first explosion at 06:17.

He mentioned that Russian forces launched ballistic missiles from temporarily occupied Crimea.

He noted that an air-raid warning was issued only after the explosion occurred.

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Updated: Later, Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported that the missile strike targeted the infrastructure in the Konotop hromada. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

The extent of the damage is still being assessed.

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Claim:

A policy change announced by health insurer Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in November 2024 limits coverage of anesthesia costs in cases when surgeries go longer than expected.

Rating:

Rating: Outdated

Context:

On Nov. 1, 2024, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield did announce it would restrict coverage of anesthesia costs in accordance with surgical procedure time limits set by the federal agency that administers Medicare and Medicaid. However, in response to a backlash to the announced policy change, Anthem walked back the announcement on Dec. 5, 2024, and said it would not proceed with the change.

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In December 2024, rumors spread that the private commercial health insurance company Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield would only cover the cost of anesthesia up to certain time limits during procedures that require it.

For example, U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, posted about it on Dec. 5, 2024:

It is appalling that Blue Cross will refuse to pay for anesthesia during surgery if it goes too long. The current system is broken. Democrats will regain trust by standing up to special interest insurance companies and fighting for Medicare for All. https://t.co/sQxtvpph0I  Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) December 5, 2024

As of this writing, the post had garnered 59,000 views and 1,600 likes. The claim appeared on X, as well as on Reddit and TikTok. On X, users sought to correct the poster's understanding of the announcement, saying that the private insurer was merely attempting to align itself with existing Medicare practices, and linking to a document that supposedly explained as much.

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As we'll see, the private health insurer did announce such a policy, but later recanted the announcement and reversed the policy after facing backlash from anesthesiologists. We therefore rate this claim as outdated.

In an announcement published on Nov. 1, 2024, (archived) the health insurance company said it would limit its reimbursement of anesthesia costs (emphasis ours):

We will utilize the CMS [Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services, a federal agency] 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.

The announcement added that this new policy would not apply to people 22 and younger, or to maternity care. The policy concerned the insurer's coverage in Connecticut, Missouri and New York.

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A search for CMS physician work time values revealed a downloadable spreadsheet on the website for 2025. We also found a document explaining how CMS collected data on these, and the implication of its findings on the Physician Fee Schedule. We contacted CMS seeking a deeper explanation of how the agency used this information for Medicaid and Medicare, and how these values would apply to a private commercial insurance company, if at all. We also asked whether this was indeed, as some X users thought, current practice for Medicare. We will update this report should they reply.

However a spokesperson for CMS told NBC News in a statement that "CMS pays for anesthesia services in 15-minute increments with an additional fixed payment to account for the complexity of the procedure." In other words, CMS says it does not apply specific time limits when covering the cost of anesthesia, contrary to the rule announced by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. The spokesperson did not venture a rationale for the policy outlined by the private insurer.

Further, we know that anesthesiologists criticized these time limits as "arbitrary." On Nov. 14, 2024, the American Society for Anesthesiologists sharply rebuked the announcement (emphasis ours):

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, regardless of how long the surgical procedure takes. The American Society of Anesthesiologists calls on Anthem to reverse this proposal immediately. [] 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. 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.

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In the statement, the ASA added a link to a Nov. 12, 2024, letter its president, Donald Arnold, sent to the chief executive officer and the chief health officer of Elevance Health, the parent company of Anthem. "Anthem should rescind this inappropriate and misguided policy change immediately. We request a meeting by November 15 with Anthem officials who have the authority to revoke this policy change," Arnold wrote.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is a group of independent health insurance companies that share a network of providers, though they sell their plans independently from each other. Anthem, which is not present in every U.S. state, is the brand name of the insurance plans offered by Elevance Health, which is publicly traded.

Faced with the backlash, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield retracted its announcement of the policy change on Dec. 5, 2024, and said it would not proceed with it.

Sources:

ANESTHESIA SERVICES CPT CODES 00000-01999 FOR NATIONAL CORRECT CODING INITIATIVE POLICY MANUAL FOR MEDICARE SERVICES. CMS, 1 Jan. 2022, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/chapter2cptcodes00000-01999final11.pdf.

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'Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Halts Anesthesia Payment Policy after Backlash'. NBC News, 6 Dec. 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-care/anthem-blue-cross-blue-shield-time-limits-anesthesia-surgery-rcna183035.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Won't Pay for the Complete Duration of Anesthesia for Patients' Surgical Procedures. https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/newsroom/news-releases/2024/11/anthem-blue-cross-blue-shield-will-not-pay-complete-duration-of-anesthesia-for-surgical-procedures. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

CMS-1807-F | CMS. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/fee-schedules/physician/federal-regulation-notices/cms-1807-f. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

'Elevance Health | Advancing Health Beyond Healthcare'. Www.Elevancehealth.Com, https://www.elevancehealth.com/. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

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'Provider News'. Anthem, 1 Nov. 2024, https://providernews.anthem.com/connecticut/articles/anesthesia-billed-time-units-commercial-22477.

---. https://providernews.anthem.com/connecticut/articles/update-to-anesthesia-billed-time-units-policy-23311. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

RVU25A | CMS. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/fee-schedules/physician/pfs-relative-value-files/rvu25a. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Zuckerman, Stephen, et al. Collecting Empirical Physician Time Data. Dec. 2016, https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/PhysicianFeeSched/Downloads/Collecting-Empirical-Physician-Time-Data-Urban-Report.pdf.
Claim:

An authentic photograph shows Pete Hegseth wearing only underwear and carrying an American flag while standing at the Sept. 11 Memorial in New York City in 2020.

Rating:

Rating: Miscaptioned

Context:

A real photo shows Hegseth wearing only swim trunks  not underwear  after participating in a fundraiser on the Hudson River to swim from New Jersey to New York City in 2020.

In December 2024, after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump nominated Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, many dug into the former Fox News host's past, including disturbing sexual assault allegations against him. One purported photograph of Hegseth also went viral, in which he seemed to be wearing only underwear while standing next to the Sept. 11 Memorial in New York City.

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An X user wrote, "Pete Hegseth was in his underwear at the 9/11 Memorial. It looks like it was a chilly afternoon."

Pete Hegseth was in his underwear at the 9/11 Memorial.

It looks like it was a chilly afternoon. pic.twitter.com/X5xJovyPhH  @MysterySolvent2.0 (@DarkMSolvent) December 3, 2024

The above photograph is indeed real, though Hegseth was not wearing underwear. He shared this photograph on his verified Instagram account in August 2020 when he participated in a swimming event for Navy SEALS and wore swim trunks for the occasion. As such, we rate this claim as miscaptioned.

On Aug. 9, 2020, Hegseth shared a series of pictures of when he was reporting for Fox News on a swim event on the Hudson River. The last picture in the series shows Hegseth placing a small flag on the memorial, while holding a larger American flag. It is apparent that the man in the photograph is Hegseth because the tattoos on his right arm match the tattoos in other Instagram pictures where his face is more visible.

The caption states: "A few pictures from this year's @gigofund SEAL Swim across the Hudson. Amazing day! Thanks for all the @foxandfriends viewers who sent in photos."

(Instagram user @petehegseth)

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The event Hegseth was reporting on was the 2020 Navy SEAL Swim on the Hudson River. Hegseth also participated in the same swim event in 2019. According to a Fox News clip from the event:

Fox News' Pete Hegseth and the participating Navy SEALs jump into the Hudson River at Liberty State Park to start the 2020 SEAL Swim. Pete and the SEALs swam across the Hudson River for the second year in a row to honor America and our veterans, and to raise funds for GI Go Fund as they work to support military families in need.

A video of the event from Fox News can be seen below:

The event also took place in August 2024 and followed the same route, starting at Liberty State Park in New Jersey and ending at the World Trade Center in New York. According to the event FAQs, the swim was open to all participants, including Navy SEALS, active duty military, reservists, veterans, and civilians.

Sources:

"2024 NYC SEAL Swim." Navy SEAL Foundation. https://impact.navysealfoundation.org/event/2024-nyc-seal-swim/e559597. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

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Ibrahim, Nur. "Pete Hegseth Published Column Saying Sex with Unconscious Woman Isn't Rape." Snopes, 27 Nov. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//news/2024/11/27/pete-hegseth-sex-woman-rape/." target="blank">https://www.snopes.com//news/2024/11/27/pete-hegseth-sex-woman-rape/.">https://www.snopes.com//news/2024/11/27/pete-hegseth-sex-woman-rape/. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

"Pete Hegseth Swims across the Hudson River with Navy SEALs | Fox Nation." YouTube, Fox Nation, 9 Aug. 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svVOYpYmR5A." target="blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svVOYpYmR5A.">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svVOYpYmR5A. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

"SEAL Swim 2020 - Pete Hegseth and SEALs Jump into Hudson River." YouTube, GI Go Fund, 22 Sept. 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJix2ueLLEo." target="blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJix2ueLLEo.">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJix2ueLLEo. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

"Trump Shows Public Support for Embattled Defense Secretary Pick Pete Hegseth." ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-shows-public-support-embattled-defense-secretary-pick/story?id=116519958. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Updates:

Dec. 9, 2024: Snopes corrected the rating for this story to "Miscaptioned" to more precisely reflect claims' focus on image captions.
The family of Austin Tice spoke at the National Press Club on Friday, stating that the journalist who was abducted in 2012 while reporting in Syria is alive.

Today is a day full of emotions. The news that were hearing from the Middle East is the kind of thing that can unsettle a mombut the best thing that we want to share with you is that we have from a significant source that has already been vetted all over our government, Debra Tice told reporters.

After years of advocacy under two administrations, members of the Tice family were able to secure a meeting with the State Department on Thursday and the National Security Council, including national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Friday before their news conference according to CBS.

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Austin Tice is alive, Austin Tice is treated well, and there is no doubt about that, Tices mother said. And so I think that is the most important thing, and I would sincerely appreciate your most faithful prayers that we will see Austin walk free.

Tice disappeared in August 2012 while covering the Syrian civil war as a freelance journalist for McClatchy, The Washington Post, Agence France-Presse and CBS, among other publications. He is an award-winning journalist as well as a veteran captain in the Marines and graduate of Georgetown University.

This summer, President Biden called on the Syrian government to release Tice, stating his administration has repeatedly advocated for his release.

The freedom of the press is essential, and journalists like Austin play a critical role informing the public and holding those in power accountable, Biden said in August.

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Still, Tices brother believes more could be done to bring Austin home.

There just seems to be a massive disconnect between what President Biden has dictated for Austin in terms of doing everything that we can to bring him home, and then the actions and the behavior of the people that sit just below him, Simon Tice said Friday

Nonetheless, the family remains hopeful that they will be reunited with their loved one after the release of Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan in August.

Laura Kelly 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 The Hill.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A Franklin County judge could decide as soon as next week whether to move a high-profile trial out of the county.

It would be a rare move in the case against now-retired Franklin County sheriffs deputy Jason Meade. Meade is charged with murder and reckless homicide for shooting and killing Casey Goodson Jr. four years ago this week.

His lawyers said he cant get a fair trial here because his name is too well known. A jury could not reach a verdict in his first trial earlier this year, and his second trial is scheduled for February 2025.

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Goodsons family said they still pray for closure every day. His mother, Tamala Payne, said Dec. 4 is always an emotional day for her.

Video: Arrest of suspect in Gaudreau brothers deaths

I still pray. I still lean on God. And I know that eventually we will prevail, Payne said.

Payne said the first thing she did Wednesday morning was read through her text messages with her son from four years ago that day.

It just said, I love you, with a whole bunch of emojis, Payne said.

Hours after those texts were sent, Goodson was shot and killed. Goodson was shot in the back six times while walking into his grandmothers home.

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Meade claimed he saw Goodson point a gun at him from his car. Meade said he followed Goodson to investigate and said he yelled several times to drop the weapon. Bloody AirPods were found by Goodsons body along with a handgun. Goodson had a concealed carry license.

Unsolved Ohio: Who killed Stacey Colbert?

I dont want to continue to allow it to hinder me or my feelings. So I just was like, were of the day. Were just going to celebrate Casey, Payne said.

Payne said Sunday they will hold a celebration of life in his honor from 3-7 p.m. at the Impact Community Action Building, 711 Southwood Ave. Payne said proceeds made in a raffle at the event will go back toward the community.

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Payne said at first it was hard to accept that the jury could not reach a verdict.

The family has to testify all over again. And they have to listen to our testimony regarding how Casey was killed and, you know, just very gruesome details. And so that part is difficult, said Sean Walton, Goodsons family lawyer.

Payne said nothing can truly prepare her to walk back into that courtroom, but she prays every day. She said she believes the last trial was not her time but she believes this time it will be.

Ill keep my faith and Ill keep praying. But I believe that year 25 is Caseys to be victorious, Payne said.

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Payne said she will be at the hearing on Thursday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
BERWYN, Ill. (AP)  Far-right influencer Nick Fuentes is due in court later this month after a woman accused him of pepper-spraying her when she showed up at his suburban Chicago home following his Your body, my choice post on X.

According to court documents, the 57-year-old woman approached Fuentes' home in Berwyn on Nov. 10, shortly after his address was leaked following his post, the Chicago Tribune reported. Berwyn is a Chicago suburb of about 54,000 people.

The woman told the newspaper in a Nov. 15 interview that her friends encouraged her to go to Fuentes' home to see if rumors were true that he had been receiving prank deliveries after his post on X. She said she made a video of herself on the sidewalk in front of Fuentes' home. Another woman pulled up in her car and told her to ring the doorbell.

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She alleged that Fuentes opened the door before she could ring the bell, pepper-sprayed her, screamed an expletive and took her phone.

Fuentes, 26, faces a battery charge in connection with the incident, the newspaper reported. He is due to appear in court on Dec. 19. He has posted mugshots of himself on his X account along with Free me (racial slur).

He didn't immediately respond to a message The Associated Press sent him Saturday through X. Attempts to reach his attorney, Eduardo Cervantes, were unsuccessful.

Fuentes, a Holocaust-denying white supremacist, is part of an emboldened fringe of right-wing manosphere influencers who have seized on Republican Donald Trump's presidential victory to amplify misogynistic derision and threats online.

Many of them have appropriated the my body, my choice abortion rights slogan, changing it to your body, my choice. The twist on the wording has been largely attributed to Fuentes' Nov. 5 X post: Your body, my choice. Forever.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The only person to survive the Dec. 6, 2023, shooting rampage at UNLV said the school must continue with courage.

UNLV honored and remembered on Friday the three professors killed a year ago.

A year ago, my life was nearly taken by an act of evil. Through this tragic incident, I found a way to survive, Daraboth Rith said. We are far stronger than we ever realize.

Rith was among the professors inside Beam Hall when the gunman, identified as Anthony Polito, stormed in and killed three people. A university police officer shot and killed Polito, 67, about 10 minutes into the mass shooting.

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There were displays honoring those who died, including murals and a paper crane display.

Rith has recounted thinking he wouldnt survive from his injuries. But he did and had to re-learn how to walk.

Resilience isnt something we recognize in the moment. Its what emerges when we rise, time and time again, Rith said.

Unfortunately, three of his colleagues did not survive: Jerry Chang, Patricia Navarro Velez, and Naoko Takemaru. Three wreaths stood front and center at UNLVs Alumni Amphitheater to honor them Friday.

Three wreaths of flowers were placed on UNLV campus during a remembrance ceremony one year after the UNLV campus shooting that left three professors dead. (KLAS)

A year later, a professor who was on campus the day of the shooting told 8 News Now he still doesnt feel safe.

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Its obvious to anybody with eyes and ears to talk to our colleagues here who witnessed what happened, and saw the killer pass white people to kill non-white people, Roberto Lovato, a UNLV professor, said.

As for the students, they are finding ways to heal. One way is the paper crane display inside Beam Hall. Adrian Venzuela was helping build them. He was in the universitys main library the day of the shooting and credits his peers for helping him cope with the tragedy.

Im glad that me and my friends kept tabs on each other and we helped each other. Help stay grounded in the following days after that, Venzuela said.

A banner on display Friday on the UNLV campus. (KLAS)

UNLV President Keith Whitfield said the school has taken steps to make the campus more secure, but the trauma from the shooting may still impact some peoples sense of safety.

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Being able to recover from a tragedy is just not uniform. You cant say, Oh, you do these three steps and youll be fine. It takes people  time. Different people are just on different trajectories.

Fifty security cameras will be installed around campus this spring, according to UNLV officials.

The university will also add new license plate readers in the spring at the entrances and parking garages for its Maryland Parkway and Shadow Lane campus locations.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  Farmers and agricultural producers from across South Carolina are convening in Myrtle Beach for the 81st annual meeting of the South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, a three-day event aimed at helping the agricultural community recover from recent natural disasters.

The second day of the event highlighted the South Carolina Emergency Management Divisions Farm and Forest Recovery Resource Days, where attendees accessed information from more than 20 state and federal agencies during sessions held Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Workshops were tailored to help farmers recover from challenges such as Hurricane Helene and this years drought. Participants also had the opportunity to earn credits through educational sessions, helping them maintain certifications while learning to navigate the recovery process.

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Representatives from Clemson University Extension participated in the event, sharing resources to assist farmers in making critical business decisions. Michael Atkins, a research associate with Clemsons Agriculture Laboratory, emphasized the importance of these services.

This is one of the most well-attended [events] that Ive seen, and our primary job is to let everyone know about these services that are available to them, Atkins said. You know, we cannot eat without our farmers, so thats why our ag service lab is represented, our Department of Pesticide Regulation, our Department of Plant Industry  all the things we do. We have representatives here to make sure that all these farmers and producers know whats available to them.

FEMA was also a key participant. As of Dec. 5, the agency has approved more than $230 million in housing and other assistance for over 300,000 South Carolina households affected by Hurricane Helene.

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Were really excited to be here, Nikki Gaskins Campbell, FEMA media relations specialist, said. We know that the agricultural community is the lifeblood here in the state of South Carolina, and many farmers sustained damage to their personal property and some to their equipment. So this is giving us, as FEMA, an opportunity to come out and talk to farmers and educate them on how we may be able to offer some assistance. More than half the state is eligible for disaster assistance in the state of South Carolina due to Hurricane Helenethat includes 28 counties, including the Catawba Indian Nation.

The annual meeting concludes Saturday with delegates focusing on electing new leaders and establishing policies for the upcoming year.

* * *

Savannah Denton joined News 13 in July 2023 as a reporter and producer. Savannah is from Atlanta, Georgia, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama. Follow Savannah on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  One person was killed after a Saturday morning crash near SE 44th and S Sunnylane Rd. in Del City.

| READ MORE > Officer involved in rollover during OKC funeral procession >

Police reported that the crash happened around 6:30 a.m.

The victims name is not yet released but police did say two to three vehicles were involved.

More information is expected to be released soon.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
While President-elect Donald Trumps controversial pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, is beginning the process to undergo an FBI background check, the intensive review may not provide the answers that either Democrats or Republicans are seeking.

Thats because a nominee doesnt pass a background check, and the FBI doesnt approve applicants. Instead, the FBIs investigative files on nominees are sent to the White House, which makes the final decision on whether they can hold the positions to which the president appointed them.

FBI background checks have been lightning rods during previous contentious confirmation fights. After sexual misconduct allegations nearly tanked Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaughs nomination in 2018, for example, Democrats said the FBI background investigation was politically constrained and did not follow proper procedures.

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Hegseths confirmation has been in jeopardy amid a series of allegations related to drinking and sexual misconduct, which he has denied. As calls for additional vetting have mounted, Hegseths attorney told CNN this week that his name has been submitted to the FBI for the background check.

The FBI is gearing up to conduct detailed background checks on thousands of appointees for Trumps incoming administration. While the president-elect has been moving quickly to name his Cabinet and key administrative picks, his use of the FBI system had been in question until the Trump transition team signed a memorandum of understanding with the Justice Department in recent days.

The agreement will now allow the FBI to conduct at least some investigations, but it remains unclear how many of Trumps candidates to lead various agencies and departments will be submitted for those checks, as the transition team also has been using private companies to conduct some vetting.

Despite Trumps qualms about the FBI and complaints from his allies that the bureau shouldnt be trusted to screen his appointees, the FBI system does enjoy bipartisan support from members of Congress. Senators of both parties have said they want political appointees to undergo FBI background investigations as part of the confirmation process.

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Dozens of FBI agents and contractors at the bureaus headquarters in Washington and in field offices around the country are involved in background investigations with the goal of helping to prepare the new administration to take the reins of government and allow appointees to have access to classified and other sensitive information as soon as the new president is inaugurated on January 20.

The background checks arent criminal investigations, and the FBI investigators role is to conduct investigations for a client  in this case the White House or government agency that requests them. In each administration, the White House typically provides questions, in addition to the standard ones listed on the application forms, that agents are told to ask.

While FBI background investigations have access to government criminal databases, that typically wouldnt include allegations of wrongdoing that dont result in an arrest or charges.

In Hegseths case, that means investigators wouldnt necessarily see details from a California incident that included an investigation of alleged sexual assault but didnt result in charges. Its unclear whether investigators would be able to seek information from the accuser, who was paid in a settlement agreement with Hegseth that included a confidentiality clause and has the option to decline to speak to the FBI.

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The scope of the FBIs investigation of Kavanaugh is still under scrutiny. In releasing a report this fall, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, called the bureaus supplemental background probe into Kavanaugh a sham.

Background checks include long forms where candidates must detail past employment, biographical information, as well as criminal and financial records. Investigators probe each applicants personal history back to their 18th birthday, with FBI security specialists examining credit histories and criminal backgrounds and conducting interviews of associates dating back years.

The investigations also include an in-person FBI interview where an agent reviews information gathered and sometimes challenges applicants to explain discrepancies.

I compare it to a colorectal examination while youre awake, a former FBI security specialist who conducted background investigations for years told CNN.

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The investigations for Cabinet members can include as many as 60 interviews, the former FBI specialist said. Agents and contractors spend 10 days to two weeks on the highest-profile investigations.

Applicants are asked to provide contacts with employers dating back to age 18. The FBI develops its own intelligence to supplement the list of people who may know an applicant to ensure it doesnt miss information that an applicant may leave out.

In some cases, agents will walk up and down the street where someone lived to ask neighbors about them. For appointees who previously served in government jobs, the investigations tend to be shorter since agents dont need to duplicate the investigation of earlier parts of the background.

The incoming Trump administration has a tortured past with the governments security clearance system after dozens of people he picked to serve in his first administration struggled to complete the background investigations process.

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Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, was among several appointees whose foreign contacts and potential conflicts posed issues as they sought to receive security clearances. In Kushners case, incomplete information he provided in filing out the government form, known as SF-86, caused delays.

Trump ordered high-level clearances be granted to about 25 people, including to Kushner and his daughter Ivanka, dismissing questions raised during the background investigations, according to congressional testimony.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Its the FBIs most wanted film.

The Post is told that the bureau has requested some 100 hours of footage used in making the new documentary Men of War, after an FBI agent and a federal prosecutor viewed the movie at the Double Exposure Investigative Journalism Film Festival at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, DC, last month.

Men of War tells the story of Jordan Goudreau, a former Green Beret who, in 2020, as documented in the movie, helped plot a would-be coup against Venezuelas authoritarianMaduro regime.

Jen Gatien spent five years working on a documentary, and now the FBI wants all of her footage. Getty Images

I found out that they want to subpoena all the raw footage, Jen Gatien, who co-directed Men of War, told The Post of the feds. Thats 100 hours of raw interviews that I did with Jordan and everyone else. Theyre legally not entitled to it under journalistic privilege.

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In July, US marshals arrested Goudreau on charges of violating the Arms Export Control Act, claiming in an indictment that heillegally shipped firearms allegedly to arm a militia for the supposed coup  out of the country. He denies this.

They were there to see what Mr. Goudreau said during the filming in order to gather evidence, MarisselDescalzo, Goudreaus lawyer, told The Post of the feds at the film fest.Im sure they wanted to see if there was anything they could use against him in the trial.

Born in Canada, Goudreau, 48, found his calling when he enlisted in the US Army in 2001. Serving as a Green Beret in Afghanistan and Iran, he specialized in missions that included frontline combat and intelligence work.

Jordan Goudreau is a highly decorated Green Beret who got caught up in pulling off a coup. Courtesy of Jen Gatien

The FBI aims to obtain all footage from the documentary.Men of War, about Jordan Goudreau, who was involved in a plot to overthrow Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. Courtesy of Jen Gatien

He loved the military and it gave him purpose, Gatien, who received exclusive access to the subjects of her doc, told The Post. But, more than that, hes the best at it. He is in the upper echelon of those in the military. He has three bronze stars for bravery and valor.

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But battle took a toll on his body and mind, leaving him with tinnitus and severe headaches. In 2016, Goudreau received a medical discharge. According to Gatien, he fought the decision, to no avail.

He went through a major depression, said Gatien of the time following his discharge. Jordan got on his motorcycle and rode across the country. He felt listless and despondent. Like he says in the movie, he had been trained to do something really well and, all of a sudden, he could no longer do that thing.

The United States has a $15 million bounty on the head of Nicolas Maduro. Getty Images

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By 2018, Goudreau had settled in Florida and formed a security company called Silvercorp USA. That same year, he provided security for a Donald Trump rally in Charlotte, NC. In 2019, Goudreau was hired to guard the Venezuelan pop star LeLe Pons at Venezuela Aid Live, in Cucuta, Colombia, 187 miles from the Venezuelan border.

The benefit concert raised money for Venezuelans and supported Juan Guaido, a political rival who had challenged the legitimacy of Maduros presidency.

Soon after returning to the US, Goudreau, as he told Gatien, was contacted by Keith Schiller [formerly President Donald Trumps director of Oval Office operations], who was working with wealthy Venezuelans in America  to install Guaido in power.

Juan Guaido challenged the legitimacy of Maduros presidency, reports claim. Bloomberg via Getty Images

As Gatien was told, They met at a WeWork in Florida and began figuring out how to remove Maduro from power.

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In Men of War, Schiller claims the meeting was to discuss humanitarian aid for Venezuela.

The US State Department has accused the Maduro regime of arbitrary killings of its citizens and threats of violence against journalists. In March 2020, the US Department of Justice charged Maduro with narco-terrorism, corruption, and drug trafficking.

Goudreau enlisted two other former Green Berets in the coup plan. silvercorpusa/Instagram

America has a $15 million bounty on the head of the Venezuelan strongman, who, according to US Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman, expressly intended to flood the United States with cocaine in order to undermine the health and well-being of our nation.

The plan to oust Maduro was hatched between Goudreau and Guaido supporters: Bring in a 300-man militia  recruited by Cliver Alcala, a former Venezuelan military leader  that would camp out in safe houses and spend a year secretly converting the Venezuelan military to turn on Maduro.

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At that point, per the scheme, Maduro would be captured and sent to America to stand trial on his narcotics charges. Similar to what was done with Manuel Noriega, Gatien said.

Having fought in Afghanistan and Iran, Jordan Goudreau is no stranger to combat Courtesy of Jen Gatien

Jen Gatien, behind the camera, conducted extremely personal interviews with Jordan Goudreau, who stands in the distance. Courtesy of Jen Gatien

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Enticed by ideology, desire for a mission, and the promise of money (which he never received), Goudreau spent months bouncing between his home in Florida and the jungles of Colombia, where he trained a group that included Venezuelan natives as well as Luke Denman and Airan Berry, a pair of former Green Berets hed served with.

Through it all, Goudreau truly believed he had the blessing of the US government. Jordan, said Gatien, was exploring every opportunity to remove a dictator and bring democracy.

The plan was for the militia to travel from Colombia to Venezuela by boat in late March, settle into safe houses, and begin a year-long campaign of connecting with soldiers on military bases who would be sympathetic to their cause.

Weapons confiscated in Colombia, which led to charges against Goudreau/ He maintains his innocence. Government of Venezuela

Goudreau planned to travel from Florida to Venezuela to join the militia members he had helped train. He and a friend left in early March, expecting to spend two weeks traveling by boat.

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That was when everything started going sideways, said Gatien. Alcala was arrested by the DEA on narcotics charges and arms were seized in Colombia  the ones Goudreau would later be charged for shipping illegally. At that point, his mission changed from launching the coup to pulling the [Denman and Berry] out of harms way.

Then, 80 miles off the coast of Colombia, the fan belt on Goudreaus boat snapped while he was en route to Colombia.

According to Gatien, Goudreau and his pal were stranded at sea for two days. Finally, after an SOS call to the Curacao Coast Guard, a freighter bound for Louisiana picked them up. The men reached the Bayou State in early April; US Coast Guard agents, concerned they might be shipping narcotics, awaited.

Jen Gatien believes that her work should not be used against the subjects of her films. Courtesy of Jen Gatien

Both men were briefly interviewed and quickly cut loose.

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Goudreau returned to Florida and warned the former Green Berets, still in Colombia, about things having gone awry.

But getting them out of the Colombian jungle and back to the US suddenly proved impossible when Gatien said, Covid shut down much of the world. Instead, the decision was made to travel by boat from Colombia to Venezuela and retreat to the safe houses.

Unbeknownst to Goudreaus militia, their plans had been leaked to the Maduro government  and armed Venezuelan intelligence officers awaited the arrival of the first boat. Six members of the dissident crew were killed. When a second boat arrived, 30 of the men, including the two former Green Berets, were arrested.

Nicolas Maduro was at the center of the planned coup, according to reports. AFP via Getty Images

The Green Berets would go on to spend three years in prison before the US government negotiated their release.

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Gatien was intrigued by the story and reached out to Goudreau about the possibility of making a documentary.

I remember thinking he was out of central casting [and wondering,] Is this guy an actor playing an action hero? Or is he the real deal?' she said.

Hearing Goudreau tell his story, she became convinced of the latter. She spent the next three years filming him in Florida, Mexico, Texas, Montana, Canada and California.

Nicolas Maduro is among Venezuelans accused of flooding the United States with cocaine to undermine the health and wellbeing of our nation. AFP via Getty Images

On July 30 of this year, while Gatien was in the process of editing the movie, Goudreau was arrested in Lower Manhattan.

Three armored vehicles, windows all blacked out, were waiting for him. Plain-clothed US marshals jumped out, grabbed him, and threw him into one of the vehicles. It was the scariest thing Ive ever experienced in my life, said Gatien, who watched it all go down.

Goudreau was whisked to the Metropolitan Detention Center and put in solitary confinement after being hit with the charge of exporting unlicensed weapons.

Marissel Descalzo, the attorney representing Jordan Goudreau, knows why the FBI wanted to see the movie. Courtesy of Marissel Descalzo

Jordan Goudreau told The Post that he fought for the Constitution for two decades and he is now questioning when it can be disregarded. Courtesy of Jen Gatien

Gatien admits she considered washing her hands of her subject.

But I just couldnt do it, she said. Id been following this guy for five years. How do I say, Hey, its been real. Thanks for letting me have the exclusive to your story. Then Im going to attend film festival premieres, wear my Prada gown, and clink Champagne glasses while hes at MDC? No.

Instead, she put up real estate as collateral to secure his $2 million bail. Its something, she said, that I would do for any documentary subject of mine.

He is currently under house arrest in Florida.

The film, which was financed by Neon, has screened six times. When it played in DC, Gatien had no idea the FBI would be in the audience. Two weeks later, they made clear, via phone call, that they wanted all the raw footage. A subpoena has not been served as of this time.

Jen Gatien and co-director Billy Corben made Men of War. Getty Images for IMDb

Documentarians and journalists cant be used to do the governments homework, said Gatien. I dont think its right, morally or legally, for me to turn over my footage of every person that talked to me. I dont want the government to cherry-pick what they want to use against the subject of the film. I am not an agent for the DOJ, they have endless resources and can do their own work. My five years of research was never to bolster their case. All of this is covered by journalistic privilege and that includes documentaries. This is the exact kind of weaponizing of the justice system that President Trump has been speaking out against.

According to First Amendment lawyer Mark Rasch, the FBI has no rights to Gatiens footage.

A journalist should never be put in a position where they become an agent of the Department of Justice in prosecuting their sources, Rasch told The Post. It is rare for the government to seek this type of information from a journalist.

Jen Gatien with Azahel Hare, who shot some of the footage that the FBI is trying to obtain. Courtesy of Jen Gatien

Jen Gatien was on the lower Manhattan street with Jordan Goudreau when he was apprehended by the federal marshals. Courtesy of Jen Gatien

Gatien has no regrets about putting her own money up to defend Goudreau: He served the United States with valor. This is not a guy who needs to be incarcerated for 30 years.

And Goudreau is grateful for the support.

The footage is like a diary. There were things I said that were never meant to reach the public, he said. I fought for the constitution for two decades in two wars so that Americans could have protections for their speech and private thoughts. It is clear to me now that the Constitution can be disregarded when the CIA, FBI, and federal prosecutors just want to win.
The massive pistol used by the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was not in the backpack recovered in Central Park that police believe the assassin ditched during his breakneck escape out of the city, NYPD sources said Saturday.

A few articles of clothing were in the backpack, which are currently being tested for DNA, the sources said. In addition, a high-ranking police source confirmed that the satchel contained some Monopoly game money.

Word of the contents of the backpack comes as the FBI offered $50,000 for information about the masked gunman and the search for the hooded assassin went national.

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The net is tightening, and we are going to bring this person to justice, Mayor Adams vowed following a Christmas event sponsored by the Police Athletic League Saturday. This is a horrific incident in our city and we want to make sure this person is removed from the streets of America, not only on the streets of New York.

Adams wouldnt say if the NYPD has identified the CEO shooter, who was photographed smiling at a worker at an Upper West Side hostel where he stayed before the killing.

We dont want to release that now, Adams said when asked if detectives knew the suspects name. If you do youre basically giving a tip to the person we are seeking and dont want to give him an upper hand at all.

Let him continue to believe he can hide behind a mask, Adams said. Weve already revealed his face. Were going to reveal who he is and bring him to justice.

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For the last four days, detectives have been trying to identify the weapon the gunman used and were hoping the triggerman had kept it in his backpack.

The prevailing theory is that the weapon is a B&T Station 6 bolt action pistol, which is commonly used by veterinarians, police said.

Were looking into the possibility that it could of been one of those, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said at a press briefing at NYPD headquarters Friday. Its a weapon commonly used on farms and ranches so an animal could be put down without a lot of noise.

The feds late Friday began distributing a wanted poster with the smiling gunman, hours after Kenny said that the suspect may have jumped on an interstate bus at an uptown Port Authority bus terminal within 46 minutes of the shooting.

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While Thompsons killer may have fled the city, the NYPD would still bring him to justice  no matter how long it took, Kenny vowed.

This isnt Blue Bloods. Were not going to solve this in 60 minutes, the Chief of Detectives said as he briefed the press Friday. Were painstakingly going through every bit of evidence that we come across. Eventually, when an apprehension is made, well have to present all these facts to a judge and jury. So were taking our time, were doing it right, making sure were going to get justice for this victim and closure for his family.

The FBI has been involved in the killing since Wednesday, but federal investigators posted the upgraded reward Friday. The NYPD initially offered a $10,000 reward for information.

NYPD detectives, with the help of Port Authority police, managed to track the gunmans movements from when he first arrived in the city to immediately after the deadly shooting, when he traveled by various means to an uptown bus terminal before vanishing.

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Our detectives are doing a very, very extensive video canvas, said Kenny. Were working from back at the Hilton hotel, from the incident itself all the way to uptown Manhattan.

The suspect shot Thompson, 50, as he walked to a Hilton hotel on W. 54th St. and Sixth Ave. where he was about to address colleagues and company investors at a conference, police said. The shooting took place just blocks from Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center.

Harrowing surveillance footage shows the man shoot Thompson in the back, then fire three more times, at one point pausing to coolly clear a jam in his pistol, before continuing to fire.

Cops found the words Deny, Delay and Depose written in Sharpie on the bullets  reminiscent of the insurance industry mantra Deny, Delay, Defend for delaying claims and maximizing profits  leading police to believe that the killer has a beef with the health insurance industry.

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The gunman fled the scene on a bicycle and disappeared into Central Park, but cops picked up his trail when he was later seen walking on 86th St. and Columbus Ave. on the Upper West Side, Kenny said.

According to Kenny, the gunman was finally seen entering a cab that dropped him off near the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal at 178th St and Broadway  his last known location  around 7:30 a.m., just 45 minutes after the fatal shooting.

Those buses are interstate buses, Kenny said. Thats why we believe he may have left New York City.

Thompson, a father of two sons who lived in a Minneapolis suburb, had been with Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years. He was scheduled to speak at the companys Investors Day at the Hilton just hours after he was gunned down.

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The suspect arrived in the city on a Greyhound bus from Atlanta on the evening of Nov. 24, although it wasnt immediately clear where the gunman boarded the bus. NYPD detectives are working with Greyhound workers to help identify all passengers, police sources said.

Once in the city, the gunman found his way to the HI New York City Hostel on Amsterdam Ave. near W. 104th St., where cops recovered images of the suspect without a mask and smiling at someone behind the reception desk.

Cops released the images Thursday on the second day of the manhunt.

Aside from that one slip-up, the gunman never revealed his face, including while noshing at a Starbucks or while staying in the room in the hostel he shared with two strangers, Kenny said.

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He didnt know the two roommates and the entire time he was there he kept his mask on, Kenny told reporters, adding the suspect did not speak with his roommates, either.

The suspect booked a room at the hostel using a fake New Jersey ID, police said. He also paid cash for everything and didnt leave a credit card trail.

Investigators have tested a discarded water bottle and protein bar wrapper in a hunt for his DNA. They also were trying to obtain additional information from a cellphone found along the gunmans escape route.

Anyone with information regarding the suspects whereabouts is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

With News Wire Services
As the manhunt for the gunman who killed the CEO of United Healthcare in New York City continues, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has raised the reward to $50,000.

Brian Thompson, 50, was shot and killed in Manhattan on Wednesday morning.

Police say the suspected gunman arrived in New York City on a Greyhound bus from Atlanta on Nov. 24 -- 10 days before the shooting. They are still trying to determine if he left the city by bus after the shooting.

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Atlanta police confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that they are assisting NYPD in its investigation, but did not comment on how.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Friday night, ABC News reported the NYPD had recovered what is suspected to be the backpack carried by the suspected shooter.

The bag was discovered in Central Park where the NYPD deployed an army of officers and drones to conduct a grid search.

The suspect is seen carrying the bag prior to the shooting but does not appear to have it in video of him on a bike 15 minutes after the shooting, ABC News reported.

NYPD have released photos of the suspected gunmen. It came from a hostel on Manhattans Upper West Side where ABC News said the suspect used a fake name and a New Jersey ID.

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They also say the woman at the check-in counter asked to see his smile, but this was more than a flirtatious exchange, according to police.

The desk clerk was required to match a guests face with ID which in turn allowed security cameras to snap a guests photo of his face without a mask.

Security video shows the killer approaching Thompson from behind, firing several shots with a gun equipped with a silencer, barely pausing to clear a jam while the executive fell to the sidewalk.

The words deny, defend and depose were scrawled on the ammunition, two law enforcement officials told the AP on Thursday. The messages mirror the phrase delay, deny, defend, which is commonly used by lawyers and critics about insurers that delay payments, deny claims and defend their actions.

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Dec. 6dbeard @dominionpost.com MORGANTOWN  The Federal Bureau of Prisons plan to deactivate FPC Morgantown and reassign its 150 employees to FCC Hazelton has raised concerns among West Virginia's federal lawmakers and prison employee union leaders.

American Federation of Government Employees Council of Prison Locals 33 has filed with the Federal Labor Relations Authority for an injunction to order FBOP to stop the process and bargain with the union regrading the fate of the employees.

The "Charge Against an Agency, " filed Friday by CPL Mid-Atlantic Regional Vice President Rick Heldreth, says, "The agency's plans to reorganize were kept secret from the union until the date and time that the plans were published to the affected employees."

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There was no notice, the charge says, and no opportunity to bargain regarding the procedures or arrangements for the affected staff. This violates federal statute and the collective bargaining agreement. FBOP is required to notify the union in advance and bargain the changes.

"The agency's reorganization constitutes massive changes to working conditions and conditions of employment for hundreds of affected employees, " it says.

The charges asks FLRA to issue a cease-and-desist order and order the Bureau to give proper notice and bargain. It requests expedited processing.

Heldreth told The Dominion Post that with the request for expedited action, FLRA could get an answer back to the union by early next week.

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"It's just the way it's being done, the timing of it, " he said. Making the move before Christmas and the return of President Trump to the White House gives the appearance of politicization. "We've had this problem for years."

It's already causing problems for Morgantown staff, he said. Some employees come from as far as Elkins and moving to Hazelton lengthens their commute.

Under the bargaining agreement, he said, displaced employees are to receive priority consideration and can apply for work at any federal institution. While Hazelton is understaffed, "it's just not fair to these employees to uproot them like this with no notice."

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito commented, "I don't know what the rush is. We had no indication this is coming, so we're concerned about it. The timing of it is very discomforting."

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Sen. Joe Manchin told The Dominion Post, "This is a very serious decision with major implications for the public servants working at Federal Prison Camp Morgantown, their families, and the surrounding community. A decision of this magnitude should be delayed until the incoming administration is in place."

Justin Tarovisky, president of American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 420, representing Hazelton employees, said, "All of us were blindsided by this." He also questions the timing, less than two months before President Trump returns to the White House.

FBOP announced the plan for the Morgantown and Hazel facilities on Thursday, along with plans to deactivate five other facilities and close one. The intent, it said, is to address longstanding staffing shortages and maintenance and repair needs across the agency.

Tarovisky said, "Hazelton is completely understaffed right now." It's down more than 90 correctional officers.

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However, FBOP is required to follow collective bargaining agreement provisions and protocols. It must, and hadn't yet as of press time, alert AFGE Council of Prison Locals President Brandy Moore.

"You can't just force staff to go somewhere, " he said. "You have to follow procedures." Morgantown employees might want to retire or go somewhere else  in West Virginia or another state.

"We will make sure they follow that to the T, and they haven't, " he said.

Regarding Morgantown, he said, "I don't want to see any institution get closed." Morgantown has 150 jobs and the facility contributes to the local economy.

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AFGE Local 2441 represents the FPC Morgantown employees. President Greg Livengood said, "Everybody was just kind of floored. Not even the warden knew it was coming."

Some employees want to go to Hazelton, others are likely to seek employment elsewhere, he said.

"They're obviously frustrated because that's not where they want to work. They hired on at Morgantown with the expectation they'd be working at Morgantown, " he said.

And the word comes just three weeks before the holiday, he said. "Some of the staff there, it's turned their lives upside down." Some already drive two hours, and the move will add more time. Some will have to move. "It's a lot before the holidays."

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It won't be a major cost savings for the agency, he said, and the Mid-Atlantic Region will lose one of two drug programs with the deactivation.

The plan, he said, sends a message: "You're not really that important to us. We just need to fill space at Hazelton."

Capito also addressed the planned transfer. "There's probably a reason some of them are not working at Hazelton now." Hazelton may not be desirable, accessible or compatible with their job skills, for instance.

"I think we're going to need some more time here to see what the reason was, " she said. Lawmakers would have typically had some heads up about this kind of move.

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National union comments AFGE National President Everett Kelley issued a statement in response to FBOP's plan: "This announcement jeopardizes the continued employment of 400 federal employees just weeks before the holidays. While the agency says it will attempt to place employees in other jobs, the reality is that most Bureau of Prisons facilities are in isolated locations far from each other, so many if not most employees affected will face disruptive relocations to remain employed.

"And with the looming possibility of further cuts to the federal workforce through hiring freezes and forced relocations, retaining work at agencies outside the Bureau of Prisons will be difficult if not impossible.

"The closure of these facilities and likely loss of so many skilled and dedicated workers will exacerbate the existing staffing crisis within the Bureau of Prisons, making our prisons less safe for staff, inmates, and the surrounding communities."

FBOP comments FPC Morgantown is a minimum-security prison camp with 397 male inmates. They will be transferred to other minimum-security facilities.

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Hazelton has two sites. USP Hazelton is a high-security penitentiary with 1, 284 male inmates plus 147 at an adjacent minimum-security camp. FCI Hazelton is a medium-security prison with 1, 537 male inmates plus 489 female inmates at a secure female facility.

FBOP answered some questions submitted by The Dominion Post about the plan for the local facilities.

Asked about the difference between deactivation and outright closure, it said, "We are aware of the impact temporary closures may have on our employees. As previously stated, no one will lose their jobs as a result of this action. We will be conducting an assessment of the facility and our population needs to determine the next steps. We will provide updates as soon as we have them.

We asked about moving employees from a minimum-security site to a high-security site.

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FBOP said, "All employees assigned to correctional facilities are law enforcement officers and are considered correctional workers first, regardless of their occupation. All employees receive the same amount of training as correctional workers and are informed at the time of hiring they are expected to perform law enforcement functions during routine and non-routine situations."

Employees at all facilities receive law enforcement pay and /or law enforcement benefits FBOP said. "Accordingly, employees may be called upon as trained correctional workers to serve the needs of the agency."

We also asked about the planned timeline.

FBOP said, "We understand the wide-ranging effects this will have on our employees and those in our care and custody. We anticipate this process to begin simultaneously with all identified facilities and be concluded in approximately nine months from this announcement. The well-being of our employees, the incarcerated individuals in our care, and their families is of utmost importance to us, and we will do everything we can to ensure a smooth transition."
TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP)  The federal government on Friday approved a scaled-down wind farm in Idaho over local opposition, including from groups concerned about its proximity to a historic site where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II.

The Bureau of Land Management signed off on a final plan for the Lava Ridge Wind Project northeast of Twin Falls that decreases the number of wind turbines to 241 from 400 and imposes a maximum height of 660 feet (201 meters). The agency said the area disturbed by the project has been reduced by half from the initial proposal, with 992 acres (401 hectares) disturbed within a 38,535-acre (15,594-hectare) area.

The agency said the project could power up to 500,000 homes and that its approval reflects a careful balance of clean energy development with the protection of natural, cultural, and socioeconomic resources on this historically significant landscape.

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Some groups have expressed concern over the high desert site's potential impacts on the Minidoka National Historic Site, where thousands of Japanese Americans were imprisoned during World War II.

Friends of Minidoka, a group that works to preserve the site and educate about its history, said it was reviewing the decision but that it remained disappointed by a project it views as harming the area's sacredness.

Minidoka National Historic Site holds deep significance to both the nation as a whole and to the Japanese American community about the lessons of a gross violation of constitutional rights on a group of American citizens, Robyn Achilles, the group's executive director, said in an email.

Under the final version of the project, the closest turbine to the historic site would be 9 miles (14 kilometers) away.

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Two months after the Japans Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066. Roughly 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry were taken from their homes and incarcerated in camps as a potential threat against the U.S. Many were elderly, disabled, children or infants.

Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador has also opposed the wind project. In a Friday press release, he denounced the federal government for moving ahead with it regardless of the damage to Idaho farms, ranches, rural communities, agricultural aviation, water supplies, wildlife, and historical sites.

The Bureau of Land Management said it spent hundreds of hours speaking with Japanese American community members, as well as Native American leaders, ranchers and other local agencies. According to the agency, the final project reduced potential impacts to sage grouse, wildlife migration routes, a nearby airport, public land ranchers and other areas of cultural importance.

Under the Biden administration, the Interior Department has approved 43 renewable energy projects on public lands, the Bureau of Land Management said. The administration's goal is to permit on public lands 25 gigawatts of renewable energy  enough to power roughly 12 million homes  by 2025, including from wind and solar projects.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will test raw milk samples to track the spread of avian influenza after more than 700 dairy herds in 15 states tested positive for the highly pathogenic virus.

There was no sign of the virus in Washington in two rounds of voluntary testing by members of the Northwest Diary Association, state officials said.

The USDA testing, announced Friday, is national in scope but will start in just six states: Oregon, California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi and Pennsylvania.

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While Washington isnt in the first round, Oregons dairy industry is closely connected to the Mid-Columbia. Five of its top 10 dairies are in Umatilla and Morrow counties, south of the Tri-Cities, according to The Oregonian.

Egg farms hit hard already

Avian influenza, or H5N1, rampaged through commercial egg farms in the Tri-Cities region this fall after first appearing in backyard flocks in the state in 2022.

State officials say that strain is not the same as the one found in dairy herds.

In October, a farm in Franklin County euthanized 800,000 chickens and destroyed eggs after several workers tested positive for the avian flu.

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As of Dec. 6, there were 11 confirmed cases of people being sickened by avian flu in Washington and three suspected cases, according to the state Department of Health. The strain circulates naturally in wildlife and is thought to have spread to domestic birds.

H5N1 was first detected in dairy cattle in March 2024, the first time the bird flu viruses had been found in cows, according to the USDA.

The states department of agriculture said extensive testing has given no indication of the virus in Washington so far.

More than 600 raw milk samples collected from 165 members of the Northwest Dairy Association tested negative in two rounds. The state will test nonmember dairies in January.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is starting a national milk testing program after the highly pathogenic avian flu was detected in dairy cows in 15 states.

Identifying states, herds

Under the federal testing program, dairies, processors and others involved with the production, processing and distribution of milk are required to send raw samples to the USDA for testing on request.

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Testing will help identify which states and specific herds are affected by H5N1 and inform measures to reduce the risk of transmission to other livestock and, critically, to protect farm workers from being exposed.

This additional step is needed to proactively support effective biosecurity measures, which is key for states and farmers to contain and eliminate H5N1 infections from their livestock and to eliminate (aviation influenza) in livestock across the U.S. dairy population, the USDA said.

The federal order also requires owners of herds with cattle that test positive to provide information to enable tracing and disease surveillance. It also requires private laboratories and state veterinaries to share positive results with the USDA.

The first round of federal testing begins the week of Dec. 16.

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Individual states will be placed in one of five stages depending on the prevalence of H5N1. The results and progress toward eliminating infections will be shared at the USDAs Livestock Testing site.

Washington expects to be classified as a low-threat state thanks to initial testing by the industry.

Amber Betts, spokeswoman for the state ag department, said it expects to achieve unaffected status quickly.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is starting a national milk testing program after the highly pathogenic avian flu was detected in dairy cows in 15 states.

The Centers for Disease Control reports 15 states have experienced outbreaks in dairy cows affecting a total of 720 herds since the onset of the outbreak: California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.

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In the past 30 days, there have been no new reported cases in Washington, Oregon, Idaho or Montana. California had 269.

The spread to cows is new, but the USDA has tracked the virus in more than 200 mammals.

Dairy is a top agricultural product for Washington, tied with livestock for second place at $1.3 billion in 2023, according to the state Department of Commerce. Apples were the top value crop at $2 billion.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  In a season where food insecurity may be a concern for some, Feeding San Diego is stepping up to provide support to local families struggling with the high cost of living. On Saturday, the organization hosted a large-scale holiday food distribution at its headquarters in Sorrento Valley, aiming to assist 700 households in need.

From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., families received essential holiday food items, including frozen turkey breasts, stuffing mix, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, canned sweet potatoes, and corn muffin mix. In addition to holiday staples, fresh produce was also distributed to ensure a well-rounded meal for families.

Volunteers worked together to distribute over 25,000 pounds of food to households in need, in hopes of alleviating some of the financial burdens many are facing during the holiday season.

Feeding San Diego hosted a free food distribution at its headquarters on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (Courtesy of Feeding San Diego)

This distribution is part of a larger initiative by Feeding San Diego to support local families throughout the holidays. Since mid-November, the organization has been hosting additional food distributions across the county, alongside its regular programs. With food prices remaining high, the demand for these services has grown, making these holiday distributions more important than ever.

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This food distribution is made possible thanks to sponsor Albertsons, explained a spokesperson with the organization.

For those in need of assistance or looking to volunteer, Feeding San Diego encourages people to visit their website for more information and ways to get 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Over the weekend, jurors heard more testimony in the Timothy Herrington Jr. trial in Oxford, Mississippi.

Saturday marked the fifth day of testimony in the highly-anticipated capital murder case involving missing University of Mississippi student Jimmy Jay Lee.

The prosecution presented never-before-seen evidence in a trial thats attracted local and national attention, drawing a sharper focus on its capital murder case.

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Saturday afternoon, Rachel Carver, a forensic expert formerly with the Oxford Police showed jurors a number of items taken as evidence from the defendants apartment.

That included the gray hoodie the prosecution said Herrington was seen wearing the morning of July 8, 2022, when running from Molly Barr Trail Apartments where Jay Lees car was found.

What happened to Univ. of Miss. student Jay Lee? Prosecution says Herrington Googled strangling info

Other evidence included a roll of duct tape Herrington allegedly purchased at the Oxford Walmart that same day, rubber gloves, trash bags, a number of used condoms and an acrylic fingernail.

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Carver also presented pictures of Herringtons Ford Escape, particularly the interior of the white truck Herrington was allegedly driving on July 8, 2022.

Jurors were also shown photos of the Grenada home of Herringtons parents where investigators seized bedding, clothing, shovels and a wheelbarrow.

The evidence was collected more than two weeks after Jay Lee was reported missing. The defense quickly questioned how that length of time could have corrupted the evidence.

14 days is a long period of time if its been open to the access of people, time, temperature, manipulation of you cleaning up, Carver said. I dont know if those things happened but in 14 day period, yes.

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Murder trial for accused killer of Univ. of Miss. student Jay Lee continues

Police said Herrington admitted to having sex with Lee on July 8 at his apartment.

We dont have any DNA evidence from Jay Lee in that apartment, said former Oxford Police Department Lieutenant Shane Fortner. But Mr. Horan showed me some Instagram messages and weve read some of them out and one of them was, I [expletive] on your floor, you should probably clean that up. That was on July 8.

Earlier on Saturday, Herringtons attorney moved for a mistrial but the motion was denied.

Court is scheduled to resume on Sunday with jurors possibly driven by bus to various locations crucial to the investigation.

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Testimony will resume in the afternoon.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
The grinding Ukraine war has seen a rise in hit-to-kill drone interceptions of other drones.

Kyiv and Moscow are increasingly using drones to take out enemy systems above the battlefield.

This new tactic is pushing Ukraine to develop drones specifically for interceptor roles.

In the contested skies above Ukraine, a new kind of warfare is rapidly emerging as drones are increasingly sent on new attack missions. Their targets aren't armored vehicles or fighting positions  they are other drones.

Combat footage from the war in Ukraine has repeatedly captured these hit-to-kill intercepts in which a cheap drone slams into another unmanned aircraft. This practice is a cost-effective air-defense option that both the Ukrainians and Russians are using and intently pursuing.

The air duel.

A Ukrainian FPV drone destroyed a russian Lancet drone that tried to escape its fate.



: 93rd Mechanized Brigade pic.twitter.com/R8BfrGIMNE  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) October 30, 2024

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's minister for digital transformation, posted on Telegram in April that his country was on the hunt for interceptor drone solutions to shoot down Russian surveillance assets, the front-line eyes for strike drones and Russian artillery, "without wasting air defense assets."

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Nataliia Kushnerska, a senior executive in Ukraine's defense industry, told Business Insider that using uncrewed systems in this way "marks the emergence of an entirely new segment of modern warfare  drone-on-drone combat."

A new tactic in the evolving drone war

Drones have dominated the battlefield throughout much of the Ukraine war, being used for land, sea, and air missions. Cheap first-person view (FPV) drones are frequently used to carry out pinpoint strikes on enemy armor and troop positions, while larger systems collect intelligence.

A Ukrainian soldier prepares an FPV drone in the Luhansk region in August. Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images

But as the war has dragged on, drones have increasingly been used in an air-defense role to take down enemy uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) carrying out reconnaissance and attack missions. These aerial engagements can, at times, resemble the fierce dogfights of the World Wars.

An outfit that makes combat FPV drones posted in August that its modified drones had taken out 100 Russian UAVs. The Wild Hornets, as the operation calls itself, shared footage of some of the interceptions.

We have modified our drones to destroy the reconnaissance UAVs of the russian invaders. We have taken down more than 100 of their aircraft 



The video shows only 10% of what the military has shot down using these drones.



Much more will be taken down 



You can support our pic.twitter.com/YKo8U9R1kv  Wild Hornets (@wilendhornets) August 28, 2024

Kushnerska, the chief operating officer of Brave1, a Ukrainian government platform that facilitates innovation within the country's defense industry, said interceptor drones have become "one of the innovations of this war."

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The tactic, she said, makes it more difficult for Russia to operate its drones deep behind the front lines and collect data to facilitate missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian positions, which has been a real challenge for Ukraine as Russia pushes to expand its reconnaissance strike complex. This also awards Kyiv more flexibility to carry out its military operations and maneuvers.

Kushnerska said Ukraine was the first to use drones to intercept Russian reconnaissance UAVs, but Moscow has since adapted to the tactic and found ways to evade the interceptors. Now, efforts are underway to improve the systems so they remain effective.

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It is the latest iteration of what a senior Ukrainian official previously described to BI as a cat-and-mouse game between Kyiv and Moscow, where each side is constantly attempting to one-up the other in developing drones and other war-related technology.

Samuel Bendett, an expert on drones and Russian defense issues with the Center for Naval Analyses, told BI Moscow is similarly using FPV drones to take out Ukrainian systems and that Russia has also equipped its drones with defenses against interceptor drones, such as electronic-warfare jamming systems.

Bendett said that the Ukrainians "have gotten very successful in fielding their FPV drones against Russian ISR assets, and the Russians have gotten successful, up to a point, with using their FPV drones to go after Ukrainian heavy quadcopter UAVs."

Interceptor drones are limited in range and altitude and often carry less explosive power than more traditional air defenses like missiles. Drones provide Ukraine and Russia with an alternative way to take down aerial threats, one in which the cost of the intercept is often less than that of the system being targeted.

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Kushnerska said an interceptor drone typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000. An air-defense missile, on the other hand, could cost hundreds of thousands  or even millions  of dollars. Using drones reduces dependency on more expensive munitions and frees up Ukraine's air-defense units to focus on the bigger threats like Russian aircraft and more deadly cruise and ballistic missiles.

Pursuit of more interceptor drones

A Russian soldier operates a Supercam drone in an undisclosed location in November. Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP

For the Ukrainian soldiers tasked with intercepting Russian drones, it's a dangerous mission.

One drone operator in the Ukrainian military told BI that he operates from trench shelters very close to the front lines. He said the pilots are priority targets for Russia, which will use "every single thing at its disposal" to take them out.

The Ukrainian operator said that drone-on-drone combat is increasing. He said he sometimes uses interceptor drones up to five times a week. But Ukraine needs more of them.

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Kyiv has taken steps to procure more of these interceptor drones. Last month, for instance, a Ukrainian drone engineering company announced it had completed testing for a new FPV drone designed to take down Russian reconnaissance UAVs, like the Orlan, and was ready for military use.

But there's still more to be done. Valeriy Romanenko, a former air-defense officer who's now a researcher at Ukraine's State Aviation Museum, told BI that Kyiv's interceptor drones are good for slower reconnaissance UAVs at lower altitudes.

A Ukrainian soldier holding an anti-drone weapon tracks Russian drones during a patrol in the Chernihiv region in November. Global Images Ukraine/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

However, he said, Kyiv ultimately needs faster interceptor drones to take down Russia's deadly attack drones, like the notorious Shahed-136. In October alone, Moscow fired around 2,000 of these systems at Ukraine, according to Western intelligence.

The Wild Hornets have been working on a new "Sting" UAV to effectively combat the Shaheds, but it's a work in progress.

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This hit-to-kill intercept tactic has implications well beyond Ukraine and could be used in future conflicts, too. Mick Ryan, a retired Australian Army major general and strategist, said the use of drones for interceptions will likely be a lasting element of military operations.

"This is a trend that's here to stay unless there is some fundamental breakthrough in very low-cost anti-drone systems, and we're not seeing that at this point," he told BI. "I think this is an enduring kind of capability that many militaries should be looking at."

Read the original article on Business Insider
In 1984 I had the wonderful opportunity to spend part of the year working in England.

Not only did I experience life in a different country, but I was delightfully out of the country during a presidential election. However, the day after the election I found myself needing, and failing, to explain the Electoral College to totally baffled friends and acquaintances.

Although I knew a good deal about it, Maximina Jusons documentary One Person One Vote? confirms that a good part of my understanding of the electoral college was incomplete and some parts wrong.

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Independent film maker Maximina Juson will share the untold story of the Electoral College at the December 12 Columbia Basin Badger Club Forum.

Her documentary One Person, One Vote? describes how the Electoral College works, why it was established, and how it impacts our elections. One film review had the lead Finally, a film that explains the Electoral College in an engaging way commenting that Not only is Jusons documentary non-partisan to a refreshing degree, but it is also big hearted and even humorous at times.

As described in the film, the origin of the Electoral College arises from smaller population states being afraid of being controlled by larger population states.

Although southern states had about the same population as northern states, 1/3 of the population was enslaved and not entitled to vote.

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The Electoral College was an uneasy compromise that allowed the constitution to be sent to the states for ratification. The college has impacted, in multiple ways, the history of our country, including the events of Jan. 6, 2021.

During her Badger Club presentation Ms. Juson will outline the highlights of her film and answer questions including her experiences on January 6.

Forum participants are encouraged to watch the documentary before the meeting. It was shown on PBS program Independent Lens: One Person, One Vote on Monday, Sept. 30 on PBS and remains available to stream via the PBS App and PBS YouTube channel.

Juson says her debut feature is informed by her being the child of a peacekeeper. My mom worked for United Nations peacekeeping mission, she said. I went to the UN school, and I graduated inside the UN headquarters.

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This background informs the push for understanding reflected in One Person, One Vote, which resists what might be a common urge among documentarians to paint one party as less reasonable than the other.

Maximina Juson is an award-winning filmmaker and founder of HUMovies, a film production company in Los Angeles. Her debut feature film, One Person, One Vote? is a National Endowment for the Humanities grant recipient that world premiered at the Pan African Film Festival, taking home the Programmers Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Don Baer is a member of the Badger Club Board of Directors, a member of the Washington State Academy of Sciences, and a retired Laboratory Fellow from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
LARKSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Crews were called to a structure fire in Luzerne County Friday evening.

According to the Luzerne County Communication Center, the call came in around 7:00 p.m. at the intersection of Third and Marcy Street in Larksville.

8-year-old in critical conditions after falling through ice

The Larksville Fire Department said the family was moving into the home and were in the process of doing upgrades.

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There have been no reported injuries, and the fires cause is under investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Heavy smoke could be seen coming from a house fire in Mission Hills Friday afternoon.

Crews from San Diego Fire-Rescue (SDFD) responded to calls for a house fire in the 4000 block of Hermosa Way in the Mission Hills neighborhood of San Diego at 12:30 p.m. Friday.

Firefighters rescue Ocean Beach resident trapped in burning apartment

SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky was over the home Friday afternoon, which showed the fire collapsing part of the roof.

SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky over house fire in Mission Hills (SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky)

SDFD confirmed to FOX 5/KUSI that one person was seriously injured, however the nature of those injuries are unknown at this time. They also described the home as a hoarder home.

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Man arrested in connection with multiple fires in San Diego County

It took firefighters about an hour to douse the fire, which was able to be contained to the home.

There is currently no word on the extent of the damage or how many people may have been displaced.

This is developing. Check back for updates.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Dec. 6No one was injured in a two-alarm fire Thursday night at a home in Franklin, fire officials said.

Fire crews were dispatched to a reported building fire at 7:15 p.m. Thursday at 10 Hutchinson St. The Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS and Bristol fire departments were also toned as automatic aid.

As Franklin crews responded, dispatchers received a report that a garage was fully involved at the scene and that the fire was extending to the home, Franklin Deputy Fire Chief David Hall said in a statement.

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Franklin Fire Captain Keith McNulty called for a first alarm immediately, then a second alarm on arrival.

Crews entered the house with a hose and encountered heavy fire in the kitchen area, Hall said.

Additional crews arrived and battled the blaze in the garage and four automobiles burning in front of the home, officials said.

Searches for trapped occupants and fire extension through the home were completed, with no additional occupants found, as the fire extended to the second floor of the home.

One of the occupants was medically evaluated and released, Hall said. No other injuries were reported.

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The cause of the fire is under investigation, but Hall said it appears to be accidental.

Franklin was assisted on scene by fire departments from Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS, Sanbornton, Belmont, Hill, Boscawen, New Hampton, Laconia, Gilford, Concord, and the Lakes Regional Mutual Fire Aid.

One additional call was received and was handled by Andover Fire Department and Penacook Rescue Squad while covering Franklin's station.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  The Berry Global Warehouse fire has been tapped out according to scanner traffic.

Officials with Vanderburgh County Sheriffs Office say deputies were assisting the McCutchanville Fire Department.

Officials have not yest said what caused the fire.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
The Wall Raising ceremony of a 3D printed single-family homes project in Brevard County was made possible by long-standing partners Wells Fargo, The City of Melbourne, Community Foundation of Brevard, and Space Coast Association of Realtors Foundation.

Were excited to join Space Coast Habitat for Humanity and Macedonia CDC in their innovative efforts to create more affordable homes in Melbourne that will ultimately help put families into their first

home, said Kate Wilson, Senior Vice President of Community Relations at Wells Fargo.

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Read: 100-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor recalls confusion and chaos during Japanese bombing 83 years ago

Space Coast Habitat for Humanity and Macedonia CDC received grants totaling $300,000 from Wells Fargo to help pay for the construction, appliances, and furniture of the two homes.

With a labor shortage of over 500,000 skilled workers, robots like Frank

help fill this gap while offering training opportunities for masons to become printer operators, paving the way for career advancement.

Read: Central Florida sees alarming spike in Domestic Violence Cases: When to recognize and seek help

The project directly addresses the States concern over the growing challenge of affordable housing and the labor shortage in construction.

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We are proud to partner in this groundbreaking initiative, said Jerry Phillips from Macedonia Community Development Corp.

After completion, 2620 Lipscomb St in Melbourne, FL, will be one of the two 3D-printed homes available for rent through Macedonia Community Development Corporation.

Read: Alert: UCF burglaries occur at the Knights Circle apartment complex

Space Coast Habitat for Humanity will sell The other home to a qualified low-income workforce family. Both homes will feature eco-friendly designs made with environmentally friendly materials and methods, with minimal waste. Another key additional benefit of Apis Cor homes is

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resilience against climate events such as hurricanes and floods, as the concrete is water and mold-proof.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Governor Maura Healey has ordered all U.S. American and Massachusetts flags to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

December 7th is the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. In 1941 President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called it a date which will live in infamy. Until then the United States had stayed out of the growing war in Europe and away from the aggression of the empire of Japan in the Pacific.

Amnesty International says Israel committing genocide in Gaza. Israel rejects allegations

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In the early morning hours of December 7, hundreds of Japanese bombers led a surprise attack on the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in Hawaii. Twenty-one ships of the U.S. Pacific fleet were sunk or damaged, including five of our eight battleships.

The USS Arizona took a direct hit and lost more than 1,100 crewmen. More than 2,400 Americans were killed in the attack and some 1,100 more were wounded. The horror of that day drew the United States into World War II declaring war against Japan and then Germany deadly conflicts that took four years to resolve.

Each year, Dec. 7 is recognized as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and commemoration ceremonies are held across the country.

The order calls for the flags to be lowered to half-staff on all state buildings from sunrise until sunset and should remain half-staff to honor longtime former State Representative Gloria Lavera Fox.

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Flags at half-staff in Massachusetts in honor of former state Rep. Gloria Fox

Governor Maura Healey ordered the flags to be lowered to half-staff after the death of Fox on November 14th. They are ordered to remain half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, December 10th.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Governor DeWine ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff for the 83rd anniversary of Pear Harbor.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Pearl Harbor happened 83 years ago on Dec. 7 and many lives were lost.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Read Gov. DeWines full statement below:

In honor of the lives lost on December 7, 1941 in the attack on Pearl Harbor, and in

accordance with orders from the President of the United States of America, I hereby

proclaim, by the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Ohio by the Ohio

Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flags of the United

States of America and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon all public

buildings and grounds throughout the State of Ohio from midnight to midnight on

December 7, 2024.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]




FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)  A Florida prosecutor says he will seek to vacate as many as 2,600 convictions of people who bought crack cocaine manufactured by the Broward County Sheriff's Office for sting operations between 1988 and 1990.

The Florida Supreme Court ruled in 1993 that people couldn't be charged in cases where the sheriff's office made the crack cocaine and undercover deputies then sold it to buyers who were arrested and charged.

Broward County State Attorney Harold F. Pryor said Friday that while his office was reviewing old records, prosecutors realized that many people may still have criminal charges or convictions on their records because of the sting operation.

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It is never too late to do the right thing, Pryor said in a statement.

Its just one example of how the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s and early 1990s led to harsh police practices and heavy criminal penalties.

Some people may have been convicted of serious felonies because they bought drugs within 1,000 feet (300 meters) of a school. Conviction under that law required at the time that defendants be sentenced to at least three years in prison.

They were arresting people not for selling, but for purchasing, Ed Hoeg, a defense lawyer, told the Sun Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale. At the time, Hoeg was a public defender who represented Leon Williams, whose appeal led to the state Supreme Court outlawing the practice.

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They had detention deputies posing as dealers, Hoeg said. They would sell it, and these poor people who were addicts were buying it. And they were selling it within 1,000 feet of schools, so the penalties would be greater.

The sheriff's office said at the time that it began making crack because it didn't have enough of the seized drug to use in its sting operations and because it didn't have to later test the cocaine content of crack made by a sheriff's office chemist.

We find that the law enforcements conduct here was so outrageous as to violate Floridas due process clause, the state Supreme Court wrote in the decision.

Pryor said he notified Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony that Pryor would ask judges to vacate the convictions. Pryor said Tony supports the plan. Some defendants may also be able to seal or expunge the records, the prosecutor said.

The review will take a considerable amount of time, Pryor said. He said his office will contact people who may be affected.
Eyes Wide Hospitality is transforming into Wondrous Collective.

However, the suburban restaurant group that runs Bourbon Butcher, Volstead House, and Minnesota Burger Co. is doing more than changing its name.

Founder Tony Donatell revealed the changes in a recent Facebook post that also announced that the Apple Valley space that was formerly Misfits Collective food hall, and currently houses Pizzeria Social and Curiouser Coffee & Conservatory, will become Revolve Hall.

Revolve HallRevolve Hall/Facebook

"Seventeen years ago, when I opened my first business  a humble gas station with a kitchen in Eagan  I set out to do things differently," Donatell wrote in a lengthy message to the community. "Somewhere along the way, amidst the chaos of the pandemic, opening new restaurants, staffing shortages, and rising costs, we lost that spark. We made compromises that didnt align with our vision."

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The rebrand isn't just a new name. Donatell laid out the company's plans to get "back on track."

The rebranded space will have Curiouser expanding its food menu and welcoming Square Cut Pizza, a pizza shop serving Detroit-style pizza and thin-crust tavern pizzas. (You know, square-cut pizza styles.)

The space will also have Mean Miner's Street Tacos, Whiskey Inferno steakhouse and barbecue, and Ice Cold Tacos, where diners can order ice cream tacos.

Ice Cold TacosRevolve Hall/Facebook

Wondrous Collective is also taking over the Outpost gas station in Lakeville, which will become a second hub for Farmer's Grandson Eatery. Like the original location, it'll also sell gas in addition to food.

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Donatell also revealed that the company has been searching for top talent for their many restaurants. To lure them to Wondrous Collective, the company will now share profits with employees.

"This profit-sharing initiative is our way of giving back to those who make our hospitality family so special," he wrote. "By caring for our people, I believe we strengthen the culture that defines us and create an even better environment for our team and guests."

The company is also expanding its happy hours at all restaurants, introducing a new charitable giving program, getting rid of service charges, and launching a rewards program that offers discounts on food and gas.

Related: Beloved Red Dragon restaurant in Minneapolis will close this month
An outside investigator concluded Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse likely acted against the best interests of the county and fell short of professional expectations this year, according to a report released Friday.

However, the investigator also found Clouse likely did not sexually harass or retaliate against her executive aide as he has recently alleged in a lawsuit. The primary purpose of the report is to outline the amount of legal risk the county faces from the aides complaints.

The conclusions in the report largely seem to absolve the county of liability for sexual harassment and retaliation while also spotlighting concerning behavior by Clouse, which includes hiding a romantic and sexual relationship with her subordinate and accepting money and gifts from him without paying him back.

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Allyn Hershey, Clouses former executive aide, criticized the report and defended his reputation in an interview with The Olympian. He said hes speaking out now because he wants his story to be heard.

He also denied a sexual assault allegation that Clouse made against him during the investigation.

I feel like the public deserves to know the true reality of this investigation and things that theyre leaving out, Hershey said.

Hersheys attorneys filed a lawsuit in Thurston County Superior Court on Nov. 27, two months after submitting a tort claim for damages to the county that asked for $750,000. The filing of the lawsuit came after parties were unable to reach a settlement during a 60-day waiting period required by state law.

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Edward Earl Younglove III, Hersheys attorney, said he is not surprised by the conclusions of a report paid for by the county.

It may seem cynical to say that these investigations are frequently done to basically provide cover for the employer, but I think that is often true. Younglove said.

Younglove said he felt the report was incomplete and did not appropriately reflect the facts of the situation.

The reports release comes after months of controversy surrounding Clouse. She fired Hershey on July 29, about 30 minutes after he reported to the countys Human Resources department that he was being harassed.

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Three of Clouses seatmates voted to suspend her from some of her duties on Aug. 13 while Robin L. Nielsen, a Seattle-based workplace investigator and consultant, investigated her months-long relationship with Hershey.

Since then, Clouse has remained a voting member on the Board of County Commissioners, the body she was elected to, but she has been barred from representing the county on regional boards and committees she was appointed to.

Meanwhile, her former aide has been on administrative leave.

Maia Robbins, a Seattle-based attorney, has been representing Clouse throughout the investigation. She has called Hersheys allegations fiction and characterized Clouses suspension as a political vendetta by her seatmates.

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Robbins said Clouse has maintained she never sexually harassed or retaliated against Hershey. She said its ridiculous that the investigation and Clouses suspension have been drawn out for months.

Its a witch hunt to poke into other aspects of her private life and put them on display in an effort to keep her silenced, Robbins said.

The Olympian reviewed a copy of the report as well as an executive summary sent to County Manager Leonard Hernandez by Human Resources Director Maria Aponte.

The county released a heavily redacted version of the report along with a statement from the Board of County Commissioners on its website after 5 p.m. Friday.

What led to the investigation?

The report includes a chronological narrative of the events leading up to Hersheys firing and the subsequent investigation into his complaint.

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Clouse hired Hershey on April 24, 2024. The report says Clouse likely engaged in a consensual romantic/sexual relationship with Hershey that lasted sometime from April to June 1. Hershey disagrees with this characterization.

A lot of this was unwelcome, but I felt pressured into doing so because my entire job was to keep Emily (Clouse) happy. Hershey told The Olympian.

The report notes they kissed for the first time at a political event in Olympia on March 29, weeks before he got a formal job offer on April 16.

Younglove said they are not disputing that the relationship started with consent. The key question for their lawsuit is whether it was unwelcome, he said.

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Oftentimes, its true that a relationship might start out as consensual, but when one of the parties, usually the subordinate, wants out of it, it becomes difficult or impossible for them if they want to keep their job, Younglove said.

Additionally, Hershey said Clouse continued to ask him to go on dates and spend the night at her home past June 1. He provided screenshots of text messages to The Olympian, showing Clouse making those requests.

On July 22, Hershey texted Clouse to complain about a boring work event and indicated he might quit. Clouse responded by saying she would quit if he quit. Him quitting was one of her biggest fears, she said.

She referred to him as the shadow commissioner and the best EA ever, according to the report and text messages reviewed by The Olympian.

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On July 24, someone put a bag of candy where Clouse was sitting in the commissioners meeting room. Her aide attempted to remove the candy before Clouse returned but some remained.

He then texted her something to the effect of I got you on your candy addiction, the report states. Clouse told the investigator she observed him laughing with other county staff and interpreted the message as her aide playing a practical joke on her, which she considered disrespectful.

Hershey told the investigator he intended the text message to mean he had her back and he became upset that Clouse assumed he did not support her. Hershey left work without telling Clouse, according to the report.

The report says Hershey told Clouse he felt free to leave work any time that she disrespected him in the future. Hershey denies he ever said that to Clouse.

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Hershey was absent from work on July 25 without Clouses approval, according to the report. Clouse then spoke to Hernandez about Hersheys conduct. She reportedly told Hernandez what Hershey said the day prior and called that a deal-breaker for her.

On July 26, Hershey called Clouse in the morning to remind her about a meeting but she responded abruptly, according to the report. Hershey did not go into the office that day either, nor did he get approval from Clouse, per the report.

Hershey told The Olympian he worked remotely on July 25 and 26, a Thursday and Friday, which was not unusual for his schedule.

Hershey called Clouse at about 2 p.m. July 26 to discuss the events on July 24. Clouse told Hershey she would talk with him at 8 a.m. July 29 and stated she was at the park with a family member and her partner.

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Clouse told the investigator her aide became agitated and demanded to speak immediately because she was on-the-clock. She said she felt he was being disrespectful toward her.

Hershey then texted Clouse at about 2:43 p.m.

I highly suggest that you dont treat me that way. Its incredible [sic] disrespectful and unprofessional as a supervisor, the report says he texted.

Just before 3 p.m. Clouse told Hernandez Hershey had not cooled off and she was considering firing him. Hernandez told Clouse he would arrange to speak with Aponte in HR to review their options.

Hershey felt concerned Clouse intended to fire him during their July 29 appointment and consulted a friend who advised him to contact the countys Human Resources Department.

Hershey spoke on the phone with an HR analyst at 3:38 p.m. During that call, he explained some of what transpired since July 26 and accused Clouse of borrowing $1,500 from him and sending him suggestive photos, according to the report.

Clouse, Aponte and Hernandez spoke on a three-way call at about 3:52 p.m. and Clouse shared her version of events from the past few days. However, she did not tell them about her previous romantic/sexual relationship with her aide.

Aponte emailed Clouse a termination letter addressed to Hershey at 4:33 p.m. July 26. Given his role, Hershey had access to Clouses email and saw the letter. One minute later, Hershey texted Clouse.

HR has everything and Im going to sue you, he texted.

Clouse emailed Hershey the termination letter at 4:54 p.m. The Olympian reviewed a copy of the termination letter. The letter describes his job as an at-will position and offers no specific reason for his firing.

I have determined that it is in the best interest of the county to terminate your employment effective immediately, the letter says.

Four minutes after getting the termination letter, Hershey spoke with Aponte on the phone.

During that call, Hershey accused Clouse of sexual harassment, borrowing $1,500 from him two weeks before and making an offensive comment about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

He said he had evidence of his accusations and he felt worried Clouse would fire him on July 29. He said Clouse made rash decisions and he wanted to be compensated differently, according to the report.

Hernandez informed Clouse of Hersheys complaints later that evening.

Hershey said he met with Hernandez and Aponte on July 29. He said Hernandez offered him three months of paid administrative leave with benefits.

Hershey said he refused and Hernandez offered 6 months of leave and benefits. He said Hernandez then asked him how much time of paid leave with benefits would it take for him to not go public with his accusations.

Hershey said he asked for 9 months leave and the two of them shook hands. On July 30, Hernandez brought the matter to the Board of County Commissioners and they decided to hire an outside investigator. That same day, Hershey received a new letter from Clouse where she withdrew his termination letter and informed him he would be on paid administrative leave.

The cost of the countys contract with Robin L. Nielsen is not to exceed $10,000, The Olympian previously reported.

Hershey later heard from county officials that an investigation would proceed. Later that week, he started hearing through word of mouth that Clouse had accused him of sexual assault during an executive session with her seatmates.

He said thats when he decided to get an attorney.

Younglove said Hershey has fully cooperated with the investigation and neither of them have leaked details or documents.

What does the report say about sexual harassment and retaliation?

The investigator concluded Clouse more likely than not did not violate the countys internal discrimination policy or state law in the following ways.

She likely did not commit sexual harassment, either by engaging in quid pro quo harassment or creating a hostile work environment for the aide.

She likely did not subject Hershey to conduct that was offensive or intimidating to him because of his race.

She likely did not retaliate against Hershey when she fired him on July 26 because she did not know he filed a complaint prior to deciding to fire him.

The investigator also evaluated an allegation Clouse made against her aide that he sexually assaulted her on at least three occasions  a claim Hershey called completely false.

I just find it weirdly convenient that the week that I meet with HR and the county manager to report sexual harassment and retaliation is the week she decided to bring up that I sexually assaulted her in executive session, Hershey told The Olympian.

The executive summary does not discuss this point. A copy of the final report states the investigator determined it was more likely than not that the conduct Clouse described occurred at her residence while she was in a consensual relationship with the aide.

The report does not state whether the sexual assault allegations were determined to be false. In court documents, attorneys for Hershey said Clouse retracted her sexual assault complaint during the workplace investigation.

Younglove said the report dances around the sexual assault allegation.

The report does not want to call it out as not true, but its actually just part of a retaliation, Younglove said. That damages Allyns reputation.

County documents reviewed by The Olympian state Clouse alleged she was sexually assaulted. An investigation did not uncover any indication the assault occurred, per the documents, but its not stated how that claim was investigated or who conducted the investigation.

During a public meeting last month, Commissioner Wayne Fournier said he heard Clouse make criminal allegations and those allegations seemed to be unsubstantiated. However, Fournier did not elaborate on what those allegations were because they were discussed during a previous executive session.

What does the report say about Clouses professionalism?

The report says Clouse likely violated the countys internal ethics and employee conduct policies.

The report indicates Clouse likely prioritized her personal interests over the interests of the county by engaging in a romantic/sexual relationship with Hershey while he was employed.

This created a risk that Hershey could question any future adverse employment action by the county and allege discriminatory harassment, according to the report.

Notably, the investigator found Clouse accepted $1,500 from her aide to buy a plane ticket to Japan on July 15. Hershey considered the payment a loan, but the report says Clouse never paid him back.

The report states Clouses acceptance of the money could reasonably appear to be an inappropriate use of her position for personal gain or benefit.

Additionally, the investigator noted that Hershey bought Clouse gifts on several occasions valued at less than $300, but those purchases likely occurred outside of work.

The report indicates Clouse failed to ensure that she immediately and consistently paid for all the coffee and food that she instructed her aide to purchase for her during workdays. This created opportunities for real or perceived abuse of supervisory authority.

Clouse represents the highest position of policy level authority in the county, according to the executive summary. As a leader and county representative, the summary says her actions set a precedent that could cause problems for the county and the work it does.

The lack of professional boundaries, workplace decorum, sound judgment, and the application of ethical practices have created a compromising position for Commissioner Clouse and the County, Aponte wrote in the summary.

These actions have also subjected an employee to workplace conditions that are not tolerated in Thurston County. Thurston County does not condone the blurring of professional lines as represented in this situation.

Clouse created a work environment of unspoken obligation by accepting gifts and money from the aide.

Thurston County does not condone supervisors accepting gifts and borrowing money from their subordinates or others in the organization when there is a clear power dynamic, Aponte wrote.

Additionally, the summary notes Clouse blurred the line between personal and county business. She did so by having Hershey drive her around, paint a room in her house and engage in a sexual relationship, according to the summary.

Aponte wrote that Clouses behavior and lack of transparency were disappointing and troubling. The investigator found Clouse did not disclose her past sexual relationship with Hershey when she discussed firing him with her and the county manager.

Thurston County does not condone the omission of key information from supervisors and managers when deciding on employment matters, Aponte wrote.

Aides speak out

Hershey said he chose to speak out after learning about blatant inconsistencies and lies in the report. He said he did not speak earlier because he wanted to respect the investigation and legal process.

I hope the public understands that theres a process to this, Hershey said. Theres a pending tort claim and now a lawsuit. My silence was necessary in order to abide by that process.

Hershey said that process has had a significant impact on his mental health and well-being. He said hes also faced harassment due the sexual assault allegation Clouse made against him.

Ive been destroyed mentally and physically, Hershey said. I havent been able to eat or sleep.

Hershey previously worked in King County. He said he took the job as Clouses aide so he could take care of his seriously-ill mother full-time in Olympia.

Its the only reason why I came back to even take a job in Thurston County and now my mental health has been jeopardized because of how Emily has treated me, he said.

Tracey Carlos served as Clouses executive aide before Hershey. She started in the position on Jan. 24, about two months after Clouse took office. She said Clouse fired her on April 12, just days before Hershey was formally offered the role. She said Clouse avoided her in the last month of her employment and their communication broke down.

Carlos said she did not personally experience the kind of behavior that Hershey alleged against Clouse, but she was not surprised to learn about it.

Shes a very privileged person who thinks she can do what she wants, Carlos said. Shes horrible at her job and I dont want to see her re-elected.

Carlos said she felt shocked when she heard Clouse had made a sexual assault allegation against Hershey.

Allyn (Hershey) is not a liar and I think Emily (Clouse) is, Carlos said.

Robbins, Clouses attorney, said Carlos was terminated for cause due to poor performance.

Its unfortunate that she is now trying to insert herself into matters that have nothing to do with her, Robbins said. And its especially unfortunate that she would endorse the harmful trope that victims of sexual assault who finally gather the courage to come forward are liars.

Taking local legal action

Younglove said Hershey is suing the county rather than Clouse because employment discrimination law imposes the primary duty on the employer to prevent sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation.

He added they chose to sue in Thurston County Superior Court rather than elsewhere.

We could have brought it in federal court or one of the adjoining counties, Younglove said. We decided to bring this lawsuit in Thurston County because we have faith in the citizens of Thurston County to hold their county government accountable.

Hershey said hes seen some of the public support Clouse has received at board meetings and he wants the public to know the truth.

I dont think that anyone who is publicly going around lying about sexual assault should represent our county in any capacity, let alone any boards or commissions, Hershey said.

I hope the public looks at the truth of who Emily (Clouse) is as a human being, rather than just her policies, and makes a decision for themselves on whether or not she deserves to be in office.

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A former Woodstock police officer has pleaded guilty in the death of the October 2023 shooting death of 20-year-old Emmanuel Millard.

The trial for former officer Grant Shaw was slated to begin on Monday, but Channel 2s Audrey Washington was the only TV reporter in the courtroom on Friday as Shaw entered a negotiated plea.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Friday night, Shaw was sentenced to 10 years, which was commuted to probation. After those 10 years, hell serve two years in prison.

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Channel 2 Action News has been following the case since it first happened.

A grand jury indicted Shaw on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in Millards death. Hes accused of shooting Millard after a police chase that started in Woodstock and went into Cobb County.

Millard was not armed when he was shot and killed.

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Channel 2 Action News has also reported on another incident where Shaw was seen on body camera holding a couple at gunpoint after an attempted traffic stop.

That couple told Washington that they were rushing their sick pet to an animal hospital. They also say they warned the Woodstock police chief that they feared Shaw would kill someone.

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At least four people have been injured after an explosion set off a fire in a three-storey residential building in the Dutch city The Hague on Saturday morning.

The building partially collapsed following the explosion, the fire brigade wrote on X.

It said firefighting operations are ongoing and rescue workers are searching the debris for further victims.

The cause of the explosion is not yet known.
FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  A traffic stop along I-70 led to deputies with the Frederick County Sheriffs Office (FCSO) arresting six suspects on Thursday night.

Shortly before 9:15 p.m., deputies stopped a Volkswagen Routan in the area of I-70 West at Monarchy Boulevard for moving and equipment violations.

After seeing drugs in plain view, the deputies said they searched the van and the six people inside.

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FCSO said they found a loaded pistol, over 250 grams of suspected cocaine, about 100 grams of suspected heroin and other drug paraphernalia.

Suspect arrested 9 months after fatal Southeast DC shooting

Recovered paraphernalia. Frederick County Sheriffs Office.

Looking at the addresses of those arrested is a clear indication of ongoing illegal drug activity routed through Frederick County between Baltimore and western Maryland. Interstate 70 has long been an established pipeline for intra-state trafficking. The armed individuals involved in the transport of illegal drugs only heighten the threat to law enforcement and the public. Interdiction efforts like this continue to be effective in attacking the drug trafficking problem, FCSO Sheriff Jenkins stated in a news release.

All of the six people were arrested.

They were identified and charged with the following:

Sierra Michelle Mcmanaway, 35, of Frostburg, MD: 2 counts of CDS: POSSESS-NOT CANNABIS, 2 Counts of CDS: POSS W/I DIST: NARC, CDS POSSESS  LG AMT, LOADED HANDGUN IN VEHICLE.

Maranda Chere Pearson, 27, of Cumberland, MD: 2 Counts of CDS: POSSESS-NOT CANNABIS, 2 Counts of CDS: POSS W/I DIST: NARC, CDS POSSESS  LG AMT, HANDGUN IN VEHICLE, LOADED HANDGUN IN VEHICLE

Demond A. Scott, 37, of Cumberland, MD: 2 counts of CDS: POSSESS-NOT CANNABIS, 2 counts of CDS: POSS W/I DIST: NARC, FIREARM USE/FEL-VIOL CRIME, LOADED HANDGUN ON PERSON, HANDGUN ON PERSON, LOADED HANDGUN IN VEHICLE, FIREARM POSS-CRIM VIO/FEL CONV, ILLEGAL POSS AMMO, REG FIREARM:ILLEGAL POSSESSION, FIREARM/DRUG TRAF CRIME, CDS: DISTR ETC. W/FIREARM, CDS POSSESS  LG AMT

Diallo Deshawn Jackson, 32, of Baltimore, MD: 2 Counts of CDS: POSSESS-NOT CANNABIS, 2 counts of CDS: POSS W/I DIST: NARC, CDS POSSESS  LG AMT, HANDGUN IN VEHICLE, LOADED HANDGUN IN VEHICLE

James Richardson Mitchell, 36, of Baltimore, MD: 2 counts of CDS: POSSESS-NOT CANNABIS, 2 counts of CDS: POSS W/I DIST: NARC, CDS POSSESS  LG AMT, HANDGUN IN VEHICLE, LOADED HANDGUN IN VEHICLE, LOADED HANDGUN ON PERSON, HANDGUN ON PERSON, FIREARM/DRUG TRAF CRIME, CDS: DISTR ETC. W/FIREARM, ILLEGAL POSS AMMO, REG FIREARM:ILLEGAL POSSESSION

Alyssa E. Hockenberry, 22, of Cumberland, MD: 2 counts ofCDS: POSSESS-NOT CANNABIS 2 counts of CDS: POSS W/I DIST: NARC CDS POSSESS  LG AMT HANDGUN IN VEHICLE LOADED HANDGUN IN VEHICLE



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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  The city of Owensboro says to celebrate the twelve days leading up to Christmas, the Owensboro Transit System (OTS) will provide free rides on all routes from December 10 through December 23.

Officials say due to this, all December monthly bus passes will be 50% off their original price. Owensboro Transit System will be closed December 24 and 25 so employees may celebrate with their families.

Owensboro Racing and Gaming announces grand opening date

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People can contact the Owensboro Transit System at 270-687-8570.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  An Israeli hostage who was kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, shared her story and the experience of being in captivity for 51 days.

Aviva Siegels husband Keith is one of several American hostages still being held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. She explained to DC News Now that he has dual Israeli and American citizenship.

In November last year, Aviva was released after over a month of captivity, but Keith was left behind.

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Hamas official says Gaza ceasefire talks have resumed after weekslong hiatus

I remember the lights of them shooting me and theres bullets in my floor at home, Aviva Siegel recalled. There must have been 15 of them and they just took us in such a brutal way.

Its been more than a year since terrorists ripped Siegel and her husband from their home during the October 7th Hamas attack.

The worst moments of my life in Gaza [was] when they tortured Keith and when they tortured the girls, she said.

For 51 days, Aviva, Kieth and other hostages were held in dark tunnels underground. She said they were starved, tortured, beaten and raped.

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I had to see that and keep quiet while I wanted to scream, What are you doing to this little girl? Why are you doing something like that? Siegel said.

Avivas daughter Elan Tiv said theyve been to D.C. about 10 times in the last 425 days.

A photo of Keith with his family. (Courtesy of Elan)

DMV man to host memorial service in DC for brother killed by Israeli drone

Were coming every time theres an opportunity to talk to the administration to talk to officials in the government just to raise the voice of the government for the hostages because they can not, she said.

Now, the Siegel family is advocating for Keith and the other hostages to come home.

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Its so cruel to think that theyre still there in those conditions underneath the ground with these people  Hamas terrorists that are responsible [for] treating them like theyre not human beings, Siegel said.

Her family says there are still about 100 hostages in Gaza, with seven of them being Americans.

Israeli flags and the photos of the hostages are posted outside of the Israeli Embassy in Northwest D.C.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Many people who live in an East Harlem building say most nights, they cant feel their heat. They reached out to PIX11 News for help restoring the heat before the holidays.

Clarrisa Alayeto says her mom is freezing in her apartment. Nilsa Baidwan, 85, says it can be so cold in her living room sometimes; she showed PIX11 how she bundles up every night.

More Monica Makes It Happen

PIX11 News has helped restore the heat and hot water for years to dozens of NYCHA buildings across New York City. PIX11 reached out to NYCHA and the management company about the complaints.

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NYCHA is in contact with the PACT property management partner for 335 E 111 Street, who are sending staff to assess the heat distribution in these units. We will work to find a suitable resolution for these residents.

Update: Since our story, heat has been restored to the building.

East Harlem Tree Lighting

Friday marks the 21st anniversary of the East Harlem holiday tree lighting. Hundreds of people gather for the magical moment each year.

PIX11s Monica Morales will host the event for the third year. The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. at 207 E. 106th St. in East Harlem.

Each year, the community and small businesses of East Harlem come together, representing myriad cultures, from holiday parranda caroling to Chinese Lion Dance.

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The tree decorations are made from recycled materials such as plastic bottles and milk containers. Explorers from the 23rd Precinct Community Council will give dozens of toys to the children.

If you have a story, reach out to Monica Morales at monica@pix11.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 PIX11.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  A man was arrested in El Salvador after being on the run for over 27 years, Montgomery County police said.

58-year-old Jose Mauricio Rivera was wanted for an attempted murder that happened in Silver Spring in 1997, according to the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD).

MCPD said that Rivera is accused of confronting his estranged wife in the elevator of her apartment building on Oct. 9, 1997. They had just separated due to accusations of abuse, and his wife had a restraining order against him.

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Rivera allegedly shot his wife multiple times.

Man convicted of murdering grandmother who was visiting family in Prince Georges County

MCPD said that after the shooting, Rivera left the country.

He was arrested in El Salvador on Thursday due to a joint operation with MCPD, the FBI Baltimore Field Office, El Salvador National Police and Interpol.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Dec. 6An expected budget shortfall for snow grooming operations at Mount Spokane State Park has been solved thanks to fundraising efforts by local wintersports enthusiasts.

Rex Schultz, a spokesman for Washington State Parks, said the state's largest park expected to be short by a little more than $7,000 this winter in its budget for grooming its Nordic ski and snowmobile trails this season.

The grooming program is funded by the sales of sno-park passes, which are required to park at a number of lots at popular winter recreation areas across the state.

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Last year's paltry winter led to a reduction in pass sales, Schultz said, prompting the shortfall. Park officials were considering reducing a motorized trail grooming position from full time to part time to make up for it.

That would have meant just three days a week of grooming on the motorized trails instead of the regular five. But the crisis has been averted.

Schultz said the agency asked for help from the Spokane Nordic Association and the Spokane Winter Knights to raise money for grooming, and it worked.

The Nordic Association in particular made a big push for Giving Tuesday this week to raise money for the effort. In a Facebook post, the group said it met its goal of $5,000 by noon that day.

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Schultz said the fundraising efforts produced enough money to allow the agency's grooming staff to work on the trails five nights a week this winter, preparing them for skiers and riders for the next morning. Visitors can expect to find freshly groomed trails Thursday to Monday each week.

A reduction in sno-park pass sales isn't the only budget problem that state parks has dealt with this year. Earlier this fall, the agency announced that it was closing 14 of its sno-parks statewide because of a long-term reduction in snowmobile registrations.

In Eastern Washington, the shortfall prompted the closure of the Ninebark and Cloverland sno-parks.
President-elect Donald Trump is building his second administration at a breakneck speed, announcing his choices for nearly all of the roughly two dozen top-tier nominations, including Cabinet posts, earlier than he did when starting his first term. Its a sign not only that Trumps team has more experience than it did in 2016, but also that it has a much more defined sense of what it wants: loyalty.

The expedited pace, however, has not come without setbacks and intrigue. Trump has long skipped the careful vetting of the backgrounds and financial records of potential picks that most incoming administrations undertake. This approach has led to surprise controversies and unexpected bumps for some of his more contentious choices.

Trump has botched up the nomination process pretty bad, a Republican senator said, adding, They clearly arent vetting these people.

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Theres also extensive jockeying between influential voices like Trumps sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and other transition staffers, including chief of staff Susie Wiles.

Its like Game of Thrones over there. I think Don Jr. has been trying to do things at times. Its like Susie will have a meeting and then Don Jr. will say something else," a transition source said, who said they were not implying there's any tension between the two, just that there are big personalities on the team. "Some of it has been kind of weird.

Trump Jr.s most overt influence to date was felt in his negative feedback of former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for another administration role. Pompeo is now disliked by much of the MAGA base and faced direct pushback from Trumps eldest child.

This account of the Trump transition effort is based on interviews with a dozen people familiar with or involved in the process. Many were granted anonymity to speak candidly or because they were not authorized to speak on the record.

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President Trump was re-elected by a resounding mandate from the American people to change the status quo in Washington. Thats why he has chosen brilliant and highly-respected outsiders to serve in his Administration, and he will continue to stand behind them as they fight against all those who seek to derail the MAGA Agenda, Trump transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. Alongside his highly-qualified nominees, President Trump will shatter the Deep State and restore government that is controlled by the people.

Though many of Trumps nominees appear poised for relatively easy confirmation, some of his highest-profile picks have become bogged down in controversy; two have already withdrawn their names from consideration, and others  most notably Pete Hegseth, Trumps pick for defense secretary  may not have the votes to be confirmed. Trump also changed his mind and announced a new pick for White House counsel.

For his first administration, Trump lost just one nominee. And even those who are moving forward this time have been the subject of, at times, internal fights among longtime Trump loyalists, family members and the newest  perhaps biggest  influence: tech billionaire Elon Musk.

I think he is around Musk more than anyone else, a Trump ally familiar with the transition said. There are several of the traditional sort of transition tensions and fighting over picks, but Musk casts a huge shadow.

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Musk, who poured more than $250 million into helping Trump get elected, is not only co-chairing the new Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE  a nongovernmental entity that has promised to make $2 trillion in cuts to the federal budget  but he has also been a prominent voice on key picks, most notably Kash Patel, Trumps pick to be FBI director. Patel is a vocal backer who has spread baseless deep state conspiracy theories, calling for the purge of perceived Trump enemies from within the FBI and to shut down the bureaus Washington headquarters on his first day in office.

Elon was the principal guy behind Patel, the Trump ally said. He is a big reason he ultimately got picked.

During Trumps first transition process, there was a tug of war between his MAGA movement and those seen as more traditional Republicans. This time, thats less the case. Not only are the voices in the president-elects ear all generally philosophically aligned, but also Trump himself is taking a much more hands-on approach.

Now he is coming in with a much clearer vision, the Trump ally said. He has been in the job, so he knows exactly what the job is. And you know the No. 1 thing he wants is loyalty and competence.

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Another Trump ally, who notoriously views fighting among staff and decision-makers as a positive rather than a negative, said the president-elect is getting involved in more than just top-tier appointments.

He is not just interested in who the Cabinet secretaries are, but also looking at who the deputy secretary candidates are, as well as the assistant secretary candidates, the person said.

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Part of the strategy has been to avoid unforced errors or distractions by keeping potential nominees largely offline and away from television interviews.I think youre seeing the campaign discipline translate to the transition, a transition source said.

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Among the most heated Cabinet fights is the one over Hegseth. The former Fox News host and Army National Guard veteran has been meeting with Republican senators over the past week in an attempt to alleviate concerns over allegations of drinking and his treatment of women.

For many Trump supporters, the Hegseth nomination has become a litmus test for how loyal Republicans, specifically those in the Senate who would have to vote to confirm him, are to the president-elects pledge to install people who will fundamentally remake key swaths of the federal government.

Trump and his allies have already promised primary challengers for senators who do not vote to confirm Hegseth, including skeptics like Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who is a member of the Armed Services Committee and a veteran. MAGA adherents have turned their wrath on Ernst, believing that she wants the job for herself  even though she has not indicated so publicly.

People in Iowa have a well-funded primary challenger ready against her, Charlie Kirk, founder of the influential conservative group Turning Point USA, wrote on social media. Her political career is in serious jeopardy.

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Hegseth has been defiant and pledged to keep fighting, and Trump has continued to back him, posting as recently as Friday morning that he is doing very well.

But the Hegseth drama has spun off its own political intrigue, as a shortlist of potential replacements has been publicly discussed, including Ernst, Tennessee Sen. Bill Hagerty, former Trump administration Pentagon official Elbridge Colby, Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt and most surprisingly, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The DeSantis chatter has caught particular attention because he had an intense political rivalry with Trump during the 2024 Republican presidential primary and has a history of bad blood with several Trump staffers, including Wiles, who ran his 2018 gubernatorial campaign before the two had a falling out.

We have all advised him on the pros and cons here, and I think given him good advice, a Trump official said. But at the end of the day, if he can get over it, why cant we.

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The emergence of DeSantis name has also stirred up potential considerations for the 2028 presidential race. DeSantis is likely to once again consider a run for the White House, which many anticipate would put him on a collision course with Vice President-elect JD Vance, who is also expected to consider a run and would likely try to tap into the same pool of Trump voters DeSantis would need.

Trumps transition team brushed off any concerns that potentially nominating DeSantis as defense secretary could elevate his presidential prospects.

Ron is not a full [Trump] convert, but he has a little star power, and thats something the president likes. There is media value there, a person involved in the transition said. And if we pull him in and hug him tight, hes part of our administration. He could not run against our administration.

Then it becomes a personality test, the person added. JD wins that 100% of the time.

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The highest-profile defeat to date for Trump was around former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz to be attorney general. Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration after it became clear an investigation into allegations of sex trafficking and sex with a minor would prevent him from getting enough votes to be confirmed. Gaetz was never charged and has denied the allegations.

Six hours after Gaetz withdrew late last month, Trump nominated former two-term Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, a longtime ally, as his replacement. Bondis pick prompted some pushback over her past comments about prosecuting prosecutors who came after Trump, but she is widely considered to be a pick who will be able to secure Senate confirmation.

Bondi did play an influential role in suggesting the other Trump pick who has withdrawn his name  Tampa-area Sheriff Chad Chronister, who was the president-elects choice to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration, according to two sources familiar with the decision.

Last week, Chronister posted on social media that he was pulling his name as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, a claim quickly undercut by Trump himself. In his own post, Trump pointed to how Chronister handled the coronavirus pandemic, including a 2020 decision to arrest a Tampa-area pastor who flouted pandemic-era lockdown orders.

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He didnt pull out, Trump said. I pulled him out, because I did not like what he said to my pastors and other supporters.

Even some nominations that have received relatively little attention have been the subject of internal jockeying.

Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is not expected to have a formal role in a second administration, advocated for private equity executive Marc Rowan to be nominated for treasury secretary, four sources told NBC News, but Trump instead chose hedge fund executive Scott Bessent.

But the speed at which things are moving and, at times, complicating some of Trumps nominations is part of an aggressive strategy that is by design.

Trump is in a pretty aggressive mode of trying to shove the system as hard and as fast as he can, said former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a staunch ally. If 5% do not make it, he would regard that as a reasonable price for being as daring as he is and he will get 95%.

He is being Trump! Gingrich continued. That is the guy that got to be president despite everything.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
GE Vernova secured a contract with 50Hertz Transmission GmbH to deliver advanced STATCOM technology, supporting Germany's transition to a renewable energy future

The 300 Mvar FACTSFLEX GFM solution, with Grid Forming Control, will enhance grid stability and resilience as Germany integrates more renewable energy sources

STATCOM units will be deployed at key substations in Germany, further strengthening the countrys electrical infrastructure and supporting its ambitious Energiewende goals

GE Vernova Inc. announced it has secured a contract from 50Hertz Transmission GmbH, one of Germanys four transmission system operators, to provide advanced grid-stabilizing technology with an aim to enhance the reliability of Germanys electrical power grid as it integrates more renewable energy sources. As part of this contract, GE Vernova will deliver its 300 Mvar FACTSFLEX GFM solution, a Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) solution with Grid Forming Control (GFM). This advanced STATCOM technology (Figure 1) provides essential support for maintaining the stability of the power system, especially as variable energy sources like wind and solar are added to the grid. Supported by Grid Forming Control software, this solution is designed to automatically adapt to fluctuations in the grid voltage, keeping the grid stable. The solution will also include transformers, circuit breakers, and protection and control equipment to provide a fully integrated and reliable system. [caption id="attachment_226479" align="aligncenter" width="740"]

1. Virtual model of a STATCOM facility. Courtesy: GE Vernova[/caption] The STATCOM units are planned to be designed and manufactured at GE Vernovas grid solutions facilities in Dresden (Germany) and Tampere (Finland), with additional components, including valves, supplied from Stafford (UK) and transformers from Monchengladbach (Germany). Two STATCOM units will be deployed at 50Hertzs substation at Siedenbrunzow in Mecklenburg Western-Pomerania and one STATCOM unit at the Rohrsdorf substation in Saxony. 50Hertz operates the electricity transmission system in the north and east of Germany, which it expands as needed for the energy transition. More than 77 substations and switching stations are part of its grid infrastructure. 50Hertz is part of the Belgian-German Elia Group. Dr. Dirk Biermann, Chief Operating Officer with 50Hertz, said: STATCOM solutions are a necessary and important element of the energy transition. They provide continuously variable reactive power in response to voltage variations and allow us to strengthen the resilience of our grid as we move forward with renewable energy integration. STATCOM technology supports stabilizing the power grids in an energy system with more and more fluctuating renewable energies and less power plants based on fossil fuels. Johan Bindele, business leader at GE Vernovas Grid Solutions business, added, Our work with 50Hertz demonstrates GE Vernovas commitment to supporting Germanys energy transition with high-quality, reliable technology. With our STATCOM solution and Grid Forming Control, we are bringing advanced solutions that help keep Germanys grid stable as the country moves toward a renewable future. GE Vernova is at the forefront of electrification, dedicated to empowering a sustainable and resilient energy landscape.

Why STATCOM Technology Is Essential for Energy Transition

A STATCOM system acts as a critical stabilizer for the electrical grid, dynamically managing reactive power flow to prevent potential disruptions. As Germanys renewable energy generation increases, this technology is critical in stabilizing fluctuating energy inputs to achieve uninterrupted power for households and businesses. STATCOM is a part of a broader Flexible AC (Alternating Current) Transmission System (FACTS) framework, which includes advanced equipment designed to enhance grid flexibility and stability. Without solutions like STATCOM, the grid could face challenges such as voltage instability and power disruptions, particularly as it accommodates variable renewable sources. By actively responding to grid conditions, GE Vernovas FACTSFLEX GFM is designed to support the adaptability and resilience needed to meet the demands of Germanys ambitious energy transition. This solution represents an advanced approach to managing grid balance, providing a smoother transition to a renewable-powered future.

Supporting Germanys Energy Transition Goals

Germanys commitment to its energy transition, or Energiewende, is one of the worlds most ambitious. With the goal of sourcing 80% of its energy from renewables by 2030, Germany requires a robust and reliable grid infrastructure to meet the new electrification demands. Projects like these are instrumental in supporting the countrys vision for a lower-carbon, reliable energy future, and GE Vernova is proud to contribute to this mission.

Expanding Local Expertise in High-Voltage Technology

To further support Germanys energy transition, GE Vernova recently inaugurated its HVDC (High-Voltage Direct-Current) Competence Center in Berlin, strengthening local expertise and resources for high-voltage technology. This center enhances GE Vernovas capacity to address the needs of European grid operators, providing innovative, locally driven solutions for complex power challenges. POWER edited this content, which was contributed by the External Communications department of GE Vernovas Grid Solutions business, which is part of its Electrification segment.
The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has reported that 48 people were detained as a result of the dispersal of the protest on Rustaveli Avenue on the night of 6-7 December.

Source: Ekho Kavkaza (Echo of the Caucasus), a Radio Liberty regional project; Novosti Gruzia (News of Georgia), a Georgian news outlet; European Pravda

Details: The Interior Ministry said 48 people were detained under articles of the Administrative Code on "disorderly conduct" and "disobedience to police".

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The media reported that among the detainees was Beka Korshia, a journalist for the opposition Mtavari TV channel, who was detained as he was walking away from the parliament along a neighbouring street after the dispersal on Rustaveli Avenue.

The detained Coalition for Change MP, Tsotne Koberidze, was released after the arrest, as he is still formally a member of parliament and has immunity. Koberidze said that he was insulted and beaten during his detention, but later the police treated him decently.

It was also reported that former Economy Minister Zurab Alavidze and his son are among the detainees.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs explained the dispersal of the protest by the aggressive actions of the protesters, who fired fireworks and threw stones at the police.

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The Georgian Parliamentary Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) stated that before the violent dispersal, the rally was peaceful and there were no grounds for interference with freedom of assembly.

Background:

As is known, protests have been going on in Georgia since 28 November, triggered by doubts about the results of the parliamentary elections announced by the authorities and the decision to pause the issue of opening negotiations on EU accession by 2029.

Nonetheless, the ruling Georgian Dream party argues that this does not mean a rejection of European integration.

On 6 December, the presidents of the Baltic states and Poland issued a joint statement in which they expressed support for the European aspirations of the Georgian people and called on the authorities to stop using force against protesters.

A joint statement was also issued by the foreign ministers of Poland, Germany and France, in which they expressed regret over the Georgian authorities' decision to pause European integration and condemned the persecution of pro-Western protesters.

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Georgian police detained Tsotne Koberidze, a politician and member of the Coalition for Change opposition group, on Dec. 6 amid government crackdowns as pro-EU protests in the country continue.

This comes two days after Nika Gvaramia, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, was detained on Dec. 4.

The demonstrations, which have persisted for nine days in Tbilisi, escalated as riot police violently dispersed and detained protesters for the first time in three days.

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Protesters initially assembled on Freedom Square near the Georgian parliament, with some throwing stones and firing fireworks at the building.

In response, special forces used water cannons and tear gas to clear the area and began making mass arrests.

Georgian Dream, which declared victory in the October elections broadly disputed by domestic opposition and international observers, has been accused of democratic backsliding and dragging Georgia into the Kremlin's orbit.

The latest wave of protests against Georgian Dream broke out last week after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of the countrys EU accession process until at least 2028.

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Read also: Ukraine sanctions Georgian oligarch Ivanishvili, PM, other officials amid pro-EU protests

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By Sarah Marsh

BERLIN (Reuters) -Alice Weidel, the chancellor candidate of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), is an unlikely public face for a male-dominated, anti-immigration party that depicts itself as a defender of traditional family values and ordinary people.

The 45-year-old is raising two sons with a Sri Lankan-born woman, a filmmaker, and speaks fluent Mandarin, having done a doctorate in economics in China. A west German leading a party that is strongest in the former communist East, she worked for Goldman Sachs and Allianz Global Investors and as a freelance business consultant before entering politics.

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Weidel's unusual profile, however, is precisely what makes her an asset to the AfD, say political analysts, lending a veneer of well-heeled liberal respectability to a party that is suspected by authorities of being antidemocratic.

Typically sporting a dark suit, white shirt and pearls, she comes across as more poised and competent on various topics than some of her colleagues, they say. Her critics call her a ruthless opportunist and a "wolf in sheep's clothing".

"Weidel is someone who can appeal to a broader public than the typical AfD constituency, to the middle class bourgeoisie," said Oliver Lembcke, political scientist at the University of Bochum. "She seems like the adult in the room among all these lunatics and extremists."

As AfD co-leader, Weidel has overseen a surge in support for the party in recent years, benefiting from frustration with Chancellor Olaf Scholz's fractious coalition whose collapse is set to result in a Feb. 23 snap election.

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The party is polling in second place on around 17%, after the conservatives on 33% but well ahead of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats on 15%, the Greens on 14% and the pro-market Free Democrats (FDP) on 4%.

This is the first time the AfD has nominated a chancellor candidate and Weidel has already acknowledged it is unlikely to enter government for now, given other parties refuse to work with it.

Weidel expects this firewall to crumble by the 2029 election as voters clearly want a right-wing coalition, she told German outlet Compact.

"Voters clearly want a coalition of conservatives and the AfD," she told reporters in Berlin on Saturday, warning the former of ignoring the voice of millions of voters.

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NAZI GRANDFATHER

Weidel describes her upbringing as "highly political", although her parents did not belong to any party.

Her paternal grandfather was a prominent Nazi judge, Die Welt newspaper reported last month, and the family was expelled from Silesia, now in Poland, after World War Two.

The youngest of three, she recalls getting into trouble at school for being too argumentative as well as having uncomfortable encounters with Middle Eastern immigrants living in social housing in her west German town.

"You don't enjoy going to the outdoor pool anymore as a teenager when people are always calling you 'slut' or some such," she told WeltWoche.

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After getting two university studies in parallel, in business and economics, she joined Goldman Sachs, grew bored and moved to China to do a doctorate on the Chinese pension system while working as a business consultant.

Weidel joined the AfD in 2013 over her opposition to bailouts during the euro zone crisis - before the party shifted rightwards to focus more on fighting immigration.

Her status in the party cost Weidel her friendship circle, prompting the family to move towns, she told Weltwoche.

An economic liberal, Weidel claims late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as her role model and wants Germany to push for a Brexit-style referendum on EU membership if it is unable to sufficiently reform the bloc to fix its "democratic deficit".

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A climate change sceptic, she wants to lower taxes, end the minimum wage, slim down the state and end the costly shift to a carbon neutral economy.

She has also called for much tighter restrictions on immigration, tapping into a well of discontent in Germany with the large-scale arrivals from the Middle East in recent years.

"Burqas, girls in headscarves, knife-wielding men on government benefits and other good-for-nothing people are not going to ensure our prosperity," Weidel told parliament in 2018 in a speech that also referenced "The Great Replacement" conspiracy theory popular among white nationalists.

VERSATILITY

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Her strength lies in her versatility, said Hans Vorlaender, a political scientist at Dresden University of Technology. She acts as a "moderating, well-mannered bourgeois politician" for established media, but then knows exactly how to reach her more extremist clientele elsewhere, in particular on social media.

Weidel has acknowledged some friction over her personal lifestyle in a party that opposes gay marriage and expanding laws to allow same-sex couples to adopt.

But she mostly does not focus on the issue of her identity - refusing to be called queer - and is adept at dealing with different wings of the party in order to maintain her position of power, tolerating rather than reining in the more extremist factions, said Lembcke.

When same-sex marriage became law in Germany in 2017, she dismissed the matter as trivial compared to issues like mass migration.

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That same year Weidel said she was in the AfD "not despite her homosexuality but because of it" as it was the only party to address the issue of Muslim immigrants' hostility towards LGBT+ people, according to the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper.

(Reporting by Sarah MarshEditing by Gareth Jones and Helen Popper)
(Bloomberg) -- Germanys conservatives and Greens would have a majority to form a government after the snap election in February, according to a new opinion poll published Saturday.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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The two parties would have a combined 44% representation, the latest Insa survey for Bild am Sonntag newspaper showed. The Free Democrats, meanwhile, would miss the 5% threshold for getting into parliament as their backing fell one percentage point to 4% from last week.

The poll adds to the recent debate about a potential coalition between the CDU/CSU and the Greens after the Feb. 23 election, with diverging views within the conservatives alliance. Such a coalition would be a novelty on the federal level, though the two parties currently form governments in three of Germanys 16 federal states.

Support for CDU/CSU in the Insa survey was unchanged at 32%, while the Greens were at 12%, down one percentage point. Backing for Chancellor Olaf Scholz SPD was at 16%, one percentage point higher than last week.

Conservative leader Friedrich Merz earlier this week toned down his criticism of the Greens to keep coalition options open.

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But CDUs general secretary Carsten Linnemann told dpa on Saturday that the union wants a policy change in migration, economics and social policy. That cant be done with these Greens, he said.

Linnemann also denied that a meeting between Merz and the leaders of the Greens had already been scheduled as suggested by the latter.

The far-right Alternative for Germany was second in the Insa survey with 19%. On Saturday, it formally nominated party leader Alice Weidel as its first chancellor candidate in its 11-year history.

When asked which of the candidates they would vote for if they could do so directly, 21% chose Merz and 15% Scholz, Bild revealed on Sunday.

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AfDs Weidel made it to the second place at 18%, with 14% favoring Robert Habeck from the Greens.

(Update with more results starting in ninth paragraph.)

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BERLIN (AP)  The foreign ministers of Germany, France and Poland on Saturday strongly condemned the disproportionate use of force" against peaceful protesters and the targeting of the opposition and media representatives in Georgia.

Mass protests in Georgia fueled by the governing partys decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union entered a second week on Thursday, with police cracking down on demonstrators with increasing force.

In their joint statement, the three foreign ministers called for the immediate release of opposition members. They demanded that fundamental rights, including freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, must be upheld and protected as per Georgias constitution and international commitments.

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The ruling Georgian Dream party retained control of parliament in a disputed Oct. 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 neighboring Russias help and have boycotted parliament sessions.

Opposition protests gained new momentum after the Georgian Dreams decision last Thursday to put the 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 officers and built barricades on the Georgian capitals central boulevard. Hundreds have been detained and over 100 people have been treated for injuries since the start of the clashes.

Another 50 protesters were detained Friday night, Georgian officials said Saturday. Police chased demonstrators through the streets of Tbilisi until the early morning hours of Saturday and violently detained some of them.

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The crackdown has drawn a strong condemnation from the United States. Speaking at a ministerial conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday denounced what he described as a brutal repression of those calling for their country to stay on the path to closer ties with Europe.

On Saturday, Germany, France and Poland called on Georgian Dream to deescalate tensions and open an inclusive dialogue with all political forces and representatives of civil society.

We underscore our determination to support the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people, the statement said.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on Saturday nominated party leader Alice Weidel as its top candidate for the upcoming elections, marking the first time the anti-immigration, eurosceptic party has put forward a pick for chancellor.

The executive board and regional party leaders agreed to field Weidel as the party's top candidate during a meeting in Berlin, participants said.

"Today is a big day for the party and a big day for Germany," Weidel said afterwards during a joint press conference with her co-chairman Tino Chrupalla.

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Chrupalla added that the party is "a team with a striker," saying he would support it so that its striker "scores as many goals as possible and becomes the top scorer."

Weidel is to be confirmed as the AfD's nomination at a party conference in January.

Around 200 people demonstrated against the AfD outside the meeting's location in northern Berlin, according to police. They demanded a ban on the party and chanted, "All together against fascism."

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) following months of disputes over economic policy and the 2025 budget.

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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.

Weidel's chancellery prospects

Weidel's candidacy is largely symbolic given that there is no prospect of a majority in parliament in favour of an AfD chancellor, with other parties refusing to cooperate with the far-right party.

However, Weidel has explained the AfD's decision to nominate a candidate for chancellor by asserting that her party has a claim to govern, citing its opinion poll ratings.

The AfD, which was founded in 2013 and first entered parliament in 2017, is currently polling between 18 and 19% nationwide, placing it in second position behind the conservative Christian Democrats/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) bloc with 32 to 33%.

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The ruling Social Democratic Party of Chancellor Olaf Scholz is currently polling at around 18%.

Ahead of her nomination, Weidel had already responded cautiously to questions about her ambitions to enter the chancellery: "I tend to be realistic. I take one step at a time. Now the party is nominating a chancellor candidate for the first time ... And I'm handling that with great humility and trying to make the best of the election campaign," she said.
The populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) is set to join governing coalitions in two eastern German states after months of wrangling following regional elections in September.

The BSW chapter in the state of Thuringia on Saturday approved a coalition agreement with the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), one day after party members assented to a separate coalition with the SPD in the state of Brandenburg, near Berlin.

The CDU has already approved the coalition agreement in Thuringia after several weeks of intense negotiations, while the SPD is to hold a vote on it on Monday.

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The BSW, which broke away from The Left party last year, is marked by a mix of traditional left-wing economic policies, anti-immigrant positions and opposition to Germany's military support for Ukraine.

It has proved particularly popular in eastern Germany and achieved impressive successes in September's state elections in Brandenburg, Thuringia and Saxony.

The leader of the BSW in Thuringia, Katja Wolf, said the party will be a "strong voice in Thuringia against an ever stronger logic of war."

Negotiations between the BSW, CDU and SPD in Thuringia had previously stalled several times, including over different positions towards the Ukraine war, before an agreement was finally reached.

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Unlike in Brandenburg, the coalition in Thuringia, if approved, will not have a majority in the state parliament.

With 44 of the 88 seats, it would tie with The Left and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in opposition, which could complicate the election of the state premier.
Ghana elects a new president on Saturday, with citizens hoping that a new leader will be able to pull the West African nation out of an economic crisis.

The youth vote is seen as crucial in the race between candidates from the rival New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) parties, which have peacefully alternated in power since 1992.

Of the 18.7 million registered voters, more than 10.3 million are between 18 and 35 years old.

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Polls predict each of the two main political camps will receive about 40-50% of the vote, but it is not clear who will come out on top.

The 10 other candidates who have registered to run have no serious prospects of winning.

The unemployment rate in Ghana is over 14% and the cost of living has risen sharply for many Ghanaians in recent years.

On top of this come problems associated with poor infrastructure, corruption, the devalued currency and massive environmental pollution.

Since Ghana's economy depends heavily on the export of cocoa, gold and oil, and it has to import food such as wheat, the country's economy is heavily exposed to the fluctuations on the world markets.

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Incumbent Nana Akufo-Addo cannot run for another term after two terms in office. His vice president, Mahamudu Bawumia, is running for the governing NPP.

The 61-year-old is relying on his reputation as an economic expert and promises to "upgrade" the economy with a focus on digitalization.

His main challenger John Dramani Mahama, 66, is from the NDC and was previously head of state from 2012 until early 2017.

Mahama is promising a fresh start, with start-up programmes designed to support young entrepreneurs as well as farmers.
Related video: Back in October, a small business in Pinellas County works to reopen after devastation from Hurricane Milton

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A new program was launched to assist hundreds of small businesses across Tampa Bay that are still recovering from Hurricane Milton.

The Glazer family, owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, announced a new program, Glazer Family Small Business Fund, to assist those affected by the hurricane.

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Following Hurricane Helene in September, a $1 million donation was made. Then after Hurricane Milton hit just one month later, the family made an additional $1 million donation.

Brooksville couple discovers they are barred by law from building home on new property

The Glazer Family Small Business Fund will donate money to participating chambers, which will distribute individual grants of up to $5,000 to hundreds of small businesses heavily impacted by Milton.

The chamber will review applications and select recipients through nonprofit organizations at the chambers, including; The Tampa Bay Chamber, North Tampa Bay Chamber, South Tampa Chamber, St. Petersburg Chamber, Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber, Manatee Chamber, Greater Plant City Chamber and Amplify Clearwater.

What makes Tampa Bay and our entire region so special is our resiliency and ability to come together during trying times such as these, Buccaneers Owner and Chairman of Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation and Glazer Vision Foundation Darcie Glazer Kassewitz said. We recognize and appreciate the profound role that small business plays in making our region so unique. That is why we have spent the past month working with leaders at eight of the local chambers of commerce to develop a plan for my family to support small business owners across Tampa Bay and West Central Florida.

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Additional details and an online application form will launch in the coming weeks, the Glazer family 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 WFLA.


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



Queen Camilla has pulled out of more scheduled appearances amid an ongoing chest infection thats caused her to miss weeks of events.

Her Majesty first canceled multiple engagements at the beginning of November, and Buckingham Palace even issued a statement saying, Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest. With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week, but she very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekends Remembrance events as normal. She apologizes to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.



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She ended up having to cancel the Remembrance events as well, at which point the Palace said, Following doctors' guidance to ensure a full recovery from a seasonal chest infection and to protect others from any potential risk, Her Majesty will not attend this weekend's Remembrance events. While this is a source of great disappointment to the Queen, she will mark the occasion privately at home and hopes to return to public duties early next week.

Queen Camilla ended up attending an event on November 12, saying, Im obviously getting much better, bit of sort of coughing going on.

Queen Camilla told guests at a Booker Prize reception today: Im on the mend, these things always take a bit of time to get rid of but hopefully Im on the mend now. pic.twitter.com/geIkfjfJh8  Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) November 12, 2024

But then the Palace announced that shed be canceling some of her multiple appearances at the Qatar state visit. Example? She didnt attend the arrival ceremony, instead arriving at Buckingham Palace by car:

JONATHAN BRADY - Getty Images

Her Majesty also opted out of the receiving linealthough she will attend the official dinner. The good news? Per People, Its understood that there has been no change to her diagnosis or treatment and Queen Camilla is simply taking more time to recuperate.

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Gold Star families send off for annual GSF Snowball Express event

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Gold Star families in El Paso and around the country are being sent off for the GSF Snowball Express Annual Event in Orlando, Florida.

The GSF Snowball Express Annual Event is presented by the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF) and sponsored by American Airlines to support families of fallen U.S. military soldiers and honor their service and sacrifice, GSF said in a news release.

In El Paso, the send-off event will happen at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the El Paso International Airport. These families will then head toward Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

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Gold Star families are surviving family members of fallen U.S. military soldiers.

American Airlines donated over 20 charter aircraft with volunteer crews that will be flying over 1,700 families from over 90 cities around the U.S., Europe and Guam, according to the GSF.

During their flight to Florida, the families can enjoy engaging and fun in-flight activities for a memorable and enjoyable experience.

The Snowball Express event is a five-day experience where families can spend time together, honor their fallen loved one while cultivating relationships and making special memories in a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment, the GSF said.

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The GSF Snowball Event was created by actor, humanitarian and GSF founder Gary Sinise, becoming an official GSF program in 2017.

For more information about the GSF, you can visit their website here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
DADE CITY, Fla. (WFLA)  A Gold Star family received the surprise of a lifetime on the TODAY show, and its right in our neck of the woods.

On Friday, Wells Fargo purchased a new construction home in Dade City to donate to a mom and her two children, after her husband, a U.S. Army Sergeant was killed in the line of duty in 2007.

Last beam placed on new Howard Frankland Bridge, on track to open Spring 2025

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Jessica Ardron, and her two sons, are a Gold Star family, meaning they are immediate family members of a service member who died while serving in the military.

Jessica told NBCs TODAY that she married Sergeant Brian Daniel Ardron in 2005. She gave birth to their son on their one-year wedding anniversary, but without her husband by her side, since he had been deployed.

She said they spent Christmas in 2006 together while he was on leave the one and only time Sergeant Ardron got to see their son.

Popular Mexican restaurant set to return, 20 years after closing all US locations

On May 21, 2007, Sergeant Ardron was killed in the line of duty.

Now 17 years later, Jessica and her family were selected to receive a mortgage-free home on behalf of Wells Fargo and the Military Warrior Support Foundation.

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To watch the moment Jessica and her sons get the surprise announcement on the TODAY show, 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 WFLA.
Alan Borsuk wrote convincing arguments in the Nov. 24 issue about the need for more funding for special education in the Wisconsin public schools.

But there is one more argument for this increase in funding that may seem obvious to some people but may be overlooked by others. Wisconsin has a surplus budget of $4.6 billion. Our Republican legislators are determined to use that surplus to lower taxes as much as possible. Perhaps that is why Wisconsin is one of the least supportive states in the country (in supporting special education) leaving local schools with a bigger share of the costs than in most places according to Borsuk.

Opinion: Wisconsin lawmakers pit neighbor against neighbor with every school referendum

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James Causey: We need mentors and mental health services to help Black boys cope with trauma

Opinion: Wisconsin can finally get school funding right. Inequities still harm students.

A state tax break is not really a break if your local taxes are instead raised in referendum after referendum. As Borsuk pointed out, all children will benefit from more special education funding by freeing up money for the general budget. Its not fair that the children depend on the goodwill of the people in their districts to vote on special funding when the legislators should do their jobs and provide it! But lowering taxes seems to be the more obvious way to get votes.

Mary Pat Dries, Brookfield

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Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@jrn.com or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Local taxpayers pick up tab for state's neglect of schools | Letters
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  Governor Jim Justice issued a proclamation Friday evening ordering that all United States and West Virginia flags on all state-owned facilities be flown at half-staff on Saturday, Dec. 7 for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

As we lower our flags to half-staff, lets think about not just those who were lost, but also their families and the love they left behind, Gov. Justice said in a press release. We owe them so much, and we should never forget the price they paid for the freedom we enjoy today. Let their memory remind us to stand strong and united, just like they did all those years ago.

WVDEP awards grant funding to 20 watershed groups

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The attack on Pearl Harbor took place on Dec. 7, 1941, in Honolulu, Hawaii during WWII. The USS West Virginia was one of the ships that hit during the attack and its mast still sits on WVUs downtown campus to this day.

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Members of the pro-Western Coalition for Change Koba Khabazi and Duta Petridis have been beaten in Tbilisi. Moreover, unknown persons attacked a crew of the opposition TV Pirveli Channel.

Source: Radio Liberty's Georgian service Echo of the Caucasus

Details: Koba Khabazi was physically assaulted in the office of Coalition for Change in Tbilisi on the evening of 7 December. He suffered injuries to his head and various parts of his body.

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Several dozen people dressed in black entered the office of the coalition. This can be seen in the footage captured by a CCTV camera in the office.

Habazi said he was attacked by about 50 people as he was getting off the lift.

According to Miranda Bagaturia, a spokeswoman for the Coalition for Change, the attackers carried various melee weapons and a stun gun. She also claims that two police brigades had been patrolling the area before the incident, but left after the attackers left.

An ambulance arrived approximately two hours after the incident.

In addition, not far from the coalition's office, on Besiki Street, a film crew of the opposition TV Pirveli Channel was attacked and physically assaulted by unknown persons.

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Journalist Maka Chikhladze and her cameraman were filming groups of people dressed in black, wearing balaclavas and no insignia on their clothes, who attacked protesters in dark alleys.

After the attackers began to approach the film crew, Chikhladze asked them not to touch the camera. However, another man in black approached the journalist from behind and threw her on the ground.

Footage of the attack was broadcast live: the cameraman took a blow to his head, and the journalist was also assaulted.

The Mtawari TV channel also reported that a member of the Coalition for Change, Dut Petridis, was beaten.

In total, more than 50 journalists suffered injuries of various severity during the protests in Tbilisi.

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GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  The Greensboro Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that led to the closure of a portion of Randleman Road for just over three hours.

Greensboro police reopened the road just before 2:30 p.m. Randleman Road had been closed between West Meadowview Road and Robbins Street since 11 a.m.

Guilford EMS responded to the scene with a supervisor quick response vehicle and an ambulance. EMS says they treated one patient with life-threatening injuries.

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A Toyota Tundra pickup towing a trailer was going south on Randleman Road when James Lenward Jones, 77, of Greensboro, tried to cross the street not within any designated crosswalk,, according to a GPD news release

Jones was hit by the truck and died.

Neither speed nor impairment are considered to be factors.

One man said he was surprised the road had been closed for hours.

I was just trying to keep on going straight, and then boom, said Octevian Burroughs.

There are several restaurants on Randleman Road.

I always do everything on that side of town. I always take this road down. This area is always busy, Burroughs said.

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Burroughs was going to pick up a meal order from a restaurant, that was within the area closed off by police.

He chose to park a distance away from and walk to get his meal. He said it wasnt unusual to see the road closed for an accident.

Burroughs said the timeframe and size of the area closed off raised concern.

FOX8 reached out to the GPD for an update regarding the crash. We are still waiting for investigators to provide the details.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg appeared as a speaker in the south-western German city of Mannheim on Friday at a pro-Palestinian event organized by the group Zaytouna in the Rhine-Neckar region.

The rally, held on the city's main market square, included a discussion session focusing on solidarity with Palestine and the climate movement.

A city spokeswoman reported that 700 people attended the peaceful event on Friday evening. Initially, 200 and then 500 participants had been announced. The city did not name the organizer.

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Conservative regional parliamentary party leader Manuel Hagel criticized Thunberg, asserting that she moves very consciously in close proximity to anti-Semitism.

"Mannheim does not need a platform for such dehumanizing positions and our country does not need the presence of people like Greta Thunberg," Hagel said.

Thunberg, known globally as a climate activist, has repeatedly expressed solidarity with the Palestinians since the attack by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement on Israel more than a year ago and the subsequent military actions by Israel in the Gaza Strip.

She has accused Israel of genocide, leading critics to accuse her of being one-sided. The 21-year-old has been arrested at demonstrations in various countries, primarily at climate protests.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  A group consisting of nonprofits and individuals is suing the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD), El Paso County Board of County Commissioners, and the City of Colorado Springs over the closure of the Rockrimmon Library, alleging the groups, especially the PPLD Board of Trustees, failed in its fiduciary duties, violated open meeting laws, and arguing that a library cannot be closed without a vote by the public.

The lawsuit filed by Integrity Matters alleges the Board of Trustees for the library district failed its fiduciary duty by not placing a Mill Levy to increase tax revenue despite consultants telling them the community would be receptive to increasing funds. The lawsuit also alleges that the library could have used grants but the money was never used and returned or not applied for.

The lawsuit alleges that PPLDs Board of Trustees was given multiple options for how to proceed forward and none required the immediate closure of the library, stating two of the three options proposed in the long-term to shift Rockrimmon Library to an owned location.

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Integrity Matters alleges the Board of Trustees met with City Council Member Dave Donelson and assured him there was no decision on the Rockrimmon Librarys closure and encouraged him to spread that information to the public and on Sept. 27 a proposed budget included a line item for Rockrimmon Library to the amount of $454,541.

According to the lawsuit, about two weeks later during the Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 16, without prior notice and in direct contradiction to previous statements, a prepared statement was read announcing the lease for the Rockrimmon Library would not be renewed.

Plaintiffs allege this decision was made without notice, public comment, and contrary to previous representations by PPLD Board members and staff, and is a violation of Colorado Open Meetings Law or Sunshine Law. The lawsuit also alleges failing to renew the lease is equivalent to abolishing the library which the lawsuit argues cannot be done without a vote by the public.

Integrity Matters and other plaintiffs are suing to reverse the Oct. 16 decision and requiring the Board of Trustees to approve a one-year lease for Rockrimmon Library and conduct a financial review of the costs, and for any further decisions to comply with Colorado Open Meetings Law.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
As investigators try to identify the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Wednesday, the type of weapon that was used could have been unusual for the crime.

Police are looking into the possibility that the shooter used a veterinary pistol, New York Police Department Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters on Friday.

Such guns are used on farms to euthanize animals quietly, though Kenny said the use of a veterinary pistol hasn't been confirmed.

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The gunman immediately fled the scene of the crime and is believed to have already left New York City on a bus. A weapon hasn't been recovered, but sources told the New York Post on Saturday that police divers are looking for the gun in the lake near the Central Park Boathouse.

On Friday, police searching Central Park found a distinctive backpack that may have belonged to the suspected killer. Sourced told the Post that the bag contained a jacket and "high-end" apparel.

Security video shows the gunman firing shots at Thompson using a gun that appeared to be equipped with a silencer.

After firing each shot, the gunman racked back the pistol to load a new round, then racked it again when it jammed, John Monaghan, a retired NYPD captain, told CNN on Friday.

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"It's a very unique weapon. The length of the barrel in that video right there tells us it most probably is a veterinary pistol," he added.

The need to manually reload the weapon contrasts with most handguns, which automatically put a fresh round in the chamber after a shot is fired without having to rack it back by hand.

Meanwhile, investigators are also looking at whether the shooter may have been a disgruntled employee or client of UnitedHealthcare, Kenny said.

UnitedHealthcare is the largest U.S. insurer and provides coverage for more than 49 million Americans.

Other clues the suspect may have left behind include a cell phone found along the escape route as well as a water bottle and a wrapper for a protein bar, both of which have been tested for DNA.

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"Were not going to solve this in 60 minutes. Were painstakingly going through every bit of evidence that we can come across," Kenny said. "Eventually, when an apprehension is made, we will have to present all of these facts to a judge and jury, so were taking our time, doing it right and making sure were going to get justice for this victim and closure for his family."

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley (R) recently weighed in on the reason behind President Bidens decision to pardon his son Hunter, pointing to the twists and turns of the presidential election cycle.

Biden, who announced on Sunday that he would offer clemency to Hunter Biden for his federal gun and tax charges, had previously vowed to stay out of his sons legal battles. The reversal, the White House said, was related to President-elect Trumps retaliation rhetoric.

He said it over and over and over again. He said that he wasnt going to pardon his son, Haley, who challenged the president-elect in the GOP presidential primary before dropping out, said Friday on her SiriusXM show. So for all of those people who say, but hes a parent, I feel that like we would do anything for our kids, but he didnt have to say that.

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And so, one you have to ask yourself, why did he say he wasnt and then suddenly did? I think its because he thought he was going to be president again and he was going to be able to push the verdict in whatever way he wanted, she added later.

Haley said President Biden likely assumed either he or Vice President Harris would win the 2024 presidential election, therefore allowing him to delay sentencing in the younger Bidens gun charge, which would have taken place later this month.

He was going to make sure he never served time. Thats why I think he did it is all along he assumed he would be president. Or all along he assumed Kamala would be president, and he could still push, and I think when that didnt happen, she said Friday.

I think push came to shove, and then there you go, he had to do it, Haley added.

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President Biden withdrew his reelection bid in late July, bringing an end to a 50-year-long political career, and endorsed Harris to lead the ticket. The decision came after pressure from fellow Democrats to step aside following an abysmal debate performance against Trump in June.

The vice presidents momentum was strong at the onset of the campaign, but the race was ultimately called for Trump.

The president-elect, whose threats of revenge have been in the spotlight, also criticized the president for issuing a pardon to his son. Trump called the move an abuse and miscarriage of justice.

Apart from granting clemency to Hunter, the president has also been in discussions with his team about issuing preemptive pardons for some vocal Trump critics, according to a source familiar with the matter. Democrats, who are seemingly split on the idea, have pressed the president to grant more pardons.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
One month ago, few outside the social and professional circles of a 30-year-old woman from Hawaii knew her name: Hannah Kobayashi.

Then she boarded a plane to Los Angeles, didnt take her connecting flight to New York, allegedly sent cryptic messages from her phone and subsequently ceased all contact  worrying her family. They reported her missing and launched an aggressive publicity campaign; now the face and name of Hannah Kobayashi  along with those of her relatives  have been nearly inescapable for weeks.

The narrative around the case, however, is changing. There has been no shortage of dramatic twists, from the death of Hannahs father to revelations about a possible secret marriage to, just this week, the LAPD classifying her disappearance as voluntary. Even television personality Dog the Bounty Hunter, whose family knows Hannah personally, has weighed in.

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Questions not only linger but keep arising. Through it all, however, one fact remains: no one who knows Hannah well, it seems, has heard from her and so, to them at least, she is still missing.

And so now, as more details about her activities and movements trickle out, its not hard to imagine that they have more questions than everyone else.

When she boarded a flight from Maui to LA on November 8, Hannahs family expected her to continue to New York, where the budding photographer had lined up work to take pictures at a DJ gig in Brooklyn and planned to visit relatives, they said.

She never made it to New York, though. Hannah told her family she missed her flight and would sleep at the LA airport, after which, they say, weird and concerning messages were sent from her phone.

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Deep Hackers wiped my identity, stole all of my funds, & have had me on a mind f**k since Friday, one message to a friend said, according to screenshots her sister sent CNN.

Relatives including the Hawaiian womans father, Ryan Kobayashi, flew from Maui to Los Angeles to look for her and file a missing persons report; he took his own life after 13 days of searching in California (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

I got tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds, said another, which was followed by: For someone I thought I loved.

Days after her missed flight, Hannah was pictured visiting various locations around Los Angeles. She went to the upscale Grove shopping center twice, once to visit a bookstore and charge her phone, then again the next day for a LeBron James Nike event.

Her last Instagram post, from November 10, appears to be a black and white photo from this event, datelined City of Angels, Los Angeles, CA and accompanied by the Sam Cooke song A Change is Gonna Come.

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Hannahs family last heard from her on November 11; her father, Ryan Kobayashi, was among relatives who flew from Hawaii to Los Angeles to look for her and alert authorities.

Hannahs last message to us was alarming  she mentioned feeling scared, and that someone might be trying to steal her money and identity, her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, posted on Facebook on November 14. She hasnt been heard from since, and we are gravely concerned for her safety.

Hannahs sister, Sydni, established a GoFundMe on November 15 with a $50,000 goal, writing that funds would be used for a media campaign, search efforts, temporary accommodation for family and other immediate needs.

Pidgeon and Ryan were among the relatives who held a rally on November 21 in LA, not far from Hannahs then last known location.

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Please, please do not stop saying her name, Hannah Kobayashi, KTLA reported Pidgeon told the crowd. Your entire family is here. The entire world is looking for you. If you can and you have access, please reach out to us. Were not mad.

If someone has her, I want you to see the pictures we have posted. I want you to see this family, and I want you to know she is so loved. I want you to know that she is so special and kind, continued Pidgeon, who initially was very visible and vocal throughout the effort to find her niece.

Hannahs father called her a beautiful girl inside and out at the rally, according to the outlet and addressed her directly: Just reach out, if you can at all.

Hannah Kobayashi in screengrab from security footage from LAX airport (LAPD)

Three days later, Ryan Kobayashis body was found in a Los Angeles parking lot; it was determined that he died by suicide. Calling his death a devastating tragedy in a statement, the family said: After tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days, Hannahs father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life.

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Still, there was no word from Hannah.

If she had seen what happened with my father and his passing, she would have definitely reached out by now, Sydni said this week. Theres no way that she wouldnt have reached out, knowing the person that she is.

Authorities this week continued begging Hannah to contact her loved ones  even after ruling that shed gone missing voluntarily.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell held a press conference on Monday outlining Hannahs activities since missing her New York connection  including updates that her family insisted were news to them.

While she did check her bag through to New York, she requested her bag be sent to her at LAX, where we have surveillance footage of her retrieving it from a baggage carousel on November 11, he said.

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Hannah used public transportation to get to LAs Union Station, where she used her passport and cash to purchase a ticket to get the border, police said at the briefing.

McDonnell said officers reviewed video surveillance from US Customs and Border Protection, which clearly shows Kobayashi crossing the United States border on foot into Mexico on November 12 at San Diegos San Ysidro crossing.

She was alone with her luggage and appeared unharmed at this time, he continued, adding that police knew she no longer had her phone with her. Investigators noted that, before departing Maui, Kobayashi expressed a desire to step away from modern connectivity.

Hannah Kobayashi expressed a desire to step away from modern connectivity, police said (midorieve/Instagram)

Lt Douglas Oldfield told reporters that these expressions were found by looking at her past social media.

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Its unclear to which posts he was referring, and whether they were public messages. On October 7, Hannah posted a picture of a forest to Instagram with the caption home will never leave you, accompanied by emojis; the month before, she posted a photo showing clouds from a plane window with the caption: when nothing is certain ~anything is possible and what does your heart desire?

Two posts before that, in November 2022, Hannah posted a now distinctive selfie used in much of her familys search efforts  a photo from a Hawaiian volcano with a caption that begins: attachment is the root of all suffering.

Chief McDonnell urged Hannah to contact her family, law enforcement or personnel at the US Embassy to let us know that she is safe, he said. 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.

Hannahs sister and wider family have refused to accept the police explanation and official decision not to continue the search into Mexico.

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I said this from day one, I feel like she is in danger. I feel like this is completely out of character for her. Ive known her my entire life, Sydni told NewsNation the day after the police conference.

Updating the GoFundMe, she wrote: My family and I are extremely concerned for my sister. This type of behavior is not aligned with Hannahs character and pattern. The LAPD and law enforcement have not shared any evidence with us. In fact, we learned these facts for the first time on Dec. 2.

A missing persons poster features photos of Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old from Maui who missed a connecting flight last month and stopped contacting family (AP)

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But the twists werent over; Hannahs family is also dealing with revelations that she may have married under mysterious circumstances before her departure. Los Angeles Magazine published a report this week citing unnamed sources claiming shed been caught up in an immigration marriage scam and cheated out of money in the process; rumors about the marriage have taken off online.

Hannahs family addressed this through their attorney, Sara Azari.

A Facebook user sent what looked like a Hawaiian beach wedding photo of Hannah with another man with leis around their necks wearing white, and they said that they learned off of Reddit that there was this sham marriage for money and that this is the wedding picture thats being circulated on Reddit, Azari told NewsNation. Of course, that came as a shock to Hannahs sister.

They want to know that Hannah is safe, she said. This is not like her to do this, so theyre just overwhelmed and in shock and concerned, Azari said. We now have to be the LAPD here, which is why I came in with my team. We are going to have to go to Mexico.

One person who will not be going to Mexico is Dog the Bounty Hunter, whose daughters were good friends with Hannah and who noted on NewsNation that, the last time he entered the country on the tail of a fugitive, he was arrested and had to break out of jail and get back to America.

She might have done this on her own, he said of her disappearance. She didnt seem like shes been harmed in any way.

Hannahs sister has a more worrying take on the situation.

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, she told Hawaii News Now this week, as the family demanded officials release the border surveillance.

Hannah Kobayashi, 30, stopped contacting family last month after failing to take a connecting flight from Los Angeles to New York (Sydni Kobayashi/Facebook)

Not all relatives seem to be on the same page, though; Sydni and Pidgeon have begun battling in the press.

Hannahs sister told NewsNation her aunt had gone rogue.

Pidgeon, meanwhile, hit back, telling the New York Post that other family members were throwing her under the bus because they want to be the face  its really sad.

And family members arent the only disgruntled ones; there are plenty of online sleuths and donors querying and criticising the fate of the nearly $50,000 raised by Sydnis GoFundMe  given the determination by authorities that Hannah missed her flight and left the country voluntarily.

There are other factions, still, whove taken a different view  those congratulating Hannah for her journey and wishing her well. Her Venmo account has been flooded with donations from strangers in the wake of the news that shed crossed the southern border.

Way to make it to Mexico girlie! Have a chicharrone on me! one person wrote, according to the Daily Mail.

Hey girlie! Take a trip to Puerto Vallarta, the outlet reported that another well-wisher wrote.

Even then, though, many strangers  like the authorities and her relatives themselves  urged Hannah to contact her distraught family.

Have fun in Mexico... let your family know youre safe, another Venmo user wrote, the Daily Mail reported.

Despite that, however, theres been no word  at least none publicly acknowledged  from Hannah Kobayashi herself.

The public knows her name; now they even know, to some extent, where she likely is. But her social media accounts remain stagnant, and her family keeps clamoring for answers.

I want her to know that she is loved and she is supported in every way, shape or form, Sydni told NewsNation this week. And no matter what shes going through right now, she needs to know that she has a place to come home to.

And I cant stress it enough, like she is such light in our lives, and shes just such an amazing and beautiful woman, and shes like, shes my baby girl, you know, shes my baby sister  You have so many people who love and care for you that just want to know that youre genuinely OK, even if youre not.

Just something, some sort of like message, phone, call, something.
Hannah Kobayashi, a Hawaii woman police believe voluntarily went missing while traveling to New York, met a man shortly after landing in Los Angeles and then spent the day with him before crossing into Mexico, according to authorities.

Kobayashi departed from her native Maui on Friday, Nov. 8., and was scheduled to catch a connecting flight from Los Angeles International Airport later that night. Instead she left the airport and connected with a stranger days later, spending nine hours exploring downtown L.A. with him as they made their way toward Union Station.

We have this gentleman, we have them walking [on surveillance video], Lt. Doug Oldfield told People, adding they spent days reviewing the footage to ensure nothing bad happened.

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Were looking  hey, does this person seem like shes in distress, what does she look like? We see a lot of smiling, he continued.

Police said they managed to track the man down just days after Kobayashi was first reported missing on Nov. 13. He told authorities they met at LAXs train stop around 9 p.m. on Nov. 11 and struck up a conversation. He said Kobayashi did not appear in distress and mentioned wanting to see the Redwoods as well as her travel plans to New York.

We havent spoken to her, Oldfield said, but from what we gather is that she was looking to understand how to get to Union Station and that he was going to assist in getting her there.

When they arrived at the station, the pair spent several more hours together and ate dinner before going to sleep in a waiting area. Kobayashi later gathered her belongings and walked off on her own.

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Oldfield said police have been able corroborate the mans version of events, primarily via surveillance video, which shows Kobayashi buying a bus ticket shortly after 6 a.m. on Nov. 12. She arrived at the Mexico border roughly four hours later and walked into Tijuana around noon.

Police emphasized the unidentified man committed no crime and that Kobayashi is not suspected to be the victim of foul play.

Earlier this week, law enforcement declared Kobayashi willfully crossed into Mexico and had been reclassified as a voluntary missing person. The decision sparked backlash from her loved ones, who believe something more nefarious occurred.
Hannah Kobayashi disappeared on November 11, 2024, but her whereabouts remained a mystery until she was found one month later. Before the case was solved, her family was desperate to find answers and the public wanted to know more details surrounding Hannahs disappearance.

Who Is Hannah Kobayashi?

Hannah is a 30-year-old Hawaiian photographer who went missing after she left Maui to head to New York. The details around her disappearance have confused her family, law enforcement and more, and as of December 7, 2024, she still has not been located.

Hannah Kobayashi Was Found Safe 1 Month After Disappearance

One month after her disappearance, Hannahs family confirmed that she was found safe.

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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, and we kindly ask for privacy as we take the time to heal and process everything we have been through, her family said in a statement to In Touch on December 11, 2024. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us during this difficult time. Your kindness and concern have meant the world to us.

Details About Hannah Kobayashis Disappearance

On November 8, 2024, Hannah and her ex-boyfriend headed to New York from Maui, and they had a layover in Los Angeles. While her ex boarded the flight heading to New York, Hannah told her family that she missed her connection. With time to spare in L.A., she let her family know the following day that she was going sightseeing and visited downtown, as well as the Grove shopping mall.

Hannah was spotted in footage at a Nike event held at the Grove on November 10, 2024, and she later uploaded her own pictures from the event to her Instagram account. The next day, Hannah told her aunt Larie Pidgeon that she was heading back to LAX to catch another flight to New York, but she never boarded that flight either.

"If she decided to deter [sic] her trip she would've let us know," Larie told CBS News in an article published on December 2, 2024. "We haven't heard from her. We haven't, so we know something is wrong.

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Larie continued, "Things started to get nefarious and scary on [November 11, 2024,] when it went from 'I can't see you. I'm so excited,' to texts about people stealing her identity. That she was scared. That she felt unsafe. That people were going to steal her funds and that doesn't make sense. Using pet names she's never used before."

The outlet shared one of the texts sent from Hannahs phone that read, "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."

November 11, 2024, was the last day Hannahs family communicated with her, and the next day they filed a missing persons report in California. The same day the report was filed, Hannahs dad, Ryan Kobayashi flew to L.A. to look for his daughter. Ten days later, a group of volunteers, including Ryan, posted missing flyers around the city.

Ryan Kobayashi Was Found Dead

Another tragedy befell the Kobayashi family on November 24, 2024, when Ryan was found dead in a parking lot near LAX. The county coroners report revealed Ryans cause of death as multiple blunt force traumatic injuries and that he died by suicide, per ABC7 Eyewitness News.

Who Is Hannah Kobayashi? Updates on the Missing Hawaiian Woman

A GoFundMe was set up to help the Kobayashi family, and one of Ryans nieces wrote, "He has been living his absolute worst nightmare, since Hannah's disappearance, and now, with his passing, our family is grappling with unimaginable grief. Ryan's love for his family was boundless, and he would do anything to protect and care for his daughters."

LAPD Declared Hannah Kobayashi as a Voluntary Missing Person

On December 2, 2024, law enforcement officials revealed they had footage of Hannah from November 12, 2024, that showed her crossing into Mexico by foot.

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On Nov. 12, at 12:13 p.m., she walked through the tunnel that leads to Mexico, chief of detectives Alan Hamilton said during a press conference. She walked through the San Ysidro port of entry, and she walked through the tunnel that leads to Mexico.

Special enforcement officer Douglas Oldfield added that Hannah used public transit to reach the Mexican border.

She traveled through the MTA, Oldfield said. She then made it to Union Station [in Los Angeles]. At Union Station, she used her passport and cash to purchase a ticket to get to the border, and she then crossed the border.

Hannah Kobayashi May Have Been Part of a Green Card Scam

On December 4, 2024, Los Angeles Magazine reported that Hannahs family was allegedly looking into the possibility that Hannah was a victim of a potential green card marriage scam. The outlet claimed that sources told them that she was possibly scammed out of the proceeds of the purported immigration scheme.

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Insiders claimed that the possible scam was uncovered by Hannahs mother after she discovered immigration documents in Hannahs home. The documents also listed an immigration attorney.

"That attorney was not cooperative with the mom," the insider told Los Angeles Magazine.

However, the Kobayashi familys attorney, Sara Azari, stressed that nothing regarding a green card scam had been confirmed yet.

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, Sara wrote via X on December 4, 2024. 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. We would also like to confirm that we turned over the alleged information to law enforcement immediately upon receipt.

Hannah Kobayashi Wasnt Aware That Her Disappearance Made Headlines

Five days after Kobayashi was found, her aunt Larie Pidgeon issued a statement on her behalf on December 16, 2024. "I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away, and I am still processing it all, she said, according to People. "I kindly ask for respect for myself, my family, and my loved ones as I navigate through this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding.

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In the statement, Kobayashi revealed that she "crossed the border back into the United States" at "daybreak on December 15.

"My focus now is on my healing, my peace and my creativity. I am deeply grateful to my family and everyone who has shown me kindness and compassion during this time," she said.
The 36-year-old Peruvian artist Sadith Silvano makes creations born of ancient songs.

Brush in hand, eyes on the cloth, the Peruvian woman paints as she sings. And through her voice, her ancestors speak.

When we paint, we listen to the inspiration that comes from the music and connect to nature, to our elders, said Silvano.

The artist now lives and works in Lima, Peru, where she moved 20 years ago from Paoyhan. It is a Shipibo-Konibo Indigenous community located in the Amazon.

These pieces are sacred, she added. We bless our work with the energy of our songs.

Official data says close to 33,000 Shipibo-Konibo people live in Peru. They are believed to come from the surroundings of the Uyacali river. Many moved to urban areas like Cantagallo, the Lima neighborhood where Silvano lives.

Hand-painted textiles like the ones she makes have slowly gained recognition. Known as kene, these works were declared part of the Cultural Heritage of the Nation by the Peruvian government in 2008.

Each kene is special, Shipibo craftswomen say. Every design speaks of a womans community, her worldview and beliefs.

Every design tells a story, Silvano said while dressed in traditional clothing. It is a way in which a Shipibo woman distinguishes herself.

Paoyhan, where Silvano was born, is far from Lima. To get there requires an airplane flight and a 12-hour boat trip.

In her hometown, locals rarely speak languages other than Shipibo. Doors and windows there have no locks.

Adela Sampayo, a 48-year-old healer who was born not too far from Paoyhan, moved to Cantagallo in 2000.

But she says that all her skills come from the Amazon River area.

Since I was a little girl, my mom treated me with traditional medicine, said Sampayo. She gave me plants to become stronger, to avoid getting sick, to be courageous, she added. Thats how the energy of the plants started growing inside me.

Sampayo, too, communicates her worldview through her textiles. Though she does not paint, she embroiders, and each thread tells a tale from home.

Each plant has a spirit, said the healer, pointing to the leaves embroidered in the cloth. And medicinal plants come from God.

The plants painted by Silvano also bear meaning. One of them represents pure love. Another represents a wise man. And another, a serpent.

The anaconda is special for us, Silvano said. Its our protector, like a god that cares for us and provides food and water.

In ancient times, she said, her people believed that the sun was their father, and the anacondas were their guardians. Colonization brought Catholicism and their worldview changed.

Nowadays we have different religions...but we respect our other beliefs too, Silvano said.

For many years, after her father took her to Lima hoping for a better future, she thought of her time in the jungle. Life in Paoyhan was not easy, but she learned to be strong at a young age.

When we encounter difficult times, we overcome them with our therapy: designing, painting, singing, Silvano said. We have a song that is melodic and heals our soul, and another one that is inspiring and brings us joy.

Few Shipibo girls are told to study or make a living of their own, Silvano said. Instead, they are taught to wait for a husband. And once married, they are taught to deal with problems, difficulties, or bad treatment.

Even though we suffer, people tell us: Take it, hes the father of your children. Take it, he is your husband, Silvano said. But deep inside, we are wounded. So what do we do? We sing.

The lesson is taught by mothers to daughters: If you are hurt at home, grab your cloth, your brush and leave. Go far away, alone, and sit. Connect with your kene and paint. And while you paint, sing.

Thats our healing, Silvano said. Through our songs, our kenes, we are free.

Im John Russell.

Maria Teresa Hernandez reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English.

______________________________________________

Words in This Story

brush  n. a device with bristles typically set into a handle and used especially for painting

inspiration  n. a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation

sacred  adj. of or relating to religion, worthy of respect

courageous adj. showing the ability to do difficult things

textile  n. a woven or knit cloth

craftswoman n. a woman who is skilled in a craft

distinguish  v. to mark as separate or different

embroider  v. to decorate with needlework

anaconda  n. a large kind of constricting snake
ORWIGSBURG  Magisterial District Judge Andrew Serina on Tuesday bound over charges against a Schuylkill Haven man accused of aggravated indecent assault of an 8-year-old child and other offenses.

Brian Keefer, 53, listened in the courtroom as the now 15-year-old testified about the alleged assaults.

Schuylkill Haven Police charged Keefer Oct. 9 in the case.

Wiping away tears, the victim recalled two 2017 incidents that occurred in Schuylkill Haven.

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I was just confused, the victim testified about what was happening.

First Assistant District Attorney Mike Stine asked the victim to recount what happened on the night Keefer is accused of using a vibrator on the child.

The victim testified about trying to move past the incident, saying, I didnt think it would happen again.

But, according to testimony, inappropriate touching again occurred, which scared the child and caused sleepless nights.

The victim later informed family members of the incidents.

During cross examination, assistant public defender Christopher Riedlinger asked the victim about the incidents.

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The victim testified about recanting and then reinstating the reports of assault.

Clearly this is an issue of credibility for a jury, Serina said.

The case now advances to the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas.

Schuylkill Haven police charged Keefer with felony aggravated indecent assault of a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years old, corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children.
These are scary times to be a multi-millionaire insurance bigwig. The fatal shooting of Brian Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare, has c-suites across the country quaking in their boots.

As 404 Media reports, with the killer still at larger, major health insurance companies are now taking down their leadership pages and scrubbing any information about their top brass.

Almost immediately after Thompson's assassination, a link to UnitedHealthcare's "about us" page was changed so that it no longer directs to a list of the company's executives, 404 found.

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Similarly, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield replaced links to its leadership page with a generic "about us" one with no specific information on its executives. This may be because of the ire it received for its plan, announced around the time of the shooting, to cut off anesthesia coverage for medical procedures that went longer than expected, prompting outrage and viral gallows humor that the assassin's job wasn't over yet. (Blue Cross Blue Shield now says it's axing the proposed anesthesia plan in certain locations.)

404 notes several other health organizations that took similar action, including the nonprofit Caresource, which provides Medicaid and Medicare services; Elevance Health, a for-profit insurance provider part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield group; and Medica, a nonprofit health plan that mainly serves customers in the Midwest. Medica has also temporarily shutdown its headquarters in Minnesota.

Based on a company spokesperson's remark, it's no coincidence that major insurers are scrubbing public information.

"The safety of Medica employees is our top priority and we have increased security both for all of our employees," the spokesperson told FOX 9. "Like other insurers, Medica also has removed from our website the bios of its executives, for the same precautionary reasons."

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Thompson was fatally shot by an unknown gunman on Wednesday. The assassin's motivations remain unclear, but the words "deny," "defend," and "depose" were reportedly written on the bullet casings recovered from the scene. This is likely a reference to the title of a 2010 book exposing the ruthless methods insurers use to deny healthcare.

Echoing that sentiment, the public reaction to Thompson's death has been the opposite of sympathetic, with a wave of outrage at the terrible experiences commentators and their loved ones have had with the insurance industry taking over the discourse. Even doctors have been excoriating insurers in response to the news.

With all that in mind, maybe it's not just the gunman at large that these executives are starting to fear.

More on healthcare: Murdered Insurance CEO Had Deployed an AI to Automatically Deny Benefits for Sick People
The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is spurring other major health companies to remove the photos of executives from their websites, close buildings and even switch to a virtual investor day rather than an in-person public event.

Amid rising security concerns, companies have removed previously public information from their websites.

UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, has removed the Our Leaders webpage showing the photos and bios of its top executives.

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Elevance, previously known as Anthem, now redirects its Senior Leadership page to the companys home page.

The website for Humanas board of directors now leads to a contact form with no information about its members.

CVS Health, which owns insurer Aetna, no longer includes any pictures of its leadership team.

Corporate security consultants said removing identifying information like photos is a good step for companies to take if theyre worried about risks, though in this case that information is mostly already public.

Thats all findable, said Drew Neckar, a principal consultant at Cosecure, a security and risk management company. Even more importantly is ensuring that youve scrubbed kind of the personal details for executives that are out there on the web.

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Chris Pierson, CEO of BlackCloak, which provides private digital security for C-suite executives and their families, noted companies can sometimes make too much information public in an attempt to humanize executives.

Things that are meant to deliver trust and confidence in the executives, humanize them  can be used for ill will, Pierson said. And so reducing and mitigating the amount of things that are out there is absolutely something that should be examined.

Pierson added that even though the companies information had long been public, they did not act too late when it was taken down.

Theres absolutely no risk of removing it now and stopping that forward, ongoing potential for the next adversary thats out there, Pierson said.

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Thompson was fatally shot Wednesday morning by an unknown gunman outside a hotel in midtown Manhattan, where UnitedHealth Group was holding its annual investor conference. The event was called off shortly after company leaders learned of the killing.

Police said Thompson was targeted, but there is not yet speculation on a motive. The gunman left behind shell casings with the words deny, delay and depose on them, which are often used by critics of the health insurance industrys strategy for denying claims for customers.

Dave Komendat, president of DSKomendat Risk Management Services and a former chief security officer at Boeing, said health care is an industry where company leaders will often face threats.

Anytime you have a service or a product that can create a significant emotional response from someone, if that service or product doesnt go according to plan, [it] creates risk, Komendat said.

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Other insurance companies took further steps for security.

Midwest-focused health insurer Medica temporarily closed its headquarters in Minnetonka, Minn., the same Minneapolis suburb where UnitedHealth has its corporate base.

A spokesperson told The Minnesota Star Tribune that the office would be closed through at least Dec. 13 out of an abundance of caution.

And Centene, which is one of the largest Medicaid insurers, was scheduled to hold its investor conference at the New York Stock Exchange next week. The company said in the wake of the tragic loss of UnitedHealthcares CEO Brian Thompson it will now be hosting an online event instead.

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All of us at Centene are deeply saddened by Brian Thompsons death and want to express our support for all of those affected. Health insurance is a big industry and a small community; many members of the CenTeam crossed paths with Brian during their careers, Centene CEO Sarah M. London said in a statement.

Centene had no photos of its executives on its website Friday.

But aside from removing photos and changing an in-person event, other insurance companies on Friday  including CVS/Aetna, Humana, and Kaiser Permanente  did not comment on any additional changes to security they may be making.

Komendat said he expects companies will react more once police can ascertain a motive for the shooting, but some executives may not want to wait.

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I think the motive is going to be important, Komendat said. But I also think that regardless of the motive, there is going to be a certain population of the C-suite who does not want to have to look over their shoulder, who does not want to have to walk down the street and be afraid, and that can be mitigated to some degree by knowing that they have an effective security program.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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OXFORD  Moments after Jimmie Jay Lee was last seen, Timothy Herrington looked at garbage cans big enough to hold a body, bought a roll of duct tape and then picked up a box truck and drove to Grenada County. In between, he claimed to have run more than 7 miles at a pace reserved for Olympic runners.

Those details and others came out as the state continued to establish a timeline as Herringtons capital murder trial entered its fourth day at the Lafayette County courthouse. Herrington, 23, is charged with capital murder in the death of Lee. Prosecutors say he killed Lee, whose body has never been found, to cover up their sexual relationship.

Lee was last seen leaving his Campus Walk apartment around 6 a.m. July 8, 2022. A Walmart employee said Herrington purchased duct tape at the west Oxford store at 6:49 a.m. that day.

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Shane Hortner, who was a lieutenant with the Oxford Police Department two years ago, said Walmart security cameras showed Herrington looking at large wheeled garbage cans. He even called an employee over to get more information.

These were large cans like in front of residences that are picked up by garbage truck, Hortner said. He lived in an apartment and had no need for a garbage can.

Authorities say other security cameras show Herrington leaving Walmart and picking up a white box van he owned through a moving company with partner Tyson King. About three hours later, Herrington was at a Grenada dry cleaners picking up clothes. The stores security camera and the receipt are time stamped at 9:40 a.m.

Grenada resident Christopher Klinck lives across the street from Herringtons parents. He shared home security video with police showing the box truck outside the Herrington family home on July 8, 2022. Klinck said it was not unusual to see the box truck across the street or people loading tools and equipment into it. He recalled the truck being there July 8, 2022 but stopped short of saying Herrington loaded a wheelbarrow or anything into the truck.

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I noticed some activity and saw someone loading stuff into the box car (truck) but to tell the truth, I dont know if it was Timothy, Klinck said.

Prosecutors have argued that Herrington used the truck to transport and then dispose of Lees body.

But when police first interviewed Herrington about two weeks after Lee disappeared, he did not mention the trip to get the box truck. He said he went home from Walmart and then went for a run. Prosecutors say the run story was just a way to explain why he was seen around the Molly Barr Road apartment complex where Lees car was found and a short distance from where he was given a lift home by a friend.

Hortner said the route Herrington claimed he took was a back way past the airport. Based on the last time he was seen on camera in the box truck on Jackson Avenue and when he was later seen at Molly Bar Trails, he would have had to run more than 7 miles at a pace of 4:44 per mile. Kizziah Carter gave Herrington a ride home that morning and said he was only slightly sweaty, like he hadnt run far.

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In testimony earlier in the day, Hortner said the investigation took a huge step forward July 21, 2022 when officials identified Herrington as the person Lee was talking to via Snapchat minutes before he disappeared. The next day, Herrington was identified as the jogger leaving the Molly Barr Trails apartment complex shortly after Lees car was left.

At that point, it was time to talk to Tim Herrington, Hortner said.

When police interviewed Herrington at his apartment, he admitted Lee came over and they just chilled. When asked about Molly Barr Trails, Herrington told police he had not been there in several months and he had no idea how Lees Ford Fusion car could have made it to that complex.

When he was brought to the police station for a formal interview, Herrington admitted they were more than friends and that they had sex that morning. He said Lee left his apartment because he had things to do.

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Hortner testified that in the weeks after Lee left Herringtons apartment, Herrington never tried to reach out to the missing man by phone or social media. But he did make several searches via Google and Facebook trying to keep up with the search for Lee by both the Oxford and University police departments.

The trial will resume Saturday morning and could continue Sunday, if the jury wants to.

We are going to work all day Saturday, but I am not going to force anyone to work on Sunday, Judge Kelly Luther said to the sequestered jury from Forrest County. I know you want to get home as quickly as possible. I want yall to think about working Sunday and get back with me (Saturday).
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced a case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected at a commercial egg farm in Sioux County. (Photo by Preston Keres/USDA)

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced Friday it had detected the H5N1 bird flu in a flock of commercial egg-laying chickens in Sioux County.

Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for the county on Thursday, because of the highly contagious disease that has the potential to quickly destroy private property and exhaust local resources and capacities unless its spread is stopped.

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According to IDALS, this is the fourth detection in Iowa poultry this year. The previous case was detected June 20, though more recent cases of the flu have popped up in the states dairy sector.

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H5N1 can be fatal to domestic birds, though wild birds can carry it without apparent symptoms. In a press release, the department said, it remains safe to enjoy eggs and poultry products. The public health risk is low according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which reported 58 confirmed cases in humans in 2024.

The governors proclamation allows for the use and deployment of all available state resources and equipment deemed reasonably necessary by IDALS and the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to track and monitor the disease, establish restrictions and engage in contact tracing and investigatory work to eliminate the disease in Sioux County.

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The disaster proclamation also suspends various sections of Iowa code to allow for swift containment and disposal of birds along with eased regulations on commercial drivers responding to sites with the bird flu. The proclamation is in place until Jan. 5.

Commercial and backyard poultry growers are advised to monitor their flocks and contact their veterinarians immediately if they notice symptoms like lethargy, reduced appetite, thin-shelled or soft eggs, a sudden increase in deaths, nasal discharge, or decreased egg production.

Additional information on biosecurity for Iowa producers can be found on the IDALS website.

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Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig urged Iowa producers to practice proactive biosecurity in an Oct. 1 press release about HPAI at the start of migratory bird season.

We encourage all livestock producers to be alert, revisit their biosecurity plans, and ensure those measures are effectively put into practice, Naig said in the October release. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza isnt just a poultry issue or a dairy issue, its an issue for all of agriculture.

Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show more than 1,200 flocks, totaling more than 100 million birds, have been infected since the outbreak in poultry began in 2022.

The virus spread to dairy cattle in March 2024 and has since been detected at dairies in 15 states. Iowa has reported 13 dairy cases.

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The USDA announced a required dairy testing program on Friday to better monitor the spread of the bird flu. The program will begin the week of Dec. 16 in California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania.

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The Lawrence Energy Center in Kansas burns coal for electric power. A federal lawsuit filed by 11 Republican attorneys general claims institutional investors BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street committed antitrust violations to lower supply and increase the cost of coal. (Jill Hummels/Kansas Reflector)

Major institutional investors have artificially lowered coal production and raised energy costs for consumers in an effort to lower global carbon emissions, a federal lawsuit claims.

Republican attorneys general in 11 states, including Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, filed a joint lawsuit last month against BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street, claiming the organizations efforts to pressure coal companies to lower carbon emissions and respond to climate change amount to anti-competitive business practices.

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All three companies, the lawsuit says, have acquired significant shares in the largest publicly-traded coal companies to coerce their management.

For the past four years, Americas coal producers have been responding not to the price signals of the free market, but to the commands of Larry Fink, BlackRocks chairman and CEO, and his fellow asset managers, the lawsuit says.

BlackRock is the worlds largest financial asset manager.

The case was in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on behalf of the states of Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia and Wyoming.

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The case asks the court to find that the companies have violated federal antitrust laws and prohibit them from using their stock holdings in coal companies to limit output.

In a statement, State Street called the lawsuit baseless.

State Street acts in the long-term financial interests of investors with a focus on enhancing shareholder value, the company said. As long-term capital providers, we have a mutual interest in the long-term success of our portfolio companies.

BlackRock also called the lawsuit baseless and said it defies common sense.

On behalf of our clients, we have billions invested in the energy sector, partnering with states to attract investment into energy infrastructure and helping millions of Americans retire with dignity, the company said.

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In 2020, Fink wrote in a letter to CEOs that climate risk is investment risk and announced efforts to place sustainability at the center of our investment approach. He said companies and investors had a meaningful role to play in the transition from fossil fuels and coal to clean energy.

The following year, BlackRock, State Street and Vanguard joined the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative, acknowledging an urgent need to accelerate the transition towards global net zero emissions and committing to work to reduce carbon emissions. Black Rock and State Street also signed onto Climate Action 100+, a similar initiative where investors work with companies on improving climate change governance, cutting emissions and strengthening climate-related financial disclosures.

Burning coal produces carbon dioxide, the most prevalent greenhouse gas and a significant drive of climate change, scientists say. It also produces sulfur dioxide, particulates and other emissions that can be harmful to human health.

Coal made up 19% of energy-related carbon emissions in 2022 and more than half of emissions from electric power companies, according to the Energy Information Administration.

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In a press release, Hilgers office accused the three companies of weaponizing their shares of the coal market.

Whether it comes from state or federal governments or the private sector, Hilgers said, the radical climate agenda harms Nebraskans.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey vowed to not stand idly by while these companies hamper energy production and raise prices for Missouri consumers.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokitas office said in a press release that he was taking further action to stop work corporatists and their left-leaning allies in government from driving up energy costs for hardworking Hoosiers.

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Coal has been the backbone of Indianas economic success for decades, Rokita said. The demand for electricity has gone up and these (environmental, social and governance) titans are reaping the benefits of these skyrocketed prices by keeping their thumb on production.

And Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said she would keep fighting until we take down every cog of the woke machine and protect hardworking families and farmers.

While Woke Wall Street lines its own pockets, Bird said, families and farmers are forced to pay the price.

This article first appeared in the Kansas Reflector, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  Most places light up a tree for the holiday season. They do things a little differently at U.S. Army post Fort Moore.

Festive feelings were in the air as soldiers prepared for the Annual Tower Lighting Ceremony, where the posts 250-foot airborne jump towers are illuminated with red and green for the holidays. Its become a post tradition over the past 34 years.

The Nutcracker: Professional dancers join Columbus Ballet for performance

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The event is put on for Fort Moore soldiers and their families, hosted by the Maneuver Center of Excellence, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment and Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade.

For the First Battalion executive officer with the 507th Infantry Regiment, this years tower lighting marked a full-circle moment.

Capt. Forrest LeBlanc. (Olivia Yepez)

Whenever you come through the gate here, they always say, Welcome home, because anybody thats part of the maneuver units, youre always going to come back to Fort Moore, Capt. Forrest LeBlanc said.

LeBlanc graduated from Fort Moores Basic Airborne Course in 2011.

Its just a second home away from home, especially here during the holidays, LeBlanc said.

Spc. Zachary Vance and his K-9 Max. (Olivia Yepez)

Roughly 1,800 attended the festivities, which included a demonstration by the Silver Wings Parachute Team, visits with Santa Claus, a military police dog demonstration andfor kidsjumps out of Fort Moores 34-foot training towers.

It has become Fort Moore tradition to light the 250-foot jump towers each holiday season. (Olivia Yepez) Commander of the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade Col. Stewart Lindsay called in a special favor from the Silver Wings to light the towers. (Olivia Yepez) The towers will stay decorated through Christmas for those soldiers and families who will call Fort Moore home for the holidays. (Olivia Yepez) An Atlanta Army National Guard unit decked out in holiday lights. (Olivia Yepez)

The Staff Sgt. Joshua Rippy and wife Heather Rippy took the opportunity to show their kids, Lakelyn and Waylon, what dad does at work.

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The kids dont really get to see me too much. At least most of my job portion of it, Staff Sgt. Rippy said, explaining his kids have only seen him complete an airborne jump a handful of times.

But the tower lighting festivities provided another opportunity to give the kids a taste of what their dad does.

The Rippy family. (Olivia Yepez)

This is a wild man here, said Staff Sgt. Rippy, pointing to his young son. He definitely enjoys jumping out of tower.

This year was Waylons first year attempting the 34-foot tower all by himself, having been accompanied by a parent on jumps at other Fort Moore events last year.

Hes already ready to jump out of planes, Staff Sgt. Rippy said of his son, every bit the proud father.

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The tower tree will remain lit through Christmas for soldiers and their families who are making Fort Moore their home for the holidays.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  An Horry County lawmaker wants to prevent full-sized government vehicles from patrolling beaches during peak seasons in response to a June incident that left a local woman dead.

State Rep. William Bailey of Little River on Thursday pre-filed the  Beach Vehicle Operation Restriction Act, which sets penalties of up to $500 and 90 days in jail for chronic offenders.

The move comes six months after 66-year-old Sandra Schultz-Peters died after being run over by an Horry County Police Department pickup driven by Julian Duke Brown, the agencys former beach safety division chief.

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Bailey told News13 on June 15  two days after Schultz-Peters death  he planned to introduce the legislation.

Theres just no room on the coast for the sunbathers and people who are coming down to enjoy our area, and also have F-150s and other vehicles when we have other resources that we could depend on, he said.

Baileys bill would prohibit full-sized government vehicles on beaches between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May 1 through Oct. 1. There is an exception for cases of emergency when first responders have to operate lights and sirens.

The measure is pending in the House Judiciary Committee.

Peters death also prompted Horry County and Myrtle Beach officials to re-evaluate their own policies.

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On June 20, Horry County police said they were limiting the use of trucks on beaches, substituting them with increased foot and ATV patrols.

Schultz-Peters estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Horry County Police Department on July 1, claiming its negligence and lax supervision was responsible.

The Horry County Police Departments Beach Patrols tolerance for its officers running over beachgoers with full-sized motor vehicles should be exactly 0.00%, W. Coleman Lawrimore, an attorney with Conway-based Derrick Law Firm, wrote in the suit. an infinite array of solutions existed that would completely eliminate the possibility that an Horry County beachgoer would experience a greater than 0.00% chance of a Beach Patrol officer running them over with a full-sized motor vehicle.

Horry County Common Pleas Court Judge William J. Seals on Nov. 12 signed a confidentiality order ahead of a possible settlement, filings show.

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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.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  The House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act.

Its designed to protect people against annoying, predatory calling practices.

The bill, which received a 429-3 vote, is similar to one passed by the Senate two months ago.

Congressman Brian Higgins, who co-sponsored the bill, said Entities engaging in illegal robocalls are employing deceptive measures to trick the public and too often consumers are left frustrated and cheated. This bill puts greater protections in place for consumers and gives us better tools to go after those who abuse the system.

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From 2017 to 2018, the amount of robocalls made a staggering jump from 17 billion to 47.8 billion.

If enacted, the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act would would make it so phone carriers have to create free call authentication technology, so that people would be able to trust their caller ID.

Along with this, the bill would give both the FCC and law enforcement agencies more authority to penalize violators.

Those who make illegal robocalls or use misleading caller ID information could be fined up to $10,000.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
An experiment more than 10 years in the making has delivered its first glimpse of the hurricane of particles whirring inside subatomic particles called neutrons, laying the groundwork to solve a mystery deep in the heart of matter.

Data from the Central Neutron Detector at the US Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (TJNAF) is already playing a role in describing the quantum map of the neutron's engine.

"It's a quite important result for the study of nucleons," says Silvia Niccolai, a research director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research.

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What we regard as the nucleus of an atom is a beehive of even smaller particles called quarks struggling against a sticky exchange of gluons. Wherever two quarks of a flavor called 'up' are bound to a flavor called 'down', you'll find a proton. Make it two down quarks and a single up, you'll have yourself a neutron.

Describing quark trios in such a fashion makes them sound as organized as eggs in a carton. In truth, their existence is anything but conveniently arranged, with a chaotic storm of particles and antiparticles existing and not existing in quantum competition.

To grasp the distributions and movements of swarms of quarks in their gluon shackles, physicists have traditionally shot nuclear particles with electrons and observed how the tiny bullets ricochet. To make the results of these experiments easier to describe, theorists refer to units of quarks and gluons operating under distinct quantum frameworks as partons.

In recent decades, high-energy particle accelerator experiments using the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer and its upgrade at TJNAF have deciphered the proton's parton puzzle, solving mysteries that include a confusing discrepancy between the nucleon's mass and size.

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Neutrons have been a harder nut to crack, shedding their electron shrapnel at angles beyond the reach of the spectrometer's detector.

"In the standard configuration, there was no detection for neutrons possible in these angles," says Niccolai.

In 2011, construction on a new detector began in collaboration with CNRS, which was eventually installed in 2017, before being put through its paces in initial experimental runs in 2019 and 2020.

The Central Neutron Detector installed in Experimental Hall B at the TJNAF. ( Silvia Niccolai

Far from smooth sailing, the experiment design allowed the occasional proton to sneak in and contaminate the results. Only after some clean-up from a purpose-designed machine-learning filter could the numbers finally be applied to theoretical models on neutron activity.

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The first study to make use of the data has put much-needed constraints on one of the least understood distributions of partons in neutrons known as generalized parton distribution (GPD) E.

By comparing results of the experiment with previous data on protons, researchers used the differences in quarks to distinguish a significant mathematical feature of GPD E from a similar model.

"The GPD E is very important because it can give us information into the spin structure of nucleons," says Niccolai.

Spin in a quantum sense encapsulates a quality akin to angular momentum in our everyday world. Prior measurements of the spins of quarks that make up protons and neutrons find these characteristics contribute no more than around 30 percent of the nucleon's total spin, leading to the so-called spin crisis.

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Just where the remaining fraction comes from, whether from interactions with gluons or some other less-understood behavior, is a question future experiments could finally solve.

Having a means to accurately compare the twin engines blazing away in the hearts of atoms is almost certain to lead to fascinating new insights into quantum mechanics.

This research is published in Physical Review Letters.

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MENIFEE COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  Human remains were discovered Thursday in Menifee County.

Authorities said the remains were found along US 460.

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The body was sent to the state medical examiner for a biopsy.

It is unclear how long the remains have been in the area or if they belong to a man or woman.

Kentucky State Police and the Menifee County Sheriffs Office are leading the investigation.

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Dec. 6LIMA  On Nov. 18, the Ohio SPCA and Allen County Humane Society board of directors suspended the volunteer dog walking program, sparking criticism on social media and bringing attention and signatures to a petition started in 2023.

"After several recent incidents involving injuries to dogs and volunteers, this is the best decision for the health and safety of the dogs and our staff and volunteers," the Ohio SPCA and Humane Society wrote in a Facebook post.

In a separate post, the organization specified a dog named Rascal caused serious injury to someone and prompted the board to hire a behaviorist and dog walkers before volunteer dog walkers would be reintroduced.

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The shelter currently has three hired dog walkers and is looking for a fourth and has teamed up with Joshua Osting, the founder of Exceptionally Obedient Dogs LLC out of Fort Jennings, according to shelter manager Sherry Bernard. The employees have already had one training session with Osting, she said.

Bernard said the shelter currently has about 20 dogs that are ready for adoption and walk with the dog walkers and about 40 dogs in the building total.

In addition to the petition and social media comments, one complaint  which is public record  has been filed with the Ohio Attorney General's Charitable Law Office by Lisa Harding, a former board member from Lima.

"The financial records are not well kept, no reports provided to the board at meetings. No record of how much donations come in for the Lima shelter. Online donations are deposited into sanctuary account. Lima board is given no proof that transferred funds are actually the amount received by the sanctuary. No records or reports are given," Harding wrote, adding the organization has "inconsistent policies and procedures."

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Organization's response to rumors

John Bell, the organization's attorney based out of Columbus and a member of the board of directors, confirmed the board wants the volunteer dog walking program to return after the staff are trained by the behaviorist and get on the same page with how dogs should be handled. Bell has over 20 years of experience working with animal welfare groups.

"It is our intention to, at some point in the future, resume the volunteer dog walkers. That has always been our intention, and the suspension of that program has always been temporary," Bell said.

"The issue is not the people. The issue is the animals. Our concern is that if they're not handled by folks who understand how to do this correctly, they won't be socialized and ready to be adopted," he continued. "In order for them to be socialized, we have to have people who do more with them than just take them out of the cage, spin them around the yard and bring them back."

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He mentioned other tasks volunteers can do while the dog walking is suspended, like feeding, bathing and grooming the dogs and cleaning the areas where the animals are housed.

Bell explained the way animals are categorized at the shelter coming in depending on their past behavior.

"When an animal comes in, their behavior is assessed, and they are sorted into groups according to the level of our comfort with their behavior. They have green, yellow and red. Reds are animals that have had some significant issues in their behavior, and only the most trained and skilled staff should be handling them, and we've had volunteers going in and taking red level dogs out of their cages, and even if they don't get injured, we really can't have that," he said. "The fact that there's only one injury doesn't mean there's not other issues we're trying to eliminate by going through this process of bringing in a professional to train folks."

When the incident with Rascal occurred, he was taken off the adoptable animals list, which made people assume Rascal was euthanized and the shelter was no longer a "no-kill" shelter.

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"What no-kill shelter means is we won't euthanize an animal just for the sake of space. If an animal comes in in severe distress, humane euthanization may be required because it may not be possible to alleviate the suffering in any other way, and that happens at every shelter in every city and county in Ohio," Bell said. "We do not euthanize just because an animal has an issue, even if it's a behavioral issue. If they come in after a bite or attack, they're not euthanized because of that. They would only be euthanized at the recommendation of a licensed veterinarian for the sake of eliminating the animal's suffering if we cannot alleviate the suffering."

Another allegation centered around the shelter currently not having a humane agent and the reasons for it, including "the hostile work environment, lack of support, and ceased communication from board members and staff," according to the petition.

"We've had trouble keeping humane officers because the pay is so low and the community support isn't there, and we have people complaining about not having a humane officer," Bell said. "If we can get somebody who is qualified under the revised code, which means they have full peace officer training, just like every police officer in the state of Ohio, and they're certified and want to come to us and work for the little bit that a humane agent gets paid, we would have humane agents all the time, but we can't seem to get people who are qualified, willing to go there and do it for the pay that's available. It's a hard job."

Bell said there is a humane agent on the board who hasn't been sworn into Allen County yet, which will happen when the county's probate court judge approves him.

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Bell explained that by law, all humane societies in Ohio are private, non-profit charities, so they are 100% funded by donations. He said only about 20% of the organization's funding comes from Allen County donors, so the organization's other branches are helping fund the shelter.

"The county government does not have to support the county humane society. There's no financial connection there. The limited government function that is performed by the humane agent does not make us a government office," Bell said. "We're a donation-dependent private charity, and some counties don't have a humane society or humane agent."

The petition criticized the organization for not adding any new programs since its takeover of the shelter in 2015.

"We'd like to do more of that, but again you can't have just anybody coming in and taking the animals out and taking them to a remote location and exposing them to the public. That's not something you can walk in off the street and do the first day you volunteer," Bell said. "If we're not doing enough it's because we don't have the manpower and the financial resources to do more."

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One consequence of decreased manpower and financial resources is putting the organization's low-cost spay and neuter clinic on pause, which is another source of community backlash.

"If we don't have money to get the vets in to do the spay and neuter clinics and support staff, it can't happen," Bell said.

Bell expressed concern about decreased donations because of the allegations.

"The unfortunate thing about some of these posts is that's going to damage the donations that we would otherwise receive, and that money's not going to come in from another source," he said.

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Testimonial from a volunteer

Marianna Eilerman, of Elida, helps organize the Petco cat partnership where cats from the shelter are brought to Petco to help them get adopted. Since she started helping with the program in June 2021, she has rehomed about 90 cats. She also transports cats to and from Petco and vet appointments, runs the front desk and decorates the shelter.

"When I moved here, I didn't know anybody from here. I work from home, and we adopted a dog from here. Our other one had passed away," Eilerman said about why she started volunteering at the shelter. "When I lived in Toledo I worked at the humane society up there a lot and I'm fortunate enough to have time and the money to do the stuff, so I started helping out with cleaning and different things, and it's just kind of evolved. Then the Petco thing started and I wanted to be in charge of that.

"It helps me. I feel like I'm giving back. It's very rewarding. I feel like I'm making a difference in someone's life," she said.

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Eilerman has two adopted cats and two adopted dogs at home, two of which came from the Allen County shelter. Per week, she volunteers six to seven hours at Petco and five to six hours at the shelter.

Volunteer program at another shelter

The Auglaize County Humane Society wrote in a Facebook message that its volunteer program has "around 10 regular volunteers that come weekly. We have around 50 signed up but due to their schedules, do not come as often. Our volunteers help us clean, go to special events, help with fundraisers, as well as, play with/socialize and walk our dogs (and cats). We do not allow our volunteers to interact with 'problem' dogs for their own safety. We are a small facility and do not have the number of animals as the bigger shelters, but we put the safety of our animals as well as their caregivers first."

Anyone interested in adopting can download an application at www.ohiospca.org and email it once complete to adoptionsohiospca@gmail.com. Bell said any concerns from the community about the way the shelter is ran can be emailed to him at johnlegal@aol.com and he will bring them up to the board.

Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  More than 200 flights in and out of San Diego International Airport Friday have been delayed due to weather conditions after dense, patchy fog blanketed the bay throughout the morning.

As of 1 p.m., around 114 of the flights experiencing delays scheduled departures from San Diego and 122 were arrivals, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. More than a dozen flights had also been canceled.

The average delay for airborne arrivals is estimated to be around 51 minutes, per FlightAware, while those headed to San Diego that are still waiting at their origin are delayed by about an hour and 56 minutes. The average departure delay from San Diego is around 44 minutes.

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La Jolla residents one step closer to split from city of San Diego

The delays come on the heels of a rough holiday travel week for airline passengers, as inclement weather across the nation caused widespread disruptions.

Airport authority officials advised anyone headed to the airport Friday to check with their online flight status tracker or airline directly before arriving, in case of any delays to their scheduled flight.

Heading into Friday, the National Weather Service issued a Dense Fog Advisory for the coastal parts of San Diego County, including along the San Diego Bay where the airport is located. The advisory expired at 9 a.m.

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Fog is expected to remain through the end of the day for some communities like La Jolla, but sunshine is expected to return to usher in the start of the weekend.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Hundreds of people gathered outside Oak Parks Village Hall Friday night in honor of police Detective Allan Reddins, who was shot and killed while responding to a call for service last week.

Reddins, 40 and a five-year veteran of the department, was the first Oak Park officer killed in the line of duty since 1938, authorities said. Jerell Thomas, of Chicagos North Lawndale neighborhood, has since been charged with his murder. Thomas, 37, has a history of being violent toward police officers, records show.

During the brief ceremony, a violinist played Amazing Grace as people lit candles. Oak Park police Chief Shatonya Johnson asked the departments officers to join her at the podium for her short address.

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I want you all to see to recognize the men and women of your police department that get up every day to come in and serve and protect you all, Johnson said. We all are struggling together.

She thanked the public for the outpour of support for the department and said her hope in the wake of Reddins death was that were going to be stronger, were going to work harder, and were going to be safer than ever.

Mayor Vicki Scaman offered her condolences to Reddins family and said his work with the department would continue to inspire us all as we work together to build a safer, stronger Oak Park.

Scaman also called on residents to do what they could to support their police department and said village leaders were committed  to reduce gun violence so that all people feel safe in our community.

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Marisa Munoz shook her head as the group took a moment of silence.

We shouldnt be here, she muttered.

Munoz, 43, said Reddins had helped her family when her father was ailing, as the officer who would sometimes respond to their 911 calls alongside paramedics. She remembered Reddins as a gentle, kind man and worried for his 19-year-old son, who survives him alongside Reddins mother and siblings.

He should be at home with his family celebrating the holidays, she said of Reddins. When is this going to end? There were two kids shot in California earlier this week.

Paul Greenwalt said he was out of patience with attitudes toward firearm regulations and blamed Reddins death in part on access to guns.

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Greenwalt, 57, and his wife, Sonya Gilbert, said Reddins had been shot just four blocks from their home.

If that can happen on the Friday morning after Thanksgiving when everyones out shopping, its pretty sobering, said Gilbert, 62.

Reddins funeral services will take place next week, according to information on the villages website.
Fidelia Meza has a devotion to the Virgin Mary.

When the 31-year-old Catholic from Kankakee County got married, she brought roses to Mary. When celebrating the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Meza typically brings her more flowers  that is, she might lay flowers near a statue of Mary in a church and pray.

On Saturday morning, Meza made a physically larger gesture to the mother of Jesus. She rode a horse in an annual Archdiocese of Chicago pilgrimage to a Marian shrine in Des Plaines.

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The reason for the added gesture was that Meza wanted to say a special prayer for her nieces son, who was born recently with medical problems.

Hopefully she can help the baby and my entire family because my family and I, we are very close together, Meza said before the ride. So anything that happens in our family, it jeopardizes everybody. So Im hoping the Virgin Mary can do a miracle and get the baby out of these seizures and be healthy.

By 7:30 a.m., about a dozen horse trailers had pulled into Dam No. 1 Woods, a Cook County forest preserve along the Des Plaines River and about five miles north of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Around 10 a.m. near a pavilion in the forest preserve, hundreds of riders and their horses crowded around an altar and Deacon Miguel Vargas to listen to a few scripture readings and some preaching in Spanish.

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The horseback pilgrimage  which had 800 riders, according to the archdiocese  was the unofficial start of activities at the Des Plaines shrine for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which Catholics celebrate Dec. 12.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of Marys many titles. Its connected with a set of Marian appearances to Mexican peasant Juan Diego that are believed to have occurred nearly 500 years ago, in December 1531.

Vargas, 60, of Hoffman Estates, said Catholics make pilgrimages for Our Lady of Guadalupe to show her they are grateful for the blessings in their lives, such as their jobs and families.

One reason to make a pilgrimage on horseback specifically is that horses are a reminder of the days when people needed them to harvest the land and to live, said Vargas, who is originally from Monterrey, Mexico. Consequently, horses are also a reminder of ones principles, values and culture, he said.

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When they go on the pilgrimage, theyre going to be riding for maybe two or three hours, Vargas said. Theyre going to be reflecting.

Juan Pozo, 25, did not ride. Instead, the Carpentersville resident helped distribute hot drinks, Mexican pastries called conchas and tamales made by his mom to those gathered near the pavilion, the pilgrimages starting point.

Pozo said hes been involved with the horseback pilgrimage, which is in its 13th year, since the beginning. If someone doesnt have a specific petition to bring before Mary, feast celebrations are opportune times to be thankful for what has happened during the past year and to finish the year on a good note, he said.

After following the river south, when riders reach the journeys end  the shrine on North River Road  they are given flowers to hand over to Mary, Pozo said. He added that whenever he visits the shrine, he feels a special internal calmness.

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I would have to say you dont necessarily have to be part of a religion to feel being welcome there, Pozo said. Its a really nice place.

According to the archdiocese, hundreds of thousands of faithful are expected to attend feast day events at the shrine on Dec. 11 and 12.
IATSE and the Canadian Media Producers Association, representing indie producers, have reached a tentative deal for film set trailers and craft service workers in Ontario, a key production hub for Hollywood.

The new deal adds to a stable labor environment for American and local producers that shoot in Canada over a year after the Hollywood actors and writers strikes. The agreement, which replaces one that expires on Dec. 31, 2024, and follows recent negotiations, awaits ratification by members of IATSE Local 411.

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Local 411 is happy to have reached a tentative agreement that meaningfully addresses many of our members priorities, Anne Paynter, business agent, IATSE Local 411, said in a statement.

The deal between IATSE and the CMPA covers workplace pay rates and conditions for craft service workers and honeywagons, or portable trailers where film cast and creatives are housed while on a production location.

Through effective collective bargaining, we have reached a fair agreement that helps maintain stability in Ontarios media production sector, and I thank the individuals on both sides of the table for their commitment, Sean Porter, vp of national industrial relations and counsel for the CMPA, added in his own statement.

The IATSE deal follows similar labor pacts being signed in Canada to preserve labor peace, including The Directors Guild of Canadas British Columbia branch recently ratifying a new three-year deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, representing Hollywood producers, and its local counterpart, the CMPA.

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Elsewhere, the Writers Guild of Canada and the CMPA also agreed on terms for a new labor contract. Terms of the latest Independent Production Agreement cover rates and workplace conditions for Canadian writers, story editors and story consultants.

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The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, Dec. 7, after a massive fire caused significant structural damage  including a collapsed roof  in April 2019.

The in-depth restoration process took more than 2,000 days of labor and involved over 2,000 people, with many of Frances wealthiest citizens pledging money to help rebuild the historical and cultural landmark, according to CNN.

While the source of the fire remains a mystery, investigators believe it may have been caused by an electrical issue or perhaps even a lit cigarette. After the devastating fire, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to restore the site within five years.

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While COVID slowed progress for much of 2020, workers successfully removed much of the charred scaffolding that had been in place from a previous repair project, an important first step.

PATRICK ANIDJAR/AFP via Getty The Notre Dame Cathedral in flames on April 15, 2019 The Notre Dame Cathedral in flames on April 15, 2019

Related: $1 Billion Raised in Two Days to Rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral After Massive Fire

That same year saw efforts to restore the cathedrals legendary organ, which is Frances largest musical instrument. While the organ  which features 8,000 pipes  was technically not damaged by the fire, it had been coated in toxic debris.

By 2021, project managers selected the first historic French oak trees to begin rebuilding the structures signature spire. The trees were gathered from Berce forest in the French Loire region. Master craftspeople also worked on securing the structure that same year, which entailed fashioning a giant temporary umbrella to keep the interior of the cathedral safe while further repairs were made.

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The following year in 2022, expert glassmakers and locksmiths from all across the country  and even several from abroad  arrived to begin restoring the cathedrals famous stained glass windows.

STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Stained glass windows at the Notre Dame Cathedral on Nov. 29, 2024 Stained glass windows at the Notre Dame Cathedral on Nov. 29, 2024

Related: Prince William Steps Up His Statesman Role to Represent King Charles at Reopening of Notre Dame

In 2023, several pivotal moments in the restoration process took place, including the sudden death of the army general who had been selected to oversee the project, General Jean-Louis Georgelin. President Macron honored Georgelin, calling him the greatest soldier in championing the restoration.

That same year, a golden rooster  an official symbol of France  was placed atop the buildings new spire. The rooster was fashioned to also resemble a phoenix to signify the cathedrals rebirth. Religious relics were placed inside the golden animal to serve as a time capsule, according to the Associated Press.

STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/POOL/AFP via Getty The Notre Dame Cathedral in November 2024 The Notre Dame Cathedral in November 2024

February 2024 entailed the removal of the longstanding scaffolding on the structure, with the ensuing months marking the final stretch of the restoration.

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The reopening ceremony will take place on Dec. 7, and more than 50 heads of state are expected to attend, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The U.K.s Prince William will also be in attendance, standing in for his father, King Charles, as he continues to undergo treatment for cancer.

After the ceremony, the cathedral will hold two daily masses for eight consecutive days, with several of the masses open to the public. The cathedral is free to visit and will then remain open to the public indefinitely.



Read the original article on People
Nampa police arrested an 18-year-old driver in connection with a crash that left a car on the roof of a home, according to a news release.

Nampa police, with assistance from Caldwell police, arrested the driver on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter. The teenager, who was injured in the crash, appeared in a mugshot wearing a neck brace.

The teenager was driving at high speed on East Amity Avenue when he failed to navigate a curve, according to Nampa police. The car went over a berm in a yard and went airborne, hitting the chimney of one home and landing on the roof of another.

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The front passenger, 31-year-old Jose Chaparro, died. The back seat passenger survived, but Nampa police said his condition is unknown.

Because the car hit a power line, the crash took out power for over 3,500 customers, according to previous Statesman reporting.

The charge does not yet appear on the states court records system. However, the teenager has several past driving cases. He pleaded not guilty in May to racing on a public highway and reckless driving  ultimately pleading guilty in July to speeding.

In 2023 and 2022, he was charged with driving without privileges, pleading guilty in both cases.
A woman in the Sunshine State says she was let go from her job over an act of kindness.

On Nov. 27, Florida resident Victoria Hughes appeared on NBC affiliate WFLA to discuss being fired from an IHOP in Lakeland, Florida, where shed worked for 13 years. The story begins on Nov. 24, when a homeless man walked into the restaurant and asked her for food.

He stated to me and the host that he was hungry, Hughes said. Without a second thought, I bought him the stack of pancakes and made him a water.

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Hughes said she told her manager about the situation and was surprised by his response that feeding the man would cause a safety or loitering issue. Hughes said things escalated at work when the same man came in, this time with family, for another meal.

On Nov. 26, her manager called and fired her, according to Hughes. When she asked him for a reason, he said company policy.

Despite her firing, Hughes said she doesnt regret what she did.

I need my job, but I would still do it again, she said. I truly would. I would still help somebody if I could. If he asked me for my shirt, I probably would have tried to give him that, too.

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Days later, an IHOP executive called her with a job offer, adding that he offered to make a healthy donation to the local charity of her choice, said Hughes.

When reached for comment, a representative for IHOP referred TODAY.com to Sunshine Restaurant Partners, the franchisee that owns the Lakeland location.

Dan Enea, CEO of Sunshine Restaurant Partners, tells TODAY.com that they took immediate action to investigate the situation and have implemented training for their employees on addressing issues related to food insecurity.

As part of our ongoing efforts to support those in need within our local community, we will continue to address food insecurity through our partnership with Feeding America and by making a donation to local Lakeland charities that also support this important cause, Enea says.

But Hughes said shes still mulling over whether or not she should return to her former job, taking the holiday season to spend time with her family.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.  The Illinois State Police have arrested a Belleville man for the murder of a 16-year-old in East St. Louis on October 30.

Agents say 37-year-old John Mosley of Belleville, IL faces multiple charges including First Degree Murder and Felon in Possession of a Firearm stemming from the deadly shooting.

On October 30, agents from the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6, were requested by the East St. Louis Police Department to investigate the homicide that occurred in the 3000 block of Converse Avenue in East St. Louis. When officers arrived to the scene, they found a 16-year-old had been hit by gunfire. He was taken to an area hospital where he died.

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Police say that after a thorough investigation, ISP agents identified Mosley as a suspect and took him into custody on December 3. The St. Clair County States Attorneys Office filed multiple charges again Mosley on December 6. Mosley is being held at the St. Clair County Jail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO)  Illinois Supreme Court Judges have clarified when police can and cannot search a vehicle for cannabis.

In September, judges ruled the smell of burnt cannabis was not enough to search someones vehicle.

The state supreme court has now determined the smell of raw cannabis is a reason for officers to search vehicles. The court explained the issue is how cannabis is being stored.

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The ruling comes from a 2020 case involving a driver, Ryan Redmond, who was pulled over in Henry County by Illinois State Police for speeding 3 miles per hour over the limit, according to court records. arrested.

The officer smelled burnt cannabis, searched the car and found a gram of cannabis that was not stored in an odor-proof container, police reported. Redmond was charged with failure to transport cannabis in an odor-proof container.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
From the G-File on The Dispatch

Dear Reader (including those of you who opted for expedited delivery),

(Before we get to the good stuff, I want to let you know theres an announcement at the end for Premium Dispatch Members and our first Premium Townhall. Details after the newsletter.)

In a much healthier republic, Congress would impeach Joe Biden for pardoning his son.

If youll forgive just a soupcon of Swiftian excess, I think the case that Congress should impeach Biden is quite strong.

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Let me set the table for a moment. It is true that the presidents pardon power is pretty much absolutesave for the fact that he can only pardon federal crimes and cant pardon impeachable offenses. This in turn leads many people to think the president cant be impeached for bad pardons. But this is wrong. Congress power to impeach and remove is pretty much as absolute as the presidents power to pardon. Lawyers, partisans, and pundits routinely deny this when they dont want a particular president impeached (and often agree with this when they do want a particular president impeached). They claim that a president has to commit a high crime or misdemeanor to commit an impeachable offense, and since the president has the authority to pardon whomever he wants, and for any reason, he cant be impeached for using his constitutional authority.

Im not going to get into the weeds about what high crimes and misdemeanors are, because it doesnt really matter save to say that, as a practical matter, they are whatever Congress decides they are. No court will ever overturn a congressional impeachment and removal, so even if Congress is wrong in some cosmic sense, it still has the final say. Similarly, presidents have the final say on pardons.

Indeed, if a president sold a pardon for cold hard bitcoin and got caught, the president could be impeached and removed for it (and should be!) but the pardon he sold would stand because pardons are not reviewable by courts or Congress. (If memory serves, when my friend Andy McCarthy was still at the Department of Justice and looked at Bill Clintons last-minute pardon of Marc Rich, he concluded that even if Rich explicitly bought the pardonnot a huge ifthe pardon would stand.).

But, again, that doesnt mean a president cannot be impeached for an improper pardon. Dont take my word for it.

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At the Virginia Ratifying Convention in 1788, George Mason argued against the sweeping nature of the proposed pardon power in the United States new Constitution:

Now, I conceive that the President ought not to have the power of pardoning, because he may frequently pardon crimes which were advised by himself. It may happen, at some future day, that he will establish a monarchy, and destroy the republic. If he has the power of granting pardons before indictment, or conviction, may he not stop inquiry and prevent detection?

James Madison, the chief author of the Constitution, had a ready rejoinder:

There is one security in this case [of a power-abusing pardon] to which gentlemen may not have adverted: if the President be connected, in any suspicious manner, with any person, and there be grounds to believe he will shelter him, the House of Representatives can impeach him; they can remove him if found guilty; they can suspend him when suspected, and the power will devolve on the Vice-President.

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Now, I dont have a Federalist Society decoder ring or anything, but if James Madison defended the Constitutions pardon powerat a convention to ratify it!by saying that crappy pardons are grounds for impeachment, then I think Im right and every TV lawyer talking out of his Dershowitz saying otherwise is wrong.

The question is, therefore, does the Hunter Biden pardon qualify as the kind of thing Madison had in mind? On its face, I think it does. I dont want to use up a lot of space explaining why, for reasons Ill get to in a second. But I think its worth noting that Masons concern that a president might set up a monarchy is relevant here. If presidents are granted the objectively kingly power to immunize others against the law on their own behalf, we are well down the road to a quasi-monarchy already. If illegal acts are suddenly legal when done on behalf, or for the benefit of, a president, we no longer have a nation of laws. When Biden named Merrick Garland as his attorney general, he said:

I made it clear from the moment I entered this race that what I believe was at stake. I said there was nothing less at stake than who we are as a nation, what we stand for, what we believe, what we will be. At the center of that belief is one of the oldest principles this nation has long held, where our government of laws, not of men, not of the people, of laws.

There was no asterisked footnote saying, unless its my son and erstwhile business partner.

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Now, the reason I dont want to belabor the point of whether Hunters pardon falls into the kind of scenario Madison envisioned is because it just doesnt matter. What I mean is, if Congress decides that it does, then it does. Period.

Which brings me to the argument for why Congress should impeach Biden for it. First of all, who among us wouldnt celebrate having the first black-Asian-female president for five minutes or so?

But more importantly, it would be an act of civic hygiene. Congress would assert its primacy and send a clear signal that the sort of corrupt self-dealing that both Democrats and Republicans claim to loathe is no longer acceptable.

Whats really interesting is how Republicans, who have been ravenously hungry to impeach Biden for four years, seem to have lost their appetite entirely. I mean, Donald Trump reportedly used to hector Republicans about whenand how many timesthey were going to impeach Biden.

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Republicans have introduced 15 impeachment resolutions against Biden. His release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve? Impeachable! His mishandling of the border? Impeachable! Extending the COVID eviction moratorium? Impeachable! And, most relevant, covering up his shady dealings with his brother and Hunter? Impeachable, baby!

But now that Joe has issued a blanket pardon of Hunter? No articles of impeachment. In fairness, there is chatter about impeaching him.

But heres why I think they wont do it. And its not because of their abiding interest in norms or fairness. They dont want to lay down the precedent that such abuse of power is impeachable, because Trump wants that power for himself.

And thats precisely why Democrats should take the lead in the effort to impeach Joe Biden. Politically, it would be wildly messy, obviously. But, ultimately, I think it would be good for the Democrats. With this one cool trick, they could erase the enormous damage theyve done to themselves and punish Biden for screwing them so thoroughly. More importantly, theyd lay down a marker that Trump cannot rely on formal arguments of presidential authority to defend corrupt but technically legal abuses of power.

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Andy McCarthy wrote back in 2018 that, weve become such a litigious society we fail to recognize that the Constitution mainly relies on political checks, not judicial ones. Sacrificing Biden for the sake of even partially restoring those political checks is a small price to payeven if its unfair to Biden.

The Case for Hardball

Which brings me to the much-discussed internal discussions inside the Biden administration to offer blanket preemptive pardons to a slew of people Trumpers would like to legally prosecute or persecute.

Nick Cattogio does an excellent job running through the pros and cons of what I still consider to be an absolutely horrendous idea. Again, if you share Masons concern about the destruction of the republic, I can think of no better way than establishing the precedent that presidents can and should issue blanket and sweeping pardons to allies, aides, business partners, and family members for any wrongdoing even before theyve been charged with anything. And I say that fully acknowledging that theres plenty of reason to believeor at least worrythat the next administration will be outrageously and performatively vindictive against lots of innocent people.

I think where I differ with Nick is that hes more despairing of the republican virtue of the American electorate than I am. If most voters cared about Trumps illiberalism, Nick writes, America wouldnt have reelected a coup-plotter on the off chance that hell bring the price of eggs down by a quarter. I take his point, and I dont dismiss it, even if I think its overstated.

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But this leaves out the fact that, by his own framing, most of Trumps voters voted for the price of eggs to dropand not to provide a steady stream of content for the Charlie Kirk podcast.

And thats why I think he gives short shrift to the very real possibilityI would argue the very strong probabilitythat a Trump administration consumed by its political vendettas would be bad for Donald Trump and his presidency.

Again, I want to be clear: I think a retribution campaign against Kash Patels enemies list and the Deep State would almost certainly be a grotesque, probably impeachable, abuse of power. I dont think Liz Cheney or Mitt Romneyor even Sarah Isgurdid anything wrong. And I would be enraged by a punitive campaign against them.

But as unfair as it would be to them, I dont think that unfairness would work to Donald Trumps benefit. And trying to preempt it wouldnt necessarily work to the countrys benefit, or the Democrats.

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I get that a lot of people think Trump has a mandate to do all of the stuff that makes the Bannonites tumescent. He campaigned on retribution, they note, so therefore he has every right to pursue retribution. I get the political logic of that, but its also really stupid.

Nick has argued very persuasively, albeit dyspeptically, that the American voters should get Trumpism good and hard. Theres a Burkean element to that argument. Example is the school of mankind and he will learn at no other. You want Trump unplugged, well here. Lets see how you like it.

That argument applies to the Patelian (as in Kash) jihad, too. An electorate that voted for lower egg prices, may not find a steady stream of bogus prosecutionsand the political and legal chaos that will resulta satisfactory substitute.

For starters, lets assume theres no evidence that the people on Patels enemy list actually committed serious crimes because, you know, they didnt commit serious crimes. That means they would be revealed as victims of a witchhunt, as the Trumpers like to say. For Liz Cheney and some of the other politicians, that could likely improve their political prospects. But it would certainly give them enormous platforms: Media coverage, fundraising, etc., would go to 11. Personally, Im hoping there will be a serious effort to create a legal defense fund, so that Cheney et al. arent drowned in legal fees. But ultimately, the courts would likely be inhospitable to a hackish MAGA effort, even if laundered through the DOJ (amid many resignations and scandals as AG Bondi and FBI Director Patel try to make it all work). And the Trump administration would look ridiculous, and Trump would look unconcerned with the concerns of the people who voted for him.

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Think of it this way: Trumps ideas about trade are preposterous. Letting him have all the tariffs he wants is the quickest way to (re)learn that lesson. Lots of Trump-aligned wonks are quietly trying to work out ways to make Trumps trade policies less damaging, and that is the responsible thing to do, of course.

But the difference between tailoring tariffs to be less economically damaging and issuing blanket preemptive pardons is that issuing blanket preemptive pardons would not be the responsible thing to do for the reasons Ive suggested.

More to the point, it would be a gift to Trump. Trump cares more about talking points than facts. For all his talk about how he got rid of NAFTA he didnt actually get rid of NAFTA he modestly tinkered with it and gave it a new name. He didnt care about an actual investigation into Bidens vice presidential dealings with Ukraine or actual evidence that the 2020 election was stolen. He just wanted press releases that let him make his claims. He doesnt really want capable, swamp-draining reformers, he wants good talking heads on TV.

If you take Liz Cheney and all of those people off the board preemptively, you give Trump cover to say Democrats rigged the system again and deprived the American people of the opportunity to get justice for the so-called crimes Cheney, Isgur, and Anthony Fauci committed. Youre saving Trump from himself. Youre giving him the excuse he needs to tell the Bannonites he cant do show trials as promised while simultaneously tainting the innocent with the implication of guilt. Its the best of both worlds for Trump, because youre giving him the talking points while denying him the ability to follow through on any of his promises.

Worse, you will have established the precedent that presidents can issue pardons for future crimes committed on the presidents behalf. Thats a precedent that Donald Trump will surely be grateful for. Indeed, I fear the Hunter Biden pardonand these insipid discussionshas already done exactly that. Which is another reason to impeach Joe Biden.

Im open to some new argument that Biden doesnt deserve to be impeachedbut Im not sure that deserve has anything to do with it.

Various & Sundry

Attention Premium Members: (and those of you on the fence about becoming premium members): Were hosting our first Premium Town Hall on Tuesday, December 10 at 8 p.m. ET. This will be an excellent opportunity to interact directly with Dispatch founders and editors in an ask-me-anything style Zoom call. Ask our experts what they think of the cabinet nominations so far, whats on the horizon in Congress, and how were sourcing up for a very different Washington.

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Canine Update: As things get cold outside, things get cozy inside. Though, theres still room for some relaxation drama and its never too cold for midday adventures and album cover posing. I missed the G-File last week, so I need to report that our deep-fried turkey was a tour de force. But it was a little stressful because Pippa demands to be in the backyard whenever anyone else is. When she wouldnt stop begging to play ball, I had to incarcerate her inside, where she pouted excessively. A huge tub of boiling oil near a spazzy spaniel is stress-inducing. With winter approaching, we start many mornings in the dark these days, which requires the girls to put on their special collars. The cold also makes even my heart melt for poor Chester. But I will not take on feeding him as one of my additional responsibilities. The Fair Jessica created the moral hazard of the feline dole.

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Pets Proudest Moment: Learning to walk around town off-leash, thanks to a special collar!

Moment Someone (Wrongly) Said Pet Was a Bad Dog: Hand to God, its never happened. Shes a very sweet girl who wants to love on everybody.

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An Indian American family who was verbally attacked with a racist rant on a United Airlines shuttle bus is planning to press charges against the woman who called them not American.

Pervez Taufiq, 50, was traveling from Mexico to Los Angeles with his wife and three young children when he says a woman accosted him  first telling his kids to shut up and then, when he pushed back, hurling racial slurs at them. Taufiqs recording of the Nov. 23 incident has gone viral on social media, directing a firestorm of anger toward the attacker.

What was most disappointing is that theres no level of contrition, no level of remorse, Taufiq told NBC News.

Pervez Taufiq and the woman he encountered. (Courtesy Pervez Taufiq)

Taufiq did not initially file a police report, but he said the attackers identity has been shared with him and now he intends to press charges.

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A woman gave an interview to L.A. Fox News affiliate Fox 11 on Tuesday, admitting to the incident and saying she had been provoked by Taufiq and his wife. She asked not to be named by the outlet.

Taufiq feels sorry for her, he said, but doesnt feel by her responses that she is remorseful. He plans to start the process of pressing charges because he wants to make it clear that her behavior was not OK, he said. Its not clear whether the police will charge the woman with a crime.

Pervez Taufiq, 50, and his family. Taufiq captured a video in which he and his kids were attacked with racism on a United Airlines bus.

Taufiq said the harassment began on the flight from Mexico, when she approached his 11-year-old son, who was sitting apart from the family, and questioned him about his race. On the shuttle bus from the aircraft to Los Angeles International Airport, video documents her putting up her middle fingers and insulting the family, calling them stinky and tandoori.

Your family is from India, you have no respect, you have no rules, she said in the video. She then reached for her phone and said she was going to record while calling him tandoori in a derogatory way.

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In the interview with Fox 11, the woman blamed her behaviour on a previous brain injury.

Most people know me as a very kind, calm person, but since the brain injury I get agitated very easily, she said.

She also accused Taufiq of verbally attacking her first with a derogatory term for white people.

Taufiq denies using any harmful terms, but says he did tell her to shut up after she yelled at his 4-year-old son.

The one thing I dont want my kids to do is see their dad lay down, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Metlakatla residents celebrate their Founders Day holiday in August. (Photo by Nathaniel Herz/Northern Journal)

Metlakatla residents celebrate their Founders Day holiday in August. (Photo by Nathaniel Herz/Northern Journal)

A small Canadian First Nation and an Indigenous group in Alaska each have challenged a British Columbia permit decision for a massive mining project upstream of two Southeast Alaska communities.

The challenges, filed last week in British Columbias Supreme Court, call for legal reviews of the provincial governments decision earlier this year to let a Canadian company hang on, indefinitely, to a key environmental permit.

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Seabridge Gold, a Toronto-based company, has been pushing for years to advance what it describes as the largest undeveloped gold project in the world, known as KSM. It would involve a complex of open-pit and underground mines across four mineral deposits buried in the rugged British Columbia mountains in the Unuk and Nass River watersheds.

Both rivers bear salmon, and the Unuk flows southwest into Alaska, near the city of Ketchikan and the Tsimshian community of Metlakatla, where some residents are concerned about environmental and cultural impacts from mining.

The tribally led Southeast Alaska Indigenous Transboundary Commission and a British Columia conservation group, SkeenaWild Conservation Trust, jointly filedone of the challenges. It argues that the provincial government was wrong to deem KSM substantially started  a decision that makes the key permit permanent, instead of expiring in 2026.

The Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation in northwest B.C. filed a separate challengesaying that the province failed in its legal duty to consult with the First Nation. In its challenge, the First Nation said Seabridge intended to locate its large mine waste site on the nations traditional territory and that the province and Seabridge had not meaningfully addressed their concerns.

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Seabridge Gold has financial agreements with two other, larger First Nations in the region, the Nisgaa and Tahltan, which formed a partnership last year to participate in the project.

CBC reported a Seabridge executive saying that Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Has rights to the area have not been recognized by the province. The executive said, rather, that the area is recognized as part of Tahltan territory and also is contained in a Nisgaa treaty, according to the report.

The Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha cite a 2023 letter from the province with an updated territorial map that encompasses the area in question.

Seabridges application for a substantially started determination was widely supported by the communities of northwest British Columbia, including Indigenous communities, Rudi Fronk, Seabridges chief executive, said in a statement. TSKLH were provided the relevant information early and participated in the provinces review process, including submitting comments for the provinces consideration.

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Northern Journal contributor Max Graham can be reached at max@northernjournal.com. Hes interested in any and all mining related stories, as well as introductory meetings with people in and around the industry.

This article was originally published in Northern Journal, a newsletter from Nathaniel Herz. Subscribe at this link.

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After a year of waiting to see what would happen to the white man who put a Black man in a fatal chokehold on the New York subway, the jury finally came back with a verdict but, not the one folks were expecting.

A Manhattan jury deadlocked not once but twice on how to decide on the second-degree manslaughter charge against Daniel Penny in the death of street artist Jordan Neely, who was also unhoused. According to CNNs report, the October trial finally claim to a close Tuesday and after 16 hours of deliberation, the jury was still undecided.

In response, Judge Maxwell Wiley denied the defenses motion to declare a mistrial but agreed to move forward with the prosecutions motion to dismiss the charge. Though, Penny isnt home free. He still faces a charge of criminally negligent homicide.

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The charges stem from a horrifying incident from May 1, 2023. In a bystander video, 30-year-old Neely is seen visibly distressed, yelling to the train car passengers that he was hungry. The video shows Penny, a Marine Corps veteran, grabbing Neely and placing him in a chokehold on the subway car floor. He held him in the restraint for several minutes until the police showed up. However, by the time the cops got there, authorities say Neely was unresponsive.

Penny maintained throughout the case that his motive was to protect other riders from what he considered threatening and erratic behavior. However, prosecutors slammed him for acting recklessly and exerting an unjustified use of force.

If convicted on the lesser charge, Penny faces up to four years in prison as opposed to the 15 years in prison he faced on the more serious manslaughter charge. Jury deliberations on the lesser count will continue Monday, the report says.

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. (KSNW)  The City of Hutchinson began demolition Friday on the Atrium Hotel, contracting through a local construction company, Kansas Concrete.

The hotel had sat abandoned for more than four years.

KSN News spoke to the mayor and someone who used to work at the hotel about how the demolition was the right step forward.

It was way worse on the inside. There was no bringing this thing back, said Mayor Greg Fast.

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It is a mess of glass, mold, and broken furniture. First, the hotels owner has left it in ruins since 2019, which has led to hundreds of police and fire calls to the property.

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Fast said the city tried to work with the owner but was unsuccessful.

The owner just walked away from it; there were beds people were sleeping on, and probably every single piece of glass was broken as well, said Fast.

It was a bittersweet day for Christena Weber, who said she has fond memories of working at the hotel on a heavy day.

It makes me cry because it was so beautiful at one time, and everybody here in this community loved this place, said Weber.

Atrium Hotel on Sept. 4-5, 2010 (KSN Photo)

Atrium Hotel on Sept. 4-5, 2010 (KSN Photo)

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She said she, among others who live near the Atrium, was thankful to see what they call an eyesore torn down.

A lot of homeless people were living here; it was just so unclean, and sadly, there were a lot of break-ins and those things in our community, said Weber.

Mayor Fast wishes a new hotel will eventually take its place, as the community is 100 hotel rooms short of its goal.

My hope is that there will be another hotel there, said Fast.

A teardown to build Hutchinson up.

Demolition started Friday, but it could take until March to complete. The city is paying just under $900,000, but they hope to recoup some of that money down the road if the property goes to auction. A loan will be placed against the property, and the owner will decide whether to pay for it or move on.

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A man sought by authorities in the fatal shooting of a health insurance executive may ultimately be brought down, in part, due to flirting.

On Thursday, New York City police released images showing the face of someone described as a person of interest in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which happened the day before in midtown Manhattan. One grainy image showed the hooded individual smiling and leaning one arm on a counter, with what appeared to be a face mask pulled down below the chin.

This image, provided by the New York City Police Department, shows a man wanted for questioning in connection to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. New York City Police Department via Associated Press

Later on Thursday, multiple news outlets reported that this image was captured during a flirtatious moment.

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A law enforcement official told CNN that the suspect had pulled down his face mask while flirting with a woman who was working a check-in desk at an Upper West Side hostel, where he had been staying in the days leading up to the shooting.

Police sources told ABC News the same thing, adding that the woman at the desk had asked to see his smile, prompting him to remove his mask and flash the grin seen in the now-famous image.

The homicide of Thompson, who was shot outside a hotel in what police believe was a planned and targeted attack, has been met with a strikingly cold response online. Overwhelming numbers of people have reacted to the death with jokes that reflect their frustration and anger with health care in the United States, and with health insurance companies in particular. Variations of thoughts and prayers are out of network were common in comments on social media and under news stories in the wake of Thompsons death.

Reports of the hostel flirtation  and the accompanying image  only fueled more jokes and playful remarks, with many observing the grinning mans apparent resemblance to actor Timothee Chalamet.

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Law enforcements search for the gunman continued Saturday, with police noting that he had likely fled the city on a bus.

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Law enforcement officials believe the suspected gunman who fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Wednesday has now left New York City on a bus.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) told NewsNation live footage shows the suspect quickly fled the scene after the shooting, riding uptown on a bicycle before heading to the George Washington Bridge Bus Station.

Police believe he boarded a departing vehicle toward an unknown location.

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Investigators say the attack in midtown Manhattan outside of the hotel hosting the insurance companys annual investor conference was a brazen, targeted attack.

The NYPD reported messages etched on the shell casings from the gun used to commit the murder with the words, deny, defend and depose in addition to potential DNA evidence left behind at the site.

Those three words are similar to the title of a 2010 book, Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Dont Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It.

A photo of the unmasked suspect was circulated Thursday by the department, with police offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest.

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The Hill has reached out to the NYPD for comment.

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.
Iran has started to evacuate military commanders from Syria, in a sign that the regime is losing faith in Bashar al-Assads ability to hold back a rebel uprising.

Tehran has sent commanders and staff back to neighbouring Lebanon and Iraq, the New York Times reported, citing three Iranian officials and regional officials.

The surprise rebel offensive is advancing so quickly that its troops were, as of Saturday, within 12 miles (20km) of the southern gate of Damascus, Hassan Abdul Ghani, the rebel commander, said.

Senior commanders in Irans Quds force, the elite branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC], were among those evacuated from Syria, along with diplomatic staff and their families.

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The evacuations, both by air and across land borders, were ordered from the Iranian embassy in Damascus and several Revolutionary Guard bases in Syria.

On Saturday, Hassan Abdul Ghani, the rebel commander, said his forces were within 12 miles (20km) of the southern gate of Damascus - Reuters

Along with Russia, Iran is the Syrian regimes biggest military supporter and its decision to withdraw key personnel does not bode well for Assad, who seems to be rapidly losing his grip on power.

The evacuation comes after the Telegraph learned that the swift advance of Syrian rebels had caught the Iranian regime off-guard, and that they have been reluctant to send in reinforcements.

In Aleppo, Syrias second-largest city, the regime gave swift orders for Iranian commanders to retreat amid a lack of faith in Assad.

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There is nothing left to offer Assad, and he is no longer as favourable as he was 14 years ago, one IRGC official said. Any support now would likely come only from IRGC-affiliated forces using whatever resources they currently have.

He added: Assad has lost much of his value, and with the new presidents influence over the IRGC and his intent to engage with the West, substantial support seems highly unlikely.

Senior Iranian military and diplomatic staff have retreated in the face of the swift rebel advance - Ugur Yildirim/dia images/Getty Images Europe

Referring to Afghans fighting for Assad under Iranian command, the official said: Orders were given for Iranian forces in Aleppo to retreat immediately, while the Fatemiyoun and other allied groups were instructed to stay and continue fighting.

IRGC officials have doubts that Assad is worth defending as he seems to be unable to handle a few terrorists, one said.

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He [Assad] has proven that no matter how much support he receives, he cannot push back even a few terrorists from his territory, an IRGC official told The Telegraph from Tehran.

Hes just a moron who couldnt build a proper government in 10 years, and his forces surrendered without firing a single bullet, a member of the IRGC-affiliate Basij paramilitary force in Tehran told The Telegraph.

Assad has lost much of his value, one IRGC official told the Telegraph - Omar Haj Kadour/AFP

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The surprise, rebel-led offensive this month has radically changed the dynamic of the civil war in Syria, which had previously been at a near-standstill in Assads favour.

In just over a week, the rebels have captured territory in four provinces, entered major cities like Aleppo and Hama, and are advancing on the capital of Damascus.

The rebel coalition is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a Sunni Islamist group waging a popular jihad on Assad.

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Iran commenced the evacuation of its military commanders and personnel from Syria on the morning of Friday, 6 December, indicating Iran's inability to help keep President Bashar al-Assad in power due to a new rebel offensive.

Source: The New York Times, citing three Iranian officials

Details: The officials reported that senior commanders of Iran's Quds Force, the external operations arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were among those evacuated to neighbouring Iraq and Lebanon.

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The New York Times highlighted that this development marked a major shift for President Bashar al-Assad, whose regime has relied on Iran's backing throughout Syria's 13-year civil war, and for Iran, which has long used Syria as a critical corridor for supplying arms to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

According to the Iranian officials, two of whom are members of the IRGC, some Iranian diplomatic staff, their families, and Iranian civilians have also been evacuated from Syria.

Iranian and regional officials said the evacuation had been announced at the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, as well as at the bases of the IRGC. At least some of the embassy staff have already left.

Background: Syrian rebels claimed control over the southern city of Daraa and demolished a monument to former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, the father of Bashar al-Assad.

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Iran is prepared to quite dramatically grow its levels of near weapons-grade uranium, the head of the United Nations (UN) nuclear agency has warned.

Speaking from the sidelines of the International Institute of Strategic Studies' Manama Dialogue in Bahrain on Friday, Rafael Mariano Grossi, who runs the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed his concerns about Irans plan to install 6,000 new centrifuges.

Tehran currently enriches uranium at 60%, a little short of weapons-grade levels of 90%.

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I think it is very concerning, Grossi said. If they really make them turn  all of them  it's going to be a huge jump.

His comments came hours after Iran successfully launched a Simorgh rocket with its highest ever payload. Although Iran insists its space programme is peaceful, its critics think such tests enhance its ballistic missile programme.

Last week, Richard Moore, head of MI6, the British foreign intelligence service, said Iran was still a threat to other countries, despite the blows its allies in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza have suffered in recent months.

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Irans allied militias across the Middle East have suffered serious blows, but the regimes nuclear ambitions continue to threaten all of us, he said.

In just over a months time, US President-elect Donald Trump will take office. He has already promised to renew his maximum pressure strategy on Iran in an attempt to cripple it financially.

During Trumps first presidency, the US withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, which had been one of his his predecessor Barack Obama's key foreign policy victories.
They must be cursing the memory of Yahya Sinwar in Tehrans corridors of power.

Occasionally in history, one individual tilts the course of events through a single incident: think of Gavrilo Princips assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 or George Washington firing the first shots of the Seven Years War with his ambush on French forces in the Ohio Valley in 1754.

The atrocity ordered and masterminded by Sinwar, the late leader of Hamas, on Oct 7 last year has proved similarly momentous, its consequences reverberating well beyond the slaughter grounds of the kibbutzim on Gazas borders.

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Each wave has weakened Iran, hurting its regional ambitions of dominance, diminishing its stature and prising loose its network of proxies and clients across the Middle East.

The latest, of greater magnitude than most expected, is washing over Syria so fast that it has triggered headlong panic in Tehran.

Amid the dawning realisation that the Assad regime was probably unsalvageable, the Iranian government scrambled to evacuate its diplomats and military officers from Damascus.

So undignified and frenzied was the scramble for the exits it took a while for stunned Middle East observers to realise that Iran was essentially scuttling its decade-long mission to prop up the regime of Bashar al-Assad and abandon the Syrian dictator to his fate.

With rebels on the outskirts of Damascus and claims that Assad had fled, the last significant element of Irans network of proxies and clients across the Middle East seemed to be toppling at breakneck speed.

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Normally empires collapse gradually and then suddenly, said a Western diplomat with years of experience in the Middle East.

But Irans informal empire, its network of influence, is, by historical standards, collapsing very fast. An emergency recalibration is now under way in Tehran.

Others liken it to the helplessness with which the communist regime in Moscow watched the unravelling of the Warsaw Pact in the late 1980s.

Whether such comparisons are overblown remains to be seen, but Western diplomats, analysts and even members of the Iranian armed forces and political establishment acknowledge that Tehrans options are dwindling.

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If the regime is to shore up its weakening position, they say, Iran will probably either have to adopt pragmatism and enter into genuine, meaningful negotiations with the West  or it will have to race to build a nuclear warhead.

As it scrambles to adjust to the unpredictability of Donald Trumps incoming administration, it may well seek to do both.

In the past week, the Iranian government has sent out conflicting messages.

IDF

Mohammad Javad Zarif, one of Irans 15 vice-presidents, called for negotiations over the countrys nuclear programme, saying that Masoud Pezeshkian, Irans new, ostensibly reform-minded president, wanted to engage constructively with the West and manage tensions with the United States.

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At the same time, however, both the United Nations and the US intelligence agencies have concluded that Tehran has rapidly escalated work on building a nuclear weapon.

A report released on Thursday by the office of Avril Haines, the US director of national intelligence, warned that Iran had now accumulated enough material to make more than a dozen nuclear weapons.

The following day, Rafael Grossi, the UNs chief nuclear inspector, confirmed that Iran was quadrupling its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 per cent, close to the level needed for a nuclear weapon.

In other words, Iran is close to reaching a juncture at which it may have to decide whether it goes all-in on all-out, at least for a while, on its nuclear programme. Amid evidence of division and recrimination within the regime, it is not a position that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, wanted to find himself in  not yet, anyway.

A year ago, the ayatollah was in a much more comfortable position, protected  so he believed  by a network of proxy and allied militias in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. He called them his axis of resistance, a ring of fire that would not only defend the Shia Muslim world and Irans dominance within it but would one day consume Israel, a country he vowed to destroy by 2040.

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The proxies, coupled with Tehrans nuclear ambitions, made Iran arguably the most powerful Muslim state in the Middle East, strong enough to be feared by both Israel and the Sunni Arab countries of the Gulf.

Yet the proxy strategy was always a risky one. It allowed Iran to project power well beyond its borders, to make mischief and wage war at arms length and the luxury of deniability, however implausible.

But the groups it supported did not always march to the beat of Irans drums, sometimes pursuing agendas that did not always align with Tehrans wishes.

That was particularly the case with Hamas, a Sunni outfit that may have been beholden to Iran that provided it with arms, cash and training but that appears not to have sought permission from Tehran before launching last years attacks.

Mohammad Javad Zarif, one of Irans 15 vice-presidents, speaks during a ceremony in tribute to slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah - Shutterstock

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Sinwars massacre unleashed waves of devastation that scythed through Irans Middle East policy as an enraged Israel took its vengeance first on Hamas and then on Hezbollah, which had joined the fray.

Instead of its ring of fire engulfing Israel, it blew backwards, scorching through neighbouring states and Irans expensively constructed militias until the heat was felt in Tehran itself.

Within little more than a year, Israel had severely weakened both movements, killing both Sinwar and Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader, decapitating their high commands and eliminating thousands of their most capable fighters.

The impact was less obvious in Syria initially.

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Having nearly been toppled early on in the countrys 13-year civil war, the Assad regime had turned the tide against its assorted foes thanks to Russias bombers and Irans support on the ground, much of it supplied by Hezbollah, essentially becoming an Iranian client state in the process.

Yet the truth was that, with Hezbollah teetering, a vacuum had opened up in Syria, an opportunity Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al-Qaeda affiliate that broke away in 2017, had spent years training and preparing for.

Sweeping down from its bases in the north, it seized Aleppo, which Assads forces had battled for four years to reconquer, in just four days, before capturing Hama, a city that had never previously fallen to the rebels, racing through shattered Homs by Saturday morning and reaching the outskirts of Damascus just hours later.

In no position to save Assad

Yet in the face of this dramatic change of fortune Iran looked on impotently, concluding that, without Hezbollah, it was impossible to save Assad for a second time.

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As the situation unfolded, staggered Iranian military insiders spoke of their deep frustration at how the demoralised and underpaid Syrian army, always feeble beyond a handful of elite brigades, had simply turned tail as the rebels advanced.

Many were surprised by their swift advance and are reluctant to offer full support and send forces this time, one said. Some of them say that he [Assad] has had 10 years to prevent this but did nothing because he knew we would be there for him.

Syrian rebels on Sunday claimed the Assad regime had fallen. The cost of this would be huge for Iran. Syria is a vital land bridge that allows it to resupply Hezbollah. A rebel victory would effectively isolate the Lebanese movement, leaving the sea the only route for rearmament, a far from ideal option. Without Syria, Iran is deeply enfeebled.

While it had other proxies in Syria in the form of Pakistani and Afghan Shia units, which Tehran ordered to fall back on Damascus in a desperate attempt to hold the capital, even this was an acknowledgement that neither was capable enough to hold the lime, let alone launch a counter-attack.

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Even Irans Shia militias in Iraq were of no use. Not only was there not enough time to deploy them, but ordering them to deploy across the border would have further strained ties between Baghdad and Tehran, according to analysts.

Effectively shorn of its axis of resistance, Irans horizons have narrowed to a choice between pragmatism and, quite literally, going nuclear.

Pragmatism in the past

Iran has pursued pragmatism in the past, adopting warmer relations with the West during the presidency of Ali Akbar Rafsanjani from 1989 to 1997. With Mr Pezeshkian in office, such a route is more plausible.

The question, however, is whether Mr Trump would be willing to countenance a rapprochement with Iran.

Although fond of making a deal, particularly one he could represent as a swift foreign policy triumph, there are plenty of Iran hawks in his cabinet, said Daniel Roth, research director at United Against Nuclear Iran, an advocacy group headed by Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida.

Many of Trumps cabinet picks are very vocal in their anti-regime outlook, he said. You have people like Marco Rubio [secretary of state designate] who has been on the record many times about the real dangers of Iran. So ultimately I think Trump is going to go pretty hard on Iran.

Sensing Irans weakness, Mr Trump is unlikely to countenance anything that appears to be less than the complete dismantling of its nuclear programme.

Tehrans divided regime therefore faces the choice of whether it wants to be a neutralised Iran on good terms with the West or a nuclear-armed country that could drag the Middle East into all-out war.

As for the incoming Trump administration, it faces a moment of great opportunity  and great danger, too.

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President Bashar al-Assad used Russian and Iranian firepower to beat back rebel forces during years of civil war but never defeated them, leaving him vulnerable when his allies were distracted by wars elsewhere and his enemies went on the march.

The rebels' lightning advance through western Syria marks one of the most serious threats to half a century of Assad family rule in Damascus, and a seismic moment for the Middle East.

Statues of Assad's father and brother were toppled in cities taken by the rebels, while pictures of him on billboards and government offices have been torn down, stamped on, burned or riddled with bullets.

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The Syrian presidency issued a statement on Saturday denying Assad had left the country and saying he was carrying out his duties in Damascus.

Assad became president in 2000 after his father Hafez died, preserving the dominance of their Alawite sect in the Sunni Muslim-majority country and Syria's status as an Iranian ally hostile to Israel and the U.S.

Shaped in its early years by the Iraq war and crisis in Lebanon, his rule has been defined by the civil war which spiralled out of the 2011 Arab Spring, when Syrians demanding democracy took to the streets, to be met with deadly force.

Branded an "animal" in 2018 by U.S. President Donald Trump for using chemical weapons - an accusation he denied - Assad has outlasted many of the foreign leaders who believed his demise was imminent in the early days of the conflict, when he lost swathes of Syria to rebels.

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Helped by Russian air strikes and Iranian-backed militias, he clawed back much of the lost territory during years of military offensives, including siege warfare condemned as "medieval" by U.N. investigators.

With his opponents largely confined to a corner of northwestern Syria, he presided over several years of relative calm though large parts of the country remained out of his grasp and the economy was shackled by sanctions.

He re-established ties with Arab states that once shunned him but remained a pariah to much of the world.

Assad has not delivered any public remarks since insurgents took Aleppo a week ago but said in a call with Iran's president that the escalation sought to redraw the region for Western interests, echoing his view of the revolt as a foreign-backed conspiracy.

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Justifying his response to the insurgency in its early stages, Assad compared himself to a surgeon. "Do we say to him: 'your hands are covered in blood?' Or do we thank him for saving the patient?" he said in 2012.

Early in the conflict, as rebels seized town after town, he oozed confidence.

"We will hit them with an iron fist and Syria will return to how it was," Assad told soldiers after taking back the town of Maaloula in 2014.

He delivered on the first pledge, but not the second. Years later, large parts of Syria remained outside state control, cities were flattened, the death toll topped 350,000, and more than a quarter of the population had fled abroad.

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RED LINES

Assad has been backed by those Syrians who believed he was saving them from hardline Sunni Islamists.

As al Qaeda-inspired insurgent groups gained prominence, this fear resonated among minorities even though the rebels went out of their way to reassure them this week that they would be protected.

Assad clung to the idea of Syria as a bastion of secular Arab nationalism even as the conflict appeared ever more sectarian. Speaking to Foreign Affairs in 2015, he said Syria's army was "made up of every colour of Syrian society".

But to his opponents, he was fuelling sectarianism.

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The conflict's sectarian edge was hardened by the arrival of Iranian-backed Shi'ite fighters from across the Middle East to support Assad, and as Sunni Muslim-led states including Turkey and Qatar backed the rebels.

Assad's value to Iran was underscored by a senior Iranian official who declared in 2015 that his fate was a "red line" for Tehran.

While Iran stood by Assad, the United States failed to enforce its own "red line" - set by President Barack Obama in 2012 against the use of chemical weapons.

U.N.-backed investigations have concluded Damascus used chemical weapons.

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A sarin gas attack on the rebel-held Ghouta in 2013 killed hundreds but Moscow brokered a deal for Syria's chemical weapons to be destroyed, averting a U.S. response.

Still poison gas continued to hit rebel areas, with a 2017 sarin attack prompting Trump to order a cruise missile response.

Assad has denied accusations the state was to blame.

He similarly denied the army had dropped barrel bombs packed with explosives that caused indiscriminate destruction. He appeared to make light of the accusation in a BBC interview in 2015, saying: "I haven't heard of the army using barrels, or maybe, cooking pots."

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He also dismissed tens of thousands of photos showing torture of people in government custody as part of a Qatar-funded plot.

As fighting died down, Assad accused Syria's enemies of economic warfare.

But while Assad remained a pariah to the West, some Arab states which once backed his opponents began opening doors to him. A beaming Assad was greeted by leaders of the United Arab Emirates during a visit there in 2022.

EYE DOCTOR

Assad often presented himself as a humble man of the people, appearing in films driving a modest family car and in photographs with his wife visiting war veterans in their homes.

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He took office in 2000 after his father's death, but had not always been destined for the presidency.

Hafez had groomed another son, Bassel, to succeed him. But when Bassel died in a 1994 car crash, Bashar was transformed from an eye doctor in London - where he studied as a postgraduate - to heir apparent.

Upon becoming president, Assad seemed to adopt liberal reforms, painted optimistically as "the Damascus spring".

He released hundreds of political prisoners, made overtures to the West, and opened the economy to private companies.

His marriage to British-born former investment banker Asma Akhras - with whom he had three children - helped foster hopes he could take Syria down a more reformist path.

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High points of his early dalliance with Western leaders included attendance at a Paris summit where he was a guest of honour at the annual Bastille Day military parade.

But with the political system he inherited left intact, signs of change quickly dried up.

Dissidents were jailed and economic reforms contributed to what U.S. diplomats described, in a 2008 embassy cable released by WikiLeaks, as "parasitic" nepotism and corruption.

While the elite did well, drought drove the poor from rural areas to slums where the revolt would blaze.

Tensions built with the West after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 turned the Middle Eastern power balance on its head.

The assassination of Lebanon's Rafik al-Hariri in Beirut in 2005 prompted Western pressure that forced Syria's withdrawal from its neighbour. An initial international probe implicated senior Syrian and Lebanese figures in the killing.

While Syria denied involvement, former vice president Abdel-Halim Khaddam said Assad had threatened Hariri months earlier - an accusation Assad also denied.

Fifteen years later, a U.N.-backed court found a member of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah guilty of conspiring to kill Hariri. Hezbollah, an Assad ally, denied any role.

(Writing by Tom Perry, Editing by William Maclean and Giles Elgood)
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (WCIA)  A 37-year-old man from Belleville has been arrested by Illinois State Police for the murder of a 16-year-old in East St. Louis.

ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 arrested John Mosley for first degree murder (Class M felony), aggravated discharge of a firearm (Class 1 felony) and felon in possession of a firearm (Class 3 felony) stemming from a deadly shooting this past October.

Christian Co. Crime Stoppers seeking tips on attempted Taylorville break-in

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On Oct. 30, Zone 6 agents were requested by the East St. Louis Police Department to investigate a homicide that occurred in the 3000 block of Converse Ave. Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old victim that had been struct by gunfire. The victim was then transported to an area hospital and was later declared deceased.

Following a thorough investigation, ISP agents identified Mosley as a suspect. On Dec. 3, Mosley was taken into custody by the United States Marshals Service.

On Dec. 6, the St. Clair County States Attorneys Office filed the above-mentioned charges against Mosley. He is currently being held at the St. Clair County jail. 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.
(Reuters) - The Israeli military said on Saturday that it struck a Hezbollah fighter in southern Lebanon who posed a threat to its troops, adding it was operating within ceasefire agreements while remaining deployed to address threats to Israel.

The Israeli military released aerial footage of an operation along with the statement, showing a motorcycle being targeted with an airstrike, resulting in the bike bursting into flames.

Hezbollah did not immediately comment about the incident.

(Reporting by Cairo Newsroom; Editing by Mark Potter and Toby Chopra)
Israel on Saturday said it is supporting United Nations peacekeepers in Syria after an attack by "armed individuals."

The Israeli military said the UN position near the town of Hader, close to the border with Israel, came under attack.

Israel earlier said it was reinforcing its units in the annexed Golan Heights region, which it conquered from Syria in 1967 and annexed in 1981.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, rebel forces have occupied several positions near the border to Israel, including Quneitra governorate.
Israeli security personnel shot and killed a Palestinian man who had launched fireworks in their direction at the Qalandia checkpoint between Ramallah and Jerusalem on Saturday, according to the Israeli police.

It said the 27-year-old man was wearing a shirt featuring the logo of the Syrian Islamic State terrorist militia. A knife was found on his body.

The Qalandia checkpoint is one of the most important crossings linking the West Bank to Jerusalem.

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The Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah confirmed the man's death after his body was taken to hospital by the Red Crescent rescue service.

Tensions have risen in the Israeli-occupied West Bank since the attack mounted by the Palestinian militant organization Hamas on Israel over a year ago and the subsequent Gaza war.

The Health Ministry in Ramallah reports that since then at least 769 Palestinians have died in Israeli military operations, armed conflict and attacks by extremists.
(Reuters) - Israeli strikes on two southern Lebanese villages killed six people and wounded five, the Lebanese health ministry said on Saturday, in the latest potential challenge to a fragile ceasefire that has been in place for less than two weeks.

Five people were killed in an attack on Beit Lif village while one person was killed in a drone strike on Deir Seryan, the health ministry said in a statement.

The Israeli military has yet to comment on the incidents.

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Tensions have persisted despite the ceasefire, with Israel and the Lebanese armed faction Hezbollah trading accusations of violations. Earlier this week, Israel threatened to return to war if its truce with Hezbollah collapsed.

The U.S. said last Monday that the ceasefire was holding, although it anticipated that there might be violations.

(Reporting by Ahmed Tolba and Hatem Maher, Editing by Timothy Heritage and Barbara Lewis)
(Bloomberg) -- The school is out of commission  hit by heavy shrapnel in July. Some homes are boarded up from direct hits. The avocado orchards have lost many hectares from fires sparked by missiles.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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But Kibbutz Dafna, an Israeli farming community two kilometers (1 mile) from the Lebanese border, is giving off a tentative air of hope just now, as a ceasefire with Lebanon that began Nov. 27 is largely holding.

Listen to that silence, said Major David Baruch as he stood in front of Dafnas administrative offices, wearing no helmet or protective gear. It hasnt been heard in 14 months.

The US- and French-brokered deal started a 60-day transition during which Israel and the Hezbollah militia agreed to silence their guns. In addition, Hezbollah would pull its forces some 30 kilometers north of the border, Israeli troops would return home, replaced by Lebanese and international peacekeepers. And the tens of thousands of residents forced out on both sides would slowly return.

The start was rough. Israel repeatedly fired at Hezbollah forces it said were violating the accords terms. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati complained to Washington and Paris that Israel breached the agreement at least 60 times. And the other day Hezbollah fired mortars, prompting Israel to hit back at its forces across Lebanon.

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Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said more such violations would lead Israel to stop distinguishing between the militia and the state of Lebanon. Hezbollah, designated as a terrorist group by the US, has held its fire.

One problem was that Hezbollah and Lebanese officials failed to make it sufficiently clear to residents that they shouldnt move back just yet because the Israeli forces were still in place. Many Lebanese raced home right after the deal was announced.

Israeli residents of the north, lodged for over a year at government expense in hotels and temporary housing, were told to wait, and they have.

The other big difference between the two sides is the extent of death and damage. Whole swaths of southern Lebanon have been reduced to rubble by the Israeli air force and ground troops, and at least 3,000 Lebanese are dead, many of them civilians. In Israel, the destruction is more contained and the death toll is around 70.

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In the villages close to the border, we found tunnels and bunkers and battle plans, and destroyed them extensively, Major Baruch said.

Never  not in the 1948 War of Independence or the 1973 Yom Kippur War  had Kibbutz Dafna, founded in 1939, been evacuated before October 2023. It was a sign of how traumatized the country was when thousands of Hamas operatives poured into southern Israel, killing and kidnapping. The subsequent war in Gaza has killed about 44,000 people, according to the enclaves Hamas-run health authority, which doesnt distinguish between combatants and civilians.

When we saw that, we feared Hezbollah would do the same here, so when we were told to evacuate we did, said Arik Yaacovi, who manages Dafna. The communitys 1,050 residents have earned a living through farming, solar energy and tourism in one of the most bucolic and prized areas in Israel. The order went out at 6:30 am on Oct. 16 and by 4 pm everyone was gone.

Among them was Orit Praag, 69, who was born on the kibbutz and whose parents were among its founders. This week she was walking around the communitys grounds in a way shed been unable to do for 14 months.

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Until a week or two ago, you couldnt stand right here, she said in front of her sons house, whose windows were boarded up after being broken when the house next door took a direct hit last summer. My grandchildren are coming back to spend the night at our house for the first time since we all left.

School principal Ravit Rosental said it will be a while before the pupils can return because of the damage to the buildings roof. Theyve been studying 40 kilometers away in a converted factory and many students and teachers have grappled with intense emotional turmoil.

Im talking about addiction, alcohol, sleeplessness, she said outside the school building.

Manager Yaacovi said he hasnt talked to a single kibbutz family that doesnt plan to come back. Still, he said, It will take a generation for a sense of security to return.

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A 10-minute drive west is the town of Kiryat Shmona, most of whose 24,000 residents were also evacuated at the start of the war. Yotam Degani, a city official, said it had never occurred to anyone that an evacuation would be ordered and there was no plan in place when the order came.

Over years wed grown used to being shelled, he said, and we have probably more bomb shelters per capita than any city in the world  431 public bomb shelters. Yet almost everyone left when the order came. This year alone weve had 1,500 direct hits, 1,000 houses damaged or totaled.

Ahi Natans family compound was one of those damaged. As he showed a visitor around, the 35-year-old married musician was asked for his view of the ceasefire and the future.

Heres what I know, he said. Ceasefire or no ceasefire, my sons are going to be fighting in Lebanon. And their sons are going to be fighting in Gaza. We know how they feel about us. They want us dead. And no matter what, were not leaving.

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--With assistance from Julius Domoney.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
By Sara Rossi

MILAN (Reuters) - Milan's famed La Scala opera house kicks off its new season on Saturday with a Giuseppe Verdi drama adapted to the modern day to tell the tragedy of war, as conflicts rage around the world from Ukraine to the Middle East.

The original plot of La Forza del Destino (The Force of Destiny) was set against 18th century wars in Spain and Italy and told the story of the ill-fated love between Don Alvaro and Leonora, which was frustrated by Leonora's brother Don Carlo.

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For the latest La Scala edition director Leo Muscato decided to set the opera in four conflicts starting from 1700, incorporating the First World War and arriving at the present day.

"The last act takes place in a contemporary world ... the audience sees what the media shows us every day, only rubble," Muscato told reporters ahead of the opening night, adding that he was not referring to any specific ongoing conflict.

French baritone Ludovic Tezier, who stars as Don Carlo, said the message the 19th century Italian composer was sending in one of his last operas was "to stop wars and hate."

At the tragic end of The Force of Destiny Don Carlo, in his dying breath following a duel with Don Alvaro, fatally stabs his sister, leaving Alvaro alive but alone.

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Russian soprano Anna Netrebko acts as Leonora and U.S.-born tenor Brian Jagde has taken over the role of Don Alvaro from German Jonas Kaufmann, who was forced to withdraw in November for personal reasons.

The opening night at La Scala is a highlight of the social calendar for Italy's political and business elite, coinciding with Milan's St. Ambrose holiday celebrating the city's patron saint.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who usually sits in the royal box, will not attend the event as he is in Paris for the celebrations for the re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral after the 2019 fire.

This year's opening night will be the last under La Scala's French artistic director Dominique Meyer, who steps down in February to be replaced by Fortunato Ortombrina, currently at the helm of Venice's La Fenice opera house.

(Reporting by Sara Rossi, editing by Gavin Jones)
Jacksonville Beach Elementary School is one of the brightest that not just Duval County, but the entire state of Florida has to offer. Action News Jax told you last month when it was ranked the best elementary school in the state, with a perfect 100 percent of students ranking proficient in math and 97 percent proficient in reading.

Parents toured the school Saturday as part of the start of the school choice period, which allows parents and students to get a firsthand look at school options for the next school year.

However, parents told Action News Jax one big issue is, many of the kids who want to go to Jax Beach Elementary arent actually able to attend the school.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

What you dont know, is in this case with Jacksonville Beach Elementary, we have a waitlist, Jax Beach Elementary mom Cynthia Veintemillas Labuz told Action News Jax. We have a waitlist of over 150 students. Yet were not receiving those students.

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This comes as Jax Beach Elementary School parent teacher organization president Stephanie Deverson says the school has already cut two teachers, and is about to cut the third, due to the district saying theres not enough kids to fill the classrooms.

Currently this school is facing losing another teacher, that would be the third teacher of the year that we would be losing, Deverson explained on Saturday.

Theyre cutting teachers because youre enrollments down, you dont have enough students to fill these classrooms  but we do. Theres a waitlist, Labuz argued. So why dont you call those parents?

Now, Labuz is demanding transparency from Duval County Public Schools on how administrators decide when to accept or deny students on any given schools waitlist.

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Action News Jax reached out to district leaders and the school choice office for clarification on that decision making process, but are still waiting to hear back.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<





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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  City of Jamestown police have been awarded a $16,754 grant for improving officer safety and managing public events, Congressman Nick Langworthy announced Friday.

Of that total, $10,000 is allocated to purchase disposable nitrile gloves, while the remaining $6,754 will fund portable barricades, Langworthy said.

The gloves are meant to protect Jamestown police from illness and hazardous substances, such as fentanyl, as well as ensure evidence preservation. The barricades will be used for public safety at special events, crime scenes, and emergencies.

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Our Jamestown police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and neighborhoods, and they deserve the resources to keep themselves and our community safe, said Langworthy.

By investing in essential equipment like gloves to shield officers from hazardous substances and barriers to secure public spaces during emergencies, were addressing their immediate operational needs to continue to do their jobs well.

Latest Local News

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
FAIRVIEW, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Vice President-Elect JD Vance visited Western North Carolina on Friday, his first trip to the mountains since the election.

The Ohio senator toured damaged homes and buildings in Fairview, accompanied by North Carolinas senators. While speaking with reporters, he specifically called out FEMA, frustrated that the agency is not allowing mobile homes to be sent to certain parts of the region. FEMA has been hesitant, worried putting mobile homes in flood-prone areas could only exacerbate the current situation.

Youre effectively telling people theyve got to move hundreds of miles away and do it two weeks before Christmas. Its ridiculous; its atrocious, and we need a government that responds quickly to the needs of its citizens, said Vance.

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Owner of Charlotte deli chain says new NC mask law wont change much for his patrons, encourages wearing one if sick

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, who was along for the tour as well, made it clear Western NC also needs additional funding from the Feds, concerned that current proposals wont come close to what is needed.

Thats why were trying to explain to some folks, that are saying we got to start at $30 billion, that doesnt even cover 2/3 of what North Carolina needs, said Tillis.

Vances criticism of FEMA comes days after agency officials told Politico theyre worried a second Trump White House will divert hurricane relief funds and agency resources to potential operations at the southern border. The Vice President-Elect dismissed the reporting.

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I happen to believe that we can walk and chew gum at the same time in the Trump administration. Yes, were going to secure the southern border and take that concern very seriously. We can do that while simultaneously looking after the people of Western North Carolina who have had this terrible storm, and now theyre trying to rebuild from it, he said.

Residents in Western North Carolina are also still waiting to see what happens with legislation in Raleigh that promises more relief for Helene victims, a bill Governor Cooper vetoed. He argued it did far more harm to state government than good for Western North Carolina. An override vote should take place in the House next week.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Passengers relying on JetBlue routes between certain American cities may need to make alternate travel plans in the near future.

JetBlue has confirmed that more than half a dozen routes  including several which service Florida, New York and Texas  will be ending in 2025. Changes are also being made to several other routes, some international, which may only operate seasonally or on certain aircraft.

JetBlue suggested that the soon-to-be axed routes had been underperforming for the airline.

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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, reads a statement from the airline.

In the coming weeks, we will announce how we will redeploy this capacity, including into our European network, providing even more travel options for our customers, the company added.

The routes on the chopping block, below, will be ending or not returning next year, JetBlue says:

Westchester, New York (HPN)  Charleston (CHS)

Jacksonville (JAX)  Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

New York (JFK)  Austin (AUS)

New York (JFK)  Houston (IAH)

New York (JFK)  Miami (MIA)

New York (JFK)  Milwaukee (MKE)

San Jose, CA (SJC)  All flights, to and from

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JetBlue noted that its flights between New York and Austin; New York and Houston; and New York and Milwaukee, were previously only summer seasonal. A summer seasonal route between New York and London-Gatwick (LGW) has also been canceled, though service to Heathrow (LHR) in London will remain, JetBlue said.

In addition to the routes that wont be returning, the company is reducing service between several others. Three routes  between Boston (BOS) and Phoenix (PHX), Boston and Grenada (GND), and New York and Tulum (TQO)  will become winter seasonal routes. Another, between New York and Paris (CDG), will lose its second daily summer seasonal flight. And all flights to and from Seattle will operate on JetBlues all-core planes, meaning the only seats offered will be basic  or core  seating.

JetBlue says customers relying on these routes may still be able to find alternate flight options on the website.

Where alternate routes are not available, customers will be provided with a refund, the carrier said.

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Most of these changes will be taking effect around April 30 next year, a spokesperson for the airline confirmed.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Im optimistic about it. Ive talked to a number of senators personally on the Hill just over the last couple of days and it seems like the momentums moving the right way, Johnson said in an interview on Fox & Friends Weekend, adding, Weve all made mistakes in our lives, but we believe in redemption.

What Pete brings to the table is a love for the military, a great education background, a great experience set, I think hes well-suited for the job, he told Hegseths former Fox News colleagues. And he will shake up the status quo, which is why this pick is so important.

Johnsons praise comes a day after Trump doubled down on his nomination of Hegseth amid questions about whether allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking could impact his chance of being confirmed by the Senate. The Speaker, while a powerful ally of the president-elect, does not have a vote in the matter.

Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe, Trump posted on Truth Social, calling the former Fox & Friends host a great student with a military state of mind.

While there has been an uptick in support over recent days, Hegseth is still facing an uphill battle. Sources signaled to The Hill earlier this week that his chances could be blocked by a group of likely hard nos among Senate Republicans.

Those reservations have also been directly communicated with Trumps transition team, which has reportedly been mulling other options  including his former primary rival Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).

Hegseth has vowed to continue fighting for the position, despite the scrutiny. In a message online earlier this week, he claimed he was subject to a smear campaign from Democrats.

Im doing this for the warfighters, not the warmongers, he wrote on social platform X. 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 dont want truth. Our warriors never back down, & neither will I, Hegseth added.

The Army veterans lawyer has also threatened an extortion lawsuit against his clients sexual assault accuser if Hegseth is not confirmed as secretary of Defense.
Dec. 6CARTHAGE, Mo.  A Carthage boy remains hospitalized in Springfield with critical injuries after a hit-and-run accident last weekend, and a suspect has been arrested and charged.

Investigative work by the Carthage and Joplin police departments led to the arrest on Wednesday of Miguel Gaspar-Diaz, 43, Joplin, and felony charges being filed Thursday of second-degree assault, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, and tampering with evidence in a felony.

"The last update I have is that the victim may never speak again," said Carthage Police Chief Bill Hawkins. "Nothing will be clear until the swelling on his brain goes down."

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According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Carthage investigators, police, fire and emergency medical services were called to the 1100 block of Baker Boulevard at 8:51 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, to an injury crash involving a juvenile male victim on a moped and an unknown second vehicle that had left the scene.

When they arrived, officers found the moped in the middle of the road but no victim. A resident in the 1000 block of Baker Boulevard told officers that a male was lying in the ditch in front of their home and firefighters responded and started giving aid.

"Victim 1 was transported by EMS to Mercy Hospital in Joplin ... with extensive injuries including but not limited to a brain bleed, torn aortic artery and multiple broken bones," the probable cause affidavit stated. "The victim was later transported to, and remains at, Mercy Hospital in Springfield ... for critical care due to life-threatening injuries."

The statement said officers found security video footage of the crash that showed a vehicle fleeing the scene north, toward the intersection of Central Avenue and Baker Boulevard.

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The vehicle then drove west out of town about four minutes after the crash.

The vehicle was identified by debris at the scene and officers started looking for a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox.

With the help of Joplin Police Department, Carthage investigators located a red 2013 Equinox with front-end damage at a residence in Joplin.

The man in the home, identified as Gaspar-Diaz, told investigators he hit a deer on Nov. 24 and had not been to Carthage, but detectives were able to partially reconstruct the damage to the vehicle with pieces recovered from the crash scene.

Gaspar-Diaz later admitted to drinking alcohol at a friend's home in Carthage before the accident and he admitted to hitting the male on the moped and driving a few hundred feet before removing him from his car's hood and putting him in the ditch.'

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Police said in their probable cause statement that Gaspar-Diaz is an "undocumented non-citizen and has ties and the ability to flee to friends and family in California and Colorado."

Police also said he has history of failing to appear in court to charges in Joplin.

Gaspar-Diaz is being held with no bond in the Jasper County Jail on these charges and a warrant from Department and an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement which was filed on Thursday.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect contact the DCFS 24/7 hotline: 855-323-3237. For more information, visit dcfs.utah.gov.

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (ABC4)  A South Jordan woman who worked at a private school for children aged 18 months through 2nd grade has been charged with several crimes against minors after she reportedly hosted parties at her home and performed sexual acts with minors at those parties, which one teen called a Diddy party.

Jessica Dawn Triptow, 44, was indicted on the following charges:

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Two counts of rape, a first-degree felony

One count of forcible sodomy, a first-degree felony

One count of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony

One count of unlawful forcible sexual contact with a 16 or 17-year-old, a third-degree felony

Endangerment of a child or vulnerable adult, a third-degree felony

One count of possession of a controlled substance with intention to distribute, a third-degree felony

Four counts of selling, offering, or furnishing alcoholic products to a minor  a class A misdemeanor

Sugarhouse Pub alcohol license suspended for underage drinking

According to a list from the Utah State Board of Education, Triptow was an employee of a private school in Lehi at the time the crimes she is currently accused of were committed. It is unknown if she is still employed with the school.

According to a probable cause statement including the charging documents, an 18-year-old told police that when he was 17, he spent a lot of time at a friends house, and the mother who was identified as Triptow, would supply alcohol and drugs during parties. The 18-year-old also told police that at some point, they engaged in sex acts.

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The teen told police the group of teens had lost a friend earlier in the year and Triptow recommended that the group stay at her house to make sure everyone felt safe and comfortable.' Eventually, the house turned into a 24/7 party house that featured DJs and drinking games.

The 18-year-old said to police the teens allegedly supplied their alcohol before Triptow took over that responsibility, she also grew marijuana plants in the home and would give the teens marijuana to smoke during the parties.

During the parties, Triptow allegedly gave the teens weed to smoke, made mixed drinks, and gave the kids shots. The 18-year-old told police that most of the group of teens basically lived at the house through the summer. The teen also said that the group would party at Triptows Thursday-Sunday starting during the middle of summer through the end of the summer.

The teen said the parties took a turn when Triptow reportedly started hooking up with some of the teens. He described Triptow as a groomer according to the probable cause statement. He told police that Triptow would sit on the laps of the teenage boys and act flirtatiously.

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Thats how bad it was: Auto-ped victim recounts crash at dangerous Kanab intersection

Police searched the teens phone and found several videos from these parties, one video had a male exclaiming Its a Diddy party.

Police then searched her home and found two jars of marijuana, a baggie of suspected psilocybin mushrooms along with other marijuana and THC products.

Police say that she admitted to hosting parties at her home and that a video of her engaging in sexual acts with a minor existed.

Triptow was arrested and booked into Salt Lake County Jail on the aforementioned 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.
The parents of a woman accused in killing her ex-husband will continue to have custody of the couples children.

Jared Bridegan and Shanna Gardners twins, Abby and Liam, will remain in the custody of their grandparents, Sterling and Shelli Gardner, despite pleas from Bridegans parents for guardianship. Bridegans widow, Kirsten, confirmed the news on her Instagram page Justice for Jared.

Bridegan was killed in February of 2022 in what investigators are calling a murder-for-hire plot. His ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, has been charged with his murder and is currently in jail in Duval County.

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The former couples twins have been in Washington state with Shannas parents, and now, that will remain their permanent home.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

The court is ultimately interested in the welfare of the children. They previously were with their natural mother and the fact that they are with the family of that natural family is consistent basically with the law, Dale Carson said. Carson is a defense attorney in Duval County. He previously worked for the FBI and the Miami Police Department.

Carson said its not unusual for the maternal grandparents to get custodydespite Gardners charges. However, if shes convicted that could change.

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Then, of course, the fathers parents and the fathers second wife would go to the court and ask the court to reevaluate the condition of the children, Carson said.

In an Instagram post, Jareds widow, Kirsten said, my heart has been heavier than usual this past week. This isnt what Jared would have wanted and this isnt what I want.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

We reached out to Kirsten Bridegan. She said she was out of town with her children and declined an interview at this time.

We also reached out to the attorneys for the Bridegan and Gardner family and were waiting to hear back.

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Vice President Kamala Harris invited a Bellevue police officer to her home in Washington, D.C. on Friday to thank him for his bravery and service.

On August 15, 2023, Officer Kevin Bereta fell 30 feet from an overpass while protecting the Vice President during her visit to Seattle.

Although he survived the fall, Officer Bereta almost died. He underwent numerous surgeries for injuries to his back, leg, foot, elbow, clavicle, and other parts of his body, as well as nerve damage and spinal fractures.

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He spent a year recovering before he was able to return to work.

According to a news release, Vice President Harris was thrilled to see how much progress he had made in his recovery.

It was really hard to make this journey, Officer Bereta said. But there was no way I would turn down the honor of meeting the VP so that she could express her thanks in person.

Officer Beretas wife made the trip with him. He said it was one they will remember forever.
BAXTER COUNTY, Ark.  A man from Grandview, Missouri was arrested on Thursday, December 5 on multiple charges after pursuits with the Baxter County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) and Arkansas State Police.

BCSO arrested 31-year-old Vincent Walrath on four felony charges  theft of property, aggravated assault on an officer, first-degree criminal mischief and fleeing by vehicle. Walrath was also charged as a habitual offender after it was found he was out on pre-trial release bond from vehicle theft charges in Ozark County, Missouri in November.

According to BCSO, Walrath was reported to have allegedly stolen a 2016 Chevrolet Trax that was running in the driveway of a residence on Baxter County Road 69 after the owner stepped away from the vehicle for a brief moment.

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At approximately 3:30 p.m., a Baxter County deputy saw the stolen car on eastbound U.S. Highway 62 and sped up to try and catch the vehicle and initiate a traffic stop. The driver did not stop and the deputy continued to pursue the stolen Chevrolet on southbound State Highway 5.

BCSO says the stolen car approached a rock barricade near Amons Lake and got stuck while trying to drive between two large boulders. The deputy got out of his car and gave commands to the driver, but he backed up the stolen vehicle and crashed into a boulder to get through the barricade, nearly hitting the deputy in the process according to BCSO.

New DNA testing could help identify Jane Doe killed in 1993 in southwest Missouri

When the stolen Chevrolet returned to eastbound U.S. Highway 62, Arkansas State Police located the vehicle and pursued it from the highway until the car overturned near the Home Depot in Mountain Home.

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The driver, identified as Walrath, was detained and taken to Baxter Health Hospital to treat his injuries. Walrath was then booked into the Baxter County Detention Center on a $25,000 bond and may face additional charges from Arkansas State Police.

Walrath is scheduled to appear in Baxter County Circuit Court on December 16.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
The nonprofit KC Pet Projects role in providing animal control for Kansas City has come under scrutiny this week after city officials said they have been receiving complaints.

So what exactly does KC Pet Project do for the city?

In addition to running Kansas Citys animal shelter, KC Pet Project has since 2020 operated the animal control unit, the Animal Services Division, under contract with the city government. Those duties include response to animal-related concerns and emergencies, investigations of animal cruelty and animal welfare concerns, and investigations of animal bites.

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Questions about how KC Pet Project responds to extreme cases of animal attack were raised last month when a man was mauled to death by a pack of dogs in south Kansas City. In the weeks since, police and KC Pet Project have not answered questions about their response to the attack or the current whereabouts of the dogs.

This week, City Manager Brian Platt and Third District at-Large Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley said the city has been receiving complaints about animal control services and intend to take the duties back from KC Pet Project instead of renewing the nonprofits contract.

On Friday, The Star requested from the city a copy of the contract that KC Pet Project is operating under. The city declined to immediately provide the contract, with Assistant City Manager Melissa Kozakiewicz writing, Due to the nature of RFP process Im not sure what we can share. The city did not immediately respond to a formal public records request made under the Missouri Sunshine Law.

KC Pet Project declined on Friday a request to immediately provide a copy of its policies. Tori Fugate, chief communications officer, wrote, Typically, we have requests for the contract go through records request. The Star submitted public records requests for the documents but KC Pet Project did not immediately respond.

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Here is what we know about the services KC Pet Project provides:

What does KC Pet Project do now?

KC Pet Projects Animal Services Division completes these tasks, according to the organizations most recent annual report.

Issue criminal citations for violations of the Kansas City Municipal Code of Ordinances

Give out citations to owners for who didnt register their dangerous or potentially dangerous dog

Answer phone calls to KC Pet Project and through the 311 system

Seize or impound animals, including strays and those on watch for rabies after biting someone

Investigate dog and cat bites

How many animal bites does KC Pet Project respond to?

In 2023, KC Pet Project investigated a total of 1,355 dog and cat bites. Of those, 479, or 35%, occurred off an owners property, including bites by stray dogs, according to the nonprofits annual report.

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That year, the nonprofit issued 17 citations to owners for failing to comply with the mandatory ordinance requirements of owning a declared dangerous or potentially dangerous dog.

The nonprofit also issued 762 citations for offense such as animal neglect, failing to spay/neuter, failing to obtain a city license, dogs running at large and animals creating a public nuisance.

KC Pet Project reported impounding 3,396 animals and responding to almost 40,000 calls.

Members of KC Pet Projects Animal Services Division, were brought in Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, to help wrangle loose goats that have been living along side the Riverfront Trail in Kansas City, Missouri.

When does KC Pet Projects contract with the city end?

KC Pet Project was given a one-year contract extension in May while the city put the new animal control contract out for public bid, according to Patterson Hazley. She said no other organizations applied.

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Recently, the selection committee recommended the city not go forward with a contract renewal with KC Pet Project, and Patterson Hazley is putting forward a resolution calling for the city to take over again.

Kansas City Manager Brian Platt has 30 days to investigate what a transition would look like if the city decided to take back the responsibility of animal control and present it to the council.

What are the laws around dangerous dogs in Kansas City?

Someone in Kansas City can keep a dog that has bitten or severely injured a human or animal, chased someone in an aggressive manner or killed an animal if they register it with the city.

To register the pet, the owner needs to have an enclosure, microchip, a sign that says Dangerous Dog, insurance on the dog for over $100,000 and a fee of up to $250.

The Stars Noelle Alviz-Gransee contributed to this report.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (KSNW)  A 24-year-old Kansas man got to walk out of prison as a free man on Friday morning when he was initially sentenced to be there until about 2030.

Its a crazy, crazy feeling, Deshaun Durham said as he left the Hutchinson Correctional Facility. It definitely is a pretty good feeling, so definitely, definitely got to make the best of my opportunity and not get in trouble again.

Deshaun Durham walks out of the Hutchinson Correctional Facility and is greeted by Donte West, his mother, and Barry Grissom on Dec. 6, 2024. (KSN News Photo)

Durham was serving almost eight years after pleading to a marijuana charge. He was in the Hutchinson Correctional Facility when he got the news last month that Governor Laura Kelly had commuted his sentence.

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It was hard not to tear up a little bit because its just something thats so rare, he said.

The crime, conviction and sentence

Durham was 20 years old when he was arrested in June 2020.

I was a young kid in Manhattan, and, you know, I decided to sell marijuana to support my habit, he said.

Who doesnt make mistakes when theyre 20? Brandi Wishard, Durhams mother, said. I feel like your twenties is where you find yourself; its where you discover who you are and what youre going to become, and thats where you make your mistakes.

In March 2022, Durham pleaded to distribution or possession with intent to distribute marijuana. And in May 2022, a Riley County judge sentenced him to 92 months (7.6 years) in prison.

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Wishard knew her son would get sentenced to prison, but she thought it would only be for a couple of years because it was a first offense and a non-violent crime.

When her son called her to say the judge sentenced him to almost eight years, she thought he was joking.

He started crying, and hes like, Mom, how am I going to do eight years in prison?  I promised him, two-and-a-half years ago, that I was going to do everything in my power to get him home, she said.

Prison life

Durham began his prison life as he was turning 22.

Hutchinson Correctional Facility (KSN News Photo)

It was definitely a big learning curve, he said. Its kind of hard to get adjusted to sleeping on a mat and, you know, kind of dealing with someone overruling you 24/7.

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He said he learned how to cope by trial and error.

I definitely changed as a person for the better, but theres a lot of people that could change for the worse in there.

Durham said he found some good people behind bars.

A lot of people do learn their lesson in there, and Im fortunate to come across a lot of good people, you know. They really shaped me into who I am today, he said. Im just grateful for those good people they have in prison that steer you in the right direction.

But he said that is not everyones experience.

Theres definitely some real tough characters in prison, and you know it could, this place could change you for the worse.

Path to freedom

Durhams mother spent those two-and-a-half years doing as she promised  working to bring her son home. Wishard learned about the Last Prisoner Project, an organization dedicated to freeing people convicted of non-violent cannabis crimes.

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Donte West with the Last Prisoner Project said Wishard and one of Durhams friends texted him. He was eager to help because of his own experience.

When I learned about Deshauns case, it was pretty surprising to me because it was the same county I was convicted in, which was Riley County, and it was the same judge that sentenced him, so it hit a little home for me, West said.

He contacted Barry Grissom, former U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas, who agreed that Durham should not have been sentenced to 92 months in prison.

Barry Grissom stands behind Donte West as West answers media questions on Dec. 6, 2024. (KSN News Photo)

He was in prison with people who were child molesters, who were doing much less time than he was doing, Grissom said. I mean, thats just bad public policy.

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He said it is also a waste of taxpayer dollars.

The amount of money that we spend in investigation, interdiction, arrest, prosecution and incarceration is monies that could be better spent by law enforcement keeping us safe in our homes as opposed to running prohibition, Grissom said.

He believes Kansas should treat marijuana like alcohol: regulate it, dont sell it to minors, have retailers get licensed to sell it and tax it so there is a revenue stream.

Grissom, West, Durham and Durhams mother say that it does not make sense to put someone away for years in Kansas for something that is legal in much of the rest of the United States.

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Gov. Kelly exercised an immense amount of courage and wisdom to take a look at this young mans sentence in light of  whats going on around the country, when you compare that to whats happening in Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, West said.

What now?

As Durham left the prison on Friday, his first goal was to eat non-prison food. He also wants to catch up with his siblings and meet a niece who was born while he was behind bars. And he wants to attend a Kansas City Chiefs game.

But he also has some serious plans. He would like to help others the way West helped him.

Interested in trying to help other people that are in prison for crimes like mine, Durham said. Just kind of so no one else ends up like I did and, you know, gets just such a long sentence for something thats victimless and legal in so many places because without the support of everyone around me then, you know, I would have had to do my whole eight-year sentence, and theres people around the country doing the same thing I did and having to serve the majority of their sentence.

Deshaun Durham poses beside the Hutchinson Correctional Facility sign on Dec. 6, 2024. (KSN News Photo)

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Theres many other Deshauns behind those walls in Hutchinson Correctional Facility and across the state of Kansas, West said. Me and Barry Grissom are looking for the next story here at the Last Prisoner Project. Were looking for the next Deshauns case, and its just inspiring.

Click here to learn more about Last Prisoner Project or to contact the organization.

Nothing can replace somebodys freedom, West said. When youre in prison, I used to see so many guys that never get out, and holidays pass them by, they lose their mother, they lose their siblings  tomorrows not promised.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Kash Patel, Donald Trumps pick to take over the FBI, has put together an enemies list composed of members of the so-called deep state. But he may have already ruined his own plans to prosecute any of those people.

Paul Rosenzweig, the former deputy assistant secretary for policy in the Department of Homeland Security under President George W. Bush, thinks that Patel has doomed his revenge plot by openly discussing it, he wrote in The Bulwark Friday.

Rosenzweig explains that if accused criminals can prove that their prosecution is vindictive, they have grounds to rebut the charges. Usually, thats very hard for defendants to prove, but Patels many interviews and the long enemies list in his book Government Gangsters provide that proof.

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If Kash Patel becomes director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as President Trump has suggested he should, he will be the poster child of vindictivenessand his infamous public declarations of retribution may lead to the dismissal of any politically motivated prosecutions he initiates against his enemies list of Deep State opponents, Rosenzweig writes.

Even if Patel has actual credible evidence against any of the people on that list, he has preemptively hurt those efforts, according to Rosenzweig.

A defendant can still succeed if he or she can present direct evidence showing that the prosecution was intended as retribution, notwithstanding the fact that actual crimes may have occurred, the ex-Bush administration official writes.

Patel has already demonstrated a willingness to go after his own critics, threatening legal action against Olivia Troye, his former colleague from the first Trump administration, after she criticized him during an appearance on MSNBC. Democratic and Republican senators alike reportedly arent in favor of his nomination, preferring that current FBI Director Christopher Wray serve out the rest of his 10-year term. If Patel has actually messed up Trumps chances to take revenge against enemies, the MAGA loyalist might soon lose the support of the president-elect too.
The Princess of Wales made it clear in her video message in September that her return to work would be gradual. For the past three months, she has done exactly what she pledged she would docarry out a few more public engagements. Kate has already spelled out that her health and family are her priorities. But these handful of carefully-curated public appearances also tell us something about where she has chosen to focus her energies.

Early Years Meetings

While it may not satisfy desire to see her out and about, behind-the-scenes meetings are an important part of Kates work. The first meeting she held following her announcement she had finished chemotherapy was in September and focused on the Early Years. A further meeting on the same subject followed in November at Windsor Castle. A priority for Kate for more than a decade, there can be no doubt this work will remain fundamental to her moving forward.

Side by side with a young cancer patient

A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today. A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us.  W&C pic.twitter.com/VARhrbCvkv  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 2, 2024

Kates message to cancer patients in September was, I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. It was perhaps fitting, therefore, that the first time she was photographed after this message was to honor a 16-year-old cancer patient who she said has inspired her. Kate was pictured hugging Liz Hatton in Windsor Castle on October 2 after Liz was invited to take photographs of an investiture to complete her bucket list. While it is not yet clear in what ways Kate may champion cancer charities or those affected by the disease in the longer term, any work in this area will undoubtedly now have a new resonance for her.

Support for Southport

WPA Pool - Getty Images

Kates first public outing after completing her treatment was always going to attract huge amount of attention. And she used that spotlight to send the message that the community of Southport it had not been forgotten following the horrific knife attack of July 29 on a childrens dance class. Spending 90 minutes speaking privately with the families of the three little girls who were killed in the stabbing, William and Kates visit on October 10 also saw them meet emergency workers who had responded to the attack. The knife attack rocked Britain, and the royal family instantly encapsulated that strength of feeling through the Kings rare personal message released the same day. He described it as utterly horrific and truly appalling. The King visited Southport in August. Families affected by the stabbing were invited to Kates carol concert in a further indication of just how much they have been in her thoughts.

Remembrance

WPA Pool - Getty Images

One event that Kensington Palace tentatively committed Kate to as early as September was Remembrance Sunday. As the most important day of the year for the royals ceremonially, it was no surprise that this was considered key. The Princess ultimately emphaisized her commitment to honouring the war dead by appearing not once but twice across the weekend; on Saturday, November 9 at the Festival of Remembrance and on Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph. In the end, it was Queen Camilla who missed Remembrance events after Buckingham Palace announced that she would not be there due to doctors advice over a chest infection.

State Visit Diplomacy

Samir Hussein - Getty Images

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While Kate did not attend the white-tie Diplomatic Reception on November 19, she was there when Britain rolled out the red carpet for Qatar for a State Visit on December 3. State Visits are an important part of Britains diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with other countries, and at a time when the UK is negotiating a trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, relations with Qatar are of the utmost importance. Taking on the traditional role of welcoming the Amir of Qatar and his wife at their hotel and escorting them to the official welcome at Horseguards Parade, Kate was front and center for this key ceremonial moment. However, in a reminder that things are by no means back to normal for her, she did not attend the State Banquet that evening.

Together at Christmas

Kates carol concert at Westminster Abbey is now in its fourth year, and it has quickly become a major event in her annual calendar. Convening members of the public, with a different theme each year, Kate poignantly chose for 2024 to focus on how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives. The carol concert is one of the few engagements that the whole Wales family usually attend. Kates decision to end the year in this way brings together her family and her public life in a year that has seen her balance her professional life with personal challenges like never before. It is a reminder that she will continue to focus on her own family, but also that improving outcomes for all families remains a focus of her work.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A national organization reports that there have been 107 cases of cars being stolen with kids inside across the U.S. so far in 2024, often ending tragically. Three of the carjackings happened in the Columbus and Cincinnati areas.

Kids and Car Safety is a national organization that tracks incidents involving children and vehicles. They say that during cold weather, carjackers will often target families who leave their vehicles running but unattended to warm them up.

And sometimes, those vehicles have kids inside.

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Arcade bar to replace Moeller Brew Barn in Dayton

We always see a drastic increase in the number of cars that are stolen with children who are left alone in the backseat, said Amber Rollins, director of Kids and Car Safety. Tragically, some of these cases have led to fatalities, injuries, high speed chases.

Its just a nightmare and its so avoidable.

Law enforcement said criminals are quickly searching for unsuspecting people to steal their car quickly, and are often unaware of a child in the backseat until after they have stolen it.

In these cases, thieves will likely dump the child and continue to commit crimes with the vehicle or leave the child in the vehicle abandoned.

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Maj. Jeremy Roy, with the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, says doing your best to never leave your child unattended in a vehicle is the best defense against these attacks.

I can tell you when talking to some of these parents, when it happens, it is the worst feeling in the world that knowing someone has taken not only your car but your child in the back, and now you dont know whats going to happen, said Roy.

Moraine Police hope new car-tracking tech can reduce the number of fatal police chases

He says if you are victim to a carjacking, you should call 911 immediately and do your best to give a description of the vehicle and the direction it began driving, especially if there is a kidnapped occupant in the car.

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We can get out there and not only get to you, but responding officers that are coming in the area start looking for that vehicle ASAP to be able to get that vehicle stopped, he said.

In a tragic 2022 incident, Nalah Jackson stole a car with twin toddlers inside. She left one child at the Dayton airport and the other in the abandoned vehicle for more than two days. One of those children died.

Jackson was sentenced in August to 23 years in prison on two counts of kidnapping a minor.

Law enforcement agencies want to remind families that leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle is illegal and can make you more likely to be a target of these attacks.

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It is not worth the risk leaving your child in the backseat while you run in and just so your cars still warm or youre not going to wake up your child, said Roy.

Theres a tremendous amount of trauma with being taken, said Amber Rollins, director of Kids and Car Safety. This is a very scary thing for those children. And one that will be with them for a lifetime.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Since 2020, the number of child deaths by gun has surpassed car accidents and motor-vehicle-related deaths, with firearms being the leading cause of death for children under 18 in Kentucky, according to Kentucky Youth Advocates.

Weve got to think about how did that kid get to the place where he or she committed that violent act? said KY Youth Advocates Executive Director Terry Brooks. I dont think you jump from being well-behaved, law-abiding, good kids to being in that kind of trouble just instantlyit escalates.

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According to data from the Lexington Police Department, there have been 17 homicides to date in 2024, with 10 of those homicides being kids or young adults between the ages of 10 and 29.

Theres no question that if a young person is involved in a violent crime, there needs to be consequences and accountability; frankly, that young person probably needs to be in a secure, detained facility both for his or her safety and for the community. But if that is all we do, then this cycle is going to continue, said Brooks.

Its a tough challenge to know what the best way is to approach this issue. But Brooks said there are ways to approach the problem.

Lets hold kids responsible, but lets do it in a way that gives them a future and doesnt throw them away, said Brooks. We have to make a commitment to prevent kids from experiencing life in a way that contributes to this trajectory.

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Its steps like those that Fayette County Public Schools is already taking for their students.

A lot of times we have people who resort to maybe gangs or gun violence because theyre looking for a sense of community. And so if we can provide skills in the beginning, those soft skills, before they kind of resort to that, to that area, thats kind of what we want to do, right? Making sure that conflict management skills are taught, making sure that social skills are taught, making sure they know what resources are available, and providing them those safe spaces to say something if they see something concerning, said FCPS mental health coordinator Shericka Smith.

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She said the district also tries to leave students with resources they can use for life even after graduation.

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We really try to involve our students and get them involved in mentoring programs within the school, but also help them find some healthy communities and healthy mentoring programs outside of the school. That way, when they leave us, they do have something to look forward to.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  When the forces of Imperial Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941, the collective citizenry of the United States felt the anger, anguish and dread of an imminent second World War, but Kern County was affected in an additional and wholly different way.

Kern County oil had already played a central role in the lead up to the fateful attack. Now, that role would expand even more broadly.

The first wave appeared from the north at 7:48 a.m. local time that fateful Sunday morning 83 years ago. A swarm of 183 bombers and fighter aircrafts dropped armor-piercing bombs, fired aerial torpedoes and strafed with wing-mounted cannons. It was over in less than an hour.

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Then, suddenly, it was not.

A second wave of 171 planes appeared in the sky over Oahu, this time coming from three directions. This time the bases defenses were marginally more prepared and anti-aircraft guns shot down several Japanese planes.

The entire attack took 90 minutes.

Documents discovered decades later suggest the Japanese had planned for a third wave, subject to their strike-force leaders real-time assessment of what they had managed to destroy, what they still hoped to destroy, and the risks that another pass over the smoke-shrouded U.S. base might entail.

The damage wrought by the attacks first two waves was staggering enough: Eight U.S. battleships sunk or damaged, six light cruisers or destroyers damaged, 188 aircrafts destroyed, another 159 aircrafts damaged, and 2,403 people  most of them young sailors  killed.

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Among them: Coastal Artillery Corps Lt. William G. Sylvester, age 25, of Bakersfield, killed by a Japanese bomb while speeding to his post; Navy Seaman 1st Class Harvey Linville Havins, age 27, of Shafter; and Marine Private 1st Class Henry E. Nolatubby, age 19, of Bakersfield. Those two had been aboard the USS Arizona; their remains were not recovered.

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Still untouched at Pearl Harbor were, among other important assets, the Pacific Fleets vast fuel storage facilities, a maze of oil repositories without which the Pacific Fleet would be literally dead in the water. Had the bases huge tank farm been destroyed, the U.S. Pacific War effort would have been decimated.

The Japanese decided that the risk of a third-wave attack was too great, relative to the chances of success, and Pearl Harbors fuel storage facilities  filled with Kern County oil  remained intact.

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Oil from what was then referred to as Naval Petroleum Reserves No. 1 and No. 2  the Elk Hills and Buena Vista oilfields, each about 35 miles west of Bakersfield  did more than power the Pacific Fleet, however: Revenue from the two fields actually financed construction of Pearl Harbors vast fueling depot in the first place.

In that sense, west Kern oil was not only a significant chess piece in the buildup to and outcome of World War II, it was also a central player in what, up to that point in U.S. history, was regarded as the most egregious example of government corruption ever: The Teapot Dome scandal.

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100 years before a twice-impeached president returned from a four-year exile to win reelection, before comparatively quaint scandals like Watergate, Iran-Contra and Monica Lewinsky shook the nation, Warren G. Harding, another president with a libidinous reputation and a bring-back-the-good-ol-days slogan (Return to Normalcy) presided over a swamp of stunning depth and breadth.

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Harding paid a mistress for her silence, fathered a child out of wedlock, saw his Veterans Bureau secretary indicted for accepting kickbacks and had his attorney general twice stand trial for selling pardons. The Teapot Dome scandal just happened to be the most infamous controversy of Hardings scant 2 -1/2 years in office.

The prize in the corruption scandal was government-owned oil and the private interests contracted to extract, process and ship that oil on the governments behalf.

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In 1912, President William Howard Taft responded to the Navys need to convert its ships from coal to oil  and rising worldwide tensions  by designating Elk Hills, a 1.5 billion-barrel oilfield discovered in 1911; Buena Vista, a 686 million-barrel oilfield discovered in 1909; and Teapot Dome, a 22-million barrel oilfield that went into production in 1915, as naval petroleum reserves.

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The creation of NPR-1 and NPR-2 were godsends to the good people of Moron, 13 miles west of Elk Hills, and they rechristened their community in Tafts honor, either in gratitude for the presidents economy-stimulating gesture or as an excuse to shed the towns unfortunate name.

Twenty years before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Edward Doheny of Pan American Petroleum & Transport Co.  the Exxon of the 1920s  engaged in a secret deal with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, who had successfully wrested control of the naval petroleum reserves from the Secretary of the Navy.

The deal: In exchange for large, secret personal loans that werent really loans at all, Hardings Interior Secretary, Albert B. Fall, quietly awarded Doheny no-bid contracts to lease the two Kern County oil fields, and at remarkably low rates. Doheny  upon whom Daniel Day-Lewis character in There Will be Blood was loosely based  would then help fortify and modernize the base at Pearl Harbor, established in 1908. The plan was for Pearl Harbor to replace San Diego as headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and in 1940  with Imperial Japan occupying much of China and having just invaded French Indochina  the fleets move became official.

The third of the three naval petroleum reserves, this one leased to another oil magnate, Harry Sinclair, was Teapot Dome (NPR-3), located about 25 miles north of Casper, Wyoming. The scandal that shook Hardings White House  Harding died in office before the legalities of the situation could fully play out  most likely took the name Teapot Dome in the nations breathless press coverage because of its distinctive name and the striking geological formation that inspired it. If the press had chosen a name purely based on political and military significance, however, it would have been the less evocative Elk Hills scandal.

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Fall, who had served in the U.S. Senate alongside Harding, was a crony of the president and was known to play cards at the White House well into the night.

Convicted of accepting bribes from Doheny  about $14 million in todays dollars  Fall became the first presidential cabinet member to go to prison in the nations history. No one  namely, Doheny  was convicted of paying those bribes. The final insult: Dohenys company foreclosed on Falls beloved Three Rivers Ranch in New Mexico for nonrepayment of the very same loans that constituted the original bribes.

Americas military advances into the Pacific had long alarmed Tokyo. The U.S. had seized Guam and the Philippines in the aftermath of the 1898 Spanish-American War, giving it a foothold in what Japan considered its sphere of influence. The 1904-05 Russo-Japanese War  a resounding victory for Japan that both emboldened Tokyo and unnerved the West  established a new world power in the Far East for America to reckon with. For the first time in modern history, an Asian nation had defeated a European nation on the field of battle, and decisively so. The Russo-Japanese War influenced the new centurys geo-political balance so profoundly, some historians have referred to it as World War Zero.

Japan sided with the U.S., Britain, France and Italy in World War I, but felt disrespected when, at the Washington Disarmament Conference of 1921-22, it was allotted lower naval tonnage limits than most of the other participating countries. In fact, there was rioting in the streets of Tokyo when news of the disarmament settlements details emerged  although some historians, in retrospect, believe Japan actually fared well in those historic talks.

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Japanese outrage intensified when, on Sept. 1, 1923, a 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Japans main island, killing 140,000  roughly as many as died in the Hiroshima atomic bombing 22 years later. Many considered the Great Kanto Earthquake divine retribution against Japan for its having rejected its traditions and embraced Western ideals.

Then, in 1924, Congress passed the Japanese Exclusion Act, a federal law that prohibited Japanese immigration. The restriction further alienated Tokyo.

Japan took a hard right political turn and, ominously, the militarys influence grew.

Against this backdrop, the U.S. Navy was expanding its reach in the Pacific. Competition with Japan was growing. Mutual distrust was growing along with it.

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War with Japan, historians then and now believe, was probably inevitable. Kern County oil just happened to play an odd but central role in the way it all played out.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- An English translator and anticolonial activist who championed efforts that led to the United Nations resolution ending Algeria's war of independence from France blasted Israel's war in Gaza at a special screening of a documentary about the Algerian war in New York on Friday.

Elaine Mokhtefi had a significant but behind-the-scenes role in Algeria's fight for independence working as a translator and activist to help Algerian delegates craft their messaging for addressing the U.N. when much of the world was pressured by the colonial power France and its ally, the United States.

She attended the screening of Cine-Guerrillas: Scenes from the Labudovic Reels organized by art historian Maura McCreight at the CUNY Graduate Center in Midtown Manhattan. Mila Turajlic, the director of the 2022 documentary, also attended with a lively crowd of viewers from North African countries like Tunisia.

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"What struck me watching Mila's film was how stories of revolutionary struggle, transnational solidarity, and the power of visual media remained as urgent today as ever," McCreight said. "I am referring to the 76-year-long struggle of the Palestinians, human rights, and the innate right of all human beings on Palestinian soil to self-determination."

The film specifically follows the late Stevan Labudovic, a Yugoslavian cameraman who was handpicked by President Josep Broz Tito in 1960 to document the Algerian war because he saw parallels between Algerian resistance and the resistance of Yugoslavians against Nazi occupation during World War II.

Stevan Labudovic, a Yugoslavian cameraman who was handpicked by President Josep Broz Tito in 1960 to document the Algerian war for independence from France, is pictured in a still from a documentary about his work. Photo courtesy of Mila Turajlic

"It was a difficult period where no one in the United States was interested and people knew little about Algeria and less about the war and were very influenced by the French," Mokhtefi said.

The films Labudovic made had an effect in chipping away at the tremendous influence of the French, Mokhtefi said. She noted that France released 20 colonies just to try to keep Algeria and it kept a heavy hand on those colonies when they became independent states.

Elaine Mokhtefi, an English translator and anticolonial activist who championed the United Nations resolution that ended Algerias war of independence from France, is pictured holding her book at a screening of a documentary she is featured in about Stevan Labudovic. Photo by Adam Schrader

Mokhtefi said, "The United States backed France all the way to such a point that there was an American armament, American planes being used by the French, the French were being financed by the United States," which provides military assistance and other funding to Israel.

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To get his footage, Labudovic embedded with Algerian militants-later described as terrorists by the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy, much like Israel and the United States and their allies today describe Palestinian groups like Hamas.

Mokhtefi noted before the film was screened that France had portrayed Algerian resistance fighters as anything but a real army, which it said doesn't exist. Israel likewise has denied Palestinians the right to a fighting force as it defines militias like Hamas as terrorists. "You'll see a real army," Mokhtefi said of how Labudovic depicted the Algerians.

Scenes from the film are resonant to anyone who has followed the Gaza war since it began on October 7, 2023. For example, Labudovic points to the location of a refugee camp along Algeria's border with Tunisia and discusses protests and demonstrations in the streets of Algiers.

The Yugoslavian cameraman was one of the few documenting the Algerian side of the conflict when French newsreels were showing pro-colonial propaganda. France engaged in efforts to remove him from the battlefield as his films were then shown within Algeria and to the United Nations to convince them to support Algerian independence.

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Likewise, Israel has killed at least 135 journalists and media workers in Gaza and Lebanon since the war began, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. And earlier this year, the Israeli government raided and shuttered Al Jazeera, forcing the news broadcaster to report from outside of Israel.

After the war, Labudovic films were locked away in a vault in what is now Serbia upon the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Viewing them requires special permission from the Algerian government, which granted Turajlic special access because her film focused on the life of Labudovic-who is considered a national hero in Algeria.

The French newsreels often said the Algerian people supported French colonialism similarly to how Israel often argues that its Arab citizens have full rights and representation, though human rights groups have long contested that claim. And French newsreels, like Israel's where dialogues like "Free Palestine-From Hamas" abound, paint the Arab population as void of a future without their intervention.

"The French also made newsreels. What did their newsreels say," Turajlic asks Labudovic at one point. He responded, "Their newsreels said the opposite of what I was making. They couldn't have told the truth, of how they tortured, so they told fairy tales." And while Palestinians allege facing rape and torture, Israel has defended its actions.

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"Who would accept an occupier who tortures and maims," Labudovic said in the film. Later in the film, Labudovic's wife notes that France didn't consider Algeria to be a colony. It considered it a part of France. Now, Israel's far-right politicians have called for illegally annexing Palestinian land as the country continues to approve illegal settlements.

And while the United States continues to be the sole veto of any U.N. Security Council draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, Israel itself has pushed back against every U.N. agency that challenges it from the UNRWA to UNIFIL.

"At the moment our reporter's camera filmed this event, the U.N. began a debate on 'the Algerian question.' The French government refused to participate claiming the situation was an internal problem of France," an announcer on one of Labudovic's newsreel reads in the documentary like a past echo of what is happening today.

Mokhtefi told the crowd that, after the war, in 1968, she was walking in the streets of Algiers and people were crying from the aftermath of the 1967 Six-Day War as Israel clamped down on movement in occupied Palestinian territories and began the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements.

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"Friends of mine came to visit me and just sat on the couch and cried for Palestine and they had always had a strong feeling for them for their tragedy of the Palestinians, but they thought it was very close to their own struggle," Mokhtefi said. "I imagine that has continued today."

Mokhtefi continued to work as a translator after the war and married an Algerian man who had fought in the war for independence. She also continued to be involved in elements of anticolonial activism, threading together representatives from various anti-colonial factions globally that visited Algeria for diplomatic or training purposes.

Turajlic said she found correspondence between Mokhtefi and Kathleen Cleaver, a prominent leader of the Black Panther movement in the U.S. The translator helped the Black Panthers take a position on the decadeslong Palestinian conflict.

In the 1970s, Labudovic himself was sent to Palestine to make a documentary about Arafat and the Palestine Liberation Organization. "All of this footage is in Belgrade, none of it has been digitized and there is no project by the Serbian government to do so," Turajlic said of Labudovic's Palestinian footage.

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And while students in the United States have received criticism for engaging in campus protests against the war in Gaza, Mokhtefi said that she too became involved with politics shortly after leaving high school. She blasted schools like Columbia University, near where she lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, for how they have handled the protests.

"There was a really concerted strategy behind the media efforts to internationalize the question and to create a situation where it was morally untenable for France to remain in Algeria," Turajlic said after the screening.

"I find it so striking that the same mechanism has been deployed today but the world isn't reacting in the way it reacted in the 1960s. Where is the world's moral outrage they managed to successfully harness in the 1960s that for some reason is missing today?"
Multiple drivers say they heard a sound like an explosion and the gas tanks on their Kia K5s expanded suddenly, even popping the rear seat up.

Kia addressed the issue and launched a voluntary campaign in April, offering K5 owners a free repair.

Like a bomb went off: Drivers believe gas tanks on certain Kia models expand suddenly

Russ Saner and Tiffanie Valdez say they got the fix in July  a fuel tank inspection and software update. But they say a few weeks later, they were driving and heard a loud noise. All of a sudden, ba boom! Saner said.

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They say the gas tank didnt expand into their car like the other cases, that the tank ruptured at the bottom instead.

So, Kia says this is not a swelling issue, that Saner must have hit something. But he says he couldnt find anything in the road and that emergency crews couldnt either. We may never know.

Were lucky to be alive to tell the story, Valdez said. Thankful, very thankful to be alive, Saner said.

Action 9 investigator Jason Stoogenke says you should still take advantage of Kias free fix. If you have a 2021-2024 K5, ask your dealer if your vehicle qualifies. If so, itll update the software and, if necessary, replace the valve or gas tank.

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The Kia K5 is closely related to the Hyundai Sonata and 13 Sonata drivers have told Action 9 their gas tanks swelled too. But, at last check, Hyundai has not offered a free repair.

VIDEO: Six drivers report gas tanks suddenly expanding
NEW YORK  The masked gunman who gunned down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson near the Hilton in Midtown is believed to have fled New York City on an interstate bus shortly after the killing amid an intense manhunt, NYPD officials said Friday.

NYPD detectives, with the help of Port Authority police, have managed to track the gunmans movements from when he first arrived in the city to immediately after the deadly shooting, when he traveled by various means to an uptown bus terminal within just 46 minutes after the cold-blooded killing, at which point he disappeared, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters at 1 Police Plaza on Friday.

Our detectives are doing a very, very extensive video canvas, said Kenny. Were working from back at the Hilton hotel, from the incident itself all the way to uptown Manhattan.

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Kenny insisted at Fridays press briefing that while Thompsons killer may have fled the city, the NYPD would bring him to justice  no matter how long it took.

This isnt Blue Bloods. Were not going to solve this in 60 minutes, Kenny said. Were painstakingly going through every bit of evidence that we come across. Eventually, when an apprehension is made, well have to present all these facts to a judge and jury. So were taking our time, were doing it right, making sure were going to get justice for this victim and closure for his family.

Police sources said the suspect arrived in the city on a Greyhound bus from Atlanta on the evening of Nov. 24.

Although the bus left from Atlanta, it was not immediately clear where the gunman boarded the bus. NYPD detectives are working with Greyhound workers to help identify all passengers, police sources said.

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A Greyhound spokesman said in a statement that the company was cooperating with investigators but couldnt comment further.

Port Authority police have recovered video images of the suspect walking through the terminal after disembarking from the bus, a police source with knowledge of the case said.

Footage has also been recovered of the gunman exiting a Midtown subway station at 57th Street and riding an e-bike from Central Park, video and images seen by the New York Daily News show.

He found his way to the HI New York City Hostel on Amsterdam Avenue near West 104th Street, where cops recovered images of the suspect without a mask and smiling at someone behind the reception desk.

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The hostel staffer reportedly got the suspect to smile by flirting with him and asking him to pull down his mask to see his handsome face.

Cops released the images Thursday on the second day of the manhunt.

Aside from that slip-up, the gunman never revealed his face, including while noshing at a Starbucks or while staying in the room in the hostel he shared with two strangers, Kenny said.

He didnt know the two roommates and the entire time he was there he kept his mask on, Kenny told reporters, adding the suspect did not speak with his roommates, either.

The suspect booked a room at the hostel using a fake New Jersey ID, sources said.

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We do not have his name and, at this point, we believe he acted alone, Kenny said, adding, obviously, that can change down the line.

Police are also trying to identify the massive pistol the gunman used. Although they have yet to recover the weapon, investigators believe it is a B&T VP9, a firearm with an attached suppressor that is manufactured in Switzerland.

Cops are investigating a recent purchase of this type of firearm in Connecticut to see if it could be linked to the killing.

New York Mayor Eric Adams spoke about the manhunt on Friday, telling WPIX cops were on the right road to apprehend him and bring him to justice.

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In a similar interview on 1010 WINS radio station, Adams, a retired NYPD captain, said he had never seen a murder quite like this one.

In my entire 22 years in law enforcement, Ive never seen a silencer before used in a crime in the city, but here you had someone (who did), he said. Clearly, this was not a random act. Our preliminary investigation sees this as a targeted shooting, but we are moving closer to apprehending him and taking this dangerous person off the streets of our country.

The suspect shot Thompson, 50, as he walked to a Hilton hotel on West 54th Street and Sixth Avenue where he was about to address colleagues and company investors at a conference, police said.

Harrowing surveillance footage shows the man shoot Thompson in the back, then fire three more times, at one point pausing to coolly clear a jam in his pistol, before continuing to fire.

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He fled the scene on a bicycle and disappeared into Central Park, but cops picked up his trail when he was later seen walking on 86th Street and Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side, Kenny said.

According to Kenny, the gunman was finally seen entering a cab that dropped him off near the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal at 178th Street and Broadway  his last known location  around 7:30 a.m., just 45 minutes after the fatal shooting.

Those buses are interstate buses, Kenny said. Thats why we believe he may have left New York City."

In addition, Kenny on Friday announced that police have recovered a large, gray backpack following a large-scale search of Central Park and that investigators are currently working to determine if the distinctive satchel belonged to the killer.

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Cops found the words Deny, Delay and Depose written in Sharpie on the bullets  reminiscent of the insurance industry mantra Deny, Delay, Defend for delaying claims and maximizing profits  leading police to believe that the killer has a beef with the health insurance industry.

Police are offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the gunmans capture.

Anyone with information regarding the suspects whereabouts is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

_____

(Josephine Stratman contributed to this story.)

-------
Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare, had a short walk to his presumed destination early Wednesday morning: the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where his company was holding its annual investors conference. The executive, who lived in a suburb near his companys Minneapolis-area headquarters, was staying at a hotel just across the street, according to reports.

Apparently walking alone, Thompson wore a blue blazer with no overcoat, despite the chill in the air. At around 6:46 a.m., he was just seconds away from one of the Hiltons entrances on West 54th Street when a figure in a black face mask approached him holding a long handgun, shot Thompson several times from behind, then swiftly crossed the street and entered an alleyway next to New Yorks famous Ziegfeld Theater.

The gunman, wearing a cream-colored jacket, was caught on camera as he walked up to Thompson and began shooting. After the weapon appeared to malfunction, he quickly cleared the jam and continued to fire. Fleeing on foot, he transferred to an e-bike and rode up Sixth Avenue into Central Park, as police would later discover.

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Thompson was left collapsed on the sidewalk. Officers from the New York Police Department gave him CPR as they waited for an ambulance. The CEO was taken to Roosevelt Hospital, where he was pronounced dead less than 30 minutes later.

Police sources have determined the shooter had arrived in New York from Atlanta by bus last month, according to ABC News, and checked in at a local hostel at the end of November. Authorities searched that hostel in Manhattan on Thursday.

And most notably, police have released photos of a person of interest that shows a mans full face. He is pictured smiling, wearing a khaki-colored hoodie and a jacket.

This does not appear to be a random act of violence, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Wednesday. She added that it was a brazen, targeted attack.

A horrible realization

Inside the Hilton hotel that morning, the companys daylong investors conference for 2024, called IC24, began as normal around 8 a.m.

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UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty gave opening remarks in one of the conferences presentation rooms, Michael Ha, a Baird stock analyst, told the New York Times.

But news about the shooting soon began to circulate, according to another investor who was in the third-floor conference room where attendees had gathered, who asked to have his name withheld. People were sitting in chairs, many with their laptops open to market news, when early headlines about the shooting began to appear. Others were following the story on their phones. Audience members started to look around and chat with one another, trying to piece together what they were reading, the investor told Fortune. About 10 minutes later, Witty appeared on stage and canceled the event, citing a medical emergency.

As the crowd slowly realized what had happened, people began to get emotional and leave the room.

He was a stand-up guy, a good dude, the investor said of Thompson. Ive never met anyone who had anything bad to say about him. He had met Thompson several times at investor dinners on the eves of past conferences, he explained, and was in disbelief. He would have been at one of those dinners last night.

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Signs for the IC24 event were still standing in the Hilton Lobby at 10 a.m., until an organizer swooped in to grab several and stow them under her arm. On the third floor, only a handful of attendees still wearing their lanyards lingered, making calls next to their luggage. Outside, police closed access to the West 54th block where Thompson was slain and directed pedestrians around the police tape through the hotels parking entrance. And on Sixth Avenue, solemn-faced executives in blue shook their heads No at reporters as they waited for drivers. Other executives were ushered out to the street and into black Suburbans.

UnitedHealth Group issued a statement about Thompsons death before noon. We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the C.E.O. of UnitedHealthcare, it read. 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.

By the early afternoon, the companys website had been scrubbed of pages listing its executives and board members.

Who was Brian Thompson?

Although he led the $281 billion insurance arm of UnitedHealth Group, and was the lead executive at the companys consumer-facing brand, Thompson kept a relatively low profile.

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A lifelong Midwesterner, he was born in Jewell, Iowa, a rural town with a population of about 1,200, an hour away from Des Moines. In high school, he was an athlete and class president, according to the Des Moines Register. In 1997, he graduated from the University of Iowa, where he studied business administration and accounting, his LinkedIn profile shows. Later that year, he began working as an audit department manager at a Twin Cities outpost of the consulting firm PwC.

Thompson joined UnitedHealthcare as a director in corporate development in 2004. He would go on to hold several rolesincluding chief financial officer and chief executive of the UnitedHealthcare divisions overseeing Medicaid and retirement insurance plans, and government programsbefore being named CEO of the entire insurance business, by far the largest in the U.S., in 2021.

The executive, a father of two, was married, but for the past several years, he and his wife, Paulette Thompson, had been living in separate homes less than a mile away from each other in Maple Grove, Minn., the Wall Street Journal reported. Reached by NBC on Wednesday morning, Thompsons wife told the news outlet that she could not give a thoughtful response. I just found this out and Im trying to console my children, she said.

She added that Thompson had been receiving threats, although she didnt know the details about why. I dont know, a lack of coverage? she said, explaining also that Thompson had not changed his travel plans in response. Thompson was not traveling with a security detail, according to New York police.

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The companys latest proxy statement does not include any disclosures about security expenses, except to state that UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty is required for personal security reasons to use corporate aircraft for all business travel and is encouraged to use corporate aircraft for all personal travel, including family travel. Companies do not need to disclose security spending unless expenses exceed $10,000.

A complicated reaction

In tributes posted online, several colleagues and Wall Street professionals who knew Thompson commented on his affability.

Justin Lake, an analyst at Wolfe Research wrote in a note to clients that thousands of people had been touched by Thompsons good nature. BT has been a friend and colleague for nearly 20 years and over that time I watched as he climbed the ranks at UNH while earning the respect and admiration of everyone that occupied his orbit, he wrote.

Matt Burns, whose LinkedIn shows that he previously worked at UnitedHealth Group, wrote glowingly of Thompson, saying that he toggled between his leadership role and relatable Joe as effectively and easily as anyone Ive encountered professionally.

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However, Thompsons tenure at the insurance company was not without controversy. He was also one of several UnitedHealthcare executives facing accusations of fraud and a potential inquiry into insider trades.

Last May, the Hollywood Firefighters Pension Fund filed a lawsuit against the parent company, Witty, Thompson, and executive chairman Stephen Hemsley, alleging that they schemed to prop up the insurers share price by not disclosing that the Department of Justice was planning to investigate the company for antitrust practices. The suit alleges that Thompson was aware of the inquiry at the time that he sold 31% of his employee sharesworth $15 millionless than two weeks before a Department of Justice investigation became public knowledge. The DOJ investigation sent the companys share price down by 5%.

UnitedHealthcare did not immediately return Fortunes request for comment about the allegations.

The backlash begins

As shock ricocheted throughout the business community and prominent politicians (including Minnesotas Senator Amy Klobuchar and Governor Tim Walz) publicly mourned Thompson, a backlash against UnitedHealthcare and the insurance business more broadly was also taking shape.

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American health insurance companies are often the target of ire from consumers furious over rising fees, denied claims for vital healthcare, and opaque business practices. Data from personal finance platform ValuePenguin showed that UnitedHealthcare denies 32% of claims compared to the industry average of 16%. Last year, a class action lawsuit filed in a federal court in Minnesota also charged that the company used artificial intelligence to turn down a large percentage of health coverage claims, with an error rate of 90%. Lawyers for UnitedHealthcare argued that the plaintiffs failed to exhaust the exclusive administrative appeal process set by the Medicare Act and requested that the case be dismissed. Health industry news site Stat reports that Medicares appeals process is backlogged, and that completing that process can take years and be a drain on finances.

UnitedHealth Group is fourth on this years Fortune 500. As CEO of the parent groups largest subsidiary, Thompson earned more than $10 million in 2023, company filings show.

The detail found its way into several scornful messages about Thompsons killing on social media. On X and LinkedIn, users wrote that they mourned not for Thompson, but for people who have had their insurance claims denied, and shared personal histories about their struggles with a sick family member and the companys response.

That animosity toward the insurer has fueled speculation as to the shooters motives for killing Thompson. Among the clues gathered by the NYPD were words inscribed on three bullets found near the crime scene: Deny, Defend, Depose. The words are similar to the title of a book about the insurance industrys ethically suspect practices that allow companies to rake in billions by finding reasons not to cover medical treatments for paying customers, Delay, Deny, Defend.

Executive safety fears

There are still more questions about the incident than answers, and updates to the killing are trickling in by the hour.

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The attack has prompted new fears about executive safety, and seems to confirm the thinking behind a trend over the past few years of spending more money to protect top business leaders. Teslas Elon Musk, Alphabets Sundar Pichai, and Meta Platforms Mark Zuckerberg, for example, cost their companies millions of dollars a year to protect.

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, told 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.

Dennis Franks, a retired FBI Special Agent and vice president of the Texas-based Viollis Group International security firm, who has provided security for executives at some of the largest global companies, told Fortune that he was not surprised at all that Thompson didnt have security with him as he walked the streets of New York. The level of protection for executives varies and I would say in general that it's very lacking, he said. A lot of executives don't want it, and they don't have it. A lot of companies are not willing to spend the money because it gets very expensive.

Franks said Thompson would have ideally been accompanied by two or three security guardsincluding one walking beside him, and one tailing the executive.

Looking ahead

UnitedHealthcare has not revealed who is running the company in the wake of Wednesdays shooting and directed Fortune to an updated statement about the crisis when asked about succession plans. Our priorities are, first and foremost, supporting Brians family; ensuring the safety of our employees; and working with law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice, it read. We ask that everyone respect the familys privacy as they mourn the loss of their husband, father, brother and friend.

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Julie Utterback, an equity analyst at Morningstar, told Fortune that the company has a deep bench of management talent.

I would not think of that organization as being dependent on any one individual to continue performing well, she said.So while losing Brian is a very sad event for the organization, we expect the company will be able to bring in one of its many other leaders to succeed Brian.

As the workweek came to an end on Dec. 6, the manhunt continued.

With reporting from Brit Morse, Emma Burleigh, and Sasha Rogelberg

Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify that the lawsuit against UnitedHealthcare over its use of AI charged that the company's algorithm had a 90% error rate.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Dec. 6ROCHESTER  Thirteen Rochester individuals were honored Friday during the 41st year of awarding the Mayor's Medal of Honor.

"There are people you may know; you may be aware of what they've done," Mayor Kim Norton told a gathering of approximately 125 people during the noon ceremony at Mayo Civic Center. "There will be others that you don't know, and we hope this is informational and educational, and you can learn to appreciate the wonderful people .. that are in the community."

The honorees were nominated by area residents for achievements in a variety of efforts, and Norton said the award is a recognition of people who go "above and beyond" as Rochester residents.

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"They do things that are extraordinary often without recognition at all," she said of the honorees, many of whom were surprised as recipients. "We want to pull out a few people every year for the work they do."

This year's ceremony honored:

Nfonoyim-Hara has been working to uplift and celebrate local underrepresented voices. Since opting to call Rochester home, she has: worked with the late Danny Solis to create the Day of the Dead programming, supported the Somalia Rebuild organization, represented Rochester through KSMQ's "R-Town" program and supported BIPOC students and artists as they reimagined Peace Plaza.

Most recently, she personally invested in the creation of Griot Arts, Rochester's first bookstore and gallery featuring the work and stories of BIPOC individuals. It's an effort to provide a physical space contributing to downtown vitality and has become a space for Black artists, poets and community members.

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Said has dedicated his life to promoting inclusivity, equity and opportunities for marginalized communities in Rochester. A first-generation Bosnian refugee, his family fled the Bosnian genocide, enduring the trials of refugee life before eventually resettling in Rochester.

Currently, he serves as the program director of Mayo Clinic's diversity, equity and inclusion program with a primary focus on recruiting diverse candidates into medical school. His efforts are breaking down barriers that often prevent individuals from underrepresented backgrounds from entering the healthcare field.

Schmitt has significantly impacted Rochester's culture and well-being as a steadfast supporter of the Rochester running community. He has dedicated countless hours to volunteering at races, where he not only helps with logistics but works to inspire and mentor runners of all ages and abilities

Additionally, his role as the founder and president of the Friends of the Rochester Farmer's Market has revitalized the local economy and fostered connections between farmers and consumers while promoting healthy eating and sustainability.

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He has also served on the city's Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee as an influential voice for safer, more accessible transportation options.

Las has been teaching for 33 years, focused on eighth-grade science at John Adams Middle School. She teaches the highly gifted and physical science classes and co-teaches multilingual learner science classes.

She has been the backbone of the STEM Mentoring Labs at John Adams, an after-school STEM research program for middle school students underrepresented in STEM run by local non-profit Oraculi. Due to her efforts, Las was recently awarded a STEM Research Grant from the Society for Science as one of 41 educators throughout the United States.

A 2001 graduate of John Marshall, Stageberg moved away from Rochester for about 15 years and has been back for eight years, building Black Swan Real Estate, a property management company that impacts about 5% of Rochester residents.

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Beyond his business, he has been engaged with Rochester Police Department events, served as grand marshall of the 2023 Rochesterfest parade for 2023 and continues serving as Santa's First Helper for Rescue Santa.

Wedul's actions during a violent burglary and disturbance at his apartment building on Oct. 13, 2024, helped contain potential danger and prevented further escalation. Upon hearing the ruckus, he exited his apartment and calmly told the intruder to sit down and stay back as he helped others exit the building.

The Lowertown Neighborhood resident's presence with neighbors the following days reassured them and helped restore calm to the area.

As CEO of Divine Immigration and Educational Consultancy in the United States and Dominion and Shalom International in Nigeria, Adepoju has affected communities throughout two continents while addressing pressing issues faced by immigrants and underserved populations.

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Her commitment to community development and social upliftment has been seen through her work providing legal, educational and social support to immigrants navigating complex integration processes in the United States. In Nigeria, she has led programs addressing key challenges such as poverty and education, empowering communities with resources and sustainable opportunities that enable self-sufficiency.

Kiscaden, who will be retiring this year as Olmsted County commissioner, has worked in the nonprofit and public sector serving as a consultant, facilitator, coordinator, and project manager early in her career in Rochester. She has spent many years focusing on policy, public health, corrections, advocacy and political leadership, and community involvement.

In addition to professional and academic roles, she has volunteered to train and mentor others, expand economic opportunities regionally and serve on a variety of nonprofit and state boards, while also supporting women in their growth in leadership.

Stenehjem has dedicated himself to the community of Rochester through his professional career, personal life and faith to do good deeds for the citizens of Rochester.

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He worked at the YMCA for 33 years and served as its director with the mission to empower youth and communities.

He was the foundation and development director at the Rochester Senior Center Foundation for seven years and spent the last nine years of his professional career as the foundation and development leader at Samaritan Bethany.

In addition to all his career accomplishments, he devoted his time and efforts to other organizations including Rochester Rotary, Gloria Dei Church, Channel One Food Bank, Rochester Choral Arts and United Way.

Whitehorn moved to Rochester after being sentenced as a felon and worked to turn his life around by serving his community in many ways. In addition to running a business, he has worked with others to create a number of organizations and services to assist other community members and prevent others from going down the path he had been down.

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His efforts paid off this year when he sat before the clemency board and won clemency, removing his label as a felon.

Fitterer is known for her volunteer work for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, for acting as Olmsted County election judge, and serving as a Republican delegate to the state.

At 84, she does not believe that retirement from work means retirement from serving her community and was instrumental in combining the six separate parishes of St. Vincent de Paul's relief work into a single unit that serves all of Rochester more effectively with fewer people.

As the founder of Rochester Electrified and Rochester Electric Vehicles, Yucuis is an advocate for sustainable practices in Rochester, particularly in promoting the benefits and feasibility of electric vehicles and home electrification solutions. His commitment to educating the community about clean, renewable options is shaping a more resilient and environmentally conscious city.

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Through the Rochester Electric Vehicles group, his work fosters connections among EV owners and newcomers, building a culture of sustainability that encourages residents to make more eco-conscious decisions.

A Rochester fifth-grader, Teske has dedicated many hours to improving her neighborhood and the environment through her participation in the Adopt-a-Drain program.

Known for her drive and dedication, she has made an impact in the community through her service efforts, including participation in the Ben Franklin & Montessori at Franklin School student council community schoolyard project. Her efforts have helped encourage other community residents to get involved with efforts to keep local waterways free of pollution.
Griffith Parks late celebrity mountain lion P-22 took the night shift to avoid hordes of hikers, bikers and dawdlers who frequented his home in the heart of Los Angeles  and its a pattern replicated by other pumas in the region, according to a new study.

The move to a later schedule is an encouraging example of a species doing its part to coexist in a bustling megalopolis, according to researchers from UC Davis and other institutions who conducted the study.

But the temporal gymnastics they perform may come at a cost, experts said, consuming energy and limiting the amount of time they can spend on critical tasks such as hunting. And it may compound other urban stressors, like whizzing traffic and rat poison.

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The study, published last month in the journal Biological Conservation, found that Southland mountain lions became more nocturnal and less crepuscular  i.e., active at dusk or dawn  in popular recreation areas.

To examine the impact of recreation on the lions, researchers used GPS and activity data gleaned from the tracking collars of 22 mountain lions roaming the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounding region between 2011 and 2018.

They also drew data from Strava, a popular app in which users publicly document runs, hikes and more to determine how much recreation was happening in each lion's home range, and to test how it influenced the patterns and timing of their activity.

The "most nocturnal" puma in the study was the late P-41, who inhabited the Verdugo Mountains, a range bounded by freeways and development on the northeast edge of the San Fernando Valley, and a recreation haven. Ranked second was P-22, affectionately called the Brad Pitt of mountain lions when he stalked the Hollywood Hills.

The study revealed that female lions were less nocturnal than males, possibly because males pose a threat to them and their kittens. (National Park Service via Associated Press)

Researchers wondered if mountain lions who were exposed to more recreation would become immune to it  and simply not care.

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"We saw the opposite, said Ellie Bolas, lead author and a PhD candidate at UC Davis.

"Seeing that mountain lions are flexible in their activity and sensitive to recreation is, I think, a reason we can feel optimistic that they're willing to avoid us and want to avoid us," she added.

Other institutions involved included Cal Poly Pomona, the National Park Service, UCLA, the University of Nebraska and Harvard Westlake High School.

The findings are good news for Angelenos worried about becoming a lion's lunch  given that the cats are steering clear of people. And it helps explain how the apex predators manage to hack it in an intensely urban environment. Los Angeles is just one of two megacities in the world that are home to a big cat; the other is Mumbai, in India, where leopards prowl the streets .

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So why are local lions rearranging their schedules for people? The new study notes that animals might high-tail it to areas where there are less people when they can. But in the greater L.A. metropolitan area, with more than 18 million people, even natural areas get gridlocked. So they adopted another strategy.

The National Park Service has monitored lions in and around the Santa Monica Mountains for more than 20 years, which is where the long-term data for the recent research came from.

"A major thing that we've been studying all along is the effects of urbanization and fragmentation on these animals," said Seth Riley, study co-author and branch chief for wildlife at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, a unit of the park service.

The new study revealed that the lions timing shifts werent more pronounced on weekends when recreation spikes, contrary to what researchers expected.

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There were also differences between the sexes, with female mountain lions found to be more active during the day and closer to sunrise. Researchers surmised that they avoid overlapping with male lions who will kill kittens in tow  and sometimes even the females themselves.

The least nocturnal puma tracked was P-13, a female with a home range in the central and western Santa Monicas.

Read more: P-22 lived an epic and tragic life in Griffith Park. Would a new mountain lion fare any better?

Beth Pratt, California regional executive director for the National Wildlife Federation, said that while its good news that the charismatic cats are "coping," there are likely tradeoffs.

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"By switching their hunting strategy, it's not ideal," said Pratt, who was one of P-22s biggest boosters. "It takes more energy, it doesn't give them as many options, but the animals here are doing their part."

People should pitch in, too, by minimizing challenges, she said. Panthers stalking the Santa Monica Mountains are imperiled by inbreeding because of freeways that essentially lock them in  and visitors with needed genetic diversity out.

At a certain point they're not going to be able to cope with all these challenges stacked up, she said, pointing to threats such as cars and rodenticides  both of which took a toll on P-22. He was captured and euthanized in late 2022, deemed too sick to return to the wild because of injuries and infection.

One way to give lions "the edge" is by putting up wildlife crossings, said Pratt, who is a major force behind the largest such passageway in the world rising over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills.

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The more than $90-million Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing currently under construction is seen as a potential lifeline for the lions of the Santa Monicas. Without an outlet, the population is at risk of blinking out.

Read more: The world's largest wildlife crossing is finally standing. Here is what's coming next

Pratt said the new study shows that actions as seemingly innocuous as how we site trails and enjoy the outdoors can impact the species  and that it would behoove us to consider our approach as we navigate a biodiversity crisis.

"It's not that we shouldn't do them, but how can we do them differently so that animals aren't as impacted," she said.

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Bolas said there's currently no research to tell us if the lions' flexibility in the timing of their activity is also a cost to them, but that "it very well may be."

Revelations from the study arrive as some Southern California and Central Coast cougars are at a crossroads.

California wildlife officials are poised to decide whether to designate six isolated clans of pumas as endangered or threatened species under state law.

The state Fish and Game Commission in 2020 granted the cougars who are roaming regions between Santa Cruz and the U.S.-Mexico border temporary endangered status as a candidate to be listed under the state Endangered Species Act.

A final decision is expected next year.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
LA GRANDE  La Grande may be getting a little bigger next year, but not everyone is happy about the idea.

City councilors held a public hearing Wednesday, Dec. 4, during their regular meeting to discuss the possible annexation of 17 properties from the urban growth boundary into city limits.

Now, were onto the third phase, which is the final phase of annexation, Community Development Director Mike Boquist said.

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Mike Boquist mug

Boquist

Property owners packed the council chambers to express their displeasure with the proposal.

City considers annexation

Annexing properties from the urban growth boundary moved up the citys priority list due to the long-range planning projects around future housing, commercial and industrial land needs, and demand for city sewer and water services, Boquist said. Following a work session in October 2023, the council directed staff to create a three-phase annexation plan.

The 17 properties under consideration for annexation fall into the third  and final  phase. These properties are known as islands, which means they are within the urban growth boundary but are surrounded by city limits

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Oregon law provides cities with a simplified mechanism to annex islands into city limits without requiring a signed consent-to-annex agreement or sending the matter to voters.

Boquist said while these properties, which are on the south side of La Grande, are not connected to city water or sewer services, the owners have access to and benefit from many city services.

That is why we saved this one for last because these are folks that benefit from city services primarily because of proximity to the city, he said.

Phase one of the annexation plan was completed in January when councilors unanimously voted to annex 25 properties. These properties were contiguous to La Grande city limits, already received water or sewer services from the city and the property owners had signed a consent-to-annex agreement with La Grande.

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Phase two wrapped up in August and annexed 50 islands on the north side of La Grande. While many of the properties received water or sewer services from the city, they did not have signed consent-to-annex agreements.

Property owners speak out

Two of the property owners who spoke out against the annexation live on Bonneville Lane. Toney Hamilton, along with his wife Karen, and Arthur Crocker are in a situation since their properties do not have direct frontage onto a city street with direct access to city water and sewer.

There is no current designated path to get city sewer and water to my property, Crocker said.

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Hamilton added the financial burden for hooking into these utilities falls on the shoulders of the property owners.

We or future purchasers of our property would have the cost of attaining utilities, easements, plus costs of construction of 1,600 feet of sewer and water lines, estimated between $180,000 and $400,000, he said. The devaluation of our property is real.

James Holloway, who spoke on behalf of him and his wife, asked the council to consider another fiscal impact to property owners  the increase to their property tax.

Most of us in the selected area are retired (and) on fixed incomes, he said. We realize doing this improves your budget significantly, but it will harm ours significantly.

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David Thiesfeld, another property owner within the proposed area of annexation, said as part of the county he can use burn barrels and discharge firearms to protect his property. He wanted to know if the city would grandfather in these allowances if the council opts for annexation.

Boquist said there are trade offs when going from county to city, so some of the things the property owners enjoy today they may not be able to enjoy after annexation.

However, he asked the council to consider the opportunities that property owners within the urban growth boundary are provided with the understanding it will one day be within city limits.

For example, Boquist pointed to city zoning as properties within the urban growth boundary have city zoning and are provided land use opportunities not available within the county. Under county zoning, properties cannot be divided into the size of parcels that exist in these islands.

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Some of these properties were created because of the city zoning and because theyre in the urban growth boundary, he said.

Next steps

The council made no decisions at the meeting as it was the first of two public hearings on the topic.

Property owners have another opportunity to voice their opinions during the second public hearing in January during the first regular session of 2025. Councilors then vote on whether to annex the properties.

If the council votes in favor, state law requires the city to establish an effective date for the annexation that is between three and 10 years for properties zoned for residential use. Boquist requested a three-year delay for these properties because they need to be manually tracked by the city.

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I would just ask that you look at it from the fairness of other ones that youve considered, so that everybody is kind of treated equally in how you make your decision, he said.

However, properties in areas not zoned residential and adjacent rights of way will immediately be annexed into city limits.
Gov. Jeff Landry greets officials at a news conference Sept. 13, 2024, on the recovery from Hurricane Francine at Signature Aviation in Kenner. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

Gov. Jeff Landrys standoff with the Louisiana Board of Ethics over ethical charges it brought against him will continue after he gains control over some of the boards seats next month.

The board alleges Landry violated state laws when he failed to disclose flights he took to and from Hawaii on a private donors plane in 2021. Landry was attending a professional conference in his capacity as Louisianas attorney general at the time.



The board filed the charges in August 2023, two months before Landry won his election for governor. Since then, Landry has been in negotiations with the ethics board over what the appropriate punishment for him should be.

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The governor and board have not been able to reach an agreement, and the makeup of the board could dramatically change next month.

The governors office and an attorney representing him before the ethics board, Stephen Gele, declined to comment for this report. A conference call with the state administrative law judge is scheduled for Dec. 19.

In January, Landry will be able to immediately appoint five people to an expanded, 15-member ethics board thanks to a new law he personally pushed earlier this year. The Louisiana Legislature will also get two more appointees through the new configuration.



Currently, the board is made up of seven appointees from former Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards and four appointees from state lawmakers elected during the previous term.



If Landry stays governor for a second term, he will eventually get to nominate nine of the boards 15 members under the new law. Legislators will pick the other six.

But unlike previous governors, Landry will get to pick his new appointees to the ethics board without any outside input.

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SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE





Previously, governors and lawmakers had to select their ethics board members from a short list of nominees picked by leaders of Louisiana private colleges and universities. The process was meant to insulate the board from political pressure, but Landry and legislators removed that step during their law change earlier this year.

There is a recommendation in the new law that the board be made up of five retired judges, five other retired elected officials and five people who have never served in public office  but it is not a requirement.

Landry and legislators also wont have to pick ethics board members based on where they live. Their rewrite of the law removed requirements that board members represent different congressional districts in the state.

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The donor who loaned Landry the private plane, retired oil and gas executive Greg Mosing, is also facing state ethics charges over failing to disclose the flights through his company, Stanton Aviation. His negotiations with the board also arent settled.



Mosing and Landry are both using the same attorney, Gele, to represent them in the dispute.

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LANIAKEA, Hawaii (KHON2)  Your commute to and from Oahus North Shore could take longer than expected.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Hawaii Department of Transportation officials announced new lane closures will be implemented to continue the 1,000-foot Laniakea Realignment project.

The project addresses pedestrian safety, shoreline erosion, congestion and roadway reliability along Kamehameha Highway.

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Laniakea highway realignment to begin Monday on North Shore

County officials advise drivers to be wary of single-lane closures for the installation of signage and reconfiguration of the unimproved City and County of Honolulu lot.

The closures will be in effect Monday through Friday from Dec. 9 to Dec. 13 and Dec. 16 to Dec. 20.

Crews will work from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to the City, work cannot be conducted at night due to seabird fallout season and the proximity to a green sea turtle nesting site.

Visitors who want to stop by Laniakea Beach can still do so, but parking will only be accessible through a right-turn from northbound Kamehameha Highway.

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Officials said this configuration will stay in place through the end of 2025 before another reconfiguration is made through Spring 2026.

There may be holds of traffic for delivery of construction materials and heavy machinery. HDOT will provide notice of any activities expected to impact traffic flow or parking.

No sustained closures are planned once the support lot and best management practices prevent construction runoff from entering neighboring waters.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

If you would like to learn more about the project, visit the Laniakea Realignment website. You can also stay up-to-date with scheduled closures and more on HDOTs 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 KHON2.
PARIS (AP)  Notre Dame is reopening its doors for the first time since a fire in 2019 nearly destroyed Paris' beloved 12th-century cathedral.

World leaders  including President-elect Donald Trump, Americas first lady Jill Biden, Britains Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy  gathered Saturday among more than 2,500 guests to celebrate the restoration of the landmark widely considered to be a pinnacle of French architectural heritage.

Saturday's events started with Archbishop Laurent Ulrich symbolically reopening Notre Dames grand wooden doors with three resounding knocks.

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Following the 2019 fire, nearly $1 billion in donations poured in from around the world, a tribute to its worldwide appeal.

For more of APs coverage on Notre Dame, visit https://apnews.com/hub/notre-dame-cathedral

___

Here's the latest:

Macron welcomes Trump to Paris with presidential pomp, includes him in talks with Zelenskyy

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Donald Trump to Paris on Saturday with a full a dose of presidential pomp as the two held a hastily arranged meeting with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy before the grand reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The once and future American president was warmly embraced by Macron upon arriving at the Elysee Palace.

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Its a great honor for French people to welcome you five years later, Macron told Trump. Welcome back again.

Trump said it was a very great honor to be there, while hinting at challenges ahead. It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now. And well be talking about that."

An actual red carpet was rolled out for Trump as Macron bestowed the kind of full diplomatic welcome that France offers sitting American presidents, complete with trumpets blaring and members of the Republican Guard in full uniform. It was a clear sign that even though Trump doesnt take office until Jan. 20, 2025, Macron and other European leaders are already working to win his favor and treating him as Americas representative on the world stage.

President Joe Biden declined an invitation to attend the Notre Dame ceremony, marking five years after a devastating fire, and first lady Jill Biden was the official U.S. representative. The White House cited a scheduling conflict.

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Macron and leaders across Europe are trying to persuade the president-elect to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russias invasion. Macrons office said the war, along with conflicts in the Mideast, would be discussed.

Great organ of Notre Dame fills reborn cathedral with awesome sound

With a first deep rumble like a grumbling giant, the great organ of Notre Dame has awakened from its more than 5-year silence, its awesome sound once again filling the reborn cathedral.

Archbishop Laurent Ulrich roused it from its long sleep, intoning the words wake up, organ, sacred instrument. To which the gargantuan organ, perched high above the congregation, responded with a low rumble, like a dragon clearing its throat. Then, the four organists who took turns formulating improvised responses to the archbishops prompts literally pulled out the stops and let rip.

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Eight times, the archbishop addressed the instrument. Eight times, it responded with a symphony of notes and sounds  as though rediscovering and relearning the joy and power from its nearly 8,000 pipes.

Macron praises the bravery of fire fighters

Macron praised the bravery of fire fighters and recalled how, at 10:47 p.m. on the night of April 15, 2019, the first message came through saying that the inferno was being beaten.

Notre Dame of Paris was saved. Disfigured but saved, he said. Moving onto the rebuilding effort, he detailed the toil of the more than 2,000 workers and artisans who worked to a 5-year reconstruction deadline set by Macron. We decided to rebuild Notre Dame of Paris even more beautiful than before.

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Macron delivered the entire speech in French despite the multinational mix of VIP guests. At the end, Trump and Macron shook hands.

Macron expresses gratitude to those who saved, helped and rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed gratitude Saturday to those who saved, helped and rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral.

I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation, Macron said at the reopening ceremony.

Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken, sending the music of hope to Parisians, France and the world.

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Macron spoke in front of more than 2,500 guests invited to celebrate the restoration of Paris 12th-century cathedral which was nearly destroyed by a fire in 2019. They included world leaders like President-elect Donald Trump, U.S. first lady Jill Biden, Britains Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Guests give standing ovation after short film documenting the rebuilding efforts

Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort by thousands of workers who labored  and ultimately met  a 5-year deadline set by French President Emmanuel Macron in the aftermath of the blaze. Outside, the word MERCI  thank you  was projected against the cathedrals iconic western facade in multiple languages.

The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno  the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional hand-craft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever.

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We went from night to light, said one of the workers in the movie.

Notre Dame's largest bell, the 13-ton Emmanuel, rings out

The congregation inside the huge cathedral was ghostly quiet as its largest bell, the 13-ton Emmanuel, rang out into the Paris night, signaling the start of the ceremony.

Inside, Elon Musk gazed up at the renovated vaulted ceilings. Jill Biden was the last VIP welcomed outside by President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, before Archbishop Laurent Ulrich then took over.

Brothers and sisters, let us enter now into Notre Dame, he said as he stood outside, before its closed doors. It is she who accompanies us on our path to peace.

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He then banged on the door three times with the base of his crosier, or bishops cross. Inside, the choir erupted into song, the crystalline voices filing what  until recently  had been a building site. Three times, Ulrich appealed to the cathedral to open its doors. Three times, the choir responded in song. He then pushed open the heavy door: Notre Dames rebirth was underway.

Archibishop Laurent Ulrich knocks three times on Notre Dame's doors, officially marking cathedral's reopening

With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a staff carved from fire-scorched beams, the cathedral roared back to life Saturday evening.

For the first time since a devastating 2019 blaze, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches.

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While the ceremony was initially planned to begin on the forecourt, unusually fierce December winds whipping across the central Paris island, flanked by the River Seine, forced all events inside. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs are singing psalms, and the cathedrals mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, is thundering to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies.

The evenings celebration, being attended by more than 2,500 guests and dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, Britains Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscores Notre Dames enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon.

Groups gather in Paris to protest Trump

A small group of American expats gathered near Notre Dame Cathedral on Saturday to protest the presence of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at the reopening ceremony. Organized under the banner Paris Against Trump, the group criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for inviting Trump but chose not to organize a large demonstration to avoid disrupting the event.

We find this a bit shameful and sad that Trump is invited here, especially since he has gone against everything the Church stands for, said Ehlyr ORourke, 34, a spokesperson for the association. We dont understand why a criminal, a sex offender, a felon can actually be invited in here.

Later in the day, thousands marched through Paris, denouncing Trumps visit and expressing support for Palestine. Organized by left-wing parties, unions, and pro-Palestinian groups, the demonstration featured Palestinian flags, keffiyehs, and chants calling for Palestinian resistance, President Macrons impeachment, and criticizing Trumps alleged complicity in Middle East conflicts.

We are protesting every week to support Palestine, but whats special today is the arrival of Donald Trump, said Nadia Messai, one of the protesters in the crowd. Trump has been supporting Israel, much like the United States has been since the beginning of the creation of this rogue state that is occupying Palestine illegally.

Cathedral's renovation chief hopes the reopening is a moment of unity

Philippe Jost, Notre Dame cathedral renovation chief, said the reopening is an opportunity for unity as so many divisions remain in the world.

We hope it will be a great moment of unity for the French people, for guests from all over the world and for spectators from all over the world," he said. "Notre Dame de Paris unites. There are so many divisive factors. An event like this must unite, must help concord and peace to grow throughout the world.

Notre Dame's rector emphasizes the importance of the separation of church and state

rector of Notre Dame and chief of the reconstruction project: (credit to Mark Carlson)

Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, the Notre Dame rector called the reopening an important moment that has been awaited a long time.

Notre Dame de Paris is the very sign of the presence of a soul in the heart of our city. Its important for Parisians, its important for Catholics, its important for the French and for the whole world, he said.

In general, the sphere of politics doesnt enter the sphere of the religious, and shouldnt. In the same way, the religious sphere doesnt enter politics, he added. "The Archbishop of Paris invited the President of the Republic to speak inside the cathedral as a sign of the unity that could be seen in the reconstruction. The archbishop allowed him to speak inside because the weather conditions did not allow him to speak outside.

Guests file into Notre Dame Cathedral for the ceremonies

Guests gradually filing the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies are reveling at the renovated interiors, with many whipping out cell phones to take souvenir photos.

Its a sense of perfection, said Francois Le Page, who works for the Notre Dame foundation that raised nearly half of the nearly 900 million euros of donations. He last set foot in the cathedral in 2021, on a visit

Its night and day, said Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the The Cathedral of Saint Volodymyr the Great church in Paris St. Germain des Pres said it had been 10 years since he last stepped foot inside Notre Dame. God is very powerful, he can change things."

He expressed hope that the cathedral could help bring peace to his country and he drew heart from the expected attendance of Ukraines president.

I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict, he said.

French government security agents are helping to ensure Trump's safety alongside the Secret Service

Outside the Elysee Palace, the official residence of the French president, dozens of members of the French Republican Guard stood by awaiting Donald Trumps arrival.

Trump was in Paris on Saturday for his first international trip as president-elect, ready to join world leaders celebrating the renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral and meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and Britains Prince William.

More than 20 French government security agents have been helping ensure Trumps safety alongside the Secret Service, according to French national police. A special French police van was providing anti-drone protection for Trumps convoy.

Security was tighter than usual outside the U.S. Embassy and other sites around Paris for the Notre Dame reopening, where dozens of international VIPs were expected.

Macron, who has had an up-and-down relationship with Trump, has made a point of cultivating a relationship since the Republican defeated Democrat Kamala Harris last month. But Macrons office nonetheless played down the significance of the invitation, saying other politicians not now in office had been invited as well.

Trump was invited as president-elect of a friendly nation, Macrons office said, adding, This is in no way exceptional, weve done it before.

Notre Dame in numbers

Perhaps not surprisingly for such a big cathedral, some of the numbers that help tell the story of Notre Dames reopening are on the very big side, too. The bell that will sound to signal the start of the service weighs 13 tons, making it the cathedrals largest. It has a name - Emmanuel  given to it by King Louis XIV after it was cast in 1683. It rings in F sharp.

Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework were cleaned during the renovation  an area equivalent to roughly six soccer pitches. The first stone of Notre Dame was laid in 1163. The thunderous great organ of Notre Dame that will be heard in public at Saturdays service for the first time since April 15, 2019, has 7,952 pipes  the largest as broad as a human torso; the smallest no larger than a pen. The renovated giant console that controls the instrument has five keyboards of 56 notes each, foot pedals for 30 notes, and 115 stops.

Unseen, above the congregation and the repaired vaulted ceilings, is a framework of beams holding up the roof and spire  so dense and intricate that its nicknamed the forest. Some 2,000 oak trees were felled to rebuild it.

Trump to meet with Macron ahead of the reopening ceremonies

President-elect Donald Trump is to meet Saturday with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee presidential palace ahead of the reopening ceremony for Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. This is Trumps first foreign trip since the election.

Macrons office said both leaders will discuss global crisis, including wars in the Middle East and in Ukraine as well as French-American bilateral relations.

Macron is scheduled to have a meeting with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy right after his meeting with Trump.

Notre Dame celebrations comes as Macrons presidency now faces its gravest crisis after the governments collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier.

Devout Catholics say the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening will nourish us

For devout Catholics Patricia and Cyrille Brenner, waiting in the cold outside Notre Dame for its reopening service that they werent invited to was the place to be. The couple traveled by night train from Cannes on the French Riviera  famous for its movie festival  to be among the onlookers Saturday hoping for some of the 40,000 spots set aside for the public on the banks of the River Seine facing the cathedral. They bought their train tickets six months ago.

Im from Cannes. Its a bit like the festival. You have to be there to experience it, said Patricia, 65. Its a pilgrimage for us.

Cyrille, 66, said they were the only members of their parish to make the long trip. We like to be at the heart of things and, as Christians, it will nourish us, he said.

While Cyrille said theyd felt distress, sadness when Notre Dame burned, they both also noted how sacred relics, statues and the golden cross on the altar  almost miraculously  survived the inferno.

They both marveled at the renovation works that have not only eradicated nearly all traces of the fire inside but made it more resplendent than ever.

Some visitors hope talks on the sidelines will be good for Ukraine

Andrey Alexeev, a Ukrainian among onlookers gathering for the reopening of Notre Dame, hopes U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy can meet and talk on the ceremonys sidelines. Their host, French President Emmanuel Macron, was meeting with both leaders before they attend the reopening service for the cathedral.

Alexeev was hoping Trump and Zelenskyy would meet, too. I hope that meeting can change something in a good way for Ukraine, he said. Its good that Zelenskyy has a chance to speak with Trump and Macron. At least its an opportunity for Ukraine.

Alexeev, who lives in Poland, was visiting Paris with his mother, Olha, who travelled from Ukraine. They were hoping for two of the 40,000 places that were set aside for the public in fenced-off areas on the banks of the River Seine, facing the cathedral. Alexeev said hes agnostic but that it felt important for him to be as close to the ceremonies as possible. By coincidence, his sister was visiting Paris when Notre Dame burned on April 15, 2019.

Its one of the greatest places not only in Europe but also the whole world, he said. Such an occasion happens once in 1,000 years, I think. So we are part of history.

What to expect

Saturdays events will blend solemn religious tradition with an official presidential speech and cultural grandeur.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte will welcome the dozens of heads of state and government. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich will then take over  with a rite to symbolically reopen Notre Dames doors, kicking off the ceremonies at 7 p.m.

The ceremony that was to have been held outside will then unfold inside, with a film retracing the renovations, music and a speech by Macron.

Ulrich will then take over again, with a rite to reawaken Notre Dames organ and the rest of the religious service scheduled to last about 55 minutes.

Notre Dame reopening falls victim to bad weather

PARIS  After more than 5 years of renovation, the reopening of Notre Dame  like the Paris Olympics before it  has fallen victim to bad weather.

Forecasted strong winds have upended the running order of the reopening ceremonies on Saturday evening, and forced the whole thing indoors.

The original plan was for an initial outdoor state ceremony led by President Emmanuel Macron, after which Archbishop Laurent Ulrich was to have taken over, leading rites and a religious service inside the cathedral. Those plans would have emphasized Frances carefully policed divide between state and church.

But expected stormy winds prompted the Paris diocese and Macrons office to telescope the ceremonies together, now all to be held inside the cathedral.

Its the second time this year that weather has intervened in significant moments for Paris. Rains drenched the July 26 opening ceremony of the Summer Games, dampening the show and the spirits of some spectators.
A Kansas City man is suing two branches of Commerce Bank in the Kansas City area, alleging that staff at both branches discriminated against him by denying him the opportunity to open business accounts on the basis of his race.

Michael Waller, 64, alleges that he was refused service while attempting to open business accounts at the 6100 Troost Avenue location of Commerce Bank in Kansas City, as well as the 9501 Antioch Rd. location in Overland Park, between June 20 and June 27, 2023.

Waller, who is Black, further alleges that bank employees called police officers to intercept him without cause, as a form of retaliation and intimidation.

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Along with Commerce Bank itself, the lawsuit, filed last month in Jackson County court, names branch manager Mary Jo Burdett and customer advocate Ann Bronson.

Waller alleges that Burdett, Bronson and other Commerce Bank employees not only refused him service on discriminatory grounds, but took retaliatory action against him after an initial altercation.

Wallers first visit to Commerce Bank occurred on June 20 at the Overland Park location, where he already maintained a personal bank account, according to court documents. He had hoped to open two bank accounts affiliated with two separate businesses  one involving lawn care and another within the gift industry  but was told he brought improper documentation, court documents read.

After being turned away for improper documentation again on June 21, Waller returned with the requested documents on June 27. When he arrived, a Commerce Bank employee allegedly asked Waller and his fiance why he couldnt open an account closer to his east Kansas City home before saying that he could not open an account at the bank at all, court documents read.

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Waller alleges that the employee pursued this line of questioning, and refused him service, because Waller and his fiance are Black. Waller also alleges that the employee did not explain why he was ineligible to open a business account at Commerce Bank.

He further stated in the lawsuit that the employee reported his details to Commerce Banks fraud investigation department, allegedly without cause, and that Overland Park police officers were called to the bank as he and his fiance were leaving.

Plaintiff was shocked and afraid for his safety and that of his fiance, the lawsuit reads.

Waller is the owner of Wallers Lawn Care Service, LLC, as well as Michaels Gifts For You, LLC, according to business and property records. He established both LLCs on the day the alleged altercation occurred, records show.

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Commerce Bank declined to comment on the details of Wallers lawsuit but plans to respond with its own series of legal filings, according to representative Tiffany Charles.

We will respond to Mr. Wallers claims through the appropriate legal channels where they have been presented, Charles said.

Attorneys for Waller declined to immediately comment on the pending case.

Several days later, on June 27, Waller went to Commerce Banks Troost Avenue location to issue a complaint about the incident at the Overland Park location, and to try again at opening two business accounts, the lawsuit reads. Burdett, the branch manager, allegedly told him that he was not eligible to open business accounts with Commerce Bank at all, as per the banks Kansas City investigations department.

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Waller alleges that Commerce Bank personnel were unwilling to engage with his complaints about the June 27 incident when he went back to the Overland Park location to close his personal account, nor when he later spoke with Bronson on the phone in an attempt to escalate his complaint.

Wallers lawsuit refers to the police-involved incident as outrageous and alleges that he suffered emotional damages, as well as losing potential business profits due to the resulting delays in his loan process.

The conduct of Defendants was outrageous and evidenced an evil motive and/or conscious disregard for the rights of Plaintiff and others, the lawsuit reads.

Waller eventually opened business accounts at another Kansas City bank without issue, the lawsuit reads, and filed a charge of discrimination with the Missouri Commission in November 2023. On August 23, 2024, the Commission issued Waller a notice of right to sue, indicating that commissioners agreed that bank employees had violated his rights.

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Attorneys for Commerce Bank applied for a change of judge at the end of November, according to court records.

A case management conference regarding Wallers lawsuit has been scheduled for March 3, 2025 in Jackson County court.
By Nidal al-Mughrabi

CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 34 Palestinians on Saturday, health officials in the enclave said, as Qatar voiced hope of fresh momentum in efforts to reach a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

The health officials said that an Israeli strike hit a house in Gaza City late on Saturday, killing four women. The Israeli military did not provide an immediate comment on Saturday's strikes across Gaza.

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The death toll was revised upwards from 30 reported earlier in the day by the Palestinian health ministry, which also said dozens were wounded.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in the daily death tallies, and Reuters could not independently verify the figures.

Israel accuses the Islamist group of using civilian population and property as shields. Hamas denies this.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Qatar was engaging with the incoming Trump administration on Gaza after sensing fresh momentum for ceasefire talks following the U.S. election.

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Donald Trump's Middle East envoy has travelled to Qatar and Israel to kick-start the U.S. President-elect's diplomatic push for a ceasefire and hostage release deal before his inauguration on Jan. 20, a source briefed on the talks told Reuters on Thursday.

Hamas said on Saturday a ceasefire agreement could only be reached if it secured an end to the war in Gaza, reaffirming its outstanding position. Israel says the war can only end once Hamas is eradicated.

"Stopping the war and aggression is the condition for any agreement," said a Hamas statement, quoting a top official of the group, Mohammad Darwish.

Hamas has not appointed a new leader after Israel killed the group's chief, Yahya Al-Sinwar, in Gaza on Oct 17, but the statement described Darwish as the head of the leading council.

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TALKS IN QATAR

Darwish met with Turkey's foreign minister on Friday and Iran's foreign minister on Saturday to discuss the developments in Gaza and the region, the statement said.

Both meetings were held in Doha, Qatar, which announced earlier on Saturday that officials were trying to revive the ceasefire talks.

"He (Darwish) explained that Hamas was open to offers by the mediators as long as they served the interest of our people and ending their suffering," the statement said.

The war in Gaza has been raging for over 14 months, with much of the enclave laid to waste and more than 44,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza health authorities, as Israeli forces continue their drive to wipe out Hamas and rescue hostages taken by the militant group.

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The deadliest Israeli-Palestinian violence in decades began when Hamas stormed into Israel on Oct.7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages back to Gaza.

In the occupied West Bank on Saturday, a Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli forces at a checkpoint, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. Police said a security guard had shot him after he threw firecrackers at the forces there and that a knife was found on his person.

The Israeli military said that on Friday it killed several Hamas militants who were identified as operating from a structure in Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, according to a statement issued on Saturday.

Palestinian health officials said at least 20 people, including six children and five women, were killed in that attack.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Ali Swafta in Ramallah and Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem; editing by Clelia Oziel)
By Timour Azhari

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Muammar Al-Ali knew at once that the bearded man filmed after being freed by Syrian rebels from a prison in Hama when the city fell to them this week was his brother, Ali, who had been missing for nearly 40 years.

"Your heart tells you this is your brother," said Al-Ali at his home in northern Lebanon.

They had not yet been able to make contact since seeing a video of him posted online on Thursday, Al-Ali said, and a Syrian journalist in Hama told them the man they thought was Ali had totally lost his memory and could not say who he was.

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Ali Al-Ali was arrested aged 18 at a checkpoint by the Syrian army when it was in Lebanon during the country's 1975-90 civil war, said his family, who spent decades knocking on every door searching for him.

It was all in vain, until Syrian rebels this week took city after city in a lighting advance, freeing thousands of prisoners from the notorious Syrian prison system.

Thousands of families now hope that they may be reunited with loved-ones held in Syrian prisons during the Assad family's half century in power.

More than 100,000 Syrians are thought to have gone missing during the country's 13-year insurgency, many of them held in prison, according to human rights groups.

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Social media has been flooded with videos of Syrian detainees leaving prisons after the fall of Aleppo, Hama and Suweida to rebels, with some reunited with their families.

Around 700 Lebanese people are also thought by relatives to be held in Syria, taken during the three decades Syrian troops were in their country, many of them held for their political views.

Syrian officials have said that there were no more Lebanese prisoners in Syrian jails.

Fatima Kabbara, form northern Lebanon, said her brother Mohammed went missing in 1985, kidnapped by a Lebanese militia before being handed over to Syrian authorities.

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People who have since managed to get out of Syrian detention centres told the family they had seen her brother, a father of three, at a Syrian military intelligence detention centre in Damascus.

The family had never been able to locate him, but said they now hoped his fate may be uncovered.

"We want to know their destiny. If they are dead, we want their remains. And if they are alive, we want them, so our soul comes back to us," she said.

"My heart is burning for my brother."

(Reporting by Timour Azhari, Sayed Sheashaa and Amr Abdallah Dalsh in Beirut; writing by Timour Azhari; Editing by Giles Elgood)
As bombs fell on Pearl Harbor during a shocking attack, transforming serene Hawaiian waters into a graveyard of twisted metal, burning wreckage and the roar of destruction, Earl Chuck Kohler did not hesitate to fight back.

He was 17 when Japanese bombers descended from the sky, killing 2,403 Americans and catapulting the United States into World War II. It was a brutal, unforgiving assault that left the US Pacific Fleet in ruins and the memory of that day seared into history as, in President Franklin Roosevelts words, a date which will live in infamy.

Kohler had disobeyed direct orders to shelter in a ditch and remain in place. Instead, he ran to retrieve ammunition. Armed and determined, he and his comrades fought fiercely to repel the second wave of Japanese bombers attacking Ford Island.

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Maybe (I was) a dumb farm boy, but I know this is the beginning of that war that theyd been talking about and waiting for, and I know that if Im going to lose my life here, I dont want to lose it in that ditch, Kohler, a Minnesota farm boy turned sailor, said in an interview recorded by the Library in the Congress. Im going to want my family and my country to know I died fighting, not hiding.

Earl Chuck Kohler, wearing his old uniform, speaking about his experience surviving the Pearl Harbor attack. - Don Downey

Before joining the Navy, Kohler was the son of a sharecropping dirt farmer and the fourth of 10 children. There was so much work to do that there was no time for hobbies besides hunting and helping put food on the table, he told CNN in an interview. But when he turned 17, he voluntarily enlisted into the Navy because he felt it was right for him to be there.

I had learned early in life that you never run from a challenge or fight, you always run to it. You cant beat them by running from them, Kohler told CNN.

If I am to be considered a representative of people of my generation as Ive tried to be for all those that were lost at Pearl Harbor, I hope I have done it in a way that will have made them proud and brought to them the well-deserved honor and continued remembrance that they so rightfully deserve.

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Now 100 years old, the veteran is believed to be one of only 16 Pearl Harbor survivors who are still alive, Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, confirmed to CNN. Of those killed, 1,177 served on the USS Arizona. Lou Conter, the last known survivor of the attack on the ship, died in April.

On Saturday, thousands will gather on the shores of Pearl Harbor for the 83rd anniversary of the bombing. They will honor members of the Greatest Generation, a tribute to Americans who lived through the Great Depression and then fought in WWII, for their sacrifice, courage, and indomitable perseverance.

In an email this week, Farley pointed to her organizations motto: Lest We Forget. We have not forgotten the 87,000 active military who were on the island of Oahu on December 7, 1941, said Farley, daughter of John Farley, who survived the attack while aboard the USS California.

Several events are planned to honor our beloved Pearl Harbor survivors, our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers who were there, and we know their stories, Farley said. May those who have gone before us, fair winds and following seas. We, the Sons and Daughters, will carry on with your history with pride.

Survivors attend anniversary events in Hawaii and California

At least two survivors  Ken Stevens and Ira Ike Schab Jr.  are expected to attend the Pearl Harbor Remembrance ceremony in Oahu, according to Pacific Historic Parks, which manages the USS Arizona Memorial.

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Schab, 104, was greeted by the US Pacific Fleet Band and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Honor Guard upon his arrival at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Tuesday, according to a post published by the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. His family had raised more than $5,000 to help him travel to attend the Pearl Harbor Commemorations.

Initially, Schab did not want to return to the island because of how painful the memory was, his family told CNN affiliate Hawaii News Now. But years ago, after seeing the number of remaining survivors slowly dwindle, Schab changed his mind.

He said, As long as Im able to make the trip, I want to make the trip for the people that cant make the trip, his son, Karl Schab, told Hawaii News Now.

Sailors walk amongst the wreckage of the American destroyers USS Cassin and USS Downes after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. The battleship USS Pennsylvania is visible in the background. - Hulton Archive/Archive Photos/Getty Images

On the morning of the attacks, Schab was a musician in the Navy band aboard the USS Dobbin and had just finished his shower and sat down for his coffee, his daughter said on their GoFundMe page. He was waiting for his younger brother Allen, who was visiting, so they could explore Honolulu together.

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But they never got to meet up that morning  and when the attacks began, Schab immediately started feeding ammunition to the gunners. More than anything else that day, Schab remembers being scared, he told Hawaii News Now. Wondering about my brothers. Where they were.

The attack occurred around 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning, carried out by 353 Japanese planes, 35 submarines and two battleships. More than 160 aircraft were destroyed.

The air was thick with smoke and the acrid scent of burning oil and metal. Ships, once proud and sturdy, were ripped apart by torpedoes and bombs, sending massive plumes of fire and debris into the air. The US battleships, anchored in the harbor, were struck with such force that their hulls buckled and split open, flames engulfing the decks in a blinding inferno.

Bodies of sailors, soldiers and airmen were thrown into the water, some burned beyond recognition, others left floating in the oily sea. The air was filled with the shrieks of men in agony, the crackle of machine gun fire, and the thunderous explosions that shook the ground.

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Nearby, Kohler was in an airplane hangar, right in the center of Pearl Harbor, writing a letter to his mother on a typewriter when he heard an approaching aircraft continue to get closer and closer.

Suddenly and almost simultaneously there was this tremendous roar and bomb fragments and window glass came crashing into the back of my head, ears, neck and shoulders, Kohler said during the interview published by the Library of Congress.

Earl Chuck Kohler when he was 17 years old and had just enlisted in the Navy. - Kohler Family

Despite being threatened to be reported for disobeying his officers direct orders to stay sheltered in the ditch, Kohler kept running. He grabbed a 50-caliber machine gun and ammunition and helped shoot at attacking warplanes.

What affected me the most was seeing those ships explode, capsize, and knowing that with every one of those events there were a lot of lives being lost, Kohler said.

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Kohler is not in Hawaii. Instead, he will be speaking at the annual Beacon lighting ceremony held by conservation nonprofit Save Mount Diablo in California to pay tribute to the lives that were lost and honor surviving veterans. The Beacon on Mount Diablo was installed and illuminated in 1928 to aid in transcontinental aviation. But it was extinguished during the West Coast blackout following the Pearl Harbor attack out of fear it may lead to an attack on California.

It stayed dark until Pearl Harbor Day in 1964, when Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief of Pacific Forces during World War II, relit the Beacon in a commemorative ceremony and suggested it be illuminated every December 7th to honor those who served and sacrificed.

In my way of thinking it gives the few survivors that are left an opportunity to reach back across the miles and the years and reconnect once again with our sunken shipmates and fallen comrades, Kohler told CNN.

Kohler says he believes that if those who were lost there that day had a voice of their own, they would say, Remember us.

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Dec. 7GRAND FORKS  Grand Forks city and county leaders are hoping the state will consider reprioritizing funding for an grant program that in the past has paid for things like bridge replacements and other infrastructure projects.

Operation Prairie Dog is among a series of so-called buckets that are filled by taxes on oil production in North Dakota. The buckets are ordered, however, and Operation Prairie Dog is one of the last beneficiaries.

Ahead of the upcoming 2025 North Dakota legislative session, both the city and the county have moved their funding buckets in this program ahead on the funding order list. Prairie Dog funding, in the eyes of Grand Forks, has become less reliable and riskier to count on for infrastructure projects since the program was created in 2019.

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"We're incredibly grateful. These funds have done so much good for the city of Grand Forks," City Administrator Todd Feland said. "However, over time, since (the Legislature) created this program and provided funding, we've gone back in line and other buckets have been put in front of us."

The program takes revenue from gross production taxes on oil and gas and spreads it among various funding buckets ranging from the state general fund, to various infrastructure funds and the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System. There are 12 funding buckets that, if filled completely, would be a total of over $1 billion worth of funding per biennium.

"Straight up, (the program is) awesome," Grand Forks County Engineer Nick West said. "It's such a great

mechanism to transfer money from the state to the counties."

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The goal of the program, namely the municipal and county infrastructure funds, is to spread the wealth from oil- and gas-producing areas throughout the state. However, the funding buckets fill sequentially and gross production tax revenue doesn't always fill up all the buckets.

It also takes time for the buckets to fill. For instance, while the current biennium began on July 1, 2023, Grand Forks will only be getting its first disbursement of infrastructure funds likely in January as it took the last year and a half for the eight buckets ahead to fill.

"This time it looks like (the buckets) will fill, but the first time around it did not," city Finance Director Maureen Storstad said. "The most recent biennium (2021-2023), both our buckets did fill, and the way they have it set up this biennium it'll probably spill over because it'll be more than enough to fill all those buckets."

In the last biennium, the city received more than $12.8 million in funding and the county received $5.3 million in funding for infrastructure. Typically, the disbursement is made in two installments, as there are two buckets of funding.

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In the current biennium, the first bucket is worth $64.75 million and gives an initial disbursement based on population. The second bucket is $165.25 million, which has a more variable distribution based on factors like total population, population growth and a jurisdiction's taxable value growth.

When the Prairie Dog funding was first implemented, the municipal and county infrastructure funding buckets were farther up the priority list. However, since 2021, it has been behind the $400 million Strategic Investments and Improvement funds and in 2023 was placed further back when the $65 million NDPERS bucket was added in front of both funding buckets. In addition, all the buckets have increased in amount, which only adds to the wait.

"It becomes more and more risky if we're going to be able to depend upon those funds that are really vital and that we're relying upon at this point," Feland said.

When the city creates its six-year capital improvement plan, Feland said that there's a "pretty big asterisk" when it comes to Prairie Dog funding. While the city is grateful for the program receiving these funds has become more of a waiting game.

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In the county, West said that while he understands why the Legislature does it this way  especially given that there's no requirement to disburse funds if there are no funds to disburse  these funds really help the county with infrastructure projects.

"We took our $5.3 million and we replaced eight rural bridges with big aluminum box culverts. We paid our local share of the paving of Eagle Avenue on the Traill County line east of Reynolds," West said. "Now that's

eight bad bridges off our system that were replaced with good, big culverts."

For counties, cities and townships, the funds through this program can be used for a variety of infrastructure projects of their choosing. Unlike other funding programs, local governments are given a lot of leeway in how the funds can be used, provided they give the state a report every even-numbered year.

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"That's what's wonderful about the program  it's spent on projects where people can see it being spent," West said.

Feland added that "whatever we can do to provide more certainty and be able to rely on the funds sooner would be helpful."
CHICAGO  A young New Lenox girl who underwent a life-changing procedure got an opportunity to celebrate Friday with her medical care team and the Chicago Bulls.

Charlotte Stoub was just about a year old when her mother noticed a small lump under her daughters ear. As the girl grew, the lump grew.

It also would pulsate so you could see her heartbeat, and so we knew that that wasnt right, mother Nicole Staub explained.

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The lump was an arteriovenous fistula, an abnormal connection that forms between an artery and a vein and disrupts blood flow. Charlottes case needed extra care due to the location of the lump.

This is a very rare condition for someone that age and it is very serious, said Dr. Hamad Farhat, a neurosurgeon at Advocate Christ Medical Center. This type of disease can lead to strokes.

Over the summer, Farhat and his team performed a minimally invasive procedure to close off the connection, preventing Charlotte from enduring major surgery.

We thought that we had a chance of doing it without a very large open surgery in the neck, so we thought we could do it, even though at first it seemed impossible, Farhat said Friday. Things worked out and everything went fantastic.

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On the United Center court, surrounded by family, friends, her care team and Bulls, Charlotte expressed her gratitude.

Im happy that they went  well they didnt go into the neck, because then I would have a big scar. And Im glad to be back in Taewondo and to be here, she said.

The Stoub family and other guests are scheduled to attend a special banquet ahead of Friday nights Bulls game against the Indiana Pacers.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
To the editor: I am appalled at the attitude of the Democrats who strongly criticize President Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden. ("President Biden's pardon of his son Hunter is understandable. It's also unforgivable," Opinion, Dec. 3)

First of all, the Democratic Party is attempting to recover from a disastrous defeat. It would be helpful if our elected representatives would stop attacking Biden and show some unity.

In addition, who believes President-elect Donald Trump needs to be emboldened to undermine the rule of law? He has demonstrated in his last presidency that he has no problem using the presidential pardon, and has stated that he intends to do so in his future administration.

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Lastly, circumstances have changed since Biden promised to respect the outcome of his son's cases. Starting Jan. 20, our government will have a "justice" system seeking retribution against those who have been deemed enemies, including the Biden family.

Biden did what he needed to do.

Barbara Doss, Hawthorne

..

To the editor: I am surely no expert in criminal procedure or the law regarding presidential pardons, but it seems curious that a president who can offer immunity for crimes not yet charged can't also do so while letting stand a seemingly valid conviction that likely would lead to only a few months in prison for Hunter Biden.

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This would eliminate the threat of vindictive prosecution by the Trump administration while demonstrating a respect for the rule of law in general.

Biden has apparently lost faith in the fairness of our criminal justice system, and Trump never saw any value in it to begin with.

Which is worse?

Thomas Bailey, Long Beach

..

To the editor: If Biden had justified his pardon by saying his son suffered enough, and as his father he wanted to end Hunter's pain, he would be spared the accusations of utter hypocrisy now being made against him and his fellow Democrats.

There is no more high ground for the Democrats to stand on to criticize Trump.

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Vicki Rupasinghe, Ojai

..

To the editor: I was struck by this quote from federal prosecutors: "The Government does not challenge that the defendant has been the recipient of an act of mercy. But that does not mean the grand jury's decision to charge him, based on a finding of probable cause, should be wiped away as if it never occurred."

I found myself wondering if they were referring to Biden or Trump.

How quickly we forget Trump's multiple indictments and his state criminal conviction for actions much more egregious than Hunter Biden ever committed.

How many outraged voices now defended Trump amid his trials and indictments? Do we hear anything about Trump's lie during the campaign that he did not support Project 2025, when some of the authors are now being hired for important jobs in his incoming administration?

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The hypocrisy is pungent.

Susan Ward, Hermosa Beach

..

To the editor: Here's one Democrat who really doesn't care about Hunter Biden's pardon.

Sure, "under normal circumstances" it would be unthinkable for a president to intervene in a family member's legal problems. But these aren't normal circumstances, we can't guarantee the legal system will do the right thing, and the future is looking fairly bleak.

Under these circumstances, it would be wise for the president to exercise any scrap of power he still has, because there's no guarantee we'll have any power in the future.

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We all will have to adjust to new circumstances  and not by futile attempts at "resistance" that are largely self-immolating, but by recognizing the fundamental change in our society and adapting to it.

Martin Usher, Thousand Oaks

..

To the editor: No, Biden's pardon of his son is not unforgivable. The most unforgivable pardon is the one the American people gave to Trump.

Elwood Richardson, Alhambra



This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ORWIGSBURG  Dr. Gerald A. Ravitz saved the letters his friend, Dr. Gary Lee McMillan, sent from Vietnam.

Ravitzs roommate at West Virginia University School of Medicine, Mac documented the 400 hours he spent doing combat support in southeast Asia.

Though he survived being shot down over a church steeple in Saigon and an accidental napalm bombing by friendly forces, McMillian bore the emotional scars of war for the rest of his life.

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The horrors of war deeply affected him, said Ravitz, who gave the eulogy when his life-long friend and colleague died in Paducah, Kentucky, in 2022. He suffered from PTSD.

Ravitz, 83, a retired urologist who practiced in Pottsville, recounted McMillans wartime experience in his book Requiem For Flight Surgeon Vietnam (and) other physicians in the military during the war effort.

Ravitz invited seven physicians to share, in their own words, how they had come to be doctors and how they were affected by their wartime experiences.

The self-published, 25-page booklet offers insight into the courageous service of a group, Ravitz says, that is often overlooked.

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Not a lot has been written about them, he said during a recent interview. I felt that someone had to recognize them.

Dr. Gerald A. Ravitzs book recounts colleagues combat experiences in Vietnam. RON DEVLIN/STAFF PHOTO

Larry Schwab graduated from West Virginia Universitys medical school in 1966, a year ahead of Ravitz.

Despite his opposition to the war, Schwab felt obligated to use his medical knowledge to care for wounded soldiers.

A West Virginia native, he was with the 7th/11 Artillery Battalion when the base was overrun in May 1968.

It was the worst four hours of my life, Schwab said in a Library of Congress interview. It was a horrific scene of multiple casualties.

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An eye surgeon, Schwab returned to Vietnam in the 1990s to counsel doctors.

It helped him, Ravitz writes, to reconcile emotional issues.

Retired, Schwab lives in West Virginia.

Dr. Robert D. Dwyer, a Navy lieutenant attached to a Marine Corps battalion in Vietnam, had occasion to be aboard a helicopter flying low over rice paddies.

I was struck in the jaw by an AK47 round, he writes in Ravitzs book. The bullet was quite spent as it had come through the side of the helicopter, and possibly another person, and buried itself in my tongue.

He was evacuated to Japan, then Bethesda Naval Hospital, ending his tour with U.S. Marines in Vietnam.

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Most of the Marines I met were great young men trying to do a very tough job while staying alive, wrote Dwyer, whos retired in Virginia.

Adding, When two strikingly different cultures collide, good and bad things happen. However, I believe the overall effect was positive, particularly as freedom is the most compelling concept of all.

Ravitz treated POWs suffering from PTSD at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia, where he held the rank of Lieutenant Commander from 1972 to 1974.

One of his patients was Cmdr. Jeremiah Denton, a Navy pilot who had been imprisoned for 10 months in North Vietnam.

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Denton made history when, during a television interview while in captivity, he blinked the word TORTURE in Morse code. It was the first confirmation that American POWs were being tortured by the North Vietnamese.

Jeremiah Denton defined my definition of a patriot, Ravitz wrote.

A former U.S. Senator from Alabama, Denton died in 2014.

Ravitz joined the practice of Dr. Joseph T. Marconis, a respected Pottsville urologist, in 1974.

He retired as a partner in IMG P.C. Urological Associates in Pottsville in 2021. He lives in Orwigsburg with his wife of 55 years, Shirley.

Copies of the book are available by contacting Dr. Gerald A. Ravitz, 29 Ranch Road, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. A check for $25 should be made payable to West Virginia University School of Medicine Alumni Association, marked attention Clark Sleeth.
Amber Frey was at a City Council meeting in Prattville, Alabama, a suburb of Montgomery with about 40,000 people, listening as parents expressed concerns over books at their public library.

Something fellow Prattville resident Angie Hayden said struck a chord with Frey, who, like Hayden, has a child she described as "part of the LGBTQ+ community."

"There is more than one kind of 'concerned parent,'" Frey recalled Hayden saying.

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"That inspired me," Frey said, and after the meeting, the mother of four approached Hayden. The two women would be among the co-founders of Read Freely Alabama, an all-volunteer group working to combat efforts to ban books in public libraries in the state.

Book bans have been an ongoing battle in Alabama and throughout pockets of the U.S. in recent years. And after an election cycle in which cultural issues played a large role in voters' minds, concerns have mounted  so much so that the American Library Association has doubled down on a vow to preserve the freedom to read.

We know that many of our members are concerned that the election results portend attacks on libraries, library workers and readers, ALA President Cindy Hohl said in a statement. Whatever happens, ALA will stand up for all Americans freedom to read  and we will need everyone who loves libraries to stand with us.

Cindy Hohl is the president of the American Library Association. She's also director of policy analysis and operational support at Kansas City, Missouri, Public Library.

Book bans sought in several states

Legislators in several states, including Nebraska, Ohio, Kansas, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, North Dakota, Idaho, Arkansas, Iowa and West Virginia, have introduced a flurry of book ban bills in recent years, according to EveryLibrary, a think tank and professional network focused on library funding and support.

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PEN America, a free speech advocacy group, found 5,894 instances of book bans in the U.S. from 2021-2023 across 41 states and 247 public school districts.

The group Moms for Liberty has been active throughout the U.S., garnering national attention for its efforts to restrict books about race, gender identity and sexuality in school libraries. Tiffany Justice, co-founder of the group, told USA TODAY in 2023 that every parent has the fundamental right to direct the upbringing of their child."

In Alabama, book ban proposals left librarians in the state "terrified and discouraged," said Jessica Hayes, an academic librarian and a Read Freely Alabama co-founder.

Librarians have always been the subject of stereotypes, said Hayes, who's also an advocacy coordinator for the Alabama Library Association. "But we have never been misunderstood to the extent that we're seen as enemies."

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Public support for libraries: People are supporting 'book sanctuaries' despite politics: 'No one wants to be censored'

Alabama's public libraries in the crosshairs

Read Freely Alabama was a reaction to Clean Up Prattville and later, Clean Up Alabama, groups who say their mission is to "clean up Alabama's public libraries" by removing books they deem "pornographic, obscene (or) indecent" and changing leadership and policies in the state's public libraries.

Clean Up Alabama says the state's libraries should withdraw from the American Library Association, which it says "uses its influence to push leftist progressive values in otherwise traditional communities" and "believes children should be able to view pornography in the name of freedom of expression."

Alabama's Legislature has also weighed bills that might result in the arrest of librarians who allow children access to books that are deemed "harmful to minors," Alabama Political Reporter noted earlier this year.

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The efforts, said EveryLibrary executive director John Chrastka, are "part of a broader social movement," and the idea that removing books from library shelves will protect children is "a wolf in sheeps clothing" way to squelch marginalized voices: first, those of racial and ethic minorities and now transgender, gay, queer and gender nonconforming people.

"It was not initially about kids, it was about removing titles universally from libraries with the argument that the books were harmful or obscene," Chrastka said.

The titles in question were "often about the history of race in this country, but the First Amendment very clearly protects access for adults. I think they werent conversant in (First Amendment cases) at first. So theyve moved to 'protecting kids,' and theyve lost a lot of fights around race," so the focus has turned to books with themes dealing with gender and sexuality, he said.

Too 'Wicked'? Novel that spawned movie is often removed from Florida school shelves

Jessica Hayes was awarded the Alabama Library Association's 2024 Intellectual Freedom Award. She is pictured with the organization's president, Matt Layne.

Libraries as 'places of voluntary inquiry'

Becky Calzada is the president of the American Association of School Librarians, a division of the American Library Association, and district library coordinator for Leander (Texas) Independent School District. She's also a co-founder of Texas #FReadom Fighters, a group of librarians in the state who support other librarians, students and authors and advocate against book bans.

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"Libraries are places of voluntary inquiry," she said. "No one is forced to read or check out a particular book. We have books for a variety of people, books with information, books with stories for all kinds of students. And we follow guidelines set in place by school boards and library boards."

Still, she said, "we defend the right of any reader to have access to any book. When it's one person or a few people trying to say what's best for everyone, that's where we draw a line."

Librarians, whether in schools or in public libraries, "have to be transparent so people have an understanding of the systems in place. We want to be partners with our patrons and parents. Come talk to us; tell us what you as a parent want for your student."

Hayes, the Read Freely Alabama co-founder and academic librarian, pointed to their professionalism, training and years of experience in dealing with the public, of all ages.

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Many of the books people have objected to based on their appropriateness for children are shelved in adult sections, she said. Kids generally aren't actively seeking out adult-oriented books, and parents can always talk with librarians if there are titles, subjects or authors they have concerns about.

"People have to engage with their libraries, and keep supporting them," Hayes said, and resist efforts to undermine people's trust in public institutions. "Get a library card, attend local government meetings, hear what's going on and speak up."

Angie Hayden, Amber Frey and others answer questions about book bans at an event in Alabama.

'An 8% problem'

Chrastka pointed to a joint survey on parents' views of public libraries that was conducted by EveryLibrary, which provides "fiscal sponsorship support" to Read Freely Alabama, and Book Riot, a website dedicated to books and reading. The survey found that 67% of parents found book bans to be "a waste of time."

Nearly three-quarters (74%) thought book bans actually infringe on parents' rights to make decisions about their children's reading, and 92% said they feel their children are safe at a public library.

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"This is an 8% problem," Chrastka said, "coming from a special interest group that wants to advance their own social and political agenda."

Becky Calzada is a district library coordinator for the Leander Independent School District in Texas and a co-founding member of #FReadom Fighters, which supports librarians.

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American Library Association President Cindy Hohl told USA TODAY it's important to recognize libraries' role as public assets and as places where all people should feel seen, heard and welcomed. She also encouraged people to get to know their local library and the people who work there.

"We are here to provide a public service," said Hohl, an Iowa native who's been with the Kansas City (Missouri) Library for seven years and is its director of policy analysis and operational support.

"Every library serves the community it surrounds, and the people who use it come in every day with their questions, their needs, to access the internet, to connect with services," she said. "We can ascertain what we need in our community and as we see those needs evolve, we want to make sure we're as flexible as possible."

She wants librarians to know "there is hope for our profession."

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"Every American should want to live in a strong community with a strong library," Hohl said. "Not everyone can afford access to books, to the internet, to literacy. It's amazing when you think about the impact of libraries. We are a safety net in our communities."

Reach Phaedra Trethan at ptrethan@usatoday.com, on Bluesky @byphaedra or on Threads @by_phaedra.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Concerned, but resolved: Librarians facing criticism and book bans
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Honolulu lifeguard who found a boy lost at sea in October was recognized for his bravery at The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational opening ceremony.

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Noland Keaulana searched for hours until he found a 17-year-old Kamehameha student-athlete who went missing during a team practice.

Missing teen kayaker found clinging to kayak off Waikiki

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According to Nainoa Thompson, CEO of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, Noland, who was off-duty at the time, called that night to ask if he could borrow a boat to go searching for the boy.

He told me there should be no boy out there in the ocean overnight by themselves. I got to go, Thompson added.

After getting the go-ahead, Noland spent the night out at sea and checked in with Nainoa to figure out the current outside Diamond Head.

The teen was spotted by the United States Coast Guard around 4 a.m. the next day and alerted Noland.

He spotted the teen clinging to his kayak and brought him onto his boat to head back to the Ala Wai Boat Harbor.

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At 4 a.m. he calls me and goes I got him. I got him. crying on the phone. Thats the choices Noland makes. Its sacrificing for others, completely appropriate and parallel with the Aikau family and The Eddie, said Thompson.

During Fridays opening ceremony for The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, Noland was given the Kahiau award. Kahiau is also the name of the boy he saved.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Noland chooses to save lives. Every day with nothing in return.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
(KRON)  The Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) said a 16-year-old male student at Montgomery High School was arrested after a loaded 9mm ghost gun was found in his locker. The firearm contained two rounds of ammunition, one of which was in the chamber, police said.

Pair gets life in prison for 2017 fatal shooting of Twin Peaks photographer

SRPD reported learning of the situation Thursday at 6:30 a.m. from a school administrator who received an anonymous tip about a student possessing a handgun. Investigators said no threats were made to use the gun.

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Police identified the student and spoke with him and a parent at their home. Officers searched the students backpack and two school lockers but did not find a firearm, and the student was allowed to return to class.

At 11:15 a.m. Friday, school administrators contacted police again, saying an alert teacher had confiscated a loaded gun from the same student after noticing suspicious behavior. The teacher approached the student after observing him blocking the view of items he was placing in his locker. School officials detained the student until police arrived.

A ghost gun is a privately manufactured firearm that is unregistered and lacks serial numbers.

The 16-year-old was booked into Juvenile Hall and faces charges of possession of a firearm on school grounds, possession of an unregistered firearm, and being a minor in possession of a firearm.

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Police said further searches of two residences tied to the teen did not uncover any additional 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 KRON4.
IRAAN, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The Iraan Fire Department is raising money after a major crash sent one of its officers to the hospital Wednesday morning.

On Wednesday, December 4, Chief Training Officer Tyler Druge was involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler near the intersection of West County Road 173 and South County Road 1110, causing major damage to Druges pickup truck. Druge was sent to Midland Memorial Hospital for injuries sustained from the crash.

The Iraan Fire Department said it will be hosting multiple fundraisers to support Druge and his family through this difficult time but would also like to provide some immediate support for medical expenses and lost income. The Fire Department said there are two ways those interested are able to donate:

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In-person donations can be made at the Iraan City Hall, addressed to Vicki Zapata

Digital contributions can be made through the CashApp link below

100 percent of all donations will go directly to the Druge family.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Saturday morning, local law enforcement will hold their annual fundraiser, COP ON TOP to raise money for Special Olympics programs.

Community members had the chance to visit the Chicopee Walmart to show their support and give back during the holiday season. Law enforcement officers were on top of the stores rooftop, raising awareness and funds for their torch-run program, benefiting the Special Olympics of Massachusetts.

This event is being organized by volunteers from both the Chicopee Police Department and the Hampden County Sheriffs Office. All proceeds go directly to the Massachusetts Special Olympic athletes, and youll be able to meet some of them on Saturday.

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If you want to stop by and donate, local law enforcement is expected to continue fundraising through 4 PM Saturday.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Its been almost a year since a fire in Fairhaven fire took the life of Harris Avenue Cafe owner and father Nathaniel V. Breaux.

Breaux owned both Harris Avenue Cafe and The Old Independent Coffeehouse, the two businesses that were lost during the Dec. 17, 2023 fire.

Nate was a deeply loved brother, son, father, and friend, Breauxs family wrote in a statement in Dec. 2023. Harris Avenue Cafe and the Old Independent Coffeehouse were his life. He started in the dish pit while in college at WWU, working his way up to head chef and then buying the cafe in 2016. His passion for healthy, wholesome food was visible in every dish, where almost everything was made from scratch and sourced from local vendors. His staff and customers were his Bellingham family, with many regulars stopping by on a daily or weekly basis. He wanted nothing more than for the cafe to be a place for the community to come together and enjoy a warm atmosphere and good food, in a beautiful historic building that held decades of memories. Given the outpouring of community support over the past week, we find comfort in knowing that he achieved this goal.

The Old Independent Coffee House and Harris Avenue Cafe 2023 in Fairhaven.

Nearly a year since the devastating fire, a local restaurant is recreating some of Breauxs popular dishes served at the cafe and donating 10% of the proceeds to Breauxs family.

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Magdalena Theisen and Greg Theisen, owners of Magdalenas Bistro & Creperie, know the Breaux family well.

Greg, my husband, was a regular customer of the Harris Avenue and Tonys, and we both were big fans of this restaurant. We were devastated after the tragic accident. Not only because a young talented man tragically died but also because he left little daughter Zazi, Magdalena told The Bellingham Herald.

Nathaniel V. Breaux with his 2-year-old daughter, Izabella.

Nathaniels two grandmothers were employees for Magdalena for years. One grandmother, Zazi, still works at the bistro and will help cook the special dishes from Harris Avenue Cafe during the fundraiser.

Magdalenas will dedicate 10% of revenue from the special dishes served Dec. 7-8 to Nathaniels daughter, Zazi.

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The special dishes include Hungarian mushroom soup; the Omelette Bellingham with eggs and black forest ham; a Parisian sandwich with brie, prosciutto and apple served with salad; and a peanut butter pie.

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Magdalenas Bistro & Creperie is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1200 10th St. in Bellingham.
A local district is warning parents about a new trend. Baldwin-Whitehall officials say multiple students were recently found with honey packets.

It may sound harmless, but officials warn these packets contain potentially dangerous drugs - including ingredients in popular E.D. medication.

The packets can be found at some gas stations and online. The FDA first put a warning out about them years ago, but they are still popular on TikTok.

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Channel 11 spoke with community members. One told us shed heard about the issue despite not having kids old enough to be in the district.

I thought they were maybe just eating them, but I dont know what theyre doing with them, Kaitlyn Macieski said. Its weird, but I feel like theres different phases of weird things that go on.

When I was in high school, everyone was doing Tide Pod challenges and cinnamon challenges. Doesnt surprise me theyre finding something new to do, Morgan Schaming said.

The district superintendent is asking parents to be on the lookout for the products. He issued the following statement:

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Dear Baldwin-Whitehall School District Community:

Yesterday at one of our schools, the administration was made aware of students being in possession of honey packets. While this seemed to be a curious, yet innocent thing, we quickly learned that there was much more to the story.

While maybe new to our district, this is not something new altogether. In fact as early as 2017 there was a public notification issued about one of the brands of honey containing other drugs, namely tadalafil (active ingredient in Cialis). That full notification is linked here for your review.

These packets are readily available at retailers and online stores such as Amazon and there are no age restrictions for who can purchase them. Some additional information about this issue can be found in this article.

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From the Districts point of view, possession, use or distribution of these items constitutes a health risk and can be disruptive the school day. We have, and will view them as a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will respond with appropriate levels of discipline, including suspension and/or expulsion from the Baldwin-Whitehall School District.

It is our hope that parents and guardians can assist the District and be on watch for these products that children may have in their possession and can also talk to their children about the dangers that can exist.

Thank you for you support of the Baldwin-Whitehall School District and the safety of all of our students.

Sincerely,

Randal A. Lutz, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

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Dec. 7Adventist Health Lodi Memorial announced this week that it is the first hospital in San Joaquin County to acquire the Da Vinci 5 Robotic Surgical System.

The new, cutting-edge technology will enable surgeons to perform even more precise and efficient minimally invasive procedures.

Dr. Karim Zahriya performed the first procedure with the new system Friday.

"We're excited to be able to provide this state-of-the-art robotic surgery technology to the community," hospital president Brooke McCollough said. "The Da Vinci 5 system will complement our current Da Vinci Xi system, which has been in use for nearly ten years. We understand the positive impact that both of these systems will have on our patients' quality of life."

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Adventist Health Lodi Memorial has already completed nearly 5,700 robotic surgical procedures to

date, and the Da Vinci 5 is expected to perform an additional 400 cases annually.

Adventist Health Lodi Memorial is an accredited Surgery Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, and participating surgeons include Drs. Param Gill, Sukhmine Nedopil, Tarig Samarkandy, and John Lee.

Hospital staff said Da Vinci 5's design and engineering enhancements, including new surgeon controllers and powerful vibration and tremor controls, make it the smoothest and most precise system Intuitive has developed to date.

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In preclinical trials with surgeons at all experience levels, Da Vinci's Force Feedback technology demonstrated as much as 43% less force exerted on tissue, which may result to less trauma on tissue. This may also translate to quicker recovery times.

The Da Vinci systems are designed to help perform minimally invasive surgeries and offer surgeons high-definition 3D vision, a magnified view, and robotic and computer assistance.

They use specialized instrumentation, including a miniaturized surgical camera and wristed instruments such as scissors, scalpels and forceps to help with precise dissection and reconstruction deep inside the body.

"The Lodi Hospital Foundation is grateful to our loyal donors that have allowed us to make this significant contribution to the hospital and give patients access to the highest levels of surgical excellence locally," Foundation President and CEO Wayne Craig said.
Dec. 6Deputy Fire Chief Chad Johnston has been selected to be Portland's next fire chief, following roughly 25 years with the Fire Department.

Portland City Manager Danielle West, who selected Johnston, said in a statement Friday afternoon that she looks forward to seeing him take a leadership role. She said his selection followed a national recruitment effort and multiple interviews with department staff and members of the community.

"Deputy Chief Johnston has been a dedicated member of the department throughout his career and consistently demonstrates his passion for the department as well as commitments to building a high performance organization and the health and well-being of employees," West said.

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The Portland City Council will vote on Johnston's appointment at its next meeting, Dec. 16. If approved, Johnson would begin the following day and earn a salary of just under $134,000 per year, city spokesperson Jessica Grondin said in the announcement.

The department includes more than 200 sworn positions and responds to roughly 5,250 fire calls and 13,800 EMS calls annually, Grondin said. With 10 stations across the city, it operates with a budget of nearly $22 million.

The centuries-old department also houses the city's emergency management program, Grondin said.

Johnston is expected to graduate from Columbia Southern University with a bachelor's degree in fire administration in February, and he currently holds an associate's degree in fire science from the University of New Hampshire, Grondin said.

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The mother of a hostage who appears in the latest proof of life video released by Hamas has doubled down on her criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, making an emotional appeal for him to do a deal for the captives return.

In a video released by the militant group Saturday, the hostage Matan Zangauker  who appears to be speaking under duress  describes the grim conditions of the Gaza tunnels where he is being held and criticizes the Israeli leaders plan to offer a $5 million reward and safe passage to anyone returning one of the captives.

CNN cannot verify when the video was taken, though it appears to be recent as Zangauker says he has been held for more than 420 days and Netanyahus announcement of the $5 million reward was made on November 29.

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In the video, Zangauker describes living with spiders and rats. He says he doesnt have soap and is suffering from skin diseases. He says he hopes the people of Israel will not forget him and he hopes to see his family again soon.

Zangaukers family say they want the world to see the video because it is a sign of life.

Zanguakers mother, Einav  who has previously criticized Netanyahus offer of the $5 million reward as bribes for the captors  on Saturday again called out the prime minister saying the only way to bring (Matan) and everyone back is through a deal.

The fact that Matan is alive today, doesnt mean hell survive the winter or the ongoing military pressure, a visibly shaken and tearful Einav Zangauker told the weekly rally in Tel Aviv.

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Netanyahu  look my son in the eye, who has been dying in the tunnels for 14 months already  what if he were your son? she said.

In a message to her son, she cried, My Matan! My life! Moms here and is waiting for you and fighting for your return and everyones return.

If you hear me  hold tight! Know that were not stopping for a moment  stay strong.

Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker appears in a video released by Hamas on December 7, 2024. - Hamas Military Wing/Handout/Reuters

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid also called on the government to pursue a deal, saying in a post on X he was petrified by the fact Matan was still there and calling on Netanyahus government of destruction to wake up.

Netanyahus office said he had spoken with Einav Zangauker Saturday evening following the videos release. It said the prime minister had told her he fully understands the difficult suffering that Matan is going through and that he is acting fiercely and in every way to return Matan and all the hostages home - both the living and the dead.

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Israeli authorities believe there are still 100 hostages being held in Gaza.

Zangauker and his partner Illana Gritzewsky were taken from Nir Oz Kibbutz  one of several kibbutzim, or small farming enclaves, that bore the brunt of Hamas ground assault on October 7. Nir Oz lost a quarter of its small community to Hamas bullets and kidnappers.

Gritzewsky was returned on November 30, 2023, as part of a short-lived hostage-ceasefire deal. She stood alongside Zangaukers mother and sister Natalie at the rally Saturday.

Speaking to Israels Channel 11, Gritzewsky said the video took me back to (my) captivity. It didnt give me any air, because I know that each moment can matter there, and the fact that hes alive now doesnt mean there will be life tomorrow or in five minutes. I saw his eyes with pain, with fear and uncertainty. I heard his voice crying out for help.

Former hostages Yocheved Lifshitz and Illana Gritzewsky stand by Natalie Zangauker, sister of hostage Matan Zangauker at a Tel Aviv rally on December 7, 2024. - Paulina Patimer

The latest video comes a week after Hamas released similar footage of the Israeli American hostage Edan Alexander, who also criticized Netanyahus $5 million reward and called on US President-elect Donald Trump to help free the hostages.

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Zangaukers mother has been highly critical of the reward offer, saying at the time it was made that the prime minister was trading the hostages lives.

She criticized Netanyahu for offering money to Hamas and said his attempt to divide and rule in Gaza through bribes to the captors would put the hostages at risk.

She has long been outspoken in calling for a deal to return the hostages, speaking weekly outside the Israel Defense Forces headquarters in Tel Aviv, as well as outside Netanyahus residence in Jerusalem, at the Knesset (Israels parliament) and other locations.

In the video released Saturday, Zangauker appears to acknowledge his mothers efforts.

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Mom, Im watching you, and Im hearing a lot about you, I am aware of the things youre doing. Im hearing about your activities. I am very happy to hear that you are fine. I hope to see you again soon, when we meet. I hope to sit with you again at the same table, eat with you, talk to you, drink with you, he says.

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LOUISIANA (KLFY)  Louisiana National Guard soldiers have just returned home from a four-month deployment at the United States, Texas border.

The 13 soldiers helped in Operation Lone Star. Their mission was to reduce illegal border crossings.

The soldiers arrived in Eagle Pass, Texas, on July 15. They have since laid out more than 30,000 feet of anti-climb barrier.

Texas had a need for engineers to assist with the construction and enhancement of the anti-climb barrier along the southwest border, Maj. Thomas Mushenski, the officer in charge, told News 10.

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Engineers from the Louisiana National Guards 528th Engineer Battalion, 225th Engineer Brigade were entrusted with the mission.

Here in Louisiana, we have an entire brigade of engineers. So, we definitely had the resources, in terms of manpower, available to help Texas in the battle against illegal immigration, Mushenski said.

Thirteen engineers constructed more than four miles of the anti-climb barrier. They also worked to fix more than 100 breaches.

Jeanerette Police chief resigns, effective today

I had an opportunity to take a short boat ride on the Rio and see the fruits of our labor. I was amazed at how intimidating it looked, the office in charge added.

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For many of the young soldiers, this was their first deployment. Mushinski said the first-time soldiers now bring back the skills they learned to help Louisiana and other states when theyre needed.

As the national guard, our focus should be on providing assistance anywhere in the nation where its needed, not just our own state. Also, Louisiana has counted on support from other states to include Texas. Its always good to help out somebody else, Mushinski said.

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OAK PARK, Ill.  Loved ones and fellow officers gathered on Friday for a vigil honoring an Oak Park detective who was killed in the line of duty last week.

As the sun set over Oak Park, the mournful melody of Amazing Grace played in the background, while lit candles were raised by community members and law enforcement officers.

They united at the Oak Park Village Hall courtyard in grief over the heartbreaking loss of Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins.

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Habitual criminal charged with felony murder in Oak Park detectives shooting death

It is deeply personal to the men and women of our police department that Detective Reddins made the ultimate sacrifice, Oak Park police Chief Shatonya Johnson said.

The impact of Detective Reddins life was reflected in the diverse group of people who came to honor his memory.

From first responders and law enforcement officers to strangers, friends and community members, his influence reached far and wide. The vigil brought many together to grieve, share memories and celebrate the selfless service he gave to the village.

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Public memorial being planned for slain Oak Park detective

The community is in shock. Not because it couldnt happen here, it could happen anywhere. Not that, just the loss, community member Susanne Fairfax said.

One week ago Reddins was tragically killed during a shootout while confronting an armed man who was leaving a bank on Lake Street.

While Reddins was a Chicago resident, he served with the Oak Park Police Department for more than five years.

His untimely death created a profound sense of loss, not only within the department but also the entire community that he had sworn to protect.

No words: Judge orders suspect in detectives shooting death held until trial

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He was the type of officer who liked to engage with residents on the street and get to know him a little bit, get to know their routine and let them know he was someone there to protect them, there to serve them in a time of need. He was a person very dedicated to his family. He was a father, son, he was a brother, Oak Park Chief Communications Officer Dan Yopchick said.

Although no one wished to gather under these circumstances, there was a shared vow that Reddins sacrifice would never be forgotten.

Detective Reddins dedication to protecting our community, his courage and unwavering commitment to justice will forever be remembered, Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman said.

Reddins was the first Oak Park officer to lose their life in the line of duty in 86 years.

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Visitation for Reddins will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 11, while a funeral service is set to take place the next day on Thurs, Dec. 12.

Click Here for more information on the services.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
DENVER (KDVR)  A Loveland mom whose kid attends the school where a custodian was recently charged with indecent exposure in front of children at the school is frustrated with how the case has been handled.

How TikTok led to a Colorado town as the setting for a new Christmas movie

Thompson School District said 85-year-old, Charles Littrell, worked for the district from 2001 up until Nov. 5, the day Tracey Taylor said her daughter came home from Lucile Erwin Middle School with alarming news.

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The janitor was busted doing some really bad stuff, said Taylor, recalling what her daughter said to her.

In a letter to parents, the school district said three students witnessed Littrell in the bathroom engaging in inappropriate conduct. Court documents refer specifically to masturbation in view of minors, a class six felony charge.

I was very alarmed, she said. I was very worried, as I think all of us parents were.

The letter said the students reported the incident to staff members, who called the police.

I am grateful that these boys ran straight to staff, said Taylor. I mean, I think were all pretty proud of them.

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Taylor stated she is upset with how the incident has been handled after the staff and students reported it to the police.

Everybody did what they were supposed to do until it hit the DAs desk, she says.

Littrell was released on a PR bond, the Larimer County District Attorneys office said he was able to leave custody on the condition he makes no contact with minors.

Taylor disagreed with the decision.

I think that our community is at risk, she said. There he goes, right back into the community. Right around our kids again.

Coloradan defending Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world champion title in bareback riding

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The DAs office provided this statement to FOX31 about the decision:

The purpose of a bond is to help ensure a defendants participation in the criminal justice system and it cannot be used as a punitive measure. The bond in this case was set keeping in mind Mr. Littrells advanced age, potential medical conditions, and lack of criminal history. Critically, the conditions of his bond include no contact with minors which we believe will ensure community safety until resolution. Our intention is to hold Mr. Littrell accountable and to fully prosecute this case. Mr. Littrell, like all defendants, is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Court records show Littrell does have one other charge, misdemeanor cruelty to animals in 2005 while he was working for the district. That charge is something Taylor wishes didnt go unnoticed.

That is a huge red flag to me, she said.

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Taylor hopes that in the future, the school district will do stronger background checks on its hires.

Loveland PD is currently looking for any more potential victims and asks you to give them a call if you have any information.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Dec. 6A handful of representatives from local nonprofits attended a public hearing on Wednesday intended to gather input from low-income city and county residents.

While no low-income community members spoke, the 1 p.m. hearing in Kalispell City Hall was organized to "obtain the views of community residents, especially low/moderate income residents" on priorities for community development. Kalispell Community Development Manager Nelson Loring headed up the Dec. 4 gathering.

Six people attended and one appeared via Zoom. Asked about the turnout and whether the time of day might curtail participation, Loring said that the annual meeting has historically been held at that time and was deemed the best time to reach members of the public.

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The sought after community input was intended to help inform local government applications to the Community Development Block Grant and the Montana Home Investment Partnership Program Grant. The funds are awarded to local governments to help construct and preserve affordable housing, community planning, improve public infrastructure, revitalize economies and reduce homelessness.

"These are flexible grants, programs that provide communities with resources to address a wide range of unique housing and community development needs," Loring said.

The money comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and distributed by the Montana Department of Commerce.

After Congress passed the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, it was later amended in 1981 to make cities with a population under 50,000 eligible.

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Loring said the program currently funds projects at the Flathead Youth Home, Flathead Valley Community College, the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust and is funding Americans with Disabilities Act improvements at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

The Samaritan House recently received $30,000 through the program, according to Executive Director Chris Krager. The facility on Ninth Avenue West offers nightly shelter for around 45 people, has 19 longer-term transitional housing units and 32 low-income permanent apartments.

The shelter is undergoing a large expansion, doubling its capacity of around 95 people. The expansion includes 16 apartments for veterans, 18 two- to three-bedroom apartments for families (both income based) and a larger cafeteria and cold weather overflow shelter.

Krager said that the shelter is at 99% capacity almost every night.

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"The need is not going away," he said.

Carmen Cuthbertson, a Flathead County Library trustee and Member of the Montana State Library Commission, spoke at the hearing to push for help in relocating the Kalispell branch.

The Kalispell building has outdated HVAC systems and a leaky basement, Cuthbertson said.

"It is high time that we find a new place to move the library to." she said, adding that space frequently runs out when families bring their children to story time.

Before assuming his current position in October, Loring was the Whitefish city planner. He directed those interested in the programs to contact him, Kalispell City Council or Flathead County.

Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and junderhill@dailyinterlake.com.
French President Emmanuel Macron, US President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have met in Paris for a three-way meeting.

The trio met at the Elysee Palace after Macron held bilateral talks with Trump ahead of a ceremony marking the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral.

Trump is currently visiting France on his first trip abroad since winning November's presidential election.

There is great fear in Ukraine that Trump could drastically reduce US military aid for the country as it defends itself against Russia. The United States is Ukraine's most important supporter and largest arms supplier.
Emmanuel Macron last night said the epic reconstruction of Notre-Dame showed that great nations could achieve the impossible as its bells rang out at the re-opening ceremony of the cathedral before 40 world leaders.

The French president extended the gratitude of the French nation to all those who saved and rebuilt the Gothic masterpiece ravaged in a fire in April 2019 that destroyed its spire and saw parts of the vaulted ceiling of the world-renowned edifice collapse.

Mr Macron told leaders and dignitaries, including Prince William, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, that Notre-Dame was a symbol of fraternity that a fractured world would do well to emulate.

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We have rediscovered what great nations can do: achieve the impossible, he said. This cathedral is a happy metaphor for what a nation is and what the world should be, said the French president who was behind the ambitious plan to rebuild the stricken cathedral in record time.

After a mammoth 800 million reconstruction effort involving 2,000 craftsmen working night and day, the bourdon of Notre-Dame, the only bell not to be melted down after the French Revolution, rang out.

A ring of steel had been formed around Paris with police expecting around 2,900 people to gather in or near the cathedral, and 44,000 spectators on the Left Bank of the Seine, where a giant screen had been set up.

Some 6,000 police officers, gendarmes and military personnel were mobilised. Access points to the riverside near the cathedral were, meanwhile, cut off.

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Ukraines Zelensky was the only leader to receive applause as he entered the medieval church whose dazzling blond stone has been beautifully restored, along with its stained glass, vaulted ceilings and grand organ.

You look so beautiful, Mr Trump told Brigitte Macron, French first lady, as he entered Notre-Dames forecourt under rainy skies, following a friendly embrace with Mr Macron. The pair had met earlier at the Elysee Palace with Mr Zelensky in a meeting deemed a diplomatic coup for Macron, seated next to the US president-elect inside.

Guests stand as Church Banners are paraded at Notre-Dame - LUDOVIC MARIN

Emmanuel Macron gives his speech - THIBAULT CAMUS

Jill Biden attended on behalf of outgoing US president Joe Biden, with their daughter Ashley.

Leaders were not the only invitees. The master craftsmen who made it all possible were out in force.

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The reopening ceremony offered Mr Macron welcome relief and praise after a nightmare week on the domestic front after the government of Michel Barnier, the prime minister he appointed only three months ago, was brought down in a no-confidence vote.

The pair met on the forecourt and shook hands, looking stern.

Jill Biden and Mr Trump at the ceremony - THIBAULT CAMUS/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier arrives at the ceremony - CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

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Like the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games in July, the weather gods were not kind to the French capital as storm warnings meant that the pre-ceremony sequence slated to take place in a marquee in the forecourt had to be moved inside the cathedral.

Once leaders were seated, the bourdon bell tolled as Mr Macron stood outside with his wife and Anne Hidalgo, Paris mayor.

Dressed in a cope of green, red, yellow and blue, Archbishop Laurent Ulrich knocked on the cathedrals great door three times with a crozier made from a beam of the roof structure that survived the fire.

Brothers and sisters, enter now Notre-Dame. It is she who brings us together. It is she we love. It is she who accompanies us on our path to peace.

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The three invocations were addressed to Our Lady, both the cathedral and the Virgin Mary and evoked faith, charity and hope  the three theological virtues.

The cathedral, which had been silent, then responded by resounding once again with a hymn of praise, Psalm 121 sung by the Choir of Notre-Dame de Paris and a motet by Henryk Gorecki, the Polish composer.

A moving film was broadcast on the fire that shocked the world and the terrible moment the 19th spire came crashing down, followed by the reconstruction process that united so many craftsmen to restore the cathedral to its original form.

In an emotional highpoint of the night and to rapturous applause and a standing ovation, the Paris fire brigade whose heroics saved Notre-Dame from almost certain collapse entered the cathedral as a giant Merci was projected onto the outer walls of the cathedral.

The choir, Clergy and guests stand as they sing during a ceremony - LUDOVIC MARIN

Elon Musk during the ceremony - LUDOVIC MARIN

Its a moment of great joy and pride shared with all those present this evening who are watching us, said General Arnaud de Cacqueray, the Paris fire brigade chief, beforehand.

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The film was followed by a classical duo by the French brothers Renaud and Gautier Capucon, respectively star violinist and cellist.

In a move that may cause controversy among staunch secularists in France, Mr Macron delivered his speech inside the cathedral. He was due to do so outside, out of respect for the separation between state and church but bad weather put paid to that plan.

Addressing the throng, Mr Macron said: The bells of Notre-Dame that have accompanied our history are ringing again.

He added that yet we might never have heard that voice again, had it not been saved by the bravery of the firemen.

Mr Macron thanked the thousands of donors from around the world after the dizzying discovery that Notre-Dame de Paris could disappear and that our cathedrals are mortal too.

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He added: We have chosen to take the plunge, the will, the course of hope. We decided to rebuild Notre-Dame de Paris even more beautifully in five years.

Notre-Dame tells us that our dreams, even the boldest ones, are only possible through the will of each individual and the commitment of all.

A message was read out on behalf of Pope Francis, thanking the firemen and all those who saved and rebuilt the cathedral and blessing all present, saying he hoped the reopening was a prophetic sign of the renewal of the church in France.

He also called on the cathedral to open wide its doors and not charge millions of expected visitors, a move that was at one point mooted.

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Archbishop Ulrich then blessed the great organ, which survived the blaze but needed a massive clean-up job, to awaken. It duly thundered through the dazzling cathedral.

The ceremony was followed by a televised concert, pre-recorded on Friday night due to the bad weather forecast.

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French President Emmanuel Macron is set to welcome several dozen world leaders and dignitaries to windy Paris for the grand reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral on Saturday.

Macron - who had an early look inside the renovated 850-year-old Gothic masterpiece at the end of last month - is said to have invited around 50 leaders, including US President-elect Donald Trump.

The cathedral in the heart of the French capital was gutted during a major fire in 2019, which destroyed the entire roof structure, the tower and part of the upper vault. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

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In the aftermath, more than 840 million ($888 million) was raised in donations to restore the iconic monument and reconstruction work began in 2021 after a lengthy clean-up phase.

In addition to Trump, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Greek President Ekaterini Sakellaropoulou are to attend the ceremony.

European royalty is also in attendance, with British heir Prince William, Prince Albert II of Monaco and the kings of Morocco and Jordan, Mohammed VI and Abdullah II expected to participate.

Trump announced his attendance a few days ago on his social network Truth Social, where he wrote that he would be attending "the reopening of the magnificent and historic Notre Dame Cathedral."

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It is his first trip abroad since his election victory in early November.

According to the Elysee Palace, Trump and Macron will meet for bilateral talks in the afternoon. Macron is also set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky afterwards.

Jill Biden, the wife of US President Joe Biden - who in January is due to hand over the White House to Trump - is also expected to be present at the ceremony.

The celebrations are set to begin in the evening.

Bad weather, with winds of up to 80 kilometres per hour, prompted a late-stage change to the programme, with Macron now set to give his address inside the cathedral, rather than on the forecourt as planned.

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Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich is then to preside over the religious ceremony. The event is scheduled to conclude with a concert featuring pop and classical music stars, including the Chinese piano legend Lang Lang.

The unique reopening will be a welcome distraction for Macron, who is facing a political crisis at home. He is in the process of finding a new prime minister after the previous government was toppled this week in a no-confidence vote.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  With the holidays just weeks away, many are expecting Christmas presents to come in the mail but a series of mailbox break-ins has communities across the Metro concerned.

Story continues below

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Thieves struck the Del Webb at Mirehaven gated community in northwest Albuquerque with almost all of their community mailbox kiosks broken into last weekend. Frankly, we were quite surprised when we noticed how they had gained access without any obvious means of assistance, said HOA Vice President Gary Armstong, Del Webb Mirehaven.

The thieves seemed to know exactly how to get in, spray painting the lights at the boxes so no one would see them. That was not the only incident. Thieves also struck their next-door neighbors at Vista Monte at Mirehaven. That community isnt gated and with the holidays just weeks away, theyre reminding people to remain vigilant.

Anyone with information on the mailbox break-ins is asked to contact the United States Police Service at 877-876-2455.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dec. 7Maine's loon population is healthy, with adult loons in the southern part of the state continuing to trend upward, Maine Audubon said.

The group announced the results of its 41st annual loon count Thursday, recording an increase in adult loons, chicks and human volunteers to count them all since 2023.

"We expect some fluctuations year to year, but the numbers indicate a healthy loon population, with a slowly increasing adult population and relatively stable chick numbers," Sally Stockwell, director of conservation, said in a statement.

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The count found an estimated 3,146 adult common loons and 420 chicks in the southern half of Maine (below the 45th parallel). That's more than twice as many as the 1,417 adults and 176 chicks found during the first count in 1983.

In northern Maine, 353 volunteers, covering 96 lakes, spotted 509 adults and 50 chicks. But there was not enough coverage in that part of the state to provide an accurate estimate of the overall population, Maine Audubon said.

The loon count takes place annually on the third Saturday in July  July 20 this year  from 7 to 7:30 a.m. This year, 1,624 volunteers turned out across 407 lakes; in comparison, 1,503 people covered 374 lakes in 2023.

Ethan Daly, loon count data coordinator, said an increasing number of Mainers are "looking out for loons," in a statement Thursday.

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"Loons are something Mainers can appreciate and unite behind," Daly said. "More people are educating their neighbors, more people are involved in our loon restoration program, more people are getting rid of lead tackle, and more people are considering how shoreline management can impact freshwater ecosystems."

Maine Audubon said the common loon faces a wide range of threats, including boat strikes, predators and fishing gear.

In September, Maine banned the sale of painted lead fishing jigs under 2.5 inches or weighing less than 1 ounce. Their use will become illegal in 2026.

"Lead poisoning has long been one of the leading causes of death for adult loons in Maine. Common Loons can ingest lost or discarded lead fishing tackle when it sinks to the bottom of a lake or pond, causing illness and death," Maine Audubon said in a statement.

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Hello, its the weekend. This is The Weekender 

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear a major abortion case Tuesday, the next chapter in a case that the Supreme Court punted last term.

In U.S. v. Idaho, Idaho wants its draconian abortion ban to supersede federal emergency room standards, letting the red state deny abortions to at least some women who arrive in medical crises. While the right-wing justices sounded ready to side with Idaho during oral arguments, they ultimately decided that they had interceded too early and booted the case back to the 9th Circuit. Some court watchers speculated that they were trying to keep abortion out of the headlines before the 2024 election (though some experts doubt that a more niche abortion fight would have triggered the same kind of tidal wave as Dobbs).

The case will likely get up to the high court again, as soon as the 9th Circuit is done with it.

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Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is mulling a red-letter trans rights case, the first big culture war fight it heard this term. Trans rights supporters biggest hope rested with recreating the Bostock majority, in which Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Neil Gorsuch joined the liberals to rule that employers cant discriminate against their employees on the basis of sexuality or gender identity. But Roberts sounded resolutely against upholding constitutional protections against Tennessees gender-affirming care ban Wednesday. Gorsuch was the only justice who didnt speak.

To the degree that the conservatives were incentivized to avoid ruling on politically salient issues before the election, that time has passed. Many have speculated that Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito (and maybe even Roberts too) may retire, clearing the way for much younger right-wing ideologues to take their place. Without dramatic Court reform, that would entrench the hard right majority for a generation.

The Court is powerful, deeply partisan and unbound.

 Kate Riga

Heres what else TPM has on tap this weekend

Josh Kovensky checks in on the various Ukraine peace plans bouncing around Trumpworld and what they may really be about.

Khaya Himmelman updates us on yet another Republican-led, pre-election lawsuit filed in a battleground state against voter roll maintenance practices that has been dismissed in court for lacking standing.

Emine Yucel reviews the ways in which congressional Republicans are loudly shrugging off allegations of sexual misconduct against Trumps pick for Defense secretary, Pete Hegseth.

What Is Trump Going To Do About Ukraine?

Its been a while since we wrote about Ukraine, and the status of Russias full-scale invasion of its neighbor.

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Unfortunately, things are not going well for the Ukrainians. Per some reports, theyre losing territory at a rate only matched by the first weeks of the war, when Russian forces were blocked outside of Kyiv but swept across the countrys southeast. Military analysts say that the Ukrainian army lacks the manpower to fully hold the roughly 600-mile frontline it faces against the Russian army. Ukraine has a third of Russias population and a relatively open political system where, unlike in Russia, people can register disapproval with conscription measures.

The country is in a precarious spot to an extent that, it seems, has not quite broken through in American media.

Understandably, to the extent that attention is on Ukraine at all, the focus is on the Trump administrations declared intention to bring the conflict to an end and what steps it may take to effect that. There are several plans reportedly in play, none of which come from Trump himself. Theres a plan that Keith Kellogg, his recently-appointed point man on the conflict, proposed in April: the U.S. would force peace talks by curtailing weapons to Ukraine unless it enters into negotiations with Russia, and threatening Russia with boosted weapons to Ukraine if it fails to do the same. Moscow would be further coaxed in by taking NATO membership for Ukraine off the table; territory would be frozen along current battle lines.

Reuters, which has been on top of the negotiations beat the past several months, ran a story citing an anonymous former Trump national security official as saying that the Kellogg plan, and plans attributed to Vice President-elect JD Vance and Ric Grenell, were all under discussion. All envision taking NATO membership for Ukraine off the table. The person cited Vance telling a podcaster in September that DMZ could be established along current lines as a potential plan; Grenells remarks over the summer  that autonomous zones could be created in the regions that Russia has seized  also came up.

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None of these plans, as articulated, seem to deal with the reality that Russia is gaining on the ground. Kremlin officials have said that freezing the conflict along current lines without a loss of Ukrainian sovereignty would be tantamount to a defeat for Russia.

It doesnt require any real specialized knowledge to be very skeptical that these plans will bear any fruit (associated grifting is almost a given). But whats more interesting to me is why were seeing them at all. Its possible that incoming Trump officials are making opening volleys in what they expect to be a complex, long-term negotiation. They may sincerely believe that, for example, there are additional weapons and capabilities with which to flood Ukraine, giving it an advantage that would force the Russians to the table (I really doubt that).

But the problem is that the person who ultimately will make the decision  Trump  does not seem to be directly involved. He improvises; we all know that hes unpredictable. We know that he has an animus towards Ukraine, and an affinity for authoritarians like Putin who interfered to help him in recent elections; he opposed the Ukraine aid supplemental earlier this year. So, what gives? In that light, the peace plans being floated start to seem more like a fig leaf for whatever course Trump eventually chooses. Total abandonment of Ukraine would not only result in a lot more death and destruction as the Russians move west, but it would likely stoke even more gargantuan refugee flows into Europe. It wouldnt be pretty. It would constitute an incredible betrayal of a country that, in deed, is fighting for the values that supposedly lie at the core of Americas founding.

That being said, Zelensky and his team are, by all accounts, furiously trying to establish contacts with the Trump team and Republicans at large. Zelensky will be in Paris on Saturday for the reopening of Notre-Dame; Trump will be there as well. A top aide, Andriy Yermak, has reportedly been at Mar-a-Lago, holding talks with Trump and GOP officials.

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I cant tell you where this will all lead. I dont think anybody can.

 Josh Kovensky

Yet Another GOP Voter Roll Challenge Is Dismissed

An Arizona federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed in June from the chairwoman of the Arizona Republican Party, the president of the right-wing Arizona Free Enterprise Club and another Arizona Republican voter, who claimed that Arizona was in violation of federal law for its voter list maintenance practices.

The lawsuit argued that the Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes failed to purge more than a million ineligible voters from the voter rolls, claiming state officials were in violation of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

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U.S. District Court Judge Dominic Lanza, however, concluded that the plaintiffs lacked legal standing to sue in the first place. The Court has little trouble concluding that Plaintiffs allegations on this issue are insufficient to establish standing, Lanza wrote in his decision on Thursday.

In the months leading up to the 2024 presidential election, Republicans across the country mounted legal challenges against voter roll maintenance practices, as a way to set themselves up to cry voter fraud if Donald Trump lost the election in November. These lawsuits have largely been dismissed.

These lawsuits were designed to bring attention to a problem that does not exist, as a way to sow seeds of chaos and doubt in the election system in battleground states. Its worth noting too that there are both federal and state laws in place that require election administrators to accurately maintain voter rolls.

Its all coming from a larger narrative that the election system is not working, Caren Short, director of legal and research for the nonpartisan nonprofit League of Women Voters, previously explained to TPM.

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 Khaya Himmelman

Words Of Wisdom

I hope he holds the line all the way through. Im defending him and we should all defend him. Look, weve all had some indiscretions in our past and things like that. Every human has. But good grief

Thats MAGA Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) talking about Pete Hegseth, who Trump nominated to be his next Secretary of Defense, and the troubling allegations that have surfaced from his past in recent days and weeks.

An undisclosed sexual assault allegation and a settlement from 2017 already had Hegseth in hot water with Trumps team last month. Note that Hegseth denied committing sexual assault and described the incident as consensual. But last weekend, more allegations surfaced, including accounts from former colleagues claiming he was frequently drunk in public at work events, that he oversaw workplace environments that were saturated in sexism, and engaged in mismanagement.

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Roy defining a sexual assault allegation among other things as some indiscretions is  certainly a choice.

But sadly, the Texan is not the only Republican lawmaker running to Hegseths defense.

Earlier this week, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) downplayed the rape allegation against Hegseth, trying to dismiss it as old news.

A lot of this stuff was years ago, Tuberville said during a Fox Business interview.

Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-NC) took low to a new level, claiming anonymous allegations shouldnt be taken seriously.

Im not going to make any decisions 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.

 Emine Yucel
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (WCMH)  A 22-year-old pleaded guilty to aggravated murder, felonious assault and gross abuse of a corpse for the 2023 murder of Susan Ramburg.

The Franklin County Prosecuting Attorneys office announced Friday afternoon that Kandawaswika Kahari, 22, pleaded guilty to Rambergs murder. Initially a investigated as a suspicious death, Kahari was arrested in March 2023 after Rambergs death was ruled a homicide.

Police, later joined by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, responded to a well-being check at a home at the 500 block of Rosehill Road in March 2023. Inside, they found Ramberg dead in the home. Although police responded to the home in March, the prosecuting attorneys office said Kahari killed Ramberg on or around Feb. 16, 2023.

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Kahari is scheduled for sentencing for Feb. 7, 2025, and faces up to 39 years to life in prison.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  A 22-year-old Kansas City man accused of illegally purchasing a gun found after Februarys mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rally has been sentenced to probation.

U.S. District Court Judge Howard Sachs sentenced Ronnel Williams Jr. to 5 years probation Thursday, The Kansas City Star reported.

Williams public defenders did not immediately respond to Associated Press calls and emails requesting comment Friday.

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Williams in July pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make false statements in the acquisition of a firearm.

Williams has said he lied in order to buy a gun for a 19-year-old who was too young to purchase the weapon legally. The man Williams bought the gun for faces the same charges and is set to be sentenced Dec. 12. The man has told police that the weapon was stolen from him.

Williams lawyer has said Williams has no connection to the parade shooters. The gun was found by law enforcement after the shooting.

The February shooting left one person dead and roughly two dozen others injured. Three people have been charged with murder.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  Officials with the Monongalia County Sheriffs Office have announced the arrest of a man in connection to human remains found in November that were identified as a woman missing for seven months.

Joseph Nevera

According to a press release, Joseph Nevera, 51, of Morgantown, has been charged with the murder of Kimberly Osborne, who was reported missing in May and whose body was found in a shallow grave on Little Indian Creek Road on Nov. 16. Law enforcement confirmed that the remains belonged to Osborne on Thursday.

Body found in shallow grave identified as missing Morgantown woman

Kimberly Osborne

On Friday, law enforcement officers with the Monongalia County Sheriffs Office, West Virginia State Police, Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI Pittsburgh Office conducted multiple search warrants on property owned by Nevera in the River Road area of Monongalia County, the last place that Osborne was seen before her disappearance.

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Nevera is being held in the North Central Regional Jail without bond.

Despite Neveras arrest, detectives are still working on leads related to this case. If you have any information, officials urge you to contact the Sheriffs Office Detective Division at 304-291-7260.

This article has been updated to include Joseph Neveras mugshot and booking information.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  An Evansville man is in custody after a suspected intoxicated driver was reportedly doing donuts behind a Liquor Locker in Evansville.

Authorities say they were on the lookout for the driver, Nolberto Lopez, near Highway 41 and Virginia Street, who was eventually located and pulled over near the intersection of Bellaire and Weinbach Avenues.

Police say could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage from Lopez and that he could not keep his balance when exiting the vehicle.

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Due to a language barrier, authorities say they could not perform any field sobriety tests.

During their investigation, officers discovered Lopez did not have a valid drivers license in the United States and that he only carried a Mexico identification card.

Lopez was arrested and charged with:

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated

Operating a vehicle without obtaining a license

Reckless driving

He is currently booked in the Vanderburgh County Jail.

Nolberto Lopez (Courtesy: Vanderburgh County Jail)

Eyewitness News. Everywhere You Are.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A 31-year-old Independence man is facing charges in connection to a Thursday deadly shooting at an Independence apartment.

Jackson County prosecutors charged Nicholas A. Camacho-Sanchez with unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action.

Douglas Co. Sheriffs Office remains on scene of shooting, standoff

According to court documents, Independence police officers responded to reports of a shooting at the Independence Ridge Apartments near East 37th Terrace South and South Jackson Drive.

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When officers arrived, they found a man, 25-year-old Emmanuel Camacho-Sanchez dead inside the apartment with a gunshot wound.

After, officers found Nicholas in the parking lot.

A witness told police that Nicholas was one of the men who followed a van that left the parking lot and fired shots. Video surveillance showed two figures firing at the van as it left.

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Prosecutors have requested a $250,000 cash bond.

Nicholas was scheduled for court on Monday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m.

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A Minneapolis man twice convicted of sexually assaulting teenagers is now accused of abusing a 12-year-old girl at a Farmington park.

He and the girl met through Snapchat, according to a Dakota County District Court complaint charging Joshua Daniel Philips, now 23, with first-degree criminal conduct.

The other cases happened at parks in Cottage Grove and Otsego in Wright County, according to court records.

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The first case documented in court records happened when an off-duty Cottage Grove police officer saw a sport-utility vehicle parked at Peter Thompson Park around 2 a.m. Nov. 14, 2022. The officer saw two people in the backseat and, because the park was closed, contacted on-duty officers.

A sergeant arrived at the park and saw two nude people in the middle-row seats. A 14-year-old girl told officers she had known the male for a few weeks, and that he told her to sneak out of her house, which she did. After getting to the park, he offered her vodka, which she did not drink.

She told police that he put one of his hands around her neck while he was having sexual contact with her. Police found empty packaging in Philips vehicle for a Plan B emergency contraception pill.

He was charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct and bonded out of jail.

Another assault reported

Then, in April 2023, the mother of another teen reported a sexual assault to law enforcement in Wright County. The 15-year-old sobbed when she told an investigator she was communicating with a male, known to her as Josh, through social media. She said he had been introduced to her by a classmate.

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The male asked her to hang out, she agreed and he picked her up at her house. He asked her age and she told him she was 15, to which he said, Oh, youre just a baby, according to the criminal complaint in that case.

He drove to Prairie Park in Otesgo, told her to move to the back seat and began sexually assaulting her. She said that when she pushed his arm away and asked what he was doing, he became mad and told her to get out of the car. She told the investigator she didnt want to get out of the car because she did not have her phone and feared he would leave her there. He then removed her clothing and assaulted her.

She gave the investigator the suspects Snapchat name, and then picked Philips out of a photo lineup as her attacker. He was arrested.

Messages lead to Farmington case

When Philips was jailed in the Wright County case, law enforcement discovered messages on Philips phone last May that indicated hed been involved in a sexual relationship with a girl in Farmington in March 2023, according to the new complaint filed in Dakota County this week.

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In a forensic interview in May, the girl reported she met Philips through Snapchat and they began messaging one another. She said she told him she was 14, but she was 12 at the time.

She said she snuck out of her home to meet up with Philips on three occasions. On the last meetup, he drove to a park, gave her alcohol and had sexual contact with her in his vehicle, the complaint said. Philips gave her the morning-after pill the next day.

Messages found on Philips phone confirm the girls version of events, the complaint said.

In prison for Otsego assault

Philips is now in prison. A Wright County judge sentenced him on Nov. 27 to a term of just over six years for sexually assaulting the 15-year-old at the park in Otsego. It was the top of a sentencing range that Philips agreed to as part of a plea deal, which also included dismissing a first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge.

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Last March, Philips pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sexual conduct in the case of the 14-year-old in Cottage Grove, and was spared prison time as part of a plea deal with Washington County prosecutors. In June, he was sentenced to a stayed three-year term and put on probation for 15 years. His sentence did not include any additional jail time beyond the 365 days he had already served since his arrest.

Minnesota court records show Philips has no other prior convictions, besides a 2019 speeding ticket.

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A Minneapolis man charged earlier this week with shooting a gun at other motorists in two separate road rage incidents in St. Paul was also charged with waving a gun at another motorist the day before he was arrested.

On Friday, James Allen Ameer Smith, 22, was charged with one felony count of threats of violence, intent to terrorize, for a Nov. 27 incident on Minnesota 77 near Minnesota 13 in Eagan.

Eagan incident

The criminal complaint alleges that at about 7:38 p.m. Nov. 27, Smith came up behind a driver going southbound on Minnesota 77 at speeds so high the other driver applied his brakes to make sure Smith saw him and didnt run into the back of his vehicle.

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The driver said Smith became upset and pulled up beside him, swerving into his lane. Using the butt of a pistol, authorities allege, Smith turned on his vehicles interior light to show he had a gun. Smith then allegedly pointed the gun out the window at the other driver, who slowed and called 911 to report the incident, including providing the license plate of the vehicle authorities say Smith was driving.

On Monday, Smith was charged with eight felony counts in connection with two other road rage incidents in which he had shot at vehicles in October and November.

St. Paul incidents

At 8:50 p.m. on Oct. 12, a man reported that while in his Jeep with two children, his vehicle had been struck by a bullet while he was driving east on Summit Avenue near Lexington Parkway in St. Paul.

At about 8 a.m. on Nov. 14, another driver, a 33-year-old man, reported a road rage incident to St. Paul police, saying he had been shot at by another driver on Selby Avenue near Snelling Avenue and that his car had been hit by a bullet.

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In all three cases, the criminal complaints allege that Smith instigated the incidents by racing up and tailgating the other vehicles.

Smith was arrested Nov. 28 in St. Louis Park.

At the time of his arrest, authorities say, Smith was wearing an empty gun holster. While serving a search warrant, officers found a spent bullet casing on the drivers side floor, three live rounds of ammunition in the center console, a live round of ammunition on floor behind the drivers seat and a loaded Glock handgun beneath the front passengers seat.

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ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A man who was hospitalized for two weeks following a multi-vehicle crash that caused a closure on a heavily traveled road in Adams County has died, the coroners office said Friday.

The York County Coroners Office said in a report that 69-year-old Steven Litten, of Gettysburg, died on Tuesday from his injuries at WellSpan York. His cause of death was ruled to be from blunt force trauma and the manner was ruled accidental after a Friday autopsy.

Litten was involved in the four-vehicle crash on Route 94 in the area of the 1500 block of Carlisle Pike in Berwick Township on Nov. 19. He had to be flown from the scene to the hospital, the report states.

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Littens vehicle was hit by a vehicle that crossed the middle lane, which then caused his vehicle to crash into two others, according to the State Police at Gettysburg news release the day after the crash.

The roadway was closed for six hours after the crash.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man was found dead after a house fire in Vancouver early Saturday morning.

Just after 1:30 a.m., Vancouver Fire crews responded to 3218 Northeast May Street on reports of a house fire.

On arrival, they found a one-story house with flames coming out from multiple sides.

Homeowners file lawsuit against Lake Oswego after city orders them to destroy too tall roof

Despite a downed power line near the front of the house, crews managed to attack the fire aggressively from multiple hose lines, officials said.

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Although the fire was successfully extinguished, crews found a man dead inside the house.

The Clark County Fire Marshals office is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

No further information has been released at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Officials in Holbrook are investigating after a man was found shot outside an apartment complex, Friday.

Police received a 911 call from a person saying they heard the sound of gunshots, shortly after 5 p.m., at an apartment complex on Longmeadow Drive. When crews arrived on scene they located a man in his 40s suffering from gunshots wounds, according to the Norfolk County District Attorney.

The man was taken to an area hospital in critical condition, officials say.

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Holbrook Police along with Massachusetts State Police troopers assigned to the Norfolk County District Attorneys office are investigating the shooting. Anyone with any information is asked to call police.

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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NILES, Ohio (WKBN)  A Warren man is facing criminal charges after police say he robbed a business and attacked a police officer.

Erick Rivers, 31, is accused of taking a bag with about $200 cash from a Niles business.

He is facing two felonies after a series of incidents that started at Instant Cash for Gold & Diamonds on Route 422 around 5:40 Thursday night.

Niles Police released video from the store.

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The video was great, the audio was great and so that was critical in helping us identify him, said Niles Police Capt. John Marshall.

In the video, you can hear and see the exchange between Rivers and the store employee during the robbery.

It boggles my mind why you would walk right in. You have to know youre on video. Youre on video on the way in the door and you actually have to be buzzed in the business so, yeah, just strange, Marshall said.

He said it doesnt make sense.

Very careless, as far as your crime and your criminal activity goes, Marshall said.

Not even an hour later, a Warren Police officer working a side job at Giant Eagle responded to an accident at the intersection of Mahoning Avenue and Northwest Bridge Road. Thats when investigators say Rivers attacked the officer with a lead pipe. Police say the officer was hurt.

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As for Rivers, he remains in the Trumbull County Jail on charges of robbery and felonious assault.

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UPDATE 12/9: The Memphis Police Department confirmed on Monday that the man who was shot and killed was 18 years old, and the child who was injured is 7 years old.

The 18-year-old has not been identified.

*****

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man was killed and a child was injured during a shooting in Cordova, Memphis Police confirmed.

At 9:46 a.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 900 block of Pheasant Hollow Dr.

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One man was taken to Regional One Hospital in critical condition. He later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

A juvenile was also injured.

Memphis Police say this is an ongoing investigation.

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LEWISTON, Utah (ABC4)  A man was rescued after nearly drowning in ice-covered water in Lewiston, Utah, Friday evening, according to the Cache County Sheriffs Office.

This evening, the Cache County Sheriffs Office responded to an urgent call regarding a reported drowning near the ponds behind the Presto plant in Lewiston, Utah, a press release from the sheriffs office states.

A man was reportedly attempting to rescue his dog that had fallen through the ice, becoming trapped in the freezing water himself, the release says. Officials say his children were at the scene and called 911 for help.

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Sugarhouse Pub alcohol license suspended for underage drinking

Lewiston EMS, Smithfield Fire, and Cache County deputies arrived at the scene. Responders conducted a coordinated effort to break through the ice and reach the victim.

A deputy, equipped with a life vest and a hatchet, broke through the ice and entered the icy water, making his way toward the victim. Shortly after, fire personnel followed behind.

As the deputy reached the victim, the victim reportedly slipped underwater. The deputy and fire personnel were able to then successfully rescue the man and bring him to safety.

The individual is now receiving medical care for cold exposure and is in stable condition, the deputy involved is also being evaluated as a precaution, the release states. This incident highlights the courage and dedication of our deputies, Smithfield Fire personnel, Lewiston first responders, and the exceptional collaboration between our agencies.

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No further information is available at this time.

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP)  Costco shoppers got to see the Winston-Salem Fire Department rescue team in action.

It happened after a man fell down a ravine in the wooded area on the side of the Costco parking lot on Hanes Mall Boulevard.

We do not know what led up to his fall, but FOX8 spoke with people shopping at Costco who said they are not concerned about the area or think it is a dangerous spot.

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On Friday, their main concern was for the man who fell. They hope he makes a full recovery.

The call came in just before 2 p.m. on Thursday for what rescue teams refer to as a low-angle rescue.

Low angle rescue would be considered something that is at grade level and below  not maybe a sheer cliff or a sheer drop off. Something of a lesser angle that if somebody got down towards the bottom, they wouldnt be able to walk back up, said Ross Flynt with the WSFD.

The WSFD does not respond to these rescues often, but they are prepared.

Qualified help is coming. We spend a lot of time  training. The city invests a lot into  our team  to make sure we are the highest trained, Flynt said.

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Every rescue is different. First, they need to assess the situation. Then they come up with a game plan.

We do not know the extent of the mans injuries, but he was safely taken out of the ravine and taken to the hospital.

This is the biggest thing for us. We want to take that training, and we want to be able to apply it to the citizens of Winston-Salem and have positive outcomes, Flynt said.

The rescue teams in Winston-Salem train about once a month. They will take what they learned on Thursday to help apply to the next training.

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Dec. 7Following a blind plea to Aggravated Battery with a Firearm on Dec. 4, Francis Briscoe, 25, formerly of Alvin, was sentenced to 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Briscoe's sentence was ordered by Judge Robert McIntire and will beserved at 85%. He will be required to serve a 2-year term of mandatory supervised release following his incarceration.

At the hearing, the State presented evidence that on Feb. 24, 2022, a Danville Police officer was dispatched to Walmart in Danville for a female who had been shot in the parking lot. Officers were informed that the suspect had fled the scene. Eyewitnesses explained to officers that the defendant approached the victim in the store, and then was waiting for her in the parking lot. The defendant was apparently despondent over a romantic breakup of the two, police said.

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State's Attorney Jacqueline Lacy thanked the Danville Police Department for their efforts in this case.

"The sentence in this case demonstrates the support of victims in Vermilion County and sends a strong message that stalking and violent behavior are absolutely unacceptable," she said. "I pray for the continued healing of the victim from not only the physical wounds, but also from trauma she endured."
OTERO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE)  A jury found a man guilty of a shooting that left a convenience store clerk dead in Weed, New Mexico, in 2023.

Joseph Sanders, 54, of Bent, was arrested for the death of 34-year-old Laura McCormick. Officials said Sanders entered the Weed convenience store on Oct. 11, 2023, and had multiple failed attempts to get gas and merchandise from the store without paying.

Albuquerque police arrest more than 20 in prostitution sting

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Sanders then left the store, grabbed a revolver from his truck, went back inside, and shot McCormick twice. He then fled from the scene and attempted to hide his vehicle in a nearby forest area.

Law enforcement arrested him later that day after he was found driving a stolen UTV. He was convicted of first-degree murder (willful and deliberate), attempted armed robbery, tampering with evidence, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon, and the use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judge John Sugg sentenced Sanders to 13 years and life in prison on Friday.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A 22-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man is sentenced for the illegal straw purchase of a firearm found at the scene of the shooting after the Chiefs Super Bowl rally.

Ronnel Dewayne Williams Jr., was sentenced in U.S. District court to five years of probation.

Williams, Jr. pleaded guilty back in July to one count of conspiracy to make false statements in the acquisition of a firearm.

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Federal prosecutors have noted that Williams was not among the shooters at Union Station on Feb. 14 as Chiefs fans celebrated. One woman, Lisa Lopez-Galvan, was killed, and over 20 were injured.

Mayor Lucas defends use of nonprofit spending

In February, the Jackson County prosecutor charged 18-year-old Dominic M. Miller, of Kansas City, and 23-year-old Lyndell Mays, of Raytown, with second-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.

According to a news release from the Department of Justice, by pleading guilty, Williams admitted that he participated in the criminal conspiracy from Nov. 25, 2023, to Feb. 21, 2024.

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Williams made false statements to a licensed firearms dealer on Nov. 25, 2023, claiming he was the actual buyer of a Stag Arms lower receiver, which was intended to deceive the dealer into making the sale to Williams.

He admitted he was not the true buyer of the firearm, but was purchasing the firearm on behalf of a co-conspirator who was not of lawful age to purchase the firearm himself.

Williams admitted he provided the firearm to his co-conspirator on the same day of the purchase.

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Law enforcement officers recovered the firearm, with an affixed 300-blackout barrel, on Feb. 14 in the area of 30 West Pershing Road following the mass shooting incident.

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Williams also admitted that, between Feb. 16 and Feb. 21 he provided materially false statements to federal law enforcement officers regarding the acquisition and disposition of the Stag Arms lower receiver.

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A key discovery for police in Hannah Kobayashi's case was learning the truth about reports she was seen in Los Angeles with an unknown person who could have put her in danger

As officials learned more, their view of the mans relationship to Kobayashi changed

"For the amount of time they spent together, he pretty much was an ear to listen, a detective says

Before she walked into Mexico and vanished  either by choice, as the police believe, or potentially as the result of something more nefarious, according to her family  Hannah Kobayashi spent the night in Los Angeles with a stranger she happened to meet at the airport.

The two formed a quick bond after crossing paths and then spent about nine hours together, walking through downtown L.A. and meandering their way to Union Station, where they fell asleep.

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In the morning, Kobayashi, a 30-year-old photographer and smoke shop employee, was gone.

This is according to members of the L.A. Police Departments missing persons unit who spoke at length with PEOPLE this week in the wake of announcing Kobayashi was being classified as a voluntary disappearance  a determination that her family has loudly challenged, saying they will now do their own search.

But law enforcement says they devoted significant resources since mid-November untangling Kobayashis case after she arrived in the city from Hawaii and then appeared to go missing from Los Angeles International Airport on Nov. 11.

Now they are detailing what they learned.

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A key discovery, police say, was in learning the truth about reports Kobayashi had been seen with an unknown person who could have put her in danger.

[Its] already in the news that she's with this male who's scary, and she's in big trouble, Lt. Doug Oldfield tells PEOPLE.

For a while, he was the last person to have seen her when we didn't know where she was, he says.

So we did have to spend a few days on this to ensure that nothing bad happened, he says.

Oldfield says investigators were able to track the man down only days after Kobayashi was first reported missing and, in the course of their work, subsequently confirmed his story about the time they spent together, including through video footage and the mans own statements.

LAPD Hannah Kobayashi Hannah Kobayashi

In an interview with PEOPLE alongside Detective Omar Franco, who heads the missing persons unit, Oldfield says authorities looked into the man with an open mind in the days after Kobayashis case was opened.

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"I would say, with this case, there were days and days where there's as many reasons that something could have gone totally wrong as there were reasons that everything was okay, Oldfield says. So that's where we kind of live in that middle, and that's where we'd have to keep moving on what facts can we get, what video can we get, and just move on to what the next fact will lead us to.

As officials learned more, their view of the mans relationship to Kobayashi changed.

We have this gentleman, we have them walking [on video]. We're looking  hey, does this person seem like she's in distress, what does she look like? We see a lot of smiling, Oldfield says. We see smiling from the guy.

There's another video where she passes by two police officers and has a chance maybe to say, Help, help, if there's anything wrong, the lieutenant continues. So, from here, we're able to then get a better idea of who this guy was and we identified him.

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The man, whom police are not naming, spoke with them twice, offering his side of the story.

He and Kobayashi met at LAXs train stop and struck up a conversation around 9 p.m. local time on Nov. 11 as she was leaving the airport.

"We haven't spoken to her, but from what we gather is that she was looking to understand how to get to Union Station and that he was going to assisting getting her there," Oldfield says.

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For the amount of time they spent together, he pretty much was an ear to listen, Franco, the detective, says. She just spoke and talked about her life in Maui, her personal life, her love life and so forth. And he just listened to her.

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The man described Kobayashi as a free spirit but said she seemed coherent and normal. She didnt seem scared. She said she wanted to go see the redwoods and also mentioned plans to be in New York. (She was supposed to have boarded a flight there on Nov. 8, but never did; police think she actually attempted to re-book a flight but the cost was too high.)

Once at Union Station, Kobayashi and the man spent several more hours and ate dinner. They went to sleep in a waiting area, as travelers sometimes do.

And then Kobayashi got up by herself, gathered her luggage and walk[ed] off on her own, Franco says.

These things, we were able to corroborate, Oldfield says.

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She bought a bus ticket at 6:10 a.m. local time on Nov. 12 and boarded shortly after, then arrived at the border about four hours after that. She walked into Tijuana around noon.

Her phone, for whatever reason, was left behind at LAX.

Hannah Kobayashi buying a bus ticket out of Los Angeles on Nov. 12

Because police believe Kobayashi is in Mexico by choice, their investigation has stopped, though she will remain in the system until her well-being is confirmed.

Her family, who drew national attention to her case, have been vocal in raising awareness about her, including their concerns about her personal life.

Her mother and sister said in a statement earlier this week that they are committed to doing everything possible to bring her home safely.

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They also cautioned against what they called speculative conclusions.

Spreading awareness and sharing verified information about her case is crucial, and we deeply appreciate your continued support in these efforts, they said.

Police say theyd like to hear from Kobayashi, too.

We're all just  everyone else is very invested in this now, and just what her thought process through all this was, and what her end game or goal was, Detective Franco says.

Oldfield says: We don't have her side of the story.



Read the original article on People
A man accused of involvement in the June shooting that killed Gila River Officer Joshua Briese appeared in federal court on Thursday afternoon following his indictment by a grand jury last month.

Joseph Notah appeared for an initial hearing and arraignment at the Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse in downtown Phoenix, where he pleaded not guilty to two felony charges: assault with a dangerous weapon and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from a grand jury indictment in November.

Records say Magistrate Judge Eileen Willett ordered Notah remain detained due to evidence that he was a danger to the community and a flight risk. It appears Notah has been in federal custody since Dec. 4 when he was arrested.

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Notah is one of two people suspected of being involved in Briese's death.

Zach Stoebe, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office, confirmed that a 16-year-old tribal member was also taken into federal custody. However, he declined to provide further details about the case, including potential charges or whether the individual had been indicted by a grand jury.

"It is the practice of the United States Attorneys Office, and an obligation of federal law, to refrain from comment on any arrests of persons under the age of 18," Stoebe said in an emailed statement.

Michael Reeves, the defense attorney representing Notah, told The Arizona Republic that he had not yet spoken with his client but assured that he would provide the best possible representation."We will be defending the case vigorously," Reeves said.

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Reeves added that Notah was paralyzed from the waist down due to gunshot wounds inflicted by police.

Notah has a scheduled trial date of Jan. 14, 2025, though Reeves said that date would almost certainly be pushed back given the complex nature of the case.

Briese killed while responding to reports of a disturbance

Joshua Briese, who had served with the Police Department for less than a year, and another officer responded to a disturbance call involving a large crowd around 2 a.m.

Multiple gunshots were fired and both officers were struck, according to a Gila River Police Department Facebook post.

Neighbors told The Arizona Republic that a teenager was hosting a birthday party at a residence when officers responded to the scene.

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Both officers were transported to the hospital, where 23-year-old Briese succumbed to his injuries. The other officer, whose identity was not disclosed, was reported to be in serious but stable condition, according to police. Alicen Apkaw, also 23, died from gunfire, and three other individuals were injured.

The FBI and Gila River Police Department said officials had arrested a man and a teenage boy on June 2, the day after the shooting.

It was not immediately clear why it had taken months for a grand jury to indict Notah.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Joseph Notah pleads not guilty in Officer Joshua Briese shooting death
The man on trial in the killing of University of Mississippi student Jimmie Jay Lee gave conflicting information to police about how well he and Lee knew each other, according to testimony Friday by an officer who helped lead the investigation.

Lee disappeared July 8, 2022, in Oxford, Mississippi, and police interviewed Sheldon Timothy Herrington Jr. two weeks later. Two officers talked to Herrington at his Oxford apartment and then took him to a police building and did another interview after advising him of his rights, said Shane Fortner, one of the officers involved.

In the first interview, Herrington said he knew Lee but "did not have any kind of sexual relationship with him, said Fortner, who was the Oxford Police Department's lieutenant in charge of criminal investigations in July 2022 and is now the city's emergency management director.

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During the second interview, Herrington said he and Lee had a deeper relationship and that they had a sexual encounter just hours before Lee disappeared, Fortner said. Fortner said that statement made him think Herrington had lied during the first interview.

Lee, 20, of Jackson, Mississippi, was a gay man well known in the LGBTQ+ community at Ole Miss and in Oxford, where the university is located and Herringtons trial is being held. Herrington, now 24, of Grenada, Mississippi, is charged with capital murder.

Lees body has never been found, but a judge has declared him dead. Herrington maintains his own innocence.

Before police interviewed Herrington, investigators had already found security camera video footage showing a man they believe was him jogging out of the parking lot where Lee's car was found, Fortner said. Police also had read sexually explicit Snapchat messages exchanged between accounts belonging to Lee and Herrington.

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According to police body camera footage shown in court Friday in Oxford, Herrington talked to two officers without having an attorney present.

Fortner said the officers asked Herrington what he thought had happened to Lee, and Herrington said Lee could have gone to have casual sex with somebody and then been kidnapped.

I think what happened is, Tim described what he did to Jay Lee, Fortner said.

Herrington was not openly in the LGBTQ community, but evidence will show he had a relationship with Lee and is responsible for the death, assistant district attorney Gwen Agho said during opening arguments Tuesday.

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Herringtons attorney, Kevin Horan, told jurors that prosecutors have zero proof Lee was killed.

The same day Lee disappeared, his car was towed from the Molly Barr Trails apartment complex in Oxford, where neither he nor Herrington lived.

Herrington said in his first police interview that he had not been to that complex for months because it was common for vehicles there to be towed away, Fortner said. Investigators had already seen security camera footage that showed a man they believe was Herrington jogging out of the Molly Barr Trails parking lot a few minutes after Lees car arrived.

Both Herrington and Lee had graduated from the University of Mississippi. Lee was pursuing a masters degree. He was known for his creative expression through fashion and makeup and often performed in drag shows in Oxford, according to a support group called Justice for Jay Lee.

Prosecutors have announced they do not intend to pursue the death penalty, meaning Herrington could get a life sentence if convicted. Mississippi law defines capital murder as a killing committed along with another felony  in this case, kidnapping.
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.
CHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man wanted out of Cheatham County on multiple outstanding warrants has been captured, according to authorities.

The Cheatham County Sheriffs Office told News 2 that 24-year-old Christopher Dresden Hollars was taken into custody in Robertson County near Exit 19, the Maxey Road exit, on Interstate 24 Friday. A press release from the U.S. Marshals Service added that he was taken into custody at a residence in Cedar Hill.

PREVIOUS: Deputies searching for man wanted for multiple outstanding warrants in Cheatham County

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The U.S. Marshals Service added that deputies with the Robertson County Sheriffs Office, the U.S. Marshals Task Force, undercover Cheatham County Narcotics detectives and troopers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol assisted in the arrest.

(Courtesy: Cheatham County Sheriffs Office)

Authorities had searched for Hollars since October. U.S. Marshals said that Hollars had been paroled from the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) where he was serving a six-year sentence for theft and narcotics offenses.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

In October, Cheatham County authorities had issued warrants on Hollars for multiple additional charges, including aggravated assault, resisting arrest and unlawful carrying. As a result of the additional charges, Hollars parole was revoked.

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As of publication, Hollars is in the Cheatham County jail without bond. The Cheatham County Sheriffs Office said that Hollars would likely stay there until a January hearing. He faces up to eight years in prison.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
(NEXSTAR)  The California Department of Public Health has issued a warning to residents who believe they may have been exposed to rabies, urging them to seek immediate medical attention before its too late.

The warning comes after a teacher from Fresno County died following a bite from a presumably rabid bat last week.

Bites from bats can be incredibly small and difficult to see or to detect, Dr. Tomas J. Aragon, the CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, said in a news release issued after the womans death. It is important to wash your hands and look for any open wounds after touching a wild animal, and to seek immediate medical care if bitten.

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Cases of walking pneumonia on the rise in the U.S.

In the United States, the most common causes of rabies are bites or scratches from animals, most frequently from bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes (in that order), according to recent data cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But because of widespread vaccination requirements, dogs do not generally pose a risk of spreading rabies to humans in America.

Those vaccinations, together with readily available care for those who may have been exposed and programs designed to manage outbreaks of rabies among wildlife, have drastically cut deaths in the U.S. over the last 65 years. Prior to 1960, the CDC says several hundred people would die of rabies pear year, while fewer than 10 people now die of rabies annually.

On a global scale, however, the annual death toll from rabies numbers in the tens of thousands. The World Health Organization estimates that 59,000 people die each year from the disease (with 40% being children under 15), but acknowledges that this number may be a gross underestimate due to unreported or unidentified cases. The CDC, meanwhile, puts the number closer to 70,000.

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The highest concentrations of deaths occur in Africa and Asia, where dog-mediated rabies has not been eradicated. The WHO estimates that 35% of all rabies deaths occur in India, partly due to the prohibitive cost of post-exposure healthcare.

A child is being treated in a doctors office after being bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies, 1968. (Image courtesy of CDC; Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

In addition, many people who are exposed to rabies may not realize they have been infected until its too late, because the incubation period can last months. (The teacher in California only started to show symptoms about 1 month after the bite, her friend said.) Once a patient starts experiencing symptoms  which can include fever, aches, tingling at the bite site, and later more serious neurological issues and brain disfunction  death is inevitable, WHO writes.

For this reason, health officials urge anyone exposed to rabies to immediately seek medical attention to discuss post-exposure prophylaxis care, or PEP. This type of care generally includes wound washing, vaccination and antibody treatments, and can prevent the rabies virus from reaching the central nervous system.

The CDC estimates that around 60,000 Americans receive PEP treatments after bites or exposures every year. (Some people who work or live in higher risk jobs/areas may also be eligible for preventative vaccination, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP.)

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Al Pacino claims he almost died of COVID: I was gone

The ultimate goal is to apply the same methods to bring down the number of deaths attributed to rabies throughout the world. CDC and WHO, together with international task forces and health organizations, are making ongoing strides to assist with vaccine availability, vaccination programs, education and training.

Rabies control programmes are being implemented in many countries, with great success being seen with improved dog vaccination coverage, improved accessibility to PEP and reduced human deaths, WHO writes. The global community aims to eliminate human deaths from dog mediated rabies by 2030.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) 

The Marrakech International Film Festival bestowed its top prize Friday on Happy Holidays, a Palestinian drama set in Israel whose screenplay won an award at the Venice Film Festival in September.

The film, directed by Scandar Copti, follows Israeli and Palestinian characters facing familial and societal pressures in present-day Haifa and stars both professional and non-professional actors. It is the first Palestinian film to win Marrakechs Etoile DOr award.

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Screenwriter Mona Copti in an acceptance speech said the film teams joy at winning was tempered by war in the Middle East and she denounced what she called the dehumanization of Palestinians

Eight features, each a directors first or second film, competed in the festival. The winning films tackled social issues through the lens of family, a theme that the festivals artistic director Remi Bonhomme underlined at its opening.

The festival awarded its jury prize to two additional films from Somalia and Argentina. The nine-member jury awarded Mo Harawes The Village Next to Paradise  a story about a family living under the threat of drone strikes dreaming of a better life  and Silvina Schnicers The Cottage about children who commit an unspeakable act at a rich familys summer vacation home.

The Village Next to Paradise participated last year in the Marrakech festivals Atlas Workshops, an initiative to develop filmmakers from Morocco, the Middle East and Africa and promote their work. In his acceptance speech, Harawe lauded the films Somali cast and crew and highlighted the significance of the award for Somalia.

Cecilia Rainero, the lead actor of The Cottage, thanked the jury and said it was meaningful amid Argentinian President Javier Mileis moves to defund the countrys film industry.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  The Massey Commission made its first recommendation to the Sangamon County Board, giving voters the ability to recall the county sheriff when voters lose confidence in them. But its facing some challenges.

The Massey Commission was created to find ways to make reforms to prevent something like Sonya Masseys death from happening in Sangamon County again.

The Elections Committee met Thursday night to discuss a resolution to allow recalls for the sheriff.

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The board had a university professor speak about the idea. They said it could lead to an expensive legal challenge for the county. A community advocate who attended the meeting also said the county legal counsel claimed that recalls are uncommon in Illinois.

Some in the community are disappointed with the countys handling of the recommendation from the commission.

Getting a recommendation and immediately not applying it and listening to the folks of the community, the folks that have been hurt, the folks that were picked specifically for this and writing off their opinion is disgusting, said community advocate Nick Dodson.

Still, the chair of the committee feels the county board is giving the Massey Commission a seat at the table.

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We wanted to get it right, Brad Miller, a Sangamon County board member< said. You know, we have from what the information were getting that this is Massey Commission maybe needs to talk with the legislature and have them amend the Constitution, our states constitution.

The county still has two more meetings left before they have to make a decision on the resolution.

Meanwhile, lawyers for Sean Grayson filed an appeal with the Illinois Supreme Court.

Theyre asking them to oppose the Sangamon Countys States Attorney appeal. The states attorney is asking the court to reverse an appellate courts decision that Grayson should be released from behind bars.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
An electrical substation in the snow in winter. (Photo by iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Massive data centers used for cloud computing and artificial intelligence are consuming enormous amounts of energy, and developers are eyeing South Dakota as a potential location, regulators say.

These hyperscale data centers, or hyperscalers, are designed to handle immense computing demands and are often operated by tech giants. The centers are characterized by their large size  often tens of thousands of square feet  and thousands of computer servers that require significant energy to operate.

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Nick Phillips with Applied Digital in Texas, a developer of the centers, highlighted South Dakotas appeal: a cold climate that cuts down on cooling a room full of hot servers, and abundant wind energy thats considered one of the most cost-effective renewable energy sources, which can help keep operating costs down.

Were talking loads that eclipse some of the largest cities in South Dakota.

 Bob Sahr, former public utilities commissioner and current CEO of East River Electric Cooperative

State regulators are not aware of any hyperscale data centers currently operating in South Dakota.

There isnt a requirement to report hyperscale data centers to the commission, so we dont have a formal method to track that information, said Leah Mohr with the Public Utilities Commission.

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Commissioner Kristie Fiegen noted that the states largest proposed data center is a 50-megawatt facility in Leola.

We dont know whats coming, she said. But the utilities are getting calls every week from people trying to see if they have the megawatts available.

The commission recently hosted a meeting in Pierre with representatives from regional utilities, regional power grid associations and data centers. The goal was to understand the emerging demands and facilitate an information exchange.

Bob Sahr, a former public utilities commissioner and current CEO of East River Electric Cooperative in Madison, emphasized the scale of energy needed.

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Were talking loads that eclipse some of the largest cities in South Dakota, he said.

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A single data center campus can require anywhere from 300 to 500 megawatts of electricity to operate. One megawatt can power hundreds of homes. By one estimate, there are over 1,000 hyperscalers worldwide, with the U.S. hosting just over half of them.

Ryan Long, president of Xcel Energy, headquartered in Minneapolis, illustrated the extreme nature of the demand.

We now have, I would say, north of seven gigawatts of requests across the Xcel Energy footprint for data centers to locate in one of our eight states, he said. And Ill be very frank that theres no way that were going to be able to serve all of that in a reasonable amount of time.

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Protecting existing customers from potential costs or energy shortages is another shared concern. Utility representatives emphasized the need for coal and natural gas to maintain a reliable base load when renewable sources like wind and solar are unavailable. Arick Sears of Iowa-based MidAmerican Energy underscored the point, noting that costs for each data center should depend on how much energy it consumes.

We need to ensure that large-scale energy users are paying their fair share, he said.

Utilities also flagged the risk of stranded costs, referring to a data center ceasing operations, leaving a utility with added infrastructure to meet a demand that no longer exists. They said financial safeguards will need to be written into power agreements with hyperscalers.

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Speed of deployment is another pressing issue. Representatives from Montana-Dakota Utilities, headquartered in North Dakota, and NorthWestern Energy, headquartered in Sioux Falls, noted that some facilities expect to be operational within months of making a deal, straining infrastructure, planning and resources.

Grid managers Brian Tulloh of Indiana-based Midcontinent Independent System Operator and Lanny Nickell of Arkansas-based Southwest Power Pool echoed those concerns. They warned that data center growth is outpacing the grids ability to meet demand and cautioned against decommissioning coal power plants too quickly. Setting aside how much it would cost to produce the required energy, Tulloh estimated that MISO needs $30 billion in electric transmission infrastructure to support the demand from hyperscalers.

The grid wasnt designed for that, Public Utilities Commissioner Chris Nelson told South Dakota Searchlight after the meeting.

Nelson was glad to hear the data centers will include backup generators, similar to hospitals, for power outages or when homes need prioritization. He said some even aim to have huge batteries to power the plant until the generators get going. They would consume massive amounts of diesel and natural gas until the outage is over.

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Nelson said all of this makes modern nuclear energy facilities more attractive. He said few alternative base load options remain, and the public has little appetite for ramping up coal power.

NorthWestern Energy is exploring the possibility of constructing a small nuclear power plant in South Dakota, with an estimated cost of $1.2 billion to $1.6 billion for a 320-megawatt facility. The plant would be the first in the state since a test facility near Sioux Falls in the 1960s.

The company is conducting a study, partially funded by the Department of Energy. Details about the study and potential plant sites remain confidential.

Additionally, South Dakotas Legislature has shown interest in nuclear energy, passing a resolution for further study on the topic that led to the publication of an issue memorandum by the Legislative Research Council.

EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated with corrections to the name of Leah Mohr and to the status of a data center in Leola.

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Dec. 6Ohio voters will likely face a statewide ballot measure this coming May  a constitutional amendment to give Ohio the authority to issue $2.5 billion in bonds to fund bridges, roads and other capital projects.

If approved by a simple majority of voters, the $2.5 billion in bonds would fund the building and repair of bridges, roads and water systems, including water supply, wastewater and storm water systems and treatment facilities through a program called the State Capital Improvement Program, or SCIP.

Both the Ohio House and Senate have already overwhelmingly supported the idea, but have so far pushed separate, identical resolutions to actually get the proposal on the ballot. Whether it's done in this legislative term or the next, a measure to get the proposal on the May 2025 ballot needs to be agreed on by Feb. 5, 90 days before the May 6 election.

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The bonds, if approved, would be used over a 10-year period, with yearly spending caps at $250 million.

This method of asking voters to approve bonds in bulk has been used in Ohio four times since the 1980s. This proposed fifth iteration has drawn support from a raft of government advocacy organizations, including the Ohio Municipal League, the Ohio Mayors Alliance, the Ohio Contractors Association, the Ohio Township Association and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. The proposal saw no formal opposition in committee.

The Senate passed its version, Senate Joint Resolution 4, first. It was approved 30-to-1 with the lone dissent of Dayton-area Sen. Niraj Antani, R-Miami Twp.

"The General Assembly's thirst to spend taxpayer dollars is seemingly unquenchable. This bill would authorize more spending, which I believe is unsustainable for Ohio's future," Antani told this outlet after the vote on Nov. 20.

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Sen. Brian Chavez, R-Marietta, joint sponsor of the resolution, vowed on the Senate floor that taxes would not need to be raised in order to pay for the bonds.

The House followed suit in an 87-4 vote on its version, House Joint Resolution 8, on Dec. 4.

"In terms of contributing to a healthier Ohio economy, renewal of this program will result in thousands of good paying jobs to do the construction work on the projects that this program will finance," said state Rep. Dan Troy, D-Willowick, a joint sponsor of the House's resolution, during the bill's first hearing.

Butler County Rep. Jennifer Gross, R-West Chester Twp., was the lone dissenter from the Miami Valley area. She told this outlet that she voted no based on what she believed to be improper spending in Ohio's most recent capital budget.

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"When we're not spending the money on capital projects that our taxpayer dollars should be spent on, in my opinion, we don't need to vote to increase that amount," Gross said.

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CHICAGO  Mayor Brandon Johnson on Friday put forth new ideas to get his budget passed after his first proposal was rejected by the City Council.

His administration has proposed a $68 million property tax increase, down from the $300 million originally proposed in October, in an effort to shore up a $340 million budget shortfall.

New to the discussions: an increase in the tax paid for plastic bags at the grocery store, from $.07 to $.10.

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The mayor also elaborated on how much revenue would be generated from taxes hes previously discussed increasing, like the streaming and cable TV tax, and the taxes paid when taking a rideshare or parking in a city garage.

He plans on $12.9 million being raised by increasing the amusement tax on streaming services and cable TV from 9% to $10.25%. Another $8.1 million would come from expanding the congestion tax on rideshares to include weekends but lowering it $0.25 to $2.75 on weekdays. He plans $11.3 million raised by hiking the tax at city garages to 23.35% from 22% on weekdays and setting a flat 20% tax on the weekends.

What Ive said from the very beginning: I am open to ideas, and a couple of alders have brought that idea to the forefront, and thats why its being considered, Johnson said, referring to the plastic bag tax. Ive put forth my budget proposal, which is very clear about investing in people. And as other ideas come in, like the one you just referred to, as the collaborator in chief, Im going to listen to them.

Tension grows at City Hall as Chicago budget deadline looms

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Chicago alders to mayor: Cut municipal spending to pre-pandemic levels

Voters dont like direction of Chicago budget negotiations, alders opinion poll shows

Deeply concerned: Mayors budget risks compliance with CPD consent decree

Budget officials: Mayors plan to balance budget with property tax increase prudent

The mayor has been adamant he wants a budget passed without the need to furlough or layoff city employees.

The City Council has until the end of the year to approve a budget for 2025.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  On Friday, FOX4 talked to Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas following a report questioning how hes spending nonprofit money.

Some of the expenses relate to him attending Chiefs games away from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Mayors Corps of Progress for a Greater Kansas City is a nonprofit that gets funding from private entities.

Thursday, the Missouri Independent reported Lucas used that entity to pay for his trip to the Super Bowl in February of 2023 when the Chiefs played the Philadelphia Eagles in Arizona.

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Parkville couple getting married at Arrowhead ahead of Chiefs game

The nonprofits been around since the 1970s, according to Lucas. In an interview with FOX4 Friday, Lucas said he did not know how prior administrations spent the money in it. Lucas is a board member of the entity.

For me fundamentally, my goal is always to save taxpayer dollars, he said. So, I think rather than trying to bill the taxpayers for things like business prospecting, promotion, rather than spending thousands of dollars and some cases tens of thousand of dollars, instead you do something that saves taxpayer dollars.

The report also from the Missouri Independent also mentioned a Political Action Committee (PAC) called United We Stand. FOX4 went back to an October 2023 Missouri Ethics Commission (MEC) report and found it paid Bold Decision Consulting $9,500 for research August 16, 2023. As FOX4 previously reported, that entity came out with a survey that said 70% of Clay County, MO residents would oppose a new sales tax to fund a Royals ballpark in North Kansas City, outside the KCMO city limits.

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The same MEC report shows United We Stand reimbursed Lucas then Chief of Staff Morgan Said $1,694.42 for an inaugural expense at the Halls Department Store on August 3, 2023. Lucas was sworn in for his second term two days prior, August 1. When FOX4 previously talked to the mayor about Bold Decision that year, he didnt give a declarative answer when we asked him if he knew who did the poll.

I did not. I did not, Lucas said when asked Friday if he lied to me in August of that year. First of all, I do not make decisions for Political Actions Committees. That, as you probably know, there are big rules in coordination, and so Im always interested in information. I did learn about the PAC identity, but I believe we talked several days after that poll. We had a conversation about if I think its accurate. You were interested in kind of, where does it come from and all those things? Thats not something that I typically get engaged in. I do not tend to look at PAC expense reports.

Friday afternoon, FOX4 asked Clay County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte how he felt, knowing there was a tie between the survey from August of 2023 and the mayor of Kansas City, where the Royals have also proposed building their new ballpark.

I think its certainly worth noting. I dont think being angry is necessarily productive, Nolte said. I think we factor that in, but quite honestly as I said, the survey itself, and the effort are something to be taken into account, but the important thing is the relationship that we build with our potential partners on this.

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See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

FOX4 also asked Nolte whether he was surprised with the results of that August 2023 survey.

Not overly. People do push polls all the time, he said.

When it comes to the Mayors Corps of Progress for a Greater Kansas City, Lucas told FOX4 he got advice of counsel. He says he also talked to compliance workers to make sure the way hes spending this money is okay, adding its also used to travel to meet with mayors of other cities.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dec. 6Falls Mayor Robert Restaino has vetoed a series of six amendments to his proposed $101 million-plus 2025 city budget saying they create a "structural imbalance" in the spending plan that violates New York state law and the city charter.

The budget amendments, approved unanimously by council members, a week ago, slashed an increase in funding for the Falls library and re-directed that cash to the "continued planning and development of Beech Avenue Park." Restaino said the reallocation of funds serves only to set up a "slush fund" for the council."

"Instead of benefitting the taxpayers, they moved this (library) funding to their own budget," Restaino said of the council's amendments. "They created a slush fund"

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The mayor also said the council amendments were riddled with failures to properly identify budgetary account codes or funds. In one case, Restaino noted that an amendment intended to cut the proposed salary for a city public information by $27,000 instead would cut the mayor's salary by that amount.

The mayor's salary is specified in the Falls City Charter and can not be changed without a charter amendment.

While not included in his veto messages, the mayor suggested, in an interview with the Gazette, that council members may have violated New York's Open Meetings Law in preparing their budget amendments.

"The five members secretly met under the guise of an attorney-client meeting to discuss the budget," Restaino said. "Ordinarily, that wouldn't be a topic (permitted to be discussed in a council executive session)."

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At a public budget amendment meeting, on Nov. 25, the council voted to eliminate $133,264 in increased funding for the Falls library and re-direct it elsewhere. Council members said they were moving $4,160 into their budget account to increase the proposed salary for a City Council secretary.

The funds transfer would raise the pay for the secretary's position to roughly $20 per hour.

They also directed that $10,500 of the proposed library funds be used instead to pay for what was described as an "unfunded" insurance buyout for three council members.

The bulk of the repurposed library funding would be moved to an "undesignated services" account in the city council's budget, with a direction that it would be used for "continued planning and development for Beech Avenue Park." In his veto message, Restaino told the council "this proposed amendment is unnecessary."

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"The action, as stated, has been completed," Restaino wrote. "All planning and development have been completed, construction drawings would be completed by a selected entity once funding, as outlined for the project, is identified."

The mayor described the proposed reallocation of the library funding as potentially devastating. He said the cut could lead to a corresponding cut of around $133,000 in state aid to libraries.

In his veto messages, the mayor said the cut would lead to a service reduction at the main library, a reduction in hours at the LaSalle branch to 20 hours a week, lay-offs in library staff, an end to the summer lunch program, and cutbacks in security at the two library buildings.

Restaino said he expected to meet with Council Chair James Perry (D) late Friday afternoon to discuss the vetoes. The council has until Dec. 15 to act on the vetoes and return the budget to the mayor.

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The council's budget amendments do not change the bottom line of the mayor's proposed $101,644,324 spending plan. The plan reflects roughly half a million dollars in increased spending, offset by a similar projected increase in revenue.

What the mayor has described as a "sharp decrease" in the value of Non-Homestead (business) properties combined with a modest increase in the value of Homestead (residential) properties would lead to a hike in residential property taxes.

Taxes for residential properties will increase by 54 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation. Taxes for business properties will drop by $1.50 per $1,000 assessed valuation.

The roughly 2.8% hike in 2025 residential property taxes follows a 3.1% reduction in those taxes in 2024. An average home, assessed at $100,000, would see a property tax increase of $54.

A business property, assessed at $100,000, would see its property tax bill decrease by $150 under the proposed budget. There is no change in the tax levy.
Dec. 6Johnson County Sheriff Adam King has long characterized dispatch as the toughest job in law enforcement in citing the profession's essential but also pressure cooker nature. King and other county officials in fact took pains to incorporate stress-relieving aspects into the county's recently completed new dispatch center.

Cleburne High School senior Madison McClure now hopes to do her part to enhance such efforts.

"In meeting with Sheriff King he shared with me about the importance of mental health in law enforcement more specifically concerning dispatchers," McClure said. "This idea is something I am very passionate about and feel would make the perfect community project."

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McClure discussed her project during the Nov. 25 commissioners court meeting.

Following a rigorous application and interview process, McClure was recently named an FFA/Ford Leadership Scholar. She is one of only 10 Texas students selected for the honor this year.

McClure has long participated in FFA as well as numerous other school clubs and organizations.

"This summer I attended training for this project with my mentors and the other nine scholars," McClure said. "I also had the opportunity to meet with community leaders to better understand the needs for services in our community."

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McClure said she her meeting with King left her highly impressed.

"He's very down to earth and you can tell he cares about his people," McClure said. "After I shared a little about my project he took the time to drive me to the new dispatch center and show me around.

"Sheriff King told me that dispatchers are the one job in law enforcement who feel like ghosts. They feel like they're not seen because they're only on the phone."

McClure's project, a requirement of the award, stretches over three year. She plans to focus on dispatchers this year, firefighters next year and law enforcement officers the third. McClure named her project "First Responders First."
SIMI VALLEY, California  Outgoing Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell took aim at the isolationist faction of the Republican Party  and an implicit swipe at President-elect Donald Trumps policies  in a speech Saturday, arguing the U.S. must double down on its commitments to alliances and hard military power to maintain its credibility on the international stage.

Speaking at the annual Reagan National Defense Forum at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, after which he received a standing ovation, the Kentucky Republican invoked the hawkish legacy of the 40th president, arguing that influential voices are forgetting the lessons of the Cold War amid growing threats from China and Russia.

Within the party Ronald Reagan once led so capably, it is increasingly fashionable to suggest that the sort of global leadership he modeled is no longer Americas place, McConnell said.

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But lets be absolutely clear: America will not be made great again by those who are content to manage our decline, McConnell said, paraphrasing Trumps longtime campaign slogan.

Though McConnell stepped aside as GOP leader, hell continue to be a relevant player in Washington, maintaining a powerful perch as chair of the Senate Defense Appropriations panel, which helps dictate the Pentagons budget.

And though he didnt mention Trump, McConnells remarks underscore that he could be a foil to the incoming administration on national security issues next year when he leaves leadership.

McConnell  who received the Peace Through Strength award alongside outgoing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin  criticized the state of U.S. military deterrence and called for deep investments to beef up weapons production. His first-ever appearance at the event, an annual conclave for the defense establishment, highlights the broader debate within the GOP about U.S. engagement in world affairs versus a more isolationist America First approach.

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McConnell heaped criticism on elements of both parties, arguing they are endorsing a dangerous fiction about the U.S. place in the world.

"At both ends of our politics, a dangerous fiction is taking hold  that Americas primacy and the fruits of our leadership are self-sustaining, McConnell said. Even as allies across NATO and the Indo-Pacific renew their own commitments to hard power, to interoperability, and to collective defense, some now question Americas own role at the center of these force-multiplying institutions and partnerships.

He also criticized the Pentagon, industry and Congress for the state of U.S. readiness for a major war. He scolded the Defense Department for anemic budgets he argued encourage using critical munitions as bill-payers. And he faulted lawmakers for an inability to secure military funding on time.

In a preview of McConnells likely top agenda item in his next act leading the Senate Defense Appropriations panel, he called for generational investments in the national defense enterprise to supercharge weapons production.

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"The Pentagon is not equipped to meet the demands of protracted or multi-theater conflict, he said. Neither is our defense industrial base."

The Senate Republican leader also challenged the defense industry to ramp up immediately to more quickly produce needed weapons.

"Patriotic companies have more work to do to expand production capacity. And they need to do it today, rather than wait for contracts we all know are coming, McConnell said. We need to adopt new technologies more quickly and expand production capacity at the same time."

McConnell has been a steadfast advocate of substantial U.S. aid to Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of countering Russian aggression and upholding Democratic values. Trump, and his wing of the Republican party, have expressed skepticism toward assistance to Ukraine and the NATO alliance.
Dec. 6An inmate was mistakenly released from the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center on Tuesday  the latest in a series of similar incidents.

"We are not releasing the inmate's name because this was MDC's mistake, not his," MDC spokesperson Candace Hopkins told the Journal.

Based on an initial review, she said the "potential failure to follow established policy and procedure led to this erroneous release."

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It's the fourth mistaken release in the last several months. In one instance, a probationary employee put the wrong case number into the jail's database, leading to the inmate's release, according to MDC. In another instance, a staff member did not make sure the inmate was processed into pretrial services first, the Journal previously reported.

The inmate released Tuesday was booked into the jail on April 4. He had been transferred to MDC from the Federal Bureau of Prisons in California.

"I do not have details about his California charges, except that he was serving a sentence at the California facility and is scheduled to be released in June 2025," Hopkins said.

The inmate was transferred to Bernalillo County for a trial in which he was charged with first-degree murder, shooting at or from a motor vehicle resulting in a death, receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle, tampering with evidence and being a felon in possession of a firearm, she said.

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The case ended in a mistrial.

As a result, the inmate was ordered to be released. MDC received the release order and processed the inmate's release from custody on Tuesday. But MDC was alerted Wednesday that the inmate should have remained in custody to be transported back to California, she said.

"The inmate was made aware of the mistake during a phone call with the Bureau of Prisons," Hopkins said. Arrangements were made to transport him back to California, with his cooperation. MDC picked him up with no issues and proceeded with the transport arrangements. He is now back in custody at his original housing facility, she said.

All the incidents involving the erroneous inmate releases are under investigation, Hopkins said.

The final results of the investigation will determine whether any necessary accountability measures will need to be taken, she said.
Waco, TX (FOX 44)  The Texas Veterans Hall of Fame (TVHOF) presented their Medal of Valor to the Doris Miller VA Medical Center in honor of Millers service to the nation and to Texas.

The honor follows Millers induction into the TVHOF in 2022, which serves as a living tribute to Texas service members and educates the public about military history.

Our primary mission is to get all of the stories of all of our veterans in our database so that down the road, when the little ones want to know what their grandma and grandpa did, then theyll have a place where they can go and research, says Texas Veterans Hall of Fame president Gary E. Steele.

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Millers relatives gathered on this special day to honor their late family member.

Very emotional. Were very proud and honored for him to be our relative. He really left a legacy, and were just so honored that he honored our country the way that he did, says Jacqueline L. Shaw, one of Millers relatives.

During the time Miller served, African-Americans were not allowed in every position in the U.S. Military. Nevertheless, when duty called, he took it upon himself to take action and serve his country and help save lives.

He didnt set out to.you know, for the recognition. He was just doing what his mother raised him to do. Do the right thing, says Shaw.

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Millers legacy doesnt just live on here in Central Texas, but across the country. With his brave actions on December 7th, 1941 becoming legendary around the nation.

I met a lady earlier today who said in California, she went to the Dorie Miller Middle School and her children went to the school. We had no idea that it was outside of the Texas area, being honored in the legacy that he has left, says Shaw.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
Im not sure that I can improve on TNRs Matt Fords assessment of President Joe Bidens pardon of his son Hunter as a quintessentially corrupt act. That just about covers it. With scant weeks remaining in Bidens term, his act will look even worse if he fails to extend the same sweeping protection to the numerous other people threatened by the incoming Trump administrationto say nothing of the many nonviolent drug offenders who, unlike Hunter, are doing time in federal prisons. But, this being Washington, there is always some reprobate lying around with an even worse idea than the one making all the headlines. Congratulations to Marc Thiessen, an inexplicable survivor of multiple rounds of Washington Post layoffs, and his American Enterprise Institute podcast host Danielle Pletka for suggesting an even more rancid use of Bidens pardon power: Use it to take Donald Trump off the hook.

According to the pairs recent op-ed, A pardon would make good on the presidents inaugural pledge of unity. I must hasten to clarify, this would be Bidens pledge of unity that they are referring to here, a long-forgotten relic of his inaugural address. Trump, for his part, has promised to persecute his political opponents, remigrate disfavored legal immigrants, fire the civil service workforce to turn the administrative state into an engine of revenge, and turn Kash Patela nefarious troll with a foot-long enemies listloose at the FBI. This is a different vision of unity: one nation under a boot.

Acknowledging the obviousthat Trump is all but set to skate on everything hes been charged with, regardless of the merits of the cases against himThiessen and his co-author write, Trump may not need Bidens pardon, but America does. Naturally, you shouldnt hold your breath that these two will hold Trump to account when he launches his revenge campaign in a few weeks time for the sake of America. The whole point of this call to have Biden pardon Trump is less about any authentic desire to heal our divisions than it is to simply entangle Biden more permanently in Trumps lawlessness.

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More importantly, you can mark this op-ed as the last time were going to hear about the importance of unity for a while. With Trump returning to office, Thiessen wont be the only person in the commentariat wholl be recalibrating their barometers for harmony and unanimity. The media will soon be leaving their fetish for bipartisanship, compromise, and comity behind since the only people on whom they ever impose these standardsDemocratswill be out of power.

If you are old enough to remember the first time Trump came to power, then youve seen this movie before. During his tenure, President Barack Obama was constantly besieged by the worst pundits in America for his failure to bring Republicanswho were at the time following Mitch McConnells monomaniacal pursuit of obstruction at any costto the table to support broad bipartisan initiatives. The chief dunce of the Washington press corps at the time, David Broder, established his own benchmark for Democratic policy legitimacy at 70 Senate votes, thus setting up the Affordable Care Act to fail at an arbitrary standard that ended up not mattering because, as near as I can tell, Obamacare is still the law of the land, oddly durable for having failed Broders big purity test.

Obama, who was nevertheless pathologically eager to please the chattering class, followed their lead down a multitude of blind alleys, from negotiations over the debt ceiling to multiple failed attempts at debt-slashing committees. With each failure, the pundit class slagged Obama for his failed leadership. It was, to me, such a deeply rooted insanity that I often wondered what it would take to dislodge these obsessions with watering down policy in order to broker deals with Republican sickos. Little did I know that the answer was to elect Trump president.

But yeah, that did the trick. Seemingly overnight, the constant chorales to the virtues of bipartisan deals and the need to pass laws with 70 Senate votes vanished. And Im guessing that when Biden quits the scene at last, you wont hear anything more about the importance of unity or harmony again. Youll want to remember how quickly the pundit class flips the off-switch, and recognize their unrelenting cynicism: When, after all, is it more necessary for critics and observers to try to hold fast to a high standard than when the person doing the standard-bearing is bent on debasing the constitutional order? And yet, these clowns only found the courage to pillory a president for supposedly insufficient bipartisanship when that president was someone who more or less agreed that sensible centrism and adherence to polite norms was the way the country should be run.

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Ive no idea how the press will respond to a second Trump presidency. But I can already hear pencils being sharpened, ready to greet the president-elects plan to pardon the January 6 rioters with a flurry of hot takes about how Bidens pardon of Hunter made it all OK.

Who even knows what purpose such journalism is supposed to serve? The senseless flattening of wildly different offenses by wildly different presidents is not going to help make sense of the world, give people the information needed to confront big problems, or really make anyone happy or better off. Its a thought exercise, invented by nimrods, that will fail in advancebut every nincompoop in the political media is going to follow this and other bankrupt notions in a lemming-like parade off the discourse cliff, all the same. But this makes my admonition for Democrats to quit the bipartisanship business all the more sensible, because if theyre not careful, in a few weeks time theyll be the only people left in town pretending its a virtue.

This article first appeared in Power Mad, a weekly TNR newsletter authored by deputy editor Jason Linkins. Sign up here.
19-year-old Russian conscript Artem Antonov was shot and killed by his commander after reportedly refusing to sign a military contract to fight in Kursk Oblast, the Russian independent outlet IStories reported on Dec. 6.

The incident occurred on October 21 at the "Ilyinsky" training ground of the 60th Motorized Rifle Brigade, where the commander fired into the ranks of soldiers, striking Antonov in the head.

Antonov's relatives claim he faced repeated torture and abuse, including beatings with iron rods, for refusing to sign the contract.

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Before his death, Antonov shared details of the abuse in a private social media group, which was deleted shortly after he died.

When the family received his body, they discovered not only a gunshot wound but also multiple bruises, suggesting further mistreatment.

The abuse of Russian soldiers by their commanders and fellow troops since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine has been previously documented. Problems with military hazing and mistreatment of subordinates by their superiors date back to the Soviet era and were also widely reported in Russia's wars in Chechnya.

Read also: Russia has deployed nearly 60,000 troops to Kursk Oblast, media reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Editors Note: CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute airs this Sunday, December 8, at 8pm ET/PT on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Espanol and CNN Max.

Hundreds of immigrants, refugees, and locals are playing music together in Sweden, while 1,500 girls in Togo are attending school in locally made uniforms that help support their entire community. This is just some of the life-changing work of the Top 5 CNN Heroes of 2024. They are a group of everyday people who saw problems, and now their solutions are making the world a better place.

Every CNN Heros journey begins with a nomination from members of the CNN audience who are inspired by their efforts. Each of the Top 5 CNN Heroes will be awarded $10,000 and the CNN Hero of the Year and receive an additional $100,000 to continue their inspiring work.

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Joining this years broadcast to help honor the Top 5 CNN Heroes and share their stories are Academy Award nominee Bradley Cooper, Emmy nominee Pedro Pascal, global media leader Oprah Winfrey, ballet dancer Misty Copeland, Emmy nominee and star of NBCs Brilliant Minds Zachary Quinto.

This year, the second annual CNN Heroes Legacy Award will continue the tradition of honoring not-so-everyday people dedicated to a lifetime of service by recognizing Michael J. Fox with a special tribute and appearance. He was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease at age 29, and Fox has brought hope to millions worldwide since launching the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000. They have funded $2 billion so far to speed up Parkinsons research and eradicate the disease.

CNN Heroes will also honor Brooke and Breanna Bennett as Young Wonders. These teenage twins are on a mission to end period poverty in the US. Their nonprofit Women in Training, Inc., provides girls, women, and nonbinary youth with menstrual products, education, and mentorship.

The Top 5 CNN Heroes will receive a grant along with organizational and capacity-building support from The Elevate Prize Foundation. They will also attend the foundations third annual Make Good Famous Summit in Miami.

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CNN has teamed up with GoFundMe to enable donations to this years honorees and learn more about their stories. Right now, The Elevate Prize Foundation is matching contributions to the Top 5 CNN Heroes dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000 per Hero when donating through CNNHeroes.com.

The CNN Hero of the Year will be revealed during CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute, hosted by Anderson Cooper and Laura Coates, airing on Sunday, December 8, at 8 p.m. ET.

Read more about each of this years Top 5 CNN Heroes below:

Ron Davis Alvarez: New life through music

We all need to learn from each other. We are an orchestra for everyone.

Alvarez grew up in the favelas of Caracas, Venezuela. At 10, he joined El Sistema, a globally acclaimed program providing free classical music training to children from under-resourced communities. I fell in love with music from my first class, he said.

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By 14, he was teaching classes; by 16, he was conducting. Eventually, Alvarez worked for El Sistema to help spread their innovative teaching methods worldwide. It was this work that led him to first visit Sweden in 2015.

Alvarez was in Stockholm just as unprecedented numbers of refugees were arriving in the country, most from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He was struck by their plight and wanted to help. After moving to Gothenburg the following year, he created a music group for refugees and started with 13 students. He knew playing music together would help them make friends, express themselves, and rebuild their self-esteem. He named the group the Dream Orchestra to emphasize their potential.

Eight years later, the program has more than 300 members, from 3 to 56 years old, of more than 25 nationalities. While many are immigrants and refugees, the group also includes many second-generation immigrants as well as native Swedes.

Stephen Knight: Saving the lives of dogs and their owners

When somebody makes that decision to go into treatment, its one of the biggest decisions, the bravest decisions, theyll make.

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In 2011, when Knight was 51 years old, he had lost everything to meth addiction  his family, his job, his home, and nearly his life. HIV positive and living out of his car, Knight entered rehab at the behest of his mother.

Eight months into recovery, Knight answered the door of his sober living apartment to find a friend in tears. She had relapsed, and in her arms was a 15-pound Maltese/Dachshund mix named Jayde. Knights friend said no one would take Jayde, and she asked Knight for a ride to a shelter so she could surrender her.

Instead, Knight became a dog dad to Jayde. He soon learned that other people struggled to find temporary homes for their beloved pets when they needed to enter rehab, often delaying or forgoing substance abuse treatment because of it.

Today, Knight and his organization, Dogs Matter, provide foster care for pets while their owners are in rehab. They vet applicants, conduct animal behavior assessments, and execute contracts that require participants to stick to their recovery plan and complete a 12-month post-release wraparound program. His nonprofit has helped more than 1,200 dogs and their owners.

Payton McGriff: Empowering girls and elevating women

Talent and resilience and resourcefulness is so equally distributed worldwide, but opportunity is not.

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A marketing major, McGriff was pursuing her dream job in business when she took an entrepreneurship class her senior year at the University of Idaho. Tasked with creating a business or nonprofit, she remembered reading that many impoverished families who want to educate their daughters cant afford tuition fees, school supplies, and the uniform mandated in many countries.

She connected with her professor, who encouraged her to join a spring break trip to his home country of Togo. There, she saw first-hand the reality of what girls faced and sought solutions. A uniform is typically one of the more expensive pieces, McGriff said. They can be one of the most cost-effective ways to keep girls in school.

Ultimately, McGriff founded Style Her Empowered, known as SHE. In their first year, the group hired local seamstresses in Togo and provided uniforms and school fees to 65 girls. But the girls quickly outgrew their uniforms. That problem led to her teams creation of the uniform that grows. Designed by the seamstresses  with input from the students, McGriff, and others  the dress now has adjustable elements that create a tailored fit for every body type and enable it to grow up to a foot in length. The uniform can fit a girl for up to three years, adjusting six sizes; when outgrown, it can be handed down to younger girls.

Today, SHE provides 1,500 girls a year in Togo with free uniforms, school fees, supplies, tutoring, and much more, while also bringing opportunities and education to the women they employ.

Rachel Rutter: Supporting the newest newcomers

Theyve already been through so much trauma, it can be jarring when they arrive here and realize that its really just beginning.

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As an immigration lawyer who works closely with unaccompanied migrant children, Rutter knows how long and difficult their journeys are and the desperate situations they are fleeing. Early on, she saw the hurdles her young clients had to overcome after arriving in the US. They lacked stable housing and consistent meals and needed mental health and academic support.

I saw that these kids dont just need legal status, they also need all of these other things if theyre going to really heal and be successful, Rutter said.

Compelled to fill in those gaps, she created Project Libertad in 2015. The nonprofit provides free legal representation, essential and social services, and newcomer support programs to immigrant youth. The organization has assisted more than 1,100 individuals, representing more than 90 young people in immigration cases.

Through their Immigrant Childrens Defense Project, Rutter and her group protect vulnerable youth across Pennsylvania, helping them apply for immigration status and representing in court those who are facing deportation.

Yamilee Toussaint: Lighting up the stage with STEM

I just started to wonder about a world where the benefits that you get from dance can lead to the outcomes that were looking for in STEM.

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Growing up, Toussaint had a love for math but says the dance studio was her home away from home. This dual passion led her to study mechanical engineering at MIT, where she was also head of the dance team. She noticed that she was one of only two Black women in her major. Later, while teaching high school math, she became determined to empower girls of color to get excited about science, technology, engineering, and math.

In 2012, she created STEM From Dance, a nonprofit program that combines dance with STEM education to make these subjects more engaging and accessible. Today, the program works with girls of color ages 8 to 18 in nine cities across the US and is free to its participants.

The organizations school and summer programs typically attract girls who identify as dancers but are hesitant about STEM. Through the supportive community and hands-on projects, the girls begin to see themselves as programmers, engineers, and innovators.

Through dance, were able to create this atmosphere that feels comfortable, Toussaint said. And with that space, were able to introduce something that feels kind of intimidating.

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Working in small groups, the girls choreograph dance routines that include STEM elements, such as LED light strips that they code to light up with the music. The girls also create songs through computer science that they incorporate into their performance. To date, more than 2,000 girls have benefitted from the program.

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The meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President-elect Donald Trump in Paris lasted 35 minutes.

Source: Serhii Nykyforov, the Ukrainian president's spokesperson, speaking to European Pravda

Quote from Nykyforov: "It [the meeting] is over. It lasted about 35 minutes."

Details: Nykyforov said Zelenskyy, Macron and Trump met in private, with no one else in the room.

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He added that no statements were made to the press afterwards.

PRESIDENT TRUMP IN FRANCE  AMERICA IS BACK! pic.twitter.com/gDJCcD0dv0  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) December 7, 2024

Background:

Earlier, French media had reported that Zelenskyy arrived at the Elysee Palace at 17:30 local time. Trump was already there.

The leaders are in Paris to attend the reopening of Notre Dame, which has been rebuilt after a fire. All the celebrations marking the cathedral's reopening will take place indoors due to bad weather.

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A neighbor of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Montecito has shared mixed opinions about the royal couple.

According to a new report, the individual in question claimed that the Duchess of Sussex lacked community involvement while Harry is "quite jolly" but also barely involved.

This revelation comes after Prince Harry shut down rumors about him and Meghan getting divorced and stated he had no plans to leave the US.

Prince Harry And Meghan's Neighbor Claims The Couple Is Rarely Seen In Montecito

MEGA

Harry and Meghan's neighbors in Santa Barbara have been vocal about their experiences living next door to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

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In a German documentary titled "Harry: The Lost Prince," Richard Mineards, a resident of Montecito, shared his thoughts about the royal duo, expressing how he doesn't feel Meghan's presence in their community.

"I personally don't think that Meghan is an asset to our community," he said, per the Daily Mail. "She doesn't really go out or get involved with the community."

On the other hand, Mineards had a more favorable view of Harry, calling him "quite jolly." He, however, noted that, like his wife Meghan, Harry is also rarely seen.

Neighbor Says The Sussexes Snubbed His Gesture Of Friendship In Montecito

MEGA

Mineards is not the first local resident to have expressed discontent with the royal couple.

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In July 2023, Frank McGinity, an 88-year-old US Navy veteran, shared an experience where he felt snubbed by Harry and Meghan in his memoir "Get Off Your Street."

In the book, McGinity wrote that he has a "big house next to Harry and Meghan's property," and one day, he went up to their gate to give the couple a film he made on the history of the area they had moved into, "but they weren't interested."

The veteran noted that he was turned away by a man who "wouldn't take the film" and said, "They're not interested."

"I was trying to be neighborly," he recalled, per Page Six. McGinity also shared his surprise that the young couple moved to Montecito, considering that most locals were older.

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"It's surprising they came here. People are typically older. It's where the elephants come to die," he remarked.

Prince Harry Reflects On Life In The US With Meghan And Their Kids

MEGA

Harry recently shared that his life in the US is what his mother, Princess Diana, would have wanted for him.

In an interview at The New York Times Dealbook Summit, Harry confirmed that he plans to stay in America, enjoying the privacy and freedom it offers for raising he and Meghan's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

"I very much enjoy living here and bringing my kids up here," he explained, noting that the level of privacy his family has in the US is something they "undoubtedly wouldn't be able to do in the UK" due to security concerns.

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Harry has been embroiled in a legal row in the UK because his security was stripped from him after he and his wife stepped down as working royals.

The Duke Of Sussex Felt 'Helpless' After His Mother's Death

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Reflecting on the impact of public life on his mental health, Harry spoke about the trauma of his mother's death and how feeling helpless as a child still affects him.

"I think again, when you are kind of trapped within this bubble, it kind of feels like there's no way out," he said.

He continued: "What happened to my mum and the fact that I was a kid and felt helpless, there comes the inner turmoil. I felt helpless."

The duke revealed his biggest worry was that the same fate might befall him, his wife, or his children, but for now, his focus is on being the best husband and father he can be.

Prince Harry Brushes Aside Meghan Markle Divorce Rumor

MEGA

During the interview, NYT columnist and DealBook founder Andrew Ross Sorkin asked Harry about the intense public fascination with his personal life.

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Sorkin pointed out the media's focus on Harry and Meghan: "People are fascinated by everything you're doing, all the time. They're fascinated by Meghan is in California right now, and you're here."

He continued, "And there are articles left and right about, you know, 'Why are you making, doing independent events? Why aren't you doing them together?"

In his response, Harry joked, "Because you invited me, you should have known!"

The prince quickly disagreed when asked if the constant media interest was good. He mentioned how rumors about their home purchases and marriage have circulated.

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"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?" Harry wondered.

Although the Sussexes have been focusing on separate projects recently, reports claim that they have plans to spend the rest of the year together this holiday season with their kids and Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland.
A Florida man who kidnapped a Lawrenceville couple, robbed them, and sexually assaulted one of the victims in November of 2022 pleaded guilty this week.

Because of his actions, he will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Stevenson Charles, 23, pled guilty to false imprisonment, aggravated sodomy, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of armed robbery, and two counts of aggravated assault.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

This defendants behavior is absolutely outrageous, Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. We are pleased with this life sentence, and we hope this resolution gives justice to the individuals he targeted.

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Charles used the dating app Scruff to connect with his victim on Nov. 10, 2022.

He later met the victim in person, held the victim at gunpoint and forced them to perform a sexual act before robbing the victim.

TRENDING STORIES:

Charles forced the victim to drive to his home, where he kidnapped the victim and his husband. He then stole both mens wedding rings and forced them to drive around to different stores to purchase gift cards that he took.

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Charles actions did not start with the Lawrenceville couple; in 2023, he was convicted in a federal court in Florida for carjacking, kidnapping, and robbing five victims in Miami  some whom he connected with using another dating app, Grindr.

Be careful not to allow yourself to become a victim by hooking up with strangers on dating apps, DA Austin-Gatson said.

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NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  The states Department of Health is getting ready to ask the Legislative Finance Committee for $243 million. It would be used to address critical needs across the state.

The funds are a $42 million increase from over this years budget.

The department said this proposal is made to cover critical needs, rising costs, and workforce challenges.

The DOH will represent its budget to the state Legislative Finance Committee on Monday at the Roundhouse.

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New Mexicans can now get a mobile drivers license

Additionally, the Taxation and Revenue Department is asking for an $86 million General Fund budget. The department said itd be used to improve security and services for tax and motor vehicle customers.

Taxation and Revenue has made great strides with innovations to better serve taxpayers and the state of New Mexico over the past several years. Adequate funding will ensure that we continue to improve our security and our customer service, said Taxation and Revenue Secretary Stephanie Schardin Clarke.

This budget is about 3% larger than the current years budget.

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A photo of the New Mexico digital drivers license captured Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. New Mexico is one of several states now allowing for digital ID uses at airport security or for buying age-restricted products. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

New Mexico now allows residents to carry and use virtual drivers licenses. But for now, theyre mostly just taking up memory on your phone.

A digital version of your ID wont let you swan through local airport security for weeks  or maybe even longer, and its unclear how many businesses will let you use it to prove youre old enough to buy alcohol or cannabis.

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Earlier this year, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 88 to allow New Mexico to join a handful of other states in developing digital identification for smartphones. Arizona and Georgia first launched their efforts in 2021, and Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland and Ohio followed, while California is still piloting their program.

The process for getting a digital ID includes taking photos of the physical card  front and back  and then submitting images and video of the ID-holders face to the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department.

But while it only takes a few hours to get the digital ID, actually using it somewhere may take a few more months.

New Mexico currently doesnt have airport security checkpoints that allow for digital ID, its illegal to drive without a physical license in the state, and restaurants, liquor stores and cannabis shops may take a while to adopt the technology to use it.

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Restaurants and other venues that sell liquor are going to need training, said Carol Wight, the chief executive officer at the New Mexico Restaurant Association.

Weve got to start educating folks, the general public and the people who are taking these IDs, Wight said. So it will probably take a couple of years before this becomes what everybodys using.

Wight said top officials at the Department of Taxation and Revenue alerted her to the programs start in a call last week, and that the New Mexico Restaurant Association will plan a webinar on the program in coming weeks.

State licensing officials sent emails to businesses on Thursday, notifying them that digital IDs can now be used for purchasing age-restricted items such as alcohol, cannabis and tobacco.

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The state released a verification app the state created called NM Verifier, which businesses can use to read the digital IDs in order to sell age-restricted items.

A spokesperson at the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department did not provide answers Friday to questions about how many digital IDs have been issued, and how many businesses have downloaded NM Verifier.

The federal Transportation Security Administration allows digital IDs to pass through airport security checkpoints in places around the country, but hasnt installed the technology yet in New Mexico airports.

The states announcement said that digital IDs will be able to be used at Albuquerques Sunport and Hobbs-based Lea County Regional Airport in coming weeks, but no other details were available.

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A spokesperson for the Sunport deferred comment to the regional TSA office in Albuquerque, who did not respond to Source NM calls or emails for comment.

Lea County officials said they were surprised by the announcement, and said they would seek additional information from TSA officials before making a comment.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  New Mexicos cash crop is green chile but saffron could be taking its place. The United States market for saffron was 360 million dollars in 2023 so I would say there is a potential market for saffron here, said Associate Professor and lead researcher Saeiz Zehtab Salmasi, NMSU.

New Mexico health, tax departments propose new budgets

New Mexico has built a strong economy on crops like Chile and pecans but New Mexico State University researchers are taking a closer look at more sustainable crops that will impact the states economy. Salmasi and his team successfully harvested flowers from nearly 4,000 saffron bulbs. Saffron is typically used as a spice in the Middle East but Salmasi said it has more benefits than people might think.

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Saffron is not just a spice, it has so many medicinal properties as well. Its a strong anti-depressant. It can be used to treat Alzheimers disease and there are some studies to using saffron extract to control cancer diseases as well, said Samasi.

Salmasi said saffron does not need a lot of fertilizer or water making it the perfect crop for southern New Mexico.

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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.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Five people have been charged in connection with an alleged international human trafficking ring involving illicit massage parlors in Metro Detroit, the Michigan Attorney General announced Friday.

Following an investigation that began this summer, seven to nine women of Chinese and Korean origin were found and freed from alleged trafficking Friday when dozens of law enforcement officers executed search warrants at four massage parlors in Detroit, Highland Pak, st. Clair Shores, and Sterling Heights.

11 Healing Studio in St. Clair Shores, on Harper near 12 Mile Rd.

AM Healing Studio in Sterling Heights, near the intersection of Metro Parkway and Mound.

Magic Health Spa in Detroit, at 8 Mile Rd and Lahser.

8 Star in Detroit, on 8 Mile near I-75.

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The following individuals were arrested and charged:

Jingyu Jin, a 45-year-old Chinese national alleged to be the head of the trafficking ring Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony Conspiracy to Commit Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony Accepting Earnings from Prostitution, a 20-year felony Transportation for Prostitution, a 20-year felony Money Laundering, a 10-year felony Keeping a House of Prostitution, a 5-year felony

Huazi Piao Conducting a Criminal Enterprise Conspiracy to Commit a Criminal Enterprise Accepting Earnings from Prostitution Money Laundering 2 counts of Keeping a House of Prostitution

Jon Villasurda,Sr. of Clinton Township, a Michigan resident and American citizen Conducting a Criminal Enterprise Conspiracy to Commit Conducting a Criminal Enterprise Transportation in Service of Prostitution

Oumar Lougue, a 53-year-old non-citizen from West Africa Conducting a Criminal Enterprise; Conspiracy to Commit Conducting a Criminal Enterprise; Accepting Earnings from Prostitution; and Keeping a House of Prostitution.

Ming Li, a 59-year-old undocumented immigrant Conducting a Criminal Enterprise; Conspiracy to commit a Criminal Enterprise; and 2 counts of Keeping a House of Prostitution.



The charges against Jin, Lougue, and Villasurda have been filed in the 40th District Court in the city of St. Clair Shores. The charges against Li and Piao have been filed in the 36th District Court in Detroit. Arraignments on the charges have not been scheduled.

If you are a victim of human trafficking or know someone you think may need help, contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-373-7888 or text 233733.

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This is a national, toll-free hotline, that is available to answer calls, texts, and chats from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. All calls are confidential.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Dec. 6Having immersed himself in education and nonprofits over the years, Adrian Carrasco is now interim executive director of the Education Partnership of the Permian Basin.

Carrasco, also a member of the Midland College Board of Trustees and a businessman, has stepped in to help while a nationwide search is conducted to replace Adrian Vega. Vega has taken a job as vice president of institutional advancement at Midland College.

Carrasco has a consulting company called the Carrasco Group, which is heavily involved in nonprofit consulting, marketing and advertising, and is president of Premier Energy Services.

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He is helping the Education Partnership with their search while serving as interim.

He recently served as interim director of the Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin and helped with their search. Leticia Martinez, who was the program director, was recently named executive director.

The organizations have some shared board members and Carrasco had been involved with the Education Partnership as an advisory committee member when it first started and is involved as an industry partner with the Permian Basin Innovation Zone.

"Education is very important to me. It was instilled to me and my siblings as we grew up in Kermit, Texas, as the important pillar for advancement, and that education was important," Carrasco said.

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"I've been very lucky and grateful that I have been able to serve in the capacities as a volunteer, as a board of director for nonprofits that deal with education. I am a Board of Trustee at Midland College, so higher education and the importance of helping first-generation students get a career is important to me."

He added that there is a lot of opportunity for students and adults to advance their careers and get into oil and gas, health care, hospitality or whatever career they choose. He noted that students will need some type of certification or training to go into oil and gas because it's so technologically advanced.

"It's not like you just show up and work like it used to be when I started the oilfield where you just showed up and they taught you. ... Now there's just no time for that. They want you to be trained and be able to know what you're needing to do," Carrasco said.

As interim executive director of the Education Partnership of the Permian Basin, his primary role is to lead the search for executive director.

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"This would be my fourth executive director search that I have been involved with either as a co-chair or a chair of the ... search, but also being the leader of the organization, as far as supporting our staff and supporting initiatives that the Education Partnership is currently involved with; just keeping the ship afloat and and doing the great work that they are already doing and supporting that," Carrasco said.

He added that his goal is not to take these jobs but to work with his consulting company to help other nonprofits with fundraising, development, marketing and advertising.

About four years ago, he moved to San Antonio and worked in the pharmaceutical industry. When he came back to the Basin, he started his businesses.

"When I was elected (to the MC board), I started getting a lot of calls ... from nonprofits. Hey, we'd love for you to be on our board or look at our nonprofit ... When I did that, I quickly was involved with committees and fundraising. I was involved with capital campaigns, in particular Senior Life. Then I was asked to be the chair of the United Way of Midland and the chair of the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and involved with the executive committee of the board of directors for the Midland Chamber of Commerce," Carrasco said.

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As a result, giving back to the community and nonprofits came into his heart.

He estimated that the search for a new Education Partnership executive director will take five months. Carrasco said they are conducting a local, regional and national search.

"We will reach out to organizations throughout the nation, and we have got to make sure that people understand that and realize that they're coming to a beautiful place, but it may be different than what they're used to," he said.

Carrasco said it will be important that candidates understand not only Texas, but West Texas.

"I think the opportunity to be able to come in here and and learn how ... we're hard working people out here in West Texas ... and it also needs to align with the mission and the values of this organization, of the Education Partnership of the Permian Basin. Education is a very important piece to look at, but they also need to be able to know how to run a business," Carrasco said.

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"A nonprofit is like a business. You need to be a leader. (It) needs to be someone that can support staff and that has a good track record of that," he added.

It's important that whoever is chosen understands the Education Partnership's strategic plan, what the organization's future looks like and is in tune with development, fundraising, grant writing and making sure the organization has the funds it needs to support its initiatives and continue to work on relationships with its funders and partners.

They are also using a firm called Dini Spheris in Houston that Carrasco is familiar with and has worked with on other executive searches to help. He added that they will be reaching out to partners and funders in their service area to give them feedback on what they would like to see in an executive director for the Education Partnership of the Permian Basin.

A graduate of Kermit High School, Carrasco earned an associate degree in general studies from Midland College and a bachelor's degree in political science from University of Texas San Antonio.

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Education has always been important to his family.

"We're a family of 10. All 10 of us went to Midland Community College and received degrees, and went on to various universities after that and received degrees. Some of us own businesses. One of my oldest brothers is a great physician in San Antonio and one of my brothers runs a big healthcare clinic in Houston. We're all very well versed and understood that it was important for us to get an education, get a career and do the best ... Our parents also taught us to to give back to our communities ... That's another reason why I continue to make that an important part of my life," Carrasco said.

He and his wife, Elaine, have four children and three grandchildren.

"(I'm) very happy to be part of the Education Partnership and I'm looking forward to this executive director search and my time here to lead the team. We have an excellent team that is involved in our pathways and our initiatives," Carrasco said.

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He added that he is lucky to be at the partnership and is grateful and thankful to the board of directors for choosing and having trust in him as interim.

Education Partnership Chair Lorraine Perryman said Carrasco is passionate about education from cradle to career.

"He is committed to working together throughout the region to improve the education landscape in the Permian. As a longtime member of the Education Partnership of the Permian Basin Leadership Team, Adrian has in-depth knowledge of our organization and utilizing the collective impact model to bring us together to find solutions. Timing was perfect for him to step into the interim executive director role as he was completing his tenure as interim at the Literacy Council. Adrian is a well-known leader, business owner, education advocate and problem solver. We are thrilled and honored that he is guiding the Education Partnership through this transition and leading the board on our search for the perfect permanent executive director," Perryman said.
CAMP HILL, Pa. (WHTM)  A police K9 from the Midstate will soon be honored on cable television.

Camp Hill Police Departments Community Resource K9 Detective Gibbs was nominated for the American Kennel Clubs award for canine excellence.

While Gibbs didnt win, he was a finalist in the uniformed services division.

Meet Camp Hill Polices star K9 Detective Gibbs

Camp Hill Police say he will be acknowledged during the 2024 AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence on ESPN2 on Dec. 15.

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Military leaders are rattled by a list of woke senior officers that a conservative group urged Pete Hegseth to dismiss for promoting diversity in the ranks if he is confirmed to lead the Pentagon.

The list compiled by the American Accountability Foundation includes 20 general officers or senior admirals and a disproportionate number of female officers. It has had a chilling effect on the Pentagons often frank discussions as leaders try to figure out how to address the potential firings and diversity issues under President-elect Donald Trump.

Those on the list in many cases seem to be targeted for public comments they made either in interviews or at events on diversity, and in some cases for retweeting posts that promote diversity.

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Tom Jones, a former aide to Republican senators who leads the foundation, said Friday that those on the list are pretty egregious advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, policies, which he called problematic.

The nominee has been pretty clear that that has no place in the military, Jones said of Hegseth.

Hegseth has embraced Trumps effort to end programs that promote diversity in the ranks and fire those who reflect those values. Other Trump picks, like Kash Patel for FBI director, have suggested targeting those in government who are not aligned with Trump.

But Hegseth has been fighting to save his nomination as he faces allegations of excessive drinking and sexual assault and over his views questioning the role of women in combat. He spent the week on Capitol Hill trying to win the support of Republican senators, who must confirm him to lead the Pentagon, doing a radio interview and penning an opinion column.

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Some service members have complained in the past about the Pentagons DEI programs, saying they add to an already heavy workload. The Pentagon still has a long way to go in having a general officer corps or specialty occupations such as pilots that have a racial and gender makeup reflective of the country.

A defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the list said senior leaders are hoping that once Trump is sworn in, they will be able to discuss the issue further. They are prepared to provide additional context to the incoming administration, the official told The Associated Press, which is not publishing the names to protect service members privacy.

Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Friday that the list would have considerable, wide and deep consequences. He said when military members see people singled out, they will start focusing on their own survival rather than the mission or their job.

You will drive people out, Hagel said. It affects morale as widely and deeply as anything  it creates a negative dynamic that will trickle through an organization.

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The list, which was first reported by The New York Post, includes nine Air Force general officers, seven Navy admirals of different ranks and four Army general officers. Eight of those 20 are women even though only 17 percent of the military is female. None are Marines.

One female Navy officer was named because she gave a speech at a 2015 Womens Equality Day event, where she noted that 80 percent of Congress is male, which affects what bills move forward. The officer also was targeted because she said diversity is our strength.

The phrase is a widely distributed talking point that officers across the Pentagon have used for years to talk about the importance of having a military that reflects different educational, geographic, economic, gender and racial backgrounds in the country.

An Air Force colonel, who is white, was called out for an opinion piece he wrote following the death of George Floyd, saying, Dear white colonel, we must address our blind spots about race.

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A female Air Force officer was targeted because of multiple woke posts on her X feed, including a tweet about LGBTQ rights, one about whiteness and another about honoring the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on a stamp.

Another female Air Force officer was on the list because she served as a panelist for a diversity, equity and inclusion discussion in 2021.

The list names an Army officer who traveled to 14 historically Black colleges to expand the militarys intelligence recruitment efforts, and an Air Force officer partly because he co-chairs the Asian-Pacific Islander subgroup of the services diversity task force.

Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team, said in a statement that No policy should be deemed official unless it comes directly from President Trump.

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But in an interview Wednesday for Megyn Kellys SiriusXM satellite radio show, Hegseth said Trump told him he wanted a warfighter who would clean out the woke crap.

Hegseth got a boost Friday from Trump, who posted on his social media site that Hegseth will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense. The president-elect added that Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!

Jones told the AP in June that his American Accountability Foundation was investigating scores of federal employees suspected of being hostile to Trumps policies. The work aligns with the Heritage Foundations far-reaching Project 2025 blueprint for a conservative administration.

A letter Jones sent to Hegseth containing the list, dated Tuesday, says purging the woke from the military is imperative. The letter points to tensions with Iran, Russia and China and says we cannot afford to have a military distracted and demoralized by leftist ideology. Our nations security is at stake.

Conservatives view the federal workforce as overstepping its role to become a power center that can drive or thwart a presidents agenda. During the first Trump administration, government officials came under attack from the White House and congressional Republicans, as Trumps own Cabinet often raised objections to some of his more singular or even unlawful proposals.
Millions of households face a stealth council tax rise because of Government plans to create more directly elected mayors.

An additional tax known as the mayoral precept could be set to fall on large parts of England when Angela Rayners department creates the next tranche of directly elected mayoralties in the coming years.

Telegraph analysis shows up to 7 million households could be hit by the extra charge which is expected to add 56 a year to household council tax bills in some cases.

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It comes after the Government gave the green light for cash-strapped town halls to raise council tax by more than five per cent without a local referendum.

All directly elected mayors have the power to levy the precept on top of council tax bills.

Angela Rayner has signed off on the creation of mayors in Greater Lincolnshire and the Hull and East Yorkshire combined authority - Chris Ratcliffe/Shutterstock

The stealth tax, levied on top of existing council tax bills by mayors, is intended to raise millions of pounds for local projects.

Angela Rayner is pushing for the creation of new mayors across the country as part of her devolution revolution.

The devolution white paper, which will set out the plans in detail, is set to be published by the end of the year.

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A number of local areas are currently vying for combined authority status, opening the door to the creation of mayors in these places. They include Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Essex and Cheshire.

Ms Rayner has already signed off on the creation of mayors in Greater Lincolnshire and the combined authority of Hull and East Yorkshire. They will be elected next year.

Existing combined authority mayors already levy a precept in Manchester, Liverpool and Cambridgeshire.

Some mayors, including Lord Houchen, a Conservative mayor in Tees Valley, have chosen not to use their precept powers. Mayors in the west of England have also opted out of the precept.

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The precept in London is significantly higher than in other mayoralties because it is used to cover policing, fire services, Transport for London, and City Hall services among other projects. Currently a Band D property in London hands over 471.70 per year to Mayor Sadiq Khan in precept payments.

The charge stood at 276 for an average London household when Mr Khan became mayor and has increased every year of his term in office.

Some in Labour hope most of the country will one day be run by directly elected mayors.

The party has committed to expanding devolution in this parliament. In the partys election manifesto, Sir Keir Starmer promised to widen devolution to more areas, encouraging local authorities to come together and take on new powers.

Some mayors, like Lord Ben Houchen in Tees Valley, choose not to use their precept powers - Ian Forsyth/Getty Images Europe

In her autumn Budget Chancellor Rachel Reeves increased powers for existing mayors.

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Separately, mayors have been urging the Government to give them the power to raise a tourist tax on visitors to their local areas as a trial run for broader tax raising powers in future.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government said: The previous government introduced the precept through the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016 and committed to it again in their 2022 Levelling Up White Paper.

Decisions on Mayoral Council Tax Precept levels are for mayors with an expectation that they would charge a level of council tax that is affordable and proportionate to their needs.

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed expanding the boundaries of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Opponents of a proposed mine near the swamp want the feds to think bigger. (Photo by Joe Cook/Georgia River Network)

The federal government is seeking public input on a proposal that would allow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to acquire property near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge that could soon be mined.

The proposal is for a minor expansion of the refuges existing boundaries to bolster protections of the unspoiled freshwater wetland system and wildlife habitats found in the largest blackwater swamp in North America.

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The change would add about 22,000 acres around the perimeter of the existing refuge if property owners of the newly eligible turf choose to sell the land.

Want to weigh in?

The public comment period has been extended, with a new deadline to submit a written comment set for Dec. 13. Comments can be emailed to Okefenokee@fws.gov.

A virtual hearing is set for 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9. Those interested in attending must register in advance.

That includes property held by an Alabama-based company, Twin Pines Minerals LLC, which plans to mine for titanium and zirconium just outside the refuges boundaries.

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The mining proposal has been met with loud public opposition since it was first proposed in 2018. Opponents of the mine argue that Trail Ridge, where the mining would take place, plays a vital role in maintaining the swamps water levels and, therefore, supporting the refuges famously diverse ecosystem.

One of the permits would also allow the company to withdraw 1.4 million gallons per day from the Floridan Aquifer, sparking additional concerns about the impact on the swamps water levels and the risk of wildfires.

Supporters of the federal proposal, which includes a one-mile fuel reduction zone to limit the risk of fires, argue its important to help protect the inside of the swamp by shielding the land just outside of it. They say the proposed expansion is a step toward protecting Trail Ridge.

Plans unchanged

But Twin Pines representatives say they still plan to move forward with their mining plans.

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When the refuge boundary expansion proposal was first announced in October, the companys president, Steve Ingle, said it was the first he had heard of it and that their plans to commence mining upon permit approval are unchanged.

A company spokesman repeated that sentiment when reached Wednesday: When permits are granted, we plan to move forward with our mining project.

The state Environmental Protection Division issued draft permits early this year for the controversial project.

An agency spokeswoman said Wednesday that EPD is still working on the response to the public comments received on those draft permits. More than 70,000 people wrote in to voice their opinion on the permits this spring.

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As of now, final permits have not been issued.

But opponents of mining near the Okefenokee Swamp are urging the federal agency to look beyond the Twin Pines project and start taking additional steps to protect other vulnerable nearby land.

In a letter submitted as part of the public comment process, members of the Okefenokee Protection Alliance pressed the Fish and Wildlife Service to add more nearby properties to the plan in hopes landowners might be willing to sell them.

They point to other large tracts of land near the Twin Pines site on Trail Ridge.

Existential threat

While we are heartened by the proposal, FWS should view the minor expansion as one step in a tiered process of acquisition that must continue to secure enduring and durable protections for the Okefenokee, the alliances executive members wrote in its letter. Mining is without question an existential threat, but virtually all of the threats now facing the Refuge originate outside its border.

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The alliance represents a coalition of more than 50 groups, including the Southern Environmental Law Center and Georgia-based advocacy groups like One Hundred Miles and the Georgia River Network.

In sum, we strongly support the Services proposal but implore the agency to think bigger, the alliances executive members wrote.

Of all the once-mighty wetland ecosystems  the Grand Kankakee in Illinois and Indiana, the Everglades of Florida, and the Great Dismal Swamp of Virginia and North Carolina  the Greater Okefenokee Ecosystem is the last of its kind: alive, intact, and wild.

This story first appeared in the Georgia Recorder, a member with the Phoenix in the nonprofit States Newsroom.

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It's that time of the year. No, not winter or the holidays. It's the time of year when Spotify Wrapped screenshots flood the timeline.

In addition to the personalized data drop on listening habits, Spotify shared regional details, highlighting the most-listened-to artists and songs for both Minneapolis and the entire state of Minnesota.

Minneapolis' top artist list won't shock anyone and looks like a list that could be just about anywhere in the country, with Taylor Swift leading the way, followed by Zach Bryan, Morgan Wallen, Drake, and Kanye West.

Taylor SwiftGabboT, Flickr

Though, interestingly, only two of those artists appear in the city's list of top songs in 2024, and Wallen only appears as a guest voice on Post Malone's "I Had Some Help."

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Here are Minneapolis' top songs for the year.

A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey Beautiful Things by Benson Boone I Had Some Help (Feat. Morgan Wallen) by Post Malone I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves) by Zach Bryan Stick Season by Noah Kahan

These are Minneapolis' top albums for 2024, a list that echoes the top artists fairly closely.

The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology by Taylor Swift One Thing At A Time by Morgan Wallen Stick Season by Noah Kahan Zach Bryan by Zach Bryan The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan

Related: Post Malone is bringing Jelly Roll, 'big ass' stadium tour to Minneapolis

Outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota's listening habits, at least on Spotify, didn't differ much. Here are the state's top artists for the year.

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Taylor Swift Zach Bryan Morgan Wallen Drake Kanye West

These are Minnesota's top songs for 2024.

A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey I Had Some Help (Feat. Morgan Wallen) by Post Malone I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves) by Zach Bryan Beautiful Things by Benson Boone Stick Season by Noah Kahan

And these are Minnesota's top albums for the year.

The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology by Taylor Swift One Thing At A Time by Morgan Wallen Stick Season by Noah Kahan Zach Bryan by Zach Bryan The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan

While the year-end Spotify deluge has become a moment where fans celebrate their favorite artists, it's worth noting that many musicians and artists see it as a celebration of a company that is taking money out of their pockets.

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To support artists you love, buy physical albums, merch, and concert tickets. You can also buy their albums  physical or digital versions  through Bandcamp, which offers higher revenue for artists. the service also hosts occasional Bandcamp Fridays when it gives up its share of the revenue and allows all the money to get directly to labels and musicians.

Related: Must-see Twin Cities concerts this week: Cyndi Lauper, Leo Kottke, Meshell Ndegeocello
KAYENTA, Arizona (ABC4)  A 77-year-old Navajo woman is missing, according to Navajo Police.

Alma Jean Sutherland, 77, of Kayenta, Ariz., was last seen on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 12:30 p.m.

Sutherland is described as 53, 100 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. She was reportedly last seen wearing blue jeans, black boots, a purple shirt, and a maroon leather jacket.

Man arrested for attempted murder after trying to run over kids at Price park, charges say

Courtesy of Navajo Police

Officials said she may have walked off from her residence, and that she may be in the area of Kayenta, Ariz., or Cedar City, Utah.

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Sutherland has dementia, according to Navajo Police. She reportedly has been entered into the National Crime Information Center as a missing person.

If you have seen Alma Jean Sutherland or if you have any information on her whereabouts, please call the Navajo Police Department Kayenta District at (928) 697-5600, a press release from Navajo Police states.

No further information is 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 ABC4 Utah.
Update: Mr. Langston has been located, and the Missing-Endangered Alert is canceled.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The publics help is requested in finding a man missing from Mooresville, according to a North Carolina Missing-Endangered Alert.

Officials say 78-year-old Von Heinz Langston left his cell phone at a Raleigh home.

Mr. Langstons Truck (MPD)

Von Heinz Langston (NCDPS)

Around 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, the truck was caught on camera at Stanly County EMS Base driving south on US-52 toward Norwood. Mr. Langston may be headed back to Raleigh.

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Mr. Langston is described as a black man standing 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds. He has short gray hair and brown eyes. Officials say he may be impacted by a cognitive impairment.

The Mooresville Police Department is the lead agency investigating the disappearance.

Anyone with information about Mr. Langstons whereabouts is asked to call MPD Detective Brandon Styers at 704-664-3311 or 704-325-9216.

READ NEXT | Former Olympic swimmer shocked at parasite cases at Charlotte clubs pool

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is asking for the publics help in finding a missing teen last seen near her home south of Palmer Park.

According to CSPD, 13-year-old Jaelynn Medina was last seen around 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5 near her home in the 2200 block of Glenwood Circle, near North Academy Boulevard and Maizeland Road.

Medina is described as a Hispanic girl, with long dark hair, about 49 with a medium build.

Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department

If you have seen Medina or know of her whereabouts, contact CSPD at (719) 444-7000.

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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.
Elizabeth Pollard, 64, of Unity Township, Pennsylvania, fell into a sinkhole on the evening of Monday, Dec. 2

Officials confirmed that her body was found on Friday, Dec. 6, about "30 feet below the surface of where the mine would have sat"

Our heart aches for what youre having to go through and for the messages that we had to deliver," Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani said in a message to Pollard's family at a press conference

Authorities are sharing more details about what may have happened to a missing grandmother who fell into a sinkhole earlier this week and was found dead following a multi-day search.

At an afternoon press conference on Friday, Dec. 6, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani said that the body of Elizabeth Pollard, 64, was found earlier that day at approximately 11:05 a.m. local time.

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During the course of the removal of dirt and sifting through things, we did find Elizabeth, Limani told reporters. "We found her approximately 30 feet below the surface of where the mine would have sat. She was about 12 feet southwest of where the original sinkhole occurred.

Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, noted that crews extricated Pollard's body from the hole with the use of machinery because "it was not safe to send anybody down."

Pollards body is currently at the coroners office, according to Limani. An autopsy will determined her cause of death.

Pollard was first reported missing by a relative in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 3, after she disappeared while looking for her missing cat, authorities previously said. The Unity Township woman set off hours earlier in her car, along with her 5-year-old granddaughter, who was later found safe and asleep inside her vehicle.

AP Photo/Matt Freed A Pennsylvania State Trooper looks over the sinkhole, where the remains of Elizabeth Pollard was found Dec. 6, 2024 in Marguerite, Pa. A Pennsylvania State Trooper looks over the sinkhole, where the remains of Elizabeth Pollard was found Dec. 6, 2024 in Marguerite, Pa.

About 36 hours after Pollard was first reported missing, authorities shifted direction in the search and rescue effort, citing safety concerns  and on Wednesday, Dec. 4, Limani said that the search had turned into a recovery effort while the fragile state of the mine resulted in a change in rescue operations.

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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 at the time.

Related: Florida Sinkhole That Killed Sleeping Man in 2013 Opens for Third Time: 'This Is Mother Nature'

At the Dec. 6 press conference, Limani said authorities currently believe that as the mine began to deteriorate and the sinkhole started to form, it created a mound, which he described as being shaped like a Hershey's kiss.

The best we could figure out right now, Limani explained, because obviously we dont have the autopsy back[is] when she fell through the shaft and she landed and struck that mound [then] it appeared that she rolled or moved that 12 feet or so where our initial spot was.

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That created difficulty for searchers to find her, he added, because we knew she was probably going to hit the top [of that mound] and where she went from there was going to be the difficulty of how the gravity affected her location.

According to The New York Times, Limani said there was no sign of the cat.

Addressing community concerns about the sinkhole, he added that authorities are currently working to put the dirt back, installing a grout and shoring up the entire area.

Related: Massive Sinkhole Devours Half a City Bus During Morning Commute in Downtown Pittsburgh

The recovery of Pollards body has provided some closure for her loved ones.

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I couldnt have been more happy for the family that we were able to find her because that was the only thing they were concerned with, Limani said during the press conference, sharing that her family wants to "do whats right when it comes to [memorializing her] and having a viewing.

We grieve for you, he continued, addressing Pollards family. Our heart aches for what youre having to go through and for the messages that we had to deliver, so please accept our condolences.

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.

I am more happy that they found her, but not in the condition we were hoping for, Pollards son, Axel Hayes, told the Times. We were hoping she had maybe fallen and hit her head and was maybe unconscious or in a coma and that it wouldnt come to this.

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In a message to PEOPLE before her body was found, Hayes said that although they were "still holding out hope," they had prepared "for the worst."

He added, "I can only say [I] appreciate everybody's hard work and efforts in searching for my mother."

Read the original article on People
(WJET/WFXP)  A missing Pennsylvania hunter was located after going missing in New York woods on Friday evening.

According to a report, the hunter  identified only as a 45-year-old man  went missing before 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 in an area on Lyons Road in the Town of Westfield as he was tracking a deer and then got lost in the woods.

Fortunately, he was able to contact a family member he was hunting with and sent them coordinates before his cell phone stopped working.

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Chautauqua County Sheriffs Office deputies were called to the scene where they searched on foot with help from a K9 unit and were eventually able to locate the hunter at around 9:45 p.m.

The hunter was later evaluated by a medical team and was not injured.

The North Lake Fire District, Sherman Fire Department, and the CCSO Road Patrol and Drone Team assisted in this 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 WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A man has been arrested and is being held on a $500,000 bond after allegedly raping and impregnating a 14-year-old child.

Selvin Jeovany Coc-Choc, 20, was taken into custody by the Benton County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) on Nov. 26, and as of Dec. 6, he remains in the Benton County Jail.

On Sept. 17, the Rogers Police Department was notified that a 14-year-old, now residing in Missouri, had become pregnant by a 20-year-old man, according to a probable cause affidavit.

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The investigation revealed that the victim and Coc-Choc began dating in May 2024. According to a police interview with Coc-Choc, he and the child started communicating over WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger in April 2024.

In June 2024, Coc-Choc allegedly raped the victim twice: once in a hotel in Rogers after picking her up from school, and once in Eagle Rock, Missouri.

Key bills to watch as Arkansas legislative session nears

Additionally, Coc-Choc is accused of sexually assaulting the victim multiple times at a lake, possibly Table Rock Lake in Missouri.

According to an affidavit, the childs guardian contacted Coc-Choc and told him he needed to take charge after finding out about the positive pregnancy test. The guardian stated that Coc-Choc initially expressed support and assured he would step up and help care for the child.

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The guardian told police that on Sept. 14, Coc-Choc texted the child, telling her to get a DNA test and claiming the baby was not his. He then cut off contact with the guardian and the child, despite their continued efforts to reach him.

According to the affidavit, detectives visited the guardians home in Missouri on Sept. 19 to interview the child.

The child told authorities she had been in a relationship with Coc-Choc since May 2024, and on one occasion, he took her to the Eighth Street Motel in Rogers, where he assaulted her.

The child performed a recorded phone call to police, where Coc-Choc admitted to not using protection.

Police interview

Coc-Choc was interviewed by police following his arrest on Nov. 26, according to court documents.

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Coc-Choc told police that the child informed him that she was pregnant and that he was the father. He admitted to communicating with the child via messaging platforms and provided a phone number.

However, this number did not match the number the victim provided to police, according to court documents.

Phi Gamma Delta chapter at University of Arkansas suspended for 3 years

Coc-Choc alleges that he and the child are still in a relationship.

According to court documents, Coc-Choc told police he had a three-month relationship with the child before she moved away from Rogers. He stated that he lived in Monett, Missouri, and visited the child in Rogers four or five times. During these visits, he admitted to raping the child five or six times.

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Coc-Choc admitted to taking the child to a Rogers hotel and raping her there, according to court documents. He also confirmed the childs account of a sexual encounter at a Missouri lake.

Coc-Choc is scheduled to appear in Benton County court on Jan. 13, 2025. A court order prohibits him from contacting the child. His jail booking also lists a HOLD for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(FOX40.COM)  A Modesto man was arrested Friday for allegedly stalking and making violent threats toward Mexican immigrants.

On Wednesday, the Modesto Police Department responded to the area of 9th Street and K Street to investigate a possible hate crime. The victim reported finding a note on their vehicle containing hate speech and threats to harm them based on their race. Police said they discovered that similar hate speech signs had recently been reported in the county, each depicting racial epithets and threats towards Mexican immigrants.

State Capitol, other state buildings reopen after threat prompted evacuations

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The City of Modesto has zero tolerance for this kind of behavior, said MPD Chief Brandon Gillespie. Any reported acts of hatred or violence towards individuals based on race, religion, cultures, gender, or identity will be taken seriously by the Modesto Police Department and thoroughly investigated. The City is committed to ensuring that public spaces remain safe, welcoming, and accessible for all residents in Modesto.

The next day, the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Office notified MPD about a potential suspect, identified as 39-year-old Anthony Rodriguez. Officers said Rodriguez had an active arrest warrant authored by MPD for previous criminal threats and stalking. It stemmed from an October investigation.

California school shooter had extensive criminal history, was possibly homeless, officials say

On Friday, SCSO deputies said they arrested Rodriguez concerning the warrant in front of his residence in the 1500 block of Morgan Road. MPD said it helped with executing a search warrant at Rodriguezs residence. During the search, officers found evidence linking him to Wednesdays incident and the other county threats.

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During an interview with MPD, police said Rodriguez admitted his involvement in Wednesdays incident. He was subsequently arrested for an alleged felony hate crime and booked into jail with a $400,000 bail.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Syrian forces are retreating from the countryside outside Damascus amid advances by an Islamist-led rebel alliance against the government of President Bashar al-Assad, a war monitor has reported.

The government forces have withdrawn from the village of Artoz and are now about 10 kilometres from the capital Damascus, the seat of al-Assad's power, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The monitor added that local opposition forces, who have joined the rebels' offensive, were encircling several villages in rural Damascus and aim to free detainees being held in a military prison near the capital.

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The British-based observatory sources its information from local informants.

The insurgents have already freed hundreds of detainees from a central prison in the city of Hama during their offensive.

There was no immediate comment from the government.
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona  Exactly one month after losing to Donald Trump in every battleground on the map, Democratic Party leaders from across the country decamped to one of the states that rejected them and struggled to pull themselves out of their funk.

At a Hilton hotel outside of Phoenix, where Christmas carols piped into the lobby, state Democratic chairs gathered for their annual winter meeting. They werent frantic like they had been after Trumps first stunning victory. They were exhausted. Even after Trump tapped the likes of Kash Patel and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to staff his government, they still werent ready to demonstrate in the streets or tune into liberal networks.

But they were inching toward the anger phase of the grieving cycle as they huddled in ballrooms and traded theories about what went wrong. They pointed fingers at what they cast as overpaid consultants, expressed despair that working-class voters of all stripes had abandoned them, and lamented that they had lectured voters instead of listening to them.

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We need to win back the House, not fund consultants who want to buy a new house! said Ken Martin, president of the Association of State Democratic Committees, in a speech to hundreds of attendants.

Waiting for pizza after hours of meetings, Judson Scanlon, political director of a PAC that produced White Dudes for Harris hats, fessed up to being one of the Democrats who has stopped watching MSNBC after Trump returned to power.

Since 2016, all we've heard about is the crazy crap that this guy is doing when he's president and when he's not, said Scanlon. I'm fed up with that.

This confab marked one of the first major gatherings of top Democrats since last months disastrous election. They had once hoped they would finally celebrate the end of the Trump era here. Instead, while the recriminations continued, they urged one another to put on a brave face despite losing the White House to a convicted felon and getting locked out of both chambers of Congress.

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Liberal networks ratings have plummeted since Trumps return to power, one of several signs that Democrats are in a kind of retreat as they try to get their bearings, poring through reams of data and hot takes in hopes of figuring out what led them to lose the popular vote for the first time in 20 years. Many progressives have left the social media platform X, and they arent planning the massive marches that took place after Trump first won.

Why don't you see the marches? Black women right now are tired. They are really, really tired, said Jaime Harrison, the chair of the Democratic National Committee who announced after Trump won that he wouldnt run for reelection. Many of them put everything they had into this race to see one of their own be elected president of the United States.

Perhaps because they dont have the energy for it, Democrats in Arizona also werent in the mood for the kind of drawn-out ideological battle they undertook after 2016.

That much was clear from the way that the four men running to lead the Democratic National Committee tried to persuade state party leaders to vote for them in next years election.

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In speeches, none of the DNC chair hopefuls made the case that Democrats should undergo a sweeping shift in their worldview. Unlike in some progressive parts of the Democratic ecosystem, no one argued that Trumps win proved that they need to adopt a bold, concrete promise like Medicare for All  or, from the other end of the partys spectrum, that they must urgently move to the center on transgender issues.



Instead, most sold themselves as competent managers and pitched technical solutions.

Martin, who heads the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, said he helped pull Democrats in his state out of a slump after the 2010 midterm election that then-President Barack Obama famously called a shellacking. He argued that our party doesn't need to be torn down to the studs and rebuilt.

He has entered the race as something of an early favorite, locking down about half of the endorsements needed to win. In Arizona, his fans sported YES WE KEN! buttons and he set up a makeshift war room dubbed the Kenquarters.

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Like Martin, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler told the crowd that he righted the ship in his state, where weve been able to win seven out of the last 10 statewide elections. He called for a permanent campaign with omnipresent national organizing.

When DNC chair candidates did call for change, they talked more about transforming tactics than overhauling ideology.

Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley said in his speech that the party needs to do things differently to win. But, he said, "the good news is the change is really just a return to our true selves to be a party of working people all across America.

And OMalley, too, said that he was a proven operational turnaround leader, pointing out that President Joe Biden had trusted him to revamp the Social Security Administration when he tapped him as its commissioner.

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James Skoufis, a little-known New York state senator representing a Trump-loving district, went the furthest in making the case for transforming the DNC. But he talked more about strategies than ideology, saying that he would go on Fox News and Joe Rogans podcast  a reference to Vice President Kamala Harris decision to rebuff the show whose interview with Trump boasted 52 million views on YouTube.



He also promised to end sweetheart deals and contracts with vendors that have been ripping off the DNC for cycles.

Some bigger-name Democrats who could shake up the DNC chair race, like U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel or Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, could still decide to run.

At times, some Democrats argued they needed to stay the course on cultural issues.

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In a fiery speech, Harrison lambasted critics in his party who want to walk away from identity politics. Democrats began their meeting on Thursday with a land acknowledgement, a symbolic gesture that grants that the land a person is standing on previously belonged to Native Americans, which conservatives have derided as woke.

As Democrats tried to figure out a path forward, there was a quiet sense among some here that they wouldn't be out of power for long. It was a stark contrast from people elsewhere in their party who are worried that a realignment could rob them of power for years. After all, these Democrats reasoned, Americans had voted for Trump before  and then quickly grew tired of him, as evidenced by the 2018 midterms and then again in the 2020 presidential election. They took comfort in the fact that voters this year supported liberal ballot initiatives and Democratic Senate candidates in states Trump won.

Something had to work for Ruben Gallego to win a Senate seat right here against somebody who was a Trump sycophant in terms of Kari Lake, said Harrison. Those mixed results don't say that this was a landslide. It doesn't say it's an existential crisis for the Democratic Party.

Peggy Grove, vice chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, said they have a good chance at winning the House in the midterms.

Yesterday was the bitch day, she said. Today started the rebuilding.
Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller (D) looks on as Gov. Wes Moore (D) speaks at a news conference in the Maryland State House in January 2023. Photo by Danielle E. Gaines.

For the past few weeks, Gov. Wes Moore (D) and his surrogates have warned supporters in frequent email appeals for campaign contributions that the fundraising freeze is fast approaching. Thats a reference to the ban on political fundraising by any statewide officeholder and all 188 members of the Maryland General Assembly during the three months that the legislature is in session  beginning on Jan. 8.

In one solicitation this week, Moore called the fundraising moratorium a significant challenge.

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This means that we are relying solely on the money that we can raise between now and January 10th [sic] to power our work, and we need to raise as much as possible, he wrote.

But Moore isnt just shaking the tin cup online. According to invitations obtained by Maryland Matters, he has at least six in-person fundraising events scheduled between now and the start of session  throughout the DMV. Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller (D), who was elected on a ticket headed by Moore, also has at least one fundraiser on the calendar.

The two are up for reelection in 2026.

Moores first fundraiser during this pre-session period is a breakfast scheduled Thursday in Washingtons Georgetown neighborhood. Co-hosts include Jarryd Anderson, co-chair of the Financial Services Group at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, a powerhouse national law firm, and Ade Heyliger, a former official at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and an attorney specializing in business and regulatory matters with the D.C. law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.

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Moores fundraising appears to go dark as the holidays get closer, but intensifies right after the new year.

In the early afternoon of Jan. 5, Moore will appear at a brunch at the Mitchellville home of business owners Sandy and Terri Roberts. Theyre co-owners of Onsite Retailers, an airport concessions company, and they also run their own charitable foundation.

Later that afternoon, Moore will zip down Interstate 95 for a fundraiser in Glen Allen, Virginia, hosted by several Richmond power brokers.

The event is taking place at the home of Lisa Speller, who runs a government affairs and consulting group in the Virginia capital. Co-hosts are Rob Shinn, who has a government relations and communications firm in Richmond; Thomas Ransom, a regional president of Truist Bank; Heidi Abbott, an attorney and government relations professional; and Richard and Eucharia Ukay Jackson, Richmond philanthropists and civic activists. Richard Jackson is a prominent Richmond physician and his wife is a former Eli Lilly & Co. sales and marketing executive.

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On Jan. 6, Moore will hold a breakfast fundraiser at the Maryland Club, the swanky, 170-year-old social club in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore. The next morning, hell hold his annual pre-session fundraiser at the Calvert House in Annapolis.

On the evening of Jan. 7, Moore will attend a fundraiser in Talbot County, co-hosted by local businessman and civic activist Richard Marks, whose wife is a restaurateur in Easton, and Mary Tydings, a leader of an executive search firm who is Moores campaign treasurer.

That same evening, Miller will be raising money in Potomac, a wealthy community that was in her legislative district when she served in the House of Delegates.

The take from these fundraisers  and details on all the financial activities of Moore and Millers state campaign committees  will be made public in mid-January.

 Reporter Bryan P. Sears contributed to this report.
The mother of 9-year-old Princeton Jones, whose father was recently charged with his murder, said she is still struggling to find answers about what led to her son's death a week ago.

During a news conference outside Compton City Hall early Saturday, the boy's mother, Creole Green, 31, said she's received no information from detectives or the boy's father about what occurred the night her son was killed.

Princeton was fatally shot on the night of Nov. 30 in the backyard of his grandfather's home in the 1500 block of South Haskins Avenue in Rancho Dominguez, an unincorporated community of Los Angeles County, according to police.

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The following day, L.A. County sheriff's detectives arrested the boy's father, Nicholas Thomas Jones, 32, of Compton, in connection with the young boy's death. The district attorney's office has charged Jones with one count of murder and one count of willful cruelty to a child causing possible injury or death. Prosecutors also filed sentence enhancements for using a gun while committing a crime and causing harm that resulted in death.

Green's family members said Jones has pleaded not guilty to the charges. A hearing in the case is scheduled for next month.

Surrounded by family and supporters, Green took deep breaths while she stared down at her white shirt imprinted with a large photo of her smiling son.

Celena Littlefield, a family friend, center, attends a press conference calling for answers about the death of 9-year-old Princeton Jones outside of Compton City Hall on Saturday. Princeton was killed in the backyard of his grandfather's home in Rancho Dominguez, an unincorporated area of Compton, on Nov. 30. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

"I don't know what happened, I came to the scene and police told me my baby was gone," she said. "They said my son is gone. How? Why? What happened? He was with Dad at Grandpa's house? Was there something exposed that he wasn't suppose to see? Was someone fighting? Was there an argument?"

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News cameras stationed in front of her, Green looked directly at them to address Jones.

"If you see this, if it was an accident, let me know and I'll stand with you because I couldn't imagine something like this being in my hands, but I don't know if you don't give me nothing," she said. "I don't know. I wish someone would give me something. I wish you would just give me a call and just let me know what exactly happened. I don't want to wait until January to find out what happened to my 9-year-old son."

Green said she and Jones had conflicts with each other but ultimately came together to co-parent their son.

\

Creole Green, 31, speaks outside of Compton City Hall on Saturday, calling for answers about her son Princeton Jones' death. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

"He wasn't a bad parent, he loved his son  I thought," she said.

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Although Green tried not speak negatively about Jones, she said she had recently filed a restraining order against him and his girlfriend, alluding that the pair often fought in front of Princeton, which she did not want her son witnessing.

"I wanted my son to be given an environment that was positive and nurturing," she said, "not in a place where there is a lot of confusion."

She said that she and Jones had been mostly communicating by email and that she had filed for backpay child support.

"The child support wasn't that much, it was $92 and the most it has been is $172  let's be frank, that's gas money."

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She doesn't know if any of those issues played a role in her son's death.

She said if she is able to visit Jones in jail, she would.

"I want him to look me in the eyes and see me," she said. "He took everything that I had."

Amid tears, Green spoke fondly about her son and how much he liked collecting rocks.

Creole Green, 31, center, is comforted by loved ones outside of Compton City Hall on Saturday. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

"He wanted to know about the solar system, he wanted to know all things about science, and he knew the dinosaurs' names," she said, chuckling. "He knew everything about them and I had to Google about some of the things he spoke about."

She wiped her tears, laughing.

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"He had Mommy Googling stuff," she said. "I wanted to make sure I could connect with him."

In April, she said she took him to Hawaii as a surprise.

"He didn't know or understand until he saw the planes," she said.

She recalled the moment.

"I see planes, Mom," she recalled her son telling her.

"We're going to Hawaii," she told him.

She said he wanted to pick out a coconut, eat sushi, calamari and King crab legs.

"My son was very special and I'm trying to hold it together," she said. "He was all I had. How am I suppose to move on from this?"



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  A second round of tax credits could be coming for developers behind a $40 million international residence hall campus being built in Myrtle Beach.

The city council on Monday will consider a voucher incentive agreement that if approved would allow Wisconsin-based Holtz Builders to get a 1% reimbursement of fees and taxes once construction is done.

In August, officials approved a rarely-used series of perks setting a 30-year property tax rate of at least 273.2 mills and an additional tax credit of between 50% and 75% for 20 years.

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Without those agreements in place, the planned investment would contribute $200,000 worth of annual property tax revenues, Assistant City Manager Brian Tucker said at the time.

Instead, Myrtle Beach will collect $50,000 a year for the first five years, $100,000 annually in years six through 20 and $200,000 a year after that.

The complex would be specifically for J-1 students a non-immigrant visa that allows eligible international candidates to travel and gain experience in the United States by participating in work- and study-based programs, according to a National Immigration Forum definition.

Since 2018, Myrtle Beach has hosted 8,528 participants through the J-1 program, but it can be hard for to find safe, affordable housing on a seasonal basis.

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Officials broke ground last month and expect an April opening.

* * *

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.





Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  Over the next couple of weeks, you might see an increase in packages placed on porches  tempting holiday thieves, and Myrtle Beach police are sharing advice on how you can assure your items get to you.

According to CBS, police dont typically track package thefts, but it falls under petit and grand larceny. Mike Schenck, a patrol officer for Myrtle Beach police, said Ted C. Collins can be used as a safe exchange zone during the holidays.

Thats the essence of it, its just a safe space that could be utilized for one-on-one transactions, Schenck said. Its simplistic in its approach but its very effective.

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The holiday season comes with a lot of holiday shopping. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend a record of about $980 billion between November and December.

A lot of the crimes that we encounter during the holiday season are targets of opportunity, Schenck said.

Holiday shopping is not always done in person, but online, as well. Schenck encourages those who are making a transaction with someone you may not know to use the police department parking lot at 1101 N. Oak St.

Thats under heavy surveillance and would increase your confidence that the transactions are illegitimate, he said.

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Schenck said those who will be making an exclusive online purchase should do so through a trusted, encrypted payment system.

An ounce of prevention is better than an ounce of cure, and thats why we like to prevent crimes, he said. However, if you are a victim of a crime, absolutely report it. Thats where we come into play as well. Its more of a reactive role for us.

A Myrtle Beach resident who wanted to remain anonymous said shes already had a package delivered to the wrong address this year, and when she contacted them, they denied receiving it. She reminded those to return packages to the sender if you receive something you didnt order or pay for.

Dont make yourself an easy target, Schenck said. I would encourage to keep your social media profiles private and to not advertise that youre going out of town.

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Schenck also reminds those who shop this year to park in a well-lit area, lock your vehicle and dont leave valuables somewhere easily visible.

* * *

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.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11)  Mysterious drones have now been spotted in New York City flying over Staten Island this week, the boroughs president said Thursday.

The drone sightings  similar to the ones in New Jersey in recent weeks  were reported above Howland Hook Marine Terminal and the West Shore on Staten Island as recently as Tuesday, according to Borough President Vito Fossella.

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Fossella wrote a letter to the FAA and FBI requesting an investigation into the drone sightings on Staten Island.

It is odd and quite bizarre that nobody can figure out who is flying these drones, where they are coming from, and their purpose, Fossella wrote in the letter. It is not just a bizarre situation, but also a concerning one, as it seems these drones can potentially become a danger to personal safety. It was recently reported that, during a medical emergency resulting from a crash in Branchburg, New Jersey, the presence of these drones prevented a medevac helicopter from being able to transport a seriously injured patient to the hospital.

Fossella expressed concern for the two hospital systems on Staten Island and the potential for the drones to impede life-saving care in medical emergencies.

We hope that such an investigation may shed light on what these drones are doing, where they are coming from and how to mitigate the risks they may pose on public safety, Fossella wrote.

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U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis said she requested the FAA to impose temporary drone flight restrictions in the area on Staten Island.

Authorities should swiftly investigate these reports and share with the public the purpose of these drones, Malliotakis said in a statement.

Police think suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing left New York City

The mysterious drone sightings have continued in New Jersey, including in Morris County and other parts of the state.

Residents across Morris County have reported seeing the drones in the night sky for at least the past two weeks. Residents described the sightings as unnerving and creepy and want an explanation for them.

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People are unnerved about it because theres no answer to who they are, whos controlling these drones, and why theres so many, Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty said Wednesday.

Mike Walsh, a Randolph resident who has seen the drones numerous times since Nov. 18, said they are unsettling.

They kind of go slow  They come towards you. Then they change direction a little. Theyre all going different ways, Walsh said.

Nancy Read, who is also a Randolph resident, said she has been watching the drones from her home on Ironia Road for two weeks. Read said the drones only come out at night.

Its normally anywhere between 7:30 and 10:30 theyre out here. Never during the day. Nobody ever sees them during the day, Read said.

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The FBI acknowledged it has received reports of clusters of drones and a possible fixed-wing aircraft. The FBIs Newark field office said that it is working with other law enforcement agencies to figure out whats going on.

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, a spokesperson for the FBIs Newark field office said Wednesday.

Anyone with information related to the drone sightings is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit it online at tips.fbi.gov.

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.

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PIX11 News reporter Katie Corrado 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.
Shortly before sunrise on Wednesday, a shadowy figure shrouded in black stood quietly under the marquee of the historic Ziegfeld Theater in Midtown Manhattan, poised to raise the curtain on one of the citys most sensational tales of cold-blooded murder, a murky motive and a frenzied manhunt for a mysterious killer.

The masked murderer, who had been lying in wait on that cold, dark morning, finally spotted his quarry. He crept up behind UnitedHeathcare CEO Brian Thompson as he walked down W. 54th St. toward the Hilton hotel, and aimed a powerful pistol equipped with a silencer at the back of the unsuspecting insurance executive.

The first bullet sent Thompson, 50, crumpling to the sidewalk. The gunman coolly cleared a jam in his pistol as he walked past his victim and fired two more times, leaving Thompson lying facedown on the grimy pavement.

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Thompson died at 7:12 a.m. after being rushed to Mount Sinai West Hospital. Within a matter of minutes, through a combination of careful planning and sheer luck, his killer walked into a bus terminal near the George Washington Bridge, preparing to board a bus heading out of the city.

We dont know what bus he took and were working through the video with the Port Authority Police Department, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Friday.

A whirlwind investigation of the seemingly ideologically motivated murder  a blood-soaked criticism of the cutthroat medical insurance industry  followed, slowly uncovering clues to the identity of the gunman and revealing a possible motive. But much remains a mystery.

Our thought is it could possibly be a disgruntled employee or a client, Kenny said about the murder of Thompson, who was in town for a company-sponsored investors conference and was set to give a speech at the Hilton Hotel a couple of hours before he was slain.

A killer lies in wait

Four days after the murder, hundreds of NYPD detectives have recovered a tantalizing amount of information from witnesses and surveillance footage about the suspects actions leading up to Wednesdays shooting, but so far his final destination is still unknown.

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The gunman arrived in New York City at Midtowns Port Authority Bus Terminal on the night of Nov. 24. He immediately went to the Hilton  the scene of his future crime  before going to a HI New York City hostel on Amsterdam Ave. at 104th St. on the Upper West Side.

On the morning of the killing, he left the hostel at 5:30 a.m. and rode a bike to W. 54th St. and Sixth Ave., where he was seen walking back and forth near the Hilton entrance.

While hes walking around, hes passing numerous New Yorkers going about their business, Kenny said, bolstering the theory that the gunman was focused on one person: Thompson.

After the caught-on-camera shooting, the gunman fled and was later seen on surveillance video riding a bicycle north on Sixth Ave. to Central Park.

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Its believed he left the Big Apple behind him hours before cops released the first images of the masked shooter.

At the scene, cops found three 9mm shell casings as well as a few live rounds that had been expelled from the pistol as the suspect freed a jam. The words Delay, Deny, and Depose  a supposed insurance industry mantra for delaying claims and maximizing profits  had been written on the ammunition with a Sharpie, police said.

Were still in shock, Thompsons mother-in-law, Paulette Reveiz, told the Daily News hours after the health insurance CEO was killed. The only thing I can say is hes a good man. I cant say anything else.

His wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that the CEO had received threats before his trip to New York.

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There had been some threats, she told the TV station. 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.

A cellphone was found near the scene and a bottle of water and a Kind bar wrapper handled by the gunman were found at a nearby Starbucks the gunman had visited shortly before the killing, and were taken in for DNA testing. But the fingerprints had no value and couldnt be used to find an ID, Kenny said.

A brief flirtation provides a critical clue

During his 10 days in the city, the suspect never removed his black surgical mask, even when he ate in front of his roommates at the hostel, cops said.

The biggest break the police got was on the night he arrived in the city where a flirtation with an employee at the hostel prompted the suspect to remove his mask and smile at the worker, providing police with a clear photo of the suspect.

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The image has been run through the NYPDs facial recognition system, but has so far revealed no hits, Kenny said.

Thompson, a father of two and valedictorian of his 1997 class at the University of Iowa, lived in Maple Grove, Minn., near the Minnetonka, Minn. headquarters of UnitedHealth Group.

Thompson began at the company in 2004, working on mergers and acquisitions. He steadily climbed through the ranks at the insurance giant, acting as chief financial officer for one division and chief executive officer of another before being named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021.

In 2023, Thompsons total compensation was $10.2 million, including base pay, stock awards and cash incentives, according to a statement of executive pay from the company.

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His murder triggered a torrent of rage-filled reactions on social media, most of them expressing contempt and dissatisfaction with the health insurance industry he represented.

When you shoot one man in the street its murder, one person wrote on X. When you kill thousands of people in hospitals by taking away their ability to get treatment youre an entrepreneur.

On Thursday night, UnitedHealth Group issued an updated statement on Thompsons murder, thanking the caring people who have offered their condolences and asking for privacy for Thompsons family.

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.

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Our priorities are, first and foremost, supporting Brians family; ensuring the safety of our employees; and working with law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice.

The FBI, which has been helping the NYPD in their investigation from the beginning late Friday, posted a $50,000 reward for information leading to the gunmans capture  a gunman who, by now, could be anywhere.

As the manhunt went national, detectives will be looking into every nugget of information that comes their way on this case, Kenny said.

We have teams specifically assigned to vet and investigate, as weird as some of them are, as detailed as some of them are, he said. We will vet and investigate every tip.

With Rocco Parascandola
Nag Jaiswal is allowed to run for Naperville City Council in April despite an objection to his nominating petitions, a city electoral board ruled Thursday.

Jaiswal, who is running for council for the second time, says hes appreciative of the ruling.

Thankful to the electoral board, my attorney, family and supporters for backing me during this very challenging time, he said in a text statement Thursday. I am looking forward to (serving) Naperville in 2025.

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The ruling comes in response to a challenge to Jaiswals candidacy filed by Naperville residents Dianne McGuire, Nancy Turner and Mark Urda last month. Their complaint alleged Jaiswal did not have enough valid petition signatures to qualify for the ballot in Napervilles municipal election next spring and asked that his candidacy be voided.

The objectors, as well as Jeffrey Meyer, Jaiswals attorney, appeared before a local electoral board Thursday morning in the Naperville Municipal Center council chambers for a hearing on the matter. After reviewing evidence and listening to arguments from both parties, the board  made up of Mayor Scott Wehrli, City Clerk Dawn Portner and City Councilman Patrick Kelly  ultimately voted 3-0 in favor of Jaiswal.

The boards decision is final but appealable.

Whether or not McGuire, Turner and Urda would appeal has not yet been discussed, they said after the boards ruling.

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The root of McGuire, Turner and Urdas complaint was that 102 of the 414 signatures that Jaiswal submitted to qualify for the April ballot are not valid, they alleged. Candidates must have at least 317 valid signatures to qualify.

Thursdays hearing was the continuation of proceedings started three weeks ago. Jaiswals case initially went before the board at a hearing on Nov. 13. However, the board at the time said they couldnt make a decision because they needed more information to verify whether any of Jaiswals signatures were really invalid. The board continued the case to allow time for a record check on Jaiswals nominating papers.

Through a record check, the city verifies a candidates nominating signatures against voting records from both Will and DuPage counties. Kristen Toberman, senior assistant city attorney, conducted a check of Jaiswals challenged signatures on Nov. 20, according to city documents.

Of the 102 signatures that objectors questioned, Toberman sided with them on 65, overruling the remaining 37. That still left Jaiswal with 349 valid signatures  32 more than the minimum required for qualification.

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Objectors would have needed the record check to sustain 98 of their challenges to prompt Jaiswals removal from the ballot.

A significant amount of these were (overruled), Urda said, which they should not have been in my humble  non-legal opinion.

Results from the record check aside, another detriment to the objectors case was that they couldnt formally challenge Tobermans findings before the electoral board Thursday because of a procedural error on their part.

Board rules state that a party may object to the results of a record check as long as they do so no later than 48 hours after the review is completed. Toberman concluded her review at 12:15 p.m. on Nov. 20, meaning that the window for objections was open until just after noon Nov. 22.

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The city did not receive a motion to correct and object to the record review from McGuire, Turner and Urda until Nov. 26 at 4:40 p.m., according to city attorney Mike DiSanto.

Jeffrey Jacobson, the objectors attorney, explained to the board that he tried to send the motion on the morning of Nov. 22 but that when I clicked send, my system didnt send it.

Despite the late motion, the board did have the discretionary power to still hear objectors challenge to Tobermans findings. The board, however, did not.

Meyer, on behalf of Jaiswal, argued the late motion prejudiced his client.

The four-day difference in time between when it was due and when it was filed is to the prejudice of the candidate, he said. Had they filed a  motion with whats customarily included  affidavits, additional public records, things of that nature  that  gives us an opportunity to go out and collect rebuttal affidavits.

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The board accepted Tobermans findings and unanimously overruled objectors challenge to Jaiswals candidacy.

Following the ruling, Urda said that while he was disappointed, he had no problems with the outcome.

Its fair. Its transparent, he said. The law should be applied equally to all.

Meanwhile, though the ruling didnt side in his clients favor, Jacobson said their objection was a lesson in itself.

Theres a general philosophy that people should be able to be on the ballot and let voters decide, he said. However, the reason for the nominating petition is to make sure the person can comply with the minimal standards of any office of government.

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The fact that he couldnt fill in forms  shows us that this person shouldnt be on the ballot.

Jaiswal is one of eight candidates vying for one of four council seats up for grabs in the 2025 election, which is set for April 1. Initially, there had been nine people in the pool, but hopeful candidate Farid Malik Shabazz was removed from the ballot last month.

tkenny@chicagotribune.com
Plans to bring a spa and wellness center to Springbrook Square in Naperville are in the works, but those behind the project have faced some early hesitation from city leaders.

The Naperville Liquor Commission Thursday tabled discussion on the proposed center until next year.

Commissioners said they need more time and information to understand what the venture would entail before they could dole out any city approvals.

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The center, as proposed Thursday, would be known as the Naperville Sweat Lodge and be located at 1936 Springbrook Square. The development would include both a spa and wellness facility as well as a restaurant.

Petitioners Alex Loyfman and Mariya Glukhova have applied for a Class B liquor license  which are for establishments whose primary business is the service of meals  from the city. They also applied for a late-night permit to sell liquor after 11 p.m.

Naperville Sweat Lodge would be a franchise of similar establishments that the petitioners own and operate in Chicago.

Their existing facilities include both Chicago Bath House, at 1914 W. Division Street, and Chicago Sweatlodge, at 3500 N. Cicero Ave.

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Chicago Bath House is a traditional style bathhouse that offers spa, sauna and tanning services. It also includes a full bar and restaurant, according to its website. Chicago Sweatlodge is a mens only facility with amenities that likewise include saunas, a cold plunge pool, a lounge area, massages and a restaurant that offers liquor.

Petitioners want to bring something similar to Naperville, they said during a presentation to commissioners Thursday.

Naperville Sweat Lodge would be open to both men and women of all ages, though some parts of the facility would be co-ed and some would be gender specific, according to the petitioners. Like the petitioners other establishments, the hope is that Naperville Sweat Lodge would serve liquor and food alongside spa and wellness services, they said.

To do so, the owners imagine constructing a restaurant and kitchen on site that would stand separately from a bathhouse facility.

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They want to expand their operations to Naperville to reach more customers outside of Chicago who might find it difficult to travel to their existing facilities.

We looked at Naperville and we found that Naperville bridges a lot of gaps of where our clients are located, Loyfman said.

The Liquor Commission in considering the license and permit requests, however, raised several questions.

Commissioners want more clarity about what the development would look like and where exactly food and liquor would be served in the proposed bathhouse facility. They also had several questions about whether nudity would be allowed anywhere in the facility, as municipal code does not allow nudity or semi-nudity on a premise that serves alcohol.

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Loyfman assured that there is generally no nudity outside of locker rooms.

Commissioners also questioned whether Naperville Sweat Lodge had applied for the appropriate class of liquor license or if it needed a specialty license.

Ultimately, commissioners voted to table the matter until their February meeting. They discussed conducting a visit to one of petitioners existing Chicago facilities over the next few months.

Asked if he has a hopeful opening date for Naperville Sweat Lodge after Thursdays meeting, Loyfman said, Its unknown because the process keeps shifting.

Loyfman has not yet purchased the property at Springbrook Square hes looking to acquire for Naperville Sweat Lodge but said, Were in the process.

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The purchase is predicated on making sure that I can build the facility that Im looking to build, said Loyfman. At this point, hes focused on processes with the city, making sure theyre satisfied, understanding their restrictions and making sure that their restrictions comply with our business model.

tkenny@chicagotribune.com
PERCY PRIEST LAKE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Nashville Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) utilized Spanish in a public service announcement (PSA) with the hope of saving lives after a Spanish-speaking woman drowned at Percy Priest Lake earlier this year.

In August, Amarilia Ambrosio drowned while spending a day at the lake with her loved ones. Her family said that the signs were only in English, so they did not know the water could be dangerous. The Nashville Army Corps of Engineers has worked to grow its community communication efforts this winter.

AUGUST: Mothers drowning death highlights need for Spanish safety signage at Percy Priest Lake

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If we are going to push water safety, we want to make sure that everyone is able to get that message, PSA participant and park ranger Giovanny Espinoza said.

For the first time in Nashville, the Army Corps employees recorded a public service announcement in both English and Spanish.

Its not the best Spanish speaking, but I will definitely try my best to reach out to those that actually need to hear the message, Espinoza added.

In the two separate videos, the PSA explains the dangers of being near water, especially during winter, and outlined safety measures.

We really want everyone to come out, have a good time, and come home safe, John Baird, a natural resource specialist for Nashville USACE, said.

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Lee Roberts, a public affairs specialist with the Nashville USACE, said that he wants everyone who comes to Tennessees lakes to have an understanding on the importance of water safety. The PSA in Spanish was just the first step in connecting with a broader community.

Being able to translate that into Spanish from English to make them more aware of it is great, Marcella Lozano, Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist at Nashville USACE, said.

Representatives told News 2 they are already working to install Spanish signage at the lake. Espinoza added that he thinks multilingual PSAs and signage are good ways to keep people safe moving forward.

Paralympian calls for traffic calming in West Nashville

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We are also updating our bulletin boards, Baird added. Its good to start reaching out to that section of the population. Its something that we need to do.

Fatalities are pretty low, but every one of them is a tragedy, and they affect families in a personal way, Roberts said. So we really want to make sure everyone gets home safe.

Roberts added that while fatalities on the water have been low, every loss deeply affects families, so safety is a top priority. The Army Corps of Engineers is looking to add volunteer Spanish speakers this summer to help build community interactions.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A Nashville man faces a 26-count indictment in connection with a sexual abuse case involving two children over four years. The man was caring for them at an unlicensed day care facility he was operating out of his home.

Following a yearlong investigation, Nashville police said in a release Friday that Imran Malik, 55, raped and assaulted two girls, both under the age of 10, while operating the daycare at his Ashgrove Drive home in South Nashville.

Police said one of the victims came forward in January telling police her sexual abuse began in 2015 when she was 5 years old.

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A second victim's abuse was discovered during the investigation involving a female within a similar age range and time frame of abuse, police said.

Malik was indicted on 14 counts of rape of a child, eight counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of aggravated rape of a child and two counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child.

Malik was arrested Thursday and remains in a Davidson County Jail on $260,000 bond.

Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Man charged with rape of two girls at unlicensed Nashville day care
Nashville police captured a teen fugitive now charged, along with his twin brother, in the killing of an Antioch restaurant owner.

Detectives tracked down the 17-year-old suspect on Friday as he rode in the passenger seat of a vehicle on Hamilton Church Road, according to a news release by the Metro Nashville Police Department. He is charged with three counts of attempted criminal homicide.

His twin is charged with criminal homicide in the killing of Hwarang Joo, 39, during a barrage of gunfire meant for others in the parking lot of a shopping complex in the 1300 block of Bell Road at about 10:30 p.m. November 24. Joo, who owned Hot Stuff Chicken, was leaving the restaurant in his Volkswagen SUV when the gunfire erupted.

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A bullet struck Joo in the head and he accelerated before crashing into a Bell Road dental office.

Police allege that the twins used an AR-style rifle to open fire at rivals inside a Dodge Charger, and instead shot Joo, who was not involved in the dispute.

The twins are being held in juvenile detention. The Tennessean is not naming the teens as they have not yet been charged as adults.

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This story has been updated to add video.

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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville police charge second teen twin in killing of restaurant owner
Panelists speak about the Farm Bill at the Iowa Farmers Union annual conference. From left are Cheryl Tevis, Rob Larew, and Chris Clayton. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

AMES  National Farmers Union President Rob Larew spoke about the stalled reauthorization of the Farm Bill and strategies to promote agriculture and conservation within the upcoming administration Saturday at the Iowa Farmers Union annual conference.

I am so tired of talking about this farm bill, Larew said with a laugh to a full conference room at the Quality Inn in Ames.

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The Farm Bill is a bipartisan package of legislation, typically reauthorized every five years, regulating and funding food and farm programs from the U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation initiatives to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The 2018 Farm Bill, however, was extended in 2023, expired in fall 2024 and awaits an unknown fate in the rapidly approaching close to the congressional lame-duck session.

Larew said coming into 2023, the attitude with the Farm Bill was to take what happened in the pandemic and craft better provisions to protect farmers and the U.S. food system.

And then nothing happened, Larew said, and detailed how perspectives changed as Farm Bill deadlines came and went.

Now we are where we are, which is very likely another extension, pushing us into a lot of uncertainty for next year, Larew said.

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The reelected Farmers Union president said a Farm Bill is hard to pass in a normal year, let alone in a year when the legislation is low on the list of a new administrations priorities.

Larew said he hopes the president-elects plans to slash government spending does not impact the Farm Bill, and said he will continue to push the message that you can never balance a budget on the back of a Farm Bill.

Larew spoke as part of the Farm Bill Limbo panel at the 2024 convention, titled Fairness in Farming, along with DTN Progressive Farmer Ag Policy Editor Chris Clayton and Cheryl Tevis, an ag-focused writer with the Iowa Writers Collaborative.

The other panelists expressed similar concerns toward changes to agriculture policy that could come from the upcoming administration, including tariffs, mass deportations, decreasing the abilities of USDA, and the conflicting interests of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who is slated to run the Department of Health and Human Services and Brooke Rollins,who Trump plans to nominate as secretary of Agriculture.

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Tevis said shes not holding (her) breath that Congress will agree on the fragile marriage of convenience that is the Farm Bill before the end of the year.

Before the panel, Iowa Farmers Union members shared stories of their participation in USDA programs, like cover crops subsidies, conservation easements, energy programs that allowed them to update freezers and install solar panels and local food procurement funding.

Shaffer Ridgeway, a union member and vegetable farmer from Waterloo, said many of the specialty crop farmers he speaks with and works with are just figuring out how to utilize USDA programs on their smaller-scale farms.

If you take it away in the next Farm Bill, I think people will be even more skeptical of working with USDA, Ridgeway said.

At the state level

Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Lehman opened the Saturday sessions with an overview of the unions accomplishments in 2024, including another year of membership growth consistent with what the union has seen over the past 12 years.

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Lehman commended union staff and members for their organized opposition to the sale of a nitrogen fertilizer plant to Koch Industries in the spring, a successful Farmers Union Day at the state fair and continued efforts to promote local food and conservation.

Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Lehman at the unions annual conference Dec. 7, 2024, in Ames. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Lehman also highlighted the unions efforts to oppose a lawsuit aimed at dismantling a federal provision that protects wetlands. Iowa Farmers Union, along with Iowa Environmental Council and several other groups, were approved Tuesday as intervenors in the lawsuit over the swampbuster provision.

We are responsible for those things being put into law, Lehman said. The Department of Justice and the USDA should be defending themselves when they are challenged  but its important for us to be there at the table too, because were not sure where this new administration will defend themselves.

Lehman championed union efforts at the Statehouse to secure the first ever state-funded procurement of local food which was accomplished in collaboration with the Iowa Food System Coalition.

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Union members were invited to the local food policy summit on Friday to talk about the work of the Iowa Food System Coalition and 2025 plans to grow the Iowa local food economy.

Lehman said union members can be proud that they were the only farm group opposed to a pesticide liability shield for pesticide companies. Lehman said the group plans to oppose the Bayer-led bill about pesticide labeling again in 2025.

Lehman said there is much more to be done in the coming year.

We wont get it just by working at the Statehouse, Lehman said. We have to work together in the countryside. We have to work at it around tables in our communities and on our farms in order to make a real difference from the ground up.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
MCCOLL, S.C. (WBTW)  A controversial Texas-based nonprofit promising to set up citizen patrols in McColl is now asking Gov. Henry McMasters office to step in amid the towns continued turmoil.

The One in Five Foundation For Kids is hereby requesting your office to launch a formal investigation and intervention into the increasingly daunting events, affecting public safety as unfolding in McColl, South Carolina, founder and director Daniel Chapin said.

McMaster declined to comment last week when News13 asked him about the ongoing situation in McColl  which is currently without a police force and coping with the death of Mayor George Garner.

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Chapins organization  launched in May 2022 after the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas  announced Monday its plans to bring a STOPNOW volunteer group to McColl as a safety asset for students in the Marlboro County town of 2,000.

He made it unbearable: Ex-McColl town leaders shed light on police force resignations

Officials including Marlboro County Sheriff Charles Lemon and state Sen. JD Chaplin both raised concerns about STOPNOWs legality and authority. Chaplin said on Thursday he was seeking an opinion by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson about the groups role.

All this is hogwash. This is America. They can come here. But they have no authorization for police arrests or any authorization for anything police-related, Lemon told News13. Its a sad day in America. I have been in law enforcement for 37 years. We have been at the schools for two weeks and have had no problems. Then the mayor dies, and all this craziness comes out. They can come here. They can walk our streets. But they have no authority to arrest anyone or any other authorized police work.

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McColls five-person police department all stepped down on Nov. 21. Garner was killed in a head-on crash in Darlington County on Nov. 26.

* * *

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.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Photo: Clayton Henkel).

The North Carolina Democratic Party filed a federal lawsuit Friday to stop the State Board of Elections from erasing votes as Republican candidates want.

Democrats said in the lawsuit that it is unconstitutional and against federal law for the state Board of Elections to toss bundles of votes cast by categories of voters.

Republican Appeals Court Judge Jefferson Griffin is trailing incumbent Democratic Supreme Court Justice in the Supreme Court race by 734 votes out of more than 5.5 million cast. The margin remained at 734 after a first recount.

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Griffin is protesting more than 60,000 ballots, including ballots cast by people who his campaign says did not include a drivers license number or partial Social Security number on their voter registration forms; overseas voters who have never lived in North Carolina but whose parents were eligible voters in the state before they moved; and ballots from overseas and military voters who did not include photo ID.

Three Republican legislative candidates are protesting ballots based on the same arguments.

The State Board of Elections has not made a decision on the protests. The board was planning to consider Griffins protest on Wednesday, board spokesman Pat Gannon said in an email Friday.

Griffin on Friday asked the state Court of Appeals to order the board to make a decision by 5 p.m. Tuesday.

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Democrats are asking the federal court to declare that a mass dumping of votes is unconstitutional and against federal law.

By endeavoring to throw away the already-cast votes of large swaths of voters based on generic legal challenges, the Protests, in essence, call for retroactive post-election voter-roll maintenance, the lawsuit said. Doing so would be a violation of the National Voter Registration Act, the lawsuit said.

Griffins claims about invalid voter registration and overseas voters who havent lived in North Carolina have already been heard and dismissed by state or federal courts.

A federal court judge partially dismissed a Republican lawsuit over the voter registration forms issue when the GOP sought to purge 225,000 voters or require them to cast provisional ballots.

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State courts rejected the GOPs attempt to block overseas voters who havent lived in the state.

The state Republican Party sent voters whose ballots are under protest postcards with a QR code directing them to the protest filings.

The Democrats lawsuit said those notices were insufficient and did not give voters a chance to respond to the challenges.

They do not inform voters which candidate has filed a protest, which of the hundreds of protests filed by various candidates affects the recipient, or even which race is at issue. Nor do the postcards disclose that the recipient has been named in a protest; they merely state that your vote may be affected by one or more protests filed in relation to the 2024 General Election, the lawsuit said.

Some of the postcards were addressed to the voter or current resident.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is winding down his final weeks in office. After serving eight years, the Democrat did not run in the 2024 election due to term limits.

CBS 17s Russ Bowen sat down with Gov. Cooper at the Executive Mansion to talk about what he sees as his greatest achievement as well as job growth under his leadership, the challenges for the next administration and what his next step will be after leaving office. Gov. Cooper also took the time to try and settle the age-old North Carolina BBQ question, how to pronounce pecan and how to say his last name.

Russ Bowen: In 1986, I was a sophomore in college, and you ran for office in the state legislature. You have not lost a race since then. So, when we talk about your time in the North Carolina House, the North Carolina Senate, as the Attorney General of our state and now ending your second term as governor, is there one specific thing that youve accomplished or been a part of that you think is the most important and profound thing that youve done for North Carolina?

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Governor Cooper: Im grateful that the people have given me this opportunity in so many ways to serve. But In December of last year, standing in an enrollment center in Charlotte and handing Penny her healthcare card which marked the beginning of Medicaid expansion. That has provided healthcare for more than 590,000 people in one year. That is going to have a profound effect on their families and generations to come in North Carolina.

Russ Bowen: Was there a moment during that battle, because it was a long drawn-out process without question, that you thought, I dont know are we really going to be able to pull this off?

Governor Cooper: Many times, but we never ever gave up. I started in my first few weeks as governor, the legislative leadership sued me in federal court to stop me from the beginning of spending Medicaid, which I wanted to do as governor in 2023. The very same legislative leaders came over here to the Executive Mansion as we signed the Medicaid expansion bill that we asked them to put in place.

Russ Bowen: Is there anything you didnt get across the finish line, and it doesnt even have to be when you were serving as governor, that you think we should have gotten to, or you should have gotten to at that point?

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Governor Cooper: Well, I believe that public schools are the bedrock of North Carolinas economy and our future. And Im concerned about the legislatures investments in public schools. Particularly the last few years when I was in the state legislature and even as attorney general, we had significant success in raising teacher salaries and making these investments in public schools, and even my first few years as governor. With the legislature we raised teacher pay close to 20%, which was good. But here the last few years it looks as if theyve given up and its a warning that I would leave to a new governor, Stein, to this legislature, that North Carolina has the best workforce in the country and its one of the reasons why our economy is so strong. Were the third fastest growing state in the country, thats great. Education has to be a major investment going forward.

Russ Bowen: Youve done something that every political expert Ive talked to says is nearly impossible as a second term governor and that is to retain your popularity. Your approval ratings have been pretty consistent from day one almost 8 years ago. How do you do it? Because you also get a number of Republicans who say yeah hes doing a pretty good job.

Governor Cooper: I think we listen to what the people need. Its clear that so many North Carolina families want a good education for their child. They want a good job to earn money for their family. They want to be able to take care of their parents and grandparents when they get old. And that crosses party lines. They want clean water to drink, they want to drive on good roads, and they want a good internet connection, those kinds of things. Weve made those investments, and we found those common denominators across party lines because weve had a lot of success with our economy in North Carolina.

Russ Bowen: When you mentioned that across line, we have become a destination state for industry. I feel like we announce this once a week twice a week. That is working together, correct?

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Governor Cooper: Yes. Since Ive been governor 640,000 new jobs and weve worked with Republicans in the legislature to make sure that we got the infrastructure in place, that we have performance based incentives, that they have to create jobs at certain salaries before they get these tax incentives that we put into place and we worked well together on that. We greatly increased the jobs in the clean energy economy, were helping to lead the way in that in the life sciences space and of course weve got the most amazing military bases in the country and have been able to draw from those military bases for people who want to go back into the civilian workforce. Weve got the best workforce in the country as well.

Russ Bowen: What do you think incoming governor Josh Steins biggest obstacle is going to be in his first couple of years?

Governor Cooper: First recovery from a disaster like Helene is long and hard and hes going to have to spend a lot of time on it. My last month and a half here, thats what Ive been doing most of the time is working on recovery for Western North Carolina. So, hes got that issue. He also is going to have to be working with a shrinking budget in North Carolina. What they have done is put in place tax breaks for the wealthy that are automatically going in. Theyve committed billions of dollars for private school vouchers, many of those for the wealthy. Youre going to have to make investments for the storm. So youre going to be working with the reduced amount of funding. And I would I would tell him that he needs to continue to push for education to make sure that our workforce is educated and continue working with the legislature as much as you can to try to find common ground stand up for your values. Fight them when you need to, but also recognize that were going to have a new president with a different set of values. I spent for four years as governor with Donald Trump as president. That changes the scenario. Youve got to try to work with a new president when you can, stand up to him when you need to. I believe Josh will be able to do all of those things.

Russ Bowen: Is this it for Roy Cooper, or is there a political future?

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Governor Cooper: Well, you know, I havent decided what Im going to do in the future. And Ive promised myself and my family that Im going to take some time before making that decision. I think Im going to spend some time just being grateful for the fact that for the last eight years, Ive gotten a chance to wake up every morning to lead the state that I love so much. To see the progress that weve made, to be so thankful for the public servants whove stepped up, some of them coming out of the private sector to help us work to improve North Carolina, and just for North Carolinians giving me this opportunity. I dont take any of it for granted and Im grateful for it. Every single day. And as I leave this job, Im going to continue to be grateful, but also decide what I can do next to continue to serve in some way. It may or may not be elected politics, but I want to continue to add to the wood pile, lets say.

Before wrapping up the interview, Gov. Cooper answered perhaps the toughest questions of all.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
CUMBOLA  When she was getting ready for work around 1:10 p.m. Friday, Alessandra Dejoseph smelled smoke coming from the house next door in the 100 block of Market Street.

Going outside and finding smoke pouring from the house, she became concerned for the safety of the dogs inside.

I knew there were dogs in there, she said. Everyday when I come home from work, theyre barking at me.

David McKeown / Staff Photographer

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Six fire companies responded to a mid-afternoon fire in Cumbola, Blythe Twp. Friday. AMY MARCHIANO/STAFF PHOTO

No people were at home, and in the excitement, Daniel Riccardi, Dejosephs boyfriend, attempted to gain access at the rear of the house.

OMG, there are a bunch of animals in there, Riccardi shouted, before someone kicked in the back door.

Eventually, firefighters pulled out five dogs alive from the dense smoke that permeated the building. Two others died in the fire.

A smoky fire started around 1 p.m. Friday in Cumbola. Out of nine pet dogs in the home, seven were rescued and two died. AMY MARCHIANO/STAFF PHOTO

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Neighbors or passersby pushed in a front window and managed to get two caged dogs out alive, authorities reported.

Rescue personnel administered oxygen to at least one dog. The others, officials indicated, are expected to survive.

In an outpouring of concern, neighbors came to the aid of the rescued dogs, providing food and water. Dejoseph and others are fostering the dogs momentarily. The SPCA in Pine Grove has been notified about their plight.

The dogs owners, who authorities have not identified, were not home at the time of the fire.

Authorities notified

The fire was reported to the Schuylkill County Communications Center by Natasha Frantz, a Cumbola resident, who noticed smoke coming from the house as she was driving by around 1:10 p.m.

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Initial reports from the scene were that heavy smoke and flames were visible at the rear of the structure. Firefighters battled the blaze from the buildings roof.

AMY MARCHIANO/STAFF PHOTO

The rear of the home on fire in Cumbola, Blythe Twp. Friday afternoon. AMY MARCHIANO/STAFF PHOTO

Michael Welsh, Port Carbon fire chief, said the fire was brought under control in about 45 minutes.

The structure, he said, had heavy damage inside. No estimate of the cost was available.

Joseph Hall, state police fire marshal, and Brian McMullen, Blythe Twp. fire marshal, are investigating the cause, which is as yet undetermined.

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The incident forced the closing of Market Street, or Route 209, which cuts through the center of the Blythe Twp. village.

In addition to Port Carbon, fire companies from New Philadelphia, Cumbola, Middleport, Saint Clair and Pottsville responded.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed optimism that Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaverens visit to the Philippines would bolster bilateral ties, particularly in trade, investment, and agriculture.

Ill make certain that your time here will be productive and will further relations between our two countries, Mr. Marcos said during Klaverens courtesy call at Malacanang on Friday.

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The President highlighted the potential for cooperation in cacao cultivation and processing, citing Chiles advanced technologies in the sector.

Its becoming an important crop for us, and you have some of the best technologies for that product, Marcos said.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque also pointed to potential partnerships in fisheries, mineral exports from Mindanao, and skincare products.

Were also exploring opportunities in agriculture and seafood products for export, Roque said.

Chile likewise reaffirmed its support for the Philippines bid for a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat for the 2027-2028 term, with the latter pledging its backing for the formers candidature for 2029-2030.

Van Klaveren described his visit as productive, noting discussions with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on bilateral, regional, and global issues.

The Philippines and Chile established diplomatic relations in 1946, marking their 75th anniversary in 2021. In 2023, Chile ranked as the Philippines 49th trading partner and 47th export market.
HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT)  Norman Grainger is the current Major at the Salvation Army of Henderson.

However, his road to Henderson has tracked across many states and across the Atlantic Ocean twice.

Being from England, he joined the Royal Navy when he was a teenager at 16 years old and had the opportunity to travel to many countries from South Africa, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and all of the Middle East.

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Whos in the News? Tracy Gorman

He was working at a company called British Nuclear Fuels when he came home one night and in the newspaper was a job advertisement for environmental operators in a pharmaceutical industry in the Bahamas.

Grainger and his wife were interviewed a couple of times in the summer of 1982, and they moved to the Bahamas with their child and soon to be second child in December 1982.

While working in the Bahamas, his wife was very involved with their church when an ad for the Salvation Army popped up in the newspaper. It was saying the Salvation Army held camps on the island.

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We felt through our volunteers we felt the call to ministry, he said. We made the decision to enter seminary.

Due to that, they moved to Chicago in 1989 for seminary training with the Salvation Army. The office in Indianapolis gave them an appointment, but soon discovered their immigration was not quite right.

When we were in seminary, we were on education visas, and now we needed to be on work permit visas, Grainger explained. In order for that to happen, you had to be ordained with your religion for two years.

Because of that, Grainger and his family had to move out of the states but were offered a choice of going back to England, go to Canada or the Carribean. They chose the Carribean and moved to Jamaica and served at the Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Handicapped.

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They were qualified for their work permits some time later, and Grainger worked in various areas of the Midwest including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Missouri before retirement last year.

Whos in the News? Dale Thomas

During retirement, Grainger got a call from the Henderson Salvation Army to fill in while officials looked for someone on a more permanent basis.

As Major, Grainger and his wife have various responsibilities where he tends to lean towards the public relations and financial side of the organization. Grainger gave his compliments to the amount of volunteer in Henderson.

We have a very small staff, but the volunteer base is tremendous. We have an advisory board of people in the community, and I really found this is the largest advisory board Ive worked with in my 34 years with the Salvation Army.

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Grainger also said the advisory board does not mind rolling up their sleeves in order to help people in the community.

One story that Grainger remembers about an impact the Salvation Army can have is when he and his wife were in Des Moines, Iowa when the building was locked up for the night when a man suffering from the cold knocked and was let in.

I remember my wife got on her hands and knees to take off his shoes and his socks and found he was suffering from frostbite, he said. She bathed his feet and fresh socks and were able to connect him to a local shelter. We discovered he was living out in an old railcar down by the river. We dont know the end of that story, but that impact, that moment was a relief to him.

Grainger explains what the most satisfying part of his role.

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When we can utilize, the things we have learned over the years. We can utilize when weve been successful and also avoid the pitfalls, bring it all to Henderson and use the gifts that God has given us in order to serve the people that He puts across our door every single day, he said.

Grainger and his wife will be in Henderson until June 2025.

For more information on the Salvation Army of Henderson, 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).
The Montana State Capitol in Helena on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Photo by Mike Clark for the Daily Montanan)

A coalition of news organizations, including the Daily Montanan, on Friday filed a petition seeking to join a lawsuit to keep all documents related to drafting bills  including communications between legislators, lobbyists, and other stakeholders  available to members of the public under Montanas constitutional right to know.

For 30 years, members of the public, including reporters and lobbyists, have been able to request and access all documents related to proposed legislation. Those files, called junque files, often include correspondence and can shed light on which individuals and organizations might be influencing a piece of legislation.

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in September, however, Montana Legislative Services, which writes bills for lawmakers, announced it would no longer automatically make all bill draft files available to the public, but would instead enact a new policy making documents privileged by default unless a lawmaker signs a waiver.

The Montana Environmental Information Center filed suit in Cascade County District Court on Oct. 30, seeking emergency relief and requesting the new policy be found unconstitutional. The news organizations (known collectively in the court documents as the Press) on Dec. 6 filed an unopposed motion to intervene as plaintiffs in the suit.

The necessity of, and freedom to, report on the government is rooted in both the United States and Montana constitutions, the Press motion reads. The press is, in short, the publics watchdog and serves to inform the public about governmental action and efficacy. Access to public records is the cornerstone of this duty.

The petition was filed by Montana Free Press, The Associated Press, the Montana Broadcasters Association, Montana Newspaper Association, Hagadone Media Montana, The Daily Montanan, Lee Enterprises, Inc., and Adams Publishing Group, which collectively comprise a majority of news organizations in the state. The Daily Montanan and other Montana news outlets routinely utilize junque files in their reporting to the public, including several times during the 2023 session.

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The Press has, for 30 years, exercised its right to examine junque files to check sources and accurately report on the legislative process. Continued access to junque files is vital, for example, to understand the reasoning behind proposed bills and determine whether the bills are brought by constituents, lawmakers themselves or are model legislation promoted by national organizations. Real-time access to junque files is critical to better inform Montanans and the electorate of the reasons behind legislation so the public has an opportunity to testify during bill hearings or write their lawmakers to provide comment regarding legislation. The Press, in short, seeks intervention to protect its right to know so it can accurately and timely report on governmental conduct for the benefit of the public, according to the motion.

A new policy of access

The change by Legislative Services came in response to a July decision from Lewis and Clark District Court Judge Christopher Abbott in a court case over whether a new Public Service Commission map was a partisan gerrymander.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs in that lawsuit had tried to subpoena Sen. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, who carried the bill enacting the PSC redistricting, and gain access to the full junque file for the bill. A previous junque file had not contained communications about redistricting.

However, Judge Abbott wrote in his opinion quashing the subpoena that producing junque files was barred by legislative privilege.

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Legislative Services executive director Jerry Howe previously told the Daily Montanan that his office thought they were following what the previous court directed us to do, when it enacted the new policy, making junque files private by default.

However MEICs original complaint said that Abbotts order was specific to the discovery dispute over communications related to the PSC map; and it implicates no documents other than those expressly considered.

The lawsuit also states that the same district court found in 1995 that junque files  are subject to disclosure under the right to know.

Constitutional right to know is essential for news outlets

The Press filed to intervene to ensure its interest in maintaining the right to know as a critical part of its work to keep the public informed is represented in the suit.

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While MEIC, in its original complaint, focused on the right to know in order to use information to represent clients and advocate and lobby for a clean and healthful environment, the Press motion describes a broader interest, with an aim toward informing the public generally regarding proposed legislation and holding government accountable to the public by shining a light on its activities, conduct and operations.

The press has a right to access and examine governmental records that is enshrined in the state constitution, according to the Press motion.

The Right to Know in Article II of the Montana Constitution states that no person shall be deprived of the right to examine documents or to observe the deliberations of all public bodies or agencies of state government and its subdivisions, except in cases in which the demand of individual privacy clearly exceeds the merits of public disclosure.

The Press motion adds that Abbotts order did not expressly address whether junque files are privileged, and that it did not grant a blanket privilege over junque files or rote communications surrounding the bill drafting process.

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Instead, the motion goes back to the 1995 court decision that stated junque files fall outside the privilege.

Junque files are maintained by a public body (Defendant Legislative Services Division) and have, since at least 1995, been subject to Montanans right to know, the Press complaint reads. The information contained in junque files offers important context for journalists, lobbyists, and members of the public seeking to learn more about draft legislation and possible influence by outside stakeholders.

The importance of junque files to the work of journalists was highlighted in the court filings by declarations submitted by journalists and editors, including long-time Montana journalist Mike Dennison, who covered the Montana Legislature from 1987-2021.

Without a right to examine junque files, or otherwise request and obtain this information, I would have to rely only on the good graces of the lobby groups to tell me what they wanted, and when they wanted to tell me. That information might become evident during subsequent hearings or actions on the eventual bill, but by then, the fix might be in, so to speak, with little or no time for the public to react or influence the outcome, Dennison wrote in the court filing.

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Susan Byorth Fox, who was Legislative Services Division executive director from 2006 until May of this year, also submitted a declaration that junque files were treated as public records during her tenure, and never treated as privileged documents.

Additional statements in the lawsuit were submitted by editors of the listed news organizations, including Daily Montanan Editor Darrell Ehrlick.

The news organizations have retained the law firm Goetz, Geddes, & Gardner, P.C. as outside counsel for the litigation. MEIC in its original complaint is represented by Upper Seven Law.

Note: As a party to the legal filing, Daily Montanan editor Darrell Ehrlick was not part of the editorial team for this article.
White supremacist Nick Fuentes is facing battery charges for allegedly macing a woman who confronted him on Nov. 10.

In a report obtained Friday by multiple media outlets, Berwyn, Illinois police wrote that a passerby described seeing a male push a female down the stairs, spray her with mace and break her phone. Officers responding to the scene identified said male as Fuentes. They said the woman had been provoked by a viral social media post on Election Day, in which Fuentes celebrated an expected rollback of abortion rights by writing: Your body, my choice. Forever.

Nicholas then grabbed her phone and momentarily went inside his house before coming back out, per the police report. They both then waited for police to arrive. Marla related she did not want to sign complaints at this time.

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The incident report, which was first obtained by The Smoking Gun, said Fuentes had been searched, fingerprinted and booked Nov. 27 on a misdemeanor battery charge. He was released but is set to appear in Cook County court on Dec. 19.

Fuentes, a 26-year-old far-right influencer who has previously espoused his love for Nazi Germanys Adolf Hitler, encouraged people to storm the U.S. Capitol in 2021 and dined with President-elect Donald Trump in 2022, is now selling mugshot merch on his website.

Fuentes appeared to acknowledge the arrest on Friday on X, formerly Twitter, writing: Free me n***a.

Fuentes address was leaked online after his anti-abortion post on the eve of Trumps election, which eventually garnered more than 50,000 likes. He defended the post to police by arguing he simply posted a political joke online, per the report.

Fuentes, seen here speaking to a white nationalist group in 2020, is due in court Dec. 19. Zach D Roberts/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Rose told Vice last month that she initially only intended to ask Fuentes if he had been harassed or received deliveries of diapers, since Rose said his critics on social media said theyd send him some. She said she only rang his doorbell when an onlooker encouraged her to.

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I didnt expect him to answer, she told the outlet. And then as I was saying hi, the spray immediately started. I was going to ask him, Why do you feel comfortable saying the things that you say? And it was obvious hes very scared, probably extremely paranoid.

Im 5-foot-1, explained Rose. Hes not a big man himself, but Im 57, hes 26.

Vices report also included a brief video clip of the scuffle.

Fuentes told police he has been receiving death threats following his post on Election Day, and that he was in fear for his life when Rose appeared at his doorstep.

Rose is reportedly planning to file a civil lawsuit against Fuentes over the incident.

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The your body, my choice line has taken on a life of its own. Many of Fuentes followers have seized on the phrase by using it to reply to womens posts on various social media platforms, parents on TikTok have been sharing instances of boys harassing other children with it in real life.

Related...
Far-right streamer and influencer Nick Fuentes has been accused of battery after allegedly spraying a woman with pepper spray when she appeared at his front door in Illinois last month as his refrain Your body, my choice was going viral.

Marla Rose, 57, told police that she went to record Fuentes home on Nov. 10 after she saw his controversial social media post and that he pepper-sprayed her, pushed her onto the concrete and broke her phone outside his Chicago-area home in Berwyn, Illinois. According to a police report, which was filed Nov. 11, the woman did not have any visible physical injuries but her eyes were watery.

Fuentes was arrested late last month and released the same day. He is set to appear in court on Dec. 19.

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Fuentes did not respond to requests for comment Friday.

He posted pictures Friday of his mugshots on X and wrote, Free me n----. Rose also took to social media, posting on Facebook: It. Is. On.  PS  Civil case pending.

Rose could not be reached for comment Friday.

Fuentes was doxxed and his address posted on social media after he went viral for an X post that has been viewed more than 99.6 million times since he posted it on Election Day, in which he wrote Your body, my choice. Forever, referring to abortion policies.

He told police that since he posted a political joke online, he has faced death threats and people showing up to his house unannounced and had been in fear for his life, the report stated.

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Another woman who had driven by Fuentes house called police to report that she had seen a woman shoved by a man outside the home, according to the police report. Rose was still at the house when police arrived, but she and Fuentes were separated while they spoke to officers, the report stated. Police said Fuentes became uncooperative with the resource officer on scene and would not answer any additional questions about the alleged altercation with Rose, according to the report.

After his Election Day post, Fuentes personal information began circulating online, with many on social media posting his address and pictures of his house, writing, Your house, our choice.

In a now-deleted Facebook post, Rose had said that she was prompted to appear at Fuentes door given the views he shared online. In her post, she also disclosed Fuentes home address several times.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A Nigerian national was sentenced to prison on Wednesday for his role in a business email compromise scheme that defrauded companies in Connecticut, New York, Colorado and Alaska.

Okechuckwu Valentine Osuji, 39, faced sentencing in federal court in New Haven where he was handed down an eight-year prison term, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Federal officials said Osuji and others were involved in a scheme out of multiple countries that targeted specific individuals and businesses by masquerading as trustworthy entities in electronic communications to obtain money.

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They used witting and unwitting money mules to receive fraud proceeds in their bank accounts, the Department of Justice wrote in a statement.

The funds were then either transferred to accounts under the co-conspirators control or converted to cash, authorities said. The scheme spanned multiple years and tricked numerous victims into transferring funds into bank accounts the victims believed were under the control of legitimate recipients as part of normal business operations when the bank accounts were actually controlled by Osuji and his co-conspirators, according to the Department of Justice.

The victims who were targeted and duped included a Connecticut-based financial company, a Colorado-based lending company, an Alaska-based nonprofit performing arts organization and a New York-based food and beverage company.

Federal officials said Osuji and others were involved in romance scams that targeted the elderly, leading them to unknowingly acting as the money mules. In one such exploitation, a woman who testified at trial said she was coaxed into sending her savings and income, including Social Security checks, to an individual she believed was her romantic partner who turned out to be one of Osujis co-conspirators, according to federal authorities.

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The womans life savings were nearly depleted, leading to her declaring bankruptcy and her home being repossessed. Her personal bank account was also used to facilitate the fraud against one of the companies targeted by Osuji.

Authorities said Osuji was arrested in Malaysia and extradited to the United States in 2022. In May, a jury in New Haven found him guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Federal officials believe the losses and intended losses through the scheme totaled over $6 million. At his sentencing, Osuji was ordered to pay restitution to the victims.

A co-conspirator, identified as John Wamuigah, remains in Malaysia and is awaiting extradition proceedings, officials said. Another co-conspirator, Tolulope Bodunde, also a citizen of Nigeria, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Oct. 16 to two years in prison.
The claim: Image shows Justin Trudeau post mocking Trump

A Dec. 4 Threads post (direct link, archive link) shows a screenshot of what appears to be an X post from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The post includes an image of President-elect Donald Trump falling off a cliff as a crowd waves Canadian flags behind him and a caption that reads, "Oh Canada!"

The Threads post received more than 500 likes in two days. The image was also reposted thousands of times on X and circulated widely on Instagram and on Threads. A version shared to Facebook by the liberal group Occupy Democrats was labeled as satire.

More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page

Our rating: Altered

The image of the X post is a fabrication. There is no record of the post on Trudeau's verified account.

No record of post on Trudeaus account

The supposed screenshot resembles legitimate posts shared by Trudeau. Its profile image matches the one on his account, and it contains a gray badge to indicate it purportedly belongs to a government official.

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But it is not a real post, and there is no record it was ever shared by Trudeaus account. There are no credible news reports about the prime minister sharing such a post.

Fact check: No evidence Canadian prime minister fled country amid trucker protests

The purported counts of responses, reposts and likes are identical in many versions of the image circulating on social media, an indication the image is a fabrication that traces to a single source. An authentic post would have been captured and shared at various times by Trudeaus 6.5 million followers with varying numbers of reposts and likes.

Trump has threatened a 25% tariff on all products coming into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico, prompting Trudeau to make a visit to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump. The Canadian prime minister expressed concern that the tariffs would wreck his countrys economy. Trump responded by suggesting Canada become the 51st state. Trump later shared a Truth Social post containing a clearly fabricated image of himself standing on a cliff with the Canadian flag. Its caption of Oh Canada! matches the one in the fabricated Trudeau post.

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USA TODAY previously debunked false claims that Trudeau announced a three-year freeze on immigration to Canada and that an image shows a social media post from Elon Musk saying Trump will do anything I tell him to do.

An Instagram user who shared the image acknowledged in a message to USA TODAY that it is a parody. USA TODAY reached out to Trudeaus office and to several social media users who shared the image but did not immediately receive responses. The X users who shared it could not be reached.

Our fact-check sources

Justin Trudeau, accessed Dec. 5, X account

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here.

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USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trudeau didn't post image of Trump falling off cliff | Fact check
By Andrew Mills and Yousef Saba

DOHA (Reuters) - Qatar has no concerns about U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's promise to lift a cap on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, Qatar's Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi said on Saturday, adding his country would cope with any competition.

"And you know even if you open up LNG and say we're going to export another 300 million tons from the U.S. or 500 million from the U.S., all these projects are driven by private enterprises that look at the commercial viability of projects," Kaabi, who is also the chief executive of state-owned QatarEnergy, said during the Doha Forum.

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Asked about the impact of Trump's return to the White House on Qatar-U.S. relations, particularly in energy, Kaabi said oil and gas projects were multi-decade plans and "survive governments", but later added he thought Trump was "good for business".

Kaabi said the European Union should thoroughly review the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which will require larger companies operating in the bloc to check if their supply chains use forced labour or cause environmental damage and act to take action if they do.

Kaabi said the penalty can be up to 5% of a company's total worldwide revenue, adding it would have far-reaching complications and harm companies in the bloc as well as firms operating there.

"So to me, my message to Europe and to the EU Commission is that: are you telling us I don't want your LNG into the EU? Because I sure am not going to supply EU with LNG to support their requirements for energy and then be penalized with my total revenue worldwide going to EU. So there's something wrong there," he said.

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He also said the Qatar Investment Authority, the estimated $510 billion sovereign fund, and other institutional investors would consider investing elsewhere to avoid penalties.

EU "economies are not doing great, so they need foreign direct investments and they need support," he said.

(Reporting by Andrew Mills and Yousef Saba. Writing by Yousef Saba and Menna Alaa El Din. Editing by Mark Potter)
Pete Teti, who was about to turn 101, left me a phone message a few weeks ago, and I could tell by his tone that he was ticked off about something.

When I reached him, he invited me to come out one morning and hike his favorite trail in Griffith Park. He wanted to show me where the city had installed two monstrous fences, ostensibly to protect habitat and keep hikers from veering off the main trail. But Teti didnt appreciate having his urban wilderness sanctuary turned into what looked like a construction site.

Teti, like many regulars, does not have a casual relationship with Griffith Park. He loves it, and he loves that others do as well. A morning walk with him is both a celebration of Los Angeles and a trip around the world  hes like a park ambassador, greeting locals and tourists of all ages and ethnicities.

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Just before Thanksgiving, I met up with Teti and two of his pals, a retiree named Tom McGovern and an artist named Ramsess, a former L.A. Times illustrator. We started at the Charlie Turner Trailhead near Griffith Observatory and followed the Mt. Hollywood Trail a few hundred yards before coming upon the first of two fences.

The barrier, about 8 feet high and maybe 100 feet in length, blocked access to what has been used for many years as a shortcut trail to the Mt. Hollywood Summit, which is now designated as the Tom LaBonge Panorama after the late L.A. City Councilman who championed the park.

One sign posted on the fence read: Trail Closed For Safety And Upcoming Habitat Restoration."

So here's my question: If you're going to put up a fence to keep people away, why would you then leave the gate open so they could march through and up the steep, rocky incline? Another question about the fence: What's to keep people from walking to the end and stepping around it?

Daily hikers Pete Teti, left, and Tom McGovern are among those who are upset about fences that went up along hiking trails at Griffith Park. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

The four of us were bewildered. Theres danger everywhere in the city and the park, Tetti said. Is the level of risk any greater in this location? And regarding habitat protection, wont hikers create new shortcuts that cause damage elsewhere?

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After Teti got done chatting with a few dozen triathletes on a morning run, we continued up the trail to the second fence, which blocks access to another shortcut trail. As with the lower fence, the only good thing I can say about it is that it's not topped by razor wire. It's 200 feet in length and posted with warnings, including one that says trespassing and loitering are punishable by fines up to $1,000.

Read more: Column: With friends in tow at Griffith Park, Pete Teti walks into his second century

I told the crew Id work on getting an explanation for the fences, and find out what they cost. Meanwhile, as of a few days ago, more than 250 people had signed a petition demanding the removal of the fences. The petition lauded the goal of protecting habitat and reducing risk but questioned the need for fences, calling them ugly and ineffective.

These fences really are an eyesore! said one post.

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Yes, hikers get hurt, said another. But fences aren't the answer!

You cannot simply close a trail and expect the habitat to restore itself without further intervention, said another post, which questioned the citys long-term commitment.

A spokesperson for Los Angeles recreation and parks told me the gate on the lower fence would soon be locked (by Friday morning, it was). Im still waiting on stats regarding rescues on those trails, but I did get the cost of the two fences.

The two fences along hiking trails in Griffith Park are intended as a safety measure and to protect habitat. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

The bill came to $45,589.

On Thursday evening, the arguments for and against the fences got fleshed out at a meeting of the Griffith Park Advisory Board.

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No one likes a fence, but fences are temporary, said Sgt. Sean Kleckner, a park ranger. And at some point in time the fences will come down.  But thats probably not going to be for some time.

Read more: Ive done this L.A. walk 400 times. Heres how it saved me

Kleckner said that taking safety and habitat into account, the fences were the right call. (Courtney McCammon, a park ecologist, said native vegetation including sagebrush, buckwheat, brickellbush, deergrass and sage scrub will be planted to restore the area.)

Theres wildfire danger on the slopes in question, Kleckner said, adding that for several years, between 12 and 20 stranded or injured hikers have been rescued annually. He said those rescues stress ranger forces and the Los Angeles Fire Department, which sometimes sends helicopters.

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One speaker said hes seen people get injured on the trails and he has helped in rescues. He applauded the installation of the fences, but the majority of speakers were opposed.

The cost of the two fences at Griffith Park? $45,589. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Yasmine Ross said she checked with the LAFD and by her accounting, the vast majority of park rescues over the last three years did not occur near the new fences.

Justin Szlasa said signs would have been better than fences, or, alternatively, improving the trails in question to make them safer.

Teti's buddy, McGovern, called the fences an obscenity, and questioned their need. When you consider the thousands of people that come to the park every year, the number of incidents that have happened is very small.

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Read more: Activists fought to shutter the Griffith Park pony rides. Survey says: People want the ponies back

Teti, who also raised his hand to speak, informed the board that he's been hiking in Griffith Park every day for 22 years, and that he just turned 101. When the applause died down, he said that in all that time, hes seen only one person fall. If people want to try a steeper slope, he said, they know they need to be careful. Usually they are.

Teti, who has no trouble hiking a couple of miles on his morning trek across hilly terrain (and sometimes whips out a harmonica and blows a tune for dogs or other hikers), added this: Some people like a little more of a challenge. Like me. I dont want that taken away from me.

Gerry Hans, president of Friends of Griffith Park, attended the meeting, and I later checked with him for his take on the fences.

One of the Griffith Park regulars says, "When you consider the thousands of people that come to the park every year, the number of incidents that have happened is very small." (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

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I knew something had to be done, said Hans, who has witnessed rescues, seen habitat destruction and thinks that with 53 miles of primary trails, shortcuts should be discouraged.

But he added that tall shiny fences should have been the last resort." He would have preferred starting with signage that promotes peer pressure to do the right thing, to respect the park and urban wilderness and habitat." He brought such a sign to the meeting, and it said, "NOT A TRAIL! For your safety, and to protect the habitat, please stay on designated trails."

It was green, by the way.

Not chain-link gray.

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steve.lopez@latimes.com



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
"The body remains on the ground, but the ideas remain standing" (Victor Hugo)

It is with great pain and shock that we have learned of the death of our beloved comrade Angel Perouch, leader of the Militant Communist Organization, Argentine section of the Revolutionary Communist International. Angel suffered a sudden heart attack on the night of December 5, and nothing could be done to save his life. His sudden death is all the more unjust as nothing could have predicted this fatal outcome and takes place when we most needed his passion and talent for the explosive revolutionary events that are to come, starting in Argentina.

The Argentine revolutionary movement, and not only the RCI, has lost a comrade of extraordinary worth, whose commitment and self-sacrifice to the cause of the oppressed were widely recognized by all those who shared his militant struggle, whether in the political, social or trade union sphere. From morning to night, day after day, all his attention and dedication were directed to the cause that guided him throughout his conscious life, the struggle for international socialism.

Angel was a bank worker, and a prominent union activist in his union, La Bancaria, until he retired less than a year ago. He welcomed his retirement as an act of liberation, not yearning for rest and empty leisure, but to further increase his militant commitment.

I met Angel Perouch, together with his partner Veronica, in the spring of 2005 or early 2006, I don't remember exactly, at his house in Granadero Baigorria, near Rosario, his hometown. I visited them at their house, accompanied by a veteran militant from Rosario who had briefly joined our movement, who had enthusiastically recommended him to me as a very capable, active and well-known militant in Rosario.

They, and a group of militants from Buenos Aires and its metropolitan area, had just broken with a small group, the POR. This, in turn, had been formed years before as a result of the bureaucratic expulsion of more than a hundred militants from Jorge Altamira's Workers' Party (Partido Obrero). But Angel's political activity could be traced back much further, when he was a teenage student before the military coup in 1976, in the UES (Union of Secondary Students), a student organization linked to revolutionary Peronism. Later, during the dictatorship, he came into contact and became involved with Politica Obrera, a Trotskyist group that after the fall of the dictatorship would change its name to the Partido Obrero.

After weeks of discussions and debates, Angel, Vero and a couple of their comrades decided to join the International Marxist Tendency (IMT), the predecessor of the RCI, in the spring of 2006. This was a great achievement, because our group was very small at the time, and limited to Buenos Aires, and many activists who approached us and shared our ideas and programme were reluctant to commit themselves when they saw such a modest apparatus as ours.

They joined because of the ideas and not by the attraction of an apparatus, which gave their political commitment a granite force that has been maintained until the end. We went through good times and bad times, in a situation of extraordinary ferment in Argentine society and an unprecedented level of activity and struggle. It was not easy to make headway in those circumstances, with dozens of revolutionary groups of all types and sizes, marked by sectarianism and the absence of united front policies, which was our main banner of agitation.

Angel had personality, he defended his ideas with conviction; he did not simply accept a proposal, an idea, one had to fight hard, he demanded to be convinced and he set out to convince. He was the first militant, he set the example (in dedicating time to the cause, in distributing political material, in obtaining economic resources, in carrying out the agreed work) and he inspired the others to follow him. This strength of character was essential to give cohesion to a small and isolated group, in difficult circumstances. However, it would not be fair not to mention here the role of his lifelong partner, Vero, who was not left behind in commitment, militancy, personality and dedication. In reality, both formed a team and encouraged each other, pushing the others with their determination.

For political reasons, I returned to Spain to continue my activity in the spring of 2013, and Angel, without any full-time workers in the organization, redoubled his commitment in the responsibility of coordinating and leading the group. His militant spirit did not waver for a moment. With considerable effort, they managed to buy a printing machine to publish the monthly newspaper, and even pamphlets and books.

After years of dedicated work, they managed to extend the organization to new areas, and today is present in Rosario, Greater Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Santiago del Estero and also in Misiones.

An internationalist to the core, Angel participated in the meetings and debates of the International as part of its elected leadership and also supported the development of work in Chile.

After his retirement a few months ago, in this short period of time until his sudden death, he worked tirelessly alongside his comrades to relaunch the organization, which was renamed the Militant Communist Organization.

In the last 10 years, since I left Argentina, I saw him and Vero 2 or 3 times a year: at international RCI meetings and also in Argentina, where I usually travel every year for family reasons. So we never lost contact, the relationship and the affection we had for each other over the years.

It is far from my intention to paint a picture of a sober and Spartan Angel. Nothing could be further from the truth. Although he was so great, Angel the militant was not even half of the personality of Angel the man. Above all, Angel loved life and enjoying it. As a "bon-vivant", he enjoyed a good meal, travelling, and socialising with friends and comrades. Angel stood out for his vitality, his extraordinary common sense and also his sense of humour, and he shared with all Argentine workers an enormous generosity and personal kindness.

In these difficult times, we would like to send all our love and solidarity to Vero, to Angel's son, Leon, to his sister Patricia, and to other relatives, and to all Argentine comrades.

We say goodbye, moved and saddened by the unjust and premature passing of our comrade, our friend Angel Perouch. A tireless fighter from adolescence until his last breath, he will continue to encourage and motivate our revolutionary struggle through the memory of his militant example. We will never forget him!
The Marion County Library in Yellville, Arkansas. (Courtesy photo/Arkansas State Library)

The director of a North Arkansas public library was arrested Monday after an investigation into allegations of financial misconduct, according to court records.

Dana Scott was relieved of her duties as Marion County Library director upon her arrest Monday, said Linda Ramos at a special-call meeting of the library board Thursday. Ramos was chairwoman of the board until the county judge dismissed her and the rest of the board for failing to supervise Scott more closely.

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KTLO, a news station in Mountain Home, posted a recording of the three-minute meeting online Friday morning. County Judge Jason Stumph dismissed all four members of the board at the meeting and said the quorum court will vote Tuesday to finalize the dismissal.

The county sheriffs office charged Scott with two counts of tampering with public records and one count of failure to pay or file tax returns, according to her arrest affidavit filed with the Marion County Circuit Court. Both offenses are Class D felonies.

Scott is 52 and a resident of Branson, Missouri. She had been in charge of the Marion County Library, which has its sole branch in Yellville, since March 2017.

Dana Scott arrest warrant

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The librarys interim manager is Suzy McVay, Ramos said at Thursdays meeting. McVay has repeatedly petitioned the quorum court to grant Scott a raise, which the court has refused.

Stumph told the library board on Thursday it should have monitored Scotts actions as library director more closely and he did not want to hold one accountable but not the other. He also said he is open to considering the dismissed members for reappointment by the quorum court. The county is now accepting applications for new board members.

In a letter to the board that his office provided to the Advocate, Stumph said the board has provided no oversight for expenditures, timekeeping for employees, or adherence to the County Financial policies.

All Arkansas library systems have five-member governing boards, as required by law. The Marion County Library board has had one position open since Alesia Owens resignation. The August meeting was the last one in which Owen participated after two and a half years on the board, according to meeting minutes.

The allegations

In September 2023, Owen filed a complaint with the prosecuting attorney for the states 14th Judicial District, saying she believed that she had discovered something odd about the financials in the Marion County Library System, and thought that someone should investigate them, according to Scotts arrest affidavit, filed by Lynn Shepard of the Marion County Sheriffs Office.

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The affidavit alleges that Scott did not follow laws regarding county funds, misused a county credit card and falsified public records related to purchases made with a county credit card, according to a news release from the county sheriffs office.

According to records received from the library, on more than one occasion, items were ordered that were to be sold in the library and paid for with an issued Marion County Business credit card, but no itemized receipts were attached, Shepard wrote in the affidavit. On one occasion, the Defendant ordered items from Walmart, but had the items shipped to her residence in Missouri. No itemized receipt was attached to that invoice.

Investigators also learned from the librarys financial records that Scott sold $4,831.39 in library merchandise without collecting sales tax or filing the proper taxes with the state.

They also found two instances of Scott ordering items through Burbank Jones, a travel and adventure gear company she owns in Branson, and charging the items to a Marion County credit card, Shepard wrote.

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library board member letter 12-5-2026

Stumphs letter to the board referenced these allegations. He also cited Article 12, Section 5 of the Arkansas Constitution, which states: No county, city, town or other municipal corporation, shall become a stockholder in any company, association, or corporation; or obtain or appropriate money for, or loan its credit to, any corporation, association, institution or individual.

County money has been used to appropriate money for private individuals during this time, Stumph wrote.

Scott was booked into the Marion County Detention Center on Monday but later released after posting a $1,500 bond, according to the news release.

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Scott and Owen could not be reached for comment Friday. Ramos and former library board treasurer Amy Brown declined to comment, while former vice chairwoman Peggy Pentkowski and former secretary Megan Lynch could not be reached.

Stumph was also unavailable Friday.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

History of tension

Scott and the library board were in conflict with the county quorum court for years over her annual salary. The board recommended a merit pay raise for Scott for four years in a row, most recently in August. The quorum court has repeatedly declined to include the proposed raises in its yearly passage of the county budget and each county departments spending authority. Scotts salary had been $41,552 since 2021.

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Library staff and board members have repeatedly said Scotts salary comes from state funds, not county funds, so a raise would not redirect county funds from other entities. The board discussed this at its July meeting, according to meeting minutes.

september-2024-minutes

District 8 Justice of the Peace Claudia Brigham said at the same meeting that there would be no raises for county employees in 2024. She attended most of this years library board meetings, and from February to April she repeatedly asked the board for detailed financial information and criticized what she saw as a lack of transparency from the board, according to meeting minutes.

Brigham declined to comment on matters regarding the library when reached by email Thursday and Friday.

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In September, the library board voted 3-1 via email to submit a letter to the Mountain Echo, Marion Countys local newspaper, explaining its duties and expressing support for a raise for Scott. Lynch was the only member to vote no, citing the ongoing investigation into the library.

September board minutes state that the library had received and responded to 14 Freedom of Information Act requests for public records in the previous month.

Other library systems in Arkansas have seen recent tension with their local quorum courts and community members, sometimes over money and other times over library materials. Within the past three years, residents of Saline and Craighead counties sent their local libraries FOIA requests for financial records and claimed the information they received showed signs of mismanagement.

A Craighead County ballot measure to cut the librarys funding in half narrowly passed in 2022 after some of the same citizens filing FOIA requests claimed the library was overfunded. An effort to restore the funding in Jonesboro, the countys largest city, failed at the ballot box in November.

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Saline County Judge Matt Brumley rejected a citizen-led effort to put a measure on the November ballot to cut the librarys funding, the Saline Courier reported in October. Last year, Brumley fired county library director Patty Hector a few months after the quorum court voted to grant him the power to do so.

The pattern of FOIA requests and allegations of misconduct from the requesters also occurred in Saline County before Hectors firing.

Saline and Craighead county residents shifted their message to library funding after months of decrying the availability of books they considered inappropriate for minors, such as LGBTQ+ topics. Marion County has not seen public outcry over the librarys materials.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Vacation SF, a vintage store located in San Franciscos North Beach neighborhood, said it is recovering from an early Thursday morning burglary.

Mother angered by missing fries threatens San Pablo fast food workers with gun: PD

A male suspect was captured on surveillance video breaking into the Grant Street store at 5 a.m., smashing the window on the front door and stealing a handful of items.

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Vacation SF said in a social media post, The scoundrel stole our Gummo bunny hat, and our freaky 30s handmade snowman mask  if anyone out there sees these floating down the street, please grab them for us, they were beloved fixtures in the shop!

Owner Kristin Klein said the damage from this latest break-in marks the fifth time in six years that they will have to replace glass doors and windows to their business.

We got lucky this time, Klein told KRON4. The alarms went off, the police were here, the neighbors called in 911 reports. Its not as horribly damaged as it has been in the past but its crazy that it keeps happening.

Klein moved Vacation SF from the citys Tenderloin District to North Beach a few years ago and she said she loves the neighborhood. She hopes the city can step up efforts to protect small businesses who have been repeatedly robbed.

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I dont know what the right answer is for that, but I know that its not right for every business owner ranking the trauma of each time they are broken into and expecting it to happen again, said Klein.

The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) is investigating this case.

We had so many people saying, What can we do? How can we support you? said Klein. Its just go shopping. There are so many small businesses in San Francisco and that is the number one way to support any of them. Walk down to the store and buy something.

SFPD said no arrests have been made and the suspect has not been identified.

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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 KRON4.
(KRON)  The Berkeley Police Department (BPD) is investigating a report that a group of unidentified suspects committed several consecutive thefts at the North Face Outlet on Friday afternoon.

Reward tripled in decade old San Leandro cold case murder

BPD said officers responded to the scene of 1238 Fifth Street at 1:41 p.m.

Investigators said the group was coming in and out of the store taking handfuls of merchandise and loading them into their vehicles.

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The suspects fled the scene in multiple vehicles before officers could arrive, said police. It is not yet known the total value of the stolen goods.

Anyone with information is asked to call Berkeley 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 KRON4.
A Keller high school teacher who faced allegations of an improper relationship with a student in Fort Worth has resigned, officials said.

The educator was placed on administrative leave in October, Keller Independent School District officials said in a statement. He was employed as an art teacher at Fossil Ridge High School before his resignation. The school is located in the Fort Worth city limits but is part of Keller ISD.

Keller ISD performs background checks on all prospective employees, officials confirmed in the statement.

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The allegations against the teacher relate to when he was employed at Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth, according to a July 20, 2024, Fort Worth police report obtained by the watchdog blog Watchkeep. The report is listed as not available online through the Fort Worth Police Department portal.

According to the police report, a woman said the teacher took photos of her in lingerie and touched her inappropriately at his house. The alleged incidents took place between 2013 and 2015 when the woman was 15 to 17 years old and a student at Arlington Heights, she told police.

The woman told police she didnt report the teachers conduct earlier because she didnt want to hurt his family. She decided she should come forward after hearing the educator in question was fired from Arlington Heights due to allegations of misconduct with other students, the report states.

Fort Worth ISD verified the teacher was employed by the district from August 2011 through October 2023. Officials said in a statement that the District does not comment on specific employment matters.

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According to the police report, the statute of limitation on the alleged offense has expired, and the case against the teacher was closed without criminal charges being filed. Police encouraged the woman to tell other potential victims to file a report.

Fort Worth police said in a statement that, A report was generated. CACU (Crimes Against Children Unit) is handling the investigation.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

 Suspects target wrong house in deadly drive-by shooting

 TCU chancellor to leave job in June 2025

 Jury awards $60M after security guard smashes glass on mans head

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Dec. 7ANGLE INLET, Minn.  The Master Plan for a new park on Minnesota's Northwest Angle has been finalized, and the project now moves from concept to implementation, organizers say.

The "Northerly Park," as it's called, will be the first park at the Northwest Angle and the northernmost park in the Lower 48.

According to Anthony "AJ" Pirkl, public works director for Lake of the Woods County in Baudette, Minnesota, the Lake of the Woods County Board approved the Master Plan for the park at its most recent meeting in late November.

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Lake of the Woods County in early 2024 contracted with consulting firm Houston Engineering to complete a Master Plan for the Northerly Park. The county board's approval of the plan is "an exciting step forward for the project," Pirkl said.

Pirkl also is a member of the project's Steering Committee, a group of nine people, mainly Northwest Angle residents, who worked with Houston Engineering to develop the plan. It included two phases of public engagement, both in person and virtually, to develop a list of amenities the park should include.

Northerly Park is situated on 160 acres of county-owned land that includes Jim's Corner, site of an unstaffed U.S.-Canada border check-in kiosk, and a Community Park area closer to the Angle Inlet on Lake of the Woods.

As stated in the Master Plan, Northerly Park will be a place for visitors to learn about the "history and natural beauty" of the Northwest Angle area.

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A visitor center that will be patterned after historic Fort St. Charles on Magnuson Island, a viewing tower, playgrounds, paved and gravel trails, pavilion, boardwalk, floating dock, a kayak and canoe launch, signage and vault toilets are among the amenities included in the final Master Plan.

Securing funding for the park is next. The estimated cost for the entire project is just over $2.5 million, according to the final Master Plan.

The park's features will likely be added in phases as funding becomes available, Pirkl said.

"My next task is to review the list of potential grants and identify which amenities we'll prioritize for funding first," Pirkl said. The county also will use funds remaining from the Master Plan budget to engage Houston Engineering's help in writing grants, he said.

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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Historical Society and various foundations are among possible grant sources listed in the Master Plan.

"While this timeline is not set in stone, I anticipate that most grant applications will be submitted early in the year, with award announcements likely by mid-summer," Pirkl said. "If successful, this would mean construction would most likely begin in 2026 rather than 2025, as the timeline for planning and permitting would extend beyond the 2025 season."

Joe Laurin, a Flag Island resident and member of the steering committee, said he expects a visitor center will be among the first features at the park, along with improved parking and trails, some of which are already in place.

A visitor center, he says, will help streamline the process for first-time visitors entering or leaving the Angle.

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Bordered on three sides by Canada, the Northwest Angle is only accessible by road by driving through about 40 miles of Manitoba. That means people entering the Angle by road either have to check into the U.S. at Jim's Corner or one of the other remote checkpoints at the Angle or report using the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's CBP Roam smartphone app.

Visitors leaving the Angle by road then have to report into Canada at one of the phone-in checkpoints or by calling (888) CAN-PASS.

The process can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors, Laurin says.

"The biggest thing is just the confusion people have coming here for the first time," he said. "People still struggle coming up here the first time, understanding what's the right thing to do."

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In addition, Northerly Park will further expand the Angle's offerings beyond fishing and the Northernmost Point Buoy that's patterned after the Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West, Florida, Laurin said.

"I think there'll be a lot more added to the area as far as the depth of what actually exists up here," he said.

Sam Trebilcock, transportation planner for Houston Engineering in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, worked with the county and the steering committee in developing the Master Plan.

Trebilcock, who visited the Angle for the first time in April 2024, said the project has been among the most gratifying with which he's been involved.

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"You're trying to provide the first park in the entire area, and you get a better understanding for what life is like up there," Trebilcock said. "It's just a unique and very interesting area to get to know."

Trebilcock says he also was impressed by the level of public involvement when he visited the Angle.

"I enjoyed that because it showed how much that community is engaged in the project and wanting to add (the park) to their area," he said.
HUNTLEY, Ill.  A northwest suburban animal shelter is putting out a call for help after the cold weather put a damper on their adoption efforts.

The faces on their Facebook page are hard to resist, but scroll a bit further and you will see something that the Animal House Shelter in Huntley would have liked to have avoided.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

On Thursday afternoon, a sprinkler system pipe froze and burst, flooding part of the shelter.

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Luckily the room where the pipe burst didnt have any animals in them, it had had some puppies in the room, we had moved them out about an hour before the pipe burst, Animal House Adoption Manager Tabitha Browy said.

The shelters 160 or so dogs are safe and dry, but the damage is extensive and expensive.

The issue is fixed, but we need to keep those pipes from freezing again so were going to have to raise our ceilings which is going to be 40 or $50,000, Browy said.

Cash donations are most in need for the necessary insulation, drywall and electrical work, but pet beds and pet-safe salt are also being accepted. Adoptions are also always key.

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LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Even before this happened, adoptions have been slow across the country. So now is a better time than ever to help out the shelter, if youre interested in adopting, absolutely come out and visit, we always need fosters but especially at this time, Browy said.

Visit the Animal House Shelter website to find out how to donate or adopt a new friend.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday raged against any U.S. military involvement in Syriaand took a potshot at former President Barack Obamaas rebels broached the outskirts of the countrys capital city.

The Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, has been engaged in a 13-year struggle to suppress domestic uprisings sparked by discontent with the authoritarian leader.

With the conflict seemingly poised to boil over in Damascus, Americas president-elect offered his first detailed public remarks on the situation in a characteristically emphatic post on Truth Social .

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Trump noted that Russia, a longtime ally of Syria, seemed incapable of stopping a literal march through Syria because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers.

Trump himself has long drawn concern over his close personal alliance with Russia and President Valdimir Putin. He argued in his post that Assad being overthrownand the prospect of Russia ceasing operations in Syriacould benefit the European giant.

It may actually be the best thing that can happen to them, he wrote, suggesting that Russia was only involved in Syria because of Obamas infamous 2013 red line retreat , when the then-president failed to follow through on his threat that the U.S. would intervene if Assad used chemical weapons.

Russia began offering military support to Assad in 2015 after the Syrian leaders forces were stretched thin.

Assad has led a 13-year effort to suppress rebels who oppose his authoritarian rule.

There was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia, other than to make Obama look really stupid, Trump wrote.

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In any event, Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT, he added. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!

Although President Joe Bidens administration has indicated it is keeping a close eye on Syria, the U.S. is not backing the rebel offensive and gave no indication of offering military support to the effort, according to the Associated Press.

According to AP, the U.S. currently has around 900 troops in Syria to support Kurdish allies as a preventative measure against a resurgence of Islamic State.
PARIS (AP)  Howling winds couldnt stop Notre Dame Cathedral s heart from beating again.

With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches.

The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Ile de la Cite, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedrals mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies.

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The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline  and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes.

The evenings celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, US first lady Jill Biden, Britains Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dames enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting Frances ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises.

Dramatic three knocks and bell Emmanuel

As the cathedrals largest bell, the 13-ton Emmanuel  which was not named after the French leader  tolled into the Paris night, signaling the start of the ceremony, the crowd inside Notre Dame fell into an expectant hush. Emmanuel, a legacy of King Louis XIV, had rung through centuries of French history, and its peal now resonated as a call to witness another epochal moment.

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Outside the cathedrals monumental doors, Ulrich raised his fire-scarred crosier. Brothers and sisters, let us enter now into Notre Dame, he declared. It is she who accompanies us on our path to peace.

With the congregation of over 2,500 people watching in silence, Ulrich struck the floodlit doors, the base of his crosier reverberating against the wood. Inside, the choir answered with soaring hymns, their voices filling the nave. Illuminations on the cathedral facade heightened the drama. On the final strike, the heavy doors swung open, revealing the glowing interior of restored blond Lutetian limestone.

Adding to the ceremonys visual splendor, Ulrich and the clergy wore vibrant liturgical garments designed by French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his signature pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac created 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches.

Flooded with light and song, the cathedral came alive in a moment of breathtaking spectacle. What had been a silent, soot-blackened ruin five years ago now blazed with renewed vitality, marking the culmination of a nearly $1 billion global effort to resurrect it.

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Macrons political woes

Speaking inside the cathedral, Macron expressed gratitude Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave.

I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation, he said, before voices flooded the space with song, harmonies not heard in over five years.

Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken, sending the music of hope cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said.

The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week, plunging the nations politics into more turmoil.

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Macron has called Notre Dames reopening a jolt of hope. Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase Frances unity and resilience under his leadership  a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis.

Monumental feats of restoration

Inside Notre Dame, 42,000 square meters of stoneworkequivalent to six soccer pitchesgleamed anew, revealing intricate carvings and luminous limestone. Above, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed the forest, restored the cathedrals iconic spire and roof.

The great organ, dormant for over five years, roared back to life like a slumbering giant. With its 7,952 pipesranging from pen-sized to torso-wideand a renovated console featuring five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, it responded to Archbishop Laurent Ulrichs command: Wake up, organ, sacred instrument.

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The first low rumble grew into a triumphant symphony as four organists pulled out the stops, weaving improvised responses to the archbishops invocations. Eight times, Ulrich addressed the organ; eight times, its voice filled the nave with breathtaking sound.

Guests marveled at the spectacle, many capturing the moment on their phones. Its a sense of perfection, said Francois Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, who last saw the cathedral cloaked in scaffolding in 2021. It was somber then. Now, its night and day.

The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian priest who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. I didnt recognize it, he said. God is very powerful; He can change things. He expressed hope that the cathedrals revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraines president. I think that will have a big impact, he said. I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.

The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East.

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For Catholics, Notre Dames rector said the cathedral carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.

It is a magnificent symbol of unity, Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. Notre Dame is not just a French monument  it is a magnificent sign of hope.

The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedrals significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace.

Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedrals ability to inspire. Shes been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back, Alexandria said. Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.

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Historical details enrich the occasion

Guests entered through Notre Dames iconic western facade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history.

Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more  a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide.

Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word MERCI  thank you  was projected against the cathedrals iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno  the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof.

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But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie.

Security is tight for this global event

Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year.

The Ile de la Cite  the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump.

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Public viewing areas along the Seines southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens.

For many, Notre Dames rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one  after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire.

___

Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Frances iconic Notre Dame Cathedral is formally reopening its doors on Saturday for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019.

The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline  and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes.

Under the luminous stained glass, many world leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers will gather in the evening to mark the occasion  a rare moment of unity against the backdrop of global divisions and conflicts.

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President-elect Donald Trump, Americas First Lady Jill Biden, Britains Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are among 1,500 guests attending the reopening celebration under Notre Dames soaring Gothic arches, led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich.

Because of strong winds forecast for Saturday evening in Paris, the French presidential palace and the Paris diocese said Friday the entire opening ceremony will be held inside Notre Dame, instead of starting from the cathedrals forecourt as initially planned.

A sign of hope

Notre Dames rector, Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, says the cathedral is more than just a French monument and a beloved treasure of the worlds cultural heritage.

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The cathedral is a magnificent symbol of unity, the rector said. A sign of hope, because what seemed impossible has become possible.

Saturdays events will blend solemn religious tradition with an official presidential speech and cultural grandeur, starting with Ulrich symbolically reopening Notre Dames grand wooden doors.

Tapping them three times with a staff crafted from charred wood salvaged from the cathedrals fire-ravaged roof, he will declare the cathedral open for worship once more.

Huguette Euphrasies 79-year-old mother, Marie-Yolande, is battling cancer. So as she stared intently up at Notre Dames towers, the daughter appealed Saturday to the cathedral for help, with a prayer on the day of the monuments reopening.

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It has huge spiritual value for me, Euphrasie said, gathering with people from around the world to watch the reopening from screens on nearby riverbanks. Its very moving.

Solemn rituals

Psalms, prayers, and hymns will fill the cavernous space as the cathedrals thunderous organ, silenced since the fire, is reawakened. The 8,000-pipe instrument, painstakingly restored and cleaned of toxic lead dust, will respond to the archbishops invocation, with four organists performing an improvised interplay of melodies.

Later in the evening, a star-studded concert will take center stage inside the cathedral and pay tribute to its resurrection and to those who labored to restore it, offering a universal message of harmony. Pianist Lang Lang, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and soprano Pretty Yende are among the world-famous artists slated to perform.

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On Sunday, Ulrich will lead the inaugural Mass and consecrate the cathedrals new altar, designed by contemporary artist Guillaume Bardet to replace the one crushed beneath the flaming spire in the blaze.

Unity in times of global challenges

The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East.

For Catholics, Notre Dames rector said the cathedral carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.

It is a magnificent symbol of unity, Dumas said.

The range of dignitaries coming to Paris from Africa to the Mideast and the U.S. underline the cathedrals significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace.

Macrons political woes

The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to embattled Macron, whose prime minister was ousted this week, plunging the nations political scene into more turmoil.

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The French president, who has called Notre Dames reopening a jolt of hope, will address the gathering. He had hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase Frances unity and resilience under his leadership, and the achievement of restoring Notre Dame in just five years  a timeline that had seemed improbable to many.

Macrons presidency now faces its gravest crisis after the governments collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier.

The vote followed months of political gridlock after snap elections. Calls are now growing louder from opposition forces for Macron to resign. But he vowed Thursday to remain in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said hell name a new prime minister within days.

As France struggles with economic woes and social unrest, Notre Dames rebirth celebrations form a stark contrast to the crisis.

Security is tight for this global event

Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year.

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The Ile de la Cite  the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump.

Public viewing areas along the Seines southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens.

For many, Notre Dames rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one  after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire.

Following the 2019 fire, nearly $1 billion in donations quickly poured in from around the world, testifying to Notre Dames universal appeal.

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Among those who traveled from afar for the reopening was Canadian Noelle Alexandria.

Its not the first time she (Notre Dame) has been nearly in ruin, and every time its happened, shes always managed to bounce back. Not many of us could really say that we would do the same, be able to keep coming back no matter what tragedy strike us. But she has, Alexandria said.

___

John Leicester and Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The month of December always brings many holiday-themed delights into metro Detroit along with still more non-holiday events, and there's no shortage this weekend. Here are eight options.

"Laughter," by artist Tony Lee.

Examining Chinese culture through art

Street artist and muralist Tony Lees Journey From the West, Echoes to the East exhibition will debut at Detroit Shipping Company from 4-10 p.m. on Saturday. The show is a celebration of Chinese heritage and Asian culture, with figures drawn from classic Chinese mythology, pop culture, kung fu films and sci-fi inspirations, showing a variety of lasting Chinese values. Lees intent is to combat the rise of Asian hate statistics by making Asian culture more accessible and less alien to the general public, while also spiritually bringing back presence, care and authenticity to Old Detroit Chinatown.

Detroit Shipping Company, 474 Peterboro St., Detroit. detroitshippingcompany.com/galleries. Free to attend.

A swingin Nutcracker

This weekend, Detroit Symphony Orchestra will perform an exciting, holiday-flavored program spun around Tchaikovskys immortal, glittering Nutcracker Suite. Music director Jader Bignamini will lead the orchestra through the classic interpretations we all know, then immediately follow it with Duke Ellington and Billy Strahorns sensuous, joyful, hard-swinging jazz reinterpretation. Guest soloist Ray Chen will also join for Samuel Barbers violin concerto. Performances are Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

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Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. dso.org. Tickets start at $20.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Also at Orchestra Hall this weekend, jazz piano master Cyrus Chestnut returns Friday at 8 p.m. for his annual DSO concert of Vince Guaraldis classic score from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Chestnut infuses the classic charts with his soulful sound. Hear all your favorites: "Linus and Lucy," "Christmas Time is Here," "O Tannenbaum" and more!

Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. dso.org. Tickets start at $29.

Hip-hopping holiday musical "Who Brought the Humbug?" will be performed at Detroit's Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024.

A funky fresh Christmas

Sunday at 4 p.m., Detroits Music Hall will present family-friendly musical Who Brought the Humbug? An ugly sweater party, high-energy musicians, a tap-dancing Frosty and a rapping Santa are just some of the fun elements onstage. Kids of every age can enjoy.

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Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison Ave., Detroit. musichall.org. General admission $15.

A perennial classic

Handels timeless Messiah oratorio will return to the University of Michigans Hill Auditorium, as presented by University Musical Society, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. From the jubilant Hallelujah chorus to its stirring arias and evocative chorales, Messiah is brought to life by friends and colleagues from the community through both the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and the UMS Choral Union. UMSCU music director Scott Hanoian conducts this annual holiday tradition, which features a cast of stellar soloists all making their first UMS appearances.

Hill Auditorium, 825 North University Ave., Ann Arbor. ums.org. Tickets start at $16.

A holiday whodunit

This weekend only, Cantons Spotlight Players will present Who Killed Ebenezer Scrooge, a musical with a twist. Scrooges visitations by the Christmas ghosts are interrupted when it is discovered he has been murdered  but who did it? Find out in this joyous show filled with unforgettable characters and thrilling songs that evoke the London of Dickens era. Performances are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

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The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, 50400 Cherry Hill Rd., Canton. spotlightplayersmi.org. Tickets start at $20.

An afternoon harp salon

Sunday at 2 p.m., Detroit harpist Ackeem Salmon will perform an intimate, hourlong concert at a private residence in Detroit, comprised of original compositions featuring works for solo harp, a harp and viola duet with Indira Edwards, a harp duet with Ahya Simone and an ensemble piece for viola and two harps. This program is presented by Detroit Opera.

RSVP required to attend and see address. ackeemsalmonart.com.

Gift art aplenty

The Anton Art Centers annual Holiday Market, featuring nearly 100 Michigan artisans and their unique, handmade art, gifts and seasonal decor, runs through Dec. 22. Artists showcase their work in ceramics, clay, crochet, fused glass, jewelry, mixed media, photography, stained glass and more. The centers second floor gallery also features an exhibition of nearly 50 original works from Oakland Township artist Janet Almstadt-Davison, titled People in Plain Sight.

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Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Pl., Mt. Clemens. theartcenter.org/holiday-market. Free to attend.

Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at dbeddingfield@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Nutcrackers, 'Messiah,' Charlie Brown: Your weekend in metro Detroit
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced it has sued Rwanda at the Tanzania-based African Court on Human and Peoples Rights for the violation of its national sovereignty, alleged killings, looting, and other violations in the DRCs volatile east.

DRCs government has long accused the neighboring Rwanda of backing the M23 group, a rebel military group which has carried out atrocities against civilians in the conflict-torn region of North Kivu province, located in the eastern DRC. The case, which is scheduled for a hearing on 12 February next year, is a landmark moment, said the DRCs deputy minister of justice and legal affairs, Samuel Mbemba, as it seeks to bring justice for decades of aggression against our country, the pillaging of our minerals, the rape of our children and women and the massacres of our people.

In late September this year, DRC government announced it had taken Rwanda to the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) in the hope of securing reparations from its neighbor for violating [DRCs] sovereignty and national integrity. The Tanzania-based court that is one of the organs of the East African Community (EAC) is yet to determine if it has jurisdiction over the case. Kigali has, however, rejected the move by the DRC government, saying that Kinshasa should first focus on delivering justice to the victims of its own armed forces before giving lessons on justice.
Ten days after she took the oath as New York Citys 48th Police Commissioner, Jessica Tisch was notified of an early-morning fatal shooting. She is now leading the biggest nationwide manhunt in recent memory.

Tisch informed the city of the killing at 6:40 a.m. on Dec. 4, and conducted a briefing later that morning at Police Headquarters. She stood at a podium in the press room wearing a simple grey outfit and said what she was able to say that people needed to know.

Good morning everyone, the 43-year-old fledgling commissioner began. In Midtown Manhattan early this morning, 50-year-old Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed in what appears at this early stage of our investigation to be a brazen, targeted attack.

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This was her first big case, but she spoke with a confidence that people who know her say she has possessed since her Manhattan childhood. She took care to reassure the public that this was not a random sign of social unraveling in what the NYPD has made Americas safest big city.

This does not appear to be a random act of violence, she continued. The victim was in New York City to speak at an investor conference. 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 and fired several rounds, striking the victim at least once in the back and at least once in the right calf. Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target.

She was saying that those other people had not been in danger. But she was not minimizing the tragic outcome for the person who had been.

The suspect fled first on foot, then on an e-bike, and was last seen in Central Park on Center Drive. Early this morning, the victim was removed to Roosevelts Hospital where he was pronounced. Weve been in touch with his family, his friends, and his colleagues, and theyre very much in our thoughts and prayers.

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She managed to say that last bit without sounding rote.

At this hour, 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. The women and men of the NYPD take enormous pride in the work that they do each day and each night to drive down crime and violence in our city.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch speaks to the media during a press conference regarding what homicide authorities believe was a targeted attack on United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

She was speaking as a life-long New Yorker who had been part of that effort until 2022, when she left to battle trash and rats as the citys sanitation commissioner. She had just returned to the NYPD on Nov. 25. And she was asking the public to help by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS if they had any information about the case, adding that there was a $10,000 reward. She again sought to reassure the public, most particularly since Wednesday night would be the annual Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center four blocks from the shooting scene.

I want to be clear at this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned targeted attack. 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.

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She had been speaking for just two minutes and 30 seconds. She had not wasted a word when she stepped back from the podium.

For some preliminary details about todays tragic incident, I pass it over to our chief of detectives, Chief Joe Kenny, she said.

As Kenny stepped up, Tisch stood to the side, her hands folded before her. She is a rare instance where brains, talent and wealth seem to care who they belong to. She comes from one of New Yorks richest families, but does not act like a rich kid and seems to understand that great wealth comes with an equal debt. She almost certainly would have still been able to progress from Harvard College to Harvard Law School to Harvard Business School by merit and hard work if she had a humbler background.

She had finished her third Ivy League degree with a strong sense of social responsibility that led her to take an administrative position in the police department when she was fresh out of school. She rose to NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Information and Technology and among other things provided the cops with smartphones connected to everything from criminal databases to license plate readers to surveillance cameras. She is credited with the biggest advance in law enforcement communications since the invention of the two-way police radio in Bayonne, New Jersey in 1933.

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Those tools and more were being put to use along with a lot of old-fashioned detective work as the department now headed by Tisch set to catching the CEO killer. His face was obscured by a mask in a video of the shooting and of him fleeing the scene. Detectives checked the citys thousands of surveillance cameras. They got a break when they viewed video from when the suspect checked into an Upper West Side hostel. Police say he and a woman behind the counter had begun flirting and she had asked him to pull down the mask he was wearing. The result was an image that anybody who knew him would likely recognize.

At the same time detectives checking other cameras determined that the suspect had entered the bus station in upper Manhattan after the shooting. He did not appear to have exited and it seemed safe to assume he had departed New York on a bus. That made it all the more important for people outside New York to see the photo.

Tisch is not one to seek the spotlight and she had refrained from holding any other press briefings. But she had agreed to an interview with CNN for reasons she made clear,

We would appreciate you getting that photo out to your audience because we also have reason to believe that the person in question has left New York City, she said as she and Kenny sat down with CNN. So we want a wider audience to see the picture outside of New York City.

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She described what it had taken to get this crucial image.

Hes been traveling and walking around the streets of New York City, largely in a mask with his face covered, she said. We had to go through lots of video evidence to get that one money shot of him with the mask down.

Other video showed that when the suspect bicycled into Central Park on Wednesday morning, he still had a distinctive gray backpack he had at the time of the shooting. Video also showed that he did not have the backpack when he left. That indicated it was still there.

Actually, now as we speak, we have a huge canvass going on in Central Park, Tisch said. We still have not found the backpack. And so were doing a whole sweep of Central Park to find that backpack, which we believe he dropped in Central Park. Were using manpower, but were also using our drones.

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Persistence paid off Friday evening, when police found what appeared to be the backpack between some boulders behind the parks carousel. The backpack was taken to the police lab in Queens for forensic examination. Detectives had already recovered a partial fingerprint and DNA from a water bottle the suspect purchased from Starbucks a half hour before the shooting.

When initially viewing the shooting video, detectives figured the suspect had a semi-automatic 9 mm pistol that repeatedly jammed as a result of an attached silencer. Closer examination suggests the weapon may have been a single shot Brugger & Thomet VP9 (Veterinary Pistol 9mm) designed to put down sick or wounded animals. It has a built-in silencer to keep the noise from spooking other creatures. The gun is similar to a spy gun used as an assassins weapon during World War II.

Meanwhile, the nationwide manhunt includes the police in Atlanta, which is the point of origin of a bus that the suspect appears to have taken to New York on Nov. 24, the day before Tisch took the oath.

The NYPD is the lead agency, the Atlanta police said in a statement on Friday.

And the NYPD is being led by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who could be one of the great ones.
NYPD investigators found a gray backpack hidden in the brush in Central Park on Friday that could be the one ditched by the assassin who gunned down United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, cops and sources said.

The bag was recovered south of the carousel near Heckscher playground and looks similar to the gray backpack worn by the shooter when he opened fire on Thompson, 50, outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown on Wednesday, sources said.

The backpack believed to belong to the shooter was found in Central Park. Obtained by NY Post

A photo obtained by The Post shows the sleekly-designed backpack in good condition after police found it.

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Investigators did not open the bag and sent it straight to the lab for forensic testing, police sources told The Post.

Thompsons killers bag was described by NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny as very distinctive, in a Friday press briefing. It is huge and gray he added.

Paul Dering, the founder and chief executive of Peak Design, told The New York Times he thinks the backpack worn by the gunman in the surveillance photos released by the NYPD could be a version of the Everyday Backpack his company sells.

Dering said the at-large suspects backpack appears to be an older version that was on the market from 2016 and 2019, according to the report.

The gray bag was found in Central Park.

Dering said he reported the backpacks likeness to the NYPDs tip line and the person who answered the phone said they had already received hundreds of tips about the bag being a Peak Design product, according to the outlet.

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Kenny said the NYPD deployed more than 100 officers, along with drones, to Central Park Friday to look for clues as investigators have been following the gunmans escape path.

On Friday night, more than two dozen cops with flashlights were seen scouring the area near the Naumburg Bandshell entrance to Rumsey Playfield.

Bullets recovered from the crime scene in front of the Hilton hotel in Midtown are also being tested to see if they match bullets from any prior shootings, Kenny said Friday.

Investigators believe the masked gunman ultimately left town after footage showed him walking into a Port Authority bus center near 178th Street and Broadway about an hour after the shooting  but no cameras show him exiting the station, Kenny said.

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After the shooting just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, the cold-blooded killer fled on foot into an alleyway and then rode a bicycle up Sixth Avenue and onto Central Parks Center Drive, police have said.

The shooter was then seen in a video canvas exiting Central Park on the bike near West 77th Street, Kenny said.

Kenny said the gunman was still seen on the bike on West 85th Street and Columbus Avenue, but he had ditched it by the time he was seen at West 86th Street and Columbus Ave.

Brian Thompson was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. UnitedHealth Group/AFP via Getty Images

The gunman then headed to Amsterdam Avenue and West 86th Street where he is seen on video getting into a northbound taxi cab, Kenny said.

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Before the shooting, the still-unidentified suspect reportedly stayed at a hostel in the Upper West Side but kept his mask up  even in his room, according to the alleged shooters unwitting roommates.

[The roommates] said he didnt speak. He kept his mask on even when he was eating. He would pull the mask down to take a bite, Kenny said.

The suspect kept his mask on, even during meal times, in the room at his hostel, his roommates said. DCPI

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Other video footage right before the murder showed the soon-to-be-gunman buying a water bottle and a Kind bar from a nearby Starbucks, according to Kenny.

But fingerprints gathered during the investigation have been a dead end so far, the chief of detectives said.

The print is of no value, meaning that it is unusable for identification. It could be enhanced later on, Kenny said.

Nothing of any investigative value was found in Thompsons room either, Kenny said.

But Kenny said the NYPD has teams examining every tip that comes in  including some from out of state.
STAMFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  An occupant is severely injured after jumping from a window to escape a structure fire in Stamford early Saturday morning.

Firefighters arrived at 17 Clinton Ave. at 5:15 a.m., where they encountered smoke and fire from the first floor of a three-story, multi-family unit.

Photo provided by the Stamford Fire Department. Photo provided by the Stamford Fire Department.

Crews raced to the rear of the building after witnesses informed them of an occupant who could be seen from a window. The Stamford Fire Department says the occupants injuries were so severe, that he jumped from the window prior to their arrival.

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Fire officials performed medical aid to the victim who was then taken to Stamford Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The fire was under control and contained to the unit of origin 20 minutes after a second alarm was raised.

A search of the unit was conducted and officials say no other occupants were found. Crews stayed for an additional two hours for overhauling and salvage duties.

In total, 50 fire personnel responded to Clinton Ave., and Deputy Fire Chief Matt Palmer thanked them for their effort.

This was an all-hands effort by first and second alarm companies, said Palmer. Initial arriving firefighters were confronted with a very dynamic and dangerous situation. Thanks to the collective efforts of all members, the fire was quickly brought under control and damage was contained to the unit of origin.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
ARCADIA (KFOR)  A police officer was in a rollover Saturday afternoon while attempting to lead a funeral procession in NE Oklahoma City.

The officer was taken to the hospital and Oklahoma City Police said he is expected to be okay.

The funeral procession was for 14-year-old Millwood Public Schools student Jordan Gulley who was tragically killed in a shooting Saturday night in a northeast Oklahoma City neighborhood.

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| READ LOCAL > Family of Jordan Gulley remembering him as a servant to the community and lover of life >

According to OKCPD, the officer left the funeral and attempted to lead the procession near NE 36th and N Kelley Ave. Officials said the officer hopped into the opposite lane with his lights on.

Photo of Jordan Gulley (KFOR)

Another driver who allegedly did not see the cop then drove into him which caused the officer to hit a pole and flip over.

News 4 sat down with Gulleys family after the shooting and they said theyre heartbroken, but leaning on each other is what they do best.

Gulley died after shots rang out near East Wilshire Boulevard and Northeast Katherine Place around 8 P.M. on November 16th.

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Just days after the shooting, the community has started a memorial near the area where the incident happened. They left messages and tributes to Jordan.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A woman says something needs to be done after officers left her stranded on the side of the interstate for six hours.

Latonya Rojas had been involved in an accident, but no one could figure out which jurisdiction was responsible for writing a report.

Rojas' dashcam captured every second of this frightening ordeal. It shows her traveling in the I-285 westbound lanes near Washington Road.

She said of the incident that took place around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday.

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So, Im in the fast lane here. Heres the truck. My lights are flashing him, Rojas said as she walked Channel 2s Tom Jones through the dashcam video.

Then the video shows an 18-wheeler cut her off in the fast lane. Her car hit the truck. The truck then kept going. You then hear screaming at the driver: Pull over.

She told Jones the driver didnt initially stop.

He keeps going, Rojas said.

Rojas said she followed the driver until they pulled over on the side of the interstate at 285 and 85. She called 911.

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Rojas said 911 dispatched a police officer from Clayton , who never showed up. She said a College Park police officer told her it wasnt his jurisdiction. A City of South Fulton officer then told her the same.

You came to a resting place in South Fulton. Yes, you did. But the initial crash happened in East Point, OK, you hear the officer say on the dashcam.

Rojas had been on the side of the road for nearly four hours by now. She was afraid for her safety. And couldnt believe this was happening.

I am just so disappointed, she told Jones through tears.

An East Point officer came out and said it wasnt their jurisdiction.

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I dont understand whats happening. Weve been here almost five hours, an emotional Rojas said in the video.

About five hours after the incident, an East Point officer came back out and told her to fill out a self-reporting form since they couldnt figure out exactly where the accident happened.

Ive been sitting here for five hours for reporting, Rojas dejectedly told the officer.

Someone should have already given you that, the officer responded.

Six hours later, Rojas finally left the scene. She doesnt want anyone else to go through this.

Someone needs to answer. Someone has to answer. Just the fact that they didnt even care about keeping us safe, Rojas said.

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Jones reached out to several police departments for a response to this story.

East Point Police Chief Shawn Buchanan was livid when he heard what happened. He said no officer should leave a motorist stranded on the interstate for that long.

He immediately reached out to Rojas.

A sergeant got with Rojas and wrote up a report and profusely apologized.
NORTHGLENN Colo. (KDVR)  While Northglenn police investigated an armed robbery at a Walgreens Thursday night, it was discovered that wasnt the only store hit.

Commerce City police said their Walgreens at East 104th was also a victim of armed robbery Thursday night. Both agencies are investigating whether they believe the incidents are related or if any other metro Walgreens was hit by a similar crime.

Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas resigns, citing mistreatment from colleagues

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Police said an armed suspect went into the Walgreens on East 12th and stole narcotics from the pharmacy. The suspect fled in a white SUV before officers arrived. Northglenn police said they are working with other agencies, like Commerce City on potential connections in these armed robberies.

These crimes, bring into question the safety of Walgreens in the metro. One South Broadway Walgreens shopper Jessenia Sosa said its disheartening to hear.

Its surprising, especially with knowing the pharmacy area. People are sick, people go there for medications. Just knowing that its sad to hear because you know the people that go there may be elderly or sick people. So, having them in that type of environment, not good. Sosa said.

This isnt a new issue though.

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FOX31 dove deeper into crime at other Walgreens locations in the Denver area since June. The South Broadway location at Lincoln has seen a whopping 32 larceny reports. The 16th Street Mall location has reported three larceny reports and one robbery. Multiple other locations in the metro have reports of larceny, robberies and even arson. The Colorado Boulevard location saw the most crime with 36 larcenies, although it is a 24-hour location.

Other Walgreens shoppers, like Jeanie, said they know going to certain locations and at certain times you have to be smart.

You have to be street smart and be aware and thats the new norm I dont feel unsafe, they feel more on edge, Jeanie said.

How TikTok led to a Colorado town as the setting for a new Christmas movie

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Shoppers dont know what the solution should be, but feel more security at these types of stores might be where to start.

If crime is going up at Walgreens stores, maybe thats something to consider to have additional support for those types of things, Sosa said.



The suspect in the Northglenn robbery was described as a male wearing all black clothes and fled the scene in a light-colored SUV. Commerce City did not give any further details into a suspect or details of the crime.

If you have any information about these crimes you are urged to contact the respective police departments of each city.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
The Blue Face Global Hookah Lounge at 1826 N. Main Ave. will remain closed, at least for now.

Last month, the Lackawanna County District Attorneys Office was granted an injunction to temporarily close the establishment and requested the court declare the business a nuisance and shut it down permanently.

The court action followed an investigation that centered on the business and resulted in the arrest of nine people alleged to have participated in gang activity.

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The nine are believed to be associated with the Crips street gang and are charged with various drug-trafficking, weapons-related and corrupt organization offenses.

In court paperwork that requested the injunction, First Assistant District Attorney Brian Gallagher described the establishment as a drug nuisance that had a negative impact on the neighborhood.

Named as respondents in the civil law suit are Blue Hookah Lounge, Dwight Smith, Nasser Real Estate Management Inc. and Abbas Mohammadzad.

Operations of the business brought down property values, made residents afraid to walk through the neighborhood, increased incidents of emergency response to the area, increased the presence of illegal weapons in the area and reduced the quality of life for those who lived nearby, Gallagher wrote in the petition.

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Immediate and irreparable harm will be sustained by the residents in the City of Scranton if the  Blueface Hookah Lounge is permitted to continue doing business, as drug and/or violent activities are likely to continue, thus placing city residents in immediate peril and undermining their health, safety and public welfare, he said.

A hearing on permanent closure of the business was originally scheduled for Nov. 22.

However, following a request by property owner Marshall Weissman, of New York, the proceeding was postponed to Monday, Dec. 9, according to court records.

It isnt the first time the property has been the site of criminal activity.

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In May of 2019, a man was shot outside what was then the Castle club, which occupied the same space.

Following that incident, District Attorney Mark Powell pointed out that Scranton police had repeatedly responded to the business for illegal activity related to the use of drugs and alcohol.

In March of 2023, Ken Scranton SC LLC, a New Jersey based limited liability company, bought the property from Broadview Capital LLC.

At that time, Ken Scranton SC LLC, purchased multiple properties on North Main Avenue.

Included in that purchase were 1822-1826 N. Main Ave. and 1836-1844 N. Main Ave. across three sales totaling $855,000, according to property transactions recorded March 27, 2023.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  There are only a few weeks left before new lawmakers are sworn in at the Statehouse next year; in the meantime, Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R-Ohio) is laying the groundwork for new election laws.

Im not encouraging any big comprehensive election changes to be made in that compressed timeline of lame duck session, he said. Thats not wise.

LaRose has been asking the General Assembly for a few months now to have more authority when it comes to verifying citizenship status when someone registers to vote.

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Bill would require some liquor to be opened when sold in Ohio

Ohios doing that on the front end. We would like to make that law. Candidly, we would like to encourage other states to do that as well, LaRose said.

He said part of that is also out of the hands of the General Assembly, adding he is looking for more data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

They had been unwilling to share citizenship data. Ive got a hunch that the new administration may be more willing to share that citizenship data with us. he said. When someone registers to vote on the front end, we then verify that against both BMV and DHS data. But the DHS data that we have is limited. There are four federal databases for citizenship. They only give us access to one.

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Kayla Griffin Green, state director for Voting is Local, said she agrees the voter registration system needs improvement, but thinks LaRose is fear mongering. She said she he thinks the solution is simpler.

One of the very simple things that they can do is change the voter registration forms, that they can have some really clear instructions that are failsafe, Green said.

LaRose also said he wont stand in the way if lawmakers want to eliminate ballot drop boxes, something he called for before Novembers election.

Parents Bill of Rights likely headed to Governors desk by end of year

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Five years ago, we didnt have drop boxes in Ohio really beyond just a couple of our boards of elections that chose to have them. Its really a relatively new phenomenon, he said. In many ways, they are more trouble than theyre worth. But if the General Assembly decides to get rid of them, Im not going to oppose that.

LaRose said he thinks drop boxes do create another opportunity for people to personally return their ballot, but said the best way to return an absentee ballot is by mail. Green said it is not so easy for all Ohioans to mail a ballot, though, and said it might be small to some but could be seen as a poll tax for others.

Putting a ballot in the mail costs money, she said. We could just expand the amount of early voting locations or expand the amount of drop boxes so that people dont have to travel from the farthest side of the county into their city center in order to drop off the ballot.

LaRose is also interested in having closed primaries in the state. Right now, when an Ohio voter casts a ballot in a primary election, they can decide which party they want to vote for when they get to the polls. LaRose wants to change that so only registered Republicans can vote in the Republican primary and registered Democrats in the Democratic one. Most Ohio voters are not affiliated with either party, and are registered as independents.

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I, for one, believe that we should join the vast majority of other states in having closed primaries, he said. Thats the way it is in most states. In Ohio, you can choose your party affiliation the day you walk into the primary election. I dont think thats a good thing.

Flags ordered to be flown at half-staff in Ohio

To close primaries would eliminate more than half of our voting population in the primaries, Green said. So, I think that would definitely disadvantage the voters and we definitely do not want to see that type of action take place.

LaRose said he would also be supportive of more early voting locations.

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If (the General Assembly) wanted to have multiple early voting locations, our boards of elections would be ready to adapt to that change, he said. But its not the law right now.

Overall, Green said she thinks LaRose should take his ideas in a different direction.

I would say if he wants to advance some policies, we should think about automatic voter registration, she said, We should think about same-day voter registration. And we should think about also expanding early voting locations.

LaRose said he has talked to Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) who is House-Speaker elect for the next General Assembly.

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Protecting the integrity Ohios elections remains a priority for the Senate, a spokesperson for Senate Republicans said in a statement. Its unfortunate that even after the mandate sent by voters on Election day, there are out of state organizations that continue to target Ohios Constitution with efforts that would undermine the security of Ohios elections and disenfranchise the voice of Ohios legally registered voters.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
A previously unknown respiratory illness has claimed 71 lives in Congos southern Kwango province, prompting national health authorities to declare a state of alert. The outbreak, concentrated in the remote Panzi health zone, has affected approximately 380 individuals, with nearly half the cases occurring in children under five years of age.

Public health officials across Africa urge careful monitoring as experts await laboratory results to identify the pathogen. Initial observations suggest a respiratory disease, though many critical factors remain unknown, including transmission mechanisms and infectivity. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects definitive laboratory results within 48 hours.

The outbreak presents significant logistical challenges due to Panzis remote location, situated 700 kilometers from Kinshasa. Testing capabilities are limited, requiring samples to be transported over 500 kilometers to Kikwit for analysis. The regions healthcare infrastructure faces considerable strain, with local hospitals reporting equipment and medicine shortages.

Local residents report symptoms including high fever, respiratory difficulties, and severe anemia. Healthcare providers note that ten deaths resulted from blood transfusion unavailability, while seventeen others succumbed to respiratory complications. The situation is particularly concerning given the regions existing health challenges, including widespread malnutrition affecting 40 percent of residents and recent outbreaks of typhoid fever and seasonal influenza.
Federal court cases from the Western District of Oklahoma are adjudicated at the William J. Holloway Jr. United States Courthouse in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/ Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  The fate of a scheduled clemency hearing for a child killer remained up in the air Friday.

U.S. District Judge Charles B. Goodwin on Friday heard arguments from Kevin Ray Underwoods attorneys, requesting that a full five-member Pardon and Parole Board consider his request for clemency. If a five-member panel cant take up the matter, Underwoods attorneys are requesting a stay be issued ahead of his Dec. 19 execution.

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Goodwin asked the attorneys to file additional briefs. A decision could come this weekend. Underwoods scheduled clemency hearing is 9 a.m. Monday.

Underwood was convicted for the 2006 suffocation of Jamie Rose Bolin, 10. Her partially decapitated body was found in a plastic tub in his Purcell apartment.

He had planned to rape and cannibalize her body, according to public documents.

His Dec. 4 clemency hearing was cancelled after two Pardon and Parole Board members resigned. It was reset for Monday after a protest by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond.

Underwoods attorney argued that the scheduling change meant one of his attorneys, who had spent months preparing for the hearing, and an expert witness could not be physically present for the hearing.

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They also argued that one of the members who resigned, H. Calvin Prince III, had the required background in mental health. Underwoods mental health is expected to be an issue at the clemency hearing.

Late Friday, Kevin Stitt announced that he had appointed Tulsa attorney Susan H. Stava to the five member panel to serve as a member with experience in social work. Prince had served in that capacity.

The appointment leaves one vacancy on the board.

Brendan Van Winkle, Underwoods attorney, argued that Underwood had a better probability of garnering a clemency recommendation with five members. Underwood needs three votes for Stitt to consider clemency.

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The Pardon and Parole Board has rescheduled hearings in the past, he said.

Mr. Underwoods life is on the line, he said. Why are we rushing through this?

Attorneys for the state argued that while the Oklahoma Constitution requires five members to be on the board, state law does not require five members to be present for a clemency hearing.

In the past, the board has proceeded with clemency hearings without five members, said Zach West, Drummonds director of special litigation.

Oklahoma County killer Julius Jones was granted clemency after the board voted 3-1 to recommend it to Stitt, West said.

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The board denied clemency for Oklahoma County killer Richard Glossip on a 2-2 vote, he said.

State attorneys also argued that Underwoods mental health expert is available through remote means.

Underwoods attorneys did not point to a law giving him the right to a particular attorney at the clemency hearing, the state argued.

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Editor's note: Tulsa attorney Susan H. Stava was named Thursday by Gov. Kevin Stitt to fill a seat on the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board left vacant by the resignation of former board member H. Calvin Prince III, who stepped down Nov. 29.

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board is facing a backlog and could be forced to review as many as 550 parole cases in January after this months meeting was canceled when two members resigned.

The delay means the part-time board will have even less time to review the parole cases of people in state prisons. The five-member board reviews hundreds of pardons, parole and commutation cases each month and is also responsible for hearing clemency cases for prisoners on Oklahomas death row.

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Sue Hinton, a retired journalism professor, has been advocating for people behind bars at the Pardon and Parole Board for the past five years. She said the backlog burdens board members who are already responsible for reviewing hundreds of pages of letters and case histories before each meeting.

"I dont think they can get a fair hearing when you have so many files to review for one meeting, Hinton said.

In a normal month, Hinton estimates the board can only realistically spend a few minutes reviewing each persons case because of the amount of content they have to work through on a part-time salary. She said the backlog will exacerbate the board members fight against the clock.

Among the cases up for review at the next meeting is Wayne Thompson, 57, who has spent more than 40 years behind bars for a crime committed when he was 15. He has waited years for a personal interview with the parole board. Now, another month will pass before he can make his case.

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Thompsons sister, Cindy Welch, was 12 years old when Thompson went to prison in 1984 and is now a grandmother. Shes been trying to help her brother win release from prison for most of her life. She believes Thompson will do well outside of prison if he wins parole.

Its really upsetting that we have to wait another month, but if in another month we get our freedom, then its alright, Welch said.

Gov. Kevin Stitt is responsible for appointing two new members to the Pardon and Parole Board to fill two open spots after the recent resignations of Edward Konieczny and Calvin Prince.

Abegail Cave, a spokesperson for Stitts office, said appointments will be made in a timely manner but did not provide any additional details.

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Appointees must have a college degree and experience in a related field. At least two board members are required to have five years of training or experience in mental health, substance abuse services or social work.

Tom Bates, executive director for the Pardon and Parole Board, said he anticipates both slots will be filled in time for the January meeting. He said board members will be ready.

The governor is working on these appointments, Bates said. I trust that we will be able to get folks prepared for the meeting.

Madison Boone, an attorney from Project Commutation, an Oklahoma-based nonprofit that provides legal representation to people at the Pardon and Parole Board, said the resignations have created uncertainty for people in prison waiting for a hearing.

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Its just really unfortunate because  this is one more month these people will have to spend in prison, regardless of whats going to happen, Boone said.

The uncertainty extends to Thompsons case.

Former board members Prince and Konieczny voted in October to advance Thompson to the next phase of the parole process, where he gets a video conference interview with the board.

With their resignations, Thompson has lost two people who helped push his case forward. Theres no way to anticipate how the newly appointed members will vote.

Thompson said hes disappointed but at the end of the day hes just glad to still have the opportunity to continue the conversation.

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The Frontier is a nonprofit newsroom that produces fearless journalism with impact in Oklahoma. Read more at www.readfrontier.org.

The Frontier is a nonprofit newsroom that produces fearless journalism with impact in Oklahoma. Read more at www.readfrontier.org.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board facing backlog after resignations
Munich-based tech startup ARX Robotics, whose founders are veterans of the German armed forces, has unveiled a new product, named Mithra OS, that turns military vehicles into intelligent, interconnected autonomous units.

The company initially launched with Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) and subsequently secured a major German military government contract, specifically for deployment in Ukraine. In June of this year, the startup raised a $9.5 million (9 million) seed funding round led by the NATO Innovation Fund, with support from Project A Ventures and Discovery Ventures.

Making military trucks intelligent

ARX's latest product has an operating system based on AI. The Mithra OS comes with hardware cameras and sensors that can be mounted on military trucks or similar vehicles, and includes over-the-air updates through the ARX Autonomy Kit, TechCrunch reports.

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According to Marc Wietfeld, founder and CEO of ARX Robotics, while the battlefield of the future is digital, European and other Western armies are still acquiring analog systems with no connection to modern battlefield environments.

The thing is, we discovered the problem when being in the front line in Ukrainebut especially with the NATO armed forcesthat the new assets of warfare such as drones, sensors, software, AI, etc cannot interconnect or collaborate with our existing fleets, he told TechCrunch.

For instance, Wietfeld mentioned that the German armed forces purchased 3,500 Mercedes trucks but none of them are software capable, interconnected, or equipped with a radiohighlighting the gap between modern battlefield needs and current military procurement.

Interconnected systems will prove crucial

According to Wietfeld, ARX Robotics has developed a solution for existing legacy fleets within NATOs armed forcesessentially an 'Amazon Firestick' for these older systems. In the context of the war with Ukraine, its become clear that interconnected and autonomous systems are essential. "However, NATOs arsenals remain outdated, and European forces are under-resourced," he noted.

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Wietfeld claimed that ARX Robotics has no known competitors in this space. "The goal is to upgrade existing equipment rather than replace itregardless of whether its the Toyotas of the Ukrainian Armed Forces or the Leopard tank or Challenger tank of the UK armed forces," he explained, adding that they need to communicate in one language with open interfaces.

According to Lt Gen Frank Leidenberger, CEO of BWIthe IT service provider for the German Armythe increased willingness for military spending after the war in Ukraine is waning, and states are setting different priorities or running out of budget, highlighting the need to invest in new technologies while updating existing material for modern warfare.

Furthermore, Wietfeld stated that the opportunity now lies in transforming vehicles into 'wingmen', integrating fleet intelligence, situational awareness, and other aspects of modern warfare.

Our purpose is to advance safety and operational readiness with scalable, intelligent systems that protect people and resources in military settings, as well as in everyday commercial applications, ARX outlined.
TROY, Ohio (WDTN)  A massive fire has damaged a historic tavern museum in Troy Saturday morning.

The Overfield Tavern Museum has suffered severe damage after a fire began in the early morning hours of Dec. 7. Troy Fire Department responded to the scene at 201 E. Water Street and found the building engulfed in flames around 5 a.m.

Smoke seen across west Dayton as crews battle fire

Fire officials on scene say the interior of the building suffered massive damage, but the exterior structure seems to be intact.

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Officials with the museum say they are hopeful that the building can be saved and restored, but much of the contents inside is heavily damaged and considered a loss.

The Overfield Museum is one of the oldest buildings in Ohio and the oldest building in Troy. Initially built in 1803 and later expanded in 1808, the building served as a tavern throughout the 1800s.

Chris Manning, executive director of the museum, says they appreciate the support theyve received over the years, and hopes the community will once again come together in support as they go through the process of rebuilding.

The Overfield Tavern Museum initially planned to host a Yuletide Dinners event this evening. The event will still go on, but will take place at the St. Patricks Soup Kitchen across the street. Visit their Facebook page to learn more.

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No one was injured in the fire, despite the damage to the inside.

Mutual aid was called from surrounding jurisdictions due to water supply issues and the cold conditions this morning.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The State Fire Marshals Office will help with the investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
The worlds oldest known wild bird is back in her familiar stomping grounds  this time, with a new beau.

Wisdom, a Laysan albatross who is at least 74, returned to her annual nesting site at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge on the Hawaiian archipelago late last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Region announced on social media this week.

This year, Wisdom not only laid an egg, but was seen interacting with a male that the wildlife agency identified as her new mate. (The septuagenarian was previously linked to a mate named Akeakamai for decades, but he hasnt been seen in years.)

Wisdom with her new main squeeze at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Dan Rapp/USFWS via AP

If all goes well, Wisdoms egg will hatch in around two months. Shes been mother to about thirty surviving chicks over the years, with her most recent offspring hatching in 2021.

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The fact that this elder bird is still alive, let alone still laying eggs, is astonishing. In 2021, after Wisdoms latest chick hatched, seabird ecologist Richard Phillips told The New York Times the next-oldest albatross hed ever heard of was 61.

Wisdom, center, over her recently laid egg as other seabirds look on. Dan Rapp/USFWS via AP

Wisdom was fitted with an identification band around her ankle in 1956, and scientists have monitored her ever since. There are some skeptics who believe that something is amiss with the story, like perhaps the identification band was swapped out to another albatross at some point, as The Washington Post noted previously. But the numerous scientists interviewed in news stories over the years have generally treated Wisdoms advanced age as fact.

I think its impossible for us to look at that bird and not be stunned that she is still breeding and has laid an egg, marine ecologist Dr. Carl Safina told the Times.

Related...
(NewsNation)  A former counterterrorism aide to then-Vice President Mike Pence says she stands by her criticisms of Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trumps choice for FBI director, despite him threatening legal action against her.

Olivia Troye said on MSNBC this week that Patel would lie about intelligence and lie about making things up on operations if confirmed by the Senate. According to NewsNation partner The Hill, Troye said Patel would put the lives of Navy SEALs at risk as the director of the FBI.

The two worked together under the first Trump administration. Patel joined the National Security Council before he was named chief of staff for Christopher Miller, who was the secretary of defense during the end of Trumps first term.

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Missouri lawmaker proposes bounty system to report migrants

In response, Patels lawyer sent a letter to Troye, demanding she retract her comments.

Saying Troyes comments were a complete fabrication, the letter accused her of knowing the falsity of this smear and spreading it with the malicious intent of downgrading Patels character.

Mr. Patel demands that you retract your lies in a public statement on your X account within five business days of receipt of his letter, Patels lawyer said. Unless this step is taken, Mr. Patel will take swift legal action to uphold his rights and reputation.

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However, Troye maintained on NewsNation Live that my statements are true.

This is fairly alarming that they would send such a letter forward like this given Kashs past comments about how he wants to silence the media and go after the media and go after political opponents and critics, Troye said. I think this is exactly a sign of things to come should he end up in the role as FBI director, and I think thats something that we should all take very seriously.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In our Reality Check stories, The State journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? Email statenews@thestate.com.

More than two months after Hurricane Helene ripped through the southeast, a fence still blocks off the West Columbia Riverwalk as it remains closed with little word on when it could reopen to the public.

The half-mile-long portion of the trail that begins near the West Columbia Amphitheater and connects to the neighboring Cayce portion of the riverwalk has been closed since late September when Helene flooded the trail and caused extensive damage to the pathway. Meanwhile, Cayces riverwalk fully reopened last month, leading some to question why West Columbias section is still closed.

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The holdup in reopening the walkway stems, in part, from the city of West Columbia awaiting necessary disaster funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to complete the project. City officials are set to meet with FEMA and S.C. Emergency Management later this month, a spokesperson for the city confirmed. Until then, officials say they will not have an estimated timeline for when the trail will reopen or how much the damages will cost.

Were waiting on landscape architects and engineers estimations and a FEMA site assessment, city spokesperson Anna Huffman said.

Why wait on the funds?

After Hurricane Helene clobbered South Carolina, residents across the Midlands began to assess the damage in the early morning hours of Sept. 27. Public works trucks and utility line workers cleared the roads of fallen trees and downed power lines. Thousands across the state went days before power was restored.

Three days later, as upriver water from the Upstate and western North Carolina flowed down the Congaree River after historic amounts of rainfall, the river crested at 30.5 feet, fully immersing the West Columbia and Cayce riverwalks in water.

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It took about a week from when the massive storm battered many parts of South Carolina for Lexington County to receive a disaster declaration from FEMA allowing West Columbia to submit a formal request for funds. The city submitted paperwork to FEMA on Oct. 14, Huffman confirmed.

But the city has only begun the process with FEMA, which requires site assessments and planning meetings before funding is given. Its one of two key issues leading to the lengthy delay in opening. The other issue has been the extent of the damage caused to the trail by the storm. When flood waters receded, city officials found themselves stuck with a hefty task.

Lots of times when you have storms come through, we go through and clean everything off and make the minor repairs, but when you have extensive damage from natural disasters you have to go through a different process, West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles said.

So far, debris removal of things like fallen tree limbs is done and the city has reopened the parking lot, amphitheater and a very small portion of the trail. The rest is on hold until the city meets with FEMA.

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The city leaned on FEMAs disaster funds previously following the the historic flooding in 2015, which caused an estimated $2.2 billion in damages across the state.

What did Cayce do differently?

The closure has thus far lasted a month longer than that of the Cayce riverwalks, which fully reopened Nov. 7. City park staff and hired contract workers cleared out fallen trees and dug the trail out from under a few feet of mud.

[The water] stayed up for about a week, Parks Department Manager James Denny told The State in October. During that time, it deposited anywhere from 6 inches to a foot of soft silt and debris onto the parkway. Trees and stuff came down across the pathway.

The damages on the Cayce side were significant and comparable to the historic flooding of 2015, Cayce spokesperson Ashley Hunter said. After Helene, Cayce had to replace one of its boardwalks, among the fixes that contributed to the city paying at least $100,000 to independent contractors for repairs related to the storm, Hunter said.

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But officials from both West Columbia and Cayce have been quick to point out differences that allowed Cayce to move more efficiently on reopening the trail. West Columbias portion had more extensive structural damage, Miles said. And Cayce repaired its issues with its own money and has applied for reimbursement from FEMA, according to Hunter.

Its such an important part of our recreation and who we are as a city, Hunter said. Getting that reopened was something we knew we had to really focus on and do.

Cayces quick cleanup is a bit of an anomaly. Its more common for the cleanup process following a storm or flood to be a lengthy one. Following damages caused by the flooding in 2015, the Cayce Riverwalk didnt fully reopen until 2018, and West Columbias section didnt fully reopen until the previous year, according to previous reporting done by The State. Following other major hurricanes, a 2017 study found recovery efforts typically take about three months to begin in earnest and can take upwards of a year to complete.

Even though it has been two months since the hurricane hit, thats not that unusual if youre thinking about these major projects that are rebuilding and so forth, FEMA spokesperson Gerard Hammink said.

West Columbia officials are set to meet with FEMA before the end of December to get a clearer idea of the timeline for reopening.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  One woman is in critical condition after a fire late Friday night at a senior housing development in the Franklinton area.

A spokesperson for Columbus fire said that firefighters headed to the Worley Terrace apartment complex just before 11 p.m. on South Central Avenue. The fire was inside the apartment unit of a woman and was quickly extinguished by the building sprinkler system.

New body camera footage shows arrest of driver accused of killing Gaudreau brothers

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The victim was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Idaho Legislature had, with fits and starts, been sliding in recent years further and further toward outright control by the far right. After further gains this year, it seemed that maybe it had finally happened.

Not quite yet, we found out Thursday.

The Idaho Legislature met to hold its organizational session, where leadership is elected and powerful committee chairs are, in turn, divvied out.

Given gains by the far right in the primary election, there was a substantial possibility that the Senate, long the main block against extreme pieces of legislation, would emerge looking just like the Idaho House.

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But things went pretty well Thursday  or at least, things turned out not to be as bad as many had feared.

The new Pro Tem, Sen. Kelly Anthon, R-Burley, is a relative moderate, though notably less so than former Pro Tem Chuck Winder, R-Boise, who was ousted by a far-right primary challenger in the primary. Sen. Mark Harris, probably the most moderate remaining member of Senate leadership, stepped up from caucus chair to assistant majority leader.

It wasnt the rout that many moderates had feared  a clean sweep of the leadership and committee chair positions. (The outcome had some far-right activists suggesting that three lawmakers had betrayed the cause because they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.)

But the center of gravity has undeniably shifted.

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Last session, Senate leadership consisted of Winder, Anthon, Assistant Majority Leader Abby Lee, R-Fruitland, and Harris  all relative moderates, of which Anthon was perhaps the most conservative. With Winders primary defeat and Lees decision to retire, Sens. Lori Den Hartog and Ben Toews  the farthest right members of the Senate to serve in leadership position in recent memory  join Anthon and Harris as the new majority leader and caucus chair, respectively.

Senate committee chairmanships remain largely in tact, including some of the most important.

Education Chairman Sen. Dave Lent, R-Idaho Falls, has for the last two years had one of the hardest jobs in the Legislature: fending off poorly thought-out bills that are driven by ideology, not serious measures to improve Idahos education system.

But that was during the last term. Lent easily walloped primary challenger Bryan Scholz, so his seat is quite safe, but maintaining a razor-thin majority of traditional conservatives is likely to mean concessions that didnt have to be made over the last two years.

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So is Idaho headed for a poorly overseen voucher system, ripe for abuse and budget overruns? Maybe, but its much less likely than if Sen. Brian Lenney, R-Nampa, were in charge.

The same is the case with the Senate State Affairs Committee, where moderate Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon, has kept lots of bad ideas in check in recent years. If theres another effort to repeal Medicaid expansion, theres a good chance it would have to go through his committee, or through the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by moderate Sen. Julie VanOrden, R-Pingree.

Could tens of thousands of working Idahoans lose insurance coverage through the repeal of Medicaid expansion? Maybe, but its much less likely than if Sen. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton, were in charge.

For voters who care about things like this, its time to wake up and get organized. There are still a few backstops remaining, but they are getting fewer and weaker.

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Even Gov. Brad Little has been increasingly averse to pulling out his veto pen. Early in his governorship, it was common for him to veto as many as six bills per session, including many high-profile pieces of legislation. Last session, Little vetoed only two bills, both relatively low profile  one of which was little more than a give-away to a prolific far-right donor.

So take this moment for what it is: at best a temporary reprieve. If sensible people are going to stop the most destructive ideas of the far right  forcing your kids to read their religious texts in school, charging women who obtain abortions with murder, and so on  theyve got two years to do it. One more election like the last one, and you can count on them running roughshod over your schools, your basic rights and your personal lives.

Bryan Clark is an opinion writer at the Idaho Statesman.
Questions about that day come year-round but nothing like November and December. The answers have grown into stories, now briefer than before but still mostly complete. Details sometimes get jumbled, but no one complains. For 100, everyone says, Bob Fernandez is doing great.

You can tell my story if you want, he says, but sometimes I'm not all here.

As much as Fernandez knows his limitations, he is also aware of his obligation.

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On Dec. 7, 1941, he was a sailor and stood at a pivot point of history, a moment never to forget when sudden and extreme violence rendered the past irrelevant and the future an open book hinging on the outcome of war.

On a recent morning, Maria Dominguez pours him a cup of decaf, black, two sugars. He's just woken up. His steps are wobbly as he makes his way to his chair in the living room, where a TV tray awaits with a cookie and three pills.

Do you remember my name? she asks.

Emily? June?

Caretaker Maria Dominguez helps Bob Fernandez get ready before a morning walk in Lodi, Calif. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Then he remembers. Maria. His wife was named Mary.

You took care of her when she was sick, she reminds him. You were 90 when she passed.

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Now Dominguez is taking care of him. It's been just over a year.

He has been called a hero, but hes not sure about that. He was doing his job just like thousands of others, except he survived when 2,400 service members didnt. Today he knows he stands for those who cant  in a brotherhood made more special the smaller it has become.

No one knows how many Pearl Harbor survivors are still alive. Some say fewer than 20. Others say the number is incalculable if civilians are considered. But no matter; soon there will be none, and the memories will recede to the pages of books, entries on the internet and museum exhibits.

You can tell my story if you want, but sometimes Im not all here.

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Bob Fernandez

On the television, Vincent Price is delivering a monologue about Abraham Lincoln during a rerun of "The Carol Burnett Show." Outside, rain is falling. Fernandez sips his coffee.

Until earlier this year, he had been living on his own. Stubborn independence is, however, a blessing and a curse. After a fall, hospitalization and rehab, he moved in with his nephew, Joe Guthrie, and Joes wife, Kimberly, her son, three dogs and four cats.

Pearl Harbor survivor Bob Fernandez, 100, dances with Elizabeth Chitiva, 74, at Whirlows restaurant in Stockton. He still likes to twirl the ladies around wherever there's live music playing. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Photos of Pearl Harbor survivor Bob Fernandez, 100, hang on the wall at Whirlows in Stockton. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Joe and Kim adore him. Fernandez was Joes best man at their wedding two years ago, and they are eager to help him settle in at their home in Lodi. While they are at work, Dominguez helps fulfill a promise that Joe made 10 years ago when the old man wondered what hed do when he got old.

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As Fernandez tries to remember the events of that bright and sunny morning 83 years ago, the details are fragmented by the passage of time, the reticence of trauma. A few stories hes repeated enough to get right, but what has faded for him is fading for America as well.

Like the Civil War, like the Kennedy assassination and, one day, 9/11, tragedies once indelible in the minds of all Americans are destined to become one day less so.

Dominguez brings him pancakes, topped by a banana and maple syrup. A young man named Adam pops up on the TV and describes fighting in Afghanistan and getting shot by a sniper. He holds a model of his fractured skull. Disabled American Veterans secured his benefits.

When Fernandez is finished, Maria walks him to the bathroom to brush his teeth and then to change for his morning walk. The tidy three-bedroom home is easy to navigate, and although it is only one story, Fernandez swears his room is upstairs. No one corrects him.

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His Cracker Jack navy blue jumper hangs from a hat rack in the entry. Memorabilia are laid out on the dining room table, a memory jog as Dec. 7 approaches: campaign medals, a photo with President Trump, a framed news clipping and a black-and-white of the USS Curtiss.

He first saw the ship in October 1941 resting at anchor in Pearl Harbor, and what a beaut  long and towering, capable of 20 knots, with a complement of 1,200 sailors. Less than two years old, the Curtiss was described as an aircraft carrier for seaplanes, essential to the front line if war broke out in the Pacific.

Bob Fernandez, 100, is one of the few remaining Pearl Harbor survivors. He first saw the USS Curtiss in October 1941 resting at anchor. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

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Fernandez had enlisted that summer. Hell say that he wanted to make some extra money, see the world, but the story is more complicated. He was 17, living at home in San Jose. His father was disabled, a leg lost in a train accident, and he took solace in drinking. Fernandez's mother bore the brunt of his unhappiness.

Then there was a girl, a little older than Fernandez and pregnant with his child. Three days after his son was born, he signed up.

His dad had suggested the Marines, but he was too young. Only the Navy would take him, $21 a month. He trained in San Diego  to fire a machine gun, position a gas mask, prove he could swim  and shipped out to Hawaii.

No sooner had he found his bunk than the Curtiss put to sea, joining a supply convoy to Wake Island, then to Midway. Fernandez recalls the monotony of swabbing decks before getting a job in the mess.

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Read more: 'Like freeing a ghost': A sailor's strange and wondrous journey back from Pearl Harbor

On Dec. 6, the ship returned to Pearl Harbor. Two light cruisers and the USS Utah lay off its starboard bow, and Battleship Row, the famed but vulnerable roadstead for the Navys mightiest, was on the other side of Ford Island.

After almost two months at sea, Fernandez and his buddies planned to head into Honolulu for beer and dancing, but he had to get through the morning shift on the 7th.

He was serving the officers about a quarter to 8 when he heard the first explosion.

Stooped under an umbrella, Fernandez heads down the driveway with Dominguez beside him. The rain is nothing compared to any disruption in his routine. The more predictable his day, the less agitated hes likely to become. His sundowning spells leave everyone exhausted.

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Dominguez cues Frank Sinatra, his favorite, on her phone. Fernandez starts singing to My Way, and when the horns kick in, he adds a little swing to his step.

Age may have diminished his stature, rendered his gait more lopsided, but he has always been light on his feet, whether as a boxer in his teens or, later, a dancer with his wife. He still likes to twirl the ladies around wherever there's live music playing.

Bob Fernandez, 100, takes a morning walk with caretaker Maria Dominguez in Lodi, Calif. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

More than halfway around the block, the rain picks up and Dominguez hurries them home. He settles into his chair. She throws a log on the fire and sets out a lunch of Hawaiian barbecue, rice and macaroni. She puts on a western, and John Wayne rallies the troops.

The first explosion came from the direction of Ford Island, but before Fernandez could look, the ships alarm started to blare.

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Battle stations, this is no drill!

The distant drone of planes drew near. Suddenly everyone was running like hell, Fernandez says, and as he raced to his post  across the ship and below deck  he saw a low-flying plane with a large red circle on the fuselage so close that he made out the pilot.

And he didn't even look at me, he says. He just kept on going.

Then came the concussive tat-tat-tat of the ship being strafed. More explosions. Across the channel, the Utah and Raleigh were hit. Heavy black smoke gushed from the oily infernos.

Once at his post  the magazine room, midships, three decks down  Fernandez and his crewmates got to work, passing one to another the shells for the .50-caliber machine guns and 5-inch cannons above them. By now the firing was continuous, the Curtiss convulsing with each blast.

Were at war, Fernandez heard someone saying in the confines where they stood. He saw some of his crewmates overcome with fear, knowing that any moment a bomb could slice through metal and reach them, lights out.

Muscles aching from the weight of each 55-pound projectile, the repetition, the heat, Fernandez lost track of himself, too busy to think, too scared to stop, not unlike his time in the ring up against any another flyweight.

I just did the work I had to do, he says, and the good Lord  the good Lord  kept me safe.

While the Curtiss tried to get underway, the ship never made it out of port. A submarine surfaced 700 yards away. The Curtiss' 5-inch guns fired on it, and a passing destroyer took it out with depth charges. Then there was a plane, armed with torpedoes, pulling out of its dive over Ford Island. Gunners on the Curtiss fired.

Boom! Boom!

A hit, and its pilot crashed into the ship; the planes fuel spread fire across the deck.

The attack was intensifying. Farther astern from where Fernandez stood, a 500-pound bomb landed, piercing three decks and detonating another magazine. The blast killed 18 sailors and punctured the hull. The Curtiss started to take on water. The damage would have been worse if the fuel tanks had been refilled after the ships recent mission.

Fernandez doesnt remember how long he stayed at his station or whether he was enlisted to fight the fires. His memory of that day jumps ahead to night when, exhausted from the battle, he found an empty corner on deck to sleep. When he awoke, he found himself joined by the corpses of crewmates, draped in white linen, beside him. Someone, he thought, must have believed he was dead as well.

Two weeks later, the Curtiss' commanding officer listed 20 dead, 54 injured and one missing.

Of the ruin of Pearl Harbor, Fernandez says nothing: nothing of the tar-black smoke rising into the blue sky, the giant ships listing at ungodly angles, the Utah capsized not far away, the fireboats streaming water onto the flames, the bodies in the water, the feelings of shock, of rage, the cries for vengeance.

Of the Japanese attack, his sentiment is simple. I wish that they never would have come.

By late afternoon, Fernandez is dozing in his chair, mouth agape, hands clasped in his lap. The fire has burned down. Tommy Dorsey orchestrates a soundtrack for his dreams. A biopic about Sinatra  men in tuxedos, young women in bathing suits  plays on TV.

Then Fernandez stirs and extends his hand as if in greeting.

When Bob Fernandez was younger, he was told to move on, probably best not to dwell on what he saw, but the older he got and the more America came to honor the heroism of Dec. 7, 1941, the more revered he was for what he recalled. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Are you dreaming, Bob? Dominguez asks.

Must be, he said.

A heavy sleeper in his youth, he was different after the war. He tossed and turned. Any noise woke him, and when he went to talk to someone at the Veterans Administration, he was told he didnt need any help.

That would come later in his life at a restaurant just north of Merced, where Chapter 10 of the Pearl Harbor Survivor Assn. gathered every other Thursday to play music, swap stories and share in the good fortune of being alive.

You cant explain to someone else what you saw unless hes a Pearl Harbor survivor, one veteran told a reporter in 1998.

Fernandez was the groups youngest member. Now hes the only member and a witness to the irony of remembrance. When he was younger, he was told to move on, probably best not to dwell on what he saw, but the older he got and the more America came to honor the heroism of that day, the more revered he was for what he recalled.

Interviews and invitations followed. Fernandez stood with other veterans on stages. He rode in parades. He spoke to schoolchildren. He told his story on video, which is archived in the Library of Congress, and he has been back to Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7 three times.

Pearl Harbor survivor Bob Fernandez with his wife, Mary. She died 10 years ago. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Fernandez stayed with the Curtiss after the attack. The ship, quickly repaired in San Diego, returned to the Pacific theater and was present at Midway in 1942, Guadalcanal and the Solomon operations in 1943, and the battles of Tarawa, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Saipan and Guam.

But Fernandez stays quiet about those years. His service record shows that in November 1944, he was assigned to the naval air station in San Francisco. When the war ended, he extended his enlistment, got married, had a daughter, divorced, was promoted to piloting small boats, served in the Philippines, and in 1947 was discharged.

Two years later, he met Mary, and they married and had two children. He worked as a forklift driver in the East Bay, retired and moved to Stockton.

He used to think of Pearl Harbor at least once a day, but not so much not anymore.

By 6:30, Dominguez has left, and the Guthries are home from work. Kimberly serves Fernandez a plate of pot roast, lays out his evening pills and keeps him company while he eats. On TV, Sinatra in black-and-white knocks on the door of a speakeasy in The Joker is Wild.

Early evenings, his mind wanders the most, as if hes awake in a dream. Joe and Kimberly let him ramble, politely try to make sense of what hes saying. Often, its related to a distant memory.

I was born upside down, he says, apropos of nothing they might understand.

Kimberly Guthrie serves Bob Fernandez dinner after coming home from work. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Kimberly teases him. Well, that explains everything. He laughs.

They are preparing to take him back to Pearl Harbor for the annual commemoration. Airfare has been arranged, a brief itinerary set. Joe feels it would be meaningful for him to connect with the few remaining veterans and for a divided country to be reminded of its lost unity. Fernandez agrees.

I just hope there's no more wars like the one we had and that the whole world could be happy and live right, he said early in the day.

In days to come, however, they would change plans. Fernandez would be too weak. Hospice care, they would decide, is more appropriate.

Joe Guthrie helps his uncle, Bob Fernandez, get ready for bed. He'll help him with his pajamas, turn on his favorite Frank Sinatra songs and then turn off the lights. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

But on this night, as Fernandez finishes his dinner, Joe goes to his room and turns down the bed. A portable heater purrs with a bright orange glow.

When Fernandez shuffles to bed, Joe helps him take off his ring and his watch, unbuttons his shirt and cuffs and sleeves and takes off his shoes.

Howd I get to be that way? Its a question hes been asking lately.

You turned 100, Uncle Bob.

He nods and lies down, a Winnie-the-Pooh blanket pulled up close.

Joe Guthrie finds Frank Sinatra songs for his uncle, Bob Fernandez, as he puts him to bed. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Joe cues Ol Blue Eyes on a tape player.

Each place I go

Only the lonely go 

"Love you."

"Love you, too."

Joe walks out, closes the door and starts to cry.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
How can advancements meant to connect and inform be twisted into instruments of oppression? In our hyper-connected, digital age, where billions are just a click away, a chilling paradox emerges. While technology has revolutionized communication and brought unprecedented access to information, it has also become a potent weapon in the hands of religious persecutors.

Persecution against Christians involves any hostility faced due to their faith. Digital persecution is a specific form of this, using technology to harass, intimidate, or discriminate against individuals based on their religion.

According to Open Doors, an organization working with persecuted Christians, approximately 365 million Christians endure high or extreme levels of persecution and discrimination. To put this into perspective, that is one in seven Christians in more than 70 countries. Digital persecution has emerged as a potent tool, exacerbating this issue by expanding its reach and intensity.

Government surveillance and cyber tools

Recent years have seen a rapid growth in surveillance technology as governments acquire increasingly sophisticated tools to monitor their citizens.

Governments are increasingly capable of mass surveillance.

Beyond traditional surveillance targeting specific individuals, governments are increasingly capable of mass surveillance, monitoring entire populations. Religious minorities in authoritarian states are particularly vulnerable to both forms of invasive oversight. As a result, state surveillance and data privacy have emerged as critical global issues.

Governments often employ extensive cyber tools to infiltrate private communications, spread disinformation, and identify individuals for targeted persecution. This largely unchecked surveillance not only erodes privacy but also creates a climate of fear and intimidation, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Furthermore, cyber tools enable authorities to sow distrust within religious communities. By planting false information and rumors, they can create rifts that weaken the solidarity of these groups.

Online harassment often escalates to physical violence. Even individuals without violent intent can be drawn into real-world violence due to algorithms that amplify extremist content. By understanding persecution tactics and critically evaluating online information, we can foster a safer digital landscape for all

The role of artificial intelligence

Using artificial intelligence to identify and censor religious expressions poses another significant threat. Advanced algorithms scan social media posts, online forums, and even private messages for keywords or phrases indicative of religious content. This technology enables governments and other entities to monitor and censor religious expressions with incredible accuracy and speed.

Governments increase surveillance through AI.

Governments increase surveillance through AI, making it nearly impossible for religious minorities to freely practice their faith online. This level of scrutiny extends to encrypted communications, where algorithms can sometimes break through protective layers to access private conversations.

Conclusion

In this ever-evolving digital age, the responsibility falls on both individuals and institutions to navigate these challenges wisely. Surveillance might be pervasive, but so too is the opportunity to build networks of support and resistance against persecution. As we look forward, the path to safeguarding religious freedom will undoubtedly require a balanced and proactive approach.

Ultimately, the ongoing battle between the oppressive use of technology and its liberating potential underscores the need for vigilance, advocacy, and a commitment to the fundamental rights of all individuals to worship freely.

The future of religious freedom in a digital world depends on how we choose to wield these powerful tools.

Stefan van der Berg serves at dia-LOGOS, a team of church consultants, and is a sought-after public speaker, helping churches and organizations develop strategic plans for their missions. He lives in South Africa.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A new research study found the vast majority of crisis pregnancy centers offer social and family support services. But nearly one-third of the centers also advertise "abortion pill reversal," an unproven and potentially dangerous treatment.

Crisis pregnancy centers are operated by anti-abortion organizations and typically provide prenatal and sexual health services. The centers are often designed to look like health clinics, and have been criticized as providing false or misleading information to steer pregnant women away from abortion.

The study, which was released Dec 2, compiled the websites of about 1,600 crisis pregnancy centers across the country. The study was published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.

The researchers identified 143 centers in Texas, which is the largest number in any state.

The research found about 90% of the centers nationwide advertised social support services, such as adoption or parenting classes. The study flagged, though, that about 30% of centers advertised abortion pill reversal services.

"Nearly one-third are selling snake oil," said study co-author John Ayers, an epidemiologist and a professor at the University of California, San Diego. "Not just benign snake oil, potentially dangerous and toxic snake oil."

So-called abortion pill reversal treatment is when the hormone progesterone is administered to a pregnant person who has already taken the first pill of a medication abortion. Medication abortion consists of two pills: mifepristone and then misoprostol. There have been some limited case reviews that indicate that pregnancies can continue if the hormone is administered after the firstbut before the secondpill.

The treatment does not have approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has publicly spoken out against reversal.

"Claims regarding abortion 'reversal' treatment are not based on science and do not meet clinical standards," the group's website says.

A 2019 study into abortion pill reversal was canceled due to both low enrollment numbers and safety concerns, after three of the enrolled women were transported to the hospital for severe vaginal bleeding, NPR reported at the time.

Andrea Trudden, a spokesperson for Heartbeat International, which operates the Abortion Pill Rescue Network, said in an email statement that the reversal treatment is "rooted in medical science and compassion."

Trudden linked to a 2018 study that found about two-thirds of pregnancies continued when the pregnant person was given progesterone after taking the first abortion pill. The first author of that study is Dr. George Delgado, a prominent figure in anti-abortion advocacy.

Delgadowho, according to the Los Angeles Times, is not certified in obstetrics or gynecologyhas been called the founder of abortion pill reversal. His affiliation with the anti-abortion movement is not listed on the 2018 study page.

"Mischaracterizations of this protocol as 'dangerous' dismiss both the science and the lived experiences of thousands of women who have been helped by this treatment," Trudden said in the email statement.

Ayers and his team organized their data into a publicly accessible website, ChoiceWatch.org, which provides more information on crisis pregnancy centers across the country. Ayers said he hopes the data can help inform policy to increase transparency and accountability at crisis pregnancy centers.

"Whatever your position is on abortion, shouldn't we all agree that lying to and potentially endangering women in these vulnerable situations is wrong?" he said.

More information: Karan S. Desai et al, Characterizing Services Advertised on Crisis Pregnancy Center Websites, JAMA Internal Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.6440 Journal information: JAMA Internal Medicine

2024 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Every step and every sight aboard the USS Lassen at Naval Station Mayport held special significance for James Crider.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

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The 96-year-old served 23 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He enlisted at just 16-years-old.

Crider said, I had to make myself a man, accept that and follow rules and regulations and I enjoyed it. And I think thats the best thing that ever happened to me going in the Navy.

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Despite this vast naval experience, today was Criders first time being on a destroyer.

Crider said Its awesome. Its a big ship. I never seen one that large before. :30

Reflecting on this stage of his life Crider made the request to board a naval warship one last time. Lieutenant Zachary Gagis said it was a privilege to meet Crider and help fulfill his wish.

Lt. Commander Gagis said, This break to look back and honor the past and the legacy of those that came before me and before us as shipmates is as much a welcome for us as it is for them.

Crider shared the special tour with his son Curtis, who noted it was bittersweet, but an experience they both would cherish.

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Curtis Crider shared a conversation he had with his father on the way to visit the ship. He said to me, it is a day of happiness, but also sadness. And I said, well, tell me about the sadness. He said the sadness is because I know that there were a lot of people who were with me on those ships and he said most of them were probably resting in the grave. Curtis added, And so hearing him say that just kind of got my mind thinking about making the most of every moment of my life now with the people I know and that I love.

According to Naval Station Mayport, Crider was among 75 other three-time war veterans recognized by former Governor Rick Scott for outstanding service and their contributions to the country.

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Dec. 6GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE  A B-1B Lancer bomber on Thursday touched down at Grand Forks Air Force Base for the second time this year. It's one of two arriving at the base this week to help work out any issues with maintenance and procedures on the ground, said Col. Tim Monroe, commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing at the base.

The bomber made its appearance at about 4:30 p.m. A "hot pit" refueling  where an aircraft lands, refuels and takes off with its engines running  also was planned, but canceled due to rescheduling of the arrival. Another bomber is expected soon.

A bomber originally was scheduled to arrive Wednesday, but was delayed due to inclement weather.

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"This is a culmination of months of planning and teamwork," Monroe said. "I know I speak on behalf of our entire wing and the local community that we are excited to have the B-1B back at Grand Forks Air Force Base."

The rest of the B-1B bombers, stationed at South Dakota's Ellsworth Air Force Base, are expected to arrive at Grand Forks Air Force Base in January and February for a temporary reassignment  along with approximately 800 airmen of the 28th Bomb Wing  as their home base near Rapid City undergoes renovations. The bombers will stay for a "bed-down" for 10 months as Ellsworth goes through a runway construction project to prepare for the new B-21 Raider, the Air Force's latest stealth bomber.

Maintenance personnel are arriving with the first two B-1Bs to help prepare the base for maintenance operations ahead of the full fleet's arrival. A

press release

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from the Air Force said Red River Valley residents can expect an increase in military vehicles on roads and increased air traffic noise in the coming weeks.

Lt. Col. Christian Hooever, commander of the 37th Bomb Squadron and a member of the crew that flew the bomber to Grand Forks Thursday, said it was his first time coming to GFAFB. Preparing for the bed-down has been a "heavy task, and the 28th Bomb Wing has really rallied around themselves across the entire wing to be able to facilitate this relocation," he said.

"This will give us a unique opportunity to train with some of the local units that are here at Grand Forks already," he said. "And it will also open up the aperture for us to train in some airspace and ranges that we haven't historically done a lot of training in."

The possibility of Grand Forks being named host of the B-1Bs first came about

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in August

via U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D. Grand Forks was chosen because of its proximity to Ellsworth, its large capacity and its underground fueling system. Bombers were last in Grand Forks in 1994, during the post-Cold War drawdown.

There will be tight or limited hangar space for the aircraft, Monroe said, which was a difficult planning factor, but the team is going to make it work. Most personnel will be lodged in Grand Forks apartments, with a smaller number staying at hotels, he said. There is still more to do to prepare for the rest of the bombers. A B-1B Lancer

already visited Grand Forks

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in preparation for the temporary stay in October.

"Between the 28th Bomb Wing and the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, we're working to implement as many mitigation measures to safety mission risk and operations as we reasonably can accommodate," he said.

Hoover said coming to the community will give the Air Force and the 28th Bomb Wing an opportunity to show residents who and what they are, as well as to be good stewards of the community.

"We look forward to not only interacting with them, but also assisting where we can to make sure that we are not an undue burden to the community, while we increase the local population by a not insignificant amount for 10 to 12 months next year," he said. "We're happy to be here, we're anxious to start the year and get operations going, and this is just the first step in what will be many more to ensure that that happens in the coming month or two."
Sam Altman may be playing Santa with OpenAIs 12 days of shipmas  a series of splashy product releases that kicked off Thursday  but with the news that Donald Trump plans to appoint investor and former PayPal COO David Sacks as AI Czar, working closely with Elon Musk as head of a Department of Government Efficiency, Altman may soon find himself facing a two-headed Grinch.

The Musk-Sacks duo have been publicly critical of OpenAI, and there's a fair amount of contentious history among the Silicon Valley entrepreneurs.

Musk, of course, famously co-founded OpenAI with Altman nine years ago but left after a power struggle and has since launched rival company xAI. (Musk has also filed multiple lawsuits against OpenAI, including the latest which seeks to stop OpenAI from transitioning from a "capped-profit" company into a fully for-profit enterprise).

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Sacks' VC firm Craft Ventures has invested an undisclosed amount of money in Musks xAI. And Sacks has not been shy in expressing his disdain for some of OpenAIs recent moves, saying on his All-In podcast last month that OpenAI has "gone from nonprofit philanthropy to piranha for-profit company.

A one-two punch to OpenAI?

What could a Musk-Sacks one-two punch do to harm a competitor like OpenAI?

In theory, as Fortune reported earlier this week, Trump's new billionaire advisors could use their positions and influence to steer government AI contracts to their own companies, and to push the government to crack down on competitors like OpenAI. In addition to wearing the AI and crypto czar's imperial crown, Sacks will lead the Presidents Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), which makes science, technology, and innovation policy recommendations to the President and the White House.

Musk, meanwhile, could use his new DOGE role to eliminate governmental hurdles facing xAI or artificial intelligence more broadly, said Richard Schoenstein, vice chair of litigation practice at law firm Tarter Krinsky & Drogin, who called Musks dual role as businessman and Trump advisor a dangerous combination."

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It's no wonder Altman is trying to make nice. At the New York Times DealBook summit this week, Altman said he was tremendously sad about tensions with Musk, and dismissed the idea that Musk could use political power to hurt competitors and advantage his own businesses. It would be profoundly un-American, he said.

And when Trump anointed Sacks as AI czar on Thursday evening, Altman quickly posted a congratulatory message on X.

If the intent was to make a public gesture of goodwill however, it had the opposite effect, and only further confirmed Altman's predicament: Musk responded to Altman's tweet with a laughing emoji.

A delicate moment for OpenAI

All of this comes at a delicate moment for OpenAI. The $157 billion-valued startup is not only working on a plan to restructure into a for-profit benefit corporation that is not controlled by a non-profit board, but is also reportedly hoping for more investment by removing the infamous 'AGI' clause with Microsoft, which is OpenAIs largest shareholder thanks to a $13 billion investment. The AGI clause was implemented to keep powerful artificial general intelligence from being exploited by commercial interests and OpenAIs nonprofit board exclusively determines when AGI is achieved. By removing the clause and transitioning OpenAI to a for-profit, Altman could be in a position to gain significant equity in the company, something investors are pushing hard for, a source familiar with the situation told Fortune recently.

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The technical challenges that must still be overcome to achieve AGI are immense. But as OpenAI pushes ahead on its mission, the role of government regulation will become increasingly important. And on that front, Sacks and Musk have each made nuanced comments that make it difficult to predict what kind of policies they might push for in the Trump administration.

Sacks, for example, reportedly deleted past tweets in which he said that while he was in favor of accelerating technological progress he found something unsettling about OpenAIs declared mission to create AGI. I doubt OpenAI would be subject to so many attacks from the safety movement if it wasnt constantly declaring its outright intention to create AGI. To the extent the mission produces extra motivation for the team to ship good products, its a positive. To the extent it might actually succeed, its a reason for concern," Sacks apparently tweeted.

Musk, for his part, has frequently voiced concerns about AGI falling into the wrong hands and, earlier this year, predicted that AI could surpass human intelligence by the end of 2025. In March 2023, he signed an open letter calling for a six-month pause on developing AI systems more powerful than GPT-4, warning of "profound risks to society and humanity." Scientist Max Tegmark, who authored the letter for his nonprofit Future of Life Institute, recently praised Musks potential influence on Trump, suggesting it might lead to stronger AI safety standards. These positions could bolster the argument that Musk might take steps to slow OpenAIs path to AGI, particularly since Musk also supported the failed California SB-1047 bill, which was meant to regulate the development and use of the largest and most powerful AI models.

That said, Altman might yet benefit from Sacks views on accelerating AI development and loosening restrictions.

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Many have predicted, for example, that Trump will do away with President Bidens October 2023 AI Executive Order. And if Sacks own X posts are any indication, the EO's days could be numbered. When the executive order was announced, Sacks tweeted that the U.S. political and fiscal situation is hopelessly broken, but we have one unparalleled asset as a country: cutting-edge innovation in AI driven by a completely free and unregulated market for software development."

With the Biden AI order, Sacks continued, "that just ended."

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
After condemning President-elect Trumps plans to dismantle the Department of Education, the teachers unions and mainstream media are once again unhappy with his education policy. This time, they are opposing Trumps recently announced pick for secretary of Education, his transition team co-chair Linda McMahon.

The Washington Post, ABC and the New York Times all labeled McMahon a Trump loyalist, a rather loaded term for someone who has criticized Donald Trump in the past while also choosing to work with him. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, the nations second-largest teachers union, wrote in a statement that she expects to disagree with Linda McMahon on many issues.

Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, the largest union in the country, went one step further, stating: By selecting Linda McMahon, Donald Trump is showing that he could not care less about our students futures.

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Compare this to the treatment received by Miguel Cardona, who has been secretary of Education since 2020 and has received very little attention. If you cant name Bidens Education secretary, Politico reported halfway through the Biden administration, you probably arent alone.

Despite Cardonas relative anonymity, his record is abysmal. Early in his term, Cardona solicited a letter from the National School Board Association that called concerned parents domestic terrorists for seeking information about their childrens school curriculum. More recently, in a quest to simplify federal financial aid , Cardona rolled out a new application process that took 700 times longer than the original and led to delays in aid, disrupting the college plans of millions of students around the country.

Beyond that, Cardona has presided over a steady performance decline in American schools, with fewer and fewer students proficient in reading and math since the onset of the pandemic  thats in spite of congressionally allocated emergency COVID-era federal funding that was supposed to address this. Cardona did not hold schools accountable for how this money was spent, leading to massive misuse of the funds.

Nevertheless, the unions have papered over Cardonas record  which seems natural, seeing that he has supported them unsparingly: in an act of naked partisanship, while giving a speech to the AFT, he claimed that House Republicans would destroy public schools.

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This is the typical treatment of conservatives. During the first Trump administration, the media and teachers unions maligned then-Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. The Washington Post accused her of trying to sweep rape back under the rug for simply reinstating due process and cross-examination rights to those accused of sexual harassment in schools and on campuses. Meanwhile, because of her support for voucher programs, which are shown to disproportionately help lower and middle-income families, especially racial minorities, the NEA said she was on a mission to destroy public education. The AFT even brought her family into its attacks, claiming that Betsy DeVos and her family have  [no] respect for civil rights.

No matter how many students DeVos helped in her tenure, there was nothing she could do right in the eyes of the media and the unions, just as there has been nothing Miguel Cardona could, apparently, do wrong. The problem with DeVos for mainstream institutions is the same problem they have with McMahon. It has nothing to do with competence and everything to do with the fact that these women are Republicans instead of Democrats. No wonder union-boss Pringle has already pejoratively labeled McMahon Betsy Devos 2.0.

So what does this differential mainstream treatment imply for education policy in the second Trump administration? First, the medias coverage of McMahon and her policies will, more likely than not, be consistently slanted and partisan. Second, unions will oppose anything a Republican administration does, not because the policies are bad for students but because Republican administrations undermine union bureaucrats.

Finally and most importantly, good policy is independent of politics. No matter how nasty media coverage or union attacks get, Linda McMahon can make a real positive difference, just as Betsy DeVos did.

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The media and unions are going to wage a full-throated attack against McMahon no matter what she does. So she might as well go all in and rip away as much of the wasteful and destructive federal bureaucracy as possible.

Neeraja Deshpande is the Education Freedom Center engagement coordinator at Independent Womens Forum.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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President Biden has made several promises on clemency. He broke one of those promises by pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, who he claimed had been unjustly charged.

He also pledged to use his clemency powers broadly to address mass incarceration and remedy harsh, unjust sentences. So far, that promise has gone unfulfilled. Biden has granted fewer clemencies than President-elect Donald Trump did in his first term, and fewer clemencies than any other U.S. president since 1900 except for George H.W. Bush.

But it is not too late. Now is the time for Biden to take robust action on clemency. Peoples lives depend on it.

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Clemency is one of the most powerful tools in a presidents toolkit. With the stroke of a pen, a president can give a convicted person a second chance. There are thousands of deserving clemency candidates in the federal prison system  people who have paid the price for their crimes and no longer pose any safety risk to our communities  who are in danger of being left behind.

As 54 clemency recipients from Republican and Democratic presidents recently wrote in a letter to Biden: Even in freedom, we never forget that we left a lot of good people behind  people who deserve justice and mercy.

With so little time left in Bidens presidency, it is important to underscore the stakes of clemency. As a criminal defense attorney with two decades of experience, I have seen firsthand the need for bold action on clemency.

The stories of three individuals  Robin Peoples and Dion Walker, whom my law students and I represent, and April Rice  demonstrate why President Biden must keep his promise to use his clemency powers broadly.

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Peoples is serving a jaw-dropping 110-year sentence for a series of bank robberies he committed in the 1990s, in which no one was physically harmed. The Federal Bureau of Prisons lists his release date as May 6, 2093, so absent intervention, Peoples will die in prison. That would be senseless, because he has already shown he can thrive as a free man.

In 2021, Peopless sentencing judge granted him early release, citing the stunning unreasonableness of the sentence by todays standards and his exemplary rehabilitation.

He returned home to Indiana, reconnected with family and friends and worked as an excellent employee at a local company. That all ended when federal prosecutors challenged the judges decision to release him and he was forced to self-surrender to serve the remainder of his sentence.

Just as before, Peopless community is ready to welcome him home again, and he can return to the job he previously held. Sixty Bureau of Prisons staff members, who see him day in and day out, strongly support his release and wrote in a petition that it would be a waste of taxpayer money to continue to incarcerate him. Those employees are right  there is simply no reason for him to remain in prison.

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Dion Walker is serving a three strikes mandatory life sentence for selling drugs to a government informant. His sentence is a draconian relic of the war on drugs, which has disproportionately impacted Black men like him.

Walker is 50 years old and has served almost 20 years in prison. Today, as a result of bipartisan changes to our drug laws, he would face just a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence and would surely be a free man by now. However, Congress did not make those changes retroactive.

Walker is so much more than his criminal record. His current judge has lauded him as a model prisoner and agrees that his life sentence is longer than necessary to accomplish the purposes of sentencing. Despite being a model prisoner, Walker remains incarcerated at a high-security U.S. penitentiary that is dangerously understaffed, which endangers the safety of people living and working there and has led to reliance on punitive lockdowns.

It doesnt have to be this way. Walker has a strong release plan in his hometown, where he would live with his fiance and where he has multiple job offers. There is no doubt that he has earned a second chance.

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Finally, April Rice is serving a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence for a nonviolent drug offense. Her sentence was doubled based on a sentencing enhancement that could not be imposed if she were being sentenced today.

In 2022, Rice was permitted to serve the remainder of her sentence in CARES Act home confinement, reflecting the Bureau of Prisons assessment that she was extremely unlikely to reoffend. Since that time, she has become a dedicated employee whose supervisor sings her praises.

Because Rice is thriving, there is no longer any need for her to be closely supervised under a Bureau of Prisons sentence, which limits where she can go and what she can do. Whats more, her limited freedom is at risk, as some legislators have proposed reincarcerating her and approximately 1,500 other people who are doing well in home-confinement.

To protect Rice and other CARES Act recipients from being cruelly sent back to prison, Biden should grant them commutations.

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There are many more like Peoples, Walker and Rice who have served their time and deserve a second chance. With the stroke of his pen, Biden can solidify his legacy as a champion of clemency for all  not just for those who are lucky enough to be his son.

Erica Zunkel is a clinical professor at the University of Chicago Law School and director of the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Clinic. As part of the clinics Excessive Sentences Project, she and her students pursue post-conviction relief for federal prisoners serving extreme sentences.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The warmth of Korean American relations during the era of President Yoon Suk Yeol has always been a little too good to be true.

Everything seemed to be going so well as American and South Korean troops conducted joint exercises and President Biden got Yoon and Japans prime minister, Fumio Kishida, to clasp hands last year in tripartite ecstasy at Camp David. But now, suddenly and without warning, were thrust into a new era, with Yoon declaring martial law for the first time in almost 50 years.

Yoons demise would not be exactly the equivalent of a war, but the shock of his imposition of martial law, and then his almost immediate reversal of that decision, caught everyone totally by surprise. Some intelligence agents claim to have had a sense of what was coming, but, if so, they neglected to pass the word to the ambassador, Philip Goldberg, or the commander of American forces in Korea, Gen. Paul LaCamera.

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American officialdom is falling back on familiar cliches. The alliance, they persist in saying, is ironclad, and of course theres no daylight between us. As we know, those expressions of solidarity are open to question and confusion. Another word bandied about by Americans is resilience, for the Korean capacity to stick together and move on through the miasma of political conflict, protests, unrest and uncertainty about where the country is going.

Where was the CIA, the know-it-alls who so often are caught knowing very little? Somehow it often seems that way through modern Korean history. The odd expert may claim to have read or heard that some American advisers in South Korea saw the North Korean invasion coming in June 1950, and others, with perfect 20-20 hindsight, swear they knew the Chinese were pouring into the upper reaches of North Korea five months later. But certainly Gen. MacArthur had no idea.

The problem is not just that Yoon has been unpopular. He was elected in 2022 as an antidote to a left-leaning president, Moon Jae-in, who had also been unpopular  and who came out looking like an idiot in his attempts to get along with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.

That wasnt entirely Moons fault; he had thought he would be immortalized as the leader who brought the two Koreas back together after he met with Kim in Pyongyang in April 2018. This was a full two months before Donald Trump, in the most publicized event of his first presidency, consorted with Kim in Singapore  the beginning of a bromance that may or may not have stood the test of time.

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Trumps walkout from the second summit with Kim, in Hanoi in February 2019, doomed Moons presidency. Kim showed how little he thought of this inferior nuisance from the South by steadfastly ignoring him, refusing to see him again. Kim had never cared about Moon. He was sure he had to get through to Trump for the deal that would legitimize his nuclear program and demonstrate his superiority over the entire peninsula, even if he was not about to open a second Korean War just to prove the point.

Yoon, after defeating the next leader of the Minjoo (or Democratic Party), has not been so bad a president. His greatest success has been resuscitating the military relationship with the U.S. Moon had done his best to destroy it, blocking joint field exercises with American troops, snubbing senior American officers, all in the belief that Kim would see him again if he just demonstrated his independence from Washington. It didnt work.

In this political season, the problem is the Minjoo leader, Lee Jae-myung, whom Yoon defeated by less than 1 point in the 2022 election. He is accused of numerous crimes while amassing a fortune in real estate and construction while mayor of Seongnam, a bustling city just south of Seoul, and he has been convicted and given a suspended sentence for making false statements while losing his first campaign for presidency. He is likely to run again  quite soon, if Yoon is forced out of the job.

The uproar at the top of a system the Americans thought they had firmly on their side raises familiar qualms. No way can Washington feel comfortable about dealing with the likes of Lee. We already bow and curtsy before too many corrupt leaders. Will Washingtons diplomatic tastemakers now be prostrating themselves before Lee, overlooking the widespread view that he should be going to prison, not to the heights of power?

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In Yoon, Americans believed they had their man. In the absence of Yoon, it will take all the skills of the best diplomatic double-talkers and mealy mouths to perpetuate a bond thats gone through innumerable ups and downs since President Harry Truman came to the rescue of the South in the Korean War.

Just think of the problems of the 18 years and five months of the presidency of Park Chung-hee, whose assassination in 1979 led to the rise of Gen. Chun Doo-hwan, who perpetuated dictatorial rule by proclaiming martial law and ordering troops into Gwangju, the southwestern city that remains the hotbed of anti-government sentiment, putting down an uprising at the cost of approximately 200 lives. And then there were the weeks of vigils in central Seoul, hundreds of thousands hefting electronic candles in paper cups, demanding the demise of Parks daughter, Park Geun-hye, ousted, impeached and jailed in 2017.

Its a safe bet the special relationship between Washington and Seoul will endure, shaken but too deeply embedded in the society to fragment. With Trump in the White House, though, you never know. His calls for Korea to ante up as much as ten times the billion dollars a year that its paying for American troops and bases to defend the South are viewed with alarm by all sides in Seoul. And what if, precipitously, he ordered the withdrawal of American troops, now about 28,500, most of them headquartered at Americas biggest overseas base at Camp Humphreys, 40 miles below Seoul?

The deep divisions in the South all play into the hands of North Korea. Kim Jong Un, having totally cut off any prospect of dialogue with Yoon, declaring the South the enemy, is now watching silently. He may want to talk again to Trump, and he might conceivably be open to communication with Seoul, but he will insist on no ones terms but his own.

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Whoever leads the South, Kim can only gain strength from the ruckus, knowing that he has both Russia and China on his side, waiting for the time when he can reunite the entire peninsula.

Donald Kirk has been a journalist for more than 60 years, focusing much of his career on conflict in Asia and the Middle East, including as a correspondent for the Washington Star and Chicago Tribune. He is currently a freelance correspondent covering North and South Korea, and is the author of several books about Asian affairs.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Dec. 7princeton  Money generated by lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors will be going into renovating and improving a facility working to help people dealing with addiction and other issues get their lives back on track.

Mercer County Commission President Bill Archer said Friday that the county was expecting a new opioid settlement payment. In late December 2023, the commission was presented almost $2 million in settlement funds when attorney Truman Chafin of The Chafin Law Firm arrived at the Mercer County Airport to present the check. In September, the commission awarded $142,414 to the Mercer County Health Department to help pay for new personnel.

The new sum of the latest opioid settlement coming to Mercer County was not available late Friday, but Archer said the plan is to use settlement money to renovate the Mercer County Day Report Center located at 1422 East Main Street near the county courthouse. The center is also the quarters for the WV Drug Testing Laboratories, Inc., Adult Drug Court and Mercer County Home Confinement.

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Archer said the day report center's staff asked him to visit their facility and study the building housing their offices.

"Not only to make it safer, but to make sure those people who are coming in don't have ready access to the staff members because you're working with people who have been convicted and they're going through the process, but you don't want to take unnecessary risks," he said.

Multiple problems appeared during the visit.

"During the course of an afternoon, and I spent some time down there looking at the immediate needs that they had, some of them are better communications, better electronics, inner office activities and that kind of stuff," Archer said. "There are a number of things like that, but there are other things that involve ceilings that are leaking and there are cold spots in there. There's an antiquated storage area that was a little furnace room that hasn't been upgraded. Some of the larger windows down there need repair and as a result, I made out a whole list."

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Archer said he discussed what he saw with Commissioners Gene Buckner and Greg Puckett.

"We decided to move forward and go ahead. We've got the rough list of what we need to do down there and now have an architect look at it so we can put a bid out for projects," he said. "The Day Report Center is one of the vital components of our ability to try and rehabilitate people who have become addicted or who are suffering from addiction, who will make the effort to rejoin society as a productive member."

People in the day report center's programs are often seen working on community projects, but programs do more than provide volunteers, Archer said.

"It's not only just picking up roadside trash, it's changing your lifestyle and that kind of thing. We've got a good staff down there. We have a nice facility, but it's an older facility and we have in the past our internal maintenance group has done the best they could to maintain that structure, but we are in a position now that we have the resources and can actually pay for the improvements for that facility," he said. "I think we can really make a difference in our efforts to rehabilitate those people who enter the system and also to protect our personnel who are over there working and provide them that the tools a modern entity needs now, electronic communications and other things."

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Michelle Stewart, executive director of the Mercer County Day Report Center, said the aging building has multiple problems. What was once a fax room has been turned into her office. Other changes have been made, but more needs to be done.

"In the last year and a half we did put in new flooring and everything like that upstairs, but this is an old building. It had very old pipes and they're all underneath the floor on the righthand side of the building," she said. "They've busted numerous times and caused major damage downstairs. The county did get some money and we redid the flooring. But yes, this building is in dire need of some major remodeling downstairs."

"A year and a half ago our numbers were down, but now our numbers are back up," she said. "We probably make a thousand contacts with people a month, plus I was telling them that in 21 working days, we made over a thousand contacts when we had a little probation check-in. We just don't have room downstairs for how our classes are growing, so definitely we need the renovations. You can see the damages. At one time there were probably 3 to 4 inches of water in the basement, in the bottom level, where (a pipe) busted over the weekend. We didn't know about it and it was a main line. It kept piling up and now the floor is falling apart. It's crumbling."

"But yes, opioid funds will be going exactly to that project," Archer said, adding that the county commission is seeking other projects addressing the damage inflicted by opioid addictions.

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"We're actively looking for those kinds of things," Archer said. "We're also trying to be judicious about how we approach it. We're actively looking for projects for people who are willing to make the step and rehabilitate themselves and make the step away from drug abuse and become productive members of society."

Contact Greg Jordan at

gjordan@bdtonline.com

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
Syrias government appears to have fallen after opposition fighters said they entered Damascus following a stunning advance.

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali said the government was ready to extend its hand to the opposition and hand over its functions to a transitional government.

I am in my house and I have not left, and this is because of my belonging to this country, Jalili said in a video statement. He said he would go to his office to continue work in the morning and called on Syrian citizens not to deface public property.

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A Syrian opposition war monitor, Rami Abdurrahman, said Assad left the country on a flight from Damascus early Sunday. Jalili did not address reports of Assads departure.

Opposition fighters entered Syrias capital in a swiftly developing crisis that has taken much of the world by surprise. Syrias army has abandoned key cities with little resistance. Who are these opposition fighters? If they take control of Damascus after seizing some of Syrias largest cities, what then?

Here is a look at the stunning reversal of fortune for Assad and the government in just the past 10 days, and what might lie ahead as Syrias 13-year civil war reignites.

The aim? Overthrow the government

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This is the first time that opposition forces have reached the outskirts of the Syrian capital since 2018, when the countrys troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege.

The approaching fighters are led by the most powerful insurgent group in Syria, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, along with an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army. Both have been entrenched in the northwest. They launched the shock offensive on Nov. 27 with gunmen capturing Aleppo, Syrias largest city, and the central city of Hama, the fourth largest.

The HTS has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. But the group said in recent years it cut ties with al-Qaida, and experts say HTS has sought to remake itself in recent years by focusing on promoting civilian government in their territory as well as military action.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani told CNN in an exclusive interview Thursday from Syria that the aim of the offensive is to overthrow Assads government.

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Possible rifts ahead

The HTS and Syrian National Army have been allies at times and rivals at times, and their aims might diverge.

The Turkish-backed militias also have an interest in creating a buffer zone near the Turkish border to keep away Kurdish militants at odds with Ankara. Turkey has been a main backer of the fighters seeking to overthrow Assad but more recently has urged reconciliation, and Turkish officials have strongly rejected claims of any involvement in the current offensive.

Whether the HTS and the Syrian National Army will work together if they succeed in overthrowing Assad or turn on each other again is a major question.

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Others take advantage

While the flash offensive against Syrias government began in the north, armed opposition groups have also mobilized elsewhere.

The southern areas of Sweida and Daraa have both been taken locally. Sweida is the heartland of Syrias Druze religious minority and had been the site of regular anti-government protests even after Assad seemingly consolidated his control over the area.

Daraa is a Sunni Muslim area that was widely seen as the cradle of the uprising against Assads rule that erupted in 2011. Daraa was recaptured by Syrian government troops in 2018, but rebels remained in some areas. In recent years, Daraa was in a state of uneasy quiet under a Russian-mediated ceasefire deal.

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And much of Syria's east is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-led group backed by the United States that in the past has clashed with most other armed groups in the country.

Syria's government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus.

Whats next?

A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces have started carrying out the final stage of their offensive by encircling Damascus.

And Syrian troops withdrew Saturday from much of the central city of Homs, Syria's third largest, according to a pro-government outlet and the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. If that city is captured, the link would be cut between Damascus, Assads seat of power, and the coastal region where he enjoys wide support.

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Homs to the coastal cities will be a very huge red line politically and socially. Politically, if this line is crossed, then we are talking about the end of the entire Syria, the one that we knew in the past, said a Damascus resident, Anas Joudeh.

Assad appears to be largely on his own as allies Russia and Iran are distracted by other conflicts and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah has been weakened by its war with Israel, now under a fragile ceasefire.

The U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, seeks urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an orderly political transition, saying the situation is changing by the minute. He met with foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran on the sidelines of the Doha Summit.

___

Associated Press writer Abby Sewell in Beirut contributed.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have reported that the deployment of the Oreshnik ballistic missile system in Belarus does not increase the risks of ballistic missile strikes against Ukraine or NATO countries.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Quote: "The Kremlin continues to advance its strategic effort to de facto annex Belarus and further expand the Russian militarys presence in Belarus through the Union State framework."

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Details: On 6 December, Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Belarusian self-proclaimed president Alexander Lukashenko signed a new Union State treaty on security guarantees during a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State in Minsk, Belarus. [The Union State, or Union State of Russia and Belarus, is a supranational union consisting of Belarus and Russia, with the stated aim of deepening the relationship between the two states through integration in economic and defence policy - ed.]

In his address, Lukashenko urged Putin to deploy Oreshnik ballistic missiles to Belarus, proposing that the Belarusian military and political leadership would have control over determining the missiles targets if they were ever launched from Belarusian soil.

Putin responded positively, indicating that Russia could deploy the Oreshnik systems in Belarus by mid-2025.

He further emphasised that the new security agreement allows both countries to utilise "all available forces and means" in fulfiling their mutual defence commitments.

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Quote: "The deployment of Oreshnik ballistic missiles to Belarus would further increase Russias military footprint in Belarus and advance the Kremlins longstanding strategic effort to erode Belarusian sovereignty and de facto annex Belarus through the Union State framework."

Details: In addition to the security treaty, Russia and Belarus signed 10 other documents under the Union State framework. These included a security concept for the Union State, a decree establishing uniform rules for consumer rights protection, a decree outlining joint efforts to combat smuggling and an agreement on creating a unified electricity market.

Quote: "Lukashenko is likely trying to preserve Belarusian sovereignty against Moscow by advocating that Belarus control Russian weapons deployed in Belarus  an endeavour Lukashenko has historically failed at."

Details: Lukashenko publicly insisted that Minsk should have the authority to decide on the use of Oreshnik missiles in Belarus, likely as a way to safeguard Belarus' sovereignty within the Union State and strengthen his bargaining power against further integration.

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He acknowledged that Russian military personnel would continue to operate the Oreshnik system in Belarus, suggesting that Moscow would maintain control over any Oreshnik ballistic missiles placed there.

Despite the Kremlins heightened nuclear rhetoric, the deployment of Oreshnik missiles to Belarus does not significantly elevate the immediate threat of intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) attacks on Ukraine or NATO countries.

Quote: "Putin once again tried to flaunt the Oreshnik missile and Russian missile capabilities during the Union State Supreme State Council meeting as part of the Kremlin's reflexive control information operation."

Details: ISW maintains its assessment that the Kremlins repeated emphasis on the Oreshnik missile is unlikely to signal the development of significantly new Russian deep-strike capabilities.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 6 December:

Russian forces have not yet evacuated the Russian naval base in Tartus, Syria as of 6 December, but it remains unclear whether Russia will keep its vessels at the port as Syrian rebels continue to advance swiftly across regime-held territory.

Russia appears to be redeploying at least some of its air defence assets that were defending Russia's Khmeimim Air Base in Syria, but the reason for this redeployment remains unclear at this time.

The Kremlin continues to advance its strategic effort to de facto annex Belarus and further expand the Russian militarys presence in Belarus through the Union State framework.

Lukashenko is likely trying to preserve Belarusian sovereignty against Moscow by advocating that Belarus control Russian weapons deployed in Belarus  an endeavour Lukashenko has historically failed at.

The deployment of the Oreshnik missiles to Belarus does not significantly increase the immediate risks of intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) strikes against Ukraine or NATO states despite the Kremlins intensified nuclear sabre-rattling.

The Kremlin is scapegoating former Kursk Oblast Governor Alexei Smirnov for Russia's failure to adequately respond to Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov used his interview with an American media personality to reiterate Kremlin talking points that are intended to shape American foreign policy and achieve a US-Russia reset detrimental to US interests and on the Kremlin's terms.

Western sanctions are reportedly degrading the overall quality of Russian drones, indicating that targeted sanctions are having some negative effects on the Russian defence industrial base (DIB).

Russian forces recently advanced near Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove and Vuhledar.

The Russian military continues to lose parts of its officer corps, a resource that is difficult to replenish, as part of Russia's ever-increasing casualties.

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Dominican Republic authorities seized more than 21,000 pounds of cocaine, in what they call the largest drug seizure in the countrys history, officials said in an announcement posted Saturday.

The drugs, worth estimated $250 million, were found by authorities as part of a banana shipment originating from Guatemala that arrived at the Caucedo port in the capital of Santo Domingo.

Carlos Devers, a spokesperson for the countrys anti-drug agency said the shipment had a final destination for Belgium.

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According to the release, 10 people are being investigated by police in connection to the seizure.

So far this year, over 91,000 pounds of drugs have been confiscated by officials in the Dominical Republic, marking a new high for the nation, according to the release.

The second-largest seizure on record in the Dominican Republic was reported in 2006, when officials found more than 5,600 pounds at the same port in Santo Domingo.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cocaine seizure of 21,000 pounds marks new Dominican Republic record
HONOLULU (KHON2)  An apparent overnight shooting in Waianae Friday night left a 19-year-old male in serious condition.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

According to Honolulu Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the 19-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to his leg.

EMS were able to transport the patient to a trauma center.

Collapsed sidewalk at Waikikis Queens Beach to undergo emergency repairs

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The incident is said to have occurred at around 11:14 p.m. and the police investigation shut down both eastbound lanes on Farrington Hwy between Lualualei & Pohanu.

The road has since been reopened.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

More details pertaining to the incident will be provided as they become 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 KHON2.
Still life of Wegovy an injectable prescription weight loss medicine that has helped people with obesity. It should be used with a weight loss plan and physical activity. - Image: UCG / Contributor (Getty Images)

Another study suggests that weight-loss meds like Wegovy (NVO) and Mounjaro (LLY) can help people cut back on drinking alcohol.

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Haliey Welch, known as hawk tuah girl, at the Weight-Ins of Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul and Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas on Nov. 14.

Influencer Haliey Welch, better known as the Hawk Tuah girl, has launched her latest attempt to cash in on her fame: a cryptocurrency.

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President-elect Donald Trump tours Drake Enterprises, a non-union automotive parts manufacturer, before speaking at a small rally on September 27, 2023 in Clinton Township, Michigan. - Image: Scott Olson (Getty Images)

More than a month before hes set to take office, President-elect Donald Trump is already spelling trouble for the auto industry.

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Photo: Mandel Ngan (Getty Images)

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Billionaire Jeff Bezos is throwing his weight behind a computing company thats coming for Nvidias (NVDA) dominance of the artificial intelligence chip market.

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Photo: RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images / Contributor (Getty Images)

Buying a car costs more than just the MSRP. If you want to keep your car in good condition, youll need to maintain it over time. But maintenance costs can vary wildly between car brands.

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk visited the U.S. Capitol on Thursday. - Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg (Getty Images)

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.

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Photo: MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images (Getty Images)

Anyone hoping to spend a chill night in, spinning Watch the Throne on their turntable, while inhaling $50 of Jay Z-branded weed is, regrettably, out of luck: After four years of operations, it appears that the hip hop moguls cannabis brand has gone bust.

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Photo: Adrian Hancu (iStock by Getty Images)

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One of the most exciting aspects of going on vacation  whether to a new city or a new country  is the opportunity to try new food that isnt available at home.

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Federal Reserver Chair Jerome Powell at The New York Times DealBook Summit on Dec. 4. - Photo: Michael M. Santiago (Getty Images)

While cryptocurrency fans like to float Bitcoin as a possible replacement for the U.S. dollar, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell doesnt quite see it that way.

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Bill Gates - Photo: Gates Ventures

Bill Gates shared a list of the four books he enjoyed reading this year, including ones focused on artificial intelligence and love.

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Photo: Samiel Corum (Getty Images)

Elon Musks SpaceX is eyeing a tender offer that would value the aerospace company at $350 billion

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Photo: Halbergman (Getty Images)

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After a difficult year, prospective homebuyers can expect a friendlier, less competitive housing market in 2025. But affordability will continue to be a challenge, with high home prices and mortgage rates still on the horizon.

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A general view outside the United Healthcare corporate headquarters on December 4, 2024 in Minnetonka, Minnesota. - Image: Stephen Maturen / Stringer (Getty Images)

UnitedHealthcare (UNH) is facing increasing scrutiny for its allegedly high claim denial rate. However, since insurers try to keep these numbers hidden, the true extent of its denials remains uncertain, especially when it comes to private plans.

Read More

Illustration: d3sign (Getty Images)

The Winklevoss twins, Tyler and Cameron, are among the most prominent figures in the cryptocurrency space, with their Bitcoin holdings estimated at around 70,000 Bitcoin. Similarly, Elon Musks Tesla holds 11,509 Bitcoin, further solidifying the involvement of major players in the crypto market.

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Photo: Allison Robbert/AFP/Bloomberg (Getty Images)

Two years after Elon Musk bought Twitter for tens of billions of dollars, the value of the social media platform might be on the up and up again.

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Photo: Brandon Bell (Getty Images)

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Markets and cryptocurrencies soared to new heights after Donald Trump secured a second term at the White House. But one stock, which bears the president-elects name, hasnt gotten the same boost in the month since Election Day.

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Image: Chesnot (Getty Images)

Elon Musks $56 billion pay package was rejected by a Delaware judge on Monday after a motion to revise was denied. The ruling follows a legal challenge against the 2018 compensation plan, which Tesla (TSLA) shareholders initially contested, claiming it was improperly granted.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  The San Francisco District Attorneys Office announced Friday that two killers were both sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in connection to a fatal shooting of an elderly photographer in Twin Peaks on July 16, 2017.

Outgoing BART director gifts MAGA hats to colleagues

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in press release that Fantasy Decuir and Lamonte Mims, both 27, were convicted of first-degree murder and other charges.

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They often say justice delayed is justice denied, but not in this case, Jenkins said. I am grateful to the victims friends and family who have stood with us over the years as we fought for justice.

According to testimony, on the morning of July 16, 2017, the victim, Edward French, had visited the Twin Peaks viewpoint to take photos with his new Canon camera. Surveillance footage showed his final moments as Decuir and Mims approached and robbed him at gunpoint. According to the D.A.s office, Decuir shot French through the heart and right lung as Mims grabbed the camera bag. After the victim collapsed, he was kicked, and the defendants fled the scene. Less than an hour after the murder, Mims allegedly tried to sell the camera near 7th and Market Streets. The two were later identified after robbing tourists of a camera and credit cards at gunpoint in the Cathedral Hill area on July 28, 2017.

Assistant District Attorney Heather Trevisan added, Although nothing will truly heal the anguish caused by this callous senseless murder, we are relieved that Ms. Decuir and Mr. Mims will not be able to hurt anyone else in our community ever again.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Over the past six years, Pam Bondi has worked as a Washington lobbyist for one of the top firms in the country, representing corporate behemoths such as Amazon and Uber.

Now, some of the same clients her firm represents are squaring off against the Department of Justice she's poised to lead. And corporate interests are cautiously optimistic that her selection will shepherd in an administration more friendly to their interests than President Joe Biden's.

Her appointment, lobbyists say, could be a win for major U.S. corporations that find themselves crosswise with the Justice Department, including health care giant UnitedHealthcare and social media company TikTok. Those companies have paid tens of thousands of dollars this year to Bondis current employer, Ballard Partners, according to lobbying disclosures.

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Bondis confirmation as attorney general would also pose a myriad of ethical questions about what kind of access she will grant her firm and whether she will recuse herself from issues involving Ballard.

Bondi, who has yet to resign from Ballard, where she serves as a D.C.-based partner and chairs the firms corporate regulatory compliance practice focusing on Fortune 500 companies. Since 2019, she has lobbied the federal government for a host of major businesses, including Amazon, General Motors, Fidelity National Financial, Uber and Carnival North America. She serves as a key adviser to the firms president, Brian Ballard.

Bondi has also lobbied for the GEO Group, a major private prison company that is paid hundreds of millions of dollars each year by the federal government, according to federal records. The Justice Department is a major customer.

Currently, Bondi is only registered to lobby for the Major County Sheriffs of America, which pays her firm $50,000 a quarter, the Florida Sheriffs Risk Management Fund, which pays her firm $20,000 a quarter, and the Florida Sheriffs Association, which pays her firm $20,000 a quarter. Bondi, a former personal attorney to Trump, has also worked on corporate and regulatory issues and litigation at the Florida-based law firm Panza Maurer.

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It is essentially impossible to organize a Justice Department ethically in light of the breadth of Bondis connections, said Jeff Hauser, founder of the progressive Revolving Door Project. I think its just going to be off-the-charts bad.

He added that even if Bondi were not to involve herself in issues involving certain companies, she could still influence her department in their favor. For example, Hauser argued, her direction for the antitrust division would have broad implications for her onetime client Amazon.

Bondi did not respond to an email seeking comment, and a spokesperson for Amazon declined to comment.

Some business leaders had feared that, under Trump, they would lose their allies in the GOP, as the party veered in a more populist direction. But big business is hopeful that with Bondi, theyll get a reprieve from the Biden administrations corporate crackdowns and avoid follow-through on the Trump campaigns anti-corporate rhetoric.

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Pam may reinforce that idea that were going back to normalcy on deal flow, said one Republican lobbyist, referring to corporate mergers. The person was granted anonymity to speak candidly. Everyone believes that shes approachable.  She understands that companies need to have an opportunity to be heard.

The tech industry, for one, is relatively optimistic about Bondis nomination, especially compared to former lawmaker and antitrust crusader Matt Gaetz, whose earlier nomination for attorney general imploded. Major companies have spent the last four years fighting anti-monopoly champions at the Department of Justice, led by Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter. With Bondis selection, Big Tech sees a movement away from the economic populism that made them major targets, said one lobbyist representing major technology companies.



Among the Justice Departments legal fights against the worlds largest technology companies is ongoing litigation against Ballard client TikTok and its parent company ByteDance over allegations that the company violated child privacy laws. The department has also been defending the law that would force ByteDance to sell TikTok, a requirement Trump has previously opposed.

TikTok hired Ballard to lobby in early August, according to federal records. The firm was paid $50,000 in the third quarter to lobby Congress around Issues related to internet technology, regulation of content platforms.

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A pick like Pam Bondi does signify a return to more of a centrist approach to really all of business, said the lobbyist representing major technology companies. We're cautiously optimistic and supportive of her nomination.

In her previous role as Floridas attorney general, Bondi came under fire from progressives for decisions not to go after corporate interests. She drew headlines for declining to pursue penalties against Trump University, after the Trump Foundation donated $25,000 to a group backing Bondi. She has claimed the donation played no role in the decision.

Additionally, The New York Times reported in 2014 that she had decided against prosecuting the hospital bill collection firm that was then known as Accretive Health, after a law firm hired by the business lobbied her office.

"All nominees and appointees will comply with the ethical obligations of their respective agencies, said Trump transition spokesperson Brian Hughes in a statement.

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Brian Ballard, the president of the firm and Bondis boss, called her one of the most ethical straightforward political figures [hes] ever dealt with. He predicted she would institute measures to prevent conflict from her previous work and said his firm would comply with those rules.

Ballard brought his firm to Washington at the start of Trumps presidency and has created a lobbying firm known on K Street as one of the closest to Trumps orbit. Trump selected another alumna of his firm  Susie Wiles  to be his chief of staff, although Wiles was reportedly pressured to leave Ballards firm.

Bondi could also assume the head of the Justice Department as it pursues litigation against another one of Ballard Partners new clients: UnitedHealth. The Biden administration, along with several states, is moving to block UnitedHealths acquisition of the health and hospice provider Amedisys, arguing that the merger would harm competition in its industry. Ballard began lobbying for UnitedHealthCare Services, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth, at the federal level last summer.

As top prosecutor, Bondi would also be charged with overseeing drug policy, as Trump has indicated his support easing federal marijuana policy. The cannabis company Trulieve has been working with Ballard Partners for years, lobbying on medical marijuana policy and regulation.

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But good governance activists are concerned with Bondis corporate past. Rick Claypool, a research director with the progressive consumer advocacy group Public Citizen, said the Justice Departments revolving door was a broader problem with the agencys leadership, and Bondi was the latest example. He fears that her history protecting businesses from enforcement actions would impact how she managed the department.

We know the corporate defendants are going to use every advantage that they can get to try to argue to get out of enforcement actions, he said. So I think it's gonna be really important that the front line DOJ prosecutors who are investigating and bringing cases against former clients are able to do their jobs without interference.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The City of Panama City Beach alongside Visit Panama City Beach has announced the construction of a new 4,800 sq. pavilion at Aaron Bessant Park.

Officials said construction on the new open-air pavilion will begin this week and be completed in late Spring 2025.

The project will provide a gathering space for farmers markets, picnics, and special occasions.

Bay County Chamber of Commerce holds last First Friday of 2024

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According to Panama City Beach officials, the project will include upgraded fencing, a new storage bay, and a ticketing sales area.

Mayor Stuart Tettemer expressed gratitude for the partnership provided by the Bay County Tourism Development Council. This project highlights the strong collaboration between the City and Visit PCB. Their support ensures we can provide a premier destination for residents and visitors to gather, celebrate, and enjoy all that our city has to offer, Tettemer 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 mypanhandle.com.
Paraguay has expelled a senior Chinese diplomat, accusing him of trying to interfere in the country's domestic politics and to undermine its relations with Taiwan during a UN event.

Xu Wei, a senior Chinese envoy to Latin America, was in Asuncion to attend a Unesco meeting. However, Paraguayan authorities said Xu skipped the event on Wednesday to meet with members of the country's congress.

There, he reportedly urged lawmakers to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognise mainland China instead, claiming that it would bring "thousands of advantages" to the South American nation.

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Following the reports of Xu's comments, the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry declared him persona non grata on Thursday, giving him 24 hours to leave the country.

In Beijing on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian denied that Xu was interfering in Paraguay's domestic affairs and rejected what he called the "unreasonable and groundless" allegations made by the Paraguayan government.

China has been intensifying efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, in recent years persuading four Latin American countries - Honduras, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador - to cut ties with Taipei in favour of Beijing, often offering trade and investment deals in exchange.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian shrugged off what he called Asuncion's "unreasonable and groundless" allegations. Photo: Kyodo alt=Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian shrugged off what he called Asuncion's "unreasonable and groundless" allegations. Photo: Kyodo>

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Paraguay is one of a dozen countries that still recognise Taiwan and has no formal diplomatic relations with China.

Despite pressure from domestic agricultural sectors eager to expand trade with China, President Santiago Pena has insisted that while he is open to business with Beijing, he remains committed to maintaining Paraguay's diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

Beijing regards Taiwan, a self-ruled island, as a rogue province, to eventually be united with the mainland, by force if necessary. Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent nation.

Following a meeting with Senator Ever Villalba and Congressman Billy Vaesken, both opponents of Pena's Colorado Party, Xu addressed the press on Wednesday, saying his visit was aimed at filling a "gap on the map of Latin America, which is called Paraguay".

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Xu argued that there were "many practical advantages" to establishing relations with Beijing, including increased trade between the two nations.

"With diplomatic relations with China, you can earn more, save more, lower your costs. It's just one example of thousands of advantages that could be had," Xu said.

Xu dismissed Pena's proposal to maintain trade relations without formal diplomatic ties with Beijing, saying the "one China" policy was a "non-negotiable" principle.

"China's doors are open [ ...] but negotiating with China and Taiwan at the same time is not an option. In my case, I can only recommend that the Paraguayan government make a decision as soon as possible," Xu said.

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Villalba also told reporters that Xu had promised to "quintuple any contribution that another country" was making to Asuncion to maintain ties with Taiwan.

Despite the cancellation of Xu's visa, the diplomat has apparently not yet left the country.

According to Jorge Kronawetter, the Paraguayan director general of migration, Xu demanded to receive formal notification of the expulsion order at the hotel where he is staying before leaving Paraguay.

Kronawetter said on Friday that "the law allows us to proceed with the expulsion if it is not complied with", suggesting that Asuncion could deport Xu.

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In addition to Paraguay's action against the diplomat, the comments also sparked a strong response from the Taiwanese embassy in Asuncion, which accused him of trying to "undermine the firm friendship between Paraguay and Taiwan based on the 'one China' fallacy".

In a statement, the embassy labelled Xu an "infiltrator" of the Chinese government and declared that "Taiwan is an independent and sovereign country, a reality that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China cannot change."

"The communist regime has never represented and will never represent Taiwan," the statement added.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
PARIS  Five years after people wept as they watched a huge fire tear through Paris' iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, destroying the vaulted wooden ceiling and spire, the storied medieval landmark will reopen its doors once again in a weekend of celebration and ceremony.

Known in France as la fleche, or arrow, a rebuilt spire now stands proudly above the spectacularly restored Gothic masterpiece again  part of restoration work completed in just five years on a building that originally took nearly two centuries to build.

Its beautiful, Parisian Tom Renaud told NBC News as he marveled at the restored cathedral on Friday, a day before the medieval buildings doors officially reopen for the first time since the blaze tore through it on April 15, 2019.

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Its a symbol of France for all Parisians, added Renaud, 30, as he and his wife, Lulu, looked on. With so many enthusiasts around the world, he said the revival felt important for everyone.

The couple were far from alone in trying to take in Notre Dame, French for Our Lady. Scores of people walked around the site as police watched on, and barricades were erected as preparations for Saturday evenings reopening ceremony were well underway.

Hundreds of people are expected to descend upon Lile de la Cite for the celebration, which will also be attended by Americas first lady Jill Biden, Britains Prince William and President-elect Donald Trump, who will be making his first trip overseas since he won Novembers election.

Under the luminous stained glass and next to the murals that have been restored to their original resplendent colors, they will be joined by nearly 50 heads of state and government and personalities at the reawakening service for the centuries-old cathedral.

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Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich will lead the service, following an address from President Emmanuel Macron, who was met with ridicule the day after the fire when he vowed to rebuild the cathedral and see it reopened to the public by 2024.

The ceremony will likely provide a welcome respite from Macrons domestic political woes in a week that saw him come under pressure to leave office following the resignation of his prime minister, Michel Barnier, who quit after lawmakers in the countrys National Assembly passed a no-confidence motion in the government.

Macron was expected to deliver his speech outside Notre Dame, but forecasts of strong winds spurred a last-minute change in plans, meaning most of Saturdays events were to be moved inside the cathedral.

Ulrich will knock on the door of Notre Dame three times with a staff crafted from charred wood salvaged from the cathedrals fire-ravaged roof. He will be met with a rising tide of choir song after each knock, before the doors finally swing open.

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The cathedrals thunderous organ, its 8,000-pipes painstakingly restored and cleaned of toxic dust, will also respond to the archbishops invocation, with four organists playing a variety of melodies.

A new altar and golden cross have been also installed, while fire doors and sprinklers are a modern addition. The Crown of Thorns, said to be the wreath placed on Jesus Christs head during his crucifixion, and one of the cathedrals most sacred items, will sit in a sparkling reliquary.

Ariel Weil, the mayor of Paris Center, said a page has been turned and were closing that chapter on the historic building.

Weil said he was among the first to arrive at the scene of the fire after he saw a string of fire trucks racing toward the cathedral, adding that he was shocked to see the flames.

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Something rained down on us. It was some debris. To this day Im not exactly sure what it was, he said, adding that he implored onlookers and local residents to move away from the site to safety.

Helpless, like thousands of Parisians and tourists that night, he looked on as the inferno swept through one of the most recognizable sights in the French capital.

For Emily MacKinnon, a self-described Notre Dame superfan who moved to Paris from the Canadian city of London to be closer to the famed cathedral, it was worst day of my life.

But she said for the size and scale of that fire, we could have lost so much more than the roof and the spire.

Emily MacKinnon, 29, outside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Thursday.

The 29-year-old, who plans to attend the opening ceremony, said she was filled with gratitude about the restoration of the cathedral, which she fell in love with as a fourth grader when she wrote a school project about it.

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Seeing the Notre-Dame de Paris musical onstage for the first time cemented that passion, and she said she has collected more than a thousand pieces of Notre Dame memorabilia.

Its just been, like, everything  my whole life has been Notre Dame, said MacKinnon, who now runs her own tour company around the cathedral.

Dressed in her everyday attire  a Notre Dame T-shirt, necklace and bracelet with her arms covered in similarly themed tattoos  MacKinnon said its the passion the cathedral inspires around the world that led her to fall in love with it.

Victor Hugos 1831 novel Notre-Dame de Paris, or The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, which not only immortalized the cathedrals story, but spared it from destruction by inspiring a major restoration of the site, had also fueled her passion, she added.

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We would not have the building today without Victor Hugos passion for the building itself, she said. I like to think I share that passion.

That passion is shared by many of the hundreds of workers, from architects and stonemasons to art historians and anthropologists, who have come together over the past five years to help restore the cathedral to its former glory.

For Hank Silver, a carpenter from Massachusetts who is one of dozens of Americans to have worked on the cathedrals restoration, Notre Dames reopening will be bittersweet.

The roof frame feels like my little baby and now its kind of grown up and going out into the world, said Silver, 42. But at the same time, you know, this is what weve been working for.

Hank Silver in Paris on Friday.

Looking out at the cathedral across from Pont de la Tournelle, Silver noted how rare an experience it was to have so many tradespeople from different walks of life working together all at once on a yearslong project that has inspired unique and long-lasting bonds.

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It has been an absolutely beautiful thing to witness and to be a part of, Silver said. But he noted the work is far from over, with restoration efforts expected to continue in the years ahead.

Still, Silver said, a miraculous experience awaits those who flocked to Paris to witness the cathedrals unveiling.

Visitors, he added, will be completely blown away by just how beautiful it is inside.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Dec. 6MITCHELL  Denise Graves loves coming to work every morning.

And her coworkers love working with her.

That was evident on Friday, Dec. 6 in Mitchell, when she was honored with the Patriot Award, a statewide honor.

Graves has spent the past 31 years helping families in Mitchell lead better, fuller lives thanks to the programs at LifeQuest, an agency that helps people with disabilities. She works at the Gamble Street facility, but she has expanded her impact beyond the clients and has made a significant impact on her coworkers.

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Payton Gortmaker nominated Graves to receive the honor, which is a South Dakota National Guard award given to "recognize supervisors who support military service members and their families," and "the efforts made to support citizen warriors through ... flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed," according to their website.

"I am very honored," Graves said Friday. "But I don't like to be the center of attention."

Gortmaker, 21, has been in the South Dakota National Guard since her junior year of high school and now works with Graves at LifeQuest.

"She will do anything for anybody that is within her means to do," Gortmaker said. "She means business, but whatever we do will end up being a story to tell or fun."

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Ron Mielke, a South Dakota National Guard retiree and volunteer member of the award committee, presented Graves with the Patriot Award, which recognized her for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America's national guard and reserve force.

Graves has been with LifeQuest since she was 18 years old, and has been the supervisor of the LifeQuest Gamble Street facility since 2013.

"This is such an impactful place to work. It's like a second family," she said. "Coming to work is enjoyable. I can't imagine doing anything different."

Gortmaker is following in her aunt's footsteps, who also is in the National Guard. She joined to get her foot in the door for the medical field and is now an EMT certified combat medic. She holds the rank of E-4 specialist and her four years in the guard has given her on the job experience with IVs, catheters, tracheostomies and sutures. She starts paramedic school in January and plans to renew her contract with the National Guard, attend flight school and become a flight medic.

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Graves ensured that Gortmaker had all the time off she needed for medical support missions, her monthly National Guard drills, and any recovery time Gortmaker needed afterward. Gortmaker has worked for LifeQuest since August 2023.

"This summer I was gone for two months," Gortmaker said. "I did medical support for a month in Louisiana. I came back for six days and then left for Suriname, South America, for a humanitarian mission, where we provided medical support to the people of Suriname and set up clinics and did a lot of dental care."

LifeQuest helps people with disabilities in the community secure employment, housing, and learn life skills. Doing that work has been fulfilling for Graves and Gortmaker.

"LifeQuest has been with me through every part of my life," Graves said, "so it feels like home. It's supported me just like we support the people in our programs."

"It's true," Gortmaker added, "if you find a job you love, it never feels like work."
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered U.S. and Ohio flags to be flown at half-staff on Saturday in honor of the lives lost on Dec. 7, 1941, in the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Following orders from the president, DeWine has ordered the federal and state flags to be lowered upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Ohio. The order will be in effect all day on Dec. 7, 2024.

View of battleship row as explosions damage three American battleships during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, December 7, 1941. From left to right, the USS West Virginia, the USS Tennessee, and the USS Arizona. (Photo by US Navy/Interim Archives/Getty Images)

This year will mark the 83rd anniversary of Japans strike on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii. More than 3,500 service members and civilians were among the dead and wounded, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. The event was pivotal in World War II, with the United States entering the conflict within hours of the destruction.

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President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously described Dec. 7 as a date which will live in infamy in his address to America. Now known as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, ceremonies are held across the U.S. in recognition of the lives lost and the survivors.

On April 1, 2024, retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Louis Lou Conter, the last remaining crew member who served on the USS Arizona during the attack, died. He was 102.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
More than eight decades ago, naval and air forces from Japan plunged the U.S. into World War II when they attacked the naval station at Pearl Harbor and air bases in the Hawaiian island.

Saturday marks the 83rd anniversary of the attack, which then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt called "a date which will live in infamy."

The aftermath of the attack and ensuing worldwide conflict saw millions of people killed and shaped the world for decades afterward.

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Here's what to know.

When was the Pearl Harbor attack?

The Pearl Harbor attack occurred on Dec. 7, 1941.

Who conducted the Pearl Harbor attack?

The Empire of Japan launched the Pearl Harbor attack.

What was the Pearl Harbor attack?

The Imperial Japanese Navy's Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto dispatched all six of his fleet carriers across 3,000 miles of open ocean in secrecy, with the fleet arriving a few hundred miles north of the Hawaiian islands.

The carriers launched their aircraft early on a Sunday morning, the National World War II Museum said on its website. U.S. forces were completely unprepared, and in less than 90 minutes, Japanese planes destroyed or damaged 19 ships and 300 aircraft, and killed more than 2,400 servicemen.

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Almost half of the dead were crewmen from the battleship USS Arizona, which sank within minutes after a bomb struck its forward magazine, igniting more than a million pounds of ammunition.

How many people died in the Pearl Harbor attack?

More than 2,400 Americans were killed, including civilians, in the Pearl Harbor attack and over 1,000 injured, according to History.com.

What motivated the Pearl Harbor attack?

The attack was an attempt by the Japanese to remove the U.S. as an impediment to expansion in the Pacific, according to the World War II museum.

Japan was already engaged in a war in China and was short of crucial materials needed for that effort. With European powers diverting men and supplies to Europe in 1939-41 to battle Nazi Germany, colonies in the Pacific were mostly undefended.

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The U.S. had placed economic sanctions and trade embargoes on Japan in response to its 1937 declaration of war on China and resulting atrocities, per History.com.

Roosevelt hoped that embargoes on arms (1937), scrap iron (1938), and eventually oil (1941) would hurt the Japanese economy sufficiently to halt Japans war in China, the WWII museum said.

How did the Pearl Harbor attack change the U.S. position in World War II?

The Pearl Harbor attack sparked outrage across the U.S. and led the nation to enter World War II, declaring war on the Empire of Japan on Dec. 8, 1941, per History.com.

How did the Pearl Harbor attack change U.S.-Japan relations?

The Pearl Harbor attack marked the beginning of all-out war between the U.S. and Japan.

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With the U.S. Navy temporarily out of the way, a massive Japanese offensive overran the European and colonial empires in Asia: Hong Kong, Malaya, the Dutch East Indies and New Guinea. U.S. possessions, too, came under attack: the Philippines, the major U.S. base in Asia; Guam; and Wake Island, the WWII museum said. At Singapore on the tip of Malaya, 80,000 British, Indian, and Australian troops went into captivity in February 1942.

Eventually, the tide turned and, in 1945, the U.S. dropped two nuclear bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing more than 100,000 people, according to History.com. A few days following the attacks, Japan's Emperor Hirohito announced the nation's unconditional surrender.

What do people who were involved in the attack have to say?

The U.S. Department of Defense maintains videos of attack survivors discussing their experiences.

What is the USS Arizona?

USS Arizona, was a 31,400-ton Pennsylvania class battleship built at the New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York, and commissioned in October 1916.

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Arizona was moored in Pearl Harbor's "Battleship Row" on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, when Japanese carrier aircraft attacked. She was hit by several bombs, one of which penetrated her forecastle and detonated her forward ammunition magazines, the Naval History and Heritage Command said.

The resulting massive explosion totally wrecked the ship's forward hull, collapsing her forward superstructure and causing her to sink, with the loss of over 1,100 of her crewmen.

The battleship's hull remained where she sank, a tomb for many of those lost with her. In 1950, she began to be used as a site for memorial ceremonies, and, in the early 1960s a memorial structure was constructed over her midships hull.

It remains a memorial operated by the National Park Service.

Will there be ceremonies marking the anniversary?

Yes, there are annual commemorations of the attack to honor those lost. The events are livestreamed. Events include both public and private remembrances.

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Many local veterans organizations also commemorate the event and may share details on their website or social media.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 83rd anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack that plunged US into war
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  83 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor, an Albuquerque family finally has some closure. Their relative, who was killed on board the USS Oklahoma, was laid to rest on Friday. This comes years after an effort began to identify the remains of unaccounted-for service members.

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A Michigan sailor who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor was laid to rest on Friday at the Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque with full military honors. We will continue this effort until every single service member is identified and brought back so well leave nobody behind, said Rear Admiral Michael Van Poots with the Undersea Warfighting Development Center.

It was an emotional farewell, eight decades in the making, honoring 23-year-old John Cuthbert Auld. He was a Seaman 2nd class who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Oklahoma.

Auld was born in England in June of 1918 but later moved to Detroit. Nephew Richard Auld never met his uncle, who he said went by Jack, but said its an honor welcoming him to Albuquerque. The stories that I heard was from my grandmother Lillian and she basically said that he was a great man, a good boy, said Richard Auld.

83 years ago, the USS Oklahoma was one of the first ships struck in Pearl Harbor. The ship quickly capsized, trapping many on board. Ultimately, 429 Oklahoma sailors and marines died, said Anthropologist and Project Lead for DPAA, Carrie LeGarde.

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Years later when remains were recovered from the ship, many of the bodies were buried in a Hawaii cemetery. Back in 1947 when they were trying to make identifications, really the only way they could was based on dental records. They only made 35 identifications out of that total 429 because of that, said LeGarde.

Through modern DNA technology, the Defense POW/MIA accounting agency has now identified the remains of more than 350 service members on board the USS Oklahoma, including John Cuthbert Auld. LeGarde said, Its special to be part of this process. I find it really rewarding to be able to help provide some answers to the families.

Six years after identifying his remains, Cuthbert Auld was laid to rest near his family in Albuquerque Friday. I was brought to tears several times today. It was beautiful. Beautiful ceremony. Im really honored to be his nephew, said Richard Auld.

The work identifying the USS Oklahoma service members technically ended in 2021 with just 33 people who remain unidentified out of more than 380 at the start of the mission.

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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.
DENVER (KDVR)  One person was hit and killed by a passing vehicle in Englewood Friday evening.

The crash happened in the 3300 block of S. Logan Street, which is about a block north of HCA HealthONE Swedish Hospital.

The Englewood Police Department said in a press release that officers were dispatched to the area on a report of an auto-pedestrian crash at 6:46 p.m. When officers arrived on the scene, they found the victim in the roadway.

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Police said the person appeared to have been hit by a vehicle as they were getting into their vehicle parked on the side of the road.

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The victim was taken to the Swedish Hospital and later died from their injuries.

Police said the suspect driver fled the scene of the crash and said they do not have any witnesses of the crash.

Detectives are investigating the case and asking anyone with information to come forward.

If you were in the area of S. Logan St between E. Hampden Ave and E. Floyd Ave and might have seen or heard anything please contact the Englewood Police Department at (303)761-7410, the police department said.

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The Arapahoe County Coroners Office will release the identity of the victim.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
SIMI VALLEY, Calif.  The U.S. is sending Ukraine another $1 billion in long-term security aid, nearly half of the budget left in the Pentagons account.

This $988 million package will come from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, through which the U.S. buys new equipment for Ukraine rather than shipping kit directly from American stocks. As of last week, the U.S. had just over $2 billion left in the fund.

The latest round will go toward rocket munitions, drones and equipment needed to repair weapons within Ukraine.

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America and our friends have become the arsenal of Ukrainian democracy, said U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Austin announced the package at the Reagan National Defense Forum, a national security talkfest in California hes attended all four years in office. During his speech, he defended the Biden Pentagons legacy, which has in large part been defined by its support for Ukraine.

After Russias 2022 invasion, Austin helped form a group of countries that coordinates assistance to Kyiv. America has since sent more than $62 billion in security aid, alongside $57 billion more from its partners.

Such support is coming at increased cost for Russia. Austin said that its military has suffered 700,000 casualties, a number that is accelerating even as Moscow continues to make slight gains in Ukraines east.

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Multiple European political and defense officials  from Sweden to Lithuania  are with Austin at the forum making the case for continued aid to lawmakers and people who will staff the incoming Trump administration.

Austin referenced the uncertainty around this transition in his remarks. The president-elect has urged an end to the war in Ukraine, though without committing to an outcome.

We can continue to stand up to the Kremlin, or we can let Putin have his way  and condemn our children and grandchildren to live in a world of chaos and conflict, Austin said.

This administration has made its choice, and so has a bipartisan coalition in Congress, he added. The next administration must make its own choice.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  Twelve days out from Peorias public camping ban going into effect, and the question remains, What is the city going to do?

Finding more affordable housing is a route to help the unhoused in Peoria

Joe Dulin, the citys community development director, flatly said imprisonment of people camping publicly is not at all a priority for the city.

Youre not going to see anyone get in jail anytime soon, he said. Its just not something thats going to happen with the way the ordinance is structured and hopefully well continue to work to find housing for as many as those individuals that we can see so no one will see fines or impacted and theyll actually see housing.

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Added Dulin: Really the incarceration doesnt come into effect until weve been out there three separate times on three separate occasions, he said. So its way down the road and it has to be within a short time frame.

He said the ordinance, passed last month during a contentious City Council meeting, specifically bans camping that is taking place on public property, due to the state-owned land along the interstate having become the primary placement of tent cities for people without permanent housing.

He also detailed what legwork City Hall has taken ahead of the Dec. 18 effective date.

Weve been working with kind of all the different street outreach teams from Lula, Jolt, Phoenix, Pathway Ministries, to really get housing for as many people as we can in the meantime, he said. It has kind of created a sense of urgency to try to get people off the streets that, you know, is the perfect time to do that, especially with the weather changing.

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There are vacant buildings owned by the city right now like the PNC building and the Chase building, but Dulin said these buildings do not meet a code for habitation, so they will not be used as options to house people.

What Continuum of Care is doing

The state of Illinois granted the Continuum of Care $1 million through United Way which is partially being used to bring in national housing group RE!INSTITUTE to help with housing issues in Peoria.

Kate Green, executive director of Home For All Continuum of Care, shares what the city itself contributes to these efforts.

We receive money through the city of Peoria, she said. Typically entitlement money thats passed through to us or other allocations from the federal government that supports emergency shelter, supports a flexible rent program that were operating right now. It supports some of our permanent supportive housing developments.

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But Green echoes that there isnt a feasible Peoria building able to house people right now that isnt full or unsafe for living.

I think the idea that we have somewhere with enough capacity for everybody whos on the streets right now to go into one location just doesnt exist, she said. So it hasnt been a meaningful option for us to explore as of right now.

Future housing options in the works

Dulin said there are two projects specifically that are coming to Peoria to help increase housing options within the city.

One is a new $15 million expansion of the Salvation Army which would double their capacity.

The other project is being helmed by Phoenix Community Development Services, which is a remodel of the Methodist College building in Peoria to solve family homelessness in the city.

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Dulin confirmed that any enforcement of the ordinance would likely take place after the new year to allow time for the holidays.

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Despite evidence against Pete Hegseth of past booze-ups plus sexual assault and more inappropriate behavior towards women, Donald Trump says his Defense Secretary nominee does not have a drinking problem.

Ive spoken to people that know him very well, Trump said in just released excerpts of an interview with Meet the Press scheduled to air Sunday. A lot of senators call me up saying hes fantastic, Trump added, as the Beltway whispering campaign this week has the ex-Fox & Friends Weekend co-host lacking five or six necessary Senate votes to be confirmed for the Pentagons top job.

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The teetotaler former and future POTUS made the remark in just-released excerpts of an interview with Meet the Press scheduled to air on December 8. Filmed on Friday at Trump Towers in Manhattan, the comments come as Hegseth was back on Capitol Hill most of this week meeting with GOP senators in the hopes of salvaging his nomination and achieving confirmation.

Donald Trumps nominee to be Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to reporters after meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Thursday

In exposes by the New Yorker and others, as well as sources at Fox News and the nominees own mother, Hegseths excessive drinking, an alleged sexual assault, more mistreatment of women and perceived limited leadership skills have been in the spotlight.

Earlier this week, after an scathing email from Hegseths mother about his conduct went public, she went on FNC to defend her son and declare that he had changed. Cringe-inducing, that sit-down may have done the nominee more damage than good.

The comments from Trump on NBC News flagship Sunday morning show follows the boost he gave Hegseth on social media earlier today after days of silence and rumors that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was waiting in the wings to replace Hegseth as the nominee.

It looks like Pete is doing well now, an unusually measured Trump told MTPs Kristen Welker in the interview excerpts. I mean, people were a little bit concerned. Hes a young guy, with a tremendous track record actually.

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In his first Big 4 network interview since the election and after appearing at Fox Nations Patriot Awards on Thursay, Trump went on to add of Hegseth: He went to Princeton and went to Harvard. He was a good student at both. But he loves the military and I think people are starting to see it so well be working on his nomination along with a lot of others.

Asked by Welker whether he really believed Hegseth could get the votes needed and if he still had confidence in the nominee, Trump replied, Yes I do, I really do.

Hes a very smart guy. Ive known him through Fox, but Ive known him for a long time. And hes basically a military guy. Every time I talk to him, all he wants to talk about is the military. Hes a military guy.

In his first time on the world stage since defeating Vice President Kamala Harris on November 5, Trump will be heading to France this weekend for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral after the destructive fire of 2019. Current First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will also be there, as will Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a battalion of word leaders and host Emmanuel Macron.

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Retreating quickly from the scene even with more than a month remaining in his term, Joe Biden will not be in attendance.

Meet The Press interview with Trump will air in full at 10:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.

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From the Boiling Frogs 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!

Populism under Donald Trump is an endless series of litmus tests designed to separate the holy Us from the heathen Them. No matter how many tests a Republican has passed, he or she is forever one failure away from becoming a heretic.

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The new litmus test has to do with the career prospects of a former host of Fox & Friends Weekend.

Pete Hegseth is the hill to die on, David Limbaugh tweeted on Thursday of Trumps flailing nominee to lead the Pentagon. We must be fierce, loud, relentless, united and engaged. Similar sentiments echoed across MAGA media, with special venom aimed at GOP Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa for her heresy in announcing that she wasnt yet sold on confirming Hegseth after meeting with him privately.

Pete Hegseth is the hill to die on. What would possess any human being not related to him to write that sequence of words?

Its not as though hes so uniquely qualified to lead the Defense Department as to be irreplaceable. On the contrary, the guy reportedly waiting to succeed him as nominee is superior by any measure and for several years was the second-most popular figure in the GOP.

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And its not as though Hegseth is a MAGA celebrity a la Matt Gaetz or Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in whom the Republican base is heavily invested. He was a C-tier right-wing infotainment figure until 23 days ago, not even worthy of hosting a Fox News weekday show. If Hegseth is a hill to die on, what would, say, Jesse Watters be? Mt. Suribachi?

Its objectively weird that populists have taken to treating his nomination as a cause celebre, particularly with pitched battles over true postliberal stars like Kennedy, Tulsi Gabbard, and Kash Patel soon to come.

If Pete goes down, Kennedy and Tulsi will go down too, The Daily Wires Michael Knowles warned in defending Hegseth. At that point, good luck getting any even remotely non-establishment pick through for any role. But thats all wrong, I think: If Gabbard and Kennedy are your priority, you should be willing to throw Hegseth to the wolves on the theory that Senate Republicans have the stomach to oppose only so many of Trumps nominees. The GOP base wont stand to see their heros choices rejected in toto by the likes of Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski.

The RINOs have claimed Gaetzs scalp and might soon claim Hegseths, but theres a limit and they know it. Theyre already coming around on confirming Patel, probably the most obnoxious nominee of the bunch. And Trumpworld is letting it be known that theyll go to war with the Senate to prevent blue MAGA icons like Kennedy and Gabbard from being Borked.

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Theres no obvious political reason, then, to treat Pete Hegseth as the hill to die on. So why are so many MAGAs bent on it?

I have three theories.

Theory one: Kavanaugh redux.

Populist Republicans have seen this movie before. At least they think they have.

The explosion of allegations about Hegseths drinking and personal misconduct resembles the campaign against Brett Kavanaugh after Trump nominated him to the Supreme Court in 2018. Like Hegseth, Kavanaugh supposedly drank excessively in the past. Like Hegseth, he was accused of having assaulted a woman sexually. And like Hegseth, all of this somehow never came to light publicly until, conveniently, the moment he became a candidate for high office under Donald Trump.

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Kavanaugh (almost) got #MeTood and now the heathen Them are trying to do the same to Pete Hegseth. MAGA Republicans are having flashbacks to that earlier confirmation battle and vowing that, through sheer strength of will, they can overcome the dirty trick being played on their nominee just as they did once before.

But the two men are not the same.

Kavanaugh had one semi-credible accuser (the circus organized by convicted felon Michael Avenatti doesnt count) and shes the only one who remembers anything amiss at the party where Kavanaugh allegedly assaulted her. Her friend at the time, who was in the house when the attack was said to have occurred, told two New York Times reporters in 2019 that she has no confidence in the accusers recollections.

Hegseth, on the other hand, paid off the woman who accused him of assaulting her in 2017 and swore her to secrecy about the incident in a confidential settlement. His own mother accused him in an email the following year of having abused various women in his life in some way. (She now claims hes a changed man.) And if NBC News sources are to be believed, Hegseth didnt grow out of his youthful drunken escapades as he aged, as Kavanaugh apparently did. Three current Fox News employees told the network that Hegseths drinking remained a concern up until Trump announced him as his choice to run the Pentagon.

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Imagine if Kavanaugh had answered the allegations of alcohol abuse by promising to quit if the Senate confirmed him. We dont need to imagine it in Hegseths case: He did exactly that.

And of course, theres the important difference between the two nominees insofar as one was eminently qualified for the position for which he was chosen while the other is not. It was easy to believe that the campaign against Kavanaugh was a desperate smear borne of fear of a formidable judicial talent who might vote to overturn Roe v. Wade if he reached the Supreme Court. The same logic isnt there with Hegseth, whod be less effective as defense chief than potential replacements like Ron DeSantis or Elbridge Colby. Why would the heathen Them want to see one of them in the job instead?

If theres a meaningful #MeToo angle to the rights save Pete! campaign, it has less to do with Hegseth being Kavanaugh 2.0, I suspect, than with the belief that #MeToo claims (against right-wing figures, at least) should no longer be taken seriously in Donald Trumps America. The country just reelected someone who was found liable for sexual abuse last year. Its a mans, mans, mans world again, and in that world we dont believe all women. So what is a Republican Senate doing rejecting a Republican Cabinet nominee partly on those grounds?

All that being so, if you think its a coincidence that a woman like Joni Ernst has emerged as the chief scapegoat in populists pro-Hegseth crusade, that makes one of us.

Theory two: Fight, fight, fight.

For all his flaws, Pete Hegseth is a sharp guy with a keen sense of how to pander to populists honed by his years at Fox News.

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Those who have read his books report that theyre teeming with demagoguery lab-designed to appeal to the MAGA id. Tirades about wokeness, calls for the categorical defeat and utter annihilation of the left, ominous warnings that Americans differences havent yet reached the point of needing to be settled with guns: He understands that ruthlessness in pursuit of cultural dominance, the touchstone of being a fighter, is the path to Trumpists hearts.

And hes putting that knowledge to use to build right-wing support for his nomination.

On Thursday, Mediaite reported that Hegseth has been given special permission by Trump and his advisers to campaign for the defense job in media appearances. His strategy, unsurprisingly, has been to highlight his credentials as a fighterliterally. Ive Faced Fire Before. I Wont Back Down, he wrote on Wednesday in a Wall Street Journal op-ed touting his military record. The next day, he doubled down in a social media post: Maybe its time for a [defense secretary] who has Led in combat. Been on patrol for days. Pulled a trigger. Heard bullets whiz by. Called in close air support. Led medevacs. Dodged IEDs.

America already has a defense secretary who led in combat, as it happens, one who used to wear four stars on his uniform. The same was true during Trumps first term when James Mattis held the position. One could argue, in fact, that we should prefer someone who hasnt served in uniform to lead the Pentagon because we value civilian control of the military. But Hegseth knows how the populist mind works: The more successful he is at framing his nomination as a referendum on strength and toughness rather than on leadership qualities and managerial competence, the more MAGA voters will view the opposition to him as weak and contemptible.

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He showed off a different kind of fighting skill this week when he jousted with the rights most hated enemy, the mainstream media:

Devotion to the leader, scorn for the press, and pugnacity on camera are supreme political virtues to modern Republicans. Hegseths performance was plainly designed to capitalize on that. (And reportedly impressed Trump, unsurprisingly.) The burst of enthusiasm were seeing for him online may be no more complicated than a Pavlovian reaction carefully engineered by the nominee to get the MAGA base emotionally invested in his success. Whether hell perform well in the job of defense secretary is irrelevant; the only success that matters to his champions now, perhaps, is seeing him overcome opposition from the media and RINOs like Ernst and getting confirmed.

No wonder, then, that Trump and J.D. Vance each voiced their support for Hegseth in posts on Friday. That doesnt mean theyre committed to sticking with him until January, I dont thinkDeSantis, the nominee-in-waiting, notably will attend the Army/Navy game with Trump next weekbut it does suggest that Hegseths fight-fight-fight offensive has ginned up enough grassroots goodwill that Trump is now reluctant to yank the nomination a la Matt Gaetz.

Hes going to make Ernst and other Senate Republicans pronounce Hegseth dead on arrival so that they, not he, will take the brunt of populist anger.

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And for MAGA influencers who have come out hard on behalf of the nominee, I assume thats an acceptable outcome. The great drawback for right-wing propagandists in seeing the GOP win total control of government last month is that it reduces the number of available scapegoats for their grievances. Because they dont have Joe Biden or Chuck Schumer to kick around anymore, theyll turn to kicking Republican wimps in the Senate for being nervous about having an alleged dissolute alcoholic with a zipper problem in charge of the Pentagon.

Populism craves enemies, insatiably. Joni Ernst shouldnt take it personally that shes the villain this week. It was just her turn.

Theory three: The grift goes on.

Occams razor says that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one. The simplest explanation for the sudden save Pete! chatter among MAGA influencers is that Hegseth and/or his allies probably called in favors and put them up to it as part of his wider media offensive. The grassroots campaign is astroturf.

Radio host Erick Erickson seems to share that suspicion. The hive mind is convinced both that Joni Ernst and the Military Industrial Complex [are] trying to sabotage Pete Hegseth, he wrote on Friday. Its not true, but when the social media agitators of the right are paid to seed a thought, truth doesnt matter.

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I have no reason to believe that any money changed hands (although only a fool would rule it out!), but financial motives are always in the mix with right-wing propagandists. Go to bat for Hegseth and he might blurb your next media endeavor. Or promote it on Fox News. Or get you invited onto Fox as a commentator, the fondest dream of every young Trump apologist holding down a job in what used to be conservative media.

Some might be going to bat for him unbidden, hoping to catch his attention by making a show of their support and eventually reaping the rewards of his gratitude. A few might already have a Fox appearance or two under their belts and believe that, because Hegseth was pleasant to them in the green room, its only fair that they endorse him for command of the United States military.

If you cater to an audience of Trump fanatics, theres no sound financial reason to say no when one of the president-elects flunkies finds himself in political trouble and needing support. Even if youre privately put off by the allegations of Hegseths behavior and wary of seeing him gain power, you face the same trap that Fox News faced after the 2020 election. Theres always some hungry, less scrupulous rival willing to pass the latest dubious populist litmus test; by choosing to fail it, you risk losing your audience to them.

So maybe the save Pete! upswell is mostly a function of competitive pressure, with the various alleged fighters in MAGA media forced to keep pace with each other to preserve their populist credibility.

But if all of that is too cynical for you, I can imagine a non-financial way in which Secretary Pete Hegseth would owe the postliberals whove taken up his cause.

Most of the other nominees for top-tier positions in the new Cabinet have some sort of political stature theyve built independently of Trump and Trumps base. Marco Rubio, Michael Waltz, Elise Stefanik, and Tulsi Gabbard served in Congress; Kristi Noem and Doug Burgum are governors; Pam Bondi is Floridas attorney general; even Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite never having held public office, has been known for decades as a prominent activistand of course as the son and nephew of legendary politicians.

Hegseth has no stature of his own. He led a couple of small veterans organizations, not very successfully, and sat on the couch at Fox News. The unlikely opportunity he has to become a major world figure derives entirely from his skill in charming Donald Trump by evincing the sort of noisily authoritarian scorn for liberal norms that Trump admires.

If the save Pete! groundswell manages to intimidate enough Senate Republicans to get him confirmed, hell owe Trump and Trumps most obnoxious online followers everything. It was never likely that Hegseth would refuse an unlawful order issued to him by his herothats why he was chosen for the job, Im surebut if Trump and MAGA go to the mat for him and salvage his imperiled nomination, I cant imagine hed ever tell them no. Lead the worlds most powerful military or be exiled back to weekend oblivion at Fox: How badly do you think Pete Hegseth wants this job? Badly enough to stand and salute when the president commands him to do something grossly immoral?

I think he wants it reeeeeally badly and that the postliberal influencers taking up for him this week know it. One way or another, financially or politically, hell owe them everything. And, eventually, theyll collect.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The Pirate Toy Fund donates new toys all year long to thousands of children in need in the Rochester area.

This holiday season organizers tell News 8 they are at risk of not meeting their donation goal meaning they wont have enough toys for their annual distribution.

Donations are being collected until December 7. You can drop off new and unwrapped toys at any malls in the Rochester area, the Strong National Museum of Play, Wegmans and more.

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For a full list you can visit the Pirate Toy Funds website here.

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Dec. 7Police arrested a Danville man Friday on multiple charges following a road stop on South State Street.

On Dec. 6, at about 1 a.m., Danville Police officers stopped a vehicle in the unit block of South State Street because it had a suspended vehicle registration. Officers identified the driver and sole occupant of the car as 37-year-old Ondra Givannt of Danville. Givannt was found to be on Mandatory Supervised Release through the Illinois Department of Corrections, police said.

"Through further investigation and proactive police work Officers located an illegal firearm and suspected controlled substances. Officers arrested Givannt after a short struggle and he was taken to the Public Safety Building," police released Friday afternoon.

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Givannt was charged and held for Possession with intent to Manufacture/Deliver a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance  100400 grams Cocaine, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, and Obstructing/Resisting a Peace Officer.

The Danville Police Department reminds the public that all subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

"DPD strives to work in partnership with the community to reduce the fear and incidents of crime by being a proactive community policing department," police said.

If anyone has information to provide about this case or any others please contact the Danville Police Department at 217-431-2250 or contact Vermilion County Crimestoppers by calling 217-446-TIPS, online at vccrimestoppers.org, or use the P3TIPS mobile App.
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  A local mother, 29-year-old Raven Mott, was arrested after she accidentally shot her daughter following a domestic dispute in Baton Rouge.

Baton Rouge police officers were called to Our Lady of the Lake Childrens Hospital on Wednesday in response to the incident, which occurred on S. 17th Street. Upon arrival, they discovered a young Black girl who had been shot in the leg. According to detectives, the shooting took place the previous day, and the girls neighbor, who had been asked to babysit, brought her to the hospital.

The neighbor reported that Mott had requested her to look after one of her children, who was then dropped off by the childs father. The next morning, Mott returned to pick up her daughter. It was then that the neighbor noticed the childs leg injury. Mott admitted to accidentally shooting her daughter during the confrontation.

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Baton Rouge man pleads guilty to possession of child porn

Despite the neighbors insistence on medical attention for the child, Mott initially refused, fearing arrest. She eventually allowed the neighbor to take her daughter to the hospital after much persuasion, the neighbor told police.

During the investigation, the injured child told detectives that her mother and a man the child referred to as Papa, were arguing. The unidentified man also informed the police that during their argument, Mott grabbed a gun and fired two shots at him before fleeing. Mott confirmed the altercation, stating she fired the gun intending to murder him but accidentally shot her daughter while outside.

Raven Mott was subsequently arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges of attempted second-degree murder, second-degree cruelty to juveniles, and illegal use of a weapon.

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Note: Details surrounding the nature of the altercation were unavailable at the time of this storys publishing. This story will be updated should they become available.

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Police are investigating a bomb threat targeting the home of Massachusetts Representative Lori Trahan.

In a statement, Rep. Lori Trahan said that on Saturday morning she was made aware of a bomb threat targeting herself and her family.

According to Westford police, officers received a bomb threat directed at Congresswoman Trahans home Saturday morning. Upon receiving the threat officers immediately responded and conducted an investigation along with the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad.

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According to police, after a thorough check, the Bomb Squad advised that there was no device and/or credible threat at the time.

I am grateful to the excellent officers at the Westford Police Department who responded swiftly to make sure we were safe and who are now working with the United States Capitol Police and Massachusetts State Police regarding this incident, Trahan said in a statement.

The bomb threat is now being investigated by the Westford Police Department, as well as the United States Capitol Police and the Massachusetts State Police.

Its a good time to say the obvious: threats of violence and intimidation have no place in our country, Trahan added.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Dec. 6A school bus driver caused a crash that sent the driver of a car to the hospital and injured one of the 31 Athol Elementary School students on board the bus Friday near Athol, according to Idaho State Police.

A preliminary investigation suggested a 38-year-old Spirit Lake woman was driving a Lakeland Joint School District 272 bus south on Clagstone Road at about 3:40 p.m. when, from a stop sign, she failed to yield to traffic on State Highway 54 and collided with a 47-year-old Spirit Lake man driving a Honda Civic east on the highway, troopers said in a news release. The bus then hit a power pole.

The students were checked for injuries by an ambulance service, loaded onto another school bus and taken to Real Life Ministries to be released to parents, police said. One of the students had a cut lip, and no one else on the bus, including the driver, was injured.

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The driver of the Honda was not wearing a seat belt and taken by ambulance to Kootenai Health for injuries, ISP said. Police did not release the names of either driver.

Traffic on Clagstone Road was blocked for about 2 1/2 hours. Police are investigating.
SCRANTON  A Scranton man punched his ex-girlfriend in the face after accusing her of dating other men, police said.

Ismail Williams, 20, of 514 Stipp Court, is charged with assault and harassment.

Here is what police say happened:

At about 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, officers were called to 621 Adams Ave. for the report of an assault.

Edis Hanic told dispatchers a man was slamming a woman against the ground repeatedly.

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When officers arrived, they spoke with Hanic, who said the woman went back into her apartment and the man left in a black sedan driven by a woman.

Police spoke with SaMiyah Shaw, who said she had been arguing with Williams, her ex-boyfriend, who had been threatening her over the last few days, according to the criminal complaint.

Shaw said after arguing via phone, Williams came to her home and began screaming at her through the locked rear sliding door.

When she opened the glass portion of the door, Williams began screaming about marks on Shaws neck and accusing her of seeing other men, police said.

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He then punched her in the face through the door, charges read.

Shaw then threw bleach at Williams because she was afraid he would hurt her.

Shaw told police she then went out the back door, with Williams still going after her and she scratched him in self defense.

Williams then slammed her on the ground several times, police said.

Police noted Shaw had marks on her face, her lip was cut and she had dirt in her hair.

Officers then went to speak to Williams at his residence.

He said he had driven over to Shaws apartment to get some of his belongings and got angry because she had thrown his headphones outside.

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Williams said when Shaw opened the door, he punched the screen door out of anger and Shaw chased him out of the house. Williams said Shaw caught him and began striking him, at which point he pushed her away.

Williams said Shaw ran back into the home and got a bottle of bleach and was chasing him with it, throwing it on him, charges read.

Williams remains at the Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $5,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 18 before District Judge Christopher Szewczyk.
(KRON)  A 9-year-old girl missing in Mountain View was found safe, according to police.

The girl and a 44-year-old woman were both missing, Mountain View police announced Friday, before providing an update Saturday morning that they had been located.

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  Police are asking the public to help seek the whereabouts of a murder suspect in Harrisburg.

According to the Harrisburg Bureau of Police, on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 2:30 a.m., authorities responded to the area of Hunter and Nectarine Streets for a report of shots fired with a person down. Upon arrival, police encountered 34-year-old Darius Stukes, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Police say Stukes succumbed to his injuries.

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Police began investigating and they eventually identified the shooter as 38-year-old Lateef Phoenix. Harrisburg Police are now seeking the whereabouts of Phoenix, who is currently wanted for Murder, Tampering with Evidence, and various felony firearms charges.

Anyone with information on Phoenixs whereabouts is asked to contact the Harrisburg Police, at 717-558-6900. The Bureau says a Crime Stoppers reward may be eligible for information on this investigation.

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Courtesy of the Polk County Sheriffs Office.

POLK COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  Four shrink-wrapped bags of marijuana were seized on Wednesday during a Highway 59 traffic stop and the driver was arrested, the Polk County Sheriffs Office said.

Season of togetherness not tragedy: Marshall PD reminds drivers of DWI risks after 3 arrests in an hour

Detectives conducted a traffic stop near Goodrich on a vehicle that was allegedly in violation of the Texas Transportation Code. A probable cause was developed and a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of four bags of weed in a Nespresso box weighing approximately three pounds, officials said.

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The sheriffs office said a detective also found a significant amount of U.S. currency believed to be illicit proceeds from narcotics sales.

Mugshot of Oscar Salinas, courtesy of the Polk County Sheriffs Office.

The driver, identified as Oscar Salinas, was arrested at the scene and charged with possession of marijuana. PCSO said Salinas is being held on a $10,000 bond.

This case highlights the departments commitment to combating illegal drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of our community, the Polk County Sheriffs Office said. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

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ROME (AP)  Pope Francis on Saturday installed 21 new cardinals, many of whom are key figures in his reform agenda: A Dominican preacher who acted as the spiritual father for Francis' recent gathering of bishops, a Neapolitan street priest like himself, and a Peruvian bishop who has strongly backed his crackdown on abuse.

Francis 10th consistory to create new princes of the church is also the biggest infusion of voting-age cardinals in his 11-year pontificate, further cementing his imprint on the group of men who will one day elect his successor. With Saturday's additions, Francis will have created 110 of the 140 cardinals under 80, thus eligible to vote in a conclave.

Francis appeared at the ceremony in the St. Peters Basilica with a significant bruise on his chin, but presided over the ritual without apparent problems.

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A Vatican spokesman said later Saturday that the bruise was caused by a contusion Friday morning, when Francis hit his nightstand with his chin. The pontiff, who turns 88 later this month, appeared slightly fatigued on Saturday but carried on as normal with the scheduled ceremony.

Francis has suffered several health problems in recent years and now uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain. In 2017, while on a trip to Colombia, Francis sported a black eye after he hit his head on a support bar when his popemobile stopped suddenly.

His consistory brings the number of voting-age cardinals well over the 120-man limit set by St. John Paul II. But 13 existing cardinals will turn 80 next year, bringing the numbers back down.

This consistory is notable too because the 21 men being elevated arent the same ones Francis named Oct. 6 when he announced an unusual December consistory.

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One of Francis original picks, Indonesian Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur, the bishop of Bogor, asked not to be made a cardinal because of his desire to grow more in his life as a priest, the Vatican said. Francis quickly substituted him with the Naples archbishop, Domenico Battaglia, known for his pastoral work in the slums and rough parts of Naples.

Which country gets the most new cardinals?

Battaglia is one of five Italians getting the red hat, keeping the once-dominant Italian presence in the College of Cardinals strong. Turin is getting a cardinal in its archbishop, Roberto Repole, as is Rome: Baldassare Reina, who on the same day Francis announced he was becoming a cardinal also learned that Francis had promoted him to be his top administrator for the diocese of Rome.

Francis, who is technically bishop of Rome, has been conducting a years-long reorganization of the Rome diocese and its pontifical universities. Reina  who is also grand chancellor of the pre-eminent Pontifical Lateran University  will be expected to execute the reform.

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Another Italian is the oldest cardinal: Angelo Acerbi, a 99-year-old retired Vatican diplomat. He is the only one among the 21 new cardinals to be older than 80 and thus ineligible to vote in a conclave. Francis' picks on Saturday also include the youngest cardinal: the 44-year-old head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Melbourne, Australia, Mykola Bychok.

I think that there is a special sign which was made by the Pope to nominate me as the youngest cardinal in the world, Bychok said. Ukraine has been fighting for three years, officially and maybe unofficially from 2014, after the occupation of the Crimean Peninsula and two regions, Donetsk and Lugansk.  Maybe my weak voice will help to stop this war not only in Ukraine, but as well in other countries around the world.

Yet another Italian is one of two Vatican priests who do jobs in the Holy See that dont usually carry the red hat: Fabio Baggio is undersecretary in the Vatican development office. Francis also decided to make a cardinal out of George Jacob Koovakad, the priest who organizes the popes foreign travels.

Other picks have high-profile roles in Francis reforms.

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The archbishop of Lima, Peru, Carlos Gustavo Castillo Mattasoglio, made headlines recently because of an extraordinary essay he penned for El Pais newspaper in which he called for the suppression of an influential Peruvian Catholic movement, the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, which also has a presence in the U.S.

Castillo called the group a failed experiment of the church in Latin America, one of several conservative, right-wing movements that cropped up in the 1970s and 1980s as a counterweight to the more left-leaning liberation theology.

My hypothesis is that the Sodalitium obeys a political project, Castillo wrote. It is the resurrection of fascism in Latin America, artfully using the church by means of sectarian methods.

Francis has recently expelled the Sodalitium's founder and several top members following a Vatican investigation.

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What are the geographic breakdowns?

Castillo is one of five new Latin American cardinals named by historys first Latin American pope. They include the archbishop of Santiago del Estero, Argentina, Vicente Bokalic Iglic; the archbishop of Porto Alegre, Brazil, Jaime Spengler; the archbishop of Santiago, Chile, Fernando Natalio Chomali Garib and the archbishop of Guayaquil, Ecuador, Luis Gerardo Cabrera Herrera.

Francis has long sought to broaden the geographic diversity of the College of Cardinals to show the universality of the church, particularly where it is growing. Asia got two new cardinals: Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, the archbishop of Tokyo; and Pablo Virgilio Sinogco David, the bishop of Kalookan, Philippines. Africa also got two new cardinals: the archbishop of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Ignace Bessi Dogbo, and the bishop of Algiers, Algeria, Jean-Paul Vesco.

There hasnt been an African pope, but its a possibility in the church," Dogbo said in an interview on the eve of his installation. "And I think that this eventuality  which is not necessarily a demand  if this eventuality were to arise, the universal church would have to be ready to take it on.

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Francis also tapped the archbishop of Tehran, Iran, Dominique Joseph Mathieu, the bishop of Belgrade, Serbia, Ladislav Nemet, while the lone North American cardinal named is the archbishop of Toronto, Frank Leo.

The Lithuanian-born cardinal-elect, Rolandas Makrickas, has a special job in this pontificate: As the archpriest of the St. Mary Major basilica, he hosts Francis every time the pope returns from a foreign trip, since the pope likes to pray before an icon of the Madonna in the church. Additionally, Makrickas oversaw a recent financial reform of the basilica and would have been involved in identifying the future final resting place for Francis, since the Argentine pope has said he will be buried there.

The pope's preacher

Perhaps the most familiar new cardinal to anyone who has been following Francis reform agenda is the Dominican Timothy Radcliff, the spiritual father of the just-concluded synod, or gathering of bishops. The years-long process aimed to make the church more inclusive and responsive to the needs of rank-and-file Catholics, especially women.

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A British theologian, the white-robed Radcliffe often provided clarifying, if not humorous interventions during the weeks-long debate and retreats. At one point he set off a mini-firestorm by suggesting that external financial pressures influenced African bishops to reject Francis' permission to allow blessings for gay couples. He later said he just meant that the African Catholic Church is under pressure from other well-financed faiths.

As the synod was winding down, he offered some valuable perspective.

Often we can have no idea as to how Gods providence is at work in our lives. We do what we believe to be right and the rest is in the hands of the Lord, he told the gathering. This is just one synod. There will be others. We do not have to do everything, just try to take the next step.

___

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Associated Press writer Giada Zampano in Rome contributed to this report.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
By Joshua McElwee

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Francis led a ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday to install 21 new Catholic cardinals with a large bruise on his chin, which the Vatican said was the result of a minor fall the previous morning.

Francis, who turns 88 this month, appeared otherwise on good form, leading a ritual-filled ceremony to elevate churchmen from 17 countries to the College of Cardinals, the elite group that will one day elect his successor.

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A purplish blotch could be seen on the right side of the pope's face, around his lower chin and upper neck. The Vatican's press office said Francis had hit his chin on his bedside table on Friday morning.

Francis, pope since 2013, has suffered occasional bouts of ill health in recent years, and now uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain.

Cardinals are the highest-ranking officials in the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church beside the pope. At the pontiff's death or resignation, cardinals under the age of 80 are tasked with entering a conclave and choosing the next pope.

Francis has now installed about 80% of the prelates who will elect the next pope, increasing the likelihood that the next pontiff might share his vision for a Church that is more inclusive and engaged with the wider world.

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MORE GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY

Francis, originally from Argentina and the first pope from the Americas, has focused on strengthening geographic diversity among the cardinals.

At least 67 countries now have cardinals who can vote in a conclave, according to Vatican statistics, compared to fewer than 50 when Francis was elected.

The newest appointees come from countries including Peru, Argentina, Japan, the Philippines, Algeria, India and Serbia.

In his homily for Saturday's service, Francis said the new cardinals "come from different backgrounds and cultures", urging them to be "witnesses of fraternity, artisans of communion and builders of unity".

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Archbishop Ignace Bessi Dogbo, one of the new cardinals, praised the pope's efforts to boost geographical diversity.

"Having cardinals from every part of the world truly translates the universality of the Church," Bessi Dogbo, from Abidjan in the Ivory Coast, told Reuters.

Italy remains the country with the most cardinals, counting 17 under the age of 80. Four of those were installed on Saturday, including the archbishops of Turin, a northern business hub, and Naples, the country's third-largest city.

Among the other new cardinals, one is a Belgian friar serving as archbishop of the Tehran-Isfahan archdiocese in Iran. Another is a Ukrainian Greek Catholic ministering in Australia.

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee;Editing by Helen Popper)
VATICAN CITY (AP)  Pope Francis was seen with a significant bruise on his chin Saturday, but presided over a ceremony to install new cardinals without apparent problems.

A Vatican spokesman said later Saturday that the bruise was caused by a contusion on Friday morning, when Francis hit a night stand with his chin.

The pontiff, who turns 88 later this month, appeared slightly fatigued, but carried on as normal with the scheduled ceremony to create 21 new cardinals in St. Peter's Basilica.

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Francis has suffered several health problems in recent years and now uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain.

In 2017, while on a trip to Colombia, Francis sported a black eye after he hit his head on a support bar when his popemobile stopped short.
The Clallam County Sheriffs Office is looking for two men who robbed the Port Angeles Frugals at gunpoint.

It happened Thursday night.

Deputies say the men were armed with a semi-automatic handgun and a revolver and were wearing masks and possibly nylons over their faces.

The pair reportedly stole one of the employees cars as a getaway vehicle, which deputies say was recovered about an hour later.

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Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to call 9-1-1 or the Port Angeles Police Department at 360-452-4545. Anonymous tips can be submitted on the sheriffs department website.

**12/6/24 - FRUGALS ROBBED AT GUNPOINT** On 12/5/24, Port Angeles Police responded to a report of a robbery at Frugals.... Posted by Clallam County Sheriff's Office on Friday, December 6, 2024








Dec. 7Portland Public Schools has filed a federal lawsuit against a set of parents after it was ordered to reimburse them more than $120,000 to send their child to a private school that specializes in learning disabilities.

The case, filed in the U.S. District Court of Maine on Nov. 22, asks a judge to overturn a Maine Department of Education administrative ruling that required the school district to reimburse the parents, who argued their child did not receive appropriate special education at Portland schools.

The names of the parents are sealed in court and state records. Their attorney, Richard O'Meara, said in an email that they were surprised by the district's decision to spend taxpayer money on a challenge to the state's decision.

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"They intend to vigorously defend the lawsuit filed against them as the state's decision in their favor is carefully crafted and reached the correct determination," O'Meara wrote.

Portland Superintendent Ryan Scallon said he couldn't provide details about why the district decided to appeal this case but said, "there is an application of the law that differs from our opinion of it that could have significant impact."

The student enrolled in Lyseth Elementary School for kindergarten in 2017 and participated in a Spanish immersion program, where all classes are taught in Spanish and parents are tasked with teaching English skills at home, according to state records. After two years, the parents asked that their child be placed in a regular class, where he tested low on English literacy assessments and began reading intervention.

In 2021, the state's findings say, teachers discussed the student's regression in reading, but the parents never heard about those concerns. In 2022, after learning their child had been placed in the 4th percentile for reading, the parents sought outside testing and tutoring, eventually requesting a meeting with the school to establish an Individualized Education Plan, or IEP.

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The student was found eligible for special education services in June 2022 and received individualized phonics instruction and other specialized education during the next school year. But at the end of the year, the parents were still unhappy with the progress.

They pulled their child out of Lyseth to enroll in the Aucocisco School and Learning Center, a nonprofit in Freeport for students with learning disabilities who struggled in other settings. It's a state-approved special purpose private school, where annual tuition is $52,500.

But it wasn't until this year that the parents requested a hearing with the state under the Individuals with Disabilities Act, or IDEA, arguing that the school failed to assess their child's learning disability for years, despite knowing that he struggled with reading.

At the state hearing in June, independent hearing officer Sheila Mayberry found the district was responsible for failing to properly evaluate the student for special education, and ordered it to pay the family $121,168. That includes two years of tuition at Aucocisco, as well as the cost of evaluations and travel.

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The school district is now appealing that decision, alleging the hearing officer violated a two-year statute of limitations on requests for hearing on IDEA violations and didn't account for disruptions to the student's educational progress like the Spanish immersion class and pandemic.

It also accuses the parents of plotting with their attorney to seek reimbursement, and argues the hearing officer failed to account for that obstruction to the process. The lawsuit points to a message sent before the IEP meeting in 2022 where the parents said they planned to remain "passive" during the meeting and hope the student wasn't found eligible for services so "that way we can just send him to (Aucocisco) and sue them for reimbursement."

The suit also alleges the student's reading fluency has decreased over the last two years at Aucocisco. "Put simply, this was a failed placement," it reads.

Scallon said when a student has an IEP, decisions about their education are made by a team, including parents, teachers and other service providers. When that team doesn't agree on the plan for the student's education, they can file a complaint and move to mediation. But if mediation fails, the case can be heard by a state hearing officer.

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The Maine Department of Education allows parents to request a state investigation or a due process hearing when they believe a public school has violated IDEA, the federal law that governs the education of students with disabilities. The state publishes the outcomes of those complaints  in 2023, there were two due process hearings, and in both 2022 and 2021 there were none. So far this year, there's just the one.

Portland's Senior Executive Director of Strategy Sarah Warren said there were nine cases filed by Portland Public Schools families last year, and just three went beyond the mediation stage.

Scallon and Warren also described reimbursement situations as rare.

When a school district is unable to meet the special needs of a student, they may pay for the student to attend an out-of-district program, a non-district school with specialized services like The Margaret Murphy Center for Children in Saco, Woodfords' School in Westbrook or Aucocisco.

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Warren said Portland Public Schools currently pays for 41 students to attend out-of-district placements, and there are 19 actively awaiting placement. But that directive usually comes from the district, which chooses to pay for the placement on its own. State-ordered reimbursements are "incredibly rare," Warren said; the district is paying just two this year.

Warren said there's no doubt that issues like staffing affect the ability to provide special education services. But she said that overall, the district is able to meet the needs of students, and said Portland schools is working with outside consultants on an assessment that it will use to inform its approach to special education.

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It would suit me to say that Sir Keir Starmer had arrived at a uniquely untenable position among national leaders.

The fatuity of his latest rhetorical foray was a feast for us in the commentariat. It was difficult to choose a favourite metaphor from last weeks effusion, but I particularly enjoyed the one that encapsulated his warning to civil servants: [This mission] will land on the desks of Whitehall with the heavy thud of a gauntlet being thrown down.

Memo to speech writer: the throwing down of a gauntlet is not an order that must be obeyed, it is a challenge to a duel. So is he proposing to reform Whitehall or to engage in a battle with it that he might lose?

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Never mind, this was all nonsense which the prime minister himself suggests must not be taken as any sort of guarantee of results. But at least Sir Keirs orotund blather was framed in terms that were respectful of the electorate. At roughly the same time in France, President Emmanuel Macron was rounding furiously on his own nations voters who, he suggested, had let him down badly with their insistence on electing an unhelpful parliament which plunged the country into ungovernable chaos. In an extraordinary broadcast tantrum, Mr Macron said that voters had misunderstood his intention in calling a general election  which had been designed, obviously, to strengthen his own position.

Instead they had irresponsibly chosen to elect a hung parliament, so they had no one to blame but themselves for the turmoil in which France was now engulfed. By opting to elect his adversaries who then brought down his Budget and his prime ministers government, they had chosen disorder and now they were going to pay a terrible price.

That, believe it or not, was what he actually said. In the country that credits itself with the invention of modern democracy, he spoke the words which no democratic leader should ever utter  however foolish, or wrong-headed, or irrational a politician might believe the voters judgements to be. Many of us were thinking as we watched the Labour landslide pile up on the fateful night, that another generation was going to learn the hard way what it meant to live under a Labour government. But we also knew that the defeat for the Tories was a consequence of their having lost the argument. This was not a silly mistake by the electorate. The side that lost had fatally screwed up and so it rightly failed to get the support of the country even though it was fighting an Opposition which was itself unpopular.

Significantly, that lost election owed a good deal to the rise of the sort of dissident party that had destabilised the presidency of an enraged Mr Macron. Reform UK may not be tainted with the fascist historical associations of the Right-wing forces now gaining ascendancy in France, Italy and Germany, but there is something of the same logic to its appeal. Presenting themselves as outsiders to the cosy established game which has monopolised the electoral field and, in its complacent arrogance, abandoned ordinary people, Nigel Farages Reform  like Trumps Republicans in the United States  seem to be offering a new age of genuinely popular governance.

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It cannot be a coincidence that these mass voter defections to extreme or fundamentalist parties (on the Left as well as the Right in France) have become a familiar phenomenon in what were once assumed to be stable advanced democracies. Even Germany, which had been so proud of the consensual coalition tradition established in its post-war reconstruction, is now seeing its system broken apart by the rise of the extremist Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party.

The specific issues that drive these rebellious uprisings may be local and particular to their own populations but the sentiment that underpins them is remarkably consistent: a sense that government is out of touch, too expensive and indifferent to the real needs and preferences of its citizenry. The issues of migration and taxation recur again and again: pride in national identity and a defence of individual achievement often seem to be at the heart of this.

But there is something more than that in play. It would be wrong  and dangerous  to assume that this is all about nostalgia for a lost ideal of patriotic confidence or just a selfish desire to keep what you have earned. Something has broken. The twentieth century model for a peaceful, just society which swept the post-war Western world is fracturing. The assumptions which built that model came in the wake of two terrible world wars which the free world won only to become engaged immediately in a Cold War which threatened its central principles of liberty.

The response to this challenge was seen as ingenious and morally brave: free market economics tempered by democratic socialism. The rights of the individual would be maintained on the condition that no one would be consigned to hopeless poverty. The wealth created by those who were productive would be distributed to ensure that mass deprivation was prevented. There would be enough fiscal encouragement to ensure wealth creation and enough compassion to protect the underprivileged.

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For the longest time, it seemed to be working. There were adjustments and interventions but these were merely technical problems. On a few occasions, the machinery almost broke down but sensible corrections always appeared to fix things for the foreseeable future. Politics became managerial rather than ideological which was rather boring but it offered a good life to a greater number of people than ever before. Then its chief rival  Soviet communism  collapsed and there could be no further doubt. Capitalism would provide the wealth which a benign form of socialism would spend and this would go on forever.

Until it didnt. Not only has the cost of the abolition of poverty and deprivation now exceeded the capacity of free markets to provide funding, but the taxation and restrictions on wealth which social democratic principles imposed is killing off the very possibility of creating more of it.

This generation of politicians has had the bad luck to preside over the moment when the Western centrist solution collapsed.

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.
(PUEBLO, Colo.)  The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) is asking the community for help locating a 1-year-old who is believed to be with his mother, who recently lost custody of him.

According to PPD, Brittany Ramsey has had possession of 1-year-old Ezra Aragon for the last five months. PPD said Ramsey has a history in Ordway and possible ties to Wolfforth, Texas. The current whereabouts of both Ramsey and Ezra are currently unknown.

Courtesy: Pueblo Police Department

Courtesy: Pueblo Police Department

PPD said Ramsey was last known to be driving a 2015 green Ford Explorer with Colorado license plate CQT-033. If you have information on the child or Ramsey, you are asked to contact PPD at (719) 553-2502. To remain anonymous, contact Pueblo Crime Stoppers at (719) 542-STOP (7867) or submit a tip online at PuebloCrimeStoppers.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 FOX21 News Colorado.
I have served as CEO of Hope Clinic for Women for nearly three years. I am the fourth CEO to lead this incredible 41-year-old organization that has walked alongside nearly 50,000 women during an unexpected pregnancy.

I also became the first CEO to experience pregnancy and motherhood for myself while serving in this role.

We have employed and welcomed countless incredible moms as staff members and volunteers through the years, and their voices have left invaluable marks on our services.

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This pregnancy has come with so many lessons learned and beauty to relish in, and Ive been able to add to those experiences and input to make our care and services better for women in Middle Tennessee.

Partners and family members have a role in the pregnancy

One of the first things I have attested to is the importance of having a partner  my husband  by my side during pregnancy. Even in our first appointment, having him there with me helped me feel more secure.

While many of the women we serve may not be married, they rarely come in alone. Some have the father with them, while others bring another support person  a parent, sister, best friend, or other close acquaintance. Weve learned that acknowledging and including the fathers and supportive people they bring with them is critical to serving these women well.

At my own appointment, our midwife addressed me directly and politely, but she spoke to me almost exclusively throughout the appointment. She didnt address Jordan, my husband, which bothered me a little in hindsight. But what Ive learned for the women in crisis whom we serve at Hope Clinic is that not acknowledging the supportive romantic partner or family member with them is more than just a little annoying  its like a part of them isnt being acknowledged.

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Early in my pregnancy, I had the honor of attending an intimate round-table discussion on Black Maternal Health, where it was emphasized that in the Black community, family is viewed as an extension of oneself. Additionally, a recent study from Lifeway Research and Care-Net showed that the most influential and consulted person in a womans decision to continue with a pregnancy is her romantic partner.

More: Tennesseans who suffer from food insecurity face long-term health issues and complications

Creating a community of expectant fathers is critical

Fathers arent just important in early childhood development but also throughout pregnancy, and particularly in those initial moments of the journey. I know my husband has been my greatest advocate through this process, and I have grown even more grateful for his steadiness and empathetic care.

So, what have we done to include valuable advocates in a womans pregnancy journey?

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Starting from that initial appointment, we greet her support people like they are part of her  because she brought them for a reason.

We counsel fathers in treatment options, just like we do expectant mothers. We offer affordable referrals for couples counseling so that a sturdy foundation can be built for the family. And we include any support person she has brought along with her throughout the preparation journey.

Lastly, we create a unique community for expectant dads to connect with each other. We know men communicate differently, and the emotional journey of entering fatherhood is best walked in the company of other men who can listen, support, and encourage.

Our overall goal is to provide women with resources and support needed for her to feel safe, cared for, and confident in her pregnancy. When we include and empower those standing alongside her in the process, we are only strengthening the support system that will help her have a positive pregnancy and birth experience.

Kailey Cornett

Kailey Cornett is the CEO of Hope Clinic for Women.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Pregnancy is about the mother, and her community too | Opinion
BARDSTOWN, Ky. (FOX 56)  Kentuckys four-legged hero Ethan has inspired a movie, and the first frames were shot on Thursday in Bardstown.

Filming for Ethan Almightythe Movie kicked off during Bardstowns annual Christmas parade, where Ethan and his owner Jeff Callaway served as Grand Marshals.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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In a November news release, McClure Films described the movie as a dramatic faith-based true story of a courageous dog that survived unspeakable odds and brought Kentucky together as they prayed for his recovery.

I am honored to bring the story of Ethan Almighty to the screen. As an animal lover, Ethans story truly hit me. He went through unspeakable odds, yet the uplifting story that surrounds him, is sure to bring happy tears to the world. Tane McClure, director of Ethan Almightythe Movie

In 2021, Ethan was dumped in the Kentucky Humane Societys parking lot in Louisville. At the time, he weighed just 38 pounds when he should have weighed 80. After much love and care, Ethan got back on his feet and is now full of energy.

After his recovery, Ethan worked to advocate for shelter animals.

Ethan and Huck Veterinarians and Kentucky Humane Society staff work to save Ethans life after he was left in their Louisville parking lot.

Ethan won American Humanes 2022 Hero Dog Award in 2023. He received more than one million votes from people across the country. Ethan was selected as the winner for his journey of hope and the attention he brought to millions of sheltered animals.

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Callaway used Ethans story to promote animal cruelty laws, resulting in the passing of Ethans Law in July 2024, three years after the abuse and torture Ethan endured. The law expanded the legal definition of animal torture, making it a felony on the first offense rather than a misdemeanor.

Ethan Almightyone dogand one kind act changed the world, reads the final line of the script synopsis.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

The pitch deck for the film features a list of comparable films, including A Dogs Purpose, I Can Only Imagine, Micales From Haven, and Dog.

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The screenplay was written by McClure and Tyke Caravelli, with Keith Jefferies directing the photography.

According to the McClure Films website, filming is scheduled to continue in the spring.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Prince William traveled to Paris just hours after attending Kate Middletons annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey with their children to take part in the highly anticipated reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral.

CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON/POOL/AFP via Getty French President Emmanuel Macron (left) with Prince William (middle) and Brigitte Macron on Dec. 7 in Paris, France. French President Emmanuel Macron (left) with Prince William (middle) and Brigitte Macron on Dec. 7 in Paris, France.

On Saturday, Dec. 7, the Prince of Wales, 42, represented his father, King Charles as the monarch continues his cancer treatment. William joined world leaders and heads of state  including French President Emmanuel Macron, First Lady Jill Biden, and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump  at the ceremony celebrating the restoration of the iconic Gothic cathedral.

Due to difficulties caused by the weather, Prince William met Biden, 73, at the ceremony rather than beforehand, as initially planned, and met with Trump, 78, after.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Prince William Prince William

This marks the second major occasion this year where William has stepped in for his father in a diplomatic role. In June, he represented King Charles, 76, during the Second World War commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Buckingham Palace cited medical advice at the time for the Kings absence, though it has yet to address why William attended Notre Dames reopening instead of his father.

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King Charles previously visited the cathedral during a state visit to France last year, where he was shown the craftsmanship involved in the cathedral's restoration.

LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Donald Trump (left) and Prince William (right). Donald Trump (left) and Prince William (right).

Related: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Make First Public Appearance in Six Months: 'It's Been a Difficult Year'

Prince Williams most recent visit to Paris was in 2017 when he and Kate spent two days in the French capital.

The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, located along the River Seine in Paris, was devastated by a massive fire five years ago and has since undergone an extensive and impressive restoration. The blaze, which occurred on April 15, 2019, left the historic landmark severely damaged. On Nov. 29, President Macron unveiled the newly restored cathedral during a televised tour, as reported by NBC News.

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On Dec. 6, William was joined by Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, at Kate's fourth annual Together at Christmas carol service. It marked the first public appearance of the three siblings together since Trooping the Colour in June.

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!

Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Catherine, Princess of Wales during the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 6, 2024 in London, England. Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Catherine, Princess of Wales during the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 6, 2024 in London, England.

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In a candid moment, Kate reflected on her challenging year after being diagnosed with cancer, telling carol concert performer Paloma Faith, "I didnt know this year was going to be the year that Ive just had."

"The unplanned," Faith said.

"The unplanned, exactly," the Princess of Wales repeated, nodding her head, adding, "But I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times, and many who are here today."



Read the original article on People
Prince William is enhancing his role as a statesman by meeting with President-elect Donald Trump and First Lady Jill Biden in Paris on December 7.

Prince William is currently in the capital of France representing his father, King Charles, at the ceremonial reopening of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.

The royal, 42, greeted Trump at the ceremony, where the two shook hands, exchanged a few words and Trump patted William on the shoulder.

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The Prince of Wales was initially scheduled to meet with Dr. Jill Biden, who is there on behalf of President Joe Biden, at the U.K. Ambassador's Residence in advance of the ceremony. However, the meeting was canceled due to inclement weather, and they now plan to connect at the event itself. William is still expected to meet with Donald Trump at the U.K. Ambassador's Residence following the ceremony.

During their respective meetings, they will discuss the special relationship between the U.S. and the U.K.

The reopening ceremony will see dozens of leaders from around the world gather to commemorate the astonishing rebuild of the cathedral wrecked by fire in April 2019.

LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty President-elect Donald Trump meets Prince William inside Notre Dame Cathedral ahead of a ceremony to mark the reopening of the landmark cathedral, in central Paris, on December 7, 2024. President-elect Donald Trump meets Prince William inside Notre Dame Cathedral ahead of a ceremony to mark the reopening of the landmark cathedral, in central Paris, on December 7, 2024.

Related: Prince William Steps Up His Statesman Role to Represent King Charles at Reopening of Notre Dame

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William's visit mirrors his appearance at the commemorations of the D-Day landings in June, when joined by over 25 heads of state, fellow European royals and veterans from around the world to step in for his father at the key ceremony to remember the sacrifices made on June 6, 1944.

CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON/POOL/AFP via Getty French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and his wife Brigitte (R) welcome Britain's William, Prince of Wales head of a ceremony to mark the re-opening of the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on December 7, 2024 French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and his wife Brigitte (R) welcome Britain's William, Prince of Wales head of a ceremony to mark the re-opening of the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on December 7, 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron invited William to Notre Dame's reopening on his fathers behalf while Charles, 76, is still undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.

William has been building his role as a global statesman in recent years. As well as meeting with world leaders when they visit the U.K.  such as the Amir of Qatar earlier this week  William has held top-level meetings on his travels.

He saw then President Barack Obama in Washington D.C. and in London in 2016; President Biden when he was in Boston for his Earthshot Prize in 2022; and President Xi Jinping of China in March 2015. William also sat down with the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in November during his visit to Cape Town in November.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Prince William, Prince of Wales attends the ceremony to mark the reopening of Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral on December 07, 2024 in Paris, France. Prince William, Prince of Wales attends the ceremony to mark the reopening of Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral on December 07, 2024 in Paris, France.

William's trip to Paris comes a day after he and wife Princess Kate kicked off the Christmas festivities at a carol service at Westminster Abbey. The royal couple were joined by their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis for for Kate's fourth annual carol service.

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Related: Kate Middleton Makes Rare Comment About Her Cancer Journey: 'I Didn't Know' What This Year 'Was Going to Be'

Notre Dame, which sits by the River Seine in Paris, was wrecked by the blaze on April, 15, 2019. President Macron unveiled the magnificent newly-completed structure on a televised tour on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, according to NBC News.

Getty Images Prince William and Princess Kate as they welcomed the Amir of Qatar to London on Dec. 3, 2024 Prince William and Princess Kate as they welcomed the Amir of Qatar to London on Dec. 3, 2024

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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!

Related: Kate Middleton Arrives at Her Christmas Carol Service Looking Like a Wrapped Holiday Gift

In remarks ahead of his visit, Macron spoke of the long process to reconstruct the historic site.

"This project was a human adventure of epic proportions in terms of building and prowess, involving the patient and dedicated work of a chain of talents working with one another passing the torch to those of the centuries to come, Macron said.

Read the original article on People
NEW YORK (AP)  A woman who evaded security to be a stowaway on a New York-to-Paris flight last month claims she'd tried to sneak into secure areas of other U.S. airports before in a bid to travel without a ticket, a prosecutor said Friday.

Svetlana Dali, 57, told investigators that she had tried to travel for free at several domestic airports, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke Theodora said at a bail hearing as she described concerns by the government that Dali might flee while awaiting trial on a stowaway charge.

Theodora said those attempts included one last February at Miami International Airport, where Dali was turned away as she tried to sneak into a secure area by going through a customs processing area to reach departing flights.

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The prosecutor made the remarks as she urged that bail conditions be strict enough to ensure Dali, an unemployed Russian woman with permanent U.S. residency, would attend her court hearings.

Dali, who wore a brown jailhouse uniform and entered a courtroom limping with a cane, spoke to her lawyer through a Russian interpreter. Earlier, she'd been treated and released from a hospital for treatment of an undisclosed nature. The hospital's identification card was on her wrist.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo agreed to release Dali with electronic monitoring and strict pretrial conditions, including a ban from all airports and a requirement that she live at the Philadelphia home of a man she met at church functions and submit to a curfew.

He also told her that she must undergo any mental health treatment required by the pretrial services department, an arm of Brooklyn federal court.

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Her court-appointed lawyer, Michael Schneider, said that his client, who has no criminal history after being a permanent resident of the U.S. for more than a decade, was involved in what could have been an aberrant act in a certain mental health state that's not going to happen in the future.

At a hearing Thursday, Schneider said the charge against her was minor and that her offense was comparable to jumping a turnstile to enter the city's subway system.

Theodora objected to the comparison at Friday's hearing, saying the offense was serious and raised very significant national security concerns and very significant public security risks for obvious reasons.

Schneider said Friday in court that the stowaway charge was unlikely to result in a prison sentence unless she does something stupid.

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According to a criminal complaint, Dali flew to Paris as a stowaway on a Delta Air Lines flight on Nov. 26 before returning to Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday.

The document said she snuck past Transportation Security Administration officers by hiding amid a flight crew entering a special lane for airline employees as she underwent security screening but never had to display a ticket.

She then dodged airline employees scanning tickets to board a flight bound for Charles de Gaulle Airport, only to be discovered aboard the plane illegally once it was in the air, the complaint says.

When the flight arrived in Paris on Nov. 27, French law enforcement authorities met her at the gate and detained her before she entered customs, it says.

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Delta Air Lines has said in a statement that a review concluded that its security infrastructure was sound and that deviation from standard procedures is the root cause of this event.

It said it was taking measures to ensure such a breach does not occur again.

"Nothing is of greater importance than safety and security, the airline said.
The holiday season tends to be the best time of year for charities raising funds for their causes, however, it can be tough sometimes to tell if a charity is as legitimate as they say.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

In 2023, Americans donated over 3.1 Billion during Giving Tuesday, one of the biggest days for raising charitable funds. While those funds were all reported by reputable charities, it can be tough to tell which organizations use the money for the services they advertise, versus those that mainly spend donations on salaries and overhead and others that are outright scams.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody released several safety tips for consumers on how to determine the legitimacy of a charity to avoid being scammed below:

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Research the Charity: Before donating, research the charity and make sure it is accredited by the Better Business Bureau or check for the organizations rating on CharityNavigator.org.

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These are wonderful days of family and giving. We want to make sure we are encouraging that, but we want Floridians to be protected and be safe, said Moody.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  A new chain restaurant that opened in north Topeka last month has revealed a large donation to a location organization that helps the homeless.

The Topeka Rescue Mission (TRM) announced on Friday, Dec. 6 that it has accepted a $10,000 donation from QDOBA Mexican Eats. This money was collected on the opening day for north Topekas new QDOBA location at 2031 Northwest Topeka Boulevard.

We are very excited to bring our Qdoba flavor to North Topeka! said Chuck Stratman, president and CEO of QDOBA. When we opened our first restaurant in 2008, we were so happy to partner with the Topeka Rescue Mission, and we are grateful to be able to repeat our commitment to our community. Our locally, family and veteran owned business has a tradition of giving back to the community that has supported us and our employees.

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Miranda Molinar with the TRM said an official check ceremony will happen at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9. The check will be presented by Stratman to La Manda Broyles, TRMs executive director.

Is Washburn University buying the old Kmart building in north Topeka?

We are so thankful for Chuck and his team who were willing to designate all of their proceeds of opening day to the work the Topeka Rescue Mission does in our community for our community, Broyles said. This type of selfless giving reflects the values of their locally owned business and will bless the lives of many.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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For the fourth time in Florida history, a lieutenant governor could be poised to take the place of a sitting governor  a historic situation that would be made possible if President-elect Donald Trump picks Ron DeSantis as his defense secretary.

If DeSantis joins Trumps Cabinet, Miamis own Jeanette Nunez would be first in line to become governor, a position that would not only make her the states first Cuban-American and the first female governor, but a frontrunner to win a four-year term after the 2026 gubernatorial race.

Nunez, 52, has also been floated as a possible DeSantis pick to fill the U.S. Senate seat that will soon be vacated by Marco Rubio, nominated to serve as Trumps secretary of state. Another scenario on the political radar: DeSantis appoints himself to the Senate, leaving Nunez to succeed him.

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All these possibilities mark the peak of potential for Nunezs political career so far  one thats been decades in the making.

From a prominent state legislator to DeSantis running mate, Nunez has been a steady player in state politics as the one-time battleground state has become the home to the type of conservative populism that now dominates the modern Republican Party.

She went from carrying legislation that allows children of undocumented immigrants to pay in-state college tuition rates to working under the governor who fought to repeal that law. She worked as a lobbyist for major hospital chains and now helps oversee the states health agency. And she has built a broad policy portfolio chairing the states aerospace agency and cybersecurity task force, and serving on the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking.

When asked what to expect from Nunez if she were to become governor, supporters and former colleagues pointed to her experience in Tallahassee  from legislative aide to lobbyist to lawmaker to executive officer  her knack for building consensus and her devotion to her Christian faith.

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She has been around for a while. And she knows what she is doing, said Alina Garcia, Miami-Dades incoming elections supervisor and a former Republican lawmaker who worked with Nunez when both were legislative staffers in Tallahassee. She is serious, and she is professional, and she is inclusive.

Miami-Dade School Board member Joseph Geller, a Democrat who served in the Florida House with Nunez, says her approach to policymaking has earned the respect of leaders, on both sides of the aisle.

I think the state would be in pretty good hands with her, Geller said. She is someone who always struck me as always willing to at least hear what the other side had to say and that is not necessarily typical.

Miami-Dade Commissioner Rene Garcia, a former state senator and past chair of the county GOP, said he would expect Nunez to embody compassionate conservatism.

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The thing with Jeanette is she is a true fiscal conservative, but she understands communities have needs,  Garcia said. She believes in giving someone a fishing rod and teaching them to fish. Shes a compassionate person.

A kingmaker in Miami-Dade County

Nunez, a mother of three adult children, started dating her husband of 30 years, Adrian Nunez, in 10th Grade when both attended the Westwood Christian School in Kendale Lakes. She was a student there since kindergarten, and in a 2022 video recalled her teenage years with two working parents who saved up for regular trips with their three daughters.

Nunez and her family live in the Miami-Dade suburb of Westchester. She has kept that home base even while serving as lieutenant governor.

Her statewide post under DeSantis has also made her a leading Republican in Miami-Dade politics  a status shes used to play kingmaker in local races and to help push through funding and legislation thats been cheered and jeered locally.

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She is the point person for DeSantis on local matters, said Hialeah Mayor Steve Bovo, a former Miami-Dade commission chair and a longtime Nunez friend.

Things that happened in Miami-Dade  in my honest opinion  ran through Jeanette, said Bovo, recalling his time on the County Commission. I think the governor gave her deference on how things were done in Miami-Dade County. And her fingerprints were all over it.

When school boards became political battlegrounds in recent years, Nunez called donors as she worked to oust Republican incumbent Marta Perez in 2022 to insert a DeSantis-backed candidate.

Perez, who was ousted after 24 years on the board, believes she was targeted after a 2021 vote endorsing LGBTQ+ month in Miami-Dade schools.

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In an interview Friday, Perez said her longtime campaign treasurer, Jose Pepe Riesco, came to her home during the campaign with bad news: he was dropping her and going to work for Perezs opponent, Monica Colluci, who was backed by Nunez.

He said: Marta, I love you. Weve been friends forever, Perez said. But I have to do this. Its a business decision. He said it was Jeanette Nunez who asked him to drop me.

Riesco was not available for comment Friday. Colucci said that is not her recollection of the events. Nunez did not comment for this story.

In an interview Friday, Colucci said she considers Nunez a friend and a mentor, and that her endorsement in the school board race carried a lot of weight.

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She is very well-known locally, and she is able to have people get behind her, and when people saw she was endorsing it mattered, Colucci said.

In 2022, Nunez also was influential in DeSantis decision to fill a vacant seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission that year. The governor picked Roberto Gonzalez, a conservative Florida House candidate, who describes Nunez as a mentor.

Before the governors office called Gonzalez to tell him he had been picked to represent the District 11 seat  left vacant by the arrest of Joe Martinez on corruption charges  Gonzalez had an extensive interview with Nunez.

Gonzalez, 37, said he has appreciated the advice Nunez shared on public life.

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She told me, Rob, the day youre not getting pushback is the day youre not making an impact, he recalled in an interview with the Herald this week. If you really want to do good, the pressure and the pushback comes with it. So stick with it.

Florida lieutenant governor-elect Jeanette Nunez shares with supporters during a Thank You Tour Stop with governor-elect Ron DeSantis Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, at the Jose Marti Gym in Little Havana.

Help not offered in race to defeat Miami-Dades mayor

While Nunez played an outsized role getting Republicans elected to the Miami-Dade School Board, she has faced criticism for not doing enough in another key race.

She largely sat out of the 2024 race to oust Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, a Democrat. After facing poorly funded GOP candidates, Cava easily won the August non-partisan primary, allowing her to avoid a run-off in November with the second-place finisher, Manny Cid, the Republican mayor of a small suburban town, Miami Lakes.

Had Levine Cava been on the November ballot, she would have had to outperform Vice President Kamala Harris by 11 points to win a second term  an uphill task that had the Cid camp complaining about a lack of support from one of Miami-Dades most connected Republicans and her local allies to get Cid into a run-off he probably would have won.

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She, and a lot of people around her, were not helpful at all, said Emiliano Antunez, Cids campaign manager. They should have been.

Nunez herself was mentioned as a potential challenger to Levine Cava, and the kind of well-known Republican with the fund-raising mettle to defeat the incumbent mayors formidable sway with donors doing business with Miami-Dade.

But Nunez passed on the mayor race, with her political consultant, David Custin, telling the Miami Herald last year that the position was beneath her.

From left, Deputy Secretary for Health Shamarial Roberson, state Sen. Janet Cruz, Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez and Governor Ron DeSantis look on while Andrew Cannons, laboratory director at the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories, explains the testing procedures of potential coronavirus cases on Monday, March 2, 2020 at the Florida Department of Health laboratory in Tampa.

Powerbroking at the state level

Nunezs political ascent in recent years can be traced back to her time as a legislative aide to former state Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla, and later as a lawmaker in the Florida Legislature, where she rose through the ranks of a male-dominated Florida House.

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Elected four times to the Florida House, she reduced a fee charged to car-sharing services; removed the statute of limitations for certain sex crimes in which the victim was under 16; and was tapped by former Gov. Rick Scott to sponsor a polarizing proposal that let undocumented immigrants pay in-state tuition rates at Florida colleges and universities.

She comes from the hard knocks of politics, Custin said on Friday. She knows boundaries. And she knows how to cut deals and honor deals.

Perhaps the most controversial issue linked to Nunez involves changes to who would run the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority, the countys defunct toll agency commonly known as MDX.

Last year, the power over Miami-Dades toll roads was shifted from a toll board controlled by County Commission appointees to a board controlled by DeSantis appointees. The change was credited to Nunez, who clashed with the agency when she was a member of the Florida House and the board was chaired by Maurice Ferre, a former Miami mayor who died in 2019.

After Miami-Dade lost a court fight over the state law passed in 2023, the state-controlled Greater Miami Expressway Agency (GMX) took over five toll highways, including the Dolphin and Don Shula Expressways.

Gene Stearns, a Miami lawyer who has been leading the fight against the GMX takeover, laid much of the blame on Nunez for whats been an historic weakening of Miami-Dades unique protections in the Florida Constitution as a home-rule county.

Its all been coming from the lieutenant governor. Shes the one who has been driving this whole issue, Stearns said Friday. Its very unfortunate for the county.

Looking ahead

Her time as DeSantis lieutenant governor shows glimpses of how she would comport herself as his successor.

This year, Nunez joined DeSantis push against a ballot measure, Amendment 3, that would have legalized recreational marijuana, accusing supporters of the initiative of being motivated by corporate greed. She also campaigned against Amendment 4, which would have broadened access to abortion in Florida.

Nunez appealed to Christian voters as she urged Floridians to vote against Amendment 4 in November.

They can call abortion whatever they want, the left can call it whatever they want. The radicals call it healthcare, they call it compassion, they call it womens rights, she said during an October interview with Gods Way Radio in Miami. If you look at the actual definition of abortion it is the intentional killing of an unborn child. It is intentional murder.

A majority of Floridians voted for Amendment 3 and 4, but they both failed after falling short of at least 60% of the vote.

In 2020, Nunez introduced herself to a national audience at the Republican National Convention by urging Americans to reject a socialist takeover by Democrats.

Nunezs late father, Victor Sanchez, fled Cuba in 1961 out of fear of political persecution, also warned the RNC audience about Democratic policy goals, which she said mirror the socialism and communism of Cuba. At the time, she framed the election as Americas choice between chaos and government control or freedom and opportunity.

The radical left systematically chisels away at the freedoms we cherish, Nunez said at the time. They peddle dangerous ideologies, cower to global progressives and normalize socialism to dismantle our Constitution.

Once an anti-Trumper, Nunezs path in the new Republican party has been forged alongside DeSantis and has helped the GOP make inroads with Hispanic voters.

Nunez, for instance, was named as the co-chair for Trumps Latino outreach coalition, despite her history of criticizing Trump, who she called a supporter of the Ku Klux Klan during the 2016 election cycle.

Wake up Florida voters, Trump is the biggest con-man there is. #nosubstance #anti-Israel #supportsKKK #nevertrump VOTE @marcorubio #RUBIO, Nunez posted on Twitter, now X, in 2016.

She has since walked back those statements, saying the remarks were made in the midst of a heated primary contest, in which she had originally supported Rubio for president. The tweet was also deleted.

In November, when Trump was elected president, she congratulated him on social media.

Americans chose strength over weakness. Americans chose greatness over failure, she posted on X.

The best is yet to come.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  A Raleigh mother was indicted on a murder charge after authorities said Friday she killed her 2-month-old son in June.

Davonna Shamone Parsons, 31, of Neely Street, was booked on Friday following the indictment on Monday, according to arrest and court records.

The killing of the 2-month-old  the youngest child of Parsons  happened on June 26, according to court records and a statement from Raleigh police.

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Parsons, formerly of Burlington, is facing a first-degree murder charge following the grand jury indictment.

Court records identified the child as Seven Montrell Richardson.

No other information was released by Raleigh 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 Queen City News.
In a column published Dec. 2, Free Press guest columnist Nancy Derringer argues nostalgia is a poison that keeps Detroit dwelling on the past instead of preparing for the future. ("Its time to let go of the past, Detroit. Let the Boblo Boat sink.") Readers had thoughts. We'd love to hear more: Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may run it online and in print.

The boat should go, but history should be remembered

Theres nothing poisonous about a "classic" Motown song. Yes, I often change the channel when one comes on, and yes at this point in my life I welcome the deep cuts over the overplayed Marvin Gaye and Four Tops Top Tens.

But some ears have never heard those songs. And to them, they may experience that first joy or moment of wonder we all experienced hearing them for the first time. To dismiss them is like saying Chuck Berry or Elvis is played out when they were pioneers in their field and influenced so many generations that followed, including the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

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Younger generations should never ignore the past, or their history. Life doesnt start from nothing, and understanding that and knowing where you came from and where your parents came from makes you a well-rounded, kinder understanding person, and to those that embrace their history instead of ignore it, they bring a new level of culture and intelligence to the next generation and so on and so on.

The boat should go. Eyesores should go. Agreed. But many said that (including me) about the Michigan Central Station that stood rotting on broken limbs for decades as a symbol of our crumbling (once prosperous and bustling industrious) community. But sometimes patience and ingenuity is a virtue, as we see it now as a symbol of progress as well as our will to embrace our past.

I dont know ... I look at Detroit as being a lot like an industrial representation of slash-and-burn agriculture. We burn the fields of crops, and sometimes its painful and ugly and slow-moving in a way that hurts to watch, but pockets of growth and beauty continue to pop up in and around the city, many of which we had already given up on or abandoned all hope for. We do it our own way, as we always have. But why should we forget what made us what we are?

Detroit is and always will be blue collar, and we embrace what got us here but also continue to reinvent ourselves, regardless of which methods we choose. There will always be progress, positive or negative, but history is so much a part of that. Nature itself can be poison, but new life doesnt stop because of it.

Camille L. Sylvain

Royal Oak

The Detroit Fire Department puts out flames on the historic Boblo Island boat, the SS Ste. Claire, that caught fire Friday, July 6, 2018 at Detroit's Riverside Marina.

The column you came here to read: Its time to let go of the past, Detroit. Let the Boblo Boat sink.

Nostalgia holds a fatal allure

Kudos to Nancy Derringer for her insightful guest column about the fatal allure that nostalgia holds for greater Detroit and the state of Michigan.

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Many of us who grew up in the area and left agree that the defeatism embodied by the relentless focus on the past is leaving our home region in the dust.

No doubt Derringer will face plenty of angry readers stung by her spot-on diagnosis. The reality remains that Detroit and much of the state are stuck in their own mythologized past, driving young, talented people to seek  and find  greater opportunities elsewhere. Leaders in business and government would do well to heed her words.

David Banush

Columbia, South Carolina

It's history, not nostalgia

It's not nostalgia (well, partly), but heritage, history, local culture. Yes, the old Boblo boat is a sad relic that should be scrapped  it usually happens to old ships.

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These things she apparently is so fed up with are the back story and character of Detroit. Our history. Our foundation. That all that new stuff builds upon. (And I was born and grew up in Detroit).

Gary Siorek

Canton, Michigan

More: As GM prepares to move out, let's be honest: The RenCen is an embarrassment. | Opinion

There's nothing wrong with holding space for the past

I enjoyed Nancy Derringer's column. However, I strongly disagree.

I, too, am a boomer. Yes, my parents listened to Frank Sinatra. And many years later, so do I. I'm a photographer, and play Sinatra, Led Zeppelin and Motown in my studio as well as Taylor Swift and Eminem. Being a fashion photographer, the models love all of it.

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I covered more than 25 World Series, including the one at Tiger Stadium. Tearing it down was a travesty. But-but-but, yes. Cobb, Harwell, Fidrych and lets not forget, Kaline, Lolich, McClain, Ruth and all the greats who played on that dirt and corner. Which, by the way, is now a growing neighborhood. And please, let's not forget about Grampy.

It's these memories that make who we are, that lets us be thankful from where we came. Yes, some ran its course. Theres little dreaming of a cruise that has more post-millennial cars than classics. But it was nostalgia that brought the Dream Cruise to us in the first place. and made it a hit for more than 25 years. And because of poor management, the Boblo boats, that could have been something, are beyond repair. Auto shows are a thing of the past. Nonetheless, the Michigan Central Station should have never fallen to its shameful disrepair. But thanks to forward thinking minds, a part of Detroit's past is again celebrated.

This is why nostalgia is important: James Earl Jones monologue from Field of Dreams. People will come, Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't even fathom. They'll turn up your driveway, not knowing for sure why they're doing it. They'll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past. Of course, we won't mind if you look around. You'll say, 'It's only twenty dollars per person.' They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it. For it is money they have and peace they lack.

Joe Polimeni

Birmingham

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Readers say sink Boblo Boat, but don't let history drown | Letters
Shortly before 8 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese aerial forces swarmed across Oahu toward their targets. The Tora signal was sent back to the fleet, indicating that the attack aircraft had achieved total surprise.

Lieutenant Commander Shigeru Itaya, commander of all first-wave fighters, led his own nine Mitsubishi A6M2 Zeros along the western side of the Koolau Mountain range.

Each had a red fuselage stripe indicating it came from the aircraft carrier Akagi. As escorts, they were high above and to the left of 26 Aichi D3A1 dive bombers from Shokaku headed for Ford Islands naval air station, in the midst of Pearl Harbor and neighboring Hickam Field.

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As Itaya approached the Nuuanu Pali, Hawaiis historic mountain pass, he spotted a pair of trainer aircraft just above the clouds.

His shotai (three-plane flight) attacked. Itaya missed, but his two wingmen, Petty Officers 1st Class Takeshi Hirano and Shinaji Iwama, shared in the victory over one of the airplanes, a civilian Piper Cub. It was the first American plane shot down in World War II.

The ordnance that made the attack on Pearl Harbor so devastating

In the hail of fire, the engine and mount of the Cub ripped from the airframe. Machinist Mate 2nd Class Marcus F. Poston of USS Argonne, taking what he thought would be a pleasant Sunday morning flying lesson, managed to bail out safely.

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Later, as Poston carried his parachute down the Kalihi Valley Road, an alarmed citizen phoned the police with the first description of a Japanese parachutist uniform as blue dungarees with red insignia. This description filtered across Oahu, and orders were issued to American sailors to change uniforms.

As further amendments were given that day, Navy whites were dipped in coffee. Such uniforms would be seen for months.

Target: Honolulu

Breaking contact with Shokakus dive bombers, the Akagi Zeros flew south over Honolulu.

With air superiority assured, Itaya led his nine Zeros back north to strafe John Rodgers Field  now Honolulu International Airport  and Hickam Field, the U.S. Armys bomber base.

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Above John Rodgers, 22-year-old Cornelia Fort and her student pilot were working on touch-and-go landings in a civilian Interstate Cadet.

On the downwind leg of the field just prior to the last landing I was going to have him make before soloing, I looked casually around and saw a military plane coming in from the sea  directly toward me, she wrote. I jerked the controls away from my student and jammed the throttle wide open to pull above the oncoming plane. He passed so close under us that our celluloid windows rattled violently.

She landed quickly and safely despite the bullets raining down around her.

In their first pass at John Rodgers, Itayas fighters hit a Hawaiian Airlines DC-3 transport full of passengers, which began to burn.

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Miraculously, no one was wounded or killed. In the last pass, a fire extinguisher was hit, putting out the fire.

The pilot brought his damaged plane down on a street in Fort Kamehameha. The airplane broke up but was largely intact. The pilot, Petty Officers 1st Class Takeshi Hirano, was killed. (Naval History and Heritage Command)

The alert Akagi Zeros noted large transports coming in to land at Hickam, actually a flight of Boeing B-17 bombers from the U.S. mainland.

Flier 1st Class Juichiro Hanyu attacked the first B-17C, piloted by Lt. Robert Richards, who escaped with wounded aboard and sought safety at Bellows Field to the east.

Itaya led his own shotai to attack the next B-17C, piloted by Lt. Raymond Swenson.

Passing in the opposite direction on Swensons starboard side, Hirano and Iwama turned and attacked from the rear, but were too fast in their passes and overshot their target. Itaya matched the bombers speed and began to pour 7.7mm bullets into the fuselage from a range of just 100 feet. Signal flares in the radio compartment exploded, touching off a conflagration.

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Bullets continued through the fuselage into the empty bomb bay fuel tank and cockpit area. Flight Surgeon 1st Lt. William Schick, a passenger, was hit in the back. Swenson was able to land the stricken plane, which quickly burned in half.

Schick walked to the hospital, but died before doctors could tend to him.

Hiranos last run

To continue strafing Hickam Field, Itaya led his flight across the harbor ship channel and over Fort Kamehameha  Fort Kam to the troops based there  on the east side of the channel entrance.

At 8:10, the destroyer USS Helm was headed out to sea past the minesweeper USS Bobolink, moored along the channel, and combined fire from both ships plus ground fire reportedly hit Takeshi Hiranos Zero.

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Aboard Helm, on the port aft machine gun, Gunners Mate 2nd Class W.O. Huff saw his target veer sharply and crash behind the trees near Hickam Field. He later received an official commendation.

At Fort Kam, Sgt. Casmir Jankauskas and Cpl. Charles D. Keith, both from the 55th Coast Artillery, likewise received official commendations for shooting down the plane. Four other machine gun crews also made claims.

Hirano guided his damaged Zero toward a street in Fort Kamehameha. Palm trees clipped his port wing and jerked the stick from his hand. The fighter slammed into the entrance of the ordnance machine shop. One man just missed being killed as he dived to the ground and the plane skimmed over his back.

Many 41st Coast Artillery men, awaiting rifles and ammo, had taken cover against the ordnance building.

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The Corporal of the Guard was a good looking kid, Joseph Medure of the 41st CA remembered. Corporal Claude L. Bryant, nicknamed Muscles, a weightlifter. He was killed by the crashing plane. He lived longest perhaps due to his physique and strong constitution.

The others killed were Pvt. Eugene R. Bubb, Pvt. Donat George Duquette Jr. and Pfc. Oreste DaTorre. Two men were decapitated. Pvt. Michael Stabile noted in his diary that Bubb was only identified by the canary bird tattoo on his left shoulder.

Smoking evidence

Pvt. Creed Shortt, the Fort Kam ambulance driver, was at the motor pool washing his ambulance when the attack began.

He reported to the dispensary and was told of the crashed plane. He recovered nine wounded at the site. Sergeant of the Guard Eddie Holden quickly assigned Pvt. John B. Littrell, 97th CA, to guard the wrecked fighter. Littrell was only told to keep bystanders from smoking due to the large fuel spill. He enlisted others to assist him.

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I was the senior officer present on duty at the command post in Battery Hasbrook when someone phoned in or sent a message that a plane had crashed, recalled 1st Lt. Glenn P. Elliott, assistant operations officer, harbor defenses. I left 2nd Lt. Elmer Twining  in charge and ran all the way to the crash. It was in front of the Artillery Engineer ordnance building near the loading dock. There were several military at the scene when I arrived. I recall seeing Private Littrell at the crash.

Hirano crashed into Fort Kamehameha's ordnance shop. The Zero's tail, still displaying carrier

Elliot said that Master Gunnery Sgt. Frank Luciano, who arrived in a command car, and Sgt. Ronald D. Moton helped me with the canopy while up on the wing so that I could reach the pilot.

One of the two borrowed a raincoat to prevent blood from getting on his clothing.

To assure himself that the pilot was Japanese, Moton said, I picked his head up by the top of the helmet and pulled his head back and all that I could see that wasnt smashed were his slant eyes.

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The pilots seat harness had broken and his body flung with substantial force into the instrument console.

He was already dead but in good condition, not a lot of blood and pretty much intact, said Elliott. I took a map from the cockpit and looked for ID. His billfold had some U.S. money and names in English as well as Japanese. The map showed converging lines to a point 50 miles off Kaena Point, all originating from the northwest direction. Lots of words in Japanese on the map. I removed all and returned to the command post with Master Sgt. Luciano.

Souvenir hunters swarmed over the plane immediately after Elliott left, and anything with Japanese writing quickly found its way into footlockers.

Hiranos uniform name tags were removed, as were data plates and the main serial number stencil. Pvt. Leroy Binderup, 41st CA, almost got the pilots Nambu pistol, but one of Littrells guards told him to put it back. However, another souvenir hunter, Pvt. Harold Gabriel, retrieved it.

Treasured map

Elliott sent the map and billfold with contents to the Army counterintelligence office in downtown Honolulu.

Second Lt. Malcolm D. Atkin and his father, Capt. Robert T. Atkin, both attached to the G-2 (intelligence) office headquarters at Fort Shafter, had been called to the counterintelligence office when the attack began. They were coordinating activities with their counterparts in the FBI field office next door when the package arrived from Elliott.

Since the Japanese-American translators had not yet arrived, the Atkins were told to take the map to G-2 headquarters immediately for review by the Japanese interpreter there, explained Malcolm Atkin.

But at Fort Shafter Lt. Col. Kendall Fielder, General Walter Shorts intelligence chief, had no interpreter yet either. Fielder knew that Hickam hoped to mount a retaliation strike, so he ordered the Atkins to deliver the map there.

At Hickam headquarters, the commander of the Hawaiian Air Force, Maj. Gen. Frederick L. Martin, recalled, After we dispatched the first of four [Douglas] A-20s (at 1127), we were given a map that had been recovered from a pilot that had been shot down on the edge of Fort Kamehameha. ... This map had approximately 10 courses laid out on it to a point northwest of the island of Oahu, which indicated that they either had left carriers there or expected to return to carriers in that direction.

Found among Hirano's effects was this map marked with an

The pilots of three B-17s were briefed for a search mission. The map arrived just in time to redirect their flight paths northwest of Oahu.

On takeoff the first B-17 went over on its nose, ruining four propellers. The two others continued on a fruitless eight-hour mission.

Unfortunately, the map showed the rendezvous points of the attackers, not the location of the Japanese fleet, yet the two X marks had suggested to the Americans where the carriers might be.

Looking for clues

Hiranos remains were taken to the Fort Shafter morgue, where he was fingerprinted. That sole identification was filed at Fort Armstrong.

The Japanese aviator  identity unknown finally was interred at Schofield Barracks Cemetery on December 9.

Meanwhile, the wreckage at Fort Kamehameha had been loaded on a flatbed trailer and transported to neighboring Hickam Field. The mangled fighter was laid out in the Hawaiian Air Depot (HAD) hangar late on December 8. It took all of Tuesday to get the pieces sorted out for the mock-up.

Col. E.W. Raley, at Hickams intelligence headquarters, was placed in charge of the technical intelligence investigation of all crashed airplanes in Army jurisdiction. He assigned the task of investigating the fighters systems to HAD, a tenant organization at Hickam Field.

Raley then visited the wreckage and noted that serifs on the tail code were different on the port side from that on the starboard. This caused confusion as to whether the unit code was A1 or what was in fact AI.

Raley ordered 2nd Lt. Charles A. Olson to survey the wreckage for a preliminary report prior to the detailed analysis by HAD, and directed Warrant Officer Paul Grossman to confirm Olsons findings. Their report was submitted on Wednesday, December 10. Grossman took 23 photos, which were sent to Washington, D.C., on December 22.

Using the most current Army Basic Field Manual 30-38, the July 1941 edition of Military Intelligence: Identification of Japanese Aircraft, Lieutenant Olson correctly matched the airframe to the specification for a Fighter Type 100. This data had come from attache reports in China before any examination of a crashed example.

Olson thought the engine was a Pratt & Whitney, while Grossman could only say it was Jap make. Wingspan and fuselage length measurements were approximate given the planes damage.

A two-position Hamilton Standard propeller was reported. All guns could not be fired simultaneously, Olson wrote. Operated by button control for 20mm or 30 cal.

Workers at the Hawaiian Air Depot hanger begin to assemble parts of the wrecked fighter prior to their examination and evaluation. (National Archives)

Grossman noted there was no armor plate to protect the pilot, suggesting the Japanese designers cared little for their pilots. But Olson reported a rubber bladder flotation device built in rear fuselage in back of the pilot to keep the plane afloat after a crash, which indicated the designers did in fact care care about the pilots survival.

Olson revealed that a full map in plane  was taken over to G-2. This second map discovery was a miracle given the initial search by Elliott and the souvenir hunters. It was identical to the map recovered from a midget submarine that washed ashore near Bellows Field.

Birth of a myth

The Olson-Grossman report also noted several American components, focusing attention on the U.S. companies that had provided them.

Grossman suggested, Concrete information can be obtained by taking readings (i.e.: translation) of each data plate and position readings of all dials, controls, and switches.

He was the first to foster the myth that the Zero had been developed from American technology when he wrote, North American Aviation Company people might be able to give the design.

Each department in the Hawaiian Air Depot was given a week for its final report, beginning their study on December 9. Preliminary findings were sent in data sheets to Col. Raley. His visit to the plane made him keenly aware of certain items to look for in the reports, and he sent several requests back to HAD for confirmation of details.

One early memo helped perpetuate the myth that the Zero and its engine were copies of American technology: Airplane: Good copy of Vultee made in 1936 for export, in reference to the Vultee Vanguard then used in China. The engine was a good copy of Pratt & Whitney 1535, with the reduction gear and about 650 horsepower.

While some things may have gotten past him, Raley was quick to respond: Please note that the engine is said to be about 650 horsepower which I believe to be in error. Note also the memorandum states practically positive no carrier arresting gear on airplane. I know from personal inspection that the airplane is equipped with an arresting hook.

The form in which this information is submitted is immaterial; in fact, I would like to have it as rapidly as possible as the information becomes available, Raley continued. However, I would like to feel certain that each item of information received is the result of physical inspection by someone and it is suggested that the person making the inspection sign the document.

Government property

Manufacturer data plates were missing, including one that gave the actual engine horsepower. The problem of souvenir hunting at Japanese crashes came to a head.

Raley passed the word to Col. Walter C. Philipps, chief of staff to General Short. On December 11, Philipps edict went out to every G-2 office: All military equipment, accessories, etc. and clothing and other articles that could possibly be of value as intelligence found in enemy aircraft or on enemy persons [is to] be turned in at the earliest possible moment.

The squadron S-2 version got personal: All captured material is the property of the United States Government. The removal or retention of same for personal souvenirs is a court martial offense.

While this brought a few fragments to light, some GIs defending the beaches never got the message. The material sought was in their footlockers in the barracks or held in storage. To this day, some vets are still reluctant to show their souvenirs for fear that a government official will come knocking at their door.

By Sunday the first HAD reports started coming in to Raley. The instrument repair section said the gauges were probably Japanese, but were similar to American models such as U.S. Gauge Co. or Pioneer Instrument Co. and, in the case of the pitot tube, possibly British or German.

Examiners made many incorrect assumptions about AI-154, most based on the belief that it reflected American technology. (Courtesy of David Aiken, as featured on HistoryNet)

Final reports

The final department reports were turned in on December 16. The metal manufacture and repair branch only described the castings and fittings without identification of origin: Workmanship, good; average quality castings; spars laminated; dope on fabric seems to be smoother and more pliable than ours  the fabric is of greater strength .The metal used seems to be brittle and not very pliable.

The Signal Corps investigator said that the radio compass, dial and loop control, and compass dynamotor were American-made, while the transmitter and receiver were German-Japanese with a few American parts.

The landing gear unit noted the tail wheel housing was built substantially enough to act as a tail skid if necessary. The brakes were made about the principle of the Bendix system.

In the electrical equipment report, it was noted that the generator voltage and current regulator was a 1933 Eclipse design. The starter appears to be of Eclipse manufacture with Japanese name plates. The idea of prewar manufacturer license-built agreements did not factor into these reports.

The propeller is almost identical with our Hamilton-Standard 3E50-297 series, noted the prop section. The blades are made of aluminum alloy, and seem to be a perfect copy of ours. The internal parts of the propeller have regular part numbers as listed in our 03-A parts catalogue. The propeller is of about 1937 vintage, as the improvements noted were being used at that time.

The power plant section report was the most brazen in suggesting the Japanese stole design data from others.

Engine is a Nakajima Aircraft Co. product. Horsepower 850-900, 14 cylinders, 5 bore, similar to Wright R-975-7 cylinders, it noted. Nose section: copy of the Farman type/Wright or same as Wright. Impeller is a copy of the General Electric. Blower section is a copy of the Wright Whirlwind 14, the power section is a copy of the 14 cylinder Pratt & Whitney, valve mechanism is a copy of P&W. Carburetor is the up draft type, poorly designed or copied from the old type Stromberg. The hand starter is a good copy of the Romec type F-4.

The hydraulics section report also drew comparisons to American products.

Fuel pump similar to the M600 fuel pump, it stated. Selector valves similar to Poppet type valve; the oil strainer was apparently fully automatic as there is no hand turning attachment yet similar to the CUNO oil strainer 12547.

The ordnance department was a day late with its report. Of the Zeros armament, it observed: Two 20mm cannon mounted in wing, unsynchronized, carry approximately 25-50 rounds of ammunition seemingly of Swiss design. Two Vickers synchronized in fuselage, down motion charging assembly on feeding side of gun. Firing mechanism was on top of gun.

Col. Raley made a rough draft compilation report from the HAD reports on Christmas Day. He included a Mitsubishi serial number of 3277 for AI-154 even though the data plate and stencil that gave it were both missing. That serial number was incorrect, and probably came from a replacement part off another aircraft.

The mystery only deepens

AI-154 was crated for shipment to Wright Field, Ohio, for laboratory study.

Hiranos Zero arrived in time to be included with other recovered Japanese planes in the Army Day parade in downtown Dayton on April 5, 1942.

Hirano's fighter would be a start but it would not be until the discovery of a nearly complete Zero in the frozen tundra of Alaska that the secrets of the vaunted

The Mitsubishi Zeros awe-inspiring performance characteristics as well as its weaknesses are well known today. But much of the information that came out of the hangar at Hickam Field contributed to the mythology surrounding the mysterious fighter, causing Allied pilots undue fright when meeting Zeros in combat in early 1942.

Surprisingly few hard facts were revealed by the examination of AI-154.

It took reports from several crashed Zeros and a flyable plane to really learn the secret behind the two positions selected for the propeller, which contributed to the planes far-reaching range, and the strengths and vulnerabilities for successful combat against the legendary Japanese fighter.

David Aiken is a director of Pearl Harbor History Associates. He has spent decades conducting detailed searches for missing American and Japanese airmen from the Pearl Harbor attack.

This story originally appeared on HistoryNet.com.
The charity watchdog could be given new powers to rein in extremism after the Home Office was warned charities are promoting Islamist ideology with impunity.

The Charity Commission is understood to be in talks with government officials about how to strengthen its ability to curtail the activities of both extremist individuals and organisations under its remit.

It follows warnings that the watchdog has been toothless and ineffective at dealing with the issue.

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A briefing note, presented to senior officials at the charity regulator as well as the Home Office, claims out of date charity laws are enabling religious charities to promote extremist ideology with impunity.

The document, drawn up by the National Secular Society (NSS), a British campaigning organisation, lists dozens of examples in which charities have been promoting or condoning extremism but accuses the charity watchdog of sometimes refusing to take any action at all.

It notes that many of the cases relate to recently registered charities, adding that so many of these charities are new reveals that this problem is ongoing, and that the regulators do little or no vetting or charities output before registering them.

In one example cited in the document, a sermon delivered at a mosque which is registered as a charity suggested that blasphemers against Islam should be executed.

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In another example, a lecture delivered at a different mosque told congregants that a husband may hit and shake his wife if she refuses to have sexual relations with him.

The note also says that in November 2023 alone, the NSS reported 44 charities to the watchdog over anti-Semitism relating to sermons, social media posts or other communications following the Oct 7 attack by Hamas in southern Israel.

The document says that earlier this year multiple charities hosted an extremist Islamic scholar from Pakistan who has said sexual slavery is acceptable and has condoned the killing of blasphemers.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper wants to address the rise in extremism - Eddie Mulholland

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, is preparing to announce a new framework for tackling extremism and hateful ideologies after completing an internal review of policies.

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In August, she said: For too long, governments have failed to address the rise in extremism, both online and on our streets.

The Home Office held a conference in November where counter-extremism experts were briefed on the departments thinking for the new framework, which included a presentation from the Charity Commission about its work in this area.

Fiyaz Mughal, a leading interfaith campaigner and founder of the group Tell MAMA, which monitors anti-Muslim hatred, accused the charity watchdog of being toothless and ineffective in dealing with allegations of extremism.

He said it should either be given significant new powers to tackle extremism or shut down altogether.

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Some extremist groups created offshoots which have been completely validated by giving them charitable status, he said.

Groups that have quite substantive evidence of their divisive and extremist rhetoric have been given ample opportunity to carry on.

It is a case of slapped wrists  but we dont want slapped wrists for extremists, we want them to be slapped down.

Fiyaz Mughal says extremist groups have created offshoots validated by being given charitable status - Paul Smyth/Alamy

Earlier this year, Mr Mughal was appointed by Michael Gove to spearhead a government crackdown on extremism as the first anti-Muslim hatred tsar.

But he quit the role after his name was leaked and he was subject to a torrent of abuse.

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Meanwhile, the NSS is calling for the advancement of religion to be reviewed as a legally recognised charitable purpose, arguing that this is being abused by organisations which are registering under this aim but are in fact causing harm relating to their religious ideology or practises.

We are robust

David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, said: A well-regulated sector is essential to public trust in charity.

The powers parliament has granted the commission through a succession of charity Acts have strengthened our ability to address and prevent abuse and mismanagement in charities. We are robust in using these powers whenever required.

Like all regulators, we keep in close contact with government to ensure our powers and our resources are sufficient to respond to the evolving risks and issues facing the sector we regulate.

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A Home Office spokesman said: The counter-extremism sprint sought to comprehensively assess the challenge facing our country and lay the foundations for a new approach to tackling extremism  so we can stop people being drawn towards hateful ideologies.

The sprint has now concluded, and we continue to refine recommendations from our learnings. Further plans to tackle extremism will be set out in due course.

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.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Versiti Blood Center of Michigan says it is experiencing a critical shortage of blood and platelet donations due to the winter weather.

During recent snowstorms over the past few days, hundreds of people have canceled their blood donation appointments, according to a release from Versiti.

We rely on valuable donations, precious donations during the holiday period, during the winter to supply our hospitals with the needed blood, Dawn Kaiser, director of donor services at Versiti, told News 8. We made a commitment to our hospitals that we would supply them daily with their need. When we dont have enough blood in inventory, we have to tell hospitals, Im sorry, we have to cut your order. And thats not fun.

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Erich Pagel is a frequent donor at Versiti. He told News 8 he has been donating for the past two decades.

As long as I am able to and I am healthy, theres no reason not to continue to do so, he said. I feel really, really blessed by God to have good heath, and with that good health, its easy and simple to donate blood and give back.

Pagel said he was shocked to hear about the recent cancellations amid the winter weather.

It seems on the surface to me to be backwards. Like, during the holidays, we have more time off and more flexibility, he said. A lot of us are out anyhow, shopping, buying extra food or hosting, so being out anyhow is easy.

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Now, the cancellations are leaving the center in crucial need of donations. Pagel said he will continue to donate and urges everyone to do the same.

I want to give, and I know that it will be used in a great way and in an important way, he said. Their donation is really, really, really important. It is going to literally save lives. Heres something we know can save somebodys life, and its simple, its efficient and its an easy thing to do.

Anyone 17 or older who is in good health and meets eligibility requirements should visit their local donation center. Appointments are encouraged and walk-ins are welcome. Here is a list of Versiti locations in West Michigan:

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You can make an appointment to give blood at a Versiti location online or by phone at 866.642.5663.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  For San Diego Police Sergeant Anthony Elliott, December 7 marks an emotional anniversary because it is one year since he was shot in the head while on duty.

The husband and father of two has made a remarkable recovery in the months since the incident. But while many call him a hero, Elliott says the true hero is his wife, Laura.

Its hard to believe its already been 12 months, Elliott said.

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The sergeant was chasing a domestic violence suspect at a shopping center in 4S Ranch in December 2023 when the suspect opened fire at point-blank range.

Body camera footage showed the heart stopping moment when the bullet struck Elliott, coming within a millimeter of killing him. Fragments of the bullet are still lodged in his brain, leaving him paralyzed on his left side and requiring months of intensive rehabilitation to regain his ability to walk.

San Diego police sergeant who was shot in head returns home

It was hard in the beginning and still is hard, physically and mentally, Elliott said. But things are good. I feel like Im as recovered as Im going to be.

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Elliott credits his recovery to his wife, who stayed by his side through every challenge.

I dont think I would have made the recovery I did without her advocating, not sleeping, staying by my side and asking the questions I didnt know how to ask, he said.

During his recovery, Laura juggled caring for her husband and their two young sons, often pushing through her own exhaustion and fears.

Fundraiser at Chicken Charlies benefits SDPD sergeant shot in the head

Its emotional  knowing everything she did, Elliott said. Im very thankful. The sacrifice, and experiencing all the pain and depression, she just muscled through it. It was very impressive to watch.

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For Laura, the experience was both overwhelming and deeply emotional.

He was still in a very critical state at the beginning, with a very high mortality rate, she recalled. I remember just staying up watching his monitors, his oxygen, and seeing his oxygen go down and having to call the nurse to come in. One of the first things I thought of was, How do I tell the kids if something happens?

Despite the odds, Elliott returned to work in October, transitioning to an administrative role with the SWAT operations unit. This month, the couple is preparing to welcome a new addition to their family  a baby girl.

Her name is going to be Sophia, Laura shared, smiling.

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For the Elliotts, the new baby is a much needed fresh start after a challenging year.

Its kind of our miracle baby, Elliott said. She wouldnt be here if I didnt make it  which was very close.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Eighty-three years ago today, on Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese conducted a brazen surprise attack on the U.S. Navys Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor, plunging the United States into four long years of war on two fronts.

Eighty-three years. Thats a long time. CNN is reporting that only 16 survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack are still with us.

As the World War II generation dies off inevitably, lets take a few moments and remember that tragic and epoch-turning day.

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President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said it was a date that will live in infamy in an address to the nation. The United States declared war on Imperial Japan and a few days later, Nazi Germany  Japans ally  declared war on the U.S.

That day marked the beginning of four long years of hardship and struggle on the battlefield and on the home front. My parents  who were children at the time  remember things like sugar and tires being rationed. My mom also says they had to turn out the lights at night in San Francisco for fear of a Japanese attack.

Newsday recently reported that in a survey of high-school students on Long Island, only a little more than half knew what Pearl Harbor signified.

According to the Pride of Maui website, 2,403 American lives were lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor. More than 1,100 of those lives were lost on the USS Arizona alone. A memorial has been built on top of the wreck of the USS Arizona, providing a spectacular and somber remembrance of that day.

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Here is a website if you are interested in planning a visit to Pearl Harbor and what you need to know ahead of 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 KTSM 9 News.
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WKBN)  The Cleveland Guardians have officially signed ace pitcher Shane Bieber to a one-year, $14 million free agent contract with ace pitcher Shane Bieber.

Read next: Voice of the Cleveland Guardians bound for Cooperstown

The deal includes a player option for the 2026 season.

Bieber, who won the 2020 Cy Young award, missed the bulk of the 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The 29-year-old should be ready to pitch in games in the second half of the 2025 season.

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He made two starts for Cleveland last season, pitching 12 innings with 20 strikeouts.

In seven seasons in Cleveland, Bieber has posted a record of 62-32 with a 3.22 ERA. He has struck out 958 batters in 843 innings of work.

He is one of just three pitchers in club history to start five season Opening Days along with Stan Coveleski (1917-21) and Corey Kluber (2015-19).

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
At least 21 people have been killed and 30 injured in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, Palestinian reports said on Saturday, as Hamas released another video of a hostage abducted during the October 7 attacks.

Al-Awda hospital staff told dpa the strike hit a residential building in the Nuseirat refugee neighbourhood in central Gaza.

The information could not be independently verified and there was no confirmation of the attack from the Israeli military.

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According to Palestinian figures, more than 44,000 people have died in Gaza since Israel launched its response to the October 7, 2023, attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Talks on a ceasefire and the release of hostages have been at a standstill for months, but Hamas released a new video featuring an Israeli hostage on Saturday.

The hostage, a 25-year-old man, said that part of him was dying every day and that isolation was killing the remaining hostages, who had scarcely any food, water or medications.

He described living amongst rats and other vermin, and said he was suffering from skin ailments.

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The man called on the people of Israel not to abandon the hostages, and accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the entire Israeli government of failure.

The hostages were paying the price for the failings of the Israeli leadership, he said.

Addressing his mother, he said he was aware of her work. She is one of the most influential people behind the movement pushing for the release of the hostages, including through mass demonstrations.

The circumstances surrounding the video and whether the man was under duress when it was recorded remain unclear.

The recording is not dated, but the man said he had been a Hamas prisoner "for more than 420 days."

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The man was abducted from his house along with his partner, who was released more than a year ago in a deal between the Israeli government and Hamas.

The video came one week after Hamas released a recording of another surviving hostage.

Around 250 hostages were taken by Hamas and other extremists during the terrorist attacks. Roughly 100 are believed to be still in Gaza, although it is unclear how many remain alive.

Palestinian shot at West Bank checkpoint

Earlier on Saturday, Israeli police said security forces in the West Bank shot and killed a Palestinian man who had launched fireworks in their direction at the Qalandia checkpoint between Ramallah and Jerusalem.

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It said the 27-year-old man was wearing a shirt featuring the logo of the Islamic State terrorist militia. A knife was found on his body.

The Qalandia checkpoint is one of the most important crossings linking the West Bank to Jerusalem.

The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed the man's death after his body was taken to hospital by the Red Crescent rescue service.

Tensions have risen in the Israeli-occupied West Bank since the October 7 attacks.

The Health Ministry in Ramallah reports that since then at least 769 Palestinians have since died in Israeli military operations, armed conflict and attacks by extremists.
Dec. 6Both downtown Spokane stores damaged by flooding resulting from an apartment fire in the Coeur d'Alene Plaza building Wednesday evening had reopened as of mid-day Friday.

Some progress has been made in the recovery from a 6th floor apartment fire that broke out Wednesday and the extensive water damage throughout the building that resulted from the response from Spokane Fire and the building's sprinkler system, as well as a burst water main. Spokane Fire had not responded to inquiries regarding the cause of the fire as of Friday evening.

Built in 1890, the historic brick building's damage displaced more than 60 residents and shuttered the restaurant and storefront on the first floor.

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Boo Radley's toy shop and its neighbor Petunia & Loomis, a macabre oddities store, were able to open their doors to customers Friday after spending much of Thursday evaluating damages and cleaning the aftermath of the water damage.

O'Doherty's Irish Grille, which also suffered water damage, remained closed Friday as the water to the building had yet to be turned on as of mid-day.

Aside from a lingering musty smell, it was business as usual at Boo Radley's on Friday as community members crammed into the freshly restocked aisles. Jen Merzen, the toy shop's owner, said she was grateful to see the support.

"I am feeling great," Merzen said. "Sad that O'Doherty's is still without water, but hopefully they're getting it resolved today."

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Spokane resident Adam Finkbeiner was one of several supporting both shops with his business Friday. As he strolled the aisles of Boo Radley's, he recalled visiting just hours before Wednesday's ordeal. He said he knew he needed to return as soon as he heard of the reopening.

"I wanted to come back and do what I can," Finkbeiner said. "Just see if I can find anything that jumps out on me, you know, Christmas gifts."

Petunia & Loomis co-owner Sam McCauley said her business was still without heating as a result of the flooding. Both of the pilot lights for their gas-powered system were out Friday, and without water, Atticus Coffee graciously acted as the working restroom for the boutique and Boo Radley's.

"We've had a lot of really great community outpouring, and we're really appreciative of everybody around us," McCauley said.

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McCauley said she was grateful for the assistance from her fellow business owners, and recommended customers wanting to pop in and show their support bring a jacket with them. Their holiday photo shoots with Krampus, a half-goat character who punishes naughty children at Christmas, are back on for Saturday, she confirmed.

"There's still little hiccups, obviously, and it's gonna take a while," McCauley said. "We want people to come visit all of us; we just would ask them to be patient and bear with us."

While she's grateful for the support and happy to see the doors to her shop open again, Menzer said she's worried about the residents of the low-income apartments that fill the floors above the shops. More than 60 tenants, many who are senior citizens, were displaced in the fire and resulting water damage.

The American Red Cross established an emergency shelter in a local church for those displaced that was expected to close Friday at 5 p.m. The residents are being provided hotel rooms instead, said Lacie Clark, director of the American Red Cross Northwest Region Greater Inland Northwest chapter.

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Clark said lines of communication between the property managers and the tenants are now open, after several residents lamented the lack of information they received Wednesday night and much of Thursday.

The Spokesman-Review reached out to Redwood Communities, the property management company, for comment several times over the course of Thursday and Friday. As of publication time Friday evening, not one of those requests for comments had been returned.
The battle between Richard Simmons' family and his longtime housekeeper has resulted in a small victory for the former employee.

The drama began in September when Teresa Reveles, the fitness guru's caretaker, claimed his brother had tricked her into giving up her co-trustee rights. She and Leonard Simmons were named as co-trustees of the late entertainer's million-dollar estate.

However, Richard Simmons' family fired back at her motion to be reinstated as a co-trustee of the estate. They argued that the housekeeper's petition was fueled by greed and accused her of tarnishing the wellness influencer's legacy and stealing some of his assets.

Richard Simmons' Housekeeper Scores Small Victory In Co-Trustee Drama

MEGA

According to new reports, a judge has not made a final decision on Teresa's request to be reinstated as co-trustee of Richard's estate. Instead, at the hearing on December 4, the legal umpire appointed her as interim co-trustee until another hearing could be held in January 2025.

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While this was not a permanent position, it allowed Teresa to sit on the decision-making table about Richard's estate as she wanted. She has been adamantly fighting for this right over Leonard's alleged refusal to honor her late employer's last wishes.

"It appears that Leonard is actively preparing to dispose of numerous of Richard's personal effects, as he has retained a real estate agent to market Richard's home where all of his personal effects were maintained," part of her allegations read.

In Touch reported that her claims continued, "Leonard is thus likely also making arrangements to imminently sell, donate, or otherwise dispose of Richard's personal effects without Teresa's input, as was envisioned by Richard in the Trust."

The longtime employee also accused Leonard of conspiring with Richard's ex-manager.

The Wellness Promoter's Brother Denied The Allegations

MEGA

In his response to Teresa's claims, Leonard stressed that she was aware of the documents removing her co-trustee rights when she signed them. As for the alleged conspiracy, he argued that Richard was not estranged from the manager at the time of his death.

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Additionally, Leonard painted Teresa as a problem, accusing her of stealing her late employer's jewelry. "Although Teresa has her own home, she had a room in Richard's house that she refused to vacate after his death," his documents read. The allegations continued:

"She participated in the effort to misappropriate the Trust's intellectual property. Teresa's counsel has not informed the Trustee whether Teresa intends to keep this property or return it. If she decides to try to keep it, the Trustee will have no choice but to file a petition to recover it, which is a clear reason she should not be Co-Trustee."

Simmons' Brother Claims The Housekeeper Is Against Him

MEGA

Leonard added in his filing that since Teresa left her co-trustee position, she had "demonstrated strong animosity" towards him. He claimed she was against him for reasons he could not understand, arguing they could not serve as co-trustees with their strained relationship.

Richard's brother stressed that Teresa's reinstatement would be "counter-productive and almost certainly lead to the appointment of a corporate trustee." Earlier this month, The Blast reported that Leonard had filed a notice about missing assets from the estate.

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He claimed he could not find "song lyrics that [Richard] wrote for a Broadway play he was working on and other handwritten notes for social media to be posted the following week." However, unlike the alleged jewelry theft, Leonard did not blame Teresa for the missing items.

The Simmons Family's Attorney Slammed The Housekeeper's 'Greed'

MEGA

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Before Leonard's claims of missing belongings, the Simmons family called out Teresa in a scathing statement. Their spokesperson, attorney Tom Estey, claimed Richard would be appalled by his housekeeper's actions, saying:

"Richard's message was always one of joy and positivity. He would be heartbroken to learn of Teresa's greed and insulted that she would diminish their three decades of supposed friendship in such a public way."

The legal rep also slammed Teresa for tarnishing Richard's legacy and attempting to bill the estate for her living expenses. He stressed that she was wasting the beneficiaries' time and assets with her "meritless and pointless litigation."

Richard Simmons' Range Rover Has A New Owner

MEGA

The legal drama between the Simmons family and Teresa did not stop the sale of Richard's 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged car. The Blast shared that the vehicle was sold for $30,750 on Tuesday, December 3.

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The "Bring A Trailer" auction house claimed the price was a steal as the car had around 18,000 miles and a luxurious interior. It featured 20" rims, leather seats, a wood-trimmed steering wheel, a sunroof, a touchscreen infotainment system, and heated seats.

The Range Rover also has a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with 510 horsepower, 461 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed automatic transmission. The bonus points continued with the car passing its most recent smog check and obtaining a clean Carfax report.

How will the battle between Richard Simmons' loved ones turn out with his housekeeper's temporary return to the co-trustee table?
A federal grand jury indicted a man last month on charges of smuggling ammunition across the U.S.-Mexico border.

His charges include one count of smuggling ammunition, assault on a federal officer and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.

Miguel Soto-Morando, of Rio Rico, attempted to cross into Mexico through the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales on Oct. 16.

When customs officers attempted to inspect his vehicle, Soto-Morando tried to flee, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

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When a customs officer reached into Soto-Morando's truck to stop him from leaving, Soto-Morando propelled toward the gate and crashed into a pillar on the United States side, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

The crash threw the officer from Soto-Morandos truck. In response, two other officers shot Soto-Morando twice.

They searched the truck and found 3,140 rounds of ammunition hidden in the spare tire, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Soto-Morando is also alleged to be a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

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If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years for smuggling goods, 20 years for assault on a federal officer and 15 years for possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.

Each offense also carries a fine of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release.

The FBI is conducting the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Nathaniel J. Walters, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.

Ties to Arizona: Trump's new Customs and Border Protection nominee grew up in Nogales

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona man accused of smuggling ammunition across border indicted
Dec. 7ROCHESTER  Over the last six months, officers with the Rochester Police Department have arrested seven online offenders who attempted to solicit minors through social media accounts.

In June, an Owatonna man was arrested after having sexual conversations online with an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl. Later that month, a Rochester man was charged after exchanging sexual messages and planning to meet up with a minor, who turned out to be an officer. In September, four men were arrested and charged for attempting to solicit minors for sex acts. In November, a Rochester man posed as his co-worker while having sexual conversations with a minor.

Since RPD began facilitating training programs with Internet Crimes Against Children in October 2023, the department has made 15 proactive arrests  five arrests for the solicitation of a minor to engage in sexual conduct and 10 for engaging in, hiring, or agreeing to hire a minor to engage in prostitution.

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RPD Sgt. Ben Schlag says the department's undercover operations work is never complete.

In fact, officers are working active investigations involving human trafficking and child exploitation 365 days a year, said Schlag, who oversees the intelligence and technology forensics units.

RPD communicates with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the FBI almost daily to track cases and leads, he said. As an affiliate of the Minnesota Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force, officers receive training throughout the year.

"What's cutting-edge technology today is outdated tomorrow," Schlag said. "We always have to make sure our detectives are staying up-to-date on what's out there and what's coming in the future."

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Schlag said RPD has a team dedicated to conducting undercover operations for online offenders, noting that it's an "absolute priority" of the police department.

Although the undercover officers work to target as many online offenders as they can, children become susceptible to new threats when they receive a cellphone.

"If you're going to give a child essentially the key to the universe," Schlag said, "you have to understand the threats and the dangers that are out there."

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , teens and young adults recommend that children receive their first phone between ages 12 and 13. Other studies revealed the average age of getting a phone was 11.6 years old. When children receive their first phone, they're often at an age where they want to fit in, Schlag said.

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They want attention, he said, which is something online offenders cater to.

"Kids need to be careful with who they're talking to  on both ends," Schlag said.

Children often know more about the internet than their parents realize, he said, which is why conversations about internet safety should begin once parents or guardians determine their child is old enough to have a cellphone.

Schlag said it's imperative that parents monitor the sites their children visit, who they're speaking with, what kinds of conversations they're having and what they're capable of doing.

According to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, the most popular social media platforms for teens include YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. In the United States, 45% of teens report being online "almost constantly," while spending an average of nine hours per day on their phones.

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According to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program , parents should familiarize themselves with the apps that their children download and assess potential risks of each app.

The Digital Future Initiative curated a list of apps and what to watch out for, including on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Other apps include Whisper, kik, Omegle, Skout and Wishbone.

"If you're not paying attention, I can guarantee you there's people in the online arena that are paying attention."

Schlag did not comment on specific apps that RPD monitors or any prior investigations so as to not interfere with any active investigations or legal matters.
BUCHAREST (Reuters) -Romanian prosecutors searched several properties on Saturday in an investigation into potential illegal financing in the country's presidential election, a day after the top court annulled the ballot following accusations of Russian meddling.

The court ruled on Friday that the election should be held again, plunging Romania, a member of the European Union and NATO, into institutional chaos and raising concern that public trust in the state could be eroded.

Prosecutors have not named the candidate whose campaign is being investigated, but documents declassified by the national security council this week focused on the campaign of Calin Georgescu - a far-right, pro-Russian critic of NATO.

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Georgescu - who wants to end Romanian support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion, had attracted only single-digit support in opinion polls before the Nov. 24 first-round vote but surged to first place in that round, raising questions about the validity of the election.

A second-round vote to decide the election had been planned for Sunday, until the court's ruling. No date has been set yet for the re-run.

The declassified documents showed the electoral process had been spoiled through vote manipulation, campaign irregularities and non-transparent funding.

Prosecutors said on Saturday three searches had taken place in the central city of Brasov.

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"The searches target the possible involvement of an individual in the illegal financing of the electoral campaign of a candidate for the Presidency of Romania, through the use of sums of money... (that) could come from the commission of crimes, being subsequently introduced into a money laundering process," prosecutors said in a statement.

Russia has denied accusations by Romanian officials of meddling in the election.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted by TASS news agency on Saturday as saying "We are deeply indifferent to what they are doing there, trying to justify their machinations," commenting on the investigation into Russia's possible interference.

In one of the unclassified documents, Romania's intelligence agency said Georgescu was massively promoted on social media platform TikTok through coordinated accounts, recommendation algorithms and paid promotion.

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TikTok denies giving Georgescu special treatment, saying his account was labelled as a political account and treated like any other.

Georgescu said on Friday the court's decision to annul the election amounted to a "coup". He urged election authorities to disregard the ruling. He has declared zero funds spent in the campaign.

Outgoing President Klaus Iohannis, who will stay on until the election is held again, said on social media platform X that he had spoken to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

"We agreed that we need to strengthen the security of social media, following the elections in our country," he said.

(Reporting by Octav Ganea and Luiza Ilie in Bucharest and Alan Charlish in Warsaw;Additional reporting by Muvija M in London; Felix LightEditing by Helen Popper and Frances Kerry)
SOUTH KENT, Conn. (WTNH)  A Romanian national was sentenced on Friday to 7 years in federal prison for his involvement in a 2007 home invasion in South Kent, according to the Department of Justice.

Man pleads guilty to Kent home invasion where he claimed to inject occupants with virus

Stefan Alexandru Barabas, 38, allegedly broke into the home, bound and blindfolded two adult victims and injected them with a substance they claimed to be a deadly virus. He then ordered the victims to pay $8.5 million or else they would die of the virus. He then drugged the two residents and fled in the homeowners Jeep Cherokee.

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Barabas fled the United States during the investigation and was a fugitive until his arrest in Hungary in Aug. 2022. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion on June 18.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP)  Romanian prosecutors conducted raids on Saturday linked to a man suspected of illegally financing a campaign to promote Calin Georgescus presidential run, a day after the countrys top court annulled the elections in which the far-right candidate had won the first round.

The raids at three properties in the central city of Brasov were based on suspicions of voter corruption, money laundering and cyber fraud, prosecutors said, and that the funds are suspected of originating from criminal activities.

The searches come after the Constitutional Court made the unprecedented decision on Friday to cancel the presidential elections, after a trove of declassified intelligence on Wednesday alleged Russia organized a sprawling campaign across platforms such as TikTok and Telegram to promote Calin Georgescu.

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An official in the prosecutors office, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the case is ongoing, told The Associated Press that the searches on Saturday were conducted at properties linked to Bogdan Peschir. Intelligence alleged Peschir was a key player behind a massive TikTok campaign that promoted Georgescu.

The secret services alleged that Peschir paid $381,000 (361,000 euros) to TikTok users to promote Georgescu content on the Chinese-owned platform. Intelligence authorities said information they obtained revealed an aggressive promotion campaign to increase and accelerate Georgescus popularity.

The charge is money laundering in connection with Georgescus financing, the official said. He added Peschir will be brought to the capital Bucharest for questioning.

There is no clear link between Peschir and alleged Russian interference. Russia denies it meddling in Romania.

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The courts published decision to annul the elections cited the illegal use of digital technologies including artificial intelligence, as well as the use of undeclared sources of funding.

Without naming Georgescu, the court said one of the 13 candidates in the Nov. 24 first round had improperly received preferential treatment on social media, which distorted the outcome of the vote.

Georgescu also denounced the courts Friday verdict as an officialized coup and an attack on democracy.

Despite being an outsider who declared zero campaign spending, Georgescu emerged as the frontrunner on Nov. 24. He was due to face reformist Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union party in a runoff on Sunday.

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Thirteen candidates ran in the first round presidential vote in this European Union and NATO member country, and has been gripped by myriad controversies since the first round. New dates will be set to rerun the presidential vote from scratch.

In a televised statement Friday, President Klaus Iohannis said he was deeply concerned by the contents of the intelligence reports, which indicated one candidates campaign was unlawfully supported from outside Romania and was a matter of national security.

The same candidate declared zero campaign expenditures, despite running a highly sophisticated campaign, he said. Intelligence reports revealed that this candidates campaign was supported by a foreign state with interests contrary to Romanias.

Lasconi strongly condemned the courts decision, saying it was illegal, immoral, and crushes the very essence of democracy and that the second round should have gone forward.

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After Georgescu topped the polls in the first round, his success left many political observers wondering how most local surveys had placed him behind at least five other candidates before the vote.

Many observers attributed his success to his TikTok account, which now has 6 million likes and 541,000 followers. But some experts suspected Georgescus online following was artificially inflated while Romanias top security body alleged he was given preferential treatment by TikTok over other candidates.

In a separate case on Saturday, prosecutors raided nine other properties in six counties investigating alleged extremists groups accused of promoting violence or hatred against individuals based on their ethnicity, sexual orientation, or political opinions related to the elections.

Prosecutors said they were investigating messages inciting violence against a presidential election candidate or their supporters, and the promotion of fascist, racist, or xenophobic ideologies.
Rose State College President Jeanie Webb, the second-longest serving active president in Oklahoma higher education, has announced she will retire in July.

Webb, the first female president of Rose State, took office in July 2013. Among active Oklahoma college and university presidents, only Oral Roberts University President William Wilson, who started at ORU a month before Webb began at Rose State, has served longer.

During her tenure, Midwest City-based Rose State built a new Student Union building, giving a school often thought of as a commuter college a hub for campus life. She oversaw the approval of a bachelors degree in applied technology in cybersecurity, making Rose State one of the few community colleges in Oklahoma to offer a four-year degree.

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Earlier this year, Rose State became one of only three institutions in Oklahoma  and the only community college  to offer a degree program in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

According to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Rose State in Midwest City had an enrollment of about 6,800 students in fall 2023, making it the states third-largest community college, behind Tulsa Community College and Oklahoma City Community College.

Webb said in a statement that serving students during her 43-year career in higher education has been an honor.

As I focus on completing key projects, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family, she said. I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of serving as president of this remarkable college.

Jeanie Webb

During Webbs tenure as president, Rose State secured $22 million in grants and fundraising for campus enhancements, including a $900,000 U.S. Economic Development Administration grant and a landmark $1.3 million donation to the colleges Tanenbaum Aerospace and Cybersecurity Center. Her recent efforts also brought in $9.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, which Rose State used to help bolster its nursing program.

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Greg Smith, the chairman of the Rose State Board of Regents, said Webb worked to grow educational access and quality for students.

Her leadership has strengthened Rose State as a resilient, forward-thinking institution, and I am confident that the momentum of excellence and Rose States reputation of agility for serving workforce development needs will continue as part of her wonderful legacy, Smith said in a statement.

Rose State said it plans to conduct a comprehensive search for Webbs successor.

Before arriving at Rose State, Jeanie Webb held various faculty and administrative roles at Northeastern State and eventually became the dean of the NSU-Muskogee campus and the dean of the former NSU University Center in Tulsa. Webb began working at Rose State as the associate vice president of external affairs in 1998. By 2000, she was the colleges vice president for student affairs.

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Webbs husband, Roger Webb, also served as a college president, first at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and later at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, from which he retired in 2011 after 14 years at the helm.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Longtime Rose State President Jeanie Webb announces retirement
Rudy Giulianis alleged girlfriend says she was subjected to ongoing ridicule and humiliation during her tenure as the co-host of the disgraced former New York City mayors radio show on 77 WABC, accusing billionaire station owner and deep-pocketed Trump backer John Catsimatides of implementing a craven campaign to undermine her position before unceremoniously firing her  via text message  for complaining.

In an eye-popping lawsuit obtained by The Independent, board-certified nurse practitioner and former hospital executive Maria Ryan claims supermarket magnate Johnny Cats marginalized, and eventually fired, her because she is a woman, questioning her bona fides, ignoring her suggestions, and refusing to compensate her for her appearances on the radio show.

When Catsimatidis finally agreed to start paying Ryan, he grudgingly offered her $200 per episode, an amount significantly lower than her male counterparts and industry standards, according to the lawsuit, which was filed by Ryan Saturday in New York state court.

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Ryans suit claims she brought her complaints about the discrimination and hostile work environment at WABC to station President Chad Lopez, who allegedly told her John makes all the decisions and John is a Greek man and you are a woman.

[T]herefore, there was no point in standing up to him, the lawsuit states.

The married Ryan, who played a central role in Giulianis push to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, has previously denied being romantically involved with Giuliani. The former mayor was previously caught on tape talking at length to former employee Noelle Dunphy, who is suing Giuliani over alleged widespread misconduct including sexual assault, about what he described as a two-year affair that ended only because Ryan wouldnt leave her husband.

Maria Ryan (pictured with Rudy Giuliani) claims she was treated like a second-class citizen because shes a woman (Getty Images)

In an email on Saturday to The Independent, Giulianis security chief, Michael Ragusa, who said he had been authorized to comment on the former mayors behalf, said, As I have stated to numerous outlets, Mayor Giuliani and Dr. Maria are strictly business partners,. Dr. Marias involvement with the mayor is purely professional, and with her extensive and impressive medical background, she also oversees his healthcare.

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Ryans attorney, Matthew Blit, said his client emphatically denies any affair, sexual or otherwise. There is no tape, audio, visual or otherwise that refers to her.

Facing Discrimination is extremely challenging, especially for a person in a powerful position, Blit told The Independent. It makes the person question themselves and their accomplishments and it dissuades many people from going public and standing up for their rights. Dr. Maria is bravely taking on a very powerful person and entity. Mayor Guiliani has also retained our firm and is also considering a lawsuit to remedy the discriminatory actions which he believes were taken against him.

Attorneys for Catsimatidis did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday, and a messages to Lopez went unanswered.

In the spring of 2021, Ryan, a board-certified nurse practitioner and former community hospital exec, began appearing as a guest on WABCs The Rudy Giuliani Show, according to her lawsuit.

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Dr. Marias contributions focused on significant healthcare topics and discussions on the pandemic, the suit states.

Supermarket magnate and 77 WABC owner John Catsimatidis (right) with wife Margo at the 2018 National Eating Disorders Association Annual Gala (Getty Images for National Eating)

It claims listeners appreciated the effective dynamic between Giuliani and Ryan, who railed against the Covid vaccine and instead touted hydroxychloroquine, a livestock dewormer, as a treatment. This prompted Catsimatidis and Lopez to offer her a co-hosting slot on Giulianis new show, Uncovering the Truth.

Because Ryan was initially billed as a guest and not a co-host, she received no money for her appearances, according to the lawsuit. Eventually, Giuliani had his agent try to negotiate a compensation package for Ryan, but the suit says Catsimatidis rejected those overtures, showing no interest in paying Dr. Maria or providing her a contract.

After Ryan protested to Lopez, she claims Catsimatidis agreed to pay her far less than what men received.

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Ryans suit claims she was consistently treated as a lesser contributor compared to her male counterparts, with her suggestions often ignored in team meetings and discussions, and that she faced disparaging remarks about her qualifications, with Lopez questioning the legitimacy of her academic degrees. It alleges she was compelled to provide all four of her degrees to Lopez to validate her credentials as a real medical provider, an experience that was both humiliating and demoralizing.

Despite her established professional expertise, [Ryan] faced unwarranted scrutiny while her male colleagues were not similarly questioned, the lawsuit claims.

According to her official bio, Dr. Maria Ryan is an intelligent person with a brilliant perspective to solving todays issues.

Maria Ryan (left) claims Rudy Giuliani argued with WABC on her behalf, and got fired because of it (@RudyGiuliani / X)

She earned her nursing degree at NH Technical Institute in 1989, a bachelors degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1994, a masters degree from Rivier College in 1997, and a doctorate in healthcare administration from Warren National University, a so-called diploma mill that went under, in 2009.

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The suit also alleges she faced false accusations of policy violations, such as playing unauthorized music on air  claims she alleges were unsubstantiated and a pretext to undermine her role.

In one instance, Ryan says Lopez angrily texted her during a show to admonish her for discussing Newsmax on the air.

During a phone call to resolve the issue, Lopez became increasingly aggressive, accusing [Ryan] of being present at a dinner where the policy was allegedly discussed, the lawsuit continues. [Ryan] clarified that she had not attended such a dinner. Lopez, initially insistent that she was present, eventually admitted the error.

However, Ryan claims her speaking out only served to turn her into even more of an outcast among WABC brass.

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For example, promotional materials for Uncovering the Truth prominently featured Giulianis head while reducing [Ryans] head to the size of a postage stamp, a representation that became a source of ridicule within the station, the lawsuit states.

Ryan says WABCs on-air promotions gave her similar short shrift.

Ex-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been hit with his own allegations of creating a hostile work environment (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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Despite being responsible for the first two segments and Giuliani for the last two, the promotions consistently introduced the show with Heres Rudy Giuliani for all segments, the suit alleges. [Ryans] requests to start the first two segments with Now, heres Dr. Maria were ignored.

Giuliani, who has faced his own hostile workplace allegations, went to bat for Ryan with Catsimatidis and Lopez on several occasions, according to the lawsuit. But, it claims, the two rejected the former mayors legitimate complaints about the discriminatory treatment of his co-host, and instead retaliated against him by suspending and ultimately terminating his employment.

The suit notes that Catsimatidis claimed later that he fired Giuliani for repeating known lies about Dominion and Smartmatic voting machines, saying he didnt want the station to be sued. Ryan claims this was a made-up story meant to provide cover for their unlawful retaliation against him.

As for Ryan, she was informed by Catsimatidis via text message that her employment was conditional, a term that had not been previously communicated, and that she was no longer allowed to appear on Giulianis weekday show, The Rudy Giuliani Show, the lawsuit states. Shortly thereafter, [Ryan] was given 30-day notice of termination and informed she was off the air immediately.

Maria Ryan was a vocal backer of Rudy Giulianis effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Giuliani is seen giving his now-infamous Total Landscaping press conference (Getty Images)

In the aftermath of their firings, Giuliani described Catsimatidis and Lopez to right-wing operative and Trump insider Steve Bannon as dishonorable people and a bunch of weasels.

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Ryans suit alleges Catsimatidis and Lopez committed three separate violations of the New York City Human Rights Law: discrimination based upon sex, hostile work environment based upon sex, and retaliation.

She is demanding compensatory damages, punitive damages, back pay, front pay, attorneys fees, and a court order prohibiting Catsimatidis and Lopez from engaging in the conduct alleged herein, along with an award of damages to compensate [Ryan] for emotional distress and mental anguish suffered as a result of Defendants unlawful conduct, in an amount to be determined at trial.

Catsamatidis, Lopez, and WABC have not yet filed a formal response to Ryans allegations.
Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss are once again urging a federal judge to compel Rudy Giuliani to cooperate with court orders regarding his surrender of assets to the former Georgia election workers.

In a filing Thursday, Freeman and Moss lawyers said Giuliani has failed to provide any documents he had been ordered to hand over ahead of his Jan. 16 trial, when Giuliani is set to challenge the womens move to seize his Palm Beach, Florida, condo.

The plaintiffs have asked U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman to hold Giuliani in civil contempt and to impose sanctions on him for attempting to stonewall what should be a straightforward and abbreviated process.

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It seems that Mr. Giuliani may be refusing to comply with the Orders in an attempt, at least in part, to force the Court to accept further delay, their lawyers said in the filing. Mr. Giulianis gamesmanship and willful disregard for court orders and the burdens his litigation misconduct has inflicted on the parties and the Court warrant the entry of these severe sanctions.

On Friday, Liman ordered Giuliani to respond to the motion by Dec. 19 and to appear at a hearing on the issue on Jan. 3. Giulianis lawyer did not immediately respond to MSNBCs request for comment.

Giuliani has been mired in legal troubles related to the $148 million defamation verdict the women had won against him in December 2023. Freeman and Moss have sought to collect on the judgment since Giulianis bankruptcy case was dismissed, as the former New York City mayor has repeatedly blown past court-ordered deadlines to surrender his assets, their lawyers said in court filings.

Liman had previously threatened to hold Giuliani in contempt last month after the disgraced lawyer failed to hand over assets, claiming that he did not know where his possessions were.

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Whats more, Freeman and Moss have pointed in filings to livestreams made by Giuliani on November 14 and 16 in which they say he has repeated the defamatory claims against them. The women have asked a federal judge in Washington, D.C., to hold Giuliani in contempt for allegedly continuing to defame them, and Giuliani is set to appear in court on Dec. 12 for a hearing on that request.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has updated information on Russian losses in the war against Ukraine. Russia has lost another 1,300 soldiers killed and wounded and two air defence systems over the past day.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 7 December 2024 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

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approximately 751,910 (+1,300) military personnel;

9,514 (+0) tanks;

19,535 (+17) armoured combat vehicles;

21,055 (+12) artillery systems;

1,253 (+0) multiple-launch rocket systems;

1,022 (+2) air defence systems;

369 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft;

329 (+0) helicopters;

20,042 (+19) tactical and strategic UAVs;

2,857 (+0) cruise missiles;

28 (+0) ships/boats;

1 (+0) submarine;

30,948 (+49) vehicles and fuel tankers;

3,633 (+0) special vehicles and other equipment.

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(NewsNation) The U.S. could be in the same boat as Europe, where Russia has been attempting to wreak chaos through sabotage, Philip Mudd, a former counterterrorism expert, told NewsNation. The FBI saying it can never happen here, I wouldnt count on that at all, he said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Russian shelling struck residential areas and injured 16 people, including one child, in Kherson Oblast over the past day, regional authorities reported on Dec. 7.

Kherson Oblast Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported that several locations in the oblast and the city of Kherson had come under enemy fire and airstrikes.

He said Russia also launched three missile attacks on the Beryslavskyi district of the oblast.

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According to Prokudin, Russian forces attacked residential areas in the settlements of the oblast and damaged 16 private houses. The attack also damaged a gas pipeline, a grain warehouse, a gas station, and private cars.

The Kherson Military Administration reported separately on its Telegram channel that a 57-year-old man was hit by a Russian drone in Vesely and taken to hospital with leg injuries.

Kherson Oblast is the frequent target of attacks.

On Dec. 1, Russian attacks killed three people and injured eight. A few days after, on Dec. 4, another attack killed two people and injured five.

These attacks follow recent developments at the Ukrainian front line, where military forces are locked in a battle over small islands in the Dnipro River.

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Control of the islands would allow Moscow to intensify attacks on the city of Kherson in southern Ukraine.

On Dec. 4, Prokudin suggested that Russia was preparing for another offensive toward Kherson, hinting that that front may be about to heat up.

Read also: On a forgotten part of Ukraines front line, Russian forces mass for assault on Dnipro islands

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Andrew Osborn

(Reuters) -Two strategically-important Russian military facilities in Syria and Moscow's very presence in the Middle East are under serious threat from rapidly advancing insurgents, Russian war bloggers have warned.

With Russian military resources mostly tied down in Ukraine where Moscow's forces are rushing to take more territory before Donald Trump comes to power in the U.S. in January, Russia's ability to influence the situation on the ground in Syria is far more limited than in 2015 when it intervened decisively to prop up Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

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Rapid advances by the insurgents threaten to undermine Russia's geopolitical clout in the Middle East and its ability to project power in the region, across the Mediterranean and into Africa. They also risk dealing an embarrassing setback to President Vladimir Putin, who casts Russia's intervention in Syria as an example of how Moscow can use force to shape events far away and compete with the West.

But Russian war bloggers, some of whom are close to the Russian Defence Ministry and whom the Russian authorities allow greater freedom to speak out than the military, say the most immediate threat is to the future of Russia's Hmeimim airbase in Syria's Latakia province and to its naval facility at Tartous on the coast.

The Tartous facility is Russia's only Mediterranean repair and replenishment hub, and Moscow has used Syria as a staging post to fly its military contractors in and out of Africa.

Influential Russian war blogger "Rybar", who is close to the Russian Defence Ministry and has over 1.3 million followers on his Telegram channel, said Moscow's forces were facing a grave threat.

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"In reality we need to understand that the insurgents will not stop," Rybar warned.

"They will try to inflict the maximum defeat and the maximum reputational and physical damage on the representatives of the Russian Federation (in Syria) and in particular to destroy our military bases."

Relying on the Syrian army alone was a lost cause, he added, saying it would continue to fall back unless properly supported by the Russian air force and specialists.

The Russian Defence Ministry could not be reached for comment on a non-working day. The Russian Embassy in Damascus has advised Russian nationals to leave Syria.

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Asked on Saturday in Doha about the fate of the Russian bases, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he was "not in the business of guessing" what would happen, but said Moscow was doing all it could to prevent "terrorists" from prevailing.

He said he was not worried about how events in Syria would affect his own reputation or that of Russia, but was worried about the fate of the Syrian people.

RUSSIAN FORCES BADLY EXPOSED, SAYS BLOGGER

The Russian air force has been helping government forces launch air strikes against insurgents and the Kremlin has said it still supports Assad and is analysing the situation to see what help is needed to stabilise the situation.

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However, Russia's "Fighterbomber" war blogger, who has over 500,000 followers, said Moscow's forces in Syria were badly exposed and that losing the Hmeimim airbase would mean losing the ability to carry out air strikes which he said was 75% of Moscow's capabilities there.

"The Hmeimim airfield is not a multi-storey industrial project with basements. It is a field with lightly assembled buildings on top, which will cease to function as soon as the enemy gets within artillery or drone flight range," he said.

"The situation with the naval base in Tartous is about the same. Of course, it can be defended and held for quite a long time if there is someone and something to do it, but it will either not be able to function at all, or in a very limited way."

Nor, he warned, would a full evacuation of all of Russia's military equipment be possible if it became necessary.

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"Therefore, the main task of our forces in Syria is to prevent the enemy from entering Latakia, even if we have to temporarily give up the rest of the territory."

With over 600,000 followers, war blogger "Starshe Eddi" said Russia had paid a heavy price for a foothold in Syria.

"Ten years there, dead Russian soldiers, billions of roubles spent and thousands of tonnes of ammunition expended - they must be compensated somehow and somehow," he wrote.

"The only thing that can...give us a chance to compensate for the current failure and the resources we have used up is our retention of the Latakia and Tartous provinces."

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Igor Girkin, a prominent Russian ex-militia commander who fought in Ukraine and who is serving a four-year jail term after accusing Putin and the army's top brass of mistakes in the Ukraine war, said Moscow's position in Syria had always been exposed from a reinforcement and supply point of view.

"Now our enemies have naturally decided to take advantage of our weakness at the moment when we are busy on the Ukrainian front," he wrote from prison.

"We are overstretched. The defeat of the Syrian side will also be our defeat."

(Reporting by Andrew OsbornEditing by William Maclean)
Russian forces have made gradual progress along the front in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, approaching to with 7 kilometres of the city of Pokrovsk, Britain's Ministry of Defence reported on Saturday in its latest intelligence update on the war.

The Russians had taken the town of Selydove lying to the south-east of Pokrovsk, the ministry said.

It added that Russian forces were likely to be fighting in the centre of Kurakhove, a town further to the south.

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"Kurakhove forms an important section of the front line and its seizure would allow Russian forces to consolidate positions in the area and set conditions for further advances westwards," the ministry said.

To the south-west of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian forces had apparently mounted a limited counter-attack near Velyka Novosilka, retaking the village of Novyy Komar from the Russians, the ministry said.

Russian attempts to encircle the village were continuing. Russian forces had recently taken the village of Blahodatne to the south of Velyka Nowvosilka, it said.

Moscow dismisses the regular reports on the war from the British Ministry of Defence as anti-Russian propaganda.
LATEST: Syrian rebels announce fall of Russia-backed Assad regime

Russian military positions in Syria are under increasing threat as rebel forces make significant advances in the country, Russian milbloggers have warned.

Syrian rebel forces launched a major surprise offensive last week, advancing rapidly through the country, and seizing the major cities of Aleppo and Hama.

According to the latest reports, they are now approaching the capital Damascus. Events are unfolding rapidly, and the Russian milblogger's claims could not be independently verified.

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There is much at stake for Russia  if Assad's regime falls, Russia will lose its regional foothold in the Middle East, including its only naval base in the Mediterranean, and its regional and global influence will be diminished.

But propping up Assad and defending the Syrian capital of Damascus from any rebel advance will require military support that Moscow may not be able to spare when the vast bulk of its forces are fighting in Ukraine.

Russia operates the Tartus naval base, the Khmeimim Air Base, and other military facilities in the country.

"Syria represents Moscow's only military foothold in the Mediterranean," Neil Quilliam, a Middle East expert at Chatham House, previously told the Kyiv Independent.

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Prominent Russian milblogger Rybar, with over 1.3 million followers on Telegram, sounded the alarm about the growing threats facing Moscow's forces in Syria.

"We must acknowledge the reality  the insurgents will not stop," Rybar cautioned in a post on Telegram.

"Their objective is to inflict maximum losses  both reputational and physical  on the Russian Federations representatives in Syria, with a particular focus on destroying our military bases."

Similar claims were made by Russian milblogger Aleksei Zhivov who described events unfolding in Syria as "another front of the West against Russia with the participation of Turkey and NATO."

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Read also: Fall of Aleppo deals blow to Russias Middle East clout, may indirectly strengthen Ukraines hand

When Assad's regime captured Aleppo in 2016 after years of fighting for the city, Russia's military intervention was a major reason behind his success.

Since 2015, Russia has sent warplanes, tanks, artillery, and ground troops to Syria.

Rybar also reported that the rebels reportedly entered Palmyra, another Syrian city, without encountering resistance. Speculation arose that the Syrian army may have "abandoned all positions and retreated to Damascus or simply fled."

In response, Russian journalist Yuri Kotyonok expressed concerns on his Telegram channel about the fate of the Tiyas military base near Palmyra, which hosts a Russian military battalion.

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Russian mil blogger Anastasia Kashevarova claimed preparations for an evacuation at Tiyas are underway and that Tifor, a shared military base operated by the Russian Ministry of Defense and Syrian forces, is already in the process of being evacuated.

She added that Syrian coordinators within the Russian Defense Ministry are allegedly "urgently" assembling a group of veterans who have previously fought in Syria, reportedly to address the escalating challenges in the region.

Russian milblogger Alexander Kots said "the situation in the country is heating up with each passing hour."

He noted that if the militants "take the city [Homs] and make a dash to the border with Lebanon, then the governorates of Tartus and Latakia, where Russian military bases are deployed, will be cut off from the rest of the country."

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Kots added that while "the army and tactical aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces are doing everything possible to slow down the advance of the militants," these efforts are unlikely to succeed "without support on the ground."

Russian milblogger Fighterbomber described the evolving situation in Syria as "roughly the same as in 2015," but with one exception: "The appearance of drones."

He said drones have become a game-changing factor, stating that "no one, anywhere, has yet learned to reliably counter them."

He warned that this development could put at risk the Russian-operated Khmeimim Air Base which could cease functioning if the enemy approaches "within artillery range or drone flight range."

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He added that evacuation would be nearly impossible, saying that "at best, we could evacuate most of the personnel, documentation, and operational aircraft," along with some equipment loaded onto transport ships, but "all other property would remain at the bases."

Summing up, he argued the primary mission must be "to prevent the enemy from entering Latakia, even if it means temporarily surrendering all other territories."

"The initiative is not on our side, and the situation is very difficult  this cannot be denied," he added.

Read also: Chornobyl: An exclusive look at the exclusion zone during war | Dare to Ukraine





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Russian occupation forces bombarded a village in the Vasylivka district of Zaporizhzhia Oblast on the morning of 7 December, killing a man.

Source: Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration

Details: It was specified that the Russians had hit the village of Prymorske with artillery.

A house was destroyed in the attack, and the man, 65, was killed.

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City Manager Howard Chan violated the City Charter by advancing his own resolution to promote racial equity rather than the one unanimously approved by a City Council committee. Thats the legal conclusion of Sacramento City Attorney Susana Alcala Wood.

But she has only shared this privately, leaving the public unaware of her damning assessment. The Bee obtained a copy of Alcala Woods legal analysis of Chans actions from a city official. Alcala Wood said in an email that she wouldnt share her analysis with The Bee.

You know I cannot comment on any legal advice I may or may not have provided, absent a waiver of privilege from the City Council, she wrote.

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The city government in Sacramento has lost control of itself.

The City Manager does not have the authority to amend action taken by a council committee action, including a recommended resolution, Wood wrote on Nov. 14. That authority belongs only to the council committee per the city council authorization.

Translation: Chan was wrongly acting as if he were the mayor.

This is the latest in a series of incidents in which the city manager defied a city rule or direction. As previously reported, Chan failed to present his annual review to the city council in a public session last summer. He is the only top city official who didnt complete council-mandated diversity training. Then he rewrote a racial equity policy after four council members had moved the policy forward for a vote.

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Sacramentos City Charter is clear: Elected officials set policy, and the city manager and his staff execute the policy. Period. No one elected Howard Chan.

If any other employee, even charter officers, had violated a council rule or council direction, we would have had a closed session conversation about discipline, outgoing Councilmember Katie Valenzuela said Thursday. For some reason, that has not happened.

Howard Chan, Valenzuela said, is out of control.

Power, and who wields it

The fundamental issue here goes far beyond a lone agenda item at a council meeting. This is about power and who is supposed to wield it, as well as the proper roles of staff and elected officials. Meanwhile, City Hall has been fixated on the city managers soon-to-be-expired contract, which goes up for a vote on Tuesday.

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This episode reflects how the council and its city manager are failing Sacramento. Chan has more power than Mayor Darrell Steinberg and the council. Neither the outgoing Steinberg nor his council  save Valenzuela  have had the spine to put a stop to this.

Worse, they have been enabling it by considering a contract extension for a manager who has repeatedly defied them, shrinking the councils stature at every turn.

The dysfunctional relationship has led to questionable conduct by the city attorney. She has a legal duty to another client  the people of Sacramento.

Public lawyers have additional statutory duties to act as a check on improper governmental action and represent the people directly. That guidance comes directly from the League of California Cities. The public lawyers advice as to the legality of the entitys conduct appears to be intended to act as a check on illegal entity conduct.

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Mary-Beth Moylan, an associate professor at Sacramentos McGeorge School of Law, said Thursday: If the city attorney or any other city official becomes aware of any misfeasance or malfeasance (so any wrongdoing whether intentional or negligent) that might harm the city financially or in terms of operations, there is a duty to report it to the city council. See section 76 of the Charter. Moylan said she was unfamiliar with the details of this particular incident.

Silence from the city attorney

At City Hall, a debate on racial equity became a classic case of bait and switch.

Council members and community groups had been working for years on how to embed the promotion of racial equity into the inner workings of Sacramento government. Their work on a draft resolution before the Racial Equity Committee was complete on Oct. 29. Then, its four council members (Steinberg and council members Mai Vang, Lisa Kaplan and Rick Jennings) unanimously approved a resolution for full council consideration. The proposal directed Chan to lead in this effort in budgeting, including a range of other city activities, and required him to report back annually to the council on progress.

Staff is never authorized to make substantive changes to council or committee action, Wood privately wrote in the email.

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Yet that is exactly what Chan did.

When the full council was set to deliberate on the resolution on Nov. 12, the committees actual recommendation was nowhere to be found. Instead, Chan had placed his rewritten version on the agenda. The new version had completely eliminated Chans direct role in promoting racial equity.

Instead, Chan inserted some meaningless gibberish such as: The council commits to prioritize comprehensive and sustained transformation of all the institutions, systems, policies, practices and contracts obstructed by structural or systemic racism in the City of Sacramento.

Visibly upset, Vang, chair of the Racial Equity Committee, called for a delay in action until this past Tuesday so that the councils own recommendation could be heard.

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Again, Chan placed his alternate recommendation on the agenda for that evening. But just as the council took up the matter, Vang announced that Chan was withdrawing his proposal, leading to the unanimous approval of the councils own recommendation.

I think it was a pre-emptive move on his part, Valenzuela said. By then, at least some council members knew that what Chan had done was a violation of how the city is supposed to do council business, she said. I think he knew that somebody was going to call it out.

And so Valenzuela did.

Speaking at the council meeting, Valenzuela said, I believe a really dangerous precedent is being set, Valenzuela said. The original resolution was approved by a committee of this body. But editing a resolution after it was voted on  is a violation of our charter and our rules on how we govern.

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Chan said nothing in response.

Alcala Wood, the city attorney, said nothing. It falls to her office to ensure that the city obeys its own rules.

And she said nothing.

Outgoing councilmember was only one to speak up

Valenzuela does not blame the city attorney for the root of this problem. She blames the city council itself. This form of government only works if the council demonstrated an ability to hold our staff accountable, Valenzuela said.

But when it comes to Chan, the mayor has let him run wild. So has the council.

Its not that (Alcala Wood) doesnt have concerns with what Howards doing, Valenzuela said. It is that she doesnt have faith that the council would defend her.

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Valenzuela is right.

Several council members say that Chan, who appears to be undeterred, has been pushing for his contract to be considered by the outgoing council at its 2 p.m. meeting this Tuesday. This is no time for the old council or the new one that gets installed three hours later to extend this wayward managers contract.

Alcala Wood should immediately release her legal opinion about Chans recent behavior to the public she serves. Steinberg should request that she do so as one of his final actions. If Chan attempts to stay in his position, the new council should hold a closed session on his performance. Moylan also raises the option of an investigation by the citys Ethics Commission, should someone file a complaint.

The council has let itself lose control of the city. Tuesdays meeting is the time to take it back.
In 1947, at Westminster Abbey, the Marchioness of Milford Haven witnessed her grandson Philip marry Princess Elizabeth, soon to be Queen. The Marchioness, who had been Princess Victoria of Hesse, was Queen Victorias granddaughter, spanning two very different worlds.

Even more remarkably, a statue of her sister now looks out above the great west door of the Abbey, as one of the 10 Modern Martyrs of the 20th century, along with Maximilian Kolbe and Oscar Romero. She was Princess Elizabeth of Hesse and had married one of Tsar Alexander IIs sons, the Grand Duke Serge, before becoming a nun in her widowhood. In 1918 she was thrown down a mine by the Bolsheviks and some hand grenades thrown after her.

The story of Victoria and Ella, as Elizabeth was known in the family, and their two sisters Irene and Alexandra (Alix) is compellingly told by Frances Welch in The Lives and Deaths of the Princesses of Hesse.

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They were more English than they sound, for Victoria was born in Windsor Castle and lived to become a godmother of the present King. She and her sister Ella stayed with Queen Victoria, who doted on them, for months in 1866, when Prussia invaded Hesse.

The jumbled world of the princesses is reflected by juxtapositions in the index of the new book: disapproval of Rasputin ... dislike of Kaiser ... home in Walton-on-Thames ... jewels left in Russia.

In 1880, Queen Victoria visited Darmstadt to be at Victoria and Ellas Confirmation in the Lutheran Church. They were asked, Do you intend to continue steadfast in the confession of this Church and suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it? They did. But Ellas defiance of death came after her conversion to the Orthodox Church. She was not obliged to convert in order to marry Serge, but they were both spiritually stirred by a visit to the Holy Land in 1888. She wrote at the time: How I should like to be buried there.

Queen Victoria was unexpectedly supportive of her granddaughters decision to embrace Orthodoxy in 1891. The Greek Church reminds me of the English Church, the Princess wrote to the Queen, and that is why I understand it differently to those who have been brought up in the German Protestant Church.

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I do not want to make the book, full of passions, royal peculiarities and misspelt letters, seem more about religion than it is. But Ellas faith had been strengthened after her husband Serge was blown to pieces by a terrorists bomb in 1905.

Alix supported Ella when in 1910 she founded an order of nuns, named after Martha and Mary in the Bible, devoted to working with the poor and sick. The role of Rasputin was obvious in the life of Alix when she had married Tsar Nicholas II and become the mother of a son with haemophilia. Alix and Ella fell out, to say the least, over Rasputins murder.

The sisters were already separated by the First World War from Irene, who had married the Kaisers younger brother.

But Irene was grateful when her sister Victoria arranged for Ellas burial in Jerusalem (after her body and that of her companion martyr Sister Varvara, or Barbara, had been brought in a two-year journey via Lake Baikal to Peking). She lies at the golden-domed Church of Mary Magdalene on the Mount of Olives, recognised as a saint, like her sister Alix, by the Russian Orthodox Church.

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Also buried there is Princess Victorias daughter, Prince Philips mother, whose own Orthodox faith was deeply influenced by her aunt Ellas life.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Students and parents are reacting to the announcement that a prominent Catholic school in Irondequoit will close at the end of its academic year.

Saint Kateri Catholic school in Irondequoit is closing at the end of the academic year in June, the school announced in a letter sent to school families.

The Catholic school which serves students in preschool through fifth grade cited students specifically in K-5 falling in enrollment from 196 students in 2019-2020 to 115 this school year.

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In the letter, Father Lance Gonyo states that the parish will spend a total of $470,153 for the school which exceeds the budget for the parish.

The letter also lists other Catholic Schools in the area that are part of the schools Diocesan Catholic School System and located near the campus including Saint Ambrose Academy, Saint Rita School, Holy Cross School and Saint Lawrence School.

Parents who spoke with News 8 think there is more to this story.

Thats one of the things that has us so upset that there has been such a lack of transparency about what is going on, not only in recent months, but for the last several years, Matthew Mann said.

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Mann is the father of two students currently enrolled at Saint Kateri Catholic School. He said the Parish Priest pointing to dwindling enrollment for years raises some questions.

My question is, what have you been doing for the last seven years about this trend? Why are we only hearing about it in the last month or two? If theres something that we could have done as a community, we would have done anything for this school, and were not given the opportunity, Mann said.

Now, Mann and other parents have to start thinking about where their kids continue their education.

Unfortunately, the parish and the diocese have only offered us the option of going to another diocese and run schools. So, my wife and I, were going to look at all of our options. Were going to look at all the schools out there, Mann said. Frankly, the Diocese of Rochester has a better track record of closing schools than they do of keeping them open, and we know this. So, if we go to one of these other schools, what assurance do we have that those schools are going to stay open for our children and then were not going to be in the same position five years down the road. Im not willing to do that.

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One thing parents want to try to keep when choosing that new school is the community and friendships that have been built at the Saint Kateri. Thats the case for Terra Rivera and her children.

My daughter, who has grown up with her friends up and through third grade, theyre all going to be separated, you know, because of different financial needs, Rivera said. We dont have a place where we can all go to collectively and stay together. Im sad for all of the children, and I wish, truly wish that they had given up, given more of a fight to save our school than what they did.

Full letter from Father Gonyo:

Father-Gonyo-Letter-2024Download

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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 RochesterFirst.
Amidst the annual holiday boom in turkey sales, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing a new rule to reduce salmonella in poultry. That's a laudable goal, but the actual regulationas is often the caseis being shaped in a way that hurts small farmers and meat processors while helping large agricultural conglomerates.

This rule has been in the works for a while. In 2020, the USDA's Food Inspection Safety Service (FSIS) started making moves to reduce salmonella illnesses by 25 percentpart of the federal government's "2030 Healthy People" initiative. The government has been targeting salmonella in the country's poultry supply for even longer than that, and those efforts have brought down its prevalence in chicken and turkey. Yet that has not translated into a reduction in salmonella-based illnesses among Americans.

Many reasons have been proposed for this discrepancy. One likely cause is the fact that there are more than 2,500 salmonella serotypes but only around 100 cause human illnessesand of those, only a handful are considered high-virulence in terms of the threat they pose. Current federal policy focuses on testing for any variant of salmonella instead of concentrating on the most problematic strains.

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Theoretically, the new proposal will create a more nuanced and targeted system that focuses on just six serotypes in raw poultry that cause the most illnesses. (The agency finalized a similar rule on salmonella in breaded chicken products earlier this year.) But while the intent to exchange the regulatory axe for a scalpel is commendable, the actual impact will disproportionately hurt small farmers and meat processorsand still might miss the most important way to keep consumers from coming down with these diseases.

The proposed rule is based on numerous "components" that the USDA concludes will help with controlling salmonella in poultry. The agency proposes that if various raw poultry products contain "any detectable level of at least one of the [six high-virulence] Salmonella serotypes of public health significance," the product will be considered "adulterated" and barred from being sold. The rule also would require chicken processing establishments to "incorporate statistical process control monitoring principles into microbial monitoring programs."

If "statistical process control monitoring" sounds more like something you might see inside an Amazon warehouse than on a farm, welcome to 21st century American agriculture. In its benevolence, the USDA offers small meat processors "access to laboratory services" provided by FSIS, as well as a 3-year grace period to implement the changes (instead of the 1-year period for large establishments). But the compliance costs and headaches for small processors and farmers run much deeper than these modest accommodations.

Small processors and farmers are symbiotic partners in the larger ecosystem of the poultry industry, which is notorious for its vertical integration and the dominance of a few megacorporations, such as Tyson and Perdue. Unsurprisingly, "Big Chicken" companies like Tyson and Perdue support USDA's new rule, since they are able to afford the costs of partnering with sophisticated compliance companies that specialize in "Poultry Integrator Compliance-Readiness Programs" whose "lab robotics" and "artificial intelligence algorithms" will ensure adherence to the regulations.

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Meanwhile, non-algorithmic farms and processors are hitting the panic button. "The larger, integrated facilities will be able to find ways to meet these regulations," said Charles Ryan Wilson, owner of Common Wealth Poultry in Maine, in an interview with Successful Farming. "That won't be available to the smaller processors and producers." Wilson points out that larger operations have the resources to afford real-time vaccines or mitigation strategies like chemically treating poultry to either make salmonella-positive birds safe or repurpose the meat for other products.

For smaller processors, the options are more limited. "Our farmers and our processors cannot handle that chaos where a larger outfit absolutely can," Kristen Kilfoyle Boffo of Walden Local Meat told Successful Farming. "If [the larger companies] get a salmonella positive, they're just going to waterbath chill those birds and then send them to get cooked and be made into something else, and those birds will remain legal and it won't really cause any disruption in their supply chain. But for us, we'd be dead in the water."

In turn, smaller processors could become so concerned about potential liability that they may simply stop accepting chickens and turkeys from small farms altogether. And even if more processors onboard mitigation protocols like chemical bathing of salmonella-positive poultry, this would not necessarily be a public policy win. As the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance notes, "USDA's approach to salmonella has created a culture of chemical dependency, in which processors are incentivized to use more and harsher chemicals in an effort to produce a sterile final product."

While producers and processors alike recognize the importance of reducing salmonella illnesses, there are ways to make the rules more narrowly tailored. For example, the agency could develop a "safe harbor" for small-sized poultry farms and processors, under which these operations would be considered in compliance with the new rule so long as they followed a predetermined set of slimmed-down (and more feasible) safety protocols.

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But the best answer of all would be to look to another link in the chicken supply chain: the consumer. In the event one purchases a salmonella-positive chicken or turkeysuch samples hover at slightly under 10 percent of all birdsone simply needs to cook it at a proper temperature to make it safe for human consumption.

Here is where the bigger problem comes in. Not only are many cooks uneducated about cooking temperatures, but research suggests that about a quarter of all home cooks cross-contaminate other food dishes they are preparing with raw chickenand 40 percent neglect to wash their hands after handling raw chicken. Fortunately, there also is evidence that if consumers are given simple warnings and instructions about how to properly handle and cook raw poultry, they are quick to rectify their unsafe cooking habits.

If the USDA wants to crack down on salmonella, it could look to producing simple, easy-to-understand educational information on how to prepare chicken safely. Doing so would empower more Americans to protect themselves from disease while helping save the dwindling number of small businesses left in the American agricultural landscape.

The post New Salmonella Rules Could Kill Small Farms appeared first on Reason.com.
VIENNA, Ohio (WKBN)  On Saturday afternoon, Santa flew into the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport with a few of his friends.

Santa, Ms. Jingles the Elf and the Grinch were greeted by over 100 excited boys and girls. They taxied up to the terminal in a YNG flight school Seneca piloted by Captain Joe Maxin and escorted by the 910th Airlift Wing Fire and Rescue and Vienna Township police.

The Grinch arrived in a Cessna 172 owned by Jaycee Fight Club and piloted by Anthony DeGaten, a club member and local EAA chapter board member.

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The boys and girls were treated to lunch, pictures with Santa, airplane coloring, ornament decorating and a chance to fly the local EAA flight simulator.

Courtesy of the Western Reserve Port Authority Courtesy of the Western Reserve Port Authority Courtesy of the Western Reserve Port Authority Courtesy of the Western Reserve Port Authority

Marines were on hand to collect dozens of toys collected from participants of the days event.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
U.S. Rep.-elect Sarah McBride joined legislators and activists from around Delaware to advocate and rally the statewide LGBTQ community against what they said are threats against their freedoms.

The rally was organized by state Rep. Eric Morrison, D-Glasgow, with the goal of defending Delaware from potential federal policy targeting LGBTQ people. The rally's goal is to inform community members about what is being done and what can be done on all levels of government to protect from combatant policy.

The event in Rodney Square in downtown Wilmington had around 100 people at the start on a chilly Saturday morning. The diverse crowd was bundled up and enthusiastic.

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In 2023, the Human Rights Campaign put Delaware in the highest category of its yearly State Equality Index, with Delaware having some of the strongest legal protections for LGTBQ people in the country.

Despite this, Morrison said he has spoken to people who are "despondent" over recent political developments and mentioned members of the community feel threatened as a conservative majority Supreme Court is likely to uphold a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care for minors. He said people are worried that in the future the ruling allowing same-sex marriage could be reversed.

"It's really sad that people are uprooting their lives because they're so scared about what's going to happen with state laws, but it's also what could happen to federal laws," he said.

Rep. DeShanna Neal, D-Elsmere, was at the rally. They have been a vocal advocate for the community in Delaware for a while now and said their LGBTQ children are in danger. Neal sponsored a bill protecting providers of gender-affirming care from legal discipline. They said the central theme of Saturday's rally was hope in the state's ability to be a safe place for LGBTQ people.

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"Hope is a verb," Neal said. "We have to intentionally keep hope, and we have to provide it to the rest of the world as they're watching us."

McBride is finishing her term as a state senator representing Claymont, Bellefonte, and parts of Wilmington and Edgemoor. In November, she became the first openly transgender member of Congress when elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She immediately dealt with discrimination from some members of Congress, loudest from Rep. Nancy Mace, R-South Carolina. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson made a rule that gendered bathrooms at the U.S. Capitol could be used only by genders assigned at birth. McBride said she would abide by those rules and that she wasn't interested in fighting about Capitol bathroom access.

McBride said it is going to be a challenging four years for the community, but said Delaware is a leader in equality. On a federal level, she committed to fighting for the LGBTQ community to live without discrimination.

"I think we recognize the fundamental humanity of every single one of our fellow Delawareans, regardless of background, regardless of identity, regardless of political persuasion," she said.

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During her remarks at the rally, McBride stuck to the overall message of hope in a time of uncertainty. She said she wanted people at the rally to leave feeling reinforced and represented by the state legislators who attended.

Other state legislators in Rodney Square were Sen. Marie Pinkney, D-Bear; Sen. Brian Townsend, D-Glasgow; Rep. Josue Ortega, D-Wilmington; Rep. Cyndie Romer, D-Newark; Rep. Mara Gorman, D-Newark; and newly elected Rep. Frank Burns, D-Pike Creek. New Castle County Council member Brandon Toole, representing Newport, was also there. The event included a performance from the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware.

"We know that the story of our movement, the story of our community, the story of this country is the story of advocates, activists and effective and compassionate elected officials working together to right the wrongs of our past, to address injustice, to bring about change that once seems so impossible," McBride said in her remarks to the crowd.

Shane Brennan covers New Castle County with a focus on Newark and surrounding communities. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@delawareonline.com. Follow @shanebrennan36 on X, formerly Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Sarah McBride joins Wilmington rally supporting LGBTQ community
The News

Saudi Arabia is on track to adopt the UN nuclear watchdogs full safeguards by the end of the year, replacing its current lighter oversight, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi told Semafor. The move comes as Riyadh builds up its nuclear capabilities to generate power, aiming to exploit its domestic uranium reserves locally and for export.

The kingdom has made the necessary preparations to transition from the Small Quantities Protocol  which reduces inspection requirements for states with limited nuclear programs  to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, Grossi said at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain. I believe that towards the end of this year we will have that in place, which is very important, he said.



Know More

Saudi Arabias nuclear program plans include uranium enrichment, raising eyebrows in Washington where worries abound about a regional nuclear arms race. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Fox News last year that if Iran were to obtain a nuclear weapon, then we will have to get one.

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While Iran and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed increasingly warmer ties, Grossi announced Tehran is dramatically increasing the amount of uranium that has been enriched to up to 60% purity  a level that can quickly be enriched to the weapons grade level of nearly 90%.

The US, UK, France, and Germany proposed a resolution, passed in November by the IAEA, criticizing Iran for poor cooperation. Asked if theres concern that Saudi Arabia would revive its nuclear weapons warning in response, Grossi declined to speculate: I think its a good question for [the Saudis].
A Texas attorney was arrested earlier this week for allegedly killing his own son after mistaking him for an intruder, Sabine County authorities announced at a press conference Thursday.

Michael Howard, 68, was arrested on Monday on charges of murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his 20-year-old son, Mark Howard, lead investigator JP MacDonough told reporters on Thursday.

The shooting happened on the evening of Dec. 1, when Michael Howard told deputies that thought his son was an intruder at his property, MacDonough said. The investigators said the Howard property had experienced burglaries in the past, with the most recent incident happening just days before the shooting.

Sabine County Sheriff's Deputy JP MacDonough and District Attorney Paul Robbins via CBS19 CBS19

Michael Howard placed his sons body in the loading bucket of a backhoe tractor and drove it to a remote area, where he burned the remains in a pile of wood that was previously set up, according to MacDonough. The father told deputies that he felt his son would have wanted to be cremated.

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MacDonough said Michael Howard called authorities approximately 17 hours after burning the body to report the shooting.

Investigators searched the Howard property and determined that the scene of the killing had been washed using a water hose, according to MacDonough. He said that Michael Howards efforts to burn his sons remains and clean up were, to him, indicative of nefarious purposes.

Mark Howards charred remains were taken to the Jefferson County medical examiners office, where they are awaiting autopsy. MacDonough said the victim, who had Down syndrome, was high-functioning and held a job.

MacDonough told reporters that Michael Howard lives in Houston where he works, but used the massive property as a weekend home. The victims mother and siblings were elsewhere at the time of the shooting, but his mom was interviewed by detectives as part of the investigation.

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According to the Texas State Bar, Michael Howard is a Houston-based attorney whose practice areas include legal malpractice; family law; personal injury; real estate; and oil, gas and energy resources. He had his license suspended for one year after pleading no contest to third-degree felony theft in 1994.

Also speaking at the press conference was Sabine County District Attorney, Paul Robbins who said his office is seeking a grand jury indictment and may also pursue other charges. Robbins said hed been in contact with Michael Howards attorney.

The Sabine County District Clerks office did not immediately respond to HuffPost when contacted by email.

Related...
(WHTM)  A scam warning  texts are going around, again, pretending to be from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

The scam text claims you have unpaid tolls and provides a supposed link to pay up.

Dont click that link.

Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here

The actual Pennsylvania Turnpike website is https://www.paturnpike.com/ and you can check your open balance there.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reiterated his stance that discussions about the hypothetical involvement of German troops in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine are premature.

Source: Spiegel, citing Scholz, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Scholz stated that he considers debates about the possibility of German peacekeepers in Ukraine inappropriate "for now".

Quote: "There will be no German troops in Ukraine as long as hostilities continue. After that, the focus of discussions should be on security guarantees for Ukraine to ensure that Russia does not attack it for the third time  after 2014 and 2022."

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More details: Scholz also expressed confidence that it would be possible to negotiate a shared strategy regarding Ukraine with US President-elect Donald Trump, adding that nothing should be decided without the consent of the Ukrainians.

Background:

When asked about Germany's potential role, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that Germany would "support anything that would serve peace in the future". Many journalists interpreted her answer to mean that she was open to German peacekeepers taking part if the question of such a mission by Western allies arose at some point in the future.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius responded less categorically than Scholz, commenting on the potential involvement of German troops in a peacekeeping mission, should such a question arise. He noted that if such a mission were to be created, Germany's role would depend on many factors and circumstances.

"Its one thing to talk about the presence of troops now. Its another thing what will happen when the fighting stops. We will have to discuss this when the time comes, but not without the consent of those involved in the process," said the defence minister.

The idea of a demilitarised zone and European peacekeepers being deployed in Ukraine is supposedly in one of the plans that the advisers are thinking of offering to Trump to "quickly end the war", which triggered discussions about such a hypothetical mission after the information was leaked to the media.

Discussions about the potential deployment of Western troops to Ukraine were also sparked by the French foreign minister's statement that Paris had "no red lines" in its support for Ukraine.

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expects to reach an agreement with US President-elect Donald Trump regarding the future approach towards Ukraine.

Scholz has had extensive phone conversations with Trump and had been in direct contact with his security policy officials, the German chancellor told the Funke Mediengruppe newspapers in an interview published on Saturday.

He expressed confidence in developing a joint strategy for Ukraine with Trump, who is set to re-enter the White House on January 20 after beating Kamala Harris in the presidential elections in November.

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When asked if Ukraine would need to cede territories for peace, Scholz said nothing should be decided over the heads of the Ukrainians.

Scholz further asserted that Germany was by far the strongest supporter of Ukraine in Europe and would remain so. He emphasized the importance of ending the killing and ensuring the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine.

Scholz visited Kiev earlier this month for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It was Scholz's second visit to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

Trump intends to meet with France's President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Saturday on the sidelines of the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

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According to the Elysee Palace, Trump and Macron will meet for bilateral talks in the afternoon. Macron is also set to meet Zelensky afterwards.

During the US election campaign, Trump stated he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, but there has been no recent mention of this.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz believes that it will be possible to reach an agreement with US President-elect Donald Trump on a joint strategy regarding the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Source: Spiegel; European Pravda

Details: Scholz stated that he had already had a substantial phone conversation with Trump and is maintaining direct contact with Trump's team, which will be responsible for security policy.

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Quote from Scholz: "I am confident that we will be able to develop a joint strategy for Ukraine."

When asked whether Ukraine might have to agree to territorial concessions to end the fighting, Scholz emphasised that nothing should be decided without the consent of the Ukrainians.

Background:

Following his recent visit to Kyiv, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that his position on providing Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles has not changed.

During his visit to Kyiv, Scholz announced that Germany would send the sixth IRIS-T system, Patriot systems and Gepard anti-aircraft systems in December.

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FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is confident he will be able to agree with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on a joint strategy for Ukraine after speaking to him on the phone, Scholz told the Funke group of newspapers.

"I am confident that we can develop a joint strategy for Ukraine. My guiding principle remains that nothing can be decided without giving the Ukrainian people a say," he told the paper in an interview.

He added he had spoken with the future U.S. president "in detail" and that his team was in a direct exchange with Trump's security advisers.

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Ukraine is shaping up as a major issue in campaigning for Germany's snap election in February, which follows the collapse last month of Scholz's three-party governing coalition in Berlin.

Friedrich Merz, the conservative opposition leader who is on course to unseat Scholz, has said Germany should send Taurus cruise missiles. Scholz has opposed such a move, saying it could escalate the war.

Scholz on Monday announced new military aid for Ukraine during a rare visit to Kyiv that he said sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Berlin would stand by Kyiv for as long as needed in the war.

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger; Editing by Alison Williams)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on a joint strategy for Ukraine after their phone conversation.

Speaking to the Funke group of newspapers on Dec. 6, Scholz said: "I am confident that we can develop a joint strategy for Ukraine. My guiding principle remains that nothing can be decided without giving the Ukrainian people a say."

Scholz mentioned discussing the matter "in detail" with Trump and added that his team is maintaining direct communication with Trump's security advisers.

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Ukraine has emerged as a central topic in Germany's snap election campaign, set for February, following the collapse of Scholz's three-party governing coalition last month.

During a rare visit to Kyiv on Dec. 2, Scholz promised 650 million euros ($680 million) worth of arms to be supplied this December. A German Defense Ministry spokesperson clarified that this will be part of a 1.4 billion euros ($1.5 billion) package already announced in October.

Read also: Discussions about German peacekeepers in Ukraine irresponsible, opposition leader says









announced new military aid for Ukraine. He stated the visit sent a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, affirming Berlin's unwavering support for Kyiv throughout the war.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
How far can Biden's Africa commitments go?

Xinhua) 09:29, December 07, 2024

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)

The Biden administration's rush to announce significant investments in Angola seems purposeful.

LUANDA, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden visited oil-rich Angola from Monday to Wednesday, fulfilling a two-year-old promise to visit Africa as his term draws to a close.

During his bilateral meeting with Angolan President Joao Lourenco, Biden again brought up his "all in Africa" pledge to bolster trade between the United States and the continent and increase investment.

Biden's promise may not go very far.

Angola, the sole stop on Biden's trip, appeared to be the focal point of his Africa policy, marked by a key investment in the Lobito Corridor -- 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 United States plans to invest in a European consortium that won a 30- to 50-year concession for the project as part of Biden's Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) partnership.

The Portuguese-speaking African country has never been a traditional "ally" of the United States. Few American companies have invested in Angola's infrastructure, let alone its agriculture, industry, or trade sectors.

The Biden administration's rush to announce significant investments in Angola seems purposeful. In July 2022, a European consortium, including Portugal's Mota-Engil and Switzerland's Trafigura, won a decades-long concession for the Lobito Corridor contingent on building a new railway to Zambia.

However, sources revealed that the European companies hesitated and delayed paying the "entrance fee" after re-evaluating the project's commercial value.

In the first half of 2023, the Biden administration finally seized on the project as an African success story and quickly included it in the PGI.

After Biden's high-profile announcement of large-scale U.S. investment in May 2023 in the project, Angola officially handed over the project to the European consortium in July. After courting "allies" and adding more investments, Biden finally managed to weave the "Lobito story" into his legacy just before his term ends.

However, 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.

Biden's attempt to leave a political legacy in his remaining time in office and invest 4 billion U.S. dollars in the corridor has led some analysts to worry that the next U.S. administration might abandon the hefty commitments made by Biden's government due to concerns over the project's commercial viability and its prior demonstrated bias against African nations.

If the project is abandoned halfway, the biggest losers, aside from the frontline European "allies" involved in its operation, will be the African partners in desperate need of infrastructure development, who may miss their strategic development window.

At the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the United States committed to advancing two-way trade. However, in the case of Angola, U.S. goods exports to Angola in 2023 fell by 8.8 percent year on year, while U.S. imports from Angola decreased by 26.8 percent from the previous year.

There is ample evidence that, throughout the U.S. commitments to Africa, the United States has never forgotten its own economic or political interests. It has faced accusations of transparency and corruption regarding its multi-million and multi-billion-dollar investments and aid in single projects.

Jose Semedo, an Angolan congressman, recently wrote on the news website Angola24Horas that Western companies, including U.S. firms, reap astronomical profits under the guise of mine clearance.

He said that these Western non-governmental organizations pretend to be active in demining activities while making millions, and despite holding conferences and boasting about their brilliant results, Angolans continue to die.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
A crowd of West High School faculty and staff members  along with a student or two  rallied outside the school before and after class Friday, calling for increased security following last months shooting of a student in the schools parking lot.

The demonstrators stood shoulder-to-shoulder, chanting the words emblazoned on a long orange banner that they carried together: We protect us... Because no one else will.

Ri Pickle, a language arts teacher at West High, told the Deseret News that the Salt Lake City School District is listening to their safety concerns. Officials from the district have met with the employees to discuss issues.

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Theyre willing to work with us.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox shares those same concerns. Cox this week said school safety is the one policy that keeps him awake at night.

He dreads that phone call delivering awful school news.

Teachers and staff link arms in solidarity to protest the lack of school safety at West High School in Salt Lake City on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Fridays demonstrations outside the Salt Lake City school, Pickle said, were designed to keep school safety improvements discussions at the forefront  while ensuring that West High School students are learning in a safe environment.

Were just keeping the pressure on (the district) to keep talking to us., said Pickle, adding that they were speaking to the media as private citizens  not representatives of West High School or the Salt Lake City School District.

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At a Friday afternoon press gathering across the street from the school, West High School social studies teacher Holly Reynolds said the recent parking lot shooting may have prompted the staffs call to action, but there are a lot of safety and security issues at West High that are ongoing and we need help.

There have been fights and other violent incidents at West High, added Reynolds And there are often people wandering the halls during class time, and we have no way to know if they are West High students or not.

The demonstrators/staff members are calling for additional day-to-day resources.

We need more people, said Reynolds. We have a huge campus  and we just dont have enough manpower to take care of the whole area of the school.

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Although the demonstrators who gathered outside the entrance of the high school on a frigid December morning and afternoon were almost all adults, a few West High School students offered support for calls for increased security measures.

I think its important for us to stand with our teachers because theyre limited on what they can do and say. ... They are just as scared as we are, said Rocio Romero, a 17-year-old West High junior.

The Salt Lake City School District released a statement:

We agree with our teachers: all students and staff should be safe at school. We will continue our ongoing efforts to keep all our schools safe. We know the West High School administration is also doing its part, working to develop consistent and clear protocols and processes to increase safety.

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Weve met with West High teachers to hear their concerns. Last night, we received the teachers follow-up communication and look forward to continuing our work together to keep West High School safe.

Teachers and staff link arms in solidarity to protest the lack of school safety at West High School in Salt Lake City on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

West High School parking lot shooting

On Nov. 7, a 15-year-old boy was shot in the West High School parking lot.

Police began investigating after a local hospital reported that a teenager showed up with a gunshot wound and told the staff that someone had shot him at West High School, according to KSL coverage.

The boy required surgery, but the gunshot was not life-threatening.

Salt Lake gang detectives assisted with the shooting investigation after police learned there may have been a gang-nexus to the incident, KSL reported.

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Many of the teenagers appeared to know each other and appeared to be involved in an ongoing conflict. At some point, someone discharged a firearm and a bullet struck the 15-year-old, police said.

The teenagers left the parking lot in various directions, and a family member reportedly drove the 15-year-old to the hospital after he returned home injured.

At the time, police called the shooting an isolated incident between several teenagers. Additional patrols were assigned to West High School following the shooting.

West High teacher: We didnt receive any notice

Pickle said teachers did not learn that a student had been shot during school hours until the information was released by the police.

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Typically, we get a message from our district or administration saying that something has happened and giving us an update before the general public knows, so we can help our students.

But in the immediate aftermath of the West High parking lot shooting, we didnt receive any notice, said Pickle. That was a little shocking.

Following the Nov. 7 parking lot shooting, Pickle and other West High School employees requested a meeting with district officials to discuss ways to boost security.

The shooting, Pickle said, is not an isolated incident, its one of many, and were just feeling like there is no one willing to help us out, and so we decided to take some action.

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Pickle and others met with district officials prior to the Thanksgiving holiday break. The district, Pickle said, expressed interest in working with the West High School employees to address safety issues.

Dozens of teachers also submitted a letter at a recent Salt Lake City School District board meeting requesting additional security resources at West High School.

Pickle identified the groups top two security requests from the district:

First, additional security staff at West High. The school no longer contracts with PalAmerican private security to prevent weapons from getting into the school. Were requesting that (the district) fill that gap again  not necessarily for weapons monitors, but for our hallways and our parking lots, said Pickle.

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The groups second request is to hire a security consultant to West High School to assess and then mitigate security risks at the school, which is an open campus with multiple entry points.

West High School teachers talk to media during a protest calling for more school security, at California Burger across the street from West High School in Salt Lake City on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. The concerned teachers chose to talk to media in front of the business because they could only speak in protest off of school property. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

Gov. Cox prioritizing school safety

During his 2026 budget reveal Wednesday with the combined Deseret News and KSL editorial boards, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said school safety is the one policy that keeps him awake at night.

He dreads that phone call delivering awful school news.

In response, the governors budget recommendation includes $130 million to improve school safety. Some of that money, he said, would be spent hiring more officers. But much of the school safety budget would also be used for technology to boost school security.

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Real changes are vital, he said. You have to change the flow of students in and out.

Some schools boast beautiful glass windows and atriums. But aesthetics, said Cox, dont keep kids safe.  So, yes, theres a lot work and a lot of expense that goes into (school safety).

School safety: Our No. 1 priority

Pickle said the West High School educators top concern is for the safety of their students.

Psychologically, students cannot learn if they are unsafe  and our students feel unsafe, said Pickle. The fact that its become normal for them to feel unsafe does not mean that its OK.

As a public institution of learning, the educator added, West High School is in a unique position to do something really great for our kids that would allow them to learn at their full potential.

Were just not there yet.
LITTLE FALLS, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was in Little Falls on Friday, December 3 to push for senators to avoid a dairy cliff.

Standing at the Casler Family Farm in Little Falls, Schumer revealed that the Dairy Margin Coverage Program (DMC) is set to expire at the end of the month. Schumer said that if the country goes over the dairy cliff, Herkimer Countys 85 dairy farms could lose out on much-needed support and cause massive disruptions in the supply chain.

The DMC is a risk-management tool that offers protection to dairy farmers. The tool is used when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price  also known as the margin  falls below a certain amount selected by the producer. Schumer said that if the DMC is allowed to expire, dairy farmers would lose out on monthly payments provided by the program. That in turn could cause a massive supply chain disruption that could reduce access to  and increase the price of  dairy products.

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Dairy is the lifeblood of Herkimer County agriculture with over 10,000 dairy cows producing over 70% of the countys agricultural sales dollars. But by the end of this year many of our Mohawk Valley dairy farms could be looking over a dairy cliff that threatens lifeline payments, puts the industry in limbo, and increases the price of milk, Senator Schumer said in a statement. The Dairy Margin Coverage Program is essential to support our farmers, like Casler Family Farm, and to keep the best quality milk made from New York farms flowing to families across America. I helped enact the Dairy Margin Coverage Program in the 2018 Farm Bill and it is imperative we extend it before it expires at the end of this year. I will not stop fighting to ensure this critical program and safety net for our Upstate dairy farmers is protected.

Casler Family Farm alone produces approximately 120,000 gallons of milk from its approximately 110 cows annually. In the last three to four years, the farm has received approximately $20,000 from the DMC.

In all, Herkimer County produced almost $66 million in dairy sales among its 85 farms, making it the 22nd-biggest dairy-producing county in New York, according to the Department of Agriculture. That accounts for over 70 percent of the countys agricultural sales every year.

In comparison, Oneida Countys 138 dairy farms make it the 14th-biggest county.

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New York State is also one of the largest dairy states in the nation, producing over 16 billion pounds of milk annually among its approximately 3,000 farms. That makes New York the fifth-largest dairy state in the United States.

The dairy industry is a vital part of the economy here in New York State. Dairy farms provide jobs and revenue within our rural communities which helps support our schools and other businesses throughout the state. DMC has been a critical program over the last decade to sustain dairy producers through times of low milk prices and high feed costs, USDA FSA New York State Executive Director Jim Barber said in a statement. I want to sincerely thank Senator Schumer for his long-standing support of the DMC program and his push to get it extended for 2024 and hopefully, again for 2025.

However, if Congress doesnt reauthorize the Farm Bill  which received a one-year extension last September  farmers could see detrimental impacts begin almost immediately.

Should the Farm Bill be allowed to lapse, the country would be required to purchase milk at a price that would cost them billions of dollars in spending, which Schumer said could be passed on to the customer. Consumers may see fewer options for milk in stores, while products like baby formula, protein powder and other dairy products may see limited availability.

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Herkimer County is at the heart of Upstate New Yorks dairy industry, and the looming Dairy Cliff threatens an essential safety net for our dairy farmers. Going over the Dairy Cliff would add more risk and uncertainty into dairy markets, disrupt supply chains, increase milk prices at grocery stores, and more. With most of Herkimer Countys agricultural sales driven by dairy farms, renewal of the Dairy Margin Coverage Program is absolutely critical to maintaining the stable dairy markets that the countless rural, farm-driven communities across our region depend on, Little Falls Town Supervisor and Casler Family Farm Owner Daniel Casler said in a statement. On behalf of dairy farmers in Herkimer County and across New York State, I would like to extend our collective appreciation to Senator Schumer for fighting to reauthorize the Dairy Margin Coverage program and protect our states dairy farms. Ive heard it said before that the greatest function of Government is to do for the tax-paying citizenry what they cannot ordinarily do for themselves. I commend Senator Schumer for continuing to carry the torch in pursuit of that function  and for doing so here at my farm, in support of dairy farmers like me.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dec. 6U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer on Friday announced he has successfully gotten Schoharie County added to the Senate legislation reauthorizing the Northern Border Regional Commission.

The NBRC delivers millions of dollars to eligible New York counties every year, according to a news release from Schumer's office. Schumer said he is now launching his push to pass the bill, which would unlock federal funding for Schoharie County.

"The Northern Border Regional Commission has provided millions for economic opportunities for rural communities in Upstate New York for years, and after months of work I'm excited to share Schoharie County is poised to be added thanks to the reauthorization that I'm leading," Schumer said. "This would be a huge shot in the arm for Schoharie, unlocking millions in federal funding opportunities for addressing childcare and healthcare needs, boosting infrastructure projects, supporting workforce training, helping to launch and retain businesses, and more."

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From 2010 to 2024, the NBRC has invested in more than 78 projects, totaling more than $48 million in federal funding for Upstate New York, the release stated. Schumer said, in addition to reauthorizing the NBRC for an additional five years, the bill would also increase the annual appropriation cap from $33 million to $40 million.

Schumer also used his visit to talk about federal investments for Schoharie County including:

* Nearly $12 million to replace the Bridge Street Bridge over Schoharie Creek from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act: "The bridge is a vital connector in Schoharie County, but after 100 years of use, it is nearing the end of its useful life," the release stated. The federal funding will help the county build a new bridge. New York state has put a weight restriction on the bridge due to its condition, and the county is concerned that further disrepair could eventually limit its use by emergency vehicles. The nearest bridge is approximately 10 miles away, adding 20-25 minutes in commute time.

* A package of $30 million for high-speed internet improvements from the American Rescue Plan and bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act: The Broadband for Schoharie County project will construct 298 miles of fiber to connect more than 4,000 locations, including substantially all of the unserved locations in the county, the release stated. The new infrastructure will bring high-speed internet to the most rural and hard to reach areas of the county.

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* More than $180,000 for firefighters in Schoharie and Richmondville from the Assistance for Firefighters grant program: The funding "will ensure that firefighters in Schoharie County have the federal support they need to purchase modern equipment and combat emergencies," the release stated.

"As Majority Leader in the Senate I have always made sure NY is on the front of my mind," Schumer said in the release. "It's been a great year delivering critical federal resources for Schoharie, and adding Schoharie to the NBRC means that we could get even more. I will keep fighting for more and believe the best is yet to come."
ORMOND BEACH, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida realtor was accused of exploiting a hospitalized couple and taking control of their assets.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced the arrest of Jason Valiant, calling him a scumbag of the holiday season.

The couple initially hired Valiant to sell their property, but according to Chitwood, they chose a wolf in sheeps clothing who saw an opportunity to make himself rich. Valiant is accused of creating fake documents declaring himself their health care surrogate and power of attorney when they were hospitalized.

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Viral Hawk Tuah girl accused of crypto scam

Valiant even went so far as to sign a do not resuscitate order for one of the victims, who was taken off of life support, Chitwood said.

He proceeded to drain money from their bank accounts, willed their home and two other properties to himself, and even took their Dodge Ram pickup for his own use across Central Florida, Chitwood wrote in a social media post. In addition to the thousands he stole via checks, Valiant used his victims credit card for things like attorneys fees, a teeth whitening procedure, auto detailing, dinner and drinks, and gas.

(Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood)

The three properties acquired after the victims death were worth $1.6 million. Valiant and another realtor, Constance Kellner, planned to develop two oceanfront properties into a large condo complex or hotel, Chitwood said.

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Kellner, also known as Coastal Connie Kellner, was charged with two counts of being an accessory after the fact.

Valiant was charged with organized scheme to defraud, exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult, grand theft over $100,000, grand theft of a vehicle, criminal use of personal ID information, and illegal use of credit cards.

Chitwood added: His bond is $375,000 and my hope is he spends the holidays in a cell for what he did to two people at their most vulnerable.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Massachusetts State Police, assisted by Boston Police Department, are searching for a driver that rammed into a cruiser multiple times, sending a state trooper to the hospital.

Just after 8 P.M. State Police dispatched the use of a Star Chase tracking device to locate a vehicle that had failed to stop in Boston. Troopers were able to locate the vehicle on Thwing Street.

As the first trooper arrived on scene, the driver rammed the vehicle into the cruiser several times, withdrew from the vehicle, and fled on-foot.

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Additional State Police, alongside Boston police and K9 units, responded to the scene to search for the driver.

The trooper in the rammed cruiser was transported by EMS to a local hospital, with no word on their condition.

The matter is still under investigation by State Police

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A murder suspect who walked away from a correctional facility in Idaho has been recaptured after a 24-hour manhunt, authorities said.

In an update at 9:15 p.m. local time, the Idaho Department of Correction said Kevin Nicholas Kuintzle, 33, was located and arrested in Pocatello, Idaho, without incident on Friday evening.

Kuintzle, a resident of the St. Anthony Work Camp in Fremont County, was last seen at the minimum-security facility around 8 p.m. local time Thursday, the department said.

PHOTO: The Idaho Department of Correction released photos of Kevin Kuintzle. (Idaho Department of Correction)

He was latter spotted in Idaho Falls and was believed to have been involved in an attempted carjacking and theft of a firearm in the city on Friday afternoon, the Idaho Falls Police Department said.

UPDATE: Kuintzle was last seen in Idaho Falls around noon today. He was wearing khaki pants, black coat, and white sneakers.

He should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information should call 911. pic.twitter.com/LSG4vWotW5  Idaho Department of Correction (@IDOCalert) December 6, 2024

MORE: UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting latest: Suspect left New York City by bus, police say

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The police department warned that Kuintzle was considered "armed and dangerous and should not be approached."

Kuintzle has an ongoing first-degree murder case in Jerome County, according to the Idaho Department of Correction. He is accused of fatally shooting an 84-year-old man at the victim's home in September 2023. His charges in that case also include burglary and destruction of evidence. His trial has been scheduled for next year, court records show.

His criminal record includes convictions for grand theft in Ada County and operating a vehicle without the owners consent in Canyon County, the Idaho Department of Correction said. He was eligible for parole in April 2022 and his sentence was scheduled to be satisfied in January 2030, it said.

PHOTO: The Fremont County Sheriff's Office released a photo of a vehicle Kevin Kuintzle is suspected of driving. (Fremont County Sheriff's Office)

MORE: Search continues for convicted murderer after brazen escape in Central California

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Kuintzle was believed to be driving a silver and green single-cab 1995 Dodge pickup with missing paint, according to the Fremont County Sheriff's Office.

Idaho murder suspect recaptured after walking away from prison work camp: Authorities originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
MARSHALL, Texas (KETK)  Three people were arrested in one hour on Wednesday in Marshall for drunk driving and the police department is reminding drivers of the risks especially during holiday celebrations.

According to the Marshall Police Department, the holidays can be one the most dangerous times for drivers on East Texas roads. On Wednesday, police conducted three separate driving while intoxicated arrests and the department said theyll continue to enforce traffic laws in full force to keep the community safe.

Trinity County officials arrest 55-year-old man for child sexual assault

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Officials said 68-year-old Jimmie Ann Carter, of Ashdown, Ark., 29-year-old Lauren Paulk and 53-year-old Ricky Norman, both of Marshall, were arrested and received a DWI charge.

Mugshot of Jimmie Ann Carter, courtesy of the Marshall Police Department

Mugshot of Lauren Paulk, courtesy of the Marshall Police Department

Mugshot of Ricky Norman, courtesy of the Marshall Police Department

Norman was charged with his third or more DWI and was being held on a $20,000 bond but has since been released. Paulk was also charged with assault to a public servant and was being held on a total $22,000 bond and was released. Carter was released after posting a $2,000 bond.

Marshall PD said not only does alcohol impair a persons ability to operate a vehicle safely, but 28 people die in the U.S. every day due to drunk driving crashes.

A DWI arrest can cost a person thousands of dollars, increased insurance rates and the risk of losing their license, the police department said.

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4 East Texas teachers named in TEA certification fraud investigation

Lets make this holiday season a time of joy and togetherness, not tragedy, Marshall PD said. If you drink, dont driveand remember, were out there to keep our roads safe. If you see a suspected impaired driver, report it by calling 911 immediately.

Instead of getting behind the wheel intoxicated, police asked people to plan ahead by designating a sober driver, calling a car or staying where they are until becoming sober.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that the second batch of F-16 aircraft from Denmark has arrived in Ukraine.

Source: Zelenskyy on Telegram

Quote: "This is an example of leadership in defending lives that sets Denmark apart.

The aircraft from the first batch, provided by the Danish people, are already intercepting Russian missiles, saving our peoples lives and our infrastructure. Now, our air shield has been further strengthened. If all partners were as determined, Russian terror could already have been made impossible.

I am heartfeltly grateful to Mette (Frederiksen, Danish PM), her team and the entire Danish nation."

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Following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan earlier this week, executive security firms have been experiencing a deluge of inquiries from nervous corporate clients.

Shortly before UnitedHealth Groups investor conference early on the morning of Dec. 4, Thompson, 50, was killed on the street outside a Hilton hotel. The suspect fled on foot, and then on an electric bike through Central Park. Authorities have yet to identify or locate the shooter, but they say the attack was targeted.

Since then, executive security professionals have received a barrage of calls from companies and executives on edge over the news. Were getting calls from everybody, Glen Kucera, president of enhanced protection services at Allied Universal, tells Fortune. Demand for the security business follows events. If theres a specific incident, then companies say, I need to protect my executives. I need to protect my employees from this happening again.

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Their alarm has only been compounded by new details that have emerged about the attack and speculation around possible motivations. Bullet casings at the scene had the words deny, defend, and depose written on them. The words echo Delay Deny Defend, the title of a book about insurance industry practices. Several internet comments about the killing have also focused on anger over UnitedHealthcares profits, and its record for a high percentage of patient claim denials.

That backlash has prompted many corporate executives this week, who may have never considered security measures, to wonder if theyre really as safe as they thought. Security professionals say that clients are asking for advice about how strong their executive protection is, and if they should be doing anything differently.

Right about the time the news broke, I started getting calls from organizations around the country asking if I had any additional information, and then talking about what they were doing and asking, Do you think were on the right path? Eric Sean Clay, president of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety, tells Fortune.

Some of Americas most prominent CEOs cost millions of dollars for their companies to protect every year. Meta Platforms Mark Zuckerberg, Teslas Elon Musk, and Alphabets Sundar Pichai all come with heavy costs for their companies when it comes to security. And although the CEOs of smaller companies cost much less to protect, corporate spending on security has increased over the past few years.

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Experts say that whether or not companies will decide to beef up their security depends on further revelations about why the shooter acted the way he did; the suspects reason for killing the CEO is still unknown. If the attack on Thompson was personal, then executives may be less concerned. But if Thompsons killing was related to his role within the health care business, experts say C-suites are more likely to be willing to spend money on more safety measures for their top executives. Yet motive or no, corporate America is on edge this week as the manhunt for Thompsons killer continues.

Across corporate America, boards are asking the questions, CEOs are asking the questions, Dave Komendat, former chief security officer for Boeing and founder of a risk services company, tells Fortune. In the coming days and weeks, there will be a lot more on this topic. Theyll want to understand more about what their capabilities are. Did they need to do more? Was this an anomaly? Those are the kinds of questions that will occur.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Hurricane Helene reached North Carolina on Friday, Sept. 27, severely crippling multiple towns including the Villiage of Chimney Rock.

The powerful storm brought historic rainfall to the western portion of the state, resulting in catastrophic landslides that resulted in I-40 being closed at the NC-TN state line. It remains closed more than two months later.

Chimney Rock residents lost more than just their homes to Helene

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Villages, towns, and cities that were hit the hardest in western North Carolina continue to build back with the help of their local community and the state and federal government.

Chimney Rock, which was one of the hardest hit by Helene, plans to reopen for one day only, on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a Christmas celebration.

Google maps image (below) before flooding damage and an image of the same area below in Chimney Rock Saturday from Nash County Sheriffs Office. A sign reads Chimney Rock strong in downtown Chimney Rock, North Carolina, October 2, 2024, after the passage of Hurricane Helene. The death toll from powerful storm Helene, which battered the southeastern United States, has climbed to more than 155, authorities said on October 1, as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris surveyed the damage. (Photo by Allison Joyce / AFP) (Photo by ALLISON JOYCE/AFP via Getty Images) A damaged street is seen in downtown Chimney Rock, North Carolina, October 2, 2024, after the passage of Hurricane Helene. The death toll from powerful storm Helene, which battered the southeastern United States, has climbed to more than 155, authorities said on October 1, as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris surveyed the damage. (Photo by Allison Joyce / AFP) (Photo by ALLISON JOYCE/AFP via Getty Images) LAKE LURE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: The Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure and overflows the town with debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024, in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Approximately six feet of debris piled on the bridge from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, blocking access. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images) LAKE LURE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy machinery clears a road as the Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure, carrying debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina after heavy rains caused by Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024, in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Approximately six feet of debris piled on the bridge from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, blocking access. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images) LAKE LURE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: The Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure and overflows the town with debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024, in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Approximately six feet of debris piled on the bridge from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, blocking access. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images) The Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure and overflows the town with debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images) LAKE LURE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: The Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure and overflows the town with debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024, in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Approximately six feet of debris piled on the bridge from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, blocking access. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images) LAKE LURE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: The Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure and overflows the town with debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024, in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Approximately six feet of debris piled on the bridge from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, blocking access. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images) LAKE LURE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: The Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure and overflows the town with debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024, in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Approximately six feet of debris piled on the bridge from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, blocking access. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images) LAKE LURE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: The Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure and overflows the town with debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024, in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Approximately six feet of debris piled on the bridge from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, blocking access. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images) Chimney Rock State Park is among several closed in North Carolina through at least Oct. 31.

Organizers are asking the community to join them in restoring hope and rebuilding the community with their new Adopt a Shop in Chimney Rock event.

Saturdays event will include pictures and toys with Santa, free Christmas goodies from newly renovated shops, Christmas music, and free food.

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Chimney Rock may look different, but that doesnt mean its gone

Join us in restoring Chimney Rock. Every dollar you donate helps small businesses rebuild and get back on their feet, organizers said. Further information on how you can donate, here.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Hillsborough County man accused of murder is asking a judge to throw out the charge, claiming he acted in self-defense.

Gerald Radford, 66, took the stand in court claiming immunity in the shooting death of Walter Lay, known as Walt to friends and family.

Radford said he shot Lay in self-defense after being attacked by Lay at West Dog Park back on Feb. 2.

Friday during a stand-your-ground hearing, prosecutors argued the shooting was not only unjustified but it was fueled by hate.

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Radfords attorney questioned him on the stand asking, Had you not drawn your firearm to defend yourself, do you believe you would have suffered great bodily harm or death?

Radford, hysterically crying, answered yes, but prosecutors told a different story, arguing there was no scuffle.

They pointed to the bullet trajectory in Lays autopsy, saying it contradicted Radfords account.

Justin Diaz, the lead prosecutor in this case, and Kelly Devers Hillsborough Countys chief medical examiner painted a picture of what could have happened during the encounter using a fake pistol and Skelton models.

On top of him, kneeling on him at whatever angle would you still say? Is it a very hard angle for a person to achieve and to accomplish given the trajectory of this particular wound path? Diaz asked Devers.

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Yeah, its still hard, Devers responded.

Several witnesses testified Radford harassed Lay for months, repeatedly using homophobic slurs. Prosecutors present recorded jail phone calls where Radford used a homophobic slur to describe Lay after his arrest.

At the same time, Radford testified he had no issue with Lay, saying he shook his hand, congratulated him, and expressed that people shouldnt hide who they are.

However, during interrogation Radford admitted to frequently using homophobic slurs to refer to Lay, including directly to his face.



Radford testified to not liking Lay because of his behavior toward him, and not his sexuality.

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During interrogation, Hillsborough County detective Robert Harrop asked Radford if he was ever in fear during the altercation. Radford responded, What is fear?

Hillsborough Circuit Judge Samantha Ward is expected to issue a ruling next week.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, delivered a series of questions to the U.S. postmaster general about delivery problems, stamp costs and other management issues hindering Postal Service performance. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of U.S. Senate's YouTube channel)

TOPEKA  U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall delivered bleak messages to the nations postmaster general about the beleaguered U.S. Postal Service by channeling frustration of Kansans, specifically Dana from El Dorado, Mike from Topeka and Stacy of Marysville.

During a hearing of the U.S. Senate Governmental Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C., the Kansas Republican quizzed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who took the top USPS job in 2020. DeJoy has faced criticism for inconsistent handling of first-class mail, decommissioning high-speed sorting machines, forming bigger regional processing hubs that slowed delivery to rural customers and six postage rate hikes since 2021.

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We asked some folks back home, if you could be in front of the postmaster general, what questions would they ask you, said Marshall to DeJoy. The senator said Stacy and Mike proposed the same query. What is justifying the consistent price increases with no change or improvement in delivery time or service?

DeJoy said mail-delivery service was slipping before he was selected by the Postal Services Board of Governors.

Senator, we had a defective pricing model for 20 years, DeJoy said. Mail volume was cut in half and we werent allowed to raise our prices to accommodate that.

The cost of a U.S. first-class stamp was 1 cent in 1863 and didnt hit the 5-cent plateau for a century. The price of the basic postage stamp hit 50 cents in 2019. Under DeJoy, the cost of a forever stamp surged to 58 cents in 2021, 60 cents in 2022, 63 cents in early 2023, 66 cents in late 2023, 68 cents in early 2024 and 73 cents later in 2024.

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The Postal Services financial trajectory must be stabilized before delivery metrics substantially improve, DeJoy said. He also said there had to be workplace adjustments.

I have my people, 640,000 people, that need to learn how to operate like Fed Ex and UPS, the postmaster said. Thats the only way we survive.

Half Kansans disappointed

Marshall said Dana from El Dorado would have asked the postmaster general why rural mail was no longer delivered in a timely manner. She yearned for days of two- or three-day delivery anywhere in the United States.

DeJoy said the standard USPS delivery time was reset in 2021 at five days, up from the unrealistic goal of three days. The Postal Service was spending $3.5 billion flying mail around the country in an attempt to hit the three-day target, he said.

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We put everything on a truck on a ground service. Weve taken $1.5 billion out of our transportation budget, DeJoy said.

Marshall said a poll was sent to about 400,000 Kansans to get a sense of attitudes about mail delivery. More than half of Kansas respondents said their mail service was unreliable. Nearly 70% said theyd personally experienced delays in the past year.

Certainly youre not going to call that success? Marshall said.

DeJoys confession: We have issues in Kansas. Im working a strategy specifically to enhance the service in Kansas. I recognize its there, and were going to fix it.

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Marshall said he was convinced DeJoy wanted to make the system better, but urged the postmaster general to explain where resistance to reform was coming from.

I think theres a romance with an organization that long ago lost its ability to do the service that everybody expected, DeJoy said. Thats the issue here.

What about Winchester?

Marshall asled DeJoy to pledge to complete work on a contract so the city of Winchester in Jefferson County could have a post office for the first time since October 2020. The senator sent a letter last summer to DeJoy about Winchesters lack of a post office. At the hearing, DeJoy said he was uncertain he could make the commitment.

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DeJoy said Congress had long burdened the Postal Service with significant unfunded mandates. He said members of Congress were loath to embrace his plans for price hikes, shorter post office hours and slower first-class mail delivery. He said U.S. House members had begged him not to saddle their congressional district with unpopular changes.

It would have been easier for me to build a new postal service than to transition this one, because were also delivering 400 million pieces of mail and packages a day, DeJoy said.

While serving as postmaster general, DeJoy has been accused of conflicts of interest and meddling with mail-in voting to distort outcomes in the 2020 election.

Hes also been lauded for securing passage of a bipartisan Postal Service reform bill, delivering 500 million COVID-19 test kits through the mail and agreeing to change course and move the Postal Services fleet to electric vehicles.

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Other inquiries, comments

Prior to the hearing, Marshall requested followers on Facebook recommend questions for DeJoy. Some asserted DeJoys initial assignment from then-President Donald Trump was to undermine the Postal Service so it would be easier to privatize the federal agency.

Wasnt DeJoy a Trump appointee specifically to slow down and screw up USPS? said Timothy Cable. Id like you to mention that.

Stop with the pandering, Andrea Pfeifer messaged Marshall. You knew when he was put in place by Trump, with no experience, that he was put in there to try and destroy the basic functions of the P.O. in order to try and privatize the services and make money for the rich corporate pocket liners.

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Allen Crowder wondered if DeJoy could explain why Postal Service union members were given so much power to slow down the mail?

I am a former postal worker, and have seen the corrupt unions doing their corrupt tricks, Crowder said.

Mellissa Chestnut, who said she was a Postal Service employee, said it didnt make sense DeJoy embraced a philosophy of giving Amazon packages preference over regular mail.

Id like to know what the plan is to get Amazon under control? Amazon is killing us. Why are we putting Amazon priority over everything else? she said.

Meanwhile, Mike Smith recommended Marshall and DeJoy talk about allowing local mail to be canceled in the city of origin for delivery the next day. In some instances, letters must be hauled long distances to centralized facilities for processing before transported back to the place of origin.

From here to Dodge, to Wichita for canceling, then to Dodge, and back to Ashland. Thats government for you, Smith said.
Sermons at the rebuilt Notre-Dame cathedral may be harder to hear because of the loss of centuries of dirt that absorbed excess noise.

The Parisian landmark reopens this weekend after it was devastated by a fire in 2019 but scientists warn that, despite the painstaking 700 million restoration, it will not be quite the same.

Centuries of ingrained noise-absorbing dirt has been lost after the blaze destroyed the huge roof timbers, and cleaning of soot from the walls has also permanently removed echo-absorbing grime, according to scientists.

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The subsequent renovation has necessitated the use of some modern reflective surfaces, which will worsen the echo, such as new furniture, a new organ and modern masonry and timber.

Removal of tapestries and a stretch of carpet are also likely to make the Unesco World Heritage Site noisier than before.

Dr Brian Katz, an acoustics expert at Sorbonne University, who is also co-coordinator of the acoustics working group of the Chantier Scientifique Notre-Dame run by the French ministry of culture, said the cathedrals vast size led to poor intelligibility conditions.

The acoustics of the new iteration of Notre-Dame will be similar to before, he said, because the guidelines for the restoration, which Emmanuel Macron called an impossible task, were for it to be rebuilt to the exact specification that it was before being razed on April 15 2019. However, despite best efforts, it will not be a perfect reincarnation.

Dr Brian Katz: The refinishing of much of the painted plaster and cleaning could result in a longer reverberation time...

The refinishing of much of the painted plaster and cleaning could result in a longer reverberation time due to the removal of residual absorption from these previously dirty or ageing elements, Dr Katz explained.

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There was also, from the late 1980s a runner carpet in the circulation area for reducing the footfall noise of tourists, which is no longer there. This will also increase the reverberation compared to what people were familiar with before the fire.

The scientist is visiting the cathedral next week, after its grand reopening, which is set to be attended by world figures, including Donald Trump, US president-elect, to scrutinise its sounds.

We hope to advise the cathedral on the acoustics after the opening in a few weeks, making new measurements, and suggesting possible means of taming the acoustics, Dr Katz said.

I am very anxious to hear the cathedral after reopening, and to make new measurements, to see how different it really is, and with that, I can also make calculations on the amount of additional tapestries needed to meet different acoustic targets.

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A digital acoustic twin of the cathedral was created before the fire as part of a previous study that recreated how Notre-Dame sounded when a church was first built on the site in the 12th century, when it was upgraded to the Gothic cathedral in the 1300s and also in its pre-fire modern guise.

Removal of tapestries and a stretch of carpet are also likely to make the Unesco World Heritage Site noisier than before - PA/Christophe Petit Tesson

The long-running project has helped inform the renovation to ensure the acoustics of Notre-Dame are as close as possible to before the fire.

Its cavernous interior has made it a difficult place to give sermons throughout history, with lay people on the fringes of a congregation seemingly unable to decipher words due to the poor acoustics.

The Gothic cathedral of Paris was built to impress visually, and acoustics was not considered when drafting the plan, said Prof Beatrice Caseau, a medievalist at the University of Sorbonne in Paris.

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Prof Caseau recently published a paper in the journal Heritage on how Notre-Dame sounded from the 12th century up until the end of the 19th, shortly before microphones and speakers improved the acoustics.

We show that inside the liturgical choir, the acoustics were not bad and because the liturgy of the cathedral was meant for God, it did not bother the canons that lay people at the other end of the church could not hear properly, she said.

Lay people could visit and pray but they were not supposed to attend masses or services in a regular manner in the cathedral.

The sermons given inside the liturgical choir were meant to be heard by canons and the clergy of the cathedral, and they could hear quite well. If lay people standing in the nave could not hear well, it did not bother the canons during the Middle Ages.

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The advent of speakers revolutionised sermons at the cathedral, which maximised the acoustics, instead of leaving speakers to grapple with unfavourable echoes.

The sound system has been entirely redesigned and modernised with directional speakers whose aim is to maximise the acoustic energy directed towards the public and minimise the acoustic energy elsewhere that contributes to the reverberation, said Dr Katz, who was also a co-author on the study.

This is a very modern solution that the medieval preachers did not have, but should make significant improvement and allow for intelligible discourse in the cathedral.

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SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD)  Authorities in Berkeley County arrested multiple people amid an investigation into the poisoning of more than a dozen cats.

A woman arrived at a cat colony off Drop Off Drive in early October to feed the animals when she found several dead. The colony was in the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return program.

Detectives with the Berkeley County Sheriffs Office responded to the property, obtained a search warrant, and began collecting evidence.

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According to the sheriffs office, the Charleston Animal Society arrived the next day to retrieve the cats. They were taken to the Professional Veterinary Pathology Services  Columbia and Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for testing.

Detectives identified a person of interest after they received information regarding a past complaint about the cays. That person, Andrew George Dock, verbalized that the cats were a nuisance and expressed his displeasure with having them in the area, according to the sheriffs office.

Officials say the investigation further revealed that Dock involved four others to help him kill the cats.

Andrew George Dock, 28, of Scarlett Maple Street in Summerville. Dock is charged with 13 counts of felony Ill Treatment to Animals, with torture and one count of Conspiracy.

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Charles Waylon Ulmer, 45, of Country Lane in Dorchester. Ulmer is charged with 13 counts of felony Ill Treatment to Animals, with torture and one count of Conspiracy

Michael Jeffrey Kemmerlin, 30, of Ridge Road in Ridgeville. Kemmerlin is charged with Conspiracy

Sara Rose Dock, 23, of Scarlett Maple Street in Summerville. Dock is charged with Conspiracy

Laura Mary Dock, 61, of Sabal Palmetto Court in Myrtle Beach. Dock is charged with Conspiracy

Andrew was given a $23,000 surety bond, while Sara and Laura were each given $20,000 surety bonds Thursday night.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A sex offender  convicted rape and having sexual contact  faces new sex charges Friday night.

Federal court documents unsealed this afternoon say 53-year-old Toby Ferguson is charged with having child pornography.

Canton stores new take on consignment shops

According to online records, he recently had a hearing to have his parole revoked and is currently back behind bars.

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His 1993 crimes involved boys between the ages of 9 and 13.

He was sentenced to 90 years in prison.

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(KRON)  The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) said it had the help of the U.S. Army National Guard and the San Francisco Sheriffs Office in arresting a wanted federal fugitive suspected of selling narcotics in San Francisco.

Why was tsunami warning issued when NorCal quake didnt form tsunami threat?

SFPD said Fernando Hernandez, 26, was taken into custody at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Arthur and 68th Avenues in Oakland. He was booked into San Francisco County Jail.

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Investigators said the Narcotics Unit and a K9 officer did a search of the suspects home, uncovering five kilograms of suspected Fentanyl, two press machines, over $10,000 in US currency and narcotics manufacturing equipment.

Police said this remains an active case. Anyone with information is asked to call 415-575-4444.

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Dec. 6A new NAIOP award is going to a longtime general contractor who volunteers his times on numerous boards within the city.

The first-ever NAIOP Champion Award was given to David Shaffer, the president of AIG General Contractor.

"We don't go into our everyday efforts of what we do for our city and our organizations with that intent," Shaffer said. "But it was a nice recognition to be the inaugural winner of it."

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Shaffer moved to Albuquerque when he was 4 years old with his mother, Jean Block, who has had a long career consulting nonprofit organizations. Her son has followed in her footsteps by supporting such businesses.

Shaffer's been with AIC for 24 years, since the founding of the company. He bought the company in 2014.

His roles include project management, human relations and social media.

"I do it all," he said.

The company specializes in tenant improvement projects and other remodel work. He said 94% of the customers are referrals.

AIC has worked on lawyers offices, fire stations and police stations, mostly in central New Mexico from Los Lunas to Santa Fe. It has 18 employees.

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The Champion Award was created to recognize someone who champions and defends the commercial real estate industry.

Shaffer in some ways thinks bigger.

"It's not just defending the commercial real estate environment," he said. "I think it's incumbent upon any of us who are living here to do something and to give back and to help."

What's his pet peeve about Albuquerque?

"Anybody who has a pulse of this city knows it's crazy when someone wants to complain about something and not do something about it," he said.

AIC under Shaffer's leadership has made it a point to support nonprofit organizations, such as the Domestic Violence Resource Center, the New Mexico Autism Society, Mandy's Farm and others. The company also takes on certain construction projects for discounted rates depending on the client.

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For the last 12 years, Shaffer has served on numerous boards and commissions throughout the community, including on the Environmental Planning Commission.

"David Shaffer is not only a leader within his company but also a true champion of the commercial real estate industry," states a NAIOP memo explaining the award. "His contributions have had a lasting impact, and we are honored to present him with the first-ever NAIOP Champion Award."
(Bloomberg) -- Romanians abroad had already started casting their ballots for a new president when the countrys top judiciary decided to cancel the election, and voting even continued for three hours before being halted. Now, like people at home, theyre left wondering whats coming next.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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The shock decision by the Constitutional Court on Friday to void the first round and scrap Sundays runoff added a new layer of drama that will now likely entrench the divisions exposed over the past two weeks. What will follow is a fresh showdown between the political mainstream and the far-right, disruptive forces its been trying to stop. Prosecutors on Saturday already set the wheels into motion, raiding several houses of those suspected of illegal funding for a presidential candidate as part of the investigation into what happened during the campaign.

While countries like Moldova and Georgia have become battlegrounds in recent months, few, if anybody, had predicted whats been unfolding in Romania. In the European Union member and a critical linchpin on NATOs eastern flank, establishment parties had produced a period of stability of late.

Earlier in the week, the same court had validated the results of the Nov. 24 ballot, which saw far-right newcomer Calin Georgescu emerge from seemingly nowhere to score a surprise victory and knock out Marcel Ciolacu, the prime minister who was seeking to become head of state.

Some now see the ruling as the last gasp of a discredited elite eager to prevent a man who has praised Vladimir Putin and espoused various conspiracy theories from taking a key position. For others, its a drastic, but necessary move to fend off Kremlin-inspired anti-EU groups that have emerged as the biggest political threat across the region.

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The judges ordered the rerun following allegations of Russian meddling by the Supreme Defense Council, a body chaired by the president that oversees the military and intelligence agencies.

The US State Department reacted to the developments, saying it trusts Romania's democratic institutions and the nation's right to investigate foreign interference. The integrity of Romanias elections is paramount for the nations hard-earned democracy,'' said Matthew Miller, the department spokesperson in an emailed statement. We call on all parties to uphold Romanias constitutional order and engage in a peaceful democratic process free from threats of violence and intimidation and which reflects the Romanian peoples democratic will, Miller said.

The decision, the first of its kind in Romanias history, was disastrous and will greatly strengthen Eurosceptic politicians, said Kamil Calus, an expert on Romania at OSW, a Warsaw-based think tank. It might stop Georgescu becoming president, but guarantees that a far-right leader will make it to the next presidential election, he said.

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Georgescu called the ruling a sham and declared that he will keep on fighting with God on his side. The corrupt system in Romania made a deal with the devil, he said, adding that the elites are trying to keep him away from the presidency like they tried with Donald Trump in the US. Romania's main far right party, known as AUR, said it will file a complaint on Sunday to the country's high court to annul the constitutional court decision to scrap the ballot, joining a similar move by Georgescu. They all said the decision is a "coup" and an abuse of the current establishment.

Elena Lasconi, the leader of an opposition party who came second in the first round and became the figurehead for the pro-EU mainstream, also lamented the courts decision and said she would have won had the vote gone ahead.

I cant believe they actually did that just to take Georgescu out of the race, said Petru, a Romanian living in Milan. The 43-year-old, who declined to be identified by his last name, went to vote but was refused a ballot paper. This is so strange and I think it will make people support him even more. Its clear that the system doesnt want him.

The emergence of Georgescu, a 62-year-old agricultural engineer who wants to halt aid for Ukraine, sparked alarm in Romania and beyond. Relatively unknown, he was powered by a TikTok campaign and declared no funding to the electoral authorities. He polled low single digits before garnering 23% in the first round.

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The Constitutional Court revealed it canceled the vote because of evidence provided by the intelligence services that showed it was manipulated through various means, including unbalanced social media exposure toward one candidate, which it didnt name.

When he won, Georgescu attributed his victory to people answering a calling. The Romanian authorities, though, suspected foul play. Two days after the first rounds result was validated, the security council published its report alleging Russian interference. Georgescu said he was only helped by volunteers and has no connection to Russia.

Yet there are underlying issues in Romania that point to a dynamic thats become more prevalent in Europe and propelled Trump in the US. Georgescus rise reflected a deeper discontent with widening inequality within Romania and an economy on the downturn, as well as the culture war over such things as LGBTQ rights and the environment.

This year marked a breakthrough for Romanias far-right parties, which drew voters with populist and protectionist promises. In parliamentary elections on Dec. 1, mainstream parties managed to hold off the challenge. But it took five pro-European groups to join forces to keep the far right out of power.

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The chaos is set to continue, and what happens next is anybodys guess. A new government must set a date for the presidential election, meaning that vote is likely to be held early next year. The rerun could also involve a new roster of contenders. Klaus Iohannis, the incumbent whose second, five-year term had been slated to end on Dec. 21, will remain until the new ballot is held.

Indeed, for some voters, the decision was a necessary last resort. Laurentiu-Andrei Oltei, a 23-year-old student who lives in Paris, said he was on his sofa texting a friend, organizing how and when to go and vote together. Ten minutes later, a response came: Never mind.

Oltei said the court was right because it upheld the rule of law. No reasonable person could believe that Georgescus election feat was achieved without interference, he said.

--With assistance from Andra Timu.

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(Updates with prosecutors raid, State Department comment from third paragraph.)

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SIMPSONVILLE, S.C. (WSPA)  The City of Simpsonville is set to unveil a piece of an historic artifact that has sat underwater for almost 100 years.

A piece of the U.S.S. Arizona Naval Battleship (BB-39) will be unveiled to the public Saturday morning at Simpsonville City Hall.

Photo of the U.S.S. Arizona Battleship (BB-39) taken in the 1930s. (Naval History and Heritage Command)

The Arizona Battleship was anchored at a naval base in Hawaii when it sunk on Dec. 7, 1941 after the Japanese military launched a surprise attack. The event is known as the Attack on Pearl Harbor and ushered the United States into World War II.

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Simpsonvilles mayor Paul Shewmaker revealed the piece is part of the battleships hull and is on indefinite loan from the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command.

We didnt know we were getting it until just about a month ago, said Shewmaker.

Shewmaker noted the piece of hull also holds local significance. Its the same ship Simpsonville native Broadus West served on and ultimately died on 83 years ago.

This piece of hull plating was on the super structure [on the U.S.S. Arizona Battleship (BB-39)], said Shewmaker. Maybe Broadus West actually looked at it as part of his service on that ship.

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Shewmaker explained that West, born on Dec. 9, 1915, served in the U.S. Navy as Seaman First Class. He was killed just two days before his 26th birthday on Dec. 7, 1941 in the Attack on Pearl Harbor.

He had three brothers who all served in World War II. The Army, the Navy, the Air Force. The West family had us covered, said Shewmaker. Because of him, we have a City of Simpsonville and this great nation, 83 years later.

A marker for West sits in a cemetery behind the City of Simpsonvilles City Hall building but there is no grave there according to Shewmaker. However, he encourages anyone who wants to pay their respects to West and his brothers, who also have markers in the cemetery, to do so.

The unveiling event will begin at 11 a.m Saturday at Simpsonville City Hall on the second floor. Shewmaker said Wests extended family will be in attendance.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  One of two people arrested in connection with a February robbery in Sioux City will serve probation.

On Nov. 18, Ocean Ellington-Harley, 26, of Sioux City, entered a guilty plea for one count of first-degree theft, a class C felony. This charge was downgraded from first-degree burglary, a class B felony, as part of the plea agreement.

Man pleads guilty in assault of fellow Woodbury County inmate

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The same day, Ellington-Harley was sentenced to four years of probation and 100 hours of community service. If she breaks the terms of the probation, she faces 10 years in prison.

According to court documents, late at night on Feb. 15, 2024, a man was approached by Shaquille Harris, 30, also of Sioux City. Harris allegedly had a handgun and demanded money, taking $200.

Harris then drove the victim to an ATM and made him withdraw money, court documents say, though the victim was unable to do so. Harris then allegedly had him drive them both away from the bank, with Harris getting out of the vehicle and into a van driven by Ellington-Harley.

Ellington-Harley had followed the two men to the bank in her van, court documents say.

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Harris and Ellington-Harley were both arrested by the Sioux City Police Department on Feb. 22 at around 4 p.m.

Man sentenced to prison for burglarizing Sloan businesses

Ellington-Harley would later tell officials that she knew that her handgun, which would be used by Harris, was in her van. She also admitted that she knew Harris was doing something bad, though she also said she used half of the stolen $200 to pay her utility bill.

Meanwhile, Harris was charged on eight counts, including burglary and kidnapping. A jury trial for his case is set to begin on Feb. 4, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Doha (Reuters) - U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein said the situation in Syria, where rebels are pressing a rapid advance that is threatening President Bashar al-Assad's grip on power, was creating a new weakness for militant Lebanese group Hezbollah and for Iran.

The U.S. envoy, who negotiated a U.S-brokered ceasefire agreement in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that went into effect on Nov. 27, said he believed Hezbollah was not yet eliminated but it was rather weakened.

Iran has been a backer of Assad in Syria's long civil war, sending allied forces including Hezbollah and Iraqi militias to bolster the Syrian military.

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Hochstein, speaking during a political conference in Doha, said the situation in Syria would mean it was going to be harder for Iran to supply Hezbollah with weapons there, adding that Iran appeared to be withdrawing its support from Syria, without clarifying how.

Iran has said it is pulling out embassy families but has denied a report by the New York Times that it was pulling out military personnel.

Hochstein added that Hezbollah "may not be strong enough to fight Israel or to support Assad but it doesn't take a lot of strength to be a dominant presence in Lebanon so you can also be weakened and still strong at the same time when it comes to the Lebanese context".

Hezbollah sent a small number of "supervising forces" from Lebanon to Syria overnight to help prevent anti-government fighters from seizing the strategic city of Homs, two senior Lebanese security sources told Reuters on Friday.

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The Syrian army's defeats in the past week were "not that big of a surprise", Hochstein said, highlighting the army's limited power in comparison with events during the country's civil war 13 years ago when "it had two powers (Iran and Russia) coming to its aid in a very strong way".

(Reporting by Nadine Awadalla; Writing by Menna Alaa El-Din and Federico Maccioni; Editing by Toby Chopra and Frances Kerry)
The situation on the Zaporizhzhia front is becoming "very difficult and tense," but the development was "predicted," Freedom of Russia Legion spokesperson Kostiantyn Denysov said on Dec. 7.

"Their infantry assault groups are trying to find weaknesses in our defenses," he said in an interview with KYIV24.

"Under the cover of armored vehicles, they are trying to figure out how to confront tanks and armored personnel carriers."

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The comment comes after a series of warnings about, and attacks on, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which is becoming an increasingly active part of the frontline.

Denysov said the Russian attacks were still causing difficulties, but added "all this was predicted" as it is a repeat of a pattern observed previously.

"They trained their infantry and practiced with armored vehicles," he said.

"We all understood very well why they were doing all this, and we can already see that they are gradually starting to send bigger groups to attack."

The Freedom of Russia Legion, made up of Russian nationals opposed to the Kremlin, has been actively involved in operations on several fronts, including Zaporizhzhia.

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President Zelensky said on Nov. 25 that Ukraine was "aware of the existence of threats" in the Zaporizhzhia sector.

Assault groups arrived in November, and Ukrainian soldiers repelled an attempted offensive in the oblast.Ukraine has been building heavy fortifications just in preparations for a potential Russian offensive in the region.

Read also: Tucker Carlson interviewed Russian FM Lavrov  heres what he said and why its not true

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SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON)  A San Jose State University professor of 20 years said she is resigning this semester because she is dissatisfied with the universitys response to the ongoing war Israel has in Gaza.

Outgoing BART director gifts MAGA hats to colleagues

Rochelle McLaughlin, a professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy since 2004 and SJSU alum, said she was displeased with how the university handled student protests last semester. Dozens of students had called for the university to disclose investments in companies financially benefiting Israel. In May, the University disclosed many of its investments and stated it has no direct investments in companies that benefiting Israel.

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McLaughlin also told KRON4 she is standing in solidarity with a professor who was suspended during the spring semester. Dr. Sang Kil, who served as an advisor to student protestors, remains suspended.

McLaughlin said her resignation will be effective on Dec. 20 at the end of the fall semester. Its a tremendous loss and it took a lot of deep and morale reckoning to make the decision. I do see why there are faculty who do believe its a genocide, but they remain silent because they could lose everything.

The university said it does not have a response to McLaughlins resignation 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 KRON4.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Firefighters are on scene of a massive fire in an apartment building.

The Dayton Fire Department is currently tackling a fire in the 3100 block of McCabe Avenue. Crews were sent to the area around 9 a.m. for a structure fire in a two-story apartment building.

Tips to lower fire risk around holiday decorating

2 NEWS could see smoke from the fire from US-35 in west Dayton. Visible flames are coming from the second story of the structure.

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Officials on scene told 2 NEWS the apartment building appears to be vacant and no one was inside the building at the time of the fire.

Crews are performing a tactical burn as the second story was too dangerous to let firefighters in. Once the roof has burned away more, crews will be able to pour water from overhead.

This story is developing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 street vendor is recovering from a gunshot wound after a man shot him in the back in Manhattan on Friday, cops said.

Police responding to a 911 call for an assault found the 21-year-old victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the back on Canal St. near Greene St. in SoHo around 1 p.m., police said.

Medics rushed the victim to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition, cops said.

The victim, who works as a street vendor, was selling knockoff designer handbags when the shooter, who was heard raving about being followed, opened fire, another vendor who witnessed the shooting told the Daily News.

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Hes paranoid. He thinks people are following him, said the vendor, who gave his name as Mohammed. So he shot him in the back.

Danny OBoyle, 27, was inside his apartment overlooking Canal St. when he heard the shots and looked out his window to see the victim wounded on the street below.

I heard a couple shots, OBoyle said. He was on the ground, face-up, screaming. Its kind of crazy around here. Theres always a lot of fights. Im not surprised.

About two dozen street vendors who were forced to pack up their wares as detectives investigated the shooting were spotted waiting outside the police cordon following the incident.

No arrests have been made.
Syrian rebels and local opposition forces have already surrounded areas on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, activists and the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said on Saturday.

While government troops said they are "repositioning," insurgents are gaining further territory in the south of the country and on the border with Israel, increasing the pressure on President Bashar al-Assad.

Al-Assad's office in Damascus was compelled to deny rumours that the president had fled.

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"We confirm that the Syrian president is pursuing his work and national and constitutional tasks from the capital, Damascus," a statement by the Syrian presidency said.

It further stated that there would be no short-term foreign visits.

The stated objective of the insurgents is the overthrow of the government.

The leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Abu Mohamed al-Joulani, issued a statement encouraging his fighters. "Damascus is waiting for you," he said.

Local residents in the Damascus countryside told dpa that they had seen government troops withdrawing towards the capital city on foot.

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The cities of Muadamiyat al-Sham, Jaramana and Sahnaya witnessed demonstrations by local people in support of the opposition forces, who advanced towards Syrian army checkpoints.

Soldiers reportedly withdrew from the checkpoints, allowing local rebel factions then took control of these locations.

Rapid progress made by rebels

The civil war in Syria flared up again suddenly last week with a rebel offensive led by HTS.

The group seized many areas in the north-west of the country, including the key cities of Aleppo and Hama.

Other groups have since joined in, some in the south of the country. They are now positioned on the outskirts of Damascus.

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HTS fighters are reportedly already operating in the strategically important city of Homs, north of Damascus.

The group stated that forces stationed behind enemy lines had begun "special operations" within the city. Simultaneously, there is a massive assault from several sides.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that armed confrontations are occurring in Homs. However, it remains unclear whether the rebel alliance has sufficient fighters to capture Homs, home to about 1.4 million people.

The fighting is the latest stage in a conflict that began in 2011 with protests against al-Assad's government that were ruthlessly put down by security forces.

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The spiral of violence led to a civil war with international involvement, in which Russia, Iran, Turkey and the United States are pursuing their own interests.

Some 14 million people have been displaced. According to UN estimates, more than 300,000 civilians have died so far.

No political solution has been in sight for years.

Symbolic city of Daraa under opposition control

Previously, the Syrian military had already withdrawn from Daraa and Sweida in the south-west of the country.

The Syrian state-run news agency SANA reported, citing the military, that government troops were repositioning after "terrorist elements" had attacked army checkpoints.

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According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the province of Daraa is now entirely under the control of local opposition forces. They have also brought the adjoining province of Sweida almost fully under their control.

Daraa was the first city to see protests against the al-Assad regime in March 2011.

Iraq allows more than 1,000 Syrian soldiers into its territory

Elsewhere, Iraq said it received more than 1,000 Syrian army soldiers into its territory across the border between the two countries on Saturday.

Iraq's state news agency INA, citing an unnamed security source, said the soldiers had requested entry via the al-Qaem border crossing in western Iraq.

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"The soldiers were received. Necessary care was offered to them and their needs were met," the source added.

Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera quoted a spokesman for the Iraqi government as saying that 2,000 regular soldiers from the Syrian army had entered Iraq with their full equipment.

Turkey's Erdogan: 'New political and diplomatic reality' in Syria

Amid the fighting, there is now a "new political and diplomatic reality" in Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday.

"Syria belongs to the Syrians along with all their ethnic, sectarian and religious diversity," Erdogan told his ruling party meeting in the south-eastern city of Gaziantep, along the Syrian border.

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"The Syrian people will determine the future of their own country," Erdogan added, urging international actors to "support Syria's territorial integrity."

Turkey hopes Syria will achieve peace "in a very near future," he added.

Russia seeks political dialogue to de-escalate conflict in Syria

Russia, Turkey and Iran plan to take steps to end the fighting in Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday at a political forum in the capital of Qatar, Doha.

Speaking after a meeting with his Turkish and Iranian counterparts, Lavrov said the three countries want to start a dialogue between al-Assad's government and the opposition.

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Russia will continue to support al-Assad militarily and help normalize the situation, Lavrov said.

"We are doing everything we can to ensure that the terrorists do not succeed - even if they say that they are no longer terrorists," he said in an interview at the forum.

Russia has been conducting military operations in Syria since 2015 and has an airbase and naval base in the country. The Russian Air Force has recently significantly increased its strikes against rebels in coordination with Syrian aircraft.

Lavrov also met UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen in Doha.

Israel deploys reinforcements to border with Syria

The Israeli military has deployed additional forces to the border with Syria as rebels continued their advances throughout the country.

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Telegram that they were deploying additional defensive forces to the Golan Heights and along the border. The announcement was the second of its kind in 24 hours.

The deployment came in response to the withdrawal of Syrian government forces from Daraa and Sweida in the south-west of Syria.
This article was originally published in South Carolina Daily Gazette.

COLUMBIA  Citing multiple late audits, reports of possible misspending and the potential to lose federal aid, the state Board of Education agreed Tuesday to take control of Jasper County School Districts finances.

Unlike a state takeover of a school district, which allows the state superintendent to fire the local school board and make decisions in its place, financial control gives the state Department of Education the districts purse strings but no other decision-making power, a department attorney told the board Tuesday.

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This is essentially like helping them complete their homework, said board member Chris Hanley, a family doctor in Summerville.

Education is at a Crossroads: Help Us Illuminate the Path Forward. Donate to The 74

The state will remain in control of Jasper County schools finances at least through June, the end of the fiscal year. However, the state can retain control for as long as necessary to get the district back into fiscal shape.

Almost 70% of the countywide districts 2,600 students live in poverty. It receives about $21,000 per pupil this school year, with just over a third of that coming from state taxes and 11% from federal aid, according to the latest estimates from the state Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office.

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Having control of the finances will allow state officials to intervene and ready the district for state- and federally required audits, which havent been done since 2022. The district has contracted with an auditing firm but has not taken any more steps to prepare for auditors to come in and review the districts finances, said Daniel Haven, a fiscal analyst for the education department.

State officials will also train the districts financial workers to better track the districts money and be prepared for upcoming reviews. And the state will help find and train a permanent chief financial officer, since the district has had someone in charge in only a temporary capacity for the past year.

In Jasper County School Districts case, the move came after years of missed deadlines for district-wide audits.

They need our help, Haven told the board.

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The district, located in South Carolinas southern tip bordering Georgia, first missed its deadline in December of 2022, prompting the state to put the district on fiscal watch, the lowest of three escalating tiers.

The district turned in that years audit and a plan to avoid missing the deadline again. But come 2023, the district again failed to complete an examination of its finances, moving its status to the next tier, fiscal caution.

It submitted another plan to avoid further problems to the state, but state officials declined to accept it until they had the 2023 audit.

Meanwhile, in July, The Post and Courier reported that district officials spent $228,000 on travel and lodging during the prior 3 years. That same month, the board voted to put then-Superintendent Rechel Anderson on paid administrative leave. The board fired Anderson in October without giving a reason, The Post and Courier reported.

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By August, state officials learned that the district had no timeline to complete its audit and the potential to lose federal funding because of the unfinished review, Haven said.

Because of that, state Superintendent Ellen Weaver declared a financial emergency in the district, the highest level of scrutiny from the state. She also called for an investigation by the state Inspector Generals Office for any signs of potential financial waste, misconduct or law-breaking, according to an August letter.

That investigation will continue during the states control over the district, Haven said.

As of Tuesday, the district had not submitted its 2023 audit. State officials had not received the districts 2024 audit by the Monday deadline, Haven said, though districts are allowed to continue submitting without penalty until Dec. 16.

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A spokesman for the district said it welcomes the agencys help.

They will provide guidance and expertise to help us resolve the delays in delivering our 2023 and 2024 financial audits, Travis Washington said in a statement Wednesday to the SC Daily Gazette. Additionally, they will assist us in the search for a permanent finance director and help improve our financial practices to ensure quality and efficiency within our finance department.

The Jasper County district is one of three school districts in danger of a full state takeover, based on its financial and academic performances, a spokesman has said previously. A district is eligible for takeover if the district consistently receives scores of unsatisfactory on its annual report cards, if its accreditation is denied, or if the superintendent decides the districts turnaround plan is insufficient, according to state law.

Jasper County schools have not met that criteria, though the district is on the state departments radar. Four of Jasper Countys six schools were rated average during the 2023-2024 school year. One was below average, and one was unsatisfactory, the lowest possible grade.

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Two rural school districts remain under total state control.

Williamsburg Countys local board is allowed to make decisions, so long as they get state education department approval, in the first step toward moving decision-making powers back to the board. Allendale County remains under complete control, with no clear timeline as to when local leaders might be able to make decisions again.

SC Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. SC Daily Gazette maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seanna Adcox for questions: info@scdailygazette.com. Follow SC Daily Gazette on Facebook and X.
When President Yoon Suk-yeol went live on South Korean TV Tuesday night, few expected him to impose martial law.

The last time a leader in Seoul did the same was nearly half a century ago, in 1979, amid several decades of authoritarian rule, which ended in 1987.

That era stretched from the end of the 1950-1953 Korean War, after which a series of dictatorial leaders occasionally proclaimed martial law to station the military on the country's streets and quell anti-government protests.

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Many South Koreans have vivid memories of this, as disturbing images of men in military gear and helicopters descending on the National Assembly in Seoul harked back to a time of military junta most in the country have no interest in returning to.

Ultimately, this sentiment prevailed: a unanimous 190-0 National Assembly vote to end martial law and a mere six hours later, the president rescinded his order by 4:30 am local time.

Why did Yoon Suk-yeol impose martial law?

In his TV address on Tuesday, Yoon blamed alleged pro-North Korean and anti-state forces for trying to destabilise the country. While he provided no evidence of specific Pyongyang's meddling as part of his reasoning, he effectively pointed the finger at opposition parties who had been blocking his policies and even tried to impeach some of his appointees.

While it is true that the opposition-dominated parliament, in place since April this year, had repeatedly blocked many of the president's proposed policies, the drastic action of imposing martial law still took many by surprise.

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It even seemed to be news to the leader of Yoon's own conservative People Power Party, Han Dong-hoon, who reacted by saying the president's decision was "wrong" and that he would "stop it with the people".

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung of the centrist-liberal Democratic Party called the announcement "illegal and unconstitutional".

Myunghee Lee, an assistant professor of international relations at Michigan State University, says that Yoon "has become increasingly frustrated by both divisions in his own party and moves by the opposition in the National Assembly to block key parts of his agenda."

He also faced a number of influence-peddling scandals, including one involving his wife allegedly accepting a Dior bag from a pastor.

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Yoon, whose approval rating was a lowly 20%, was already facing calls for impeachment before this incident, and was "in an incredibly weak position," Lee added.

Nevertheless, what actually drove him and his plotters to make the political calculation that such a move would benefit him is a "real puzzle", according to Lee.

"For many, it is regarded as a foolish move - he was in such a position politically," he said.

South Korea's foreign policy under Yoon

During its time in power, Yoon's government sought to strengthen ties with Washington, a policy that has generally been popular with the South Korean public.

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Significantly less popular, however, is his attempt to improve relations with Japan on several levels, including through intelligence-sharing and military exercises. Such moves continue to be somewhat taboo in the country due to its traumatic past under Japanese colonial rule.

When it comes to North Korea, as is evident from his proclamations on Tuesday, Yoon has adopted a more hawkish stance than his predecessor. Ex-president Moon Jae-in sought to engage with the North's leader Kim Jong-un, while the incumbent government has all but ended such initiatives.

Regarding the neighbouring global powerhouse China, Yoon has attempted to follow a pragmatic path, saying he does not feel that South Korea needs to choose between China and the US.

Alexander Lipke, Asia Programme coordinator at the European Council on Foreign Relations, believes that this week's turmoil in South Korea is bad news for Europe: "Occupied with its domestic political crisis, South Korea will have limited resources to focus on foreign issues, with any increase in support for Ukraine now much less likely.

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Combined with the ongoing political uncertainty in Japan, "this will also strain South Korea-Japan ties and make trilateral cooperation with the US more difficult, potentially leading to more instability in the region, emboldening Russia, China and North Korea," he adds.

What happens next?

Impeachment appears to be the most likely option, given the almost unanimous condemnation of Yoon's actions, even within his own party.

The president's senior advisers, secretaries, and certain Cabinet members, including Defence Minister Kim Hyun-jong, have offered to resign collectively.

None of this bodes well for Yoon's future in office.

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Six opposition parties submitted a motion on Wednesday morning to impeach the president, which would require the support of two-thirds of the parliament and the backing of at least six of the country's Constutitional Court judges.

Speaker of the Assembly Woo Won-sik is set to open a session for the motion to be debated, which could happen as early as Friday or Saturday. A vote has to take place within three days of the impeachment proposal.

The last time martial law was imposed in the country - in 1979 - it had followed the assassination of former military dictator Park Chung-hee.

In a deeply ironic twist, Yoon Suk-yeol led a corruption case against Park's daughter, who was South Korean president until her impeachment for abuse of power in 2016.
South Koreas president Yoon Suk-Yeol on Saturday bowed to his nation in a television address as he apologised for invoking martial law and plunging the country into turmoil.

Speaking for the first time since he sent soldiers to the nations parliament  and hours ahead of an impeachment vote he could lose  Mr Yoon said he was very sorry.

The decision was made from the desperation of me as the president, he told the nation in a three-minute address. But it gave the people anxiety and inconveniences. I am very sorry and apologise to you.

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He suggested he would not try to avoid blame for the chaos, as opposition parties push for him to face insurrection charges.

I wont avoid any legal and political responsibility issues caused by this declaration, Mr Yoon said.

I bow my head and apologise

Mr Yoon reassured the public that he would not declare martial law for the second time, despite widespread concerns on Friday that he may decide to pull the trigger amid mounting pressure.

There are talks that martial law might be imposed again, but I state clearly: there will never be anything like a second constitutional crisis, he said.

Mr Yoon said he would leave the issue of his tenure to his party and ended his speech with a bow to the camera.

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He added: I bow my head and apologise once again for any worries I may have caused the people.

The address comes ahead of a vote on the impeachment motion tabled by the opposition parties at the National Assembly at about 5pm (8am UK) on Saturday.

Protesters held a candlelit vigil on Friday night near South Koreas parliament - GETTY IMAGES

Minutes after Mr Yoons address, the leader of the ruling party, Han Dong-Hoon, said the president could no longer perform his duties normally and that it is inevitable that he would have to resign.

Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party is focusing on gathering enough votes to pass the impeachment motion scheduled this afternoon.

Yoons party should show courage in vote, say opponents

Leader of the Democratic Party Lee Jae-Myung called on the ruling party lawmakers to demonstrate courage by supporting the motion.

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Rather than predicting the outcome, it is imperative that the motion is approved, he said on Saturday morning, adding that lawmakers must reflect on why they exist and what their duties are.

The people know the necessity of impeachment and are demanding it. PPP lawmakers understand what justice entails, but they are pressured to act against justice and the will of the people, Mr Lee said.

Analysts say Mr Yoons address on Saturday gives the ruling party a reason to oppose the impeachment, which the party has said remains to be their official stance.

The PPP potentially has the chance to reject impeachment once and see how the people respond, Benjamin Engel, a visiting professor at Dankook University in South Korea, told The Telegraph.

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The impeachment motion needs at least 200 votes to be passed in the National Assembly. Since the opposition parties only have 192 seats in the assembly, they need eight ruling party lawmakers to defect in order to pass the impeachment motion.

So far, only two ruling party lawmakers have publicly vowed to vote in favour of the impeachment motion.

Prof Engel said he expects the opposition parties to keep trying to impeach Mr Yoon if the National Assembly fails to pass the motion on Saturday.

The opposition party will not relent until impeachment passes and trade unions will likely call for strikes, he told the Telegraph, adding that political paralysis could be expected if the motion fails to pass later on Saturday.

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(Bloomberg) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized on Saturday for plunging the country into political crisis with a martial law decree, saying he would leave it up to the ruling party to decide his fate.

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I sincerely apologize to the public, Yoon said in a televised address, as opposition parties prepare to vote on an impeachment motion later in the day. Yoon declared martial law late on Tuesday but the order was retracted hours after the National Assembly voted unanimously to nullify it.

I will not avoid legal and political responsibility for declaring martial law. I am leaving it to the ruling party to decide ways to stabilize the state affair going forward, including my term, he added in a speech that lasted just two minutes.

After the speech, Han Dong-hoon, head of the ruling People Power Party, said it was now inevitable that Yoon would step down early. Han then held talks with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo that may have sketched out how the government would operate following the vote.

I told the prime minister that I hope he will take care of the livelihood, economy and the state affairs more thoroughly and stably so that people will not be anxious, the PPPs Han said after the meeting.

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Eom Kyeong-young, a political commentator, said ruling party lawmakers will likely focus on what alternative the party leader would come up with during the meeting with the prime minister.

If their proposal is persuasive enough, that would raise the chance of the motion failing, Eom said. The public, though, they wont accept anything but impeachment.

The vote on the impeachment motion is set to take place at 5 p.m. local time at the National Assembly. The outcome hinges on whether the opposition can muster at least eight votes from members of Yoons party to obtain the two-thirds majority needed to carry the motion.

If the vote passes, Prime Minister Han will take the helm of the nation as Yoon becomes the third South Korean president subject to impeachment proceedings likely to last months.

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Should the motion fail, then Yoon will continue for now as president but with a large question mark hanging over the prospects of finishing his term and a potential wave of public demonstrations against him.

Either result in the vote is likely leave one of the worlds key suppliers of semiconductors and tech equipment in a chaotic inward-looking political limbo. That weakened position could put Seoul on the back foot in responding to the protectionist trade policies of Donald Trumps incoming US administration and the security challenges presented by North Korea and its deepening alliance with Russia.

Opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has already vowed to continue pushing for impeachment of the president if the motion fails to pass on Saturday.

The biggest risk to South Korea right now is the very existence of the president, Lee said. The only way to solve this is for the president to step down immediately or be removed from office early through impeachment.

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For now it appears that Yoon is trying to hold on to his position.

Yoon is basically saying that he has no intent to step down, said Shin Yul, a political science professor at Seouls Myongji University. He is trying to buy time through suggesting means such as the constitution revision to shorten his term.

The outcome of the vote remains unclear after hours of talks late into Friday night appeared to show there was still no party-wide agreement on what action to take on Saturday. Many senior members oppose an impeachment that would likely trigger an election they may fare badly in.

PPP leader Hans faction has about 20 lawmakers, some of whom joined with the opposition in the early-morning hours of Wednesday to vote down the martial law order. But its less clear if they are united enough to swing the vote against Yoon after the presidents address ignited a fresh debate within the party over their next steps.

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Han himself doesnt have a vote as he isnt a lawmaker and his relatively limited experience in politics raises doubts about his ability to sway the wider party beyond his faction.

The voting will also include a motion against Yoons wife, an additional element that will lengthen proceedings. First lady Kim Keon Hee has been criticized by the opposition for allegedly accepting bribes and wielding too much influence. While prosecutors cleared her of any criminal charge, the opposition has repeatedly called for an independent probe.

If the motion against the president is passed, Prime Minister Han will lead the nation until the constitutional court rules on the impeachment. In normal times, prime ministers in South Korea largely serve nominal roles and have often stepped down to take responsibility for bungled policies, earning them the nickname of being a shield for the president in local media.

Failure to pass the motion could lead to months of protests and political chaos. A gathering of hundreds of people outside the National Assembly on Friday night echoed the start of candlelight vigils in 2016 that eventually culminated in the ousting of former President Park Geun-hye. Park was removed from office over an influence-peddling scandal and Yoon was one of the prosecutors who investigated her for corruption that ultimately put her behind bars.

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Yoons relatively late switch from prosecutor to politician has kept him as an outsider in the political realm from the start. He has remained isolated after only squeaking to victory in the March 2022 election, the closest race in South Koreas history. He still has two and a half years to go for his single, five-year term.

The presidents popularity has steadily declined, falling to a record low of 16% this week. Since then, the Democratic Party has sought to thwart his agenda, filing impeachment motions against government officials and negotiating hard on next years budget.

Yoons high-risk political gamble came at a time of high uncertainty for the nation as its trade-dependent economy faces potential tariffs from Trump. Bloomberg Economics estimates that full imposition of tariffs on China, South Korea and other US trading partners could reduce Seouls exports to the US by as much as 55%.

--With assistance from Shinhye Kang.

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SEOUL, South Korea  A plan to impeach South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived declaration of martial law has failed after members of his governing party left parliament on Saturday ahead of the planned vote.

Lawmakers from the People Power Party (PPP) were shouted and cursed at as they left en masse after voting on a separate motion, leaving the 192 opposition lawmakers eight votes short of the two-thirds majority needed for the impeachment motion to succeed.

Opposition lawmakers had said that if the impeachment motion didn't pass they would come back to it on Wednesday, amid simmering public anger over Yoons bewildering order, which plunged the East Asian democracy and key U.S. ally into chaos.

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Earlier Saturday, Yoon apologized for his actions in a brief nationally televised address, saying they stemmed from the urgency he felt as president but caused anxiety and inconvenience to the public.

An image of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is raised during a candlelight rally in Seoul on Thursday.

I deeply regret this and sincerely apologize to the citizens who were alarmed, he said.

I will not evade the legal and political responsibility regarding this declaration of martial law, Yoon continued, speaking for a total of just over two minutes before deeply bowing his head before cameras.

He said he would not declare martial law a second time, a concern that had been expressed by some opposition lawmakers, and that his party would decide how long he should stay in office and how state affairs would be managed.

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Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the PPP, urged Yoon to step down, telling reporters after the address that it had become impossible for him to carry out his normal presidential duties.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the liberal opposition Democratic Party and Yoons rival in the 2022 presidential election, described the presidents address as very disappointing.

President Yoons statement was completely out of touch with the publics expectations and further fueled a sense of betrayal, Lee said.

There is no other way but to leave office early.

Protesters scuffling with police officers outside the headquarters of Yoons People Power Party in Seoul on Friday.

Six opposition parties began impeachment proceedings against Yoon this week. The opposition bloc holds 192 of the unicameral legislatures 300 seats, just under the two-thirds majority needed for the motion to pass.

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But the conservative PPP also remained formally opposed to a bill appointing a special prosecutor to investigate corruption allegations involving Yoons wife. That bill was narrowly voted down on Saturday before PPP lawmakers left the chamber.

Opposition lawmakers, by contrast, are adamant that Yoon be removed from office, as is much of the public. Large crowds of protesters have called for Yoons ouster, while smaller ones have rallied in support of him.

You dont and cannot apologize only with words after attempting to stage martial law. The only way for President Yoon Suk Yeol to mean his apology is to resign now, Seoul resident Margie Kim said after Yoons address.

A Gallup Korea poll released on Friday showed Yoons approval rating at 13%, The Korea Times reported, down from 19% a week earlier.

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Lee, the Democratic Party leader, said Yoons unconstitutional and illegal declaration of martial law had caused chaos and fear in the country of 50 million people, which spent decades under military-authoritarian rule before transitioning into a vibrant democracy and the worlds 10th-largest economy.

The democracy of this nation that has been achieved through blood, sweat and tears is now being wrecked by an unruly power, and our people have suffered serious wounds to their national dignity and pride, he said Friday.

Lee also expressed concern about how the martial law declaration might affect South Koreas relations with the U.S., noting that meetings of the U.S.-South Korea Nuclear Consultative Group that were planned in Washington this week had been postponed amid the turmoil.

Our national credibility, as well as diplomacy, has been severely impacted, he said.

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Biden administration officials said they were not notified in advance that Yoon would declare martial law. But they have repeatedly reaffirmed the ironclad nature of the U.S. alliance with South Korea, which it views as an important bulwark against North Korea, China and Russia, and which hosts almost 30,000 American troops.

South Korea is facing significant political turmoil after Yoon declared martial law, only to lift the order hours later.

The U.S. relationship with South Korea transcends any particular president or government on both sides of the Pacific Ocean, State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said Thursday.

Before his address on Saturday, Yoon, 63, a former chief prosecutor who took office in 2022, had not made any public appearances since lifting the martial law order early Wednesday after lawmakers defied a security cordon to enter the National Assembly building and voted unanimously to reject it.

Since then, he has accepted the resignation of his defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, who said he took full responsibility for what happened. Many other officials, including Yoons chief of staff and all senior presidential secretaries, have also tendered their resignations.

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South Korean police and prosecutors are investigating claims of insurrection and treason against Yoon, Kim and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min. The Ministry of National Defense has also suspended three top commanders from duty and requested overseas travel bans for them, Kim and seven other active-duty military officers.

Military officers and government officials described a chaotic six hours from the time Yoon declared martial law around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday to the time he lifted the order around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. Many of them said they learned about the martial law order, South Koreas first since 1980, from Yoons surprise TV address or from news reports.

In his address, Yoon accused the opposition-controlled parliament of paralyzing the government by seeking the impeachment of multiple government officials and slashing critical funding from next years national budget. He also accused his opponents of sympathizing with nuclear-armed North Korea, its reclusive communist neighbor that the South technically remains at war with.

A martial law proclamation issued after Yoons address banned all political activity, including demonstrations, and censored the news media. It also ordered the countrys striking doctors to return to work within 48 hours.

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Officials said Friday that Yoon had ordered the arrest of prominent politicians including Lee, the leader of the Democratic Party, and Han, the leader of Yoons own party, along with other opposition lawmakers, a journalist, a former Supreme Court justice and a former Supreme Court chief justice.

Yoons office has not commented on the allegations.

Stella Kim reported from Seoul, and Jennifer Jett from Hong Kong.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korea's embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law, as most ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers.

The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoons ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South Koreans support the presidents impeachment. Yoons martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party, but the party is also determined to oppose Yoons impeachment apparently because it fears losing the presidency to liberals.

After the motion fell through, members of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party rallied inside the National Assembly, chanting slogans calling for Yoon's impeachment or resignation.

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The party's floor leader, Park Chan-dae, said it will soon prepare for a new impeachment motion. Opposition parties could submit a new impeachment motion after a new parliamentary session opens next Wednesday.

We'll surely impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, who is the greatest risk to Republic of Korea, party leader Lee Jae-myung said. We'll surely bring back this country to normal before Christmas Day or year's end.

Many experts worry Yoon wont be able to serve out his remaining 2  years in office. They say some PPP lawmakers could eventually join opposition parties efforts to impeach Yoon if public demands for it grow further.

The ruling party risks "further public outrage and national confusion if they dont find a formula fast for Yoons departure, said Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for a New American Security in Washington.

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PPP chair Han Dong-hun said his party will seek Yoons orderly early exit but didnt say when he can resign.

Protests against Yoon are swelling

On Saturday, tens of thousands of people packed several blocks of roads leading to the National Assembly, waving banners, shouting slogans and dancing. Protesters also gathered in front of PPPs headquarters near the Assembly, shouting for its lawmakers to vote to impeach Yoon. A smaller crowd of Yoons supporters, which still seemed to be in the thousands, rallied elsewhere in Seoul, calling the impeachment attempt unconstitutional.

Impeaching Yoon required support from 200 of the National Assembly's 300 members. The Democratic Party and five other small opposition parties, which filed the motion, have 192 seats combined. But only three lawmakers from PPP participated in the vote. The motion was scrapped without ballot counting because the number of votes didnt reach 200.

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National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik called the result very regrettable and an embarrassing moment for the countrys democracy.

If Yoon is impeached, his powers will be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office. If he is removed, an election to replace him must take place within 60 days.

The president apologizes for turmoil

Earlier Saturday, Yoon issued an apology over the martial law decree, saying he wont shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration and promising not to make another attempt to impose it. He said would leave it to his party to chart a course through the countrys political turmoil, including matters related to my term in office.

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The declaration of this martial law was made out of my desperation. But in the course of its implementation, it caused anxiety and inconveniences to the public. I feel very sorry over that and truly apologize to the people who must have been shocked a lot, Yoon said.

Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has struggled to push his agenda through an opposition-controlled parliament and grappled with low approval ratings amid scandals involving himself and his wife. In his martial law announcement on Tuesday night, Yoon called parliament a den of criminals bogging down state affairs and vowed to eliminate shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces.

The declaration of martial law was the first of its kind in more than 40 years in South Korea. The turmoil has paralyzed South Korean politics and sparked alarm among key diplomatic partners like the U.S. and Japan.

Yoons credibility overseas has been undermined by declaring martial law, so he wont be able to exercise leadership in his foreign policies especially when his days are numbered, Kim, the analyst, said. Its government bureaucracy will need to continue business as usual for existing alliance and foreign policy initiatives as best it can because there is a lot of important work to do globally.

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Tuesday night saw special forces troops encircling the parliament building and army helicopters hovering over it, but the military withdrew after the National Assembly unanimously voted to overturn the decree, forcing Yoon to lift it before daybreak Wednesday. Eighteen lawmakers from the ruling party voted to reject Yoons martial law decree along with opposition lawmakers. PPP later decided to oppose Yoon's impeachment motion.

Yoons speech fueled speculation that he and his party may push for a constitutional amendment to shorten his term, instead of accepting impeachment, as a way to ease public anger over the marital law and facilitate Yoons early exit from office.

Lee told reporters that Yoons speech was greatly disappointing and that the only way forward is his immediate resignation or impeachment. His party called Yoons martial law unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup.

Lawmakers on Saturday first voted on a bill appointing a special prosecutor to investigate stock price manipulation allegations surrounding Yoons wife.

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Yoon accused of ordering arrests of politicians

On Friday, Han, who criticized Yoons martial law declaration, said he had received intelligence that during the brief period of martial law Yoon ordered the countrys defense counterintelligence commander to arrest unspecified key politicians based on accusations of anti-state activities.

Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Koreas spy agency, told lawmakers Friday that Yoon had ordered him to help the defense counterintelligence unit to detain key politicians including Han, Lee and Woo.

The Defense Ministry said Friday it suspended three military commanders including the head of the defense counterintelligence unit over their involvement in enforcing martial law.

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Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho has told parliament that Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun ordered the deployment of troops to the National Assembly. Opposition parties accused Kim of recommending to Yoon to enforce martial law.

Kim Yong Hyun resigned Thursday, and prosecutors imposed an overseas travel ban on him.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized on Saturday for the temporary imposition of martial law, ahead of an expected parliamentary vote to remove him from office.

It was the first time Yoon has addressed the public directly since he unexpectedly declared martial law on Tuesday, only to lift it a few hours later in the face of massive political resistance and protests.

In a televised speech, Yoon promised that such an event would not happen again under his leadership.

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"I am sincerely sorry and apologize to the people who must have been very surprised," Yoon said, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

He stated he would "take full legal and political responsibility" for his actions and leave it to his ruling party to decide how long he should remain in office.

The leader of Yoon's party, the People Power Party, Han Dong-hoon has described the president's resignation as inevitable, Yonhap reported.

Yoon was no longer in a position to perform his duties effectively, Han said.

South Korean lawmakers submitted a motion to impeach Yoon in the wake of the turmoil. The motion in the National Assembly is expected to be voted on later on Saturday.

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The largest opposition party had previously accused the conservative head of state of breaching the constitution and called for him to resign immediately.

On Tuesday, Yoon suddenly called for martial law to be instituted, accusing the country's opposition of sympathizing with North Korea and saying that the step aimed to "eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional order of freedom."

A few days later, Yoon accepted the resignation of his defence minister, Kim Yong Hyun, who is said to have proposed the martial law plans to Yoon.

Widespread demonstrations against Yoon are expected to take place in the capital Seoul on Saturday.
South Koreas President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized on Saturday for declaring martial law in the country for the first time since 1980, which sparked outrage from citizens and lawmakers alike.

I am very sorry and sincerely apologize to the people who may have been surprised, Yoon said in his public address. I will not shirk the issue of legal and political responsibility in connection with the declaration of martial law.

The National Assembly will decide whether or not to impeach the leader in a vote later Saturday local time. The parliament blocked the martial law declaration earlier this week.

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Yoon noted the severity of his actions and growing disdain from fellow officials in his speech citing the anxiety invoked by a military order to rid the nation of anti-state forces.

He promised never to declare martial law again.

My fellow citizens, there is talk that martial law will be invoked again, let me assure you. There will never be a second martial law, Yoon stated in his first public appearance since revoking the order. My fellow citizens, I will entrust the plan for stabilizing the political situation in the future, including my term, to our Party.

Regardless, the move still sent shockwaves through Yoons People Power Party led by Han Dong-hoon.

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Han argued that Yoon needed to be suspended from leadership stating he could potentially put the Republic of Korea and its citizens in great danger according to reports from the Associated Press.

He and Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Koreas National Intelligence Service, said Yoon sought to imprison opposing politicians under the martial law order as reported by AP. Several key defense leaders have been suspended from their positions for acquiescing to Yoons demands.

Pending Saturday vote, some have called on Yoon to resign. Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside of parliament on Friday urging the leader to step down.

The Associated Press contributed to this 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 The Hill.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who stunned the world this week by declaring martial law, has narrowly avoided being impeached, as his partys lawmakers boycotted the parliamentary vote on his ouster Saturday.

The motion by opposition lawmakers accused him of insurrection, calling his decree an unconstitutional self-coup.

The president has betrayed the trust of the people and has lost the right to carry out state affairs, the impeachment motion read.

In Seoul, South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik bangs the gavel to announce that a vote on impeaching President Yoon Suk-yeol could not take place because a quorum was not reached. (Jeon Heon-kyun / Associated Press)

Thousands of protesters had gathered outside the National Assembly to cheer on his removal. Now protests are expected to build.

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We will not give up. We will prevail, liberal opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said after the motion fell through. By Christmas, we will bring people the end-of-year gift of restoring the country to normalcy.

The liberal party said it would submit the motion again at the next parliamentary session on Wednesday  and every week after that until it passes. The question is whether enough members of Yoons conservative ruling party will vote to oust him while he still has 2  years remaining in his term, potentially ceding the presidency to the liberal opposition.

Impeaching Yoon requires the support of at least two-thirds of the 300-member National Assembly  or 200 votes. Because the opposition coalition holds 192 seats, impeachment requires eight or more votes from Yoons conservative People Power Party.

Read more: South Korean president declares martial law, then backs down amid calls for his impeachment

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In the days following the martial law declaration, a handful of ruling party legislators had indicated they would at least consider impeachment. But only three of them showed up for the vote Saturday, with the remaining 105 leaving the plenary hall in protest.

Outside the National Assembly, the crowd gathered to call for Yoons removal let out a cry of frustration.

Among them were citizens who had traveled from hours away and college students studying for exams in the throng while keeping one eye on the news.

Arrest Yoon Suk-yeol! they chanted as they marched down the promenade.

In declaring martial law Tuesday, Yoon railed against the opposition-controlled National Assembly, which he accused of being a den of criminals and North Korea sympathizers.

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Read more: He was a huge Korean TV star. Now he's broke and lives in an amusement park

Gen. Park An-su, whom Yoon designated as his martial law commander, subsequently suspended all political activity and declared the media under the militarys control. For many in South Korea, the move chillingly harked back to the countrys past military dictatorships.

But three hours after Yoons decree, legislators  many of them scaling the gates of the locked-down National Assembly  unanimously voted to overrule Yoon, requiring him to lift the decree.

On Saturday morning, in a two-minute address to the nation, Yoon apologized for inconveniencing the public and said that he had been motivated by desperation.

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While Yoon reportedly told his officials and party members that his decree was meant to send a message to an adversarial legislature  which has filed numerous impeachments against his appointees and moved to investigate his wife on charges of graft and stock manipulation  many, including his own party members, say they believe he had much more sinister motives.

Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, said there were signs that the special forces soldiers who stormed the National Assembly were acting on orders to arrest him and other legislators. Opposition leader Lee, whom Yoon narrowly defeated in the presidential election two years ago, has said the same.

Weve confirmed that President Yoon ordered the arrest of major politicians on the grounds that they were anti-state forces, Han said at a party meeting Friday.

I dont think we can pretend like nothing happened.

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While stating that this was based on credible sources, Han did not elaborate, offering only that these plans would be made public in due time through various channels.

In a meeting with Han that same day, Yoon denied giving such an order, Han said.

Hong Jang-won, a senior official at the National Intelligence Service, the countrys spy agency, told lawmakers Friday that Yoon called him to order the arrest of several lawmakers, including party leaders Lee and Han. Spy chief Cho Tae-yong has disputed Hongs allegations.

Yet even while condemning the martial law declaration as unconstitutional and acknowledging that Yoon must ultimately be removed from office, Han and most of his party allies balked at impeachment.

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For the South Korean conservatives, impeachment is their exposed nerve, and they have reason to tread lightly.

The first and only South Korean president to be successfully impeached was conservative Park Geun-hye, who was later investigated and jailed on corruption charges. Her downfall splintered the conservative camp and opened a path for liberal successor Moon Jae-in, whose term conservatives refer to as the lost five years.

Read more: Why these Korean Americans are leaving the U.S. to return to their homeland

Crucial to the success of Parks impeachment was a bloc of conservative legislators who joined the opposition to vote in favor.

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It is why many party stalwarts are determined to avoid the same fate this time around.

We cannot have any more traitors surrendering to the enemy, like the time with Park Geun-hye, Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo wrote on social media Wednesday.

Instead, Yoons party members have floated more moderate solutions that would make way for Yoons orderly resignation, such as revising the constitution to shorten his term, transferring some of his presidential powers to the prime minister or forming a bipartisan Cabinet.

In his recent public address, Yoon said he would leave his fate to the party, hinting that he may relinquish much of his authority to Han, should he avoid impeachment.

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Read more: This tiny apartment costs $7 a month. Scoring one is like winning the lottery

The liberal opposition has rejected any alternatives to impeachment, calling Yoon a ticking time bomb.

He is in a very troubling mental state right now. We dont have time to discuss something like an orderly resignation,  liberal party spokesperson Yoon Jong-kun told reporters Saturday morning.

Only Yoons immediate removal from official duties and impeachment can alleviate the anger of the people and South Koreas plummeting international credit rating.

The liberal party has said that it would propose the motion again Wednesday.

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We are going to propose it repeatedly, Lee said, until it goes through.

Read more: How a memorial to WWII sex slaves ignited a battle in Berlin

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.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will face an impeachment vote Saturday, days after briefly imposing martial law.

The country's dominant opposition party moved on Wednesday to impeach Yoon, submitting a motion a day after his declaration of martial law set off a night of political chaos.

The opposition party, the Democratic Party, had been working Friday to gain enough votes from the ruling party side to pass the motion to impeach, which would then go to the Constitutional Court.

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A high-level official in Korea's spy agency this week also said he had refused a request by the president to arrest several key political figures. He was immediately dismissed with Yoon claiming he did note order arrests of lawmakers.

The head of the ruling People Power Party turned course from Thursday in announcing that the president is unfit to lead the country.

PHOTO: Protesters against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gather outside the ruling People Power Party headquarters in Seoul, Dec. 6, 2024. (Ng Han Guan/AP)

"I think that President Yoon Suk Yeol should be suspended from office as soon as possible," Han Dong-hoon said during an emergency party meeting on Friday morning.

He was careful to avoid using the word "impeachment" but implied that Yoon should either resign or be forced to step down.

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MORE: South Korea's ruling party now believes it is 'necessary' to suspend President Yoon

After that about-face statement, South Korea's political scene went through a roller coaster ride.

Han briefly met with the president at his request in the afternoon.

The president was on his way to the National Assembly but turned back after a group of opposition party lawmakers gathered at the entrance of the Assembly Hall chanting "impeachment," "treason" and and even calling for the arrest of Yoon.

PHOTO: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol answers a reporter's question during a press conference at the Presidential Office in Seoul, Nov. 7, 2024. (Kim Hong-ji/Reuters)

The speaker of the National Assembly read a stern statement on camera demanding that the president hold off a visit to the National Assembly until security matters are ironed out.

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MORE: US has 'grave concern' as South Korea imposes, then overturns, martial law

"A second sate of emergency cannot be tolerated," and "If there is, by any chance, another misjudgment by the President in declaring a state of emergency, we will do everything in our power to prevent it," Woo Won-shik said.

Yoon declared martial law in a televised speech late Tuesday, saying the measure was necessary due to the actions of the country's liberal opposition, which he accused of controlling parliament, sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing the government.

The move sparked massive protests, and hours after the declaration, the National Assembly voted early Wednesday morning local time demanding that the president lift the martial law order. Yoon lifted the order shortly thereafter.

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"This is a serious act of rebellion and perfect grounds for impeachment," a Democratic Party spokesperson said in a statement after martial law was lifted.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces impeachment vote after imposing martial law originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
SEOUL, South Korea  When South Koreans came out to defend democracy this week in the face of a surprise martial law declaration by their president, history was weighing heavily on their minds.

South Korea, a key U.S. ally, is the worlds 10th-largest economy and a vibrant Asian democracy in a region where authoritarianism is on the rise. But the country of 50 million people spent decades under military-authoritarian rule, with martial law frequently declared and those who resisted it sometimes killed.

I think a lot of people were concerned about what soldiers on duty who were being deployed to implement martial law were going to do, said Eun A Jo, a postdoctoral fellow at the Dickey Center for International Understanding at Dartmouth College. And thankfully, this time around, we didnt see any bloodshed.

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President Yoon Suk Yeol shocked the country Tuesday when he declared emergency martial law in a late-night television address. Lawmakers and members of the public rushed to the National Assembly in the center of the capital, Seoul, where troops were already massing.

The division that was deployed were the folks who are trained to basically implement some of the hardest tasks vis-a-vis North Korea, which South Korea technically remains at war with, Jo said. So I think when they were deployed, they were under the impression that this had something to do with that. But then they ended up at the National Assembly.

Their job was to prevent lawmakers from entering, since the legislatures operations had been banned under the martial law proclamation.

I think many of them felt confused by the order, Jo said. Some said they were embarrassed.

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Lawmakers were able to make their way in and quickly voted unanimously to nullify Yoons order, which he lifted early Wednesday.

As the initial shock of the events has worn off, South Koreans have called for Yoon to resign or be impeached, with tens of thousands of people expected to rally in Seoul on Saturday. A vote to impeach him failed on Saturday after lawmakers from Yoons governing People Power Party left parliament en masse.

A long road to democracy

South Korea, which was founded in 1948 after the division of the Korean Peninsula into the Soviet-occupied north and the U.S.-occupied south, experienced martial law multiple times under its first president, Syngman Rhee, who used it to suppress communists.

Anti-corruption protests forced Rhee to step down in 1960. His successor, Yun Bo-seon, was ousted the following year by South Korean army officer Park Chung-hee, who was also fond of using martial law to crack down on dissent.

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Park was assassinated in 1979. His successor, Choi Kyu-hah, was ousted in a military coup by Chun Doo-hwan, who ruled for eight years.

The last time martial law was declared in South Korea was by Chun in 1980. In response, a pro-democracy uprising led by students and civilians broke out in the southern city of Gwangju.

Hundreds of people are estimated to have been killed in the military crackdown that followed.

Protesters commandeer a military vehicle in Gwangju, South Korea, in 1980.

The uprising was a pivotal moment in South Korean history, Jo said, that marked the countrys last attempt at democratization before it was achieved in 1987.

The history of Gwangju is something that we grow up with, she said.

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The difference between the soldiers who were deployed to enforce martial law in the 1960s, 70s and 80s and the ones deployed this week, Jo said, is that these soldiers are of a different generation, and they know the history of South Korean dictatorship far better.

Yoon may have taken a different lesson from South Korean history, said Rob York, director for regional affairs at Pacific Forum, a foreign policy research institute in Honolulu.

During South Koreas period of military dictatorship, there were a couple of coups that took place that were designed to break gridlock, I guess you could say, and take decisive action to shore up the countrys future, York said. I think thats what Yoon was trying to replicate.

But unlike the architects of past coups, Yoon did not really understand that he didnt have the kind of hold on the military, York said, and didnt even have a hold on his own party in that regard.

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Yoon, who accused opposition lawmakers of obstructing the government and sympathizing with North Korea, appeared to expect that the South Korean military and the countrys anti-communist elements would coalesce around him the way that they did for Chun Doo-hwan and Park Chung-hee before him, York said.

Instead, protesters rushed to the National Assembly, with viral videos showing people confronting soldiers over their actions.

I think it came as a surprise to Yoon and his supporters how quickly the Korean public turned against their decision and fought back, York said. That, I would say, demonstrates the determination of the Korean public not to go back to that period in history.

Soldiers leaving the National Assembly in Seoul on Wednesday after lawmakers voted to reject President Yoon Suk Yeols martial law declaration.

The U.S. role in military rule

Among those caught off guard this week was the Biden administration, which said it was not notified about Yoons plans in advance.

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Throughout the week, U.S. officials have repeatedly reaffirmed the ironclad nature of the U.S. alliance with South Korea, which it views as an important bulwark against North Korea, China and Russia, and which hosts almost 30,000 American troops.

The U.S. military has had an almost continuous presence in South Korea since the end of World War II, even ruling the country from 1945 to 1948. The American troops there today serve as a deterrent against aggression from nuclear-armed North Korea.

Over the years, the U.S. has been accused of siding with South Korean dictators over democrats.

Historically, whenever South Korean authoritarian leaders wanted to declare martial law, they typically sought at least some kind of tacit approval from Washington, Jo said.

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Historians say the U.S. stood by during the deadly South Korean military response to the 1980 Gwangju uprising, for example, for fear that the protests might spread to other cities and invite North Korean intervention.

In 1964, Jo said, when there were nationwide demonstrations against the normalization of relations with Japan, the U.S. agreed to release command of an infantry division that was deployed to enforce Parks martial law, according to declassified documents.

The events in South Korea this week also brought to mind more recent history, said Jean H. Lee, an adjunct fellow and northeast Asia expert at the East-West Center research organization in Honolulu.

Another conservative president, Park Geun-hye  the daughter of Park Chung-hee  was impeached in 2016 after a series of mass candlelight vigils. She was later sentenced to 24 years in prison on corruption and other charges before being pardoned in 2021 by Yoons predecessor, President Moon Jae-in.

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South Koreans have a long culture and a long history of demonstration, Lee said, and they saw in 2016 that they can have an impact and sweep a president out of power.

Stella Kim reported from Seoul and Jennifer Jett from Hong Kong.





This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
On Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Seok Yeol  who hosted a Summit for Democracy just months ago  shocked the world by declaring martial law on national television, making bizarre claims about threats from North Koreas communist forces and anti-state elements.

Yoon ordered nearly 300 armed elite assassins to storm the National Assembly to arrest lawmakers, but legislative aides and citizens blocked the troops with their bodies, furniture and fire extinguishers as lawmakers climbed walls to get into the building to vote, 190-0, to revoke Yoons unconstitutional order.

By dawn, Yoon called off martial law.

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While Yoons outburst caught many in the United States off guard, it was much less surprising to those of us who have tracked his increasingly autocratic rule in South Korea, a crucial U.S. ally. Celebrated abroad by the Biden administration as a champion of democratic values and a visionary diplomat, Yoon has revealed himself to be a petty tyrant at home.

I know, because I was just on the receiving end of his anti-democratic policies.

Why did the Yoon regime ban me from entering South Korea?

In October, Yoon's government banned me from entering South Korea, where I was to address an international youth peace summit, with no explanation or due process.

I had been banned before by former President Park Geun-hye's administration as retribution for the 2015 womens peace walk I led across the Demilitarized Zone, but in 2017 the newly elected liberal Moon Jae-in administration reversed it.

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Opinion: 70 years have passed since Korean cease-fire. It's time to end America's longest war.

I have since traveled to South Korea to visit family and meet civil society leaders, journalists and diplomats, including in 2022 when I went to accept an award from Nobel Peace laureates.

When I awoke this week to news of Yoons attempted coup, I wasn't surprised.

This late night assault left the nation restless, driving countless people to the streets and to the National Assembly to confront abuse of power, Youngmi Cho, executive director of the Korean Womens Movement for Peace, told me. The damage to South Korean democracy is profound.

South Koreans protest in Seoul against President Yoon Suk Yeol on Dec. 06, 2024, when South Koreas governing party chief expressed support for suspending the president's constitutional powers for imposing martial law this week. It's a bombshell reversal that makes Yoons impeachment more likely.

Memories of bloody repression, martial law

Martial law was last declared 44 years ago by military dictator Chun Doo Hwan, whose bloody massacre of hundreds of pro-democracy activists in Gwangju brought down the dictatorship.

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To South Koreans, a return to martial law triggers traumatic memories of decades of dictatorship that was marked by mass beatings, detentions and torture. One Korean journalist, Kap Seol, recalled how during the dictatorship, military police beat him with a baton and nearly cracked open his skull for exercising his democratic rights.

The physical and emotional scars are still fresh, he said.

Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store.

It explains why South Koreans gathered in the dark cold night to defend their hard-won democracy this time. They see Yoons absurd declaration for what it is  a coup attempt by a deeply unpopular and embattled politician. Last month, only 17% of South Koreans approved of Yoons rule.

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Yoon, a former prosecutor, was elected in 2022 by the narrowest margin in South Korean history of less than 1%. Ever since, he has been embroiled in endless scandals, including political corruption and alleged election interference.

Under Yoons reign, South Korea has also undergone serious democratic backsliding as his administration has targeted women, critics, journalists, labor unions and peace and reunification activists.

Weeks before Yoons call for martial law, more than 100,000 South Koreans took to the streets demanding his impeachment.

South Koreans are outraged by his tax cuts for the wealthy while slashing social spending for the poor and working class, his exacerbating the problems of an already overburdened health care system and his incompetent response after more than 150 people were crushed on Halloween.

United States must back Yoon's ouster

Since Yoons attempted coup, the Biden administration  which proclaims that its foreign policy champions democracy and fights autocracy  has not issued a single condemnation. Instead of praising the South Korean people and parliamentarians, the administration perversely gave Yoon credit for calming the situation.

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Despite Yoon's many transgressions against democracy, why does President Joe Biden continue to hail him as a defender of freedom and a model ally?

President Joe Biden welcomes President Yoon Suk Yeol at the White House for a state visit in April 2023.

Yoon, a foreign policy hawk, eagerly overrode fierce domestic opposition to accept unjust forced reconciliation with Japan, Koreas brutal former colonizer, in order to participate in Bidens trilateral alliance designed to contain China.

Before Yoon further exploits tensions on the peninsula to deal more damage to South Korean democracy or put the peninsula at further risk of war, Biden and world leaders must support the South Korean people and their elected officials calling for Yoons ouster.

Meanwhile, Americans can learn from South Koreas pro-democracy movements on how to fight back against authoritarian strong men.

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Opinion: Trump wants the military to help with mass deportation plan. Will Congress pay?

President-elect Donald Trump has promised to target radical left lunatics whom he considers the enemy from within, threatening to deploy the U.S. military against American citizens.

Even Mark Esper, Trumps former Defense secretary, warned that such threats should be taken seriously because he witnessed firsthand Trumps desire to use troops to squash the 2020 nationwide racial justice protests.

As news spread of Yoons martial law, Youkyung Ko, a longtime democracy and peace activist, described how netizens urged South Koreans to immediately go to the National Assembly to protect the parliamentarians. Although they feared military violence, Youkyung told me, they chose to sacrifice their own personal safety to fight for democracy at any cost.

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Christine Ahn is the founder and co-director of Women Cross DMZ, a women-led global movement mobilizing for peace in Korea.

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: South Korea's Yoon is a petty tyrant. He must be impeached | Opinion
South Korea's embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol avoided impeachment on Saturday after members of the ruling party walked out before the vote began.

As lawmakers debated a motion to impeach Yoon over his declaration of martial law on Tuesday, all but two members of his own People Power Party walked out of the National Assembly session even before voting began Saturday evening.

This means the motion, jointly proposed by the opposition parties that control 192 of the South Korean legislature's 300 seats, will likely not reach the required 200 votes -- including at least eight votes from the ruling party -- to pass, as the numbers don't seem to be there for the motion to pass.

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MORE: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces impeachment vote after imposing martial law

Opposition leaders have said that if the bill fails, they plan to revisit it again on Wednesday.

PHOTO: South Korea Martial Law (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Opposition lawmakers were seated at the session waiting for ruling party members to return to the chamber, as they need five more votes to pass the impeachment bill.

Thousands of protesters calling for Yoon's impeachment, as well as those who are against the effort, were gathered in two different locations in Seoul. These rallies, filled with chants, music and group dances, appeared to be peaceful.

Earlier Saturday, Yoon apologized to the nation in a brief televised address, saying his declaration of martial law was made out of "depression." He "sincerely apologized" for the "anxiety and inconvenience" that it may have caused and promised not to make another attempt to impose martial law.

South Korea's president survives impeachment after ruling party lawmakers boycott vote originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
By Jack Kim

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces the greatest challenge of his brief but chequered political career, despite surviving a bruising impeachment challenge, as members of his own party called for him to resign for imposing martial law.

Yoon was regarded as a tough political survivor but became increasingly isolated, dogged by personal scandals and strife, an unyielding opposition and rifts within his own party.

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After he narrowly won election in 2022, his recent battles have left him increasingly bitter and have drawn out a recklessness that a former rival said was his defining trait.

By the time Yoon attempted to impose martial law on Tuesday, he was badly bruised politically.

An impeachment motion against him failed late on Saturday when members of his ruling party boycotted the National Assembly session, but even some of them said he was unqualified for office and should resign.

The opposition vowed to try again, while Yoon's party said it would find a "more orderly, responsible" way to resolve the crisis.

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Some analysts said Yoon, a former prosecutor who had never held elected office before his presidential election, showed signs of being in "extreme rage" when martial law was in effect, citing the language he allegedly used to order the arrests of some members of parliament who had clashed with him.

A top spy agency official told a parliament intelligence committee that Yoon said, "Grab them all and round them up," according to panel member Kim Byung-kee.

SCANDALS OVERSHADOW SUCCESS ABROAD

Ihn Yohan, a physician and member of parliament for Yoon's People Power Party considered an ally of the president, said the martial law decree was "extreme" but not entirely unjustified given the endless political attacks against Yoon. "I hope we remember how the opposition party has incredibly and viciously pushed the president and his family into the corner with threats of special prosecutors and impeachment," he said at a party meeting on Thursday.

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The past year of Yoon's presidency has been heavily overshadowed by a scandal involving his wife, who was accused of inappropriately accepting a pricey Christian Dior handbag as a gift and his stubborn refusal to fully own up to it.

Only after the scandal was blamed as a major reason for a crushing parliamentary election defeat his party suffered in April did he apologise. But he continued to reject calls for a probe into the scandal and into an allegation of stock price manipulation involving his wife and her mother.

The prosecutors office that investigated the allegations decided not to press charges against the first lady.

Yoon's struggles at home have overshadowed the relative success he has had on the international stage.

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His bold push to reverse a decades-long diplomatic row with neighbouring Japan and join Tokyo in a three-way security cooperation with the United States are widely seen as his signature foreign policy legacies.

Yoon's ability to bond on a personal level, seen as the trait that gave him his early success, was on full display at a White House event last year, when Yoon took the stage and belted out the pop song "American Pie" for an astounded President Joe Biden and a delighted crowd.

SHAMANS, HIGH SCHOOL BUDDIES

Born to an affluent family in Seoul, Yoon was an easygoing youth who excelled at school. He entered the elite Seoul National University to study law, but his penchant for partying led him to repeatedly fail the bar exam before passing on the ninth try.

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Yoon, who turns 64 on Dec. 18, shot to national fame in 2016 when, as the chief investigator probing then-President Park Geun-hye for corruption, he told a reporter that prosecutors are not gangsters, when asked if he was out for revenge.

Three years earlier, Park had suspended Yoon, then fired him from a team investigating a high-profile case against the spy agency. That move was widely considered punishment for challenging her authority.

The role he played in jailing the sitting president and his dramatic comeback as head of the powerful Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, marked the start of a dizzying rise to power.

Two years later, he became prosecutor general and spearheaded a corruption probe against a close ally of the next president, Moon Jae-in. That made him a darling of conservatives frustrated with Moon's liberal policies, setting him up to be a candidate for the presidency in 2022.

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Yoon beat Lee Jae-myung, the current opposition leader who led the impeachment move against him, by a margin of less than 1%.

But Yoon's presidency got off to a rocky start when he pushed ahead with moving the presidential office out of the Blue House compound to a new site, facing questions whether it was because of a feng shui belief that the old presidential compound was cursed. Yoon at the time denied any involvement by himself or his wife with a shaman.

When Yoon refused to fire top officials after a 2022 Halloween night disaster, in which 159 people were killed in a crowd crush in Seoul's night-life district of Itaewon, he was accused of protecting "yes men". One of them was Safety Minister Lee Sang-min, a close confidant and fellow graduate of Yoon's high school.

Another alumnus of the Choongam High School in Seoul was Kim Yong-hyun, the man who spearheaded the presidential office move, then became the presidential security service, and in September was appointed defence minister.

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Kim was one of the two people who recommended that Yoon declare martial law, a senior military official said. Lee was the other, according to local media reports.

(Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Michael Perry and William Mallard)
A Southern California man was arrested in connection with a cold case murder that occurred 41 years ago.

Michael Larry Manatt, 70, of Huntington Beach, was taken into custody on Friday by police.

He is accused of murdering Ronald Gaskey, who was found dead in his Newport Beach home on Dec. 13, 1983.

Gaskey, who was 35 years old at the time, was a construction worker who lived on the 400 block of Lugonia Street. His ex-girlfriend was asked to check on him when he failed to show up for work at a Hollywood construction site, according to the Orange Coast Daily Pilot.

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The woman found Gaskey lying face-down in a hallway on the second floor of his home. He had been clubbed on the head and face with an unknown object. An autopsy later revealed Gaskey was hit once on the back of his head and as many as three times in the face, The Daily Pilot reported.

He died about two hours after the beating. Police said there was a smudge of blood on a door, but the house did not appear to be ransacked and there were no signs of a fight or violent struggle.

Loved ones and neighbors described Gaskey as someone who was greatly concerned with security and could be seen adding walls, trees and bushes to protect his home over the years.

His front door was found closed but unlocked by Gaskeys ex-girlfriend when she arrived, police said.

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Detectives later determined the killer was likely someone Gaskey knew, said The Daily Pilot.

He was highly security-minded and it seems very apparent that this was someone he knew, someone he invited into his house, said a Newport Beach police officer.

He reportedly had an elaborate alarm system and several neighbors told police it would be out of character for him to leave his front door unlocked.

No murder weapon was found at the scene and no suspect was located at the time.

Over the years, Newport Beach detectives conducted interviews and collected evidence from Gaskeys home, but a suspect remained elusive.

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The case was recently reopened and after analyzing reports, studying evidence, and conducting additional interviews, detectives identified Manatt as a suspect in the homicide.

Over $20,000 worth of stolen goods found in retail theft bust

Details on a motive or his connection to Gaskey were not released by investigators.

On Dec. 6, Manatt was arrested on suspicion of murder. He is being held on $1 million bail.

The case remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Kyle Markwald at 949-644-3762 or kmarkwald@nbpd.org.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Regional home goods chain The Southern Living Store is closing its three remaining brick-and-mortar locations, according to store employees, but questions remain about the date and reason for its closure.

The Southern Living Store at 3064 Howard Ave. in The Market Common area of Myrtle Beach was decorated with brightly colored huge sale and store closing signs this week.

Store employees confirmed plans for the closure Tuesday, but declined to specify when and referred The Sun News to Beyond Brands Group LLC.

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As of Friday afternoon, The Sun News hadnt received responses by email or phone from The Southern Living Store or Beyond Brands Group.

But the Market Common Southern Living Store isnt the only location shutting down. The Southern Living Store also has locations in Branson, Missouri and Destin, Florida.

Employees at both other locations told The Sun News that the Branson store and the Destin store are also permanently closing, but werent sure about specific dates.

No announcement or further information appears to be available online.
SpaceX, an American space technology company, has secured a Pentagon contract to expand Ukraine's access to a more secure, militarised version of its Starlink satellite network.

Source: Bloomberg

Details: The contract stipulates that 2,500 Starlink terminals currently in Ukraine will be granted access to Starshield, in addition to the 500 terminals already connected to the service.

Starshield is a secure, encrypted communication system developed for Starlink that is designed to be more resistant to hacking and jamming.

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"A total of 3,000 terminals are provided service via the two contracts," the Space Systems Commands Commercial Satellite Office told Bloomberg News.

The contracts have a common goal of facilitating "internet connectivity in Ukraine". The contract is scheduled to be implemented by 2025.

The contract was signed back in August 2024. Bloomberg notes that the Space Systems Command refused to disclose the value of the new contract, although a previous agreement with the US European Command for 500 terminals was worth about US$40 million.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  One Springfield schools dedication to academic excellence is being recognized by the federal goverment, through the Elementary and Secondary Education act.

This was an exciting recognition for the Chestnut Talented and Gifted (TAG) Middle School who were recently named a National ESEA Distinguished School.

This recognition helps to show that our work really does have a reward and we shouldnt give up, expressed 8th grade student, Destiny Baeze.

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It was a proud moment for students at the Chestnut TAG Middle School in Springfield as their hard work and commitment to their studies has brought them recognition on a national level.

With this school I had to think about what my future to be and how I like want to push myself, and I knew this school was going to help me do that further, expressed 8th grade student, LaNya Mack.

This school has provided many accelerated classes that are mandatory to take and I feel like those clases have really pushed me, added 8th grade student, Bowie Lapid.

The school, serving over 260 students in grades 6 to 8 was chosen based on various factors such as student academic progress. To be selected, the schools had to meet a number of state accountability metrics, plus be reviewed to make sure the schools district has a robust family engagement model.

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We know how hard the students are working, we know hard the teachers are working and how much effort the families are putting in to achieveing great outcomes like this, so its really great to take a minute and honor that work, said Acting commissioner of elementary and secondary education, Russell Johnston.

They are one of two schools in the state being honored, the other is Bradley Elementary School in Boston. Both were recognized for category 3 of this award (Excellence in serving special populations of students (e.g. homeless, migrant, English learners, etc.). This is something that Springfield doesnt always see, western mass is part of the state that doesnt get recognized all the time so when we do it is a really big deal, said Principal for Chestnut TAG Middle School.

Our students who are in urban environments can demonstrate that they are part of the best and the brightest and compete on a national level with educational excellence, added Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, Dr. Sonia Dinnall.

The school hopes with this recognition it will draw in more students and inspire other schools to follow their lead in supporting and empowering students. A banner will be given to the school in the near future to also acknowledge this accomplishment.

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According to the National ESEA Distinguished Schools map, Chestnut TAG is not the first Western Massachusetts school to receive this honor. The Alice Beal School in Springfield received it in 2018.

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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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  The City of Springfield is recognizing the Springfield Police Department and the security staff at Lincoln Public Library for defusing a potential risk to public safety on Friday.

City officials said that earlier in the day, an individual attempted to instigate a physical altercation within the library. When library personnel intervened, that person became combative.

Rochester library faces ethics complaint after allegedly advocating for failed tax rate referendum

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Two members of security stepped in and detained the individual until Springfield Police arrived.

We are incredibly proud of the quick thinking and composure demonstrated by our library security staff and law enforcement officers, Mayor Misty Buscher said in a press release. Their actions ensured the safety of everyone present at the library and highlighted their dedication to keeping our public spaces secure.

City officials said that this incident highlights the importance of having trained professionals who can handle these types of situations with care and professionalism.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  Friday marked a historic moment in St. Louis County: County Executive Sam Page has officially declared Dec. 6 Wesley Bell Day to honor the county prosecutor.

Many gathered at the St. Louis County Department of Justice, to honor Bell, the first African American to hold the position in the countys history. He has served since 2019 and is now set to take on a new rolethe congressman for Missouris 1st congressional district.

Bell expressed gratitude for this honor, but he says this is not about him.

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To me, it is a testament to the men and women of the St. Louis County Prosecutors Office who wake up every day with the idea of public safety, with the idea of treating our victims with the dignity and respect that they deserve, and keeping this region safe. In that way, its a big honor, he said.

Among his proudest accomplishments are programs like the nations first-of-its-kind Diversion Committee and the Incident Review Unit, which Bell says has helped redefine criminal justice reform in the county.

Bell stated, This job as well as my soon-to-be job is about the work. Its about representing the interests of my constituents. The people right here in this region.

Woman dead as police shoot armed man in Jefferson County

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However, the celebration comes amidst a legal battle between Gov. Mike Parson and Page concerning who should appoint Bells successor.

Page announced his choice of former federal prosecutor Cort Vanostran. Meanwhile, Parson insists that the appointment is his to make. The governor sat down with FOX 2 in November to voice his opinion.

I dont have to play the political games in St. Louis County, where they will. Matter of fact, in their own charter, I think somebody told me the other day it says it has to be a Democrat because it says a Democrat was in office. Thats about as political as you can get, Parson said.

We reached out to Pages office on the issue, and he responded, His successor, Cort VanOstran, a former assistant U.S. attorney, is a proven public servant. As a federal prosecutor, he worked to protect victims of crime, and I look forward to his work continuing as the next St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney.

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Meanwhile, Parsons office says Pages action changes nothing, and he is moving forward to naming a replacement. Were told he has also started the interviewing process to find the best qualified individual for the job, regardless of political affiliations.

The statement reaffirms that the Governor remains confident in their legal authority to name this appointment and that they look forward to the courts affirming their position.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) has announced three finalists bidding to become its next superintendent.

During a Thursday meeting, the district's Board of Education announced it had narrowed down its candidate list from seven to three after holding interviews earlier this week involving staff, parents, students, and three board members.

The finalists for the position are Dr. Stacie Stanley, current superintendent of Edina Public Schools; Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, current superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools; and Dr. Brenda Cassellius, the CEO of Fresh Energy,

Dr. Stacie Stanley, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, and Dr. Brenda Cassellius.www.spps.org

Dr. Cassellius is the former Commissioner of Education for Minnesota, serving under former Gov. Mark Dayton for eight years, and more recently worked as the superintendent of Boston Public Schools, which serves 50,000 students and 10,000 staff.

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She is now the CEO of Fresh Energy, a nonprofit organization focused on transitioning Minnesota to a clean-energy economy.

Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed has been the superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools since 2017. She serves 6,900 students and over 1,000 staff members. Before becoming superintendent, she began her career as a teacher in St. Paul.

Dr. Stanley is the superintendent of Edina Public Schools, which has around 8,600 students and over 1,300 staff. She is also the current president-elect of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators, a statewide organization of education leaders.

The superintendent finalists all have deep educational experience and meet the values and characteristics our community identified earlier this school year," St. Paul Public Schools Board Chair Halla Henderson said. "The Board feels confident in these candidates ability to understand the diverse needs of the Saint Paul Public Schools community and their potential to make a positive and lasting impact on our school district. Were excited for the community to get to know these finalists in the coming weeks.

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The finalists will visit schools in the district for a full day between Dec. 16 and 18, meeting with staff, students, parents, and community partners. After meeting the community, each candidate will have a public interview from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on their respective day.

Final interviews will be held at the SPPS administration building, 360 S. Colborne St., and the schedule of which candidate will be interviewed on which day will be available next week.

The Board of Education will hold a public meeting after the final interview on Wednesday, Dec. 18, to announce its preferred candidate. If it does not select one that evening, members will resume deliberation at the regular Board of Education meeting on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 5:30 p.m

The new superintendents start date will be determined during contract discussions after winter break.

Related: Murder of Brian Thompson: Words written on shell casings, reports say
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  A St. Petersburg woman is calling on the city after she received an unusually high water bill, despite having been displaced during the back-to-back hurricanes.

The city temporarily shut down its drinking water system for less than one day.

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Renter Melanie Scheiderman said the water was turned back on after the storms, the extreme pressure caused a leakage at her home. Now she must pay eight times more than what she is typically billed.

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Despite being displaced for Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Scheidermans received a shocking utility bill.

Pinellas family receives partial flood insurance coverage after disclosure issues

We got an $1147 bill, she said.



Melanie and Richard Scheiderman were billed an unusually steep water bill. She said its typically around $150, so they thought something must be wrong.



A typo, an error, somebody read the meter wrong? Scheiderman questioned.



Scheiderman called the city for some answers, but she said she never received help.



I said its impossible, she said. We were gone more than two weeks, and even when I filled up our above-ground pool from the ground up, which uses thousands of gallons, our whole bill was like $500.

Then she turned to her landlord.

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He came out, and he couldnt see, Scheiderman said. He turned the water off the meter stopped running. He turned the water on, and it started running so he called a leak detection specialist, which found a slow leak in the bathroom.



Scheiderman said it was caused when the city turned the water back on after the hurricanes.



Its likely that it was a slow leak that shouldve been caught if they were properly reading the meters, and if it wasnt caused by the citys shut-off and shut-on, then we shouldve seen it, she said.



The City of St. Pete tells 8 On Your Side:

The drinking water system was down for 12 hours, less than one day. The drinking water system lost pressure for approximately 12 hours overnight October 9-10, 2024. Within nine hours of initial pressure loss, the City began to be slowly restore pressure. It is not possible for the loss of system pressure to have caused the customers plumbing to spring a leak. The repressurization of the system was deliberately done slowly so as not to cause a pressure spike (high pressure) that could impact the customers plumbing.

The city also encouraged the Scheidermans to call Utility Accounts Customer Service to have the call center staff walk them through their options.

We are following all the above normal procedures to assist customers who experienced a higher-than-expected utility bill regardless of when it happened, either before, during, or after one of the storms, a city spokesperson wrote.  In this case, the customers most recent high bill was a result of a meter reading that was taken on 11/19, well after hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. This indicates to us that they likely have a plumbing issue on their private property that they may be able to address through the leak adjustment process. They should call 727-893-7341, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm, for assistance.

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I think its a ridiculous amount to place on a homeowner, Scheiderman said. I feel like they shouldve been investigating this a long time ago.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  WKBNs Stan Boney made a special appearance on stage Friday night singing a Youngstown-themed song during the holiday parade downtown.

Hang in There Youngstown was recorded 42 years ago. It was Youngstown native and Chaney High School graduate Mike Pachelli who wrote and produced the song in 1982.

The idea for Fridays performance came from Youngstowns downtown events director Melanie Clarke-Penella. When she heard about the song with a Youngstown theme, she thought it would be fun to have it performed at the Holiday Parade and Light-Up Night.

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The song came about as part of a series titled So You Wanna Be A Star about what it takes to make a song.

Eventually, Boney ended up at Youngstowns Peppermint Productions studio where a record was cut and later a music video was produced  which can be viewed on YouTube.

Clarke-Penella was looking for a song to use in Youngstown promotions and a friend told her about Hang In There Youngstown.

He said you know that Stan Boney did a song in the early 80s and theres a music video from Peppermint Studios. I said I had no idea, Clarke-Penella said.

Clarke-Penella watched the video and asked Boney if he was interested in singing it again.

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I took a chance. I called Stan Boney and it was a resounding yes, Clarke-Penella said.

Melanies husband, Luke Penella, is part of a four-piece band called Idora and the Wildcats. They accompanied Boney for the performance as did Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
When in trouble, blame the blob. It became standard practice for disaffected ministers in the last government to scapegoat the civil service for the paralysis, incompetence and chaos that seemingly engulfed all they turned their hand to.

Only five months in, with his own Government already becalmed and its popularity in free fall, Sir Keir Starmer has taken to similarly blaming Whitehall for todays mounting litany of failures.

Too many people in Whitehall are comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline, the Prime Minister said this week as he attempted to relaunch his partys fortunes.

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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.

On cue, Sir Keir then went on to set a target that did precisely what he was complaining of: higher real household disposable income and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita by the end of this parliament.

Every parliament since the war has seen at least some progress in living standards. If the Prime Minister fails on such an unambitious measure he will truly deserve to be called what some business leaders already accuse him of being: one of the worst UK prime ministers since the war.

Sadly, he seems to be on course for such a fate. Delivering growth is more important than ever, says his Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, having just given a masterclass in how not to get the economy growing again. Her Budget was an egregious act of self harm ... that will kill entrepreneurship and stunt growth, says Sir James Dyson, one of Britains leading entrepreneurs.

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Its not rational to seek a stock market listing in London, says Nikolay Storonsky, the chief executive of Britains most promising fintech start-up, Revolut, citing punishing levels of stamp duty on share trading and diminishing market liquidity.

These are not isolated, self-interested complaints. Everything seems to be going backwards. Unhappiness with where Sir Keir is taking us is almost universal in business and the City.

They had hoped for stable and pragmatic government after the pyrotechnics of recent years, but have instead been hit by a tax-raising maelstrom that seeks to further buttress an already bloated public sector. Ministers pretend a pro-business outlook, but plainly either do not know what makes the private sector tick, or deliberately choose to ignore it.

A leopard cannot change its spots, and already Sir Keir is true to form; Labour governments believe in the power of the state to create growth and wealth, and they invariably end up taxing, borrowing and spending too much in pursuit of it. The trajectory is clear; business leaders can hardly be blamed for taking evasive action.

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Sir Keirs implied criticism of the government machine is no doubt correct. Yet civil servants respond to political leadership, and where there is none to speak of, they simply close ranks and make do.

As it is, the Governments messaging is confused and incoherent. Id be surprised if even the planning reform and upskilling of the labour force needed to get Britain building again works as hoped.

Few would argue with the notion that in the UK and beyond, public sector reform is urgently required, and further, that there ought to be plenty of scope for improvement in public sector productivity, particularly when it comes to the National Health Service, which accounts for the bulk of British public sector employment.

Yet this has been the holy grail of successive governments for decades, and little progress has been made; far from improving, public sector productivity has, if anything, fallen even further behind in recent years.

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In part, this is explained by the extraordinary expenditures and dislocations of the pandemic, and before that, the distractions of Brexit, which for several years was all consuming and left scarce space for almost anything else.

Both these traumas are behind us now, but recovery has been glacial, with the Office for National Statistics recently estimating that public sector productivity was still 8.5pc lower by the end of the second quarter of this year than its pre-pandemic peak. Previous estimates of improvement have moreover been drastically revised downwards.

And theres the rub, because without the pricing mechanism to drive competitiveness, the public sector operates in an entirely different way to its privately-owned counterpart, with value for money coming quite a long way down the list of priorities. Time and again, it has been proven that the more money the public sector is endowed with, the less likely it is to show significant productivity gain.

If on the other hand, the public sector is starved of resources, as it was in the aftermath of the financial crisis  so-called austerity  then its productivity improves, at least for a while.

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Productivity in the NHS went backwards during the the years of plenty under the Blair/Brown government, and again has failed to respond to the extra dollops of cash it has received since the pandemic. Less for more seems to be the order of the day.

You can of course cut too far; demoralisation, poor management, over-reliance on migrant labour, insufficient spending on beds, IT, scanners and other capital items  these have all been constituent parts of the NHSs poor productivity showing.

But much as Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, might wish it otherwise, they are not the main story, or indeed one that can be easily corrected by spending more.

The NHS and much of the rest of the public sector conform to what economists call the Baumol effect, which is the tendency of wages in industries where labour productivity is poor to keep pace with jobs where productivity growth is high. This is because labour intensive industries such as healthcare compete on equal terms for employees with relatively high productivity sectors, such as manufacturing, and have to pay accordingly.

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Even acknowledging that there are significant difficulties in measuring productivity for services provided free at the point of use, the Baumol effect helps explain why NHS spending keeps growing for little or no apparent increase in output.

It also helps explain why Labours promise of making the UK the fastest growing economy in the G7  now downgraded to a long term aim, rather than a commitment  is so unlikely to be met. It is because an economic strategy that focuses on a growing public sector for dynamism and productivity gain is almost certain to fail.

When Sir Keir promises to do away with the bureaucrats, the Nimbys, the regulators and the naysayers, he doesnt mean going full Elon Musk, the multi-billionaire that Donald Trump has charged with attempting to slash US federal spending by a third. He means only a little planning reform.

Blame the blob by all means for the parlous state of the nation, but dont expect much to be done about it.

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(Bloomberg) -- Keir Starmer is facing calls from across his Labour Party for bolder policies and sharper messaging to reconnect with voters, after a major speech aimed at rebooting his stuttering UK premiership flopped this week.

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The prime minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves are drawing growing criticism over what ministers, aides and lawmakers privately described as a disappointing five months in office. Starmers reset moment on Thursday, including six milestones designed to be tools to measure the governments progress, triggered more disquiet and confusion about his strategy.

Labour figures from a broad range of factions  from Tony Blair-era veterans, Starmer allies and lawmakers on the left of the party  said the mood was low. Several Labour MPs and aides told Bloomberg they were surprised by how poorly Starmer and Reeves were performing, and questioned whether they had even had a plan for power or a way to communicate it.

The speechs bumpy landing led some Labour insiders to question whether Starmer and Reeves would survive until the next election  a suggestion that would have been borderline unfathomable just a few months ago.

Though there were warning signs in Labours landslide election victory in July, which delivered a huge parliamentary majority despite relatively low popular support, the governments early stumbles have still been striking. Reeves tax-raising budget, which angered business groups, farmers and pensioners, came after she was accused of denting growth with doom-laden rhetoric.

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It was the last thing Labour needed, especially with Starmers poll ratings slumping and the prime minister struggling to move beyond allegations of cronyism and the scandal-hit departures of his top aide and a cabinet member.

To be sure, Starmers allies counter that its still early in his five-year term, and that his parliamentary majority will allow him to do things that shift the narrative. The Conservatives left an unenviable inheritance, people close to the premier said, including unfunded spending commitments, record immigration, a faltering health service and prison overcrowding that forced the government into taking the politically toxic decision to release some inmates early.

In his speech, Starmer stuck to his messaging about fixing the foundations and restoring economic stability as a prerequisite for ramping up more exciting things like infrastructure spending and house building.

We took really tough decisions in the budget and we did them early, and we stabilized the economy, Starmer said in a BBC interview broadcast on Friday. Referring to one of his milestones on improving living standards, he said: I want people to feel better off straight away  feel better off in the sense of more money in their pocket, feel better off because theyve got a secure job that they know is guaranteed to give them the money they need.

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Yet for many in Labour, the speech was an example of a managerial and technocratic tone that frustrates even some of Starmers supporters.

An ally of Blair, the three-time election winner, said Starmer risked echoing the mistakes of Joe Biden and US Democratic candidate Kamala Harris by not taking voters with him. Emmanuel Macrons struggles in France underscore the danger of being seen as out of touch, the person said. In the UK, Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage is itching to emulate his friend Donald Trumps achievements.

Dismissing Starmers speech as word salad, the person said the premier did not appear to understand that a key part of the job was communicating and not just administrating. They expressed despair at the various missions and first steps and priorities and now milestones they said made government policy look simultaneously piecemeal and hard to understand.

Even center-left think tanks typically supportive of Labour said they were underwhelmed by the speech. While the Resolution Foundation welcomed the focus on living standards, it also said lifting them was the bare minimum for any functioning government. The Institute for Public Policy Research said Britain needs transformative change, not incremental improvement.

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Boldness was missing, Anna McShane, director of the New Britain Project think tank, told Bloomberg.

Some Labour MPs said they want more inspiring policies on the economy and public services, and fewer consultations that risked kicking reforms into the long grass. Reeves next budget and spending review, due next year, should show more imagination, they said, warning that they would not support deep cuts to welfare payments or departmental budgets.

One called on Starmer to appoint a senior economic policy adviser to scrutinize the chancellors decisions. They accused the premier of outsourcing economic policy to Reeves and failing to block controversial decisions, such as removing cold weather energy payments from most pensioners.

Similarly, the person said Starmers office needed a senior foreign policy aide, amid criticism about his overseas trips and a separate speech on Britains place in the world last Monday that was seen as lacking direction.

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Aides also questioned whether Starmer had surrounded himself with yes-men. While allies of the premiers new chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, said hes brought about some improvements since taking over from the ousted Sue Gray, ministers had yet to see much evidence of that, some officials said. Several also accused people around Starmer of behaving like control freaks.

Some Labour strategists warned the demand for better and more powerful messaging from Downing Street will only increase. They pointed to right-wing agitators on Elon Musks X social media platform  as well as posts by the owner himself  potentially undermining the administration.

Labour won their massive majority because people wanted change, McShane said, referring to the Tories 14 years in power that came to an end in July. Our polling showed most people felt nothing in Britain worked anymore. To turn that around will need more than a change of management.

--With assistance from Ellen Milligan and Lucy White.

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Signs for missing and murdered Indigenous people line the front of a room at the University of New Mexico School of Law during a state-run event on Oct. 24, 2024. (Photo by Bella Davis / New Mexico In Depth)

There are 194 Indigenous people listed as missing from New Mexico and the Navajo Nation in an online portal run by the New Mexico Department of Justice. The portal provides a comprehensive database for reporting and searching cases, the homepage reads.

But click on any of the individual names and, for the most part, all youll find is age, sex, and the law enforcement agency the person was reported missing to. There are no photos attached to any of the entries.

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How are you going to help us look for them? Darlene Gomez, an attorney who represents affected families, asked members of the departments Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Task Force on Friday. How can the community look for these people when they dont have pictures? This is a shame.

The department has been working to gain access to federal information systems, communications director Lauren Rodriguez said in an email to New Mexico In Depth, a process that should be done early next year. Thatll allow for more complete entries, including photos.

Its been nearly nine months since the department launched the portal.

The lack of photos is one of several frustrations advocates and families raised during a virtual, second meeting of the task force, the bulk of which was held in private.

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This story was originally published by New Mexico In Depth. It is republished here with permission.

Lawmakers earlier this year called on Attorney General Raul Torrez to create the group, following the disbanding of a prior task force in 2023 by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams administration. The new task forces goals are to update a state response plan published in 2022 and provide recommendations to the Legislature.

Task force chair Stephanie Padilla (Isleta Pueblo) asked community members to share their ideas.

The state should fund billboards with photos of missing and murdered Indigenous people, said Vangie Randall-Shorty (Dine), the mother of Zachariah Juwaun Shorty, who was killed in 2020. Flyers get torn down and replacing them is costly, she said.

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Gomez, whose friend Melissa Ann Montoya (Jicarilla Apache) has been missing since 2001, called for legislation similar to Californias Feather Alert, which police are meant to use to notify the public of suspicious disappearances of Indigenous people. Theres also a need for more legal advocates, Gomez said, to help families navigate the criminal justice system.

Two task force members addressed some of those concerns.

Bernadine Beyale (Dine), founder of the nonprofit 4Corners K-9 Search and Rescue, spoke about helping search for Julius Largo (Dine), who was last seen walking near Morgan Lake outside of Farmington on Nov. 25, according to the Navajo Police Department.

His sister is so overwhelmed that she called me over the weekend at midnight, just stressed out, needed someone to talk to, Beyale said. Are there advocates for these families thats willing to be available 24/7 to talk to them? Because I get phone calls in the middle of the night from families just not knowing what to do, where to go.

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After public comment, Padilla said the rest of the meeting would be closed. The agenda includes a presentation on last months tribal consultation on violence against women and discussion of interactions with public and media.

Its unclear if the task force will continue to meet privately.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Task Force accepting nominations

The group is accepting nominations for additional members until noon on Wednesday, Dec. 11, Padilla said. The open seats are:

Indigenous survivors of violence or family members of an indigenous relative who has been a victim of violence; members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and two-spirit plus community; and indigenous youth

People with experience working as a tribal prosecutor, a tribal criminal investigator, a tribal emergency dispatcher, a tribal police chief or a tribal social worker or program director

Nominations can be submitted using the task forces contact us form or to Assistant Attorney General Michael Kiehne at 505-627-3487.
Steve Mensch, president and general manager of studio operations at Tyler Perry Studios, died in a plane crash on Friday night. He was 62.

According to ABC affiliate WFTS-TV in Tampa Bay, Fla., Mensch, who was piloting a single-passenger plane, was found dead Friday night by highway patrol near the intersection of U.S.-98 in Homosassa, Fla. The cause of the crash is under investigation by local authorities.

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We are incredibly saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Steve Mensch, wrote Tyler Perry Studios in an official statement. Steve was a cherished member of our team for more than 8 years, and well beloved in the community of Atlanta. It is hard to imagine not seeing him smiling throughout the halls. We will miss him dearly. Our heart goes out to his family as we all send them our prayers.

Since 2016, Mensch has managed Perrys expansive Atlanta-based studio, which is one of the largest in the U.S. at about 300 acres. The lot, housed at the former Fort McPherson army base, homes both Perrys projects and productions from outside studios.

Before joining the Perry banner, Mensch was president of another Georgia-based production studio, Third Rail Studios, where he oversaw general operations, staffing, and studio development until its grand opening in June 2016. Mensch also served as director of studio, location operations and strategic production partnerships at Turner Broadcasting, where he ran the broadcasters studio facilities for about 10 years.

Mensch is survived by his wife and three children.

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WILLIMANTIC  A white Volkswagen Tiguan was stolen after it was found idling at a local gas station in Willimantic.

The incident happened at approximately 4:17 p.m. on Wednesday at the Valero Gas Station.

Police said at the time of the incident, a 3-year-old child was in the vehicles back seat as the car fled the area. A short time later, the suspect stopped in a parking lot in Lebanon.

The suspect, who was identified as Haninef Baker, 30, dropped the child off in front of a business as people exited it in Lebanon. The suspect then fled the area.

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Willimantic Police Officers responded and located the child a short time later. The childs identity was confirmed and transported the child to the hospital for evaluation.

The Department of Children and Families was notified and will assist in the investigation.

When this call was received by the Willimantic Police Department, police personnel immediately sprang into action, deploying all available resources to investigate the whereabouts and direction of the stolen vehicle with the town. These efforts were directed and persistent, with officers canvassing the area, establishing communication and making notifications via all available digital platforms. We believe these efforts were instrumental in the safe recovery of the child, Willimantic Police said in a statement.

Baker was apprehended in Preston and was transported back to Willimantic Police Headquarters, where he faced charges of kidnapping in the second degree, robbery involving an occupied motor vehicle, risk of injury to a minor, larceny of a motor vehicle and breach of peace in the second degree.

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Baker was held on a police-set $250,000 cash/surety bond.

The Willimantic Police Department extends its gratitude to the officers, dispatchers and cooperating agencies who worked diligently to bring this incident to a safe resolution. We also thank the community for their vigilance and support during this critical situation, Willimantic Police said.
A police officer planted his feet on a car doorframe after the driver started the engine and then shot the 25-year-old motorist in the face as the vehicle sped down a Kansas City, Kansas, block, according to body camera footage obtained by The Star on Friday.

The video shows the April 26, 2023, traffic stop and subsequent shooting of Amareeya Henderson, of Kansas City, Missouri, whose family has said he was delivering for DoorDash with his girlfriend Shakira Hill when an officer pulled them over for an unknown reason.

Police have said the officer fired his weapon to prevent being run over. The Wyandotte County District Attorneys Office declined to pursue criminal charges in the case.

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The bodycam video from Officer Austin Schuler, who shot Henderson, begins with a traffic stop near Metropolitan Avenue and the 12th Street Bridge. The license plate on the car was expired.

The officer walks up to the car as Henderson rolls down the rear drivers side window. Schuler asks for the front window to be rolled down, and Henderson tells him it is broken.

After being handed his drivers license and his cellphone that had proof of his insurance, Schuler asks Henderson and Hill to give me just a second and returns to the patrol vehicle.

Schuler runs the drivers license as other officers arrive on the scene. He exits his patrol vehicle and returns to Hendersons side about 10 minutes later, saying the car will be searched because of the smell of marijuana. It is illegal to possess or drive under the influence of marijuana in Kansas.

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All right, sir, are there any weapons or drugs in the car? Schuler asks.

No, why are you trying to get in my car? Henderson replies.

Im going to go on and have you step on out. OK sir? Schuler says as he opens the front drivers side door.

What are you trying to have me step out for? Henderson says.

Your car smells like burnt weed, so Im gonna have you step out, OK?

This isnt like a request, Schuler adds. I am gonna have you step out. We dont have to make it difficult or anything like that, man.

Another officer speaks to Hill on the passenger side, while Hill is on FaceTime with Hendersons mother Pauletta Johnson, describing being scared of the situation and the police. The other officer says no one is going in handcuffs and asks them to get out so the car can be searched.

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Henderson starts the engine as the drivers door is still open.

Hey, dont do that. Dont do that, Schuler says. He jumps on the doorframe.

Henderson begins to drive away and pulls toward the left, with the officer still hanging on. He speeds up and travels about 100 yards, as shown in reports and the video footage.

Stop, I will shoot you, Schuler yells, drawing his firearm with his right hand and shooting Henderson within the span of a second.

Afterward, the car collides with a parked vehicle and the officer hits the ground. Hill, the passenger, gets out on the passenger side, sobbing and yelling.

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Henderson appears dead after the encounter, as Schuler gets back on his feet. The car is still driving forward, its front airbags deployed, until another officer runs up and takes the transmission out of gear.

Henderson was taken by ambulance to KU Medical Center and declared dead there. Schuler was also treated at the hospital for injuries authorities have described as minor.

Police in July told The Star that Schuler remained employed with the department after local prosecutors and the federal Department of Justice conducted investigations.

Nancy Chartrand, a spokeswoman for the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department declined to comment on Friday, citing a pending lawsuit. She also directed questions about the investigation across the state line to the Kansas City Police Department, the outside agency that reviewed the shooting before forwarding the case to prosecutors.

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Johnson, Hendersons mother, filed a lawsuit against the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, over the summer. The case is pending in federal court.

In a statement Friday evening, attorney Nuru Witherspoon said the family is relieved that the body cam footage is finally being released to the public so that they can see and hear what happened to Henderson.

Its been 590 days since Amareeya was killed, and now the public will know what happened to him, Witherspoon said.

Kay Harper Williams, also a partner attorney at Witherspoon Law Group, referenced the immediate public outcry for the footage, saying citizens have a right to know what has taken place when there is an officer-involved shooting.

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The community is asked to trust those who are sworn to protect and serve, but transparency and accountability are critical to building and maintaining that trust, she said. Officer-involved shootings should not be shrouded in secrecy.

The Star obtained the body camera footage and the investigative file following a monthslong public records fight that landed in court. The footage may never have seen the light of day if not for an interstate agreement with Kansas City, Missouri.

In October, The Star sought records in Missouri for Hendersons case as well as that of 50-year-old John Anderton, fatally shot in February 2023, which were investigations by KCPD that involved Kansas City, Kansas, officers. Lawyers for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County fought the disclosure in court.

A Platte County judge in November ordered the body camera video and other investigative materials to be released. Circuit Court Judge Myles Perry ruled the disclosures of KCPDs files should follow Missouris public records law regardless of the agreement with Kansas City, Kansas.

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Kansas employs a stricter open records law that allows police agencies far wider discretion with what to disclose. Only family members of a person killed by a law enforcement officer are entitled to view body camera footage in a controlled environment.

A Star investigation published in March found many agencies in Kansas frequently decline to share videos of police shootings with the public. In the five years from 2019 to 2023, police officers fatally shot 47 people in Kansas. Officers were cleared of criminal charges in all of those cases.

The Star requested videos from all of the shootings under the Kansas Open Records Act. Where recordings existed, officials declined to release them to the public 67% of the time.

Eight of those fatal police shootings were in Kansas City, Kansas. The department released one video in 2022. The department declined to release footage from the other seven fatal shootings, which included Hendersons.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  The third floor of a multi-family home went up in flames this morning in Hartfords Frog Hollow Neighborhood, displacing more than 20 residents.

Photo provided by the City of Hartford Fire Department. Photo provided by the City of Hartford Fire Department. Photo provided by the City of Hartford Fire Department. Photo provided by the City of Hartford Fire Department.

The fire began just after 5:45 a.m. at 162 Lawrence St. Upon arrival, heavy fire was visible on the third floor of the brick structure.

The flames were rapidly extinguished and no injuries from occupants or firefighters were reported.

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It is sad this time of year that people would lose their housing especially with the price of housing, rental housing, being so expensive. Its just sad, said neighbor Beayanka Pinckney.

The Hartford Fire Departments Special Services Unit and the American Red Cross are assisting three families comprised of more than 20 adults and children who are now displaced. A CT Transit bus provided temporary shelter.

The fire remains under investigation by the Fire Marshals 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 WTNH.com.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY)  The Navy is getting an early Christmas present as the construction of the Virginia-class submarine Arkansas at Newport News Shipbuilding is now complete.

Stretching more than 377 feet, the future USS Arkansas is ready to take to the seas. The submarine took more than six years to complete, with thousands of hands on deck from every single state.

One of those shipbuilders said working on this was a full-circle moment.

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Its personal for me because Im from Arkansas, said Joey Holden with Newport News Shipbuilding.

The Arkansas is the 27th Virginia-class submarine. Virginia-class submarines are the most advanced attack submarines in the world, and officials say the capabilities of these subs increase firepower, maneuverability and stealth.

Its amazing that the submarine is really our asymmetric advantage when it comes to national security, said Jason Ward, vice president of Virginia-Class Submarine Construction for Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries.

The sponsors are six women of the group known as the Little Rock Nine.

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When I received a letter from the secretary from the Navy saying we were invited to be sponsors, I was really shocked, said Elizabeth Eckford of the Little Rock Nine.

They were the first African American students to attend an all-White high school in Little Rock, Arkansas, during desegregation.

I think that it shows the strength that they brought to the table in terms of the adversity that they faced, Ward said. [It] is a characteristic thats going to be part of the Arkansas for as long as shes part of the Navy.

Newport News Shipbuilding is one of the only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy.

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The christening of the submarine will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday. Click here for the livestream.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
CORTLAND N.Y. (WSYR-TV) A new program that offers a fresh new approach to homelessness, Safe Options Support (SOS), has made its way to Central New York, starting in Cortland, Tioga, and Tompkins counties.

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Compared to other programs, this team is made up of housing specialists, Mental Health professionals, and other workers who spot the homeless on the streets, in parks, and in motels offering them immediate support to have a second chance at life.

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The program which started in New York City, has already seen success by helping homeless individuals get back on their feet  using their method of letting the homeless regain total control of their lives so they can choose what challenge they want to tackle first.

Weve helped people replace IDs, social security cards, birth certificates, helped take them to job interviews, get them clothes for job interviews, help them apply for apartment things they need, stated Amanda Howlett, SOS Team Leader for Cortland, Tompkins, Tioga Counties.

Catholic Charities of Cortland County partnered with Rehabilitation Support Services (RSS) to accept any donations that can be made.

For more information about the Safe Options Support program click here.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) issued an emergency order on Friday suspending alcohol service at Sugarhouse Pub.

The move comes after nearly 200 minors were cited for underage drinking at the bar. DABS issued the order as they review an investigative report from the State Bureau of Investigation.

PREVIOUSLY: State sting ends with 186 minors cited for being in Sugar House bar

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As of today, the DABS does not know when or if the alcohol service suspension will be lifted, a press release from DABS states. The department is concerned of possible harm to the public if the bar continues to operate without assurance that safety measures are established; such as, not allowing minors on the premises, preventing underage drinking, and preventing impaired driving.

DABS is reportedly going through a standard disciplinary process that starts when the department receives a violation report from law enforcement. The department is responsible for overseeing alcohol licensing for thousands of businesses throughout Utah.

The vast majority of these business owners and managers are responsible and safety-minded, the DABS release states. We are grateful to those businesses for doing their part to put practices and policies in place that promote responsible-only alcohol consumption.

The cease of operations at Sugarhouse Pub is a direct result of the departments obligations, officials said.

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An update regarding the matter may be available by Dec. 13, the release states.

This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  To help its residents prepare for the Christmas season with ease, Sundale Nursing Home hosted a Turkish bazaar at its facility.

On Friday, Linda Halls Turkish Textiles paid a special visit to Sundale Nursing Home to assist residents and staff in purchasing Christmas gifts for their loved ones.

Sundale resident shopping at the bazaar (WBOY image).

The idea arose from Sundales admissions, marketing and activities director, Donna Tennant, after thinking about her residents specific likes and needs for the holiday season.

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I get to know my residents really well and know what they like to do and at this point in time we just have a lot of ladies, as we get together, that want to shop, Tennant said. I got to thinking, How are we going to get everybody out to shop? and I thought about Linda, and I called her, and I said, Can you bring in the Turkish bazaar? and she was so happy to do it.

Items for sale included jewelry, gloves, lap warmers, decor and more, with some items even originating from Turkey. All items that were available for purchase were also priced at $10 or less.

Marian Spurlock celebrates 102nd birthday in Bridgeport

12 News also spoke with Linda Hall, owner of Linda Halls Turkish Textiles, on why she chose to assist the facility in this way.

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Many of the residents here dont get time to go out or the opportunity to go out and shop and this gives them a nice experience to buy something for themselves or something for one of their loved ones that they couldnt normally get and then once were over, I give many of the items so that they can win prizes at bingo and that sort of thing, said Hall.

Linda Halls Turkish Textiles holds Turkish bazaars twice a year, in the Fall and Spring at Eurosuites in Morgantown. You can learn more information on those events by contacting Linda at lindafhall@comcast.net or by calling 304-296-6819.

(WBOY image)

Sundale Nursing Home is also hosting a cookie crawl next week, where the public is invited to purchase a dozen cookies for $8, with 30 different cookie options. You can reach out to Donna at 304-599-0497 or email her at detennant@sundalecare.com.

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President-elect Trumps first sit down interview since the 2024 election will air on Sunday where he will likely address future plans for his second administration and advocate for Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, who faces an uphill confirmation battle.

The former Fox News host has faced backlash over an alleged drinking problem and sexual assault allegations from years past. Despite pushback, Hegseth and Trump remain determined to clear a path for him to receive Senate confirmation for the post.

As the former president continues to charter an approach to leadership aimed at restructuring the federal government, lawmakers are courting his picks as they take meetings with Trumps selections, many of which are political outsiders.

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One of those most prominent newcomers is tech giant Elon Musk, who met with representatives on the Hill last week. Elected officials will likely address his visit to the Capitol and more on this weeks Sunday shows.

Billionaire Frank McCourt will join CBSs Face the Nation for discussions that will presumably address Trumps Cabinet, which is stocked with Wall Street executives, wealthy businessmen and finance aficionados.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) is expected to speak on ABCs This Week and may reiterate his support for Musks, who he believes helps fuel the states economy through electric vehicle production.

Also, Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin (D) is scheduled to join CNNs State of the Union on Sunday where he may address widespread fear about Trumps nominee to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, who he speculated may use the position to seek revenge against political opponents.

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Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) who has openly voiced support for Trumps picks, including Hegseth, is also set to make an appearance on the show.

Earlier in the week, President Bidens decision to pardon his son Hunter received widespread criticism from both sides of the aisle, which will likely be touched on by lawmakers Sunday morning.

Some guests may highlight the view that Bidens pardon could open the doors for possible pardons for J6 rioters under Trump, or urge Biden to pardon non-violent drug offenders and inmates on death row. Some Democrats could argue that those politically opposed to Trump should receive clemency in advance of the Republicans second administration.

Heres the full list of appearances on this weeks Sunday talk shows:

NewsNations The Hill Sunday: Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.); Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.); Tom Dupree, former deputy assistant attorney general under President Bush

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ABCs This Week: Rep. Ro Khanna, (D-Calif.); retired Gen. Frank McKenzie, former commander of U.S. Central Command

CBSs Face the Nation: Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio); Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.); Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.); Frank McCourt; Samantha Vinograd

CNNs State of the Union: Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.); Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.); Rep. Debbie Dingell, (D-Mich.)

Fox Newss Fox News Sunday: Lt Gen H.R. McMaster (Ret), former national security adviser

Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures: Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.); Stephen Miller, incoming White House deputy chief of staff; Tom Homan, incoming White House border czar; Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)

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NBCs Meet the Press: President-elect Trump

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  You can support local businesses and enter a giveaway by celebrating the 5th annual Buy El Paso Day.

Buy El Paso Day takes place on Saturday, Dec. 7 with over 70 local businesses participating in the citywide event thats presented by the City of El Paso and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) El Paso.

According to the BBB El Paso, customers can have a chance to win a limited-edition clear stadium bag or an exclusive Buy El Paso Day T-shirt that local artists designed.

Buy El Paso Day t-shirt. Photo courtesy to the BBB El Paso.

Limited clear stadium bag. Photo courtesy to the BBB El Paso.

Were excited to celebrate the fifth annual Buy El Paso Day, a day that truly highlights the resilience, creativity, and passion of our local businesses, Interim Director of Economic and International Development for the City of El Paso Karina Brasgalla said. When we shop local, we not only support our entrepreneurs but also strengthen our community and celebrate what makes El Paso unique.

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The BBB El Paso is encouraging shoppers to follow Buy El Paso on Instagram to enter the Buy El Paso Day giveaway to win over $100 in gift cards from various local businesses and a limited edition mug or exclusive pint glass.

The giveaway will be going from Dec. 7-8. Entry details and rules are on Buy El Pasos Instagram.

Buy El Paso Rewards powered by Open Rewards will give everyone the ability to earn more while shopping local by applying rewards towards purchases at other eligible businesses around El Paso. Customers can download the Open Rewards app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store and start earning today, BBB El Paso said.

For more information, you can visit Buy El Pasos website here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Many Americans have been voicing their anger with health companies after a gunman shot and killed an insurance CEO in New York City. Recently, a voice familiar to Idaho joined the conversation  though for a very different reason.

St. Lukes Health System in 2022 sued Ammon Bundy, an associate of his and his Peoples Rights Network for defamation after he organized protests over a child protection case, and then targeted both St. Lukes and some of its employees online and in public, according to previous Statesman reporting.

The initial protests shut down the hospital briefly, and Bundy and his co-defendants lost the defamation case, with a jury awarding the plaintiffs over $50 million in damages.

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Since then, Bundy lost his Idaho house and property in Emmett and moved to Utah. In July, he filed for bankruptcy, saying thats what God wanted for him.

The process has been marked by defiance from Bundy: Since losing, he has told the Statesman he owes St. Lukes nothing, according to previous Statesman reporting.

And just this week, Bundy livestreamed a YouTube video during which he commented on the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City, and called out the St. Lukes CEO.

I dont condone it, but I completely understand now why that murder happened, Bundy said on YouTube.  I suppress those feelings every day.

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Bundy said hed bet that the shooting came down to an individual being wronged by a corporation and the CEO, and then named St. Lukes President and CEO Chris Roth.

They think theyre gods, Bundy said.

Bundy did not return a request from the Statesman for comment.

Thompson, 50, was shot and killed Wednesday in Manhattan in what police said was a targeted attack, according to The New York Times. His death has prompted criticism, dark humor and a lack of sympathy from many in the social media world who have felt left behind by the health system in the United States.

Erik Stidham, a lawyer representing St. Lukes, said that Bundy was using the tragic event to gin up hate against those who have stood up to him, and also was making false statements.

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Hes shown a pattern of trying to assert pressure on St Lukes and anybody else who stands up to him by making these public statements on social media in order to excite his followers, Stidham told the Statesman by phone. And invite them to harass and threaten.

Bundy was arrested in 2022 for protesting outside of St. Lukes in Meridian in a child protection case. That March a 10-month-old was separated from his parents after health authorities determined the childs weight loss could threaten his life. The boy was returned to his parents after about a week, according to previous Statesman reporting.

The babys grandfather is Diego Rodriguez, a close associate of Bundys. St. Lukes sued Bundy and Rodriguez, who operated a website filled with smears and false allegations, according to court records and previous Statesman stories.

Bundy and Rodriguez failed to appear in court and often did not respond to court orders, and ultimately they were found in default, according to previous reporting.

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In the bankruptcy case, Stidham said Bundy is participating up until the point where he would have to go under oath and testify.

Hes strategically not participating, Stidham said. Hes refusing to participate in the part of the process that requires him to have to present or justify these false statements he makes outside the courtroom.

St. Lukes itself did not return a request for comment.
(Bloomberg) -- With Syrian rebels edging ever-closer to the capital, President Bashar Al-Assad is making a last-ditch attempt to remain in power, including indirect diplomatic overtures to the US and President-elect Donald Trump, according to people with direct knowledge of the situation.

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Assad is ordering his army to fall back to defend Damascus, essentially ceding much of the country to insurgents, who seized the major cities of Aleppo and Hama in a lightning offensive over the past week. The rebels have entered Homs, a war monitor said, the last major city before Damascus.

As his remaining troops dig in, Syrias longtime ruler is signaling his willingness to reach a deal that would allow him to hold on to the rump territory his army controls, or guarantee his safe passage into exile if needed, said the people. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss secret meetings.

One offer Assad made to the US via the United Arab Emirates is for Syria to cut all involvement with Iran-backed militant groups, such as Hezbollah, if Western powers wield influence to stem the fighting, the people said.

Another initiative saw Assad dispatch a senior Christian leader to meet Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to relay what he sees as an existential threat to Syrias Christian minority if Islamist rebels prevail, according to other people familiar with the plan. The intention was that Orban, a Trump ally, would convey this danger to the incoming US president, they said.

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Trump, who finds himself in Paris, has responded to events on the ground. He took to X to say: There was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia, other than to make Obama look really stupid. In any event, Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!

Its a dramatic turn of events for a dynasty thats ruled Syria with an iron fist for half a century, crushed peaceful protests in 2011 and clung to power through years of civil war that spurred one of the worst humanitarian crises of modern times. Iranian and Russian military support was crucial to the survival of the 59-year-old president, but both are now distracted and stretched thin by other conflicts.

Assad is in huge danger  its almost like in 2015 when the insurgents were at the gates of Damascus, said Sergei Markov, a political consultant close to the Kremlin, referring to the year Russia intervened to save him.

Western nations were equally surprised, including the US, which had largely relinquished much of its influence in Syria to Iran, Russia and Turkey but has reacted to protect its interests, according to senior officials.

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Multiple Western officials said it was difficult to see Assad remaining in power.

The fall of Homs, Syrias third-largest city, could cut the highway linking Damascus and the countrys west and Mediterranean coast  the stronghold of the Assads and loyalists from their Alawite sect.

South of Damascus, rebels have seized parts of Daraa province bordering Jordan and in the capital residents of some districts took to the streets and tore down billboards of Assad. In one area people destroyed a statue of Assads father Hafez.

The presidents whereabouts are unclear, although hes believed to be in Damascus or his hometown of Al-Qardaha, close to Russias Khmeimim airbase. Its also possible hes in the Iranian capital, Tehran, a person familiar with US policy said Saturday.

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Assads office issued a statement condemning rumors and fake news, saying the president remains in the capital.

Assad has ordered the bulk of Syrias remaining army  estimated at between 30,000 to 40,000 fighters  to rush to defend Damascus, according to two people familiar with the matter. An army spokesman said in a TV address on Saturday that it was strengthening its defenses in the countryside around the city.

The main rebel offensive has been led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, or HTS, a former al-Qaeda affiliate, and various armed groups backed by Turkey. Other fighters have joined in, including army defectors whod fought the regime and laid down arms in previous ceasefires, said the people.

As rebels converge on Damascus from the north and south, Iran has drawn back its presence in Syria, leaving its military advisers concentrated around the capital, according to the people. Some Tehran-backed Iraqi militias have also returned to their country after the government ceded the eastern city of Deir Ezzor to US-backed Kurdish fighters, they said.

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Russian personnel now remain mainly around the capital and at the Khmeimim airbase and Tartous naval base, they said.

After a meeting with his Iranian and Turkish counterparts in Doha on Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow is trying to do everything not to allow terrorists to prevail.

We dont want them to follow the fate of Iraqis, Libyans and other nations who were disturbed by the people desiring to keep their domination, he said.

Trump said Saturday a withdrawal from Syria might be the best thing that can happen to Russia and that troops shouldnt get involved in the fighting.

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Russia has launched airstrikes around Homs to try to stall the rebel advance. But with signs the Kremlins help may not be enough, Assad is pressing on with back-channel negotiations.

A key goal would be retaining control of a portion of the country and addressing Turkeys demands for a political transition and the potential return of millions of Syrian refugees, a major issue for Ankara.

Assad is also proposing a new constitution and talks with the mostly exiled political opposition, according to the people familiar with the outreach.

Its unclear if the efforts will bear fruit. Events on the battlefield have their own momentum, and even countries such as Turkey that have influence over the rebels may not be able to fully control events.

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I dont think any of these outside powers have the leverage over their proxies to change the course of what is happening on the ground, said Andreas Krieg, director of London-based MENA Analytica Ltd. At this moment most bets are that the Assad regime may not be able to hold out.

Patriarch Visit

It was against that backdrop that Assad sent Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II to Hungary on Monday to relay his fears. Syrias Christian community makes up about 10% of the countrys 24 million population.

The plan to have Orban relate this message to Trump was described by an aide to the patriarch and another person with knowledge of the encounter.

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People close to Trump couldnt immediately comment, but said he had dispatched his in-law and Middle East adviser, Massad Boulos, to the UAE on Saturday to discuss the situation in the region.

Assad has pursued similar tactics before. HTS leader Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani and other rebels have in recent days attempted to allay the fears of Christians and Syrias other minorities that they envision a form of Islamic rule.

Assads own Alawite community, which has stuck by him since 2011 and paid a heavy price to defend the regime, also appears to sense the end may be near.

Nariman, an Alawite woman reached by phone in Damascus on Friday said she, her husband whos in the security forces and their 23-year-old son were fleeing to their ancestral village near Jableh in western Syria. She said there were many families like hers.

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Nobody is going to fight for Assad this time, she said, asking not to be identified by her last name for reasons of safety.

(Updates with rebels entering Homs in second paragraph. A previous version corrected the title of Hungarys Viktor Orban.)

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Syrian government forces withdrew from the key city of Homs on Dec. 7, abandoning the city to advancing rebel units after less than a day of fighting.

The move effectively cuts off Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad from access to the coast and Russia's air and naval bases on the Mediterranean Sea.

Homs is the latest major Syrian city to fall to rebel forces in recent days. Anti-government fighters launched a rapid advance in late November, gaining control of Aleppo and Hama. Rebels are reportedly now poised to strike Damascus.

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U.S. officials told CNN on Dec. 7 that Assad's regime could collapse "by next weekend."

The Syrian government claims that Assad has not left Damascus and that the army is reinforcing defenses around the capital.

Homs is located between Damascus, Syria's capital, and the Mediterranean coast  where Russia maintains its Khmeimim Air Base and Tartus Naval Base.

Russia, Assad's key military backer, has reportedly launched multiple airstrikes against Syrian cities in an effort to combat the rebel advance.

Satellite imagery suggests that Russia withdrew all naval assets from the Tartus port when rebel forces captured Aleppo. The port is Russia's only naval base in the Mediterranean.

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The fall of Assad threatens to diminish Russia's regional and global standing.

Russia deployed troops to Syria in 2015, providing support to the Assad regime against multiple anti-government forces. Damascus has supported the Kremlin throughout the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Read also: Russian milbloggers raise alarm over threat to Kremlin bases in Syria amid escalating Middle East crisis

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The government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has almost completely lost control of the southern part of the war-torn country after its forces retreated from most areas there amid the advance of opposition forces, a monitoring group said on Saturday.

The government forces have withdrawn from their positions in the southern provinces of Quneitra, Sweida and Daraa, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

The southern province of Daraa is now completely controlled by opposition forces after government forces retreated from security checkpoints and military outposts there, it added.

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Not far from Daraa, local armed factions took control of a main border crossing with Jordan on Friday after government forces withdrew, according to the UK-based observatory that relies on a network of local contacts inside Syria.

Daraa was the cradle of the 2011 uprising against al-Assad's rule.

The Syrian military on Saturday confirmed the withdrawal from both Daraa and Sweida.

"Our forces operating in Daraa and Sweida carried out a redeployment and repositioning... after terrorist elements attacked the army's checkpoints and posts far apart," the military said in a statement carried by the official Syrian news agency SANA.

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According to the observatory, Syrian forces withdrew from their positions in Quneitra on Saturday for the first time since Israel occupied the nearby Golan Heights in 1967.

Similarly, government workers and UN teams in villages near the ceasefire line bordering Golan have left, and the areas are almost empty, the monitor added.

There was no immediate comment from Syrian authorities.

The dramatic escalation in Syria comes after an Islamist-led coalition launched a surprise offensive late last month in the north-west against al-Assad's forces, reigniting the country's civil war after years of deadlock.

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The rebel alliance, led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seized the city of Hama on Thursday, their second major victory in a rapid northern advance, following their capture of Aleppo last week.

On Friday, the rebels advanced into the northern countryside of Homs - Syria's third-largest city.

The military escalation in Syria has prompted several countries to call on their citizens to leave the country.

The United Nations said Saturday it is withdrawing non-essential staff from Syria.

The UN is to continue to provide services to support the Syrian people in the country, a spokesman added.

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Syria has been in the throes of a civil war since 2011, when security forces responded violently to protests against al-Assad's rule.

Around 14 million people have been displaced and 300,000 civilians killed so far, according to UN estimates.
(Reuters) - Protesters brought down the statue of the late father of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a main square in Jermana suburb, nearly ten kilometers from the centre of Damascus, a witness and activists told Reuters.

The protesters in the mainly Druze inhabited suburb, who called for the downfall of Assad, also headed to government buildings in the heavily policed area of the capital where several security branches are located, they said.

The protesters headed to security offices to demand they evacuate from their area, activist Ryan Marouf, editor of Suwayda 24, a website that covers the province, told Reuters.

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The authorities have tolerated most protests by the country's Druze minority, unlike in other government-held areas where demonstrators are fired on by security forces.

In a rare act of defiance in areas under Assad's rule, protesters also tore down posters of Assad, where the party has promoted a personality cult around him and his late father, former president Hafez al-Assad.

Last night saw clashes in the predominately Druze city of Suweida that led to at least five people being killed when local Druze militias raided the city's main police station, overran security offices and freed prisoners from the main prison

In Deraa city to the west of Suweida city, where former rebels and dissidents took control after the army pulled out its troops, a statue of Assad was brought down last night, residents said, as people fired gunshots in celebration.

(Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Toby Chopra)
Rebel and opposition forces have continued their advances in Syria, moving further south from successes in Aleppo and Hama in the north-west of the country to approach Homs, while 80% of Daraa in the south are now reportedly in opposition hands.

An alliance of rebel groups advanced into the northern countryside of Homs - Syria's third-largest city - on Friday, coming within 5 kilometres of the city, according to a monitoring group and local activists on the ground.

"The rebel factions took control of the towns of Talbiseh and Rastan in the northern countryside of Homs after many militants inside both cities joined the ranks of the rebels," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor.

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Homs holds strategic importance as it connects to the coastal regions, a stronghold of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and serves as a key link to neighbouring Lebanon, Abdel Rahman said.

According to the observatory and activists in the area, Syrian government forces had withdrawn from Homs and left only pro-government militias inside the city.

A Syrian military source in the capital Damascus denied the reports however and said the Syrian army "is present in Homs and the countryside and is deployed on fixed and solid defensive lines."

The Syrian army had sent a similar message when the city of Hama was taken by the rebels.

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Syrian government shelling on areas in the northern countryside resulted in the killing of at least seven civilians, the war monitor said.

Advances in the south

Local opposition factions are now in control of around 80% of Syria's southern province of Daraa after sweeping through dozens of towns and villages there, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

The factions have made major advances on the ground since early Friday after government forces withdrew from security checkpoints and military outposts in the province, the observatory added.

Daraa was the cradle of the 2011 uprising against the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

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Not far from Daraa, local armed factions took control of a main border crossing with Jordan after government forces withdrew, the observatory reported.

The government forces also retreated from several checkpoints near the Nasib crossing on the Syrian-Jordanian border, it added.

Earlier Friday, Jordan announced the closing of its side of the crossing, citing concerns over the security situation in neighbouring southern Syria.

The government also lost control of the southern city of Sweida after local insurgents attacked and controlled government sites inside the city and its vicinity, according to the British-based observatory.

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The sites include a prison, police and military facilities, and offices of al-Assad's ruling al-Baath Party, added the monitor that relies on a network of local contacts inside war-torn Syria.

Neighbouring countries advise citizens to leave

Jordan on Friday has called on its citizens in Syria to leave at the earliest possible time, citing security concerns due to "developments" in the neighbouring country.

Meanwhile, Iraq, another neighbour of Syria, has called on Iraqi citizens in Syria who wish to return home to contact the Iraqi embassy in Damascus to register their names, the official Iraqi news agency reported.

Rapid rebel advance

The latest gains come one week after the rebel alliance, led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched its surprise offensive against al-Assad's forces, reigniting Syria's civil war after years of deadlock.

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On Thursday, rebel forces seized the city of Hama, their second major victory in a rapid northern offensive, following their capture of Aleppo last week.

The rebels appear to have taken advantage of the fact that the key allies of al-Assad - mainly Russia, Iran and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon - have been distracted by other events.

The leader of the Syrian rebel alliance, Abu Mohamed al-Joulani, has said that their goal is to overthrow al-Assad and form a new government.

Kurdish gains

In another setback for al-Assad, in eastern Syria the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led by Kurdish militias, have taken the strategically important city of Deir al-Zour under their control, according to the observatory.

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Government troops had withdrawn beforehand, the UK-based group said.

The city, formerly a stronghold of the Islamic State militia, is an important transport hub between Syria and Iraq.

It was recaptured by the Syrian army with Russian support in 2017.

Russian Air Force reports strikes against rebels in Syria

The Russian Air Force, together with Syrian fighter jets, has reportedly destroyed rebel positions and munitions depots in the provinces of Idlib, Hama and Aleppo.

According to the Russian Air Force officer Oleg Ignasyuk, who was cited by the Russian news agency Interfax in Syria, 200 terrorists and dozens of units of military equipment have been "eliminated."

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These claims could not be independently verified.

Russia supports President al-Assad in the Syrian civil war and has stationed both its air force and navy  in the Mediterranean port of Tartus  in the country.

Russia has been conducting its military operation in Syria since September 2015.

UN: At least 370,000 people displaced in Syrian fighting

At least 370,000 people have been displaced since the civil war in Syria re-ignited late last month, according to the United Nations.

"Most of the displaced are women and children," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told a briefing in New York on Friday. Tens of thousands have sought refuge in north-eastern Syria, he added.

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According to the UN, many emergency shelters are already reaching their limits.

With these sites now at capacity, people are sleeping on the streets or in their cars in sub-zero temperatures as winter sets in, said Dujarric.

The fighting is also causing damage to vital infrastructure and disrupting urgently needed aid.

On November 27, Syria's long-running civil war flared up again with an offensive by the Islamist alliance Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

The alliance aims to overthrow the Syrian government led by President al-Assad, which has since launched a counter-attack around the city of Hama.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the Secretary of DFS with representatives from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), public sector banks, private banks, and payment banks.

The meeting focused on tackling digital frauds, especially the increasing number of mule accounts used to facilitate illegal transactions.

Department of Financial Services in a social media post stated that "Banks were directed to adopt advanced technologies, including AI/ML solutions, for real-time detection of mule accounts, training & upskilling bank staff on fraud detection & prevention, greater advocacy & awareness for common citizen for not to fall prey to the fraudsters"

The Secretary of Department of Financial Services, emphasized the need for proactive measures to protect citizens' hard-earned money and highlighted the importance of leveraging cutting-edge tools and practices to combat these challenges effectively.

Notably, they were encouraged to explore MuleHunter.AI, an AI/ML-driven solution developed by the RBI, which offers enhanced capabilities in detecting fraudulent activities and tracking suspicious accounts.

In addition to deploying advanced technologies, banks were instructed to prioritize the training and upskilling of their staff in fraud detection and prevention.

The Secretary also emphasized the importance of spreading awareness among customers about common fraud tactics, urging citizens to stay vigilant and not fall prey to fraudsters.

The meeting underscored the importance of inter-bank collaboration and sharing of good practices to ensure a unified approach to curbing digital financial frauds. Banks were encouraged to foster partnerships and exchange ideas to strengthen the overall security framework of the financial system.

This directive comes as part of the government's broader commitment to safeguarding the financial ecosystem and ensuring citizens' trust in digital banking channels.

By integrating advanced technologies and fostering collective efforts, the banking sector aims to build a robust defense mechanism against evolving financial frauds. (ANI)
Global stakeholders now have to reckon with the geopolitical impact of a rebel offensive led by an Islamist group in Syria that could potentially threaten President Bashar al-Assads hold over the country.

Syrian rebels have made a lightning advance in the north of the country, taking two major cities: Aleppo, the second biggest city, and Hama, a strategically important city that lies on a vital supply route. The rebels are saying theyll advance further south to Homs, just over 100 miles from the Syrian capital of Damascus.

When we talk about objectives, the goal of the revolution remains the overthrow of this regime. It is our right to use all available means to achieve that goal, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the former Al Qaeda fighter who is now leading the rebellion, told CNN in an interview on Thursday.

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While Assad has many enemies in the region and beyond, his fall wouldnt be welcomed by all.

Western and Arab states, as well as Israel, would like to see Irans influence in Syria curtailed, but none wish for a radical Islamist regime to replace Assad. For Russia, Syrias fall could mean losing its closest Middle Eastern ally and undermining its ability to project power while it fights a war in Ukraine. For Iran, it could shatter its so-called Axis of Resistance, comprising allied states and militias.

Heres how the events in Syria could impact key players in the Middle East:

Arab states

The rebel advances in Syria mark the first real test of powerful Arab states commitment to reconcile with Assad.

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At the height of the Syrian civil war, Sunni Arab states, including regional powerhouses Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, broke ties with the Iran-allied Assad regime, moved to isolate it and threw their weight behind opposition groups trying to topple it, seeing it as an opportunity to curb Tehrans regional influence.

But Assad, aided by Russia, Iran and Lebanons Hezbollah, survived and reclaimed territory lost to the rebels. Under heavy US sanctions, Syria turned into what some experts have called a narco-state, fueling a drug crisis in neighboring countries.

Syrias new reality prompted Arab nations to extend a hand to the Assad regime, and over the past few years, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have led efforts toward his regional and international rehabilitation. In 2023, the Syrian regime was readmitted to the Arab League.

Over a decade after they backed the Syrian opposition, Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are now siding with Assad as he once again faces a rebellion.

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In 2011, a very large number of countries rather quickly came to the view that they would be better off if Assad fell and they wanted to get rid of him but the Saudis, Emiratis and others in the region see this now as a challenging and destabilizing situation for them if Assad falls at this point, said Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Washington DC-based Quincy Institute.

In their annual Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit last weekend, Gulf Arab leaders called for the preservation of Syrias territorial integrity, declared respect for its sovereignty and rejected regional interference in its internal affairs. By contrast, the statement after the 2011 GCC summit called on Assad to immediately stop the killing machine, put an end to the bloodshed and release detainees.

Gulf Arab leaders attend the 45th Gulf Cooperation Council summit at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait City, Kuwait on December 01. - Amiri Diwan of the State of Qatar/Anadolu/Getty Images

We might see that many of these countries would want to take advantage of the situation to improve their own position inside Syria, particularly with Iran, but that necessitates that Assad is weakened but stays  a very different position from what they had earlier on when they were throwing everything at him to get rid of him all together, Parsi said.

Iran

Iran has used Syria to expand its regional influence through proxy groups stationed in the country. The Islamic Republic, along with its most formidable proxy Hezbollah, have proven instrumental in keeping Assad in power, by helping Syrian government forces regain lost territory, while sending its own Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders to advise Assads military.

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After the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched its attack on Israel in October last year, Hezbollah began exchanging fire with Israel, prompting an Israeli retaliation that had the groups top brass assassinated and significantly debilitated its capabilities. As a result, Hezbollah pulled its forces out of Syria to focus on its war with Israel, leaving Assad exposed, experts said.

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad meets with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in Damascus, Syria, on December 1. - SANA/Reuters

In Syria, Israel has consistently targeted Iranian personnel and supply routes used to transfer weapons to its proxies. The fall of Aleppo and potentially other cities bordering Lebanon could further disrupt those routes, placing Iran in a difficult position. Last week, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the Qatari news outlet Al Araby Al Jadeed that Tehran would consider sending troops to Syria if requested by the Assad regime. However, escalating the war in Syria could undermine Irans efforts to pursue diplomacy with the West and Arab states.

Losing Syria would be a huge blow for Iran, Parsi said. The investment Iranians have made in Syria is very significant, its an important land bridge to Lebanon, but also the alliance the Iranians have with the Assad regime has lasted across the Islamic Republics history.

Iran may also use its proxies in the region as leverage in potential talks with an incoming Trump administration, Parsi said.

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If Iran loses too much of their position in the region, will they be too weak to negotiate? But if they fight back to try and retain as much of that position as possible, do they risk escalating the war to the point where diplomacy may no longer be possible? he said. Theyre walking a fine balance,

Israel

Israel too is caught in a difficult position. Assad, who views Israel as an enemy, has not posed a direct threat to the country, opting not to respond to the regular Israeli strikes in Syria over the past year. But the regime has allowed its territory to be used by Iran to supply Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Hadi al-Bahra, a Syrian opposition leader representing anti-Assad groups, including the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), said rebels felt encouraged to make an advance for Aleppo last week after Israel debilitated Hezbollah and weakened Irans footprint in the region.

Due to the Lebanese war and decrease in Hezbollah forces, (Assads) regime has less support, Al Bahra told Reuters in an interview, adding that Iran-backed militias also have fewer resources, and Russia is providing less air cover to Assads forces due to its Ukraine problem.

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The group leading the rebellion, however, is Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS) whose leader Abu Muhammad Al Jolani is a former al Qaeda fighter with an Islamist ideology that opposes Israel.

Israel is in between Iran, its proxies and Syrias Islamic rebels, Avi Melamed, a former Israeli intelligence official, told CNN. None of the choices are good as far as Israel is concerned but for the time being Iran and its proxies are weakened, which is good.

Israel has to make sure that the offensive will not evolve into a new challenge posed by HTS and the Sunni rebels leading the offensive in Syria, he added.

Russia

Assad was on a losing streak in Syria until Russian President Vladimir Putin intervened in 2015. Without Russian air support, the recapture of Aleppo in 2016, a turning point for the embattled Syrian president, would have been difficult, if not impossible.

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The Kremlin said this week it will certainly continue to support Assad as Russian jets stepped up strikes on opposition forces in northern Syria.

Nicole Grajewski, a fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace with a focus on Russia, said the Assad regime was caught off-guard during the rebels latest offensive, and the rebels may have taken advantage of Russias distraction with Ukraine to take land in Syria.

Russian air force pilots, assisted by ground crew, climb into their fighter jet at Hemeimeem airbase in Syria on October 22, 2015. - Vladimir Isachenkov/AP

Moscow hadnt committed a large number of forces to Syria and may still be capable of supporting it, she added, but Russias ability to mobilize forces would be difficult given how quickly the rebels are advancing across northern Syria.

Overall, the rebels advance with the help of Turkey is a pretty big threat to Russia, Grajewski told CNN. Russia put far too much capital in Assad and the loss of Syria would be an even bigger loss as its broader status as a great power and its ability to maneuver in the Middle East.

Turkey

Turkey has tried to distance itself from the rebels actions in northern Syria, but it is the primary backer of the Syrian National Army, one of the groups pushing the offensive.

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Ankara has also represented the opposition in negotiations with Russia over several years in the past decade, which eventually led to a ceasefire agreement in 2020 between parties in Syria each of them supports.

Despite its support for opposition forces, Turkey has not ruled out a rapprochement with Syria. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a meeting with Assad, the man he once labeled a terrorist, to reset relations. Assad has refused to meet him as long as Turkey continues to occupy parts of his country.

Turkey has also sought a solution for an estimated 3.1 million Syrian refugees it hosts  more than any other country. The refugees have become a major point of contention in Turkey, often leading to anti-Syrian riots and calls for mass deportation by opposition parties.

Until recently, the Syria situation was seen in Turkey as regime is winning, opposition is losing with the Iran-Russia axis defining the developments on the ground, said Galip Dalay, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House, a think tank in London. But the recent rebel push has changed that power dynamic.

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Now its clear that Turks want to engage in a negotiation but showing Assad that he is entering the negotiation from a point of weakness. If negotiations now take place, the only way it will lead to anything is if Assad provides real concessions, not cosmetic concessions, Dalay told CNN.

Another goal for Turkey is to push back Kurdish insurgent groups located along the Turkish-Syria border and create a buffer zone. Erdogan has long opposed Kurdish nationalism and made it clear that his ultimate goal is to eliminate the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Kurdish far-left militant and political group based in Turkey and Iraq that has fought the Turkish state for more than three decades.

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Syrian rebels have claimed control over the southern city of Daraa and have demolished a monument to former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, the father of Bashar al-Assad.

Source: Reuters; Radio Liberty

Details: A video verified by Reuters shows rebels celebrating in Daraa's main square and tearing down a monument to Hafez al-Assad.

At the same time, Syrian military officials claim they are carrying out airstrikes on Hama and Homs while reinforcing their positions in those areas. They also report redeploying troops around Daraa and Suwayda, denying that the rebels have captured these regions.

AFP, citing the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), reports that 90% of Daraa province, including the city of Daraa, is now under rebel control.

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Syrian rebels claim to have captured a fifth city and are closing in on the capital of Damascus as they carry out a lightning-fast offensive that threatens to further destabilize a region already convulsed by war.

The militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) claimed Saturday afternoon ET that it had captured Homs, the largest province in Syria, the borders of which stretch to Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon.

NBC News has not independently verified the claim.

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If the rebel group were to control the Syrian-Lebanese border, it would cut off the road between Damascus and the Syrian coast, significantly weakening the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

HTSs senior commander, Lt. Col. Hassan Abdul-Ghani, claimed that within 24 hours, HTS had captured the cities of Homs, Sweida, Quneitra and Daraa.

Our operations continue to liberate the entire countryside of Damascus, and our eyes are focused on the capital, Damascus, Abdul-Ghani said in a post on WhatsApp.

It is very difficult for independent journalists to operate in Syria, and NBC News could not verify the rebels claims.

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A senior administration official and a U.S. defense official said Damascus could fall soon, but did not specify a timeline.

Anti-government fighters parade in the streets of Hama Saturday.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based war monitor, said Saturday that Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from Homs, and that rebels have entered parts of the city, The Associated Press reported.

Thousands of people fled the strategically important city this week amid the rebel fighters advance.

The observatory said Saturday that Jaramana, a Damascus suburb, was no longer controlled by the Syrian government. Video verified by NBC News showed people in Jaramana tearing down a bust of Hafez al-Assad, the late father of the president.

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On Friday, the monitoring group said that rebels in the south controlled more than 90% of the Daraa region, including Daraa city.

Daraa is a symbolic and strategic victory for the rebels as the place where pro-democracy protests in 2011 sparked the countrys ongoing civil war, while it is also an important crossing on the border.

Syrias army, meanwhile, accused HTS of spreading videos claiming that it had taken control of areas in rural Damascus in order to intimidate citizens.

In a separate statement, it said that its forces in Daraa had carried out a repositioning, and established a strong and cohesive defensive and security perimeter in that direction.

An anti-government fighter gestures from inside a vehicle patrolling Hama on Friday.

The fall of Homs, if confirmed, would leave three of the countrys five largest cities in the hands of the forces led by HTS, and no major cities between rebel forces and Damascus.

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In less than two weeks, insurgents led by HTS have captured Aleppo in the north, as well as the central city of Hama, where government forces were forced out Thursday.

The collapse of government control in Daraa and the threat to Homs signals a growing vulnerability in Assads hold on power.

Russia and Iran have long supported Assad, with Russia maintaining a military presence including a naval base at Tartus. But both nations influence has been weakened by broader regional tensions, including Israels war in Gaza and clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Russias yearslong war with Ukraine.

H.A. Hellyer, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank, told NBC News on a phone call Saturday that its pretty much the endgame for Assad if the rebels take Homs.

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Once they get Homs, then really Damascus is cut off and theyll all be centered around Damascus and Latakia on the coast.

But Hellyer said there was not yet a definitive outcome to the conflict despite the rebels rapid advance.

It comes down to how much fighting spirit there is left in this rump of the Syrian army, he added. How much they feel they can hold out in terms of support from the the Russians and the Iranians, which hasnt been forthcoming.

Various reports from around the country also suggested that the fall of Aleppo and Hama, as well other cities such as Idlib and numerous rural settlements, has significantly strained Assads forces as fighting between government troops and various rebel groups raged around the country.

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Pro-Assad soldiers were also battling Kurdish forces who seized government positions in eastern Syria near the cities of Raqqa and Deir Ez-Zor, the observatory said.

An anti-government fighter poses for a picture in front of one of the waterwheels, or norias, of Hama.

To the south of the country, state media quoted Jordans interior ministry as saying that it was closing its Jaber border crossing to all outgoing traffic due to the security conditions surrounding southern Syria.

The observatory said Saturday that Syrian government forces had withdrawn from the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights for the first time since Israel captured the area from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it in 1981.

The observatory says more than 820 people, including 111 civilians, have been killed across the country since the rebels began their offensive.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Syrian rebels claim to have reached the suburbs of Damascus, Syria's capital, on Dec. 7, as the rebel groups' rapid offensive against pro-government forces continues.

In a statement issued by the Free Syrian Army rebel group, the group claimed that they reached "the gates of Damascus, CNN reported. Multiple opposition activists as well a rebel commander also made the claim on Saturday.

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The Kyiv Independent cannot independently verify the claims.

Syrian rebel forces have quickly advanced in recent days, with rebel forces gaining control of major cities Aleppo and Hama.

Despite the ongoing offensive, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad remains in Damascus, his office said, denying claims that Assad had left the capital.

As the rebel offensive continues, over 1,000 Syrian pro-government soldiers reportedly crossed into Iraq at the border between the two countries in Eastern Syria, a military sources told Iraq's state news agency. Syrian government forces have found themselves unable to resist rebel forces in various regions of the country amid the recent offensive.

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Although Ukraine is not involved in the conflict, the advance of Syrian rebels deals a blow to Assad's key ally, Russia.

There is much at stake for Russia  if Assad's regime falls, Russia will lose its regional foothold in the Middle East, including its only naval base in the Mediterranean, and its regional and global influence will be diminished.

Moscow deployed its troops to Syria in 2015, providing support to the Assad regime against multiple anti-government forces. Damascus has been supportive of the Kremlin during the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Russian forces operating in Syria have been accused by the U.N. and other organizations of committing war crimes in the country, including the intentional bombing of hospitals and the usage of "double-tap" attacks, a tactic Russia has repeated in Ukraine.

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Read also: Russian milbloggers raise alarm over threat to Kremlin bases in Syria amid escalating Middle East crisis

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Timour Azhari

AMMAN/BEIRUT (Reuters) -Syrian government forces abandoned the key city of Homs on Saturday after less than a day of fighting, leaving President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule dangling by a thread with insurgents also advancing towards the capital Damascus.

Since the rebels' sweep into Aleppo a week ago, government defences have crumbled at dizzying speed as rebels seized a string of major cities and reignited a rebellion in places it had long seemed dead.

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The fall of Homs and threat to the capital now pose an immediate existential danger to the Assad dynasty's five-decade reign over Syria and the continued influence there of its main regional backer, Iran.

The most powerful insurgent leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, said in a statement that rebels were on the cusp of taking the whole country and "the end of the criminal regime is near".

Assad's government may be on the verge of collapse, foreign officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity. One U.S. official put the potential timeframe at five to 10 days while another said Assad could be ousted in the coming week. A Western official agreed with the latter assessment.

Seizing Homs, an important crossroads between the capital and the Mediterranean, effectively cuts off Damascus from the coastal stronghold of Assad's minority Alawite sect, and from Russia's air and naval base.

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The Syrian army and security commanders left Homs on Saturday by helicopter for the coast while a large military convoy withdrew by land, a senior army officer said. Rebels said they were entering the city centre.

Thousands poured onto the streets there to celebrate, residents said.

Homs residents and rebels said the insurgents had captured the central prison and were freeing thousands of detainees. Residents said state security and intelligence personnel had evacuated their offices after burning papers.

Insurgents have seized almost the entire southwest within 24 hours, and they have advanced to within 30 km (20 miles) of Damascus as government forces fell back, rebels said.

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Underscoring the possibility of an uprising in the capital, protesters took to the streets in several Damascus suburbs, ripping up Assad posters and tearing down a statue of his father, former President Hafez al-Assad, uncontested by army or police. Some were joined by soldiers who had changed into civilian clothes and deserted, residents said.

However, the state news agency reported that Assad remained in Damascus, and the military said it was reinforcing around the capital and south.

ALARM AMONG GOVERNMENTS INCLUDING RUSSIA

The pace of events has stunned Arab capitals and raised fears of a new wave of regional instability.

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Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Russia issued a joint statement saying the crisis was a dangerous development and calling for a political solution. But there was no indication they agreed on any concrete steps, with the situation inside Syria changing by the hour.

Syria's civil war, which erupted in 2011 as an uprising against Assad's rule, dragged in big outside powers, created space for jihadist militants to plot attacks around the world and sent millions of refugees into neighbouring states.

In the south, the rapid collapse of government control could allow a concerted assault on the capital, the seat of Assad's power, where residents said electricity cut out on Saturday.

The Syrian military pulled back as far as Saasa, 30 km (20 miles), from Damascus to regroup, a Syrian army officer said.

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In the city's southern suburb of Jarmana, protesters pulled down a statue of Hafez al-Assad, the president's father. Soldiers were deserting in the former rebel stronghold of Daraya and in Mezzeh, near a major airbase, residents said.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham said it had a duty to protect governmental, international and U.N. offices in Syria.

ALLIES' ROLE IN SUPPORTING ASSAD

Assad long relied on allies to subdue the rebels. Russian warplanes conducted bombing while Iran sent allied forces including Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iraqi militia to reinforce the Syrian military and storm insurgent strongholds.

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But Russia has been focused on the war in Ukraine since 2022 and Hezbollah has suffered big losses in its own gruelling war with Israel, significantly limiting its ability or that of Iran to bolster Assad.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has said the U.S. should not be involved in the conflict and should "let it play out".

Russia has a naval base and airbase in Syria that have not only been important for its support of Assad, but also for its ability to project influence in the Mediterranean and Africa.

Moscow has been supporting government forces with intense air strikes but it was not clear if it could easily step up this campaign.

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Iran has said it would consider sending forces to Syria, but any immediate extra assistance would likely depend on Hezbollah and Iraqi militias.

The Lebanese group sent some "supervising forces" to Homs on Friday but any significant deployment would risk exposure to Israeli airstrikes, Western officials said.

Iran-backed Iraqi militias are on high alert, with thousands of heavily armed fighters ready to deploy to Syria, many of them amassed near the border. Iraq does not seek military intervention in Syria, a government spokesman said on Friday.

Britain warned Assad that any chemical weapons use was a red line and would be met with "appropriate action".

(Reporting by Timour Azhari and Tom Perry in Beirut, Suleiman Khalidi in Amman, Parisa Hafezi in Dubai, Alexander Cornwell in Manama, Adam Makary and Menna Alaa El Din in Cairo, Andrew Mills in Doha, Jonathan Spicer in Istanbul, Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali in Washington; Writing by Angus McDowall and Matt Spetalnick, Editing by William Maclean, Timothy Heritage and Cynthia Osterman)
BEIRUT (AP)  The Syrian government fell early Sunday in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family after a sudden rebel offensive sprinted across government-held territory and entered the capital in 10 days.

Syrian state television aired a video statement by a group of men saying that President Bashar Assad has been overthrown and all detainees in jails have been set free.

The man who read the statement said the Operations Room to Conquer Damascus, an opposition group, called on all opposition fighters and citizens to preserve state institutions of the free Syrian state.

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The statement emerged hours after the head of a Syrian opposition war monitor said Assad had left the country for an undisclosed location, fleeing ahead of insurgents who said they had entered Damascus following the remarkably swift advance across the country.

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali said the government was ready to extend its hand to the opposition and turn its functions over to a transitional government.

I am in my house and I have not left, and this is because of my belonging to this country, Jalili said in a video statement. He said he would go to his office to continue work in the morning and called on Syrian citizens not to deface public property.

He did not address reports that Assad had fled.

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Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told The Associated Press that Assad took a flight Sunday from Damascus.

State television in Iran, Assads main backer in the years of war in Syria, reported that Assad had left the capital. It cited Qatars Al Jazeera news network for the information and did not elaborate.

There was no immediate statement from the Syrian government.

As daylight broke over Damascus, crowds gathered to pray in the citys mosques and to celebrate in the squares, chanting God is great. People also chanted anti-Assad slogans and honked car horns. In some areas, celebratory gunshots rang out.

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Soldiers and police officers left their posts and fled, and looters broke into the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense.

My feelings are indescribable, said Omar Daher, a 29-year-old lawyer. After the fear that he (Assad) and his father made us live in for many years, and the panic and state of terror that I was living in, I cant believe it.

Daher said his father was killed by security forces and his brother was in detention, his fate unknown. Assad is a criminal, a tyrant and a dog, he said.

Damn his soul and the soul of the entire Assad family, said Ghazal al-Sharif, another reveler in central Damascus. It is the prayer of every oppressed person and God answered it today. We thought we would never see it, but thank God, we saw it.

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The police headquarters in the capital appeared to be abandoned, its door left ajar with no officers outside. An Associated Press journalist shot footage of an abandoned army checkpoint where uniforms were discarded on the ground under a poster of Assads face. Footage broadcast on opposition-linked media showed a tank in one of the capital's central squares.

It was the first time opposition forces had reached Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured areas on the outskirts of the capital following a yearslong siege.

The pro-government Sham FM radio reported that the Damascus airport had been evacuated and all flights halted.

The insurgents also announced they had entered the notorious Saydnaya military prison north of the capital and liberated" their prisoners there.

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The night before, opposition forces took the central city of Homs, Syria's third largest, as government forces abandoned it. The city stands at an important intersection between Damascus, the capital, and Syrias coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus  the Syrian leaders base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base.

The rebels had already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama, as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said rebel control of Homs would be a game-changer.

The rebels' moves into Damascus came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters.

The advances in the past week were by far the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army.

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The U.N.s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called Saturday for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an orderly political transition. Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels sorry for the Syrian people.

In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Lebanese border officials closed the main Masnaa border crossing late Saturday, leaving many stuck waiting.

Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price.

The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution.

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Assad's status

Syrias state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he was performing his duties in Damascus.

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali said Sunday he does not know where Assad or the defense minister are. He told Saudi television network Al-Arabiyya early Sunday that they lost communication Saturday night.

He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia is busy with its war in Ukraine. Lebanons Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes.

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U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Separately, President Joe Bidens national security adviser said the Biden administration had no intention of intervening there.

Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation of a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015 and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections.

Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria.

In a statement, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians.

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The insurgents' march

A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the final stage of their offensive by encircling Damascus.

HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a salvation government to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the groups image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance.

The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syrias largest, and the central city of Hama, the countrys fourth-largest city.

The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011.

Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the countrys underlying problems. Assad didnt seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people, he said.

____

Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Abdulrahman Shaheen and Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria; Abby Sewell in Beirut; Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad; Josef Federman and Victoria Eastwood in Doha, Qatar; and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report.
BEIRUT (AP)  Syrian war monitor and pro-government media outlet say government forces have withdrawn from key central city of Homs.
TAMPA  For 10 months, the world has heard that Gerald Declan Radford shot and killed John Walter Lay because he was gay. On Friday, Radford spoke publicly for the first time and said that wasnt true.

Radford took the witness stand in a Tampa courtroom and gave his own detailed account of the months of hostilities that preceded what he described as a violent and overpowering attack against him by Lay.

I dont know if I told him to stop or not, Radford said. But he wasnt stopping.

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Radford, 66, is charged with second-degree murder in Lays death. The shooting happened Feb. 2 at West Dog Park, an expansive area of woods and grass fields just south of Leto High School and northwest of Tampa city limits.

Friends of both men said Radford had been harassing Lay for months with homophobic slurs and threats. But Radford has claimed Lay was the aggressor and that the shooting was self-defense.

Radford was the star witness in a daylong hearing for a judge to determine whether he should be granted immunity from prosecution under Floridas stand your ground law. The controversial law says that a person faced with a violent confrontation has no duty to retreat and can use deadly force if they reasonably believe its necessary to protect themselves.

Hillsborough Circuit Judge Samantha Ward is expected to issue a ruling on the matter next week.

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Bald, with a white beard that had grown long over nine months in jail, Radford wore orange and gestured with shackled wrists as he recounted the shooting and the circumstances that preceded it.

He said he started visiting the dog park about a dozen years ago. Lay started showing up there much later than he did. They were first cordial with each other, but their relationship deteriorated over time. It had to do with politics.

Lay was liberal. Radford was conservative. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pair frequently disagreed over issues like lockdowns and mask-wearing.

Everyone knew Lay was gay, Radford said. He came out to their group of friends at the dog park one day. Radford said he had no problem with it. He shook his hand and congratulated him. He told him he didnt believe people should live in the dark about who they are.

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At the same time, Radford admitted that he frequently used homophobic slurs to refer to Lay. Hed even said it to his face.

He was asked if he understood that those terms are offensive.

I do now, he said.

Radford said the tension began after Lay asked him if hed like to have a beer with him sometime. Radford took it as a sexual advance and made it clear he wasnt interested.

He continued to see Lay regularly on his daily visits to the dog park. Friction between them grew to the point that, Radford claimed, Lay would periodically utter threats. Multiple witnesses recalled Lay saying, Were going to come to blows one day.

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Other times, Radford claimed, Lay told him hed kick your ass and cave your head in.

I never thought he had the guts to attack me, Radford said.

Radfords words contradicted those of their mutual friends. A parade of seven witnesses, each of whom knew Lay and Radford from the dog park, trooped to the witness stand to describe each mans reputation and share stories about their fraught interactions.

They consistently described Lay as laid-back, trustworthy, a pacifist. They described Radford as aggressive, disrespectful and hostile toward Lay.

He talked about how he didnt like him and how he wanted to punch him in the jaw, recalled William Genovese.

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Genovese recalled Radford telling him that he liked to sneak up on Lay to scare him. As their feud escalated, more than one person recalled incidents in which Radford would walk up to Lay in the park and block his path.

I said to (Radford), what are you trying to do? said Albert Darlington, who was Lays landlord. Get him to run into you so youll have a fight?

Radford, he said, just smiled.

Everybody thought he was an ahole, Darlington said.

I admitted it, Radford said on the witness stand. I can be an ahole.

Radfords defense argued that a text message Lay sent the day before the shooting indicated that he planned to attack Radford.

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He doesnt really intimidate me, Lay wrote. I thought, if he blocks my path again, Ill try to tackle him. Hes really older than he looks. Hes weak and feeble. Ill keep you informed. This weekend should be drama.

About 18 hours later, Lay was dead.

The day of the shooting, Radford said he was feeling down because one of his two German shepherds had recently died. He came to the park and moped around. He walked the park for some time before Lay arrived. He said Lay came right up to him after walking through the gate.

Why do you still come here? he said Lay asked. We ... hate you here.

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I said, Walt, get away from me, Radford recalled. My dog just died. Leave me alone.

The two men passed each other. Moments later, Radford said he turned and saw Lay moving closer to him. He attacked, straddling Radfords left leg and hammer fisting against him. He fell to the ground, landing on his right side. He noted that he has several health ailments and previous injuries.

Was he stronger than you? asked defense attorney Matthew Futch.

Much, Radford said.

With Lay on top of him, Radford reached for his 9 mm pistol. A struggle began over the gun. He said Lay had both hands on the weapon at one point and that he could feel Lays finger on the trigger. He described the gun angling downward as they both grappled for control. He thought Lay was trying to turn the weapon toward him.

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I heard a loud bang, he said. A bright flash of light.

Lay stopped moving and Radford pulled himself out from under him. He disarmed the weapon and called 911.

The prosecutor, Justin Diaz, showed a series of photos of Lays body, taken during his autopsy, documenting numerous small wounds and scrapes to his face, his chin, his head, his back. All were consistent with Lay having been in a fight. He died from a single gunshot wound to his upper right chest.

Kelly Devers, Hillsborough Countys chief medical examiner, said that marks around the wound indicated the gun fired from less than an inch away. The bullet took a downward trajectory through his body, settling in his lower back.

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The bullets path indicated that the gun had to have been pointed at a downward angle when it was fired. The doctor and the prosecutor used a pair of human skeleton models, one life-size and clad in a medical examiner jacket, and a fake pistol to demonstrate how the gun would have to be positioned to make such a wound.

Devers opined that it would have been possible, but difficult, for the gun to be fired if the shooter was on his back with the victim on top of him.

Diaz argued that the physical evidence and Radfords statements made it clear that his story was not true. He also played portions of recorded jail phone calls Radford made after he was arrested. In one of them, he described Lay with a homophobic slur.

Mr. Radford is the aggressor, Diaz said. Mr. Radford is the angry man. Mr. Radford is the man with hate in his heart.

Editors note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of the name of Gerald Radfords defense attorney. An earlier version of the story used a misspelling from court records.
BusinessWire India Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 7: IDFC FIRST Bank has unveiled the first-of-its-kind AI-powered holographic digital avatar of the country's most celebrated and legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, setting a new benchmark in customer engagement and digital innovation. The Holographic Extended Reality (HXR) device, features touch capability, allowing users to interact directly with the digital avatar. Currently, customers can engage with Bachchan's digital avatar and get information on bank products and services, including Zero Fee Banking, Monthly Interest Credits, Mobile Banking, and the innovative Current Account BRAVO. The Bank will integrate additional product offerings in subsequent phases. This revolutionary technology will redefine the banking experience for customers, offering personalized assistance and an immersive service experience. This initiative is in line with IDFC FIRST Bank's commitment to its digital-first philosophy and innovation-led customer-centric approach. Speaking on the launch, Shreepad Shende - Head, Business Excellence & Corporate Strategy at IDFC FIRST Bank, said, "We're proud to be the first in the banking industry to bring this AI-powered holographic innovation to life. With this, we have created an entirely new way for our customers to interact with us at our select branches, making banking simpler, faster, and more engaging. It has been an amazing journey with Wing Commander Ramesh Pulapaka, CEO & Director - AB Corp. Ltd., from conceptualising this pioneering concept to bringing it to life and I am delighted that IDFC FIRST Bank was first to partner Amitabh Bachchan in this unique journey." Amitabh Bachchan, said, "This unique initiative by IDFC FIRST Bank showcases the possibilities of innovation in creating immersive and meaningful customer experiences. It is fascinating to see how technology continues to evolve and redefine the way we connect with people. I am delighted to see my digital avatar being a part of this revolutionary and groundbreaking journey in banking." The first device has been launched at IDFC FIRST Bank's Juhu branch in Mumbai, with plans to deploy similar devices across high-footfall branches and other strategic locations nationwide. (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)
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) issued a Silver Alert for a man missing out of Clarksville Friday night, but he has since been found safe.

In a social media post, the TBI said 61-year-old George Henderson was missing.

READ MORE | Latest headlines from Clarksville and Montgomery County

In a follow-up social media post, the TBI added that Henderson left his residence on foot at about 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. He was last seen wearing dark-colored pants.

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He has a medical condition that may impair his ability to return safely without assistance, the agency said.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

However, just after 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, the TBI announced the 61-year-old was found safe in Kentucky.

No additional details have been released about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance or his discovery.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CLEVELAND (WJW)  The FOX 8 I-Team has found thieves in Cleveland have broken into more than 3,000 cars.

A new look at the impact of a crime wave.

New records released to the I-Team show, in the first 11 months of the year, thieves in Cleveland broke into 3,029 cars. Far more than first thought.

Highway honors for local heroes murdered in the line of duty

The I-Team has revealed innocent people becoming victims downtown and all over the city.

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Weeks ago, Cleveland police told us they had about 500 reports of cars broken into with something stolen. Now, weve learned the overall number of break-ins has topped 3,000.

Police say its possible to have many reports of car break-ins without theft reports. Many people dont report something stolen if its not valuable, and sometimes people dont realize something had been stolen until later. Often, those folks dont go back and make another report.

Jazmir Tuckers family reacts after viewing body camera footage

In recent weeks, police have arrested juvenile suspects believed to be tied to rings carrying out these crimes.

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The records also show that last year there were 3,366 cases of what police call Motor Vehicle Trespassing. There were 2,138 of these cases in 2022.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.  Donald Trump and his team have spent much of this years presidential transition gratuitously laughing at their vanquished Democratic foes, as the president-elect prepares to begin implementing his openly authoritarian platform next month.

At Harvard Universitys Campaign Managers Conference, a tradition in which top campaign aides review what happened in the presidential election, Team Trump got a chance to yuk it up and laugh at top Kamala Harris and Joe Biden aides right to their faces.

During panel conversations held on Friday in a conference room on the fifth floor of a Harvard Kennedy School building, Trump campaign co-chief Chris LaCivita twice mocked the idea that Team Harris ran a flawless campaign  an idea floated the night prior by a top aide to Harris. Flawless execution, he replied after Jen OMalley Dillon, the Biden-turned-Harris campaign chair, said she didnt expect the first debate, between Trump and Biden, would greatly alter the race. (The debate went so badly, and Biden looked and sounded so frail, that he dropped out.)

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Speaking with Rolling Stone, LaCivita confirmed the flawless lines were specifically referencing comments made by the Harris campaigns chief of staff, Sheila Nix, who said Thursday that Harris ran a pretty flawless campaign that hit all our marks. Nix made the comments to a gathering of students, political operatives, and reporters at a Thursday dinner hosted by Harvards Institute of Politics. The moment she made that remark at the dinner, numerous faces in the room  both Democratic and Republican  perked up in disbelief. Several were clearly suppressing uncomfortable laughter.

I thought it was humorous, so Im not gonna let that go, LaCivita told Rolling Stone on Friday afternoon, suggesting that Team Harris is creating this perception that they couldnt do anything to change the trajectory.

Im not here to rub anybodys face in it, he said, adding: They raised $1.5 billion in 107 days, and they never had a message. They were running triple [or] quadruple the amount of creatives every week that we were.

And yet, it was indeed being rubbed in their faces. For much of Friday afternoon, five senior staffers of Trump 2024 were seated at tables, positioned just several yards away from a row of crimson-draped tables occupied by a similar number of Team Harris advisers. As an audience of journalists and political consultants looked on, the representatives of Team Trump and the Biden-then-Harris campaign stared directly at one another, as each side discussed the biggest chapters of the 2024 race: the debates, Bidens exit, the assassination attempts on Trumps life, and so much else.

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Eight years ago, when Harvard held this same event with veterans of the 2016 Hillary Clinton and Trump campaigns, the conference room quickly degenerated into a shouting match and goddamn food fight dominated by hurt feelings and accusations of white supremacy. This week, ahead of Fridays panels, veterans of both presidential campaigns privately indicated that they were aware of the nasty anecdotes that emerged from the 2016 conference, and neither side wanted to give the press another food fight to cover.

On the whole, 2024s version was an exhibition of restraint and respectability compared to the melee of December 2016. Still, the Trump side of the room couldnt help themselves from sporadically trolling, widely grinning, and laughing at their liberal counterparts  as well as the news media. To be fair, multiple Team Trump alums also spent time on Friday mocking former Trump opponent Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis before a room full of reporters, just as President-elect Trump has actively considered making DeSantis his new pick for defense secretary. (One panel featured representatives from several GOP primary campaigns, but none from Team DeSantis.)

We all pay too much attention to national publications, Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio said. First of all, what percent of Americans get their news from newspapers these days?

Rolling Stone did not take it personally; we are a magazine.

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Meanwhile, the senior Harris and Biden officials had no choice but to sit there and take it, mostly alternating between stone-faced expressions, morose looks, and irritated demeanor.

Throughout the event, the Trump campaign aides generally offered a more candid, comprehensive explanation of how their candidate targeted and assembled a winning coalition than Team Harris gave for why theirs lost. We lost, OMalley Dillon punctuated, matter of factly, repeatedly over the course of the days events. She did not seem keen to relitigate some of Harris decisions  particularly the candidates disinterest in making a sharper break from Biden.

Every once in a while, the opponents shared a lighthearted moment or friendly chuckle, such as when both camps laughed at the idea that Harris might win deep-red Iowa.

At one moment during the panel, LaCivita joked that the Harris campaign aides were suggesting they personally believed that Biden could win the race  before he imploded and dropped out  while simultaneously arguing that Harris never had a chance, as he put it.

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We are here because we think its important to, of course, be respectful, and we have a story to tell that is about what we saw, and we believe in who we work for, OMalley Dillon responded, adding that she wanted to send a message to young people that work on all these campaigns that its good and honorable, and that you can lose and still believe in what you do.

It wasnt quite as sad as when Jennifer Palmieri, the Clinton 2016 communications director, exclaimed to Team Trump: I would rather lose than win the way you guys did!

Is there an honorable way to lose to Donald Trump?

As the final panel neared its conclusion in the late afternoon, Team Trump infuriated Team Harris by pointing out that Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance did many more interviews than Harris  with Trump campaign aide and incoming White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich putting an extremely fine point on it.

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Donald Trump outworked her, Budowich said. The Trump campaign outworked the Harris campaign in every single way.

He added, Why didnt you put her out more? You said earlier that you couldnt ever compete with the amount of attention Donald Trump got. You never gave her a shot.

Quentin Fulks, the principal deputy campaign manager for Harris, said the Trump campaign had a better strategy and won, but that our candidate also worked hard. He noted that anything they said, after losing this race, might sound like a defense: We lost the race.

I honestly respect that, said Budowich, before adding: Ron DeSantis team didnt show up.

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Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
A suspect charged in a Fort Worth shooting during a drug deal that killed one teen and injured another has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Edinson Funes, 18, pleaded guilty to murder, Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells said in a social media post on Friday, Dec. 6.

Alberto Rodriguez Paredones, 18, and another teen were at Buck Sansom Park, at 3600 Sansom Park Drive, on Feb. 22, 2022, when they were shot, Fort Worth police said.

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Rodriguez Paredones was pronounced dead at the scene and the other teenage victim was taken to a hospital.

Rodriguez Paredones and the other victim were meeting four suspects including Funes for a marijuana deal, police have said.

The suspects robbed them at gunpoint and fired at them, the district attorneys office said in a statement on social media.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

 Suspects target wrong house in deadly drive-by shooting

 TCU chancellor to leave job in June 2025

 Jury awards $60M after security guard smashes glass on mans head

[Get our breaking news alerts.]

Samuel Antonio Camarillo, 20, was another of the three suspects who were arrested. He was sentenced to 20 years in April.

Camarillo arranged the drug deal via social media, the district attorneys office said.

The third suspect arrested in the case was charged as a juvenile, according to court records.
Dec. 6SANTA FE  Testimony began Friday in the trial of a woman charged in a high-speed chase and wrong-way crash that killed a Santa Fe police officer and a retired firefighter in 2022.

Jeannine Jaramillo, 49, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and other charges for allegedly leading police in a wrong-way pursuit on Interstate 25 near Santa Fe, leading to a fatal head-on crash and other wrecks and injuries.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Padgett Macias compared Jaramillo's actions to "lighting a fuse and escaping seconds before the bomb explodes."

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Padgett Macias described for jurors a chaotic scene in the minutes before the fatal collisions as drivers on a busy section of I-25 scrambled to avoid the stolen Chevrolet Malibu.

"Some cars on I-25 move out of the way, some to the left, others to the right, the white Chevy Malibu playing chicken with the lives of everybody on I-25," Padgett Macias said in opening statements.

Killed in a head-on collision were 43-year-old Santa Fe police officer Robert Duran and 62-year-old Frank Lovato, a retired firefighter from Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Lovato avoided a collision with the Malibu but crashed into Duran's marked Santa Fe police car traveling the wrong way in pursuit of the Malibu. Both men died at the scene.

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The Malibu then crashed into a pickup, disabling both vehicles, and Jaramillo was seen fleeing the wreckage.

Prosecutors told jurors they will view lapel and dash-camera video showing the extreme violence of the wreck.

The videos will show "that there are no words for the impact and devastation caused by the wrong-way driver," Padgett Macias said. "Cars are totaled and Mr. Lovato's truck and officer Robert Duran's unit No. 286 are nearly disintegrated by the impact."

Jaramillo's attorney, David Silva, declined to address the jury on Friday, reserving his opening statement for another time.

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The 1st Judicial District Court trial is expected to continue through Dec. 13 before Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer.

Jurors also viewed startling dash-camera video of the crash recorded by a Santa Fe police officer pursuing the Malibu, traveling the wrong way on I-25.

The video showed officers driving at high speed as cars and trucks pulled onto the shoulders. The vehicles initially drove away from Santa Fe, traveling north in the southbound lands.

After several minutes, the Malibu doubled back across the median and traveled south in the northbound lanes in the final minutes before the fatal collision.

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Bonita Coleman Iapoce, who witnessed the collision as she was driving to her home in Eldorado, southeast of Santa Fe, said the wreck sounded like "a loud explosion" with vehicles "going up into the air." Iapoce gasped as she watched police video that showed the Malibu speed by, barely missing Iapoce's car.

In a pretrial hearing Friday, Marlowe Sommer agreed to a request from prosecutors to admit evidence at trial for one of Jaramillo's prior arrests for allegedly stealing a vehicle and fleeing law enforcement in Cibola County.

In that September 2021 incident, Jaramillo led Cibola County deputies on a high-speed chase through Grants and Milan and later told officers she was threatened by a man named "Lopez" who forced her to flee from law enforcement.

Marlowe Sommer rejected Silva's argument that Jaramillo's prior arrest could be prejudicial to her at trial.

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That evidence could prove important because prosecutors allege that after the March 2022 crash, Jaramillo also told police that she was abducted at knifepoint by a man named Lopez who forced her to flee law enforcement, resulting in the fatal crash.

Pursuit begins

The police pursuit began at a Santa Fe apartment complex where Jaramillo told a resident to call 911 and report that she was being threatened by a man.

Richard Musser, a resident at Vizcaya Apartments, 2500 Sawmill Road, testified Friday that he called 911 after a woman in a white Malibu pulled up in front of his car and told him a man in her passenger seat was armed and threatening her.

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Musser told jurors he later saw the Malibu driving from the complex and was "100% sure" that the woman was alone and driving the vehicle.

Jaramillo's husband, Jerry Chavez, testified Friday that he and Jaramillo were driving to Albuquerque from Las Vegas but stopped in Santa Fe, where they spent the night in the car.

The morning of the fatal crash, the two began arguing and Jaramillo told a resident at the apartment complex to call 911, Chavez told jurors.

Chavez told jurors he then walked around the complex to "cool off" and Jaramillo drove away without him when police arrived at the complex.

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Police pursued the white Malibu in the belief that a woman had been abducted and was being threatened, Padgett Macias told jurors.

Jaramillo led police on a dangerous pursuit, "running red lights, U-turning whenever and wherever, and all at crazy high speeds," she told jurors.

Jaramillo then entered I-25 at Old Pecos Trail, using the off-ramp as an on-ramp and traveling the wrong way on the interstate at speeds of more than 90 mph, she said.

"She lures the officers into a fatal trap that is now going south in northbound lanes" of I-25, Padgett Macias told jurors.

After the Malibu was disabled in a crash, Jaramillo stuck to her story that she had been abducted by a boyfriend named Mark Lopez, who fled into the bushes after the crash, she said.

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Jaramillo identified from a photograph a man named Mark Lopez as the man who had abducted her, but New Mexico State Police investigators quickly learned that the man had a solid alibi and did not know Jaramillo, Padgett Macias told jurors.

Jaramillo was arrested after police learned that only the driver's side airbag had inflated during the crash and sensor data indicated that the passenger seat was unoccupied during the pursuit, she said.

Testimony is scheduled to resume Monday.
For the past four years, Texas has made itself an adversary of the White House on immigration.

Under Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, the state has flexed its law enforcement power at the U.S.-Mexico border, added miles of razor wire barriers to deter crossings and bused more than 100,000 migrants to sanctuary cities in Democratic states, all in defiance of the Biden administration.

But as President-elect Donald Trump heads back to the White House next month, touting a plan to carry out the largest deportation of immigrants in U.S. history, Texas is preparing to take on a new role in Washington: ally.

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Already the state has offered up a 1,402-acre ranch on the Rio Grande as a potential site for detention facilities, and it is ready to share its playbook for muscling through immigration policy changes, such as its executive order requiring hospitals to ask about a patients immigration status and a measure that would allow police officers to arrest migrants and empower state judges to order deportations.

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham last week announced an initiative to identify land within the 13 million acres owned by the agency that the Trump administration could use for deportation operations, including the recently acquired ranch along the Rio Grande.

Were actively looking at the properties we have around the state and seeing if it works for the Trump administration, Buckingham told NBC News. Weve identified several properties in the El Paso area that we think are also a good, natural fit, as well as in some urban areas.

Buckingham also said that Texas would look to help guide the incoming administrations policies on border security.

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Weve come up with a lot of ingenious ways to take these criminals to task, and we are happy to help anybody who is looking for advice or policies that seem to be helpful, she said.

Incoming "border czar" and former acting ICE director Tom Homan visits Camp Eagle in Texas on Nov. 26.

The Trump administration is listening.

You cannot have strong national security if you do not have border security, Tom Homan, Trump's former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director and incoming "border czar," said at an event with Abbott last week. There is unprecedented success in Texas. This is the model we can take across the country.

Abbott, at the same event, said that his state was going to be doing more and faster than anything thats ever been done to, first of all, regain control of our border, restore order in our communities, and also identify, locate and deport criminals in the United States of America who have come across the border.

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Texas rise as a prominent ally to the incoming Trump administration follows years of challenging and undermining President Joe Bidens efforts on immigration.

Texas is a natural leader because of everything theyve accomplished in the last four years with little public or political pushback, said Andrea Flores, the vice president of immigration policy and campaigns at FWD.us, which describes itself as a bipartisan organization that advocates for immigration reform.

One of the most visible forms of opposition was the busing of more than 100,000 migrants from the border to sanctuary cities like New York, Chicago and Denver  a move that overwhelmed those Democratic communities, strained their resources and led to growing anti-immigrant sentiment around the country that seeped into the presidential campaign.

The strategy led to a governor sowing intentional chaos against other states with no one stepping in to try and stop it, said Flores, an immigration policy advisor to the Biden and Obama administrations, who criticized the lack of federal intervention. The cities crisis eclipsed the border crisis, and it led to tremendous backlash.

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Other Texas efforts under Biden could serve as a model for whats to come under Trump, some experts said.

To the extent that theres coordination, or even cooperation, between the federal government and a state like Texas, its possible that the skys the limit, said Rick Su, a law professor at the University of North Carolina. This may be the missing piece in what I think, at least for the Trump administration, what they intend to do.

In 2021, Abbott declared a disaster at the border, opening the door to launch his Operation Lone Star to pay for the busing and provide $11 billion to deploy thousands of members in the Texas National Guard and Texas Department of Public Safety to the southern border and create new barriers, including 100 miles of razor wire and buoys in the Rio Grande.

Earlier this year, Abbott signed an executive order requiring hospitals to ask about a patients immigration status and track the amount of costs from treating undocumented immigrants.

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It has been four years of advancing an agenda that we are very likely to see multiple states do the same under the Trump administration, Flores said. Texas has given us a preview of what was to come.

The state also passed a law that challenged federal immigration authority and is arguably one of the most unprecedented sort of modern laws with regard to immigration, Su said. The law, known as S.B. 4, would allow police officers to arrest migrants and impose criminal penalties. It would also empower state judges to order the deportation of people to Mexico. The measures implementation has been on hold while it is challenged in court.

But legal experts, including Su, are watching to see if Trumps Department of Justice backs off from that and other legal challenges on Texas immigration policies that were undertaken by the Biden administration.

In some ways, that is just the beginning, Su said.





This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
THE VILLAGE  Aaron Sparks doesnt have any immediate military connections, but the longtime Loves Travel Stops employee still stood outside on a chilly Saturday morning, wearing a unicorn costume and an enormous smile while greeting local military families waiting in a line of vehicles.

Smiles were aplenty during the annual Holiday Meals for Military event, held on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day  a somber day of remembrance for many military members  outside a Loves corporate office. Officials from Operation Homefront, a San Antonio, Texas-based nonprofit that organizes such events around the nation, said 150 military families from the Oklahoma City area were served at the event. Most were from either Tinker Air Force Base or Will Rogers Air National Guard Base.

More: Most unforgettable images of the attack on Pearl Harbor during the Second World War

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A similar event was held Thursday in Lawton, a city also located next door to a major military facility, Fort Sill, and not too far from Altus Air Force Base in southwestern Oklahoma. This year, the organization anticipates serving its 200,000th military family since the Holiday Meals for Military program began in 2010.

Volunteer Aaron Sparks, a Love's employee, wears a unicorn costume on Saturday as he greets military families participating Saturday in the Operation Homefront event in The Village.

I never thought when I got up this morning Id be wearing a unicorn costume, Sparks said as another vehicle pass. But seeing those smiles of the kids? That makes this all worth it.

As prices for essential goods have surged 28% during the past five years, a significant strain has been placed on military families, said Jillann Ivan, the regional operations manager for Operation Homefront. The Military Family Lifestyle Survey, conducted by the organization Blue Star Families, indicated one in four active-duty enlisted families experienced food insecurity in 2023.

Operation Homefront officials said families most likely to face food insecurity include those who joined the military in the past decade, have recently relocated, have young children, and those with a spouse who is underemployed or unemployed.

Jillann Ivan, regional operations manager for Operation Homefront, wears a Christmas tree on her head on Dec. 7, 2024, as she prepares to hand out meal kits to military families in The Village.

You dont have to be in this line because youre desperate, Ivan said. You can be in this line just because were here to thank you for your service. Youve earned this.

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I firmly believe that our military deserves the best. Theyve fought for us. I sleep well every night because I know I am protected, and its thanks to all of these people driving through here today. Its just amazing.

The Holiday Meals for Military program provides meal kits and/or grocery gift cards to military families who may be struggling to make ends meet so they don't have to choose between paying their bills and providing a holiday celebration. The meal kits  packed by Loves employees  included items like macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, potatoes and ingredients to make apple pie, among other items.

Volunteers, from left, Stephanie Sandina, Shaina Gonzalez and Krystal Crumm wait to hand out gift bags to military families on Saturday as part of an Operation Homefront event in The Village.

Walmart provided a $30 gift card to pay for perishable items for a holiday meal. Loves provided $50 gas cards and Santa Claus figurines during Saturdays event, and families also received gift bags with other items, along with candy and cookie tins for children.

Other supporters of the program include the Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation, Chobani, Food Lion, Town House, and Procter and Gamble.

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Courtney Franklin, the manager of community relations for Loves, said many former military members work at the company, which has supported Operation Homefront for at least a decade.

Courtney Franklin of Love's speaks to reporters on Dec. 7, 2024, during the Operation Homefront event being held outside the company's corporate buildings in The Village.

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Giving back to the community and to military families is a part of our core values, Franklin said.

A steady line of vehicles  running the length of the long Loves parking lot, and occasionally extending to a nearby street  remained as the event pushed into its second hour on Saturday. Every driver heard the phrase Thank you for your service multiple times as volunteers loaded their vehicles with the meal kits and other items.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Tyler Compton, of Mustang, drove one of the first vehicles to come through the line. He said hes part of a household with six people, including four children, and is grateful for the service to military families provided by Operation Homefront during the holiday season.

I love it, Compton said. Around Christmastime, its tight, so when a local organization like this does this, it means a lot to us. I push all of my military guys to take advantage of the things that are available to you.

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A lot of people, they dont know how to be humble. They dont like taking handouts. But I do it because I appreciate it and my kids appreciate it and it helps us.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Nonprofit group distributes meals to military families at Love's
This story was originally published Dec. 7, 2022

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Dec. 7 is Pearl Harbor Day.

Eighty-three years ago, the Japanese Imperial Navy launched a surprise attack on the United States. The attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii led to the United States declaring war and officially entering into World War II, which had begun two years prior.

While most Americans know quite a bit about the attack thanks to educators and the many films and television programs that have been made over the years, here are some things you may not know about the attack on Pearl Harbor.

1. The American Naval Fleet at Pearl Harbor wasnt the only target

The attack didnt just target the American naval fleet. Airfields and bases across the island of Oahu were targeted, including Hickam Field, Wheeler Field, Bellows Field, Ewa Field, Schoefield Barracks, and Kaneohe Naval Air Station.

2. Our fleet wasnt wiped out in the attack

As bad as the attack was, it did not hold the Navy back long. The only ships permanently destroyed in the attack were the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma, which were the hardest hit.

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However, because the waters at Pearl Harbor were shallow and because the incident happened right at the base, the other damaged ships were easy to recover and repair. Some returned to service within months, with the final ships, the USS California and USS West Virginia, returning to service in 1944.

3. Our air carriers, who were a major target, werent there

One of the chief targets of the Japanese, aircraft carriers, were left unharmed. The USS Enterprise and Lexington were out to sea, and the USS Saratoga was at San Diego. The fact that the carriers were left unharmed would eventually turn the tide in the war in the Pacific.

4. The attack on Pearl Harbor was just one of many coordinated attacks by Japan carried out on Dec. 7

Pearl Harbor was just one part of a much larger operation by Imperial Japanese forces that began on Dec. 7. They also launched attacks on British-controlled Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, French-controlled Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, and the US-controlled Guam, Philippines, and Wake Island.

5. The attacks planner knew it would only buy them six months, and they would eventually lose the war

Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who planned the attack, warned fellow leaders that the attack would eventually lead to Japan losing the war.

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Yamamoto lived in the United States as part of a Japanese military attache and saw Americas industrialization compared to his own country. He knew they could not compete with the countrys ability to mobilize, which had already begun before the attack. He told his fellow officers that the attack would only buy Imperial Japan six months before America fully mobilized.

It turned out to be prophetic as, exactly six months later, the United States won the Battle of Midway, where the tide of the war in the Pacific began to turn and placed Japan on the defensive.

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NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 7: Tusk Groups, under the visionary leadership of Founder and CEO Rajesh S, is pioneering a transformative movement for Indian businesses. By enabling companies to showcase their presence on the world's most prestigious stage-Times Square, New York-Tusk Groups is redefining global branding. For the first time, Indian brands are competing on par with international giants such as Google, Dell, and Samsung, establishing their global footprint in a truly iconic way. Why Times Square? Known as the "Crossroads of the World," Times Square is a global symbol of culture, commerce, and innovation. With over 50 million tourists annually and generating 1.5 million daily billboard impressions, advertising in Times Square offers: * Unmatched Visibility: Your brand seen by millions every day. * Prestige & Recognition: Establishing credibility alongside global leaders. * Employee Inspiration: Boosting team morale and fostering pride. * Sales Growth: Enhancing customer trust and driving business expansion. * Premium Perception: Positioning companies as industry pioneers. Tusk Groups specializes in securing premium billboard spaces, including the coveted Middle Board Display, ensuring maximum visibility and impact for its clients. Empowering Businesses Across Borders Tusk Groups works with businesses in India, UAE, USA, and Singapore, with a strong presence in Indian cities such as Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. By bridging local expertise with global platforms, Tusk Groups empowers companies to achieve international success. End-to-End Branding Solutions Tusk Groups delivers a seamless experience for businesses by managing the entire process, from securing advertising slots at Times Square to producing high-quality visuals and promotional videos. These campaigns are then shared across digital platforms, allowing companies to amplify their visibility further. A Revolutionary Impact Launching at Times Square is more than an advertisement-it's a milestone that boosts brand equity, inspires employees, motivates sales teams, and enhances trust among clients. This premium branding initiative allows businesses to stand out globally and establish themselves as credible, innovative market leaders. R. Sasikumar, the official spokesperson for Tusk Groups, shared his thoughts:*"Tusk Groups is more than a service provider; we are a bridge to global recognition. For companies, launching in Times Square is not just a marketing strategy-it's a legacy that resonates across borders. We are proud to be the first and only Indian company facilitating such transformative opportunities."* Why Choose Tusk Groups? With expertise in advertising and a deep understanding of global branding, Tusk Groups ensures every campaign delivers exceptional results. The company's strengths include: * Innovative Campaigns: Tailored solutions for maximum impact. * Global Reach: Serving clients across India, UAE, USA, and Singapore. * Comprehensive Services: From concept to execution. * Premium Partnerships: Aligning with industry leaders like Google and Samsung. A Vision for the Future Founder and CEO Rajesh S has built Tusk Groups on a foundation of innovation and excellence. His vision is to elevate businesses from local markets to global platforms, creating opportunities for companies to achieve unparalleled success. India to New York: Making Dreams a Reality This initiative is a bold testament to the ambition and innovation of Indian businesses. By collaborating with Tusk Groups, companies are realizing their dreams of global recognition, showcasing their brands at Times Square, and inspiring their teams to reach new heights. For more information, please visit: tuskgroups.in. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
WASHINGTON  The brazen shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has prompted an outpouring of dark online humor from health insurance industry haters.

Many commenters online have responded to the news of his death with variations of the phrase thoughts and prayers are out of network, a reference to the language insurers often use when refusing to reimburse patients for their health care costs.

The motives of Thompsons killer remain unknown, but police said shell casings discovered at the scene had been inscribed with the words deny, defend and depose, possibly a reference to health insurance industry practices. A manhunt is underway.

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In response to photos of the suspect posted by New York police seeking tips, commenters on HuffPosts Instagram used insurance jargon to explain why they couldnt help.

My regular insurance doesnt cover vision so I cant really see, one poster wrote.

We need prior authorization first, wrote another.

Some prominent voices on the left, such as journalist Ken Klippenstein, suggested the morbid comments were a legitimate outpouring of discontent in response to the health insurance industrys attempts to ration health care for millions of people. Others condemned the killing, but said the industry has escaped criticism that it deserves.

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Shooting the UnitedHealthcare CEO is a terrible thing to do. Its deeply immoral and solves nothing, Cenk Uygur, a host on The Young Turks, wrote on X Thursday. At the same time, 76,000 Americans die every year because of the health insurance industry. I also mourn for them. And I dont see any press coverage or concern for their deaths.

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), the first public official to chime in, noted that UnitedHealthcare, which is based in his district, merely follows the laws written by Congress.

Like other insurers, they play by rules allowing the industry to net >$100 billion/year while patients go bankrupt from medical debt, Phillips wrote Friday on social media. The real culprit is Congress and money in politics, and its time for change.

Onetime Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang tried to remind gleeful followers that political violence is bad.

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Guys, defending or justifying shooting a man in the street is a path to hell, he wrote on X. Dont do it.

Thompsons death also inspired people to share their own horror stories of having coverage denied, either for themselves, for family members or for their patients.

Though a vast majority of insured adults said their coverage was excellent or good in a KFF consumer survey last year, 58% said theyd had a problem with their policy in the prior 12 months, such as denied claims, provider network problems or trouble with prior authorization. Of those who had problems, half couldnt get the matter resolved, with 17% saying theyd missed out on care as a result and 15% saying their health declined.

Theres no official repository of information on how often insurers deny health claims. ProPublica reported last year that limited government data suggest 10% to 20% of claims are denied, but those numbers are aggregates that dont account for differences between insurers or plans.

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Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb, an assistant professor at CUNY Graduate School of Public Health in New York City, offered a few reasons why people may feel justified using social media to convey morbid glee over the killing of an insurance executive.

For starters, she said, so many people in this country share the experience of an insurance company denying their health care coverage. That camaraderie stands in sharp contrast to the relatively small number of people who have ever personally known an insurance executive.

People identify with their own emotive experience, said Piltch-Loeb. There is a level of othering that is naturally occurring when were thinking about the murder of somebody, in contrast to this experience that many people have had.

Beyond that, people tend to want to place blame on something or someone to make sense of a bad experience, she said, rather than try to address systematic reasons for why it happened. She gave the example of peoples very different reactions to a naturally occurring hazard, like a tornado, versus an act of terrorism.

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In the case of the health insurance industry, that blame is frankly being placed  on an insurance executive, to the point where it is seemingly justifying his murder, said Piltch-Loeb.

Theres the added dimension of people feeling justified saying whatever they want online, thanks to their anonymity and freedom of speech. People have experienced so much negative rhetoric on social media, and so often, that our society has accepted this as a normal way to talk to each other on the internet, Piltch-Loeb said.

I would have a hard time believing that these same people offline are going to be saying, Oh Im so glad that guy was murdered, she said.

Other observers suggested theres a bigger problem going on here: the normalization of violence.

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Laura Lyster-Mensh is a death doula at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C. She helps people navigate their health insurance and finances to cover the high costs that come with death, like hospital care and funerals.

Im very concerned about the cruelty and depersonalization, Lyster-Mensh said, noting shes seen people posting laughing emojis on social media when talking about Thompsons death.

The health care system is a problem. The insurance system is a problem, she said. If their response is to normalize and to laugh, thats not advocacy. Thats not trying to make the world better. Thats just a mob.

Related...
HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY)  Three adults are displaced following a house fire in Hampton Saturday morning.

At approximately 11:10 a.m., Hampton Fire & Rescue responded to a residential structure fire in the 900 block of Todds Lane alongside Hampton Police Division, Virginia Natural Gas and Dominion Energy personnel.

Firefighters rescued the three adults, who were all assessed and uninjured. The American Red Cross is assisting the residents.

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Authorities said careless cooking was the cause of the fire.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
(CANON CITY, Colo.)  Three counties in western Colorado are suing former District Attorney Linda Stanley for what they allege was a misuse of public funds while defending herself from ethics complaints.

According to the lawsuit, Fremont County, Chaffee County, and Custer County are suing Stanley, alleging during her time as the DA for the 11th Judicial District, she used funds provided to her from the counties for the operation of the DAs Office and for official business to pay for legal fees incurred by defending against allegations of the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct, or ethical violations.

The counties assert that by paying legal fees that were not necessary expenses for the transaction of official business, Stanley willfully, knowingly, and fraudulently converted funds appropriated by County to her own use and benefit, and/or to use other than the public use authorized by law.

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The counties allege that at no point during budget request meetings did Stanley disclose her intention or use of public funds for personal use and that she had a duty to do so. The counties accuse Stanley of spending at least $111,971.35 for personal use.

The lawsuit alleges the Fremont County Attorney provided notice of the Countys allegations to Stanley on June 27, 2024, and that she continued to misappropriate funds. A reminder of the consequences of such violations was allegedly sent by Fremont County on Sept. 25, 2024.

The Plaintiffs are asking for relief related to the misappropriation and other legal fees and costs, along with other relief as the court deems just and equitable.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dec. 7JAMESTOWN  Three people were sentenced recently on felony charges in Southeast District Court in Jamestown.

Loring Riel Sky Rush, 39, Jamestown, pleaded guilty to promoting sexual performance by a minor, a Class B felony, corruption or solicitation of minors, possession of certain materials prohibited, Class C felonies, and false information/report to law enforcement, harboring a runaway minor, unlawful delivery to certain persons and contributing to a deprivation of a minor, Class A misdemeanors.

Rush was accused of engaging in a sexual act with a minor 15 years old or younger when he was at least three years older and at least 22 years old, knowingly possessing any motion picture, photograph or other visual representation that includes sexual conduct by a minor, producing, directing or promoting any performance that includes sexual conduct by a minor, delivering alcoholic beverages to an individual younger than 21 years old and proving methamphetamine to a minor from May 23 to June 9, and knowingly giving false information or report to a law enforcement officer and harboring a runaway minor knowing that the minor was being sought by law enforcement from June 8-9.

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Judge Troy LeFevre sentenced Rush to 10 years in the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation with three years suspended and credit for 162 days served. LeFevre placed Rush on five years supervised probation and ordered him to register as a sex offender and to pay a $650 criminal administration fee, $100 defense/facility administration fee, $35 indigent defense application fee, $300 indigent recoupment and a $25 victim-witness fee.

A Class B felony is punishable by 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. A Class C felony is punishable by five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by 360 days in prison and a $3,000 fine.

Dawn Marie Andracki, 58, Oakes, North Dakota, pleaded guilty to theft of property and unlawful entry into a vehicle-commit crime, Class C felonies.

Andracki was accused of taking or exercising unauthorized control over, knowingly obtaining the property of another by deception or by threat and/or receiving, retaining or disposing property of another with a value of more than $1,000 but less than $10,000 and entering a vehicle with intent to commit a crime inside the vehicle from June 4-5.

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Judge James Shockman sentenced Andracki to four days in the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation with credit for four days served. Shockman placed Andracki on 24 months supervised probation and ordered her to pay a $35 indigent defense application fee, $300 indigent recoupment, $3,850 restitution and a $25 victim-witness fee.

Barrett Woods Hieb, 36, Jamestown, pleaded guilty to two counts of prohibited acts A/controlled substances, Class B felonies.

Hieb was accused of delivering or possessing methamphetamine with intent to deliver on Sept. 2 and Sept. 4.

LeFevre sentenced Hieb to five years in the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation with credit for 75 days served concurrently with a previous conviction in 2024. LeFevre ordered Hieb to submit to fingerprints and to not possess or own firearms for seven years.
A nationwide TikTok ban, including in Wisconsin, looks poised to kick in soon unless the video-sharing app's parent company sells off the platform.

On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit voted to deny the review of three petitions for relief from TikTok and ByteDance, the platform's parent company. The court found the petitions, which aimed to reverse the impending ban, unconstitutional.

Here's what to know about the legislation banning TikTok, including what it means for Wisconsin.

Will TikTok be banned in Wisconsin?

In April, Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed a bill that would make TikTok illegal to download everywhere in the U.S., including Wisconsin, starting Jan. 19, 2025  unless ByteDance sells the platform to another company.

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If ByteDance doesn't sell the app, it will no longer be possible to download TikTok from Apple's App Store or Google Play, or to access the app on a U.S. internet browser.

People in the U.S. who already have the TikTok app can still use it, but they would not have access to future software updates if TikTok is no longer in app stores.

Why is TikTok considered a national security threat?

Proponents of the TikTok ban are primarily concerned with ByteDance, a Chinese-owned company based in Beijing, having access to U.S. users' data. More than 170 million Americans use TikTok.

In particular, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have said the Chinese government could potentially spy on Americans or spread propaganda through the app. The ban received overwhelming bipartisan support, with the Senate passing it 79-18 and the House, 352-65.

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In 2022, Congress and Biden also approved a bill banning TikTok on U.S. government devices over similar national security concerns.

U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, R-Wis., speaks at an event outside the U.S. Capitol condemning calls to ban the video sharing application TIkTok.

Which Wisconsin politicians support banning TikTok?

Wisconsin's congressional delegation has been largely supportive of the TikTok ban.

In fact, Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher was an author of the bill and has been a longtime advocate of banning the app.

We cant take the chance of having a dominant news platform in America controlled or owned by a company that is beholden to the Chinese Communist Party, our foremost adversary, Gallagher, a Green Bay Republican, said earlier this year.

Gallagher left Congress in April and later took a job leading the defense business for data analytics and security firm Palantir.

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Of Wisconsin's eight-member House delegation, the only representatives to vote against the TikTok ban were Democratic Reps. Mark Pocan and Gwen Moore.

Theres probably valid concerns when it comes to social media disinformation and all the rest, Pocan told the Journal Sentinel in March. But to say that a single platform is the problem largely because its Chinese-owned honestly, I think, borders more on xenophobia than addressing that core issue.

On the Senate side, the ban passed as part of a sweeping, $95 billion foreign aid package that provided funds to Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies. Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin voted in favor of the package, while Republican Sen. Ron Johnson voted against.

How has TikTok responded to the ban?

TikTok and ByteDance have routinely denied claims that the app poses a national security threat to the U.S., according to USA TODAY.

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When arguing against the law to the federal appeals court earlier this year, TikTok's outside lawyer Andrew Pincus said banning TikTok would violate U.S. users' free speech rights, USA TODAY reported.

"The law before this court is unprecedented, and its effect would be staggering," Pincus said. "For the first time in history, Congress has expressly targeted a specific U.S. speaker, banning its speech and the speech of 170 million Americans."

In its petitions to the court, ByteDance has also claimed selling the platform is "not possible," commercially, technologically or legally.

What could the U.S. Supreme Court and incoming President Donald Trump do about the ban?

The two companies have indicated they will appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. The court has not said if it would hear the case, the Associated Press reported.

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It's also unclear how the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump could change the situation. In his first term, Trump tried to ban TikTok but said in his most recent campaign that he was against a ban.

Lawrence Andrea of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.

More: What the new federal bill regulating youth social media means for Wisconsin kids

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: TikTok ban in Wisconsin: when does it kick in, and who is impacted?
The glass cabinet in the waiting room is empty, framed photos that used to hang on the wall have been carted away, and, except for the few remaining staffers speaking in low voices and the sound of packing tape fastening cardboard boxes, California Sen. Laphonza Butlers office is quiet.

Its a wonder that there is much to pack at all. Butler only moved into this space on the ground floor of the Hart Senate building  the same office her friend, Vice President Kamala Harris, used to work out of when she was the junior senator from California  14 months ago.

Fourteen months is a vanishingly short amount of time to spend in a body that moves as glacially as the U.S. Senate, where the average tenure is 11 years, where one current member has worked for more than 4 decades, and where it takes roughly 7 years for a piece of legislation to make it to the presidents desk.

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There is a thoughtfulness  some might even call it a slowness  to the to the pace of the Senate, Butler says. But it does allow for relationships to develop over time, for trust to really take hold, and for common ground to emerge to find complicated solutions to what are really complicated challenges across the country.

Butler says she has been surprised by the collegiality, or as she puts it, how different some members are in person from the characters they play on cable news. It is a wise parting narrative for Butler to adopt, considering that her hopes that any of the bills she introduced this session will advance in the newly-Republican-controlled Senate will rely almost exclusively on their GOP co-sponsors.

The night before we met, Butler presided over the Senate chamber for the last time, and later this week she will deliver a farewell address from the floor in which she will invoke Kendrick Lamars historic rap battle with Drake, inverting Lamars lyrics in a invitation to abandon partisan resentments: Because, indeed, they are exactly like us.

Speaking with her, the thing that is clear is that Butler has undertaken a process that her predecessor, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, never did: She has recognized that its time to leave.

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Feinstein, a legend in her native California, died in office at age 90, so infirm that in her last year she missed dozens of votes and held up the work of the Senate Judiciary Committee at a critical moment when Democrats had control of the chamber and the opportunity to stock the federal bench.

Decisions like hers  like Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs refusal to retire while President Barack Obama was still in office, and President Joe Bidens stubborn insistence on running for another term despite his advanced age  have forced Democrats into their current beleaguered crouch: cast out of the White House, stuck in the minority in the House and Senate, and with a super minority on the Supreme Court that could take decades to break.

In the U.S. House, minority leader Hakeem Jeffries appears to be working to quietly shuffle the oldest members out of leadership positions: 76-year-old Raul Grijalva, 77-year-old Jerry Nadler, and 74-year-old Gerry Connolly are all facing challenges to their leadership positions on key committees. But the party more broadly will, at some point, need to reckon with the age issue that, more than any other, has put them in this position.

Butler, who was appointed to the Senate by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, has some parting thoughts about that. As the former president of EMILYs List, the most powerful political action committee working to elect Democratic women, and the one-time head of SEIU California, the largest union in the largest state in the country, Butler had both the resources and relationships to mount a credible bid for a full term in office. She chose not to run. (Incoming Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff will be sworn in on Monday.)

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It was remembering her decision to leave SEIU, Butler says, that helped clarify the decision in her mind. I dont believe that power belongs to one person. I truly believe, when youre an organizer in the labor movement, the real power of the union is the workers themselves  not the person whos the president, she says.

When is it time to go? she asks. I think it has to start with: Whose power is it? Are you running for yourself, or are you serving the power of the people who elected you? Who trusted you. And if at any point in time you were no longer able to exercise fully the power that they  not you, but they  have, its probably time to have that conversation right with yourself, with your family, with your colleagues.

The way Butler describes herself  the granddaughter of a sharecropper, who becomes the president of the largest union in the largest state, then the nations third black woman in the Senate  it sounds like she still might have a media consultant or two on speed dial in case another political opportunity arises in the future.

But she maintains that, for now, she really does not have any plans. My life so far has taught me that theres nothing I cant do, she says. I do want to take a moment to appreciate the gravity of what this moment is and what my life has been, and then figure out how I take all of that and think about what is the next step.

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Shell at least have some company as she contemplates: Her friend Kamala Harris, who will also be looking for her next steps. The pair first met when Harris was running her first statewide race for attorney general, and seeking the backing of the SEIU. At EMILYs List, Butler championed Harris and helped put her in a position to consolidate support behind her bid for president when Joe Biden withdrew.

Come January, theyll both be unemployed  although Butler prefers a different term. I talked to the vice president about the most recent set of transitions that Ive made, and shes talked to me about the recent set of transitions that she had been contemplating. We have been really supportive of each other in our moments of transition, and I would expect that that support would continue from this moment forward.

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The man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street was seen near a Port Authority bus station 46 minutes after the shocking crime, police said, before he made his way to Pennsylvania, where he was eventually arrested.

Thompson was shot from behind outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel Wednesday, Dec. 4, as he was on his way to UnitedHealth Groups investor conference, officials have said.

Police believe the shooter left the city, triggering an intense manhunt that led to the arrest of Luigi Mangione, 26, at an Altoona, Pennsylvania, McDonalds days later. The accused gunman evaded police for several days in Pennsylvania, authorities have said, but his exact whereabouts between the morning of the shooting and his arrest remain a mystery.

Sunday, Nov. 24

10:11 p.m.: The person arrives in New York City. He is seen on video getting off a bus at the Port Authority Bus Terminal at 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue.

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The bus originated in Atlanta but had around six or seven stops on the way, and investigators are unsure where the man got on, Kenny said.

After arriving at the Port Authority, he takes a cab to the vicinity of the Hilton hotel and remains there for around 30 minutes.

Around 11 p.m.: He takes a cab to the hostel on Amsterdam Avenue on Manhattans Upper West Side.

Friday, Nov. 29

He was checked out of the hostel, but police believe that was an administrative checkout because he did not appear at a required time.

He checked back in, and police dont believe he stayed anywhere else. He had two roommates whom he did not know. He kept his mask on the entire time. The man paid in cash but gave an ID.

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We believe that the identification was fraudulent, New York Police Department Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.

Wednesday, Dec. 4

About 5:30 a.m.: He leaves the hostel. Police believe he is on a bicycle.

5:41 a.m.: Video has him at 54th Street and Sixth Avenue, at the Hilton.

We have him wandering around, walking in the vicinity of the hotel, walking on 54th Street, walking back and forth, Kenny said.

The man enters a Starbucks at some point and makes a purchase.

6:44 a.m.: The killing occurs. Thompson is shot from behind and is then shot more times.

Three pieces of ammunition recovered had deny, delay and depose written on them in marker, one on each, Kenny said.

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6:48 a.m.: The man is seen entering Central Park at 60th Street.

6:56 a.m.: He is seen out of the park on Central Park West, still with the bicycle.

6:58 a.m.: He is at 85th Street and Columbus Avenue, with the bicycle.

7 a.m.: He is northbound at 86th Street, and no longer has the bicycle.

7:04 a.m.: He is seen getting into a taxi northbound at 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

7:30 a.m.: He is seen in the vicinity of the George Washington Bridge, near a Port Authority bus station.

A combined $60,000 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gunman.

Wednesday, Dec. 4  Monday, Dec. 9

Before his arrest in central Pennsylvania, Mangione spent time on both ends of the Keystone State, authorities said.

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This suspect traveled between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, making stops in between, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Monday.

Shapiro and other state officials pleaded with the public to help them pinpoint Mangiones whereabouts.

We know that hes been in Pennsylvania for several days and so part of that investigation will also focus on trying to retrace his steps, state police Lt. Col. George Bivens said during a news conference. Weve already identified businesses, for example, that he frequented in this area and activities that he engaged in. That led us to more evidence, so all of that has become a mountain of evidence that we have to analyze.

Monday, Dec. 9

9:14 a.m.: Altoona Police Department officers were sent to a McDonalds for reports of a male matching the description of the United Healthcare CEO murder suspect.

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A responding officer asked the suspect to lower his mask before asking him if he had been to New York City recently. The man then became quiet and started to shake, police said.

He became visibly nervous, kind of shaking at that question," Altoona Chief of Police Derek Swope said. "He didnt really answer it directly. So that statement alone really said a lot. The suspect didnt have to say a lot after that question.

The man is taken in for questioning.

Around 1:45 p.m.: New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced that Mangione, then considered a person of interest, had been arrested on firearm charges in Altoona.

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Around 6:45 p.m.: After a preliminary arraignment in a Pennsylvania courtroom, Mangione was charged with forgery, possession of a firearm without a license, tampering with records or identification, possessing instruments of a crime and providing false identification to law enforcement authorities

Around 10:45 p.m.: Online court records show that Manhattan prosecutors formally charged Mangione with Thompson's murder. He was also charged with three counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one count of possession of a forged instrument.

Tuesday, Dec. 10

1:40 p.m. Mangione struggled with guards as they tried to lead him into Blair County, Pennsylvania, court.

Its completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience, he yelled while tussling with three guards who pushed him into the courthouse.

He was denied bail and vowed to fight extradition to New York.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Eighty three years ago, on Dec. 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack against the United States Naval base at Pearl Harbor in what would become a date that would live in infamy.

It was 7:55 AM on a Sunday morning in Hawaii when large groups of Japanese aircraft took the naval base by surprise and attacked with devastating results. Five battleships, three destroyers, and seven other ships were sunk or critically damaged. More than 200 aircraft were destroyed. Over 2400 Americans were killed with over twelve hundred more wounded.

The Japanese had hoped to destroy the Pacific Fleet  and they nearly did. Luckily for the U.S., her aircraft carriers were away from the base that day and would survive to have their chance at revenge.

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The following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to approve a declaration of war against Japan. It was approved by a near unanimous vote. Three days later, Japans Axis partners, Germany and Italy, declared war against the U.S., which was met in kind.

The United States had officially entered World War II.

Despite the horrific brutalities conducted by both countries during the war, today relations between Japan and the United States are guided by mutual respect and shared visions for peace and prosperity.

Bob Fernandez was 17 years old when he joined the Navy in August 41. Just four months later he heard the explosions.

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When those things go off like that, we didnt know whats what, Fernandez said in a phone interview with the Associated Press. We didnt even know we were in a war.

Im not a hero. Im just nothing but an ammunition passer.

He was working as a mess cook on his ship, the USS Curtiss, waiting tables when he heard an alarm sound.

I felt kind of scared because I didnt know what the hell was going on, Fernandez said

The USS Curtiss lost 21 men and dozens more sailors were injured.

We lost a lot of good people, you know. They didnt do nothing, Fernandez said. But we never know whats going to happen in a war.

Featured Image: The USS West Virginia burns on Dec. 7 thanks to Japanese attacks. It would go on to punish the Japanese forces across the Pacific. (U.S. Navy)
Japan is facing a population crisisso Tokyo, its largest city, will try to solve the problem with something new: a four-day workweek.

Starting in April, the Tokyo Metropolitan government, one of the countrys largest employers, is set to allow its employees to work only four days a week. It is also adding a new childcare partial leave policy, which will allow some employees to work two fewer hours per day. The goal is to help employees who are parents balance childcare and work, said Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike.

"We will continue to review work styles flexibly to ensure that women do not have to sacrifice their careers due to life events such as childbirth or child-rearing," Koike said in a speech this week during the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly's regular session, the Japan Times reported.

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The new policies come as the birth rate in Japan hit a record low earlier this year. From January to June, the country recorded 350,074 births, down 5.7% from the same period in 2023, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare.

The countrys total fertility rate, which represents the number of children a woman has in her lifetime, stood at 1.2 in 2023, and in Tokyo, the birth rate was even lower at 0.99. To maintain a broadly stable population, a birth rate of 2.1 is required, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The median age of a Japanese citizen is 49.9, according to the Central Intelligence Agency. In the U.S., the median age is 38.9.

Japan has taken drastic steps toward reversing its low birth rate. Starting in the 1990s, the government required companies to offer generous parental leave, added subsidies for day care, and started offering cash payments to parents. Earlier this year, the Tokyo government also launched its own dating app to help single people find a partner and marry.

Yet the birth rate has still fallen consistently over the past eight years, according to government data.

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Moving to a four-day workweek could help address some of the core issues associated with Japans heavy work culture, which can especially weigh on working women. The gap between men and women when it comes to housework is one of the largest among OECD countries, with women in Japan engaging in five times more unpaid work, such as childcare and elder care, than men, according to the International Monetary Fund.

More than half of women who had fewer children than they would have preferred said they had fewer children because of the increased housework that another child would bring, according to the IMF.

In some cases, moving to a four-day workweek has been shown to improve housework equity. Men reported spending 22% more time on childcare and 23% more time on housework during a four-day workweek trial conducted across six countries by 4 Day Week Global, which advocates for the issue.

It would take a major societal change for the four-day workweek to catch on more broadly, but years of experiments have shown that working one day less a week improves employee productivity and well-being, said Peter Miscovich, the global future of work leader at real estate services company JLL.

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The upside from all of that has been less stress, less burnout, better rest, better sleep, less cost to the employee, higher levels of focus and concentration during the working hours, and in some cases, greater commitment to the organization as a result, Miscovich told Fortune.

While four-day workweek tests like the one in Tokyo can be innovative experiments, they may not be the solution that some make them out to be, said Julia Hobsbawm, the founder of workplace consultancy Workathon and author of the book Working Assumptions: What We Thought We Knew About Work Before Covid and Generative AIAnd What We Know Now.

I firmly believe that there is no one size fits all, Hobsbawm told Fortune.

In a time of increasing flexibility across working practices, both technological and human, you simply can't say that the one size that might fit one industry, in one country, for one purpose, of a four-day week fits all.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
NewsVoir Las Vegas [US], December 7: CloudThat is excited to announce it is a recipient of the 2024 AWS Training Partner of the Year (APJ) Award, recognizing the top AWS Training Partners around the globe that have provided significant contributions related to number of students trained, number of classes delivered, and YoY student growth. Presented during the Partner Awards Gala at AWS re:Invent 2024, the Geo and Global AWS Partner Awards honor partners demonstrating specialization, innovation, and collaborative excellence. These awards recognize the AWS Partners that have continually evolved their business models to deliver outstanding customer support and success. CloudThat's relentless focus on transforming education and closing skill gaps in the cloud-driven era has earned this prestigious distinction. By offering advanced certifications in AI/ML, cloud security, and DevOps, and expanding access to AWS Skill Builder in untapped markets, CloudThat has consistently tailored its training programs to address the dynamic needs of modern cloud technologies. Through its comprehensive training solutions, CloudThat has empowered professionals and organizations to excel, establishing itself as a benchmark in the technology education industry. "It is an extraordinary honour for CloudThat to become the first Indian company to win the AWS Training Partner of the Year Award (APJ) twice in a row," expressed Bhavesh Goswami, Founder and CEO of CloudThat. He further added, "This recognition reaffirms our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with the practical, dynamic, and industry-aligned skills needed to thrive in a digital-first world. Winning this award consecutively is a testament to the impact of our training programs and our team's unwavering commitment to empowering learners with world-class cloud expertise. This milestone inspires us to aim higher, innovate further, and build a future-ready cloud workforce. I am deeply grateful to AWS for this acknowledgment and to our clients, learners, and partners who trust us as their upskilling partner." Jason Menezes, Program Manager at Lupin, congratulated CloudThat, saying, "Congratulations on being named the AWS Training Partner of the Year (APJ) 2024. As a customer, I've witnessed firsthand the passion, expertise, and dedication that CloudThat brings to empowering professionals and organizations through world-class cloud training. This recognition is well-deserved and reflects the impact you've had on transforming the cloud journey for so many." Syed Shareque, Cloud Engineer Executive at Savic, also expressed his congratulations, adding, "Achieving this prestigious award for the second consecutive year is truly commendable. A big shoutout to the CEO, Bhavesh, and the entire team for consistently setting high standards and leading with excellence. Wishing CloudThat continued success and even greater accomplishments in the future." The Geography and Global AWS Partner Awards included a self-nomination process across several award categories, awarded at both the geographic and global level. All AWS Partners were invited to participate and submit a nomination. Award submissions were reviewed by a third-party, Canalys, and selected with special emphasis placed on customer success use cases. In addition, there were several data-driven award categories, which were evaluated by a unique set of metrics that helped measure AWS Partners' performance over the past year. Canalys audited the datasets used to ensure that all measurements and calculations were objective and accurate. Finalists represented the top three ranked AWS Partners across each category. The AWS Partner Network (APN) is a global program focused on helping partners innovate, accelerate their journey to the cloud, and take full advantage of the breadth and depth of AWS. CloudThat is honored to receive the AWS Training Partner of the Year (APJ) Award for 2024, a recognition of its innovative approach to addressing skill gaps and equipping individuals and organizations to excel in the AWS ecosystem. Established in 2012, CloudThat is an award-winning company and the first in India to offer both cloud training and consulting services. As a global leader in digital transformation, CloudThat empowers individuals and organizations with skills in cloud and other cutting-edge technologies like GenAI, Data, AI/ML, DevOps, and IoT. Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, with offices in the UK, USA, and Bangladesh, CloudThat has supported clients across 30+ countries, training over 750,000 professionals and delivering 350+ consulting projects for 200+ organizations. CloudThat is also a proud AWS Advanced Tier Services Partner, AWS Advanced Tier Training Partner, and Microsoft Solutions Partner. With 11 prestigious awards in the last 7 years, including the AWS Training Partner of the Year (APJ) 2024 and Microsoft Training Services Partner of the Year 2024, CloudThat continues to lead with innovation, driving impact for businesses and professionals worldwide, while working to bridge the global digital skills gap. (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)
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre revealed Friday that a top Democrat played an important behind-the-scenes role in convincing President Joe Biden to pardon his son Hunter.

In her first televised press conference since the pardon, Jean-Pierre pulled back the curtain on how the decision was made, explaining that Biden had wrestled with it before the bombshell announcement dropped last Sunday.

It was not an easy thing for him to decide, said Jean-Pierre.

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When pressed on the fact that Biden had previously said he would not pardon his son, Jean-Pierre said South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, one of Bidens closest allies in Congress, was a deciding influence on the presidents thinking.

Clyburn has long been a close ally of Biden.

Clyburn had admitted on CNN earlier this week that he had urged Biden to pardon Hunter when the pair spoke two weeks earlier, though he said that the president was reticent.

In emphasizing Clyburns role, Jean-Pierre seemed to acknowledge Clyburns cachet, having breathed life into Bidens 2020 presidential campaign with an endorsementwhich helped Biden secure a primary victory in South Carolina.

That was a conversation that the congressman himself had with the president two weeks ago, Jean-Pierre said. He said that the president was reticent when he encouraged the president to do so. And this weekend, [Biden] thought about it, and weighed. It was not an easy decision to come to.

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As reporters continued to ask about the pardon, Jean-Pierre repeatedly referred to the conversation between Clyburn and Biden.

Jean-Pierre highlighted remarks made by Clyburn about his efforts to urge Biden to make the pardon.

Clyburn said on CNN that he made the recommendation to Biden because he felt that the legal system was treating Hunter Biden unfairly.

If Hunter had gone through a process like everybody else had gone through, I would not have this feeling, Clyburn said. But when you get prosecuted because you did not fill out a form to get a gun that you never usedthat was even taken away and thrown awayand then you get prosecuted for it to make it felonious. That, to me, is a problem.

Hunter Biden was awaiting sentencing on two separate convictionsone for improperly filling out a form to purchase a gun, the other for tax evasion.

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Biden had often said in the past, as his sons cases worked their way through the legal system, that he would not pardon himeven if he was convicted. However, the president reversed course, citing the same rationale as Clyburnthat Hunter had been politically targeted.

No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my sonand that is wrong, Biden said in a statement.

He added, In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break meand theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough.
The sun dips over Safety Sound, near Nome. (Photo by Nathaniel Herz/Northern Journal)

The sun dips over Safety Sound, near Nome. (Photo by Nathaniel Herz/Northern Journal)

A western Alaska tribal consortium has appealed a key permit for a proposed gold dredging project in waters near Nome.

Kawerak, a nonprofit that serves some 20 Inupiaq and Yupik tribes in the Bering Strait region, last month asked state regulators for a hearing on a wastewater discharge permit for the project.

The permit, a federal Clean Water Act authorization thats administered by the state, would allow the Las Vegas-based company behind the project, IPOP, to discharge a limited amount of pollutants into an estuary about 30 miles from Nome, in the scenic Safety Sound area.

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In its appeal, Kawerak says the Department of Environmental Conservation, the state agency that issued the permit, failed to consider the projects effect on the surrounding Native communities in its analysis.

The appeal says that IPOPs development would come at the direct expense of the Native economy and that local Native subsistence and cultural practices will be directly and adversely affected  if not outright destroyed.

IPOPs project is opposed by several regional and local groups, including Bering Straits Native Corporation and the City of Nome.

Last spring, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved a different permit for the project, reversing an earlier decision to deny it.

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Northern Journal contributor Max Graham can be reached at max@northernjournal.com. Hes interested in any and all mining related stories, as well as introductory meetings with people in and around the industry.

This article was originally published in Northern Journal, a newsletter from Nathaniel Herz. Subscribe at this link.
DENVER (KDVR)  Aurora city officials confirmed Thursday night that The Edge at Lowry apartments, where the viral video of a group of armed men in the stairwell was filmed, will close after the owner reached an agreement with the city.

The building first came into the national spotlight when President-elect Donald Trump made the situation a talking point in his presidential campaign. The then-candidate visited Aurora in October and displayed enlarged mugshots behind him showing the men identified in the video.

Council member warns Aurora police chief, staff: Operation Aurora is coming

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Aurora city officials said that the criminal nuisance action is still pending in court, but could result in the buildings closure months from now.

Proceedings will continue in January and if the buildings close the city will give at least 30 days notice to current residents lawfully staying at the property. The Aurora City Attorney told FOX31s Vicente Arenas that they do not anticipate any updates until mid-January or later.

City Attorney Pete Schulte represented the city in Aurora Municipal Court on Thursday, Dec. 5, at a hearing to discuss the criminal nuisance complaint the city previously filed against Five Dallas Partners, the LLC which owns and operates five of the six buildings at the Edge at Lowry apartment complex and is connected to CBZ Management. The five buildings are not currently among those in receivership. Legal counsel representing the property owners, managers and investors of the properties informed the court that their clients agree that the properties should be closed, said Ryan Luby, Aurora city spokesperson.

At the same time, the city of Aurora is prosecuting Zev Baumgarten, the owner of CBZ Management, which owns The Edge at Lowry and Whispering Pines, both of which have been subject to code violations and reports of gang violence. The city also closed 1568 Nome St., which was owned by CBZ Management, because it was uninhabitable.

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CBZ Management has tried to pin problems at its properties on crime and claims that Venezuelan gang activity is to blame  but Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman told FOX31 in August at that time that it was a little late to use that argument.

If there is a closure, a lien would be placed by the city on the properties to recoup any costs associated with the closure and assistance provided to the property residents. The property owners would have to pay those fees, according to Luby.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  In a social media post early Friday afternoon, the mayor of Troy had some good news for people worried after high winds Wednesday night knocked over and damaged the Christmas tree in the center of downtown.

Christmas is saved!, wrote Mayor Robin Oda. A new tree has just arrived in our downtown!

According to the City of Troys Facebook page, the Kameron Smith family provided a blue spruce. The tree has already been transported to its downtown resting spot, though it isnt yet lit. (Soon, said the city.)

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Earlier in the day, Oda wrote that the damage to the original tree had been more extensive than at first glance, making it not salvageable.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
President-elect Donald Trump seemed to white-knuckle French President Emmanuel Macron as they shook hands in Paris on Saturday, ahead of the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral.

The visit was Trumps first trip abroad since winning the 2024 presidential election, and the diplomatic reunion also included an impromptu trilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This was Zelenskys first in-person conversation with the U.S. president-elect since Trumps victory in November.

French President Emmanuel Macron met with president-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Elysee Palace.

Trump reportedly arrived 40 minutes late for his meeting with Macron, and he gave the French president a characteristically intense handshake.

OH MY GOSH! President Trump almost yanked Emmanuel Macron's hand off for the third time today 



Everything he does is calculated. pic.twitter.com/x2lpMWFlBr  George (@BehizyTweets) December 7, 2024

The arm-wrestling photo op resembled a similar interaction between the two world leaders when Trump shook Macrons hand with such intensity that the Frenchman was forced to lean into Trump.

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Journalist Piers Morgan pointed out the deja vu moment to his followers on X, writing, Ive missed the Trump-Macron arm-wrestles, alongside a video of the men aggressively holding hands.

Macron and Trump have long been rumored to be frenemies. Shortly after Trumps re-election, the French leader was accused of dissing the president-elect for his legal woes.

Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump. Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity, Macron posted to X.

Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump. Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.  Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 6, 2024

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His use of the word convictions left social media commentators speculating if the French president was trolling Trumps multiple felony convictions and criminal cases. However, Macrons comms team quickly dispelled the rumor.

Despite online speculation, Trump praised Macron ahead of his Paris visit for doing a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so.
MANAMA, Bahrain  Biden administration officials are racing to score some wins in the Middle East in their remaining six weeks in office. President-elect Donald Trump is making that harder in some cases, but in others, his actions are actually helping.

The outgoing administration is pushing to strike a cease-fire deal in Gaza; maintain a shaky truce in Lebanon; ink some version of a U.S.-Saudi-Israel compact; and tamp down a spiraling conflict in Syria. Aides to President Joe Biden say they want to leave the incoming Trump team a strong hand in the Middle East, but its clear theres also a desire to burnish Bidens tarnished legacy in the region.

Trump already is paying close attention to the Middle East. Hes met with some Arab leaders, called for an end to wars in the region and nominated several people for Middle East roles. At least one of his future envoys has reportedly already traveled to the region for meetings.

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Trumps flurry of activity is affecting how Middle Eastern governments deal with Biden and his aides, with mixed results for their last-minute goals, U.S. officials said. The president-elects shadow loomed over two major foreign policy and security gatherings in the Middle East this weekend  the Doha Forum in Qatar and the IISS Manama Dialogue in Bahrain  where Biden officials connected with counterparts and sought cooperation in their final efforts.

A U.S. official familiar with the Middle East file, one of two U.S. officials interviewed for this story, said Trump and his aides public and private exhortations that the wars involving Israel must come to an end have had some positive effects, especially in Lebanon.

The U.S. official credited Trumps meeting with Ron Dermer, a senior aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with helping push the Israelis to agree to a truce last month with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Both officials were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic and security information. The Biden administrations overall sense is that the truce is holding up.



There also are signs that Hamas and Israel are closer to a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, where fighting has killed tens of thousands since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Such a deal, on which Biden aides are laser-focused, could involve the release of some Israeli hostages held by the militant group.

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Trump has recently threatened Hamas in Gaza, warning on social media that the militants will have hell to pay if they dont release Israeli hostages. The U.S. official said the impact of that statement is unclear.

Even if a Gaza cease-fire isnt reached, Israel has largely routed Hamas and the war there appears to be shifting into a lower-intensity phase  regardless of what the outgoing and incoming administrations do. There are reports that Israel is building infrastructure for an ongoing military presence in Gaza, which has been a sticking point in cease-fire negotiations.

Spokespeople for Trumps transition team did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Yet some Middle Eastern leaders are considering waiting on certain initiatives until Trump is in office and letting him take credit  a situation that Biden administration officials say they accept as a reality that nonetheless doesnt help their legacy.

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The Palestinian Authority, for instance, has adopted modest reforms under Biden. But it has held off on agreeing to change what Israelis deride as its pay for slay system. That program, which Palestinians refer to as martyr payments gives financial support to the relatives of Palestinians who are wounded, killed or imprisoned while carrying out violence against Israelis.

The PA has told Biden administration officials that it is more likely to announce changes to the controversial system under the next administration to score points with Trump, the U.S. official said.

One person affiliated with the PA who was reached Saturday said he had no information on the issue, while another did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Biden administration is also trying to rescue  at least in part  a grand bargain with Saudi Arabia to establish diplomatic relations with Israel in exchange for security guarantees from Washington, said a second U.S. official, who is familiar with discussions with Middle Eastern governments. That effort had been dealt a major setback by the Gaza war.

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For now, Saudi Arabia continues to insist that such a deal hinges on Israel committing to a path toward a Palestinian state  a nonstarter for Netanyahu.

At the Manama meeting, Saudi Arabias Prince Turki Al-Faisal, a former Saudi ambassador in Washington, slammed Israels conduct in Gaza, even using the term genocide. He addressed some of his criticism directly to Trump.

Respectfully, Mr. President, no more brimstone and hellfire is required to bring hostages back and bring peace to the conflict, the Saudi said, an apparent reference to Trump and his social media post trashing Hamas. The Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank are already suffering from the hell that Israel is raining on them.

Al-Faisal may be signaling that the kingdom is far from ready to strike a deal. But its also possible the Saudis are calculating that its better to wait until Trump is in office to make a grand deal, and that staking out a hard line now could give them more leverage down the line.

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Asked for formal comment on the Biden administrations final Middle East push, Sean Savett, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, said Biden continues to support efforts to build the conditions for a lasting peace in the region, including through support for a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians.

In Manama, Biden administration officials helped unveil one new achievement on Saturday: plans to bring the United Kingdom into an existing U.S-Bahrain security and economic agreement. It was not immediately clear how long the expansion plans were in the works.

The original pact, launched in 2023, has received little broad attention in Washington. But it is a point of pride for the Biden team, and the Bahraini government considers it a crucial piece of its security architecture against threats such as Iran.

The agreement is a cornerstone for increasing cooperation among a broader grouping of countries in and around the region, said Barbara Leaf, the U.S. assistant secretary of State who oversees the Middle East division, at a ceremony announcing the U.K. invitation.

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The trajectory of Syrias revived internal war is a major unknown as Biden aides prepare for a hand-off to Trump. Rebels have recently taken over at least two major Syrian cities, threatening the fragile Iranian- and Russian-backed regime of Bashar Al-Assad.

Assads fate was a hot topic on the sidelines of the gathering in Manama. Many at the event despise the brutal strongman, but they also do not want to see Syria collapse into anarchy given the rebels internal rivalries.

The Biden administration has called for de-escalation in fighting and political talks to resolve the Syria crisis.

The second U.S. official said the goal is to give Trump the best possible starting position to deal with a likely long-running challenge in Syria. But at this stage, theres little the United States can do beyond manage the situation with what limited influence it has.

Trump himself has long been wary of any U.S. role in Syria's complex crisis. On Saturday, he made clear on social media, writing of the conflict: "THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!"
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA)  As President-elect Donald Trump works to fill his administration, the role of defense secretary is still up in the air. Sources say Governor Ron DeSantis was one possible replacement for nominee Pete Hegseth, however Friday, the President-elect showed his support for Hegseth.

After all the buzz Floridians saw this week with a possible DeSantis nomination for defense secretary, will Hegseth survive? And is DeSantis still on deck for Trumps nomination? Trump says Hegseth is a winner, and he is not the only one showing support.



Trump and J.D. Vance are sending a message to the Senate to line up with Defense Secretary nominee Hegseth. Trump shared his support for Hegseth on Truth Social, with Vance echoing the same message on X saying, Weve got his back.

However, even with the support, Governor DeSantis name is still in the mix.

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Political Analyst Tara Newsom shared that while Florida seems to be the breeding ground for leaders to join Trump in the new year, the future president still has yet to tap DeSantis and may have left him out in the cold.



Regardless of whether or not hes in his first round of picks with President-elect Trump, I dont think it necessarily directs his future four years from now, but it could mean a little bit of a chilling effect at the White House right now, Newsom said.

While its unclear what DeSantis next steps politically are, Trump and Vance are not the only ones supporting Hegseth. Florida U.S. Senator Rick Scott met with him on capitol hill this week, stating, He has my full support, and I look forward to voting to confirm him as secretary of defense.

GOP leader Evan Power says the rest of the Senate should do the same and support Trumps nominees.



Governor DeSantis would do a tremendous job if [he] were to serve in that role, Power said. But obviously we have a nominee that is still there and still fighting.

Florida Democratic leader Nikki Fried says otherwise.



All of these nominations are based on one thing and that is your willingness to show your complete devotion and loyalty to Donald Trump, Fried said.

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While the DeSantis pick is an interesting one, does he pass the Trump loyalty test? And will the Senate pass the test and align with Trump?

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
In his first network TV interview since being elected, Donald Trump explained why he is still standing behind his defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, claiming hes heard how senators are coming around to Hegseth after having conversations with him.

"Pete is doing well now, I mean, people were a little bit concerned. He's a young guy with a tremendous track record. Actually went to Princeton and went to Harvard. He was a good student at both, but he loves the military, and I think people are starting to see it. So we'll be working on his nomination, along with a lot of others," Trump said in a preview of his interview on NBC's "Meet the Press."

MORE: Tuberville praises defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth amid misconduct allegations

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When asked if he still has confidence in Hegseth, Trump said, "Yes, I do. I really do. He's a very smart guy."

PHOTO: Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, listens to reporters during a meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., at the Capitol in Washington, Dec. 5, 2024. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

"I've known him through Fox, but I've known him for a long time, and he's basically a military guy. Every time I talk to him, all he wants to talk about is the military. He's a military guy."

When asked if he's gotten assurances from senators that he's going to be confirmed, Trump answered "no," but still went on to strike an optimistic tone that he'll be confirmed.

MORE: Ron DeSantis, Joni Ernst potential Trump defense secretary nominees if Hegseth drops out: Sources

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"I think he will. Yeah, I've had a lot of senators call me up saying he's fantastic."

Trump also pushed back on allegations that Hegseth has a drinking problem when asked how he feels about the accusation given Trump's family history with alcoholism.

"I've spoken to people that know him very well, and they say he does not have a drinking problem," Trump said.

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.

Hegseth is going to be having more meetings with consequential senators, including Collins and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a key GOP Swing vote.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said in a post on X Friday that she will meet with the defense secretary nominee for a second time next week.

At a minimum, we agree that he deserves the opportunity to lay out his vision for our warfighters at a fair hearing, she said.

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Hegseth posted that he and Ernst had another substantive conversation Friday.

The posts and the phone call come after Vance told reporters he spoke to Ernst about Hegseths nomination.

Trump doubles down on support for Hegseth, admits he hasnt gotten assurances from senators hell be confirmed originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Senior staffers from the Trump and Harris campaigns met at Harvard University's Campaign Managers Conference on Friday to discuss the summer of 2024, which gave way to an unprecedented political season that included a disastrous debate performance for President Joe Biden, a subsequent new Democratic nominee in Vice President Kamala Harris, and two assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump.

Much of the debate focused on the 107 days with Harris as the new Democratic nominee and how the campaigns had to tweak their strategies on a highly truncated timeline. The following are highlights from the sprawling, wide-ranging conversation.

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 20, 2024 and Donald Trump in Bedminster, New Jersey, August 15, 2024 are seen in a combination of file photographs. (Marco Bello/Reuters, FILE)

MORE: Harris adviser says VP ran 'flawless' campaign, GOP campaign managers candid on primary missteps

Campaigns spar over candidate work ethic

Sparks flew toward the end of their discussion when a member of the Trump campaign said the former president "outworked" Harris.

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"Why didn't you trust your candidate more?" questioned Taylor Budowich, deputy campaign manager for the Trump campaign. "Why didn't you put her out more? You said  you couldn't ever compete with the amount of attention Donald Trump got. You never gave her a shot."

The Harris campaign pushed back at Budowich, saying that its strategy was successful and not that the Trump campaign outworked them.

"Your strategy was a good strategy, but you have no idea how hard the people on the other side worked," said Quentin Fulks, principal deputy campaign manager for the Harris campaign. "I have no idea how hard you all work."

Budowich interjected, saying he was referring to Harris and not the entire campaign, but Fulks asserted that Harris worked hard.

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"I didn't say she didn't work hard. I said she got outworked," Budowich clarified.

Fulks defended the vice president, explaining that it was not a fair comparison because the Harris campaign had a different strategy, which he said wasn't successful. He reiterated that it was nothing related to her work ethic.

Asked by ABC News' Brittany Shepherd about the fallout from President Joe Biden seeming to call Trump supporters garbage on a call hosted by the nonprofit Voto Latino during the final weeks of the campaign, Fulks said Democrats need to do a better job at not creating self-inflicted wounds -- pointing to some in his own party very quickly criticizing Biden after the White House, and Biden himself, attempted to clarify the statement, in comparison to what he sees to be Republicans' very long leash for Donald Trump.

"Our people, once again, continue to shoot ourselves in the foot," Fulks said.

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"The discipline on the Right is better than the discipline on the Left, he added. And that is not about morals, values, any of that. It's literally about discipline and seeing the big picture of how you win and what you can swallow in order to get to a win."

Democratic fallout from the Biden-Trump debate

Jen O'Malley Dillon, Harris campaign chairwoman, didn't stray with the repeated messaging on Biden's debate performance, reiterating he had a "bad night" and pointing to Obama as a precedent of incumbents having uneven debates, and argued the campaign saw a real path for Biden to win the election despite it all.

"So, we very much felt like we throughout had a path to 270. We felt like we had the right candidate, the person we believed in, and the person was leading our country quite well," O'Malley Dillon said. "We still believe that."

Without pointing to a particular moment, Fulks conceded that early in the debate, campaign staff could tell Biden wasn't performing.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden, right, and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, left, participate in a presidential debate hosted by CNN, June 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (Gerald Herbert/AP)

MORE: Biden's pardon of son, Hunter, roils Democrats' post-election reckoning: ANALYSIS

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Trump's team was far more pointed, saying it was evident Biden "was not going to survive" the election cycle "about a minute" into the debate, according to Chris LaCivita, Trump's co-campaign manager.

"I think that for us, and this was with all due respect to the president, we felt like there were challenges that were on full display at the debate," said James Blair, the Trump campaign's political director. "There's also been days where those challenges seem less apparent. That night was not one of them."

Referring to Biden's debate performance and what followed, O'Malley Dillon said, "There has probably not been a more difficult period for a campaign team to navigate."

Blair quickly interjected, noting that two assassination attempts and navigating the indictments were also challenging to navigate, and O'Malley Dillon later acknowledged the difficulty of the Trump team's summer and mentioned she reached out to Susie Wiles, Trump campaign manager, in the aftermath.

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When asked about the large number of Democrats calling for Biden to drop out of the race following his disastrous debate performance, Fulks referred to it as a "slow bleed."

Fulks later agreed with a point LaCivita made earlier in the day: Visuals matter when running for office, and the Biden campaign wanted to put Biden out in public, doing a series of events to counter his debate performance.

"I think Chris is right," Fulks said. "Something visual happened in front of people's eyes. The only way to combat that is to give them something visual. And the only visual play you have at that point is putting Joe Biden in front of as many people as possible, which is what we tried to do. And so, when he caught COVID, it's almost like a dagger."

The Trump campaign said it was preparing for what ended up becoming inevitable, adding that it began tracking and opposition research and polling alternative running mates as early as May on Harris but also ranged in other possible candidates, such as Michelle Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Trump assassination attempt

Clearly a pivotal political moment as much as it was a harrowing personal moment for both campaigns, the first assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, "severely limited where we could campaign because, after the first attempt, they basically told us, lock down, no more outdoor events," said Tony Fabrizio, chief pollster for the Trump campaign. "And if we want to do an outdoor event, it needed, like, double the lead time."

PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (Evan Vucci/AP)

MORE: Trump and giveaways: What Musk spent $270M on during the election

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The Harris campaign, for its part, pulled its negative advertising in the days after the assassination attempt.

"We also were mindful about the way that we were campaigning. "There's no place for political violence in democracy. And we wanted to make sure that our campaign was reflecting that in this moment," added Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Harris campaign manager.

Biden drops out, Harris becomes nominee

The Harris campaign, pressed multiple times on whether it was made aware of Biden's decision to drop out of the 2024 race prior to him making the announcement public or if there were any conversations beforehand about the possibility of Biden dropping out, asserted it found out shortly before he made his announcement and that there were no conversations beforehand.

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally at the Rawhide Event Center on October 10, 2024 in Chandler, Arizona. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

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MORE: Pelosi blames Harris' loss on Biden's late exit and no open Democratic primary

Asked if there was any chance of another Democrat becoming the nominee besides Harris, Fulks said there's always a possibility but noted that Biden wanted to throw his support behind Harris. He added that a Democratic primary this late in the cycle would have been messy.

"From my perspective, Vice President Harris was the only commonsense choice to be made. But I think that President Biden made that -- she's his vice president and she was loyal to him, and he decided to support her," Fulks said.

Trump, Harris teams reflect on tumultuous summer: The debate, Trump assassination attempt and Biden drops out originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
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Donald Trump criticized former President Barack Obama while wading into the ongoing Syria conflict on Saturday, saying the U.S. should not get involved nor should it have ever inserted itself in the matter.

In keeping with his isolationist foreign policy, the president-elect wrote on Truth Social that the United States should have nothing to do with the situation in Syria  where rebels are currently trying to take over the capital in an attempt to overthrow President Bashar al-Assads government.

THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED! Trump wrote.

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Yet at the same time, Trump blamed Obama for failing to intervene in the conflict in 2013 when the Russia-backed government used chemical weapons as a form of attack  something Obama initially said was the red line that would move the U.S. to get involved.

This is where former President Obama refused to honor his commitment of protecting the RED LINE IN THE SAND, and all hell broke out, with Russia stepping in, Trump wrote.

Russia, an ally of al-Assad, intervened in the Syrian conflict years ago. However, Trump said due to the current status of the UkraineRussia conflict, Moscow cannot pivot its attention this time.

President-elect Donald Trump made it clear he does not want the U.S. to get involved in the Syrian conflict (Getty Images)

Opposition fighters in Syria, in an unprecedented move, have totally taken over numerous cities, in a highly coordinated offensive, and are now on the outskirts of Damascus, obviously preparing to make a very big move toward taking out Assad, Trump wrote.

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Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years.

The president-elect said there was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia other than to make Obama look really stupid.

In any event, Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED! he added.

Trumps comments came as he was in Paris meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron in his first return to the world stage since clinching victory in the election.

Former president Barack Obama once promised to get involved in the Syrian conflict if the country crossed the red line  using chemical weapons as a form of attack (Getty Images)

The conflict in Syria has been going on since 2011. The government, led by al-Assad, has been a central part of the situation having used brutality against peaceful protesters during the Arab Spring.

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Since then, the Syrian government has relied on its allyship with Russia, Iran, Hezbollah and others to stay in power.

However, those allies, much like Russia, have had their attentions diverted by other crises, giving insurgents an opportunity to push forward in the hopes of unseating al-Assad.

Over the last week, conflict has escalated in the country, with rebels beginning to seize much of the northwest territory in an attempt to oust al-Assad.

Residents leave the city carrying their belongings in the aftermath of the opposition's takeover of Hama, Syria, on December 6 (AP)

So far, insurgents, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have captured land in the city of Aleppo and several Damascus suburbs  marking the first time opposition forces have reached the outskirts of the capital since 2018.

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The Syrian army has reportedly withdrawn from several Damascus suburbs signalling that al-Assad is losing control over parts of the country.

Under Trump, who will return to the White House in a little over a month, it seems unlikely the U.S. will get involved. The president-elect, and his allies, have taken an isolationist approach to foreign conflicts, believing the U.S. should not get involved unless it has a direct interest in it.
NEW YORK (AP)  He's making threats, traveling abroad and negotiating with world leaders.

Donald Trump has more than a month and a half to go before he's sworn in for a second term. But the Republican president-elect is already moving aggressively not just to fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but to achieve them.

Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, prompting emergency calls and a visit from Canada's prime minister that resulted in what Trump claimed were commitments from both U.S. allies on new border security measures.

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The incoming president has warned there will be ALL HELL TO PAY" if Hamas does not release the hostages being held in Gaza before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.

And this weekend, Trump returned to the global stage, joining a host of other foreign leaders for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral five years after it was ravaged by a fire. There, he was welcomed like a sitting dignitary, with a prime seat next to French President Emmanuel Macron.

Absent in Paris: lame duck President Joe Biden, who has largely disappeared from headlines, except when he issued a pardon of his son, Hunter, who was facing sentencing for gun crimes and tax evasion. First lady Jill Biden attended in his place.

I think you have seen more happen in the last two weeks than youve seen in the last four years. And were not even there yet, Trump said in an over-the-top boast at an awards ceremony Thursday night.

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For all of Trump's bold talk, though, it is unclear how many of his efforts will bear fruit.

Breaking precedent

The pre-inauguration threats and deal-making are highly unusual, like so much of what Trump does, said Julian Zelizer, a political historian at Princeton University.

Transitions are always a little complicated in this way. Even though we talk about one president at a time," he said, the reality is one president plus. And that plus can act assertively sometimes."

Zelizer said that is particularly true of Trump, who was president previously and already has relationships with many foreign leaders such as Macron, who invited both Trump and Biden to Paris this weekend as part of the Notre Dame celebration.

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Right now hes sort of governing even though hes not the president yet. Hes having these public meetings with foreign leaders, which aren't simply introductions. He's staking out policy and negotiating things from drug trafficking to tariffs," Zelizer said.

Foreign leader meetings

Trump had already met with several foreign leaders before this weekend's trip. He hosted Argentinian President Javier Milei in Florida at his Mar-a-Lago club in November. After the tariff threat, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago for a three-hour dinner meeting. Canadian officials later said the country is ready to make new investments in border security, with plans for more helicopters, drones and law enforcement officers.

Incoming Trump aides have also been meeting with their future foreign counterparts.

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On Wednesday, several members of Trump's team, including incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz, met with Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Zelenskyy, in Washington, as Ukraine tries to win support for its ongoing efforts to defend itself from Russian invasion, according to a person familiar with the meeting. Yermak also met with Trump officials in Florida, he wrote on X.

That comes after Trump's incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Qatar and Israel for high-level talks about a cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza, according to a U.S. official familiar with the efforts, meeting with the prime ministers of both countries. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.

One president, two voices

There is no prohibition on incoming officials or nominees meeting with foreign officials, and it is common and fine for them to do so  unless those meetings are designed to subvert or otherwise impact current U.S. policy.

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Trump aides were said to be especially cognizant of potential conflicts given their experience in 2016, when interactions between Trump allies and Russian officials came under scrutiny. That included a phone call in which Trump's incoming national security adviser, Michael Flynn, discussed new sanctions with Russias ambassador to the United States, suggesting things would improve after Trump became president. Flynn was later charged with lying to the FBI about the conversation.

Trumps incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that all transition officials have followed applicable laws in their interactions with foreign nationals.

She added: World leaders recognize that President Trump is returning to power and will lead with strength to put the best interests of the United States of America first again. That is why many foreign leaders and officials have reached out to correspond with President Trump and his incoming team.

Such efforts can nonetheless cause complications.

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If, say, Biden is having productive conversations on a thorny foreign policy issue and Trump weighs in, that could make it harder for Biden because people are hearing two different voices that may be in conflict, Zelizer said.

Leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin and Netanyahu may also anticipate a more favorable incoming administration and wait Biden out, hoping for a better deal.

Coordination between incoming and outgoing administrations

Although there is no requirement that an incoming administration coordinate calls and meetings with foreign officials with the State Department or National Security Council, that has long been considered standard practice.

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That is, in part, because transition teams, particularly in their early days and weeks, do not always have the latest information about the state of relations with foreign nations and may not have the resources, including interpretation and logistical ability, to handle such meetings efficiently.

It is unclear the level of State Department involvement, but the Biden and Trump teams say they have been talking, particularly on the Middle East, with the incoming and outgoing administrations having agreed to work together on efforts to free hostages who remain held in Gaza, according to a U.S. official, who was not authorized to comment publicly about the sensitive talks and spoke on condition of anonymity.

That includes conversations between Witkoff and Bidens foreign policy team as well as Waltz and Bidens national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

Last month, Biden administration officials said they had kept Trumps team closely apprised of efforts to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah on the Israel-Lebanon border.

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I just want to be clear to all of our adversaries, they cant play the incoming Trump administration off of the Biden administration. Im regularly talking to the Biden people. And so, this is not a moment of opportunity or wedges for them," Waltz said Friday in a Fox Business interview.

Sullivan echoed those comments at the Ronald Reagan National Defense Forum Saturday.

It has been professional. It has been substantive. And frankly, it has been good," he said of their coordination on national security issues. Obviously we dont see eye to eye on every issue, and thats no secret to anybody," he went on. But he said both teams believe it is our job on behalf of the American people to make sure this is a smooth transition, particularly given the seriousness of issues like the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East and threats from China.

The nature of the world we find ourselves in today only elevates our responsibility to be engaged, to talk regularly, to meet regularly, to be transparent, to share, and to make sure its an effective transition, he said.

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Taking credit already

Trumps team, meanwhile, is already claiming credit for everything from gains in the stock and cryptocurrency markets to a decision by Walmart to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion policies Trump opposes.

Promises Kept  And President Trump Hasnt Even Been Inaugurated Yet, read one press release that claimed, in part, that both Canada and Mexico have already pledged "immediate action to help stem the flow of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and deadly drugs entering the United States."

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stopped short of saying Trump mischaracterized their call in late November. But she said Friday that Trump has his own way of communicating, like when we had the phone call and he wrote that we were going to close the border. That was never talked about in the phone call.

Earlier this week, Mexico carried out what it claimed was its largest seizure of fentanyl pills ever. Seizures over the summer had been as little as 50 grams per week, and after the Trump call, they seized more than a ton.

Biden, too, tried to take credit for the seizure in a statement Friday night.

___ Associated Press writers Matthew Lee, Aamer Madhani, Colleen Long and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report.
President-elect Donald Trump kicked off his first foreign trip since his reelection with a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.

Ahead of the meeting, Macron welcomed Trump, saying, "It's a great honor for the French people to welcome you five years later."

Macron thanked Trump for his "solidarity" and "immediate action" during his first presidency: "You were at the time the president, the first time, and I remember the solidarity and your immediate action. Welcome back again. Thank you. We are very happy to have you here."

PHOTO: France's President Emmanuel Macron welcomesPresident-elect Donald Trump before a meeting at The Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Julien De Rosa/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: The Latest: The famed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris reopens to great fanfare

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Trump in return celebrated the "great success" the United States and France had together on "defense and offense" during his first term and said they will talk about how the world is "going a little crazy right now."

"Thank you very much. Very great honor. And we had a great relationship. As everyone knows, we accomplished a lot together," he said. "And the people of France are spectacular. I guess it's one of our largest groups in the United States, French people, and we respect them and we love them. Very talented people, extremely energetic people, as you know very well, yeah, and it's an honor to be here."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined Macron and Trump at about 11:34 a.m. Eastern time. However, he did not offer remarks ahead of the meeting.

PHOTO: France's President Emmanuel Macron, President-elect Donald Trump, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky pose before a meeting at The Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris on Dec. 7, 2024. (Sarah Meyssonnier/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump is in France to partake in the reopening ceremonies for Notre Dame more than five years after a fire severely damaged the cathedral. First lady Jill Biden is also among the representatives from around the world attending the ceremonies.

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The meeting comes at a time when Macron's government is undergoing a political crisis after his prime minister, Michel Barnier, resigned after facing a no-confidence vote. Macron, who became president in 2017, has vowed he will serve until the end of his term in 2027 despite facing calls from some to resign.

PHOTO: First Lady Jill Biden listens to President-elect Donald Trump during a ceremony to mark the re-opening of the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Thibault Camus, Pool via AFP via Getty Images)

"We had a good time together, and we had a lot of lot of success, really great success, working together on defense and offense too," Trump said of the U.S.-French relationship in his first administration. "And it certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now, and we'll be talking about that."

Trump arrived at the Elysee Palace around 10:41 a.m. and met with Macron outside before walking into the building around 10:43 a.m. Eastern time. He was also set to meet with Prince William, the Prince of Wales, for the first time since 2019, but their meeting before the Notre Dame ceremony was canceled. They ultimately met late Saturday night local time at the U.K. residence in Paris after the Notre Dame ceremony concluded, with Trump pointing to William and saying, "He's doing a fantastic job," before they walked into a meeting room.

PHOTO: Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump attend a meeting at the British Embassy, on Dec. 7, 2024, in Paris. (Piroschka Van De Wouw/Reuters)

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Trump meets with Macron in first international trip since reelection: 'World is going a little crazy right now' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
President-elect Donald Trump visited with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday in Paris, for a meeting that he said was to discuss the world going crazy.

Trump was greeted by Macron at Elysee Palace and said that the two leaders had really great success working together on defense and offense during his first administration.

And it certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now and well be talking about that, the president-elect said Saturday.

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He also cited that he and Macron have a great relationship and called the people of France spectacular.

In a post on Truth Social sharing a video of the exchange, Trump said he considered the trip A GREAT HONOR.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also joined the meeting, greeting Trump with a handshake when he arrived. Trump has said he will end the war in Ukraine quickly when he is sworn into office next month.

Trump will attend the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral later in the day while in Paris. The cathedral suffered a devastating fire in the spring of 2019, causing its spire and wooden latticework of its roof to collapse.

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First lady Jill Biden will attend the reopening as well. The White House said Friday that President Biden couldnt go due to a scheduling conflict.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A 2011 photo shows an exhibit at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum from August 2010, the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Social Security Act. Photo courtesy FDR Presidential Library & Museum | via Flickr

The chairman and CEO of Milwaukee-based financial technology company FiServ said Thursday that he looks forward to applying my experience to transform our social security system as commissioner of the Social Security Administration in the Trump administration.

Frank Bisignano made the statement in a press release from FiServ confirming his appointment to the post, which is subject to Senate confirmation. President-elect Donald Trump first disclosed Bisignanos nomination on his social media platform Wednesday evening, The New York Times reported.

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FiServ, founded in 1984 as a financial services data processing company, expanded into electronic billing and payments, providing mobile banking services for financial institutions and related technology based services for the financial industry.

Bisignano, who has spent most of his career in investment banking, has held the top spot at FiServ since 2020 after engineering its 2019 merger with the company he headed at the time, First Data Corp.

The Milwaukee Business Journal listed Bisignano as the highest-paid Wisconsin public company executive in the most recent fiscal year, with compensation totaling more than $27.9 million, 83% of that in stock awards.

FiServ CEO Frank Bisignano was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to run the Social Security Administration. Photo courtesy FiServ.

At First Data, where he led the company in 2015 in a $2.6 billion initial public offering, he ranked as the second-highest paid U.S. executive in 2017, according to the Times  at $102 million, 97% of that in stock awards. His total compensation that year was 2,000 times that of the average First Data employee, the Times reported.

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In announcing his nomination, Trump listed Bisignanos prior investment banking posts at Morgan Stanley, CitiGroup and JPMorgan Chase & Co. He has a long career leading financial services institutions through great transformation, the president-elect wrote.

Nancy Altman, president of the advocacy group Social Security Works, was skeptical Thursday about Bisignanos qualifications to operate the program, however.

I dont know that he has any background in Social Security or with a large government agency, or a program that sends benefits to 70 million Americans every month, Altman said.

She suggested the absence of evidence that hes proposed drastic changes to Social Security makes it likely he can be confirmed.

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But its a question who will come in with him who maybe wont [need to be] confirmed, but will maybe be calling the shots, she added.

The current head of the Social Security Administration, former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley (D), stepped down on Nov, 29 to mount a bid to become the next chair of the Democratic National Committee.

Bisignano has contributed to both Democrats and Republicans over the course of the last two decades, according to Federal Election Commission records assembled by OpenSecrets.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan group that tracks political spending. Those include contributions to Trump.

In the last election cycle, however, his largest individual contributions include $15,000 to a PAC backing former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who mounted an early primary challenge to Trumps 2024 bid, and $50,000 to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who also ran against the former president for the GOP nomination.

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Social Security is designed so that payroll taxes from the current generation of workers fund the benefits of previous, now retired, generations. Altman said that it should be viewed not as a kind of savings account but as a form of insurance.

Within the next decade, forecasters have predicted that Social Securitys revenue from payroll taxes will not be enough to fully fund recipients benefits, requiring changes to the program.

While thats led some people  especially younger members of the workforce  to fear the program wont be around for them when they retire, Altman said those fears have been stoked by opponents hoping to do away with Social Security entirely.

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Altman said shes confident that Congress will reach a solution, but that her organization and other advocates will watch closely and oppose any deal that cuts benefits, raises the retirement age or privatizes the system. Instead, Social Security Works is campaigning for an approach that includes raising the income levels subject to the payroll tax.

 Wisconsin Examiner is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Wisconsin Examiner maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Ruth Conniff for questions: info@wisconsinexaminer.com. Follow Wisconsin Examiner on Facebook and X.
(Bloomberg) -- President-elect Donald Trump said he still had confidence that Pete Hegseth, his embattled choice for Defense secretary, could secure confirmation in the US Senate and that his team would be working to advance the nomination.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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Yes, I do. I really do, Trump responded in an interview with NBC News Meet the Press taped on Friday when asked directly if he had confidence in his pick. He praised Hegseth as a very smart guy and basically a military guy.

Trump said he had not received assurances from senators that Hegseth would be confirmed but added I think he will.

Ive had a lot of senators call me up saying hes fantastic, the president-elect said.

Trumps public demonstration of support comes at the end of a week that saw Hegseth battle to rescue his nomination after mounting accusations of sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse and mismanagement of veterans organizations in multiple reports. Hegseth has denied the allegations.

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Hegseth, a former Fox & Friends Weekend co-host, can only afford to lose three Republican senators, assuming all Democrats oppose him, and spent the week meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Earlier Friday evening, Iowa Republican Joni Ernst, a military veteran and a rape survivor who had previously declined to say if she would advance his nomination, said she would meet again with him next week and said that Hegseth deserved a fair hearing. Ernst is a powerful voice on military matters in the Senate and her support would be crucial to whether he gets confirmed.

Hegseth has struck a defiant tone even as Trumps team considered Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the president-elects former presidential primary rival, as a possible replacement. Ernst also is seen as a potential alternative nominee.

Hegseth is facing allegations that he raped a woman in 2017, a claim he has repeatedly denied. He was not charged after the allegation, but paid the accuser a financial settlement. An attorney for Hegseth has said the encounter was consensual.

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A New Yorker report also detailed his resignation from two veterans advocacy groups. The report highlighted a 2015 whistleblower report that described Hegseth as intoxicated on the job as president of Concerned Veterans for America and alleged that he and members of his management team pursued sexual relationships with the groups female staff.

It looks like Pete is doing well now, Trump said in the interview Friday. People were a little bit concerned. Hes a young guy, with a tremendous track record actually.

Well be working on his nomination along with a lot of others, he added.

Trump, who does not drink himself, was asked about the allegations that Hegseth has struggled with drinking.

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Ive spoken to people that know him very well and they say he does not have a drinking problem, Trump said.

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The Notre Dame Cathedral provided the luminous backdrop for President-elect Donald Trumps return to the geopolitical stage Saturday, when French officials put an ornate line under the five-year project to restore the soaring landmark with a reopening ceremony featuring dozens of world leaders.

Trump, who is set to return to the White House in a little over six weeks, arrived in Paris at a pivotal moment for governments in Western Europe. The region, like France itself, is caught between a wavering liberal democratic order and the rising right-wing movements that aim to upend it.

French President Emmanuel Macron, now in his second five-year term, seized on the occasion to hold a private meeting with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The three eventually stood together for an uneasy-looking photo opportunity. Macron himself is striving to stabilize an unraveling government at home while retaining his influence abroad  most persistently when it comes to the future of Western support for Ukraine against Russia.

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Zelenskys position is more perilous. Trump has insisted he has a plan to bring immediate peace to the region, though allies of Ukraine are concerned the president-elect might push for a ceasefire or peace deal viewed as more favorable to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has signaled little interest in abandoning his war of conquest.

Zelensky gave away little in a social media post after his sit-down with Trump and Macron, describing it as a good and productive trilateral meeting.

We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way, Zelensky wrote on X, adding that President Trump is, as always, resolute.

Macron welcomed Trump to the Elysee Palace ahead of the ceremony with the pairs now-customary grappling handshake before the two briefly addressed reporters.

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We had a good time together and we had  really great success working together on defense and offense, too, Trump said of his first term. And it certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now.

Macron called Trumps visit a great honor or French people and recalled Trumps response to the Notre Dame fire five years earlier.

You were at that time president, for the first time, and I remember the solidarity and your immediate action, Macron said. So welcome back again. Were very happy to have you here.

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The French presidents success in delivering Trump to Paris earned him some rare acclaim from the French press, which described it as a diplomatic coup. Macron, who was the first foreign leader to publicly congratulate Trump on his election last month, successfully put himself in a room with Trump and Zelensky for a closed-door meeting that lasted a little more than 30 minutes. The president-elect and Ukrainian leader last met weeks before the US election in New York for a conversation that Zelensky characterized as warm, good, constructive.

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The particulars of Trumps visit to Paris were hashed out over several days, but the president-elect had told his team he was keen to attend as soon as the invitation arrived. He has a long-held fascination with the cathedral and even tweeted out in distress more than five years ago as a fire ravaged its Gothic edifice, which sits on the Ile de la Cite, an island within Paris Seine River. Its iconic spire and roof were destroyed as television audiences around the globe watched in horror.

Investigators believe the blaze was an accident but have not yet identified the direct cause.

So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Trump posted on April 15, 2019, during his first term in the Oval Office. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!

His suggestion was ignored by firefighters and the French civil security agency, Securite Civile, responded on social media less than two hours later, warning  in English  that water-bombing aircrafts  could lead to the collapse of the entire structure of the cathedral.

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Trump has long sought the kind of high-society recognition on offer this weekend from Macron and other European leaders anxious over the direction of the incoming administration, though some of his domestic critics  led by late-night comedians  mocked Trump before he left.

If all goes according to plan, he would like to buy it and turn it into a casino, Jimmy Kimmel joked earlier this week. Jimmy Fallon quipped that the cathedral is going to burst right back into flames when Trump steps inside.

For Macron, though, the occasion was nothing to scoff at.

In the immediate aftermath of the fire, he pledged to rebuild and reopen the gutted cathedral in five years  a deadline he just about made. There is less room for error, and much more at stake, in his efforts to sustain the fragile coalition backing Ukraine.

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The US is the single largest provider of military assistance to Ukraine and critical to marshaling Western support for its defense. Trump, however, has cast doubt on the value of US aid to Ukraine and has repeatedly claimed the war would not have started if he had been president.

Macrons congratulations to the president-elect last month  going out before most US media agencies had even called the race  alluded to his relationship with Trump the first time he was in the White House, once described as a bromance, although it didnt last.

Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump. Ready to work together as we did for four years, Macron wrote on X last month. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.

Later that evening, he and Trump spoke by phone, Macrons office said.

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The French president has made a fresh push to curry favor with the returning president and his allies. CNN has reported that Macron plans to invite Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, whom the president-elect has tapped for a role in his administration, to Paris for a summit on artificial intelligence in early February. Musk was also on hand for the ceremonies at Notre Dame.

US President-elect Donald Trump meets Britain's Prince William in Paris on December 7, 2024. - Suzanne Plunkett/Pool/Getty Images

Trump also met with Prince William at the UK ambassadors residence in Paris following the ceremony. Hes doing a fantastic job, Trump said of Prince William, calling the British heir to the throne a good man.

First lady Jill Biden also attended the Notre Dame ceremony, wrapping up her last official state trip abroad, while President Joe Biden opted to stay in the US. The first lady did not, however, visit the Elysee Palace or attend any high-profile meetings.

Saturdays trip came a week after Trump announced his selection of son-in-law Jared Kushners father, real estate developer Charles Kushner, to serve as the next US ambassador to France. Charles Kushner was pardoned by Trump in 2020 after pleading guilty in 2004 to 16 counts of tax evasion, one count of retaliating against a federal witness and another count of lying to the Federal Election Commission.

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Macron was not the first G7 leader to huddle with Trump since the election. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau flew to Florida and dined with him at Mar-a-Lago on November 29.

Over dinner that night, Trump  during a discussion on his proposed tariffs  joked that Canada avoid any pain by becoming the 51st US state, two sources briefed on the conversation told CNN.

The president was teasing us, Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who was seated at the same table, told reporters in Ottawa this week. It was, of course, on that issue, in no way a serious comment.

This story and headline have been updated with new reporting.

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By Michel Rose and Dominique Vidalon

PARIS (Reuters) -U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy held talks in Paris on Saturday, brought together by a grand ceremony to mark the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Macron convened the trilateral meeting ahead of an evening event he was hosting to celebrate the cathedral's restoration five years after it was ravaged by fire.

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President Zelenskiy and European leaders have been concerned that Trump, who takes office next month, could withdraw U.S. military aid to Ukraine at a crucial juncture in Kyiv's battle to repel Russia.

Zelenskiy said the meeting was "good and productive" and that the three men agreed to continue working together.

"President Trump is, as always, resolute. I thank him," Zelenskiy wrote on social media platform X. "We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way."

Trump was on his first trip overseas since winning last month's presidential election and the visit to Paris was seen as offering Macron an early opportunity to play the role of mediator between Europe and the incoming president, a role the French leader has relished in the past.

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Macron is a strong supporter of the NATO alliance and Ukraine's fight, while Trump feels European nations need to pay more for their common defense. He has said a negotiated settlement is needed to end the Ukraine war.

Arriving at the Elysee Palace, Trump told Macron they had enjoyed "really great success" working together during his first term in office.

"And it certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now. And we'll be talking about that," Trump added.

Trump gave Zelenskiy a firm handshake and patted him on the back before Macron stood between them and Trump smiled for the camera.

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The meeting between the three men lasted about 20 minutes.

By inviting Trump to the reopening of Notre-Dame, Macron was repeating a personalized approach that had some limited success during Trump's first term, said Heather Conley, senior adviser to the board of the German Marshall Fund, which promotes U.S.-European ties.

"Mr. Macron knows Mr. Trump greatly appreciates the pomp, circumstance and grandeur of state and he provides it to him in abundance," Conley said.

Trump later joined world leaders, royals and business tycoons for a ceremony that got underway with the tolling of Notre-Dame's great bourdon bell.

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Trump, who will be sworn in on Jan. 20, has already held discussions with a number of world leaders and members of his team are trying to get up to speed on a number of world crises, including Ukraine and the Middle East.

GLOBAL SPECTACLE

Trump, a Republican, was in power when Notre-Dame was devastated by fire in 2019 and visited France four times while president from 2017-2021, including D-Day anniversary ceremonies in 2019.

"Symbolically, both Mr. Trump's presidency and Notre-Dame have been restored in approximately the same time period. His visit to Paris is also the opening salvo of his return to the world stage, further diminishing the final days of the Biden administration," Conley said.

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President Joe Biden's wife, first lady Jill Biden, was representing the United States at the Notre-Dame event.

Republican strategist Doug Heye said Trump would convey a statesman-like position in Paris.

"It's not images of him at Mar-a-Lago," Heye said, referring to Trump's Florida home where he has spent the bulk of his time since the election. "This is the biggest event of the world and he'll be peer-to-peer with other leaders."

Macron, who is grappling with a deep political crisis at home after his government was ousted by parliament this week, pursued a non-confrontational approach toward Trump during the latter's first term, hoping that by engaging with him he could win concessions.

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But as the years passed, policy decisions on climate, taxation and Iran in particular caused friction between the two leaders. By the end it was a more fractious relationship.

There could well be disputes in Trump's second administration, fueled by Trump's desire to impose sweeping tariffs on Europe and other U.S. trade partners, and disagreement over how to handle the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Macron invited Trump to the annual Bastille Day military parade in Paris in July 2017, a spectacle that inspired Trump to order up his own military parade in Washington to mark America's Independence Day in 2019.

Trump hosted Macron at a White House state dinner in 2018, but a year later the two quarreled over comments Macron made about the state of NATO.

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"Trump coming to Paris is a 'good coup' by Emmanuel Macron," said Gerard Araud, a former French ambassador to Washington. "It is indispensable to have a direct relationship with the only man who counts in the Trump administration, Trump himself."

(Additional reporting by Steve Holland in Washington and John Irish in ParisEditing by Ross Colvin, Howard Goller, Toby Chopra and Frances Kerry)
(Bloomberg) -- President-elect Donald Trump was welcomed back to the world stage on Saturday, sitting down with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskiy and French President Emmanuel Macron with a dramatic backdrop: the reopening of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame.

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With Trump set to return to the White House in January, the three leaders met at the Elysee Palace in Paris with diplomacy on the war in Ukraine in flux. Officials close to Macron and Zelenskiy said the meeting was positive, without providing details.

The world is going a little crazy right now and well be talking about that, Trump told reporters as he arrived for an initial two-way meeting with Macron. Sunday, on the Truth Social platform, Trump said Zelenskiy would like to make a deal to end the war.

Macron had sought to engineer the talks to initiate a discussion on how to end the war in Ukraine, an official in his office said. Later, the French president hosted guests, including heads of state and global business leaders, at the cathedral that was painstakingly restored after a catastrophic 2019 fire.

For Macron, the days events offered a brief fillip as he seeks a new prime minister after his government collapsed this week in a show of force by far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

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Almost three years after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Zelenskiy and his allies are anxiously watching Trump for signs of how he plans approach the conflict. US weapons and financial aid have been a vital crutch for Kyiv, but Trump had promised he would engineer a swift end to the war on the campaign trail.

Thats fueled concerns in Kyiv and other European capitals that the next US administration might roll back support for Ukraine to pressure Zelenskiy to compromise. On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces have been on the back foot for most of the year and Russian gains have been accelerating in recent weeks.

Zelenskiy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness, Trump in the early-Sunday Truth Social post. There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin.

I know Vladimir [Putin] well. These is his time to act. China can help, Trump added.

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The incoming US president faces a daunting range of geopolitical challenges, including war in the Middle East and long-running tensions with China.

Shortly before arriving at the presidential palace, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform about the conflict in Syria, where rebels opposed to President Bashar Al-Assad have made rapid advances.

A withdrawal of its troops that are helping support Assad might be the best thing that can happen to Russia, he said. The US, he added, should have nothing to do with it. This is not our fight.

The visit to Paris is Trumps first trip abroad to meet with world leaders since he won back the White House in November and is a coup for Macron, whos seen his political program decimated by the domestic opposition who forced out his prime minister with a no-confidence vote on Wednesday.

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Macron worked hard to engage Trump through his first term, despite Trumps occasional barbs, inviting the US leader to the Bastille Day ceremony in 2017 and taking him to dinner at the Eiffel Tower. Trump called Macron weak after the Yellow Vest protests broke out in 2018 and attacked him for cozying up to China.

On Saturday, Macron deployed all his experience of dealing with Trump, welcoming him with a red-carpet ceremony at the Elysee and making him effectively the guest of honor at the cathedral. Trump was seated in the front row next to Macron and the two men were seen chatting during the service.

Regardless of Macrons domestic struggles, the meeting was testament to the unique soft power of France and the presidents ability to wield it.

As Trump and Zelenskiy were speaking, an exclusive list of guests were arriving at the cathedral, which has been rebuilt at a cost of 700 million ($740 million).

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Bernard Arnault, Europes richest man, was among the early arrivals. Kering SA Chief Executive Officer Francois-Henri Pinault came with his wife, the actor Salma Hayek. Both men were major donors to the reconstruction effort.

Billionaire John Elkann, who chairs automaker Stellantis SA, was also in attendance as was FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni chuckled as she posed for the cameras with Macron and his wife Brigitte.

Zelenskiy embraced Macron as he arrived and appeared to say thank you to the French leader. The Ukrainian was given an ovation by the guests as he entered the nave.

Trump was among the last of the grandees to be greeted by Macron outside the cathedral, though Elon Musk, a close ally of the president-elect, arrived shortly afterward, scurrying across the square in the rain. First Lady Jill Biden followed soon before the ceremony started.

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After the ceremony at the cathedral, a select group of guests attended a dinner back at Macrons presidential palace.

(Updates with Trump comment on Zelenskiy keen for deal from third paragraph.)

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Aamir Khan, who was recently honoured at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, has shared an exciting update about the possibility of uniting with Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan on screen. The actor confirmed that the three Khans had discussed the idea of working together on a film. When asked about the possibility of the three Khans collaborating on a project, the 'Ishq' actor shared that about six months ago, he spoke to Shah Rukh and Salman about how great it would be if the three of them did a film together. "About six months back, Shah Rukh, Salman, and I were together, and we did speak about this. I was the person who brought this up and told Shah Rukh and Salman that it would be really sad if the three of us didn't do a film together. I think Salman and Shah Rukh were equally in agreement and were, 'Yes, we must do a film together. The three of us.' Hopefully, it will happen soon. It will need the right kind of story. So, we'll have to wait for the right script. We are all looking forward to it," shared the actor while speaking at the Red Sea Film Festival. On the work front, Aamir Khan was last seen in the 'Forrest Gump' remake, 'Laal Singh Chaddha', which failed to connect with the audience. He has 'Sitaare Zameen Par' in the pipeline. Genelia will reportedly play a pivotal role in the film. The Red Sea Film Festival, running from December 5 to 14, has been a celebration of global cinema, attracting filmmakers and actors from all corners of the world. Alongside Aamir Khan, Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Hollywood stars such as Will Smith, Vin Diesel, and Spike Lee also attended the festival. (ANI)
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday "the United States should have nothing to do with" any conflicts involving Syria, as rebel fighters in that country continue capturing territory.

Trump made the comments on his Truth Social platform, adding "Syria is a mess, but is not our friend."

The comments come as an Islamist opposition group with ties to the al-Qaida terrorist organization continues moving across Syria, intent on toppling the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

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The group Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham or HTS, launched its campaign at the end of November. The United States, European Union and other countries classify HTS as a designated terrorist group.

On Friday, HTS members moved within striking distance of the city of Homs in Western Syria, causing civilians to flee ahead of their advances. Homs is located approximately 100 miles north of the Syrian capital Damascus.

Donald Trump made the comments on his Truth Social platform, adding Syria is a mess, but is not our friend. File Pool Photo by Spencer Platt/UPI

"Opposition fighters in Syria, in an unprecedented move, have totally taken over numerous cities, in a highly coordinated offensive, and are now on the outskirts of Damascus, obviously preparing to make a very big move toward taking out Assad," Trump wrote Saturday.

"This is where former President Obama refused to honor his commitment of protecting the RED LINE IN THE SAND, and all hell broke out, with Russia stepping in. But now they are, like possibly Assad himself, being forced out, and it may actually be the best thing that can happen to them."

The comments come as an islamist opposition group with ties to the al-Qaida terrorist organization, continues moving across Syria, intent on toppling the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. File Photo courtesy of Saudi Press Agency

Syria and its president for the last 24 years, al-Assad, have alliances with Iran and Russia, with the latter previously supporting Syria's efforts to suppress opposition.

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Trump made a point on Saturday to mention Russia.

"Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years," he wrote.

The president-elect is in Paris where he his attending the official reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, along with other heads of state like Britain's Prince William.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President-elect Donald Trump said on Saturday the U.S. should not be involved in the conflict in Syria, where rebel forces are threatening the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

"Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!," Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

Trump said because Russia, an Assad ally, is tied up fighting a war with Ukraine it "seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years."

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If Russia were forced out of Syria, it "may actually be the best thing that can happen to them" because "there was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia," Trump said.

Trumps comments appeared to reflect his opposition to the presence of some 900 U.S. troops in Syria, mostly of them in the northeast, where they have backed a Syrian Kurd-led alliance in preventing a resurgence of Islamic State militants.

Trump announced in 2018 during his first term that he wanted to withdraw the U.S. troops because he said Islamic State was near defeat.

But he held off as advisers warned that a pullout would leave a void that would be filled by Iran and Russia.

(Reporting by Eric Beech and Jonathan Landay; editing by Diane Craft)
WASHINGTON (AP)  President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that the U.S. military should stay out of the fast-escalating conflict in Syria, where a dramatic rebel offensive reached the capital and threatened the rule of Syria's Russian- and Iranian-allied president. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT," Trump declared on social media.

As world leaders watched the stunning rebel advance, with its potential to alter the balance of power in the Middle East, President Joe Biden's national security adviser separately stressed that the Biden administration had no intention of intervening.

The United States is not going to ... militarily dive into the middle of a Syrian civil war," Jake Sullivan told an audience in California.

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Sullivan said the U.S. would keep acting as necessary to keep the Islamic State  a violently anti-Western extremist group not known to be involved in the offensive but with sleeper cells in Syria's deserts  from exploiting openings presented by the fighting.

Insurgents stunning march across Syria appeared to reach its goal hours after both men spoke, with rebels entering Damascus after claiming many of the country's other major cities within roughly 10 days. The head of a Syrian opposition war monitor said early Sunday that Assad left the country for an undisclosed location.

Trump's comments on the dramatic rebel push were his first since Syrian rebels launched their advance late last month. They came while he was in Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral.

In his post, Trump said Assad did not deserve U.S. support to stay in power.

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Assad's government has been propped up by the Russian and Iranian military, along with Hezbollah and other Iranian-allied militias, in a now 13-year-old war against opposition groups seeking his overthrow. The war, which began as a mostly peaceful uprising in 2011 against the Assad family's rule, has killed a half-million people, fractured Syria and drawn in a more than a half-dozen foreign militaries and militias. The U.S. early on closed its embassy in Syria and imposed sanctions over the brutality of Assad's conduct of the war.

The insurgents are led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which the U.S. has designated as a terrorist group and says has links to al-Qaida, although the group has since broken ties with al-Qaida.

The insurgents met little resistance so far from the Syrian army, the Russian and Iranian militaries or allied militias in the country.

The Biden administration said the ease of Syrian opposition forces' capture of government-held cities demonstrates how Russia's war in Ukraine and Iran's and Iranian militias' fight against Israel in Gaza and Lebanon have diminished them.

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Assads backers  Iran, Russia and Hezbollah  have all been weakened and distracted," Sullivan said Saturday at an annual gathering of national security officials, defense companies and lawmakers at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.

None of them are prepared to provide the kind of support to Assad that they provided in the past, he later added.

The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria, including U.S. forces working with Kurdish allies in the opposition-held northeast to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State group.

Gen. Bryan Fenton, head of U.S. Special Operations Command, said he would not want to speculate on how the upheaval in Syria would affect the U.S. militarys footprint in the country. Its still too early to tell, he said.

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What would not change is the focus on disrupting IS operations in Syria and protecting U.S. troops, Fenton said during a panel at the Reagan event.

Syrian opposition activists and regional officials have been watching closely for any indication from the incoming Trump administration on how the U.S. would respond to the rebel advances against Assad.

Robert Wilkie, Trump's defense transition chief and a former secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, said during the same California event that the collapse of the murderous Assad regime would be a major blow to Iran's power.

In his post, Trump said Russia is so tied up in Ukraine that it seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years. He said rebels could possibly force Assad from power.

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The president-elect condemned the overall U.S. handling of the war but said the routing of Assad and Russian forces might be for the best.

Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED! he wrote in Saturday's post.

An influential Syrian opposition activist in Washington, Mouaz Moustafa, interrupted a briefing to reporters to read Trumps post and appeared to choke up. He said Trumps declaration that the U.S. should stay out of the fight was the best outcome that the the Syrians aligned against Assad could hope for.

Rebels have been freeing political detainees of the Assad government from government prisons as they advance across Syria. Moustafa pledged to reporters Saturday that opposition forces would be alert for any U.S. detainees among them and do their best to protect them.

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Moustafa said that includes Austin Tice, an American journalist missing for more than a decade and suspected to be held by Assad.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham renounced al-Qaida in 2016 and has worked to rebrand itself, including cracking down on some Islamic extremist groups and fighters in its territory and portraying itself as a protector of Christians and other religious minorities.

While the U.S. and United Nations still designate it as a terrorist organization, Trump's first administration told lawmakers that the U.S. was no longer targeting the group's leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani.

___

Copp reported from Simi Valley, California.
WASHINGTON  Self-described billionaire Donald Trump sent another $4.3 million collected from his donors to his lawyers in the weeks surrounding the Nov. 5 election.

That raises the total his Save America committee  ostensibly created to help like-minded Republicans win elections  spent on the attorneys handling Trumps various criminal and civil cases to $90.8 million, according to a HuffPost analysis of Federal Election Commission records.

A post-election filing by Save America this week showed that the firms of John Lauro, Alina Habba and Chris Kise were among the recipients. The $2,403,043 to Lauro on Nov. 25 accounted for more than half of the total. Trump still had $780,000 in outstanding legal bills, according to that document.

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Other filings show that Trumps Never Surrender committee he created in the days after the election  which, like Save America is a leadership PAC, essentially allowing Trump to spend the money however he wants  was actually a renaming and restructuring of his 2024 presidential campaign account.

Solicitations to Trump donors, meanwhile, show that Never Surrender will now get only 20 cents of each dollar raised, with 80 cents going to the Republican National Committee. That split was the reverse in the initial days after the election, with 80 cents of each dollar going to Trumps committee, which he can use to continue paying his legal bills.

It is unclear why the allocation formula was altered. No explanation was offered on the fundraising entitys website, and the Trump transition did not respond to a HuffPost query.

One informal Trump adviser close to the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, suggested that the new allocation could mean that Trump will be able to get the RNC to pay his legal bills now that he is about to become president again.

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The original committee Trump used for that purpose, Save America, was down to only $640,000 in the bank at the end of the Nov. 25 reporting period.

Never Surrender has about $3.2 million in the bank overall and is entitled to some portion of the likely millions raised by Trumps fundraising operation after Nov. 6, although how much cannot be determined because it is unclear exactly when the allocation formula between Never Surrender and the RNC was altered.

In the two months following his 2020 election loss, Trump raised about a quarter of a billion dollars by lying to his followers that the election was rigged and had been stolen from him. At first, the donations had been going to his campaign and the RNC, but Trump started diverting the majority of the money to Save America.

He then attempted a coup to remain in power, culminating in the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Despite that and the criminal prosecutions that resulted, he won reelection to the presidency last month and is set to take office on Jan. 20.
President-elect Donald Trumps transition team still has not sent policy advisers to coordinate with the federal agencies he is preparing to take over, delaying preparations that could be key to executing his ambitious agenda.

The Trump transition signed an agreement Nov. 26 paving the way for those landing teams to begin work in the agencies. But before they can do that, the transition has to submit its lists of people who will serve on the teams to the Biden administration  and they just began sending over those names late this week, the White House confirmed Friday.

That puts Trump officials nearly a month behind their recent predecessors, who began what is known as the agency review process  meeting with existing agency staff and getting briefed on major policy issues and challenges  right after the election, to ensure their incoming administrations would be up to speed. Trump, however, delayed for months in signing an agreement with the Biden administration to authorize those teams, before finally reaching a deal just before Thanksgiving.

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Amid other transition delays  including in processing security clearances  former officials in both parties say this lag in beginning the usual crash course in agency operations only adds to the obstacles Trump will face as he looks to rapidly implement his sweeping policy agenda. Thats particularly true in areas like health policy, where few of the president-elects picks to lead the agencies have any experience in government or in managing such large and complex bureaucracies.

Trumps health nominees include television personalities Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Dr. Janette Nesheiwat to be surgeon general; Florida Rep. Dave Weldon to lead the Centers for Disease Control; surgeon Marty Makary to lead the Food and Drug Administration; and anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary for Health and Human Services. None have any history working for the executive branch or leading an organization on this scale.



And, thanks to the holdup in putting together landing teams, they have only a few weeks before Trump takes power to meet the career workforce, walk through the budget, get to know how various offices interact, and familiarize themselves with what pitfalls may await them after Inauguration Day.

They're really operating, I would say, at a severe disadvantage, said Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of Health and Human Services under President Barack Obama. It has been decades and decades since somebody has been in these Cabinet offices without any sort of expertise or experience. And there are lots of barriers built into the structure of a huge agency like HHS, where you really can't just come in and wave a magic wand and say, You used to do things this way, and now we're going to do it differently.

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While the Trump transition declined to comment on the status of their landing teams, incoming White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the president-elects nominees in a statement, calling them highly-qualified men and women who have the talent, experience, and necessary skill sets to Make America Great Again."

The agency review process typically begins by mid-November. Trumps team began submitting the names of some of their landing team members to the White House on Thursday, but has not yet completed the process. In comparison, President Joe Biden unveiled his landing teams on Nov. 10  though their work was delayed for weeks after that by Trumps refusal to concede the election. And when Trump first won in 2016, his transition began launching its landing teams on Nov. 18.

Even after Trumps landing teams begin arriving at their assigned agencies for meetings and briefings this year, they are likely to be hampered by Trumps refusal to sign a separate transition agreement with the General Services Administration and instead run the transition on private funds out of private facilities using private email servers with federal cybersecurity support.

Agencies would normally be prepared to start sharing unclassified information now, said Valerie Smith Boyd, the director of the Center for Presidential Transition at the nonpartisan nonprofit Partnership for Public Service, which assists all parties with transition planning. But in the absence of a GSA-secure network, individual agencies will need to rely on their best practices for sharing controlled but unclassified information  anything that might be kind of more sensitive than the norm, like law enforcement information.

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Rather than swiftly sharing data over email, she added, That type of information they might choose to share only on paper or standalone terminals, within the agency buildings, but they may not feel comfortable transmitting that over a non-government provided network.

People in both parties who have previously held these roles tell POLITICO that those kinds of slow downs in the less-than-three-month transition could stall or even scuttle the new administrations ambitions on everything from revamping vaccine safety data collection to tackling chronic diseases, and leave them unprepared to confront emerging threats like avian flu.

The most dangerous implications are for national security, and that includes health security, stressed Democratic health care strategist Chris Jennings, who has served on both sides of several presidential transitions, including Bidens transition in 2020. They need to be briefed up and prepared to quickly act on viral, microbial, and chemical warfare threats. You cant afford to play around with those. They are predictably unpredictable risks that cant wait for officials to be briefed up on ramifications and needed remedies months into an administration.



Trump is poised to enter office in January amid a troubling outbreak of bird flu that public health experts worry could quickly balloon into a threat to the food supply or the general population, as well as a resurgence of once-rare childhood illnesses like whooping cough and measles. Health officials and outside experts who recall Trump's chaotic Covid-19 response during his first term now fear the combination of his current nominees' disdain for mainstream science, their expressed desire to move away from funding infectious disease research, and their failure to use the transition period to properly prepare could mean a slow or inadequate response to future health crises that put the general public in danger.

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Trumps surgeon general in his first term, Jerome Adams, warned in a post on X that the new administration runs the risk of being distracted with outbreaks for 4 years this time instead of 1.

Trumps penchant for bucking the usual transition processes isnt new. When preparing to enter the White House in 2017, he threw out months of work prepared by then-transition chair Chris Christie in a shakeup of his transition leadership, was slow to put together agency review teams, and ignored briefing materials compiled by the outgoing Obama administration  including a nearly 70-page pandemic playbook that they were given years before Covid-19 struck.

On health policy, the impact of those choices was mitigated, in part, by a team of Cabinet members that included state health commissioners, former HHS officials, and others with years of experience working with federal health programs.

Tom Scully, who ran the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under Republican President George W. Bush, said transition coordination was less important for him because he already had extensive federal government experience and a personal relationship with the official he replaced. But for Trumps incoming health officials who lack those connections, its another story.

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Scully said its critical for those Trump nominees to get in there and start working with the departments to see what's going on.

I don't know Dr. Oz, and I'm sure he's a highly capable guy, but he should probably call up [CMS Administrator] Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, who's a lovely person, and spend some time with her, figuring out what her biggest issues are and where she agrees with him, he continued. Its just the rational thing to do to figure out what's on their agenda, what they think has been left undone, whether you agree with them politically or not.

The managerial inexperience of Trumps recent picks to run these agencies  which collectively have tens of thousands of employees and a budget of over a trillion dollars per year  also raises the pressure on the incoming administration to appoint people familiar with their inner workings to deputy positions.

Trump, for example, has tapped Jim ONeill, a veteran of George W. Bushs HHS, to serve as deputy secretary of the agency.

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But RFK Jr.s lack of policymaking experience is still worrying some key conservative allies.

While RFK Jr. at HHS has the skills to end weaponized agency policy and evaluate the environmental harms of abortion, the Trump team needs to balance the HHS ticket by being sure that pro-life voices are heard and experienced experts added to RFK Jrs team, said Kristan Hawkins, the president of Students for Life of America. She added that reports that the Heritage Foundations Roger Severino, a senior HHS official in Trumps first term, has been passed over this time represent the wrong direction.

The next Trump administration, Hawkins argued, needs experienced hands who know how to undo all of the Biden policies that have expanded access to abortion over the last four years.

Some former Democratic officials who spoke to POLITICO  including Sebelius  expressed hope the Trump health teams inexperience and lack of preparation stymies their plans to put a conservative stamp on the system.

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But Leslie Dach, a former senior counselor at HHS during the Obama administration who now works for the health advocacy group Protect Our Care, cautioned that Trumps officials could still accomplish a lot through inaction, particularly with the Affordable Care Acts enhanced tax credits set to expire in 2025.

They just have to sit on their hands and 5 million people will lose their insurance and you more than 15 million others would be bankrupt, possibly, by their health insurance premiums, he said, adding that there were many other low-effort ways they could undermine Obamacare. You can shorten open enrollment, eliminate the special enrollment period, shut down the call centers over the weekends, like they've done before, and all of a sudden you would lower the number of people with health insurance dramatically. You can show up to work late, leave early, and take health care away from millions of people.
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joined French President Emmanuel Macron for the official reopening Saturday of the famed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Zelenksy and Trump had previously been scheduled to meet separately with Macron.

Also making a surprise appearance at Notre Dame was billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, one of the key campaign contributors to Trump's presidential campaign and now a top adviser.

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First Lady Jill Biden was at the event officially representing the United States, while Britain's Prince William attended the ceremony in place of his father, King Charles III, who continues to receive cancer treatment.

It wasn't immediately clear what if any discussions, informal or otherwise, Trump had with Zelensky about the situation in Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron greets U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Saturday during unscheduled talks prior to a ceremony marking the re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral. Photo by Maya Vidon-White/UPI

Last month, Zelensky said Trump's victory in the U.S. election would mean an earlier end to Russia's war inside Ukraine, since a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Trump was greeted with applause when he arrived at the French presidential residence, the Elysee Palace, where he held an official meeting with Macron.

Businessman Elon Musk (C) attends the reopening ceremony of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Saturday. Paris Cathedral took almost six years to rebuild after been severely damaged in a devastating fire that broke out on April 15, 2019. Pool Photo by Christophe Petit Tesson/EPA-EFE

The former and future president confirmed earlier this week he would attend the ceremony in Paris for the reopening. It marks his first overseas visit since winning the election in November.

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The famed Gothic-style cathedral was badly damaged during a fire in April of 2019. Macron later pledged to have the massive restoration complete within five years.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday during a trip to Paris where they attended the re-opening of Notre Dame cathedral, five years after a fire nearly destroyed the cultural icon. Photo via Ukrainian Presidential Press Office/UPI

Macron took office in 2017 and served as France's president during the three final years of Trump's first presidential term. The two men picked up that existing relationship Saturday before heading to the reopening ceremony.

"We had a great relationship, as everyone knows. We've accomplished a lot together. And the people of France are spectacular. I guess it's one of our largest groups in the United States, French people," Trump told reporters.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) meets with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron (not pictured) Saturday during a trip to Paris where they attended the re-opening of Notre Dame cathedral, five years after a fire nearly destroyed the cultural icon. Photo via Ukrainian Presidential Press Office/UPI

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"And we respect them and we love them. Very talented people, extremely energetic people, as you know very well."

Macron called Trump's attendance on Saturday a "great honor for the French people."

Approximately 50 heads of state are in Paris for the reopening of the iconic landmark, which is being presided over by the Archbishop of Paris.

"You were at that time president, for the first time, and I remember the solidarity and your immediate action," Macron told Trump on Saturday. "So welcome back again. We're very happy to have you here."

He added in an official social media post, "United States, Ukraine, and France. Together on this historic day. Gathered for Notre-Dame. Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security."
David Sacks at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Credit - Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFPGetty Images

For much of 2024, one of President-elect Donald Trumps staunchest allies in Silicon Valley was David Sacks, an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and co-host of the popular podcast All-In. On his podcast and social media, Sacks argued that Trumps pro-industry stances would unleash innovation and spur growth in the tech industry. In June, Sacks hosted a fundraiser for Trump in San Francisco that included $300,000-a-person tickets.

Now, Sacks has been rewarded with a position inside the White House: the brand-new role of "AI & crypto czar." Its unclear how much power this role actually has. It appears that this will be a part-time role, and that Sacks will remain with his VC fund Craft. This murkiness, and the fact that Sacks will not have to go through the Senate confirmation process, is drawing concerns over conflict of interest and lack of oversight. Regardless, Sacks will start the Administration with Trumps ear on key policy decisions in these two rapidly growing sectors. Leaders inside both industries largely cheered the decision.

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A whole-of-government approach that collaborates closely with private industry is essential to winning the AI race, and a designated AI leader in the Administration can help do that, Tony Samp, the head of AI policy at the law firm DLA Piper, tells TIME.

Sacks and Trump

Sacks has long been close to the center of Silicon Valleys power structure. A member of the PayPal mafia, he was that companys chief operating officer for several years, and grew close with Elon Musk, who has also been tasked with a new role in Trumps Administration. While many Silicon Valley leaders espoused pro-Democrat views especially during the Obama years, Sacks became increasingly vocal in his conservative stances, especially around the Russia-Ukraine war and fighting censorship on tech platforms. His podcast All-In is currently the third most popular tech podcast on Apple Podcasts, according to Chartable.

After the Jan. 6 insurrection, Sacks said that Trump had disqualified himself from being a candidate at the national level again. But he threw his weight behind Trump this year, including during a speech at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in July, in which he warned Republicans of a world on fire. At one lavish fundraiser, Sacks lobbied for Trump to pick J.D. Vance as his running mate. Sacks also hosted Trump on All-In, and complained that it was so hard to do business during the Biden Administration.

Sacks views on AI

Sacks is a player in the AI ecosystem himself: this year, he launched an AI-powered work chat app called Glue. He has often expressed support for a freer ecosystem empowering AI companies to grow, and has argued that most of whats on the internet should be available for AI to train upon under fair use.

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This appointment is another signal that startups and venture capital will be a central focus of the incoming Administration's approach to AI, says Nik Marda, the technical lead for AI governance at Mozilla. This also means particular issues like promoting open source and competition in AI will be at the forefront.

Sacks has advocated for the integration of AI technology into warfare and national security tools. On an All-In episode in April, he said he hoped Silicon Valley companies would become more involved with U.S. defense efforts. I do want the United States, as an American, to be the most powerful country. I do want us to get the best value for our defense dollars. The only way thats going to change is if the defense industry gets disrupted by a bunch of startups doing innovative things, he said. (Just this week, OpenAI announced a partnership with the defense contractor Anduril.)

Sacks has also come out strongly against AI models displaying any sort of censorship. In this way, Sacks is aligned with Musk, whose AI model Grok will generate controversial images that other AI models will not, including a Nazi Mickey Mouse.

Read More: Elon Musks New AI Data Center Raises Alarms Over Pollution

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However, there will be many AI thinkers competing for influence in Trumps White House, including Marc Andreessen, who wants AI to be developed as fast as possible, and Musk, who has warned of the technologys existential risks.

Sacks and crypto

Sacks new czar role also includes oversight of crypto. Crypto investors were largely cheered by his appointment, because he is supportive of the space and will likely reinforce Trumps intentions of offering light-touch regulation. Sacks has significant financial exposure to Solana, a cryptocurrency attached to its own blockchain that was previously championed by Sam Bankman-Fried. Sacks VC fund Craft also invested in the crypto companies BitGo and Bitwise.

Trump, in his announcement of Sacks appointment, wrote that Sacks will work on a legal framework so the Crypto industry has the clarity it has been asking for, and can thrive in the U.S. Sacks joins several other recent pro-crypto Trump appointees, including new SEC chair nominee Paul Atkins. The Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) under Biden, in contrast, was very aggressive in suing crypto companies it deemed were violating securities laws.

Trump, meanwhile, has been eager to claim credit for the cryptos recent successes. When Bitcoin crossed $100,000 for the first time, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social, YOURE WELCOME!!!

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Read More: What Trumps Win Means for Crypto

Concerns about conflict of interest

While Sacks is supportive of both industries, it is unclear how much power he will actually have in this new role. Bloomberg reported that Sacks will be a special government employeea part-time role that doesnt require him to divest or publicly disclose his assets, and sets a maximum number of 130 working days a year. A Craft spokeswoman told Bloomberg that Sacks would not be leaving the VC firm.

It remains to be seen whether Sacks will have a staff, or where his funding will come from. Other related government agencies, like the Department of Commerce, will likely have completely different workflows and prerogatives when it comes to AI. Czar roles can be a bit funky and more dependent on relationships and less dependent on formal authorities, Marda says.

Suresh Venkatasubramanian, an AI advisor to Bidens White House starting in 2021, expressed concern about the lack of oversight of this new position, as well as the conflicts of interest it could lead to. The roles and responsibilities described in the press announcement describe a lot of what the director of OSTP [Office of Science and Technology Policy] does, he tells TIME. The only difference is lack of oversight. Especially given that this particular appointment is of someone who has investments in AI and crypto, you have to wonder whether this is serving the interest of the tech industry, or a particular few individuals.

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Correction, Dec. 10



The original version of this story misstated David Sacks' relationship with the cryptocurrency Solana. He didn't invest directly in Solana, but rather in Multicoin Capital, a crypto firm that invested in Solana.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
(Bloomberg) -- David Sacks, President-elect Donald Trumps surprise pick to guide policy on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, doesnt have deep ties to either industry or an extensive track record of investing in them. What he does have, though, is even more important in the eyes of technology investors  a tech-friendly worldview and a long history of skepticism about government regulation.

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He will ensure the United States is at the cutting edge of innovation, said Keith Rabois, who celebrated with Sacks at a private home in Miami Thursday night. Sacks will keep the country from falling behind China, and will protect newly emerging tech from left-wing censorship and bias, Rabois said.

The appointment of Sacks, a major Trump fundraiser, was not widely anticipated in Silicon Valley. The VC has only made a handful of crypto investments, and isnt seen as a key player in the industry. Hes also made relatively few AI bets, though hes a backer of xAI, the startup helmed by Elon Musk that has raised more than $10 billion this year.

But Sacks has long been critical of too much government involvement in the affairs of private companies. The 52-year-old founder of VC firm Craft Ventures and member of the so-called PayPal Mafia has been one of the loudest right-leaning voices in the industry for years.

The pick is seen as a boon to the startup world, where AI and crypto executives view government intervention as a potential existential threat. US action against crypto companies has driven many startups overseas. And AI leaders have worried that overly burdensome regulations could stifle the fledgling industry in the name of safety.

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Crypto supporters celebrated the selection, which Trump said would give startups regulatory clarity. Crypto and AI are two of the United States most pressing strategic priorities right now, and David Sacks is one of the only people in the world that is uniquely qualified to lead in this pivotal role, said Kyle Samani, a managing partner at Multicoin Capital, where Sacks is an investor. Sacks will be an invaluable asset in shaping the nations future, Samani said.

Startup competition

Trump has signaled that hell take a friendly approach to both crypto and AI. Bitcoin has hit all-time highs since his election, and he has vowed to repeal President Bidens 2023 AI executive order that requires developers to safety-test new models. AI is also a focus for Musk, a key Trump ally and a longtime friend of Sacks.

Investor Marc Andreessen, whose firm invests heavily in both industries, was ebullient at Sacks pick. From the Wright Brothers to Starship With Chopsticks, in just a single election, Andreessen wrote on X on Thursday night, referencing SpaceXs latest achievement of landing re-usable starships.

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OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman also struck a celebratory note, writing on X, congrats to czar @DavidSacks!

But theres been some trepidation over Sacks allegiances in the AI world. Sacks Craft Ventures is an investor in Musks xAI, and Sacks ties to Musk have raised questions about how he would treat rival companies in the fiercely competitive industry. Sacks has previously spoken critically of OpenAI, a key xAI competitor.

In a now-deleted post on X, Sacks said, Im all in favor of accelerating technological progress, but there is something unsettling about the way OpenAI explicitly declares its mission to be the creation of AGI. AGI, or artificial general intelligence, refers to AI technology that can perform most tasks better than humans. Sacks did not respond to a request for comment on the post.

Sacks and Trump allies say that involvement in the industry is a prerequisite for understanding it, and that some perceptions of conflict of interest will be inevitable. I think we should take people at their word, said Shaun Maguire, an investor at the prestigious Sequoia Capital, which has backed both xAI and OpenAI. Sacks wont harm any competitors, he said.

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Sacks other bets include BitGo and Bitwise in the crypto world. In AI, Sacks co-founded a startup called Glue that makes chat software for companies, and hes invested in developer startup Replit Inc. and AI writing tool CopyAI Inc. Sacks will not leave Craft, a spokeswoman said, and the new czar position will function as an advisory role, rather than a full-time government job. The appointment wont require Sacks to divest or publicly disclose his assets. Like Musk, Sacks will be a special government employee. He can serve a maximum of 130 days per year, with or without compensation.

However, conflict of interest rules apply to special government employees, and Sacks would be required to recuse himself from matters that could impact his holdings.

Tech-Friendly

Theres a long history of technology officials taking advisory roles to the government, said Silicon Valley historian Margaret OMara. But the roles dont always have a clear mandate. You can have a title, but if you dont actually have a budget or people reporting to you, its something more ambiguous, OMara said, pointing out that Sacks would not be a White House staff member. Sometimes it does morph into something that has some power to it.

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Some industry observers would have preferred the crypto and AI czar positions to be separate  a move that might have telegraphed the importance of each, and reflected the different risks and rewards of both technologies.

While I am very encouraged by the new administrations crypto-friendly focus, I would have preferred separate crypto and AI czars, said Campbell Harvey, finance professor at Duke University. Both need urgent, dedicated attention, he said.

Sacks has forged a more wide-ranging career, rather than focusing on just AI or crypto. He first made a name for himself at PayPal, the payments company whose founders in the late 1990s included Musk and billionaire investor Peter Thiel. During a stint in Hollywood, he produced the 2005 satire Thank You for Smoking. At Craft, his venture firm with stakes in Musk-owned businesses including SpaceX, he has invested widely as well as serving as a host of the All-In podcast.

His comments about crypto on the podcast have not been universally positive, but he has discouraged attempts to penalize or control industry players. The fact of the matter is youve got a lot of brilliant young entrepreneurs, computer scientists building this financial infrastructure of the future with crypto, he said in a podcast episode in 2021. We dont necessarily want to interfere with that to the point where we break it.

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Hes also made significant money on crypto. Craft Ventures invested in Samanis Multicoin Capital in 2018, which in turn was an early investor in the Solana cryptocurrency. The token was worth less than a dollar when it launched in 2020, but notched a peak price of around $250 in late 2021. It will end up being about $1 billion of Solana for us in terms of returns, Sacks said at the time.

More recently, in a November episode of the podcast after Trumps election, Sacks took aim at the Securities and Exchange Commissions aggressive positions on crypto under its chair, Gary Gensler. The days of Gensler terrifying crypto companies  those days are about to be over.

--With assistance from Shirin Ghaffary, Olga Kharif, Katie Roof and Jackie Davalos.

(Updates with historian's comment in 15th paragraph.)

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President-elect Donald Trump's team that will carry out his mass deportation plans and crackdown at the southern border is taking clearer shape.

Trump chose Rodney S. Scott, who has deep ties to Arizona, to be the commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which oversees the flow of goods and people through ports of entry and is responsible for preventing undocumented immigrants and illegal drugs from entering the U.S. The commissioners job requires Senate approval.

Trump picked Caleb Vitello as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is responsible for removing undocumented immigrants from the country and enforcing immigration laws.

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Plus, Trump named Brandon Judd, the retiring president of the National Border Patrol Council, to be the U.S. ambassador to Chile. Judd is a longtime Trump ally with ties to Arizona. He campaigned with the former and soon-to-be president this election cycle.

Judd worked in Naco early in his career and was later elected president of the largest Border Patrol Local in Tucson. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., brought Judd as her guest to President Joe Bidens State of the Union address earlier this year.

On the border: Incoming border-czar Tom Homan visits Arizona-Mexico border with Dr. Phil

Scott served as chief of the U.S. Border Patrol under Trump and President Joe Biden, though Biden ousted him in 2021. He was born in Indiana and raised in Nogales, a southern Arizona city on the border with Mexico. Scott served in Border Patrol for nearly 30 years.

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Trump, a Republican, has painted a dark picture of a nation under invasion by migrants and promised on the campaign trail to carry out mass deportations and shut down illegal immigration at the border.

Trumps mass deportation plans and border crackdown could heavily impact Arizona, which has a sizable undocumented population, and has been a major gateway for undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers for decades. Arizona shares nearly 400 miles of border with Mexico and is a major trading partner of Mexico.

Trumps immigration and border policies could be compounded by the implementation of Proposition 314, a ballot measure approved by Arizona voters in November that seeks to enlist local authorities in the job of immigration enforcement.

The president-elects pick to lead CPB is an outspoken proponent of the border wall that was a major focus of Trumps first term.

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In his role leading the U.S. Border patrol, he implemented Trumps Remain in Mexico program. The unprecedented policy required asylum seekers to await immigration court hearings in Mexico rather than inside the U.S.

Scott also oversaw Trumps Title 42 policy which the Trump administration implemented at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and President Joe Biden ended in May 2023.

The policy used an emergency federal health rule called Title 42 to quickly expel migrants who arrived at the border without documents, including asylum seekers.

Scott also oversaw Safe Third Agreements which require U.S.-bound asylum seekers headed to the U.S. to first seek asylum in other countries.

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The Trump border restrictions were intended to stem the flow of asylum seekers arriving at the southern border. But critics contended they attacked the legal rights of migrants fleeing violence and persecution from seeking asylum in the U.S. and further endangered their lives.

As acting director of ICE, Vitello will be a key figure, in addition to new border czar Tom Homan, in carrying out Trumps mass deportation plans.

On top of enforcing immigration and customs laws, ICE is responsible for identifying, arresting and deporting undocumented immigrants through the agencys Enforcement and Removal Operations arm.

There were about 290,000 undocumented immigrants in Arizona as of 2022, and about 11 million nationally, according to estimates from a 2024 Department of Homeland Security report.

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The Border Patrol reported about 565,000 encounters with migrants and asylum seekers in Arizona between ports of entry and at official crossings in fiscal year 2024, which ended Sept. 30. That was about a quarter of the 2.1 million Border Patrol encounters along the entire southwest border, data shows.

Rep. Raul Grijalva, an Arizona Democrat whose congressional district includes a long stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border from Yuma to Douglas, blasted the nomination of Scott to lead CBP and the appointment of Vitello to oversee ICE.

Raul Grijalva: cedes powerful committee seat, averting succession fight

The picks, Grijalva said in a written statement to The Arizona Republic, are deeply troubling and signal a dangerous escalation of xenophobic rhetoric and harmful policies that will tear apart families and further divide our communities.

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Scott has a long history of implementing brutal immigration measures, including family separations, Title 42, and the Remain in Mexico policy, all of which have inflicted immeasurable harm, Grijalva added.

Scotts involvement in an offensive Facebook group filled with racist, misogynistic, and anti-immigrant content underscores the culture he will empower at CBP, Grijalva said.

A Democratic Congressional oversight committee found that Scott, as a high-ranking CBP official, was a member of a secret Facebook group called Im 10-15 made up of CBP agents but took no action to report misconduct. The phrase "10-15" means "aliens in custody" in Border Patrol code

Members of the group joked about the deaths of migrants, joked about throwing burritos at Latino members of Congress and posted a vulgar illustration depicting Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez engaged in oral sex with a detained migrant, according to a ProPublica article.

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Grijalva said that as head of ICE, Vitello would serve as a great ally in enacting his mass deportation agenda.

I will not back down in my fight against these inhumane policies and will use Congress' oversight powers to hold ICE and CBP leadership accountable, Grijalva said in the statement.

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., who will vote on Trump's nominees that require Senate confirmation, struck a neutral tone Friday.

These are important positions for Arizona as a border state and I look forward to getting to know them, their experience, and their plans for these agencies through the confirmation process, Kelly said in a written statement.

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Republican Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot praised Trumps nominee for the CPB job, saying he had a positive impression from Scotts time leading the Border Patrol.

He always had open lines of communication, which we have not seen with this administration at all. He believed in the rule of law and that was something that we appreciated, obviously, Wilmot said. He took care of his troops, which is another big thing.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Trump chooses Nogales-born former US Border Patrol chief for new role
Reacting to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's DNA remark, Maharashtra Samajwadi Party (SP) president Abu Azmi on Friday said that those who make such statements are the people who commit violence. He said that their DNA and Bangaldesh's DNA were the same. This comes after UP CM Adityanath sparked controversy by drawing a comparison between the rioters in Sambhal and those who attacked minorities in Bangladesh, saying that they have the same DNA as Babur. Reacting to Adityanath's remarks, Abu Azmi said that those who make such statements are the ones committing violence as they find temples under every mosque. They are committing injustice despite the 1991 Places of Worship Act in place, the SP leader added. "Those who are giving such statements are the people who are committing violence. They are the ones finding temples under every mosque - in Sambhal, Gyanvapi and Mathura. They are committing injustice despite the 1991 legislation (Places of Worship Act) in place, which states that the religious places will remain the same as they were in 1947. This is happening in Bangladesh too. Their DNA and Bangladesh's DNA are the same," Maharashtra SP President Abu Azmi told ANI. Azmi was visiting Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai's Dadar to pay tributes to Dr BR Ambedkar on his Mahaparinivan Diwas. He appealed to the citizens and the marginalised communities to protect the Constitution. "Everyone should come here (at Chaitya Bhoomi). This personality (Babasaheb Ambedkar) made the constitution and gave equality to all. I salute him. It is because of the constitution that Muslims have dignity in this country. Some people want to undo this (constitution). I appeal to the citizens and the marginalised that the constitution must be protected," Azmi said. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that Sambhal rioters and those who attacked minorities in Bangladesh have the same DNA as Babur. "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," Yogi Adityanath said while addressing the Ramayan Mela's opening ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Katha Park. (ANI)
Dec. 6ABILENE  Texas State Technical College's Fall Commencement ceremony featured several students who have already been hired across the state.

Companies including Koenig & Bauer, NextEra Energy, Rentech Boiler Systems and Warren CAT have hired fall graduates.

Nearly a third of the students who walked across the Abilene Convention Center stage on Thursday, Dec. 5, represented the Vocational Nursing and LVN to RN Transition Nursing programs. More than half of those nursing students have secured jobs in an area from Snyder to Houston.

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"Anytime you can help fill the shortages, especially in the health care field, it is a great thing," Mike Procopio, the cardiopulmonary director at Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital, said in a news release. "We want to do anything we can to help elevate the programs' graduates to get quality candidates in the workforce."

Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital is one of the area hospitals that allow TSTC students to complete clinical sessions as part of the TSTC curriculum.

For the graduates, the ceremony capped off a long journey.

Ashley Harden, of Cleburne, will continue to work with Solaris Healthcare after graduating from the LVN to RN Transition Nursing program.

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"I have been working with Solaris since August. They have been very supportive of me completing school," she said in the release. "TSTC has given me the tools to better myself as a nurse."

Natasha Whiteley, of Westbrook, will move to Houston to work for Angels of Care, a pediatric home health agency.

"This will be a totally different area for me," said the LVN to RN Transition Nursing Program graduate. "I worked in a clinic for eight years and med-surg for two years. I will now be more confident in my decision-making because of my time at TSTC."

Emilyann Dye, of Snyder, graduated with a certificate of completion in Vocational Nursing. She will return to her hometown to work in the medical-surgery department at Cogdell Memorial Hospital.

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"I was able to do my clinicals there, and it was great," she said. "The hospital staff was so great and worked with me to make sure I would be successful."

Elizabeth Allen, of Graham, and Hailey Hendrix, of Breckenridge, also graduated with certificates of completion in Vocational Nursing. While they are still considering job positions, both said they are prepared for the next steps in their careers.

"TSTC taught me the skills I need to be a good nurse," Allen said.

"I am planning to begin the LVN to RN program at TSTC this summer," Hendrix said.

Registration for TSTC's spring semester is underway. To learn more, visit tstc.edu.
There is now a "new political and diplomatic reality" in Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, amid advances by a rebel alliance against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

"Syria belongs to the Syrians along with all their ethnic, sectarian and religious diversity," Erdogan told his ruling party meeting in the south-eastern city of Gaziantep, along the Syrian border.

"The Syrian people will determine the future of their own country," Erdogan added, urging international actors to "support Syria's territorial integrity."

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Turkey hopes Syria will achieve peace "in a very near future," he added.

Ankara will not tolerate any moves endangering its national security, Erdogan said, referring to Syrian Kurdish militia - whom Turkey considers terrorists.

Erdogan had on Friday voiced support for the rebel advance in Syria and said the Assad government failed to "grasp the value of the hand extended by us," referring to his earlier calls for face-to-face talks.
FRANCISCO, Ind. (WEHT)  Two rich pieces of history will now be getting a renovation, after being sold to local buyers in New Harmony and Francisco Indiana.

The old Francisco Elementary School closed in May of 2024 now its being brought back to life by local attorney Renee Black, who says this is a legacy project, wanting to make a meaningful impact on her community and the school she once attended.

I see it as an exciting opportunity to give back to the community that gave it to me when I was younger and supporting me academically in my life path, says Black.

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Black was handed the keys today and she says the community will see work soon, noting renovations and business opportunities for the town of Francisco.

Im hoping to find a good viable tenant for what used to be the first grade and kindergarten classrooms because theres a separate entrance. Were getting security cameras installed. Theres a playground with play equipment and just a wonderful place and thats so many people would benefit from if i could find a great tenant to offer those services to working families, says Black

The Francisco Elementary School is only one of two school building purchases in the Tri-State.

The New Harmony School was also bought by a local. Andrew Wilson with William Wilson auction realty says theres not a lot he can say about the transaction, noting how the town was also interested.

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So the town I think was is was mostly interested in making sure that the property didnt end up in the hands of an owner that would do something that we contribute to to the town to the community and so that was it thats thats what prompted they are interest, ultimately though didnt sold to a private buyer, which they will have to work together with going forward on their reuse plan so again its a win-win for everyone, Says Willson.

A private buyer means theres not many details made public just yet, but Wilson says the idea is also a win-win situation for the community of New Harmony.

We dont actually know what exactly what the plans are, but that that buyer is intending to you know theyll announce those plans when theyre ready, but it is an exciting idea for growth in the community. You know housing, and in things that will contribute to the community, says Willson.

Watch the video above to learn more.

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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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
MONROE COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE)  Two former Monroe County Sheriffs Office employees have been indicted on official misconduct charges.

The sheriffs office released on Friday evening that the two former employees, one of whom was a deputy, had been indicted by a grand jury on December 4. Ava Desiree Hensley, who formerly was a deputy sheriff, was indicted on three counts of official misconduct, and Caleb Anthony Kirkland, a former correction officer, was indicted on one charge of official misconduct.

Fire reported in Rockwood Walmart garden center

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The TBI said on Monday that the two officers are accused of bringing and/or allowing contraband to be brought into the jail.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones, the investigation into the allegations against two deputies began in 2022. Their court date is December 19.

During the course of the investigation, Jones requested the Tenth Judicial District Attorneys Office to continue the investigation with the assistance of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

East Tennessee Christmas tree farmer expects prices to drop in coming years

Both of the individuals accused resigned as the investigation was ongoing. After they were indicted by a grand jury, both Hensley and Kirkland were booked into the Monroe County Jail on Wednesday.

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As your Sheriff of Monroe County, I have promised to uphold my deputies to a higher standard. No one that wears a badge is above the law, and if a law enforcement officer breaks the publics trust by committing a crime, and violating their oath while wearing a badge, then they need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. When I took office as Sheriff, I promised transparency and will continue to be transparent throughout my service as your sheriff, Jones wrote.

Editors note: This story has been updated with new information.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
Two top British Army doctors killed themselves within weeks of each other after spending years in war zones.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Haldane, 45, and his friend Lieutenant Colonel Brett Webster, 47, both served with 16 Medical Regiment, the unit involved in the Armys most dangerous operations.

An inquiry has warned that being on a constant state of high alert without the benefit of any follow-up stress-management support could have had a severe impact on the Army medics mental health.

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Lt Col Haldane, a father-of-three from Ombersley, Worcestershire, was found dead in June 2022 from an overdose.

The following month, in July 2022, Lt Col Webster shot himself at his home in Yarm, North Yorkshire.

The inquiry found that his colleagues death had deeply affected him.

The Army Personnel Services Group inquiry report, published last week with the mens names redacted, has recommended limiting assignments in war zones and high readiness operations to six consecutive years, before medics are moved away for at least one mission, to allow sufficient recovery from the impact of high readiness.

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Lt Col Haldane, a consultant anaesthesiologist, had joined the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1997, and qualified as an airborne officer, before serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and North Africa.

Based at the Royal Centre of Defence Medicine in Birmingham he worked at the citys Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 as clinical lead in 16 Medical Regiment, attached to the Parachute Regiment and special forces.

Lt Col Andrew Haldane (seen front left) qualified as an airborne officer, before serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and North Africa.

In 2016 he was sent on a secret operation that he would not even discuss with his family because of confidentiality and went on to serve as part of Operation Shader against Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria in 2019 and 2020.

During the Covid pandemic, Lt Col Haldane, who the inquiry found to be an effective leader ... professional and unflappable, set up a specialist intubation team at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, helping to save hundreds of lives.

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Lt Col Haldanes wife feared that he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and burnout two months before he disappeared.

Police found his body in a country lane eight miles from his home, two days after he went missing following a shift at the Queen Elizabeth.

The inquiry found factors that contributed to his suicide included having taken part in nine operational deployments without completing any post-operational, stress-management process to identify and cope with trauma.

When Lt Col Haldane went missing Lt Col Webster sent him a text message urging him to make contact if he needed support.

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Lt Col Webster had joined the Royal Army Medical Corps in 2001 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, where intelligence reports warned that insurgents were planning attacks on the medical flights. The inquiry found that this led to him to fixate on the idea that he was going to die in a helicopter.

After being injured he suffered intense guilt at having to switch roles with a colleague based at Camp Bastion, in Helmand province, fearing he had put them in danger.

Exposed to extended periods at high readiness

Lt Col Webster, who was based at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough when not on deployment, returned to Afghanistan in 2013 and later served in Sierra Leone and South Sudan and went on to suffer insomnia and night terrors, the inquiry found.

In August 2021, he became upset at the news that British troops were leaving Afghanistan because he felt that all of the effort there had been in vain.

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The inquiry found that in March 2022 Lt Col Webster became concerned after receiving a call saying that he was being deployed to the operation against IS in Iraq and Syria.

The inquiry found that extended periods of extremely high, very high and high readiness may have impacted both officers, but that there were no accurate records for the men.

It found that medical consultants assigned to 16 Medical Regiment are exposed to extended periods at high readiness and concluded that prolonged unbroken exposure to such pressure, particularly in limited cadres such as consultants, could arrit mental health and wellbeing and affect work-life balance detrimentally.

Major General Tom Bewick, commander of the armys recruiting and initial training command, told the inquiry team that he fully endorsed the reports findings and that a number of its 34 recommendations were close to being completed.

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An Army spokesperson said: Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with the family and friends of Lieutenant Colonels Andrew Haldane and Brett Webster at this sad and difficult time.

Our service personnel are our most valued asset, and their health and wellbeing is of paramount importance to us. We owe a clear duty of care to our personnel and are reviewing and actioning the 34 recommendations made in the Service Inquiry report as a matter of urgency.

We take our responsibilities as an organisation extremely seriously and are wholly committed to improving organisational learning to minimise the chances of any repetition.

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Washington state Sen. Mike Chapman, a Port Angeles Democrat, was sworn into office Friday by Chief Justice Steven Gonzalez of the Washington Supreme Court. (Legislative Support Services)

Mike Chapman became Washingtons newest state senator Friday, a day after resigning from the state House of Representatives.

Chapman, a Port Angeles Democrat, was elected last month to succeed Sen. Kevin Van De Wege, who did not seek re-election. Chapman was sworn in Friday to fill the vacancy created when Van De Wege resigned in October.

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Its humbling. Ive been an invited guest on the Senate floor and now, to stand here as a senator, it is kind of surreal, Chapman said a few minutes after Supreme Court Justice Steven Gonzalez administered the oath of office inside the Senate chamber.

With Chapman now a senator, Democrat Adam Bernbaum got an early start on his legislative career. Bernbaum, elected last month to succeed Chapman, took the oath Friday afternoon. Hannan Wise-Maas, his wife and a public notary, did the swearing-in at the House dais.

Washington state Rep. Adam Bernbaum, D-Port Angeles, is congratulated by House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, after taking the oath of office on Friday. (Legislative Support Services)

Its a great honor. I think the gravity of the moment is just settling in, said Bernbaum, a Port Angeles resident who was Van De Weges legislative assistant before stepping down to run for office.

Moments later, House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, and House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle, came onto the House floor to congratulate the newest member of their caucus.

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Chapman and Bernbaum represent the 24th Legislative District encompassing Clallam, Jefferson and Grays Harbor counties on the Olympic Peninsula.

Chapman joins the Senate following four terms in the House. He will be vice chair of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee after serving as chair of the House Rural Development, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee.

He will also be a member of the Senate Health & Long-Term Care and Transportation committees. And he is deputy chair of capital budget assuring his involvement in the writing and negotiating of the Senates next capital budget.

Chapman lives in Port Angeles with his wife, Bobbi. They have two grown sons.

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BRANSON, Mo.  Two women who were seriously injured while riding the Copperhead Mountain Coaster at the Shepherd of the Hills Park in Branson in early November have filed a federal lawsuit against the company.

The lawsuit alleges that the Parks negligence and failure to enforce safety standards were directly responsible for the life-threatening injuries they sustained on the Copperhead Mountain Coaster.

According to the federal lawsuit, Kinda Renfro and Debra Rhodes from Texas, who were both 54 years old, were passing through the Ozarks on a road trip with their husbands when they decided to stop at Shepherd of the Hills on Nov. 2, 2024. While riding the Copperhead Mountain Coaster, the lawsuit states that both women were being violently thrown around in their cart before being ejected from the ride.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Two injured after falling off mountain coaster at Shepherd of the Hills

The lawsuit accuses the Park of ignoring safety guidelines on Nov. 2 by allowing both women to ride in a single cart. The lawsuit says the park required that anyone 16 years or older cannot be a passenger in a single cart at the time of the incident. The park also let both women ride in the same cart despite being weighed and found that they were near the maximum weight of 325 pounds in dry conditions and did not secure and belt the passengers at the beginning of the ride, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit also alleges that the park removed its prohibition of allowing two adults in the same cart from its website following the incident in order to avoid liability implications.

Both Renfro and Rhodes suffered serious, life-threatening injuries from the incident. Renfros injuries included serious head injuries, a punctured lung, broken ribs, a broken neck and more. Rhodes injuries included a serious head injury, lung damage that caused blood to seep into the lungs, numerous broken ribs, severe neck and back herniations and more.

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The plaintiffs are seeking $50 million in damages, according to the lawsuit. They have also demanded a jury trial for the incident.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
Tyler Perry has been doing good for the Turpin family behind closed doors, according to Oprah Winfrey.

During the Paley Honors Fall Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 4, Winfrey, 70, spoke of Perry's charity work as he was honored with The Paley Honors Award for his landmark achievements in media.



"Remember the Turpin children?" Winfrey asked those in attendance. "Diane Sawyer did a primetime special on these children who had been tortured and abused and locked in their home by their parents, and remember, the one daughter escaped out of the window and ran and told the neighbor?"

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"Tyler saw that special, and he reached out, and until this moment, no one has known that Tyler Perry has been taking care of those now almost grown children, making sure they have the financial, the psychological and the emotional support to grow themselves forward," she continued.

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.



Leon Bennett/FilmMagic Tyler Perry at The Paley Center for Media Fall Gala in December 2024 Tyler Perry at The Paley Center for Media Fall Gala in December 2024

Related: Turpin Family: What to Know About the 'House of Horrors' and Where the Siblings Are Now

In early 2018, Jordan Turpin  who was 17 at the time  escaped her familys California home and called 911 to report the abuse that her parents, David and Louise Turpin, had inflicted on their 13 children for years.

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Jordan and her siblings were routinely physically, verbally and mentally abused by their parents, who reportedly chained their children to their beds and deprived them of food and the ability to exercise.

David-Louis Turpin/Facebook The Turpin family

David and Louise were eventually convicted on 14 felony counts and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. The Turpin siblings, who ranged from 2 to 29 at the time of their rescue  have since made new lives for themselves and have a strong bond with one another.



Gilbert Flores/Variety/Getty Tyler Perry and Oprah in December 2023. Tyler Perry and Oprah in December 2023.

Related: Tyler Perry Reflects on 'Effects of Trauma' and His Recent 'Intensive Therapy' in Heartbreaking Speech at Paley Honors

Winfrey went on to speak more about Perry's philanthropy, saying, "He is the quiet Good Samaritan. He's the fixer. He's the healer."

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"Most of his charity, no one ever sees or hears about. The majority of people watch the news and they think, 'Oh, what a shame,' [but] Tyler watches and says, 'What can I do to make a change?' " she added.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Winfrey then recalled an instance when Perry, 55, was there for her in a time of need: "Once, I was going through some crisis and Tyler flew from Georgia to California, knocked on my door and surprised me."

"I opened the door and he said, 'I needed to see your face. You're going to be all right,' and he turned around and went back home," she continued. "I will never forget it. I will take that moment to my grave because Tyler is a miracle."

Read the original article on People
Tyler Perry is literally living in a safe haven, and he has technology to thank for it!

The director's home security system reportedly kept him safe from the wandering hands of home burglars and masked intruders who attempted to invade his home.

Tyler Perry has an enviable real estate portfolio spanning hundreds of millions of dollars and splattered across various luxury neighborhoods in the United States.

Tyler Perry's Home Invasion Plot Foiled Due To Timely High-Tech Detection

MEGA

The actor's luxury home kept him safely tucked in when masked intruders attempted to disturb his peace and cart away his valuables.

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Law enforcement confirmed that four intruders wearing masks and gloves infiltrated Perry's Los Angeles-area property early Wednesday evening.

Perry's 24-hour security team reportedly kept the group under close surveillance. The home's thermal imaging camera system swiftly identified the intruders, prompting security guards to get the individuals off the property.

Inside sources close to the incident reported to TMZ that one of the intruders dropped a bag in a ravine next to Tyler's home, which was later recovered.

What Tools Were Discovered Inside The Burglar's Mystery Bag?

Perry's home intruders certainly did not come with the best intentions, judging from the content of their bag. The recovered bag reportedly contained tools often used by burglars, including crowbars, bolt cutters, screwdrivers, gloves, a hat, and a saw.

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They also found a cell phone and other items commonly used in home intrusions. The actor's security team called the LAPD to address the situation, but when the police arrived at the scene, the intruders were long gone.

The cops have taken a report for an attempted burglary, but no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. Sources close to Perry revealed that he was not home at the time and had left before all the commotion because of some media duties.

Inside The Director's Lavish Flair For Luxurious Real Estate

The Hollywood legend has a thing for collecting sprawling buildings like infinity stones and is not a fan of doing it subtly.

Perry's house boasts a wide range of tasteful designs and modern aesthetics, including an Atlanta mega-mansion with an underground ballroom. There is also an extravagant film studio lot where Black Panther was shot and a luxe log cabin in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

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The serial businessman has also bought and sold several luxury estates in Los Angeles. His Beverly Hills villa famously hosted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the start of the pandemic. The actor has, however, been super intentional in selecting the sites for his real estate venture.

Perry has seemingly developed a niche for choosing a number of properties that have ties to slavery and racial injustice as part of a steady but firm effort toward reclaiming these historical structures.

He is also a generous man who has donated millions to help the old and vulnerable in Atlanta at risk of losing their homes. In 2023, the actor contributed towards building a new home for Josephine Wright, a 93-year-old woman fighting to retain a property that had been in her family since the Civil War.

The Producer Splurged Half A Million Dollars On A New Home For Cocoa Brown

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The scriptwriter extended his generosity to Brown after she lost her home. As reported by The Blast in February, the actress shared that she received a whopping sum of $400k from Perry.

Brown expressed her gratitude to the "Madea" creator for showing up in her trying time. She also extended her appreciation to everyone who donated to her cause.

The mother of one, fortunately, escaped the fire unharmed with her son and confessed to feeling a rollercoaster of emotions afterward.

Brown recalled the devastating feelings of loss as she watched her home burn down to ashes and stressed that her priority was ensuring her young son, Phoenix, was safe and sound.

Tyler Perry Was Joined By Colleagues To Bring Brown's Home Back To Life

MEGA

While the actor holds the record for the most publicly known donation, other celebrities have donated handsomely to Brown's GoFundMe page.

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Hollywood stars like Tiffany Haddish, Marlon Wayans, Byron Allen, Sherri Shepherd, and "The Breakfast Club" podcast team also doled huge sums to the cause.

The "Better Or Worse" actress declared that she and her son were touched by the outpouring of love they have received. She noted that the love and support overshadowed the pain of losing her home. In her esteemed words:

"Having each other, our fur babies, and seeing and feeling all this love has strengthened our love for each other and humanity."

Tyler Perry will be around doing his great deeds for a very long time with his fortress of a home!
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Friday visited the Burari Electric Bus Depot on Friday to inspect the charging infrastructure and facilities available for buses. She said that adopting electric buses was a major step in the direction to curb rising air pollution in the national capital. "For the past seven to eight years, Delhi has been battling pollution, especially during October, November, and December when the air quality worsens significantly. When pollution levels began to rise, Arvind Kejriwal emphasised that while the stubble burning outside Delhi contributes to the issue, the city would take every possible step to combat pollution. Adopting electric buses was a major move in this direction," Delhi CM Atishi said in a press release. The CM informed that Delhi has nearly 2,000 electric buses, which is the second largest fleet in the world, that plays an important role in fighting against air pollution. "Under the guidance of Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi today boasts the world's second-largest fleet of nearly 2,000 electric buses, playing a pivotal role in the fight against pollution. We are continuously adding electric buses to the DTC fleet, and the day is not far when Delhi will have the largest fleet of electric buses in the world," CM Atishi said. The Chief Minister credited the success of the electric bus initiative to the charging infrastructure initiated by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The Burai bus depot has 32 fast-charging stations that enable buses to run 150 kilometres on just an hour of charging. The depot can accommodate 160 buses and also has an automated washing system to maintain the fleet. "The AAP government ensured the necessary charging infrastructure to support the electric bus revolution," CM Atishi said. After the inspection, the Chief Minister interacted with bus drivers and conductors in their common room at the depot. The staff expressed their satisfaction with the facilities available at the depot. "DTC is the lifeline of Delhi. Its drivers and conductors not only operate buses but also ensure the city keeps moving by ferrying over 40 lakh people daily to their destinations, thereby sustaining the city's economy," CM Atishi said. (ANI)
I am a moderate Republican, veteran and poll worker. To all of you who voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 election, way to go! You are now getting what you wanted: a disgruntled, vindictive, loose cannon for president again (Wisconsin Republicans support Trump picks, Nov. 18).

His nominations to certain key positions in his administration could not be individuals who are less qualified for their positions. Those nominees are Matt Gaetz for attorney general (who later withdrew), Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense, Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services Department secretary.

These individuals were not selected because of their experience but rather because they are diehard Trump loyalists. He is setting a dangerous precedent by choosing loyalty over experience.

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Letters: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could do positive things at Health and Human Services

Letters: I'm disillusioned after Joe Biden betrayed our trust with Hunter Biden pardon

I fear this is only the beginning. My only hope is that the future-led Republican Senate, which will be responsible for confirming these nominations and others, will remember their constitutional duty to fairly and objectively scrutinize each nominee impartially.

It is critical to the security and safety of the United States and the entire world that nominees with impeccable credentials, experience, character and integrity be selected for such important positions within our government.

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Michael Heyer, Ballwin, MO

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump voters getting what they wanted with loose cannon | Letters
UK Defence Intelligence has noted that most of the Russian advances in recent weeks have been centred on three fronts in Donetsk Oblast.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence update on X (Twitter) dated 7 December, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The update specifically highlights three areas in Donetsk Oblast: the Pokrovsk axis, the Kurakhove axis, and the Velyka Novosilka axis, which are closely interconnected.

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On the Pokrovsk axis, Russia has been making gradual progress towards the city of Pokrovsk. Russian forces have seized the town of Selydove and are expanding their front in the area. Russian troops remain about 6-7 km from Pokrovsk itself.

In addition, the update says Russian troops are likely engaged in fighting in the centre of Kurakhove.

"Kurakhove forms an important section of the front line and its seizure would allow Russian forces to consolidate positions in the area and set conditions for further advances westwards," the update says.

UK intelligence also drew attention to a limited counteroffensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces north of Velyka Novosilka, which allowed them to retake the village of Novyi Komar from Russian troops.

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"Despite this, Russian efforts to cut off the supply routes on the northern approach to Velyka Novosilka and encircle the town continue. Russian forces are also pushing towards Velyka Novosilka from the south, recently capturing the village of Blahodatne," the update says.

Background:

In a previous update, UK intelligence reported that in November, the average daily casualties (killed and wounded in action) of Russian occupation forces in Ukraine reached a new record.

Earlier, the Estonian General Staff reported that neither Ukraine nor Russia had been able to make significant breakthroughs on the front lines during the week, although active hostilities continued along the entire war zone.

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For the current day, Ukraine plans to import 12,040 MWh of electricity from the EU countries bordering Ukraine.

Source: press service for the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine

Quote: "For the current day, imports from Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary and Moldova are forecast to total a volume of 12,040 MWh and a capacity of 1,052 MW."

Details: In addition, during the day, power companies restored power supply to 19,440 consumers who were cut off from the grid due to combat actions.

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The water level in the temporarily Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) cooling pond is 14.11 metres, which is enough to meet the plant's needs.

Background:

The number of power outages in Kyiv has increased by one third due to the simultaneous switching on of energy-intensive appliances by Kyiv residents after the power was restored according to the schedule.

The government urges businesses to import electricity.

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Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed solidarity with Romania against the backdrop of Russia's unprecedented hybrid attack against Romanian democracy.

Source: a statement issued by Ukraine's Foreign Ministry

Details: The Foreign Ministry stated that Russia's blatant interference in Romania's internal affairs is an attempt to deprive the Romanian people of their constitutional right to free expression of their will.

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"This is yet another episode of Russia's broader hybrid aggression against Europe and the rest of the free world, which has been manifested recently in Russia's active efforts to undermine the situation in Georgia, Moldova and a number of other countries," the statement said.

The Foreign Ministry emphasised that Russia's meddling in Romania's internal affairs reinforces earlier assertions by Ukraine's Foreign Ministry that the Kremlin's aggressive ambitions extend well beyond Ukraine, targeting EU and NATO countries as well.

"The response to such Russian threats must be united and resolute, particularly by providing maximum support to Ukraine in countering Russian aggression in order to maintain stability in Europe and the world," the Foreign Ministry said.

Background:

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First, the Romanian Constitutional Court recognised the validity of the first round of the presidential election, where the anti-Western Calin Georgescu shockingly emerged victorious. On Friday, voting in the second round began at polling stations abroad.

However, on 6 December, after an urgent meeting, the Constitutional Court annulled the results of the first round on the grounds that it had received many new requests for such a move and had reviewed information from intelligence agencies.

The requests referred to declassified documents from the Supreme Council of National Defence, which revealed that the campaign of pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu was part of a coordinated foreign manipulation effort.

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Stopped on the streets of Lviv, a middle-aged man in a black windbreaker opened up about Ukraines prospects for peace.

I would rather live in a smaller Ukraine, but in a happier and safer one, he told a local TV reporter in the western city.

If Ukraine is to end the war in 2025, it will probably have to sacrifice portions of its territory. Moscow occupies parts of the eastern Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia regions and has demanded their entirety in any ceasefire agreement.

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On the back foot across the front line, Ukraine has little chance of evicting Russias forces.

I ask myself this question all the time and I cant answer it, the Lviv resident said, reflecting on the dilemma now facing president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Those territories, it seems to me, have moved away from us so much psychologically that they have become non-Ukrainian, he said before being struck by doubt: Maybe so, maybe they were waiting for us to return.

Throughout the country, such talk is in the air.

Volodymyr Zelensky brings flowers to the Wall of Remembrance of Fallen Defenders - AFP via Getty

Donald Trump has promised to end the war within 24 hours of his inauguration next month.

On Saturday, he shook hands with Mr Zelensky in Paris ahead of the reopening of Notre-Dame cathedral. But getting the Ukrainian president to bury the hatchet with Vladimir Putin is an infinitely more complicated task.

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Putins stated war aims include the demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine (in other words, stripping it of an army and changing its leadership).

Other war aims included a neutral status (banning it from Nato) and recognition of new territorial realities.

In November, Mr Zelensky for the first time suggested he would be open to temporarily relinquishing parts of the east in exchange for an end to the hot phase of the war.

But that does not amount to a willingness to stand down or recognition of Russia annexing huge swathes of eastern Ukraine. Instead, he has vowed to pursue the return of the regions through diplomacy.

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And at the same time, Mr Zelensky demands Nato membership  or protection under the Nato umbrella  and enough military support to ensure that Putin cannot simply bide his time before launching another attack.

Clearly bridging such a divide will take longer than a single day. Mr Trumps plans, judging by his public remarks and those of the retired Gen Keith Kellogg, his Ukraine envoy, go something like this.

The lines are frozen along the current line of contact. That stops the fighting and prevents Russia from taking more land, but also stops Ukraine from liberating the territory it has lost.

Ukraine does not get Nato membership. This is partly as a concession to Russia and partly because America, Germany, and several other key members do not want Ukraine joining either.

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In lieu, it might get a peacekeeping force manned by troops from European Nato members (because Mr Trump wont send US forces), including Britain, who will patrol no mans land and enforce the ceasefire.

Boris Johnson backed that idea in an interview with The Telegraph last week; Anna Baebocker, the German foreign minister, has refused to rule out sending German troops.

These form a hair trigger force that deters future Russian attacks.

Ukraine and (most) of its Western allies refuse to officially recognise Russian control over the occupied territories, including Crimea, but that makes little practical difference because the goal of military reconquest has been renounced.

Ukraine may get a peacekeeping force made up of EU Nato members such as Germany and Britain in lieu of Nato security - Sergey Kozlov/Shutterstock

In theory, there are benefits for everyone here. Losing chunks of the east and south would be bitter for Ukraine, but would secure peace and lasting independence.

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Putin would get Ukrainian neutrality, de facto conquest of the land-bridge to Crimea, and a victory he can easily sell back home.

He does not need Ukrainian and Western recognition of his annexation to hold on to that, or to retain an irredentist claim over the lands he still covets.

Yet neither side really seems interested.

Russia is still advancing, apparently trying to seize as much extra land as possible before talks begin. Putin and other officials like Sergei Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, have ruled out compromising on their war aims.

For Ukraine, a ceasefire without the necessary security guarantees to enforce it would be almost pointless.

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They can only stop fighting predicated on security guarantees from the West, said Sam Greene, a professor of Russian politics at Kings College London. But the kind of security guarantees that would work are not on the table.

So the negotiation that matters is the negotiation between Ukraine and the West. Until the West gives Ukraine Nato-style security guarantees  either full membership with Article Five, or pretty damned close to it  I dont see how we get there.

Otherwise, these ideas are just castles and unicorns in the sky.

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Credit: 73rd Naval Special Operations Center

And what of the people on the ground?

Putin can sell pretty much any settlement he likes to the Russian public and elite. For them, the war is still a distant irrelevance. With full control of the media and all branches of power, the predictable grumbles of the hard-Right about surrender will easily be brushed aside.

Mr Zelensky, who runs a famously fractious democracy, has a much trickier job. His own approval ratings are already sliding, and exhausted Ukrainians are divided over whether to negotiate and what concessions to accept.

Ive been abroad for work for the past two weeks  I mean sleeping properly, with no air raid alarms, so I think Ukraine should continue fighting, said Katya, a Kyiv-based charity worker.

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Whereas when you are in Ukraine and going insane because of sleep deprivation, constant bombing, no electricity  I say f*** it, please just stop the war.

So it heavily depends on your personal situation. How close to the front line you live, do you have loved ones in the army etc. One thing is for sure. Everyone is exhausted.

Vladimir Putin and Russian officials like Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister, have ruled out compromising on their war aims - Gavriil Grigorov/AFP

Can Mr Zelensky bridge the divide between Ukrainians willing to talk, and those who want to fight on?

Yes and no, says Volodymyr Fesenko, director of the Penta political science think tank in Kyiv.

The polls show about a third of Ukrainians are against talks with the Russians or concessions to Russia. About a third are for ending the war, including with big concessions. About another third support talks, but do not want to accept big concessions, he said.

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The sharpest critic of Zelensky is, of course, former president Petro Poroshenko. But he is taking a very subtle position. He is not against negotiations, because he himself signed the Minsk agreements and he knows perfectly well that talks are inevitable, said Mr Fesenko.

Katya believes Mr Zelensky would not dare to sign away territories without a security guarantee. But if he gets one, thats a different matter.

Mr Fesenko, who has watched Ukrainian politics for decades, guessed a deal freezing the war but not amounting to surrender would deal a blow to Mr Zelenskys prestige, but would probably be accepted by the public.

The only person who could beat Mr Zelensky in a post-war election, Valery Zaluzhny, the former commander in chief and current ambassador to London, would be unlikely to reverse such a deal. He understands the dangers of continuing the war more than anyone, said Mr Fesenko.

Again, all this comes down to Putin. And while he may be willing to sacrifice the most expansionist of his goals in Ukraine, he also has more darkly pragmatic reasons for dragging on the war for as long as possible.

It sometimes seems strange, but Mr Putin is fundamentally a cautious person, said Prof Greene.

The war drives the economy, drives repression, keeps the elites and public focused on Putin, and is broadly popular. So Id be surprised if he felt he had to risk upsetting all that unless he really had to.

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LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will begin a multi-day visit to the Gulf on Sunday, his first trip to the region since taking office, seeking stronger economic and defence ties with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

He will aim to boost investment and deepen defence and security partnerships, the government said in a statement on Saturday, describing the two Middle Eastern countries as "some of the UK's most vital modern-day partners."

Starmer, elected to lead the world's sixth-largest economy in July, will arrive in the UAE on Sunday, where he is due to hold talks with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday. He will fly to Saudi Arabia later on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

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Stability in the Middle East is expected to be "high up the agenda" during the visit, including the pressing need for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the urgent acceleration of aid into Gaza, the statement added.

"There is huge untapped potential in this region," said Starmer, who is aiming to secure investment from wealthy Gulf states to help fund his mission to rebuild Britain's ageing infrastructure and shift to cleaner energy.

"I will be making the case to accelerate progress on the Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, deepen our research and development collaboration and partner on projects of the future," he added in the statement.

The government counts both the Gulf monarchies as major investors, with trade between Britain and the UAE worth 23 billion pounds ($29.3 billion) and that with Saudi Arabia estimated at 17 billion pounds.

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British trade ministers visited the region in September to try to advance free trade deal talks with the GCC, which also includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. Such a deal is estimated to increase bilateral trade by 16% and potentially add 8.6 billion pounds a year in the long run.

Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, was in Britain for a state visit earlier this week, where he was welcomed by King Charles and Starmer in a show of ceremonial pageantry. The trip ended with the two countries pledging to bolster their investment relationship.

Starmer will travel to Cyprus to meet President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday, the first bilateral visit by a British leader to the Commonwealth country in over five decades, to discuss closer cooperation on shared security challenges in the region, the statement added.

($1 = 0.7848 pounds)

(Reporting by Muvija M; editing by Clelia Oziel)
The United Nations is withdrawing non-essential staff from Syria amid the current escalation in the country's civil war, a spokesman said on Saturday.

The UN is to continue to provide services to support the Syrian people in the country, he added.

Syria has been in the throes of a civil war since 2011, when security forces responded violently to protests against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

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Around 14 million people have been displaced and 300,000 civilians killed so far, according to UN estimates.

The conflict flared up again on November 27 when a rebel alliance led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham began an offensive in north-western Syria in an attempt to overthrow the Syrian government.
Dec. 7A half-dozen University of New England students put their classroom knowledge to work last summer helping local partners tackle sustainability challenges such as how to reduce extreme heat, lay hiking trails through wetlands, and help businesses reduce their carbon footprints.

The students were UNE's first sustainability fellows, each paid a $6,800 stipend to work full time over 10 weeks to address real-world sustainability challenges identified by local community partners, such as Climatework Maine, The Ecology School and Nonantum Resort.

"For me, the fellowship was like a trial run for my career," said Abby Tasca, a 21-year-old from Worcester. "As a marine biology major, I thought I'd do research. But I keep taking marine affairs and law classes. So this summer was a test. Could I really love the business side?"

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For Tasca, who spent 400 hours building a five-year business plan for The Ecology School in Saco, the answer was a resounding yes. She especially loved doing a market analysis to find growth opportunities for the educational environmental camp and learning center.

Cameron Wake, the director of UNE's Center for North Atlantic Studies, hopes the program he launched will train the next generation of sustainability leaders, aid community partners seeking help on specific sustainability challenges, and build an official sustainability network in southern Maine.

"We want to co-produce the research questions and co-produce the research agenda and methods with our partners," Wake said. "We ask for proposals on what challenge our partners want to address. So it's very much their program, solving their practical sustainability challenges."

The university and the community partner split the cost of the stipend and agree to closely mentor the students throughout the summer, Wake said.

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Kittery Town Manager Kendra Amaral said the municipality has already put to use the shade tree plan that junior Alexis Weaver created during her fellowship to address urban heat islands: areas of the city that are hotter due to a concentration of buildings, roads and sun-absorbing infrastructure.

Weaver, an environmental science major minoring in geographic information systems, mapped Kittery's heat islands and created a shade tree key to help the town pick the best shade tree to plant in any island, including five new shade trees just planted to increase "walkability" near the library, Amaral said.

"It's a what-to-plant-where guide," Amaral said. "It's not a plan that is sitting on a shelf somewhere gathering dust. We're already using it on municipal projects. Now we've got it posted to the town website so private landowners and businesses can make use of it, too."

Weaver identified nine heat islands in Kittery, her hometown, ranging from the outlet malls full of big roofs and big parking lots to the heavily developed Foreside neighborhood to low-income neighborhoods with little landscaping, such as Admiralty Village and Yankee Mobile Homes.

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On one summer day, she logged a 20 degree temperature differential between the town's typical urban heat island, Kittery Trading Post, which clocked in at 95 degrees, and a typical forested coastal area, like Gerrish Island, which clocks in at 75 degrees.

Weaver used that example often when talking to residents about Kittery's need to boost tree shade.

"I enjoyed talking with people at the farmer's market, where I set up a booth to share my findings and solicit feedback about what people want to do about the heat islands," Weaver said. "I really came out of my shell because I felt like I was helping and hearing from my neighbors."

Mia Meister and Juliann LaPierre, who graduated last spring with marine science and environmental science degrees respectively, mapped out a path for a perimeter 2.4-mile hiking trail that sidesteps wetlands at Meadow Woods, Kennebunkport Conservation Trust's newest preserve.

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At the end of the summer, the trust hired them part-time to finish building the trail they designed.

"Our primary goal was to bridge the gap between conservation, education, and recreation," Meister said. "We understood the importance of creating opportunities for people to immerse themselves in nature and learn more about their surroundings so that they will be more inclined to protect these ecosystems."

UNE solicited community proposals this fall for next summer's sustainability fellows. The university  which is helping communities initiate local climate action planning  starts accepting applications from would-be student fellows on Dec. 7.

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The Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor began at 7:48 a.m. on December 7, 1941.

The attack killed some 2,400 Americans and wounded many others, while sinking four battleships.

Photographs show the immediate aftermath of the attack that drew America into World War II.

December 7, 1941, began as a perfect Sunday morning for the troops serving the US fleet at Pearl Harbor.

Under a early morning South Pacific sun, softball teams were lining up on the beach. Pitchers warmed up their arms, while batting rosters were finalized and the wives and kids came over from seaside church services.

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They did not know that for hours the Japanese naval fleet and air forces had been speeding across the ocean toward America's Pacific base. There, like a string of pearls draped across the docks and waterfront, was the majority of America's naval might.

The devastating Japanese onslaught began at 7:48 a.m., eventually killing 2,402 Americans and wounding many others, sinking four battleships and damaging many more.

The US promised never to forget this day of infamy. The attack spurred America into World War II, leading ultimately to Allied victory over the Japanese in the East and Nazis and other Axis powers in the West.

Here are photographs from the attack on Pearl Harbor and its immediate aftermath.

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Amanda Macias and Kamelia Angelova contributed to an earlier version of this story.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, an attack planned by Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto to demobilize the US Navy was carried out.

One of more than 180 planes used in the attack. AP

Around 7 a.m., an Army radar operator spotted the first wave of the Japanese planes. The officers who received these reports did not consider them significant enough to take action.

An aerial view of Battleship Row in the opening moments of the raid. US Navy

The Japanese hit most of the US ships in Oahu before 9 a.m.

A Japanese plane flying over Pearl Harbor as black smoke rises from the area. AP

The Japanese also took the opportunity to attack military airfields while bombing the fleet in Pearl Harbor. The purpose of these simultaneous attacks was to destroy American planes before they could respond.

A naval air station airfield. US Navy

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More than 90 ships were anchored at Pearl Harbor. The primary targets were the eight battleships in Battleship Row.

Battleship Row during the attack. US Navy

The USS West Virginia, left, was one of the battleships to sink during the attack. The Japanese successfully damaged all eight.

The West Virginia and the USS Tennessee. US Navy

At about 8:10 a.m., the USS Arizona exploded as a bomb ignited its forward ammunition magazine. About half of the total number of Americans killed that day were on this ship.

Explosions during the attack. US Navy

Here's another picture of the USS Arizona sinking.

The USS Arizona sinking. AP

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The USS Shaw, a destroyer, also exploded during the two-hour attack by Japan.

The USS Shaw was also hit. US Navy

The damaged USS Nevada tried to escape to open sea but became a target during the second wave of 170 Japanese planes, hoping to sink it and block the narrow entrance to Pearl Harbor. The ship was grounded with 60 killed on board.

USS Nevada. National Archives and Records Administration

A Japanese plane hit by American naval antiaircraft fire was engulfed in flames. Fewer than 30 Japanese planes were lost in the attack.

A Japanese plane on fire. AP

About 190 US planes were destroyed, and another 159 were damaged.

Hickam Field near Pearl Harbor. AP

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Sailors at the Naval Air Station in Kaneohe, Hawaii, attempted to salvage a burning PBY Catalina in the aftermath of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

PBY Catalina, an amphibious aircraft. US Navy

People in New York's Times Square bought newspapers with headlines like this one, "Japs Attack US." The US entered World War II after the surprise attack.

News soon reached the East Coast. AP

Salvage work soon began on the destroyers USS Cassin and USS Downes. The Japanese failed to damage any US aircraft carriers, which weren't in the harbor.

Damage from the attack. US Navy

About 10% of Japanese planes were lost on December 7, 1941.

A Japanese torpedo plane was hoisted from the bottom of the sea. AP

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The USS Oklahoma was considered too old to be worth repairing.

One of the Oklahoma's propellers peeking out from the water. US Navy

Here, a Marine holds a piece of shrapnel removed from his arm after the attack.

More than 1,100 service members were wounded. US Marine Corps

Sailors participated in a memorial service for the more than 2,400 Americans killed in the attack.

The attack killed some 2,400 Americans and wounded many others. Library of Congress

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Chhattisgarh Forest Department on Friday issued an advisory after a tiger was spotted in the residential area, appealing to the locals not to visit the forest area and return to their homes. "This is to inform that a tiger was spotted in your village, who is in Parasi (village) right now. We are instructing you not to visit the forest. Those who went to do farming and for labour should return to their homes," a police official informed locals of the area. Meanwhile, Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) Forest Mohar Singh Markam said that the forest department cleared the way within a radius of at least four kilometres for the tiger and the villagers who reside within two kilometres of the tiger's location were told to avoid going out for farming. "This tiger has come from Kanha Tiger Reserve. This is the MP Chhattisgarh border... Marwahi range... Our tiger is in Parasi. Right now, the tiger is outside the forest area... We have cleared the way within a radius of three to four kilometres. The villagers within a radius of two kilometres have been told not to go for farming... We have also called the tiger experts. Now there will be continuous monitoring..." Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) Forest Mohar Singh Markam told ANI. (ANI)
United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was brazenly murdered in the middle of Manhattan. The shocking killing has left people wanting to learn more about the victim and details of the tragedy.

What Happened to UHC CEO Brian Thompson?

Thompson was gunned down in front of a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, 2024. The incident occurred around 6:45 a.m. when the suspect approached Thompson from behind and fired a shot into his back. After Thompson stumbled into the wall, the suspect moved closer and fired more shots into his chest. Thompson was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. He was 50 years old.

Multiple reports stated that Thompson was headed to the UnitedHealth Groups annual investors meeting that was scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m.

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Thompson was a married father of two sons, but he and his wife, Paulette Thompson, were living in separate homes at the time of his death, according to the Wall Street Journal. He had reportedly purchased a $1 million home close to where his children and Paulette lived.

Paulette revealed that Thompson had recently received threats, but still made the decision to travel to NYC for the investors meeting.

Yes, there had been some threats basically I dont know, a lack of coverage? I dont know details, Paulette told NBC News in an interview published on December 4, 2024. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.

She later sent a text message to the local station FOX 9 regarding Thompsons death.

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"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, Paulette wrote, per People. "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."

Details About the Suspect Who Killed UHC CEO Brian Thompson

The suspect was wearing a dark jacket with a hood and he wore a mask that obscured his face. He was also wearing a backpack. Law enforcement officials believe the murder was a targeted attack, as the killer ignored passersby after arriving at the door Thompson used approximately 10 minutes before he exited the building.

Motives behind the killing remain unknown. However, shell casings discovered at the scene reportedly had the words deny, defend and depose written on them, which may have been a reference to a 2010 book titled Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Dont Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It.

What Was UHC CEO Brian Thompson's Net Worth Before Death?

On December 5, 2024, the New York Police Department released new images of the suspect that showed a portion of his face. The photos were taken from an Upper West Side youth hostel. Authorities said the suspect arrived in Manhattan 10 days before the shooting occurred on November 24, 2024, per the New York Times. He was staying at the HI New York City Hostel on Amsterdam Avenue near 104th Street in Manhattan. While he checked out on November 29, 2024, he then checked back in the following day. Upon his return, he used a fake New Jersey ID to check into his room, according to police.

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The suspect was noted going through Central Park, but, according to law enforcement officials, he may have been aware of cameras because he seemingly stuck to areas of the park with no security surveillance. Investigators also believe the suspect dropped a water bottle at the scene of the crime. While the bottle did have fingerprints on it, they were smudged, making them useless in the investigation. The killer is still at large at the time of publication.

On December 6, police commissioner Jessica Tisch revealed that authorities had reason to believe the suspect had already left New York City. Law enforcement officials also told CNN that they found the backpack belonging to the suspect in Central Park. The backpack was then sent to a lab in Queens for forensic testing.

Police discovered the backpack south of the carousel in Central Park hidden between two large rocks. Officers secured the area where it was located and then sealed it, unopened, before it was sent for testing. The backpack will not be opened until it reaches the lab, and an NYPD spokesperson said that the item still has to be processed.

UHC CEO Brian Thompsons Murder Has Other Execs on Edge

The news of Thompsons murder set off a barrage of worries about security and safety for other high-end business executives, especially in the healthcare industry. United Healthcare quickly removed the names of its other executives from its website, according to 404 Media, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medica and more did the same.

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Many social media users began sharing their frustrations with the insurance industry as a whole with many recalling incidents when specific claims were denied.

Theres a latent undercurrent here of how frustrated people are with the healthcare industry, Ranjay Gulati, a Harvard Business School professor, told the New York Times in an article published on December 6, 2024. Im not condoning the action in any way, but theres a lot of soul-searching we have to do about an industry that consumes nearly 20 percent of our G.D.P. and yet our outcomes are not nearly as good as countries that spend half as much.

Police Name Luigi Mangione as a Person of Interest

Luigi Mangione was named a person of interest in Thompson's murder after being taken into custody in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9. He got off a Greyhound bus and entered a local McDonald's, where several patrons recognized him from a surveillance photo showing his face that the NYPD previously released.

"Because of that, we believe we have a strong person of interest," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said at a news conference later that day. "He matches the description of the person we are looking for."

Who Is Luigi Mangione United Healthcare CEO Shooter Identity

Authorities found Mangione in possession of multiple fake I.D.s, including one from New Jersey that the suspected killer reportedly used when checking into a Manhattan hostel prior to Thompsons murder, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. She added that police recovered clothes and a mask, "consistent with those worn by our wanted individual."

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Mangione had a gun "consistent with the weapon used in the murder," and was placed under arrest on gun charges by Altoona P.D., Tisch told reporters.

A UnitedHealth Group spokesperson said in a statement following the developments, "Our hope is that today's apprehension brings some relief to Brian's family, friends, colleagues and the many others affected by this unspeakable tragedy. We thank law enforcement and will continue to work with them on this investigation."

Luigi Mangione Was Charged With Brian Thompson's Murder

Shortly after being named a person of interest in the case, Luigi was charged in New York with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO. According to NBC News, Mangione was charged with two felonies for forgery and carrying a firearm without a license and three misdemeanor charges for tampering with records or identification, possessing instruments of crime and providing false identification to law enforcement.

Luigi appeared in court the following day for an extradition hearing where he was denied bail.

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Its completely out of touch. Its an insult to the intelligence of the American people, he was heard shouting about injustice in the system," while being escorted inside the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.

Mangione Family Speaks Out

Luigi's family released a statement following his arrest saying they are "devastated by this news."

"Unfortunately, we cannot comment on news reports regarding Luigi Mangione," the statement obtained by NBC News continued. "We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi's arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved."
(NewsNation) The gray backpack worn and discarded by the UnitedHealthcare gunman that was found by authorities could be a treasure trove of evidence to trace him, said security expert Tim Gallagher. The suspects DNA and other weapons could help the manhunt, he added. As the search continues, public sympathy for the CEO is low because people feel these companies have long victimized and violated them, said Wendell Potter, a former health executive.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  In light of Wednesdays fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York, some companies are already implementing precautionary security measures.

Thompson, 50, was gunned down by a masked assailant just before 7 a.m. outside a midtown Manhattan hotel, an incident investigators are calling a targeted attack. Thompson was alone on his way to an investor meeting.

UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot in targeted attack in NYC, officials say

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As questions surround how the suspect managed to escape, there are growing concerns about the security of company executives moving forward.

According to the Associated Press, Minnesota-based nonprofit health care firm Medica has not only increased security, but also temporarily shut down all six of its locations as a precaution.

Steve Quartino, a former federal agent who owns Discreet Investigative Solutions in Providence, provides protection for high-profile and high-net-worth clients. He noted that someone in Thompsons position should have had a security detail with him.

Quartinos team specializes in investigating threats online and through local law enforcement before determining the necessary security measures.

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When we get approached by a client, we have to determine whether theres a credible threat, Quartino explained. Then well decide what type of security they need, as far as, is it just primary security? Or is it secondary for the family and the children?

He emphasized the importance of monitoring social media to identify potential threats.

If we were looking at online threats, we try to identify whos making those threats, obtain photographs of them, go to the local police, talk to them, he said. These protection details, as you can imagine, are very costly. So, if we feel theres a credible threat in another state, we wont hesitate to go down there and confront them.

Although Quartino said they havent seen an increase in calls for their services since Wednesdays incident, he expects that to change soon.

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RELATED: Analyst weighs in as questions linger in insurance executives death

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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 WPRI.com.
The gunman being sought in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has not made it easy for the New York Police Department to find him, but he did leave behind some confounding clues that could lead to his arrest, experts said Friday.

Despite firing the fatal shots in a busy part of Manhattan where there are countless security cameras, and despite revealing his face at the hostel where he is believed to have stayed before the fatal shooting, investigators have not yet publicly identified the gunman who ambushed the 50-year-old insurance executive early Wednesday.

Former NYPD Detective Michael Alcazar, who is now an adjunct professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, noted that the time before the shooter's image was widely released has helped him.

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"Right off the bat, this guy had a day to get away," Alcazar told NBC News.

"But now that we got his image, I can almost guarantee that detectives have gotten solid leads on who he is from Crime Stoppers or somebody else looking to collect reward money. They probably already have a lot more information about him than they are letting on to the public."

"That might be the lead the NYPD needs," retired NYPD Detective Jillian Snider told MSNBC. "This is someone with distinguishable features. He has a smile."

Earlier, Tom Verni, who is also a retired NYPD detective, told MSNBC's Jose Diaz-Balart that it's only a matter of time before the shooter is identified or arrested now that "his face is being plastered" on news sites across the country. He also didn't rule out that the killer might still be in New York City.

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"In a city like New York City you can disappear in a crowd," Verni said.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said later they believed the suspect had left New York City. He said they have footage of him entering a cab that took him to a Port Authority bus terminal near 178th Street and Broadway.

Those buses are interstate buses," Kenny said. "Thats why we believe he may have left New York City.

Thompson was fatally shot in what Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said appeared to be a premeditated, preplanned targeted attack outside the New York Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan. He was on his way to speak at UnitedHealth Groups investor conference when the gunman approached from behind and fired several rounds, Tisch said at a news conference after the deadly shooting.

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The gunman had been "lying in wait for several minutes" before opening fire, Tisch said.

Thompson's final moments were caught on surveillance camera footage, which showed the gunman approaching him from behind and opening fire. He continued to fire as Thompson fell to the pavement, the video showed.

Police said the shooter arrived at the scene about five minutes before the shooting. Thompson, who lived in Minnesota, was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West Hospital.

Meanwhile, the shooter fled on foot and then on a rental bike, Tisch said. He was last seen in Central Park.

On Thursday, a possible murder motive emerged when police revealed that shell casings found at the crime scene had the words deny, defend and depose written on them. Police later clarified Friday that it was delay written on the casing and not defend.

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UnitedHealthcare has been hit with complaints from thousands of unhappy customers over the years, and Thompsons wife told NBC News that her late husband had received threats. He was not traveling with a security detail.

Alcazar said payback might be a motive, but several other things also stood out for him when he viewed the video.

"Initially, I thought it might be a guy with a vendetta of some kind and it still may be, given the words that were found on the shell casings," Alcazar said. "But if you look at the video, there is also a confidence there. He shoots. Then when it appears his gun has jammed, he calmly deals with that and starts shooting again."

So, said Alcazar, "if I am working the case I am not ruling out, at least not at this moment, that this could be a hired gun or somebody with a military background who has some experience with weapons."

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Alcazar said the fact that no murder weapon has been found might, in and of itself, also be a clue.

"I believe the gun may be specifically a bolt action single shot weapon, which is very specific," he said. "A unique choice of a weapon to execute a target."

But Verni said he is not convinced that Thompson's killer was a pro.

"A professional hitman would have been more of a ghost" and not kill a man on Midtown Manhattan street because even at that hour there are likely to be witnesses, he said.

Also, the fact that the gunman appeared to use "some kind of noise suppressor" on his gun is "kind of odd," he added.

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"But he planned this out, that's for sure," Verni said.

Investigators told NBC News earlier that they believe the shooter may have traveled to New York City from Atlanta last month by bus.

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.

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.

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Before the shooting, the gunman bought a water bottle and two protein bars from a nearby Starbucks and discarded the items, the sources said.

In addition to the shooting footage, investigators recovered a video showing where the man discarded the purchased items, and police collected them as evidence, hoping it could aid in the investigation, an official said.

"Theres also still a lot of scene crime processing that needs to be done," Alcazar said. "We may know its him, but weve got to be able to prove it was him and that requires things like collecting and identifying DNA and processing other physical evidence."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Originally appeared on E! Online

New details are emerging regarding the gunman who killed Brian Thompson.

Days after the UnitedHealthcare CEO was shot and killed outside of a New York City hotel Dec. 4 at the age of 50, authorities may have found a piece of evidence to help identify the shooter, according to NBC News.

Two law enforcement officials told the outlet that investigators found a gray backpack in Central Park and might belong to the suspect. At this time, the bag is being sent to a lab to see if it is indeed linked to the shooter and if it can help lead authorities to his whereabouts, officials said.

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While the identity and the motive of the shooter remain unconfirmed, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said in a Dec. 4 media briefing that video footage of the shooting showed the gunman fleeing on foot before getting on an e-bike which he was seen riding through Central Park.

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Police commissioner Jessica Tisch told CNN Dec. 6 that investigators believe the shooter has left New York City as they have footage of him taking a cab to a Port Authority bus station. Kenny added that they "don't have any video of him exiting, so we believe he may have gotten on a bus."

Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images

Following the shooting, investigators recovered three discharged shell casings from the gunman's weapon, which a senior New York City law enforcement official told NBC News had the words "deny," "defend" and "depose" written on them.

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On Dec. 5, NYPD released new images of a "person of interest" in the hopes that the public could help identify the man, who was pictured at a hostel in New York.

That same day, Thompson's familyincluding his wife Paulette Thompson and two sonsreleased a statement regarding his murder, which they taped to the front door of their Maple Grove, Minn. home.

Business Wire/AP

"We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian," the statement read, per NBC News. "Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives."

The family asked for privacy and added, "Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed."

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While Thompson and his wife were still legally married at the time of his death, records obtained by E! News suggest that they had been living separately.

For everything we know about Thompson's murder so far, keep reading.

(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family).

Who is Brian Thompson?

Brian Thompson was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. He first joined the company in 2004 and held several positions before taking on the role of CEO in 2021.



Prior to working at UnitedHealthcare, Thompson was employed at PwC, according to his LinkedIn profile. He also graduated with honors from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's degree in business administration as an accounting major in May 1997, the school's public relations manager Steve Schmadeke told NBC News.



Thompson, who lived in Minnesota, was married to Paulette Thompsonthough according to a Wall Street Journal report, they had been living in separate homesand was the father of two sons.

He was shot and killed in New York on Dec. 4, 2024. Thompson was 50 years old.





How did Brian Thompson die?

Patrol officers from the New York City Police Departments Midtown North Precinct responded to a 911 call at 6:46 a.m. on Dec. 4, 2024 regarding a person who was shot in front of the New York Hilton Midtown hotel, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said in a media briefing later that morning.



Kenny noted officers arrived at the scene at 6:48 a.m. and found gunshot wounds on Thompsons back and leg. The chief detective said Emergency Medical Services transported Thompson several blocks to Mount Sinai West, where the CEO was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.



The victim was in New York City to speak at an investor conference," NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch said during the media briefing. "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 and fired several rounds, striking the victim at least once in the back and at least once in the right calf. Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target.



Tisch said the shooting appeared to be a pre-meditated, pre-planned, targeted attack and not a random act of violence.



The full investigative efforts of the New York City Police Department are well underway, she noted, and we will not rest until we identify and apprehend the shooter in this case.

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What do investigators know about the shooting of Brian Thompson so far?

According to Kenny, the shooterwho has yet to be named or arrestedheaded to the New York Hilton Midtown on foot and arrived outside the hotel five minutes before Thompsons arrival.



In a video, Kenny continued, Thompson was seen walking alone towards the Hilton at 6:44 a.m. after exiting his separate, nearby hotel apparently for a UnitedHealth Group investors conference that was scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. that day.



The chief detective added the shooterwho ignored numerous other pedestriansapproached Thompson from behind, shot him, walked towards him and continued shooting.



Kenny said the gunman then fled on foot before getting on an ebike, and the shooter was seen riding into Central Park at Center Drive at 6:48 a.m.



Kenny said three live nine-millimeter rounds and three discharged shell casings were recovered during the investigation. A senior New York City law enforcement official briefed on the investigation told NBC News Dec. 5 the words "deny," "defend" and "depose" were written on the shell casings.



However, Kenny noted the motive for the killing is still unknown.



He added a cellphone was discovered in an alley where the shooter fled before walking on a sidewalk toward the ebike, but it's unclear if it belonged to the gunman.



Kenny also said investigators are "looking at everything"including Thompson's social media and interviews with employees and familythat could help in the case. They're also working with Minnesota and Atlanta law enforcement.





What have investigators revealed about the gunman who shot Brian Thompson?

During the Dec. 4 briefing, Kenny said the shooter appeared to be a "light-skin male" who was "wearing a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers and a very distinctive gray backpack."



On Dec. 4, New York police shared photos of an individual they're looking for holding a gun and riding a bike.



Later that day, the NYPD tweeted out more pictures of a person they said they're searching for wearing a black mask, dark hooded jacket and gray backpack. Two senior law enforcement officials told NBC News these photos were captured from a Starbucks prior to the shooting.



On Dec. 5, the NYPD released additional photos of a person of interest that showed the individual wearing a hooded jacket and lowered face mask. A senior law enforcement official told NBC News the photos came from surveillance video at an Upper West Side hostel. Two separate law enforcement officials noted to the outlet investigators are trying to determine if the individual used a fake ID and paid cash for a hostel room.



Three senior law enforcement officials also told NBC News investigators think the shooter possibly took a bus to New York from Atlanta, with the outlet reporting officials are looking at names on tickets from a Nov. 24 Greyhound bus trip to see if they can identify the shooter and that Greyhound said they're cooperating with authorities.



On Dec. 6, Kenny told CNN investigators think the shooter may have left New York as he was spotted at Port Authority.





What has Brian Thompsons family said about his death?

After learning of the shooting, Thompsons family mourned his passing.



We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian, a family statement obtained by NBC affiliate KARE in Minneapolis on Dec. 5 read. 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 condolences and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time. Thompsons wife Paulette also recalled how her husband had received threats.



"Yes, there had been some threats," she told NBC News Dec. 5. "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."





What has UnitedHealth Group said about Brian Thompsons death?

UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, also expressed how it was "deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend" Thompson, flying its flags at half-mast at corporate headquarters in Minnesota.



"Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him," a Dec. 4 statement from the organization read. "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.



And while the company noted "our hearts are broken," it shared in a Dec. 5 statement that it has also "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," the message read. "We are thankful, even as we grieve. Our priorities are, first and foremost, supporting Brians family; ensuring the safety of our employees; and working with law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice. We, at UnitedHealth Group, will continue to be there for those who depend upon us for their health care. We ask that everyone respect the familys privacy as they mourn the loss of their husband, father, brother and friend."

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However, there's also been public criticism about UnitedHealthcare, Thompson and America's healthcare system overall.



These have included online conversations about insurance companies' claim denial rates as well as a look at accusations against Thompson.



For instance, in a class-action lawsuit filed by the City of Hollywood Firefighters' Pension Fund in May 2024 and obtained by NBC News, Thompson was accused of selling more than $15 million of his personal UnitedHealth shares after allegedly learning of an investigation of the company by the U.S. Department of Justice before the public did. When asked about the trades allegedly made by Thompson and other executives, a UnitedHealth spokesperson told Bloomberg in April 2024 "these directors and officers followed our protocols and received approval from the company."



The lawsuit, per the BBC, remains active.



And while a motive for the shooting has again not been revealed, many outlets have noted the words "deny," "defend" and "depose" on the shell casings are similar to the title of a 2010 book called Delay Deny Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don't Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It.



(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family).



For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
The backpack recovered by the NYPD that allegedly belonged to the suspect wanted in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, only had two items inside: a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and Monopoly money, sources with knowledge of the ongoing investigation told ABC News Saturday.

The NYPD believes it is making good progress toward identifying the suspect but, as of Saturday evening, no identification has been made, sources told ABC News.

Investigators continued to comb through the city for evidence and clues for a fourth day to try and catch the unidentified fugitive. That included the use of police divers.

PHOTO: Members of the NYPD search the pond near Bethesda Fountain in Central Park for possible evidence tied to the shooting death of United Healthcare chief Brian Thompson, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Bill Hutchinson/ABC News)

Officers searched a pond near Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, not too far from where the suspect's backpack was found Friday night.

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Late Saturday evening, NYPD released a new image of the suspected shooter in what appeared to be the back of a cab, no further context was given.

PHOTO: The New York City Police Department is asking for the public's help to identify this person wanted for questioning in the Midtown Manhattan murder of a CEO on Dec. 4, 2024. (NYPD)

Police have not yet recovered the distinctive gun used in the shooting. It is unclear if officers recovered any evidence from the water.

MORE: UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect's movements: A timeline of before, during, after the shooting

PHOTO: Members of the NYPD search the pond near Bethesda Fountain in Central Park for possible evidence tied to the shooting death of United Healthcare chief Brian Thompson, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Bill Hutchinson/ABC News)

New York investigators and the FBI continue to track the shooter's movements after the Wednesday morning incident and have said that he left the city that day.

Some New York investigators arrived in Atlanta Saturday following tips that have come in about the shooter, according to sources. The Atlanta PD confirmed the arrival of the New York team but declined to give more specifics.

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The suspect allegedly arrived in New York on a Greyhound bus that departed from Atlanta. Police have learned that the suspect took a taxi to the Port Authority bus facility at 178th Street and boarded a bus out of New York City following the shooting, according to police.

The bus the suspect is believed to have boarded out of the city made six or seven stops, and investigators have followed leads in multiple states, the sources said.

MORE: UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting latest: Suspect left New York City by bus, police say

The killer entered New York City by bus on Nov. 24, when a surveillance camera at Port Authority Bus Terminal caught his arrival at 9 p.m., law enforcement sources told ABC News.

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The inbound bus originated in Atlanta, but it was not immediately clear where the suspect boarded. Sources told ABC News he was spotted on board in Washington, D.C.

The 10-day period he was in New York City before the shooting is the focus of investigative efforts.

PHOTO: Thompson, the CEO of major insurance group UnitedHealthcare, was shot to death at point-blank range in Midtown Manhattan on Dec. 4, 2024. (ABC News)

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The FBI is now assisting in a nationwide manhunt for the suspect, according to law enforcement sources, and the unidentified man remains at large in the wake of Wednesday's attack, which was described by police as "brazen, targeted" and "premeditated."

Police still do not have a name of the suspect, the sources said.

Meanwhile, citing the recent killing of Thompson, Centene, a major health insurer, said it would be moving its planned in-person investor day in New York City next week to virtual, according to a statement from the company on Friday.

"All of us at Centene are deeply saddened by Brian Thompson's death and want to express our support for all of those affected. Health insurance is a big industry and a small community; many members of the CenTeam crossed paths with Brian during their careers," said Centene Chief Executive Officer, Sarah M. London. "He was a person with a deep sense of empathy and clear passion for improving access to care. Our hearts are with his family and his colleagues during this difficult time."

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MORE: Who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson? What we know about the suspect on the run

PHOTO: The New York City Police Department is asking for the public's help to identify this person wanted for questioning in the Midtown Manhattan murder of a CEO on Dec. 4, 2024. (NYPD)

The masked gunman shot Thompson at point-blank range at 6:44 a.m. Wednesday outside the New York Hilton Midtown, where Thompson was heading for his company's investors conference.

MORE: 'Deny,' 'defend' and 'depose': Police investigating words found on shell casings in CEO shooting, sources say

PHOTO: A backpack recovered by police in Central Park during the investigation into the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Dec. 6, 2024. (Obtained by ABC News)

"The shooter then walks toward the victim and continues to shoot," NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. "It appears that the gun malfunctions, as he clears the jam and begins to fire again."

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Written on the shell casings were the words "deny," "defend" and "depose," according to police sources.

The words on the bullets echo the title of the 2010 book "Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don't Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It." Police are aware of the similarity, and are investigating whether one possible motive is anger at the insurance industry, sources said.

MORE: Fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson prompts wake-up call for nation's executives: Experts

PHOTO: NYPD officers search Central Park for evidence in the CEO shooting, Dec. 6, 2024, in New York. (WABC)

Investigators believe they were able to score DNA samples from several pieces of evidence discovered at or near the crime scene, law enforcement sources told ABC News. The samples are currently at the NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to be run through databases for a possible match -- a process that could take several days, the sources said.

PHOTO: UnitedHealthcare CEO Killed (Richard Drew/AP)

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Police were also able to extract a fingerprint off a water bottle the suspect bought at a Starbucks, but the print is smudged so it's not clear how helpful it will be, sources said.

UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting latest: Suspect's backpack had Monopoly money: Sources originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Fury, anger and resentment toward the health care industry have exploded in the public rhetoric in the wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's killing and one activist said that "volcanic" eruption of emotion has been boiling up for years.

People have been flooding social media posts with statements chastising UHC for its policies, bringing up times they were personally denied coverage or hit with huge bills for services.

In some instances, some users have even praised Thompson's murder and the shooter, who is still on the lam and not been publicly identified as of Friday evening. UHC's Facebook post memorializing Thompson was filled with "laughing" emojis and comments chastising the insurer before comments were shut off.

PHOTO: In this July 15, 2024, file photo, health care advocates risk arrest protesting care denials at UnitedHealthcare, on July 15, 2024, in Minnetonka, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images for People's Action Institute, FILE)

Derrick Crowe, a spokesman for the nonprofit People's Action Institute, a social advocacy nonprofit that has protested UHC and other health care, told ABC News that he was horrified by Thompson's shooting and offered his condolences to his loved ones.

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MORE: UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting latest

However, he noted the anger online has been a long time coming.

"I think the reason that anger was pent up and it came out in such a volcanic way is that corporations have too much power in this country and they're standing in the way of dealing with two big epidemics," he told ABC News. "One is the epidemic of gun violence, which we saw an example of in Manhattan, and one is an epidemic of care denials across the country."

Crowe said more than 250 million health claims are denied annually by health insurance companies. He claimed the UHC "by far leads the clear care denials of people's claims when they're seeking health care."

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He cited examples such as patients claiming they were denied coverage for a congenital defect or infant care.

PHOTO: Derrick Crowe, a spokesman for the nonprofit People's Action Institute, speaks with ABC News. (ABC News)

"Many of the folks that we've talked to have had personal stories of needing acute health care quickly and have found that this company has been standing in their way," he said.

When asked by ABC News about the increase in rhetoric against the healthcare industry following the shooting, a UHC spokesperson deferred to its latest statement about Thompson's killing.

"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 statement said.

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"Our priorities are, first and foremost, supporting Brians family; ensuring the safety of our employees; and working with law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice. We, at UnitedHealth Group, will continue to be there for those who depend upon us for their health care. We ask that everyone respect the familys privacy as they mourn the loss of their husband, father, brother and friend," the statement continued.

MORE: Who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson? What we know about the suspect on the run

In the past, protests have been held against UHC in Minneapolis, where its headquarters are based, including one back in July.

Crowe said that his organization has led many movements to call out the insurance companies for their practices.

PHOTO: In this July 15, 2024, file photo, health care advocates risk arrest protesting care denials at UnitedHealthcare, on July 15, 2024, in Minnetonka, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images for People's Action Institute, FILE)

"The purpose of that action was to draw attention to the epidemic of claims, denials and care denials across the country, and to bring people who have had their health care directly affected by a care denial by this corporation to the place where the denial is coming from, and to demand that they stop putting profits over people's lives," he said.

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Crowe reiterated that his group only supports non-violent and peaceful means of protesting the industry and condemned Thompson's murder. However, he reiterated that the fight against greed in the health insurance industry needs to continue.

"We believe that in keeping with the principles behind the First Amendment, that there are democratic, powerful, nonviolent ways that we can take that private pain and turn it into public power when we bring people together. And we're going to continue to do that. And we think that's an essential part of making change in our democracy," he said.

UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting opens up 'volcanic' anger toward health insurance agencies originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Universities are cautioning international students to return to the US before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, citing uncertainties around his plans for immigration-related policy.

Advisories targeting pupils and staff on student and exchange visitor visas were issued at USC, Quinnipiac University, Cornell, Penn State and Wesleyan University, with the latest coming from the California school this week just as students prepare to head home for the holidays.

The institution is asking pupils to return to campus by January 13, when the semester begins.

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This is especially important given that a new presidential administration will take office on January 20 and  as is common  may issue one or more executive orders impacting travel to the US and visa processing, a statement sent out by USC read.

While there is no certainty such orders will be issued, the safest way to avoid any challenges is to be physically present in the US before the Spring semester begins.

International students have reason to feel uncertain about Trumps upcoming term. In 2017, the president-elect signed an executive order banning travelers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen for a 90-day period. The ban affected some of the 17,000 international students studying in the US at the time.

Lawsuits managed to temporarily block the order but it was upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018. President Joe Biden suspended the ban after taking office in 2021.

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In April, Trump vowed to restore the travel ban to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of our country.

Cornell University is warning pupils and staff that a similar ban is likely to go into effect once Trump is sworn in. An advisory on the universitys website states Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Sudan, Tanzania, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen and Somalia could be targeted, with new countries like China and India potentially added to the list.

When entering the US, students should have evidence of their connection to the university while at the airport, like a certificate of enrollment, transcript and evidence of funding. They should also carry their passports, visas and a valid employment authorization document, if applicable.

Students from the listed countries who cant return to the US before Inauguration Day should communicate with a university advisor about travel plans and be prepared for delays, the institution said.

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Students from countries not on the list are not expected to experience difficulties when returning to the US. Neither are people in transit through them on their way to the US.

Meanwhile, USC is asking pupils not to make decisions based on social media, news reports, and rumors about potential new policies.

Please rely only on official communications from US government agencies and guidance from the universitys Office of International Services, USC said. If problems arise at a US port of entry, students and staff are encouraged to call the universitys Immigration Clinic Hotline for help.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Union Cabinet's decision to open four new Kendriya Vidyalayas in the state. "Under the leadership of the respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet has approved 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas in the country. As per this historic decision, four new Kendriya Vidyalayas will also open in Uttarakhand," Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said in a post on X. The schools will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 5,872.08 crores approximately, providing education to 82,560 students and creating 5,388 permanent jobs, CM Dhami said. "On behalf of all the people of Uttarakhand, heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to the Honorable Prime Minister and the Union Cabinet for this decision. These schools will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 5,872.08 crores (approx.), which will provide quality education to 82,560 students and create 5,388 permanent jobs," CM Dhami said on X, adding that this initiative will not only set new dimensions of quality education in the country but will also pave the way for modern and accessible education in remote areas. According to a press release issued by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, the four new Kendriya Vidyalaya in Uttarakhand will open in Tehri Garhwal, Almora, and Pauri Garhwal districts. Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Union Cabinet's decision to set up 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas and 85 Kendriya Vidyalayas. In a post on X, Shah wrote, "Gratitude to PM Shri @narendramodi Ji for the decision taken to establish 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas and 85 Kendriya Vidyalayas in the Union Cabinet today. The Rs8,231.9 crore initiative will accelerate Modi Ji's vision to build a Viksit Bharat by contributing immensely to training more budding talents in world-class education. These new schools will serve as the cradle for millions of dreams." The Union Cabinet approved the opening of 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas and the expansion of one existing KV. This expansion will provide educational opportunities to a larger number of students across the country. The cabinet also approved 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) in districts that are currently not covered by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme. These moves are expected to benefit around 82,560 students through the new KVs and 15,680 students through the new NVs. According to available data, a total of Rs 8,232 crore has been allocated for the establishment of these schools, with Rs 5,872 crore for the new KVs and Rs 2,360 crore for the NVs. The opening of these schools will also create around 6,700 job opportunities, including 5,388 regular posts for KVs and 1,316 posts for NVs. This will contribute to employment while strengthening educational infrastructure across India. Nearly all the new KVs and NVs have been designated as 'PM Shri' schools. The new KVs and NVs will be distributed across several states. In the case of KVs, Andhra Pradesh will receive eight, Madhya Pradesh 11, and Uttar Pradesh five, among others. For NVs, Arunachal Pradesh will receive eight, Assam six, and Telangana seven, as part of this nationwide expansion effort. (ANI)
The United States will deliver a $988 million military package to Ukraine, the Pentagon announced on Dec. 7.

The latest aid package comes as the Biden administration rushes to deliver the remaining approximately $5 billion in military aid to Ukraine ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, amid concerns that a future Trump administration would halt weapons shipments before they reach Kyiv.

Two administration officials told Politico on Nov. 6 that the White House plans to expedite the weapons delivery ahead of the January inauguration, as Trump has previously said he would cease military aid to Ukraine unless it agrees to hold peace negotiations with Russia.

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The aid package includes ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), as well as new drone deliveries.

"This package also includes support for maintenance and repair programs to help Ukraine reconstitute its forces and build and sustain combat power," the Pentagon said in a statement. The equipment and spare parts it provides will be used to maintain and repair artillery systems, tanks, and armored vehicles.

The latest aid package will be pulled through the remaining $2 billion in funding from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative  a Pentagon-led program for supplying arms to Ukraine through contracts with U.S. defense companies.

The moves marks a change as to how the Biden administration has recently delivered its weaponry to Ukraine. In recent months, U.S. President Joe Biden has heavily relied on Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which allows the U.S. to transfer weapons from existing stockpiles to allies in urgent situations.

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Previous PDA announcements have typically ranged between $125 million and $250 million. With an estimated $4 billion to $5 billion in PDA funding still authorized by Congress, Biden is expected to allocate more aid to Ukraine before Republican President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

The U.S. announced its last $725 million weapons package to Ukraine on Dec. 2, which includes Stinger missiles, HIMARS, 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, drones, and landmines, among other equipment.

Anxiety over the possible withdrawal of U.S. aid comes as Ukraine braces itself for another grueling winter of Russian infrastructure attacks. Meanwhile, North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia to aid Moscow's full-scale invasion.

Read also: Zelensky praises productive meeting held with Trump, Macron, stresses peace through strength









Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Dumb War

A Russian spacecraft launched higher than most satellites has long had the Pentagon worried  and new revelations about what it contains have made those concerns all the greater.

Launched in February 2022 just a few weeks before Ukraine was invaded, Russia's Cosmos 2553 spacecraft is nominally built to test out "newly developed onboard instruments and systems." According to new reporting from the New York Times, however, the mysterious satellite system contains a "dummy warhead"  a precursor of what could come should the Russians decide to arm the craft for real.

As scary as the concept of a space nuke sounds, it wouldn't necessarily harm life on Earth  unless you consider eliminating all satellites in its vicinity harm, in which case the people down on the planet below would be seriously screwed.

ASAT Stats

Back in 1962, the US military actually did detonate a nuclear weapon in space, though the damage from the electromagnetic pulse it emanated seems mostly to have been limited to streetlights dimming in Hawaii, which was below the test.

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Scientists learned from that formerly-classified test that doing so was probably a pretty bad idea, and in 1967, both Russia and the United States signed the Outer Space Treaty to prevent, essentially, space warfare. In the years since, however, concerns have grown that Russia may violate the treaty  especially as more and more communications satellites began littering our planet's orbit.

After Russia released Cosmos 2553 some 250 miles above the planet's surface, military experts became concerned that it might be a secret nuclear weapon. As the NYT's new reporting reveals, the US Space Force and a group of intelligence agencies have quietly been looking into the satellite to try to figure out its real purpose.

Throughout 2024, more and more information about the alleged anti-satellite weapon began to trickle out of Washington. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly denied that it's any such thing  though notably, it doesn't appear he's made any such denial since the NYT reported that Cosmos 2553 contains a dummy warhead.

Despite those refutations, Russia vetoed in April a United Nations resolution that would bar nuclear weapons in space. If the NYT's reporting holds up, we may know why.

More on Russian crafts: Insane Video Shows Reckless Russian Fighter Jet Rip Right Past an F-16
This invasive coral is wreaking havoc on Pearl Harbor, but a new method might just remove it.

Over 80 acres of water at Pearl Harbor, which is in Oahu, Hawaii, are infested with an invasive species of coral. Unomia stolonifera is a soft coral; unlike hard coral, which has a strong, calcium skeleton, soft coral is jelly-like and usually spreads more quickly.

According to Hawaii Public Radio, experts believe the coral was introduced when "aquariums were dumped into the water" in 2020.

Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

For years, the coral has been running rampant and growing over the hard coral, effectively suffocating it. By killing off the native species, the coral will "disrupt entire ecosystems and cause significant problems for reef fish populations," HPR said.

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Christy Martin, a program manager for a group that deals with invasive species, told HPR that "the situation with the pulsing coral in Pearl Harbor is an absolute environmental emergency. There is no doubt about it. It can fragment easily and spread."

It's an ongoing battle. The U.S. Navy has been working on different ways to remove the coral before it's too late, but it's difficult to destroy the Unomia stolonifera without harming native species.

A new method involves "smothering the coral with heavy tarps. In test trials, [the Navy] placed tarps over the coral and weighed them down, keeping oxygenated water from reaching anything underneath," per HPR.

Invasive species are always a problem, whether they're carp in the Great Lakes, algae in New York City's reservoirs, or English Ivy in your own backyard.

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Luckily, we're getting better at stopping invasive species before they can do severe damage. Researchers developed a new type of lampricide to kill off sea lampreys in the Great Lakes, enacted quarantines to stop the spread of devastating fruit flies in California, and held competitions to remove lionfish en masse from the Florida Keys. Every win counts, big or small.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The regime of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad may fall within days as Syrian rebels continue to advance on the country's capital Damascus, five different U.S. officials told CNN on Dec. 7.

Syrian rebels claim to have reached the suburbs of Damascus on Dec. 7, as the rebel groups' rapid offensive against pro-government forces continues.

In a statement issued by the Free Syrian Army rebel group, the group claimed that they reached "the gates of Damascus," CNN reported. Multiple opposition activists as well as a rebel commander also made the claim on Saturday.

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Syrian rebel forces have quickly advanced in recent days in a surprise resurgence, with rebel forces gaining control of major cities Aleppo and Hama.

"Probably by next weekend the Assad regime will have lost any semblance of power," one official told CNN on the condition of anonymity. "The emerging consensus is that is an increasingly plausible scenario."

Officials cautioned that the opinions expressed were not a formal assessment of the situation, but do paint an increasingly bleak picture for the embattled country's ruler.

The comments from U.S. officials come as the United Nations' special envoy for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, called on Dec. 7 for a "inclusive and credible" transition of power amid the continued advance.

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"This must be the start of a process that leads to the realization of the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and the restoration of the sovereignty, independence, and unity, and territorial integrity of Syria," Pedersen said.

Despite the ongoing offensive, Assad remains in Damascus, his office said, denying claims that the president had left the capital  although a source told CNN that Assad's current whereabouts are unknown.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify either claim.

The advance of Syrian rebels also deals a blow to Assad's key ally, Russia. If Assad's regime falls, Russia will lose its regional foothold in the Middle East, including its only naval base in the Mediterranean, and its regional and global influence will be diminished.

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Moscow deployed its troops to Syria in 2015, providing support to the Assad regime against multiple anti-government forces. Damascus has been supportive of the Kremlin during the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Russian forces operating in Syria have been accused by the U.N. and other organizations of committing war crimes in the country, including the intentional bombing of hospitals and the usage of "double-tap" attacks, a tactic Russia has repeated in Ukraine.

Read also: Syrian rebels claim to have reached Damascus suburbs

















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The court that upheld a law that could ban TikTok said the US showed no evidence China manipulates content.

However, the court said TikTok has manipulated content at China's request elsewhere.

TikTok denies content manipulation and says it expects the US Supreme Court to reverse the ban.

The appeals court that upheld a law that could ban TikTok in the United States said the government offered no evidence that China is manipulating content on the platform in the United States.

However, the panel of judges wrote in their opinion that evidence that China has compelled TikTok to manipulate content elsewhere was enough for it to uphold a federal law signed by President Joe Biden that would force TikTok's sale in the United States to an American company or ban it from app stores.

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The US District Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia found on Friday in a majority opinion that the federal law is constitutional. The law, which was passed in April, requires TikTok's Chinese parent company, Bytedance, to divest from the company by January 19 or face a ban in the United States.

US officials across political lines have worried that TikTok poses a national security risk because of its Chinese ownership. Some members of Congress have said they fear that TikTok could be used as a propaganda tool to push narratives favorable to China's Communist Party.

In statements supporting the bill, Democratic Massachusetts Rep. Jake Auchincloss called TikTok "a tool of censorship and propaganda" for the Chinese Communist Party, and Republican Nebraska Rep. Mike Flood said the app has "been used as a tool of propaganda in our country."

Still, the federal appeals court wrote in its majority opinion that the government did not present any evidence that China has tried to manipulate content on TikTok in the United States.

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"The Government acknowledges that it lacks specific intelligence that shows the PRC has in the past or is now coercing TikTok into manipulating content in the United States," the opinion says, referring to the People's Republic of China. However, the government argued in court that ByteDance and TikTok have censored content at China's request in other countries.

The appeals court wrote that TikTok "never squarely denies" that it has ever manipulated content on its platform at China's request, which it says is "striking" given the intelligence community's concerns. The court concluded that Bytedance and TikTok have "a demonstrated history" of manipulating content in other countries, sometimes at the request of China.

"That conclusion rests on more than mere speculation," the judges wrote in the court opinion. "It is the Government's 'informed judgment' to which we give great weight in this context, even in the absence of 'concrete evidence' on the likelihood of PRC-directed censorship of TikTok in the United States."

TikTok argued in court that its "recommendation engine," or algorithm, is not based in China because it is stored in the Oracle cloud. The court said that while this is correct, ByteDance still controls the source code for TikTok, including the recommendation engine.

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"TikTok is therefore correct to say the recommendation engine 'is stored in the Oracle cloud,' but gains nothing by flyspecking the Government's characterization of the recommendation engine still being in China," the document says.

A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement to Business Insider that the TikTok ban "was conceived and pushed through based on inaccurate, flawed, and hypothetical information, resulting in outright censorship of the American people."

"The Supreme Court has an established historical record of protecting Americans' right to free speech, and we expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue," TikTok said in the statement.

Like many social media networks, TikTok has faced intense scrutiny for how the app is used to influence elections. The company this week announced that it removed three "influence networks" on the app that attempted to impact an election in Romania after a probe by the country's defense council. The company said it removed at least 40 similar influence campaigns this year.

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Seher Dareen

(Reuters) - American content creators on TikTok asked followers to subscribe to their channels on rival platforms like Meta-owned Instagram and Alphabet's YouTube after a federal appeals court ruled that the social media app could be banned if it is not sold to a U.S.-based company by Jan. 19.

TikTok has become a major U.S. digital force as it has grown to 170 million U.S. users, especially younger people drawn to its short, often irreverent videos. It has sucked away advertisers from some of the largest U.S. players and added commerce platform TikTok Shop, which has become a marketplace for small businesses.

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The U.S. Congress, fearing TikTok's Chinese owners are gathering information about American consumers, has passed a law requiring its owner, Chinese-backed ByteDance, to divest its TikTok in the U.S. or face a ban. On Friday, a federal appeals court upheld the law.

Threats by politicians and others to TikTok have been building for years, leading some users to brush off recent threats. That appeared to change on Friday, with the prospect of a ban in just six weeks. A Supreme Court appeal is still possible.

"For the first time I'm realizing that a lot of what I worked for could disappear," Chris Mowrey, a Democratic social media influencer with 470,000 TikTok followers, told Reuters. "I don't think it's been talked about enough how damaging it will be from an economic standpoint for small businesses and creators."

On the app, viewers and content creators voiced concerns and confusion, many saying they doubted the platform would survive, and that they were prepared for the worst.

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Chris Burkett, a content creator on TikTok with 1.3 million people following his men's lifestyle videos, said he did not think the platform would last. "I don't think there's longevity on this app in the United States," he said in a video post, asking his audience to follow him on other social media platforms, such as Instagram, YouTube, X and Threads.

"We've put so many years and so much time into building our community here," said food travel content creator SnipingForDom, who has 898,000 followers on the app. While he did not think the end was near for TikTok, he still told followers to reach out to him on his Instagram page.

Others were also awaiting more information. Sarah Jannetti, a TikTok Shop consultant, said her clients are not worried about a potential TikTok ban and will not shift their businesses "until they see something that's more concrete."

(Reporting by Seher Dareen and Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru, Dawn Chmielewski in Los Angeles, Stephanie Kelly and Arriana McLymore in New York; editing by Peter Henderson and David Gregorio)
The USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000), a very large and stealthy Navy destroyer that has been beset by hurdles for much of its life, was put back in the water Friday after undergoing 14 months of work that saw its original and cost-prohibitive 155mm Advanced Gun Systems (AGS) replaced with launchers that will eventually fire Intermediate-Range Conventional Prompt Strike (IRCPS) hypersonic missiles.

Photos released by shipbuilder HII dont show much of the IRCPS, as its position on the deck where the big guns once stood is covered. Still, Fridays news was years in the making, as the Navy first announced plans to remodel its tiny Zumwalt class fleet to field next-generation hypersonic missiles in November 2021.

While the Zumwalt class was originally supposed to grow to 32 ships, the Navy ended up buying only three. Part of its original mission was gun fire support for amphibious operations, but the Navy never bought ammunition for its guns that would fulfill that role. This was largely due to the 155mm Long-Range Land Attack Projectiles (LRLAP) rounds fired from the ships two Advanced Gun Systems (AGS) costing $800,000 each.

The USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) back in the water after its hypersonic missile launcher upgrade. (HII) (HII)

Ship costs also soared over its lifetime, from an original estimated $1.3 billion per ship in 1998 to more than $9 billion by late 2020, according to the Government Accountability Office. The fact that only three ships were purchased also meant that all development and future upgrade costs would only be spread across a tiny fleet less than one-tenth the size of what was originally planned. Citing the ongoing nature of the work, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) declined to confirm what the hypersonic upgrades will cost.

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The future USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG-1002), the third and final ship in the class, will be the next to receive the IRCPS capability once Zumwalts work is done, NAVSEA told TWZ this week. LBJ wasnt built with the AGS installed so less work will be needed to install the hypersonic missile capability, but the addition of the missiles will push the ships commissioning date from this year to 2027, according to NAVSEA.

A rendering of USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) firing a hypersonic missile. (Lockheed Martin) An artists rendering of the USS Zumwalt firing a hypersonic missile. (Lockheed Martin)

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The second Zumwalt class ship, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), is operating out of San Diego and will get its own hypersonic capability installed during a future yard modernization period, although NAVSEA did not clarify when that will take place. Navy budget request records for this fiscal year show the sea service is looking to have all three ready to go by Fiscal Year 2028.

While HII said they are not yet finished with the ships upgrade, Zumwalts eventual return to the fleet with a hypersonic missile capability marks the start of a potential redemption arc for the controversial class of ships. Partially due to its ammoless guns, the type has largely been one without a clear mission, despite the array of cutting-edge, albeit watered-down, technologies onboard.

But IRCPS could prove the Zumwalts worth, because the hypersonic missiles the class carries would be reserved for very high-value, well-defended targets. They will be loaded into the ships triple-packed Advanced Payload Module (APM) cannisters that are now situated where the guns once were, according to past TWZ reporting.

IRCPS and the U.S. Armys hypersonic effort, the ground-based Dark Eagle Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system, are the same missile design and have a shared unpowered hypersonic boost-glide vehicle on top, with the only difference being how they are launched.

(U.S. Navy)

Such missiles will use rocket boosters to get its payload to the desired altitude and speed. At that point, the glide vehicle will separate from the rest of the booster and make its way toward its target through the atmosphere at very high speed along an unpredictable trajectory. Hypersonic velocity is defined as anything beyond Mach 5, but these weapons will far exceed that threshold.

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But it remains unclear when Zumwalt will head out to sea with actual hypersonic missiles onboard. The U.S. Army got its first Dark Eagle missile launcher prototype in October 2021. It scrapped three test launches in 2023. The Navy and Army conducted a test fire in June but have not disclosed the results. Navy budget requests in recent years indicated that the sea services wants to fire hypersonics from Zumwalt by the end of 2025.

TWZ has previously reported on the benefits these speedy systems will provide:

Boost-glide vehicles are also designed to be highly maneuverable, allowing for more unpredictable movements over the course of their flight compared to typical ballistic missiles, even those with advanced maneuverable reentry vehicles. This presents significant challenges for opponents in terms of detecting the incoming weapon and responding to it, including any attempts to intercept the threat. Giving an enemy less time to react also reduces their ability to relocate critical assets or just seek cover. All of this, in turn, means hypersonic weapons present an ideal choice for penetrating through even the densest air and missile defenses to strike high-value and potentially time-sensitive targets.

The U.S. Armys Dark Eagle hypersonic missile launcher. (U.S. Army) The U.S. Armys Dark Eagle hypersonic missile launcher. (U.S. Army)

Each of Zumwalts four large diameter tubes can fit three missiles, allowing for up to 12 in all, and the sea service will set requirements for how many missiles the ships will field for any given operation, USNI News Mallory Shelbourne reported in November 2024.

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And while the Zumwalt class will be hypersonic-ready going forward, other facets of the ship remain unchanged. The Navy previously said the IRCPS capability doesnt require extra space aboard the ship, and would instead take up the space previously used by the guns. DDG-1000s will continue to sport 80 Mk 57 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells. A host of missiles could be loaded into the refitted Zumwalt, including SM-2 Block IIIAZ and Evolved Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles, as well as Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and potentially variants of the SM-6 missile family.

Despite the class capabilities being diluted over the decades, and while some external system add-ons have increased the class radar signature, its stealthy design could help the ships sneak within range of targets that sit inside enemy territory, something that would be critical to countering Chinas long-range defenses in the Pacific.

The Navy destroyer Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) underway in 2002. (U.S. Navy)

The Zumwalt class has a huge, 14,500-ton displacement for a ship categorized as a destroyer. That is about one-third greater than Flight IIA Arleigh Burke class destroyers. It also boasts a stealthy design and multiple spectrum signature reduction  including electromagnetic emissions, radar, acoustic and infrared  that make it largely unprecedented for a ship of its size.

Zumwalt can also generate a gaudy 78 megawatts of electricity, enough to power nearly 10,000 average American homes. And even while speeding along at 20 knots, the ship class still holds a sizable 58 megawatts of reserve power. The destroyers cutting-edge Integrated Power System means enough power has been kept in reserve to provide current to next generation radar systems and directed energy weapons.

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Still, with just three ships in the class, all packed with unique hardware, the cost of sustaining and upgrading these ships, including its stealthy features, will be hefty over time. There is talk of potentially replacing its proprietary radar and combat system with versions of the Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR) and Aegis Combat System to help with sustainment.

Zumwalts radar-absorbant material (RAM) coating looking very rough after months of dry dock time. (HII)

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While it has ventured into the western Pacific, the class has not been on a traditional cruise. But now that Zumwalt is approaching a final baseline configuration, nearly a decade after it was commissioned into service, Navy brass are hoping it can be a next-level contributor to the fleet, even if that capability has come relatively late in DDG-1000s life.

Contact the author: geoff@twz.com
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The University of Texas at Austin marked its third consecutive year of receiving a record-breaking number of freshman applications, according to a news release from UT.

UT said the applications increased nearly 25% for the Fall 2025 term receiving 90,562 applications from Aug. 1 to Dec. 1, the release said. For Fall 2024 admission, 72,885 applications were received, according to UT.

Applications from Texas residents increased by 12%, while out-of-state applications soared by 48%, UT said in the release.

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UT said the surge in applications surrounds new degree programs the university is offering with the School of Civic Leadership and LBJ School of Public Affairs.

UT System will expand free tuition to all undergraduates whose families make $100K or less

We have a unique blend of exceptional academics and vibrant student life that offers an unmatched educational experience, and this is what continues to drive our record demand, interim Provost Rachel Davis Mersey said in the release.

The university said it continues to implement new initiatives to increase affordability and accessibility.

Most recently, the UT System Board of Regents raised the household income threshold to $100,000 from $65,000 for students to attend tuition-free under UTs Texas Advance Commitment (TAC) program, the release said.

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The university said this will allow an additional 3,000 students to enroll tuition-free in Fall 2025.

Our applications provide evidence that more people around the country are realizing that we offer an unparalleled combination of academic excellence, affordability, opportunity and campus experience, UT President Jay Hartzell said in the release.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Utah Rep. Blake Moore announced he will head the congressional caucus responsible for getting Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamys Delivering Outstanding Government Efficiency, or DOGE, initiative off the ground.

As co-chair of the House DOGE Caucus for the 119th Congress, Moore said he will funnel feedback directly to Musk and Ramaswamy and serve as a conduit for information about lawmakers previous efforts to streamline government programs so DOGE doesnt have to start from scratch.

We dont have to reinvent the wheel on some things, Moore said. We just need the wheel of the White House to be willing to address its own administration and agencies.

Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, talks to members of the media as he waits for election results outside of the Governors Mansion in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

DOGE meets with Congress

The DOGE Caucus, including Moore, and his co-chairs, Reps. Aaron Bean, R-Fla., and Pete Sessions, R-Texas, met with Musk and Ramaswamy on Thursday for an introductory meeting to brainstorm approaches to increase government efficiency. Prior to the House meeting, Musk and Ramaswamy met with the Senate DOGE Caucus, of which Utah Sen. Mike Lee is a member.

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Moores colleagues highlighted the Department of Education and the redundancy of government employees as topics of discussion in the closed-door meeting. But Moore said everything has to be on the table, including efficiency in the Department of Defense and the ability to vote on mandatory spending.

During the meeting, Moore said he explained to Musk and Ramaswamy that automatically renewing programs make up 75% of the budget, and sometimes grow by up to 15% a year, and are never voted on.

Moore campaigned heavily on reversing Washingtons debt culture. Within four years of entering Congress, he has risen to GOP conference vice chair and sits on the influential Budget Committee and Ways and Means Committee, which oversees tax policy.

As a non-congressionally approved body, DOGE will have advisory but no policymaking authority, Moore said. Even with this restriction, Moore said President-elect Donald Trumps creation of DOGE marks a big difference from his reluctance to tackle debt reduction during his first term.

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It ultimately comes down to President Trump, Moore said. Im hopeful that as hes elevated these two individuals that that shows hes serious about it, because theres a lot of us in Congress that are very serious about it, and this might be the moment.

Can DOGE cross the aisle?

Some have criticized Musk and Ramasmway  both billionaire entrepreneurs  for thinking they can enact sweeping changes to government structure and spending without having any previous experience in the institutions involved. Democrat Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida called the whole idea a joke.

But Moores biggest takeaway from his meeting with the worlds richest man and the former GOP presidential candidate was their openness to feedback. The close advisers of Trump both displayed humility and a desire to sincerely listen as congressional Republicans presented ideas to them, Moore said. Ramaswamy even made an appeal for GOP attendees to involve more Democrats in DOGE-related conversations, according to Moore.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., from left, walks with Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, who is carrying his son X  A-Xii, as they arrive for a roundtable meeting to discuss President-elect Donald Trump's planned Department of Government Efficiency, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. | Jose Luis Magana

DOGE and its affiliated congressional caucus has shown a glimmer of bipartisan appeal. Progressive California Rep. Ro Khanna made headlines on Thursday with his declaration of support for DOGEs mission and his willingness to cooperate with Musk and Ramaswamy to slash waste. Democratic socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders said he also supports DOGE for its aim to clean out the defense budget. And Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., became the first Democrat to join the DOGE caucus on Thursday.

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One way to bring more Democrats into the DOGE fold, Moore said, is to compare it to the National Partnership for Reinventing Government launched in 1993 by Vice President Al Gore with the goal of reducing government bureaucracy. The initiative led to the elimination of hundreds of thousands of federal jobs and the consolidation or elimination of hundreds of programs and agencies.

Will DOGE unite or divide Republicans?

However, one obstacle to Democratic buy-in could be the appointment of controversial Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to chair the newly created DOGE subcommittee which will operate under the House Oversight Committee. Moore said this role will mostly allow Greene to conduct hearings to obtain congressional testimony.

Following Musk and Ramaswamys meeting with House Republicans, Greene said they would be making a naughty list and a nice list to hold representatives accountable for how they vote on spending proposals.

But what Moore hopes DOGE does is unite Republicans to achieve their longstanding goals of integrating mandatory spending programs into the budget process, eliminate Congress annual $2 trillion deficit and achieve a balanced budget.

This is going to be the biggest catalyst and opportunity that Ive seen in my time to be able to do something like that, said Moore, who was elected in 2020 to represent the 1st Congressional District.
A team from the Special Cell has arrested the two shooters wanted in the Mundka murder case after a brief exchange of gunfire in Rohini on Thursday night, Delhi police said. The accused have been identified as Narender alias Khilla resident of Kami Sonepat village, Haryana (age 24 years). He is the main conspirator of the murder and was in contact with jailed members of Tillu Gang as well as handler abroad. The other accused is Abhishek alias Ankit resident of Panipat, Haryana (Age 22 years). He is an active shooter and recruited a co-accused for the murder. "On Dec 5, a specific information was received by the team of Insp. Sandeep Dabas regarding the movement of shooters in Rohini area. Accordingly, a trap was laid and at about 8:20 pm, the team spotted two persons on a motorcycle on Karala, Phirni road, Rohini who were identified by the informer, as Khilla and Ankit Jurasi, who were wanted in the case. They were signalled to stop by the police team after disclosing their identity, but the accused persons tried to flee the spot while firing at the police party, the police team also retaliated in self defence, and the accused persons were overpowered and apprehended," Delhi police said. Both the accused received injuries on their legs during the shootout. On the night of November 9, Amit Lakra, a 26-year-old who had been released on bail in a robbery case, was shot dead in Mundka. The responsibility for this murder was claimed by the rival Tillu Tajpuriya - Davender Bambiha Gang through a social media post. The team of Special Cell SWR had earlier arrested one person named Nihal resident of Yamuna Nagar after a shootout on the intervening night of Nov 13-14, who was one of the shooters in the Mundka Murder case. One more accused was arrested by Delhi Police while two main shooters remained at large and were evading arrest. Both the accused persons were wanted in case u/s 103/1(3)/5 BNS & 25/27 Arms Act P.S. Mundka Delhi. (ANI)
The South Korean National Assembly failed to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after conservative members walked out ahead of the vote.

The conservative president declared martial law on Tuesday after struggling against an opposition party in control of the country's legislature for much of his term. He claimed the declaration was a way to "protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces."

That declaration was unanimously voted down by the parliament the next day. Military forces that had stormed the South Korean parliament building stood down after lawmakers reversed Yoon's declaration of martial law. Earlier on Saturday, Yoon apologized for his declaration. He promised to take responsibility for his actions and left "matters related to [his] term in office" up to his party.

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200 members of South Korea's 300-member assembly would have needed to support Yoon's impeachment. Though Yoon's opposition controls the legislature, they would have needed at least eight members of Yoon's People Power Party to approve the motion to impeach. PPP members boycotted the vote instead, denying a necessary two-thirds majority.

"The South Korean people were watching our decision today. Nations around the world were watching us," speaker Woo Won-shik said at the close of the session, per the New York Times. "It is utterly unfortunate that the vote effectively didnt occur."

The lack of a vote will likely intensify growing protests to remove Yoon from office. Democratic Party leaders seemed committed to attempting a second impeachment vote before the end of the year.

Well surely impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, who is the greatest risk to the Republic of Korea, party leader Lee Jae-myung said. Well surely bring back this country to normal before Christmas Day or years end.
A new occupational therapy program at the University of Vermont is showcasing the newest inventions in home tech. Program leaders say they hope the technology will help Vermonts most vulnerable groups live safer and smarter.

UVMs program, in partnership with the state-led Vermont Assistive Technology Program, held its first community open house on Friday. Organizers created a mock smart apartment including amenities like voice activated appliances and adaptive tools to help with bathing, eating, cooking and other activities. Students in the program demonstrated how the items worked, explaining how each item could function in the home.

It can really help break down barriers for folks if its utilized correctly, said Benjamin Wimett, an Assistive Technology Access Specialist.

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Wimett says he believes the featured technologies can help people of any age or background. He also says, in the future, he hopes the UVM program, which was established by congressionally directed funding in 2023, will be able to continue to train future therapists to provide services to Vermonts populations.

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(NewsNation)  Vice President-elect JD Vance on Friday surveyed damage from Hurricane Helene and talked to first responders in western North Carolina in one of his first public appearances since the November election.

The hurricane struck in late September and caused at least $53 billion in damage in North Carolina, according to a state government estimate. More than 100 North Carolina residents died from the storm, which the state estimates damaged more than 120,000 homes, at least 6,000 miles of roads and over 160 sewer and water systems.

The incoming vice president and his wife, Usha, visited the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department, where he learned that the building flooded with 4 to 6 inches of water and that roughly a dozen people got walking pneumonia as they responded to the hurricanes destruction. Power outages meant that some first responders could not talk with their own families for several days.

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Donald Trumps new administration: Who has he chosen so far?

State lawmakers have already allocated more than $900 million in disaster relief, but North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has sought at least $3.9 billion. The Democratic governor and other state leaders have now asked the federal government for $25 billion in aid.

Hundreds of miles of roads have been reopened and water systems are back online, but the work has been slow-going. More than 100,000 western North Carolina residents were told just two weeks ago that they could once again use water coming out of Ashevilles water system to bathe and to drink from the faucet. A destroyed water system in at least one isolated county could take years to rebuild.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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The Fulton County Coroner has identified the 18-year-old street vendor shot and killed Wednesday night, as Dexter Devaughn Hoefer Savage Jr.

Atlanta police say Savage was shot multiple times by another t-shirt vendor as the two argued over a spot to sell concert t-shirts in a parking lot on Nassau Street.

Channel 2s Veronica Griffin talked to John Smith, a long-time vendor, about the deadly shooting.

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Go ask an officer, ask for help, Smith said. Dont get entangled. Youre just probably invoking someone, maybe some alcohol in them, maybe some drugs in them. Just walk away. Its the best situation.

TRENDING STORIES:

Savage was shot several times and died at the hospital shortly after.

The parking lot is a block away from State Farm Arena.

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Atlanta Police Detective Lt. Andrew Smith working the homicide scene told Channel 2 Action News that the deadly vendor vs. vendor shooting was a first for him.

Ive never worked a homicide involving selling t-shirts, Smith said.

So far, police have not released any information on the shooter. If you know anything about this crime, you can call Crime Stoppers at 404-877-5477.
Weekend Outlook: We will have a warming trend as northerly winds are replaced with southwest winds. Saturday will be mostly sunny and not as cold as an area of high-pressure moves over Alabama. High temperatures will be in the lower 50s. On Sunday, an upper-level low and wave over Texas and Louisiana will move northeast toward Alabama. This southwest flow aloft will begin a wet period for Alabama. Expect clouds and showers to move across the region starting in the afternoon. High temperatures will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s.

Next Weeks Outlook: Heavy rain totaling 2-4 is forecast through Wednesday as the southwest flow aloft sends upper-level waves and a cold front to Alabama. On Monday, there will be heavy rain and storms. It will be mild with highs in the middle 60s.

A cold front will move across Alabama Tuesday into Wednesday morning with more heavy rain. Tuesday will stay mild with highs in the 60s, but we will cool to the lower 50s on Wednesday with the cold front. Thursday and Friday will be sunny, 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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A sudden cash infusion boosting Libertarian candidates for Congress. An independent expenditure for a far-right gadfly in Pennsylvania. A mysterious group using offensive messaging against Hispanic Republicans.

These were a few of the unusual, controversial and even desperate tactics deployed as part of a forceful embrace of a traditionally little-used strategy: super PACs helping Democrats by elevating conservative third-party candidates.

Campaigns and parties generally avoid the gambit, which can be seen as dirty or underhanded because it tries to win an election by using a third-party candidate to siphon votes from the opposition instead of competing directly against them. But it was used significantly more this year than in other recent elections, a POLITICO analysis found. Three outside groups poured in some $3.5 million to support longshot candidates in 10 races, part of a broader $5.8 million spend in more than two dozen. And new campaign finance reports shed light on their donors and ties to the Democratic Party.

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One group, Voter Protection Project, dropped more than $3.8 million, much of which went to aid Libertarian or independent candidates in five House seats. Its single largest donor was House Democrats top outside group, House Majority PAC.

Another group entered the Pennsylvania Senate race to prop up a Constitution Party candidate, spending over 50 times more than the truck driver himself reported raising. The group, ostensibly supporting a third party, used Democratic vendors.

Most controversially, a group calling itself Save Western Culture popped up in the final days of the election, taking elaborate steps to conceal its funders and strategists as it enraged and offended Republicans with its messaging. One text warned that "Mexican-born" Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) was working against U.S. interests. A robocall slammed Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan for acknowledging that Joe Biden won the 2020 election. And one of their ads dubbed Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) a "cucked-king".

I'm against a lot of Ted Cruz's views, but I don't want to insult him personally like they did, like making fun of him, said Ted Brown, the Libertarian nominee who was the unwitting beneficiary of the groups ads in the Texas Senate race. Definitely not my style.

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All together the three groups boosted third-party candidates in the Pennsylvania, Texas and Maryland Senate races and in seats held by Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), Don Davis (D-N.C.) and two open Michigan seats.

Only Davis, Chavez-DeRemer and Kaptur won or lost their races by margins small enough that the Libertarian candidate could be considered a possible spoiler. The most compelling case is Kaptur, who won her northwestern Ohio seat by 2,382 votes while Libertarian nominee Tom Pruss  supported by Voter Protection Project  received more than 15,000 votes.

She told me about her Libertarian and she does think that that had a significant effect on her election, said Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.), a battle-tested incumbent who lost reelection in November by about 6,300 votes. I was only half joking when I said, I wish I had one, too.

(In an interview, Kaptur said she wasnt sure yet if the Libertarian contributed to her victory but that she planned to analyze the data to find out.)

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Both parties have long sought to leverage third-party candidates to help them in their races. But longtime strategists from both parties could not recall a previous cycle that saw so much actual outside spending in support of so many down-ballot third-party candidates.

More third-party House and Senate candidates got backing from outside groups seemingly linked to a major party this year compared to any of the previous three election cycles, a POLITICO analysis of spending records with the Federal Election Commission found.

The most mysterious of this years groups, Save Western Culture, spent $1.6 million, some of which was in races with no third-party candidate, such as Ciscomanis race. It also spent against Cartwrights opponent. The group was formed late enough in the election that it did not have to disclose its funding before Election Day  and when it filed a campaign finance report on Thursday for the first time, its donors remained a secret.

The group reported that it received all its funding on Oct. 17 from an entity called Stop China Now Inc., a company registered in Delaware, with minimal disclosure laws. The address listed for Stop China Now Inc. and Save Western Culture is the same Massachusetts UPS Store.

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The group has paid three vendors, none of which have appeared before in FEC records. One of them, Apex Growth Strategies, was registered in Arizona by Gibson McKay, a lobbyist and former staffer to the late Sen. John McCain who also supported Rep. Ruben Gallegos (D-Ariz.) 2024 Senate bid.



Daniel Scarpinato, an aide to Ciscomani, called McKay after learning about his ties to the group. He said McKay told him the group was aligned with Democrats. McKay did not respond to a request for comment from POLITICO.

Spending money to support multiple Libertarians, independents and other minor candidates represents a marked escalation of the two major parties efforts to use third parties.

In general, Libertarian candidates are considered more likely to pull from Republicans while Green Party candidates are more likely to pull from Democrats. In one common electoral strategy, both parties often maneuver to help certain candidates get on or off the ballot if they feel their presence would be advantageous.

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Both parties play that game, said veteran Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia. At the end of the day I favor good old fashioned head-to-head competition, rather than playing games. But politics will always be politics.

The maneuvering is particularly common in all-party primaries in Alaska and California, where Democrats and Republicans often try to knock votes toward certain candidates and away from others. There is tacit endorsement of the strategy at the highest levels of the parties.

Both Democratic and Republican House campaign arms signaled to allies to boost minor-party or longshot candidates this year. And House Democrats largest congressional super PAC funded the Voter Protection Project. (That group, House Majority PAC, declined to comment.) In Pennsylvania, Casey himself aired ads promoting a Libertarian and a Constitution Party candidate as he sought reelection.

And some conservative third-party House candidates were recruited by a shadowy group that appeared to use Democratic firms, The Associated Press reported.

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For some Democrats, its reminiscent of another tactic that has appeared to become increasingly popular in recent years: crossing party lines to meddle in the other sides primary. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) famously used it to choose her opponent in 2012. More recently Democrats spent this year in Ohios Senate GOP primary to aid Bernie Moreno.

Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) recalled the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees controversial decision to do something similar in 2022. They spent for then-Rep. Peter Meijers (R-Mich.) more conservative primary challenger in the hopes he would be easier to oust in a general election. They were right, and Democratic Rep. Hillary Scholten now holds that seat.

It's a very dangerous strategy, Moulton said. But let's be honest, there are some places where it's worked. So I understand why people look at it.
JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  The tree that stood above all other Christmas trees a year ago has returned to our area for a new chapter helping a local family in need.

Wood from the 2023 Rockefeller Christmas tree that came from Vestal has been donated to Broome County Habitat for Humanity.

The 80-foot tall and 80-year-old Norway Spruce came from the home of the McGinley family.

Each year after the holiday season, Rockefeller Center has its tree milled and has traditionally given the lumber to Habitat for Humanity. This year, it decided to start donating it specifically to a Habitat near where the tree came from.

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BC Habitat Executive Director Lateisha Judge says she was thrilled at the news.

Judge says the wood is soft, so it is being used as shelving in a new house under construction in Johnson City. She says whoever lives in the home will be able to see Rockefeller Center stamped on each of the boards.

Me personally, Im a bit of a cook. So, Im constantly in my kitchen and Im constantly in my pantry. I think it would be so amazing to open the door and every time you see this little Christmas tree and 2023, it really is that the house has a piece of history, and I think thats amazing, said Judge.

Judge says Habitat volunteers have finished the exterior of the new house on West Street and plan to finish it sometime next year.

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She says one of the volunteers took one of the boards and created a wooden sculpture as a memento for the McGinley family.

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Dec. 6A group of local veterans spoke out during the public forum of the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday against cutting a part-time position in the Veterans Services Office that they say is critical in helping connect veterans with benefits.

The comments came as the county board considers its budget and levy for 2025.

Greg Sundholm, a Desert Storm veteran, said when he left active service in 1993, he had some health problems and none of the family doctors could figure out what was happening. It wasn't until he connected with the Veterans Services Office, which connected him to the Veterans Affairs doctors, that he was able to find answers.

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"I had no idea what was going on with me; family, local doctors didn't  the VA did," Sundholm said. "My gateway to the VA system was the VSO."

He said the position in question has been consistent over several veterans services officers and has a wealth of knowledge that the individual has been passing down to a new veterans services benefit specialist.

Interim Administrator Darrell Pettis said the person in question retired earlier this year and is utilizing a Public Employees Retirement Association phased retirement option that is voluntary for the county to be a part of.

Through the program, if an employee meets certain requirements such as age and they take their PERA pension, they can return to the same position and work up to 1,040 hours per year.

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This employee did retire and went on the phased retirement option, but unfortunately when this was done, Pettis said the board was not informed of what was done and there was not a date about how long the arrangement would be in place up to five years. The board has been struggling with how long the position will continue on.

A full-time individual has been hired in the employee's old position, so now there are 2 1/2 employees, including the veterans services officer. The part-time position equates to just over $30,000, he said.

Jon Rhiger, a former veterans services officer for the county, asked that the office be exempt from cuts this round and said most people are not aware of the "bang for the buck" people are getting from the office. He referenced numerous reports and many different types of benefits the office helps with.

He served in the office for 37 1/2 years.

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"Believe me, there is no fat to cut from that office," Rhiger said.

Robert Sharp, a Vietnam War veteran and commander of the local VFW and DAV chapters, said the benefits the veterans utilize through the office were earned for their service.

"When we stood up in front of the flag and pledged our everything, including our lives, to protect this country  if you all remember they said, 'We will take care of you,'" Sharp said. "But when we came back we found out what an effortless thought that was."

He said the cuts would be a "slap in the face for the veterans in the community."

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Pettis on Friday said the board will review several end-of-year resolutions at its Dec. 17 meeting when it will ultimately decide what will take place with the budget.

He said the direction staff was given Tuesday after the workshop was that the employee be granted the full year of phased retirement, and prior to the end of that year, the board will review it again.
Sara Haines spoke out against the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the internets reaction to his death while discussing the incident on The View this week.

In a clip that the ABC talk show shared on Instagram on Friday, Dec. 6, Haines declared that the most ghastly part of this was the idea of people turning to violence and believing that, in doing so, they are effectuating change.

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Thompson, 50, was fatally shot by a masked person while walking in New York City early on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The health care company CEO was on his way to an investor conference in Midtown Manhattan at the time he was shot, according to The Associated Press.

"This does not appear to be a random act of violence; all indications are that it was a premediated, targeted attack, the New York City Police Department said in a bulletin posted on X, formerly Twitter, a day after Thompsons death.

Authorities were still looking for the person who shot Thompson as of Friday evening. As the search proceeded, many social media users reacted to the news of Thompsons death by calling out common criticisms of health insurance companies and the coverage they provide. In some cases, social media users made light of Thompsons death in the process.

Seeing those internet users attempts at humor in light of Thompsons death actually made me feel so sad, Haines, 47, said. Its not even just that hes a father and he has kids. Hes a human. And that someone would take it upon a subject and target that person, as if youre gonna change any system? Youre not, dude. Youre not gonna change anything.

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When Joy Behar, one of Haines co-hosts, interrupted to point out that the shooters motive hadnt yet been confirmed, Haines then alluded to comments that law enforcement officials made to media outlets about words often used among critics of health insurance companies being found on the ammunition at the scene.

We dont know. But it was an assassination, Haines said. Theres a corporate greed problem in this country that is not just unique to healthcare. Its everywhere where the haves and the have nots have never been further apart. And the rage is understandable and realnever to this levelbut the problem is, you knock out this poor man, someone else is coming up.

Next: 'The View's Joy Behar Reveals Shocking Family Secret About the Woman She Was Named After
The Warangal Police arrested three people in connection with the Rayaparthy State Bank of India (SBI) theft case and 2.5 kilograms of gold ornaments were seized, police said on Friday. According to the police, the gold ornaments were stolen from the SBI branch in Rayaparthy of Warangal district. Of the three arrested accused, two of them belong to Uttar Pradesh, police said, adding that the accused robbed the bank on the night of November 18. "Warangal Police has arrested three accused involved in the Rayaparthy SBI Bank theft case. After their arrest, 2.5 kg of gold ornament which was stolen from the bank was also recovered. Of the three accused, two of them are from Uttar Pradesh. They (the accused persons) came on the 18th night and surveyed the State Bank of India (SBI) bank and as there was no guard so they targeted that bank. Stole the gold. The Warangal Police formed 10 teams..." Commissioner of Police (CP) Ambar Kishor Jha told ANI. CP Jha informed that seven accused from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have been identified in connection with this case. They chose the SBI branch in Rayaparthy village as there was no night guard posted on duty and the location was outside the main town, he added. The Commissioner further said that the other accused will also be arrested soon. "A total of seven accused have been identified in this case. They came from Maharashtra and took shelter in Hyderabad. They did recce of multiple SBI banks. Of these places, they chose SBI Rayaparthy as there was no night guard present and it was outside the main town as well. After that action, they moved out of the state with the property but those things have been recovered. They have been arrested. The other accused will be also soon arrested," CP Ambar Kishor Jha said. (ANI)
FAIRVIEW - During his visit to Fairview two months after North Carolinas deadliest storm on record, Vice President-elect JD Vance called for the federal government to do a lot more for the people of Western North Carolina, citing bureaucratic red tape and slowness.

I know a lot of people in this neck of the woods feel left behind and forgotten, I just wanted to make them feel that their government leaders actually care about them, because we do, Vance said Dec. 6, standing next to Sen. Ted Budd, Sen. Thom Tillis and Sen. Shelley Moore of West Virginia.

Vance expressed two immediate concerns. The first: allowing people to live in mobile homes within designated floodplain areas. He mentioned that North Carolina Republican senators Tillis and Bud explicitly asked President Joe Bidens administration to grant a waiver through the Federal Emergency Management Agency that would allow residents to temporarily live in these structures through the rebuilding phase.

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Theyve started the conversation, but its up to the Biden administration to actually respond to this request and allow us to get the residences and the homes that we need, even if just on a temporary basis, Vance said.

If it takes 45 days, thats something that is going to change immediately under President Trumps leadership.

Vice President-elect JD Vance, second from left, speaks to the media with senators Thom Tills, left, Shelley Moore Capito, of West Virginia, second from right, and Ted Budd, December 6, 2024, in Fairview.

The second concern Vance said he took away from his Fairview visit, which he said will be a focus for the next administration: the countrys communication infrastructure.

At a Fairview Fire Department station Dec. 6, Vance spoke with five fire and EMS personnel who bunked at the partially flooded station for nine days, without any communication with their loved ones or family, they said.

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It is, frankly, a disgrace, given that we have Starlink, given that we have access to modern technology, that we (had) so many people unable to communicate with law enforcement, with EMS services and with their loved ones weeks after this storm hit, Vance said.

Vance visits Fairview Fire Department, meets fallen firefighter's family

Vance is the latest in a string of dignitaries  from President-elect Donald Trump to then-Vice President hopeful Tim Walz and First Lady Jill Biden  to visit the Asheville area after Tropical Storm Helene, which left 103 confirmed victims in its wake. The storm also caused an estimated $53 billion in damage and wrecked more than 151,000 homes, according to North Carolina's Office of State Budget and Management.

Vice President-elect JD Vance and his wife, Usha, view images from the devastating flooding of Tropical Storm Helene at the Fairview Fire Department near Asheville, December 6, 2024.

More: Trump visits Western North Carolina repeating false FEMA claims; favors more Helene aid

On the outskirts of Fairview, landslides in Craigtown killed 11 members of one family, along with two other residents. Among the lives lost was Tony Garrison, a battalion chief of Fairview Volunteer Fire Department and a firefighter with Garren Creek Fire Department. He was killed alongside his nephew, Robert Brandon Ruppe, 37, while rescuing community members.

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At one of three Fairview Fire Department stations Dec. 6, Vance shook hands and hugged the mother, daughter, son and wife of Garrison, including Dillon Garrison, who was with his father and cousin during the landslide.

Vance, Budd, Tillis and Moore watched a slideshow that showed flooding at two Fairview VFD stations and the damage Helene left behind in town. One image depicted a pile of debris with an American flag flying above, marking where Garrison died while saving his cousins wife.

Vice President-elect JD Vance views photographs of the devastating floods of Tropical Storm Helene at the Fairview Fire Department near Asheville, December 6, 2024.

More: 'It's changed forever': Tropical Storm Helene destroys Craigtown, kills 11 in same family

While looking at the images, Tillis commented, within the area thats effected, its a land mass the size of Massachusetts.

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There are hundreds of people out of homes right now, a lot are in hotels, Tillis said, adding that many have vouchers from FEMA, but they dont have reservations.

To date, FEMA has provided temporary shelter for 10,000 North Carolina households through Transitional Sheltering Assistance. Half of these households have found long term housing, according to a Dec. 5 news release. More than 4,900 families will be provided free accommodation through the recently extended date of Jan. 11.

Politico recently reported senior officials with FEMA, including Michael Coen, the agency's chief of staff, are expressing concern that President-elect Donald Trump could redirect disaster resources during his administration, similar to the $155 million diverted from the federal government's main disaster fund for building immigration facilities near the U.S.-Mexico border in 2019.

Vance called this "irony big enough that it can crush a vehicle," when asked for comment by the Citizen Times.

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"That's what they've been doing during their entire four years of leadership, is diverting disaster relief from the people who need it to the illegal immigration crisis that their policies have created," Vance said, repeating a claim  also stated by Trump during his visit to Swannanoa and previously spread by Elon Musk and Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan  that has been debunked as false by USA TODAY and fact checking agencies like PolitiFact.

"Yes, we are going to secure the southern border and take that concern seriously. We could do that while simultaneously looking after the people of Western North Carolina who have had this terrible storm and now they're trying to rebuild from it," Vance said.

Senator Thom Tills listens during JD Vances visit to the Fairview Fire Department near Asheville, December 6, 2024.

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Vance comments on insurance companies, nonprofits stepping in

A topic that was brought up multiple times during Vances visit, was the issue of insurance coverage. Many in the hard hit-community of Craigtown didnt have flood insurance because they were so far out of the floodplain, an EMS coordinator with the Fairview VFD commented. Landslides fall under flood damage for insurance purposes, he added.

One of the biggest complaints that Ive heard today is a lot of insurance companies, who should be doing their job and should be doing right by these people, are not actually stepping up, are not giving people what was promised, Vance said to a group of reporters.

Thats where Samaritans Purse, other nonprofits and private citizens are filing big gaps, he said.

Vice President-elect JD Vance visits the home of the Wright family in Fairview, December 6, 2024. The home was stripped due to damage sustained in Tropical Storm Helene.

More: Walz calls Asheville 'a treasure' in second visit since September, calls out Trump on policies

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Insulation hung from the ceiling over the mud-lined floors of a Fairview home on stilts nearby, where about 14 Samaritan Purse volunteers stood as Vance walked in with the Wright family.

The Wrights home, built 3 times higher than the 100-year flood plain, had water coming through the windows Sept. 27  over 10.5 feet from the ground. Now, Samaritans Purse is helping restore the home and providing mold mitigation, which has been a big issue for many in WNC, according to Chief Operating Officer Edward Graham.

Edward Graham, COO of Samaritans Purse, speaks with Vice President-elect JD Vance in Fairview, December 6, 2024.

This is a Christmas season thats got a lot of grief for a lot of people  but I think there is going to be a lot of joy and a lot of celebration despite the sorrow, because the people of North Carolina are taking care of their own, and that's exactly as it should be, Vance said.

But they deserve some help, and theyre going to get it from their government.

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Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. She is a graduate of Indiana University and was the Citizen Times Summer News Reporting Intern in 2022. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: VP-elect Vance visits Fairview after Helene; talks FEMA, insurance
Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., speaks on stage during the the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 21, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Democratic U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene of Washington will continue to helm her caucus political operation as it maneuvers to recapture control of the House in 2026.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, on Friday said he had reappointed DelBene as chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He cited her leadership returning most of the partys targeted incumbents to office and engineering the pick-up of two House seats. Even so, Republicans secured a historically narrow majority of 220-215 in the next Congress.

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One of the key wins was Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perezs reelection in the 3rd Congressional District in southwest Washington. Her match-up with Republican Joe Kent was a battleground contest and attracted millions of dollars in outside spending by both parties.

As we build upon the foundation that we laid and continue our work to take back the House majority in 2026, there is no person better to lead our efforts than Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, he said in a statement, adding that she is whip smart, incredibly substantive and very strategic.

DelBene, who hails from Medina, a city just east of Seattle, said she was honored to receive the opportunity to finish the job that we started: retaking the House Majority.

The 1st Congressional District, which DelBene represents, spans part of King County and much of central and southern Snohomish County. Kirkland, Redmond, Mill Creek, Marysville, Bothell and Lake Stevens are among the cities in the district.

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She entered office in November 2012, completing the unexpired term of Jay Inslee who stepped down to run for governor. Last month, she won reelection with 63% of the vote.

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WALDORF, Md. (DC News Now)  Parents in Charles County are outraged after a group of students with disabilities and their teachers say they were denied service at the Cracker Barrel in Waldorf.

They are calling the incident sad and insensitive.

I was more so disheartened initially, but then I got pissed off, Stacey Campbell said.

Stacey Campbell  whose son has autism  is a parent of one of the students a part of Charles Countys Public Schools (CCPS) Community-Based Instruction, also known as CBI.

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CBI helps students with disabilities to practice the skills they learn in the classroom and use them in real life.

Juvenile dies after Charles County police chase crash; OAG investigating

On Dec. 3, students and staff members arrived at a Cracker Barrel, where they said they were refused service.

What is the leadership going to do about that, and how are they going to ensure that their discriminatory practices are no longer happening, Campbell questioned.

In a letter, the school Superintendent said they notified the restaurant of the planned visits, including how many people were coming and shared the purpose of the program.

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In a statement from Cracker Barrel, the restaurant said:

A staffing challenge that day led to the closure of part of our second dining room, creating confusion that impacted the groups experience. We take this matter seriously and are working directly with the groups leadership to better understand what happened, extend our apologies, and make things right.

They say the restaurant is available to speak with the parents of the students and is willing to work with the school system to do better.

In an updated statement sent to DC News Now on Monday, the restaurant emphasized that the incident was unfortunate but unrelated to the students capabilities.

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At Cracker Barrel, we strive to create a welcoming environment and great experience for all of our guests. That we disappointed this group of students and teachers during their recent visit is unacceptable to us, and we sincerely apologize. Our missteps last week were unfortunate but were unrelated to the students capabilities. They were due to our inability to accommodate a party of 18 that arrived when we were facing unexpected staffing issues and had partially closed our second dining room. Our failure to follow certain operational protocols combined with poor communication on our part then led to misunderstandings and misperceptions. This group of students and teachers were, are, and always will be welcome to dine with us. We are working with them, the school, and the parent community to better understand what happened so that we can learn from it and do better. We will make things right, and we look forward to earning back their trust and confidence.

The students parents and other community members said they plan to hold a rally and boycott the restaurant on Dec. 15.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Rebels who have been seizing control of swathes of Syrian territory within the past week are within just 10 kilometres of the capital Damascus, Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told dpa on Saturday.

"Our forces began implementing the final stage by encircling the capital, Damascus," the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) posted on X.

The leader of HTS, Abu Mohamed al-Joulani, issued a statement encouraging his fighters: "Continue your way and continue to the fronts of dignity ... continue the path of liberation and and liberate prisoners.

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"There are thousands of oppressed displaced people who are waiting for you to return them their rights."

He called on the rebel fighters not to waste one bullet on anyone but their enemy.

"Damascus is waiting for you," he said.
Baron Li nearly lost his life he was shot nine times by a hooded assailant outside his home in Bellevue, Wash., in July 2020.

Though he survived, Lis recovery was arduous. The father of a son with special needs, he was unable to work for more than a year, making it increasingly difficult to support his family.

Li was fortunate to survive. He suffered gunshot wounds to the chest, legs, arms and hips. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Li was in and out of consciousness and required extensive, life-saving surgery.

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Lis story is featured in the upcoming episode of People Magazine Investigates. Titled Teenage Assassins, the episode premieres on Investigation Discovery on Monday, Dec. 9, at 9/8c and also streams on Max. (An exclusive clip is shown below.)

The shooting appeared random at first, but police eventually unspooled a strange plot involving Li's ex-wife and a bitter custody dispute over their son, Arik, who has severe disabilities stemming from a medical misdiagnosis early in his life.

Li had divorced his ex-wife, Shaerin Kelly, in 2015. She was initially granted custody of Arik, but he was removed from her care in 2017, with child services alleging neglect. In 2019, Li and his then-fiancee, Didee, as well as her two children, moved to Washington and won custody of Arik.

Custody of his son also meant Li had control over a valuable trust fund set up for Ariks care following a medical malpractice suit.

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Li immediately expected that Kelley had something to do with his attempted murder. But Kelley did not fit the description of the shooter, who was later identified as 17-year-old Joseph Good.

"I knew it wasn't random, which is what the police initially tried to suggest," Li told PEOPLE in 2021. "This was someone my ex-wife sent."

Related: Father Ambushed and Shot 9 Times 'Knew' Ex-Wife Sent Teen Hit Man  and Authorities Agree

Good had no obvious connection to Li. But police eventually discovered that he had been approached by Kelley who offered to pay him to kill Li. Good subsequently recruited his friend, Quincy Mendez, 17, who drove the getaway car used to go to and from the scene.

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.

Kelley even had a GPS device placed on Lis car so the teens would have access to her ex-husbands location.

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The trio were all subsequently arrested and have since all pleaded guilty to charges connected to the shooting.

Kelley was sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading to attempted murder in 2023. Mendez received a sentence of over 8 years in a juvenile detention center for his role in the shooting, while Good was sentenced to more than 12 years.

People Magazine Investigates: Teenage Assassins premieres on Investigation Discovery on Monday, Dec. 9, at 9/8c and also streams on Max.

Read the original article on People
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa  Iowans out and about in West Des Moines will need to practice their safe driving skills Friday evening, as the West Des Moines Police Department is hosting a special traffic enforcement project tonight with the Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force.

Now, traffic enforcement will be upheld in all areas of West Des Moines, but police are focusing the project on condensed hot spot areas like Jordan Creek Town Center and West Glen.

Suspect says bad drugs led him to shoot New Virginia man on Thursday

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Patrol officers will be looking for impaired drivers, drivers not wearing their seatbelt, or speeding.

A success for us would look like zero traffic violations. Unfortunately, I dont know if that is a reasonable expectation. What we need is for the community to make good decisions and make sure there is a plan in place if theyre going to be out celebrating. Drivers need to give themselves extra time to get through these busy areas with an increased traffic volume, said Sergeant Dan Wade with the West Des Moines Police Department.

Sergeant Wade said that partnered projects like these allow the department additional resources, saying Law enforcement is a team sport. We are fortunate to have great partners here in central Iowa and this is an opportunity for us to take advantage of the relationships we have in this particular project.

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MASON, Mich.(WLNS)  Christmas is right around the corner and many Mid-Michiganders have visited Christmas farms to pick out the perfect tree, but there are some concerns in regard to wholesale farming.

Mel Keolling, the owner of Tannenbaum Farms in Mason, says the business is doing well as a cut-and-sell Christmas Tree Farm. He says theyve sold 3,000 trees so far, and hope to sell more, but hes noticed a change in the market for wholesale Christmas tree farms.

The number of smaller farms has decreased, said Keolling.

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Wholesale Christmas tree farming is where trees are grown in large quantities and then sold to retail lots and stores to resell. Keolling says theres a decrease due to labor demands.

I think the labor aspect of Christmas tree production is something that most people arent aware of and the time factor that is involved in producing that tree, said Keolling.

Amy Start, Executive Director at the Michigan Christmas Tree Association says theres also a shortage, especially in Michigan.

Theres is somewhat of a shortage of wholesale Christmas tree farms, said Start. A lot of people, you know, especially during 2008 got out of the business, maybe retired, and the recession hit and things were a lot more challenging.

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Start says the business can be expensive, and the work is demanding.

Its a lot of work and its a lot of care of those trees, said Start. Its a lot of irrigation, and youre doing it a mass amount, and a lot of people, you know, they want a quick return in their investment and youre just not gonna get it in Christmas tree farming.

Keolling says it takes time to grow Christmas trees.

If someone does not have an existing farm and they start going out to buy land and plant Christmas Trees on it and wait seven to eight years before they have something to sell, that makes it difficult for newer operations to become established, said Keolling.

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Start says to help encourage more people to get into wholesale Christmas tree farming, the Michigan Christmas Tree Association is providing education and getting farmers to learn more about farming needs and opportunities.

She also says to be sure to support local farmers.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 geopolitical firestorm is erupting within the European Union and Nato ranks, and Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok is caught in the middle.

On Friday, Romania's constitutional court dramatically annulled the results of its first round presidential election held last month, after intelligence services warned of "aggressive hybrid action" by Russia to influence the vote.

A run-off had been scheduled for Sunday, in which Calin Georgescu, a far-right candidate with pro-Russian and anti-Nato views, had been favoured to win, in what would have been the latest shock to establishment politics across the West.

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Georgescu's views on geopolitics and economics, along with his embrace of conspiracy theories, have made waves across Europe, in a week that the French government fell under pressure from the far-left and right, and a month after the German one collapsed.

Georgescu has vowed to pull Romania's support for Ukraine and repair ties with Russia, China and Hungary. He has vowed to nationalise public utilities and push out foreign investors. He has also endorsed a series of conspiracy theories, including one stating that the bubbles in fizzy drinks contain nanochips that "enter you like a laptop".

He came from obscurity to win November's first round and, despite the controversies, had held a healthy lead ahead of Sunday's run-off. However, the court on Friday annulled "the entire electoral process regarding the election of the president of Romania", leaving the whole process in limbo.

Elena Lasconi, leader of the Save Romania Union party (USR) and liberal presidential candidate, has described the constitutional court move as "the moment when the Romanian state trampled over democracy". Photo: EPA-EFE alt=Elena Lasconi, leader of the Save Romania Union party (USR) and liberal presidential candidate, has described the constitutional court move as "the moment when the Romanian state trampled over democracy". Photo: EPA-EFE>

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The unprecedented move was immediately condemned even by Georgescu's political opponent. "Today is the moment when the Romanian state trampled over democracy. God, the Romanian people, the truth and the law will prevail and will punish those who are guilty of destroying our democracy," said liberal candidate Elena Lasconi, who was due to compete in Sunday's run-off.

The move draws further attention to the shock rise of an extreme-right candidate whose success has been attributed by many to a viral TikTok campaign that saw him promoted to millions of voters. Now, authorities are focusing on the company - owned by China's ByteDance Ltd - and demanding to know how his stunning rise was allowed to progress unchecked.

On Thursday, the European Commission announced it had "stepped up its monitoring" of TikTok's role in the Romanian election and demanded that it retain information spanning from last month to next March, in case it is required as part of a probe.

Central to Brussels' concerns is whether there was a "systematic infringement of TikTok's terms of service prohibiting the use of monetisation features for the promotion of political content on the service".

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This came a day after Romania's outgoing president Klaus Iohannis dramatically declassified explosive intelligence showing how paid support for the far-right candidate got promoted on TikTok but was not marked as part of an election campaign, even as other candidates' content was clearly marked.

The intelligence showed a single TikTok account making payments of US$381,000 in a single month from October 24 to influencers who had supported Georgescu.

The firebrand politician painted the intelligence dump as an establishment effort to stymie his rise.

Authorities also claimed that there were more than 85,000 efforts to hack electoral data systems in the run up to and on the day of November's first round of voting, which bore all the hallmarks of "state-sponsored actors".

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"I think it's the first time in the history of the world when a state is organising an action against a candidate to stop him from running," Georgescu told Romanian television, denying any knowledge of the payments or influencers.

TikTok's European representatives were hauled before the European Parliament on Tuesday, during a testy hearing in which they were asked to explain what checks they had in place to prevent manipulation.

On Romania, the company said that it had consulted closely with authorities in the run-up to the election and that it had moved swiftly to contain any fake information spreading on its platform.

Brie Pegum, TikTok's global head of product, authenticity and transparency, said that in the three months before the election in Romania alone, it had removed over 66,000 fake accounts, removed 7 million fake likes and prevented an additional 40 million. It had also removed 10 million fake followers, blocked 216,000 spam accounts and removed 1,000 accounts impersonating Romanian political candidates, Pegum said.

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She said that the company had shut down two "clusters" of accounts that had backed candidates including Georgescu, because they had not followed rules stating political content must be clearly marked.

Caroline Greer, TikTok's top lobbyist in Europe, grilled on whether user data could be transmitted to China, pointed to the company's Project Clover, whereby European users' data is secured in Europe. She said a third-party cybersecurity company was "actively monitoring the security gateways 24/7, ensuring that the data moves the way it should do".

"Political accounts or content is not promoted over and above any other type of content. Any content that is rising in popularity goes into an additional moderation queue, so it receives additional attention, including moderation for disinformation," Greer said.

But their answers were drowned out in a mutinous atmosphere, with the TikTok representatives looking shell-shocked as heckling lawmakers clamoured for better answers.

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"I hear [you have] 6,000 content moderators in Europe - what the hell were they doing during the elections?" demanded Dirk Gotink, a Dutch lawmaker with the centre-right European People's Party, who said the house was "losing patience" with TikTok's responses.

Gotink said TikTok's reps were like a "fire department" that had "let the fire rage online for months during an election" and then played dumb.

While the parliament has no powers to rebuke TikTok, it does help to write EU laws on issues that will affect the company, such as digital and cybersecurity regulations. TikTok is already subject to several probes under the EU's digital services act, to which it says it is fully cooperating.

The febrile atmosphere further attested to the high stakes in Romania, where many fear a victorious Georgescu would form a populist vanguard in central and eastern Europe, along with Hungary's Viktor Orban and Slovakia's Robert Fico.

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This would come as US president-elect Donald Trump threatens to pull support for Ukraine and force a peace deal with Russia that many in Brussels fear would force Kyiv to cede territory.

Asked about those concerns on Thursday, the EU's new defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius said that Trump would "only concentrate on China", leaving Ukraine for Europe to handle, was "not a very strategically wise message".

"The Chinese are watching what's happening in Ukraine. And if we show we are weak like [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is expecting ... China will make their conclusions, that the West is weak. And they can, for example, target Taiwan or something," he said.

People wave Romanian and European Union flags during a pro-European rally in the capital Bucharest on Thursday. Photo: AP alt=People wave Romanian and European Union flags during a pro-European rally in the capital Bucharest on Thursday. Photo: AP>

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Like Fico and Orban, Georgescu is also seen to be favourably disposed to China, and could open a door for Beijing to improve its standing in some European capitals.

"If Georgescu becomes president, he will definitely try to improve Romania's relations with China," said Andreea Brinza, vice-president at the Romanian Institute for the Study of the Asia-Pacific.

"He has said that if he has to negotiate with Hungary, Russia and China he will definitely do so - this may provide hints about Georgescu's position regarding these countries and his admiration for their leaders."

While the Romanian president does not set foreign policy on his own, they represent the country at international forums, meaning Europe "will feel a President Georgescu immediately", said Jonathan Eyal, international director at the Royal United Services Institute, a British think tank.

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"He's not just simply cutting ribbons and opening schools. He is going to be there at the height of European deal-making, right from day one. So actually, it's much worse than just the appearance of [a] figurehead, although it's not as much powers as those of the French president," Eyal explained.

However, Georgescu would not be an "Orban 2.0", he said, given Romania's central status to Nato and the fact that most regular citizens had no love for Putin.

"This idea that Romanians have turned pro-Russian is complete nonsense - he will try to straddle a media line of appearing to be a good Nato supporter and a good EU supporter, because, quite frankly, Romania has nowhere else to go," Eyal said, pointing to inequality and low social spending as people's primary concerns.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

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The University of Texas at Austin campus. DSCZ/Getty Images

Conservative Texas lawmakers and power brokers in recent years have criticized university professors for being woke activists who indoctrinate college students with far-left teachings and ideas.

Now, as state lawmakers head back to the Capitol for the 2025 legislative session, they could limit the influence faculty have over campus culture and curriculum. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants lawmakers to recommend potential changes to the roles of faculty senates, which traditionally take the lead on developing curriculum  and ensuring professors have the academic freedom to teach and research their subject areas without fear of political interference.

But conservatives say university curriculum has been infused with ideologies that have helped take higher education in Texas in an overly liberal direction.

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If were going to refocus our universities on their mission of open inquiry and freedom of speech, weve got to take a look at the curriculum and whos controlling it, Sherry Sylvester, a fellow at the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation, told state senators in November.

Some Texas professors, though, fear the Republican-controlled Legislature could undermine a long-standing balance of power at universities thats meant to protect higher education from politicization. Their concerns are that without a proper voice on campus, and a guarantee that faculty have control over their teaching and research, faculty might leave Texas or be less likely to take a job at a Texas university, research would be imperiled, and there would be no checks and balances on university leadership.

Theres very clearly an ideological based attack against higher education and more specifically against faculty, said Michael Harris, a professor of higher education at Southern Methodist University, a private institution in Dallas. A place where faculty are most noticeable is a faculty senate.

Heres a look at faculty senates in Texas and the role they play in higher education.

What faculty senates do

Faculty senates are made up of professors from across a university. The body approves academic policies, curriculum design, faculty hiring and evaluation, and other issues that impact the academic mission. They also relay university-wide news and plans back to their colleagues. The senates often meet monthly and invite guests from the administration to speak directly to faculty on university issues.

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They provide a critical advisory voice on so many things we do on campus, Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh recently told reporters. The faculty senate does work that is fundamentally important to what we do as a university.

Faculty at many Texas universities elect a professor in their specific college to serve as a representative on the senate. Faculty will typically elect a chair or co-chairs for a one or two year term. Other faculty members can serve on specific committees that provide recommendations to leadership on specific issues, such as budget, research or facility planning.

Faculty say that its vital that they have a voice in the decision making processes and that university boards of regents listen to those on the ground when making decisions that impact their work.

At a Fortune 500 company, you wouldnt want the CEO to make every single decision, said Harris, the SMU professor. They dont have time. People close to the product line or business aspect are best able to do that. The same thing is true here. You want your faculty who teach undergrads to make policy [about undergrads]. They know the issues there better.

Bill Carroll served as president of the University of Texas at Arlingtons faculty senate four years ago. He said administrators often havent taught in a classroom in years and rely on current faculty to share their experiences that can help shape decision-making.

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The faculty senate can provide that input and that information to administration so they can understand how the faculty are perceiving things and understand what faculty needs to do their job in an effective way, he said.

How faculty senates fit into a universitys power structure

Public universities and university systems are overseen by boards of regents, who are appointed by the governor. Those boards hire university presidents, who serve as a CEO of the institution.

While there is nothing in state law that specifies how faculty senates should be organized or function, many universities have adopted rules based on the American Association of University Professors guidance that faculty have academic freedom in the classroom and in research.

They also rely on the 1966 Statement on Government of Colleges and Universities to guide how boards, presidents and faculty senates interact to operate the university. This statement was developed by national organizations that represent faculty, university presidents and governing boards. The statement spells out who should handle each sector of university operations.

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Its not something that was just drawn up by faculty saying, 'Here is our best practice, deal with it, said Joey Velasco, president of the Texas Council of Faculty Senates who also teaches at Sul Ross State University in Far West Texas. It really was a joint effort.

Faculty should be responsible for curriculum, methods of instruction and research, the statement reads. If the governing board or university president ultimately makes a decision that goes against the facultys wishes, that statement urges the board or president to communicate those reasons with the faculty.

Its through open dialogue and mutual respect and a shared vision that faculty, administrators and governing boards can ensure their institutions continue to thrive, Velasco said.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has routinely criticized faculty senates

Faculty senates found themselves in Patricks crosshairs three years ago when he boldly declared he wanted to end tenure for new faculty hires at Texas public universities. It was a radical legislative priority condemned by faculty groups across the country.

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At the time, Patrick was honest about his motivations: he was angry at the Faculty Council at the University of Texas at Austin. The elected group of faculty had passed a nonbinding resolution reaffirming their right to teach critical race theory in the college classroom after the state banned its teaching in K-12 schools. In the statement, faculty at UT-Austin said they will stand firm against any and all encroachment on faculty authority including by the legislature or the Board of Regents.

Patrick called the professors Loony Marxists on social media and accused them of poisoning the minds of college students with such teaching. Ending tenure would make it easier to terminate or punish faculty who were teaching these ideas.

Patrick ultimately was unable to outright ban tenure at Texas public universities. But Harris said its clear that the Faculty Council poked the bear.

I do wonder, were it not for that, would it have been as much on the radar, Harris said, though he feels like the wave of similar actions at universities in other states, such as Florida, wouldve led Texas to take similar routes.

Faculty senates can formally voice a lack of confidence in university leadership

Faculty senates largely garner the most attention outside the university when they issue a vote of no confidence in a school leader. These votes are non binding, but are meant as a way for faculty to express their discontent with the direction a president is taking the school. Sometimes, they can lead to the resignation of a university leader. Other times, theyre completely ignored.

Last year, most faculty members at West Texas A&M University in Canyon said they lost confidence in the president for a variety of issues, including his decision to cancel a student drag show on campus. Nothing happened after the vote and Walter Wendler remained president.

At Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, faculty took a vote of no confidence in the leadership of former President Scott Gordon after he accepted an $85,000 pay bump amid a COVID-19 budget shortfall. In that case, the board of regents stood behind Gordon despite the no confidence vote. Still, he stepped down six months later.

Nationally, a Chronicle of Higher Education analysis found that a president ends up leaving office within a year of a no-confidence vote about half of the time.

This spring, more than 600 faculty at UT-Austin signed a letter stating they had no confidence in President Jay Hartzells leadership after police arrested a swath of pro-Palestinian demonstrators protesting the war in Gaza. However, that letter came from the UT-Austin chapter of the American Association of University Professors, not the Faculty Council.

Other states have moved to limit faculty power

Across the country, other states have sought to curtail the power and freedoms of faculty. The Arizona Legislature passed a law that would reduce the power of faculty senates. The bill eliminated language in the state that says the faculty shall participate in or share responsibility for academic and personnel decisions. Instead, professors could only consult with university leaders on decisions. Arizonas Democratic governor vetoed the bill.

When Florida passed a higher education bill that banned diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public institutions last year, it also included language that said public university presidents and administrators are not bound by faculty recommendations or opinions in hiring decisions.

In Texas, at a November state Senate Higher Education Subcommittee meeting, Sylvester, with the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation, suggested that the Legislature require all faculty senate votes to be public, all meetings be open to the public and live streamed, and all curriculum changes made public.
In a gas explosion at an illegal cylinder refilling site, six people including two children were left with injuries and were rushed to a Trauma Centre in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow, a police official said on Friday. According to the police, the fire station received information about the blast in the Dubagga area where four people suffered injuries and two children from the neighbourhood were also injured. There was a possibility of even a bigger incident given the number of cylinders recovered at the location, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) West Omveer Singh said. "We (the police station and the fire station) received information through 112 that there was an explosion in the Dubagga area around 6:30 PM. The police station in-charge reached the location immediately. Four people were injured and were taken to the hospital. Two children from the neighbourhood also suffered minor injuries," DCP West Omveer Singh said. DCP Singh informed that the police found the location served as an illegal refilling place where they recovered 96 cylinders. One person remains critical from the sustained injuries due to the blast, he added. The DCP said that a case was registered and further investigation was being carried out. "While carrying out an inspection on the spot, it was found that illegal cylinder refilling was being done there. We have found 96 cylinders here. There must have been some kind of leakage since this was being done unprofessionally. This is a gas explosion. Luckily, no cylinder was exploded. There was a possibility of an even bigger incident given the number of cylinders present (at the location). Our ACP and Inspector are at the Trauma Centre to oversee the treatment of those injured. We have been informed that one person is critical. A case has been registered and an investigation is being carried out," DCP West Omveer Singh added. (ANI)
Every year on Christmas, Christians celebrate the birth of their religions founder, Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee. Part of this celebration includes the claim that Jesus was born from a virgin mother named Mary, which is fundamental to the Christian understanding that Jesus is the divine son of God.

The virgin birth may seem strange to a modern audience  and not just because it runs counter to the science of reproduction. Even in the Bible itself, the idea is rarely mentioned.

As a scholar of the New Testament, however, I argue that this storys original audiences would not have been put off by the supposed strangeness of the virgin birth story. The story would have felt much more familiar to listeners at that time, when the ancient Mediterranean was full of tales of legendary men born of gods  and when early Christians were paying close attention to the Hebrew Bibles prophecies.

What the Bible does  and doesnt  say

Strikingly, the New Testament is relatively silent on the virgin birth except in two places. It appears only in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, written a few decades after Jesus death.

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The Book of Matthew explains that when Joseph was engaged to Mary, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. The writer links this unexpected pregnancy to an Old Testament prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, which states the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will call him Immanuel. According to the prophet Isaiah, this child would be a sign to the Jewish people that God would protect them from powerful empires.

A depiction of the Annunciation to Mary at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Catherine Leblanc/Stone via Getty Images

Now the majority of early Christians outside of Judea and throughout the Roman empire did not know the Old Testament in the original Hebrew, but rather a Greek translation known as the Septuagint. When the Gospel of Matthew quotes Isaiah 7:14, it uses the Septuagint, which includes the term parthenos, commonly understood as virgin. This term differs from the Hebrew Old Testament, which uses the word almah, properly translated as young woman. The slight difference in translation between the Hebrew and the Greek may not mean much, but for early Christians who knew Greek, it provided prophetic proof for Jesus birth from the Virgin Mary.

Was the belief in the virgin birth based on a mistranslation? Not necessarily. Such terms were sometimes synonymous in Greek and Jewish thought. And the same Greek word, parthenos, is also found in Lukes version of the story. Luke does not cite the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14. Instead, this version of the Nativity story describes the angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she will give birth even though she is a virgin. Like in Matthews version of the story, Mary is told that her baby will be the son of God.

Human and divine?

For early Christians, the idea of the virgin birth put to rest any rumors about Marys honor. It also contributed to their belief that Jesus was the Son of God and Mary the Mother of God. These ideas became even more important during the second century, when some Christians were debating Jesus origins: Was he simply born a human being but became the Son of God after being baptized? Was he a semi-divine being, not really human? Or was he both fully divine and fully human?

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The last idea, symbolized by the virgin birth, was most accepted  and is now standard Christian belief. But the relative silence about it in the first few decades of Christianity does not necessarily suggest that early Christians did not believe it. Instead, as biblical scholar Raymond Brown also noted, the virgin birth was likely not a major concern for first-century Christians. They affirmed that Jesus was the divine Son of God who became a human being, without trying to explain exactly how this happened.

Greco-Roman roots

Claiming that someone was divinely born was not a new concept during the first century, when Jesus was born. Many Greco-Roman heroes had divine birth stories. Take three famous figures: Perseus, Ion and Alexander the Great.

One of the oldest Greek legends affirms that Perseus, an ancient ancestor of the Greek people, was born of a virgin mother named Danae. The story begins with Danae imprisoned by her father, the king of Argos, who feared her because it was prophesied that his grandson would kill him. According to the legend, the Greek god Zeus transformed himself into golden rain and impregnated her.

A painting of Danae, showing the golden rain above her, by Andrea Schiavone (1522-1563). From the collection of Museo di Capodimonte, Naples. Fine Art Images/Heritage Images via Getty Images

When Danae gave birth to Perseus, they escaped and eventually landed on an island where he grew up. He eventually became a famous hero who killed the snake-haired Medusa, and his great-grandson was Hercules, known for his strength and uncontrollable anger.

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The playwright Euripides, who lived in the fifth century B.C., describes the story of Ion, whose father was the Greek god Apollo. Apollo raped Creusa, Ions mother, who abandoned him at birth. Ion grew up unaware of his divine father, but eventually reconciled with his Athenian mother and became known as the founder of various Greek cities in modern-day Turkey.

Lastly, legends held that Zeus was the father of Alexander the Great, the Macedonian ruler who conquered his vast empire before age 33. Alexander was supposedly conceived the night before his mother consummated her marriage with the king of Macedon, when Zeus impregnated her with a lightning bolt from heaven. Philip, the king of Macedon, raised Alexander as his son, but suspected that there was something different about his conception.

A familiar type of hero

Overall, divine conception stories were familiar in the ancient Mediterranean world. By the second century A.D., Justin Martyr, a Christian theologian who defended Christianity, recognized this point: that virgin birth would not have been considered as extraordinary in societies familiar with Greco-Roman deities. In fact, in an address to the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius and philosophers, Justin argued that they should tolerate Christian belief in the virgin birth just as they did belief in the stories of Perseus.

The idea of the divine participating in the conception of a child destined for greatness wouldnt have seemed so unusual to an ancient audience. Even more, early Christians interpretation of the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 from the Septuagint supported their belief that Jesus origin was not only divine, but foretold in their prophetic scriptures.

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This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Rodolfo Galvan Estrada III, Vanguard University

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Rodolfo Galvan Estrada III does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
South Carolina and United States flags will be flying at half-staff Saturday, Dec. 7.

Here's what to know about Gov. Henry McMaster's half-staff flag order.

Why are flags at half-staff in South Carolina?

McMaster ordered U.S. and S.C. flags to be lowered to half-staff Dec. 7 in in observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

According to a news release from the state, "The President of the United States has issued a proclamation declaring December 7, 2024, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and urging all federal agencies ... to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor."

How long will flags be at half-staff?

S.C. and U.S. flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Where will flags be flown at half-staff?

McMaster ordered that flags be flown at half-staff atop the state Capitol, state buildings and buildings of the political subdivisions of S.C. All interested organizations, groups, and individuals are urged to fly the flags at half-staff as well.

Why do flags fly at half-staff?

Usa.gov states that the American flag flies at half-staff when the country or a state is in mourning. The president, a state governor or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.

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An American flag flying at half-staff generally indicates one of these three things:

The death of a government official, military member or emergency first responder. A national tragedy. Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance.

Is it half-mast or half-staff?

Previous reporting from Memphis Commercial Appeal explained that on ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast. Elsewhere ashore, flags are flown at half-staff.

Todd Runkle is the Carolinas Connect editor and a trending news editor for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at trunkle@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Why are flags at half-staff in SC? What to know about Dec. 7 order.
CLEVELAND (WJW)  To honor the more than 2,000 lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff Saturday.

In accordance with an order from the President of the United States, DeWines order applies to both the United States and the state of Ohio flags. The order is in effect through midnight.

Woman, 20, killed in Lake County crash: OSHP

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On Dec. 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, Japan launched an air raid on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. More than 2,300 Americans were killed in the attack. The next day, the United States declared war against Japan.

This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the attack. Ceremonies and events are planned around the state and the country to remember and honor the lives lost.

In Cleveland, veterans groups and the public attended a ceremony aboard the USS Cod Submarine Memorial on Clevelands North Coast Harbor.

Ohio bill would require high-demand liquor bottles to be opened when sold

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The WWII submarine is docked at 1201 N. Marginal Rd, and hosts an annual wreath casting by members of various local veterans groups, including submarine veterans who are members of Cod Base, USSVI.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Flags in Arizona were at half-staff on Saturday in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day honors the 2,403 service members and civilians killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Another 1,178 people were injured in the attack.

Two Navy battleships were destroyed in the attack, including the USS Arizona.

In addition to ordering all flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset, Gov. Katie Hobbs also proclaimed Dec. 7 to be Arizona Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

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Here's what to know about the difference between half-mast and half-staff and why flags are flown at half-staff.

What is the difference between half-mast and half-staff?

Typically, the difference between the two is where the flag is being flown. Half-mast refers to flags flown on ships, while half-staff is used for flags flown on land.

USS Arizona: The attack that changed the world

When are flags flown at half-staff?

There are specific holidays and events when flags are flown at half-staff in the United States. The Arizona state website outlines those days as:

Memorial Day, when the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.

Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day.

Patriot Day.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

National Firefighters Memorial Day.

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U.S. presidents can also declare that flags be flown at half-staff on the death of a notable person, according to the site. In those cases, the flag would be flown at half-staff in these instances:

30 days from the death of the president or a former president.

10 days from the day of death of the vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the United States, or the speaker of the House of Representatives.

From the day of death until the interment of an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a secretary of an executive or military department, a former vice president or the governor of a state.

The day of death and the following day for a member of Congress.

The governor can also order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff on the death of a notable present or former government official or member of the armed forces who dies while on active duty.

In Arizona, the governor can also require that the state flag be lowered at all state, institutional and educational buildings. The law also allows the state flag to be lowered on the death of an incumbent elected state officer for seven days beginning on the day following the death of the officer.

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More: What does the Arizona state flag mean? From the colors to the history, here's what to know

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why are flags at half-staff in Arizona on Saturday, Dec. 7?
Lowering the nation's flag is a sign of honor and respect in the United States and, in continuing this tradition, flags will be flown at half-staff this Saturday for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Here's why.

What is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day?

In remembrance of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, U.S. flags across the nation will be lowered to half-staff for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Pearl Harbor was, and is still, an active naval base near Honolulu, Hawaii, where, 83 years ago, Japanese forces initiated a surprise attack that killed more than 2,400 American forces and civilians and marked the beginning of the war between the U.S. and Japan during World War II.

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Every year, the U.S. remembers and honors the lives lost that day and the fallout that pushed the nation into World War II.

What happened at Pearl Harbor?

Eighty-three years ago, on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, the Pearl Harbor naval base was attacked early in the morning by hundreds of Japanese fighter planes, resulting in devastating consequences. In addition to the deaths, more than 1,100 people were injured, and nearly 20 American naval vessels and more than 180 aircrafts were destroyed or damaged, according to History.com and the National Park Service.

The next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan.

Survivors are rescued near the USS West Virginia after the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

What was the resulting fallout of the attack on Pearl Harbor?

On Dec. 8, 1941, for the first time since it began in 1939, America entered World War II, declaring war on Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor, then on Germany and Italy, Japanese allies, after they subsequently declared war on the U.S.

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More than 330,000 American soldiers were killed during World War II, according to the Library of Congress.

On Aug. 6 and 9, 1945, the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing what's estimated to be nearly 250,000 civilians and soldiers. The Japanese government surrendered just six days later on Aug. 15, ending World War II.

Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Why flags are flown at half staff for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Gov. Tony Evers ordered flags to fly at half-staff Saturday in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor and remember the brave individuals who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor, including 50 service members from Wisconsin, and reflect on the significance of this dark and fateful day in our nations history, Evers said in a Dec. 6 statement.

Congress designated Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in 1994. Flags fly at half-staff and remembrance events are held across the nation annually, including at Hawaii's Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

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Evers also issued a separate proclamation to make Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in Wisconsin.

More: A Pearl Harbor casualty, Arthur Thinnes remained 'unrecoverable' for decades. On Friday, his remains came home to Milwaukee.

More: Milwaukee teen enlisted the day after Pearl Harbor, and never came home

How long will flags fly half-staff on Saturday?

The American flag and the Wisconsin state flag will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, according to Evers executive order.

Where will flags fly at half-staff?

The two flags will fly at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the state of Wisconsin, per Evers executive order.

Why do flags fly at half-staff?

U.S. flags typically fly at half-staff in the wake of national tragedies or after deaths of government officials, military members or first responders, according to USA.gov. Flags also fly at half-staff on Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance.

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The president, a state governor or the mayor of D.C. can order flags to fly at half-staff, USA.gov says.

Claire Reid and Hope Karnopp contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why are flags at half-staff today in Wisconsin?
It used to be thought that Gen-Z was a rather passionless, inert bunch  children of screens, they scrolled incessantly on beds behind closed doors, too afraid to leave home for real-life social interaction, anxious about work, conversation and sex, braced for micro-aggressions, unsafe spaces and triggering content.

But in the past few years, beginning with support for Greta Thunbergs scarily extreme brand of hair-shirt environmentalism and its offshoots  especially the paint-chucking Just Stop Oil  we have begun to see another side to them: at times deranged, pseudo-political passion. These youngsters, especially the majority that gravitate towards the political fringe, are not afraid of getting out at all, and seem wildly confident rather than socially anxious.

In fact, not since the 1960s have we seen such passionate lunacy in young peoples political identities: their flaunting and strutting as police corral and arrest them, their faces puce and furious as they scream and chant their mad orthodoxy into megaphones.

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Israels response to Hamass October 7 invasion put to rest any final worries about the confidence and passion of Gen Z, especially the swathes of it associated with the Left (or the disturbing mishmash of disinformation, false history and identity politics that passes for the left these days). Marches in London for Palestine and against Israel regularly number 125,000.

And yet this apparent dedication to the cause of justice in the world is astonishingly narrow. Yes, theres the preoccupation with the hazily menacing notion of climate justice. But on issues where Leftist passion would be truly welcome, and reassuring, it is missing in action. If risking arrest, harassing and creating an intimidating environment for Jews and glorifying terrorism is de rigueur, there seems to be no appetite for doing so on behalf of  to give an example  women in Afghanistan who are ever-more brutalised by the Taliban.

The extending misogynistic sadism of this movement was revived by Joe Bidens craven decision to withdraw American forces from Afghanistan. When, in August, the Taliban stopped women speaking, singing or showing any skin at all, even on their faces or hands, in public, there was barely a peep from the Left. And last week, there was news of a fresh tightening of an already unbearable screw in Afghanistan  with a ban on women training in midwifery, dentistry and nursing, their sole remaining avenue for education and career. Its hard to imagine what else there is to destroy in womens lives, but no doubt the Taliban will think of something.

Add to the list the Muslim Uyghurs in China, of whom one million have been arbitrarily detained in concentration camps, subjected to torture including forced sterilisation, or Sudans civil war between two vicious forces, the RSF (Rapid Support Forces, the new name for the militia that carried out the slaughter in Darfur 20 years ago) and the SAF (Sudanese Armed Forces), which has left more than 60,000 dead, displaced more than 10 million and is threatening the destruction of 13 million more through famine in what aid organisations call the worlds worst humanitarian disaster.

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Then there are the victims of the brutal Russia-backed Assad regime in Syria; victims, especially girls, of Islamist groups in Nigeria; Venezuelans fleeing authoritarian rule, violence and poverty. And what about the innocent civilians in Ukraine bombarded every night by Russian bombs?

The sinister, lethal approach to women, artists and intellectuals in Iran, surely, also ought to garner at least some reaction; some use of megaphones, and some placards paraded through city streets imploring our government to take this threat seriously?

But sadly it seems the streets are all but silent by such activists. Some on the Right speak out, but on the Left, on real questions of right and wrong, passion runs cold and dry. The fate of women the world over trapped in inhumane Islamist regimes, including those of Hamas and Hezbollah, and all the rest of the worlds poor and abused who deserve to be stood up for, or at least remembered, are of no interest.

There are many explanations for this phenomenon  some say its to do with disaster fatigue, and the overweening dominance in the media of events in the Middle East and in Ukraine under Russian aggression. Some say its to do with confusion over who the bad guy is when the conflict does not involve a friend of America (the friend of America is always the bad guy).

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But I think the answer is simpler and darker than those rationalisations suggest. Its that the cheerleaders for those who mean Israel the darkest harm under the banner of attempting to free Palestine  but who remain silent in the face of an emboldened Taliban, genocidal Rwandan militias, and mass abuse of Uyghurs  actually want the West to be destroyed. Their pattern of passion and frigid silence is not some accident of well-meaning care for the weak. It is intentional, a direct result of a set of ideologies that has soaked through academic and institutional settings.

In their warped world, even the shuttering of a final avenue of life beyond total darkness for women in a country that the West threw to the wolves, but could have saved, simply doesnt register.

Its hard not to conclude, then, that those who shout the loudest on behalf of the dispossessed of Palestine are actually engaged in a project of cheerleading for those who want the West, beginning with Israel, to fall.

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When winter cold settles in across the U.S., the alleged War on Christmas heats up.

In recent years, department store greeters and Starbucks cups have sparked furor by wishing customers happy holidays. This year, with state officials warning of holiday gatherings becoming superspreader events in the midst of a pandemic, opponents of some public health measures to limit the spread of the pandemic are already casting them as attacks on the Christian holiday.

But debates about celebrating Christmas go back to the 17th century. The Puritans, it turns out, were not too keen on the holiday. They first discouraged Yuletide festivities and later outright banned them.

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At first glance, banning Christmas celebrations might seem like a natural extension of a stereotype of the Puritans as joyless and humorless that persists to this day.

But as a scholar who has written about the Puritans, I see their hostility toward holiday gaiety as less about their alleged asceticism and more about their desire to impose their will on the people of New England  Natives and immigrants alike.

An aversion to Christmas chaos

The earliest documentary evidence for their aversion to celebrating Christmas dates back to 1621, when Gov. William Bradford of Plymouth Colony castigated some of the newcomers who chose to take the day off rather than work.

But why?

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As a devout Protestant, Bradford did not dispute the divinity of Jesus Christ. Indeed, Puritans spent a great deal of time investigating their own and others souls because they were so committed to creating a godly community.

Bradfords comments reflected Puritans lingering anxiety about the ways that Christmas had been celebrated in England. For generations, the holiday had been an occasion for riotous, sometimes violent behavior. The moralist pamphleteer Phillip Stubbes believed that Christmastime celebrations gave celebrants license to do what they lust, and to folow what vanitie they will. He complained about rampant fooleries like playing dice and cards and wearing masks.

Civil authorities had mostly accepted the practices because they understood that allowing some of the disenfranchised to blow off steam on a few days of the year tended to preserve an unequal social order. Let the poor think they are in control for a day or two, the logic went, and the rest of the year they will tend to their work without causing trouble.

English Puritans objected to accepting such practices because they feared any sign of disorder. They believed in predestination, which led them to search their own and others behavior for signs of saving grace. They could not tolerate public scandal, especially when attached to a religious moment.

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Puritan efforts to crack down on Christmas revelries in England before 1620 had little impact. But once in North America, these seekers of religious freedom had control over the governments of New Plymouth, Massachusetts Bay and Connecticut.

Puritan intolerance

Boston became the focal point of Puritan efforts to create a society where church and state reinforced each other.

The Puritans in Plymouth and Massachusetts used their authority to punish or banish those who did not share their views. For example, they exiled an Anglican lawyer named Thomas Morton who rejected Puritan theology, befriended local Indigenous people, danced around a maypole and sold guns to the Natives. He was, Bradford wrote, the Lord of Misrule  the archetype of a dangerous type who Puritans believed create mayhem, including at Christmas.

In the years that followed, the Puritans exiled others who disagreed with their religious views, including Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams who espoused beliefs deemed unacceptable by local church leaders. In 1659, they banished three Quakers who had arrived in 1656. When two of them, William Robinson and Marmaduke Stephenson, refused to leave, Massachusetts authorities executed them in Boston.

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This was the context for which Massachusetts authorities outlawed Christmas celebrations in 1659. Even after the statute left the law books in 1681 during a reorganization of the colony, prominent theologians still despised holiday festivities.

In 1687, the minister Increase Mather, who believed that Christmas celebrations derived from the bacchanalian excesses of the Roman holiday Saturnalia, decried those consumed in Revellings, in excess of wine, in mad mirth.

The hostility of Puritan clerics to celebrations of Christmas should not be seen as evidence that they always hoped to stop joyous behavior. In 1673, Mather had called alcohol a good creature of God and had no objection to moderate drinking. Nor did Puritans have a negative view of sex.

[Youre smart and curious about the world. So are The Conversations authors and editors. You can read us daily by subscribing to our newsletter.]

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What the Puritans did want was a society dominated by their views. This made them eager to convert Natives to Christianity, which they managed to do in some places. They tried to quash what they saw as usurious business practices within their community, and in Plymouth they executed a teenager who had sex with animals, the punishment prescribed by the Book of Leviticus. When the Puritans believed that Indigenous people might attack them or undermine their economy, they lashed out  most notoriously in 1637, when they set a Pequot village on fire, murdered those who tried to flee and sold captives into slavery.

By comparison to their treatment of Natives and fellow colonists who rebuffed their unbending vision, the Puritan campaign against Christmas seems tame. But it is a reminder of what can happen when the self-righteous control the levers of power in a society and seek to mold a world in their image.

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: Peter C. Mancall, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

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Peter C. Mancall 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.
Syrias President Bashar al-Assad flew out of Damascus for an unknown destination on Sunday, as rebels said they had infiltrated the capital with no sign of army deployments.

Syrian army units abandoned their positions on the outskirts of Damascus on Saturday night, fleeing the advance of rebel forces.

The military said it was reinforcing defensive lines around the capital, which appeared to have collapsed.

People ride a tank in the Syrian southern city of Daraa. Regime forces have left many weapons behind - Sam Hariri/AFP via Getty

Mohammed al-Rahmoun, the Syrian interior minister, earlier said there was a very strong security cordon on the outskirts of Damascus and no one can break it. But the Syrian opposition fighters early on Sunday disproved this, as they reached the capital for the first time since 2018.

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The Syrian regime fell back from the cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs in quick succession since the rebel offensive began less than two weeks ago.

In the civil war of 2011 to 2016, the Assad regime turned the tide against opposition forces with the aid of Russian airstrikes and Hezbollah troops.

Both Moscow and Iran, Hezbollahs key sponsor, have their attention on conflicts elsewhere.

It has left the Syrian army without much support in the face of the lightning rebel offensive led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) group.

Analysts told The Telegraph that low pay and morale as well as little experience were hampering the effectiveness of the army.

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The Syrian army has never been very good  it ruled by fear and terror, bolstered and backed up by Russians since 2015 who provided firepower and direction. Most of the officers were selected because they were close to Assad, said Hamish de Bretton Gordon, a retired British army colonel and a chemical weapons adviser to NGOs working in Syria and Iraq.

The commanders are more focused on smuggling and extortion than on actually creating defensive positions and leading their troops, said Greg Waters, of the Middle East Institute.

The army has largely avoided heavy combat since a ceasefire was struck with the rebels in 2020 at the start of the pandemic.

Opposition fighters remove a government Syrian flag from an official building in Salamiyah, east of Hama - Ghaith Alsayed/AP

The armys collapse is a reflection of a more general collapse in Syrian state institutions, said Jihad Yazigi, editor-in-chief of the Syria Report.

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There is a deep sense in regime areas that things are not only not improving, but that there are no prospects of things getting better, he added.

Stephen Cook, a Middle East expert at the Council of Foreign Relations, told The Telegraph that the bulk of the Syrian army was made up of conscripts who did not want to be there.

Only the elite units like the Republican Guard could ever be relied upon to fight, he added. Thats why Assad brought in Hezbollah.

Mr Cook described president Bashar al-Assads army as a Soviet-style military that has huge problems with supply and logistics.

Syria has also become a major producer and supplier of drugs in recent years, which has led to state institutions like the army effectively becoming nodes of an organised crime network.

A giant portrait of the Syrian president overlooks emptying streets in Damascus - Omar Sanadiki/AP

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With his soldiers retreating on all fronts Assad this week announced that he would raise their salaries by 50 per cent, a move that experts suggest was a knee-jerk attempt to address longstanding morale issues.

The fact that the security forces melted away is a bit of a surprise, but its not a huge surprise, to be honest, added Natasha Hall, a senior fellow of the CSIS Middle East Program.

They didnt have the sort of morale to stand up against something like this.

We forget that theyve also lost a lot of people throughout this war, we forget that, you know, [Assads] Alawite sect has been impoverished in the mountains for many, many decades.

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Its not as if they have won a great deal from this regime. It is that the Assad regime has used the sectarian narrative to make them believe that this is an existential issue for them.

A regime military vehicle abandoned on the side of a road near Hama - Omar Haj Kadour/AFP via Getty

Good preparation, tactics and skilful use of propaganda on the part of the rebels also appears to have put the Syrian army into a state of shock. HTS has officers, special forces units, drone forces and night-time commandos.

The rebels fighting today are a very different force to those the regime fought before. They are better equipped and disciplined  I assume Turkey had a strong hand in this. They have the most to gain, said Mr Waters.

Large numbers of army deserters have laid down their arms and surrendered to the rebels, with a long queue forming in Idlib after they were offered amnesty.

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The wife of an Atlanta man taken captive by the Taliban in Afghanistan says she now believes the US government has the tools it needs to bring him home by Christmas.

Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne spoke to the hostages wife in her first on-camera interview.

Aleksandra Glezmann said when her husband and Atlanta resident George Glezmann was taken by the Taliban two years ago in Afghanistan.

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He was a tourist on vacation from his job as a mechanic who helped keep planes flying for Delta Airlines.

Two years ago, on Dec. 5, my husband was wrongfully detained in Kabul, and hes been kept there in the basement for the past two years under terrible conditions, Aleksandra Glezmann said. He was there for a five-day trip that turned into a two-year-long nightmare.

She hopes by Christmas, that her husband -- down 40 pounds and beset in captivity by a long list of serious medical issues -- will be on a plane flying home.

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My husband has done nothing wrong to deserve this kind of treatment, Aleksandra Glezmann said. I pray that George would find strength within himself to stay alive for another day. And to just continue believing that hes coming home. Hes losing hope. But I think the only thing that keeps him alive right now is the thought that hes coming home for Christmas.

Ms. Glezmann told Winne that she and pro bono family attorney Dennis Fitzpatrick, and family advisor and retired federal agent George Taylor, have been meeting with US Senators and members of Congress in Washington, DC.

Its been a productive week, Fitzpatrick said. Were here to help the government and serve as one team to bring an American home.

I believe were at a point where a decision must be made by President Biden, as well as input from the National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Taylor said.

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I personally believe that the US government has all the tools right now to secure Georges release, Aleksandra Glezmann said.

Aleksandra Glezmann said shes in regular contact with state department officials and believes getting the biggest Christmas gift of her life is doable.

We saw an amazing deal made with Russia and China when wrongfully detained Americans were brought back home. I really hope that our government will do the same for George, Aleksandra Glezmann said.

Taylor told Winne if they freed Americans including George Glezmann as a result of their negotiations with the US, the Taliban might gain new credibility on the world stage.

Hes an amazing husband and I miss him to death. And I really hope that he will come home for Christmas alive, Aleksandra Glezmann said.
In a major operation, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police took apart a cross-border terror module linked to Pakistan-based operatives by arresting 10 people, including four main operatives and six involved in providing logistic assistance, officials said on Friday. According to the police, the terror module, operated by Harvinder Rinda and his foreign-based associates Happy Passian and Jeevan Fauji, was planning an attack on a police establishment in Punjab's Batala. "In a major breakthrough, Commissionerate Police Amritsar has successfully dismantled a cross-border terror module operated by Pak-based Harvinder Rinda and foreign-based Happy Passian, Jeevan Fauji and others by arresting 10 persons, including 4 main operatives and 6 involved in providing logistic assistance. The module was responsible for an attack on a police officer's residence in Batala and was plotting a larger assault on a police establishment in that area," Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav posted on X. The terror module was responsible for an attack on the residence of a police officer in Batala, officials said, adding that one hand grenade, three pistols and a Chinese drone suspected of cross-border use were recovered from the accused. "Recovery: 1 hand grenade, 3 pistols, and a Chinese drone suspected of cross-border use. This operation underscores Punjab Police's unwavering resolve to combat terrorism and organized crime and ensure the safety of its citizens. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further links and neutralize threats to peace and harmony," DGP Yadav said. (ANI)
That's five straight wins for the Minnesota Wild.

Marco Rossi scored twice in a three-goal second period that powered the Wild to a 5-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks Friday night in Anaheim, Calif. Despite a flurry of injuries, including Joel Eriksson Ek landing on injured reserve, the Wild keep on rolling.

Rossi got the Wild (18-4-4) going with a power-play goal 4 minutes, 22 seconds into the second period, and he made it a two-goal lead just 3 minutes, 41 seconds later when he scored his second of the night. Matt Boldy scored at 10:51 to make it 3-0.

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Just 1 minute, 21 seconds into the third period, Kirill Kaprizov scored to make it a four-goal lead. The Ducks (10-12-3) finally got on the board with just 3 minutes, 23 seconds remaining when Brock McGinn got them on the board, but Yakov Trenin closed it out for the Wild with an empty-netter with 1 minute, 17 seconds to go.

It was another strong performance in net from Filip Gustavsson, who stopped 26 of 27 Ducks shots. Ducks goalie John Gibson made 28 saves on 32 Wild shots.

The Wild return to action Saturday when they visit the Los Angeles Kings for a 7 p.m. puck drop.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A teenager was seriously wounded in a North Portland shooting Friday night that ended with a 37-year-old woman booked on an attempted murder charge.

The sound of gunfire brought Portland police to the area near 5000 N. Vancouver Avenue around 6:30 p.m. Officers immediately began emergency measures to the 17-year-old, who was found outside. PPB Sgt. Kevin Allen told KOIN 6 News he was unsure if the shooting happened on a sidewalk or a parking lot, but it was not inside an apartment.

The teen was rushed to the hospital for treatment by EMS crews.

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2 men indicted for hit-and-run crash that killed Portland woman

Once the teenager was on his way, officers turned their attention to finding the suspect  later identified as Natasha V. Molet  who was in a nearby apartment, PPB Sgt. Kevin Allen told KOIN 6 News.

Initially she was uncooperative and refused to come out of the apartment. Since it was believed Molett had a gun, the decision was made to bring in the Special Emergency Reaction Team as well as the Crisis Negotiation Team.

As it turned out, SERT and CNT werent really needed.

Multnomah Countys deflection center will cost another $1.8M due to unexpected issues

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Honestly as they were getting there and getting set up, the patrol officers were having so much success communicating with the woman in the apartment, they kind of allowed those officers to continue talking to her, Allen said. They were able to eventually convince her that it was the best case scenario for her to come out and surrender, which she did.

But having those extra resources at the scene allowed the incident to end safely. There were a lot of neighbors on scene coming out and saying, Wow, you guys did a really fantastic job here,' he said.

Investigators asked a judge for a search warrant, which was granted. Once inside, police found a turquoise, semiautomatic handgun they believe was used in the shooting.

The turquoise gun is unusual but nothing significant is attached to the color. Its just one of those cases where the gun was a different color, Allen said.

After a teen was shot, a search warrant found this gun in an apartment near 5000 N. Vancouver Avenue in Portland. Natasha Molett, 37, was arrested, December 6, 2024 (PPB)

The investigation is ongoing. Allen said investigators dont have any indication that they are known to each other. He also said the teen lives in the same neighborhood.

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The teen remains hospitalized with serious but not life-threatening injuries. He has quite a bit of recovery to do, Allen said. Hes still in the hospital, but he should recover.

Molett, 37, has a long history of prior arrests. She was booked into the Multnomah County Jail for second-degree attempted murder, second-degree assault, felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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SALEM, Utah (ABC4)  A woman has been indicted in Utah County for allegedly paying her neighbors in counterfeit money for remodeling work done on her cabin.

Malerie Simonsen, 36, was charged with the following:

Communications fraud, a second-degree felony

Theft of service, a second-degree felony

Obstruction of justice, a third-degree felony

It was really shocking: friends, family remember man killed in crash on I-15

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The victim was contracted by Simonsen and communicated using text messages with Simonsen about invoices that totaled $12,720. The suspect claimed her credit card was not going through, according to a probable cause statement included in the charging documents.

On July 13, Simonsen offered to pay the invoices in cash. She attempted to do so in two installments, one of $3,360 and another of $10,100. Each time, the victim noticed abnormalities in the money given. During each instance, police responded to the report of counterfeit money and confirmed that it was fake

Police obtained a search warrant for Simonsens home but didnt find any additional money. Simonsen was approached by police and told them the money came from her mother and didnt inspect the bills.

On July 21, police Mirandized Simonsen, she allegedly told police she sent the original $3,200, but denied sending the $10,000. Police said she was confronted about the $10,000 which was confirmed through texts obtained by police, changed her story, and claimed the money came from her mother.

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When police interviewed Simonsens mother, she said she always gave the accused money through a physical check. Officers went and looked at her purchase history on Amazon and found that Simonsen made five purchases of fake money in the days and weeks leading up to the crime.

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.
An autopsy Saturday confirmed that a woman found with multiple stab wounds in northwest suburban Des Plaines died from a homicide, authorities said.

Des Plaines police responded to the 1400 block of Ashland Avenue just before 9:30 p.m. Thursday for reports of a stabbing. Officers found the still-unidentified 50-year-old woman in the hallway of an apartment building with multiple stab wounds, police said.

Officers provided first aid until paramedics arrived and transported the woman to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where she died early Friday morning.

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The autopsy confirmed the woman died from multiple sharp force injuries, and her death was ruled a homicide.

Police said preliminary information suggested the stabbing was an isolated incident, and that there was no threat to the community. An investigation was ongoing, police added.
A woman is dead after she was hit by a PennDOT plow truck in Northern Pennsylvania on Friday night.

NBC affiliate Erie News Now reports the incident happened after 7 p.m. on State Route 27 in West Mead Township, Crawford County.

A 19-year-old Meadville woman walking east on the westbound shoulder was instantly killed when she was hit by the plow blade of a westbound truck.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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DES PLAINES, Ill.  A fatal stabbing at an apartment building in the northwest suburbs has sparked a police investigation.

According to Des Plaines police, officers were called to the building in the 1400 block of Ashland Avenue just before 9:30 p.m. following a report that a woman had been stabbed several times.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Officers arrived on the scene and found the female victim, who had suffered several stab wounds, in the hallway of the apartment building.

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Officers began rendering aid to the victim until the Des Plaines Fire Department arrived on the scene and transported her to a nearby hospital.

The victim eventually died from her injuries overnight.

Authorities have not yet identified the victim killed, and it is unclear what led to the deadly stabbing.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Authorities said they believe the incident was isolated and that there is currently no threat to the community.

An investigation is now underway, and no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information on the deadly stabbing is asked to contact Des Plaines police at 847-391-5400.

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Inmates at a recently closed, scandal-plagued Bay Area women's prison dubbed "the rape club" have reached a historic settlement that will increase oversight and protections for about 500 inmates transferred out of that facility and into federal prisons across the U.S.

In August 2023, eight inmates formerly housed at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin filed a class-action lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Prisons on behalf of individuals who were incarcerated at the facility, alleging they were subjected to widespread sexual abuse, medical neglect and retaliation by prison guards.

Now, the Bureau of Prisons has agreed to enter a consent decree to protect the rights of nearly 500 class members who remain incarcerated in more than a dozen federal prisons.

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The consent decree requires close monitoring of staff abuse and retaliation, medical care, the application of early release credits and the timely release of inmates to halfway houses. It was submitted to the court Friday morning, and if approved will require court oversight of its implementation for the next two years.

This settlement is historic. It is the first time in BOP history that monitoring will be enforced by consent decree across over a dozen federal womens prisons nationwide," Amaris Montes, an attorney representing class members, said in a statement. "This reflects the lived reality of the class members in this lawsuit: The problems at FCI Dublin were not unique to that facility, and the BOP has failed people in its custody across the country."

Read more: California women's prison rocked by 'rape club' abuse scandals to be closed

Under the agreement, class members will no longer be placed in solitary confinement for low-level disciplinary charges and will be guaranteed timely disciplinary proceedings in an effort to prevent retaliatory behavior by prison guards. They will also have confidential means to report abuse and violations of the consent decree.

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In addition, the Bureau of Prisons will restore early release credits to FCI Dublin transfers and expunge invalid disciplinary write-ups by Dublin staff to ensure class members don't lose opportunities for early release.

Colette Peters, the Bureau of Prisons director, will also issue a formal apology to survivors of staff sexual abuse at FCI Dublin, where more than a half-dozen correctional officers and the former warden have been either charged or convicted of sexually abusing the inmates.

In 2022, former prison chaplain James Theodore Highhouse was sentenced to seven years for sexually assaulting a female inmate at FCI Dublin. Prosecutors said Highhouse engaged in predatory conduct with at least six women from 2014 to 2019.

Read more: Former warden at women's prison known as 'rape club' gets 70 months for sexual abuse

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Last year, former FCI Dublin Warden Ray J. Garcia was sentenced to 70 months in prison for sexually abusing inmates and lying to the FBI to try to cover up bad behavior at the prison.

In March, a federal judge granted an injunction finding that people incarcerated at FCI Dublin faced an ongoing risk of abuse and appointed a special master to oversee the prison, the first such outside monitor in history.

Days later, Peters announced that the agency would be closing the facility. At the time, Peters said it was possible the closure would be temporary.

Almost 500 inmates were then moved to other federal prisons across the country, where class members allege that inhumane conditions continued.

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On Thursday, Peters announced that the closure at FCI Dublin will be permanent, citing inadequate staffing and staggering costs to repair aging infrastructure.

Read more: The U.S. government is closing a women's prison and other facilities after years of abuse and decay

In August, the appointed special master  former Alameda County Chief Probation Officer Wendy Still  released a scathing report decrying the inhumane conditions that persisted at FCI Dublin.

It is unconscionable that any correctional agency could allow incarcerated individuals under their control and responsibility to be subject to the conditions that existed at FCI Dublin for such an extended period of time without correction, she wrote.

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Still said the conditions were likely an indication of systemwide issues at federal women's prisons across the nation, including facilities to which former Dublin inmates were moved.

People currently and formerly incarcerated at Dublin have fought long and hard for this victory, Griselda Muniz, a plaintiff in the case, said in a statement on the settlement. Now BOP must follow the agreement for the people still in custody. Ultimately, we are praying for their return home, as they deserve to heal from these traumatic events with their loved ones.

Read more: Women at California prison dubbed the 'rape club' now worry where they'll be transferred

Attorneys for the class members were pleased with the consent decree, which was the product of months of negotiations among the Bureau of Prisons, current and former inmates, advocates and attorneys. But they emphasized the importance of ensuring it is implemented.

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Without rigorous monitoring and enforcement, this agreement is only words on paper, attorney Kara Janssen said in a statement. "Class Counsel will be closely watching BOP, going to the institutions, meeting with our class members, and will hold BOP accountable to ensure these changes reach our class members."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Amid the ongoing protest by civil service aspirants against the Bihar Public Service Committee (BPSC), renowned Educator and Youtuber Faizal Khan was detained on Friday after he joined the student protestors in Patna's Gardanibagh. Reacting to this, Special Executive Magistrate MS Khan said that he wasn't aware where Khan Sir was being taken or where he was going. The protestors will have to leave the protesting site, he added. "I have just reached here. I am not aware... Khan Sir was detained and now he is leaving...Now, I don't know where he is going or where he is being taken...Nobody is inside. They will have to leave the Dharna-sthal," Special Executive Magistrate MS Khan told reporters. Khan Sir was detained by the police after he joined the protest of BPSC aspirants at Patna's Gardanibagh. The civil services aspirants have been protesting against the Commission regarding exam patterns. The students have been protesting against the change in exam patterns and the normalisation process. The protesting students are demanding that exams be held in 'One Shift and One paper' to avoid the normalisation process. "Only a week is left...how unfortunate is this that we need to protest for our demand on the land of Chanakya and that too, just one week before the examinations. We want the president (of BPSC) to say that there will be no normalisation and the examinations will be held in one shift and one paper will be given to all the students...We don't have personal qualms with anyone. The process can be good, but the person implementing it should also be good. Can they assure us that? We will not move from here until normalisation is assured to be removed," Khan said told reporters. Khan Sir further said that they have nothing to do with politics and would stand with those who will listen to their demands. "We request the police administration to understand that your children are also studying here. We also teach them. We believe in the Constitution. That's why we are not protesting on the streets. We reached the Dharna-sthal (protesting site) to protest in a constitutional manner. We will make sure that the normalisation (process) is cancelled. We don't have any expectations from BPSC. We have hopes from the government. We have nothing to do with politics. We will stand with those who will listen to our demands," Khan said. "We will not let this happen. This will not work. One shift, one exam, and one paper. If the students' time is wasted, they should be given extra time. An extension should be given on the exam date. The forms of students that were not accepted due to discrepancy in the server should be accepted," Khan said while addressing the protesting students. (ANI)
Sometimes, discrimination is undeniable. Sometimes its so loud, so overt and perpetrated in such plain sight that you can only hope anyone witnessing it musters the courage to speak up. Much of the time, though, it is a curiously slippery thing. It happens in the shadows, weeding its way into small exchanges and unspoken decisions so that its impossible to ever pin down an anecdote or build a case. Harder still when to call it out could mean risking professional relationships  whole careers, even.

Such is the experience of so many Jewish people in British publishing today. In interviews with The Telegraph, authors, agents, scouts and publishers spoke of the growing sense of discomfort and ostracisation they have experienced in their industry since the October 7 attacks. Many say a quiet but pervasive anti-Semitism  a sense of Jews dont count, as one author put it  has begun to creep in.

For some, it was there even before the war; the past 14 months have merely shone a light on a problem that was already lurking. Others say this period has marked a sea change in their industry, as authors with Jewish-centric stories have struggled to sell their work, agents have battled to convince cautious publishers to take on books which, not so long ago, they would have scooped up, and editors seem to find reasons not to take on titles that could cause conflict at an acquisition meeting.

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It all adds up to what many describe as a culture of soft boycotting which has taken hold, whereby Jewish stories are left untold, Jewish agents are quietly dropped, and Jewish authors find themselves persona non grata amongst their peers. Underpinning it all is a growing sense of isolation. Or, as one literary agent put it, a feeling [that you are] not part of a community that youve been part of for many years.

The general feeling of this year is of feeling outnumbered, isolated  this culture of soft boycotting is really hard to prove and makes you sound paranoid, says another agent. Ive sent out two proposals by Jewish authors and Im just not able to sell them. Neither have written books about the conflict.

Occasionally, she has been able to sell books by Jewish authors where their Jewishness is not present or out there. But if the book has an overtly Jewish theme? It definitely feels like its much harder.

Books about the Holocaust tend to be the exception. Its very bizarre that Holocaust stories are still alright, says Lucy Abrahams, a British literary scout who has been living in Tel Aviv for seven years (though her business is still based in the UK) and works with publishers and agents all over the world. Anything about living Jews that still need protection or representation in any way, is just too complicated and prickly and difficult. She wonders whether those stories are more palatable because its the right rather than the left that that hatred came from.

Lucy Abrahams has noticed publishers are becoming reluctant to take on Jewish-focused writing

Many feel this kind of passive boycott is often impossible to call out. People dont just come out and say they wont take on a Jewish or Israeli author, they make a careful excuse. One author (who also works in publishing, as an editor) has been trying to pitch a novel she wrote which centres around Jewish working class Londoners. It isnt about the conflict in the Middle East  its a British story. When she first sent it out soon after the pandemic, the response was very positive though no one picked it up. When she tried to find out why, the responses tended to be a version of: I wouldnt know how to market it.

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It felt like there was a cautiousness around it being potentially niche, even though I dont think it particularly was, she says. It felt like there wasnt a willingness to take it on.

She is realistic about the fact that not every book can make it through to acquisitions, but had a sense that one of the reasons it wasnt getting past publishers was that it was too Jewish. By the time it went out the second time I was like this is just never going to happen.

She sent it out again after October 7 but had little hope that in the wake of the attacks a Jewish centric book would be picked up. Maybe if wed have sent it in November then it might have been slightly different, but by the time we sent it out it was the new year and I just had absolutely no faith. No one is going to touch it. Its not about Israel but it touches on the issues very lightly and in a very nuanced way, which I think is another thing people are not open to  nuance.

The experience has left her feeling thoroughly deflated. Its just a kind of dismissal. A Jews dont count vibe more than anti-Semitism.

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For Neil Blair, a literary agent who represents JK Rowling and Sir Chris Hoy, the industry was already becoming a difficult place for Jewish and Israeli writers prior to October 7. But since then, things have only deteriorated. Books that were perceived as being pro-Israel were already having a problem prior to October 7, says Blair, but October 7 has just accelerated it and made it much worse.

In the wake of the attacks, Blair says it seemed to become more legitimate to boycott (either quietly or overtly) Jewish writers, leaving publishing houses in a bind. Whats changed since October 7 is its just become wider and people have felt there is no restriction on their behaviour and their activism by cancelling, boycotting, not approving these types of books. They almost feel like its their duty to do so. They feel theyre fulfilling some sort of worthy cause.

Books that were perceived as being pro-Israel were already having a problem prior to October 7, says agent Neil Blair - Blake Ezra Photography Ltd

Hes keen to stress it isnt coming from the top, adding: Were lucky that the CEOs of the main publishers in our country are good people. Theyre concerned about this.

Often, says one agent, it can be very difficult to prove. People will give a million reasons for not taking a book to acquisitions. She knows of authors who have been quietly dropped by their agents since October 7. And again, its really difficult to say thats the reason, maybe they just were parting ways. But you hear it from enough people and you can start to build a picture.

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One agent was left similarly baffled when a client ditched her, she suspects because she is Jewish. I have lost an author  I think thats why, but it was cleverly done so that I cant really point to that. I know in my heart of hearts thats why.

Many in the industry speak of the uncomfortable conversations they have found themselves having in the past 14 months. It affects your relationships and its a relationship business that were in, says one agent. I had one author telling me that theres a social group shes been part of but theyre not interested now in her joining them. Ive heard other authors find it difficult to get endorsements for their books.

If they speak up or declare any political stance publicly, writers fear what one bestselling author calls cancellation by stealth. This particular author has had semi-public arguments with other authors about whether their anti-Zionist stance was actually anti-Semitic. Speaking out left her feeling ostracised. In a small group of people, I felt backed into a corner because of my ethnicity. Suddenly, she says, people who were friends have distanced themselves from me.

A writer of commercial fiction, she wishes senior figures in the industry would step in. I just think someone at the top needs to be leading on this at big publishing houses and at the Society of Authors, to call out anti-Semitism.

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She describes it as a chilling atmosphere for Jews, unless you are a Jew who is extremely pro-Palestinian. In fact, its so toxic she is considering leaving the industry altogether. Im ready to hang up my hat on any given day because its so bad.

Part of the problem, she says, is that her peers are taking all their news from the BBC and the Guardian.

Abrahams agrees. My frustration and fury the whole way through this war has been aimed at the BBC, the Guardian and New York Times for the way that they present this war. Publishing is in my opinion mostly Guardian readers and New York Times readers. And I just can see how its influenced them so clearly. And they dont know anything about the history of this conflict. They dont know enough about the particulars of the politics of this war.

For Justine Solomons, who owns Byte The Book (an organisation that connects authors from all over the world and helps them to find an agent, a publisher or to self-publish) its the industrys small c conservatism that is at the root of much of this. The publishing industry is left leaning and there is quite a lot of wokeism, but also its conservative with a small c in that they want to publish safer books, and I think books with a strong Jewish theme arent considered safe. Not that there wouldnt be readers for it, but theyre a little bit allergic to it.

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One of her authors, whose background is nothing at all to do with Israel was told her book was a bit too Jewish to get published.

Justine Solomons has said the industry avoids books with Jewish themes because they are not considered to be safe

Israeli authors are likely to find it even harder. Not only are people not wanting to be published in Israel but British publishers are not demonstrating an appetite for Israeli authors, says one agent. A few months ago, an Israeli book came to me which I wasnt able to sell the rights to in Britain. Two years ago it would have been a very different picture.

In Israel, publishing houses that have long held good relationships with their counterparts around the world  regularly buying the rights to British books and bringing them to an Israeli readership  are facing public boycotts by prominent writers. I have received a rejection of interest from an agent whose email states that her author will not consent to be published in Israel while the genocide is going on, says Abrahams. I have about five emails like this rejecting Israeli clients interest or offers this year. How to respond to an email that uses that word, as the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor?

In the run up to Frankfurt book fair in October, Abrahams had a series of awkward meetings with British agents who would pitch with slight embarrassment or would stop half way through while pitching anything on any Jewish theme and say I know Im going to struggle to sell this, its probably not the time, I think this is going to be difficult.

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I just started to worry that Jewish and Israeli stories are going to completely disappear for the next few years, partly because of the publishing industrys reluctance to grapple with anything controversial at the moment in this area rather than necessarily because there isnt any public interest in it. Because I think there is.

Editors in British publishing houses are nervous about bringing books on a Jewish or Israeli theme at an acquisitions meeting, she says. They are aware that there is a significant amount of resistance. Perhaps in the sales team, perhaps marketing, perhaps their fellow editors. Its just a lot harder to get these books through acquisitions at the moment. I think in order to have an easier life, plenty of editors who perhaps arent personally invested may decide not to pursue those books.

Ornit Cohen-Barak is an Israeli publisher who published Sally Rooneys first two books. She was expecting to publish her third  Beautiful World, Where Are You  too until Rooney declared in 2021 that she wouldnt be published in Israel. The Irish writer was also among more than one thousand industry figures worldwide who called for a boycott of Israeli cultural institutions in October this year, signing a letter that literary figures including Lee Child and Howard Jacobson declared illiberal and dangerous.

The Irish writer Sally Rooney stirred controversy by demanding her books should not be published in Israel - Getty

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Cohen-Barak would have liked to have continued with Rooneys books and to build her as an author. In 2021, when it became clear that wasnt going to happen, she wrote an open letter to Rooney, pointing out that her boycott would contribute to the exclusion of those you aim to defend. It said: The elites, who speak and read English, will have access to your writings, but those who are like Felix, the character in your new book, will never be able to see their likeness portrayed in a different culture. By refusing to allow the book to be published in Israel, you fail to reach out to the Israeli Felix.

Literature is about complexity, she says, speaking over the phone from Tel Aviv. [Its] about going into depth and not demonstrating a very binary world. Ironically, Cohen-Barak feels that boycotts only serve to isolate the people who are likely on the same side. [It] affects mostly the liberal people in Israel and the people who fight against the policy of this government, the people who are out in the streets demonstrating.

Author Howard Jacobson signed an open letter against the cultural boycotting of Israel - Heathcliff O'Malley

Since October 7, she has found it harder and harder to do business internationally. Now, she asks agents to be sure their author will sell to an Israeli publisher before they pitch. She has noticed a growing silent boycott. People wouldnt tell you to your face but they would be slower answering, although now they are sometimes starting to be more explicit.

In Britain, industry events are suffering. The funding for a string of literary festivals was decimated after they cut ties with Scottish investment firm Baillie Gifford, following pressure from climate and pro-Palestine activists. They have destroyed the funding for the festival circuit, says Abrahams, who says such events are massively important for authors wanting to get their name and their work out there.

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Meanwhile, for many, book fairs have become imbued with tension. This year, for the first time, Michael Leventhal (who runs Green Bean Books, an independent Jewish childrens publisher) felt the need to request security at his stall at the Bologna book fair. Bologna is one of the three biggest book fairs in the world, predominantly populated by childrens publishers and agents. Its usually a wonderful, friendly fair. This year, it was tainted, Leventhal says, by the fact that it was felt it was sensible to have a team of plain clothes security. Leventhals father is Lionel Leventhal, who founded the London Book Fair in 1977. He has been around publishing all his life and attended more than 150 book fairs in his 25 year career. This is the first time that Ive ever felt the need to request any security at any publishing event, he says.

Baillie Gifford cancelled sponsorship of literary festivals including Henley in 2024 - Alamy

Even simple gatherings meant to bring Jewish people in publishing together now have to be planned as discreetly as possible. We hosted a reception for Jewish illustrators, authors, editors on one of the nights of the fair and everyone breathed a mighty sigh of relief at the end that it had passed without incident, says Leventhal. We were extremely careful. We didnt want word about the gathering to spread before the event. It wasnt posted on any open forums because of security concerns.

Solomons is part of a group of Jewish people in publishing which sprung up in the aftermath of October 7. Last week, the Board of Deputies reported more than 100 Jewish staff networks have been formed since the attacks across a variety of industries. In publishing, the gatherings (convened by Stephanie Thwaites, a literary agent and head of the books department at Curtis Brown) were designed to give people a sense of solidarity in an industry that was feeling increasingly hostile. Solomons says that while other kinds of groups are able to be open about their meetings, the Jewish Publishing Circle is always cautious when planning a get together. When we have these meetings, you only find out where they are quite close to the time because people feel worried about safety, she says.

Leventhal requested security at his Bologna book festival stall because of heightened anti-semitism fears - Rii Schroer

Even the fact of that has an impact. It just feels a bit familiar and ghettoising.

Before a recent gathering, Thwaites says she felt the need to alert the Community Security Trust (a charity that provides security for the Jewish community in Britain). The police popped in to say just so you know youre on our radar, she says. We were just Jewish people having drinks.

One agent says events like book fairs which used to be really positive moments to connect have become really uncomfortable for many Jewish people. We dont know what to expect, she says.

I think people are operating in a bit of a climate of fear about whether there will be protests directed at publishing at the London Book Fair, at Frankfurt, or Bologna.

A spokesperson for the Publishers Association said: The rise in anti-Semitic incidents in wider society since 7 October 2023 is deplorable, and it is concerning to hear these reports from Jewish colleagues working in our industry.

Publishing plays a crucial role in sharing stories, ideas and knowledge to help us all make sense of the world and we know about the transformational power that books, reading and education can have.

We believe it is essential that everyone who works in publishing, in whatever capacity and from whichever background, feels welcome and valued.

As a sector, we also believe in freedom of expression in the strongest possible terms and that a diversity of viewpoints delivered by writers of all backgrounds is crucial to cultural and academic discourse.

Jewish people in the industry can only hope that turns out to be true.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Greetings, relatives.



A lot of news out there. Thanks for stopping by ICTs digital platform.



We gathered our top headlines for you from the week, just in case you didnt see them. Remember to scroll to the bottom to see whats popping out to us on social media and what were reading.



Also, if you like our daily digest, sign up for The Weekly, our newsletter emailed to you on Thursdays. If you like what we do and want us to keep going, support and donate here.



Okay, here's what you need to know from the week.



Land Back: Native leaders draft bill to regain some of sacred Black Hills



The Black Hills are not for sale and never will be was the central uniting message discussed during a meeting at the Prairie Knights Casino in Fort Yates, N.D. on the Standing Rock Reservation.



Representatives from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, a group of Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation elders and various treaty councils gathered on Nov. 13 to formulate a plan for regaining land in the Black Hills. READ MORE.  Amelia Schafer, ICT + Rapid City Journal

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Leonard Peltier: This is what mercy is for



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. READ MORE.  Pauly Denetclaw, ICT



Oklahoma schools get it right on reducing Native absenteeism



As the Watonga school system's Indian education director, Hollie Youngbear works to help Native American students succeed  a job that begins with getting them to school.



She makes sure students have clothes and school supplies. She connects them with federal and tribal resources. And when students don't show up to school, she and a colleague drive out and pick them up.



Nationwide, Native students miss school far more frequently than their peers, but not at Watonga High School. Youngbear and her colleagues work to connect with families in a way that acknowledges the history and needs of Native communities. READ MORE.  Felix Clary, ICT + Tulsa World

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Coming up next week: 2024 White House Tribal Nations Summit



Every December since 2022, the U.S. Department of Interior headquarters has overflowed with Indigenous leaders from remote Alaska Native villages in the North Slope Borough to Cape Cod in Massachusetts.



For another year, hundreds of Indigenous leaders will participate in the White House Tribal Nations Summit. President Joe Biden will host his administrations final summit on Dec. 9. It will be a one-day event instead of the usual two. The summit is not mandatory, and in his last administration President-elect Donald J. Trump chose not to host it. These summits were intended to increase nation-to-nation engagement. READ MORE.  Pauly Denetclaw, ICT

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  On what was a chilly Friday morning, veterans and Siouxland residents joined together for a wreath laying ceremony at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Throughout the years, local volunteers and sponsorship groups have raised funds to purchase thousands of pieces of greenery. On Friday, they were placed on the headstones of 4,400 veterans laid to rest at the cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America.

Bird flu found in Sioux County commercial layer flock

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Organizers say the event helps further remember and honor those who served the United States of America.

Theres a sense of celebration and reverence all at the same time Mandy Graham with Great West Casualty Company said. To have people come out and brave the cold with us and want to be a part of such a special special day, I think it means a lot to all of us, and were just so grateful for our service members past and present.

Organizers involved say they plan to keep this an annual tradition for Siouxland.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Yuba County Third District Supervisor Seth Fuhrer has been banned from attending conferences conducted by two organizations that lobby for California's counties because of alleged "lewd, sexually suggestive, and inappropriate comments" made at conferences in Florida and northern California, according to a document filed in Yuba County Superior Court.

On Friday morning, Fuhrer lost an attempt to block the public release of an executive summary of an investigation commissioned by the county in response to complaints from the executive officers of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC).

Yuba County Superior Court Judge Stephen Berrier denied Fuhrer's request for an injunction to stop the release of the executive summary, citing several procedural failings in Fuhrer's court filing. He said Fuhrer could refile a court action if he wanted.

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Yuba County County Counsel Janet Bender told the court that an investigation conducted by an outside firm sustained allegations contained in an Aug. 20 letter sent to Fuhrer notifying him that he was "suspended from attending CSAC or RCRC sponsored conferences, convenings, or annual meetings at least until Dec. 31, 2026.

The letter was signed jointly by Graham Knaus, Chief Executive Officer of the California State Association of Counties, and Pat Blacklock, president and CEO of the Rural County Representatives of California. It said in part, "It has been brought to our attention that during the 2024 NACo Annual Conference and Exposition, held July 12-15, 2024 in Hillsborough County, Florida, you made lewd, sexually suggestive, and inappropriate comments to multiple individuals, including a County Administrative Officer and CSAC staff. It has also been brought to our attention that there were lewd, sexually suggestive, and inappropriate comments made to a (county) supervisor during CSAC's Annual Meeting, held November 14-16, 2023, in Alameda County."

In addition to his suspension from future gatherings until 2027, Fuhrer would have to complete sexual harassment training to be allowed to return.

During court arguments today, Fuhrer, who was attending by zoom, claimed the investigation determined that his actions did not find illegal behavior and that it was an attempt to prevent him from becoming chairman of the Board of Supervisors when the board reorganizes in January. Fuhrer is vice-chair this year.

Bender said the matter was scheduled to be brought before the Yuba County Board of Supervisors on the Dec. 10 agenda. However, when the agenda was posted Wednesday this matter was not on the agenda. A spokesperson for the county said it has not been determined when the matter will come in front of the board.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Paris on Dec. 7 for discussions about peace in Ukraine, Nehammer said in a post on social media.

The Chancellor reaffirmed Austria's commitment to supporting peace initiatives, emphasizing Viennas readiness to host future peace talks due to its neutral status.

Zelensky arrived on Dec. 7 in Paris to attend the opening ceremony of the Notre Dame Cathedral. During his visit, he is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings

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According to Nehammer's post, the two leaders outlined strategies for continued collaboration in the ongoing pursuit of peace amid the war.

Thank you for the good and in-depth conversation we just had in Paris, President @ZelenskyyUa. We talked about intensifying our joint efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. As the capital of a neutral country, Vienna is always ready to host future peace pic.twitter.com/BAqCRvh6cc  Karl Nehammer (@karlnehammer) December 7, 2024

The meeting between Zelensky and Nehammer comes after Austria's Sept. 29 election, in which the far-right, anti-migration Freedom Party secured a strong result, but failed to win the chancellor position.

The party, known for advocating the "myth of neutrality," made waves when its leader Herbert Kickl said that Austria should not "take sides" in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Zelensky also met with Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, to whom he said that "Ukraine remains on the side of the Georgian people and the democratic choice they advocate," quoted by Ukrinform.

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"We stand with the Georgian people and believe in your European future - membership in the EU and NATO. We are closely following everything that is happening. The independent Georgian people are showing that they want to move away from Russia," Zelensky noted, adding that the partnership will make both states stronger in the future.

Zelensky is expected to have additional meetings during his visit, including one with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Read also: Russian milbloggers raise alarm over threat to Kremlin bases in Syria amid escalating Middle East crisis

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Volodymyr Zelensky endorsed Donald Trumps drive to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible in a surprise meeting organised by Emmanuel Macron ahead of the reopening of Notre-Dame.

The three men met on Saturday at the Elysee Palace to discuss their co-operation on defence and offence in Ukraine, Mr Trump said, adding that the world was going a little crazy right now.

The president-elect also met the Prince of Wales on the sidelines of the ceremony, in his first contact with the Royal family since leaving office in 2021.

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They were due to meet formally later on Saturday night to discuss the special relationship between Britain and the US.

Donald Trump, the US president-elect, greets the Prince of Wales with a handshake and a tap on the shoulder - Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Mr Macron welcomed 40 world leaders to the reopening of Notre-Dame, five years after parts of the cathedral burned down in a fire.

The bells of the cathedral rang out hailing the completion of a 630 million reconstruction that Mr Macron said proved France could achieve the impossible.

This cathedral is a happy metaphor for what a nation is and what the world should be, he said.

After meeting Mr Trump, Mr Zelensky said the pair had agreed to pursue a just peace, repeating the US president-elects mantra of peace through strength.

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He said: We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace.

Mr Macron directs proceedings in the meeting of the three leaders at the Elysee Palace - Sarah Meyssonnier/AFP via Getty Images

The meeting was Mr Trumps first with the Ukrainian president since the formers election victory last month. He has previously pledged to end the war in a day and is working on a strategy to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia.

Mr Zelensky had previously suggested he opposed Mr Trumps plan to reduce US military aid and begin negotiations with Vladimir Putin over territory in eastern Ukraine.

However, he has been keen to engage with the president-elects strategy since his election victory last month, and has called for Ukraine to be given additional Western protections under the Nato umbrella as part of a peace deal.

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He has also suggested he would be open to ceding four eastern regions currently occupied by Russia in exchange for an end to the hot phase of the war.

On Saturday, Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky thanked Mr Macron for organising the unexpected summit. Mr Trump described his invitation to the Elysee Palace as a great honour and talked about the great relationship between the two countries.

He said: It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now. And well be talking about that.

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Mr Trump is reportedly considering establishing an 800-mile buffer zone between Ukraine and Russia, patrolled by European soldiers. The US would not contribute troops but could provide military aid to maintain peace.

Any deal would hinge on the future of eastern Ukrainian regions invaded by Putins forces in February 2022, where the war continues. Ukraine has since taken control of parts of the Kursk region, inside Russia.

Some Nato members, including the UK, are concerned that offering territorial concessions to Putin would further embolden Russia.

Mark Rutte, the new secretary-general of Nato, has said other member states will try to increase military support ahead of Mr Trumps inauguration on Jan 20.

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Mr Zelenskys chief of staff met with senior members of the Trump transition team, including vice president-elect JD Vance, this week in Washington to discuss plans for an end to the war.

The US on Saturday announced a new $988 million (775 million) security assistance package for Ukraine as Washington races to provide aid to Kyiv before Mr Trump takes office.

The package features drones, ammunition for precision HIMARS rocket launchers, and equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks and armored vehicles, the Pentagon said in a statement.

The latest aid will be funded via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, under which military equipment is procured from the defence industry or partners rather than drawn from American stocks, meaning it will not immediately arrive on the battlefield.

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It follows a $725 million package announced on Monday that included a second tranche of landmines as well as anti-air and anti-armour weapons.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as well as French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris for a trilateral meeting on Dec. 7, amid world leaders' visit to France for the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

The previously unannounced meeting, confirmed by the Elysee, comes ahead of the January inauguration of Trump. It is the first such between Zelensky and Trump since Trump won the U.S. presidential election in November.

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.

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Zelensky and Trump previously met on Sept. 27 in New York, while Trump was the Republican nominee for president, when the Ukrainian president presented his victory plan to his counterpart. Two of the ideas in the victory plan were explicitly prepared for Trump, according to the Financial Times (FT).

Prior to that, the leaders held a phone call on Nov. 7 after the then-Republican candidate won the presidential election. Zelensky congratulated Trump on his victory during the call.

On Dec. 4, the Ukrainian delegation, led by Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, also met aides to Trump in Washington.

About 50 heads of state and government will attend the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral, which has been under reconstruction since 2019 after a fire.

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Read also: Yermak-led delegation meets with VP-elect Vance, members of Trumps team in Washington, media reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili on Dec. 7, on the sidelines of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral.

The meeting comes as protest against the Georgian Dream party in Tbilisi continue after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of the South Caucasus' EU accession process until at least 2028.

"Ukraine supports and stands in solidarity with the Georgian people, who are currently fighting for a worthy future for themselves," Zelensky told Zourabichvili during the meeting. "It is important to always respect the will of the people and not let the Ivanishvili government surrender the country to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin."

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The outbreak of protests comes amid simmering tension for months in Georgia, as the ruling Georgian Dream party has been accused of democratic backsliding and dragging Georgia into the Kremlin's orbit.

Georgian Dream, led by de facto leader Bidzina Ivanishvili, declared victory in the October elections, which was broadly disputed by domestic opposition and international observers. Election observers documented a range of violations, from the distribution of pre-filled ballots to the confiscation of personal identification cards.

Zourabichvili, the country's pro-EU president, spoke to Zelensky about these violations, namely the restrictions Georgians abroad faced when voting. The Georgian leader also thanked Zelensky for his support and welcomed Ukrainian sanctions on key Georgian Dream officials.

The sanctions target Ivanishvili, an oligarch with business ties in Russia who is seen as the de facto leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Kobakhidze, and 17 other individuals.

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Zelensky affirmed his support for Georgia, saying Ukraine wants to show strong international partners such as the U.S and EU the importance of standing with the Georgian people.

Zourabichvili, who has been present at protests in Tbilisi, said on Nov. 30 that she would remain president until a legitimate parliament is elected.

Previously, the country's ruling party, Georgian Dream, announced that the presidential election would be held on Dec. 14 and the inauguration on Dec. 29. For the first time, the president of Georgia will not be elected by the population but by the Electoral Board, in which the Georgian Dream will have the majority.

Read also: Zourabichvili says shell remain Georgian president until legitimate parliament elected





Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met US President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Saturday as Russian forces logged further advances in eastern Ukraine.

The trio met at the Elysee Palace after Macron held bilateral talks with Trump ahead of a ceremony marking the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral.

Trump is currently visiting France on his first trip abroad since winning November's presidential election.

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There is great fear in Ukraine that Trump could drastically reduce US military aid for the country, which has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion for almost three years and has repeatedly warned that it will lose the war if allies stop delivering military aid.

Russian forces advance in eastern Ukraine

Also on Saturday, the British Ministry of Defence said Russian forces have made gradual progress along the front in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, approaching to within 7 kilometres of the city of Pokrovsk.

In its latest intelligence update on the war, the ministry said Russian units have taken the town of Selydove lying to the south-east of Pokrovsk.

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It added that Russian forces were likely to be fighting in the centre of Kurakhove, a town further to the south.

"Kurakhove forms an important section of the front line and its seizure would allow Russian forces to consolidate positions in the area and set conditions for further advances westwards," the ministry said.

To the south-west of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian forces reportedly mounted a limited counter-attack near Velyka Novosilka, retaking the village of Novyy Komar from the Russians, the ministry said.

Russian attempts to encircle the village were continuing. Russian forces have recently taken the village of Blahodatne to the south of Velyka Novosilka, the ministry added.

Death toll in Zaporizhzhya climbs to 10

Elsewhere, Ukrainian emergency services said the death toll from a Russian glide bomb attack in the south-eastern city of Zaporizhzhya has climbed to 10.

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Eight people died in their cars, while 24 were injured in total, including three children, they said.

President Zelensky previously posted on X that nine people had been killed in Friday's attack.

Rescue workers also pulled another body from the rubble of a building that had been hit by a missile strike the same day on the south-eastern city of Kryvyi Rih, taking the death toll to three.
Educator and YouTuber Faizal Khan, also known as Khan Sir was released from Patna's Gardanibagh Police Station on Friday night after being in detention. The YouTuber was joined after he joined the protests by Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants in Patna earlier on Friday against the commission over the anticipated changes in exam pattern. The protesting students are demanding that exams be held in 'One Shift and One Paper' to avoid the normalisation process. Special Executive Magistrate MS Khan earlier urged the protestors to leave the site. "The protestors will have to leave the protesting site. I have just reached here. I am not aware. Khan Sir was detained and now he is leaving. Now, I don't know where he is going or where he is being taken. Nobody is inside. They will have to leave the Dharna-sthal," MS Khan said on Friday. Khan Sir, while speaking to the media over the ongoing protests, said that they have nothing to do with politics and would stand with those who will listen to their demands. "Only a week is left. How unfortunate is this that we need to protest for our demand on the land of Chanakya and that too, just one week before the examinations. We want the president (of BPSC) to say that there will be no normalisation the examinations will be held in one shift and one paper will be given to all the students. We don't have personal qualms with anyone. The process can be good, but the person implementing it should also be good. Can they assure us that? We will not move from here until normalisation is assured to be removed," Khan sir told reporters earlier. "We request the police administration to understand that your children are also studying here. We also teach them. We believe in the Constitution. That's why we are not protesting on the streets. We reached the Dharna-sthal (protesting site) to protest constitutionally. We will make sure that the normalisation (process) is cancelled. We don't have any expectations from BPSC. We have hopes from the government. We have nothing to do with politics. We will stand with those who will listen to our demands," he added. "We will not let this happen. This will not work. One shift, one exam, and one paper. If the students' time is wasted, they should be given extra time. An extension should be given on the exam date. The forms of students that were not accepted due to discrepancy in the server should be accepted," Khan said while addressing the protesting students. (ANI)
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris for a trilateral meeting on Dec. 7, as world leaders visited France for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The three leaders reportedly spoke for about 35 minute at the Elysee Palace. Zelensky praised the meeting as "productive and meaningful" in a post on social media.

"President Trump is, as always, resolute," Zelensky said. "I thank him. I also extend my gratitude to Emmanuel (Macron) for organizing this important meeting."

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The three leaders "spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace," Zelensky said, without providing further details.

The previously unannounced meeting comes ahead of Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. It also marks the first in-person encounter between Zelensky and Trump since Trump won the U.S. presidential election in November.

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  sentiments that Zelensky echoed in his statement following the meeting.

"Peace through strength is possible," Zelensky wrote. "We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way."

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After the meeting, Trump also took to social media, writing that "Zelensky and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness ... There should be an immediate ceasefire, and negotiations should begin."

"Too many lives are being so needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed, and if it keeps going, it can turn into something much bigger, and far worse," he wrote.

Zelensky and Trump previously met on Sept. 27 in New York, while Trump was still the Republican nominee for president. Zelensky used the occasion to present his five-part victory plan.

Two of the ideas in the plan were explicitly prepared for Trump, according to the Financial Times (FT).

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The leaders then held a phone call on Nov. 7 after Trump won the U.S. election. Zelensky congratulated Trump on his victory during the call.

A Ukrainian delegation, led by Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, also met with Vice President-elect JD Vance and other aides to Trump in Washington on Dec. 4.

About 50 heads of state and government convened for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been under reconstruction since 2019 due to a fire.

Read also: Yermak-led delegation meets with VP-elect Vance, members of Trumps team in Washington, media reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday said his meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris was "good and productive."

"President Trump is, as always, resolute. I thank him for that," Zelensky posted on X.

"We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground and a just peace," he said.

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Zelensky added: "Peace through strength is possible."

Trump is currently visiting France on his first trip abroad since winning November's presidential election.

There is great fear in Ukraine that Trump could drastically reduce US military aid for the country, which has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion for almost three years and has repeatedly warned that it will lose the war if allies stop delivering military aid.
On the evening of Saturday, 7 December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the Elysee Palace, where French President Emmanuel Macron is currently meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump.

Source: French news channel BFMTV, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The channel reported that Zelenskyy arrived at 17:30.

"Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the courtyard of the Elysee Palace at 17:30. The Ukrainian president has joined Emmanuel Macron and US President-elect Donald Trump for a trilateral meeting," the channel said.

PRESIDENT TRUMP IN FRANCE  AMERICA IS BACK! pic.twitter.com/gDJCcD0dv0  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) December 7, 2024

Background:

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Earlier, the Elysee Palace announced a trilateral meeting between Macron, Zelenskyy and Trump.

The leaders are in Paris to attend the reopening of Notre Dame, which has been restored after a fire. All the celebrations marking the cathedral's reopening will take place indoors due to bad weather.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Paris, where he will hold a series of meetings with several countries leaders.

Source: Ukrinform

Details: Among other engagements, Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.

On Saturday evening, heads of state and government from around 40 countries will attend the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, following the fire five years ago.

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Background: As was reported earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron will receive his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Elysee Palace on Saturday, 7 December.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer have discussed further support for Ukraine during a meeting in Paris.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: During the meeting, Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Austria for supporting Ukraine.

"We discussed extending this support for the coming year, focusing on assistance for our energy system during the winter and defending Ukrainians from Russian terror," he tweeted.

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The Ukrainian president also invited Austria to join the G7 joint declaration of support for Ukraine and to sign a bilateral agreement on long-term support in the future.

"Together, we must force Russia to establish a lasting and just peace," he added.

Nehammer, in turn, reported having a "good and in-depth conversation" with Zelenskyy.

"We talked about intensifying our joint efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. As the capital of a neutral country, Vienna is always ready to host future peace talks," Nehammer tweeted.

Background:

Last week, Karl Nehammer announced that he had suggested Austria to US President-elect Donald Trump as a venue for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

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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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and US President-elect Donald Trump as productive, saying they all want to end the war in Ukraine fairly and as soon as possible.

Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Facebook

Quote from Zelenskyy: "A good, productive meeting with President Trump and President Macron. As always, President Trump is determined. Thank you for that. Thanks also to President Macron for organising this meeting in Paris. We talked about our people, the situation on the battlefield, and a just peace for Ukraine. We all want to end this war as quickly and fairly as possible. We agreed to continue working. Peace through strength is possible!"

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Updated: Macron left the following tweet after the meeting: "The United States, Ukraine and France. Together on this historic day. Gathered in Notre Dame. Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security."

United States, Ukraine, and France. Together on this historic day. Gathered for Notre-Dame. Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security. pic.twitter.com/hEYGEklihT  Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 7, 2024

Background: Zelenskyy's meeting with Macron and Trump in Paris on Saturday evening lasted 35 minutes, and there were no statements to the press afterwards.

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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili.

Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Telegram

Quote from Zelenskyy: "Ukraine supports and stands together with the Georgian people, who are now fighting for a decent future for themselves. It is important always to respect the people's opinion and prevent the [oligarch Bidzina] Ivanishvilis government from handing over the country to Putin.

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This is a matter of control over the Black Sea region that Russia wants to establish. It threatens everyone's national security in the region and Europe.

I assured the President [Salome Zourabichvili] that we, for our part, will coordinate with our partners, not just in Europe, to respond systematically and help the people of Georgia defend their right to live independently."

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The US Navy is converting Zumwalt-class stealth destroyers into hypersonic missile shooters.

The expensive Zumwalt class has struggled to find a suitable mission and weapons.

The upgrade is part of the US' effort to keep pace with adversaries in fielding hypersonic weapons.

The US Navy's Zumwalt-class stealth destroyers are hailed as a revolution in naval warfare due to their next-generation design and advanced technology.

But nearly two decades after the first-in-class USS Zumwalt began construction, the world's most advanced surface combatants are still not ready for combat, victims of development problems, cost overruns, and ineffective systems.

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Now, the sea service is retrofitting the Zumwalt-class destroyers to launch future hypersonic missiles in a bid to make the costly warships more useful by allowing them to strike targets from afar with greater precision.

The Zumwalt has been docked at a shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, since August 2023 to integrate the new and untested weapon system.

The ship is expected to be undocked this week as it prepares for tests and a return to the fleet, according to a shipyard spokeswoman, though the Navy said it wants to begin testing the ship's new hypersonic weapon system in 2027 or 2028.

The world's largest, most advanced destroyer

Named after Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt, former chief of naval operations, the Zumwalt is the lead ship of a class of advanced surface combatants. Yichuan Cao/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Zumwalt-class stealth destroyers are considered the most advanced surface warships in the world, equipped with innovative naval technology.

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Named after Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr., the youngest chief of naval operations in US history, the lead ship USS Zumwalt is the largest destroyer in the world at 610 feet long. It can house a crew of nearly 200 sailors and accommodate one MH-60R Seahawk helicopter in its hangar.

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works and Huntington Ingalls Industries were behind the design and construction of the three stealth destroyers.

The warships feature an all-electric propulsion system and a composite deckhouse covered with radar-absorbing material to hide their sensors and communication systems. But the US Navy has struggled to arm them.

Due to the ship's manufacturing issues and soaring costs, the Navy reduced the Zumwalt class's overall size from 32 ships to just three: the Zumwalt, USS Michael Monsoor, and the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson, which is expected to commission after its combat systems are fully installed and activated.

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The first shipborne hypersonic weapon

A view of USS Zumwalt's bow where hypersonic missile tubes are being retrofitted. Gerald Herbert/AP

The stealth destroyers were armed with two 155 mm deck guns for shore bombardment, but ballooning manufacturing costs made the ammunition for the guns ridiculously expensive.

The Navy halted the ammo procurement in 2016, the same year the Zumwalt was commissioned, and publicly announced in 2018 that it was scrapping the now-useless main deck guns for a new weapon system.

In 2021, then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said the stealth destroyers would be the first Navy warships to be armed with hypersonic missiles instead of its Block V Virginia-class submarines, saying that it would be an "important move" toward turning the surface ships into strike platforms.

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The Navy said the first-in-class stealth destroyer's "upgrades will ensure Zumwalt remains one of the most technologically advanced and lethal ships in the US Navy."

Photos showed the Zumwalt's main deck gun mounts were removed. The cannons will be replaced with four all-up round canisters containing three hypersonic missiles each. These come in addition to its conventional missile arsenal of 80 vertical launch cells.

US efforts in hypersonic innovation

Huntington Ingalls Industries is modifying the USS Zumwalt to carry future hypersonic missiles. Gerald Herbert/AP

The US military is working on hypersonic weapons across all branches. The Zumwalts will be armed with the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) system, the Navy's joint hypersonic weapons program with the Army and US Strategic Command.

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Described by STRATCOM as "a strong deterrence message to our adversaries," the "highly lethal platform" would launch like a ballistic missile but instead uses a two-stage solid-fueled rocket booster to get the projectile to travel at speeds faster than Mach 5 speed  nearly 4,000 mph. The booster allows the missile to change trajectory at these speeds, unlike a ballistic missile, and combined with its lower altitude flight complicates efforts to intercept it.

The weapon system features an all-up round (AUR) missile and a separate payload modular adapter, which the Navy is testing along with the missile and eject system.

"It's not like any other type of missile," Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe, the Navy's director of strategic programs, told reporters at the Naval Submarine League's annual symposium last month. "You don't light this thing off inside."

The CPS system failed its first test in June 2022, as well as subsequent flight tests in March and September 2023. The first successful test was completed this summer.

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"The testing that we need to do to get to the final integration of Zumwalt, that's irrespective of where the Zumwalt's at, whether it's in the water," Wolfe added.

In addition to the CPS system, the Navy is also developing a hypersonic air-launched anti-ship missile expected to be compatible with the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet. However, few details about the $178.6 million program have been released to the public.

Scrapping the Zumwalts' twin turrets

People near a lighthouse on shore observe USS Zumwalt on the water. Gabe Souza/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

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Developed to provide off-shore precision fire support from a distance, the Zumwalt-class stealth destroyers were armed with a pair of Advanced Gun System (AGS) mounts to fire naval artillery from up to 100 nautical miles away  in what would've been the US Navy's longest-range shell in use.

However, after the Navy reduced the size of its Zumwalt fleet, manufacturing costs for the Long-Range Land-Attack Projectile-guided shells skyrocketed to about $800,000 to $1 million per round  about the same price as a cruise missile.

The rocket-assisted projectiles also fell short of the intended range, prompting the sea service to cancel production of the munitions, rendering the pair of high-velocity cannons useless.

Before announcing the new hypersonic weapon, the Navy floated other weapon systems to replace the failed gun mounts, including an electromagnetic railgun or futuristic laser weapons.

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The hypersonic edge

Sailors stand in the hangar of USS Zumwalt with world flags hanging around them. Michael Dwyer/AP

In recent years, US adversaries like Russia and China have been developing hypersonic weapons, adding pressure on the Pentagon to prioritize its own hypersonic development efforts.

China has "the world's leading hypersonic arsenal," and Russia has already deployed two of its three hypersonic weapon systems in Ukraine, according to congressional testimony from Jeffrey McCormick, senior intelligence analyst at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center.

The US, however, has yet to field a single hypersonic weapon amid ongoing development and integration challenges across the military, including the Zumwalt-class artillery upgrade.

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'Is it really worth the money?'

The shoes of a Navy sailor are seen with USS Zumwalt in the background. Michael Dwyer/AP

Research and development for the destroyer cost about $22.4 billion, and General Dynamics spent another $40 million just to construct a shipyard facility large enough to accommodate the giant hull segments.

Each ship cost an average of $7.5 billion  more expensive than the Navy's Nimitz-class aircraft carriers.

Even with all of their costly innovations, the Zumwalt-class vessels continued to be plagued by equipment problems and constantly needed repairs.

Last year, the Navy awarded Huntington Ingalls Industries with a $154.8 million contract to integrate the hypersonic weapon system aboard USS Zumwalt. The Congressional Budget Office also estimated that it would cost nearly $18 billion to buy and maintain 300 of the hypersonic boost-glide missiles for the next 20 years.

As the expenses of fielding US-developed hypersonic weapons pile up, some military analysts say the costs outweigh the benefits.

"This particular missile costs more than a dozen tanks," Loren Thompson, a defense analyst at the DC-based think tank Lexington Institute, told the Associated Press. "All it gets you is a precise non-nuclear explosion, someplace far, far away."

"Is it really worth the money?" Thompson continued. "The answer is, most of the time, the missile costs much more than any target you can destroy with it."

A steep price to pay to keep pace

Then-Capt. James A. Kirk walks onto his new command, USS Zumwalt. Mark Wilson/Getty Images

While conventional missiles may cost less, long-range hypersonic weapons increase the chances of striking the targets of adversaries protected by advanced air defense systems like those of China and Russia.

"The adversary has them," retired Navy Rear Adm. Ray Spicer, CEO of the US Naval Institute, told the AP. "We never want to be outdone."

Bryan Clark, a defense analyst at the Hudson Institute, told the AP that while the US stealth destroyers were "a costly blunder," the Navy could "take victory from the jaws of defeat here and get some utility out of them by making them into a hypersonic platform."

The jury is still out on whether the Zumwalt hypersonic upgrades are worth the hefty price tag, but it would at the very least give the stealth destroyers a purpose.

"Zumwalt gave us an opportunity to get [hypersonics] out faster," Gilday told USNI News in 2022," and to be honest with you, I need a solid mission for Zumwalt."

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Catholics celebrate the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe with a procession from St. Joseph Catholic Church to St. Pauls Cathedral Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Yakima, Wash.
Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has launched a scathing attack on the central government amid a surge in petitions claiming that temples lie beneath mosques across India and alleged that the ruling party has an "invisible hand" behind every "Vahini," "Parishad," and "Sena." In a post on X, Owaisi said that no nation can become a "superpower" if 14 per cent of its population faces constant pressures. "The people of India are being pushed into fights over history where none existed. No nation can become a superpower if 14 per cent of its population faces such constant pressures. Behind every "Vahini" "Parishad" "Sena" etc, there is the invisible hand of the ruling party. They have a duty to defend the Places of Worship Act and put an end to these false disputes," Owaisi posted on X. This development has sparked concerns about the potential for increased communal tensions and conflicts over religious sites. Meanwhile, in Sambhal tensions have been high since November 19, when a local court ordered a survey of the mosque. Clashes between protestors and police over the court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid resulted in four deaths. The ASI survey followed a petition filed in a local court, claiming the mosque's site was originally a Harihar temple. Earlier, a local court in Ajmer directed that notice be issued to three parties in a civil suit that claims that there is a Shiva temple in the dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, the plaintiff's advocate said. Advocate Yogesh Siroja told reporters in Ajmer that the suit was heard in the court of Civil Judge Manmohan Chandel. "The concerned parties have been issued notices, one is the Dargah Committee, the ASI, and the third is the Ministry of Minority Affairs. I am a descendant of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty, but I have not been made party to it... We are in touch with our legal team," he said. (ANI)
Five of seven men indicted in connection with Rosenda Strong's murder have pleaded guilty
As the 'Delhi Chalo' protest was called off on Friday after several farmers were reportedly injured in tear gas shelling by police, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher expressed his disappointment, stating that the central government is unwilling to engage in talks with the farmers. Emphasising the lack of "positive initiative" from the central government to resolve farmers' demands, Pandher informed that 20 farmers were injured in tear gas shelling by police at the Sambhu border to halt their 'Delhi Chalo' march. Speaking with ANI, Pandher said, "The central government is not in the mood to talk to the farmers. We can't see any positive initiative to peacefully solve the issue from their side." "20 farmers have been injured. 14 farmers have gone to Hospital, 2 were seriously injured, and one was referred to Patiala. This is the condition here," he added. Pandher mentioned that the farmers are not happy with the NDA or INDIA bloc government and do not support the AAP government in Punjab either. Referring to the rights of corporations and industries to set prices for their produce, Pandher highlighted the conditions of farmers and labourers in the country. "The condition of Indian farmer and Labourers. In Punjab, they say we sell crops in MSP but that's not true. We want the right price for what we are producing, at least we should get the minimum price. Corporate, Industries have the right to set the price for their produce but labourers don't get employment and farmers don't get price for their produce," Pandher said. After the farmer called off the 'Delhi Chalo' march on Friday, Pandher announced that a group of 101 farmers will march towards Delhi on December 8 at 12 noon if the Union Government does not engage in talks with them by Saturday. Pandher, speaking at the Shambhu border, said they would wait until tomorrow for discussions with the government. "We will wait till tomorrow for talks with the government, otherwise, a 'Jatha' of 101 farmers will march towards Delhi on 8 December at 12 noon," the farmer leader said. He added, "I think the Prime Minister is not even listening to the Vice President. If the round of talks had started, a happy solution to this movement could have been found...The government is not ready for talks...For us, the ruling party and the opposition are the same; they all do politics." The protest aims to press for several demands, including compensation and a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP). (ANI)
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi condemned police action on farmers during their 'Delhi Chalo' march, calling it "inhumane use of force." In a post on X, Kanmozhi urged the central government to "immediately engage with farmer representatives, and address their demands without delay." On Friday, farmers launched 'Delhi Chalo' march, demanding a legal guarantee or MSP on crops from the central government. They were stopped at the Sambhu border by police which used tear gas shells to disperse the protestors. Several farmers were reportedly injured during the protest. Kanimozhi called the police action "oppressive" and asked the government to address farmers' demands. "I condemn the Union Government's ruthless and inhuman use of force against farmers marching to Delhi for their rightful demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP on crops. It is outrageous to attack those who feed the nation with lathi and tear gas," Kanimozhi said. "The Union Government must stop this brutal suppression, immediately engage with farmer representatives, and address their demands without delay," she added. https://x.com/KanimozhiDMK/status/1865224957489528976 After several farmers were reportedly injured in tear gas shelling by police, the 'Delhi Chalo' march was called off on Friday. Earlier in the day, Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher expressed his disappointment, stating that the central government is unwilling to engage in talks with the farmers. Emphasising the lack of "positive initiative" from the central government to resolve farmers' demands, Pandher informed that 20 farmers were injured in tear gas shelling by police at the Sambhu border to halt their 'Delhi Chalo' march. Speaking with ANI, Pandher said, "The central government is not in the mood to talk to the farmers. We can't see any positive initiative to peacefully solve the issue from their side.""20 farmers have been injured. 14 farmers have gone to Hospital, 2 were seriously injured, and one was referred to Patiala. This is the condition here," he added. On Friday, Pandher announced that a group of 101 farmers will march towards Delhi on December 8 at 12 noon if the Union Government does not engage in talks with them by Saturday. The protest aims to press for several demands, including compensation and a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP). (ANI)
Its not just Budapest that is dressed in festive colours and lights in December. Its also worth exploring the Advent wonderland of rural towns. Whether you're walking around Hungary's cities with your family, your friends or your partner, it's good to know where to go to make sure that you find the nearest Christmas market.

Breathe in the fragrance of hot punch, recharge with the sight of warm lights and, of course, this is also a great time to buy ...



1. Szeged - until 24 December



The Christmas Weeks in Szeged promise to be more than an Advent market" again in 2024, and this can only mean good things for visitors.



The central location of the event is Dom ter, but it is also worth taking a walk on Klauzal ter and Dugonics ter to taste what the artisan producers and exhibitors have in store for you.



The Christmas decorations are always beautiful, and a Ferris wheel and Santa's sleigh make the festive atmosphere unforgettable.



2. Siofok - until 24 December



Lake Balaton is also worth a visit in winter, as the lake, the landscape and the local towns and villages show a completely different face at this time of year. The town of Siofok welcomes you with a series of events called Winter Magic, where children and adults alike can enjoy every day of the Advent season.



The small wooden houses dressed in lights will line up again on Fo ter, at the Aranycsengo (Golden Bell) Advent Market, where you can find lovely handmade gifts, Christmas tree decorations, and you can taste winter favourites such as chimney cake, fragrant roasted chestnuts or fruity mulled wine.



3. Esztergom - until 22 December



The Esztergom Advent Market welcomes people tuning in to the holiday with an ice rink and a multitude of Christmas programmes on Szechenyi ter. You can see concerts and puppet shows, join the candle lighting ceremony, choose from the products of the handicraft market and taste lots of different types of food on all four weekends of Advent if you decide to visit one of the most beautiful cities on the Danube.



The ice rink will open to the public with an ice show on 29 November at 5:30 p.m., and will welcome skaters until 19 January 2025.



4. Eger - until 24 December



The intimacy of the historic city centre, with Dobo ter in a blaze of lights and the Eger Castle in the background impress lots of visitors every year, including during Advent.



The town welcomes visitors with a truly spectacular, melodious, sparkling, but still intimate market  with a hut where people can warm up, handcrafted products and lots of Christmas delicacies. We are happy to remind you that the catering establishments of Szepasszonyvolgy also show their festive faces at this time, so you should also visit them.



5. Pecs - until 24 December



Count on Pecs also this year if you are planning some winter activities. The 13th Handicraft and Fairy Tale Advent Market in Pecs welcomes you, as you have probably already guessed, with tales, flavours, fragrances, shared experiences and a cosy Christmas atmosphere at Szechenyi ter.



During the Advent period, you can visit Santa's house, admire light painting and building projections, and, in the evening, you can attend the magical Sunday candle lighting with your loved ones.



6. Debrecen - until 23 December



Advent in Debrecen will not disappoint market visitors this year either, as two years ago it was selected as one of the twenty best small Christmas markets in Europe.



You shouldn't miss the hut and the skating rink in addition to the spectacular music and dance programmes. Last year even the trams wore a Santa Claus beard, and we hope the city will crack this joke this year too.



Source: visithungary.com



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Ludovico Einaudi, one of the worlds most renowned contemporary composers and pianists, will perform in Budapest on 26 May 2025 at the MVM Dome.

The concert will feature not only the most iconic pieces from Einaudis career but also music from his latest album, The Summer Portraits.



Einaudis music is timeless and captivating, celebrated worldwide for its profound emotional resonance and refined beauty. His work is a unique blend of film scores, classical compositions, and avant-garde creations that have touched the hearts of millions over the past decades.



The Italian composer gained global fame with films such as The Father and Nomadland, both of which won Oscar and BAFTA awards, as well as the French film The Intouchables, where his music played a key role.



Roland Horvath, CEO of Koncertpromo, shared his thoughts on the concert announcement: It is a tremendous honor to welcome Ludovico Einaudi to Budapest. His music is unique and emotionally rich. I am certain this concert will offer an experience that will be remembered for years to come.



For me, music captures the most beautiful moments of life, Einaudi said about his latest album, The Summer Portraits, which transforms his personal experiences into universal messages. Like the upcoming concert in Budapest, this album invites listeners to relive their own most cherished summer memories.



Dont miss this one-of-a-kind musical experience on 26 May 2025 at the MVM Dome! Ludovico Einaudis extraordinary concert will take you on a journey into the world of music, emotions, and art. Secure your tickets now and be part of the magic!



Einaudis melodies dont just play  they stay with us forever.



More:

www.koncertpromo.hu
Between December 1 and 24, the museums and libraries of the Hungarian National Museum Public Collections Center will host a calendar of 24 Advent events across the country.

One of the highlights is the Advent Family Day at the Hungarian National Museum, launching on December 1. This event will recreate the festive atmosphere of past eras, featuring the world of imperial courtyards, noble palaces, and bourgeois homes. Visitors can enjoy puzzles, treasure hunts, craft activities, and candle-lighting.



On December 4, art historian and chief museologist Ildiko Horanyi will present The Saint Who Was Freed from the Tower but Still Trapped in the Bowels of the Earth at the Semmelweis Museum of Medical History, where she will tell the story of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners.



A candlelit guided tour will take place at the Castle Museum in Esztergom on December 12, where visitors can explore the castles various rooms and their functions.



The marble angels of Visegrad will be showcased in the renewed permanent exhibition of the King Matthias Museum  Royal Palace on December 14. Archaeologist and museum director Gergely Buzas will give a lecture, and there will also be educational activities for visitors.



On December 14, the Hungarian National Museum will offer curatorial guided tours of its exhibition, A Brilliant Experience  Unique Jewellery from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day.



Detailed programs will be available on the National Museums website and at mnm.hu



Event's Facebook page
New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India has taken steps to combat fraud by introducing the MuleHunter.AI for banks. This technology is designed to identify and eliminate mule accountsfake accounts often used in fraudulent activities. The RBI revealed that MuleHunter.AI has already shown promising results, successfully detecting and addressing such accounts in two public sector banks.

A mule account is a bank account used by cybercriminals to illegally siphon money. By hiding their identity, anonymous individuals open these accounts and use them to deposit money obtained through scams. Tracing money transfers from these accounts and recovering the funds becomes extremely difficult.

According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 67.8 per cent of complaints related to cybercrime arise from online financial fraud. In such a scenario, the effective implementation of MuleHunter.AI is crucial to protecting people from bank fraud.

What is a Mule Account?

According to the RBI, a mule account is a bank account used by criminals to illegally transfer stolen money. These accounts are often opened by unsuspecting individuals who are enticed with small payments. Tracking money transfers from these accounts and recovering the stolen funds is extremely challenging.

What is MuleHunter.AI?

According to the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub, the RBI developed MuleHunter.AI after extensive discussions with banks to understand the existing methods and processes for identifying mule accounts. Current systems used to detect such accounts are often time-consuming, leaving many accounts unnoticed. To address this, the RBI collaborated with several banks and analyzed the activity patterns of 19 different types of mule accounts to develop this advanced tool.

How Does MuleHunter.AI Work?

MuleHunter.AI is an in-house AI/ML-based system that outperforms existing methods in identifying suspicious mule accounts. Using advanced machine learning algorithms, the tool analyzes transaction patterns and account-related datasets to quickly and accurately detect mule accounts.

The RBI's goal in developing this tool is to speed up the identification of fraudulent accounts, as financial fraud is increasing in both complexity and volume. The key to tackling such fraud lies in tracing where the money ultimately goes. With this new technology, banks can detect mule accounts faster and with greater precision, making the system more effective in combating fraud.
Kolkata: Amidst the ongoing internal struggle within the Trinamool Congress between veteran leaders and the Young Turks, West Bengal Chief Minister and party chief Mamata Banerjee said any decision regarding her successor would be made collectively by the party leadership rather than by her personally.

In an interview with Bengali news channel News 18 Bangla on Friday, Banerjee dismissed notions of individual dominance, asserting, "I am not the party; we are the party. It is a collective family, and decisions will be made collectively." Asked about her potential successor, Banerjee deflected the question with a counter-query to the interviewer, "Who is your successor?"

She went on to clarify that the TMC is a disciplined party where no individual will dictate terms. "The party will decide what is best for the people. We have MLAs, MPs, booth workers, this is a joint effort," she said. On the debate about old versus new in the party, Banerjee maintained a balanced approach, stating, "Everyone is important. Today's newcomer will be tomorrow's veteran.

While TMC has not officially declared any succession plans, Banerjee's remark comes amidst an ongoing tussle between the old guards, considered loyal to Mamata Banerjee, and the next-generation leaders, considered close to Abhishek Banerjee. Abhishek Banerjee is TMC's national general secretary and nephew of Mamata Banerjee.

Banerjee did not mince words while addressing the role of political consultants, taking an indirect jibe at I-PAC, which has been working as TMC's political consultant since 2019.

"Some strategists make surveys sitting at home and change them later. They can arrange things but not bring voters. It's the booth workers who know the villages and people who actually win elections," she remarked, adding, "They are like artisans who do their work in exchange for money. But elections aren't won by them."
New Delhi: The tenure of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has begun on a positive note. Bringing big relief to the NCP chief, the Prevention of Benami Property Transactions Appellate Tribunal has dismissed charges of benami property ownership against him and his family. Following the tribunals verdict, the Income Tax Department has cleared his properties worth over Rs 1,000 crore in a benami case, seized during the 2021 investigation.

The tribunals ruling comes a day after Ajit Pawar took oath as Maharashtra Deputy CM along with Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde at Mumbais Azad Maidan, during the swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister.

The tribunal found no substantial evidence to support claims of benami ownership and concluded that all the payments for the properties in question were made via legitimate channels and hence they were being cleared of the benami charges. "There is no evidence to suggest that Ajit Pawar or his family transferred funds to acquire benami properties," the tribunal stated.

Advocate Prashant Patil, who represented NCP leader and his family in the benami case refuted all the charges and dismissed them as baseless and motivated. He is also understood to have shared details of transactions to prove that there was nothing illegal and everything was done via banking channels.

Notably, the I-T Department had carried out multiple raids in 2021 across several locations, some of which were linked to NCP leader Ajit Pawar. The crackdown included searches at the residence and office of those linked to Ajit Pawar, including his relatives and close aides in the city and adjoining towns.

Following the raids, a couple of properties including a sugar factory in Satara, a flat in Delhi and a resort in Goa were attached in the case. The I-T Department had attached properties valued at over Rs 1,000 crore under the Prohibition of Benami Properties Prevention Act (PBPP).
Delhi Crime: In a tragic incident, a man who was shot dead by unidentified assailants while returning from his morning walk in Farsh Bazar on Saturday morning. Confirming his death, Shahdara DCP, Prashant Gautam said that they had received a PCR call at 8:36 a.m. pertaining to the firing incident.

The deceased was identified as Sunil Jain, 52. The attackers, who came on a motorcycle, opened fire at Jain, causing multiple gunshot injuries. Following the incident, a PCR call was made at the Police Station of Farsh Bazar in New Delhi on Saturday morning.

Jain (52) was reported to have been shot by two people who came on a motorcycle while he was returning back to his residence after a morning walk, news agency ANI reported, citing officials.

"A PCR call was made regarding a firing incident that was received in PS Farsh Bazar. The police staff reached the spot and found one Sunil Jain (52) with gunshot injuries. He was returning to his home after a morning walk. He was reported to have been shot by two persons who came on a motorcycle," Shahdara DCP, Prashant Gautam, said.

#WATCH | Delhi: Shahdara DCP, Prashant Gautam says, "At 8:36 am, we received a PCR call that two boys on a bike shot a man and fled. On the spot, the police found that a person named Sunil Jain was shot. He was shot 3-4 times. Sunil Jain has died. He owned a crockery shop and was https://t.co/LTix3jaqyH pic.twitter.com/w0xyaHEW9j December 7, 2024

The crime team was rushed to the spot upon receiving information. "At 8:36 am, we received a PCR call that two boys on a bike shot a man and fled. On the spot, the police found that a person named Sunil Jain was shot. He was shot 3-4 times.

Sunil Jain has died. He owned a crockery shop and was 52 years old. The family is denying any kind of threat," he said.

(With ANI Inputs)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday aunched a scathing attack on the central government, accusing it of preparing to introduce a new tax slab that will increase GST on essential goods, which would burden the common man. In a strong statement on X, Gandhi called out the government for providing relief to the rich while taxing the poor.

"Here's another example of how the government is giving concessions to capitalists and looting ordinary citizens. On one hand, income tax is continuously rising compared to corporate taxes, and on the other hand, the Modi government is preparing for more collection under the 'Gabbar Singh Tax' regime," Gandhi said.

Gandhi's comments came amid reports that the government is planning to introduce a new tax slab, which could increase the GST on necessary items. He particularly highlighted the government's plan to raise the GST on clothing above 1,500 from 12% to 18%, a move that will directly impact the middle and lower-income families, especially during the ongoing wedding season.

"Just think about itpeople are saving for months to pay for clothes for weddings, and now the government plans to increase the GST from 12% to 18% on clothes priced over 1,500. This is gross injustice," Gandhi said, emphasizing the growing disparity between the rich and the poor.

He also criticized the governments policy of forgiving huge loans for billionaires while imposing higher taxes on the hard-earned income of common people. "The government is using taxes to loot the hard-earned money of poor and middle-class families to give tax breaks to billionaires and waive off their massive loans," he added.

Gandhi reiterated that his fight was against such injustices, pledging to continue raising his voice against the tax burden on the public. "We will strongly speak out against this burden and exert pressure on the government to stop this loot," he said.
Maharashtra News: A day after the swearing-in ceremony of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his two deputies, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, a Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader claimed that Eknath Shinde has demanded the crucial home department from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and talks on portfolio allocation are in progress.

Gogavale, an aide of Shinde who heads the Shiv Sena, stated that the cabinet expansion is likely to take place between December 11 and 16, just ahead of the winter session of the state legislature.

The winter session of the legislature will start in Nagpur, the state's second capital, from December 16.

"When Devendra Fadnavis was the deputy chief minister (in the Shinde-led government), he also held the home department. Saheb (Shinde) has demanded the home, and talks (on portfolio allocation) are in progress," Gogavale said, as quoted by news agency PTI.

On being asked to whom the demand was made, Gogavale said it was probably Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The MLA from Mahad in Raigad district claimed that attempts are being made to change the portfolios held by the Shiv Sena in the previous Mahayuti government.

Gogavale hoped the talks on portfolio allocation would be over in the next two days.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the chief minister for a third time on Thursday at a grand ceremony in south Mumbai's Azad Maidan, while Shinde and Ajit Pawar (NCP) were sworn in as his deputies.

Barring the top three Mahayuti politicians, no other leader was administered the oath of office at the ceremony. The BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP are constituents of the Mahayuti coalition, which won 230 seats in the 288-member assembly in last month's polls.

(With PTI Inputs)
Days after the Mahayuti alliance formed the new Maharashtra government, Aaditya Thackeray made a bold claim. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said his party's winning MLAs would skip the oath-taking ceremony; he raised doubts over the legitimacy of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) on Saturday.

"Today we have decided that our (Shiv Sena UBT) winning MLAs will not take the oath. If this was the mandate of the people, people would have been happy and celebrated it. However, there was no such celebration or enthusiasm from the public. We have doubts about EVM," Aaditya Thackeray told ANI.

Thackeray, accompanied by party workers, paid tribute to Shivaji Maharaj at the Vidhan Bhavan complex. The Maharashtra Assembly is currently holding a three-day special session.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray says, "We boycotted the oath-taking ceremony today as democracy is being murdered by the use of EVMs...This (the results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections) is not the mandate of the public it is the mandate of EVM and pic.twitter.com/3dPx3gvvFM  ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2024

The newly formed Assembly began its three-day special session today, led by pro-tem Speaker Kalidas Kolambkar. During the session, MLAs will take their oaths, the Assembly Speaker will be elected, a trust vote for the new government will be held, and the Governor will deliver an address.

Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant told ANI, "Today's priority is the oath-taking ceremony of 288 MLAs and holding the election of the speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly."

He added, "After that, our three leadersCM Fadnavis, and two Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawarwill together decide when to conduct the cabinet expansion and which departments we will be assigned."

Samant said, "Our leader is Eknath Shinde. We have given him the authority to make all political decisions, and all our MLAs will agree with whatever decision he takes."
Aam Aadmi Party chief and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday attacked Union Home Minister Amit Shah and said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is no longer able to handle the law and order situation in the national capital. "Amit Shah ji has ruined Delhi. He has turned Delhi into a jungle raj. People are living a life of terror everywhere. BJP is no longer able to handle the law and order situation in Delhi. The people of Delhi will have to unite and raise their voices," Arvind Kejriwal posted on X. In a post on X, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that the sound of gunfire echoed in the Shahdara district early in the morning. "Capital of Crime- The sound of gunfire echoed in the Shahdara district early in the morning when utensils trader Sanjay Jain was returning home on his scooter after a morning walk, the miscreants stopped him and fired bullets at him. It is being told that 6 to 7 rounds of fire were fired and all the bullets hit Sanjay Jain," Bharadwaj claimed. Earlier, a man, his wife and their daughter were stabbed to death at their residence in Delhi's Neb Sarai on Wednesday. According to Delhi police, the murders were carried out by the couple's son, who had claimed to have been on a morning walk at the time. On November 28, an explosion was reported in Delhi's Prashant Vihar. Fire tenders were rushed to the site along with teams of National Security Guard (NSG) commandos Delhi Police Crime Branch, Special Cell and Bomb Disposal Squad. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi launched a sharp critique of the BJP-led central government over the law and order situation in the capital, likening it to Mumbai in the 1990s. The Assembly polls in Delhi are expected to be held in early 2025. AAP won 62 out of the 70 seats in the 2020 assembly elections and BJP secured eighth seats. (ANI)
Mumbai Police received a threat message on Saturday warning of an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PTI reported citing an official. The message was linked to a phone number registered in Ajmer, Rajasthan, leading authorities rushing a team to apprehend the suspect.

The threat text allegedly mentioned the involvement of ISI agents and a plot to execute a bomb attack aimed at PM Modi.

Investigators suspect that the sender of the threat message may be mentally unstable or intoxicated, though a detailed probe is underway. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Notably, the Mumbai traffic police helpline has been the target of multiple hoax threat messages in the past.

The Mumbai traffic police helpline has frequently received hoax threat messages. In the past 10 days, two messages threatened to kill actors Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.

Salman Khan has previously faced death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Although Bishnoi is in Ahmedabad's Sabarmati jail for attempted murder and extortion, suspected gang members fired shots outside Khans Bandra residence in April.
Kerala Lottery Results Saturday 07-12-2024 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "KARUNYA KR-683" Lucky Draw Result today Karunya Kr-683, December 07, 2024. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2024 for "Karunya KR-683" 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 KR-683 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 KR-683 results today.

Kerala Lottery Result 07-12-2024 Dec: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA KR-683 Draw

LUCKY NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 80 LAKHS IS: KZ 652161

LUCKY NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKHS IS: KV 914439

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 Lakh ARE: KN 267510 KO 188757 KP 529106 KR 682584 KS 946720 KT 585930 KU 964524 KV 719451 KW 116600 KX 878092 KY 320504 KZ 878575

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: KN 652161 KO 652161 KP 652161 KR 652161 KS 652161 KU 652161 KV 652161 KW 652161 KX 652161 KY 652161

(For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below)

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0906 1407 1576 1964 2216 2229 4665 5013 5033 5847 5923 6430 6718 7225 7372 7564 7653 8890

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE: 1106 1286 2982 3255 5133 6429 7279 7356 7884 9014

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0016 0720 1123 2219 2676 2769 3113 3174 6555 7012 7966 8574 9445 9996

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0075 0380 0418 0542 0629 0653 0759 1033 1176 1194 1248 1325 1443 1553 1699 1894 1933 2197 2224 2370 2485 2490 2820 3070 3294 3528 3595 3615 3670 3674 3699 3799 3806 3808 3872 3993 4140 4215 4277 4296 4350 4443 4482 4514 4954 5055 5198 5543 5961 5970 6089 6508 6703 6731 6778 6807 6922 7280 7436 7446 7461 7478 7489 7664 7705 7707 7824 7904 8014 8184 8334 8593 8665 8844 9131 9319 9472 9485 9487 9552

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0030 0175 0233 0299 0317 0335 0699 0701 0725 0861 0925 0957 0997 1279 1458 1541 1643 1715 1782 1962 2099 2226 2378 2416 2546 2559 2562 2603 3016 3229 3233 3336 3397 3461 3463 3478 3520 3557 3593 3675 3729 3730 3856 3882 3895 3948 4052 4118 4147 4154 4283 4364 4370 4430 4547 4625 4811 4886 4936 4947 4975 5018 5036 5264 5429 5434 5490 5567 5603 5620 5906 5938 6005 6135 6150 6165 6213 6268 6464 6564 6655 6783 6826 6920 7006 7053 7107 7271 7469 7610 7661 7715 7834 7837 7867 7885 7968 8000 8027 8034 8098 8146 8150 8181 8207 8226 8254 8268 8290 8327 8499 8698 8812 8851 8920 9009 9478 9516 9580 9603 9713 9729 9889 9904

KERALA LOTTERY RESULT 07-12-2024 December TODAY: KARUNYA KR-683 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS

1st Prize: Rs 80 Lakhs

2nd Prize: Rs. 5 lakhs

3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent comments about her role in the opposition INDIA bloc have ignited a wave of reactions within the coalition. Speaking to a news channel on Friday, Banerjee expressed frustration over the alliance's leadership and coordination, hinting at potential leadership challenges within the bloc.

I had formed the INDIA bloc, now it is up to those leading the front to manage it. If they can't run the show, what can I do? I would just say that everyone needs to be taken along, Banerjee stated. When asked why she had not taken charge of the bloc herself, she replied, If given the opportunity I would ensure its smooth functioning. I dont want to go outside West Bengal, but I can run it from here.

Her comments quickly fueled speculation about her ambition to lead the alliance, prompting a clarification from Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Kunal Ghosh. She never said anything like this, Ghosh insisted. She said she founded the INDIA alliance and that it was a necessary front against BJP. Her priority is West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee is not interested in a chair in Delhi. If the INDIA bloc demands her leadership, she will do so from Kolkata only.

Banerjees remarks have led to mixed reactions from leaders across the opposition parties. CPI(M) leader D Raja expressed confusion, saying, I dont know what she means exactly. After the exit polls came out, there was only one meeting of the INDIA alliance. The point is, the situation is not the same in every state.

The Congress, which is the largest party in the INDIA bloc, took a cautious approach. "She has her opinion and intent. Mamata is a member of the INDIA bloc. Whatever conversations happen, it is natural that everyone will sit together and decide," said Congress leader TS Singhdeo.

Congress MP Rashid Alvi emphasized the need for consensus, noting that leadership decisions in such a large coalition are made collectively. Nitish Kumar also expressed his desire to lead the INDIA bloc. But in a coalition of this magnitude, leadership decisions are not made unilaterally, Alvi told news agency IANS. He stressed that the blocs leadership would be decided through consultation among all members, adding, Such decisions are not about individual ambitions.

Congress MP Tanuj Punia echoed this sentiment, urging discussions with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. "This matter should be discussed with the Leader of Opposition and the party's National President. If Mamata Banerjee has suggestions, they should be presented for discussion among all member parties, he said.

While Congress and CPI(M) have called for caution, Samajwadi Party leader Udaiveer Singh voiced support for Banerjee. She is a senior leader with a lot of experience. We have trust in her leadership, Singh stated. If such a decision is taken, we will support it.

The TMCs growing influence in West Bengal, bolstered by recent bypoll victories, has strengthened Mamata Banerjees position within the INDIA bloc. However, internal disagreements and leadership ambitions continue to challenge the coalition's unity. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee recently urged Congress and other allies to set aside egos and recognize Mamata Banerjee as the rightful leader of the alliance.
Punjab News: The Amritsar Commissionerate Police carried out a major operation and took apart a cross-border terror module linked to Pakistan-based operatives by arresting 10 people. The total number of people arrested included four main operatives and six involved in providing logistic assistance, officials said on Friday, as reported by news agency ANI.

According to the police, the terror module, operated by Harvinder Rinda and his foreign-based associates Happy Passian and Jeevan Fauji, was planning an attack on a police establishment in Punjab's Batala.

In a post on X, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said, "In a major breakthrough, Commissionerate Police Amritsar has successfully dismantled a cross-border terror module operated by Pak-based Harvinder Rinda and foreign-based Happy Passian, Jeevan Fauji, and others by arresting 10 persons, including 4 main operatives and 6 involved in providing logistic assistance. The module was responsible for an attack on a police officer's residence in Batala and was plotting a larger assault on a police establishment in that area".

The terror module was responsible for an attack on the residence of a police officer in Batala, officials said, adding that one hand grenade, three pistols, and a Chinese drone suspected of cross-border use were recovered from the accused.

"Recovery: 1 hand grenade, 3 pistols, and a Chinese drone suspected of cross-border use. This operation underscores Punjab Police's unwavering resolve to combat terrorism and organized crime and ensure the safety of its citizens. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further links and neutralize threats to peace and harmony," DGP Yadav said, as quoted by ANI.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) announced on Saturday that it would be walking out of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra after a controversial statement and newspaper advertisement from Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's close aide, hailing the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

The decision came after SP Maharashtra unit chief, Abu Azmi, condemned an advertisement published by Shiv Sena (UBT) in a prominent newspaper, which congratulated those responsible for demolishing the Babri Masjid. In addition, Azmi pointed to a social media post by Milind Narvekar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC, which celebrated the 1992 demolition and praised those who carried it out.

Azmi, visibly angered by the development, stated, "An advertisement was given by Shiv Sena (UBT) in a newspaper congratulating those who demolished the Babri Masjid. His aide (Milind Narvekar) has also posted on X (formerly Twitter), hailing the demolition of the mosque." In response to this, Azmi confirmed that the SP would be leaving the MVA. "I am speaking to (SP president) Akhilesh Yadav about this decision," Azmi added.

The controversy began with Narvekar's post, which included a photo of the Babri Masjid demolition accompanied by a quote from Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, "I am proud of those who did this." Narvekar also posted images of Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, and himself, further fueling the outrage.

Azmi questioned the ideological differences between the MVA and the ruling BJP, stating, "If anyone in the MVA speaks such language, what is the difference between the BJP and them? Why should we stay with them?"

The SP's decision to walk out of the MVA marks a significant shift in Maharashtra's opposition politics, leaving many to wonder about the future dynamics of the alliance.
The United States has rejected allegations from Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that organizations funded by the US State Department and elements within the American "deep state" were behind attempts to destabilize India through attacks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business tycoon Gautam Adani. On Saturday, a spokesperson from the US Embassy in New Delhi expressed disappointment over the accusations, stressing that the US government has been a long-time advocate for media freedom worldwide.

The spokesperson said that the US works with independent organizations to support professional development and capacity-building for journalists but does not influence their editorial decisions or directions.

This statement follows the BJPs claims made on Thursday, which accused the US deep state of colluding with the media organization OCCRP (Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project) and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The BJP alleged that these groups were working together to damage Indias image. The allegations were specifically tied to Gandhis references to OCCRPs reports in his attacks on the Adani Group, accusing it of having close ties with the government.

Its disappointing that the ruling party in India would make these kinds of accusations, the US embassy spokesperson said, reiterating the US governments commitment to media freedom and the essential role of an independent press in democracy.

The OCCRP, based in Amsterdam, is a media platform known for investigating stories related to crime and corruption. The BJP had cited a report from French media, which revealed that OCCRP receives funding from the US State Department's USAID, along with other entities such as the George Soros Foundation and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.

The US embassy spokesperson emphasized that the US has always championed media freedom, stating, A free and independent press is an essential component of any democracy, enabling informed and constructive debate and holding those in power accountable.

The controversy also follows a significant legal development last month, where US prosecutors charged Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar, and other associates with paying over $250 million in bribes between 2020 and 2024. These bribes were allegedly given to Indian government officials to secure solar energy contracts, potentially worth over $2 billion in profit. In response, Congress demanded a thorough investigation, accusing the government of protecting Adani. However, the Adani Group dismissed the charges as "baseless."
The latest "map plan" revealed by radical Islamist groups in Bangladesh aims to annex parts of India, including West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. This bold assertion, made by radical leaders in Bangladesh, comes after a series of attacks on Hindus in the country and escalating terrorist plots against India. For months, Bangladesh has been a hotbed for anti-India narratives and growing sectarian violence.

In today's DNA, Zee News bring you an exclusive report on the new map plan of Islamic radicals in Bangladesh, where extremist groups claim that they will make Indias West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha part of Bangladesh.

From orchestrating attacks on religious minorities to fostering a climate of hatred against India, the situation has escalated to the point where certain jihadist factions in Bangladesh are openly declaring their intentions to seize territories in India. These developments have been stoking concerns of further destabilization in the region.

The latest comments from Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, a leader associated with former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zias party, further fuel these tensions. Rizvi claimed that Bangladeshs jihadist forces would "reclaim" parts of India, specifically West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, and integrate them into Bangladesh. The claim, which has raised eyebrows in India, is being seen as part of a larger agenda to stoke religious tensions and disrupt peace in the region.

While this bold claim may seem far-fetched, it is important to consider the strategic and political backdrop in Bangladesh. According to experts, the rise of religious extremism in Bangladesh has largely been driven by Pakistani influences, with radical elements spreading their ideology through media and social channels. Pakistan, still bitter about its 1971 partition with Bangladesh, has reportedly been backing such groups to fuel a sense of hatred and territorial expansionism.

This "new map plan" connects directly to a historical grievance dating back to the British colonial period. The map displayed during the broadcast shows Bengal in 1905 when it was divided under British rule into East Bengal (largely Muslim) and West Bengal (primarily Hindu).

In this period, Bengal extended as far as parts of what are now Odisha, Bihar, and even sections of modern-day Assam and Chhattisgarh. The partition of Bengal was administratively motivated, but the division continues to fuel nationalist rhetoric today, particularly among extremist factions.
New Delhi: Renowned social media influencer and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, famously known for his YouTube channel BeerBiceps, which hosts interviews with Bollywood icons such as Ajay Devgn and Kareena Kapoor, has sent his fans into a frenzy with his latest Instagram post.

Ranveer, who boasts a massive online following, is known for sharing insights into his professional journey while keeping his personal life relatively private. However, his recent post from his trip to England has piqued the curiosity of his fans, with many believing it might reveal a romantic connection.

In the post, Ranveer is seen donning a black T-shirt, jeans, and a leather jacket while posing next to a mystery woman whose face is strategically concealed with a sunflower emoji. The cryptic nature of the photo immediately sparked curiosity among fans eager to uncover her identity.

Take A Look At The Post:

Fans noticed a striking resemblance between the locations featured in Ranveers England trip posts and those shared by actress Nikki Sharma on her Instagram account. Nikki, known for her roles in Pyaar Ka Pehla Adhyaya Shiv Shakti and Mind The Malhotras, had uploaded photos from the same England destinations around the same timeframe, fueling speculation about their possible connection.

Take A Look At Niki's Post:

Speculation grew as fans compared Nikkis posts featuring iconic English landmarks to the settings in Ranveers photos. Although neither Ranveer nor Nikki has confirmed or denied the dating rumors, fans have already begun shipping the duo, expressing excitement and support for the potential pairing.

Also Read: Ranveer Allahbadia Aka BeerBiceps YouTube Channels Now Repaired After Being Hacked

Ranveers post has reignited curiosity about his love life, which has long been a subject of fascination among his followers. With both personalities maintaining silence on the matter, fans are eagerly awaiting further clues or announcements from the two.
Telugu superstar Venkatesh Daggubati has given his blessings to the newly wed actor couple, Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala. Recently, the senior actor took to his Instagram, and shared several pictures from the wedding celebrations of Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita.

In the pictures, he could be seen with Naga Chaitanya and his family as they happily posed for the camera. The first picture shows the senior actor putting kala tika on Naga Chaitanya.One picture also features Venkatesh Daggubatis nephew, the Telugu actor, Rana Daggubati.

Venkatesh Daggubati wrote in the caption, Celebrating love, happiness and family #SoChay.

Have A Look At The Post:

Earlier, Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala visited Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh. The couple was accompanied by Telugu megastar and Naga Chaitanyas father, Nagarjuna.

While Naga Chaitanya was dressed in a traditional white pancha, his wife opted for a yellow saree. Nagarjuna wore a kurta and pyjama during the appearance.

Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipalas wedding was a grand affair in Hyderabad. The event saw the whos who of the Telugu industry attending the celebrations. Naga Chaitanya paid tribute to his grandfather, the legendary Akkineni Nageswara Rao, by donning traditional attire called 'pancha' reminiscent of his grandfathers timeless style during his wedding ceremony.

Sobhita Dhulipala also wore the traditional jewellery of her mother and grandmother for the Raata ceremony.The Raata ceremony is a significant pre-wedding ritual in many Telugu traditions. It marks an important step before the bride is officially married. During this event, a bamboo stick is planted along with leaves of mango, jamun, and Jammi trees, which are then worshipped with sacred materials like pancha loha, navaratan (nine gems), and navadhaanya (nine grains).

A sacred potli (bag) is tied to the pole, and prayers are offered to the pancha bhuta (five elements) and devtas of all eight directions.This ritual is believed to purify and bless the bride before her journey into married life.

Naga Chaitanya was earlier married to actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The two tied the nuptial knot in 2017. However, the couple announced their separation 4 years later in 2021.
New Delhi: The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has extended the deadline for linking the Universal Account Number (UAN) under the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme. Employers and employees can now complete the process until December 15, 2024. This provides a two-week extension from the previous deadline of November 30, 2024. This update was announced in a circular dated December 4 with instructions to employers to adhere to the revised timeline.

The EPFO stated, Dear Employers, The date of UAN activation and Aadhaar seeding of Bank Account has been extended till 15th December. Ensure to do the same for all employees who have joined in the current financial year, starting with the latest joinees, to avail the benefit of the Employment Linked Incentive scheme."

It was anticipated that the EPFO might extend the deadline for activating UANs for new employees, as the government has yet to release detailed guidelines for the ELI scheme. The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme, introduced in the Union Budget 2024, comprises three componentsA, B, and Cdesigned to boost employment and support employers:

Scheme A: This targets first-time employees entering the formal sector. Eligible employees earning up to Rs 1 lakh per month can receive one months salary (up to Rs 15,000) in three installments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Scheme B: Aimed at encouraging job creation in the manufacturing sector, this scheme offers incentives to both employees and employers, covering their EPFO contributions for the first four years of employment.

Scheme C: Focused on increasing employment across all sectors, this scheme reimburses employers up to Rs 3,000 per month for two years for every new employee earning up to Rs 1 lakh per month.

Easy Steps to Activate Your UAN Online for EPF Members

Step 1: Visit the official EPFO Member Sewa portal.

Step 2: Click on 'Activate UAN' under the 'Important Links' section.

Step 3: Enter the required details, including your UAN, Aadhaar number, date of birth, and the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar. Ensure the mobile number is accurate.

Step 4: Agree to Aadhaar OTP verification and click 'Get Authorization Pin' to receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.

Step 5: Input the OTP to successfully activate your UAN.

After activating your UAN, you will receive a login password for the EPFO Member Sewa portal on your registered mobile number. Upon logging in for the first time, you'll be prompted to change the password for enhanced security.
Visuals show the Shiv Sena MLA bowing down in front of the structure.

Speaking to ANI, Amol Khatal said, "I thank the people of Sangamner Assembly constituency for electing me. Vidhan Bhavan is like a temple for me and I want to learn something from everyone. I will work to resolve the issues of water, and unemployment among others."

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly is the lower house of the bicameral legislature of Maharashtra state in western India. It consists of 288 members directly elected from single-seat constituencies.

Amol contested the Sangamner seat on the Shiv Sena ticket, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, after leaving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2024 elections.

The Sangamner seat was secured by Shinde's faction under the Mahayuti seat-sharing arrangement.

Amol began his political career with Congress, serving as an office bearer for the Sangamner taluka, before switching to the BJP.

Khatal had a winning margin of 10,560 votes in the Sangamner seat, which was held by Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat for eight consecutive terms.

Meanwhile, Devendra Fadnavis was 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 were 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)
Beirut: The last time Syrian President Bashar Assad was in serious trouble was 10 years ago, at the height of the country's civil war, when his forces lost control over parts of the largest city, Aleppo, and his opponents were closing in on the capital, Damascus.

Back then, he was rescued by his chief international backer, Russia, and longtime regional ally Iran, which along with Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah militia helped Assad's forces retake Aleppo, tipping the war firmly in his favour.

Now, as insurgents pursue a shock offensive that quickly captured not just Aleppo, but the key city of Hama and a string of other towns across the country's northwest, the Syrian leader appears to be largely on his own.

Russia is preoccupied with its war in Ukraine, and Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of its fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran, meanwhile, has seen its proxies across the region degraded by Israeli airstrikes.

Moreover, Syrian troops are exhausted and hollowed out by 13 years of war and economic crises, with little will left to fight.

So will Assad's rule collapse in the near future? The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining whether the rebel offensive poses an existential threat to the Assad regime or whether the regime manages to regain its footing and push back on recent rebel gains, said Mona Yacoubian, an analyst with the United States Institute for Peace.

While weakened and distracted, Assad's allies are unlikely to simply cave to the rebels' offensive, she wrote in an analysis.

Not out of the woods

Until recently, it seemed that Syria's president was almost out of the woods. He never really won the long-running civil war, and large parts of the country were still outside his control.

But after 13 years of conflict, it appeared that the worst was over, and that the world was ready to forget. Once viewed as a regional pariah, Assad saw Arab countries warming up to him again, renewing ties and reinstating Syria's membership in the Arab League. Earlier this year, Italy also decided to reopen its embassy in Damascus after a decade of strained relations.

In the aftermath of one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, aid groups and international donors in Syria began pivoting toward spending more on the country's recovery than on emergency assistance, providing a lifeline for Syrians and restoring basic services.

But then the sudden offensive launched by insurgents on Nov. 27 reignited the war and caught everyone off guard with its scope and speed.

It also left Syria's neighbours anxious, wary that violence and refugees could spill across borders and worried about the growing influence of Islamist groups, a major concern for most of Syria's Arab neighbours.

Geopolitical shifts

Analysts say a confluence of geopolitical developments beginning with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, followed by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza that started on Oct. 7, 2023, helped create the opportunity for Assad's opponents to pounce.

As the rebels advanced this past week, Syrian forces appeared to melt away, putting up no resistance, with several reports of defection. Russian forces carried out occasional airstrikes. Hezbollah's leader in Lebanon said the group will continue to support Syria, but made no mention of sending fighters again.

The rebel assault underscores the precarious nature of regime control in Syria, Yacoubian wrote.

Its sudden eruption and the speed with which rebel groups managed to overtake Aleppo ... Expose the complex dynamics that reside just below the surface in Syria and can transform superficial calm into major conflict. Aron Lund, a Syria expert with Century International, a New York-based think tank and a researcher with the Swedish Defense Research Agency, said the developments in Syria are a geopolitical disaster for Russia and Iran.

They too were surely surprised by what happened, and they have all sorts of resource constraints," including Russia's war in Ukraine and Hezbollah's losses in Lebanon and Syria.

Exhausted and broken

While the country's conflict lines have been largely stalemated since 2020, Syria's economic woes have only multiplied in the past few years.

The imposition of US sanctions, a banking crisis in neighbouring Lebanon and an earthquake last year contributed to the fact that almost all Syrians face extreme financial hardship.

That has caused state institutions and salaries to wither.

If you can't pay your soldiers a living wage, then maybe you can't expect them to stay and fight when thousands of Islamists storm their cities, Lund said. It is just an exhausted, broken and dysfunctional regime to start with.

Part of the insurgents' attempt to reassert their grip on Aleppo, the city where they were ousted in 2016 after a grueling military campaign, was to issue a call to government soldiers and security agencies to defect, granting them what they called protection cards, which offer some sort of amnesty and assurances that they won't be hunted down.

The spokesman for the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, said more than 1,600 soldiers have applied for the cards over two days in Aleppo city.

Hundreds of defectors lined up outside city police stations Thursday to register their details with the insurgents.

Hossam al-Bakr, 33, originally from Hama who served in Damascus and defected four years earlier to Aleppo, said he came to settle his position and get a new ID.

The laminated card handed out to each defector was titled the defection card. It showed the name, ID number and place of service of each defector. It is issued by The general command: Military Operations room. On Thursday, Maj. Mohamed Ghoneim, who was in charge of registering the defectors, said more than 1,000 soldiers or police officers came to register. Some who were in possession of their official guns handed them over, he added.

There are thousands who want to apply, he said.

Charles Lister, a longtime Syria expert, said while most of the international community has written off the conflict as either frozen or finished, the armed opposition has never given up and has been training for such a scenario for years.

A rag tag group of militias, plagued by infighting and rivalry, spent years preparing and organising, propelled by a dream to regain control of territory from Assad.

The regime has been more vulnerable over the last year or two than it has perhaps been throughout the entirety of the conflict," Lister said. "And it has gotten used to the idea that if it can wait things out, it will ultimately prove to be the victor.
Syrian rebels seized control of Daraa, the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. The citys fall on Saturday, December 7, marks a major shift in the prolonged civil war. Daraa is the fourth key city to slip from government control in a week.

The Indian government issued a travel advisory on Friday, urging citizens to avoid all travel to Syria. The warning cited significant risks due to the prevailing situation in the country. "In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification," the MEA said.

Syria Conflict: 10 Updates

Rebels have claimed victory in Daraa, the city that ignited Syrias 2011 uprising, shaking the Assad regime. Videos on social media show rebels celebrating with locals. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that opposition forces now hold over 90% of Daraa province, forcing regime troops to retreat repeatedly. Rebel sources told Reuters that the military agreed to withdraw from Daraa. The deal ensures army officials safe passage to Damascus, located 100 km north. Aleppo and Hama recently fell to an Islamist-led rebel alliance. Daraa, however, was seized by local armed groups, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Tens of thousands of people have been fleeing Homs as rebels are advancing toward this Syrian city. Located in a strategic location, it connects Damascus to Assad's coastal strongholds and Russian military bases. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is leading the rebel offensive. The group has roots in Al-Qaeda and is designated a terrorist organisation by Western governments. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani stated in an interview that their main goal is to overthrow Assad. Iran is reportedly withdrawing military personnel from Syria amid regional tensions. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday. They discussed the need for a political solution in Syria as rebel forces advance, the State Department said. The US urged its citizens in Syria to leave immediately while commercial flights are still available. Jordan's Interior Minister Mazen Farrayah has declared the Jaber border crossing with Syria closed, citing security concerns in southern Syria.

(With agency inputs)
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that its Air Force struck a Hezbollah militant in southern Lebanon on Saturday. According to the IDF, the militant posed a threat to the troops deployed in southern Lebanon in violation of the agreements and understandings between Israel and Lebanon, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

It added that the attack was part of IDF operations on Saturday against "several terrorist activities in southern Lebanon that posed a threat to Israel." The statement noted that the IDF maintains the ceasefire conditions, remains deployed in southern Lebanon, and will operate against any threat against Israel and its citizens.

The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, went into effect on November 27, aiming to halt nearly 14 months of fighting between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. Despite the truce, tensions remain high as both sides exchange accusations of ceasefire violations.
Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again condemned Russia's relentless attacks, emphasising the devastating toll of its strikes on Ukrainian cities. He also highlighted the events that unfolded on St. Nicholas Day, underscoring the need for "strength" in the face of Russian terror. Sharing a post on X on Friday, Zelenskyy wrote, "Russia's words mean nothing, but their bombs and missiles speak volumes."

"On the evening of St. Nicholas Day, aerial bombs in Zaporizhzhia hit a service station directly, cars with people inside. As of now, four people are known to be wounded and are receiving medical assistance. Tragically, the list of fatalities includes nine names. In Kryvyi Rih, a missile strike targeted an ordinary city building, injuring 17 people and killing two. And these are just two Russian attacks on two Ukrainian cities in a single day," the post further reads. The Ukrainian President further criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin and said that he doesn't seek "real peace."

"Thousands of such strikes Russia has carried out during this war make it absolutely clear: Putin does not seek real peace--he seeks the ability to treat any country this way, with bombs, missiles, and all other forms of violence. Only through strength can we resist this. And only through strength can real peace be established. I thank everyone who is supporting Ukraine's efforts. May the memory of all the victims of Russian terror be eternal, Zelenskyy said on X.

A day before, the Ukrainian President also thanked its partners for providing the country with the Peklo drone missile. In a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "The "Peklo" (Hell) drone-missile -- our Ukrainian weapon with proven combat effectiveness. Today, the first batch was delivered to our Defense Forces. The mission now is to scale up production and deployment." "I am grateful to everyone involved in our defence production, whose contribution helps Ukraine fight," the post added.
Syria's Defense Ministry dismissed claims on Saturday that the country's military forces had withdrawn from rural Damascus, labeling the reports as part of a "disinformation campaign" intended to create panic. According to a statement from the ministry, the Syrian army remained fully deployed in rural Damascus and was ready to confront any "terrorist aggression."

The clarification came amid multiple reports suggesting that government troops had pulled back from several positions in southern provinces, including Quneitra and Daraa near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, as well as Sweida. These reports indicated a shift in control, with rebel forces making significant advancements.

In Daraa, opposition fighters reportedly managed to push within 20 kilometers of Damascus after seizing numerous military posts. Some government forces were either persuaded to surrender or defect. By late Friday, opposition groups claimed to have taken control of Daraa city, the provincial capital.

Meanwhile, in Sweida, local armed factions were said to have released prisoners who were not involved in criminal activities. Negotiations were reportedly underway for the withdrawal of government forces from key military intelligence branches in the area. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, highlighted these developments, which have been part of the ongoing territorial clashes between government forces and rebel groups, particularly Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, since late November.

The situation remains tense as the conflict intensifies, with both sides continuing to vie for control of strategic territories. Despite the reports of withdrawal, the Syrian Defense Ministry maintains that the army is firmly in control and committed to defending the nation against any external threats.
New York: For years, patients in the US health care system have grown frustrated with a bureaucracy they don't understand.

Doctors are included in an insurer's network one year but not the next. Getting someone on the phone to help can be next to impossible. Coverage of care and prescriptions is often unceremoniously denied.

This week's fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has unleashed a wave of public feeling  exasperation, anger, resentment, helplessness  from Americans sharing personal stories of interactions with insurance companies, often seen as faceless corporate giants.

In particular, the words written on ammunition found at the shooting scene  delay, deny and depose, echoing a phrase used to describe how insurers dodge claim payouts  amplified voices that have long been critical of the industry.

All of a sudden, I am fired up again, said Tim Anderson, describing how his wife, Mary, had to deal with UnitedHealthcare coverage denials before she died from Lou Gehrig's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in 2022.

Anderson said they couldn't get coverage for machines to help his wife breathe or talk  toward the end, she communicated by blinking when he showed her pictures. The family had to rely on donations from a local ALS group, he said.

The business model for insurance is don't pay, said Anderson, 67, of Centerville, Ohio.

When Mary could still talk, she said to me to keep fighting this, he added. It needs to be exposed. For Anderson and others, Thompson's death and the message left at the scene have created an opportunity to vent their frustrations. Conversations at dinner tables, office water coolers, social gatherings and on social media have pivoted to the topic, as police efforts to find the gunman keep the case in the news.

Hans Maristela said he understands why the chatter is bubbling up. The 54-year-old caregiver in California was moved to comment on Facebook about UnitedHealthcare's reputation of denying coverage. As a Catholic, he said, he grieves Thompson's death and feels for his family, especially with the holidays around the corner.

But he sees frustration with insurers even among his clients, most of them wealthy older people who've not been shielded from high out-of-pocket costs.

And then you know the CEO of this company you pay a lot of money to gets USD 10 million a year, you won't have a lot of sympathy for the guy," Maristela said, citing Thompson's compensation package that included base pay and stock options. Health care is a business, I understand, but the obsession with share price, with profit, has to be reevaluated. University of Pennsylvania researcher Michael Anne Kyle said she's not surprised by the growth of conversation around insurers.

People are often struggling with this by themselves, and when you see someone else talk about it, that may prompt you to join the conversation, she said.

Kyle studies how patients access care and said she's seen frustration with the system build for years. Costs are rising, and insurers are using more controls such as prior authorizations and doctor networks to manage them. Patients are often stuck in the middle of disputes between doctors and insurers.

Patients are already spending a lot of money on health care, and then they're still facing problems with the service, she said.

Insurers often note that most of the money they bring in goes back out the door to pay claims, and that they try to corral soaring costs and the overuse of some care.

In Ohio, Anderson said his initial reaction to the CEO shooting was to question whether it was connected to a coverage denial, like the ones he'd experienced with his wife.

I definitely do not condone killing people, he said. But I read it and said, 'I wonder if somebody had a spouse whose coverage was denied.' It's something Will Flanary, a Portland-based ophthalmologist and comedian with a large social media following, saw online a lot in the shooting's immediate aftermath and found very telling.

It's zero sympathy, he said. And the lesson to take away from that is not, Let's shame people for celebrating a murder.' No, it's: Look at the amount of anger that people have toward this system that's taken advantage of people and do something to try to fix that.' Flanary's content, published under the name Dr. Glaucomflecken, started out as niche eye doctor jokes and a way to cope with his own experiences with two cancer diagnoses and a sudden cardiac arrest. But it has evolved, featuring character skits that call attention to and satirize the decisions of large health insurers, including UnitedHealthcare.

He said he's never seen conversations around health insurance policy take off the way they did this week  and he hopes these new voices can help bring about change.

I'm always talking about how powerful social media can be with advocacy," he said, "because it really is the only way to put a significant amount of pressure on these corporations who are doing bad things for patients.
As Rebel forces claimed taking control of the Daraa city in southwestern Syria, inching closer to the capital Damascus and escalating threat to the over two decade-long leadership of President Bashar al-Assad, US President-elect Donald Trump asserted that this is not America's fight and the US should have "nothing to do with it."

The rebels are battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces from two directions; the north and the south, in an attempt to close in on Damascus. Daraa is where the Syrian uprising started in 2011, CNN reported.

"Opposition fighters in Syria, in an unprecedented move, have totally taken over numerous cities, in a highly coordinated offensive, and are now on the outskirts of Damascus, obviously preparing to make a very big move toward taking out President Bashar al-Assad. Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Criticising the previous policies of former President Barack Obama, Trump further said that there is the possibility of Assad himself being forced out, which can actually be the "best thing" to happen to Syria.

"This is where former President Obama refused to honor his commitment of protecting the RED LINE IN THE SAND, and all hell broke out, with Russia stepping in. But now they are, like possibly Assad himself, being forced out, and it may actually be the best thing that can happen to them," Trump stated.

"There was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia, other than to make Obama look really stupid. In any event, Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!," he added.

Syrian government forces have withdrawn from several Damascus suburbs where anti-government protests erupted on Saturday, according to two war monitoring groups, as a rebel offensive farther to the north moved rapidly in the direction of the capital, the New York Times reported.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said government forces have pulled out of a number of Damascus suburbs including Moadamia al-Sham and Daraya. That could not immediately be confirmed.

On Thursday, the rebels captured the city of Hama, after that they set their sights on the crossroads city of Homs which, if captured, would split the territories under the control of President Bashar al-Assad in two.

'Following this deteriorating situation in Syria, Ministry of External Affairs on Friday issued a travel advisory for Syria, strongly advising Indian nationals to avoid all travel to the country until further notice. This warning comes in light of the situation prevailing in Syria, which poses significant risks to travellers.

"In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.

"Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number (also on WhatsApp) and email ID hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for updates. Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights and others are requested to observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum," the MEA release added.

The conflict began in 2011, after Assad moved to stamp out peaceful pro-democracy protests during the Arab Spring. Over 3,00,000 civilians have been killed in more than a decade of war, according to the United Nations, with millions more displaced across the region.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has taken a significant step towards enhancing aviation security by establishing an Internal Quality Control Unit (IQCU) for the Aviation Security Group (ASG) deployed at 68 airports across India, an official said on Saturday. The IQCU will play a crucial role in establishing world-class security procedures and technology. This initiative is in compliance with the National Civil Aviation Security Quality Control Programme-2024 (NCASQCP) issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Aircraft (Security) Rules-2023. As per the CISF, the IQCU shall be part of the Aviation Security Control Center (ASCC) which was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 22, 2023. "The ASCC, with its advanced components like Incident Management Centre, Aviation Research and Data Centre, Centralized Communication Control Centre will work in tandem with the IQCU to meet the current security challenges and enhance the overall security posture of Indian airports. This system will also cover the airports under Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAAN)," said the CISF in a statement. The IQCU will be led by a senior CISF officer and a team of certified Aviation Security (AVSEC) instructors, national auditors and experienced personnel who will be instrumental in ensuring uniformity in security procedures across all airports through standardized training and evaluation methods. Other key functions include recommending the adoption of new technologies based on field trials and international best practices, conducting internal inspections and audits based on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Bureau of Civil Aviation (BCAS) guidelines to evaluate security operations and implement corrective measures. Monitoring, reviewing and updating security protocols to meet established standards, ensuring compliance, technology effectiveness and operational efficiency; collecting and analyzing feedback from ASGs as per International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), BCAS and NCASQCP standards to identify gaps and improve performance are among other key areas of work. The CISF further said it is committed to enhancing the effectiveness of security operations, mitigating risks and maintaining a robust and resilient aviation security system. (ANI)
Franklins store signs may be seen in this undated photograph of the 300 block of East Houston Street, shot during the Fiesta Flambeau Parade from the roof of the Vogue department store building at 301 E. Houston. Before malls and suburban sprawl, Houston Street was San Antonios premier shopping and entertainment district. Courtesy Richard H. Fish

Do you have photos and/or articles about the Franklins department store on Houston Street, which was about two stores east of the Walgreens (drugstore at 300 East Houston). I deeply would appreciate your knowledge on this. I will present your findings as a gift.

 Richard Nash

Especially at this time of year, readers remember their favorite old San Antonio stores  Joskes, Frost Bros., the Vogue and Wolf & Marx, among others  whose elaborate holiday decorations and bountiful wares drew shoppers to Alamo Plaza and Houston Street.

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Less celebrated but also appreciated was Franklins at 306 (originally 310) E. Houston St., which evolved from a womens specialty shop to a discount store that sold odd lots, overstocks and closeouts, mostly but not exclusively in the categories of womens wear, childrens clothes and housewares.

Part of the Franklin Stores chain, its bulk-purchased prices could be eye-popping, even for their time. In 1937, the San Antonio store sold womens sandals for $1; in 1942, it was fashion frocks for $4.99 that were authentic copies of $10 and $15 fashions; and in 1967, they advertised girls poor boys (skinny-ribbed, short-sleeve sweaters) for 50 cents.

Franklins received a remodeling in 1937 that added air conditioning and a beautified basement at the original, Houston Street location that billed itself as San Antonios Thrift Store. San Antonio Light

Franklins advertising often included the exact number of specific items on offer, to create urgency  while 40 last, for $1 ladies sweaters in 1970  and the deepest discounts of all were to be found in the stores downstairs shop, or bargain basement, at 304 E. Houston.

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The chain was founded in the early 1920s in New Orleans by Frank Rubenstein, according to The Rubenstein Family Story, a 1989 narrative genealogy by Jere Friedman. Rubenstein was born in 1893 in what was then Russia (now Ukraine) and emigrated with the help of his brothers, Louis and Jake, who already had settled in the United States.

According to family stories, Frank Rubenstein didnt have a lot of choice. According to Friedman, he had been drafted into the Russian army. Before he left, his mother made him a big basket of food. He stayed in the army only two months, by which time hed eaten all the goodies. So he deserted, took off his uniform, sold it in the nearest village and returned home.

The family was surprised when he showed up, Friedman continues, and when they asked him what happened, he said he didnt like the army and wasnt going back.

Rubenstein then went into hiding until he could sail for America. With his brothers, he opened a store in Hattiesburg, Miss. When that folded, he and his wife, Yetta Shor, opened what became the first Franklin store. The chain took off, eventually with more than 200 stores in operation at its mid-1950s peak.

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At the same time, Rubenstein helped move most of his large extended family to the United States, where he found them work in his stores (Franklins and the Diana Shops, a moderately priced womens apparel chain). Together and separately, the enterprising Rubenstein/Shor clan opened hundreds of retail stores, with at least 79 Franklin stores in Texas alone.

Franklins discount department store advertises a 39th anniversary sale in the San Antonio Express, Aug. 3, 1967. By this time, the regional chain sold womens and childrens clothing and housewares at three San Antonio locations  the original store on Houston Street as well as at Las Palmas and Shoppers City malls. San Antonio Express

Whenever possible, a family member was put in charge of a new store. In San Antonio, Rubensteins nephew, Louis Greenburg, fresh from heading the Birmingham, Ala., store, was the manager when Franklins first came to town.

It opened March 28, 1928, with a public reception  no sales  in the Houston Street site, with live music and flowers for female guests, as mentioned by the San Antonio Light of that date. Stock on display, sounding more upscale than later offerings, was described as womens ready-to-wear  designed by the foremost couturiers of American and continental fashion  hosiery, shoes and millinery. The shoe department featured the Franklin stores own brand, Jay Bee, and customers were promised a free pair of silk-from-top-to-toe hose with each footwear purchase.

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S.A. RETAIL SCENE: Cleanup of downtown San Antonio storefront turns up retail royalty treasure

Greenburg was still at the helm nearly a decade later when Franklins underwent extensive remodeling to add a large, air-cooled downstairs shop devoted to womens and childrens apparel, shoes and millinery, which has greatly enlarged the floor space of the store, says the Light, Sept. 5, 1937. There was room for a new section of girls clothing in the popular price ranges, as well as a new fur salon and stouts (plus sizes) department.

A Dec. 10, 1965, advertisement in the San Antonio Light promotes winter coats for Christmas gift giving on sale at Franklins Fashion Center for Women. San Antonio Light

Franklins opened its first suburban store in Texas in 1957 at Las Palmas mall. At 72,000 square feet, it was the chains largest in the state and occupied space next to the Joskes store there. The West Side store promised the largest selection of childrens clothing in any Franklin store, as well as the same charge accounts and layaway plan offered by the downtown store, says an announcement in the Light, March 17, 1957.

The third and final Franklins here opened in August 1966, advertising a 38th anniversary sale with giveaway prices and an actual gift to the first 200 shoppers (a crystal candy dish in early American design.) Blouses and skirts sold for $1 each, but the South Side location lasted only a few years.

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As for Greenburg, the Rubenstein Family Story says he moved on from Franklins to start other stores here and elsewhere, such as La Mode in Laredo, incorporated in 1946 by Greenburg, wife Eva and son Robert. Louis and Eva Greenburg remained in San Antonio for the rest of their lives.
Reacting to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's reported statement 'willing to lead INDIA alliance', BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari on Saturday said that the INDIA bloc leader does not believe in the leadership of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra and claimed that the alliance itself calls Rahul Gandhi a "childish person." "No leader of the INDI alliance believes in the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra. The INDI alliance believes that Rahul Gandhi is a political failure... Sometimes Akhilesh Yadav says he is the leader, sometimes Mamata Banerjee says she is the leader, sometimes Stalin says he is the leader and everyone says in one voice that Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra are not the leader. We do not call Rahul Gandhi a childish person, the INDI alliance calls Rahul Gandhi a childish person," Bhandari told ANI. Earlier on December 3, in response to a query regarding TMC leaders suggesting that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should be made the INDIA bloc leader days after Congress faced a crushing defeat in Maharashtra assembly polls, party MP Kirti Azad said that the ruling TMC supremo takes everyone along. "Mamata Banerjee has a 100 per cent record. Whenever Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced a humiliating defeat, it was only in West Bengal...Whenever he comes to insult Bengal and its honour, her vote share increases," the TMC leader said. He further said that Mamata Banerjee is known for her articulate views. "She is a very senior leader. She speaks clearly." He also said that Mamata Banerjee is a household name across the country. "She (Mamata Banerjee) resides in every household in West Bengal, in every household in the country...Mamata Banerjee is someone who takes everyone together. She calls people only after making preparations and taking her time...," he said. On November 26, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee suggested that one strong leader is needed to lead the INDIA bloc following the defeat of Congress in Haryana and Maharashtra assembly polls. He had further said that the opposition alliance should be stronger to take on the BJP. "The Congress has failed to achieve the desired result either in Haryana or in Maharashtra. We had tremendous hope from the Congress that they would do better. INDIA alliance is there but the expected result could not be achieved. And there is a great failure on the part of the congress to achieve the result...Today it is necessary if you want to fight against the BJP, INDIA alliance should be stronger. And to make it stronger, one leader is required. Now who can be the leader? That's the core question. Congress has done it. All experiments have been done, but they have failed...," he had said. (ANI) MPs of the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party also skipped the joint opposition protest over the Gautam Adani bribery case. (ANI)
Bhopal Commissioner of Police (CP) banned Chinese manja used for flying kites in view of the safety of the people within the limits of Bhopal city (Metropolitan) and stated that its violation would be a punishable offence. CP Harinarayanachari Mishra issued an order for the same on Friday and stated that the decision was taken unilaterally under Section 163 (2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 to prevent the adverse effect of the use of China Manja in kite flying on the health of the general public and to prevent the imminent danger to the life of the general public. According to the order, it read, "It has been brought to notice in the Bhopal urban area that the use of Chinese Manja in kite flying is causing harm to birds and the general public. Many times, while flying kites with Manja, birds get entangled in it and sometimes even die. Pedestrians and two-wheelers also get injured several times during kite flying with this thread. The strength of these threads and the glass powder coated on it is the reason for these accidents and the use of this thread in kite flying is adversely affecting the health of animals, birds and the general public." "In order to prevent the use of dangerous Chinese Manja in kite flying, there is an urgent need to ban its use. Therefore, to prevent the adverse effect of the use of China Manja on the health of the general public and to prevent the imminent danger to the life of the general public within the limits of Bhopal city (Metropolitan), the use, sale and storage of Chinese Manja in kite flying is prohibited," it added. The order further read that since it became necessary to make the said order effective immediately for ensuring compliance for the convenience of the general public. Due to lack of time, the order was being passed unilaterally under Section 163 (2) of the BNSS 2023. Nonetheless, if any person, institution or party wants any exemption or relaxation in the order, then it will have the right to apply legally before the undersigned. On which appropriate orders will be passed after due hearing and consideration, the order stated. "The order will be effective immediately from December 6 and will remain in force for the next two months if not withdrawn in between. Violation of the order or any part of the order is a punishable offence under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sahita (BNS) 2023 along with other acts, as the case may be," the order added. (ANI)
New Delhi [India], December 7 ( ANI): A 52-year old man was shot by two unidentified assailants while returning from his morning walk in Delhi's Farsh Bazar area on Saturday, according to police. The attackers, who came on a motorcycle, opened fire at Jain, causing multiple gunshot injuries A PCR call was made at the Police Station of Farsh Bazar in New Delhi on Saturday morning. As per officials, Sunil Jain (52) was reported to have been shot by two people who came on a motorcycle while he was returning back to his residence after a morning walk. "A PCR call was made regarding a firing incident was received in PS Farsh Bazar. The Police staff reached the spot and found one Sunil Jain (52) with gunshot injuries. He was returning to his home after a morning walk. He was reported to have been shot by two persons who came on a motorcycle," DCP Shahdara said. Crime team rushed to the spot upon receiving information. Further investigation is underway. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a heartfelt message to Adish C Aggarwala, former Chief of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), lauded the newly published book "Modi's Niti Shastra: The World's His Oyster," highlighting the transformative leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The book, written by Aggarwala, delves into PM Modi's vision for India's public welfare, governance, and global stature. Shah congratulated the author and the publishing board for bringing out a work that documents the Prime Minister's remarkable journey from Gujarat's Chief Minister to becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister in India's history, achieving unprecedented reforms and nation-building milestones. Shah emphasized the importance of judicial, social, economic, and administrative reforms as key indicators of a politician's legacy, asserting that Prime Minister Modi's tenure stands as a benchmark for public welfare. "The history of Modiji's public life sets the highest standard for any social worker," Shah stated, recognizing Modi's vision for empowering the poor, women, farmers, and youth. He underscored the significant reforms achieved under Modi's leadership, such as the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the abolition of triple talaq, and the groundbreaking laws that have reformed India's criminal justice system. The Home Minister particularly praised Modi's ability to respect India's heritage while ensuring progress in governance. "Through Modiji's public life, we see how public welfare and respect for heritage can be carried out in parallel," Shah remarked, adding that the book will inspire readers to strengthen the spirit of nation-building. Shah's message, issued on the occasion of Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar, also acknowledged Modi's transformative work in the field of law. The Prime Minister has worked tirelessly to dismantle colonial-era legal structures and replace them with laws that are contemporary, efficient, and conducive to maximum governance. Dr Aggarwala's book sheds light on how India, under Modi's leadership, has become a global trailblazer in governance and legal reforms. The country's path-breaking laws in various sectors--criminal justice, economics, governance, and welfare--are now being adopted or emulated worldwide. Modi's mantra of "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance" and his commitment to "Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Vikas" have resonated globally, with countries looking to India as a model for modernizing their own legal and governance frameworks. The book also documents how India has significantly reformed its judicial and legal systems, eradicating colonial legacies and introducing new acts, such as the three criminal justice laws, that have empowered the nation's legal framework to address contemporary challenges. Through these changes, India has not only strengthened its internal legal infrastructure but also positioned itself as a key player on the global stage. A pivotal aspect of the book is the transformation in India's national security approach, where Modi's government has enacted laws that safeguard citizens and bolster national security. As nations around the world grapple with new security challenges, India's legal innovations in this domain have set an example for others to follow. The country's efforts in curbing corruption and violence have contributed to creating a more secure and transparent society. Dr Aggarwala's analysis also highlights the impact of Modi's welfare initiatives, which have helped lift millions out of poverty in the past decade. Through various groundbreaking laws, India has significantly reduced poverty levels, contributing to a more equitable society. The book asserts that Modi's policies and legal reforms are the bedrock of a new era in Indian governance, making India a model for both national and global progress. Home Minister Amit Shah concluded his message with an optimistic outlook, stating that the book will inspire readers to further the cause of nation-building in the spirit of Modi's governance. He expressed his hope that the work would encourage more people to engage with and contribute to India's evolving socio-economic and judicial landscape. As India continues its journey toward becoming a global superpower, "Modi's Niti Shastra: The World's His Oyster" serves as a powerful testament to the Prime Minister's vision for a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous India. (ANI)
Reacting to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's reported statement 'willing to lead INDIA alliance', Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said that they also want her to be a major partner of the INDIA bloc, adding that they will soon go to talk to Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata. "We know this opinion of Mamata ji. We also want her to be a major partner of the INDIA alliance. Whether it is Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal or Shiv Sena, we are all together. We will soon go to talk to Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata," Sanjay Raut said addressing a press conference. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said that she has shown a successful model in West Bengal where she has kept BJP away from power. "She has put forward her statement. Because she has shown a successful model in West Bengal where she has kept the BJP away from power and implemented good welfare schemes...her election experience, and fighting spirit, accordingly she has shared her interest. Whenever INDIA bloc meeting takes place, our senior leaders will together take a decision," Chaturvedi said. Earlier on December 3, in response to a query regarding TMC leaders suggesting that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should be made the INDIA bloc leader days after Congress faced a crushing defeat in Maharashtra assembly polls, party MP Kirti Azad said that the ruling TMC supremo takes everyone along. "Mamata Banerjee has a 100 per cent record. Whenever Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced a humiliating defeat, it was only in West Bengal...Whenever he comes to insult Bengal and its honour, her vote share increases," the TMC leader said. He further said that Mamata Banerjee is known for her articulate views. "She is a very senior leader. She speaks clearly." He also said that Mamata Banerjee is a household name across the country. "She (Mamata Banerjee) resides in every household in West Bengal, in every household in the country...Mamata Banerjee is someone who takes everyone together. She calls people only after making preparations and taking her time...," he said. On November 26, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee suggested that one strong leader is needed to lead the INDIA bloc following the defeat of Congress in Haryana and Maharashtra assembly polls. He had further said that the opposition alliance should be stronger to take on the BJP. "The Congress has failed to achieve the desired result either in Haryana or in Maharashtra. We had tremendous hope from the Congress that they would do better. INDIA alliance is there but the expected result could not be achieved. And there is a great failure on the part of the congress to achieve the result...Today it is necessary if you want to fight against the BJP, INDIA alliance should be stronger. And to make it stronger, one leader is required. Now who can be the leader? That's the core question. Congress has done it. All experiments have been done, but they have failed...," he had said. MPs of the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party also skipped the joint opposition protest over the Gautam Adani bribery case. (ANI)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar took oath as members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Saturday. Chief Minister Fadnavis along with Deputy Chief Ministers Shinde and Pawar earlier this morning paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, at the Vidhan Bhavan complex in Mumbai on day 1 of the Maharashtra Assembly special session. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray along with party workers also paid tribute to Shivaji Maharaj at the Vidhan Bhavan complex. As the oath ceremony of MLAs is underway at the Vidhan Bhavan, NCP MP Sunil Tatkare said, "The oath ceremony of all the MLAs is taking place. With the amount of love the public has given to the Mahayuti alliance, we will work for the development of Maharashtra." Speaking about the IT Appellate Tribunal's substantial relief to DCM Ajit Pawar, he said, "Let the opposition say whatever they want to say. This is a judicial decision." Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar spoke to the media and said, "Today I paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj along with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and other leaders of Mahayuti. We want to work following the ideology of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and BR Ambedkar. The voters of Maharashtra have given us a lot of support and I express my gratitude to them." Meanwhile, the election for the new Maharashtra Assembly Speaker will likely be held on Monday, December 9. The three-day special session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly is underway. This special session will serve as a platform to set the tone for the legislative agenda of the newly formed Assembly in Maharashtra. Senior BJP MLA Kalidas Sulochana Kolambkar was sworn in as the pro-tem Speaker of the Assembly by Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Friday, a day ahead of the three-day special session of the Assembly. Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant said, "Today's priority is the oath-taking ceremony of 288 MLAs and holding the election of the speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly. After that, our 3 leaders CM Fadnavis and two Dy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar will together decide on when to do the cabinet expansion and which departments we will be getting. Our leader is Eknath Shinde, we have given him the authority to take all the political decisions to him, and all our MLAs will agree with whatever decision he takes." The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly is the lower house of the bicameral legislature of Maharashtra state in western India. It consists of 288 members directly elected from single-seat constituencies. Devendra Fadnavis was 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 were 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)
In a post on X, Singh said, "On the Armed Forces Flag Day, the nation salutes the courage, valour, fortitude and sacrifices of Indian Armed Forces."

https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/1865256655492886552

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also extended greetings on the occasion and praised their courage and determination.

"On Armed Forces Flag Day, I salute the unwavering courage and determination of the brave men and women of the Indian Armed Forces. Your innumerable sacrifices and dedication keep our country safe and inspire us all," Rahul Gandhi said in a post on his social media account.

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1175632117256195&id=100044282536870&rdid=8u0VJDyrSXJeRgiY

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute to the Indian Armed Forces soldiers on the occasion.

"The Armed Forces Flag Day is a solemn occasion to pay tribute to the extraordinary courage and indomitable grit of our brave soldiers and express sincere gratitude to their valour and selfless service to our country," he said in a post on X.

https://x.com/kharge/status/1865239268148289614

"I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all members of our Armed Forces and their families, wishing them continued success, glory, and happiness in the years to come," he added in the post.

The Armed Forces Flag Day is observed every year on December 7 since 1949 in honour of martyrs and the men and women in uniform who valiantly fight to protect our nation's honour at the borders. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday, attended Shatabdi Mahotsav at Swarved Mahamandir. In the occasion of centenary celebration of the establishment of 'Vihangam Yoga Sant Samaj' organized at Swarved Mahamandir Dham, UP CM also posted a gratitude note on X too. Taking on social media X, CM paid tribute to Sadguru Sadafaldev Ji Maharaj and congratulated the organization and its followers on their massive public awareness campaign. He praised the organization's efforts to connect millions of devotees with India's yoga tradition and spiritual heritage through the construction of a grand temple. "Today I got the opportunity to participate in the program organized for the centenary celebration of the establishment of Vihangam Yoga Sant Samaj and 25,000 Kundiya Swarved Gyan Mahayagna at Swarved Mahamandir Dham, located at the holy land of Baba Vishwanath, Varanasi.Vihangam Yoga Sant Samaj is working towards connecting millions of devotees with the yoga tradition and spiritual flow of India by building a divine and grand temple. On this auspicious occasion, salutations to the memories of Sadguru Sadafaldev Ji Maharaj and hearty congratulations to Vihangam Yoga Sant Samaj and all the devotees and followers associated with it for this massive campaign of public awakening!," Yogi posted on X. During the programme, UP CM said "Every work should be in the name of the country, there is no personal existence of us. If our nation is safe, our religion will be safe too, if our religion is safe, we will be safe too..." UP CM Yogi Adityanath praised Prime Minister Modi's guidance, stating that Kashi is flourishing and progressing rapidly under his leadership. "Today Kashi is shining and is also moving ahead strongly under the guidance of respected Prime Minister Modi" he said. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the people to contribute generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day fund on the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day. According to a Defence Ministry release, Singh has exhorted the people to come forward and contribute generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) Fund, terming it as the collective responsibility of the country to ensure the welfare of the soldiers, both serving & retired, as well as their families. In a video message shared on X on the occasion Singh described the day as an opportunity for the citizens to recognise the indomitable courage, sacrifice and dedication of the soldiers and reaffirm the resolve to fulfil the responsibilities towards these bravehearts. "Our Armed Forces act as an impregnable security shield, which is ever-ready to protect us in every situation - not just external threats, but also during natural disasters. Their sacrifice and discipline of our soldiers is a source of inspiration for every Indian," he said. Reiterating the Government's commitment towards the welfare of the ex-servicemen, Defence Minister Singh stated that all efforts are being made to cater to the needs of the veterans and their families. He urged the people to play their part, emphasising that their contribution can prove to be crucial for the soldiers and their kin. For the welfare of society, it is the duty of every citizen to earn with a hundred hands and donate with a thousand hands, he said. The AFFD is celebrated every year to honour the fallen heroes and the personnel in uniform who fight valiantly on the borders to protect the motherland. "The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence has been working for the welfare and rehabilitation of war widows, wards of fallen soldiers and ex-Servicemen, including disabled ones by providing financial assistance for their identified personal needs such as penury grant, children's education grant, funeral grant, medical grant and orphan/disabled children grant," the ministry said in the release. (ANI)
A 51-year-old man was charged with driving while intoxicated after running a red light and crashing into a San Antonio police patrol car on Friday. Xinhua News Agency/Xinhua News Agency via Getty Ima

A 51-year-old man was arrested after police say he ran a red light and crashed into a San Antonio police patrol car on the West Side.

The accident occurred shortly before 11:30 p.m. Friday near Pinn Road and the State Highway 151 access road.

According to a police report, an officer on patrol was attempting to cross the intersection when the 51-year-old, driving a white Dodge Ram, ran a red light and collided with the patrol car.

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Police said the 51-year-old man showed signs of impairment and was evaluated for driving while intoxicated.

The man was arrested and charged with DWI at the scene.

No injuries were reported, but the officer was taken to a hospital as a precaution, police said.
Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved the release of 944.80 crore to Tamil Nadu as a central share from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to help the People affected by the cyclone.

Cyclone Fengal made landfall on November 30, striking the coasts of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. It remained stationary for six hours near the Union Territory, approximately 30 kilometres north of Cuddalore and 40 kilometres east of Viluppuram.

The MHA said that the additional financial assistance from NDRF (National Disaster Relief Funds) will be approved after the assessment reports of IMCTs.

"After the assessment reports of IMCTs are received, additional financial assistance from NDRF (National Disaster Relief Funds), will be approved to the disaster-affected states, as per the established procedure," the MHA said.

More than Rs 21,718.716 crore has already been released to 28 states during this year. This includes Rs 14878.40 crore from State Disaster Relief Funds to 26 states, Rs 4808.32 crore from NDRF to 18 states, Rs 1385.45 crore from State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 11 states and Rs 646.546 crore from National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to seven states.

In addition to financial assistance, the Central government has also provided all logistic assistance, including deployment of requisite NDRF teams, Army teams and Air Force support to all the flood and cyclone-affected states, it added.

Earlier on December 7, Tamil Nadu CM Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release Rs 2000 crore from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) immediately for restoration and rehabilitation work. (ANI)
Punjab Minister of Social Justice, empowerment and Minorities Baljit Kaur on Saturday said that AAP Government allocated Rs. 92 crore to 250 colleges from the 2024-25 budget under the Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste Students scheme. Addressing the media, Kaur announced the difficulties being faced by the scheme and said that with the AAP government's rule in the state, a total of Rs 92 crore were released to 250 colleges. "Rs 1.563 crore were pending since 2023, and since 2023 we have allocated a total of Rs 92 crores to 250 colleges which were affected due to the Congress government in rule here," said Kaur. Further, Kaur accused the previous Congress govt of stopping the release of the funds. "The Post Metric Scholarship scheme, sponsored by the central government, is for the poor students and for those who face difficulties while completing their education. Changes were made in the scheme when Congress was ruling in such a manner that no money was given for the scheme," she said. Kaur appealed to the Central government to release the 60 per cent shares in the scheme. "The Central Government should also release its 60 percent share in this scheme soon because the Punjab Government has already released its entire share," she added. The Minister also promised that the children would not be deprived of their education and appeals were being made to the government to release the funds. "Children of the poor will not be deprived of education and we are appealing to the government to release the funds for the scheme," the Minister said. The Post Matric scholarship scheme aims to focus on children from poor households and provide them with financial assistance at the post-matriculation or post-secondary stage to help them complete their education. Speaking on the farmers protest, Kaur said that the demands of the farmers were related to the central government. "All demands of the farmers are related to the central government and not the state government. Punjab is an agriculture-rich state and the central government should take into consideration the farmers..," Kaur said speaking to ANI. Earlier on December 6, the farmers called off the 'Delhi Chalo' protest after several farmers were reportedly injured in tear gas shelling by police at the Shambu border. The farmer leaders, however, have asserted that the march will be held again on December 8 if the Centre fails to engage with them in talks by December 7. The protest is being led by the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) in collaboration with other farmer groups. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said that the party's winning MLAs will not take the oath of office on Saturday during the ongoing special session of Maharashtra Legsilative Assembly. Thackeray raised doubts about the legitimacy of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). "Today we have decided that our (Shiv Sena UBT) winning MLAs will not take the oath. If this was the mandate of the people, people would have been happy and celebrated it. However, there was no such celebration or enthusiasm from the public. We have doubts about EVM," Aaditya Thackeray said. Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray along with party workers also paid tribute to Shivaji Maharaj at the Vidhan Bhavan complex. The three-day special session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly is underway. Earlier, speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant said, "Today's priority is the oath-taking ceremony of 288 MLAs and holding the election of the speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly. After that, our 3 leaders CM Fadnavis and two Dy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar will together decide on when to do the cabinet expansion and which departments we will be getting. Our leader is Eknath Shinde, we have given him the authority to take all the political decisions to him, and all our MLAs will agree with whatever decision he takes." Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar took oath as members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Saturday. Before taking oath, CM Fadnavis along with DCMs Shinde and Pawar earlier this morning paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, at the Vidhan Bhavan complex in Mumbai on day 1 of the Maharashtra Assembly special session. As the oath ceremony of MLAs is underway at the Vidhan Bhavan, NCP MP Sunil Tatkare said, "The oath ceremony of all the MLAs is taking place. With the amount of love the public has given to the Mahayuti alliance, we will work for the development of Maharashtra." Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar earlier said, "Today I paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj along with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and other leaders of Mahayuti. We want to work following the ideology of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and BR Ambedkar. The voters of Maharashtra have given us a lot of support and I express my gratitude to them." The election for the new Maharashtra Assembly Speaker is expected to be held on Monday, December 9. Senior BJP MLA Kalidas Sulochana Kolambkar was sworn in as the pro-tem Speaker of the Assembly by Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Friday, a day ahead of the three-day special session of the Assembly. Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the third time in an event held in Mumbai on Thursday and was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with several leaders of the alliance as well as celebrities from across fields. Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde also took oath during the occasion. 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. 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)
Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Chandni Chowk, Praveen Khandelwal on Saturday reaffirmed that the central government has taken steps for the development of agricultural sectors and said that the farmers must meet Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to put forward their needs. He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi various steps for the development of the agricultural sector. Speaking with ANI, Khandelwal said, "We all know that in our country, the one who has respected farmers the most is PM Modi. From time to time, PM Modi and govt of India have taken various steps for the development of the agricultural sector. If there is still something left, farmers must meet the Agricultural Minister and other govt officials and put forward their needs." On Friday, farmers launched 'Delhi Chalo' march, demanding a legal guarantee or MSP on crops from the central government. They were stopped at the Sambhu border by police which used tear gas shells to disperse the protestors. Several farmers were reportedly injured during the protest. Earlier in the day, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi condemned the police action on farmers during their 'Delhi Chalo' march, calling it an "inhumane use of force." In a post on X, Kanmozhi urged the central government to "immediately engage with farmer representatives, and address their demands without delay." Additionally, Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher expressed his disappointment, stating that the central government is unwilling to engage in talks with the farmers. Emphasising the lack of "positive initiative" from the central government to resolve farmers' demands, Pandher informed that 20 farmers were injured in tear gas shelling by police at the Sambhu border to halt their 'Delhi Chalo' march. Speaking with ANI, Pandher said, "The central government is not in the mood to talk to the farmers. We can't see any positive initiative to peacefully solve the issue from their side." "20 farmers have been injured. 14 farmers have gone to Hospital, 2 were seriously injured, and one was referred to Patiala. This is the condition here," he added. On Friday, Pandher announced that a group of 101 farmers will march towards Delhi on December 8 at 12 noon if the Union Government does not engage in talks with them by Saturday. The protest aims to press for several demands, including compensation and a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP). (ANI)
Calling the Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, "BJP agent," Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on Saturday said that the BSP chief is trying to regain the ground she lost after the last elections. "Mayawati is trying to regain the ground she lost after the last elections. The Dalit vote which once supported her has now completely slipped out of her hands. Earlier, even in the worst-case scenario, she would get at least 30-40 MLAs and 2-4 MPs. But now that is a thing of the past... We suspect that she is working as an agent of the BJP because we no longer see her doing any work for her party. Perhaps she feels that if she can further divide the Muslim bank, it will weaken the opposition even more," Dikshit said. Earlier today, Bahujan Samaj Party chief attacked the Samajwadi Party and Congress for not raising the issues of the country and public interest in the Parliament and said that both the parties are trying to please the Muslim voters under the pretext of violence in Sambhal. "In the Parliament, the opposition is not raising the issues of the country and public interest. For their political interests, especially the SP and Congress party are trying to please the Muslim voters under the pretext of violence in Sambhal. They have nothing to do with other issues," the BSP chief said addressing a press conference. "Not only this, but these parties are also making the Muslim communities Muslim communitie fight among themselves in Sambhal. The Muslim community also has to be cautious," she added. She also questioned the silence of Congress on the Bangladesh issue and said that because of the "mistake" of Congress the people there are suffering losses. "Hindus are becoming victims of crimes in large numbers in the neighbouring country Bangladesh. Most of them are Dalits and people from weaker sections...Congress party is silent and is now shouting 'Be careful' only for Muslim votes," the BSP chief said. This came after allegations against the Bangladesh interim government of atrocities against Hindus in the country. (ANI)
"In 35 years, the Lok Seva Trust has helped over 5 lakh people in various ways. The trust has assisted over 5 lakh people in times of trouble, registering them with government schemes," Shah said, addressing the annual function of Gujarat Lok Seva Trust in Ahmedabad.

He further praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's regime and said that he dedicated his government to the welfare of the people.

"Before 2014, the whole government worked in pieces, there used to be talk of freebies but after PM Modi became the Prime Minister in 2014, the government started talking about the welfare of the poor. He dedicated his government to the welfare of the people," he added.

Gujarat Lokseva Trust is an NGO founded in 1990 by veteran Congressman Rajkumar Gupta.

Shah further said that in the last 10 years, more than 25 crore people have come out of the poverty line, adding that the "country is developing."

Meanwhile, Amit Shah and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel will attend the BAPS Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav scheduled to be held at Narendra Modi Stadium on December 7.

The 'mahotsav' will be held to give a heartfelt tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj on his birth anniversary, celebrating his pioneering efforts in fostering a global community of selfless volunteers, according to an official press release.

The Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav celebrates and pays tribute to 50 years of selfless and dedicated social and spiritual service by thousands of BAPS karyakars (volunteers), young and old, male and female. (ANI)
Gujarat has become the first state to telecast live court proceedings on YouTube, said an official release on Saturday. According to an official release, virtual court, digital portal, and paperless e-filing approaches have also been adopted by the state judiciary. "Various initiatives introduced today in Lokaparna and Khatamuhurta will speed up the justice system," said Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritized digital infrastructure for transparent, efficient and good governance and that the Gujarat High Court has worked as an example in this field. Patel and Supreme Court Justice Suryakant on Saturday launched various projects strengthening the infrastructure of the state judiciary at the Gujarat High Court. Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Sunita Aggarwal and Law Minister Rishikesh Patel were also present on this occasion. Chief Minister Patel said various projects worth 133 crore rupees have been launched and sealed today at the Gujarat High Court. Chief Minister Patel said that the Gujarat High Court began at Akashvani Bhawan, Navrangpura when Gujarat became a separate state in 1960. Since then, the state has progressed gradually with the latest facilities, said the Chief Minister adding that today the state-of-the-art facility of Gujarat High Court is functioning at Sola. "The State Government has always endeavoured to provide state-of-the-art facilities to the judges and court staff including the construction of new buildings or houses associated with the Courts," he said. Further, the Chief Minister said that we have worked in the direction of realizing the mission of infrastructure development of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by making the courts of the Principal Civil Judge functional in every taluka station of the state. Stating the need for good governance and democracy, the Chief Minister said that in the development of any country or state and in good governance, law and order and judiciary have an important contribution. Judiciary, executive and legislature are the pillars of democracy and good governance. "Proper coordination between these three keeps good governance and democracy moving. Speedy justice is essential for people to have a direct experience of good governance. For this, the state government is committed to providing resources as per the requirement of the judiciary and high court," said the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister added that for this, the state government has made a financial allocation in the budget of the law department. In the year 2021-22, this allocation was Rs 1698 crore, which has been increased to Rs 2586 crore in 2024-25. This shows the state government's commitment to increasing the efficiency of the judiciary, infrastructure development, digitalization and providing strong manpower. The Chief Minister further said that the Prime Minister has prioritized digital infrastructure for transparent, efficient and good governance. "The virtual court, digital portal, and paperless e-filing approaches have also been adopted by the state judiciary. Various initiatives introduced today in Lokaparna and Khatamuhurta will speed up the justice system," added CM Patel. Supreme Court Judge Justice Suryakant said on this occasion that the judicial system plays an important role in the development of any nation and that a strong judiciary is one of the pillars of nation-building. "A strong judicial infrastructure and proper use of technology are the most important needs of the judiciary in today's modern era. The Gujarat High Court is at the forefront in the implementation of both these matters," said CM Patel. "The projects launched and completed today prove that the digitization of the Judiciary in Gujarat through the use of technology and infrastructure is happening at a very fast pace. The state government is also fully committed to fulfilling all the requirements of the High Court which is gratifying," he added. Chief Justice of the High Court Sunita Agarwal said on the occasion that the availability of infrastructure makes the judicial process faster and easier. "With the positive approach of the state government, the foundation stones of many new buildings and projects have been laid today. In the same way, the State Government has also provided quick and important support in providing health facilities for the employees of the Judiciary," she said. Gujarat High Court Justice Biren Vaishnav in his speech while informing about the projects to be launched soon said that the state government and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will provide all necessary infrastructure and judicial infrastructure to strengthen the structure of the judiciary of the state. On the occasion of the launch of various projects of Gujarat High Court, Gujarat High Court Judge Sarvashree Justice AY Kogje, Justice AS Supehia, Advocate General Kamal Trivedi, President of Gujarat High Court Advocate Association Brijesh Trivedi, former Chief Justices of High Courts of various states, Judges of Gujarat High Court, officers-officers, employees and members of Bar Council were present in large numbers. (ANI)
The solemn occasion was held to honour our Armed Forces personnel who safeguard nation's frontiers and preserve our country's territorial integrity.

The Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya while addressing the gathering of Veer Naris, disabled soldiers, veterans and serving armed forces personnel expressed his admiration for valour and sacrifice of our brave soldiers and veterans, the release said.

He re-affirmed the Government's commitment for the welfare and rehabilitation of all veterans and their dependents.

The Governor desired that as citizens of grateful nation, we must make all out efforts to take comprehensive care of the families and dependents of brave hearts who laid down their life in the service of our mother land.

To commemorate the occasion, the Governor released a wall and a table Calendar, which highlights the activities of the Directorate of Sainik Welfare, Assam showcasing the welfare, wellbeing and rehabilitation of Ex-Servicemen community in the State. (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday expanded his cabinet with four new ministers taking oath during a swearing-in ceremony held at Srimanta Sankardeva International Auditorium in Guwahati. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office to four new ministers - Prasanta Phookan, Kaushik Rai, Krishnendu Paul and Rupesh Gowala. All four new ministers are BJP legislators. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in alliance with Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) in Assam. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was present at the occasion, accompanied by his cabinet colleagues: Pijush Hazarika, Dr Ranoj Pegu, Chandra Mohan Patowary, and Jayanta Malla Baruah. Prasanta Phookan and Rupesh Gowala represent from Upper Assam region while Kaushik Rai and Krishnendu Paul represent from Barak Valley region of the state took oath as minister today. Assam CM congratulated the new ministers on X, stating that he looks forward to working with them to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed Assam. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on X - "Congratulations to all my colleagues who have taken oath today. Looking forward to working with them to fulfill Adarniya Shri @narendramodi ji's vision of a Viksit Assam." Earlier on Friday, Krishnendu Paul expressed his gratitude to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and said that he will work under the leadership of Assam CM. "We express gratitude to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma...I am feeling so good. We will work under the leadership of Assam CM. He has worked for all the regions and communities of Assam and has done equal development," Paul told reporters on Thursday. Earlier, the Assam Cabinet 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." (ANI)
Rashtriya Janata Dal's Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha on Saturday took a jibe at Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for his parliament address on farmers, saying, "There is a lot of difference between their word and reality" Speaking with ANI, Jha criticised the authorities for the use of tear gas on the farmers protesting at the Sambu border with the demands for compensation and a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP). "Yesterday also the Union Agriculture Minister said very good things (about farmers) in Parliament in response to my question. There is a lot of difference between their words and reality. Sometimes tear gas, sometimes lathi charge is done. They (farmers) do not deserve this," Jha said. Jha urged the central government to talk to farmers and accept their demands. On Friday, Agriculture Minister Chouhan reaffirmed the government's commitment to the welfare of farmers and ensuring the procurement of crops at these rates. "MSP is provided when crops are sold at rates lower than the MSP. I want to assure you that the welfare of farmers remains our priority. We have worked towards raising MSP and purchasing crops at MSP rates." Chouhan said. Chouhan further stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, there has been an unprecedented increase in budget allocations for farmers over the past decade. "The government under PM Modi's leadership is dedicated to farmers' welfare. Over the last 10 years, there has been an unprecedented rise in the budget for agriculture and an increase in MSP for crops. The Modi government operates with foresight, focusing on enhancing farmers' incomes," he added. On Friday, farmers launched 'Delhi Chalo' march, demanding a legal guarantee or MSP on crops from the central government. They were stopped at the Sambhu border by police which used tear gas shells to disperse the protestors. Several farmers were reportedly injured during the protest. (ANI)
Sophia Cano, 17, was last seen on San Antonio's North Side. She was last contacted on Nov. 26. San Antonio Police Department

San Antonio police are searching for a 17-year-old teen who was last seen on the citys North Side.

Sophia Cano was last seen in the 300 block of Hillsong, near Loop 1604 and Huebner Road, according to police. She was wearing a black top and grey sweatpants.

Police said she was last contacted on Nov. 26.

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Cano is 5 feet 3 inches tall with brown eyes and mid-length brown hair. She weighs 130 pounds and is right-handed.

If you have seen Cano or know her whereabouts, call SAPDs missing persons unit at 210-207-7660.

Police said harboring a runaway child is a Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 or up to one year in jail.
"The Armed Forces Flag Day is a solemn occasion to pay tributes to the extraordinary courage and indomitable grit of our brave soldiers and express sincere gratitude to their valour and selfless service to our country," Kharge said in a post on X.

https://x.com/kharge/status/1865239268148289614

"I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all members of our Armed Forces and their families, wishing them continued success, glory, and happiness in the years to come," he added.

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi praised armed forces soldiers for their courage and determination.

"On Armed Forces Flag Day, I salute the unwavering courage and determination of the brave men and women of the Indian Armed Forces. Your innumerable sacrifices and dedication keep our country safe and inspire us all," Rahul Gandhi said in a post.

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1175632117256195&id=100044282536870&rdid=8u0VJDyrSXJeRgiY

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also his extended greetings on the occasion.

In a post on X, Singh said, "On the Armed Forces Flag Day, the nation salutes the courage, valour, fortitude and sacrifices of Indian Armed Forces."

https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/1865256655492886552

Since 1949, December 7 is observed as the Armed Forces Flag Day throughout the country to honour the men in uniform who valiantly fought and continue to fight on the borders to safeguard the country's honour. (ANI)
Posters displaying the slogan 'Ab Nahi Sahenge, Badal Ke Rahenge' were put up outside the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in New Delhi on Saturday. BJP President Virendra Sachdeva stated that the slogan represented the voice of the people, expressing their desire to remove the corrupt government from power. Speaking to ANI, Sachdeva said "The slogan 'Ab Nahi Toh Toh Sahenge, Badal Ke Rahenge' is the voice of the people of Delhi. When we asked for suggestions from the people for the BJP's Sankalp Patra, people said that they wanted to remove the corrupt Delhi government from power... The people of Delhi are fed up with broken roads, dirty water, and corruption. The people want the development of Delhi... Delhi will move ahead on the path of development when the BJP's double-engine government is formed in Delhi.." Furthermore, Sachdeva also commented on the Rithala-Narela-Nathupur (Kundli) corridor, which was approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. "The approved metro route would be really beneficial for the labourers and the people. The Prime Minister has been bringing new initiatives to improve and make Delhi better. It is important to make Delhi better now, and a double-engine government will surely be formed in Delhi," BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said. The metro corridor spanning 26.463 km is expected to enhance the connectivity between Delhi and Haryana. The Rithala-Kundli corridor will be an extension of the operational Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda)-Rithala (Red Line) corridor. The new stretch will cover 21 elevated stations, connecting areas such as Narela, Bawana, and parts of Rohini in Delhi's northwestern region, a press release said. Assembly elections in Delhi are expected to be held in early 2025. In the 2020 assembly polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 62 out of the 70 seats, while the BJP secured eight seats. (ANI)
Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Saturday launched the "TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan', a 100-day campaign aimed at combating Tuberculosis (TB), in Panchkula, Haryana. The campaign, as per an official statement, is with the intent to quickly detect and treat TB patients in the 347 most-affected districts across India. Speaking at the launch, Nadda highlighted the government's commitment to eradicating TB. He said, "When people used to say 'fight against' TB, in 2018 our Prime Minister Narendra Modi said 'end TB'. This was a very bold statement for the world. The health department fought it with full readiness. It is a different matter that COVID-19 came in between and the health department had to get involved in it. It will take some more time after 2025, but we will leave no stone unturned to achieve the goal of TB-free India." The campaign is part of the government's broader effort to achieve the goal of eliminating TB in India before the global deadline of 2030. Nadda further said, "There was a time when TB was considered a 'slow death' and even family members suffering from TB were isolated to prevent its spread. But, in 2018, the Prime Minister made the vision to end TB much before the 2030 deadline of the Sustainable Development Goals." He also highlighted advancements in TB treatment, mentioning that India now has a network of over 1.7 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs that enable early detection. "The Union Government introduced a daily drug regimen for sensitive TB, including a shorter and more effective treatment, which has improved the TB treatment success rate to 87 per cent," he said. The government has provided Ni-kshay support worth Rs 3,338 crore through direct benefit transfers to over 1.17 crore TB patients. Nadda further added, "The rate of TB decline in India has doubled from 8.3 per cent in 2015 to 17.7 per cent today, much ahead of the global average. Deaths due to TB have also reduced in India by 21.4 per cent in the last 10 years." Nayab Singh Saini, Member of Parliament, mentioned that government campaigns like 'Jan Bhagidari', 'Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana', 'Fit India', and 'Khelo India' have strengthened the fight against TB. He added, "The government is working on the '4Ts' to eliminate TB--test, track, treat, and technology." (ANI)
Congress Lok Sabha MP Imran Masood on Saturday hit out at Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati over her statement against opposition parties for not raising the issues of the country and public interest in the Parliament. The Congress leader asked BSP chief to focus on her party. Speaking to ANI, Congress MP Masood reiterated that the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister should save her party instead of being concerned about others. "Why doesn't she try and make the Dalits happy? She should save her party instead of being concerned about others... In 2007, the party that came to power on its own, now that party doesn't even get numbers needed enough to save its security money, so she should focus on that," Congress MP Imran Masood told ANI. The Congress MPs resonse came after Bahujan Samaj Party chief attacked the Samajwadi Party and Congress saying that both the parties are trying to please the Muslim voters under the pretext of violence in Sambhal. "In the Parliament, the opposition is not raising the issues of the country and public interest. For their political interests, especially the SP and Congress party are trying to please the Muslim voters under the pretext of violence in Sambhal. They have nothing to do with other issues," the BSP chief said, addressing a press conference. "Not only this, but these parties are also making the Muslim communities fight among themselves in Sambhal. The Muslim community also has to be cautious," she added. She also questioned the silence of Congress on the Bangladesh issue and said that because of the "mistake" of Congress, the people there are suffering losses. "Hindus are becoming victims of crimes in large numbers in the neighbouring country Bangladesh. Most of them are Dalits and people from weaker sections... The Congress party is silent and is now shouting, 'Be careful,' only for Muslim votes," the BSP chief said. Mayawati's response came in the wake of allegations against the Bangladesh interim government of atrocities against the Hindu community in the country. (ANI)
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led Telangana government, accusing it of failing on all fronts during its first year in office. The criticism comes amid escalating tensions over the arrests of BRS leaders, which the party has called politically motivated. Speaking to ANI, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao said, "The Congress government has completed one year today, and it has failed miserably on all fronts. It has been a disaster from the people's point of view. As the Assembly and Council sessions are set to begin soon, we will hold a legislative party meeting tomorrow under the leadership of our party president and Telangana's first CM, KCR, to decide on all public issues to be raised." He added, "We definitely wish the Telangana government all the best. We want them to fulfil the promises made to the people of Telangana. More than 420 promises have been made by the Congress party. We will continue to hold them accountable for all the promises. If they don't fulfil them, we will question them." Meanwhile, on Friday, tensions rose as BRS leaders Kalvakuntla Kavitha and Harish Rao were placed under house arrest to prevent their participation in a protest near the Ambedkar statue on Necklace Road. The protest was organised in response to the arrest of BRS leaders Harish Rao, Kaushik Reddy, and others. According to Kavitha's PRO, she was confined to her residence before joining the protest. Harish Rao also faced restrictions, with heavy police deployment surrounding him. On Thursday, Rao was detained for over 10 hours after attempting to meet Kaushik Reddy, who had been arrested by the Banjara Hills Police the previous day. Speaking to ANI, Harish Rao condemned Kaushik Reddy's arrest, calling it unlawful. "BRS MLA Kaushik Reddy was arrested... We condemn this arrest," he said. Rao also slammed Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accusing him of running a "demonic rule" under the guise of democracy. "You (Revanth Reddy) are continuing the demonic rule while calling it democratic rule. Telangana society itself will give you wisdom," he posted on X. The BRS alleged that Kaushik Reddy was arrested after filing a complaint against CM Revanth Reddy and Intelligence Chief Shivdhar Reddy, accusing them of tapping opposition leaders' phones. The BRS vowed to intensify its protests, condemning what it described as unjust actions against its leaders. (ANI)
A delegation of Ulemas (clerics) and residents of Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah and Basti area met Delhi Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena on Saturday and expressed concerns over the attacks on Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh. Reiterating that they were worried about the situation of their Hindu brethren and other minorities in Bangladesh. They demanded that strict actions be taken against illegal Bangladeshi migrants in India, especially in Delhi. In a letter to the Delhi LG, they said, "Illegal Bangladeshi migrants should not be given houses on rent and those houses who have already rented out their premises should evict them. They should not be given employment by any establishment and those who have given employment to them should remove them. Delhi residents be directed that if they find that any Bangladeshi infiltrators are living in their neighbourhood, they should provide the information in this regard to the police." "MCD and Delhi Police be directed to remove illegal infiltrators from roads, footpaths, parks and other government lands, over which they have forcefully encroached. Any documents like Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or any other government document acquired illegally by Bangladeshi infiltrators be cancelled immediately. If any Masjid or Madarsa has given shelter to such infiltrators, they should immediately evict them," they demanded. The delegation also requested the LG to launch a special drive to identify such infiltrators. Recently, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Delhi, also condemned the "injustices" and "assaults" against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh and called on the head of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, to take immediate action. There have been multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There also have been cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples. Arrest of priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Chittagong on October 25 led to protests. India had on November 26 noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. "This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples," Ministry of External Affairs had said. "It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Shri Das," it added. India had urged Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. (ANI)
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma announced that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Jagdalpur on December 15. Deputy CM Sharma further revealed that Home Minister Shah will attend the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics and will dine with commanders instrumental in anti-Naxal operations. Additionally, Sharma mentioned, "On December 16, he will meet with the families of martyrs, visit a camp, and attend an LWE meeting in Raipur." Addressing recent Naxalite violence, Sharma condemned the killing of an Anganwadi worker in Bijapur, calling it a "cowardly act," and highlighted efforts to rehabilitate former militants into the political and social mainstream. "Killing innocent people is a cowardly act. If you examine the list of these casualties, you'll find that thousands of villagers have been killed. People often claim they met this person or that person, but slitting someone's throat is not something that happens casually. These methods are wrong. Many former militants from Assam have surrendered and are now serving as MLAs," he said. Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister further stated that individuals who have made a positive impact on politics or through social contributions are being invited, rather than those who resort to violence in the forests. "We have invited other individuals who have made their mark in politics or achieved success through various social contributions, rather than resorting to violence in the forests. Apart from these armed Naxalism or roaming around in the forests with weapons, they have also been invited," he said. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to the state on December 13 and 14 and provide a detailed briefing on the anti-Naxal campaigns in the state and key developmental initiatives being undertaken. (ANI)
On the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day on Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid his tribute to the armed forces for their 'valour and patriotism' while urging people to contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote, "Tributes to the immortal martyrs of our armed forces on Armed Forces Flag Day. With their valour and patriotism, our martyrs have created everlasting sagas of supreme sacrifice to protect the honour of our nation." https://x.com/AmitShah/status/1865342016701546650 "My appeal to all to contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund for the welfare of our forces and their families.," the post further reads. On this occasion, HM Shah was also felicitated by the Sainik Welfare and Resettlement, Gujarat State, with a miniature flag. "My heartfelt thanks to the delegation of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement, Gujarat State, for felicitating me with a miniature flag on the occasion," Home Minister Shah added in the same post. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the courageous soldiers and urged people to contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day fund. Posting his tribute to the armed forces in a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Armed Forces Flag Day is about saluting the valour, determination, and sacrifices of our courageous soldiers. Their bravery inspires us, their sacrifices humble us, and their dedication keeps us safe. Let's also contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day fund." A defence official pinned the Armed Forces Flag on PM Narendra Modi. On Saturday, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi also contributed to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, the Indian Army said in a post on X. "On the eve of Armed Forces Flag Day, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), contributed towards the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund on behalf of the Indian Army. Secretary, Kendriya Sainik Board, pinned an Armed Forces Flag on COAS on the occasion," read the post. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also urged people to contribute generously to the fund. According to a statement by the Defence Ministry, Singh encouraged the people to come forward and contribute generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) Fund, terming it as the collective responsibility of the country to ensure the welfare of the soldiers, both serving and retired, as well as their families. (ANI)
As a mark of tribute to the bravery of Indian Army soldiers during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, the National Flag was unfurled on a 108-foot high mast at Laungewala Yudh Sthal in Rajasthan on Saturday. According to the Indian Army, the initiative was made possible through the joint efforts of the Indian Army and the Flag Foundation of India. The event was attended by war veterans Naik Jagdev Singh and Hav Mukhtiyar Singh from 23 PUNJAB, who participated in this historic battle 53 years ago. They were also joined by eight other 1971 war veterans from Jaisalmer district. Amongst those present at the function were members of the Indian Air Force, Border Security Force, civil administration, prominent personalities and the local community. "The unfurling of the flag stands as a symbol of national pride and a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Indian armed forces," the Army said. December 16, 1971, was the day when Pakistan signed the instrument of surrender in Dhaka, following a 13-day India-Pakistan War. This resulted in the surrender of over 93,000 soldiers, and the Pakistan Army's capitulation against Indian forces was complete. Following this decisive victory, India announced itself as a major regional force. The creation of Bangladesh was a devastating event for West Pakistan, the aftershocks of which continue to this day. Along with the physical fall of Dhaka, Pakistan was also defeated psychologically. The two-nation theory, that Muslims of the subcontinent formed a nation, was demolished. For India, the 1971 victory is a historic milestone, and December 16 is commemorated nationwide as "Vijay Diwas" to honour India's triumph over Pakistan. According to reports, 3,900 Indian soldiers are believed to have died and 9,851 were injured during the war of 1971. (ANI)
Noting that "sewa" is recognised as the biggest "dharma" in the Indian culture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that BAPS volunteers are making a great impact on millions of lives across the world through their selfless service. Addressing the Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav in Ahmedabad via video conferencing, the Prime Minister said BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) volunteers are empowering the most marginalised in society and it is source of inspiration for people. He recalled efforts of BAPS in mobilising support for students who were evacuated from Ukraine after the conflict began in February 2022. "When the war in Ukraine started increasing, the Indian government immediately decided to evacuate the Indians trapped there. After this, a large number of Indians started reaching Poland. But there was a challenge as to how to provide maximum help to the Indians who reached Poland in that war environment," the PM said. "At that time, I talked to a saint of BAPS and I think it was 12 or 1 o'clock in the night. I requested him that I need your support to help the large number of Indians who are reaching Poland and I saw how your organization brought together BAPS workers from all over Europe overnight," he added. He said "sewa" is not mere word but a precious value in life and has been given a greater place over devotion and dedication. "In our culture service is regarded as the biggest dharma. This is not mere word but a life value," the Prime Minister said. "I am glad to see that thousands of BAPS volunteers are dedicatedly and wholeheartedly engaged in service activities, which is a great achievement for any organisation. I congratulate you and extend my best wishes for this... , the BAPS volunteers are making a great impact on millions of lives across the world through their selfless service. With unwavering dedication, they are empowering the most marginalised in society. This makes you a source of inspiration, respect, and deep admiration," he said. . PM Modi said Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav is an important milestone in the 50 years journey of service. The 'mahotsav' gives a heartfelt tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj on his birth anniversary, celebrating his pioneering efforts in fostering a global community of selfless volunteers. The Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav celebrates and pays tribute to 50 years of selfless and dedicated social and spiritual service by thousands of BAPS karyakars (volunteers), young and old, male and female. A release said that though satsang activities for children, teenagers, youths and adults were begun in the early 1950s, a formal organizational structure was first implemented in 1972 under the guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. "Since then, under the guidance of the Satsang Pravrutti Central Office (SPCO) for teenagers, youths and adults, and the Bal Pravrutti Central Office (BPCO) for children, the karyakars have contributed their time, energy and resources to promote the values of selfless service and devotion revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Gunatit gurus," the release said. (ANI)
The Otilla Dam, a 100-year-old dam that provided water for a pecan farm on the South Side, is due to be removed or modified because it impedes fish movement along the San Antonio River. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer The Otilla Dam, a 100-year-old dam that provided water for a pecan farm on the South Side, is due to be removed or modified because it impedes fish movement along the San Antonio River. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

A century-old dam on the San Antonio River could be removed or modified, which would allow fish to move freely upstream and also open up new recreational opportunities for paddlers.

The Otilla Dam was built on the far South Side in 1911 to divert water from the river to irrigate a pecan orchard on a 300-acre ranch.

Since then, its become obsolete and fallen into disrepair. It's no longer needed to divert water, but still acts as a barrier on the river. Fish that live downstream of the dam cant move into the Mission Reach and downtown sections of the river, and the dilapidated dam poses a hazard to kayakers and paddlers.

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The San Antonio River Authority is looking to remove that barrier, restructuring the dam to allow free passage through the area.

The project would reconnect about 30 miles of the river's habitat, helping to restore the rivers ecosystem, promoting species diversity and giving people a new way to access the river.

A permanent fix

Otilla Dam is tucked largely out of sight between a river authority park on a former ranch and a wastewater treatment plant. The site is about 11 miles from downtown, south of Loop 410 between U.S. 281 and Interstate 37.

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The small dam holds back 34 acre-feet, or enough water to cover 34 acres in one foot of water. By comparison, thats .01% of the amount the Medina Dam holds when Medina Lake, west of San Antonio, is full.

The dam was built by Conrad Goeth, who owned the ranch and went on to lead the City Water Board, which was an early municipal water utility. The dam is believed to be named for his mother, Ottilie, according to Donovan Burton, the San Antonio Water Systems senior vice president of water resources and governmental relations. In addition to irrigating the pecan orchard, there was also an agreement to provide water for the nearby Blue Wing Club, a fishing, hunting and boating organization.

The ranch and the dam changed hands several times through the years. In 1996, the Bexar Metropolitan Water District, often referred to as BexarMet, acquired water rights and part of the dam, and three years later, the recently formed SAWS acquired another part of the dam and water rights from the Blue Wing Club.

When SAWS absorbed BexarMet in 2012, the city-owned water utility received ownership of the rest of the dam.

In 2015, the San Antonio River Authority acquired the 325-acre ranch, which it opened to the public last year as Trueheart Ranch Nature Park. But SAWS still owned the dam, as well as land on the other side of the river from the ranch. The water treatment plant there is largely shut down now but still has some minor operations, Burton said.

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READ MORE: Two new San Antonio parks and hundreds of acres of natural area opening Saturday

SAWS started looking at long-term options for the dam a few years ago, he said, including assessing the dams stability and condition.

There were safety concerns  not from a potential dam failure, but from jagged concrete, protruding rebar and exposed vaults where water used to travel into pumps. Burton said SAWS put up temporary barriers to keep people away from the dam, including fencing and covers, but they were wiped out by flooding.

We started saying, we cant just do these small, temporary fixes, he said. We really need something structural and long-term to make sure no ones accessing it.

At the same time, the river authority was looking at ways to improve wildlife movement in the system, and turned its attention to the dam.

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The Mission Reach project, a decade-long, $384 million effort to restore an 8-mile stretch of the river south of downtown, had been completed, and plans were in the works for the Westside Creeks, aiming to turn them from concrete channels back into natural creeks.

But those projects are upstream, closer to the headwaters of the river system. More movement was needed from downstream to increase the amount of fish species in those areas, said Shaun Donovan, the river authority's environmental sciences manager.

We started looking downstream and seeing, are there restrictions for fish or mussels or aquatic insects moving into these restoration areas?" he said. And really, the only barrier we had was Otilla Dam.

That means wildlife populations in different sections of the river remain disconnected, separated by an obsolete dam thats no longer serving the purpose for which it was built.

The river authority began talking to SAWS about the dam, proposing a plan that would create an ecological fish ladder at the site.

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The plan would address both SARAs environmental goals and SAWS safety concerns, with some potential added benefits by opening the area to the public for paddling and fishing.

They reached an agreement: SAWS would transfer the dam and $748,000 to the river authority. The SAWS and SARA boards both voted last month to approve the transaction, which is expected to be finalized in the next few weeks, Donovan said.

The river authority also applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services National Fish Passage Program for funding; after being rejected two years ago, a second application was successful and the agency awarded $1 million to the project this year.

Fish on the move

Design work on the dam project is just getting underway and is expected to be completed in about six months, Donovan said.

It could include entirely removing the dam, or leaving some of it intact but modifying other parts to allow fish to move through the area, he said. The river is about 80 feet wide at the dam.

One of the problems with total dam removal is this reservoir upstream has been there for over 100 years, he said. The river itself is holding the bank stable, so suddenly taking down the dam and dropping the water level drastically would result in erosion.

The goal instead is what Donovan called a gradual stepdown from the current water level to the riverbed below, with slow enough water velocity for fish to move upstream.

One species that could benefit is the migratory American eel, which is currently found downstream of the dam. The eels live primarily in rivers, but migrate to the Sargasso Sea, in the Atlantic Ocean, to spawn. After hatching, young eels swim back to rivers and estuaries, where they live until they return to the sea to spawn and die.

None have been documented above the Otilla Dam, but if there was clear passage the eels could migrate farther upstream, opening up more river habitat for the species.

The population of Guadalupe bass in the Mission Reach is healthy, but opening up the river could boost their numbers, along with the burrhead chub. Both are listed as species of greatest conservation need in Texas.

The same is true for other types of fish, Donovan said. There are some spotted gar above the dam, but much healthier populations below it; without the barrier, the upstream population could grow.

River authority biologists recently found a few smallmouth buffalo just below the dam. While the fish species is often seen near Goliad, it was the first time any were documented in the river that close to San Antonio in a very long time, if ever, Donovan said, and changes to the dam could allow them to spread further.

Less mobile species could also benefit. Adult mussels dont move very much, spending most of their lives in a small area. But mussel larvae are parasitic: they attach to fish gills, where they grow until theyre large enough to drop off. They can be moved as far away as the fish that carries them.

SARA is in the midst of reintroducing mussels in the Mission Reach, a project years in the works to bring them back to the area for the first time in decades. There are healthy mussel populations downstream, and without the dam, those two groups could interact and become stronger.

Theoretically, over time those two populations can connect and then swap genetic information to keep genetic diversity, Donovan said.

River recreation

While the primary purpose of the project is the environmental benefits, humans could also gain access to new parts of the river, too.

We want to activate the river space, Donovan said.

The design will likely include a new stairway from Trueheart Ranch Nature Park down to the riverbanks, and the river authority has asked its consultant to include potential kayak launch locations, he said.

The first step in the process will be checking the safety boxes, he said, which means sealing the 8-foot-deep vaults and addressing the steel jutting out from the concrete.

The Mission Reach restoration included chutes that use cement walls to guide paddlers down some sections of the river. Something similar could be implemented at the Otilla Dam, but using more natural landscaping, such as boulders to designate channels, he said.

SARA currently has five paddling trails, and the project could connect two of them: the Mission Reach Paddling Trail above the dam, which starts in Roosevelt Park, and the 29-mile SASPAMCO Trail below, ultimately allowing for about 46 miles of connected paddling.

It would also offer a different option for river recreation: paddling in an area with the same entry and take-out point.

One of the downsides about river canoeing is that usually you put in at Point A, you take out at Point B, because of the river flow, its going to push you downstream, Donovan said. If river access is created at the dam site, paddlers could enter the river, paddle upstream and return back to the same location.

Another recreation opportunity is farther away, but part of the river authoritys strategic plan: the agency wants to open a swimming location on the San Antonio River.

Swimming in the river is illegal within city limits  but the dam site sits just outside the city.

The water quality at this spot has been really good for a really long time, Donovan said, so we think that this is a potential location to target as our first kind of swimming beach.

Most of the flow of the San Antonio River is recycled water, or treated wastewater that SAWS puts into the river north of downtown under a contract with the city. The natural springs that historically fed the river stopped flowing as pumping from the Edwards Aquifer increased in the early 20th century, so SAWS effluent currently makes up more than 90% of the flow through downtown.

Allowing swimming in the river is a lofty goal, SAWS Burton said. Our rivers are very clean, but that has a very specific regulatory meaning.

Stormwater and wildlife are also factors in the water quality, he said, and need to be considered to ensure the river is safe for swimming.

Obviously well work with them, Burton said. I dont know that its going to happen anytime in the near future, but its certainly an area where people will be able to kayak.

Designing with nature

The river authority is aiming to have the dam restructuring completed by the end of 2026, Donovan said.

Design is expected to be finished by June or July, and SARA will have a better idea of the cost by then, he said. Current estimates range from $1 million to $5 million.

Before transferring ownership of the dam to the river authority, SAWS estimated rehabilitation would cost more than $7 million and removal would cost about $3 million. Permanent safety needs including fencing, signs and repairing cracks would be just under $750,000, the utility estimated  the amount it ultimately agreed to give the river authority, in addition to the dam.

SARA now has about $1.7 million budgeted for the project. As the process moves ahead, the agency will look for other grants or funding sources, Donovan said.

Well be trying to figure out ways to reduce costs from direct river authority funds, he said.

The agency will also be looking at other ways to improve "aquatic connectivity" throughout the system, he said.

The Otilla Dam is the river's last major barrier below the downtown River Walk area, but its not the only impediment to wildlife movement.

The Espada Dam, upstream of the Otilla, also limits movement, though fish have a side channel there. The historic Espada Dam, on an original remnant of the river next to the newer dam, allows eels to pass during normal conditions and other fish during higher flows, Donovan said.

The river authority is interested in adding a small fish passage structure there to make it easier to move, he said.

There are also locations at low-water crossings where culverts might appear to offer connectivity, but fish arent actually able to move through. Donovan said the river authority is working on assessments to address those locations.

Its part of a renewed focus on designing with nature, instead of against it, he said, and finding creative ways to work with the natural environment.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has criticised the Central government over the worsening law and order situation in the national capital, alleging that they have failed in their primary responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the people of Delhi. Atishi stated, "This is the same area where, at a distance of 100-200 meters, an on-duty constable was shot dead 2 weeks ago. Today is the same day when a man was shot here while out for a morning walk in the Shahdara area. I want to know what the central government is doing. The BJP-ruled central government has only one responsibility in Delhi and that is law and order in Delhi. To provide security to the people of Delhi. Keeping the people safe in Delhi is their only job, they have no other work in Delhi. They have completely failed in this task." The Delhi Chief Minister further emphasised the increasing frequency of violent incidents, stating, "Today, the BJP-ruled central government has caused a total breakdown of law and order in Delhi. I want to appeal to them today. The people of Delhi are troubled, the people of Delhi are troubled by your law and order system. Today no one feels safe stepping out of their house, no one feels safe going to a restaurant. Bullets are being fired in restaurants, bullets are being fired in car showrooms. I would like to say to the Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled central government that you have only one job. Give security to the people of Delhi, keep the people of Delhi safe, and do your job properly, otherwise, all the people of Delhi will have to come together to show you your right place," she further added. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday also launched an attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming that the BJP is no longer capable of managing the law and order situation in the national capital. "Amit Shah ji has ruined Delhi. He has turned Delhi into a jungle raj. People are living a life of terror everywhere. BJP is no longer able to handle the law and order situation in Delhi. The people of Delhi will have to unite and raise their voices," Arvind Kejriwal posted on X (formerly Twitter). On December 4, a man, his wife and their daughter were stabbed to death at their residence in Delhi's Neb Sarai on Wednesday. According to Delhi police, the murders were carried out by the couple's son, who had claimed to have been on a morning walk at the time. On November 28, an explosion was reported in Delhi's Prashant Vihar. Fire tenders were rushed to the site along with teams of National Security Guard (NSG) commandos Delhi Police Crime Branch, Special Cell and Bomb Disposal Squad. The Assembly polls in Delhi are expected to be held in early 2025. AAP won 62 out of the 70 seats in the 2020 assembly elections and BJP secured eighth seats. (ANI)
Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, visited Prayagraj airport in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday to review the ongoing construction of the new terminal building. Accompanied by Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, V Vualnam, Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman Vipin Kumar, AAI Member (Planning) Anil Kumar Gupta, and a team of engineers, Naidu thoroughly inspected the entire project, an AAI release said. As per the release, the project team briefed the review team that two phases of the construction work have been completed, and the development of the third phase is currently underway. During the review, Naidu instructed the team to expedite the remaining works to ensure that the airport is ready by January 2025 for the Maha Kumbh. He also directed the team to ensure seamless coordination with state authorities and regulatory bodies, including the DGCA and BCAS, to obtain all mandatory approvals for the timely commissioning of the new terminal building. Earlier today, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a meeting with the officials to review the ongoing preparations for the Maha Kumbh 2025 at Circuit House in Prayagraj. He later inaugurated Jan Ashray Sthal in the city. The 2025 Maha Kumbh is focused on making it a "Green Maha Kumbh," with a focus on providing better facilities to devotees during the event. The authorities are also constructing a special type of floating jetty at Sangam that will allow devotees to take comfortable baths and have the facility to change clothes. Meanwhile, a large number of specialist doctors are also being deployed to ensure the health of everyone, including devotees and saints. As part of this initiative, a 100-bed hospital has been nearly completed at the Parade Ground in Maha Kumbh Nagar. The 2025 Maha Kumbh will begin with the Paush Purnima Snan, which is on 13 January 2025. The Kumbh festival will conclude with the final bath on 26 February 2025, the day of Mahashivratri. (ANI)
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel laid the foundation stone of Welspun Group's innovative textile 'Integrated Bed Linen and Terry Towel' project at Anjar, Kutch on Saturday, a release said on Saturday. Welspun Group's Excellence Award ceremony was also organized on the occasion. Industries Minister Balwant Singh Rajput and Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi were also present. As per the release, CM Bhupendra Patel said on this occasion that all the citizens should make this immortal period of independence a duty period to realize the resolution of a developed India from a developed Gujarat. In this context, he said that in this duty period of 25 years, everyone has got an opportunity to contribute in building a developed India. Referring to the thoughts of the Prime Minister of "Yahi Samayam Hai, Sahi Samayam Hai", the Chief Minister said that it is the right time to know how to live for the country after independence, to make India an advanced nation in the world. The Chief Minister also made a motivational appeal to everyone to fulfill the responsibility of serving the nation by doing social welfare works like cleanliness, environment preservation, electricity saving, water saving. With the vision of the Prime Minister, today Kutch has developed unprecedentedly. Recalling the Prime Minister's name for putting Ranotsav on the world map, the Chief Minister said that as a result of the Prime Minister's foresight and special feeling towards Kutch, Dhordo has been declared the best tourism village. Smritivan, built in memory of the earthquake victims, has also received an award from UNESCO in the Best Interior category. Expressing his happiness about this, the Chief Minister gave the credit to the Prime Minister of the country, Narendra Modi. The Chief Minister further added that today India is developing all round in all fields. "Every sector is benefiting from the foresight of PM Modi. Whether it is green energy or semi-conductor, India has become a leader today," he said. Comparing the industrial development of Kutch, the Chief Minister said that the future of Kutch is bright with various green energy projects. The Chief Minister also applauded the family spirit of Welspun Group through women employment and CSR activities. On this occasion, Industries Minister Balwantsinh Rajput said that Kutch district has achieved many achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister. The Industries Minister expressed the hope that Welspun Group will play an important role in realizing the vision of a developed India. The Industries Minister further added that the textile policy prepared under the vision of the Prime Minister and the guidance of the Chief Minister will be an inspiration for other states of the country as well. The Industries Minister called the Gujarat Government's initiative to give priority to women employment through the textile policy of the Chief Minister Patel as revolutionary. In the reception on this occasion, Chairman of Welspun Group B K Goyenka said that the seed planted today for the innovative textile 'Integrated Bed Linen and Terry Towel' project will put the Indian textile industry on the world map. This new venture will become the world's largest towel facility in the next 18 months. Goyenka credited PM Modi and the Gujarat government for the overall development of Kutch, including Welspun Group. He hailed the approach of new opportunities for women employment through textile policy. Anjar to US presenting the story of Welspun Group's development till now, he praised the support of the Gujarat government. The Chief Minister conferred Best Manufacturing Facility, Emerge Company, Emerge Leader, Best Company, G R Goenka was presented with Excellence Awards in categories including Leadership. During this visit at Anjar, the Chief Minister visited the Welspun state-of-the-art textile plant and observed the production process. Anjar MLA Trikambhai Chhanga, Leader Devjibhai Varchand, Dhavalbhai Acharya and Former Minister of State Vasanbhai Ahir, Additional Secretary to Chief Minister MK Das, Border Range IG Chirag Kordia, Kutch Collector Amit Arora, District Development Officer S.K Prajapati, Former Kutch Superintendent of Police Sagar Bagmar, Chairman of Deendayal Port S.K Singh, Anjar Assistant Collector Sunil, Deputy Superintendent of Police Mukesh Chaudhary, Group MD of Welspun World Rajesh Mandavewala, MD & CEO of Welspun Living Limited Dipali Goenka, Head of Welspun Group Alok Mishra and representatives of Welspun Group and company officials were present. (ANI)
Calling for unity among farmers, Rakesh Tikait, farmer leader and national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), stated on Saturday that the formation of multiple farmer organisations has resulted in land acquisitions where the prices are not increasing and the reason for the exploitation of farmers today is because they are divided. Speaking to the media after attending the teacher-farmer meeting in Baraut city of Baghpat, Tikati said, "There are many farmers' organizations that have come up, resulting in land acquisitions where the prices are not increasing, and the circle rates are stagnant. When farmers protest, the police imprison them. A repressive policy by the government is in effect. We are divided, so we are being exploited." Commenting on the ongoing farmers' protest, Rakesh Tikait added that they will talk to the authorities. "We will talk to the authorities as protests are ongoing regarding land acquisition in Noida. There are issues related to compensation for certain lands, as per the Supreme Court's order. There are several local issues in Gautam Buddh Nagar. The issues we are focusing on are related to villages, the poor, tribals, unemployment, and similar concerns. We are working on these matters," the farmer leader said. On Friday, farmers launched the 'Dilli Chalo' march, demanding a legal guarantee or Minimum support price (MSP) for crops from the central government. The march was stopped at the Sambhu border by police which used tear gas shells to disperse the protestors. Several farmers were reportedly injured during the protest, prompting the farmer leaders to call off the march for the day. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher expressed his disappointment, stating that the central government was unwilling to engage in talks with the farmers. Pandher added that 20 farmers were injured in tear gas shelling by police at the Sambhu border to halt their 'Dilli Chalo' march. (ANI)
Union Minister and BJP President JP Nadda on Saturday said that India experienced a pro-incumbency wave for the first time after the BJP formed the government at the Centre in 2014. Addressing a public rally in in Telangana's Rangareddy, Nadda highlighted the BJP's culture of repeated governance, focused on serving the people effectively. "For 70 years, we heard about anti-incumbency waves; governments came and went. But after Modi Ji came to power, the country witnessed a pro-incumbency government for the first time. When the BJP forms a government, it serves the people not just once but multiple times. This is the BJP's culture," Nadda said. Highlighting the party's strength, he added, "We are ruling in 13 states with an absolute majority. The people of Telangana are also waiting. They have seen BRS and Congress governments. Now, it's time to make the lotus bloom and align with the development of Telangana." Drawing a comparison between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Nadda said that PM Modi's three consecutive terms came in the face of a strong opposition, unlike Nehru, who faced weaker opposition parties during his tenure. "If someone has become the Prime Minister for the third time in a row, it is Narendra Modi. When Jawaharlal Nehru became the Prime Minister, there was euphoria for the Congress all over the world and the country and weaker opposition parties. But when Modi became the Prime Minister for the third time, the opposition parties were strong, but the people of India still supported Modi Ji. Therefore, we have to understand the difference in the working culture of the BJP and the Congress," Nadda said. The BJP president was addressing the rally to highlight what he called the failures of the Congress government in Telangana over the past year. Earlier in the day, BJP chief Nadda launched the "TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan', a 100-day campaign aimed at combating tuberculosis (TB), in Panchkula, Haryana. The campaign, as per an official statement, is with the intent to quickly detect and treat TB patients in the 347 most-affected districts across India. Speaking at the launch, Nadda highlighted the government's commitment to eradicating TB, he said, "When people used to say 'fight against' TB, in 2018 our Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, 'End TB.'" This was a very bold statement for the world. The health department fought it with full readiness. It is a different matter that COVID-19 came in between and the health department had to get involved in it. It will take some more time after 2025, but we will leave no stone unturned to achieve the goal of a TB-free India." The campaign is part of the government's broader effort to achieve the goal of eliminating TB in India before the global deadline of 2030. Nadda further said, "There was a time when TB was considered a 'slow death,' and even family members suffering from TB were isolated to prevent its spread. But, in 2018, the Prime Minister made the vision to end TB much before the 2030 deadline of the Sustainable Development Goals." (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday lauded the contributions of the BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) and said that nowhere can one find an organisation of over 1 lakh volunteers dedicated to 'Sanskriti, Dharm, samaj and seva' (culture, religion, society, and service). Addressing the Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav in Ahmedabad, Shah recalled Pramukh Swami Maharaj who worked to organise the BAPS. "In 1972, Pramukh Swami Maharaj worked to organize it. What started with eight volunteers has today grown to the extent that lakhs of people gather in stadiums, demonstrating how a single moment can transform lives. I, too, have been a part of an organization. From serving as a small booth president to becoming the national president, I have worked through its ranks. I understand how challenging this work is," he said. The Union Home Minister asserted that Pramukh Swami Maharaj's inspiration has been instrumental in channelizing 'Sanskriti, Dharm, samaj and seva' (culture, religion, society, and service). "Today, I can confidently say that nowhere else in the world will you find an organization of over 1,00,000 volunteers dedicated to culture, religion, society, and service with such deep values. This is extraordinary and unimaginable, made possible by the inspiration of saints," Shah said. "When India's centenary will be celebrated, the resolve to build a great India will have been taken by 1.4 billion Indians inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With the spirit of culture, religion, society, and service, let us all align our lives with the vision of a great India," he added. The Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav celebrates and pays tribute to 50 years of selfless and dedicated social and spiritual service by thousands of BAPS karyakars (volunteers), young and old, male and female. A release said that though satsang activities for children, teenagers, youths and adults were begun in the early 1950s, a formal organizational structure was first implemented in 1972 under the guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Saturday extended an invitation to Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu to attend the Mahakumbh, which will commence on January 13, 2025. Speaking to the media, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya stated that the Uttar Pradesh government has requested all state governments to set up their state camps at the Mahakumbh. "Today, on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government, I and our senior leader, Siddharth Nath Singh, came to Andhra Pradesh. We invited Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to attend the Maha Kumbh 2025. Our government has requested all state governments that if you wish, you can set up your state camp there, and the Uttar Pradesh government will work to provide all the facilities to the government," Deputy CM Maurya said. The UP Deputy CM further mentioned that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has agreed to attend the event. "Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, said that he will be there on behalf of the Tirupati Balaji Devasthan Trust. I also appreciate his decision to set up a camp," he said. He also said that the ministers from Uttar Pradesh are visiting different states to extend similar invitations. Earlier on Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Jan Ashray Sthal in Prayagraj, marking the preparations for the Mahakumbh 2025, which will commence on January 13, 2025. CM Yogi also chaired a meeting with the officials to review the ongoing preparations for the Mahakumbh 2025 at Circuit House in Prayagraj. The Mahakumbh will begin with the Paush Purnima Snan, which is on 13 January 2025. The Kumbh festival will conclude with the final bath on 26 February 2025, the day of Mahashivratri. Focusing on providing better facilities to devotees during Mahakumbh 2025, the authorities are also constructing a special type of floating jetty at Sangam that will allow devotees to take comfortable baths and have the facility to change clothes. Meanwhile, a large number of specialist doctors are also being deployed to ensure the health of everyone, including devotees and saints. As part of this initiative, a 100-bed hospital has been nearly completed at the Parade Ground in Mahakumbh Nagar. The other facilities Natural huts and tents with modern facilities will also be built in Prayagraj to provide comfortable accommodations for the devotees who will be visiting for Mahakumbh 2025. (ANI)
Arunachal Pradesh Governor K T Parnaik inaugurated the East Zone Conference of the Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI) at Itanagar on Saturday. As per an official release, the maiden conference of the ITPI at Itanagar, with the theme, 'Need for planned urbanization in the North-Eastern States' was organized by the Institute of Town Planners India, in collaboration with the Directorate of Town Planning, Department of Urban Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. In his inaugural address, the governor highlighted the pressing challenges facing urban settlements in Arunachal Pradesh, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient parking facilities, and a shortage of public spaces like parks and open areas. "These shortcomings significantly affect the quality of life and underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and future-oriented urban planning," the Governor said. Parnaik also emphasized the importance of regional planning, citing the vastness and geographical diversity of the State. He stressed that development efforts must go beyond individual towns to adopt a holistic, region-wide approach. Such a perspective, he explained, would promote balanced growth, enable efficient resource allocation, and enhance connectivity across districts, ultimately fostering greater economic and social integration, the official statement said. Drawing from his experiences and observations, the Governor highlighted the unique challenges of the North East Region, including its vast forest cover, limited habitable land, location within Seismic Zone-V, prolonged monsoon season, and susceptibility to landslides and floods. He stressed the need for sustainable development that strikes a balance between urban growth and environmental conservation, and calling for the creation of inclusive and efficient urban spaces that preserve the region's natural beauty and uphold its rich cultural heritage. The Governor also called on the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI) to support the state through knowledge sharing, capacity building, and training initiatives. He highlighted the potential of modern technologies such as GIS, AI-based planning tools, and remote sensing to significantly enhance the state's planning capabilities. With technical guidance from reputed technical institutes, the Governor envisioned a future where Arunachal Pradesh is celebrated for its well-planned towns, thriving smart villages, and resilient communities. Achieving this vision, he noted, would require collaborative efforts among stakeholders, the adoption of innovative planning practices, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Touching the issues related to hydropower projects and rehabilitation, the Governor suggested the development of smart model villages using the compensation funds. These villages, he suggested, should retain a traditional aesthetic while incorporating modern amenities such as schools, markets, recreation-cum-community halls, playgrounds, and dispensaries. The Minister of Urban Affairs, Land Management and Civil Aviation, Balo Raja; the President of the Institute of Town Planners India, NK Patel; Secretary-General, Shri VP Kulshrestha; Commissioner, Urban Affairs, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Yashpal Garg; and the Coordinator, ITPI, Pradeep Kapoor also spoke on the occasion. Large numbers of town planners and urban development professionals from nine States, particularly from the North Eastern region and educational institutes participated in the conference. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday addressed state police personnel, emphasizing the importance of vigilant and approachable policing in preparation for the Mahakumbh 2025. He highlighted the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring public safety and maintaining order during large gatherings. "Being a citizen of an independent country, the police department should be friendly towards the public. Old people used to say that if you lose your sight, an accident happens. I think this is the case with the police. As soon as your vigilance is reduced, there is an enemy and an opponent," said CM Yogi. He also stressed proactive measures to ensure smooth conduct of the Mahakumbh, urging police personnel to remain alert and committed to their responsibilities. CM Yogi also warned against negligence, saying, "Even a small crowd can create chaos and pose a threat to lives and property. We should ensure that no animal or person who is an enemy of society or the country enters." Earlier, CM Yogi chaired a meeting with officials at the Circuit House in Prayagraj to review ongoing preparations for the Mahakumbh, set to begin with the 'Paush Purnima Snan' on January 13, 2025, and conclude with the 'Mahashivratri Snan' on February 26, 2025. To accommodate the anticipated 45 crore visitors from 75 countries, the government is implementing large-scale infrastructure and service enhancements. A special floating jetty at Sangam will allow devotees to bathe comfortably and change clothes nearby. A 100-bed hospital is nearly complete at the Parade Ground to ensure health services for devotees and saints. For accommodations, natural huts and world-class tents are being built. These include options such as Villas, Maharaja Suites, Swiss Cottages, and Dormitories, priced between Rs 1,500 and Rs 35,000 per day. Extra guest charges will range from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000. In line with its "Green Mahakumbh" initiative, the state government will launch an online booking system for electric rickshaws and autos starting December 15, 2023. The app-based service aims to ensure eco-friendly and smooth transportation during the event. CM Adityanath praised these initiatives, highlighting their importance in creating a sustainable and well-organised Mahakumbh. He expressed confidence in making the 2025 Mahakumbh a landmark event for its religious and cultural significance, as well as for its model of sustainable tourism. (ANI)
Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU) celebrated International Civil Aviation Day on Saturday in the presence of Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi, a release said. The university also observed its first convocation of the. According to the release, the event featured a quiz contest for students from Govt. Inter College Fursatganj, RGNAU, and IGRUA cadets, promoting awareness about the aviation industry and its significance in global connectivity. Prizes were also distributed to the winners, recognising their knowledge and enthusiasm for aviation. Union Minister Naidu, on the occasion, motivated the young generation of the nation to become aviation professionals, emphasising the importance of skilled professionals in driving growth and development in the aviation sector. In addition to the quiz contest, the university also distributed sweatshirts to village school students, promoting the spirit of aviation and inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals. Speaking on the occasion, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said, "On International Civil Aviation Day, we reflect on aviation's transformative journey, from connecting cities to shaping global economies. In today's industry, innovation, sustainability, and skill development are key to navigating challenges and building a future-ready aviation ecosystem. Let's continue to soar higher together!" The celebration also marked a significant milestone for the university, as it signed MoUs with IIT Patna, IIT Ropar, and IIT Bhilai. These MoUs aim to foster collaboration and innovation in the fields of aviation and aerospace, paving the way for future research and development initiatives. The MoUs will enable the university to leverage the expertise and resources of these prestigious institutions, driving growth and advancement in the aviation sector. This strategic partnership is expected to yield significant benefits, including joint research projects, faculty exchange programs, and curriculum development initiatives. Notably, this first convocation of Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU) was a grand success, with Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, gracing the occasion. The event was also attended by the vice chancellor, registrar, and other dignitaries from various industries and academic institutions. Students from all over India gathered to receive their graduation and postgraduate diploma degree certificates from India's first aviation university. This milestone marked a significant achievement for RGNAU, which was established in 2013 as an autonomous central university under the administrative control of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the release said. The RGNAU offers various courses, including a PG Diploma in Airport Operations, a Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) in Aviation and Air Cargo, and a Basic Fire Fighters Course. The university aims to facilitate and promote aviation studies, training, research, and extension work with a focus on emerging areas of studies. During the first convocation, a total of 137 degrees were awarded to 57 Bachelor of Management Studies course students and 80 Post Graduate Diploma in Airport Operations students. In addition to the degrees, 14 medals were also awarded to students to recognise their exceptional academic performances. "This convocation signifies not only the academic achievements of our students but also highlights the university's commitment to developing a skilled workforce that meets the needs of the rapidly evolving aviation sector," said Professor Bhrigu Nath Singh, Vice Chancellor of RGNAU. "We are proud to contribute to the future of aviation in India and beyond," he added. (ANI)
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.

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Security has been increased in Bihar's Darbhanga following a stone-pelting incident during a religious procession on Saturday morning, officials said. According to police, the incident occurred in Tarauni village during the Ram-Janki Vivah procession taken out on the occasion of Vivah Panchami. Officials said that an argument between two groups escalated, leading to the stone pelting. Upon receiving information, police reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Additional forces were deployed by the District Headquarters to maintain law and order situation. Darbhanga Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jagunath Reddy, said, "A procession was taken out for the marriage of Shri Ram Janaki without permission. During the event, stones were pelted, leading to tensions. Following this, police responded promptly and the situation was brought under control. Additional forces were deployed to maintain law and order." He added, "We are reviewing CCTV footage to identify people involved in stone pelting. No arrests have been made yet, but the situation is under control. Police are on duty to ensure safety and are actively investigating the incident." The SSP also said they are also recording statements of eye-witnesses. "At present, we are gathering statements from witnesses. Many people left the area during the night, which has made it difficult to locate them. Since morning, we have been dispersing crowds and will continue our investigation. We have obtained CCTV footage and are analysing it for identification purposes," he said. Earlier, Patna Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed concern over the incident, assuring strict action. "Action will be taken against those involved. Police are investigating, and appropriate measures will follow," he added. Darbhanga Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vikas Kumar added, "An argument between two groups of people led to the incident. The situation was controlled in time, and CCTV footage is being scanned to identify the people involved. The reason behind the incident will be known only after an investigation. The situation is now normal." (ANI)
The Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, Manoj Kumar Singh, on Saturday instructed the authorities in Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna to address farmers' concerns on a priority basis. According to a release from the Information Department, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Chief Secretary Manoj Singh, along with the Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar, held a meeting with officials from Noida, Greater Noida, Yamuna authorities, the police, and the district administration in the boardroom of the Greater Noida Authority. During his visit to Greater Noida with the state Director General of Police (DGP), Prashant Kumar, the Chief Secretary emphasised preparing a list of all farmers to ensure they receive their entitled benefits without delay. He also warned of strict action against officers and employees creating obstacles in resolving farmers' issues. The release mentioned that while discussing the recommendations of the high-level committee formed to address farmers' demands, the Chief Secretary instructed that camps should be organised in villages to determine farmers' eligibility, resolve additional compensation cases, and address leaseback issues on priority. He further directed the three authorities to allocate spaces for landless farmers under the Prime Minister's Street Vendor's Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme by determining their eligibility and establishing vending zones. Manoj Singh further demanded a list of staff obstructing farmers' work and warned that such individuals would face action and possible transfers from these authorities. CS Manoj Singh emphasised the need for a comprehensive list of farmers, detailing their entitlements, which should be clear to all three authorities. He instructed that resolutions be carried out in a time-bound manner. He mentioned that the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh is highly concerned about resolving farmers' issues, and this meeting was convened under his directives. Any negligence in addressing farmers' issues will not be tolerated. 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 and is tasked with finding solutions to the issues raised by farmers. The protest, organised 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. (ANI)
In a significant boost to the Government of India's in-situ conservation efforts, Vantara, an organisation founded by philanthropic entrepreneur Anant Ambani, has announced the birth of five cheetah cubs at its facility in Jamnagar, according to an official release. These cubs, born as part of Vantara's Cheetah Conservation Program, represent a significant step toward reintroducing cheetahs into India's wild landscapes. As per Vantara's objectives, these cubs will soon be rewilded to help restore India's biodiversity. The mother, affectionately named Swara, and her cubs are reported to be healthy and are receiving the best possible care from Vantara's wildlife veterinarians. Dr. Adrian Tordiffe, a senior veterinarian from South Africa involved in the program, explained the pregnancy and birth process, noting that cheetah pregnancy is difficult to confirm until the late stages due to subtle physical changes. He further shared that the cubs are now active, walking and running around their habitat. Craig Gouws, head curator of the program, emphasised that hidden cameras were installed throughout the habitat to minimize human contact and stress for the mother and cubs. He also highlighted the importance of the cheetah in India's biodiversity, expressing pride in seeing these cubs born as part of the ongoing conservation efforts, the release stated. Vantara's Cheetah Conservation Program supports the Government of India's initiative to reintroduce cheetahs into India. This ex-situ effort creates an environment that closely mirrors the cheetahs' natural habitat, helping them acclimatize to India's weather and conditions. Vantara will work in close collaboration with the central government and selected state governments to implement the rewilding program. As per the release, rewilding cheetahs is a multi-step process, involving adaptation to the environment, training in hunting skills, and reducing human dependency. After their release into the wild, the cheetahs will be closely monitored using Global Positioning System (GPS) collars to track their health and movement. The program also focuses on engaging local communities, managing ecosystems, and ensuring long-term conservation efforts to establish a sustainable environment where cheetahs can thrive naturally. Cheetahs, once widespread across Africa, the Middle East, and India, now occupy just 9% of their historical range, making them one of the most endangered big cat species globally. Listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with the Asiatic subspecies classified as Critically Endangered, they face significant threats from habitat loss, prey depletion, and illegal trade. With approximately 7,000 adults remaining, primarily in Africa, cheetahs rely on well-managed protected areas for survival. Included under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), international trade in wild-caught cheetahs is banned, with limited exceptions. Reintroduction initiatives, such as those in India, bring renewed hope for safeguarding this species for future generations, according to the release. (ANI)
President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad Mahant Ravindra Puri expressed his discontentment over the atrocities on minority Hindus in Bangladesh and urged the Indian government to immediately intervene in the matter and take action. "When we see the scenario of Bangladesh, we feel sad. Two days ago several saints came to me and said that we should take out a procession, but I said that this is not possible right now. So soon we will organise a meeting and will request the Home Minister to interfere in the matter of Bangladesh and take some action as soon as possible. The law and order there is in a worse condition. The Indian government should immediately intervene in the matter and take some action," Mahant Ravindra Puri said. He further said that the members of the Akhada Parishad were very distressed after getting news of minority women are being sexually assaulted. "Hindu monks are being put behind bars and the lawyers who are coming forward to fight the case are being beaten up. The government in Bangladesh should be dismissed. I would urge the Indian government to take action or to bring them back in India," he added. Amid reports of escalating violence against religious minorities and their places of worship in Bangladesh, another Hindu temple was allegedly set on fire in the outskirts of Dhaka. The Mahabhagya Lakshminarayan Mandir, at Dhor village, in North of Dhaka came under attack on late Friday night. Babul Ghosh, supervisor of the temple said that a complaint has been filed against unidentified miscreants for burning down his ancestral temple. Speaking with ANI, Ghosh said that the attackers poured petrol on the idols while he was not present at the house and ran away on hearing his footsteps. He further alleged that the attackers had some 'ulterior motives' other than burning the idols. Notably, there have been multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There also have been cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples. Arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Chittagong on October 25 on sedition charges led to heavy protests. India had on November 26 noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. India had urged Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. (ANI)
ISRO on Saturday shared a video of its PSLV-C59/Proba-3 Mission, showcasing the liftoff, PSOM separation, stage ignition, and satellite separation. In a post on X, they said, "PSLV-C59/Proba-3 Mission - Liftoff, PSOM Separation, Stage Ignition & Satellite Separation Video." https://x.com/isro/status/1865382637604413913 Meanwhile, on Thursday, ISRO announced that the PSLV-C59/Proba-3 mission had successfully achieved its launch objectives, deploying ESA's satellites into their designated orbit with precision. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) added that the mission reflected the dedication of teams from NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO, and the European Space Agency (ESA). This achievement highlights India's crucial role in enabling global space innovation. ISRO successfully launched the PSLV-C59/Proba-3 mission from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh earlier that day. The PSLV-C59 vehicle carried the Proba-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit as part of a dedicated commercial mission by NSIL. Originally scheduled for Wednesday, the mission was postponed due to an anomaly detected in the Proba-3 spacecraft. The PSLV-C59 mission is a joint initiative between ISRO and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). Proba-3 is a technology demonstration mission by the European Space Agency (ESA), marking ESA's first precision formation-flying mission. It involves a pair of satellites flying together in a fixed configuration, as if forming a single large rigid structure in space, to demonstrate innovative formation-flying and rendezvous technologies. According to ESA, the mission aims to demonstrate formation flying as part of a large-scale scientific experiment. The two satellites will create a 150-meter-long solar coronagraph to study the Sun's faint corona closer to the solar rim than ever before. In addition to its scientific goals, the mission serves as a benchmark for achieving precise positioning between two spacecraft, using a range of new technologies. Proba-3 will function as an orbital laboratory, demonstrating acquisition, rendezvous, proximity operations, and formation flying while validating advanced metrology sensors and control algorithms. This mission seeks to pave the way for innovative approaches to mission control. The two satellites will maintain a fixed 150-meter configuration in space, aligned with the Sun, enabling the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC) to block the solar disk for the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC). This alignment will provide uninterrupted views of the Sun's faint corona for scientific study. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is India's first launch vehicle to feature liquid stages and is used to carry satellites and other payloads into space. PSLV's first successful launch took place in October 1994. According to ISRO, PSLV-C59 involves four stages and carries a total payload mass of approximately 320 tonnes. (ANI)
As the hunger strike of farmers at the Sambhu border entered its twelfth day, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher criticised the government for allegedly deceiving the people with false promises. "Why are farmers, who are simply walking being treated too brutally? To relieve the anger, they (govt) are giving false promises of MSP (Minimum Support Price), that they will give. But our task is not just about giving MSP alone, but that after announcing MSP you don't buy the crops from mandis. Our demand is getting the crops to be bought and Shivraj Chouhan should not deceive the people," the farmer leader told ANI. "Before they said that they are giving half of the MSP for crops, so they had agreed that our demand is right that they are not giving enough," Pandher added. He further mentioned that a group of 101 farmers will depart for the national capital tomorrow (December 8) at 12 noon and they only want to keep the peace and ensure no regulations are violated. "Taking cognisance of the whole situation, tomorrow at noon, a group of 101 will depart for Delhi. Our hunger strike has entered its 12th day... Our group will go peacefully and ensure no regulations are violated," the farmer leader said. Pandher further urged the Prime Minister to engage in a dialogue with farmers. Earlier on Saturday, Pandher also urged the government to address farmers' issues and the actions of security forces in Parliament. Reportedly, security forces used tear gas shelling to disperse the protestors on Friday after the farmers launched the 'Dilhi Chalo' march, demanding a legal guarantee or MSP on crops from the central government. "Parliament is our temple of democracy and we want discussion on farmers' issues. In parliament, neither the government nor the opposition raised our issues about how central forces behaved mercilessly at the Shambhu border," Pandher said. (ANI)
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday highlighted the potential of the Hindi language to unite the country. He said that Hindi has never been hostile to other regional languages but has "enriched" them. Speaking at the 83rd convocation of Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha, Union Minister Sonowal said that Hindi was a unifying factor, which could unite the nation. Invoking Mahatma Gandhi, he further highlighted the role that Hindi has played in the "integration of the country." "Hindi lives in the hearts of all Indians, and through this language, we can truly unite the entire country in the Gandhian spirit. Hindi has accepted every other regional language, making it relevant," Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said while addressing the gathering at Mahatma Gandhi Convocation Hall in Chennai. Sonowal further stated that Indians and especially youth must work towards making Hindi a global language. He asked the youth present at the event to be the ambassadors of Hindi and said that it should be a commitment to make Hindi a global language. "We have to establish Hindi as a global language. Youth should become ambassadors of Hindi and show the world its beauty and greatness. This strength is there in the Hindi Language to be a global language. We must ensure that Hindi becomes a global language - a power that it is already blessed with. This should be our commitment," Union Minister Sonowal said. The event was presided over by Chief Guest Shri V Muraleedharan, President of the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha. It was graced by almost 8000 students who received their Praveen and Visharad examination and rank holders from Madras were felicitated. Amongst others who participated included members of the Executive Committee, Academic Council as well the Governing Body from all southern states. Five senior Hindi pracharaks who have made great contributions to the propagation of Hindi in the southern states were felicitated on the occasion. (ANI)
More than 2,80,000 people have been uprooted in northwest Syria following the sudden and massive offensive into Government-controlled areas led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is sanctioned by the Security Council as a terrorist group, the United Nations said on Friday. Sharing a post on X, the United Nations wrote, "Over 280,000 people have been uprooted in northwest Syria in a matter of days following the recent escalation of violence." "Amid already dire living conditions after 13 years of war, the UN is scaling up humanitarian efforts to assist the most vulnerable," the post added. Meanwhile, thousands of residents fled the city of Homs, desperate amid the rebels' advance towards Damascus sparked panic. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said on Friday that thousands of Homs residents started fleeing overnight towards the western coast, where embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad still maintains control, according to a report by Al Jazeera. Fighters led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) made significant gains in Syria, capturing two key towns - Rastan and Talbiseh - in the Homs governorate. According to Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the SOHR, HTS forces were just five kilometres away from the outskirts of Homs city. After capturing the city of Hama to the north on Thursday, the rebels set their sights on the crossroads city of Homs which, if captured, would split the territories under the control of President Bashar al-Assad in two. The conflict began in 2011 after Assad moved to stamp out peaceful pro-democracy protests during the Arab Spring. Over 3,00,000 civilians have been killed in more than a decade of war, according to the United Nations, with millions more displaced across the region, according to CNN. (ANI)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again condemned Russia's relentless attacks, emphasising the devastating toll of its strikes on Ukrainian cities. He also highlighted the events that unfolded on St. Nicholas Day, underscoring the need for "strength" in the face of Russian terror. Sharing a post on X on Friday, Zelenskyy wrote, "Russia's words mean nothing, but their bombs and missiles speak volumes." "On the evening of St. Nicholas Day, aerial bombs in Zaporizhzhia hit a service station directly, cars with people inside. As of now, four people are known to be wounded and are receiving medical assistance. Tragically, the list of fatalities includes nine names. In Kryvyi Rih, a missile strike targeted an ordinary city building, injuring 17 people and killing two. And these are just two Russian attacks on two Ukrainian cities in a single day," the post further reads. The Ukrainian President further criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin and said that he doesn't seek "real peace." "Thousands of such strikes Russia has carried out during this war make it absolutely clear: Putin does not seek real peace--he seeks the ability to treat any country this way, with bombs, missiles, and all other forms of violence. Only through strength can we resist this. And only through strength can real peace be established. I thank everyone who is supporting Ukraine's efforts. May the memory of all the victims of Russian terror be eternal, Zelenskyy said on X. A day before, the Ukrainian President also thanked its partners for providing the country with the Peklo drone missile. In a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "The "Peklo" (Hell) drone-missile -- our Ukrainian weapon with proven combat effectiveness. Today, the first batch was delivered to our Defense Forces. The mission now is to scale up production and deployment." "I am grateful to everyone involved in our defence production, whose contribution helps Ukraine fight," the post added. (ANI)
Of the 15 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 11 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's north, southwestern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to Taiwan's MND.

In response to China's action, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity.

Sharing a post on X, the MND wrote, "15 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 4 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 11 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."

https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1865199551755489506

A day before, MND said that 16 Chinese military aircraft, 13 naval vessels and two official ships were detected operating around Taiwan until 6 am (local time) on Friday.

So far in December, Taiwan detected Chinese military aircraft 71 times and ships 50 times. Since September 2020, China has been using gray zone tactics by increasing the number of military aircraft and naval vessels operating around Taiwan.

Gray zone tactics are "an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force."

This incident follows a recent pattern of escalated manoeuvres by China around Taiwan, raising concerns over regional stability as Beijing continues to assert its claims over the island.

Earlier on December 3, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticised China's interference in the diplomatic relations of other democratic countries, calling it "regrettable" that Beijing fails to understand normal diplomatic behaviours between democratic countries and thus frequently takes "provocative actions," Taipei Times reported. (ANI)
R.C. Curtis (right) is seated next to defense attorney Richard E. Langlois (left) during his capital murder trial. Curtis is accused of killing his wifes grandmother, Paula Boyd, in 2015. A mistrial was declared. Now, the retrial has been delayed. Jessica Phelps /San Antonio Express-News R.C. Curtis, shown here after his arrest in 2015, is accused of killing his grandmother-in-law, Paula Mendez Boyd, who was robbed and beaten in her Northwest Side apartment. A mistrial was declared in 2015. Now, the retrial has been delayed. File photo /Mark D. Wilson /

A retrial has been delayed for R.C. Curtis  a man accused of brutally beating his wife's grandmother, a beloved H-E-B worker known as the deli lady," to death in 2015  after the defense received last-minute evidence.

It's another setback in a case that began nine years ago and fell apart because of evidence.

Curtis is charged with capital murder in the death of 75-year-old Paula Mendez Boyd, who was his wife's grandmother.

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Curtis is accused of killing Boyd on Oct. 21, 2015 in her apartment, which was blocks away from where she worked as an H-E-B deli specialist at De Zavala Road and Interstate 10.

Jury selection for the case was expected to begin on Dec. 4.

During a discovery hearing in the 187th District Court on Friday, Curtis' defense attorney J. Charles Bunk told Judge Stephanie Boyd that he received 472 pages of cell phone records on Nov. 22 from the prosecution, and he still needs time to review it.

Bunk said prosecutors recently received the evidence from San Antonio police detectives. There is also additional evidence, such as surveillance footage and audio from an interview, that need review, Bunk said.

The purpose of the discovery hearing is to make sure all evidence in the case is provided to the defense.

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Police found Boyd's body in her bedroom when they did a welfare check at her apartment after coworkers said she didn't show up for her scheduled shift. Boyd's nude body was surrounded by blood. She had been beaten, sexually assaulted and robbed of her credit cards. Her ribs, neck and nose were broken.

Investigators said credit cards that belonged to Boyd led them to arrest Curtis on credit card abuse charges. DNA collected at the scene was used to connect Curtis to the scene of the killing.

A capital murder trial for Curtis on Nov. 2, 2021 abruptly ended days after a San Antonio police detective mentioned cell phone evidence that lawyers did not know existed. There were also two recordings of interviews from detectives that had not been shared with defense attorneys.

Curtis' defense attorneys sought a mistrial and a dismissal of all charges.

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Judge Boyd, who is not related to the victim, declared a mistrial on Nov. 5, 2021, but she denied a motion to dismiss charges.

On that day, Boyd had stern instructions for the prosecutors: make sure that everything that you have, the defense has.

This is what is going to happen next. State, you are going to take your file, everything that is in that file, and you are going to provide copies for the defense, she said. Everything that has been uploaded by e-discovery is going to be provided to the defense in hard copy form.

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Following the mistrial, Curtis was released from jail after Boyd substantially reduced his bond from $750,000 to $50,000.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), stated on Friday that his party has yet to decide on launching a long march to Islamabad in protest against the delay in the presidential assent to the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act 2024, which pertains to seminaries, Dawn reported. The announcement comes amid growing impatience within his party ranks, with several leaders threatening demonstrations to press for the bill's approval. The delay has prompted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to personally intervene. In a phone call to Maulana Fazl, the prime minister assured him that the government would expedite the approval process for the controversial legislation. This assurance was extended just days before Maulana Fazl's planned rally in Peshawar, where he is expected to announce his next steps if the bill remains unsigned by December 7. Speaking during a visit to Swabi, where he paid respects to the late Maulana Khalil Ahmad Mukhlis, the JUI-Nazriati chief, Maulana Fazl highlighted the consensus that had been reached on the seminary bill before the general elections. "When we resumed discussions, regular negotiations were held for five hours, with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also present. Everything was resolved with consensus. So, where have these objections come from now?" he questioned. The JUI-F chief criticised the federal government for delaying tactics, particularly after parliament had already passed the bill. "The delaying tactics of the federal government regarding the approval of the madressah bill are unacceptable to us. We want its approval as soon as possible," he stated, expressing his frustration at the slow pace of progress. Maulana Fazl emphasised that the bill is essential for regulating the country's religious institutions and noted that the ruling coalition initially supported the legislation. He lamented, however, that the same coalition was now stalling its passage, calling this development both unfortunate and provocative. "The government is consciously leading the people towards protests," he warned. The seminary bill, which was approved by the Senate on October 20 and the National Assembly on October 21, was sent to the president for his assent on October 22. However, President Asif Ali Zardari returned the bill with objections on October 29 before traveling to the UAE. The president's main contention, reportedly, was that seminaries fall under provincial jurisdiction as per the 18th Amendment, and the federal government can only legislate on such matters with the consent of at least two provincial assemblies. JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri explained that Maulana Fazl had communicated the concerns of religious seminaries to Prime Minister Sharif, particularly regarding objections raised by President Zardari. "The PM was informed that the government should avoid making this agreed bill controversial. We have a principled stance and will not allow any harm to the freedom and liberty of religious seminaries," Ghauri said. Sources within the JUI-F revealed that Prime Minister Sharif assured Maulana Fazl that the bill would be passed in a joint parliamentary session scheduled for December 13. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also reportedly promised during a December 4 meeting that he would speak with the president to ensure the bill's enactment in the coming days, reported Dawn. The legislation seeks to revert the registration of seminaries to the deputy commissioner's office, a practice followed prior to 2019. Under the PTI-led government, seminary registrations were transferred to education departments after consultations with seminary administrators. The amended act proposes reinstating the older system. Despite this assurance, Maulana Fazl hinted at potentially taking stronger measures to address the delays, warning that the JUI-F's patience was wearing thin. "There should be no confusion regarding the madressah bill," he said, reiterating the consensus that had been reached with the government. Commenting on the broader political and security issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Maulana Fazl expressed disappointment with the provincial government's performance. He criticised the deteriorating law and order situation, stating that the people were suffering due to the government's inability to ensure their security, Dawn reported. He also questioned the KP governor's recent attempt to convene a multi-party conference, arguing that the governor lacked the authority to bring all stakeholders together. "The governor is not in a position to gather all stakeholders on a single platform," he remarked, adding that governor's rule was not a viable long-term solution. As the JUI-F's rally in Peshawar draws closer, the party's internal deliberations on how to address the delays in the bill's passage continue. Maulana Fazl has made it clear that his party expects the government to honour its commitments, emphasising that any further delays could force the JUI-F to escalate its response. (ANI)
US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has expressed grave concern over the recent unrest in Bangladesh following the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. In an official statement, he urged the Bangladeshi government to uphold human rights, guarantee legal protections, and end the wave of violence targeting Hindus and other minority groups. "The ongoing violence against Hindus and others across Bangladesh is unacceptable and must end immediately. I strongly urge the government of Bangladesh to take decisive steps to reduce tensions peacefully now," he said. The Illinois Congressman highlighted the need for Bangladesh to safeguard peaceful protests and ensure the arrested individuals receive proper legal representation. "The government of Bangladesh must uphold and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights to peaceful protest and proper legal representation," he stated, adding that such measures are vital to de-escalate the current tensions. The unrest stems from the sedition charges filed against Chinmoy Krishna Das for allegedly raising a saffron flag above Bangladesh's national flag in Chittagong on October 25. His arrest on November 25 sparked protests, culminating in violent clashes between his followers and law enforcement outside the Chattogram Court Building on November 27, which resulted in the death of a lawyer. The situation has worsened following additional arrests. According to ISKCON Kolkata, two monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, were detained on November 29 after visiting Chinmoy Krishna Das in custody. The organisation's Vice President, Radha Raman, also claimed that rioters vandalised an ISKCON centre in Bangladesh during the unrest. Adding to the controversy, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council condemned what they described as a "false and harassing case" against 70 minority lawyers and two journalists accused of fabricated crimes, including vandalism and bomb explosions. The council has called for the immediate withdrawal of these charges, stating they were designed to hinder the sedition case against Chinmoy Krishna Das and suppress related news coverage. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has also voiced concern over escalating violence and extremist rhetoric in Bangladesh, emphasising that it has consistently raised the issue of targeted attacks on minorities with Dhaka. (ANI)
The Balochistan Post has identified the missing individuals as Khalil Siddique, Abdul Shakoor Saleh, Arshad Rafique, and Waseem, son of Mohammad Hashim, who were taken from the Paroom tehsil. According to local sources, the four individuals are labourers and drivers in the oil trade, the Balochistan Post reported.

In the nearby Kech district, oil traders have recently faced profiling under the guise of issuing trade tokens.

Baloch people argue that these measures are being used to harass individuals, particularly those with relatives or close associates allegedly linked to Baloch nationalist groups, reported the Balochistan Post.

Families of the missing individuals and local activists are demanding their immediate release, condemning these actions as "inhumane."

Enforced disappearances in Balochistan continue to be a grave human rights issue. Baloch political parties and rights organisations accuse Pakistani intelligence agencies of involvement. While the government typically denies or downplays these claims, testimonies from victims' families and evidence from human rights groups paint a troubling picture.

Paank, the human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement, has also condemned the incident of enforced disappearances.

In a post on X, Paank stated, "Paank strongly condemns the enforced disappearances of Waseem Hashim, Khaleel Siddique, Arshid Rafiq, and Abdul Shakoor Saleh on the night of December 6, 2024, in Paroom tehsil of Panjgur district, Balochistan. These individuals were forcibly taken from their homes by Pakistani forces, marking another distressing instance of human rights violations in the region."

https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1865026860674851115

Paank further emphasised that enforced disappearances represent a serious breach of international human rights law, the Balochistan Post reported.

Victims are often detained in secret, without access to their families, legal counsel, or any form of legal procedure.

These actions violate the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Pakistan is a signatory, as well as the United Nations General Assembly's Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. (ANI)
A Taiwan official confirmed the arrest of three Taiwanese nationals by authorities in Guangdong, a southern Chinese province, in connection with religious activities tied to the I-Kuan Tao spiritual movement on Wednesday. The movement is banned by the Chinese Communist Party, Radio Free Asia reported. Lo Wen-Jia, the head of Taiwan's semi-official Straits Exchange Foundation, told reporters in Taipei that the three I-Kuan Tao followers, all in their seventies, were arrested during a raid on a scripture-reading gathering at a private home in Zhongshan city, as reported by Radio Free Asia. Lo stated, "Around Oct. 10 this year, police suddenly entered a private residence in Zhongshan, China to arrest the people inside. The number of people who were present is unclear. Three of them are elderly I-Kuan Tao followers from Taiwan, in their 70s. They were reading I-Kuan Tao scriptures with local people." I-Kuan Tao, or the Consistent Way, is a Chinese religious movement that originated in the late 19th century and gained significant popularity during the Japanese occupation of World War II. In 1949, the Chinese Communist Party labelled it an "illegal secret society and heretical cult." Despite this, the movement has flourished in Taiwan since martial law was lifted, and the Kuomintang regime under Chiang Ching-kuo issued an official apology for past persecutions in 1987, reported Radio Free Asia. Lo added that the Foundation had contacted its Chinese counterpart, the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, as well as Chinese law enforcement, to seek assistance, but had received no response. Lo also mentioned that the Foundation is looking into alternative channels to gather more information about the detainees' situation and is offering legal support to their families, Radio Free Asia reported. Chiu Chui-cheng, head of the Mainland Affairs Council, emphasized that the detentions highlight the growing risks Taiwanese nationals face when traveling to China. He also noted that the government now advises "heightened caution." (ANI)
A Tibetan Buddhist monk, imprisoned for sending funds for prayer offerings to the Dalai Lama and the abbot of India's Kirti Monastery, has been released from prison. However, reports indicate he is in poor health, according to sources within Tibet. Rachung Gendun, detained in April 2021 for reportedly making donations to the Tibetan spiritual leader and the monastery's abbot, was freed on November 16 after serving three and a half years in prison, Radio Free Asia reported. Chinese authorities classify such communication with exiles as illegal, particularly concerning the Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959. For decades, Tibetans inside Tibet have faced persecution for sending money or religious offerings to the Dalai Lama and other spiritual leaders. Despite the risk of severe punishment, many Tibetans have continued to secretly send donations as an expression of their unwavering devotion to their spiritual leader. According to a source in Tibet, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation, Gendun is currently in poor health and receiving treatment at Hashi Hospital in Chengdu, Sichuan province, reported Radio Free Asia. "Gendun faced significant hardships during his imprisonment, including the loss of his 85-year-old mother, who passed away on June 10, 2024," the source revealed. The source added, "His mother was harassed multiple times by the Chinese government, and sadly, she passed away without being able to see her son one final time." In 2022, Gendun's uncle, Taphun, carried out a self-immolation protest outside the security office of Kirti Monastery in Ngaba County. Following this incident, Gendun's mother, Norpo, was placed under strict restrictions and intense surveillance by the Chinese government, which accused her of conspiring with her brother in the protest. Over the course of nearly a year, Norpo was subjected to severe limitations on her freedoms. She was denied medical care, hospital visits, and the ability to engage in religious practices such as circumambulation, a ritual believed by Tibetans to purify negative karma and accumulate merit. These harsh measures significantly deteriorated her health, sources said. Gendun's case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Tibetans under Chinese rule, particularly those with connections to the Dalai Lama or Tibetan religious institutions abroad. Before his arrest in 2021, Gendun had been a vocal critic of Beijing's "patriotic education" campaign, which sought to force Tibetans to denounce the Dalai Lama, whom the Chinese government brands as a "splittist," Radio Free Asia reported. According to another source, Gendun had opposed Beijing's campaign following the unrest that spread across Tibetan regions from Lhasa in March 2008. During this period, he was interrogated, detained for several months, and subjected to a raid on his home, where Chinese authorities confiscated photos of the Dalai Lama. (ANI)
Protests by students against enforced disappearances and the closure of Bolan Medical College (BMC) and its hostel continued in Uthal and Quetta on Friday. Students at Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water, and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS) in Uthal have been protesting for six consecutive days, demanding the recovery of their missing fellow student, Bayandur Baloch, The Balochistan Post reported. Bayandur, a student in the university's Agriculture Department, was reportedly detained along with three friends from Uthal Bazaar a few days ago. While his friends were released, Bayandur remains in detention. A sit-in has been organised outside the university, with Bayandur's father joining the protest. He expressed deep concern for his son's safety and called for his immediate release. Protesters have boycotted classes and exams, accusing the university administration of pressuring them to sit for midterm exams despite their ongoing demonstration, reported The Balochistan Post reported. Meanwhile, in Quetta, students at Bolan Medical College have been protesting for nine days, demanding the reopening of the college and its hostels, as well as the release of detained students. Protesters allege that police and university administrators have colluded with security forces to unlawfully "seize" the hostels. A student at the protest declared, "This demonstration is a fight for our rights. We will not back down under any circumstances." Students warned they would escalate their protests across Balochistan if their demands are not met. "We will continue this sit-in until the hostels and college are reopened, and the detained students are released," they stated. Enforced disappearances remain a grave issue in Balochistan, with reports indicating over 55,000 missing persons and thousands found dead. Human rights organisations, including the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and Amnesty International, have frequently criticised Pakistani military forces and intelligence agencies for their alleged involvement in these abductions. (ANI)
New York [US], December 7 (ANI/WAM): The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has estimated that since the escalation of hostilities in Syria, at least 370,000 men, women and children, boys and girls have been displaced, including 100,000 who left their homes more than once. In his daily press briefing, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, stated that most of the displaced are women and children. "Tens of thousands of people have now arrived in north-east Syria." The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and NGOs operating in the north-east estimate that between 60,000 and 80,000 human beings have been newly displaced, including more than 25,000 currently hosted in shelters. These shelters are filling up as soon as they are assigned. With these sites now at capacity, people are sleeping on the streets or in their cars in sub-zero temperatures as winter is setting on. The UN is working with our humanitarian partners in the north-east to assess the needs of families who have arrived at reception centres. (ANI/WAM)
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a coalition of civil society activists campaigning for rights in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), declared on Friday that it would organize long marches towards the territory's entry points on Saturday, following the failure of talks with the government, as per Dawn. A ministerial team began preliminary talks with the core committee of the JKJAAC in Muzaffarabad late Thursday, after a widespread wheel-jam and shutter-down strike across the region. However, no substantial progress was achieved, prompting the civil society coalition to urge the public to maintain the strike until Friday noon, Dawn reported. On Friday, a partial and peaceful strike took place across the region. Private transport was limited, public transport on major routes was still suspended, and many shops in urban areas remained closed. After Friday prayers, JKJAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir addressed hundreds of people at Lal Chowk in Muzaffarabad's Upper Adda, revealing plans for long marches towards the region's entry points. He announced that the march from Muzaffarabad division would head towards Brarkot, the entry point connecting with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Mansehra district. In the Poonch division, the marches would move towards Kohala (on the Bagh-Abbottabad border), Tain Dhalkot, and Azad Pattan, linking Poonch and Sudhnoti districts with Rawalpindi. There was no immediate information available regarding the Mirpur division, Dawn reported. Mir permitted traders to reopen their shops until 11 am on Saturday, giving residents a chance to make essential purchases before the lockdown took effect. He criticized the government for its "stubbornness" in refusing to release detained activists and revoke what he called a "black law," claiming these actions were part of a strategy to incite unrest in the region. "The government mistakenly thinks the people have grown tired and will no longer support JKJAAC," he said. This platform has empowered the public by raising awareness of their rights and helping them distinguish between right and wrong," he stated. PoJK Information Minister Pir Mazhar Saeed responded to the JKJAAC's accusations, describing their demands as rigid. "The government suggested a procedural release of detainees and proposed addressing concerns about the controversial presidential ordinance through a broad-based consultative committee," he told Dawn earlier in the day. "Agreeing to hold talks is one thing, but refusing to budge from your demands is another. They must abandon their inflexibility," Saeed added. Later in the evening, the information minister, joined by two cabinet colleagues, held a press conference where he reiterated the government's invitation to the JKJAAC for meaningful negotiations. "The talks have not failed; the first session simply ended without a conclusion," he stated. Acknowledging the democratic right to protest, he urged the JKJAAC to act responsibly. "You may stage sit-ins, but please avoid blocking roads, as it would impact patients, students, travelers, and citizens from all walks of life," he added. Saeed emphasized that the presidential ordinance had no validity after being suspended by the Supreme Court and questioned why there was still controversy over something that no longer existed, Dawn reported. In Bagh, Hafiz Tariq Mahmood, a leader of local traders, declared that they would not take part in Saturday's lockdown. "Shops will remain open, and public transport will continue as usual," he was seen telling a gathering in a video clip. Meanwhile, Bagh Mayor Abdul Qayyum Baig and Deputy Mayor Afraz Gardezi held a press conference, where they condemned the chanting of anti-Pakistan slogans during protests, calling such actions "unfortunate and unacceptable." "It is ironic that the youth are being manipulated in this way. If sensible individuals don't take action, we could face a disaster we cannot afford," warned Baig, a retired major. Questioning the protesters' motives, he said, "If they are truly passionate, they should cross the Line of Control (LoC) and confront the Hindus who are slaughtering our people. Those inciting unrest here to serve Hindu interests will face resistance from responsible citizens." The mayor praised traders for their decision to keep their shops open and called on the government to deploy administrative resources across districts to protect those who wish to continue business. Deputy Mayor Gardezi supported addressing the public's genuine concerns but cautioned against encouraging chaos and anarchy. Information Minister Saeed also praised Bagh traders for their "wise decision. (ANI)
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a coalition advocating for civil rights in Pakistan Occuipied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), announced Friday plans to stage long marches towards entry points across the region on Saturday. The move follows a breakdown in talks between the coalition and the government. Despite initial discussions on Thursday, no significant progress was made, prompting the group to call for a continuation of their strike until noon on Friday, Dawn reported. A partial strike was observed on Friday. While private transport was scarce, public transport was suspended on major routes, and many shops remained closed. After Friday prayers, JKJAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir addressed a crowd at Lal Chowk in Muzaffarabad, declaring that marches would proceed from Muzaffarabad to Brarkot and from Poonch division to Kohala, Tain Dhalkot, and Azad Pattan. Information about the Mirpur division's participation was not immediately available. Mir gave traders until 11 am on Saturday to reopen their shops for residents to purchase necessary items before the lockdown began, reported Dawn. Mir accused the government of "stubbornness," particularly its refusal to release detained activists and repeal a controversial "black law," claiming that such actions were fuelling unrest. "The government mistakenly believes the people have grown weary and will no longer support JKJAAC. This platform has empowered the public by raising awareness about their rights and enabling them to distinguish between right and wrong," Mir said. PoK Information Minister Pir Mazhar Saeed responded by calling the demands "inflexible." He explained that the government had offered a procedural release for detainees and proposed forming a consultative committee to discuss concerns over the presidential ordinance. "Agreeing to hold talks is one thing, but refusing to budge from your demands is another. They must abandon their inflexibility," Saeed said. The minister urged the JKJAAC to avoid blocking routes, stressing that such actions would harm citizens, including patients, students, and travellers. "You may stage sit-ins, but avoid blocking routes, as it would affect patients, students, travellers and citizens from all walks of life," he said. Saeed also pointed out that the presidential ordinance had been suspended by the Supreme Court, questioning why it continued to generate controversy, Dawn reported. In Bagh, traders leader Hafiz Tariq Mahmood announced that businesses would not participate in Saturday's lockdown, asserting that "shops will remain open, and public transport will operate as usual." Bagh Mayor Abdul Qayyum Baig and Deputy Mayor Afraz Gardezi also held a press conference, accusing the unrest of being fuelled by an Indian agenda. They criticized anti-Pakistan slogans raised during protests, calling them "unfortunate and unacceptable." Baig, a retired major, warned that failure to address the unrest could lead to greater chaos. "It is ironic that the youth are being manipulated in this manner. If every sensible person does not step up, we could face a disaster we cannot afford," he said. He also challenged protesters' motives, suggesting they should confront the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir instead. "Those creating unrest here to fulfil the nefarious designs of Hindus will face resistance from conscientious citizens," he said. The mayor praised traders for keeping shops open and urged the government to ensure safety for those wishing to resume normal business. Saeed also expressed his approval of the traders' decision. The situation remains tense, with the planned marches set to intensify the pressure on the government. (ANI)
Human rights activists on Friday urged male lawmakers to actively back and implement legislative proposals put forward by their female counterparts to protect the rights of women and marginalised groups. These remarks were made during a film screening organised by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), followed by a panel discussion as part of its 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign Dawn reported. HRCP reported that gender-based violence (GBV) remains widespread in Pakistan, taking various forms, including domestic violence, honor killings, sexual assault, and forced marriages Dawn reported. According to the report the purpose of this activity was to shed light on the effects of gender-based violence and the current treatment of women in Pakistan. The event offered a platform for meaningful discussions and the sharing of personal experiences, with the goal of inspiring local activism. During the gathering, activists highlighted the need to turn proposals from female parliamentarians into concrete laws to tackle persistent inequality and discrimination. They emphasised that cooperation between genders within legislative bodies is essential for building an inclusive society. Human rights activists commended female parliamentarians for their efforts to safeguard the rights of women and marginalised groups, but expressed concern about the resistance they frequently face from male lawmakers. The activists pointed out that many male parliamentarians often obstruct or minimize the proposals put forward by their female colleagues, prioritizing control over cooperation. The activists argued that this resistance weakened efforts to tackle systemic inequality and discrimination. They stressed the importance of not just recognizing the recommendations made by women in parliament but also turning them into a strong legal framework. A 30-minute documentary was also screened, focusing on the Zahir Jafar and Noor Mukadam case. Concerns were raised that, despite the passage of two to three years and a death sentence being issued to Zahir Jafar, justice had still not been served. Speakers contended that, despite the case being clear-cut, the convict Zahir Jafar had an advantage due to his affluent background. Tahir Khan, SP of Islamabad Police, called for more resources and measures to support law enforcement in assisting women. He defended the police's actions, stating that they had done everything within their power to ensure that justice was served in the Noor Mukadam case. He expressed concern that there was only one police station for women, with inadequate staff and lacking international standards. He also called for the establishment of more crisis centers in the federal capital to support women in need, as the only existing center in Islamabad was overwhelmed and operating at full capacity. (ANI)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday said he hoped Ukraine's allies took "seriously" Moscow's recent use of a hypersonic missile in the conflict there, and warned that Russia was ready to use "any means" to defend itself.

The United States and its allies "must understand that we would be ready to use any means not to allow them to succeed in what they call strategic defeat of Russia," Lavrov said in an interview with US media personality Tucker Carlson.

Two weeks ago, Russia fired its new Oreshnik hypersonic missile on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro in an escalation of the almost three-year war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has since threatened to use the weapon on Kyiv in response to Ukraine's strikes on Russia's territory, which took place after the United States authorized use of its ATACMS weapon system in such attacks.

"We are sending signals and we hope that the last one, a couple of weeks ago, the signal with the new weapons system called Oreshnik... was taken seriously," Lavrov said.

While he insisted that Russia does not want to escalate the situation and wants to "avoid any misunderstanding" with Washington and its partners, Lavrov warned that "we will send additional messages if they don't draw necessary conclusions."

Putin said the Oreshnik missile flies at 10 times the speed of sound and cannot be intercepted by air defenses.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the strike "the latest bout of Russian madness" and appealed for updated air-defense systems to meet the new threat.

In the wide-ranging interview, Lavrov accused the United States of attempting to bully Russia and others on the international stage.

On Ukraine, he said Moscow was "ready for any eventuality but we strongly prefer peaceful solution through negotiations on the basis of respecting legitimate security interests of Russia."

Describing what such a peace deal could look like, the top Russian diplomat said, among other demands, Kyiv would have to accept Russia's claim of control over the regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Lugansk and Zaporizhzhia.

"They are now part of the Russian Federation according to the constitution and this is a reality," he said.

He accused US President Joe Biden's administration of escalating the conflict in Ukraine "to leave a legacy to the Trump administration as bad as they can."

Lavrov described US President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office in January and has vowed to swiftly end the war without explaining how he would do so, as a "strong person."

"I think he's a very strong person, a person who wants results, who doesn't like procrastination on anything," he said.

He described Israel's punishing military offensive in Gaza as inflicting "collective punishment, which is against international humanitarian law," on Palestinians.

Lavrov said Moscow was "very much concerned" with a recent escalation of violence in Syria, where armed rebel groups have seized swathes of territory from the government of Bashar al-Assad, a Russian regional ally.

He said he planned to hold talks on Friday with Turkish and Iranian officials on the situation in Syria.

Carlson, a former Fox News host, is a right-wing journalist who is a key ally of Trump, and earlier this year was the first US journalist to interview Putin since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The media provocateur has spent years depicting the United States as a nation in decline, under assault by Democrats, so-called "woke" protesters and communism. He has increasingly promoted right-wing conspiracy theories since leaving Fox.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal will hold an interactive meeting with the Norwegian industry delegation led by May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India during the India - Norway Business Roundtable to be held on Sunday in Mumbai. The meeting will also be joined by leading Indian members and others important for the India - Norway corridor. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry official statement, "a significant focus of the discussion will be on the recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the EFTA countries, which holds immense potential for both nations. India is particularly keen on attracting USD 100 billion in investments from the EFTA countries, as outlined in the agreement." The two sides will hold wide-ranging discussions on all aspects of the bilateral trade partnership including opportunities, challenges and measures to further strengthen cross border infrastructure, enhance connectivity and facilitating trade between the two countries. Further, both the sides will be assessing the opportunities in investment partnerships in logistics, supply chain, connectivity, maritime, energy, circular economy, food and agri, infrastructure, technology and more. Minister Goyal is expected to hold discussions on, Key opportunities and trends for further Norwegian investments in India, Potential areas of collaboration between India and Norway and Current business climate in India and key government reforms and policies conducive for the partnership. A high level visit to Norway is expected in the next year during the India - Nordic Summit, as per the ministry statement. The next discussion of the forum is expected to take place during the Summit. The forum and the discussions will foster on further strengthening the existing close ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met Qatari Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani and Minister of State, Ahmed Al Sayed on the sidelines of the Doha Forum. The leaders were seen shaking hands and holding talks. "Pleased to meet Qatari Minister of Commerce & Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani and MoS Ahmed Al Sayed on the sidelines of the Doha Forum today," Jaishankar stated in a post on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1865389171285565949 Earlier in the day, Jaishankar participated in the Doha Forum on the topic "Conflict Resolution in a New Era" In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Pleased to participate in Doha Forum panel today on the topic "Conflict Resolution in a New Era" in Doha today along with PM & FM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani of Qatar and FM Espen Barth Eide of Norway. As the conflicts around us increase, the need of the hour is more diplomacy, not less." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1865387847106093315 Speaking at the Doha Forum, Jaishankar reacted to President-elect Donald Trump's threat to impose 100 per cent tariffs on BRICS nations, stating that India has "no interest" in weakening the US dollar. Jaishankar reflected on the positive relationship India had with the first Trump administration, highlighting the restart of the QUAD under Trump's presidency. "We had a good relationship, a very solid relationship with the first Trump administration, yes there were some issues mostly trade related issues, but there were a whole lot of issues on which Trump was very international, and I remind people that it was actually under Trump that the QUAD was restarted," he said. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1865307233736888706 He also noted the personal connection between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President-elect Trump, which has contributed to the strong bilateral ties between the two countries. Jaishankar also met Norway FM Espen Eide in Doha earlier. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1865273404028231710 "Good to see Norway FM Espen Barth Eide in Doha this morning. We will be at the Doha Forum during the day." EAM Jaishankar is on a official visit to Qatar and Bahrain from December 6-9. In Bahrain, he will co-chair the 4th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission (HJC) with Foreign Minister of Bahrain; Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. EAM will also participate in the 20th edition of IISS Manama Dialogue in Bahrain on December 8. (ANI)
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday narrowly escaped impeachment over the outrage following his brief declaration of martial law. The National Assembly voted on the opposition-led motion, but most lawmakers from Yoon's ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote, despite massive protests outside the parliament, YONHAP news agency reported. Yoon had earlier apologised publicly for his martial law declaration, stating that "he will leave to the ruling party decisions about his term and stabilisation of state affairs." The PPP lawmakers largely stood by their party's stance to avoid a repeat of the 2016 impeachment crisis of President Park Geun-hye, which led to a conservative party divide and a liberal victory in the 2017 presidential election, as per YONHAP news agency. Following Yoon's martial law decision raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining half of his single, five-year term. Now he legal risks and renewed attempts to force him out of office as the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) said "it will table the impeachment motion again next week." According to YONHAP news agency, hundreds of thousands of people gathered outside the National Assembly on Saturday, calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol's removal from office. This comes after Yoon's attempt to impose martial law, which has sparked widespread outrage. Prosecutors, the police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials have all launched probes into Yoon and senior officials involved in the martial law decree, seeking to press charges of insurrection and abuse of power, among others. DP leader Lee Jae-myung has accused Yoon of being "the mastermind behind rebellion," calling for authorities to take necessary procedures for a swift investigation into him. Under the law, crimes of rebellion are exceptions to the presidential immunity to prosecution, as reported by the YONHAP news agency. Notably, South Korea is facing a challenging time, with some lawmakers proposing a constitutional amendment to shorten President Yoon Suk Yeol's term and transfer more power to the prime minister, the government's No. 2 post, who holds a largely ceremonial role. The political turmoil comes at a challenging time for South Korea, as it is working to strengthen alliances with the United States and other partners to counter growing threats from North Korea amid its deepening military ties with Russia. Yoon had planned to meet Trump shortly after his inauguration on Janurary 20, but that prospect now seems uncertain, the YONHAP report added. (ANI)
As Rebel forces claimed taking control of the Daraa city in southwestern Syria, inching closer to the capital Damascus and escalating threat to the over two decade-long leadership of President Bashar al-Assad, US President-elect Donald Trump asserted that this is not America's fight and the US should have "nothing to do with it." The rebels are battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces from two directions; the north and the south, in an attempt to close in on Damascus. Daraa is where the Syrian uprising started in 2011, CNN reported. "Opposition fighters in Syria, in an unprecedented move, have totally taken over numerous cities, in a highly coordinated offensive, and are now on the outskirts of Damascus, obviously preparing to make a very big move toward taking out President Bashar al-Assad. Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Criticising the previous policies of former President Barack Obama, Trump further said that there is the possibility of Assad himself being forced out, which can actually be the "best thing" to happen to Syria. "This is where former President Obama refused to honor his commitment of protecting the RED LINE IN THE SAND, and all hell broke out, with Russia stepping in. But now they are, like possibly Assad himself, being forced out, and it may actually be the best thing that can happen to them," Trump stated. "There was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia, other than to make Obama look really stupid. In any event, Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!," he added. Syrian government forces have withdrawn from several Damascus suburbs where anti-government protests erupted on Saturday, according to two war monitoring groups, as a rebel offensive farther to the north moved rapidly in the direction of the capital, the New York Times reported. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said government forces have pulled out of a number of Damascus suburbs including Moadamia al-Sham and Daraya. That could not immediately be confirmed. On Thursday, the rebels captured the city of Hama, after that they set their sights on the crossroads city of Homs which, if captured, would split the territories under the control of President Bashar al-Assad in two. Following this deteriorating situation in Syria, Ministry of External Affairs on Friday issued a travel advisory for Syria, strongly advising Indian nationals to avoid all travel to the country until further notice. This warning comes in light of the situation prevailing in Syria, which poses significant risks to travellers. "In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release. "Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number (also on WhatsApp) and email ID hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for updates. Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights and others are requested to observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum," the MEA release added. The conflict began in 2011, after Assad moved to stamp out peaceful pro-democracy protests during the Arab Spring. Over 3,00,000 civilians have been killed in more than a decade of war, according to the United Nations, with millions more displaced across the region. (ANI)
In line with Act East policy, India on Saturday sent a consignment of 2200 metrci tonnes rice to Myanmar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Jaiswal added that India was committed to provide humanitarian assistance to Myanmar. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1865422079379550405 "In line with India's 'Act East' & 'Neighbourhood First' policies, India reaffirms its commitment to humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar. A consignment of 2200 MT of rice departed Chennai Port today for Myanmar," the MEA spokesperson said in a post on X. Myanmar has become the world's deadliest country for landmine casualties, with a staggering 1,052 civilian casualties recorded in 2023 alone, surpassing all other nations. The situation is particularly dire for children, who account for over 20 per cent of the casualties. In a post on X on Monday, the United Nations News Service wrote, "Myanmar is now the deadliest country for landmine casualties, with over 1,000 victims in 2023. Independent experts warn this grim milestone highlights a deeper crisis, as the military escalates attacks on civilians, including those with disabilities." https://x.com/UN_News_Centre/status/1860881093383086326 Notably, Myanmar has become the world's deadliest country for landmine and unexploded ordnance casualties, with over 1,000 victims in 2023 alone, surpassing all other nations, according to separate studies by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, the United Nations said in a report on Friday. "The junta is doubling the impact of its extensive use of landmines to crush nationwide resistance," said Tom Andrews, Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, and Heba Hagrass Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities. Andrews and Hagrass highlighted the egregious violations, including forcing civilians to walk through minefields ahead of military units and systematically denying victims access to life-saving aid such as medical care and prosthetics. These actions, they emphasised, are "absolutely contrary" to international laws, including Article 11 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and UN Security Council resolution 2475 on protecting persons with disabilities in war. (ANI)
The two spoke about developments in the Mediterranean as well as India-Cyprus bilateral partnership.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Glad to meet FM Constantinos Kombos of Cyprus today. Spoke about developments in the Mediterranean as well as our bilateral partnership."

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1865415989422121070

Kombos said he was 'pleased' to meet Jaishankar.

In a post on X, he said, "Pleased to meet with India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. Exchange of views on regional and international issues, and the further enhancement of Cyprus- India bilateral relations."

https://x.com/ckombos/status/1865387213376123022

Earlier, Jaishankar on Saturday met Qatari Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani and Minister of State, Ahmed Al Sayed on the sidelines of the Doha Forum.

The leaders were seen shaking hands and holding talks.

"Pleased to meet Qatari Minister of Commerce & Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani and MoS Ahmed Al Sayed on the sidelines of the Doha Forum today," Jaishankar stated in a post on X.

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1865389171285565949

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar participated in the Doha Forum on the topic "Conflict Resolution in a New Era".

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Pleased to participate in Doha Forum panel today on the topic "Conflict Resolution in a New Era" in Doha today along with PM & FM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani of Qatar and FM Espen Barth Eide of Norway. As the conflicts around us increase, the need of the hour is more diplomacy, not less."

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1865387847106093315

Speaking at the Doha Forum, Jaishankar gave a stern reply to the 'criticism' on India's purchase of Russian oil, while strongly asserting that the world is realising the need to enter the negotiation table to resolve the near three-year long Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Being asked about getting 'cheap oil' from Russia, Jaishankar in a stern reply said, "I get oil, yes. It is not necessarily cheap. Do you have a better deal?" (ANI)
Taipei prosecutors on Friday indicted four former military personnel on charges of selling state secrets to China. The four individuals, surnamed Lai, Lee, Lin, and Chen, have been detained, Taipei Times reported. According to the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office, the three suspects who were responsible for security at the Presidential Office Building served in the 211th Military Police Battalion, surnamed Lai, Lee and Lin, while Chen served in the Ministry of National Defense's Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command. "Lai served from August 2015 to November last year, Chen from December 2017 to July last year, Lee from 2018 to February, and Lin from 2021 to August. From the end of 2021 to the beginning of 2022, Lai and Chen were allegedly brought into the scheme by a man surnamed Huang, who is currently wanted, on behalf of China's intelligence agents," prosecutors said. "Starting in April 2022, Chen used his cellphone to take photographs of classified documents before passing them on to Lai and Chen, or Chinese agents," prosecutors added. Further the Prosecutors highlighted that between March or April last year and August this year, Chen, using a fake identity, recruited fellow soldiers to spy for China in exchange for rewards, as per Taipei Times. "From March or April last year to August this year, Chen, operating under an alias, started to seek out fellow soldiers who would be willing spy on behalf of China for rewards, prosecutors said. He forwarded the information of one active-duty soldier to Lai, although the soldier did not agree to join the scheme," prosecutors said. "Lai and Chen were compensated by the level of sensitivity of information provided to the agents, and how many fellow soldiers they contacted as part of the scheme.In October 2022, Lai was transferred to a new unit, and he referred Lee to his old unit, who continued the scheme by using his cellphone to take photographs of official documents and pass them on to agents, prosecutors added After Lee was discharged from the military, he introduced Lin to the unit, who continued the espionage activities from January of this year onward, they said. According to Taipei Times, in total, prosecutors estimated that Lai received NT$460,000 (US$14,194), Chen NT$450,000, Lee NT$664,100 and Lin NT$265,900 as rewards. The office concluded its investigation and charged the four with accepting bribes in contravention of the Anti-Corruption Act and the National Security Act in exchange for collecting state secrets on behalf of China. (ANI)
A delegation of Taipei Economic and Cultural Center met Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj and participated in a Heritage Walk at the Chandni Chowk to delve into the beautiful tourism in the national capital. A delegation of 30 Taiwanese people joined the walk and experienced Old Delhi culture. Taipei Economic and Cultural Center elaborated on the heritage walk, which indluded visit to religious places, rickshaw rides and iconic snacks. "Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) are honored to join the Delhi Government's special invitation to explore the historic charm of Chandni Chowk. From temples to mosques, rickshaw rides, and iconic snacks, we look forward to experiencing Old Delhi's vibrant culture! We Thank Delhi Government and Delhi Tourism for their heartfelt gesture." https://x.com/TWIndia2/status/1865364473042886798 Saurabh Bhardwaj said that the Delhi government conducts heritage walk and today's walk included visits to Gauri Shankar mandir, Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Gurudwara Shishganj and Jama Masjid. "Today, about 30 people from Taiwan's mission and business community, alongwith Taiwanese Ambassador to India Baushuan Ger came to see old Delhi. Delhi government's tourism department conducts heritage walk, which involves visits to important historical places. Today's walk involved visit to Gauri Shankar mandir, Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Gurudwara Shishganj and finally, Jama Masjid," Bharadwaj told ANI. "And for the old Delhi's taste, they have come here today in this cafe. And we thank the government of Taiwan and the ambassador of Taiwan that they have participated in our Heritage Walk. And we would like more foreign tourists to come here," he added. The Delhi Minister added that as Delhi joins the major tourism spots in North India, the government is trying to create Delhi a stop where people can stay and admire the culture here. "In Delhi, many people come from abroad to go to different parts of North India. Whether someone has to go to Rajasthan, Amritsar Golden Temple or Mathura Vrindavan, they come to Delhi. So the government of Delhi is trying that whenever a foreign visitor comes to Delhi, threy stay in Delhi for a couple of days. And the old culture of Delhi, our heritage, our old buildings, the cosmopolitan culture of Delhi, it should also be enjoyed," he said. Taiwanese envoy Baushuan Ger expressed his admiration for Delhi's culture and wished to increase Taiwanese investment in India. "I want to say thank you to the tourism department of the government in Delhi, especially the ministers for making this special arrangement for my mission to be in this event. We have 20 people from my mission, also another 10 from the Taiwanese business community. So today, this morning, we had a very wonderful journey on the Chandni Chowk. We've been in India for many years, but this is the first time we have this opportunity to appreciate this place. Every few meters you have different culture, different event," the envoy said. "So this is a very unique opportunity for us. We hope that many Taiwanese people can have this opportunity to come to India. Actually, now it's our aim to promote the people-to-people exchanges, especially we want to have more Taiwanese people to come to India for investment, for trade, for culture, for education, and especially for tourism," he added.. Ger said he looked forward to many such events in the future. (ANI)
Syrian government forces withdrew from a number of Damascus suburbs where opposition protests broke out on Saturday, according to war monitoring organisations, the New York Times reported. Government forces have withdrawn from several suburbs of Damascus, including Moadamia al-Sham and Daraya, as well as the neighbouring Mezzeh military airport, according to the British-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the New York Times reported. Meanwhile, following a meeting with his Turkish and Iranian counterparts in Qatar on Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia, Turkey, and Iran called for a "dialogue between the government and the legal opposition." However, he said that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Islamist organisation leading the rebel attack, should not be included in those discussions. Lavrov stated, "It is unacceptable to allow a terrorist group to take control of territories," TASS reported. On the other hand, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in a message on Telegram to his fighters said, "We are now on the doorstep of Homs and Damascus, and the toppling of the criminal regime is near." According to Al Jazeera, in a message to opposition fighters, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani said, "You are on the edges of Homs and Damascus, and the fall of the regime is within sight. I renew my call to you, my brothers, to be merciful and gentle when dealing with our people in the cities and villages that you enter." Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy to Syria, called for calm in the country following rapid advances by the opposition fighters. "I reiterate my call for de-escalation, for calm, for the avoidance of bloodshed and the protection of civilians in line with international humanitarian law," Pedersen said at the Doha Forum for political dialogue, urging "the start of a process that leads to the realisation of the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people," Al Jazeera reported. As rebel forces claimed taking control of the Daraa city in southwestern Syria, inching closer to the capital Damascus and escalating threat to the over two decade-long leadership of President Bashar al-Assad, US President-elect Donald Trump asserted that this is not America's fight and the US should have "nothing to do with it." The rebels are battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces from two directions; the north and the south, in an attempt to close in on Damascus. Daraa is where the Syrian uprising started in 2011, CNN reported. "Opposition fighters in Syria, in an unprecedented move, have totally taken over numerous cities, in a highly coordinated offensive, and are now on the outskirts of Damascus, obviously preparing to make a very big move toward taking out President Bashar al-Assad. Russia, because they are so tied up in Ukraine, and with the loss thereof over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Criticising the previous policies of former President Barack Obama, Trump further said that there is the possibility of Assad himself being forced out, which can actually be the "best thing" to happen to Syria. "This is where former President Obama refused to honor his commitment of protecting the RED LINE IN THE SAND, and all hell broke out, with Russia stepping in. But now they are, like possibly Assad himself, being forced out, and it may actually be the best thing that can happen to them," Trump stated. "There was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia, other than to make Obama look really stupid. In any event, Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!," he added. Notably, the conflict in Syria began in 2011, after President Bashar al-Assad moved to stamp out peaceful pro-democracy protests during the Arab Spring. Over 3,00,000 civilians have been killed in more than a decade of war, according to the United Nations, with millions more displaced across the region. (ANI)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday met US President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris ahead of the Notre Dame reopening ceremony, which is scheduled to take place today. Norte-Dame cathedral in Paris is set to reopen on Sunday, following a meticulous restoration work carried out over the last five years after the Gothic masterpiece was engulfed in a catastrophic fire incident. Just after the fire incident on April 15, 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron had pledged to restore the cathedral -- one of the most significant places in French history -- within five years. Sharing a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "I had a good and productive trilateral meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and President @EmmanuelMacron at the Elysee Palace." "President Trump is, as always, resolute. I thank him. I also extend my gratitude to Emmanuel for organizing this important meeting. We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace. We agreed to continue working together and keep in contact. Peace through strength is possible," the post further reads. French President Macron also called for continuing the joint efforts by the United States, Ukraine, and France for "peace and security." In a post on X, he wrote, "United States, Ukraine, and France. Together on this historic day. Gathered for Notre Dame. Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security." https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1865455792683434384 Earlier, Macron also welcomed Trump and wrote on X, "Welcome @realDonaldTrump. Proud of the friendship between the United States and France. There are so many challenges for us to face together." Meanwhile, Zelenskyy in Paris also met other leaders. He met Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili and expressed Ukraine's support and solidarity for the Georgian people. Sharing a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "I met with the President of Georgia, @Zourabichvili_S, in Paris. I expressed Ukraine's full support and solidarity with the Georgian people, who are fighting for their dignified future, and emphasized that respecting the will of the Georgian people and preventing Ivanishvili's government from surrendering the country to Putin is essential for the stability and future of the region." "For Russia, this is not just about Georgia--it is about control of the Black Sea region, a strategic Russian goal that poses a threat to the national security of everyone in the region and across Europe. I assured President Zourabichvili that Ukraine will coordinate with partners, not just in Europe but globally, to deliver a systemic response and support the Georgian people in defending their right to live freely and independently," the post added. Zelenskyy also met Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer and expressed his gratitude to the nation for supporting Ukraine and discussed extending the assistance energy system during the winter. In a post on X, Zelenskyy said, "I met with Austria's Federal Chancellor @karlnehammer in Paris. I expressed my gratitude for Austria's support of Ukraine, and we discussed extending this support for the coming year, focusing on assistance for our energy system during the winter and defending Ukrainians from Russian terror." The post added, "I invited Austria to join the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine and to sign a bilateral agreement on long-term support in the future. Together, we must force Russia to establish a lasting and just peace." (ANI)
Spring Festival -- from traditional Chinese festival to world intangible heritage

09:33, December 07, 2024 By Xinhua writers Tan Huiting, Zhu Yubo, Zhou Yongsui ( Xinhua

* Rooted in the Chinese culture with celebrations of various forms, the Spring Festival marks the first day of the lunar calendar and symbolizes renewal and family unity.

* More than just a cultural tradition, the Spring Festival serves as a global celebration of unity and joy. Through vibrant parades, culinary fairs, and workshops on Chinese crafts, it invites people from all walks of life to experience its inclusive and festive spirit.

* The inclusion of the Spring Festival on UNESCO's Representative List highlights the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage. China's efforts to document, promote, and share its traditions have been widely recognized as a model for global cultural preservation.

Residents shop for Spring Festival decorations at a market in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 10, 2023. (Photo by Hao Yaxin/Xinhua)

MEXICO CITY, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Amid enthusiastic applause and the symbolic strike of a gavel, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday officially announced the recognition of the Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The announcement was made at the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay, underscoring the global importance of this unique traditional festival.

China now boasts 44 cultural elements or practices, the most of the kind worldwide, on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list with this fresh addition, which reinforces the festival's legacy as a symbol of joy, unity, and shared human values.

TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL GOES GLOBAL

Rooted in the Chinese culture with celebrations of various forms, the Spring Festival marks the first day of the lunar calendar and symbolizes renewal and family unity. It is a time to bid farewell to winter and welcome spring through cherished traditions such as spring cleaning, red decorations symbolizing prosperity, and festive family feasts.

The festival's iconic dragon and lion dances, accompanied by rhythmic drumbeats, are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings. These vibrant performances have become synonymous with the celebration, captivating audiences around the world. From bustling Chinatowns in New York and London to community events across Africa and South America, the festival's influence transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.

At the UNESCO session, vivid displays brought the festival's rich traditions to life. Delegates from various countries congratulated the Chinese delegation, with many extending greetings in Mandarin: "Chun Jie Kuai Le (Happy Spring Festival)."

A video on the 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 festival's international appeal was evident in celebrations around the globe. In Brazil, this year's festivities coincided with the 50th anniversary of the China-Brazil diplomatic ties.

"For us, the Spring Festival is very important. It's on our calendar and reinforces the brotherhood between peoples," said Andre Alliana, secretary of tourism for Foz do Iguacu, Brazil.

Pamela Cristales, executive director of the Confucius Institute at the Autonomous University of Yucatan (UADY) in Mexico, highlighted the festival's appeal. She noted that at the UADY alone, the festival draws thousands of people keen to learn about traditions like the Chinese zodiac and purification rituals.

"This is a festival that extends beyond a single day; it involves weeks of preparation and reflects values such as filial piety and community spirit," said Cristales.

UNIVERSAL CELEBRATION OF UNITY AND JOY

More than just a cultural tradition, the Spring Festival serves as a global celebration of unity and joy. Through vibrant parades, culinary fairs, and workshops on Chinese crafts, it invites people from all walks of life to experience its inclusive and festive spirit.

Among the festival's cherished traditions is the giving of red envelopes, or "hongbao," symbolizing wishes for good fortune and blessings in the new year. The color red dominates the festival's decor, representing happiness, family reunions, and collective celebration.

"Red represents wishes for happiness and good fortune, symbolizing family reunions and the joy of togetherness," said Ribeiro Silva, a young musician from Sao Paulo. "During the Spring Festival, these values hold special importance."

People show dragon head-shaped headwear they made during celebrations for the Spring Festival in Recife, Brazil, Feb. 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

The festivities often culminate in grand cultural showcases. This February, the New York Philharmonic illuminated Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall with a spectacular concert celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Marking its 12th consecutive Lunar New Year concert, the event has become a highlight on the orchestra's calendar.

Gary Ginstling, president and CEO of the philharmonic, described the event as "one of the high points on our schedule, welcoming audiences from around the world."

In Chicago, thousands gathered in Chinatown for a lively parade featuring dazzling dragon dances. Dale Adele, a pilot, shared his pride in his 14-year-old son, who spent six months preparing to perform in the parade.

"He's learning Chinese in school and wants to go to a good engineering school in China," said Adele, pointing to the festival's role in inspiring cross-cultural aspirations.

HERITAGE THROUGH GENERATIONS

The inclusion of the Spring Festival on UNESCO's Representative List highlights the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage. China's efforts to document, promote, and share its traditions have been widely recognized as a model for global cultural preservation.

"China has cultural policies worthy of recognition," said Nancy Ovelar de Gorostiaga, Paraguay's permanent representative to UNESCO and chair of the meeting. "China is always present in cultural movements and is visible, so we value that and believe that it is the example that many countries should follow in order to try to safeguard their heritage, culture and traditions," she said.

China's initiatives, including digitalization and cultural exchange programs, help ensure that traditions like the Spring Festival remain vibrant in the modern world.

"These efforts inspire countries with rich cultural traditions to actively protect their heritage," noted Jose Luis Punzo, a researcher at Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).

The festival is gaining traction across the world and serves as a call for other nations to prioritize cultural preservation.

This photo taken on Feb. 8, 2024 shows the Empire State Building lit up in red for the Spring Festival in New York, the United States. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

"We know that China is a country that actively participates in cultural conventions, and we celebrate that," said de Gorostiaga. "This is a strong point of Chinese culture, and their effort to preserve their identity, culture, and heritage serves as an example for many countries."

For Luis Antonio Paulino, director of the Confucius Institute at Sao Paulo State University in Brazil, adding the Spring Festival to the UNESCO list is about "preserving the history of humanity itself." Dating back thousands of years, the festival continues to connect people across the globe.

In an increasingly divided world, the Spring Festival stands as a powerful reminder of humanity's shared values. As the Year of the Snake approaches, the festival promises to bring even more joy and unity. UNESCO's recognition marks the beginning of a new chapter, ensuring that these traditions will inspire generations to come.

"Each element, each heritage, is important," de Gorostiaga said. "And Chinese culture, of course, is an ancient and beautiful culture that transmits many values to us."

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
President-elect Donald Trump announced Thursday that former Senator David Perdue has accepted his nomination to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to China.

"As a Fortune 500 CEO, who had a 40-year International business career, and served in the U.S. Senate, David brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China," Trump said on his Truth Social platform. He also noted that Perdue has spent much of his career working in China and elsewhere in Asia.

"He will be instrumental in implementing my strategy to maintain Peace in the region, and a productive working relationship with China's leaders," Trump said.

David Perdue net worth

Perdue, who became Georgia's senior senator after Johnny Isakson resigned on December 31, 2019, was reported to have an estimated net worth of $15.8 million. Perdue was one of the wealthiest members of the Senate as of February 2018.

US-China relation

The relationship between the U.S. and China, the world's two largest economies, is often considered the most significant globally. Though tensions reached their lowest point in decades in recent years, both President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have made efforts to improve relations, despite ongoing disputes over trade, technology, human rights, and the status of Taiwan.

Trump, set to take office in January, initiated a trade war with China during his first term and has pledged to impose tariffs of 60% or more on all Chinese imports in his second term. Last week, he announced he would impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods unless China takes stronger action to curb the international flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals.

Perdue, who visited China as part of a congressional delegation in 2018, said in a Fox News commentary that the U.S. needs to "wake up and do a better job competing with China."

"America's outdated view of China could result in lost opportunities, or even worse, dangerous miscalculations or complacency," the senators wrote. "We must have a long-term plan to compete and deal with China's rising economic and geopolitical influence."
Five years after the UNESCO World Heritage monument was badly damaged in a fire, world leaders gathered in the French capital for the reopening ceremony of the Notre Dame Cathedral, according to a report by Al Jazeera. Some of the esteemed guests include US President-elect Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Elon Musk, and Prince William. Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich ceremonially reopened the doors of Notre Dame Cathedral, marking the beginning of a solemn ceremony attended by French Macron and numerous heads of state from around the world. In addition to prayer and song, the reopening ceremony honoured the numerous people who helped to rebuild and save Notre Dame. Five years after the fire, the President of the Republic and his wife, Brigitte Macron, participated in the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, this Saturday, December 7, 2024, Elysee Palace said in a release. They welcomed heads of state, government and international organizations as well as their spouses to attend this ceremony, the release added. "Tonight, I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation - gratitude to all those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre-Dame. Tonight, the bells of Notre-Dame will ring again," Macron said during the ceremony, Al Jazeera reported. French President Macron also thanked all those mobilised to save and rebuild Notre Dame. In a post on X, Macron wrote, "To our firefighters and all the forces who saved Notre-Dame, to all the artisans and companions who made it even more beautiful, to patrons and generous donors around the world, to all those who made it possible to keep the promise." French firefighters who helped fight the fire received a standing ovation during Saturday's reopening ceremony. The word "merci" - French for "thank you" - was also illuminated on the front of the building, according to Al Jazeera. Ahead of the reopening ceremony, Macron met Trump and Zelenskyy. Sharing a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "I had a good and productive trilateral meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and President @EmmanuelMacron at the Elysee Palace." "President Trump is, as always, resolute. I thank him. I also extend my gratitude to Emmanuel for organizing this important meeting. We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace. We agreed to continue working together and keep in contact. Peace through strength is possible," the post further read. Notably, just after the fire incident on April 15, 2019, Macron had pledged to restore the cathedral -- one of the most significant places in French history -- within five years. While the cathedral was being secured, in preparation for the rebirth of Notre Dame, it was decided that the cathedral would be rebuilt exactly as it was before. The vaulted ceilings, some of which had collapsed, were a priority of the project. According to estimates, the restoration cost a whopping 700 million euros (USD 737 million), CNN reported. A staggering 846 million euros (USD 891 million) was raised through donations from 340,000 donors in 150 countries. (ANI)
The Department of Defense (DoD) on Saturday announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine, allocating USD 988 million through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). This package is designed to strengthen Ukraine's capabilities in its fight against Russian attacks by providing critical munitions, unmanned aerial systems, and support for maintenance and repair programs to sustain its combat power. "Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a significant new security assistance package to ensure Ukraine has the tools it needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression. This security assistance package commits an additional $988 million in support through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) that will provide Ukraine with munitions for rocket systems and Unmanned Aerial Systems," the Pentagon said in a press release. This package also includes support for maintenance and repair programs to help Ukraine reconstitute its forces and build and sustain combat power. The capabilities in this announcement include ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS); and equipment, components, and spare parts to maintain, repair, and overhaul artillery systems, tanks, and armoured vehicles, the release added. Notably, this is the Biden administration's 22nd USAI package. The Pentagon further said that the United States will continue to work together with some 50 allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated capability coalitions to provide the support Ukraine needs to win the war. Last month, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued a statement marking 1,000 days since Russia's full-scale military invasion, expressing gratitude for international support and urging to contribute to the implementation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's victory plan. "We call on our partners to support our struggle, to contribute to the implementation of the Victory Plan and to achieve a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace for Ukraine, Europe and the entire world," the MFA stated. "We call on our international partners to unite around the implementation of the Peace Formula, which is the only comprehensive vision for ending the war and establishing a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace. We need peace through strength, not appeasement. We are grateful to our partners for all the defence, financial, economic and humanitarian assistance they have provided. We call for continued and increased support. Restoring global stability and common security is impossible without restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty," the statement added. Further, MFA urged partners to strengthen Ukraine's air defence to protect critical energy facilities and respond more actively to Kremlin actions threatening Ukrainian nuclear energy facilities. (ANI)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised the possibility of forward deploying new Oreshnik ballistic missiles capable of carrying multiple warheads in neighboring Belarus by latter half of next year. Oreshnik, which U.S. officials have said is an intermediate-range design derived from the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), first emerged after it was used in an unprecedented attack on Ukraine last month.

Putin discussed the feasibility of placing Oreshniks in Belarus during a televised ceremony today in Minsk, where he signed a new mutual defense agreement with that countrys leader Alexander Lukashenko. With the deal now in place, Belarus, the affairs of which have been ever more deeply intertwined with those of Russia in recent years, is firmly and openly under the protection of the latters nuclear deterrent umbrella. Russia had already begun deploying nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory in cooperation with that countrys armed forces last year.

Lukashenko asked Putin to deploy Oreshnik missiles on the territory of Belarus.



"I want to publicly ask you to have the new weapons systems and, above all, Oreshnik deployed on the territory of Belarus. This would calm some minds," said the illegitimate leader of Belarus.



Putin https://t.co/VubaxMI0Ax pic.twitter.com/CCRyimMs8U  Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) December 6, 2024

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Russia recently successfully launched the Oreshnik. This had a certain impact on our former partners, and now rivals. Do not consider this some kind of impudence, but I would like to publicly ask you to deploy new weapons systems, primarily the Oreshnik, on the territory of Belarus, Lukashenko said at one point in the ceremony, per a machine translation of his remarks as reported by Russias Interfax. I would very much ask you to think about it and agree to our request.

I think this will become possible in the second half of next year, as serial production of these systems in Russia increases and as these missile systems enter service with the Russian strategic forces, Putin said in response, according to Reuters.

There are a number of technical issues that must be resolved by specialists, namely, determining the minimum range taking into account the priorities of ensuring the security of the Republic of Belarus, Putin added, per another machine translation of a report from the Kommersant newspaper in Russia. He also indicated that if Oreshniks were sent to Belarus that they would be under the control of Russian forces, but that Belarusian authorities would have a say in what targets they could be employed against.

Details about Oreshnik remain limited. After its use against Ukraine in November, Putin had described it as a medium-range missile system and a ballistic missile equipped with non-nuclear hypersonic technology capable of reaching a peak speed of Mach 10. The kinetic impact is powerful, like a meteorite falling, the Russian president more recently said.

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Better footage of the alleged impacts of multiple warheads separated from a Russian ICBM in Dnipro earlier today.  Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@archer83able.bsky.social) 2024-11-21T10:10:24.907Z

This is what the fragments of the new Russian ballistic missile "Oreshnik" found today in the Dnieper look like. From them, we can already understand something about the new missile. For example, from the serial number of the product in the first photo, we can establish that the pic.twitter.com/oBqnNqhLYy  Malinda             (@TreasChest) November 21, 2024

At the time of the attack, Ukrainian authorities separately said that the missile that was fired at them carried six warheads each containing six more sub-payloads. Officials in Ukraine also later said that the warheads contained no explosives, according to Reuters. Whether these were traditional re-entry vehicles, maneuvering ones, or true hypersonic boost-glide vehicles, and what kinds of warheads (conventional or nuclear) they may be able to carry, remain unknown. Larger ballistic missiles, even ones with traditional designs, reach hypersonic speeds, typically defined as anything above Mach 5, in the terminal stage of their flight.

U.S. authorities also subsequently said that Oreshnik is an intermediate-range weapon based on the RS-26, the development of which was said to have been shelved in 2018. Officially categorized as an ICBM, there have long been discussions about whether the Rubezh was actually an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) design. IRBMs and ICBMs are defined as having maximum ranges between 1,864 and 3,418 miles (3,000 to 5,500 kilometers) and greater than 3,418 miles (5,500 kilometers), respectively. You can read more about the RS-26 in detail here.

A photograph taken at a forensic expert center in an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Nov. 24, 2024, showing parts of the Oreshnik missile that were collected for examination at the impact site in the town of Dnipro following an attack on Nov. 21. Roman Pilpey / AFP via Getty Images

Putins comments today that Oreshnik is not yet in serial production underscores that the missile remains developmental in nature and that there are only likely a very limited number available currently.

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The Russian presidents note that Oreshniks minimum range apparently still needs to be definitively determined is also notable. The example that struck Ukraine in November hit a target roughly 500 miles from the launch site in Kapustin Yar. As such, forward-deploying the missiles to Belarus might actually limit the ability to employ them against certain targets, such as those in Ukraine. The straight-shot distance between the far-northern end of Belarus and the Ukrainian border is only around 350 miles at most. Ukraines capital Kyiv lies just some 56 miles from the boundary with Belarus.

There has also been much discussion already about the threat Oreshnik poses to targets elsewhere in Europe, including the capitals of all NATO members in the region. This is something that Russian media has been happy to highlight, as seen below. From launch sites in Belarus, Oreshniks minimum range could be factor in this context, as well. Belarus directly borders NATO allies Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania, and is also in relatively close proximity to another member of the alliance, Estonia.

Russian media released a new graphic showing Oreshnik missile flight times to major cities in Europe pic.twitter.com/Ry7yLymK2n  Preston Stewart (@prestonstew_) November 22, 2024

Oreshniks could be fired across very high lofted trajectories to hit targets at shorter ranges, but there would still be a limit to what could be achieved in this way. Doing this could also increase the speed at which the missile and/or any payloads it releases are moving in the terminal phase, and the potentially destructive stresses on them, as well.

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Regardless, having Oreshniks in Belarus could also still be useful for dispersing that capability and shorter-range munitions deployed in that country, including nuclear-capable Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles, which could still be employed against targets in closer proximity. The missile by itself presents a longer-range strategic-level threat that can be employed without crossing the nuclear threshold, something Russia has visibly demonstrated through the real-world attack on Ukraine. Whether it is also nuclear-capable is unclear. At a peak speed of at least Mach 10 (Ukrainian officials have said the missile fired at them might have actually gotten up to Mach 11), the weapon would also be flying faster than most air and missile defense systems can reliably intercept.

The War Zone was quick to highlight the broader signaling to Russias regional and global opponents behind the very public use of Oreshnik in November. Russian authorities used existing nuclear risk reduction channels to alert the United States to the launch of the missile beforehand. The New York Times reported this week that Russian Army General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov also told U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown in a subsequent phone call that the launch had been in the works for some time. Gerasimov reportedly said the planning predated the U.S. governments decision to allow Ukrainian forces to fire Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) short-range ballistic missiles at targets inside Russia. This was also the first-ever direct call between Gerasimov and Brown, and Brown is said to have agreed to not proactively announce that it had occurred.

All of this follows very public announcements by the U.S. military about its intention to send intermediate-range strike capabilities to Germany, and potentially elsewhere in Europe, in the coming years. This includes planned episodic deployments of the U.S. Armys Typhon ground-based missile system, which can fire Tomahawk cruise missiles and multi-purpose SM-6 missiles, as well as that services still-in-development Dark Eagle hypersonic missile. The U.S. Navy has also demonstrated its ability to deploy containerized launchers related to Typhon, which can be employed in a ground-base mode and also fire Tomahawks and SM-6s, to sites in Europe.

A group of four trailer-based launchers and a mobile command post that make up the core of a single US Army Typhon missile system battery. US Army A full battery set of four Typhon launchers, as well as the trailer-based command post. US Army

Exactly when Oreshniks might appear in Belarus and how many missiles might be deployed there remain to be seen. At the same time, the missile is already clearly emerging as a particularly important element of any discussion about the evolving geopolitical environment in Europe and potentially beyond.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
PANAMA CITY  For Capt. Billy Carstarphen of the Panama City Police Department, the holiday season is a chance for law enforcement officials to improve their relationships with residents.

To help spread holiday cheer, the department is collecting donations until Dec. 17 as part of its Blue Santa program, a toy drive created approximately five years ago to benefit local foster children.

"Based on some of the testimonies I've heard over the years, it's tremendous," Carstarphen said of the drive's impact. "I think it gives (people) another view on law enforcement, seeing law enforcement in a positive light.

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"It allows them to see us as human, (and) to know that there is a human being behind that uniform and badge."

According to Carstarphen, the department partners with NW Florida & Big Bend Health, which provides a list of children who "need a little extra help" during the holiday season.

Information from the city notes that 125 children received gifts last year through the program. Officials hope for that number to grow to about 130 to 140 children this year.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Panama City Police Station, 1209 E. 15th St.

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Another local toy drive: Panama City Beach Police Department to collect donations for Cops n' Kids Toy Drive

"Going out and patrolling (is) more than just going out and answering calls," Carstarphen said. "We get out, and we learn a lot of things about our community, (and) that's the way it should be in every police agency. We should not just go out to see if we can solve the crime, but lets solve other problems as well.

"The people here, they are very supportive. They want to help the community. They want to be a part of the community, and they love the community."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: PCPD collecting toys Blue Santa program to benefit foster children
The Syrian city of Aleppo is back in the global spotlight. Eight years ago, Aleppo was embroiled in a pitched battle that produced large-scale war atrocities and underscored the brutal fighting that characterized Syrias civil war. That battle was ultimately won by the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, backed by his Russian and Iranian allies. But the anti-government rebels were not defeated, only displaced to an enclave in neighboring Idlib province, where they consolidated their territorial control ever since. Late last week, those rebels launched a large and long-planned offensive to retake Aleppo. They have now pushed past it to retake Hama further to the south along the route to Damascus.

The war in Syria, now nearly 15 years old, is a product of the pro-democracy movements that swept across the Middle East and North Africa in 2011. After early successes in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen, those movements were subsequently turned back by the regions autocrats, with Tunisia and Egypt once again ruled by dictators, and Libya, Yemen and Syria descending into civil wars from which none has fully emerged.

Since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, the fighting between Assads forces and various alliances of rebel groups has led to external interventions by a host of major and regional powers, as well as nonstate actors. Those interventions not only bolstered the internally warring parties, but also highlighted the complexity of the conflict. For instance, while the U.S. and Russia primarily intervened to support opposing sides, they also joined forces to defeat the Islamic State after it took advantage of the chaos to seize wide swathes of Syrianand Iraqiterritory. Or consider that Washingtons principal partners on the ground in the fight against the Islamic State were Kurdish rebel groups that were not only opposed to Assads regime, but were considered enemies by Turkey, a U.S. NATO ally.

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Because of the wars length and the extensive interventions by outside powers, it has been likened to the Thirty Years War that engulfed Central Europe from 1618 to 1648 and the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s. Perhaps because it seems to be yet another forever war, and one of many presently unfolding in the world, but also because it has largely lain dormant for the past few years, the Syrian conflict has all too easily become a forgotten war. The speed and success of the rebel offensive this past week mark a surprising turning-point in the drawn-out conflict, bringing the war back to the worlds attention.

To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter.

But the offensive, specifically its timing, illustrates a more general feature of the wars raging around the world: They are interconnected. I have argued previously that it is far from coincidental that a record number of conflicts have been taking place in the world over the past few years. They are a product of multipolarity, as rising and declining great and middle powers seek to gain status and assert control over their respective regions.

In the case of the war in Syria, the interconnections are more direct, as the two key external supporters of Assads regime, Russia and Iran, are embroiled in some of those other wars, with Russias military resources strained by the war in Ukraine and Irans weakened from the multifront conflict it is fighting against Israel. The timing of the rebel offensive is designed in no small part to take advantage of the weakened state of Assads forces now that Russia and Iran are no longer in a position to provide them with the battlefield support they have needed in the past.

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Lets start with Russia. As Russian progress in Ukraine bogged down following its initial attempt at a lightning strike in February 2022, it began drawing away military resourcesboth personnel and materialfrom Syria. Most importantly, shortages to Russias material capacity caused directly by the war in Ukraine but also indirectly by the extensive Western sanctions against the Russian economy have limited its ability to provide Assads forces with air support. Given that Russia is now turning to countries like North Korea to replenish troops and missiles in Ukraine, it is not in a position to easily divert precious resources to assist Assad.

The timing of the rebel offensive is designed to take advantage of the weakened state of Assads forces now that Russia and Iran are no longer in a position to provide them with battlefield support.

Similarly, Iran is in the midst of multifront proxy and direct conflict with Israel. Groups that rely directly on support from Iran, from Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon, have been involved in major fighting with Israel over the past year. The war in Gaza is still unfolding, while a tenuous ceasefire has paused the conflict in Lebanon, but not before Hezbollah had been severely weakened. The latter is particularly important, since Hezbollah was also a direct participant in the Syrian conflict on the side of Assads forces. When coupled with tit-for-tat missile and rocket exchanges between Israel and Iran that have destroyed and degraded some of Tehrans military production facilities, Iran, like Russia, has fewer resourcesboth materially and diplomaticallyto direct toward Syria. In short, the degrading of Tehrans support to Assad is a direct consequence of Israels multifront military campaign against Iran.

In a bit of an ironic twist, one that also underscores the complex and interconnected nature of the wars unfolding in the world, the very partnership between Iran and Russia that has seen Tehran support Moscows efforts in Ukraine through deliveries of suicide drones and missiles is a product of the war in Syria. As Nicole Grajewski of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Hamidreza Aziz of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs wrote this week,that partnership was forged over shared concerns about the potential collapse of the Assad regime and the threat of Sunni extremism.

Writing separately, Grajewski further emphasized that for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Moscows intervention in Syria was central to his goal of demonstrating that Russia was more than a declining regional power. While Putin portrayed U.S. operations in Libya and Iraq as having shattered states and bred chaos, he hoped to use Russias intervention in Syria to demonstrate that it is a force for preserving sovereignty and regional order. It is for this reason that Aleppos rapid fall this past week is, as Hannah Notte told the Guardian, definitely a reputational blow to Russia.

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Given the importance of Syria to both Iran and Russia, it is not surprising that they are regrouping and pledging renewed support to Assad. Whether that will materialize remains to be seen. But what is clear is the lesson offered by the latest surprise developments in the war in Syria: Wars rarely unfold in isolation, and what takes place in one can have implications for another.

Paul Poast is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago and a nonresident fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

The post The Rebel Offensive in Syria Has Global Connections appeared first on World Politics Review.
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Images of 456P/PANSTARRS taken by the Walter Baade Magellan Telescope on Oct. 3 (left) and by the Lowell Discovery Telescope on Oct. 26 (right). A small tail can be seen on 456P, which is visible at the center of each image. | Credit: Scott S. Sheppard, Carnegie Institution for Science/Audrey Thirouin, Lowell Observatory/Henry H. Hsieh, PSI

A new "main-belt comet"  a comet-like object masquerading as an asteroid in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter  has been identified, bringing the tally of these beguiling objects up to 14.

Along with " dark comets ," which scientists think make up 60% of all near-Earth objects, main-belt comets belong to a broader population with the umbrella moniker of "active asteroids." In general, all of these objects are on orbits typical of asteroids , but they display signs of activity  in particular, they exhibit "outgassing" to form a coma and a tail just like a comet . They therefore blur the lines between rocky asteroids and icy comets, showing that pigeon-holing such bodies as one or the other can be a futile effort.

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The term "main belt comet" was coined by Henry Hsieh of Arizona's Planetary Science Institute and Dave Jewitt of the University of California, Los Angeles in 2006, when just three such objects were known. The latest to be discovered, catalogued as 456P/PANSTARRS (meaning that it is the 456th periodic comet known, and was discovered by the Pan-STARRS project), is just the 14th main-belt comet to be found.

"There are still very few confirmed main-belt comets known," said Hsieh in a statement . "We want to build up a population so we can get a clearer idea of what their broader properties are  such as their sizes, activity duration and distribution within the asteroid belt , for example  so that they can be better used to trace ice in the solar system in general."

Pan-STARRS, the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System, consists of two observatories in Hawaii and is designed to spot asteroids and comets in the night sky, as well as other transient phenomena. It discovered 456P/PANSTARRS in 2021, when the object appeared to be active with a small dusty tail.

However, sometimes asteroids begin ejecting dust when they collide with other small asteroids or meteoroids  the Hubble Space Telescope , for example, has captured examples of this happening. While such incidents fall under the umbrella title of active asteroids, they are short-lived and do not outgas in the same manner that comets do. So, a question remained: What type of active asteroid was 456P/PANSTARRS?

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Hsieh, along with Scott Sheppard of the Carnegie Institution for Science and Audrey Thirouin of Lowell Observatory, have spent the past few years keeping tabs on 456P/PANSTARRS. This intriguing object was discovered when it was 3.35 astronomical units (501 million kilometers, or 311 million miles) from the sun . When the eight-meter Gemini South telescope in Chile observed it in June 2023, at a distance of 3.37 AU (504 million kilometers, or 313 million miles) the activity had switched off. But then, the 6.5-meter Walter Baade Magellan Telescope at Las Campanas in Chile and the 4.3-meter Lowell Discovery Telescope in Arizona, observed 456P/PANSTARRS on Oct. 3 and Oct. 26, respectively. Both telescopes found that a small tail pointing away from the sun, just like a comet, had returned. At the time, 456P/PANSTARRS was closer to the sun at a distance of about 2.86 AU (428 million kilometers, or 266 million miles).

"This object is not just an asteroid that experienced a one-off event that caused it to show activity one time, but is an inherently active, icy body similar to other comets from the outer solar system," said Hsieh.

The activity on the main belt comet re-ignited because, closer to the sun, heating causes water and carbon-dioxide ices just beneath the surface to sublimate into gas and burst out, carrying dust with them to form a tail that points away from the sun. That tail then gets blown by the outward-flowing solar wind. This is exactly like the behaviour of a comet, with the activity repeating every time it nears perihelion (the closest point to the sun in its orbit).

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The Gemini South observations indicated that 456P/PANSTARRS has a nucleus that is about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) across. Still, the team wondered how this object and the other main-belt comets came to find themselves in such asteroid-like orbits around the sun. Normally, comets have long, looping orbits, whereas asteroid orbits are more circular (though not perfectly circular, as 456P's varying distance from the sun shows). The current thinking is that they formed close to where they are found now, and that the "snow line"  the boundary between where ice could and couldn't exist in the protoplanetary disk that formed the solar system 4.6 billion years ago, wasn't as sharp a boundary as we thought.

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It means that main-belt comets could be another window into the past, and by staring through them we can get a little glimpse of our solar system's birth.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday slammed Russia and its President Vladimir Putin over two aerial attacks that killed at least 12 people.

Moscow has ramped up its strikes on Ukraine as winter sets in, and Zelensky said the attacks showed Russia has no interest in a deal to end its nearly three-year invasion.

At least 10 people were killed in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, while two were killed in Zelensky's hometown of Kryvyi Rig, officials said.

"Thousands of such strikes carried out by Russia during this war make it absolutely clear that Putin does not need real peace," Zelensky said in a post on Telegram.

"Only by force can we resist this. And only through force can real peace be established," he added.

Zaporizhzhia governor Ivan Fedorov said a Russian attack had set a car garage and service station on fire in the blast, posting images of a fire blazing with debris strewn across the street.

A total of 24 people were wounded there, including a four-month-old girl and at least two other children aged four and eleven, he said.

In an update increasing the toll from the strike to 10, Ukraine's national emergency services said on Telegram that the petrol station blaze was extinguished along with six cars on fire.

Another 17 were wounded in the strike on Kryvyi Rig in the centre of Ukraine, Zelensky said.

A six-year-old-boy was among the injured, Kryvyi Rig military administration head Oleksandr Vilkul said on Telegram.

"A three-storey building was destroyed, residential buildings and cars were damaged" in that attack, the agency said on Telegram.

The latest strikes come after weeks of sharp escalation in the conflict, with Moscow stepping up its attacks on Kyiv's energy infrastructure at the start of the harsh Ukrainian winter.

And with Donald Trump's return to the White House looming, the support of Kyiv's key ally the United States has been thrown into question.

Meanwhile Ukraine's outgunned and outmanned forces have buckled across the eastern front in the face of a grinding pre-winter offensive from Russia.

Moscow said Friday its forces had captured a village near the embattled supply hub of Pokrovsk and another near the industrial town of Kurakhove, gaining further ground in two key areas of the east Ukraine frontline.

Analysts expect the next few months to be crucial as both sides jostle for battlefield momentum ahead of what are expected to be peace negotiations imposed by Trump.

Zelensky is set to travel to Paris this weekend for the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral, where he hopes to meet with the US president-elect, a senior Ukraine official told AFP.

Trump, a sceptic of US aid to Kyiv, has said he could end the war within 24 hours of coming to office, but has yet to say how he intends to do so.

Zelensky has repeatedly said Ukraine would not be able to hold off Russia's advancing troops without US support, and there are fears in Kyiv that Trump could try to force them to accept peace terms favourable to Russia.

Fears in Ukraine that the Republican would press Kyiv to accept major territorial concessions increased after Trump named Keith Kellogg, a retired general and critic of US military aid, as his Ukraine envoy last month.

President Joe Biden's outgoing administration announced an additional $725-million military package for the country on Monday.
Automatic doors have become much more than a modern conveniencetheyre a fundamental step toward creating spaces that are truly inclusive and accessible for all. From enhancing mobility for those with disabilities to improving efficiency in high-traffic businesses, automatic doors are reshaping how we interact with the built environment. Lets explore why automatic doors are the future of accessibility and how they make public and private spaces more welcoming for everyone.

Accessibility in Action

For people who experience mobility challenges, navigating traditional manual doors can be a significant barrier. Automatic doors solve this issue by enabling seamless entry, removing physical obstacles, and ensuring that all individualsregardless of abilityenjoy the same access to buildings.

Apart from people with disabilities, automatic doors also benefit older people, parents managing strollers, and anyone carrying multiple items. With a simple sensor, push-button, or smart motion detection, these doors allow effortless entry and exit, enhancing convenience and safety for all.

Why Businesses Are Adopting Automatic Doors

Businesses across industries are increasingly adopting automatic doorsand for good reason. Here are a few benefits they bring to the table:

1. Improved Customer Experience

Whether its a retail store, a hospital, or an office building, automatic doors create a welcoming first impression. The effortless operation minimizes frustration for visitors and customers, encouraging repeat visits and increasing satisfaction.

2. Compliance with Accessibility Standards

Automatic doors help businesses comply with legal accessibility requirements such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), making them a practical solution for inclusivity. Meeting these standards not only helps avoid legal penalties but also demonstrates a commitment to equality and diversity.

3. Energy Efficiency

Modern automatic doors are designed with energy-efficient sensors and technology to minimize air exchange. This not only reduces heating and cooling costs but also aligns with sustainable building practices.

4. Enhanced Flow of Traffic

For high-traffic areas such as airports, malls, or event venues, automatic doors streamline the flow of people, preventing bottlenecks and maintaining a smooth movement of visitors.

Advancements in Automatic Door Technology

The technology behind automatic doors is evolving rapidly, making them even smarter and more adaptive. Current advancements include:

Touch-free Sensors: The rise of touchless technology has amplified the demand for doors equipped with motion or proximity sensors, which further reduce hygiene concerns.

Smart Integration: Automatic doors can now integrate with building management systems, offering data insights and remote monitoring capabilities.

Customizable Features: Businesses can tailor their doors with adjustable opening speeds, silent operation, and directional sensors to meet specific needs.

These innovations make automatic doors not just a practical choice but also a forward-thinking investment in accessibility and efficiency.

The Role of Maintenance and Service

While automatic doors offer significant advantages, regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Proper servicing enhances safety and ensures compliance with accessibility standards over time.

If youre in need of reliable maintenance, look no further than automatic door service KC, where expert technicians ensure your doors are functional, efficient, and consistently up to code.

The Future of Accessibility

Automatic doors are not just about convenience; they represent a shift toward more inclusive, accessible, and forward-thinking spaces. By prioritizing accessibility, businesses and public spaces can foster an environment of equality, improve user experience, and prepare for a future where universal access is the norm.

Investing in automatic doors isnt just a technological upgradeits a commitment to creating a society where everyone is welcome. Lets build a future where no entry is out of reach.
By Enioluwa Adeniyi

Burkina Fasos military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, has dismissed the countrys Prime Minister, Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela, and dissolved the government, according to a presidential decree obtained by AFP on Friday.

The decree, which offered no reasons for the dismissal, stated that members of the dissolved government would carry out ongoing business until the formation of a new government.

Kyelem de Tambela had served as prime minister since October 2022, shortly after Traore seized power in a coup. Despite surviving three cabinet reshuffles, his tenure has now come to an abrupt end.

The prime ministers official functions are terminated, read the decree, leaving the nation speculating about the reasons behind the decision.

Burkina Faso has experienced political upheaval since January 2022, when Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba ousted then-President Roch Marc Christian Kabore. Damibas reign was short-lived as he was overthrown by Traore eight months later.

The country has been struggling to restore stability amidst a surge in jihadist violence that has claimed more than 26,000 lives since 2015 and displaced nearly two million people.

Under Traores leadership, Burkina Faso has distanced itself from its former colonial ruler, France, and pivoted towards Russia.

Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore recently stated that cooperation with Russia better suited the countrys needs.

Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Nigeralso led by military juntasformed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in September, marking a shift in regional politics.

The three nations, battling shared jihadist threats, have severed ties with France and withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing the bloc of being manipulated by Paris.

The Sahel region has been plagued by violence since 2012, when Islamist insurgencies began in northern Mali. The conflict spread to Burkina Faso and Niger, leading to widespread displacement and loss of life.

In Burkina Faso, Moscow has deployed military instructors to assist in the fight against jihadist groups.
The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum, led by Minister Karim Badawi, is set to launch a new gold and associated minerals exploration bidding process in the first quarter of 2025.

This announcement came during a meeting with officials from South Africas AngloGold Ashanti, where discussions centered on the ongoing exploration and drilling operations in Egypts Sukari gold mine, following AngloGolds recent acquisition of Centamin, the mines former owner.

The meeting also highlighted the progress of establishing a mining school in Egypt, designed to train local youth in mining skills. The school, initiated by Centamin, is scheduled to begin operations in September 2025.

AngloGold Ashanti officials expressed their commitment to further invest in the development of the Sukari mine, with plans for additional exploration and development activities. The meeting concluded with the signing of a draft agreement for gold exploration between the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority and AngloGold Ashanti, subject to final approvals.

This initiative is part of Egypts broader efforts to boost its mining sector and attract further investments, ensuring the countrys position as a key player in the global gold market.
The National Oil Corporation (NOC) of Libya, through its technical Committee, announced the launch of a public tender offering 22 new onshore and offshore exploration blocks to international oil companies.

This initiative is part of Libyas strategy to attract foreign investment and expand its energy sector. The announcement was made during the eleventh meeting of the Supreme Council for Energy and Water Affairs, held at the NOC headquarters in Tripoli and chaired by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah of the Government of National Unity.

According to the Hakomitna media platform, the meeting addressed critical issues across Libyas oil, gas, electricity, and water sectors. Discussions included finalizing preparations for the public tender, resolving the operational status of the Ras Lanuf refinery after the departure of a foreign partner, and approving the NOCs acquisition of the foreign partners share. Additionally, plans to implement the Great Tripoli Reservoir project, overseen by the Man-Made River Project Implementation and Management Authority, were reviewed.

Farhat Bengdara, NOC Chairman and member of the Supreme Council for Energy Affairs, presented updates on the public tender process. He outlined the completion of a procedural manual and a revised standard exploration agreement, incorporating technical amendments designed to attract international bidders.

The NOCs technical departments reported on the progress of their production enhancement initiatives, confirming adherence to approved timelines. Libyas oil and condensate production has reached 1.422 million barrels per day.

This ambitious plan underscores Libyas commitment to revitalizing its energy sector while addressing broader development goals, including infrastructure improvements and resource management.

This initiative represents a pivotal step in Libyas efforts to bolster its energy sector and attract foreign investment, ensuring the nations oil and gas resources contribute to its economic growth and development.
Iran plans a major increase in the production rate of highly enriched uranium, the UN nuclear watchdog said Friday in a confidential report seen by AFP.

An updated design of Iran's Fordo plant showed that the effect of the change "would be to significantly increase the rate of production of uranium enriched up to 60 percent", the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report said.

Production will jump to more than 34 kilogrammes of highly enriched uranium per month, compared to 4.7 kilogrammes previously, added the report to the IAEA's board of governors.

Uranium enriched to 60 percent brings it closer to the 90 percent needed to make a nuclear weapon. Iran denies it wants nuclear arms.

Speaking to AFP in Bahrain, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said Iran was sending a "clear message" after it was recently censured by the nuclear body's board of governors.

"This is a clear message that they are responding to what they feel is pressure," Grossi said on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue conference.

Last month, Iran said it would launch "new and advanced" centrifuges in response to an IAEA resolution that censured Tehran for what the agency called lack of cooperation.

The censure motion brought by Britain, France, Germany, and the United States at the IAEA's 35-nation board follows a similar one in June.

"Quite clearly what has happened is in response to this, this is very clear," Grossi said, adding: "The significance cannot be underestimated."

In its report, the IAEA called on Iran to implement stepped-up inspections by the agency "as a matter of urgency".

Those will "enable the agency to provide timely and technically credible assurances that the facility is not being misused to produce uranium of an enrichment level higher than that declared by Iran, and that there is no diversion of declared nuclear material," it added.

Iran insists on its right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and has consistently denied any ambition of developing weapons capability.

But according to the IAEA, it is the only non-nuclear-weapon state enriching uranium to 60 percent purity.

A landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers aimed to give Iran relief from crippling Western sanctions in exchange for limiting its nuclear programme to prevent it from developing weapons capability.

Tehran kept to the accord, but in 2018, during Donald Trump's first US presidency, Washington unilaterally pulled out of the agreement and slapped heavy sanctions back on Iran, leading to the Islamic republic to step up its nuclear programme.

Trump returns to office in January.

Iran, Britain, France and Germany last week agreed at a meeting in Geneva to continue diplomatic talks.

The meeting came amid surging tensions even before Trump's return to the White House.
An alleged US spy plane has been accused of breaching the airspaces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, raising concerns that it may have been involved in possible espionage in sensitive areas with oil facilities and military bases.

Fresh details have now emerged in Ugandan media, showing the aircraft could have photographed UPDFs secret bases near the border with the DRC and oil production facilities. According to the Kampala Post, a Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft flew over Kasese and Bundibugyo in Uganda and Beni in the DRC. The violations of Ugandas airspace were recorded by the countrys radar stations on three occasions  on 14, 15 and 26 November, Ugandas defense ministry spokesperson, Brig Felix Kulayigye, confirmed. It is true and the matter is being handled at the highest level, Kulayigye stated.

A spokesperson for the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) sent a statement to the Ugandan media, saying the aircraft deviated from an approved flight path and did not engage in surveillance. AFRICOM further said it was working with Ugandan authorities to ensure that no further flight path errors occur. While the US defense attaches office in Kampala had in October requested overflight permission from the countrys army, claiming that the flights were designed to transport equipment and personnel to the DRC, AFRICOM has failed to explain why the US plane did not land in DRC as planned. The Bombardier CL-604 maritime surveillance aircraft has reportedly been used in several spying operations, including in the disputed South China Sea. It is also known to have some of the most modern technology and could therefore not deviate from the approved flight path.
Several disgruntled South Africans gathered outside the African National Congresss (ANC) Headquarters in Johannesburg to protest against the ANCs hostile diplomatic approach to Morocco, signaling a growing rift within South Africas politicians over relations with the North African Kingdom and the Sahara issue.

With Moroccos rising economic power in Africa, increasing voices in South Africa are pushing for mending political ties with Rabat for shared economic interests. The rift within ANC has emerged following the historic defeat of the party of Nelson Mandela which has lost its 30-year majority in Parliament.

The demonstration, which came ahead of the visit South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa paid to Algeria, sends a strong message to the Algerian military regime saying that in politics & international relations there are no permanent friends or enemies, but only interests.

Teboho Maake, an activist who spearheaded the protest movement said: We are dissatisfied over the ANCs stance against Morocco, and there exists an urgent need for clarity on how we plan to develop our bilateral relationships with them.

This statement comes amidst the controversy surrounding ANCs provincial leader, Obed Bapela, who faced internal party ramifications, after the visit he paid to Morocco, advocating enhanced trade relations between the two countries. The trip was seen as an overture going against ANCs foreign policy and standing with Algeria-backed Polisario separatist group.

During the protest, demonstrators submitted to ANC a letter calling on the party to build stronger ties with Morocco, a major economic rival and serious competitor to South Africa in the Continent and global market.

This protest shows a growing tension building inside the ANC, raising questions about the future of South Africas foreign relations, particularly the neutral position which the ANC must observe in the Sahara issue to develop partnership with Morocco, champion of south-south cooperation.

The North African Kingdom has become a strategic regional & international hub for exportation and manufacturing as well as a leader in renewable energy, automotive industry, aeronautics, agribusiness, food security

The protestors also stressed the need to make a difference between the Sahara regional conflict and the issue of Palestine, saying that the majority of African countries recognize Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara territory. Time has come for South Africa to join the international momentum and look for its interests instead of betting on a losing horse.

With the return of Donald Trump to the White House, a new geopolitical map will be redrawn. Johannesburg needs to show realpolitik bearing in mind that Trump announced in 2020 U.S. recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara and that Pretoria risks economic sanctions for siding the U.S. adversaries engaging in activities that undermine Washingtons national security and foreign policy interests.

Furthermore, the Polisario militia, funded and armed by Algeria, is very likely to be designated by the U.S. terrorist organization by the Trump administration after mounting evidences of the separatists ties with terrorist networks and deadly attacks launched against civilians in Moroccan Sahara.
Curtains fell on the Africa Investment Forum in Rabat which helped the African Development Bank (AfDB) mobilize a total funding of $29.2 billion for 47 projects, covering critical areas such as water supply, energy, transport, mining, pharmaceuticals, private equity, tourism, and infrastructure.

The event drew 2,300 investors and delegates from 83 countries, AfDB chief Akinwumi Adesina said.

The event is set to become a global investment movement for Africa, he said, noting that 15 new sponsors have been lined up for next years edition, including banks, insurers, and export credit agencies, along with others whove expressed interest in joining as new partners.

The event also marked growing investor interest in Africas development projects.

For example, Adesina noted that Nigerian state representatives sought to mobilize $975 million for Nigerias Special Agro-Processing Zone, but the boardroom sessions garnered $4.8 billion.

Similarly, projects initiated by Morocco and the Democratic Republic of the Congo drew investor interest higher than initially targeted, he said.
Mitt Romney and his wife Ann as he prepares to deliver his farewell speech to the Senate. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call/Getty Images

Hes got a bit more time until the 118th Congress comes to an end, and he announced his retirement back in September of 2023. But still, after his farewell speech to the Senate earlier this week, its not a bad time to briefly assess the political career of Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, who later became the first and only senator to vote twice to remove a president of his own party from office for high crimes and misdemeanors.

The youngest of four children born to George Romney and his wife Lenore, Mitts heritage included exceptional success in both business and politics (his father was president of American Motors before becoming Republican governor of Michigan and briefly a presidential candidate in 1968; his mother was Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in Michigan in 1970), and devout service to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (George Romney was born in Mexico among Mormons who fled the United States when it outlawed polygamy). Mitt was a co-founder of the private equity firm Bain Capital, and was also a Mormon bishop and stake president based in Boston. It was there that he launched his own political career in 1994 as an underdog Republican challenger to Senator Ted Kennedy. Massachusetts being what it was, Romney very much emulated the moderate Republicanism of his parents. But after his failed Senate race, his next step was to become CEO of the previously struggling organizing committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The success of those games made him a bit of a legend in Utah. Boosted by his Olympics fame, he returned to Massachusetts and was elected governor in November 2002, the last of a string of four Republican chief executives of that state.

As governor, Mitt very much continued in the moderate Romney tradition; he was ostensibly pro-choice on abortion (as he had been in his Senate race against Kennedy) and championed a state-level health care coverage program that was later often described (ironically) as the model for Obamacare. But by then he had decided to make a presidential bid in 2008, and thanks to the nature of the Republican field (with moderate Rudy Giuliani and maverick John McCain as the early front-runners), Romney chose to reinvent himself as the movement conservative candidate. He became vocally opposed to legalized abortion, competed for and won the CPAC straw poll, and he attracted the support of such conservative luminaries as Jim DeMint, Paul Weyrich, Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, Robert Bork, Rick Santorum, and the editors of National Review. Heavily spending from his own fortune, Romney was initially favored in both Iowa and New Hampshire, but was upset by Christian Right populist Mike Huckabee in the former and by McCain in the latter, and soon dropped out of the race.

Trying again in 2012, Romney repositioned himself as more of a mainstream Republican in a field that featured fire-breathers Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry, and Rick Santorum. But he tacked hard-right on one issue, immigration, where he famously called for making life so miserable for undocumented immigrants that they would self-deport. He won the nomination in a show of tactical skill and sheer endurance, and by the eve of the general election was thought to be in a dead heat with Barack Obama. Romney lost in the end principally because the incumbent exploited his Richie Rich profile, dramatized by a secretly recorded speech that showed him expressing contempt for the 47 percent of Americans who owe no federal income taxes.

After his defeat, Romney remained politically active and briefly considered (but then rejected) a third presidential run in 2016. When Donald Trump emerged as the front-runner, Romney harshly criticized him as a con man, a phony and a fraud, and the soon-to-be 45th president reciprocated the abuse. Though Romney refused to vote for Trump (or for his opponent Hillary Clinton) in the general election, the two men patched up their feud enough that Romney got an interview for the Secretary of State gig.

Then Mitts career took another turn when, after buying a house in Utah, he became the logical successor to retiring veteran Republican Senator Orrin Hatch in 2018, thanks to his Olympics star turn and his staunch adherence to the LDS faith despite the political problems it caused him. Trump wasnt very popular in Utah thanks to unhappiness with his crudeness and personal amorality, but he endorsed Romneys Senate candidacy  an act he probably came to regret. And so at the age of 71, Mitt Romney began his encore in national politics, mostly embracing traditional moderate-to-conservative Republican votes and views, but giving no ground to Donald Trumps excesses. As the only Republican to vote to convict Trump in February of 2020 for abuse of power in his conversations with Ukrainian leaders, he said of the then-president: Corrupting an election to keep ones self in office is perhaps the most abusive and destructive violation of ones oath of office that I can imagine. He had more Republican company in voting to convict Trump in 2021 for his conduct on January 6.

Romney made a greater mark on U.S. politics than youd expect from a man who actually spent just ten years (four as governor and six as a senator) in public office. For some he will enduringly represent a rare figure of integrity in a Republican Party where nearly everyone else either bent the knee to Trump or was shown the door. And for others he will remain the shape-shifter who tailored his national political career to what the market would bear. Still others will wonder what would have happened to his party and his country if he had won in 2012 and then preempted any Trump presidential run in 2016, leaving the Republican Party closer to his familys legacy than its current condition far down the primrose path.
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photo: NYPD

Christopher McNaughton needed care for his ulcerative colitis, which had already caused him to develop arthritis, diarrhea, fatigue, and blood clots that could kill him. The disease was one problem; his insurance company, UnitedHealthcare, soon proved to be another. As ProPublica reported in 2023, medical bills cost McNaughton nearly $2 million a year, and UnitedHealthcare had flagged his case for review as a high dollar account. In one recorded phone call, a nurse for United told a colleague that a doctor under contract with the company had concluded a drug cocktail that had had brought McNaughtons disease under control was not medically necessary. I knew that was coming, said the colleague with a laugh, later complaining that McNaughtons mother was throwing tantrums in calls with United.

Had McNaughtons family not responded with a lawsuit, we might not know the extent of UnitedHealthcares obstinance. His case is unusual in only one respect: He fought back. As ProPublica noted at the time, insurers reject about 1 in 7 claims for treatment, but according to one study, Americans appeal only 0.1 percent of the findings. Millions of people know what its like for an insurance company to deny care. Millions of people have reason to be angry, even furious, with the insurers who control so much of their lives. The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson ripped the wound open. To some, the anonymous shooter is more folk hero than murderer.

As one popular post on X put it, Today, we mourn the death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, gunned down. 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. One woman whod cared for her cancer-stricken mother told New York that she felt a little surge of Schadenfreude at the news of Thompsons death. Though the shooter wrote the words delay, deny, and depose on his shell casings, we still dont know his exact motivations. Its obvious, however, that he meant to send a public message  and some appear open to it.

Cases like McNaughtons help explain the rage so many feel. Sarah Palin once warned the ACA would usher in death panels across America. What made her so laughable wasnt the fearmongering but the fact that death panels were already here. They are insurance companies. Life has improved since the ACA became law, and Medicaid expansion alone has likely saved many lives, but even the insurance-marketplace plans can cost hundreds of dollars a month. Still, according to the Commonwealth Fund, the U.S. has the lowest life expectancy at birth, the highest death rates for avoidable or treatable conditions, the highest maternal and infant mortality, and among the highest suicide rates of any high-income nation. (In November, ProPublica ran another story about UnitedHealthcare, this time on its playbook for limiting mental-health-care coverage.)

To deny a person care is to abandon them. They will suffer, and they may even die a preventable death, but an insurance company will save money, and thats the American way. Hidden within that lack of sympathy over Thompsons demise is a note of surprise. We are used to a level of unnecessary and unnatural death in this country, a burden typically borne by the poor. The wealthy not only live longer than the poor; they often boast healthier years as they age. That phenomenon isnt unique to the U.S., but its not hard to see why it would persist here or why few would openly grieve the killing of a health-insurance executive. An individual act of violence cannot solve an unjust system, but it is a symptom of social dysfunction that our decision-makers ignore at their peril. That system is not only unsustainable, it is already breaking down. It has killed, too.

In 1845, the writer Friedrich Engels accused English society of grave crimes against the working class. When one individual inflicts bodily injury upon another such that death results, we call the deed manslaughter; when the assailant knew in advance that the injury would be fatal, we call his deed murder, Engels wrote in The Condition of the Working Class in England. When a country deliberately subjects its proletariat to conditions that result in premature death, its deed is murder just as surely as the deed of the single individual  more specifically, a phenomenon that Engels called social murder. The offense can seem natural, he explained, since it is more of omission than of commission.

UnitedHealthcare does not pull a trigger and shoot its victims in the street. Instead, they suffer and may die of cancer, or of heart disease, or of some other treatable condition. Yet insurance companies like it bear some guilt nonetheless. A 2023 survey by the American Medical Association found that 9 percent of physicians blamed prior authorization  the requirement that a health-insurance company approve a treatment or prescription  for at least one patients disability or even death. Another ProPublica story documented the case of Forrest VanPatten, who died from complications of cancer after his insurance company refused to cover a treatment that could have extended his life. In reckoning with the murder of Brian Thompson, we must reckon, too, with its seeming inevitability: with all the choices that brought us here.

When democratic norms fail and justice feels unattainable, people will reach their limit. Some will file a lawsuit. Others will make jokes on social media. And in this country, overrun with guns and violence, a few will resort to deadlier means. Thompsons death was preventable, as so many American deaths are. Until our political class concludes that life is more valuable than profit, there will be blood  if not in the streets, then in our hospitals and homes. Something has to give, and soon.
21 items in this article 4 items on sale! Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Dimitrios Kambouris, Bryan Bedder, Roy Rochlin, Axelle, Retailers

Almost two seasons into the reboot, RHONY fans are still debating if the cast is delightfully delusional or even messy enough to live up to the OGs. (Brian Moylans recaps will tell you everything you need to know, if you havent caught up.) As self-aware as this new group is, theres still plenty of snarky digs and (supposed) fashion-faux-pas callouts to go around, whether its about wearing too many logos or unpleasant natural deodorant. So, I thought this particular group of Housewives would have some strong stances on gifting. I spoke to five of them to see exactly what theyd want this holiday. Theres no ill-fitting lingerie or pigeon-related items, but there is mention of the designer who made Racquels divisively large engagement ring and something involving mice. Before we get into it, it seems more important here than in any other article to note that none of the products are tied to any of the Housewives (brand deals, sponsorships, or otherwise). Everything below is actually on their wish lists.

Brynn Whitfields wish list

Kerastase Nutritive Hydrating Shampoo, Conditioner and Heat Protection Gift Set $96 $96 Back in the day, my siblings and I would take what little earnings we had from the year and do a Christmas gift exchange. I used to give my sister and grandmother beauty sets, so I was trying to think of which one Id like to receive. Honestly, Id like to get more of my favorites from Kerastase. Its my go-to, because the shampoo is super-lightweight for my dry, porous hair. It keeps my hair soft, especially since I use a lot of heat. I just chopped my hair off, and Im trying to protect it from more damage. $96 at Sephora Buy

MoMA NYC Music Snow Globe $36 $36 You cant go wrong with a museum gift shop, especially MoMAs. Everythings so perfectly curated, and I always look forward to its holiday collection. Ive been eyeing this snow globe, because I collected snow globes when I was little. Theyre sweet and nostalgic, and they take me back to growing up in Indiana. This is a cute memento for someone who lives in New York or doesnt. I want one myself, but Im actually going to send this to my nieces. $36 at MoMA Design Store Buy

This is the most beautiful, beautiful coat. I will be resharing this once its published, because Im going to be like, Who wants to buy me this? I have tried it on three times in the Madison store. They think Im crazy. It reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in Charade when shes wearing her sunglasses and the brown hat and coat. Im trying to convince myself that if I get it, Ill wear it every day walking around New York. Im hoping Santa sees this and gets me the set, but I might have to buy myself just that hat and act like I left the coat at home.

Erin Lichys wish list

Im always hosting dinner parties. I have a collection of beautiful plates from different companies, but Ive been lusting over this specific green set ever since Dior came out with it. I actually think I saw them first in Aspen when Little Nell did a partnership with Dior Home. I just fell in love. I think theyll look so pretty in the Hamptons for summer hosting.

Lulu and Georgia Match Cloche $36 $36 I just think this is really cute. I always have matches around. Im always lighting candles. Sometimes I need matches by my fireplaces in the Hamptons for the fire starter. This is just very pretty, and Id like one for my house. I also think it would make a nice housewarming gift. $36 at Lulu & Georgia Buy

Spanx AirEssentials Half Zip $118 $118 I found this just while shopping online. I have a million carts open at all times that I have to pare down. I thought this would be a great daily throw over a jacket. Also, I like that I could drop off my kids at school and go straight to a workout without looking too disheveled. $118 at Spanx Buy

Racquel Chevremonts wish list

Nada Ghazal The Arch Big Hoop Earring $5,520 $5,520 I wear a lot of Nadas work, and so does Mel. She is the designer who did my engagement ring, so its kind of our big gift for special occasions. The pieces are just gorgeous. Once again, female designer  youll see a trend happening here with me  because I love to support women designers and artists. This is 18 karat, and the design is just stunning. Nada is Lebanese, and theres a little bit of influence in some of her pieces, too. $5,520 at Nada Ghazal Buy

Ninja Slushi FS301 $300 $300 Thats one the kids really want, but who doesnt like an alcoholic slushie drink, right? Its on my daughters list along with the ice- cream maker. I figure that its versatile. The entire family can enjoy it. We could do a margarita night. My kids will get virgin ones, and mine can be a little spicy. $300 at Ninja Kitchen Buy

Fitueyes Picasso FT65 Corner TV Stand $179 $179 I have a massive television on my wall, and I dont love the look of it. This turns your TV into a work of art. You can program it to flip through your photographs or paintings on your wish list  Monets or whatever you might want. $179 at Wayfair Buy

Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks - 6 Pairs $22 $22 I dont get nearly as much sleep as I should, so I often wake up with dark circles and puffiness. These help clear all that out, and they just feel good. Its so simple, but even if Im just around the house watching TV, I feel like Im having a little self-care moment with these on. Id love a restock. $22 at Amazon Buy $22 at Sephora Buy

Jessel Taanks wish list

Aire Ancient Baths Gift Certificates From $276 From $276 Im a big fan of experiences versus physical gifts. This one, you can actually take some time to unwind and maybe do something outside of your comfort zone. Aire has massages and packages you can do by yourself or with someone else. Its just the perfect way to unwind after a busy year or busy season. Theres no phones allowed, too, so you can really disconnect. Its good for the mind and body. I was actually gifted this for my birthday last year, and Id love to go again. From $276 at Aire Ancient Baths Buy

Skylight Calendar: 15-Inch Digital Calendar and Chore Chart $320 This sounds so nerdy. I was at a friends house the other day, and she had this incredible-looking frame, and I was like, What is that? Its basically a digital frame that shows your calendar and can sync with your familys calendar. It lets you look through your day-to-day and monthly to-dos. What I thought was genius is that if you have emails coming in, it basically takes the date from those emails and automatically puts it into the calendar. I get so many emails from my kids school, so this would be incredibly helpful. And it looks clean and chic. $320 at Amazon Buy $300 at Skylight Buy

Ume Jasmine Ylang Ylang Soap $54 $54 This soap is so ridiculously priced, but it is gorgeous and smells amazing. I actually first saw it at the new Warren Street Hotel and have been thinking about it since. I was like, I have to have that in the powder room. Im hoping that Pavit gets it for me. $54 at Ume-Studio Buy

Ubah Hassans wish list

Moncler Womans Kickstream Tall Rain Boots $595 $595 These are at the top of my list. I saw these at Bloomingdales and knew I needed them in all three colors. I cant pick one. My boyfriend was like, Why dont you just get $85 or $100 boots? Were going to the woods. Im like, no, no, no, this is not for rain. This is a fashion statement. Id wear them like winter boots with some nice pants. They are just gorgeous. I guess I could settle for just the brown and black for everyday wear, and the white would be extra. $595 at Neiman Marcus Buy

L.A. Burdick Signature Chocolate Mice $38 $38 I first got a box of this chocolate four or five years ago from a friend. I ate the whole box in like a day and a half. I thought it was this fancy chocolate from Switzerland, but he just got it in Soho. Ever since, Ive been obsessed. If someone cut me, I would bleed this chocolate. It just has the best flavor. You actually taste the milk chocolate or dark chocolate. My favorite is the little mice. They are so cute. This is the perfect gift for me, and its something I keep stock of to gift other people. $38 at L.A. Burdick Buy

Miele CM 6360 Milk Perfection Fully Automatic Coffee System $2,800 $2,800 I will go out of my way to get coffee from places that use Miele machines. To me, the coffee made with this tastes like Im in Rome. I have a coffee machine already and it is quite good, but if I had this, it would upgrade my life. I think it has to do with the machines filter and how it processes the beans. You just get pure liquid gold. I dont know. Its like, there are cars  and then theres a Bentley. All the coffee machines are making coffee like all cars are driving, but some just feel better. Im not even a huge coffee drinker, but if I had this at home, I would be. $2,800 at Williams Sonoma Buy $2,800 at Crate and Barrel Buy

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There's something rotten about Jada parading her grooming tactics for attention seeking and not only dragging her husband in to it. But somehow trying to come out as the victim. Some people deserve nothing.

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Id forgotten about that Jada one. That was a time when we were just constantly learning things about Will and Jada against our will lmao

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Pretty sure the Clinton one was huge

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I miss the days when cheating on your wife with the intern was the worst thing a president could do

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lmao I was complaining a few months ago that maybe we should bring back disqualifying candidates for infidelity.

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wear a tan suit. have a wife show their arms

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I know i'm getting old because Monica Lewinsky and Brad/Angelina were the first two that came to mind, and they aren't even mentioned in this post!

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Wait, did Bill cheat!?!

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Still think Ned from Try Guys is the worst for me. I mean he left a black mark on his marriage, his kids will find out all about it one day, he blew up his career, he lost various very close friends and everyone who recognizes him has 0 respect for him.



Overall I think some other scandals may be worse but his "Wife Guy" image made everything blow up so much more. Like ok, Known Asshole cheats on wife alright wow. But the guy who portrays himself as devoted husband cheats on wife? Obviously it can be a case of the loudest person is the most insecure but it was still a little shocking.



Anyway jokes on him tho because the new Try Guys cast is so much more fun! Queen Joyce <3

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he was recently been seen acting super cozy with a woman who was not Ariel if you are to believe comments left on reddit

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If that means they are separated rather than him cheating -again- I would love that! I don't think any wife should ever stay with a cheating husband.

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That had me shook cuz I'd been watching the Try Guys for years and they were the only yt channel I watched regularly. To see them all over pop culture, the internet, and even here had me so shocked and I was so plugged into the drama.

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that whole thing also opened up some discourse that really showed people's asses (famously snl, otherwise randoms on the internet) who didnt understand that a man who paraded his wife online fucking one of his employees on company time and their dime was a big problem

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Ned was also in charge of human resources. And he was cheating with an employee. Who was having a series on their channel about her engagement and wedding!

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craziest part is that he and ariel are still together lol

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The kstew pics will always be the one that first comes to mind.

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Teehee Waking up to Robert Pattinson's IMDB discussion board (as a prior Robert Pattinson stan.... don't judge) being in shambles was absolutely delicious. We all felt vindicated that day.

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yesssss



- the cheating pics

- the "i love him i love him i love him" apology

- donald trump of all people tweeting about it multiple times

- the robsten shipper meltdowns

- the article about how much rpattz and kstew love to lick each other's armpits



i can't wait for sweet pea and jelly bean to make their hollywood debut. they're gonna blow the rest of the nepo babies out of the water!

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Man, they dont make gossip like that these days

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I went all these years without learning about that armpit thing. damn

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That was a wild day on ONTD

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Im still convinced they called the paps themselves and set the whole thing up. You can see them in some of the pics looking directly into the camera completely unfazed. For what reason (publicity? infamy?) Ill never know.

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Didn't we all find out through a free for all or a post and suddenly the comments EXPLODED. Ugh goodtimes.

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my first ontd post!

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CHECK THE EAR!!!

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illicitly banging someone named Rupert will always be funny to me

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I mean... Billy Crudup?

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I feel like his only saving grace is that theres a guy out there who left his wife after she gave him a kidney.



Didnt Claire Danes then dump him for Hugh Dancy? So karma got him, yet to get her.

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George is definitely the worst on the list, but I was surprised Billy didn't even get mentioned. I know it was like 20 years ago, but still. And yep, re: Claire

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Idk. Isnt he married to Naomi watts now?

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There's a summary here in case someone is curious:



Edited at 2024-12-07 08:21 pm (UTC) The Karla Panini affair is forever the worst imo. Truly vile stuff.There's a summary here in case someone is curious: https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/128276052.html

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I just found out about this. The Panini one not only behaves like a rat she looks like one too.

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Just read all that and WTF?! And there's a special place in hell for Panini and Americo.

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Siempre regresamos contra Karla Panini

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I love the memes with panini, Angela and that wedding planner woman

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I missed this post entirely and my jaw is on the fucking floor. Those poor children and the maternal family.

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Kristen Stewart cheating on Robert Patterson with her married director.



The twilight stan reaction was entertaining, but didnt the director guy have little kids? I felt bad for his wife/family.

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his ex-wife liberty ross married jimmy iovine so she really came out of that on top, minus the obvious trauma

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It turned out to be one of "life's unexpected blessings" because Liberty Ross had a complete glowup and upgrade from that manchild. There are worse things in life than being with a billionaire that adores you, plus her brother is Atticus Ross. Meanwhile, what has the ex been doing other than that Crow movie that bombed horribly?

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Love that journey for all of them

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Also directed the American version of Ghost in the Shell starring notorious tree enthusiast Scarlett Johannson that also flopped.

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And then Rupert Sanders went onto direct The Crow! (B. Skarsgard edition)

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I don't know about the worst, I feel like most cheating scandals are equally gross. The most infamous ones I can think of are Brad Pitt cheating on Jennifer Aniston and Clinton. I know nothing about that Jada-Pinkett Smith one but that sounds extra gross.

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John Edwards cheating on his wife who was dying of cancer at the time. If I recall correctly this came out around the time he was running for POTUS and it pretty much ended his political career.

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Wasn't that Gingrich?

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they both did

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I remember this

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and he denied paternity of her child for a super long time, even making one of his staffers take the fall for it, until after the spotlight faded and he finally came clean years later. it was so ridiculous

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For some reason I thought (erroneously I guess) he did it before she became sick. Not during. But wow, that's so disgusting and fucked up.

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For some reason one of the details of the affair that sticks in my mind was him allegedly telling her that he would marry her after his wife dies on a rooftop in NYC and the Dave Matthews Band would play.

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And the National Enquirer was the one that came out with it.

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There are certainly worse ones, but remember when Adam Levine wanted to name his child after the woman he was having an affair with? And his embarrassing texts got leaked.

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His childish sexts were something else.

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They really were, the other Maroon 4 almost disowned him.

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Sumner of all names..

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Chess anal beads 

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Excuse me?!

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https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/124239680.html



Twas a great year for scandals. Twas a great year for scandals.

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I'm so confused on how the people that accused him came up with that

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Morena Baccarin confirming a divorce, a relationship with Ben McKenzie, a pregnancy and engagement all in one week was wild

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I legit felt bad for the husband because it felt like we all did the math before he did. Like he realized along with us the kid a) existed and b) wasn't his

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an ondt classic!

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That shit was like an episode of 24 lol

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I came into to this post for this one



They were so messy

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It wasn't super publicized but this is the winner with the way it kept escalating lol

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That was a mess. Her then husband said he came home and Ben was just chilling? Thats how he found out.

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Holy shit I never heard that part, how unbelievably shitty. Then they still had to coparent after all of that, hope he's happier now.

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And her husband just had no idea! Poor guy

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From the Wikipedia page of her ex-husband, Austin Chick:



"Chick filed for divorce in July 2015, citing irreconcilable differences.[12] In September 2015, his wife responded in a legal declaration involving their divorce that she planned to marry her Gotham co-star, Ben McKenzie, adding that she was three-and-a-half months pregnant with McKenzie's child.[13][14] On 2 March 2016, Baccarin and McKenzie's daughter was born.[15] On 18 March 2016, Baccarin and Chick's divorce became official."

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this was so wild!!!!!

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One of my favorite times on ONTD! I remember they tried to downplay her pregnancy and make it seem like they just found out she was pregnant. Then set photos leaked and she was visibly pregnant.

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Honestly forgot about this one, there was like a list of affairs!

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The fact that it started with a car accident and everyone was worried about him was just the worst way for it to start. And then it was just so messy. The texts, the women going on Howard Stern, people putting together that his wife had knocked out one of his teeth

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My mom called it immediately!

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I think all of that went down in a day too. The news of his car accident was in the morning and by evening, it came out she attacked him with one of his golf clubs because she found out about his affairs.



Then he used his dead dad to try and gain sympathy in a televised PSA.

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anybody remember when Leann Rimes and Eddie Cibrian got together after he cheated on his ex Brandi Glanville (and I think Leann was also married?) and then Leann started single white female-ing Brandi, lost a lot of weight to look like Brandi, got implants from the same surgeon to look like Brandi, dressed just like her, copied her tweets word for word, did all this other crazy shit?

I just find it so unhinged because who wants to be BRANDI GLANVILLE of all people?

anyway, I think he's been with Leann longer than he was with Brandi, so maybe they're meant for each other?



Edited at 2024-12-07 08:26 pm (UTC)

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I think she also made the kids call her "mom" or some weird shit.

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Leann single white femaled Brandi? DAMN. No wonder Brandi was so unhinged on Real Housewives.



And, tbf, Brandi was gorgeous before she messed with her face.

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OMG, the OP never lied; that shit was absolutely insane. Someone made a whole ass blog documenting it all with time and date stamps; Brandy would post a picture of herself on SM wearing a particular item (shoes, boots, etc) and a few days later Leeanne would post a pic of herself with the items. She would also mimic Brandy's SM poses too. The Internet being the Internet, someone sent Brandi a link to the blog and she was basically like "WTFBBQDISBITCH?" and it really got messy and LeeAnne stopped for a while, but then started up again when she thought no one was looking. It was real unstable behavior and I don't blame Brandi for being concerned, because wtf?

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I just find it so unhinged because who wants to be BRANDI GLANVILLE of all people?



It was so obvious that Eddie Cibran was probably comparing the two and driving the insanity.

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Last year I showed the tumblr to my fiance that had photos of Leann dressing up in all the clothes/shoes/etc right after Brandi. At first he was like this is dumb and then his eyes just got bigger and bigger. 

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People forget how unhinged it was

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omg i had no idea about this one, the copying is crazy

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That whole thing was so creepy and if I were Brandi, I wouldn't have wanted my kids anywhere near her.

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I forgot about them. Theyre still together? Mess.

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I remember when LeAnn posted a happy 1 year anniversary tweet for Eddie Cibrian and her ex husband responded they were still married at that time.

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George Lopez cheating on his wife after she donated her kidney to him Honestly this doesn't even surprise me tbh  I used to be a huge fan (he's a big deal in the Hispanic communities  esp. with Mexicans). But it's also known what huge asshole he sis  I have had friends and family who have met him and its all been negative as long as I can remember. Idk if its b/c of his fame or money but it did change him because I don't think he was always like that. But I could be wrong.



Edited at 2024-12-07 08:27 pm (UTC)

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I'm not surprised. He come across as a jerk in the commercials for Lopez vs Lopez.

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I don't think he cares anymore and doesn't even bother to hide it  he hasn't done standup comedy in forever it seems and is earning his millions on tv shows

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The report claims to focus on protecting scientific integrity, saying universities need to be transparent about their funding sources and take steps to mitigate outside influence on their research and policies.

Many UK universities have divested from fossil fuels, while others, particularly in the US, continue to receive significant funding from the fossil fuel industry.

After years of pressure from students and environmental groups, a multitude of higher education institutions in the U.K. have committed to excluding fossil fuel companies from their investment portfolios. However, a September report showed that funding from such companies continues to slow the switch to green energy. Meanwhile, several Elite U.S. universities continue to accept millions in funding from Big Oil every year.

The student campaign group People & Planet announced in November that 115 out of 149 U.K. universities had publicly committed to divest from fossil fuels, which is equivalent to around $22.4 billion in funding. This marks a huge turnaround from just a decade ago, showing U.K. academias increased commitment to a green transition. People & Planet established its Fossil Free Universities campaign in 2013, one of several student-led efforts to get universities across the country to divest from oil, gas, and coal.

People & Planets Laura Clayson stated, That we can celebrate this today is down to the generations of students and staff that have fought for justice in solidarity with impacted communities. The days of UK universities profiteering from investments in this neo-colonial industry are over.

Some of the recent universities to have joined the pledge include Birmingham City University, Glasgow School of Art, Royal Northern College of Music and the University of Bradford. The group plans to use the majority shift to encourage the remaining 34 U.K. universities to do the same.

In September, a study published in the journal WIREs Climate Change showed that universities across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia had not been transparent enough in their sharing of the source of funding for academic research.

In the study, researchers discovered that out of around 14,000 peer-reviewed articles about conflicts of interest, bias, and research funding across all industries between 2003 to 2023, just seven referenced fossil fuels. When looking at book chapters, the authors found a further seven references. However, when looking through the small body of existing scholarship, the authors found hundreds of instances in these countries where oil and gas interests had funded climate and energy research while on advisory or governing boards, endowing academic posts, sponsoring scholarships, advising curricula, or influencing universities in other ways.

The study shows that between 2012 and 2017, BP pumped between $2.1 million and $2.6 million into Princeton Universitys Carbon Mitigation Initiative, an initiative that produced research on ways to decarbonize the economy.

The authors state, We find that universities are an established yet under-researched vehicle of climate obstruction by the fossil fuel industry. Geoffrey Supran, a co-author of the study explained, Our intention is to protect scientific integrity We want to warn scholars and university leaders that they can be pawns in a propaganda scheme.

This suggests that while U.K. institutions have begun to move away from fossil fuel funding, the lack of transparency over financing in previous years could have tainted past research papers. In addition, many higher education institutions in other countries have yet to sign up to the divestment pledge.

In the U.S., six analyses published in September, with a focus on American University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Princeton University, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and the University of California, San Diego, showed that many elite U.S. universities continue to accept millions of dollars in funding each year from fossil fuel interests. The reports were written by campus organizers at each institution and published by the Campus Climate Network.

The researchers found that since 2003, the six universities have together received over $100 million in fossil fuel industry-derived funding. They also received millions more in funding from firms that enable the fossil fuel industry, including banks that fund oil expansion or groups that have spread climate disinformation.

The researchers believe that the analyses vastly underestimate the true extent of the funding, as many university research centers do not publicly disclose their donors. The research found that the six institutions together published at least 1,507 academic articles that were funded by oil and gas interests. The report stated, [T]he fossil fuel industry can brand itself onto the reputation of every university it donates to, no matter how upstanding or progressive.

Princeton University is reported to own, or have owned, a fossil fuel company named Petrotiger, which may have earned nearly $140 million over the last decade, according to research by one co-author, Alex Norbrook. Tax forms demonstrate that the school owned most of the shares in three entities, Petrotiger I, Petrotiger III and Petrotiger IV. Princeton also received at least $43 million from fossil fuel companies and their charities between 2013 to 2023. This led Norbrook to say, Princetons claim that it is a climate leader is false The university cannot make this claim while continuing to promote the fossil fuel industry behind the scenes.

While several U.K. universities have publicly committed to divest from fossil fuels, many higher education institutions in other parts of the world have yet to make such a pledge. Universities have received millions of dollars in funding from fossil fuel and related companies in previous decades, and many continue to do so without transparently reporting their funding sources and the potential influence that may have on academic research.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized on Friday for his brief attempt to impose martial law earlier this week. His remark came just hours before the parliament voted on his impeachment.

In a two-minute televised addresshis first public appearance since rescinding the martial law order on WednesdayYoon expressed deep regret, calling the decision an act of desperation. He assured the nation that he would not attempt to invoke martial law again.

"I am very sorry and would like to sincerely apologize to the people who were shocked," Yoon said. "I leave it up to my party to take steps to stabilize the political situation in the future, including the issue of my term in office."

However, some members of the opposition Democratic party, including Lee Jae-myung, dismissed Yoon's apology, reminding that his actions were acts of betrayal.

"The president's very existence is the biggest risk to South Korea right now," Lee said, adding that he must either resign immediately or be removed through impeachment.

However, impeaching President Yoon would require the backing of 200 out of the 300 members of the National Assembly. The opposition parties, which jointly submitted the impeachment motion, hold a combined total of 192 seats.

Passing the impeachment motion requires a two-thirds majority, meaning support from at least eight lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) in addition to the opposition.

Despite this, the PPP has maintained its official stance against the motion. However, earlier on Saturday, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon stated that it has become inevitable for President Yoon to step down early, asserting that he is no longer able to fulfill his duties effectively, Yonhap reported.

On Saturday, ahead of the impeachment voting, around 100,000 protesters gathered in Yeouido, while 20,000 were in Gwangwhamun, according to a Yonhap report citing estimates from the police. Meanwhile, people gathered outside the National Assembly, where the voting is set to take place, demanding that the president leave his seat.
The Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has been linked with Jerry Elo Ikogho, one of the 78 Nigerians indicted in cases of massive financial fraud recently uncovered by the American agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A photograph of the minister sharing happy times with FBI-indicted Jerry Elo Ikogho, aka J Man, surfaced on the social media on Sunday and it became an instant hit.

Mid last week, the American-owned domestic intelligence and security service had rounded up 80 indicted Internet scammers, out of which 78 are Nigerians.

While some of the indicted persons live in the United States, the FBI charge sheet said the majority of them live in Nigeria.

The FBI went on to release their full names and aliases, along with a 252-count outlined in a 145-page document.

According to TheCable, Mr. Keyamo has confirmed that he was friends with Mr. Ikogho.

The online medium reported that Keyamo said he and Ikogho were born in Ughelli, Delta State, and that they grew up as childhood friends.

It added that the erudite lawyer revealed that he and J Man took the trending photograph eight years ago, precisely in 2011 at a burial ceremony.

The medium added, The senior advocate said the suspect is from a decent home, adding that he hoped that the American authorities got their facts right.

He is my childhood friend. We were born in the same town, Ughelli.

We attended the same church from birth. His parents and mine, best of friends, till tomorrow.

His siblings and mine too. He left for the US about 10-12 years ago.

Cant deny him. Its a family relationship from birth. Hes from a decent family. Hope they got their facts right. The wife has sent the charge to me, TheCable quoted Keyamo as having said.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole has faulted the declaration and swearing-in of Douye Diri, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the governor of Bayelsa state.

Recall that the apex court on Thursday sacked the APC flag bearer, David Lyon, as Bayelsa governor-elect over discrepancies in his running mates certificates.

In a letter to the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), titled, Judgement in Appeal No: SC.1/2020 between Peoples Democratic Party Request for conduct of fresh governorship election in Bayelsa State, Oshiomhole acknowledged the judgment of the apex court, but noted that the court did not void its partys votes from the elections, even as he noted that the PDP candidate did not meet the requirement to be declared winner of the election.

He therefore called on INEC to conduct fresh elections to determine who the governor of the state should be.

The letter read in part: Kindly recall that the Governorship election in Bayelsa State was conducted on the 16th November, 2019 and our great party, the All Progressives Congress, duly participated at the said election. You will also recall that the All Progressives Congress emerged victorious at the election leading to our Lyon David Pereworinimi being declared and returned as winner of the election, the letter reads.

Our attention has been drawn to the judgement of the Supreme Court delivered on 14th February 2020 in the pre-election appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and its governorship as well as deputy governorship, Mr Oshiomhole wrote.

ALSO READ: Opposition planning protest to embarrass Buhari, says Shehu

aIn the said judgement of the Supreme Court, the candidature of our governorship and deputy governorship candidates were nullified and the commission was ordered to issue fresh certificate of returns with the highest number of votes and with the required geographical spread.

It is however to be noted that the Supreme Court did not void the votes that our party polled at the election and the implication of this is that the votes of the All Progressives Congress must be reckoned with in determining whether any other candidate polled majority of lawful votes cast in one-quarter of at least two thirds majority of the state.

We have reviewed the judgement of the Supreme Court and we are of the firm opinion that the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party cannot be issued certificate of return and or sworn in as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State respectively.

He further noted, that From the results announced and duly published by the commission, it is clear that no candidates meet this mandatory constitutional requirement, including the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party who only managed to poll one quarter of the votes cast in only five local government areas, the APC said.

The party said its position is fortified by the fact that there is a condition precedent to the winner being issued a certificate of return.
<! Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun >

The drama over missing coronavirus patients in the Nigerian state of Osun ended Saturday.

The confirmed lone missing patient was found in his family home in Ejigbo.

His capture was confirmed by Funke Egbemode, the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation.

She told the online news platform Eagle Online that the patient was among the 127 people who returned from Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Government quarantined them in Gebu area of Ejigbo.

Yes, we have found him, Egbemode said.

He simply went back to his family compound.

It was easy tracing him since we have all their details  name, family compound, family name, telephone number and all others.

Thank God we have him back,she said.

The drama unfolded with reports that six patients kept in the isolation centre were missing.

But the Osun government after a headcount said only one person was missing.
<! Sanwo-Olu briefing newsmen >

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday disclosed that five more Coronavirus patients have been discharged from isolation centre in the state.

The governor said those discharged included three female and two male.

Dear Lagosians, Today, 5 more patients; 3 females and 2 males, have been discharged from the Mainland Infectious Diseases Hospital to reunite with the society.

They were discharged having recovered fully and tested negative twice consecutively to #COVID19, he said.

According to Sanwo-Olu, this brought to 90, the number of patients successfully managed and discharged from the States isolation facilities.

I appeal to residents to stay at home, practice Social Distancing and observe the highest possible personal and hand hygiene, he said.
The 2024 Mac mini appears on the screen of a 2024, 24-inch iMac. The former starts at $599 and an affordable, powerful option. The latter remains the best living room computer you can buy, and now its even more powerful. Dwight Silverman photo

You may have heard that the desktop computer category is dead, done in by the popularity of laptops. Frankly, my friends, you have heard wrong.

Desktops still serve a need, and no one knows that better than Apple, which in October launched two new desktop Macs that are compelling and very different. Theres a refresh of the 24-inch iMac all-in-one that uses Apple's powerful new M4 processors, and a redesign of the company's Mac mini, which is not only affordable and muscular, but also  dare I say it?  cute.

In fact, those in the market for a Mac on their desks may have a hard time choosing.

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Whats alike

The launch of the 2024 iMac and Mac mini sees Apple standardizing its entire computer lineup around its M4 processors, first seen in the latest iPad Pro models. While the iMac and mini have M4s, the latter offers an M4 Pro option. These are fantastic chips, offering stellar performance with efficient power usage.

Both models also have base configurations with 16 gigabytes of memory; Apple has finally moved off its lame 8GB starting specification. This is to support its move into AI, which it dubs Apple Intelligence, but it has the added aspect of finally offering an adequate amount of RAM for its base machines.

Both systems start with 256GB of storage, which in my opinion isnt adequate. Id recommend bumping to 512GB for either system, but it will add $200 to the cost.

Both support fast WiFi 6E and have Gigabit Ethernet ports (its on the power brick on the iMac).

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Now lets look at some differences.

2024 iMac

I know some pine for a bigger display on an iMac, yearning for the days of the 27-inch models Apple used to sell. But dont hold your breath. In one of the few instances in which the company has directly addressed rumors, Apple has said theres no 27-inch model in development (but didnt say if a larger screen was being considered).

That said, the screen on the 24-inch iMac is outstanding. With a 4.5K resolution (4,480-by-2,520 pixels) and 500 nits of brightness, its a joy to use. With the 2024 model, Apple adds a $200 option for nano-texture glass to ward off glare, first seen on the companys high-end Studio Display.

The model Apple provided for testing came with a memory bump to 24GB and storage increased to 1 terabyte. It was also the version with four USB-C Thunderbolt ports (a less-expensive model has two ports) and a 10-core graphic processing unit.

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Along with the nano-texture screen option and a full-size keyboard with Touch ID, this higher-end edition priced out at $2,329. The iMac line starts at $1,299 and in terms of performance and display, thats a good value. The only biggest downside to the base model is that Apple charges way too much for additional storage and memory  and you cant add more later.

The iMac was just as fast as the M4 processor promises. Everything happens quickly, and the handful of games I tried played smoothly and without hiccup. The 12-megapixel camera is a big step up, generating a much better image and supporting Center Stage, which keeps you centered if you move around.

The audio by default is a little flat, with adequate bass and a muddy middle, but I was grateful for the equalizer built into the Apple Music app. With tweaking, I got music and video to sound much better, with a clearer middle and crisp highs.

Apple has tweaked the color options a bit this year. For example, gone is that vivid red from earlier models, replaced with a Barbie-hued pink. Visitors to my humble swankienda really liked it, though my youngest thought the yellow version would be a better choice. (To each her own!)

This years iMac remains the best all-in-one you can buy, and certainly the best-looking living-room computer. If you want simplicity along with power, this is your desktop Mac.

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2024 Mac mini

This stripped-down Mac gets back to the minis roots as a low-cost, high-performance option. The computer and a power cable are the only things in the box, and you provide the monitor, keyboard and mouse or trackpad.

Its also the tiniest Mac that Apple has made, small enough to sit in the palm of your hand. The dimensions: 5 inches square and 2 inches tall, weighing 1.5 or 1.6 lbs., depending on the processor you choose. It looks like a severely shrunken Mac Studio, Apples desktop aimed at power users.

Besides adorable, the best adjective I can use to describe its design is thoughtful. It has two USB-C ports and a headphone jack up front, making it easy to quickly plug in peripherals or charge a device. On the back are three Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports (on the higher-end model, theyre Thunderbolt 5), an HDMI port for video and a Gigabit Ethernet port. Some reviewers have groused that the power button is located on the bottom of the mini, on the left rear corner. Given how seldom most folks power down a Mac, this felt like a non-issue to me; lifting the mini to press the button is simple.

Apple sent the lowest-end model, with a standard M4 chip, 16 GB of memory and just 256 GB of storage, which starts at an affordable $599. (Bringing it up to my minimum storage capacity of 512 GB would add $200.) Higher-end versions start at $799 and you can max it out at close to $4,700 with 64 GB of memory, 8 TB of storage and the fastest M4 Pro chip.

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At first I wished that Id been loaned the higher-end version, until I started using it. The base model felt frisky and capable, and I was more than satisfied as I did everyday tasks. It was indistinguishable from the iMacs performance.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Garfield, star of the eponymous comic strip created by Jim Davis in 1978, is, like many of the cats that roam our homes, orange. He is orange in the same way that some people are redheaded, some horses are brown, or some dogs are Irish setters, but there is one important difference.

For all other animals, including redheaded humans, we know what causes this characteristic color, but surprisingly, we didn't know what causes it in catsand felines in generaluntil now.

Two papers have just been published on bioRxivone of the most popular pre-publication repositories of unreviewed articlesthat explain the genetics behind orange cats. One comes from Greg Barsh's lab at Stanford University, California. The other is from Hiroyuki Sasaki's lab at Kyushu University, Japan.

Eumelanin and feomelanin: the two mammal pigments

Mammals have only two pigments, which are two colors of melanin: eumelanin (dark brown, blackish) and pheomelanin (yellowish, reddish or orange). Redheads only produce pheomelanin, while dark-skinned people accumulate mainly eumelanin. All other skin and hair colors fall somewhere in between, thanks to as many as 700 genes that regulate pigmentation in animals.

In primates, horses, rodents, dogs, cows and many other animals, melanin production and the decision to produce eumelanin or pheomelanin is in the hands of a membrane protein called MC1R. This controls the skin cells known as melanocytes that release melanin. If a melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is released, melanocytes start producing eumelanin. If an antagonist, such as agouti-signaling protein or beta-defensin in dogs, comes into play, the production of dark eumelanin stops, and melanocytes produce orange pheomelanin instead.

However, cats are another matter altogether. Anyone who keeps a cat around the house knows that they are very peculiar animals, very special in every way, and this extends to their pigmentation.

In cats, eumelanin or pheomelanin production is not controlled by the MC1R receptor. Instead, it is in the hands of a locus (whose gene was, until now, unknown) called "orange". A locus is a physical location in the genome whose effects are known (e. g. black or orange coat), but not the details of the precise DNA sequence it contains, nor the gene to which it belongs.

For this reason, we usually first identify the locus and then, over time, we discover and describe the associated gene in detail. The orange locus in cats can come in two versions: an 'O' variant that supports the production of pheomelanin (orange), and an 'o' variant that is responsible for producing eumelanin (black).

One detail to note is that the orange locus is on the X chromosome. Female cats are XX and male cats are XY, like all other mammals. And as with all female mammals, all cells throughout development will randomly inactivate one of the two copies of the X chromosome. Oo female catscarrying the O variant on one X chromosome and the o variant on the otherwill generate areas of their body that are orange (in areas where they have inactivated the 'o' allele) and others that are black (when inactivating the 'O' allele).

This means that when we see a bicolour (black/orange) or tricolor (black/orange/white) cat, or one of its more diluted versions, we know that it must be a female, and its pigmentation pattern will be completely unique.

Male cats are either orange or black (they have only one X chromosome), but cannot be bicoloured or tricoloured, unless they carry a chromosomal alteration equivalent to Klinefelter's syndrome in humans (where males are born with an extra X chromosome).

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

Calico cats

Females can therefore have the unique mosaic patterns so prized by cat lovers. When coinciding with another mutation that affects the proliferation and differentiation of melanocytes (producing white patches, without pigmentation), this generates a tricolor cat, commonly known as a calico.

Each calico is unique, as the inactivation of one of the X chromosomes in each pigment cell occurs randomly during development. The earlier this inactivation occurs during development, the larger the resulting spot. The later it occurs, the smaller the spots.

The feline orange coat gene

Until now, we did not know which gene was hidden behind the orange locus in felines. Barsh and Sasaki's recent work has identified that it is not the cat homologue of MC1R, but a different one: the Arhgap36 gene. Male cats with orange coats, as well as the orange spots of calico cats, carry a mutation in this gene that blocks the production of eumelanin and allows the production of pheomelanin.

These two studies are a wonderful example of good, basic, solid research, which only aims to satisfy scientific curiosity without knowing its immediate applications, and to understand, in this case, why that naughty cat Garfield is orange.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Menstrual leave employment policies allow employees experiencing painful menstrual cycle-related symptoms or illnesses, such as dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) to take time off work.

Traditionally, these policies have been sex-specific, targeting women or females. However, some companies have begun expanding their language to include "people with uteruses" or "menstruating employees." This shift is significant, as research shows that sex-specific employment policies undermine gender equality at work.

For a similar reason, I will be using the terms "menstruators" and "people who menstruate" throughout this article, as language is a crucial signal of inclusion and exclusion.

For menstrual policies to deconstruct rather than perpetuate social inequalities, an intersectional approach is required. This involves challenging assumptions about menstruation, such as the idea that it is exclusively a topic impacting cisgender women when it also impacts gender-diverse people.

Supporting menstruating workers

While it is important to dispel the myth that all menstruators experience painful menstrual symptoms or related illnesses, these issues are still a cause for concern in the workplace.

A recent study in Spain found that 72.6 percent of participants report experiencing menstrual pain. Of these, 34.3 percent stated they would consider using menstrual leave to alleviate their discomfort. Yet only 17.3 percent actually requested time off due to fear of professional repercussions.

These results demonstrate the pressing need to implement mechanisms that prevent employers, managers and peers from discriminating against employees using or attempting to use leave. They also indicate the policy's anticipated rate of uptakethat is, in general, low.

Considering people spend a significant amount of time at work, we need to reconsider how to best support menstruating workersand workers more generally. My recent research examined menstrual leave policy announcements from companies across five countries: Australia, Canada, India, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Insight into menstrual leave

Menstrual leave is a divisive topic among researchers. While some are concerned that menstrual leave hinders gender-equality efforts, others argue it is beneficial for people who menstruate.

My latest research tackles these debates by examining menstrual leave policy announcements from companies across the globe. I performed a thematic analysis, meaning I searched for recurring and meaningful themes in the announcements.

I found that menstrual leave might support menstrual health and increase worker power. Yet it might also reinforce hetero-sexist beliefs and an individual's responsibility to "appropriately" manage menstruation. This is deeply concerning, and these findings led me to conclude that menstrual leave alone cannot address the broader needs of menstruating workers.

This is where menstrual flexibility policies come in.

Toward menstrual 'flexibility'

First coined by researcher Lara Owen, menstrual flexibility is an umbrella term referring to a set of interrelated employment policies and practices that support menstruating workers.

Traditional forms of menstrual leave push women out of the workplace while menstruating. This perpetuates menstrual stigma and thwarts gender-equality efforts. Menstrual flexibility policies, on the other hand, tackle the root causes of why, despite half of the population menstruating, menstruation remains taboo, shameful and secretive.

Taking leave from the workplace is still an important aspect of menstrual policies. For those who need to visit physicians and specialists to support their menstrual health, time off from work is undeniably important. However, supporting menstrual health can take other forms.

My research found that some companies allow menstruators to work from home or in a more restful location. Others offer substantial health insurance, impressive base salaries and related progressive policies that support menstrual health. Some extend their policies to cover individuals experiencing distressing menopause symptoms and miscarriage.

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Addressing structural issues

For menstrual policies to have any positive impact on the lives of menstruators, they also need to address structural problems like gender inequality and patriarchy.

Accordingly, these policies must be supported by education that normalizes menstruation as a regular biological function without medicalizing it.

These policies should challenge the social pressure to conceal menstrual status, such as by preventing "leaks" and hiding menstrual products from sight. Education must also define menstrual stigma as a symptom of gender inequality.

Critically, these policies must not require workers to meet certain criteria or qualify for menstrual leave. Qualification practices are inhumane and deplorable, and research demonstrates that these practices contribute to gender inequality and decrease the likelihood that menstruators will use the leave they rightfully have.

What's next?

We don't yet know how menstrual flexibility policies function in practice or across cultural contexts. Yet there is reason to be optimisticif these policies are consistently monitored and improved, they could offer an equity solution at work.

The logic of menstrual flexibility is exciting; it challenges us to radically restructure workplaces to support worker well-being. If workers are encouraged to use the most restful areas in the workplace during menstruation, what does this tell us about how effectively workplaces cater to employee needs overall? The answer: it suggests work spaces are not typically designed with employee well-being in mind.

These critiques create opportunities to advocate for a radical transformation and physical restructuring of workplaces. Not to mention, such efforts would enhance the well-being of all employees, not just those who menstruate.

In sum, menstrual flexibility has the potential to be a powerful feminist intervention in the workplace. However, it requires continued interrogation to ensure its success. This means scholars and third parties must keep analyzing these policies, and companies must be held responsible for them.

Menstrual flexibility opens new doors, but we must ensure these policies actually help people flourish in the workplace.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
CAPE MAY  Even when the city opened its then-state-of-the-art desalination plant more than 25 years ago, it was clear it would not last forever, Nick Asselta told City Council during a meeting last week.

The former state senator, who was also on the state Board of Public Utilities, participated in an update on efforts to plan and fund a new plant, presented by the firm Consulting and Municipal Engineers and the consulting firm Triad Associates.

We knew eventually this facility would have to be upgraded, he said. Theres been questions about how to fund it.

Council heard plans for a new water treatment plant next to the existing one on Canning House Lane in a new building next door that would be designed and built to resemble the current plant, which is housed in a century-old structure.

There are also plans to seek funding from multiple state and federal sources, including grants and low-interest loans from the state Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S Department of Agriculture, which helped Cape May build the current plant in the 1990s.

The design work and other efforts have been supported by $600,000 in congressionally directed spending, and CME has been meeting with officials at multiple levels of government to nail down funding details.

Its a difficult task to find free money for communities that are very successful. Youre a successful community, theres no doubt, Asselta said. He and other speakers said it could be a very expensive project. The plan is to make it as easy on taxpayers as possible, Asselta said.

The latest estimates put the cost of the project at about $30 million, Mayor Zack Mullock said Friday, with the project taking 14 to 16 months to complete.

Packed house interrogates state plan for Higbee Beach wildlife area Critics and supporters of a $37.5 million plan for the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, along with the simply curious, crowded the Lower Township meeting hall to learn more and have their say Thursday evening.

We want to be in a position where by the summer we can go out to bid, provided that the money is lined up, consultant Michael Zumpino said.

He expressed optimism that the funding would come through. Its a work in process, but the process is maturing, he said.

CME has been working on plans to expand the current desal plant, which falls short of the recommended capacity for the community it serves. When it was built, with significant help from state and federal grants, it was an extraordinary step to address saltwater intrusion into the aquifers that serve New Jerseys southern Cape.

The plants are still unusual.

A report from 2019 for the U.S. Department of the Interiors Bureau of Reclamation shows that about 400 desalination plants have been built since 1970, with a steady increase in the use of the technology. But only about half of those built remain in operation, and most of those are in California, Florida and Texas. The report shows three plants in New Jersey.

Similar plants are in use around the world, but some reports indicate American cities and utilities have been slow to adopt them.

Cape May officials have long said that without the desal plant, the town, some surrounding communities and the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center would not have enough water to function.

With salt water on three sides, drawing fresh water from the Atlantic City Sands aquifer and the Kirkwood-Cohansey Aquifer has also drawn in salty water. For years, that just meant digging a new well a little farther inland, but that approach would not have worked indefinitely. The aquifers are hundreds of feet below the surface and contain massive amounts of water but not infinite amounts.

Cape May looks to federal dollars to build new desal plant A new water treatment plant may provide millions of gallons of water a day to thirsty Cape May residents, visitors and Coast Guard recruits, if the city can find the money.

The current Cape May plant uses revers osmosis to remove the salt. A portion of the water, now a concentrated salt water, is discharged into the already brackish creek, while the rest is treated, including returning some minerals to the mix, and added to the potable water supply.

Project manager Mike Dziubeck, an engineer with CME, told council the DEP has concerns about the capacity of the current plant, primarily because the system does not have any built-in redundancy, so if part of the system went down on a summer weekend, there would not be enough capacity to meet the need.

The current capacity is 2 million gallons of water a day, while the new system could handle 3.2 million gallons a day.

As proposed, the new plant would include space to expand its capacity for the reverse osmosis system and a system to remove iron from water from the well drawn from the Cohansey.

The building would also include offices, and plans call for solar panels on the roof to offset the power costs, one of the most expensive elements of the operation.

The building, as proposed, would be fairly simple, but with a brick facade at the front that would mimic the existing building. It would be 2 feet above the level of what is described as a 500-year flood, Dziubeck said. That would be a flood that would have a 1-in-500 chance of happening in a given year.
Houston Ballet soloist Aoi Fujiwara as the Sugar Plum Fairy and principal Connor Walsh as the Nutcracker Prince dance in Stanton Welch?s "The Nutcracker."?Houston Ballet. Lawrence Elizabeth Knox/Houston Ballet

Houstons December calendar is filled with family-friendly outings, from holiday lights and markets to concerts and seasonal shows. Here are some of the top holiday events happening this month.

Holiday shows and concerts

Houston Ballet soloist Aoi Fujiwara dances as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Stanton Welchs "The Nutcracker." Lawrence Elizabeth Knox/Houston Ballet

'The Nutcracker'

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A cherished holiday classic featuring the Houston Ballet. The magical story is brought to life with Tchaikovskys score, stunning choreography, and elaborate costumes.

When: Through Dec. 29

Where: Wortham Theater

Details: $30 and up; houstonballet.org

'A Christmas Carol'

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Houstons holiday tradition, "A Christmas Carol," tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his encounters with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. The production features detailed costumes and sets that bring the classic tale to life.

When: Through Dec. 29

Where: Alley Theatre, 615 Texas

'Frozen'

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Theatre Under The Stars presents 'Frozen.' Theatre Under The Stars

Theatre Under the Stars presents its production of the Disney musical, set in the icy kingdom of Arendelle. The story follows Queen Elsa, who accidentally traps her home in eternal winter and her sister Anna, who sets out with Kristoff, Olaf and Sven to find Elsa and save the kingdom.

When: Dec. 10-29

Where: The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby

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MORE FROM ANA KHAN: A guide to Houston's top holiday light displays and installations

Houston Symphony

When: Dec. 12-22

Where: Jones Hall

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Jose Hernandez Merry-Achi Christmas

A Merry-Achi Christmas with Mariachi Sol de Mexico will be at Davies Symphony Hall on Dec. 23. Camille Tarazon Photography

Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez presents Merry-Achi Christmas, featuring holiday classics and mariachi favorites.

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23

Where: Jones Hall

Festivals and events

Artechouse Houston

ARTECHOUSE debuts its first immersive holiday experience this season. Artechouse

Artechouse's Holiday Spectacular combines art, technology, and festive design. Highlights include the "Tingle Bells Immersion Gallery," a 20-minute ASMR-inspired experience with digital landscapes and calming soundscapes, and "Spectacular Factory," a holiday display featuring floating bells, candy canes, and dancing nutcrackers.

When: Through Jan. 5

Where: 600 W 6th St

Zoo Lights

Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo features immersive light displays, including the Whimsical Wildlife Tree and Twinkle Trail. Visitors can explore colorful pathways, animal-themed lanterns in Holiday Grove, and enjoy activities like cookie decorating. Santas Workshop visits run through Dec. 23.

When: 5:30-10:30 p.m. through Jan. 5

Where: 6200 Hermann Park Drive

Levy Park Holiday Festival

The sixth annual Levy Park Holiday Festival features a market, craft station, music, performances and more. Levy Park

The 7th annual Levy Park Holiday Festival offers a free, family-friendly experience with a holiday market, kids craft station, live music, a River Oaks Dance performance and a photo booth with Santa for family photos, including pets.

When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7-8

Where: Levy Park, 3801 Eastside

Mayor's Holiday Spectacular

Mayor John Whitmire will host the annual Mayors Holiday Spectacular. The free event, now in its 105th year, features live music, dance performances, the lighting of the holiday tree, and activities for all ages. Performers include Grammy winner and Destinys Child founding member LeToya Luckett and country artist RaeLynn, a two-time Academy of Country Music New Female Vocalist nominee.

When: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 7

Where: Hermann Square at City Hall, 900 Bagby

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic

The Donoso family enjoys a stroll among the festive holiday decorations along Bagby Street in downtown Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

Downtown Houston is once again transforming into a magical holiday destination featuring 12 themed villages at locations like Discovery Green, Alley Theatre, Post Houston, Hilton Americas-Houston and Marriott Marquis. Highlights include Snow Glow on the Bayou at Allens Landing, a blend of lights, music and digital projections celebrating Houstons historic waterway. Visitors can explore all attractions easily using the City Lights Holiday Trolley.

When: Through Dec. 31

Where: Various locations

Stearman Santa

Santa will trade his reindeer for a PT-17 Stearman at the Lone Star Flight Museum ahead of Christmas, arriving on the ramp for photos, crafts, and other holiday activities.

When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 14

Where: 11551 Aerospace

Polar Palooza Snow Days

Snow Days at Children's Museum Houston. Courtesy of Children's Museum Houston

The Children's Museum Houston will turn its courtyard into a winter wonderland with a guaranteed snowfall. The event is included with general admission. Snow Days will pause Dec. 25, 30 and 31 and resume on Jan. 1.

When: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 21- Jan. 4

Where: 1500 Binz

Polar Express

The Polar Express experience at the Galveston Railroad Museum begins with a departure from the vintage train station, recreating scenes from the 2004 film as it travels to the North Pole. Passengers encounter characters like the conductor, singing chefs, and Santa Claus, with cookies and hot chocolate served along the way. At the North Pole, dancing elves and Santa make another appearance. A special 18+ ride is scheduled for Dec. 13, at 8:30 p.m.

When: Through Dec. 23

Where: 2602 Santa Fe Pl, Galveston

Tomball German Fest Christmas Market

Martin Mohr, left, of Houston, and his son Mike, 15, a sophomore at Houston Memorial High School, enjoy a snack at the Tomball German Heritage Festival at the Tomball Depot on March 30, 2019. Jerry Baker, Houston Chronicle / Contributor

Tomball honors its German heritage annually with a festive event featuring street vendors and live music. You can experience free entry, family-friendly activities, contests and a taste of German traditions and treats there.

When: 6-10 p.m. Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Dec 14, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 15

Where: 201 S. Elm St., Old Town Tomball

Screen on the Green: 'The Year Without a Santa Claus'

Discovery Green's Screen on the Green will feature the 1974 stop-motion animated holiday classic 'The Year Without a Santa Claus' in an outdoor movie screening suitable for all ages.

When: 7-8 p.m. Dec. 26

Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney

Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston

Families explore a 200-foot LED light tunnel during Space Center Houstons Galaxy Lights. Clear Creek Independent School District families can purchase discounted tickets for Dec. 9 and 15 at bit.ly/3H3vKQX. Courtesy Wellby Financial

Space Center Houston's holiday event features space-themed light installations, high-tech displays, and seasonal activities. Highlights include a 40-foot crystal fireworks show, a 200-foot LED light tunnel synchronized to music, and kinetic light exhibits. Don't miss photo ops under the 100-foot-long shooting star

When: 6-10 p.m. through Jan. 5

Where: 1601 E. NASA Parkway
A group of local environmentalists are concerned about the Pennington County Board of Commissioner's opposition to a proposed mineral withdrawal in the Pactola-Rapid Creek watershed.

And they took issue with the commission's characterization of the circumstances of the application for withdrawal.

As previously reported, the withdrawal would close 20,574 acres of land in the Pactola and Rapid Creek watersheds to mining activity. Neither the segregation period or withdrawal would affect privately owned lands or minerals. The U.S. Forest Service applied for the withdrawal Feb. 21. It was published to the Federal Register March 21, initiating a two-year segregation period and a 90-day comment period.

According to the Forest Service, Pactola Reservoir is the largest and deepest reservoir in Black Hills National Forest and features 14 miles of shoreline and 150-foot depths on 800 acres. It's located about 15 miles west of Rapid City.

If the withdrawal application is approved, no new mining claims or activities would take place in that 20,000-plus acre area for 20 years.

"This has been an authentic grassroots movement that has bubbled up because people love Rapid Creek, they love Pactola and they value clean drinking water into our future," Jay Davis, representing a coalition of environmental groups, conservation groups, fly fishermen and recreationists, told the commission at its Tuesday meeting.

The activism effort was spurred in large part by a proposed Jenny Gulch mining exploration project by a Minnesota-based company, F3 Gold.

In a letter submitted to the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management's comment period that ended in October, the Board of Commissioners said it "supports the integrity and longevity of drinking water sources along with responsible mining in the Black Hills to support technology and national defense."

The county said it is opposed to the withdrawal.

The letter refers to a USDA Forest Service environmental assessment and draft decision notice/finding of no significant impact for the Jenny Gulch Gold Exploration Drilling Project.

The board went on to say the withdrawal request was issued at the national level and the county supports local control of federal lands and "would expect any future management decision" be initiated by the Black Hills National Forest with input from state and local officials. Davis and others said this was a mischaracterization.

The board voted unanimously to approve submitting the letter at its Oct. 1 meeting. The comment was submitted Oct. 3.

"There were close to 2,000 public comments submitted to the Forest Service, well over 90% of which were in support of the proposed mineral withdrawal," Davis said. "I think an apology is owed to the Forest Service."

Davis disagreed with the notion exploration wouldn't have an impact and noted, "Mineral withdrawal is legal under federal law, and it's a legitimate way to protect our watershed into the future."

Board Chairman Lloyd LaCroix told Davis, "Quite frankly, I apologize, there was a grassroots part of it, and we probably should have had that in there also. But at the time, we did the best we could with what we had."

Both Davis and Rebecca Terk, interim chair of Rapid Creek Watershed Action, pointed to a letter the commission sent to Black Hills National Forest in August of 2022 that expressed concern about proposed mining in Jenny Gulch. The letter mentioned public concerns about the impact on water quality and recreational areas and asked the Forest Service to listen to those concerns.

Commissioner Deb Hadcock said she supported the letter in opposition.

"I think every citizen in the nation believes we have to have clean drinking water. But you also had a lot of opposition from ranchers and other people," she said, mentioning there are some who are, "concerned about their leases. I also believe, if you are a watershed committee, the number one pollution of a watershed is stormwater. But what I keep seeing, and I can respect that you believe in the watershed, but it's not just mining. I'm not just going to go after mining."

"Every time that you have come up here on an issue, it's been about mining," she said.

Per information in the commission's June 20, 2023 agenda packet, the South Dakota Mineral Industries Association argued water quality in the watershed is already impacted by invasive species, erosion, littering and recreational use. The association points to impact reports and says mineral exploration is important to self-sufficiency in security, energy, economy, technology and other sectors.

At that June 20, 2023 meeting, the board voted to approve a comment in opposition to the withdrawal.

Before speaking at Tuesday's meeting, Terk handed out a map of the creek with the withdrawal area outlined, noting, "20,000 acres seems like a lot, but it's not really compared to the 200,000 or so acres of the entire upper Rapid Creek watershed."

Terk acknowledged that there is a federal component to the effort because, "in one sense that's true, because these are federal agencies. But in another sense ... the proposed mineral claims withdrawal was a very clear and direct response to those concerns" about mining, especially tied to Jenny Gulch.

The agenda item at Tuesday's meeting was only for discussion, no action was taken on the topic.
Houston Chronicle/Breaking News Houston Chronicle

A four-vehicle crash in Liberty County Friday afternoon sent four people to the hospital, with two going by helicopter, authorities say.

At around noon on Friday, two pickup trucks crashed and became stuck between two 18-wheelers on Highway 231 near Country Road 2243, said chief Sean Anderson of the Cleveland Fire Department.

The Harris County Fire Marshall Office's Hazardous Materials Response Team was sent in for cleanup of the tanks but found no hazardous material as a result of the crash, Anderson said.

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Highway 231 was cleared as of 3 p.m, Anderson said.

Two of the crash victims were transported by ambulance to HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, according to Chief Paul Gregory of the Tarkington Volunteer Fire Department. The other two victims were transported via AirLife to trauma centers, but authorities did not have information on which people went to which hospitals Friday afternoon.
About 12 hospitals in Virginia do not meet a state law requiring them to demonstrate they can either treat survivors of sexual assault or transfer them to hospitals that can.

Most general, acute-care hospitals in the state have now submitted plans to the Virginia Department of Health and gained approval, according to a report dated Tuesday from Dr. Karen Shelton, the state health commissioner. That includes the 12 acute-care, public hospitals in greater Richmond

Since the law took effect in July 2023, the numbers have improved. A report written in September citing data from last year showed most hospitals were not following the law at the time.

But the percentage still out of compliance highlights that a year and a half after a law took effect aiming to improve options for survivors of sexual assault, it still has not been fully realized.

The number of patients visiting Virginia hospitals for sexual assault has risen in recent years. Last year, nearly 2,500 survivors visited an emergency room in the state, a 20% increase from 2020.

Despite the increased demand, most hospitals lack forensic nurses. According to a 2019 study by the Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care, of the states 94,000 nurses, only 150 were credentialed as forensic nurses.

Compounding the problem, some health systems have decided forensic nursing is too expensive a specialty to maintain. The cost is high, the patient volume can be low, and reimbursement to hospitals is relatively small and difficult to process, the 2019 study determined.

Reimbursement is so low and complicated it is not worth the administrative time to figure it out, one hospital told the commission.

A state-supported fund called the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Payment program covers the cost of evidence collection so survivors do not have to pay the full charge. But the fund pays no more than 60% of the hospitals cost. One patient in Northern Virginia said she visited three hospitals and was turned away from all three. Eventually, she drove to Richmond.

That prompted Del. Karrie Delaney, D-Fairfax, in 2020 to sponsor a bill aimed at making it easier for patients to receive treatment. It required hospitals that do not treat survivors to transfer them to suitable facilities. The measure also aimed to standardize treatment, which can vary from one health system to another.

Each December, the Virginia Department of Health is required to submit to the governor and General Assembly a list of hospitals and whether they are following the law.

If a survivor of sexual assault arrives at Memorial Regional Medical Center, Richmond Community Hospital or St. Francis Medical Center  facilities owned by Bon Secours  staff will transfer the patient to either St. Marys Hospital or Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg.

In 1993, Bon Secours launched what is now called its violence response team. The group of 30 employees treats victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking and more. Its staffers receive specialized training on how to collect evidence, check for sexually transmitted diseases and discuss the possibility of pregnancy.

Patients who arrive at local HCA Healthcare hospitals are also transferred to St. Marys. HCA operates Chippenham Hospital, Johnston-Willis Hospital, Henrico Doctors Hospital, Parham Doctors Hospital, Retreat Doctors Hospital and TriCities Hospital. The report from the state health commissioner listed Chippenham, Johnston-Willis and TriCities as out of compliance, but those hospitals and at least one other received approval Friday, after the deadline for the memo.

Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center is also approved to treat survivors. Its 29-page plan details how adult patients should be cared for  for example, they should never be placed in the waiting room. It also directs how quickly staffers must collect evidence, depending on the nature of the assault.

Altogether, at least 57 hospitals in the state are approved to transfer adult survivors, and an additional 45 are certified to treat them, according to the report. Most of those facilities can transfer and treat pediatric patients, too.

But about a dozen general, acute-care hospitals failed to submit a plan to the state health department, including four LewisGale facilities in Southwest Virginia as well as Reston Hospital Center  all owned by HCA  and Chesapeake Regional Healthcare, according to the report. The list of facilities not in compliance also includes other outpatient surgery centers, rehabilitation hospitals and assisted living facilities  places not designed for walk-in patients.

An additional nine hospitals submitted plans to transfer adults that were denied approval by the health department, including three Bon Secours facilities in Hampton Roads and Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents in New Kent County.

Shelton, the state health commissioner, could suspend or revoke a hospitals license for not meeting laws and regulations. Any decision to do so would be made upon careful consideration of all relevant factors affecting patient health or safety, said Maria Reppas, a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Health. The department has not receive any complaints related to sexual assault treatment services, Reppas said.

Although the law took effect in 2023, the state health department is still conducting its regulatory review process and has not yet put regulations concerning sexual assault treatment into effect. Thats one factor that has led to a delay, said Julian Walker, spokesperson for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association. Health leaders are considering suggesting new legislation in 2025 to update and clarify the law.

Nevertheless, Virginia hospitals have been, and continue to be, leaders in caring for patients impacted by violence, including survivors of sexual assault, Walker said.

The health department is working as quickly as it can to prepare the proposed regulations and does not have an estimate completion date, Reppas said. The regulations have to go through numerous steps before they are finalized.

Another aspect of the law is not getting fulfilled  that the Virginia Department of Health inspect hospitals for compliance. The state agency has not inspected any hospitals for sexual assault treatment since the law took effect in July 2023.

In recent years, the department has struggled to employ inspectors, a state watchdog said recently. As of August, almost every inpatient hospital in the state was overdue for its mandated biennial state licensure inspection. Asked why the agency hasnt inspected the hospitals, Reppas did not address the question.
Criminal gang member killed during shootout with Cancun police

Cancun, Q.R.  A shootout between criminal gang members and Cancun police has left one dead. On Friday afternoon, patrolling Cancun officers were fired upon while traveling the streets of Tres Reyes.

Due to the high incidence of crime in the suburban neighborhood, police were patrolling when they were met by a spray of bullets that forced a repel of the attack. According to Cancun police, three youths were taken into custody.

During the exchange of gunfire, one male was hit and taken to a Cancun hospital where he died Friday night. Police say the 18 year old shot by police during the repel died in the General Hospital several hours after being admitted.

In a statement, the Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana de Q.Roo (SSC) said on Friday afternoon, the Secretariat of Citizen Security of Quintana Roo, in coordination with elements of the Attorney Generals Office of the State of Quintana Roo (FGE), carried out an operation in the vicinity of the Tres Reyes neighborhood due to the high incidence of high-impact criminal acts in the area.

An 18 yar old youth hit by police during the attack died in Cancun hospital.

Upon arrival, the agents were attacked with firearms, so they immediately repelled the aggression, injuring one of the aggressors. After the attack, they proceeded to arrest three people who were found in possession of firearms and different doses of narcotics.

The injured man, 18 years old, was taken to the General Hospital for medical attention where his death was reported Friday night. The SSC of Quintana Roo reaffirms its commitment to the security of the people of Quintana Roo with the frontal fight against organized crime.
A man makes his way to the temporary passenger pickup area for Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, in Houston. The airport is undergoing the second of its three-phase, $1.458 billion capital improvement program for the international terminal scheduled to be completed in 2025. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Houston Airport officials anticipate more than 63 million people will have traveled to and from Houston by years end, a record for the airport system.

Last year, the airport system saw more than 60.1 million passengers  George Bush Intercontinental Airport with more than 46.2 million and William P. Hobby Airport with more than 13.9 million. Now, it's expecting the number of passengers to reach 63.3 million by the end of 2024.

"Thats an important record for us.  It shows that were, again, growing the airport to help meet Houstons needs," said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation at the Houston Airport System, which manages IAH, Hobby and Ellington airports, as well as the Houston Spaceport.

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News of the record number of travelers comes as the airport system works to finalize construction projects and reduce traffic congestion at IAH and Hobby and, Szczesniak said, bring the "space back to Space City."

Szczesniak, who spoke at the Greater Houston Partnerships State of the Airports event Thursday, said the airports and spaceport "are crucial to the regions overall success."

Expected economic impact of Houston Airport

The airport systems 2024 Economic Impact Study, not yet finalized, shows it had a $40.6 billion annual impact on the regions economy. There has also been a reported $560 million in operating revenue.

The labor incomes generated about $13.2 billion and cargo-related output at about $13 billion. About 534,123 metric tons of air cargo was moved through Houston in 2023. International cargo reached about $17 billion.

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Ellington contributed $2 billion annually to the regions economy. The Houston Spaceport has helped advance NASAs Artemis program with more than $10 billion in aerospace contracts.

Jack Fischer, retired NASA astronaut and senior vice president of production and operations at Intuitive Machines, told the Chronicle he believes Houston can hone the name Space City with more people who have building and design experience, including those who can bring diverse thoughts into the industry.

"Find the best (people) across the board from every walk of life, and thats how you can make a truly special company to accomplish something great," he said.

Taking on challenges within the Houston Airport

Nearly $5 billion of construction projects are underway at IAH and Hobby. The additions include overhauling the concession experience, modernizing the restroom, adding amenities, and building and updating more terminals.

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However, the construction has led to the closure of some lanes that travelers use to get to and from the airports.

"Building a new international tunnel in Bush (and) maintaining operations has taught us some valuable lessons. Some of those lessons have been hard," Szczesniak said. "If your family had less than ideal experience at Bush because of our construction, Im sorry."

During the Thanksgiving travel period, North Terminal Road at IAH was widened to ease congestion for departing passengers. He said the airport system also implemented a cashless parking system with license plate readers for a more efficient parking experience.

The changes reduced heavy traffic at IAH by 80% and severe traffic by 55%, Szczesniak said.

Additionally, the real-time data app Passenger Journey Scorecard, created by the Houston Airport System for internal use, allowed staff to make decisions and improve resource allocation, he said. The app tracks traffic flow metrics, TSA wait times and passenger opinions.

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"This tool is a game-changer," he said. "It's helping us manage our business smarter while delivering a better experience for our passengers."

The upcoming construction to look out for at Houston airports

Szczesniak said the airport system is building larger and better terminals to support Houstons role on the global stage. He encouraged people to look out for more eateries set to open, including Houstons Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles restaurant coming next year to IAH.

"The (Houston Airport System) is an essential part of serving our business community, and they are a big part of how we attract new business investments here," said Steven Kean, president and CEO of Greater Houston Partnership.

IAH Mickey Leland International Terminal is opening in two phases in 2025 with eight lower-level lanes, 11 upper-level lanes, a 17-lane TSA checkpoint and a Dale Chihuly glass sculpture, according to the Houston Airport System.

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The IAH Terminal B Transformation project will contribute to United Airlines' future growth by modernizing the airports oldest terminal, according to the airport system. The transformation includes adding more gates, a new ticketing and baggage hall and a large lounge. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2026.

"Getting substantial progress in Terminal B will ultimately lead to even a better traffic situation out there," Kean said. "That also frees up United to move their international flights into the international terminal and free up some congestion at terminals C and E."

Hobbys West Concourse expansion will add seven new gates, and the baggage claim will be redesigned with skylights that will bring in natural lighting.

IAH Terminals A and D bathrooms were also renovated, which increased passengers satisfaction ratings to 92% during Thanksgiving, according to the airport system.

The airport system also achieved level 2 of the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation while reducing emissions by 16% at IAH and 22% at Hobby since 2019 through "smart investments in energy-efficiency project, LED lighting and a new central utility plant at Hobby Airport."

Upcoming global transportation coming to Houston

"These routes arent just flights, theyre opportunities to build businesses, grow tourism and showcase Houston on a global stage," Szczesniak said.

Houstons path to becoming the nations leading aerospace city

Szczesniak said about 1,800 people are working at the Houston Spaceport. In less than 10 years since the creation of the spaceport, there have been advancements in the space technological industry, including the technology built in Houston.

Intuitive Machines, which signed an agreement with the Houston Spaceport, launched its NOVA-C lunar lander to the moon, marking the first time the U.S. returned to the moon since 1971 and the first time a private company landed on the moon, according to Greater Houston Partnership.

Szczesniak and Fischer said Houston could become the leading aerospace city in the nation. Szczesniak also told the Houston Business Journal that vertiports for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft are among the city's priorities. Advanced Air Mobility company Wisk Aero signed agreements with the city of Houston and Sugarland earlier this year to bring autonomous air taxis with IAH, Hobby, Ellington and Sugar Land Regional Airport serving as hubs.

"We're working to build a new taxiway that's going to connect the airport to the spaceport, so that have the ability to move products around globally," Szczesniak said during Thursday's event.

The airport system hopes to connect with international space companies and find strategic ways to grow aerospace manufacturing and operations.

Fischer noted that Space City has three categories that make it stand out against competing areas: location, labor and lifestyle. For those who work at the spaceport, that could mean a better area to truly experience Houston while on the job.
Two company workers killed in single vehicle highway accident

Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Q.R.  Two men were killed and two others seriously injured in a highway accident Saturday. The driver of a company truck is alleged to have veered off the highway and into trees, killing two.

The accident happened around 10:30 a.m. when a company truck from the Commission of Potable Water and Sewerage (CAPA) crashed. National Guard Highways were first on scene, locating the CAPA pickup truck 15 kilometers from the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

Paramedics from the Red Cross confirmed two of the men died at the scene. Two others were taken to hospital with multiple injuries. The two workers killed were riding in the bed of the pickup and were thrown from the truck upon impact.

The truck of workers were reportadly on their way to Tulum at the time of the accident. CAPA (Comision de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado) Quintana Roo has not issued a public statement regarding the early morning accident that claimed two of their workers.

Police are investigating the cause of the fatal single vehicle accident. The names have been withheld pending family notification.
Volaris launches new direct Guadalajara to Tulum daily flight

Tulum, Q.R.  Volaris airline has launched a new daily direct flight from Guadalajara to Tulum. The new national route opens up new opportunities to strengthen the local economy, said the Secretary of Tourism in the entity, Bernardo Cueto Riestra.

The start of the new Volaris Guadalajara-Tulum flight represents a significant advance for the growth and development of tourism in our state. We are sure that it will be a success because it represents growth in air connectivity and makes it possible for more tourists to discover and enjoy the wonderful Riviera Maya, said Cueto Riestra.

This new Volaris flight strengthens Quintana Roos national and international connectivity, benefiting tourists visiting Tulum and the Riviera Maya, and opening up new opportunities to strengthen the local economy, he added.

The arrival of direct flights, such as this one from Guadalajara, allows more people to reach destinations and, above all, promotes tourism that respects and values the natural, cultural and archaeological environment that characterizes the state, said Cueto Riestra.

The head of the State Secretariat of Tourism (SEDETUR) explained that Volaris has been an airline committed to tourism growth and continues to invest in Quintana Roo, offering new routes that strengthen the offer and facilitate access to one of the most beautiful and sustainable destinations in the Mexican Caribbean.

Flight Y4 1400 from Guadalajara landed with 161 passengers December 5, 2024 and was the start of the new direct daily route into the Tulum International Airport.
J. Mark Powell is a novelist, former TV journalist and diehard history buff. Have a historical mystery that needs solving? A forgotten moment worth remembering? Please send it to HolyCow@insidesources.com.
Conroe ISD's Janet K. Bartlett Elementary will open on the city's northwest side Wednesday celebrating the legacy of the 30-year educator.? Photo by Sondra Hernandez A man walks with a student on first day of school at Conroe ISDs newly opened Hines Elementary in 2023. A Conroe ISD first-grade teacher is no longer employed by the district after she refused to let her students use the restroom as punishment for losing the classroom restroom pass. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Conroe ISD's Janet K. Bartlett Elementary will open on the city's northwest side Wednesday celebrating the legacy of the 30-year educator. Bartlett of Conroe, put together this case full of memorabilia from her teaching career at the school? Photo by Sondra Hernandez A wall at Bartlett Elementary has a picture of the school's namesake Janet Bartlett with her grandchildren and her reflections on her 30-year teaching career. Photo by Sondra Hernandez

A Conroe ISD first-grade teacher is no longer employed by the district after she refused to let her students use the restroom as punishment for losing the classroom restroom pass.

Conroe ISD officials declined to comment on whether the teacher quit or was fired.

About five students soiled themselves during class Wednesday and were not provided clean clothes, according to the district.

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"Bartlett Elementary and district administrators were made aware of a situation after school dismissed on Wednesday in which a first-grade teacher at the school denied students access to the restroom as a punishment. We have conducted a comprehensive investigation, and the teacher is no longer employed by Conroe ISD. This incident is not a reflection of the thousands of exceptional educators teaching in classrooms across the district. We are committed to supporting the students and families impacted by this upsetting event and are dedicated to fostering a culture of mutual respect and care among all students, families, and staff," said Sarah Blakelock, executive director of communications for Conroe ISD, in a statement Friday.

IMPROVING OUTCOMES: Conroe ISD trustees say new district strategic plan is focused on student outcomes

Action by the district comes after it confirmed it was investigating the incident Thursday after being notified by parents.

"I think it is great," said Amber Johnson whose daughter was in the class at the school. "I do think she should not be able to teach in the state or in the United States. I do want to push further to make sure she isn't teaching any of our children."

Johnson said Friday she had removed her daughter from Conroe ISD.

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Johnson said she and other parents received a text message from the teacher late Wednesday afternoon informing them students lost their privilege to use the restroom because they lost their restroom badge.

Unfortunately, we had some friends who really needed to use the restroom and ended up peeing on themselves," reads the text message provided by Johnson. "I do want to apologize for that incident. I had a talk with the students about how important it is to use our thing appropriately, but please have a talk with them about that as well. For I know that if we both help them understand the rules they will understand it better."

In an email to parents Wednesday night, Bartlett Elementary School Principal Charita Smith said she was made aware of the issue and the first-grade teacher was on leave through the end of the week.

This afternoon, we were made aware of a situation in a first-grade classroom in which restroom privileges were revoked," Smith said in the email. "I have spoken with the parents of both students who, upsettingly, had accidents. The class will have a current staff member to serve as the substitute teacher for the remainder of the week while we complete our investigation into the matter. This incident is not indicative of the safe and loving environment we foster at Bartlett Elementary. I thank you for your support and continued partnership."

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Johnson said other parents told her their children had accidents and were not provided clean clothes.

They were sitting in these soiled clothes all day long, Johnson said. Those kids were absolutely humiliated and bullied by an adult educator they are supposed to trust. "They were shunned away, they were told to be quiet, Johnson said. They were told they didnt deserve a bathroom pass. My daughter never wants to go back, she doesnt want to have an accident in front of everybody.
Artists dont just build their audiences; they train them. And no filmmaker in recent memory has trained their audience as well as Christopher Nolan. People dont just show up to Nolans moviesalthough they do, in droves. (With the exception of the pandemic-hampered Tenet, every movie hes released in the past 18 years has cleared more than $500 million worldwide.) They go out of their way to watch them when and how he prescribes. Studios have a hard time coaxing ticket-buyers out of the house in the first place, but Nolans dedication to shooting and screening his movies on filmhis insistence that for all the technological advances of recent years, the passing of light through celluloid offers an experience that no digital analogue can matchhas sparked a stunning reversal in theatrical exhibition, with theaters paying to reinstall the projectors they unceremoniously junked in the post-Avatar rush to digitize the industry. Oppenheimer screenings in Nolans preferred 70mm IMAX sold out for weeks on end, and if you want to score a ticket to one of the 10 theaters in North America showing Interstellar in the same format for the weeklong 10th anniversary rerelease that begins today, your only hope is paying at least double the face value on eBay. If youre willing to settle for digital IMAX, good news! There are still plenty of seats available, as long as youre willing to start watching the nearly three-hour movie at 5:30 in the morning.

What the industry calls Premium Large Format exhibition is normally reserved for visual spectacle, a tradition that goes back as far as Abel Gances silent 1927 epic Napoleon, which employed three projectors running side by side to create a widescreen climax tinted the colors of the French flag. When Quentin Tarantino shot The Hateful Eight on 70mm film, many critics accused him of squandering the high-resolution image on a story that is largely confined to a single room. But with Oppenheimer, Nolan asserted that his actors faces were as worthy of IMAXs massive screen as any Mission: Impossible stunt. Because IMAX cameras are difficult to shoot with in close quartersamong other things, the noise of the mechanism drowns out the actors dialogueNolans movies had effectively enforced a visual split between screen-filling action and intimate drama, with the latter reduced to a narrow horizontal strip. But Oppenheimer worked to blur that distinction, giving its protagonists internal dilemmas as much cinematic real estate as the eyebrow-singeing astonishment of the Trinity test. The eyes of a man contemplating his fate loomed as large as the detonation of the worlds first atomic bomb.

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Not every drama requires or even benefits from such oversized presentation. In order to get from the comic-book morality of the Dark Knight trilogy to Oppenheimers open-ended ambiguity, Nolan had to find a way to make interpersonal conflicts feel as big as any battle to the death. And Interstellar was the movie where he figured it out.

Although Nolan became a father in 2001, Interstellar was, according to Emma Thomas, his producer and the mother of his four children, the first movie he made to watch with his kids. Its a slightly funny statement considering that Interstellar is a lengthy heartbreaker about the looming extinction of the human race and the follow-up to Nolans three movies about Batman. But its the first of Nolans movies to be driven by the relationship between a parent and his childa daughter who, not coincidentally, was the same age as Nolans eldest, Flora.

Set in an unspecified near future after a global ecological catastrophe has ravaged Earths crops and most of humanity has starved to death, Interstellar stars Matthew McConaughey as Joseph Cooper, a former NASA pilot who has been grounded by the apparent end of the space program, forced to work the land instead of reaching for the stars. Born, as his father-in-law (John Lithgow) puts it, either 40 years too late or 40 years too early, Cooper (no one calls him by his given name) was trained for a future that now seems impossible, raised on a past that his daughters teachers, whose updated textbooks teach that the moon landing was faked to drive the Soviet Union into bankruptcy, deny ever existed. His daughter, Murph (Mackenzie Foy), is a middle-school STEM prodigy, but unlike her father, she still believes there are things in the universe beyond the reach of science, like the ghost who occasionally pushes books off her bedroom shelves.

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That ghost eventually leads Murph and Cooper to NASA, which, rather than being shut down, has just relocated deep underground. With the worlds resources dwindling, spending untold billions on space exploration has become politically untenable, but a small group of true believers have kept at it, reasoning that the only hope for the long-term survival of the human race is to find a new home among the stars. A wormhole that has mysteriously appeared, or been placed, near Saturn offers a gateway to a distant star system with planets that seem capable of supporting life, but the mission needs a pilot, and Cooper is the only person left whos old enough to have experience flying a real spacecraft.

Doing his job, though, means leaving his home, and while his father-in-law and his son (Timothee Chalamet) understand his need to fulfill his destinya mans gotta do, etc.Murph is devastated, so much that she cant even bring herself to say goodbye. But Cooper has to go, to ensure the survival of not just humanity but of his own sense of himself.

A younger Christopher Nolan might have treated Murphs feelings of abandonment as collateral damage, a regrettably unavoidable consequence of Coopers dedication to his duty. Nolans heroes are defined by their obsessive quests, often to the exclusion of all else: The one thing Mementos amnesiac protagonist knows is that he has to find the man who killed his wife, and The Prestiges mad magicians make unimaginable sacrifices for the purpose of putting on a good show. But Interstellar gives Murph equal standing, particularly in its second half, when, thanks to the time-dilation effects of general relativity, shes played by a grown-up Jessica Chastain. Coopers dilemma is that of any father whose job takes them away from their young children, stranded at work light-years away while they go on without him. When hes forced to explore a planet whose extreme gravity makes time move more slowly for himfor every hour on the surface, seven years go by back on EarthCoopers panic is driven not by the tsunami that threatens to destroy his spacecraft but by the thought of how much of his daughters life is slipping away with every instant. It all goes by so fast.

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Related From Slate What Christopher Nolans Movies Are Really About Read More

As the elderly astrophysicist who mentors both Cooper and his daughter, Michael Caine tells Murph that hes afraid not of death but of time. Hes thinking of his own time and of his species, both of which are running out, but also of a dimension that physics has yet to conquer. For the fifth-dimensional bulk beings who act as Interstellars deus ex machina, moving through time is as simple as crossing a room. But they have trouble navigating to a specific point, because without limitations on their physical or temporal presence, theyve lost the sense of urgency that gives meaning to human connections. Its only by piggybacking on Coopers grief, his anguish at leaving Murph behind and the guilt he feels for breaking his promise to return, that theyre able to reach back to the precise moment where they can do the most good. Across untold expanses of space and time, the thread that connects a father and his daughter is humanitys sole lifeline.

In other words, love conquers all. Its a happy accident that Interstellar began life as a script that Nolans brother Jonathan was writing for Steven Spielberg, a director who has never shied away from sentiment, and one whose movies return again and again to the pain of children abandoned by their parents. Perhaps Nolan would have found his way to more emotionally transparent filmmaking on his own. (Parenthood has a way of making softies of the hardest men.) But just as Coopers wormhole provides him with a shortcut through space-time, Interstellars Spielbergian origins gave Nolan a way to speed-run the path from puzzle-box mysteries to misty-eyed dad movies. If he made Interstellar to watch with his own children, it feels less like a present and more like a promise, a fathers way of saying that even though he has to leave, he will always come back, just as Cooper does in the movies tearjerking finale.

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Across the 26-year span of Nolans career, his male protagonists have wrestled with understanding the emotional world in scientific terms, constructing elaborate schema like Mementos memory aids or Inceptions nested dreams to cope with feelings of elemental loss. But in Interstellar, he gives Anne Hathaways Brand, a fellow astronaut who is, like Murph, the daughter of a man preoccupied with the material world, a critical insight: What if those two ways of understanding the forces that shape the world are, at root, the same? Love isnt something we invented, she tells Cooper. Its observable, powerful  it has to mean something. Restating complex ideas as cloying truisms is one of Hollywood screenwriters favorite tricks, and no matter how choked up McConaugheys performance gets you, its hard not to wince at the clumsiness of a sentiment like Once youre a parent, youre the ghost of your childrens future. (Maybe that sounds better in five dimensions.) But the depths that Interstellar allowed Nolan to access are worth the occasional sentimental clunker, and the ability to tap into emotions without needing to explain them has made his movies since then richer and more intuitive. Christopher Nolan has long been one of cinemas most accomplished technicians, but he didnt become a great filmmaker until he became a great sap.
The Outstanding E-Commerce / Web Site Sprudge Design Award honors companies exhibiting outstanding curation and attention to design detail on their websites or e-commerce platforms. Coffee roasters, cafes, coffee product manufacturers, equipment suppliers, distributors, and coffee industry purveyors are eligible for consideration.

Outstanding E-Commerce / Web Site

Dayglow

File Systems of Coffee

PERC Coffee Roasters

Partners Coffee

The Boy And The Bear

Read each finalist entry here:

Dayglow

File Systems of Coffee

PERC Coffee Roasters

Partners Coffee

The Boy And The Bear

How Voting Works

Voting is open December 6th, 2024 through January 7, 2025.

Vote in one category or in multiple categoriesits entirely up to you!

Please submit only one vote per person.

The winner from each category will be announced in early January.

About the Sprudge Design Awards

The intertwining language of coffee and design has found a home in the Sprudge Design Awards, an annual initiative honoring art and design in the coffee industry. Launched in 2023, the Sprudge Design Awards (SDA) is a user submitted global platform honoring the best in coffee design, with a focus on original packaging design, products, and coffee art. Our goal is to put as large of a spotlight as possible on the field of consumable art as it relates to coffee, and to spotlight the truly outstanding work being done by the designers, illustrators, and coffee companies who further the visual identity of coffee in our lives.

Explore the Sprudge Design Awards:

Read about Sprudge Design Awards categories and the 2024 Finalists here.

Check out the winners from the First Annual Sprudge Design Awards.

Interested in entering next year?

Ready to showcase your design talent in 2025? Register your interest here!
https://sputnikglobe.com/20241207/belarus-to-host-russias-oreshnik-in-response-to-us-missiles-in-germany-1121116997.html

Belarus to Host Russias Oreshnik in Response to US Missiles in Germany

Belarus to Host Russias Oreshnik in Response to US Missiles in Germany

Sputnik International

The state-of-the-art missile system is due to be situated in the second half of 2025.

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Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to deploy the latest Russian weapons, including the Oreshnik system, on Belarusian soil on Friday following a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State.Here are some official statements of the sides at the time.In response, the Russian leader agreed, stating that the deployment of Oreshnik in Belarus was possible in the second half of 2025.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241207/biden-admits-80000-us-armed-forces-personnel-are-in-europe-to-deter-russia-1121112791.html

Biden Admits 80,000 US Armed Forces Personnel Are in Europe to 'Deter Russia'

Biden Admits 80,000 US Armed Forces Personnel Are in Europe to 'Deter Russia'

Sputnik International

Outgoing US President Joe Biden reported to Congress on the presence of 80,000 American troops in European countries, sent there to deter alleged Russian aggression.

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"Approximately 80,000 United States Armed Forces personnel are assigned or deployed to North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries in Europe, including those deployed to reassure our allies and to deter further Russian aggression," Biden said in a letter to the leaders of both chambers of the US Congress. In recent years, Russia has witnessed unprecedented NATO activity near its western borders. Moscow has repeatedly expressed concern about the bloc's buildup of forces in Europe, especially since the bloc supported the Kiev regime amid its attacks on Donbass.NATO has transformed its eastern flank from having no combat-ready troops in place in 2014 to tens of thousands now, former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg admitted earlier.In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin explained in detail in an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson that Moscow is not going to attack NATO countries, there is no point in it. The Russian leader noted that Western politicians regularly intimidate their populations with an imaginary Russian threat in order to distract attention from domestic problems.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241207/iran-accuses-ukraine-of-supplying-drones-to-terrorists-in-syria-1121119076.html

Iran Accuses Ukraine of Supplying Drones to Terrorists in Syria

Iran Accuses Ukraine of Supplying Drones to Terrorists in Syria

Sputnik International

Iranian National Security and Foreign Policy Council spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei accused the Ukrainian government of supplying drones to terrorists in Syria, saying Kiev must be held responsible for its actions, ICANA news agency reported on Saturday.

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"Right after the ceasefire took hold in Lebanon, we witnessed activization of terrorist groups in Syria and attacks on a number of cities of Syria. Terrorists are getting better equipped than ever. Their equipment includes drones provided by the Ukrainian government, and the Ukrainian government must be held responsible," Rezaei was quoted as saying. The US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect early on November 27. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* terrorist group (formerly known as the Nusra Front*) launched a large-scale offensive against the Syrian government two days later, advancing from the north of the northwestern Idlib region towards the cities of Aleppo and Hama. A day later, Syrias second largest city of Aleppo was captured by militants for the first time since the Syrian conflict began in 2011. The Syrian army command announced on December 1 that the terrorists' advance in the region of Hama had been stopped and that government troops had launched a counteroffensive, retaking control of a number of settlements.* Terrorist groups banned in Russia and many others countries

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241207/musk-says-us-should-stay-out-of-other-countries-conflicts-1121119598.html

Musk Says US Should 'Stay Out' of Other Countries' Conflicts

Musk Says US Should 'Stay Out' of Other Countries' Conflicts

Sputnik International

US billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk said on Saturday that the United States should "stay out" of other countries' conflicts unless the consequences are all-encompassing.

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"In general, we should stay out of foreign wars, unless world peace is threatened," Musk wrote on X, commenting on Trump's remark.Earlier in the day, US President-elect Donald Trump said that Washington should not interfere with the current escalation in Syria. Syria is currently a "mess," but the United States must refrain from getting involved in it because it stands to gain nothing from it, the Republican wrote on X."The United States should have nothing to do with it. This is not our fight. Let it play out. Do not get involved!" Trump said.The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* terrorist group (formerly known as the Nusra Front*) and a number of other armed groups launched a large-scale operation against the Syrian government on November 29, advancing from the north of the northwestern region of Idlib towards the cities of Aleppo and Hama. A day later, Aleppo, Syrias second largest city, came under the complete control of the militants for the first time since the beginning of the conflict in the country in 2011. The Syrian army command announced on December 1 that the advance of the terrorists in the region of Hama had been stopped and government troops had launched a counteroffensive, taking control of a number of settlements previously seized by militants.* terrorist groups banned in Russia and many other countries

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241207/over-370000-syrians-have-been-displaced-since-start-of-hostilities--un-spokesman--1121112371.html

Over 370,000 Syrians Have Been Displaced Since Start of Hostilities  UN Spokesman

Over 370,000 Syrians Have Been Displaced Since Start of Hostilities  UN Spokesman

Sputnik International

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that since the start of the fighting escalations in Syria, approximately 370,000 people have been displaced, UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement Friday.

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The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) today said that since the escalation of hostilities in Syria, at least 370,000 men, women, and children have been displaced, including 100,000 who left their homes more than once. Most of the displaced are women and children, Dujarric told reporters. The terrorist group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham*, alongside other armed formations of the so-called Syrian opposition, launched a large-scale operation on November 29, advancing from northern Idlib toward the cities of Aleppo and Hama. By the following day, November 30, the terrorists had seized control of Syrias second-largest city and its surroundings, including the international airport and the Kuweires military airfield.Following the capture of Aleppo, the terrorist groups attempted to advance toward the city of Hama, seizing the town of Maarrat al-Nu'man. On December 1, however, the Syrian army command announced that the terrorist advance in Hama had been halted and that government forces had launched a counteroffensive, recapturing several settlements previously taken by the militants.*a terrorist organization, banned in Russia

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This modern three-level H-E-B reopened in Austin this week after a massive renovation. The original store originally opened in 1957. H-E-B The reopening was a big deal as H-E-B shoppers lined up before doors opened Dec. 4. H-E-B The H-E-B location at 2400 S. Congress Avenue is the oldest still-operating H-E-B in Austin, and it has been a steady flagship since it opened in 1957. The makeover transports the the grocery store to the company's modern era. H-E-B The original pylon from the store was reconstructed into the shape of a heart and greets customers as they enter. H-E-B H-E-B customers in Austin lined up to be the first to enter the new store. The store is a rebuild of the oldest H-E-B location in Austin. H-E-B The store at 2124 S Congress expanded and evolved over the years. The store was the first H-E-B location in Austin. H-E-B

H-E-Bs boot print in Texas looms large with every new location, and in Austin, a rebuild supercharges the city's oldest store into the modern era with a new multi-level complex.

Roughly 500 of the H-E-B faithful lined up outside before the doors opened Wednesday, with many having camped out overnight for the occasion, said Johnny Mojica, public affairs manager for H-E-B.

"It was raining, and people were committed and determined," he said. "There was a lot of joy, energy, excitement, dancing and crying as they walked into the store. It was an incredible day for us."

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The location at 2400 S. Congress Avenue was the oldest still-operating H-E-B in Austin, and it has been a steady flagship location since it opened in 1957 long before the company's current superstar status among Texas shoppers.

Before its demolition in 2022, the store  which originally opened in 1944 at another location  had gone through various expansions and makeovers. During the construction of the new store, H-E-B opened a temporary location at the nearby shopping center for customers.

"We've been serving the Austin community (for a long time), but to open where we originally started is incredible and really shows how the community has grown over the years in that specific area," he said.

H-E-B's new supermarket hub

The rebuild transforms what was a traditional, single-floor grocery store into a sprawling, spacious multi-level supermarket complex accented by art installations and sculpture created by Texas-based artists, and rockets the original store into one of the brand's modern supermarket hubs.

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Just over 145,000 square feet, the store has a first level with indoor and outdoor dining featuring True Texas BBQ. The second level is the main shopping floor, and an above-the-ground parking lot has approximately 500 spaces.

The new building includes a reconstruction of the original store's pylon into the shape of a heart that greets customers in the entrance.

"It was important for us to remember all the customers who supported us over the years and its nice to be able to see part of that history as you walk in as a reminder of our history and roots," Mojico said.

H-E-B's growth expands in Houston

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There are currently 19 H-E-B and H-E-B Plus stores in the surrounding Houston region, including multi-level stores that opened in Bellair in 2018 and in the Heights in 2019.

The new Austin location is the second multi-level store in the Central Texas-Austin region, Mojica said.

The company's Houston area map also includes specialty retailers such as Mi Tienda, a Latino market, and Joe V's, a discount grocery market.

H-E-B reports sales of $43 billion and has more than 435 stores operating in Texas and Mexico, according to the company's website.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20241207/parliamentary-vote-on-south-korean-presidents-impeachment-fails-1121117671.html

Parliamentary Vote on South Korean President's Impeachment Fails

Parliamentary Vote on South Korean President's Impeachment Fails

Sputnik International

A parliamentary vote to impeach South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol over his controversial decision to impose martial law failed on Saturday after the ruling party boycotted the vote.

2024-12-07T13:14+0000

2024-12-07T13:14+0000

2024-12-07T13:14+0000

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Only 195 lawmakers in the National Assembly voted during a televised session to impeach the president, falling short of the 200 needed for the vote to pass. Opposition parties submitted a motion to parliament, accusing the president of attempting to seize power violently and exceeding authority by declaring martial law without proper grounds and in violation of the law. Earlier on Saturday, the Yonhap news agency reported that more than 100,000 people had gathered outside the parliament to call for Yoon's ouster.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241204/south-koreas-martial-law-turmoil-north-korea-will-watch-this-drama-play-out-1121086612.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241207/russia-warns-against-geopolitical-use-of-terrorists-in-syrias-conflict-1121118122.html

Russia Warns Against Geopolitical Use of Terrorists in Syrias Conflict

Russia Warns Against Geopolitical Use of Terrorists in Syrias Conflict

Sputnik International

The offensive by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)* terrorist group in Syria has been long in the making, and Russia will oppose attempts by the militants to alter the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic (SAR), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

2024-12-07T14:38+0000

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Moscow has called for restraint from all parties in the unraveling conflict in Syria."The situation has sharply escalated in recent days due to the clearly premeditated aggressive offensive on government forces by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (former Al-Nusra Front*), an organization designated by the UN Security Council as a terrorist group, which has been joined by several smaller factions," Lavrov said during a press conference following his visit to Doha.He emphasized the urgent need to stop the hostilities and said that Russia would actively oppose any attempts by HTS militants to change the situation on the ground in Syria.The main task now in the situation surrounding Syria, according to Lavrov, is to halt the clashes.UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen has promised to involve influential external actors to stop the fighting and resume negotiations between the government and opposition, Lavrov added.The top Russian diplomat also reiterated Moscow's efforts to counteract terrorism in Syria: "We are doing everything to prevent terrorists from gaining the upper hand, even if they claim that they are no longer terrorists.""On the military front, Russia is helping the Syrian army with support from the [Russian Aerospace Forces], based in Khmeimim, and we assist the Syrian army in repelling terrorist attacks," he added.Additionally, Lavrov stated that Russia, along with Iran and Turkiye, will take steps to ensure that calls for de-escalation in Syria are heard.The terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, along with several armed factions from the so-called Syrian armed opposition, launched a large-scale operation on November 29, advancing from northern Idlib towards the cities of Aleppo and Hama. By the following day, November 30, the second-largest city in Syria, Aleppo, along with its surroundings, including the international airport and the Kuweires military airbase, came under the control of the terrorists.This marked the first time that the militants had fully taken over Aleppo since the beginning of the Syrian crisis in 2011. Until late 2016, the armed opposition controlled only the eastern part of the city, which was recaptured by the Syrian army with Russian air support.After the capture of Aleppo, the terrorist units attempted to advance towards the city of Hama, capturing the town of Maaret al-Numan. The Syrian army fought off heavy terrorist attacks in the Hama province from three directions for several days, preparing for a counteroffensive. However, on December 5, the SAR military command officially announced the redeployment of its units from the city of Hama.The city of Hama, located in central Syria, has been under the control of the Syrian army throughout the conflict, which began in the spring of 2011. Hama holds strategic geographic importance, lying between the provinces of Homs and Damascus and connecting through mountain ranges to the Latakia province.The last attempt at an armed insurgency by radical Islamist underground forces, supported by the Muslim Brotherhood*, in Syrias fourth-largest city took place in 1982. At that time, thanks to prompt action by the Syrian military command, the city was freed from terrorist groups, and control was restored to official authorities.*terrorist groups banned in Russia and many other countries

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241207/russian-troops-liberate-berestki-and-push-toward-kurakhovo-1121115202.html

Russian Troops Liberate Berestki and Push Toward Kurakhovo

Russian Troops Liberate Berestki and Push Toward Kurakhovo

Sputnik International

Russia has liberated the settlement of Berestki in the Donetsk People's Republic, according to its Ministry of Defense.

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Russia has liberated the settlement of Berestki in the Donetsk People's Republic, according to its Ministry of Defense."Forces of the Tsentr Battlegroup continued their advance deep into the enemy's defense and liberated the settlement of Berestki in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR)," the ministry noted.Earlier, Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the Public Chamber's Sovereignty Commission and Co-chairman of the Coordination Council for the Integration of New Regions, reported that Russian troops had surrounded Kurakhovo from multiple sides. He also clarified that fighting is ongoing in the central and southern parts of the city, while the eastern areas have already been liberated from Ukrainian forces.Kurakhovo is a city in the western part of the DPR, located 46 kilometers from Donetsk and 30 kilometers south of Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk). It holds significant operational importance. It is the largest settlement in southwest Donbass still under the control of Ukrainian forces after the liberation of Ugledar.The capture of Kurakhovo would allow Russian troops to advance further toward the western border of the DPR.Additionally, Russian aviation, strike drones, and artillery targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure supplying the military-industrial complex, the Ministry of Defense reported."Operational-tactical aviation, strike drones, missile troops, and artillery of the Russian Armed Forces inflicted damage on energy facilities ensuring the operation of Ukraine's military-industrial complex," the Russian military said in a briefing.Russian forces also inflicted damage on enemy personnel and military equipment in 142 areas. Air defense systems shot down 26 flying drones.Other DevelopmentsRussian forces from the Tsentr Battlegroup repelled 10 Ukrainian counterattacks, killing up to 525 soldiers and destroying five armored vehicles. Ukrainian forces lost two mechanized brigades, one marine brigade, and artillery in battles near several settlements in the Donetsk People's Republic.The Vostok Battlegroup inflicted heavy losses on Ukrainian units, including up to 100 soldiers and several vehicles. Ukrainian forces were defeated in positions near Konstantinopol, Novocheretovatoye, and Otradnoye. Three counterattacks were repelled during the operation.On the Kharkov front, the Sever Battlegroup hit Ukrainian territorial defense units, inflicting up to 60 casualties. They also destroyed a BMP, two vehicles, and three D-30 howitzers, while repelling two counterattacks near Tikhoye, Volchansk, and Liptsy in the Kharkov region.The Yug Battlegroup strengthened its tactical position and repelled two Ukrainian assaults. The enemy suffered up to 325 casualties, losing artillery, vehicles, and several armored vehicles. The operation occurred in the Donetsk People's Republic around Kurakhovo, Nikoleyevka, and Ulakly.The Zapad Battlegroup delivered heavy damage to six Ukrainian brigades across Kharkov, Lugansk, and Donetsk regions, killing up to 490 soldiers. They repelled 11 counterattacks and destroyed a range of military equipment, including tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery.The Dnepr Battlegroup inflicted damage on three Ukrainian brigades near Malaya Tokmachka and Antonovka. The Ukrainian forces lost up to 60 soldiers, two BMPs, six vehicles, and counterbattery equipment. The battle took place in Zaporozhye and Kherson regions.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241111/kurakhovo-why-russias-liberation-of-this-city-spells-disaster-for-ukraine-1120854862.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241207/south-korean-president-apologizes-for-imposing-martial-law---reports-1121112164.html

South Korean President Apologizes for Imposing Martial Law - Reports

South Korean President Apologizes for Imposing Martial Law - Reports

Sputnik International

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has apologized for imposing martial law in the country and said he will not impose it again ahead of the upcoming impeachment vote, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing his statement.

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"I am sincerely sorry and apologize to the people who must have been very surprised. I will not avoid legal and political responsibility related to this martial law declaration," Yoon said in a televised public address. He vowed to leave all decisions, including his term, to his People Power Party to decide in order to stabilize the nation, the report said. The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea is expected to open a plenary session at 5 p.m. Saturday (8 a.m. GMT) to vote on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is accused of an attempt to violently seize power and abuse of office by imposing martial law without due grounds and in violation of the law. The leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), Han Dong-hoon, said Saturday it has become inevitable for President Yoon to step down early. He said the president is no longer in a position to effectively perform his duties.The leader of the ruling People Power Party of South Korea, Han Dong-hoon, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo are holding an emergency meeting following an appeal from President Yoon Suk-yeol, Yonhap news agency reported.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241203/coups-assassinations-jail-and-suicide-unenviable-fates-of-south-koreas-fallen-presidents-1121082917.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241207/syrian-army-fortifying-positions-outside-damascus-1121119290.html

Syrian Army Fortifying Positions Outside Damascus

Syrian Army Fortifying Positions Outside Damascus

Sputnik International

Syrian troops have been digging in on the outskirts of Damascus, with fighting continuing in the western Homs and Hama provinces as well as in Daraa further south, the Syrian army's main command said on Saturday.

2024-12-07T18:22+0000

2024-12-07T18:22+0000

2024-12-08T11:52+0000

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"Our armed forces have fortified all their positions outside Damascus and the southern district to prevent chaos, which terrorists are trying to sow, from causing any trouble," the military command said in a statement. It added that hundreds of militants had been killed or injured in the Syrian army's multipronged offensive across three provinces. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terrorist group (formerly known as the Nusra Front, banned in Russia) launched a large-scale offensive against the Syrian government on November 29, advancing from the north of the northwestern Idlib region towards the cities of Aleppo and Hama. A day later, Syrias second largest city of Aleppo was captured by militants for the first time since the Syrian conflict began in 2011. The Syrian army command announced on December 1 that the terrorists' advance in the region of Hama had been stopped and that government troops had launched a counteroffensive, retaking control of a number of settlements.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241207/russia-warns-against-geopolitical-use-of-terrorists-in-syrias-conflict-1121118122.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241207/syrian-russian-forces-launch-massive-attacks-on-terrorist-positions-near-homs-and-hama-1121114339.html

Syrian, Russian Forces Launch Massive Attacks on Terrorist Positions Near Homs and Hama

Syrian, Russian Forces Launch Massive Attacks on Terrorist Positions Near Homs and Hama

Sputnik International

Syrian troops, together with the Russian Aerospace Forces, launched massive strikes on terrorist positions and supply routes in the provinces of Homs and Hama... 07.12.2024, Sputnik International

2024-12-07T07:56+0000

2024-12-07T07:56+0000

2024-12-08T11:54+0000

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hama

syria

suwayda

syrian defense ministry

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turmoil in syria

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"Our forces operating in the provinces of Hama and Homs are carrying out massive strikes with cannon and rocket artillery on [terrorist] positions and supply routes. Additionally, the Syrian and Russian combat aircraft carried out joint strikes on terrorist concentrations in the northeast of the province of Homs. Ten militants and their equipment were eliminated," the statement read.Syrian forces carried out a redeployment from the cities of Suwayda and Daraa, creating a strong line of defense in these directions, ministry also noted earlier.The terrorist group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham*, alongside other armed formations of the so-called Syrian opposition, launched a large-scale operation on November 29, advancing from northern Idlib toward the cities of Aleppo and Hama. By the following day, November 30, the terrorists had seized control of Syrias second-largest city and its surroundings, including the international airport and the Kuweires military airfield.Following the capture of Aleppo, the terrorist groups attempted to advance toward the city of Hama, seizing the town of Maarrat al-Nu'man. On December 1, however, the Syrian army command announced that the terrorist advance in Hama had been halted and that government forces had launched a counteroffensive, recapturing several settlements previously taken by the militants.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241207/syrian-army-defeats-terrorist-units-in-homs-province-1121112637.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241203/crisis-in-syria-balance-of-forces-between-government-army-jihadist-militias-and-regional-powers-1121080163.html

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Dr. J Stallion Management will hold its second annual Open House on Wednesday, Dec.18.

The Open House will be held from 12-3 p.m. in The Three Diamonds Room at Scioto Downs racetrack in Columbus, Ohio.

This exclusive event offers attendees the chance to meet and interact with four of the five distinguished stallions: Captain Albano, Carbine, Its Academic, and Rockyroad Hanover. In addition, Odds On Racings Odds On Equuleus will be in attendance.

Hall of Famers Ron Burke and Dave Miller, alongside Scioto Downs leading trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. and top driver Chris Page, will be available to take photos, answer questions, and engage in insightful conversations throughout the afternoon.

Event highlights include the opportunity for complimentary pedigree matching with any of the five featured stallions, as well as a raffle for free breeding to Carbine. Attendees will also enjoy a catered lunch and have access to a shuttle service between the clubhouse and paddock areas for added convenience.

This event offers a unique opportunity for industry participants to network, share knowledge, and enjoy a day of engaging discussions about harness racing.

(With files from Dr. J Stallion Management)
With the Canada Post strike ongoing, the team at TROT Magazine has issued the following statement regarding its special 50th Anniversary issue printed for December.

Although at TROT, were pleased and proud to say that our special 50th Anniversary Issue of the magazine has been printed, and is ready for you, the ongoing labour dispute at Canada Post has thrown a small wrench into our plans to deliver it.

In an effort to remedy this, weve printed approximately 1,200 extra copies of this special issue, and have sent the majority of them, via courier, nationwide, to help put the magazine into your hands as soon as possible.

Our December Holiday Issue is the favourite edition of many, thanks to things like the annual touching stories on retiring 14-year-olds, and the many beautiful personalized ads from you, our horsepeople. This years issue  our largest ever at 172 pages  is no different, and includes some other special pieces as well, themed around our 50th Anniversary.

Id like to thank all of our advertisers, as well as everyone who took part in the many great features we have for you, and assure you that were doing everything possible to distribute the magazine, despite the postal strike.

While the thousands of regular copies sit, waiting to be mailed, this is what we can tell you now, in regard to the distribution of the December issue of TROT, and where you can get a free magazine:

CENTURY MILE:

Magazines will be found in the paddock, race office and the grandstand.

CLASSY LANE & FIRST LINE TRAINING CENTRES:

Magazines will be distributed around both facilities.

FLAMBORO DOWNS:

Magazines will be found in the paddock.

FRASER DOWNS:

Magazines will be found in the HRBC office and the track kitchen.

RED SHORES CHARLOTTETOWN:

Magazines will be found in the race office, paddock, drivers room, grandstand, and at the Top Of The Park.

RED SHORES SUMMERSIDE:

Magazines will be found at the entrance to the West End Bar & Grill.

RIDEAU CARLETON RACEWAY:

Magazines will be found in the paddock, race office and grandstand.

STANDARDBRED CANADA HEAD OFFICE (2150 Meadowvale Blvd. Mississauga):

Magazines will be available at reception during regular office hours (Monday-Friday; 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.).

TACKMASTER EQUIPMENT (Campbellville, ON):

Magazines will be found at the front counter.

THE RACEWAY AT THE WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT:

Magazines will be found in both the paddock and the grandstand.

UNITED STATES:

The postal strike does NOT affect the copies mailed to our U.S. subscribers monthly, as those are always driven across the border and delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Theyre in the mail now. Weve also shipped extra boxes to The Meadowlands, where theyll be available in the paddock, and to Hoosier Park, where theyll be available in the track kitchen and race office.

WOODBINE MOHAWK PARK:

Magazines will be found in the paddock, race office, paddock kitchen, grandstand, dining room and drivers room.

A note to advertisers: All December TROT ads will also be posted online, in a piece on the Standardbred Canada website in the coming days.

NOTE: Most of the above deliveries have now been made, but due to recent snowstorms and the resulting missed connections, the magazines bound for Fraser Downs, Flamboro Downs and Western Fair may not be available for a few more days.

We thank you all, our loyal readers and advertisers, for the important role youve all played in helping TROT Magazine reach its 50th birthday. We hope you enjoy our special Anniversary Issue, and we look forward to the next 50 years!

Dan Fisher

Managing Director

TROT Magazine
Blue Chip Farms has announced its 2025 stallion roster along with the stud fees for those horses.

Blue Chip Farms is increasingly excited about its evolving stallion lineup as already well-supported Captain Albano p,1:48.1 ($1,981,956) and Winners Bet 4,1:49.3 ($1,794,035) join the ranks in 2025. Chapter Sevens book is, once again, full and closed. Back Of The Neck 1:51 ($1,552,773), whose oldest foals are 2025 yearlings, and the proven Crazy Wow 1:51.1 ($2,648,502) round out Blue Chips diverse New York trotting lineup. On the pacing side, Cannibal p,1:48.1 ($785,040) stands his second year after a full book in 2024. Also, Messenger victor American Courage p,4,1:47.4 ($848,892) begins his third year at Blue Chip. Finally, Shadow Plays p,4,1:47.4 ($1,559,822) gorgeous first New York-eligible foals hit the ring next in 2025.

Devious Man 1:52.2 ($1,338,677) makes the move to Delaware Valley University in Pennsylvania.

Although Bettors Delight will be enjoying a future in the Southern Hemisphere, a unique opportunity is available for North American breeders. Blue Chip is offering attractive per straw and live foal guarantee pricing on Bettors Delights frozen semen. Foals will be Breeders Crown-eligible, with the potential for Kentucky-eligible as well if mare owners choose to take advantage of that states residency program.

Blue Chip's complete roster is listed below with stud fees.

New York (pacing stallions)

Captain Albano: $8,500 USD

Cannibal: $6,000 USD

Shadow Play: $5,000 USD

American Courage: $4,000 USD

New York (trotting stallions)

Chapter Seven: $40,000 USD (book closed)

Winners Bet: $10,000 USD

Back Of The Neck: $7,500 USD

Crazy Wow: $4,000 USD

Pennsylvania

Devious Man: $3,000 USD

Frozen

Bettors Delight: Private Treaty

For more information or to inquire about any of the stallions, visit bluechipfarms.com.

(With files from Blue Chip Farms)
Beijing's Daxing airport sees record entries, exits of foreigners

Xinhua) 09:36, December 07, 2024

Travelers pass through customs at Beijing Daxing International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, July 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Li He)

BEIJING, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Beijing Daxing International Airport has seen the number of foreign travelers passing through immigration there surpassing 1 million this year, marking a new record for the annual number of entries and exits of foreign nationals at this airport.

The record number confirmed on Friday by the immigration inspection station at the airport was achieved following the introduction of a series of policies aimed at facilitating the entry of foreigners, including an increase in the number of countries enjoying visa-free status, which has attracted travelers from around the world to China.

The international flight network provided by the airport is continuously being expanded. It currently offers flights to 43 international and regional destinations spanning 25 countries and regions across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, according to the airport.

During the winter-spring flight season, the airport plans to open new routes to cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Vientiane and Casablanca. It also plans to launch flights to Africa and North America, and to increase the frequency of flights to the Middle East and Russia, thereby further enhancing international flight options.

Beijing's Daxing airport is also one of the nine ports approved by the National Immigration Administration to allow foreign nationals 24-hour direct transit without having to undergo border check procedures.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Crumbl Cookies has released a new Jimmy Fallon "Candy Cane Brownie" that includes 1,200 calories and TikTok creators are alarmed by the calorie intake. Courtesy Crumbl Cookies / Courtesy Crumbl Cookies

A popular cookie company has teamed up with "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" for the television host's new Holiday Seasoning album.

Fallon announced on his show this month that he and Crumbl Cookies partnered to bring fans a new Candy Cane Brownie item.

Crumbl Cookies released its new cookie on Monday and will be sold for a limited time until Saturday and includes holiday seasoning," according to the companys website.

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Crumbls and Fallon's candy cane brownie features a rich brownie that is topped with a peppermint white drop buttercream, drizzle lines of semi-sweet ganache and a crunch of candy cane pieces.

Crumbl Cookies fans didnt wait to post their reviews on TikTok about the new brownie. Crumbl reviews continue to go viral as content creators can be seen reviewing the companys cookies of the week in their cars or homes.

For other creators this new item is said to be the companys highest calorie item yet. Crumbl has been known since opening as a cookie company that has high sugar desserts.

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Crumbl fans have this new item rated at 4.5 stars on the company's website. TikTok creator Charliecaruso8 posted to more than 600,000 of his followers to talk about how unhealthy the cookie can be, calling the cookie the highest calorie item ever.

Attempts to reach Crumbl by email for comment were unsuccessful.

Crumbls candy cane brownie includes ingredients such as milk, sugar, cocoa powder, milk chocolate chips, flour, cream and several other ingredients, according to its website.

This 1,210-calorie brownie has 121 grams of sugar and 102 grams of added sugar, which translates to 180 calories per serving of the brownie.

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"Tell me who in their right mind, especially an American, is going to be eating this in six sittings? Bro that's not realistic at all," said TikTok creator Itsjust_meech in a video that has now gained 2.1 million views.

The companys website nutrition page reads that 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice, but calorie needs can vary. The company's calorie counts are based off per serving, but the serving size varies based on the product, according to Crumbl's website.

SNACK WRAP IS BACK: McDonalds set to bring back popular Snack Wrap in 2025, CEO confirms

In previous reports, outlets such as Yahoo news and Daily Mail both posted articles about the companys alarming cookie calories. The Daily Mail spoke with Boston-based food policy expert and Northeastern University professor Dr. Darin Detwiler about the cookie company.

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If these cookies were firearms, they would be illegal," Detwiler said in the Daily Mail story.

The company has been criticized in the past regarding their nutrition facts that may not be clearly labeled for customers.
Accra, Ghana (PANA) - Police on Saturday said one person has been shot dead at a polling station in Northern Ghana during the presidential and parliamentary elections
Hundreds of Holly Hill water customers have received in their mail a letter about the hazards of exposure to lead in drinking water.

The letter sparked 115 comments of pure stupidity on an online social media site, Mayor Billy Chavis said during the town councils monthly meeting on Monday, Dec. 2.

One person even called for a class-action lawsuit against the town, Chavis said. Chavis said he doesnt know why, because theres no lead in Holly Hills water distribution lines.

The letter is part of a nationwide effort to identify and replace water pipes containing lead.

The effort began after Flint, Michigan, changed its water source 10 years ago. Lead from aging pipes leached into the citys water supply, exposing about 100,000 customers to elevated lead levels, according to Wikipedia.

The effort reached Holly Hill in mid-2023, Chavis said in an interview.

First, the distribution system was checked. Those are the lines from the towns wells to the treatment facility and then on to each customers individual meter. No lead contamination was found.

Next, the service lines were checked. Those are the lines from the meter into the house or another building. Employees sought to open each meter box and scrape the service line to determine if it was made of copper or lead.

Town employees were able to determine the composition of about 200 of the service lines.

However, they were unable to determine either the presence or absence of lead in the service lines of the rest of the customers  approximately 500. Those are the customers who received the letter, Chavis said.

The letter begins with a blunt statement: You are served by a lead status unknown service line.

It continues: Your service line material is unknown but may be lead. We recently completed a service line inventory for our waterworks and we are required to notify you.

The rest of the letter spells out the dangers of exposure to lead. It lists steps you can take to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. And it provides a QR code to scan to help you learn where your drinking water comes from.

The letter does not explain the difference between a distribution line  which is the water systems responsibility  and a service line  which is the customers responsibility.

Nor does it offer reassurances that lead hasnt been detected in the water systems distribution lines.

Those omissions would not have occurred if a Holly Hill town official or employee had written the letter.

The actual writer of the letter is anonymous. Chavis said state officials provided a template and told the town to use the exact wording  and to fill in blank spaces with name of waterworks and name and phone number for point of contact.

So, whats next? Despite what the letter says, Chavis told the council meeting attendees that the service line inventory will continue.

Starting the first of the year, were going to come on your property and dig a 2-foot by 2-foot hole at your water meter, and were going to identify your service line, Chavis explained.

If your water line was installed or replaced in 1988 or later, theres an excellent chance your pipes are lead-free, Chavis said.

If your service line contains lead, the town doesnt intend to do anything about it unless federal or state money becomes available in the coming years.

Its on your property. ... Its your problem, the mayor said.

Chavis implored water customers who have any questions or concerns not to turn to online social media sites, but to call Betty at the Town Hall at 803-496-3330 for the best information you could ever have.

The council also heard a presentation by the towns external auditor, Bill Hancock of the Brittingham Group.

The audit is not completed at this point, he said. We had some staff turnover. We will get the finished report out to you as soon as its ready.

But, at the mayors request, he gave some information on financial trends.

Your efforts to enforce the business license ordinance have resulted in some very positive results, he said. Revenues from business licenses, permits, and franchise fees are substantially higher than last year.

The fund balance is $130,000 on a nearly $2 million budget  the highest its been in at least four years, which reduces the need to borrow money, he said.

The water and sewer system ran deficits of approximately $300,000 a year in 2021, 2022, and 2023, he said. The figure for 2024 is not yet available.

Utility revenues increased dramatically, from $511,000 in 2023 to a little over $900,000 in 2024. So did expenses for maintenance and repairs, from $455,000 in 2023 to $671,000 in 2024.

Chavis noted that the utility system ran a $468,000 deficit in 2020. Now, you are saying we have turned the corner? he asked.

Absolutely, Mr. Mayor, Hancock replied. Youre trending in the right direction. Thats not to say youre there yet, but youre becoming financially stable.

Hancock added that the towns planned new wastewater treatment facility with its much higher capacity is going to put you in a brighter light. ... By all accounts it should be a boon to the region.

In other business:

After a 45-second public hearing, the council approved second and final reading of numerous changes to the zoning ordinance as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The ordinance was unchanged from first reading except for the revocation of a clause that allowed storing, parking, or living in a recreational vehicle for up to two weeks.

The council approved a proclamation honoring the life and service of David Whitehead, a devoted public servant who served with integrity on the Holly Hill Town Council and as Holly Hills mayor for 30 years. He was also active in the social, religious, and business life of the community. He died Nov. 20.

The council was formally introduced to Jessica Darnell, who became the assistant town clerk in October.

Police Chief Josh Detter acknowledged that he had applied for and has been chosen to attend the FBI Command College for Executive Leadership.

Detter said an officer resigned from the Holly Hill force to join the St. George Police Department at a higher rank.

The council thanked Sharon Wade and Kelley Geddings for their years of service on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Dr. Gaynell Walters encouraged everyone to enjoy the annual Holly Hill Christmas Festival on Friday through Sunday, Dec. 6-8.

The council gave first-reading approval to annexing the property at 2410 Eutaw Road and zoning it R-2. Second reading is expected at the councils next monthly meeting, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the governmental complex at 8423 Old State Road. Call 803-496-3330 for more information.
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Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem Hub71 has annnounced that startups operating within its premises have secured over AED7 billion ($1.9 billion) in funding, said its top official.

The ecosystem is now hosts over 300 startups from around the world and has forged 150 partnerships to support these companies in attracting investments, generating revenue, and fostering growth.

Its revenues too witnessed solid growth soaring to over AED4 billion ($1.08 billion), stated its CEO Ahmad Ali Alwan while speaking to the Emirates News Agency (Wam) on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Business Week, which concluded today at Adnec.

Alwan revealed that Hub71 has received over 2,500 applications for its programmes, with plans to onboard around 50 new startups by the year-end.

This strong interest underscores Abu Dhabi's position as a leading investment destination and a global economic hub for business growth, he added.
Bareeq Al Retaj Real Estate Company said it has entered into a deal with Bahrain Islamic Bank to provide enhanced mortgage financing solutions to customers interested in purchasing units within its Ras Hayan Village and Wahati apartments in the kingdom.

A key developer renowned for its portfolio of landmark developments in Bahrain, Bareeq Al Retaj said the deal was inked at the recent Cityscape Bahrain 2024 expo.

Under this agreement, customers purchasing Bareeq properties with BisBs property finance will get special offer rate. This includes a minimal down payment of only 5%, a financing period of up to 30 years, and competitive annual profit rates.

The arrangement also includes free fire insurance during the financing period to provide added security and convenience throughout the homeownership journey, it stated.

On the strategic partnership, Bareeq Al Retaj CEO Yousif Mohamed Bucheeri said: "This collaborative effort with BisB reflects our dedication to making premium real estate accessible to a wider range of buyers through flexible and competitive financing solutions."

"Ras Hayan Village and Wahati Apartments are two vibrant communities that meet the modern lifestyle needs of citizens and residents alike. With BisBs financing expertise, we aim to ensure that owning a home in one of these developments becomes a seamless and rewarding experience," he stated.

BisBs Property Finance is known for its expedited application process with fast approvals that simplify the financing journey for customers.

Additionally, customers have the option to apply jointly, thereby increasing the financing amount to accommodate larger purchases, making it easier to secure homes in Bareeqs distinctive developments.

BisB Acting CEO Fatema AlAlawi expressed delight at the collaboration with Bareeq Al Retaj Real Estate to deliver an enhanced and seamless mortgage financing experience to its customers.

"At BisB, we continually strive to offer innovative and customer-centric solutions, and this agreement underscores our commitment to facilitating property possession by providing accessible financing options with compelling incentives. We look forward to supporting our customers in making their homeownership dreams a reality," he noted.

Bareeq Al Retajs partnership with BisB strengthens both the organisations shared goal of supporting the growth of Bahrains real estate market by offering convenient and affordable financing options, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Lawmakers in Texas are now considering banning the use of social media among minors as part of an effort to combat cyberbullying, pornography, and exploitation.

Traditionally, state authorities and law enforcement have been responsible for cracking down on online dangers. However, a lack of resources in those agencies has forced educators to also address cyberbullying and the other harmful effects of social media on young people. However, educators are already struggling to meet the demands of instruction.

The social media ban is part of a bill proposed by Republican Rep. Jared Patterson. It is one of the several sweeping measures to be taken up by Texas lawmakers in the upcoming legislative session.

What Other Measures Will Texas Lawmakers Take Up?

In addition to a social media ban for minors, lawmakers have suggested creating a system that would require new users to verify their age when creating a social media account. Other options include putting more funding to the internet crime units of law enforcement agencies and banning the use of people's likenesses in pornographic images created using artificial intelligence (AI).

Moreover, lawmakers have also proposed educating people in Texas about the dangers of the internet and social media.

How Social Media Affects the Youth

The ban comes months after lawmakers heard a litany of stories about how social media affected the Texas youth during a Senate Committee on State Affairs.

In one case, a middle school girl said she developed an eating disorder after watching a video on short-form video content platform TikTok. In another case, a boy was said to have become addicted to pornographic content and explicit cartoons after he stumbled upon one due to YouTube's algorithm.

Additionally, there was a woman who said she experienced being groomed for sex work through social media. She was still in high school at the time, according to the Texas Tribune.

For perspective, a recent survey of 14- to 24-year-olds found that social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter led to increased feelings of anxiety and depression. It also found that social media contributed to feelings of loneliness and poor body image among users.
Miral, a leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, welcomed over 450 members of the community, including people of determination, orphans and the elderly, to a series of performances of the award-winning theatrical production Life of Pi at the Etihad Arena, Yas Island.

Organised in partnership with ImInclusive, International Charity Organisation, All With POD, Family Care Authority, and Journey of Generations by Maan, the initiative, Miral said, reflected its deep commitment to its arts and culture pillar within its Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy, fostering a sense of inclusion and shared joy.

The event provided attendees with a unique opportunity to enjoy an engaging storytelling showcase while creating meaningful connections across generations.

It was heartwarming to see the smiles of our attendees of all ages as they enjoyed the award-winning show, said Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications & Events at Miral.

We are dedicated to embracing a culture of inclusion where every individual, regardless of age or ability, feels valued and uplifted.

This initiative beautifully underscores our efforts to create lasting, joyful and meaningful impact. It is a testament to our dedication towards building a more compassionate and united community.

Based on Yann Martel's acclaimed novel, the stage adaptation of "Life of Pi" took place from November 15-17 at Etihad Arena.  TradeArabia News Service
Shaner Hotels, an award winning, international hotel owner, operator and developer, has announced a partnership between its Shaner Italia division and Dubai-based The First Group, that aims to expand its portfolio with lifestyle hospitality brand, The First Collection, among others.

The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, and the first hotel to debut under The First Groups The First Collection, will be the first of many similar projects that the partnership will add to its portfolio.

While there is an obvious and growing demand for well-branded, well-operated hotels throughout the Gulf region, there are surprisingly few existing opportunities there to pursue as local owners tend to gravitate toward independent properties with lesser oversight, said Plato Ghinos, president, Shaner Hotels.

This partnership aims to fix that, providing services for all stages of the hotel life cycle, from site selection through final sale.

Apo Demirtas, chief strategy officer, The First Group Hospitality, said: Our alliance with Shaner Hotels will enable both organisations to benefit from the cross-pollination of proprietary operational systems and vast hospitality experience which will accelerate the expansion of our portfolio of managed hotels and F&B assets.

The new alliance will promote hotel management agreements (HMAs) throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Greece and Cyprus. Hotels will operate under the First Collection, Tribute Portfolio and the Marriott international family of brands.

Shaner has a well-deserved reputation as a strong international operator with hotels throughout Greece, Italy, the Bahamas and the United States, said Rob Burns, CEO, The First Group.

With a firm grasp of regional dynamics, a strong internal culture and an existing footprint along the Mediterranean, they are an ideal partner to expand further into the Gulf region.

Developed by The First Group and operated by The First Group Hospitality, the upper upscale, 40-story hotel marks Marriott Bonvoys Tribute Portfolio debut in the Middle East.

The 491-suite tower provides premium amenities, including a stylish business lounge, expansive swimming pool and sundeck, fully equipped fitness centre and spa centre with separate male and female treatment facilities.

Nestled in the vibrant Jumeirah Village Circle, the hotel is a short ride from Dubais beaches, Downtown Dubai, Dubai South and Al Maktoum International Airport.

The First Group has developed a true gem in the Middle East with The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, a Tribute Portfolio hotel, already having won multiple awards prior to even opening its doors for business, said Lance Shaner, chairman and CEO, Shaner Hotels.

We are confident that we will help the hotel succeed both financially for our stakeholders and personally with our guests as we provide a truly one-of-its-kind experience for discerning travellers to Dubai.  TradeArabia News Service
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been ranked third globally in terms of international tourist arrivals, thus recording an over 61% growth in the first eight to nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019, according to UN Tourism.

The continued success in the tourism sector underlines the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism, through its plans and strategies, and of all the other stakeholders in the tourism industry, which strive to achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The significant increase in the number of inbound tourists also reflects traveller confidence in the kingdom's attractive and diverse tourism offering, which enhances Saudi Arabia's standing as a leading global tourist destination, stated the report by UN Tourism.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia advanced 15 positions compared to 2019 in the global ranking concerned with inbound tourist spending, ranking 12th, leading the upward movement among the top 50 countries.

Moreover, the kingdom led the G20 countries in the growth of international tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period of 2019.-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.
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.
A migrant teen was stabbed to death in New York City after he told a group of men that he could not speak English.

Yeremi Colino, 17, was killed outside 17 John St. in the Financial District around 7:39 p.m. Thursday. According to the New York Police Department, the teen was accompanied by an 18-year-old when a group of three men approached them and asked if they could speak English.

When the teens replied that they could not speak English, the men began stabbing the victims, per the New York Post, citing NYPD and other sources with knowledge of the crime.

What Happened to the Victims?

Both Colino and his companion were rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where the 17-year-old teen died after sustaining stab wounds to the chest. His 18-year-old companion remains in stable condition and only sustained wounds in the left arm, police said.

No arrests have been made as of writing. Authorities are still looking for the three men, who they said are in their 20s with dark complexions. One of the suspects was wearing a green jacket and white pants. The second and the third suspects were wearing red pants and red hooded sweatshirts, per Eyewitness News.

Read Also: Vaccinations Among Kindergartners in the US Dips Again as Exemptions Keep Rising

Teen Stabbing in NYC

The recent stabbing is the latest in a string of incidents involving teens in NYC. On November 25, a 15-year-old boy was knifed in the abdomen on a Manhattan-bound M Train at the 23rd Street Station in Long Island City. The victim was rushed to Cornell Medical Center for medical treatment.

The suspect, believed to be another 15-year-old boy, allegedly attacked the victim following a verbal dispute. Neither the victim nor the suspect were named in the case.

In August, two teens were stabbed on a southbound Q train near the Times Square-42nd Street Station just before 7 a.m. One of the victims sustained stab wounds to the hand while the other was knifed in the abdomen.

It was unclear what led to the stabbing incident, but police said that the victims knew the suspect. No other information related to the identity of the suspect and the victims was released.
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.
To address housing affordability, cities around the country are seeing the development of middle housing, but Tucson is not yet following the trend.

The term refers to housing thats between traditional, single-family homes and large apartment complexes.

Homes that are duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, condos or townhouses are considered middle housing and could help struggling homebuyers get into a place of their own and start to build equity.

While the average price of single-family homes, new or used, is around $380,000, townhomes in the Tucson area sell below $300,000 and condominiums in the $225,000 range.

But theyre in short supply.

One of the main factors is that the homebuilder market has completely changed in Tucson  it really is dominated by the large, publicly traded homebuilders, said land broker Will White, who heads the Tucson office of Land Advisors Organization. I think the market would love to introduce denser product to address affordability, but the larger builders are looking to volume rather than filling a niche.

White said its much more efficient for large homebuilders to create a 200-home subdivision versus building 40 townhomes.

I dont see this changing anytime soon.

David Godlewski, president and CEO of the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association, said the group continues to advocate for higher density in urban areas along transportation corridors.

The homebuilders doing the vast majority of the building in Tucson have a middle housing-type product they use in other markets within subdivisions, he said. Whether or not they bring something like that to Tucson, Im not sure.

In past years, local homebuilders have created small community clusters with one or two dozen homes, some with shared walls.

Local builder A.F. Sterling has created little pockets of housing with projects such as the one on Country Club Road near Broadway, and another on Tucson Boulevard north of Fort Lowell Road.

Pepper Viner has filled many vacant lots and closed school sites with housing and Miramonte Homes built a cluster of 13 townhomes in Barrrio Viejo that sold out quickly.

Miramonte is currently building condos near downtown Flagstaff.

The project, 310 Downtown, is a four-story complex with 24 units for sale, but Tucson is not on the radar.

At this time, Miramonte does not have any new home construction projects planned in Tucson, said John Hays, corporate sales and marketing administrator for Miramonte. However, if an opportunity arises that meets our specific criteria for a new project, we will certainly consider it.

Another hurdle for this type of housing in the Tucson market is because of single-family lot size requirements and height restrictions. Proposing four townhomes on a lot zoned for a single residence or a row of 3-story townhomes near an existing neighborhood is often met with swift opposition from neighbors.

Solutions to bridge the gap must address the barriers to building new middle housing as well as incentivizing the construction and rehabilitation of middle housing, according to the National League of Cities, which is advocating for more of these types of homes to address affordability.

In 2020, Minneapolis became the first large city in the country to eliminate single-family zoning and its comprehensive plan allows two- and three-unit developments in residential zones and increased the allowable height of projects near downtown.

This year, the city of Tucson is reviewing its zoning policies to encourage more housing.

Proposals in the citys Community Corridors Tool include flexibility for developers regarding setbacks, height, density and parking requirements, as well as offering height bonuses for mixed-use and affordable housing projects, along with establishing split-zone properties.

The primary focus will be on properties that front major streets and routes.

The plan will be presented to the Planning Commission in January and then reviewed by the mayor and council in February.

Visit corridors.tucsonaz.gov to view the draft.
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Temu, a Chinese cross-border e-commerce platform, is working with relevant authorities and accelerating formalities to resume its provision of e-commerce service activities in Vietnam after it was told to halt operations in the Southeast Asian country due to incomplete registration procedures.

Since early this week, Temu has suspended its operations following a request of the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The ministry made the move as it had failed to meet an end-November deadline for business registration with local authorities.

Vietnamese has been removed as an interface language on Temus app and website. Users in Vietnam now have the options of English, Chinese, and French.

Goods ordered on Temu were no longer being cleared through customs in Vietnam.

The customs clearance of goods traded through Temu will not resume until the platform obtains a license.

The Vietnam e-Commerce and Digital Economy Agency told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that Temu had submitted an application for a license to provide e-commerce services in Vietnam through the e-commerce management portal (online.gov.vn) and the application is still under consideration.

Temu has supplemented missing documents as required.

The Vietnam e-Commerce and Digital Economy Agency also required Temu to inform its customers that it is in the process of registering the provision of e-commerce services with the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The move helps consumers understand that the Ministry of Industry and Trade has not licensed Temus website and app and that they should take caution when making transactions.

The platform was also asked to remove promotional programs that go against Vietnams regulations on trade promotion.

All products and goods with promotions of over 50 percent must be removed as well.

Temu has to put an end to programs and models that call on users to trade on the platform to receive bonuses and commissions.

The platform announced on its website that it was working with the Vietnam e-Commerce and Digital Economy Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade to register its provision of e-commerce services in the Southeast Asian country.

According to the Vietnam e-Commerce and Digital Economy Agency, it will continue cooperating with the Vietnam Competition Commission to ask cross-border e-commerce platforms to review and fulfill their obligations.

Temu said it was working with the Vietnam e-Commerce and Digital Economy Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade to register for its legal operation in Vietnam.

Last month, Temu made it mandatory for orders to range between VND887,000 (US$35) and VND1 million ($39).

For orders valued at more than VND1 million, customers have to split the orders but still ensure the minimum order value.

Temu explained that the policy enables it to provide more low-cost products.

Many online shoppers in Vietnam have been informed of delays in the delivery of goods purchased on Temu.

Some even received notifications that their goods had lost or had customs clearance procedures suspended.

Hai Yen, a local consumer, shared that she had paid over VND1 million ($39) for her order on Temu in early November but had yet to receive the goods.

Some customers facing the same fate have canceled orders and requested refunds. However, refunds were kept in e-wallets connected with the platform and cannot be transferred to their bank accounts.

Since Temu began operating in Vietnam in October, it has caught the eye of Vietnamese consumers with discounts of up to 90 percent and free delivery.

The Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency later affirmed that it had not received Temus application for a license to operate in the country.

Temu is an arm of Chinas PDD Holdings, a leading retail group in the world.

Temu is now present in 78 countries and territories.

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Trang Do, CEO of Tupperware Vietnam, announced on her personal social media on Friday that the company will cease operations at the end of this year and bid farewell to Vietnamese consumers.

Tupperware Vietnam Limited Liability Company was established in June 2013, with Do Thi Linh Trang as its general director.

Recently, Trang posted a message on her personal page reading FAREWELL FROM TUPPERWARE VIETNAM.

Accordingly, Tupperware Vietnam will cease operations on December 31, after 11 years of serving customers in Vietnam.

The company expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support from loyal customers, noting that their trust has helped Tupperware become a beloved part of Vietnamese homes and families.

Trang declined to comment further on the companys cessation of operations.

Tupperware Vietnam is a subsidiary of Tupperware Brands Corporation, known for its products in food storage and preservation.

The company entered the Vietnamese market with the goal of becoming a trusted brand for women.

Tupperwares retail presence in Vietnam began in October 2016, and by the end of 2019, the company had opened its 100th store, with plans to expand by 35 new stores annually.

As of Saturday, the companys verified Facebook page continues to update product information and promote its nearly 200 stores nationwide.

In September, Tupperware Brands Corporation filed for bankruptcy after struggling with declining demand and rising debt.

The company, which went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 1996, reached its peak in late 2013 with record sales of US$2.67 billion, a third of which came from the Asia-Pacific region.

Reuters reported that outdated sales strategies and increased market competition contributed to Tupperwares decline.

While consumer preferences have shifted toward store and online purchases, Tupperware continued relying heavily on direct sales, which accounted for about 90 percent of its revenue in 2023.

In October, the company sold its business to a group of lenders for $23.5 million in cash, alongside more than $63 million in debt forgiveness, a transaction approved by the court.

Senior consultant Tran Bang Viet attributes Tupperwares failure to factors such as its failure to adapt to changing consumer trends, slow e-commerce transition, disconnection from younger audiences, economic downturns post-pandemic, and growing competition.

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China's observatories capture rare images of falling near-Earth asteroid

Xinhua) 10:01, December 07, 2024

This combo photo provided by the Lijiang branch of the Yunnan Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) shows the telescope in Lijiang (L) and the image of asteroid 2024 XA1 (R, bright line). (The Lijiang branch of the CAS Yunnan Observatories/Handout via Xinhua)

KUNMING, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Several observatories in China have captured rare images of a falling near-Earth asteroid, formally designated as 2024 XA1.

The images, along with the observation results of foreign observatories on the asteroid, mark the 11th successful early warning of an asteroid impacting Earth, and the 4th such prediction of 2024, according to China Science Daily on Friday.

The asteroid has an estimated diameter of between 75 centimeters and one meter. It was first discovered by a University of Arizona telescope at 5:55 a.m. (UTC) on Dec. 3, the report said.

China played a crucial role in monitoring the event due to its strategic geographic location.

The Lijiang branch of the Yunnan Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) detected the asteroid during the time from 3:10 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (UTC) on Dec. 3 through its 2.4-meter telescope, said Zhang Xiliang, a researcher at the Lijiang observatory.

At 4:15 p.m. (UTC) on Dec. 3, the asteroid entered Earth's atmosphere over eastern Siberia and ignited, creating a bright fireball. The time between when the asteroid was first detected and its fall to Earth was less than 12 hours.

Telescopes at the CAS Purple Mountain Observatory (PMO), the Lenghu observatory in northwest China's Qinghai Province, and the Xingming Observatory in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, also in northwest China, all captured images of the asteroid.

Within two hours following the impact, the Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union had received a total of 64 observations from around the world, and formally designated the asteroid as 2024 XA1, according to the report.

The destructive power of near-Earth asteroids impacting Earth is enormous, and early warnings and defense against such asteroids are of great importance to the safety of humanity. However, most near-Earth asteroids are not detected before they impact Earth due to our limited observation capacity, Zhang said.

"The achievement made this time will provide solid scientific support for China's efforts in early warnings and defense against near-Earth asteroids," he said.

The Lijiang observatory is located in a low latitude area with an altitude of over 3,200 meters, making it one of the best astronomical observation sites in China for night sky observations.

Zhang said that the research team at the Lijiang observatory formulated an observation plan based on forecast information and the characteristics of the asteroid six hours before it was expected to fall to Earth.

The team adopted a wait-and-see method at its designated position in anticipation of the fast-moving nature of 2024 XA1, and successfully captured precious images within the hour before its fall to Earth.

The observatory's 2.4-meter telescope is currently the largest general-purpose optical astronomical telescope in East Asia with the capability of tracking and observing fast-moving targets such as near-Earth asteroids with high precision.

The increasing success of asteroid-Earth impact predictions has been attributed to the continuous improvement of global near-Earth asteroid monitoring and warning capabilities.

The PMO also captured images of the asteroid approximately 42 minutes before its Earth impact.

The PMO is committed to researching methods to monitor and predict near-Earth asteroids, and actively advocates for the construction of a next-generation near-Earth object monitoring and warning network.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Fantasy Decuir and Lamonte Mims, both 27, were sentenced to life in prison over the 2017 murder of Edward French in San Francisco. Associated Press

A man and a woman convicted of murdering a San Francisco photographer in 2017 were sentenced Friday to life in prison without the possibility of parole, prosecutors said.

Fantasy Decuir and Lamonte Mims, both 27, were convicted by a jury in September of killing Edward French, 71, a photographer who was taking photos from Twin Peaks when he was robbed and fatally shot on July 16, 2017. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Alexandra Gordon delivered the life sentence on Friday.

They often say justice delayed is justice denied, but not in this case, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in a statement. I am grateful to the victims friends and family who have stood with us over the years as we fought for justice. With justice done, I hope that the victims friends and family are able to continue healing and moving forward past this horrific murder.

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French went to Twin Peaks in the early morning hours on that day to take pictures with his new Canon Mark III camera, according to evidence presented at trial and witness testimony. As he was taking photographs, Decuir and Mims approached French and robbed him at gunpoint, a crime that was captured on video surveillance, prosecutors said. As Mims engaged in a struggle with French for his camera bag, Decuir shot him through the heart and right lung, prosecutors said.

As French lay on the ground, Mims pulled the bag away and kicked French. Mims and Decuir fled the scene. An hour after the shooting, Mims and Decuir attempted to sell the stolen camera near Seventh and Market streets, prosecutors said.

A jogger heard the gunshot and found French in the parking lot, the Chronicle reported in 2017. The jogger performed CPR on French but he was pronounced dead at San Francisco General Hospital.

Decuir and Mims were arrested after robbing a pair of tourists of their camera and credit cards just 12 days after the deadly shooting, prosecutors said.
Vietnam exported nearly 8.5 million metric tons of rice worth US$5.31 billion from January to November this year, marking the first time the country has earned more than $5 billion from rice exports in a year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Rice exports in the 11-month period increased 10.6 percent in volume and 22.4 percent in value over the same period in 2023.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien reported the performance of the countrys agro-forestry-fishery sector in January-November 2024 on Wednesday, saying that the sector obtained several bright milestones in production and exports despite multiple difficulties and challenges.

The Philippines was the biggest buyer of Vietnamese rice in January-November, accounting for 46.1 percent of sales.

Indonesia and Malaysia came in second and third with 13.5 and 8.2 percent, respectively.

Experts attributed Vietnams rice exports surpassing $5 billion for the first time to rising rice export prices.

In January-September, average rice export prices hit $626 per metric ton, up 13.4 percent year-on-year.

To date, three agricultural products have helped fetch over $5 billion in export revenue each for Vietnam in a year, including rice, vegetables and fruits, and wooden products, news site vtv.vn reported.

Workers load bags of rice onto a ship for export at My Thoi Port in Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Buu Dau / Tuoi Tre

Deputy Minister Tien also reported that Vietnams agro-forestry-fishery exports hit $56.74 billion in the 11-month period, exceeding the target of $55 billion set for the sector by the prime minister.

Besides rice, key export earners included coffee, vegetables, and fruits.

The country shipped 1.2 million metric tons of coffee abroad, generating $4.84 billion, down 15 percent in volume but surging 33 percent in value over the year-ago period.

Vegetable and fruit exports hit a new record with $6.6 billion in export turnover.

If the country exports over $5 billion worth of agro-forestry-fishery products this month, it will earn a total of $60 billion this year, Tien projected.

He added that the sector has received the support of the government to hit these targets.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien said Vietnams agro-forestry-fishery exports may fetch over $60 billion in 2024. Photo: C.Tue / Tuoi Tre

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has also employed various solutions to boost production.

The sector has undergone a restructuring period and involved a circular and green economy to reduce emissions in rice cultivation, seafood farming and livestock over the past many years.

It has applied technology and science transferred by other countries and promoted trade, focusing on traditional markets like China, the U.S. and the European Union, and Halal markets, Tien shared.

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Check out the latest news in Vietnam today:

Society

-- Five scientists, namely Yoshua Bengio, Geoffrey E. Hinton, Jensen Huang, Yann LeCun, and Fei-Fei Li, were awarded the US$3-million VinFuture Grand Prize for their groundbreaking contributions to the advancement of deep learning at the VinFuture awards ceremony in Hanoi on Friday.

-- Up to 63 industrial park workers from two companies in Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam were hospitalized due to suspected food poisoning following their Friday lunch served by the same food service provider, a local official confirmed the same day.

-- Police in Hanoi have pressed charges against TikTok content creator Mr Pips, who was identified as 30-year-old Pho Duc Nam hailing from southern Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, and 25 other individuals for offenses including fraudulent appropriation of properties, failure to report crimes, and money laundering. The forces also seized and froze assets totaling over VND5 trillion ($196.9 million).

Business

-- Data released by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism on Friday revealed that international arrivals to Vietnam in November reached 1.7 million, representing a 20.5-percent month-on-month increase and a 38.8-percent year-on-year rise. This also marks the highest monthly total so far this year.

-- The administration of Ho Chi Minh City is calling for investment for seven social housing projects which are expected to provide approximately 3,800 apartments in District 4, District 12, and Thu Duc City, an administrative district-level unit in the southern metropolis.

-- Internet giant Google has announced that its Ho Chi Minh City-based subsidiary, Google Vietnam Co., Ltd., will handle Google Ads tasks and other Google products in Vietnam starting April 1 next year.

World News

-- Paris' Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens on Saturday, December 7, five and a half years after fire destroyed its roof and spire and caused major damage throughout, Reuters reported.

-- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will address the nation on Saturday morning, his office said, ahead of a planned impeachment vote over his attempt this week to impose martial law, according to Reuters.

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The Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA) officially announced the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics Committee at a tech event in Hanoi on Thursday.

Addressing the seminar, entitled Safe AI - Shaping Responsible Innovation, Yoshua Bengio, professor at the University of Montreal and founder at the Mila  Quebec AI Institute, underlined the need to prioritize ethical and safety standards during the process to explore AIs transformative potential.

He believed that building a community dedicated to ethical AI will foster innovation for the society and minimize risks from automation.

Professor Bengio, a leading AI pioneer, hailed the establishment of the AI Ethics Committee as a significant step toward aligning Vietnams AI development with global standards for transparency, accountability, and social benefits.

A VINASA representative said that the launch of the committee demonstrated Vietnam's commitment to building an AI ecosystem where innovation flourishes within ethical boundaries.

It reflected Vietnams ambition to ensure global competitiveness while protecting social values.

The committee will play a crucial role in guiding Vietnam's AI development roadmap, ensuring that AI adoption will adhere to ethical standards.

It will promote innovation that aligns with social benefits and facilitate a supportive legal framework for AI, while developing safety standards, conducting risk assessments, and raising awareness about responsible AI use.

Truong Gia Binh, chairman of Vietnamese tech giant FPT Corporation and a founding member of the committee, remarked that the VINASA-initiated AI Ethics Committee reflected Vietnams vision to lead responsibly in the AI era.

Amid the rapid advancement of AI that brings unprecedented opportunities and challenges, the need for responsible governance is more urgent than ever, the FPT leader said.

With many countries and organizations globally prioritizing stringent regulations and ethical frameworks for AI, VINASAs initiative will position Vietnam as an active participant in the global AI dialogue.

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Vietnam-based VinFuture Foundation honored four scientific breakthroughs this year, with a US$3 million Grand Prize awarded to five scientists and three Special Prizes worth $500,000 each to three other researchers at an awarding ceremony held in Hanoi on Friday.

The 2024 VinFuture prize award ceremony, which was broadcast live nationally, took place in the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his deputy and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, international ambassadors, and scientists from around the world.

The four winning works were selected from nearly 1,500 nominations in various fields, such as computer science, public health and global health, material science, and generative medicine, from more than 80 countries and territories worldwide.

This years $3 million VinFuture Grand Prize was shared by Prof. Yoshua Bengio, a Canadian computer scientist; Prof. Geoffrey E. Hinton, a British-Canadian computer scientist and cognitive psychologist; Jen-Hsun Huang, CEO of the U.S.-based chipmaker Nvidia; Prof. Yann LeCun, a French-American pioneer in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning; and Prof. Fei-Fei Li, a Chinese-American AI researcher, for their transformational contributions to the advancement of deep learning.

In addition to the VinFuture Grand Prize, three 2024 VinFuture Special Prizes, each valued at $500,000, have been awarded to the winners of three categories.

Professors Zelig Eshhar, Carl H. June, and Michel Sadelain won the Special Prize for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields for development of CAR T-cell therapy for cancer and other diseases.

The Special Prize for Innovators from Developing Countries went to Bangladeshi Dr. Firdausi Qadri for innovative improvement of oral cholera vaccination in developing countries.

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R, 1st) presents the VinFuture Special Prizes to the three winners at the awarding ceremony in Hanoi, December 6, 2024. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Meanwhile, Professor Kristi S. Anseth grasped the Special Prize for Women Innovators for advancement in design of polymeric biomaterials and methods for biomedical applications.

Commenting on the results of this years VinFuture Prize, Prof. Richard Friend, FRS, VinFuture Prize Council Chair, stated that the 2024 VinFuture Prize Laureates have all made advances that have changed the world, and have brought unexpected and powerful new tools.

Speaking at the ceremony, PM Chinh highly appreciated the significance of the VinFuture Prize in honoring groundbreaking research and inventions with far-reaching impacts, helping humanity overcome difficulties and reach new heights of development.

The works honored today are all breakthrough initiatives to solve common challenges and contribute to shaping the future of the world, the PM commented.

The VinFuture Prize has become one of the worlds prestigious annual science awards, inspiring global cooperation and connecting creative ideas to address challenges, Chinh added.

With four successful seasons, the VinFuture Prize has solidified its position as one of the worlds most prestigious science and technology awards.

This year, VinFuture chose the message Resilient Rebound, with a wish that humanity resiliently breaks through difficulties to build a more prosperous life through the door of science and technology.

Established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20, 2020, the VinFuture Foundation is a non-profit organization co-founded by Vietnamese billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, founder and chairman of Vietnam's biggest private conglomerate Vingroup, and his spouse, Pham Thu Huong.

By offering the VinFuture Prize, one of the largest annual prizes globally, VinFuture Foundation honors transformative scientific and technological innovations that contribute to significantly improving the lives of millions of people worldwide.

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University of Houston alumnus, historian and professor Jose Angel Hernandez died Monday. He was 55.

Hernandez earned his master's in history from the University of Houston in 2000 before earning his doctorate from the University of Chicago in 2008. He joined the UH faculty in 2014 as an associate professor, teaching courses like Philosophies of History and History of Histories, where he challenged students to think more critically.

Hernandez was also a faculty affiliate with the Center for Mexican American and Latino/a Studies, where he had previously served as a graduate fellow and visiting scholar.

Beyond the classroom, Hernandez was a passionate mentor, guiding numerous students through senior theses and research projects and serving as an advisor to the Phi Alpha Theta national history honor society on campus.

"Professor Hernandez has inspired generations of students," said Catherine Patterson, history department chair. "Through his classes and one-on-one mentorship, he encouraged students to see the many ways that historical events have been interpreted over time and to ask their own big questions about historical change. His passing is a profound loss."

Throughout his life, Hernandez earned significant recognition for his scholarship. Born in San Antonio, Texas, to Mexican immigrant parents, he authored two acclaimed books that shed light on the complexities of colonization and the often-overlooked experiences of Mexican American migrants. His work earned the inaugural William M. LeoGrande Prize for the best book on U.S.- Latin American relations in 2012 and South Texas Colleges Americo Paredes Book Award in 2013. His latest book, Colonizing Ourselves," was published in October and details historical back-to-Mexico movements and Mexicos unique approach to colonization.

Beyond campus, Hernandez was a three-time Fulbright U.S. Scholar. He conducted research in Mexico and the Philippines that expanded understanding of Spanish colonization. His commitment to global engagement was also exemplified by his role as a Fulbright Alumni Ambassador, where he shared his experiences and expertise with the broader academic community.

"Dr. Hernandez will be remembered for the vigor of his scholarship, his dedication to challenging students, and the indelible mark he left on campus and beyond," said Daniel P. OConnor, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

Hernandez's passing is a profound loss for the University of Houston, academia and society. His dedication to his craft, his unwavering support for his students and his tireless efforts to expand our understanding of history will be remembered.
Ly Ly Cao

HA NOI  Viet Nam's emergence as a hub for high-tech currency production has reached new heights, establishing the nation as a key player in delivering comprehensive currency solutions.

This was highlighted during a recent visit by African ambassadors and representatives to the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park and Q&T Hi-tech Polymer facilities on Friday.

The National Banknote Printing Plant of Viet Nam (NBPP) and Q&T are transforming the future of currency manufacturing, showcasing Viet Nams potential as a partner for countries seeking cost-effective and secure solutions.

Q&T, located in the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park, has successfully developed polymer substrates for banknotes, marking a significant advancement that enhances the durability, security, and environmental sustainability of currency.

This innovation complements NBPP's two decades of expertise in polymer technology, enabling Viet Nam to provide comprehensive services that encompass substrate production and high-quality banknote printing.

Nguyen uc Cuong, chairman of NBPP, emphasised this collaboration, stating: "We can produce all types of notes in the world using polymer, with a capacity of up to five billion pieces annually. This partnership reduces costs and enhances efficiency."

Viet Nams expertise offers invaluable solutions for countries grappling with high outsourcing costs and vulnerabilities to counterfeiting.

During his visit, Ambassador Jamale Chouaibi of Morocco noted that many African nations are incurring high expenses to print their currency abroad. What we saw here today offers the same, if not better, quality at a much lower cost, he remarked.

A catalyst for South-South cooperation

The delegation's visit aimed not only to showcase technological capabilities but also to strengthen ties within the Global South. Ambassador Chouaibi highlighted the shared objectives between Morocco and Viet Nam.

"Together, we can become stronger and more prosperous. The potential for collaboration is immense, particularly in tackling challenges like counterfeit currency in Africa, he stated.

He also informed Viet Nam News that discussions have taken place between the Central Bank of Morocco and the Central Bank of Viet Nam regarding payment issues faced by some Vietnamese enterprises in Africa.

Mozambiques Ambassador Ilundi Dos Santos echoed this sentiment, proposing that Viet Nam supply both raw materials and printing services for Mozambican currency.

"There is potential for us to collaborate and work on something meaningful here," she said, emphasising Viet Nams extensive experience in currency production.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. As a representative from Q&T noted, the polymer banknote production sector is dominated by a few global players, posing significant barriers for smaller nations.

However, Viet Nams success in overcoming these obstacles sets a precedent for others. By sharing its technology, Viet Nam paves the way for countries to attain greater self-reliance in currency production.

Our slogan, Together to Be Better, encapsulates our vision of a fairer world. We are eager to share our technology and expertise to foster international collaboration in polymer banknote production, stated Q&T's representative.

This philosophy not only empowers nations to modernise their monetary systems but also promotes sustainability by reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

The involvement of Southern African nations in this collaboration holds particular promise. Vuyiswa Tulelo, South Africa's Ambassador to Viet Nam, underscored the broader implications of Q&Ts technology.

"This goes beyond printing money; its about the security, integrity, and identity of nations. South-South relationships are critical, and Q&Ts work illustrates the transformative potential of such partnerships," she remarked.

Viet Nams ability to provide full-package servicesfrom polymer substrate production to high-quality printingpositions it as an essential partner for African nations and beyond.

This partnership model signifies not only a technological achievement but also a milestone of South-South cooperation.

"Together, we can become stronger, brighter, and more prosperous, Ambassador Chouaibi concluded.  VNS
Viet Nam's supporting industry for electronics needs more support policies from the State in addition to the efforts of enterprises to thrive.

The Government has identified electronics as a key sector in the economy, which also has a big impact on other industries.

The goal is that, by 2030 Viet Nam will become a major producer of electronics with new, smart and environmentally friendly technology.

Economic experts said that Viet Nam could be an Asian manufacturing centre of supporting products for the electronics industry.

The electronics industry has shown strong and increasing export turnover. The General Statistics Office said the electronics industry is still the lead in the manufacturing and processing industries, with high export value.

The total export turnover of the electronics industry was US$109 billion in 2023. In the first nine months of this year it climbed to $97 billion, up 10 per cent over the same period last year. This year's revenues are forecast to increase to $120 billion.

Pham Tuan Anh, deputy director of the Department of Industry, under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT), said that Viet Nam's electronics industry had developed robustly in recent years due to attracting large investments from multinational corporations from major economies such as South Korea and Japan.

Multiple large electronics companies in the world had invested in building high-tech electronic product manufacturing facilities in Viet Nam, such as Samsung, LG, Foxconn and Fukang Technology.

Computer products and electronic components were increasingly diversifying according to domestic and export market demand. At the same time, the export structure of electronic products had changed with a higher proportion of complete and semi-finished products.

According to MIT, Viet Nam exports computers and electronic components to more than 100 markets around the world, mainly to China, ASEAN, Japan and South Korea. Electronics export nowadays is also expanding to EU markets, including the Netherlands, Germany, Czechia, Poland, and Finland.

With deep integration into the global economy, Viet Nam is becoming a key destination for many companies manufacturing electrical and electronic products in the world. Export turnover of cell phones and components is expected to reach record high in the coming years.

There are many opportunities to participate in the global supply chain, according to economic experts, but domestic enterprises are limited in numerous aspects such as capital, experience, technology, and relationships with global corporations.

The electronics industry is also facing many difficulties and challenges such as shortage of capital and human resources, especially management and production operations personnel. The industry is subject to increasingly tightened regulations on sustainable production in Europe and the US.

To have sustainable development for the electronics export business in the context of Viet Nam participating in a series of free trade agreements, supportive solutions from the State are needed.

The State should pay attention to incentives for domestic businesses in the stages of research, trial production and trade promotion programmes.

It also needs to review and improve legal policies, especially specific regulations on goods with Vietnamese origin and implement solutions to expand domestic and export markets.

According to o Thi Thuy Huong, member of the Executive Committee of the Viet Nam Electronics Enterprises Association, and vice president of the Supporting Industry Association, the current support policy for the electronics industry is the Government's Decree 111 issued on November 3, 2015. This decree has since then contributed to promoting the rapid development of supporting industries, but it still has many limitations.

Therefore, it is necessary to complete the amendment and supplementation of Decree 111 to remove bottlenecks in the market and increase credit for supporting industry enterprises.

In addition, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is drafting a law on key industries, in which the supporting industries are one of the important parts of the development strategy in the future.

A representative of the MIT Department of Industry said that building a long-term supportive strategy was needed to help improve the industry's competitiveness and manufacture high value-added products.

First, it was necessary to promote the production of screens, semiconductors and other electronic components. Production of those long-life products would require large investments over a term of 10-20 years. This investment also needed to be regular to improve production capacity and technology, creating high value-added products.

Lai Hoang Duong, chairman of the Thanh Giong Communications and Computer JSC, said that to take a major part in the electronics market, Viet Nams enterprises must prepare resources and define specific goals for a specific period.

The domestic companies also needed a lot of support from the State through programmes and activities that can access the semiconductor chip manufacturing technology and the electronics industry in general, Duong said.

The capacity of domestic enterprises in the industry is still limited and product quality and design have not met the high demands of the market. The connection between domestic suppliers with FDI enterprises and multinational corporations is still weak.

Meanwhile, previously famous electronics enterprises of Viet Nam are developing slowly or gradually losing their brands and occupying smaller market shares. Some emerging electronics brands in the domestic market are dominated by foreign firms.

The current localisation rate of the electronics industry is only about 5-10 per cent. Most electronic products in Viet Nam's market are completely imported or assembled locally from primarily imported components.

Domestic supporting industry enterprises for the electronics industry have participated in the value chain of the industry; however, most of them only provide simple products, with low technology and value.

Although there are many opportunities to participate in the global supply chains of electronic products, economic experts say Vietnamese companies, being limited in terms of capital and relationships with global corporations, also need to meet the requirements on delivery times and high technology to participate in the supply chain of large corporations. VNS
The Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin will be shut down permanently, the Federal Bureau of Prisons announced. Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

UPDATE: Women abused at Dublin facility to receive largest settlement in Bureau of Prisons history

The scandal-plagued former womens prison in Dublin will be permanently closed, the Federal Bureau of Prisons announced Thursday.

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The Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin (FCI Dublin) was temporarily closed in May and its more than 600 inmates were relocated. Now, FCI Dublin will be closed for good as part of a strategic realignment, the agency said in a statement, citing poor facility conditions and staffing shortages.

Due to the high cost of living and competition from other area law enforcement agencies, the FBOP has been unable to maintain staffing levels at the facility, the agency said in a statement. As the agency navigates a challenging budgetary and staffing environment, we must make incredibly difficult decisions.

The low-security East Bay prison drew national outrage after incarcerated people alleged rampant sexual abuse by many of the prisons guards in a 2023 class-action lawsuit. The Associated Press reported in February 2022 that workers and prisoners referred to FCI Dublin as the rape club.

Multiple prison employees have been charged with sexual abuse, including former warden Ray Garcia, who was sentenced to more than five years in prison in March 2023 for eight felony charges involving the sexual abuse of three prisoners.

FCI Dublins temporary closure in May came shortly after a federal judge appointed an overseer to monitor legal compliance at the facility, the first such appointment in U.S. prison history. Ten days after the appointment, the FBOP announced it would temporarily shutter the prison and relocate its prisoners.

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During the temporary closure, the FBOP assessed the prisons infrastructure and found that considerable repairs would be needed to reopen it, a factor motivating the permanent shuttering, the agency said.

As part of the closure, 151 employees will lose their jobs, according to an internal FBOP memo sent to staff on Thursday and obtained by the Chronicle. In a statement, the FBOP said it is committed to finding positions for every employee who wants to remain with the agency.

The agency made the decision to permanently close the facility without giving prior notice to union leadership, according to John Kostelnik, the western regional vice president for the American Federation of Government Employees.

There are many really good staff members who are very much involved in their local communities, have family in the area, endured all the adversity at that facility as they moved through accountability and getting rid of the individuals who did heinous acts, Kostelnik said in a statement. Now those staff are being displaced and having their lives and families turned upside down.

We understand the wide-ranging effects this will have on our employees and we will do everything we can to ensure a smooth transition, the FBOP said in a statement.

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Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, whose district includes FCI Dublin, applauded the permanent closure but said more work is needed to prevent sexual assault in prisons elsewhere.

While I am pleased that the decision has been made to permanently close FCI Dublin for the safety and security of those who were in custody there, the fact that we got to this point is deeply troubling, DeSaulnier said in a statement. This closure also does not bring justice to the victims of the facilitys long and pervasive history of violations of constitutional rights, culture of sexual abuse, and failure to provide basic health care services.

Along with FCI Dublins closure, the FBOP will also deactivate three federal prison camps and three satellite camps across the country, according to the memo, and those in custody will be relocated.
After an eight-year hiatus, Vietnamese lawmakers have approved a plan to restart the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, reaffirming the countrys commitment to ensuring energy security and achieving its Net Zero targets by 2050.

The National Assembly (NA) on November 30 passed a resolution, allowing the Government to allocate resources and amend relevant laws, including the Law on Atomic Energy, to facilitate the projects revival.

The NA resolution realises a November 25 resolution by the Viet Nam Communist Party Central Committee, which calls for resuming the study of nuclear energy development and restarting the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project.

The amended Law on Electricity, passed on the same day by the NA, underscores the importance of aligning nuclear power development with the broader national electricity plan. This concerted effort aims to ensure a steady, long-term supply of energy while diversifying Viet Nams energy portfolio.

Under the new legislation, the Government will maintain its monopoly on the construction and operation of nuclear power plants, reflecting the criticalness of nuclear energy in Viet Nams strategy for energy security and sustainability.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh on November 27 presented the Governments proposal, highlighting "nuclear powers growing importance in global efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions".

By the end of August 2024, there were 415 operational nuclear reactors worldwide with a combined capacity of 373,735 MW. An additional 62 reactors were under construction with a total capacity of approximately 64,970MW, Binh said.

He added that nuclear power was now a key focus for 32 countries with operating plants and 20 others exploring its potential to meet growing energy demands while fulfilling climate commitments.

Rising energy demands

Viet Nam faces mounting electricity demands driven by rapid economic growth and industrialisation. The national power system has a total capacity of about 80GW currently, but by 2030 projections indicate an additional 70GW will be required. By 2050, capacity needs could soar to between 400 and 500GW.

The development of nuclear power will not only diversify energy sources and ensure energy security but also support environmental protection, Binh said.

"Nuclear power offers competitive production costs compared to other energy sources. Viet Nam is committed to adopting modern technologies to ensure safety and efficiency, he added.

Viet Nams ambition to transform into a digital and green economy is adding pressure on the nations energy infrastructure.

Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung highlighted the increasing importance of digital infrastructure, saying, The next phase of development will rely heavily on data and data processing, which requires substantial electricity supply.

The NA also approved an ambitious US$67-billion North-South high-speed railway project, powered entirely by electricity. According to the Ministry of Transport, this project will consume 1.2 billion kWh between 2036 and 2040, rising to 6.03 billion kWh by 2050.

Urban metro systems, identified as key solutions for sustainable transport in major cities, and electric vehicle (EV) adoption goals  targeting 100 per cent electric motorbikes and 70 per cent electric cars by 2050  will further amplify electricity demand.

The electricity required to support these green transport initiatives alone is expected to reach 71.87 billion kWh by 2050, roughly ten times the capacity of the Hoa Binh hydropower plant.

Le Anh Tuan, chairman of the University Council at Ha Noi University of Science and Technology, said that without significant improvements to the national electricity grid, Viet Nam might struggle to meet its green transport and industrial ambitions.

Nuclear energy offers unparalleled stability and efficiency compared to other energy sources, according to energy expert ao Nhat inh.

While a 1,000MW nuclear plant can achieve up to 92 per cent of its designed capacity, a gas-fired plant operates at 56 per cent, a wind farm at 35.4 per cent, and a solar power plant at 24.9 per cent, inh said.

Unlike renewable sources such as solar and wind, which are weather-dependent, nuclear power provides a consistent energy output. This makes it a critical option for meeting Viet Nams baseload electricity needs and achieving energy security while pursuing its net zero goals.

Developing nuclear power cannot be done in just one to three years like solar or wind power projects. It will take at least a decade to see results, which is why Viet Nam must act now to meet future demands, inh added.

Preparing for the future

Experts have also stressed the importance of adopting the latest technology to ensure the safety and efficiency of nuclear power plants.

Vuong Huu Tan, former director of the Viet Nam Atomic Energy Institute, highlighted advancements in nuclear technology, including small modular reactors (SMRs), which could offer safer and more flexible solutions.

Le ai Dien, former deputy director of the Nuclear Training Centre, said that restarting the Ninh Thuan project would require significant investment in high-skilled workforce and capital-raising mechanisms.

The focus must be on training a highly skilled workforce to meet the strict safety and operational requirements of a nuclear power plant, he said.

Originally approved by the NA in 2009, the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project was envisioned as Viet Nams first venture into nuclear energy. It includes two plants  Ninh Thuan 1 in Phuoc Dinh Commune, Thuan Nam District, and Ninh Thuan 2 in Vinh Hai Commune, Ninh Hai District.

However, the project was suspended in 2016 due to changes in the countrys economic priorities.

The decision to revive the project reflects Viet Nams growing energy needs and its commitment to sustainable development. As the nation transitions to a greener economy, nuclear power will play a pivotal role in achieving energy security, supporting industrial growth, and meeting climate commitments.

Restarting the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project is not just about energy  its about preparing Viet Nam for the future. With huge electricity demand driven by digital transformation and green development, immediate action is essential, inh said. VNS
HA NOI  The Mercantile Exchange of Vietnam (MXV) and Singapore-based CWT International Limited, a leading provider of logistics and related engineering services, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for strategic cooperation in commodity logistics.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in expanding international partnerships and sets the stage for robust growth in Viet Nam's logistics and supply chain sectors.

Under the MoU, which was signed on Thursday, CWT will provide logistics and warehousing services, supporting the import and export of goods for businesses trading commodities via MXV.

The partnership enables domestic enterprises to leverage CWTs advanced warehousing systems in Viet Nam and abroad, optimising transport, storage, operational costs, and delivery processes.

Speaking at the event, Nguyen uc Dung, MXV deputy general director stressed that collaborating with a globally reputable partner like CWT is expected to provide exceptional value to businesses in Viet Nam and significantly contribute to the development of the national supply chain while promoting international trade.

CWT operates a vast logistics network, including warehousing systems and logistics distribution centres across 200 seaports and 1,600 domestic destinations worldwide. Its services range from physical goods transport and supply chain management to strategic logistics consulting.

Raymond Sha, executive vice president of CWT, underscored Viet Nam's immense potential in logistics and commodity trading, saying that the country has all the elements to become a logistics hub in the region.

The combination between CWTs global network and MXVs deep understanding of the local market marks a significant step in delivering comprehensive logistics solutions for Viet Nam and the Southeast Asian region, he said.  VNS
HCM CITY  The 5th edition of Salon Deluxe Vietnam has kicked off on Friday in HCM City, featuring fifteen luxury brands from around the globe in a three-day exhibition of exquisite jewelry.

The event, hosted at Park Hayatt Hotel, is set to dazzle visitors until this Sunday.

Since its inception in 2010 by Solitaire Media and Oriental Media, Salon Deluxe Vietnam has been a beacon for global luxury brands to showcase their exceptional collections, forge connections with local distributors, and cater to the discerning tastes of the Vietnamese clientele.

Over the years, Salon Deluxe Vietnam has garnered significant interest from connoisseurs, with renowned watch and jewelry brands like Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Breguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Piaget, Audemars Piguet, and others gracing previous editions. The luxurious showcase has also featured lifestyle brands such as Stefano Ricci, Daum, Embraer, and Porsche.

For the current 5th edition, visitors can expect to be enthralled by the exclusive diamond masterpieces and timepieces from esteemed global brands like Astteria, Infiniti Jewels, Novel Collection, and Vihari Jewels. The exhibition promises a visual feast of exquisitely crafted jewelry adorned with rare colored diamonds, pearls, and precious gemstones.

Noteworthy additions to this year's spectacle include Pearl creations by Jewelmer, showcasing natural purity and beauty, along with collections featuring exquisite gemstones like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires.

The spotlight also shines on the iconic Swiss watchmaker Jacob & Co, renowned for its exceptional timepieces tailored for billionaires and celebrities. The brand's luxurious watches, valued in the millions, are a testament to intricate craftsmanship and stunning diamond and gemstone embellishments.

Salon Deluxe Vietnam isn't just about international luxury; it also celebrates the talent of two exceptional Vietnamese jewelry brands, LEYEN and Kimjoux London. These brands showcase the artistry of Vietnamese artisans in creating haute joaillerie masterpieces that rival global standards.

Moreover, the event features the Salon Deluxe Vietnam MasterClass, offering an exclusive experience for attendees to engage with experts in watches, diamonds, gemstones, as well as insights into residency planning, luxury travel, and fine wine appreciation.  VNS
WASHINGTON DC  Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of its Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung paid a working visit to the US from December 2-5.

During the visit, Trung held meetings with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power, members of the Congress, the President of the National Democratic Institute, and the President of the International Republican Institute. He also met with representatives of various corporations, businesses, research institutes, experts, and policy advisory groups in the US, and visited the Vietnamese Embassy in the US.

At these meetings, Trung and his US partners appreciated the positive results of the Viet Nam-US relations in recent years, especially following the upgrade of their partnership to a Comprehensive strategic partnership during US President Joe Biden's visit to Viet Nam in September 2023.

Both sides held that meetings and visits at all levels, especially high-level ones, have been regularly maintained, along with effectively implementing cooperation mechanisms, including new diplomatic and economic dialogue mechanisms. They noted robust and stable economic and trade cooperation as a core foundation and key driving force of the bilateral relations.

Additionally, they recorded positive progress in cooperation in science-technology, innovation, education-training, culture, defence, security, and other fields, while enhancing coordination to address global challenges such as climate change, environmental issues, and global pandemics.

Trung affirmed that, in its foreign policy of independence and self-reliance, Viet Nam considers its relationship with the US as strategically important ties.

Officials of the US Congress and administration highly evaluated Viet Nam's role and position, affirming that the US-Viet Nam relationship has been supported by both the Democratic and Republican Parties. Both sides agreed to continue strengthening the bilateral ties towards the 30th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations (1995-2025) with meaningful and practical activities aimed at promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and the world.

US representatives expressed their delight at the positive results of the Viet Nam-US relations in recent years and pledged to continue supporting and contributing positively to the development of the bilateral cooperation in various fields in the coming time.  VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on December 6 received Azerbaijani Ambassador to Viet Nam Shovgi Kamal Oglu Mehdizade.

At the reception, Son asked the Ambassador to coordinate with Vietnamese ministries and sectors to soon organise meetings of the Viet Nam-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Committee and political consultations.

Son also urged them to propose and implement initiatives that help connect organisations, businesses, and localities of the two countries to explore opportunities for cooperation in economy, trade, investment, tourism, oil and gas, agriculture, Halal industry, and education and training.

He also requested both sides to study enhancing cooperation in air and international rail transport to create favourable channels for the transport of goods, especially agricultural products and services, between the two countries.

For his part, Oglu Mehdizade expressed his hope that during his term in Viet Nam, he will continue to receive support and close coordination from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant ministries and sectors of Viet Nam to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the areas that Son has pointed out.  VNS
HAVANA  Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles expressed his willingness to strengthen multifaceted cooperation between Costa Rica and Viet Nam, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, education, and environment.

While receiving credentials presented by Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba and Costa Rica Le Quang Long at the Costa Rican Presidential Palace, President Rodrigo Chaves expressed his special affection for Viet Nam and congratulated the country on its significant socio-economic achievements in recent years. He visited Viet Nam several times when he worked at the World Bank (WB).

President Rodrigo Chaves also expressed his deep admiration for Viet Nam's resilient struggle, self-reliance, and proud achievements the country has made in its process of national construction and development. On this occasion, the President thanked Viet Nam for supporting Costa Rica's interest in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

For his part, Long felt honoured to take on this important role and conveyed greetings from President Luong Cuong, and his invitation to President Rodrigo Chaves to visit Viet Nam at a convenient time.

The Ambassador said he appreciated the visit of Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar to Viet Nam in August 2024 and thanked Costa Rica for recognising Viet Nam as a market economy.

He noted that Viet Nam and Costa Rica have significant potential for cooperation in areas such as agriculture, tourism, consumer goods manufacturing, and software industry, and urged Costa Rican authorities to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese investors.  VNS
NAGASAKI  National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man hosted a reception in Nagasaki on December 7 for President of the Nagasaki  Vietnam Friendship Association Tomioka Tsutomu and its members, as part of his official visit to the Northeastern Asian country.

Tomioka said the association was established in 2008 and has implemented many practical exchange and cooperation activities between localities of the two countries such as promoting nature and water environment conservation activities in Soc Trang, Quang Nam and Can Tho; advising, participating in delegations of the administration and economic, cultural and educational organisations of Nagasaki prefecture visiting Viet Nam; and supporting Vietnamese students studying in Nagasaki. He also shared information about the projects that the association is implementing in the medical field such as diagnosis, medical care, techniques and technology for cancer treatment.

Man expressed his delight at meeting Tomioka and members of the association during his first official visit to Japan as Chairman of the National Assembly. He thanked and appreciated the association's cooperation activities with Viet Nam in recent times.

The NA Chairman emphasised that the friendly cooperation between the two countries is developing strongly, comprehensively and substantially with high political trust, and is a bridge to promote local cooperation, cultural exchange and people-to-people exchange more and more deeply.

Man noted that multifaceted cooperation between Viet Nam and Nagasaki prefecture, especially in the fields of economy, investment, local exchanges, and people-to-people exchanges, has continued to develop positively, making practical contributions to promoting the close cooperation between Viet Nam and Japan. He emphasised that the Vietnamese community in Japan has become the second largest foreign community with nearly 600,000 people, actively contributing to Japan's socio-economic development.

The top legislator stressed that Viet Nam has encouraged and created favourable conditions for Nagasaki prefecture to expand exchanges and cooperation with Vietnamese localities to promote the long-standing traditional relationship, bringing practical benefits to the people of the two countries.

Man suggested the Nagasaki  Vietnam Friendship Association continue to pay attention to mobilising and urging local authorities to organise more cultural and people-to-people exchange activities; actively support the Vietnamese community living, studying and working in Nagasaki prefecture; support, assist and actively participate in activities of the Vietnamese Consulate General in Fukuoka.  VNS
NAGASAKI  National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man met with a delegation of the Vietnam-Japan Experts Society (VJS), led by Prof. Dr. Shinji Kaneko, Executive Vice President of Hiroshima University, in Nagasaki prefecture on December 7 afternoon as part of his official visit to Japan.

At the meeting, the top legislator emphasised that the cooperation between Viet Nam and Japan has been significantly strengthened in all areas, especially since the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World. Political trust between the two countries has grown, with high-level exchanges and meetings becoming more frequent; and economic cooperation has also seen significant progress.

Japan remains Viet Nam's leading economic partner, being the largest official development assistance (ODA) donor, the second largest partner in labour cooperation, the third-largest partner in investment and tourism, and the fourth-largest partner in trade. Both countries are expanding cooperation into new fields such as digital transformation, green transition, and semiconductor technology. People-to-people ties, exchanges among their localities, and human resource cooperation are becoming closer and closer. The Vietnamese community in Japan, especially the intellectual community, is growing stronger and contributing positively to the socio-economic development and the cooperative friendship between the two countries.

For his part, Shinji informed the Vietnamese delegation about the activities of the VJS and the areas of cooperation it is promoting with Viet Nam.

He stated that the VJS aims to effectively attract and utilise Japan's scientific, technological, and innovative investment resources to participate in scientific activities, technology transfer, and innovation in Viet Nam, contributing to the development of innovative ecosystems in industry, agriculture, and services linked with domestic and global value chains.

The VJS also supports research activities, applications, and solutions primarily aimed at developing science, technology, and innovation to build Viet Nam's national innovation system. It has been implementing technology transfer projects in agriculture, health care, and human resource training for Viet Nam.

Welcoming and appreciating the efforts and contributions of the VJS's members to the development of science in Viet Nam and the promotion of the two countries cooperation in science-technology and human resource training through specific and practical collaborative projects, Man said that the areas the VJS is working on with Vietnamese partners are also what Viet Nam needs and desires to develop.

The NA Chairman suggested the VJS strengthen cooperation in areas where Japan has strengths and Viet Nam has top priorities, such as digital transformation, energy transition, high-tech agriculture, biotechnology, health care, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor; promote Japanese enterprises' investment in Viet Nam with a focus on technology transfer; enhance cooperation in high-quality human resource training, especially in science and technology; and continue to create favourable conditions for nurturing outstanding young Vietnamese students studying at universities in Japan, including Hiroshima University and Kyushu University, to become future research experts.

The top legislator expressed his hope that the network connecting Vietnamese and Japanese scientists and experts will be expanded, and cooperation between institutions and research facilities in the two countries will be further promoted.

He wished that the cooperative activities between Vietnamese and Japanese experts will become increasingly effective and contribute to the Viet Nam-Japan Comprehensive strategic partnership.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Saturday met with ambassadors and heads of Viet Nam's representative offices abroad before they take on their new assignments.

At the meeting, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu said that 26 ambassadors and heads of Viet Nams representative offices abroad have recently been appointed to represent the country in 48 countries and one international organisation, with all being experienced and professional diplomats.

Expressing their honour and great responsibility to the country, a representative of the diplomats affirmed their commitments to making every effort, fostering unity, utilising capabilities, and staying closely connected to the assigned places. The official pledged to concretise and effectively implement the Party and State's foreign policy, and help further deepen and enhance Viet Nam's relations with other countries and international organisations in a practical and effective manner.

Congratulating the newly-appointed diplomats, PM Chinh emphasised that this is a great honour and a noble duty assigned by the Party, the State, and the people. He expressed confidence that these professional, experienced diplomats who have advised Party and State leaders on critical issues related to the foreign policy will fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

Highlighting the position, role, and significant achievements of foreign and diplomatic affairs, he said that successful diplomacy contributes to promoting and stabilising internal affairs and driving development. Therefore, diplomacy must adhere closely to the Party's guidelines while remaining highly flexible, and always reflecting Viet Nam's culture.

Outlining the six key tasks and three strategic breakthroughs defined by the 13th National Party Congress, the Government leader emphasised that foreign affairs and diplomatic work must comprehensively promote politics and diplomacy; economy, investment, and trade; culture and people-to-people exchanges; and overseas Vietnamese affairs and citizen protection.

PM Chinh said that Viet Nam is in the final phase of successfully achieving the goals set by the 13th National Party Congress, as well as formulating the guidelines for the 14th National Party Congress, preparing for the 80th anniversary of independence and the 50th anniversary of national reunification.

In the immediate term, the focus is placed on reorganising the organisational apparatus according to Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW to realise development goals by 2030, which marks the 100th founding anniversary of the Party and the 100th founding anniversary of the nation in 2045, aiming to transform the country into a developed nation with high income, where people enjoy a prosperous and happy life in a secure and safe environment.

PM Chinh requested that heads of Vietnamese representative agencies abroad continue to implement and specify the guidelines and directives of the Party Central Committee's Politburo and Secretariat, the Government, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly focusing on economic development as outlined in the documents of the 13th National Party Congress, Directive No. 15 of the Secretariat, and Resolution No. 21 of the Government regarding economic diplomacy.

He emphasised that ambassadors and heads of representative agencies must lead and direct, acting as the core to maintain solidarity and unity within embassies and Vietnamese representative agencies abroad.

The PM called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant ministries to continue researching and ensuring the best possible material and policy conditions within the current context of the country, so that embassies and representative agencies abroad can effectively serve the foreign policy of the Party and the State, as the nation steps into a new era - the era of the nation's rise.  VNS
The area of Market Street between Gough and Octavia was one where city observers spotted the highest number of fecal sightings over the past fiscal year. St. John Barned-Smith/The Chronicle

Annette Margolis waved a green dog bag as her pitbull-boxer mix did his business Friday morning.

Ive got a bag, she said, smiling cheerfully as she scooped up the dog droppings.

Unfortunately, across the city, thousands of residents arent picking up their pets waste  and thats perhaps the less gross part of the problem. Also more common on San Franciscos sidewalks over the past year, which will surprise no one who walks around the city, is human feces, according to the controllers latest Street & Sidewalk Maintenance Standards Report.

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The 37-page document, distilled from 2,600 in-person evaluations over the 2024 fiscal year, contained some good news: In the past year, sidewalk and street litter has dwindled, along with illegal dumping. But graffiti has remained steady. And feces, well, theres just more of it.

The survey identified the neighborhoods with highest fecal frequency as the South of Market, Tenderloin, Castro and Mission neighborhoods. The block with dubious distinction of most poop sightings  46  was on Market Street, between Gough and Octavia streets, followed closely by Folsom between 24th and 25th streets with 32 sightings and Mendell Street between La Salle and McKinnon avenues at 31.

For local residents, the assessment came with exasperation but little surprise, receiving little more than a shrug.

Its standard, said Phil Holt, leaning against his bike near San Franciscos apparently most scat-filled place, Gough and Market. Formerly homeless, he is now living in a tiny home nearby, but said he regularly frequents that corner.

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Youre missing out on life if youve gotta be on the lookout for turds, he said.

Annette Margolis walks her boxer-pit mix, Tyson. Margolis lives on a block that the city recently identified as having some of the highest observations of fecal sightings, but Margolis wasnt fazed. St. John Barned-Smith/The Chronicle

The citys filthy sidewalks and streets have been a major complaint for residents for years, leading the Board of Supervisors in 1978 to pass a pooper scooper ordinance that then-Supervisor Harvey Milk called a step in the right direction in reining in pet poop scofflaws. That appears to have been before human excrement became a widespread problem.

San Franciscos battle with public poop has led the city to spend millions on toilets across the city, including in areas like the Tenderloin and Mission, and even sparked the creation of a short-lived Poop Patrol in 2018.

But San Franciscos dung dilemma gained wider attention in recent years  practically becoming its own meme  as detractors have used the situation to lampoon the city. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made headlines in 2023 while debating Gov. Gavin Newsom when he pulled out a map of reported scat sightings from 2011 to 2019  that was just the city completely covered in brown.

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On Friday, Department of Public Works spokesperson Rachel Gordon didnt pooh-pooh the latest findings, but noted city officials believe much of the waste on the streets comes from residents pets and stressed the citys widespread efforts to deal with the issue.

Public works crews  equipped with steam cleaners  regularly patrol the city, and remove any droppings they come across, she said.

We dont want people to walk through, or by, feces, she said.

Over the past few years, San Francisco Public Works has rolled out 30 public toilets across 13 city neighborhoods.

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That includes high traffic areas such as U.N. Plaza, or out at Ocean Beach. Since 2014, city residents and visitors have used its public toilets more than 5 million times  or a flush a minute, for a decade.

People should have a place to go to the bathroom with dignity, she said, not only to keep feces off the street, but because people should have a place to go to the bathroom.

In a city where dogs allegedly outnumber children, Gordon said she believed much of the droppings came from pet owners who havent learned they need to pick up after their furry companions.

We dont DNA test the poop, she said, but we do think a lot of it is dog waste.  We want to get dog owners to do what they should be doing by law  pick up after their dogs. And were seeing that a lot, people just arent doing that.

To that end, the city has rolled out a marketing campaign, placing hundreds of posters in businesses in prolific poop areas, urging dog owners to DOO THE RIGHT THING, and pick up after their pets  or risk a $300 fine.

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A poster from the San Francisco Public Works urging pet owners to pick up their pets waste San Francisco Public Works

According to the report, about 30% of city streets had scat sightings between July 2023 and June 2024.

It cooks into the cement, said a barista at the Buoy, a cafe near Market and Gough. The smell is so strong. You cant see anything and it still smells so bad.

According to the report, SoMa had the highest average feces count, followed by the Tenderloin. Chinatown and Noe Valley/Glen Park/Twin Peaks and West of Twin Peaks had the lowest percentage of routes where surveyors spotted poop.

Some of the spots with the highest frequency of fecal observations included Folsom, between 22nd and 25th Streets, Market Street, between Gough and Octavia, and several streets in the Tenderloin, such as Jones between Geary and OFarrell.

From behind the counter at W-K Market on the corner of 24th and Folsom, Ali Mohamed was surprised to learn that his shop abutted one of the most cited street segments in the citys report  Folsom, between 24th and 25th, which had 32 observations of droppings  human or canine  between July 2023 and June 2024.

I do think its improved a bit, he said. It was a lot worse during COVID.

He credited fast response from the citys public works employees with keeping the streets cleaner.

Sometimes Ill take a picture and file a 311 report, he said. Then they come and take care of it.

Ali Mohamed works behind the counter of his corner store, W-K Market. The store is near an area with frequent incidents of human or canine feces, as noted in a recent city report St. John Barned-Smith/The Chronicle

While preparing smoothies for customers around the corner, Sidewalk Juice barista Victoria Orellano was also surprised to learn surveyors had spotted feces on the block so many times.

Ive only had to clean the trash can a couple of times, she said. It definitely was not a dog; you know the difference.

Holt, the formerly homeless man near Gough and Market, appeared dubious of claims by city officials that much of the fecal matter present on city streets comes from scofflaw pet owners who refuse to pick up their dogs waste.

The majority of it is human poop, he said. Unless people have got some huge dogs.
HA NOI  National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man, his spouse Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga, and a high-ranking NA delegation returned to Ha Noi on December 7 evening, concluding their official visit to Japan at the invitation of President of the House of Councillors Sekiguchi Masakazu and his spouse.

Within the framework of the trip, Man met with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, and Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, and held separate talks with President of the House of Councillors Sekiguchi Masakazu and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan Nukaga Fukushiro. Notably, Man and Sekiguchi signed a cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese NA and the House of Councilors of Japan, which is considered a premise to lift their relations to a new height in the coming years.

The two sides expressed their pleasure at the outstanding and substantive results in the Vietnam-Japan relationship, particularly in economy, trade, investment, labour, human resources training, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and local connections between the two countries.

They agreed to increase exchanges and meetings between parliamentarians, especially young and female parliamentarians, and promote the important role of the Friendship Parliamentary Alliance in enhancing people-to-people exchanges, business cooperation, and collaboration between localities. They also agreed to coordinate in improving institutional frameworks, policies, and legal corridors that support businesses from both countries in expanding cooperation and investment in their respective countries.

In Tokyo and Nagasaki prefecture, the NA Chairman received Chairman of the Japan - Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance Nikai Toshihiro; leaders of major political parties of Japan; President of the International Friendship Exchange Council (FEC) of Japan Matsuzawa Ken; leaders of several large corporations of Japan; and governors of prefectures which have close ties with Viet Nam.

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, the NA Chairman presented the State President's third-class Labor Order to Nikai Toshihiro, Chairman of the Japan-Viet Nam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and Friendship Order to Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture Kuroiwa Yuji.

On this occasion, the top legislator also met with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Tokyo and the Vietnamese Consulate General in Fukuoka, and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Japan. He witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents between localities and businesses of the two countries; and attended the ceremony marking the thirtieth anniversary of the direct flight route between Viet Nam and Japan.

With diverse and substantive activities, the official visit to Japan by NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse was a great success, creating new momentum for the strong development of the two countries' relations. The results of the visit not only contributed to enhancing diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Japan but also strengthened connections and promoted substantive cooperation between localities of the two countries, bringing concrete benefits to the people and business communities of both nations.

Notably, the visit once again affirmed the importance Viet Nam has placed on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the world with Japan.  VNS
By Le Viet Dung

While the image of traffickers forcibly abducting victims is common, the reality of human trafficking often reveals a far more insidious side. Traffickers often use deceitful promises of easy jobs with high pay to lure victims into crossing borders willingly.

One such victim, T.V.T. (name withheld) from the northern province of Son La, was rescued and returned to Viet Nam by the end of 2023 after falling prey to traffickers in Cambodia who had offered him the promise of lucrative employment.

The ordeal began in January 2023, when T.V.T. came across a Facebook post advertising overseas jobs with monthly salaries ranging from VN20-30 million (US$800-1,200). The recruiter, a man presenting a professional demeanour, painted a rosy picture of guaranteed long-term employment with free accommodation and meals.

Eager to seize the opportunity, T.V.T. followed the mans instructions and met at a designated place in his district. The recruiter greeted him warmly, offering money to buy new clothes and arranging transport to the supposed job site. Overwhelmed by the mans generosity, T.V.T. complied and boarded a bus to HCM City, joining nearly a dozen others with similar aspirations.

Upon arrival in HCM City, the group was taken to An Giang Province, where they crossed the border into Cambodia under cover of darkness. Their destination was a secluded house, where armed men awaited them. It was here that the victims were coerced into signing debt agreements of VN100 million ($4,000), ostensibly as a service fee to be deducted from their wages.

Those who refused to sign were violently beaten or forced to call family members to pay ransoms. One victim, unable to endure the abuse, contacted his mother, who sold their small forest-edge home and one or two cows to pay for his release.

The remaining victims were confined in a heavily guarded slum and subjected to forced labour. Some were coerced into operating online scams targeting Vietnamese citizens, while others were made to work in casinos under appalling conditions.

Local authorities in Tay Ninh Province, upon learning of the situation, collaborated with Cambodian officials to launch a rescue operation. The victims were repatriated to Viet Nam, their harrowing experiences shedding light on the extensive trafficking networks operating.

The story of T.V.T. is one of many. Similar tactics were used to lure Puih ai, a 26-year-old man from Ia Grai District in Gia Lai Province. ai was deceived by a network of traffickers that included Tran Quang Quyet, who himself had been a victim of trafficking.

Quyet had previously been lured to Cambodia with the promise of high-paying jobs. After being forced to work for a gambling company, he was released only when his family paid a hefty ransom.

Quyet returned to Cambodia to work to repay his debts, but he was dismissed after two months. Facing yet another ransom demand of VN90 million ($3,500), Quyet turned to trafficking others as a way to offset his remaining debt.

Quyet used Facebook to contact Cam Ba Sau, a fellow villager of ai, pretending to recruit workers for a computer company in Tay Ninh with promises of monthly salaries of up to VN20 million.

When Sau declined the offer, Quyet promised him a commission of VN1 million ($40) for each person recruited. Trusting Quyet, Sau persuaded ai to take the job, and ai in turn convinced four other villagers to join him.

Quyet arranged for the group to travel to HCM City, where he notified his contacts of the successful recruitment. However, the company rejected the group upon discovering that they were not qualified for the job. Desperate, Quyet contacted another trafficker, Phan Ngoc uc, who agreed to smuggle the group into Cambodia.

uc personally inspected the recruits, agreeing to pay Quyet $700 per person. The group hesitated when they realised something was amiss, but they were coerced with false assurances of easy, high-paying jobs. At the border, uc arranged for motorbikes to smuggle them into Cambodia.

When we got on the motorbikes, we realised we were being sold to Cambodia but could not resist because we feared they had guns, ai later recounted.

Once in Cambodia, the group was sold to a gambling company for $10,000. Those unsuitable for online scams or casino work were subjected to severe physical abuse, including beatings, starvation, and even electric shocks.

Ransoms of VN150 million ($6,000) per person were demanded. Families, desperate to secure their loved ones release, sold property and borrowed money to pay reduced amounts ranging from $2,400 to $3,500.

My sons, Puih ai and Puih Thai, called home, begging us to send ransom money. We had to sell our farmland and borrow from neighbours to bring them back, their mother tearfully recalled.

The victims were eventually released in July 2022. Local authorities provided financial aid and vocational training, helping them rebuild their lives. ai was given a new house and a job as a rubber plantation worker. Quyet and uc, fearing imminent arrest, turned themselves in to the police.

Ho Quoc Dung, deputy head of Gia Lai Provinces Social Evils and Anti-Human Trafficking Division, highlighted the importance of public education in combating trafficking.

Raising community awareness is crucial to preventing traffickers from exploiting the promise of easy jobs with high pay to lure victims across borders, Dung said.

Former trafficking victims like ai and Thai have become pivotal in the publicity campaign. By participating in outreach programmes and sharing their personal stories, they empower others to recognise and reject similar schemes.

People now seek jobs through employment agencies and are cautious about recruitment offers over the phone or on social media, Dung said.

Communal police chief Ho Duy Khanh in Tay Ninh Province said local authorities had engaged former trafficking victims in patrol teams and community meetings.

These individuals not only help identify suspicious activities but also recount their harrowing experiences of abuse and forced labour across the border, raising public vigilance, he said.

Efforts to combat human trafficking are ongoing, but as cases like these illustrate, the fight requires vigilance, education, and collaboration between authorities and communities to protect vulnerable individuals from falling into the traffickers traps. VNS
HA NOI  The VinFuture Foundation honoured four scientific breakthroughs in 2024 at a ceremony in Ha Noi on December 6.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minster Pham Minh Chinh affirmed Viet Nams commitment to creating the most favourable conditions for scientists, science, technology and innovation to shine and develop strongly increasingly.

Viet Nam always pays special attention to science, technology and innovation, considering this an objective requirement, a strategic choice, a top priority and a national policy to promote rapid and sustainable development in the new era - an era of prosperity and prosperity for the nation, as the Party General Secretary To Lam has oriented, stressed PM Chinh.

The Prime Minister also hoped scientists, the business community, and domestic and international partners would continue to cooperate closely and support more effectively so that Viet Nam can continue to have breakthrough developments in improving scientific and technological capacity and innovation.

With the spirit of "harmonious benefits, shared risks", Viet Nam always welcomes and encourages scientists, business communities and investors to realise ideas, opportunities and investment projects in Viet Nam, added PM Chinh.

The US$3 million Grand Prize of the 2024 VinFuture Prize was awarded to five scientists, including Professor Yoshua Bengio, Professor Geoffrey E. Hinton, Mr. Jen-Hsun Huang, Professor Yann LeCun, and Professor Fei-Feil Li, for their transformational contributions to the advancement of deep learning.

Advances in deep learning have opened a transformative era for technological innovation, enabling machines to learn from vast amounts of data and achieve unprecedented accuracy in tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and decision-making.

Professors Geoff E. Hinton, Yann LeCun and Yoshua Bengio have made groundbreaking contributions to neural networks and deep learning algorithms, while Mr. Jen-Hsun Huang pioneered accelerated computing platforms that facilitated the modern era of AI computing.

Professor Fei-Fei Lis creation of the ImageNet dataset further drove advances in visual recognition systems, making it possible to train models at scale.

Since 2012, deep learning has become a dominant tool in driving rapid advancements across sectors such as healthcare, autonomous systems, and financial services and shaping the future of innovation.

In addition to the VinFuture Grand Prize, three Special Prizes, each valued at $500,000, have been awarded to innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields, women innovators and innovators from developing countries.

The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields is awarded to Professor Zelig Eshhar, Professor Carl H. June, and Professor Michel Sadelain for the development of CAR T cell therapy for cancer and other diseases.

Professor Zelig Eshhar's groundbreaking work transformed cancer treatment by developing CAR T cell therapy, a "living drug" that has saved many lives and sparked a thriving biopharmaceutical industry. This innovation offers hope for new medical applications and affordable treatments worldwide.

Professors Carl H. June and Michel Sadelain built on this progress, further improving CAR T cell therapy to effectively treat cancer and autoimmune diseases that resist standard therapies. Their pioneering work led to the approval of the first CAR T cell therapy by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for childhood and young adult acute lymphocytic leukaemias and is now considered for clinical care worldwide.

The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators from Developing Countries has honoured Bangladeshi Dr. Firdausi Qadri for the innovative improvement of oral cholera vaccination in developing countries.

Dr. Firdausi Qadri has played a key role in improving vaccination against cholera, a severe diarrheal disease due to the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, that occurs after ingestion of contaminated food or water and remains a major public health concern, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

Dr. Firdausi Qadri at the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh has performed large-scale clinical studies with a Vietnamese live vaccine strain which allowed her to conclude on the benefit, power and safety of a single oral dose of an affordable vaccine and consequently on the possibility to perform large-scale vaccination campaigns in her own country and in other poor countries, to prevent outbreaks. Controlling cholera outbreaks at the source enhances global public health security, preventing the spread of the disease across borders.

The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Women Innovators has honoured Prof. Kristi S. Anseth for advancement in the design of polymeric biomaterials and methods for biomedical applications.

Professor Kristi Anseth is a pioneer, who has developed biomaterial cell culture systems, to decipher extracellular matrix (ECM) signals that regulate tissue development, maintenance and regeneration. She designed a synthetic ECM that captures the unique cell and dynamic tissue microenvironment in three-dimensional space that can be modulated on demand, providing a means to study 4D-biology. She studies how cells exchange information with the ECM and applies this knowledge to engineer biomaterials for tissue regeneration and disease states, as well as screening drugs.

She is renowned for blending modern molecular and cellular biology with engineering and mathematics to produce the next generation of biomaterials that are tissue substitutes able to restore, maintain, or improve tissue function.

The 2024 VinFuture Prize Laureates have all made advances that have changed the world, and have brought unexpected and powerful new tools. The Grand Prize recognises the unprecedented advances in Artificial intelligence. It celebrates three elements that together have propelled this success: fundamental advances in deep learning, data sets and the silicon GPU hardware. This years three Special Prizes celebrate advances in three very different areas of healthcare. These illustrate the breadth of science and technology that can bring practical and powerful solutions. The vision that the Founders set  to celebrate the potential for discovery and innovation to bring real benefits to societies across the whole globe  is very clearly delivered in the set of this years prize winners, said professor Sir Richard Friend, FRS, VinFuture Prize Council Chair.

The four winning works were rigorously curated from a pool of nearly 1,500 impressive nominations spanning more than 80 countries and territories worldwide. These groundbreaking achievements have the potential to significantly impact humanitys present and future, particularly in critical fields like computer science, public health and global health, material science, and generative medicine. Not only do these innovations offer solutions to universal challenges, but they also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of humanity.  VNS
At the Vietnam Logistics Forum last week, held in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien highlighted the critical role of free trade zones (FTZs) in strengthening economic competitiveness.

PM Pham Minh Chinh, leaders of Ministry of Industry and Trade and leaders of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province at the Vietnam Logistics Forum 2024, Photo: Tien Phong

FTZs are an essential tool for countries to maximise the benefits of integration, said Minister Dien. Successful examples like Singapore, China, South Korea, and the UAE demonstrate how FTZs reduce costs, boost product competitiveness, optimise goods flows, improve logistics capacity, and attract foreign funding.

With its strategic geographical position, deep-water seaports, international airports, and extensive road and rail networks, Vietnam is well-positioned to develop modern, large-scale FTZs - a specific area where goods can be stored, processed, manufactured, or re-exported without customs duties.

Despite their benefits, Vietnam has yet to establish any FTZ, though the model has been piloted in Danang.

In mid-October, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh approved tasks related to the development of Danang. Danang Peoples Committee is responsible for completing the proposal and establishment dossier for the Danang FTZ by December. The dossier will then be submitted to the Ministry of Planning and Investment for appraisal and subsequent submission to the prime minister for approval, the decision noted.

Danang Peoples Committee will prepare a draft decision to add the management functions of Danang FTZ to the management board of high-tech zones and industrial parks (HTZIPs) in the city. This decision will be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs for appraisal, which must be completed by the end of 2024.

The Prime Minister and leaders of ministries, and related authotities witnessed the announcement ceremony of Vietnam Logistics Report 2024, Photo: Tien Phong

At present, Danang is in the process of drafting a special mechanism for the FTZ.

In the initial pilot phase, the preferential policy applied to the Danang FTZ is focused on creating the best conditions for investment and business procedures, focusing on a one-door mechanism for administration procedures, said Tran Van Ty, deputy head of the HTZIPs management board, at a forum themed Connecting Business in the city in October.

Besides that, the FTZ will implement several trial policies during its first five years of operation. Foreign investors in the zone will benefit from a range of incentives, including exemptions from corporate income tax, land rent, and import duty tariffs, Ty added. Nguyen Anh Son, director of the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), noted the absence of a unified legal framework for FTZs.

Vietnam lacks regulations on investment policies, management models, and operating mechanisms for FTZs. This hinders their development on a national scale, Son said.

He stressed that the zones provide a transparent mechanism, offering businesses tax exemptions and simplified administrative processes  key advantages for a country heavily reliant on exports.

Tran Chi Dung, general secretary of the Vietnam Logistics Services

Association (VLSA), emphasised FTZs as a magnet for foreign investment, citing their preferential policies, modern infrastructure, and favourable business environment.

Vietnams free trade agreements open doors for FTZ development by expanding export markets, reducing tariffs, and creating investment opportunities, Dung said.

Thai Van Chuyen, general director of Thanh Thanh Cong-Bien Hoa JSC, highlighted the cost-saving potential of FTZs. Logistics costs currently account for 7 per cent of our product costs. FTZs could reduce these expenses through tax incentives, streamlined customs processes, and improved infrastructure, Chuyen said.

Meanwhile, Dang Thanh Son, deputy marketing director of Saigon Newport Corporation, emphasised the benefits FTZs could bring to logistics providers, manufacturers, and the state.

FTZs should simplify state management procedures while ensuring compliance. Technology will be key to achieving this, Son said.

Localities like Haiphong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau have proposed FTZ projects, recognising their potential to boost regional logistics. Pham Quang Nhat, director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, outlined the provinces advantages, including its strategic location, container port infrastructure, and connectivity to the southeast region.

The planned FTZ in the Cai Mep Ha area will integrate with Long Thanh International Airport and the Cai Mep-Thi Vai deepwater port, creating a competitive advantage for the country, Nhat said.

For the zones to succeed in Vietnam, specific steps must be taken. According to Dung of the VLSA, this begins with establishing a robust legal framework. Vietnam should study successful FTZ models worldwide and implement pilot projects in potential localities before expanding nationwide, he said.

Investments in modern infrastructure, advanced technology, and administrative efficiency will also be critical. Smart management systems and automated processes could enhance transparency and productivity, benefiting both businesses and state agencies.

Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister To contribute to the countrys GDP growth at a double-digit rate next year, it is necessary to reduce logistics costs from 18 to 15 per cent in 2025; increase the scale of logistics in GDP from 10 to 15 per cent; and raise the scale of Vietnams logistics globally from 0.4 to 0.5 per cent, striving to reach 0.6 per cent. We must further raise awareness of the position, role, and importance of the logistics industry and Vietnams position in the centre of the Asia-Pacific region to exploit and maximise the potential differences, outstanding opportunities and competitive advantages in the world logistics chain. Vietnam must create institutional breakthroughs in an open direction to develop the industry to its full potential, and build a modern and smooth logistics infrastructure to reduce costs and increase product competitiveness, especially in developing the aviation, maritime and high-speed railway industries. Smart governance and high-quality human resources for the industry are vital, as is promoting integration, logistics diplomacy, and modernising the domestic industry. It is necessary to build and develop a free trade nation, while effectively managing and firmly protecting independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, maintaining a peaceful, friendly, cooperative and developing environment. On that basis, I request ministries, branches, and localities to urgently focus on building a free trade nation, perfect the logistics services development strategy, and build international FTZs. Localities need to increase their proactivity, self-reliance, self-reliance and autonomy in logistics development. Enterprises should enhance their autonomy, participate in institutional building, and resolve the relationship between the market, the state, and society by harmonising benefits and sharing risks. Pham Viet Thanh Secretary, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Party Committee; Chairman, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Peoples Council The establishment of an FTZ linked to the port area at Cai Mep Ha represents a strategic plan in completing the logistics infrastructure of the southeastern region. This initiative connects synchronously with the Long Thanh International Airport and the Cai Mep-Thi Vai deepwater port, creating an unparalleled competitive advantage. Simultaneously, it revitalises existing drivers of growth and generates new momentum to attract new investments in the service, industrial, and urban space along the East-West economic corridor. In recent years, Ba Ria-Vung Tau has focused on mobilising and efficiently utilising all available resources. The province has consistently pursued a selective investment attraction policy, emphasising modern technology, high automation, environmental saving, and energy efficiency. The provinces economy has maintained steady growth over the years. In 2024, its regional GDP is estimated to grow by over 10 per cent, with per capita GRDP exceeding $9,000 per year. The province also aims for 2025 growth, and an annual growth rate of over 10 per cent from next year onwards. The planning for Ba Ria-Vung Tau has opened new opportunities for the province. The goal is to develop Ba Ria-Vung Tau into a national maritime economic hub, a national and Southeast Asian maritime services centre, and a high-quality, world-class tourism destination. The province has also been developing four new industrial sectors, including petrochemicals, wind power equipment manufacturing, a liquefied petroleum gas hub, and biotechnology. Cao Cam Linh, research head Vietnam Association for Logistic Manpower Development The problem with FTZs in Vietnam is the mechanism and policy because the contents of decentralisation, delegation of authority, operation, and interaction between normal economic zones, industrial zones, and FTZs are unprecedented. Therefore, a number of solutions to develop such zones in Vietnam must be comprehensively proposed. Firstly, the province or city must propose a draft of a pilot mechanism and submit it for approval. It should seek opinions from ministries on functional zones suitable to the province or citys advantages, preferential policies for investors, and preferential regimes in customs procedures. The second aspect is to invest in modern transport infrastructure within the province or city. The suitability of smooth transport infrastructure and connecting with neighbouring areas will help reduce transportation costs and time, and increase competitiveness. Thirdly, apply advanced technology from both sides: state management agencies and businesses. This means management agencies can properly perform their management roles, support, and forecast decisions to promote businesses. Enterprises should apply smart technology, automate production processes, and apply IT in management and operation, helping to reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve quality. Finally, provinces or cities need to simplify customs procedures, increase transparency in admin processes, reduce time and costs, and create trust for investors. They should develop preferential policies to draw in new-generation investment and target high-tech industries, financial services, and environmentally friendly industries.

Vietnam Logistics Summit 2024 to take place on October 31 The second Vietnam Logistics Summit, themed "Transformation to Breakthrough" and organised by Vietnam Investment Review, will take place in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of October 31.

Vietnam SuperPort poised to elevate Vietnam's logistics capabilities Vietnam SuperPort, a joint venture between YCH Group of Singapore and Vietnams T&T Group, is poised to enhance Vietnams logistics capabilities in the global supply chain.
While Tesla is the most dominant player in California's ZEV market, each county has its own distinct taste. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

When California drivers go electric, what car brand do they choose? In part, it depends on where they live.

The California Energy Commission recently released its quarterly report on zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales in the state. The data, which includes sales numbers through the third quarter of 2024, is collected by tracking state DMV records.

The records show that Teslas Model Y and Model 3 dominate Californias ZEV market, accounting for over 40% of all ZEVs sold in the state in the first three quarters of 2024. Another 125 models, made by 42 different manufacturers compete for the rest of the market.

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While Teslas are the most commonly purchased car in each California county, a deeper analysis of the data reveals distinct preferences in some counties.

Take El Dorado, where the Tesla Cybertruck is unusually popular, accounting for 4.6% of all EV sales compared to 2.9% in the average county. The data also shows San Francisco has a soft spot for Volvos Polestar 2. Meanwhile, in Santa Clara, the Jaguar I-PACE had a surge in purchases in 2024, thanks to Waymo snapping up over 2,000 of them this year.

To identify the most unusually popular ZEV brand in each county, we used a statistical metric called the Z-score. Simply put, it measures how far a particular brands popularity in a county deviates from the state average. A high Z-score means the brand is particularly popular in that county.

Other counties with distinct preferences for non-Tesla ZEVs include Plumas, where the Nissan LEAF stands out as a favorite, and Inyo, where drivers gravitate toward the Toyota RAV4 Prime.

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The problem with all the alternate media and main stream media is that there are, thus far, no survivors from the blast site when Oreshnik slammed the hardened missile factory, to inform us otherwise  or any forensic exploration of the blast site. It was total destruction, an unstable fractured underground and a silent tomb for NATO

Your proof of effectiveness of Oreshnik (or Hazel) is that no one lived through it under ground and there was a bunch of NATO in this Ukraine missile factory complex and the silence is deafening

Tidbit: Russian heavy missiles and cruise missiles across Ukraine on November 28, 2024 intentionally targeted and wiped out hundreds of US military personnel operating ATACMS launchers for Ukraine in the Third Sector. Since then, no new ATACMS deployments have been announced on the border by the Defense Ministry in Moscow

Another not talked about issue: Interesting that the idea of running to your bunker and spending the last days with wine and women, just became not such a good idea

WtR
Russian Defence Ministry reports on the progress of the special military operation (7 December 2024)

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

In Kharkov direction, the Sever Group of Forces hit units of a Ukrainian territorial defence brigade and one border detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine near Tikhoye, Volchansk, and Liptsy (Kharkov region). Two counter-attacks launched by AFU assault detachments were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 60 troops, an infantry fighting vehicle, two motor vehicles, and three D-30 howitzers.

The Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines, inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, an airborne brigade, and three territorial defence brigades close to Grigorovka, Zagryzovo, Kupyansk (Kharkov region), Novoyegorovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic) and Torskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Eleven counter-attacks of AFU assault groups were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 490 troops, a tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, a UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, a U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, and a 105-mm M119 gun, a 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, and a 122-mm D-30 howitzer.

The Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and defeated the units of the two mechanised brigades, an airmobile brigades, and an air assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Ulakly, Kurakhovo, Nikolayevka, and Dachnoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Two counter-attacks of AFU assault detachments were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 325 troops, two motor vehicles, a 155-mm M-777 howitzer, and a 105-mm M119 gun made in the USA, a 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and a 122-mm D-30 howitzer.

The Tsentr Group of Forces continued advancing to the depths of the enemys defence and liberated Berestki (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

Russian units hit manpower and materiel of two mechanised brigades, a motorised infantry brigade, a marine brigade, close to Dzerzhinsk, Shcherbinovka, Petrovka, and Novoalekseyevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Ten AFU counter-attacks were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 525 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, including a U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, three motor vehicles, three 152-mm D-20 guns, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers.

The Vostok Group of Forces took more advantageous lines, hit a mechanised brigade of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, and a National Guard brigade close to Konstantinopol, Novoocheretovatoye, and Otradnoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Three counter-attacks of enemy assault groups were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 100 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, a motor vehicle, a 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery system, and a 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system.

The units of the Dnepr Group of Forces engaged the manpower and materiel of two mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a territorial defence brigades close to Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region) and Antonovka (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 60 troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, and a counter-battery station.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged the energy facilities that support the work of the Ukrainian defence industry as well as clusters of enemy manpower and military hardware in 142 areas during the day.

Air defence systems shot down 26 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 649 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 37,380 unmanned aerial vehicles, 586 anti-aircraft missile systems, 19,698 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,497 MLRS combat vehicles, 19,145 field artillery guns and mortars, and 29,080 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised.

Tags:

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Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (7 December 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 the units of three mechanised brigades, a heavy mechanised brigade, a tank brigade, three air assault brigades, a marine brigade, a guard brigade as well as three territorial defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Agronom, Viktorovka, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Martynovka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novoivanovka, Plyokhovo, and Sverdlikovo. Operational-Tactical aviation and Army aviation, and Artillery inflicted fire damage on enemy manpower and hardware in the areas of Aleksandria, Guyevo, Kruglenkoye, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Martynovka, Makhnovka, Mirny, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Plyokhovo, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye as well as Basovka, Belovody, Glukhov, Zhuravka, Miropolye, and Pavlovka in Sumy region. Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 380 troops. An armoured fighting vehicle, four motor vehicles, and three mortars were neutralised. Three AFU servicemen surrendered. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses were more than 38,865 troops, 232 tanks, 169 infantry fighting vehicles, 123 armoured personnel carriers, 1,231 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,096 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, 72 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.

WtR
Hit a record SVO + 3715 killed & wounded Ukrainians by Russia (12/06/2024)

https://mskvremya.ru/article/2023/1520-poteri-ukrainy-za-vremya-spetsoperatsii

By Russian actual counts and that is what they verify, almost a million Ukrainian men dead and or permanently removed from ability to fight. So use your brains and think about how many Ukraine and the West cover up?

Russia finds fields full of dead rotting corpse as they move forward

It is an easy 1,000,000 plus dead and at least the same permanently injured

I say more, much more. Time will tell

WtR
Megan Fan Munce is a reporter on the climate team covering Californias home insurance crisis. She writes about the California FAIR Plan; State Farm non-renewals; pullbacks by other insurers such as Allstate and Farmers; policy initiatives from the California Department of Insurance; and how homeowners in the Bay Area and elsewhere are navigating the challenges.

Munce first joined the San Francisco Chronicle as part of the two-year Hearst Journalism Fellowship, spending her first year of the program at the Houston Chronicle. She grew up in San Jose before attending Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism.
Great chemistry helps skilled college students scoop science award

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Dec 7th, 2024

Great chemistry helped skilled students win a science award.

A talented duo from Coleg Cambria  which has sites in Northop, Llysfasi, Deeside and Wrexham  were part of the Yale Sixth winning team taking part in the Royal Society of Chemistry Young Analyst Competition.

Year 12 learners Grace Shore and Megan Roberts completed a series of tasks and challenges to emerge victorious amongst their college cohort.

They were joined by 10 other students from Yale Sixth in the North West regional heat of the competition.

Nora Richardson, a Chemistry lecturer and Curriculum Lead at Yale Sixth, was very proud of their achievement.

We were delighted that four teams entered the competition, gaining valuable experience in problem solving and technical skills, she said.

They completed three novel practical challenges set by the Royal Society of Chemistry for Year 12 students to encourage them to develop independent practical skills and analyse and evaluate results.

We enjoyed working with the students in this competition and are exceptionally proud of them all, they did so well.

The Schools Analyst Competition enables students across the UK to demonstrate and expand on their existing chemistry knowledge, skills and aptitude for analytical science through practical analytical experiments based on relevant societal or industrial problems.

Each competition aims to provide some tasks which are relatively familiar to the students such as titrations and others which are likely to be unfamiliar, such as more complex chromatographic separations.
Pendine Park staff trainer wins gold at 2024 Wales Care Awards

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Dec 7th, 2024

A dedicated staff trainer at the Pendine Park care organisation is celebrating after winning a prestigious accolade at the 2024 Wales Care Awards.

32-year-old Laura Shone, who was wrongly written off as a naughty student at school because of her dyslexia, took home gold in the Commitment to Training and Workforce Development category.

Laura received her Welsh slate trophy from Kevin Barker, Deputy Chief Inspector of Care Inspectorate Wales at an awards ceremony hosted in Cardiff by radio and TV presenter, Jason Mohammad.

And when Laura got back to her home in Wrexham she says there was another proud moment awaiting her when her six-year-old son Harri, who became a TV star this year when he appeared on BCCs The One Show because of his regular visits to Highfield, told her: Im so proud of you mummy.

I keep looking at the trophy with my name inscribed on it and feeling very proud, not just for myself but for everyone at the Highfield Park home where I have worked for 13 years. It was thanks to everyone there that I was nominated for and won this award, said Laura.

The presentation evening was brilliant because we got to celebrate everybody who works so hard in the care industry.

It was also great to be at the Team Highfield table with my husband Keiron and my friends from work.

After leaving school at 16 Laura, originally from Wrexham, went on to college but enjoyed neither experience very much due to her dyslexia.

It has at been at Highfield, which cares for 112 residents, that Lauras career really started to take off due to the opportunities she is given to succeed that she never received while in the education system.

At school they labelled me as a naughty student because of it. The school environment definitely wasnt for me and Im afraid it was much the same when I went to college, said Laura.

What I enjoyed much more was when I got my first job. It was looking after the horses kept by a local farm shop.

It was perfect for me because I am a horse lover and now have two of my own  Harrison who is 27 years old and Bailey. who is 22 and has only one eye after he lost the other when he had an accident with a tree branch.

During the pandemic Laura worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both residents and staff, often coming in early in the morning and staying until late at night ensuring that staff followed safety protocols.

She even produced her own video on correct hand washing techniques with background music of the Bee Gees famous hit Stayin Alive.

A senior staff member who nominated Laura for the Wales Care Awards said: Staff know that she worked hard and sacrificed a lot to ensure their safety and as a result Highfield general nursing unit didnt lose any residents to Covid and to this day it is still that way.

Staff see Laura as a credit to Highfield and feel that she makes everyone comfortable, well inducted and trained to the highest standard.

Mario Kreft, chairman of Care Forum Wales, said the standard of entries was extremely high.

He added: There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.

I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights and in the months and years to come.

This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales. We take our hats off to them.
The Salvation Army just wrapped up their protein drive in an effort to raise more donations. They fell short on donations last month and are aiming to 1,500 meals for families in need.

The Salvation Army says they received 117 protein donations along with a $1,250 check from a very generous couple.

These donations will go towards providing holiday meals to families in their Angel Tree gift program. They tell us that the more donations they raise, the less families have to worry about food costs.

Major Randy Hartt, northern Nevada coordinator for the Salvation Army, says, "The better this does, the better we can give, the more we can give to people, and that'll help them stretch their budget out a little bit and maybe cover some of those costs as well so they can keep themselves stable. It's really about stabilizing families in need."

Between the check and the food donations, the Salvation Army says they're in great shape. Major Hartt says these donations will be going to their Christmas distribution on December 18.

The group stresses that families who are counting on them for holiday meals will get them no matter what, regardless if they get enough donations. The Salvation Army would have to buy the food on their own if they fall short though which would cut into funds for other programs.

Even though the drive is now over, you can still drop off donations at their Salvation Army location Monday through Friday.
The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer may have fled the city on a bus, New York City police officials told CNN on Friday.

Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of the shooting Wednesday showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN.

We have reason to believe that the person in question has left New York City, Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

The gunmans whereabouts and identity remained unknown Friday, as did the reason for Wednesday's killing. New York City police say evidence firmly points to it being a targeted attack.

Investigators believe the suspect may have traveled to New York last month on a bus that originated in Atlanta, according to the law enforcement official, who was not authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Once arriving in New York, he always appeared to pay with cash in establishments where he was captured on camera, the official said.

Investigators have tested a discarded water bottle and protein bar wrapper in a hunt for his DNA. They also were trying to obtain additional information from a cellphone recovered from a pedestrian plaza where the gunman fled after shooting Thompson outside his company's annual investor conference at a hotel just blocks from Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center.

The shooter then got on a bicycle, riding though an area dotted with security cameras. He was last seen disappearing into the southern tip of Central Park near the famed Plaza Hotel after crossing a street thats often bustling with joggers, horse-drawn carriages and taxis.

Police have released photos of a person wanted for questioning in connection with the killing that were taken in the lobby of a hostel on Manhattans Upper West Side. The images, showing an unmasked man smiling in the lobby of the HI New York City hostel, add to a collection of photos and video circulated since the shooting - including footage of the attack itself, as well as images of the suspected gunman stopping at a Starbucks beforehand.

Surveillance images from the shooting show 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.

Investigators have learned the man lowered his mask at the front desk of the hostel because he was flirting with the woman who checked him in, the law enforcement official told the AP, leading to a photo of his face. The woman told investigators that during that encounter she asked to see his smile and he pulled down his mask, the official said.

Investigators believe the suspect used a fake New Jersey identification card, the official said, when he checked in at the hostel, which has a cafe along with shared and private rooms and is just blocks from Columbia University.

Employees who work at the hostel told investigators they remembered a man who almost always wore a mask when interacting with them or walking by the front desk. The person wore a jacket that looked like the one worn by the man in surveillance images, the official said.

Investigators believe the shooter had at least some firearms training and experience with guns, the official said.

Security video shows the killer approaching Thompson from behind, firing several shots with a gun equipped with a silencer, barely pausing to clear a jam while the executive fell to the sidewalk.

The words deny, defend and depose were scrawled on the ammunition, two law enforcement officials told the AP on Thursday. The messages mirror the phrase delay, deny, defend, which is commonly used by lawyers and critics about insurers that delay payments, deny claims and defend their actions.

Thompson, a father of two sons who lived in a Minneapolis suburb, had been with Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years.

The insurers parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., was holding its annual meeting in New York for investors. The company abruptly ended the conference after Thompsons death.

UnitedHealth Group said it was focused on supporting Thompsons family, ensuring the safety of employees and assisting investigators. While our hearts are broken, we have been touched by the huge outpouring, the company said.

UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for more than 49 million Americans. It manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programs.

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.

The shooting has shaken corporate America and the health insurance industry in particular, causing companies to reevaluate security plans and delete photos of executives from their websites. A different Minnesota-based health care company said Friday it was temporarily closing its offices out of an abundance of caution, telling employees to work from home.

(Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.)
The two kindergartners wounded Wednesday in a shooting at the Feather River Adventist School in Oroville (Butte County) remain in critical condition after surgery. Provided by the Butte County Sheriff's Office

Two kindergarten students critically injured in a Butte County school shooting this past week have made it through planned surgeries, the Butte County Sheriffs Office announced Friday.

Still, the two boys  Roman Mendez, age 6, and Elias Wolford, age 5  remain in critical condition. Please continue to keep them both in your thoughts and prayers, the department wrote in a Facebook post accompanied by the boys photos.

The boys were gravely wounded after a gunman opened fire on the campus of Feather River Adventist School in Oroville on Wednesday afternoon, hitting them and then fatally shooting himself. No other students were physically injured.

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Investigators later learned the suspected shooter, identified by the sheriff as 56-year-old Glenn Litton, may have targeted the school for its affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Litton, who had a criminal history dating to his childhood as well as a history of documented mental illness, had set up a meeting with school administrators, falsely claiming he wanted to enroll his grandson in the school as a ruse to get onto campus without arousing suspicion, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea previously told reporters.

After the meeting, Litton headed toward the parking lot as if he were about to leave  but instead doubled back toward the campus playground, pulling a gun from his waistband and then opening fire.

Oroville Mayor David Pittman issued a statement shortly after the shooting, thanking first responders while expressing sadness at an event that has become shockingly common on school campuses in the U.S.

Sadly, our schools must plan and train for these kinds of events and pray they never occur, he said. Our schools must be safe places.
The Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, seen here in March, is the subject of a proposed class-action settlement following a lawsuit brought by former prisoners. Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

UPDATE: Women abused at Dublin facility to receive largest settlement in Bureau of Prisons history

Following years of sexual abuse allegedly so rampant its own staff called it the rape club, a federal womens prison in Dublin became the subject of a sweeping proposed class-action settlement on Friday that aimed to bring some measure of justice to hundreds of women allegedly assaulted within its walls.

Related Reading: Dublin prison to close permanently after years-long sexual abuse scandal

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In a proposed consent decree filed Friday morning, attorneys representing the Federal Bureau of Prisons as well as women formerly housed at FCI Dublin agreed to a set of terms aimed at improving the prisoners living conditions and treatment, including by limiting solitary confinement and negotiating pathways for early release.

Colette Peters, the Board of Prisons director, will also issue a formal, public acknowledgment to the women who faced abuse. However, the bureau did not admit any liability on the part of federal prison or other government employees.

This proposed Consent Decree is a historic victory, but our work is just beginning, said Emily Shapiro, an advocate with the Dublin Prison Solidarity Coalition. She added that the coalition of advocates and attorneys involved in the settlement would continue fighting for the prisoners freedom and bold policy changes across the prison system.

The consent decree, which still needs a judges approval to go forward, comes after eight women filed a class-action lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Prisons in August 2023 alleging widespread sexual abuse by prison guards, retaliation and medical neglect. Prisoners were allegedly groped and drugged during medical exams; forced to undress or perform sexual favors to receive basic necessities like hot food and sanitary supplies; and thrown into solitary confinement as retaliation for reporting abuse.

While the settlement was reached during a lawsuit related to conditions at FCI Dublin, the monitoring efforts wont take place there. Thats because the prison is set to shut down permanently  a decision by the Federal Bureau of Prisons announced on Friday, the same day it jointly filed the settlement. The prison had closed temporarily in May  less than two months after a different judge had appointed a special master to oversee it, calling the prison a dysfunctional mess. Over the intervening months, federal prison officials assessed the prisons infrastructure and found that considerable repairs would be needed to reopen it.

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Instead, the court monitoring efforts mandated by the consent decree will be spread over more than a dozen federal prisons housing nearly 500 women who joined the class action and once resided in the Dublin prison.
In conversation with Adgully, Ashwin Shekhar, Co-Founder and CRO, AVOW, speaks about the growth of mobile OEM advertising in India in the last few years, the trends, challenges, opportunities in the mobile OEM advertising space at present, the trends dominating the space in 2025, how the sectors such as travel, fintech, Q-commerce, e-commerce businesses are growing rapidly because of the role played by mobile OEM advertising. He also hares his observations on the consumer behavioral patterns across these sectors and how it is assisting app developers and digital marketers to understand the market dynamics and timing for effective advertising and more.

Could you shed light on the growth of mobile OEM advertising in India over the years?

India is an Android-heavy market, whose dominant market share stands at 95.73% as of September 2024. This in turn has helped the alternate app stores of major players such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Vivo, Transsion, and Oppo and their app stores Samsung Galaxy Store, Xiaomi GetApps store, or Vivo V-App Store, Oppo Store to come to the forefront as lucrative options for marketers to harness.

Parallel to the above scenario, in the last few years, app developers have been facing increasing constraints due to the duopoly of Google and Apple, which limits their freedom of choice. As of early 2024, the Google Play Store was hosting approximately 2.3 million apps versus over 2 million apps on the Apple App Store. Together, these two platforms wield immense influence over app distribution.

Mobile OEM advertising platforms are emerging as a lucrative and effective alternative to traditional app stores. Mobile OEMs providing dedicated app stores (along with their own ad inventory, and ad units) are actively challenging the dominance of Google and Apple. This shift offers developers and brands innovative ways to drive app installs and conversions outside traditional search and social media channels. Indias app market continues to grow, with 26.4 billion app downloads recorded in 2023.

Countries like India and key markets in Southeast Asia are fostering a more balanced ecosystem that benefits app developers.

What are the trends, challenges, opportunities in the mobile OEM advertising space in India currently and what are the trends that will dominate the space in 2025?

The mobile app economy continues to expand rapidly, fueled by growing smartphone and tablet adoption, app-based services, and digital transformation. As of early 2024, India recorded 1.12 billion active mobile connections  covering 78% of the population (Source: DataReportal). Notably, in India, 26.4 billion apps were downloaded in 2023. The Indian mobile app landscape in 2024 reflects a high degree of user engagement. On average, smartphone users in the country engage with 10 apps daily and use around 30 apps each month. India is steadily climbing the global mobile engagement ranks and is currently 6th globally. This trend could very soon see India entering the top 3 of those ranks as mobile ubiquity becomes the norm.

Evidently, the mobile app landscape has become increasingly saturated and highly competitive. As a result, marketers must get creative and come up with an innovative marketing mix to stay ahead of the competition and attract new users. Mobile OEMs like Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, and Realme, which command over 62% of Indias market share, are helping brands penetrate diverse markets across Asia, EMEA, and LATAM. Their on-device ad inventory enables seamless advertising beyond traditional app stores. Mobile OEMs also offer flexible CPI pricing, avoiding the rigid cost structures of Google and Facebook, and guarantee fraud-free user acquisition through direct app distribution.

App developers and marketers can benefit from advanced appographic targeting, privacy-compliant tools like OAID, and dynamic preload campaigns, which place their apps directly on new devices to boost visibility and organic rankings. Integration with leading attribution platforms allows real-time campaign optimization, while OEM app stores provide developers the freedom to select payment solutions and automate app updates across stores. This ecosystem not only reduces marketing costs but also enhances reach, engagement, and monetization opportunities for brands.

How are the sectors such as travel, fintech, Q-commerce, e-commerce businesses growing rapidly because of the role played by mobile OEM advertising?

These sectors have anyhow been growing due to multiple factors but mobile OEM advertising has certainly given a push to its growth.

While the travel sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.93% and reach $43.74 million by 2029, Fintech has been growing at an unprecedented growth rate of over 30% estimated to reach $421.48 billion (2029) from $111.14 billion (2024). Indias e-commerce market is poised to reach $100 billion (2024) and $350 billion (2030), according to IAMAI (Internet and Mobile Association of India).

Indias rapid expansion in smartphone penetration has cultivated a distinct and dynamic app ecosystem. Unlike other regions, Indian apps often cater to specific niches and offer innovative solutions. The countrys affordable mobile data has further accelerated the adoption of apps for diverse purposes, including quick commerce, content consumption on OTT, and more. Indias advancements in infrastructure and last-mile delivery have further supported the growth of app-based services.

AVOW is working closely with prominent market players from these sectors, helping them maximize the output from their mobile OEM advertising efforts. By collaborating with mobile OEMs and leveraging advanced targeting capabilities, AVOW is assisting brands in reaching specific user segments, whether it's high-spending consumers for quick commerce apps or potential drivers for delivery services. This tailored approach is empowering app developers to effectively expand their user base and broaden their reach within the competitive Indian market.

Could you share your observations on the consumer behavioral patterns across these sectors and how it is assisting app developers and digital marketers to comprehend the market dynamics and timing for effective advertising?

Lets take Fintech as an example. The rapid adoption of fintech apps in India reveals a young, tech-savvy audience. An audience that prefers mobile-first solutions that provide quick, flexible financial services, including cryptocurrencies and trading apps. India also has the highest crypto adoption rate in the world. Put all of those together, and what you have is a market ripe for the picking and a channel that lets you tap into your preferred audience.

It is the same for e-commerce. 60% of Indian shoppers dont just prefer shopping online but specifically prefer using apps to shop online. Consumers are drawn to personalization and instant access to deals, especially around shopping seasons and festivals such as Diwali and Black Friday. Through mobile OEM partnerships, e-commerce brands can push tailored promotions and exclusive offers directly to users' devices, meeting demand peaks and maintaining brand visibility. OEM app stores robust targeting features enhance engagement, allowing marketers to tap into cultural shopping trends and improve campaign timing and effectiveness.

With Dynamic Product Ads, e-commerce and q-commerce brands can take advantage of OEMs latest innovations. Combining OEMs comprehensive targeting features with Dynamic, on-demand, and real-time advertising, brands can not only target relevant users, but can also show the most relevant products to those users in real-time, all with the up-to-date offer and pricing information.

As consumer behaviours and market trends evolve, so will mobile OEMs advertising offerings. Having the right partners who understand the shifting mobile advertising landscape and local consumer behaviours can make all the difference in staying ahead of the curve.

How have the unique advantages of mobile OEM advertising been a game changer for brands?

As mentioned earlier, brands have to deal with the limitations when their marketing mix largely focuses on Google and/or Facebook. Against this scenario, Mobile OEM advertising by leveraging alternative app stores offers several advantages for brands, including access to previously untapped audiences, targeted reach, increased visibility, cost-effectiveness, a fraud-free environment, and dynamic preloads which lends them an edge by being one of the first apps on a new device.

These factors make mobile OEM advertising a valuable addition to the marketing strategies of brands seeking to boost user acquisition, and engagement and expand into new territories. But as always, the proof is in the pudding, and the advantages of mobile OEM advertising can be summed up with the success our clients have enjoyed with us and mobile OEMs. One e-commerce client saw user growth of 30% quarter-over-quarter, while another e-commerce client saw their average basket size increase by 25%. A fintech client saw their installs increase by a whopping 170%. In contrast, a gaming client managed to expand their audience to over 30 countries, reaching a huge untapped audience previously inaccessible to them. In short, mobile OEM advertising is and will continue to be a game changer for brands moving forward. And the best part is that any brand, from any vertical, can enjoy success with mobile OEMs.

What sets AVOW apart from its competitors and how is it helping advertisers to discover new audiences?

AVOW provides a distinctive solution for mobile OEM aggregation that enhances app discovery across alternative app stores leading to a higher return on advertising spend (ROAS). This allows app developers and mobile marketers to engage with a previously untapped user base that is inaccessible through SDK networks, social media, or search. Our exceptional growth is fueled by our greater and better access to the latent user base and a strong customer-centric approach. Our competitive edge stems from our team of mobile OEM experts, a strong relationship with mobile OEMs that has grown over the years and garnering their accolades through various awards and recognitions, as well as a strong commitment to meeting advertisers growth needs.

These offerings make up our special value proposition for the market:

Access to 1.5+ billion daily active users (DAU)

Risk-free CPI inventory to begin with

Complete transparency and control over traffic

Premium ad placements and latest targeting options in alternative app stores

100% Fraud Free Ad Units, as confirmed by major MMPs

Optimized real-time enhanced engagement levels

The strategic collaboration between AVOW and KYLN empowers us to provide a comprehensive solution that seamlessly delivers both app distribution and user acquisition services. This distinctive blend positions us uniquely within the mobile industry landscape. Through our proprietary technology AVOW Intelligence, we offer a unified view of media inventory across premium mobile OEMs, in one platform. This allows us to provide clients with a competitive advantage when running user acquisition campaigns on alternative app stores.

How has the year 2024 been for AVOW. What are the growth targets and focus areas for 2025-26? What are the global expansion plans of AVOW and its team size?

The year 2024 has been remarkable for us. Starting in late 2023 and early this year, we expanded our global leadership team by welcoming industry veterans like Melissa Bohlsen as CMO and Guenole Le Gall as VP of Revenue to accelerate the company's growth and success. We solidified our strong presence in major global markets including India, Indonesia, the USA, the UK, Vietnam, Brazil, Korea, the Philippines, France, and Turkey and as of today are well poised to address the growing needs of our clients in the coming year.

Our innovative solutions and strategic partnerships also played an integral role in our growth. On the partnership front, we signed an agreement with Samsung and further strengthened our partnership with Huawei in the first half of the year. Earlier in May 2024, AVOW jointly formed KYLN (formerly GameBake) - a premium multi-channel distribution platform (SaaS) for game app developers.

In India, we see significant potential in sectors such as travel, fintech, mobility, OTT, e-commerce, and Q-commerce to leverage mobile OEM advertising within the larger marketing mix. We will enhance our India and global teams as we grow our client portfolio across key geographies.

What role does India play in AVOWs global business operations?

At AVOW, we prioritize human capital and technology-driven solutions. India is the biggest market outside Germany. Our aim is to establish India as a regional hub for Southeast Asia and the APAC region, expanding our operations with a diverse team across sales, operations, account management, and HR.

How has the journey of AVOW been in India so far and the key milestones on its journey? What is the marketing/ media mix strategy of AVOW?

AVOW has achieved exponential growth over the past six years, becoming a leader in the mobile OEM marketing space. It is the only company with exclusive partnerships across all major OEMs, including Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, OnePlus, Realme, Transsion, and Vivo, which together account for over 62% of the Indian market.

In a rapidly evolving market like India, we have fostered partnerships with industry giants such as Amazon Shopping, Navi, Coinswitch, Swiggy, Pizza Hut, KFC, Zupee, and My11 Circle, among others, to drive significant user growth and engagement for their mobile apps. We have achieved a notable 30% increase in partnerships within the Indian market over the past three years. Our competent and passionate servicing team, committed to working as an extension of clients internal growth teams, provides end-to-end support for app launches and user acquisition campaigns.

Also Read: AVOW Becomes Key Partner for Managing Samsungs Galaxy App Store Inventory Sales in the EU
Hindustan Times is set to invest in fluttr, a dating platform designed for users across Indias linguistic diversity. The news was revealed by CEO Kaushik Banerjee in a LinkedIn post.

In his announcement, Banerjee expressed gratitude for a senior executive from Hindustan Times traveling from Delhi to discuss the investment, which he gladly accepted. He highlighted that fluttr is now supported by three major players in Indian media: Times of India, Zee Media Corporation, and Hindustan Times.

Fluttr, created by Kaushik Banerjee and his son Anirban Banerjee, operates as the first multi-language dating app aimed at connecting individuals in India's regional markets. Supporting languages such as Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, Bengali, and Hindi, it seeks to make online dating more inclusive.

The app competes with global platforms like Tinder and Bumble and recently secured nearly 2 crore in funding from actress Huma Qureshi and other angel investors.

Also Read: A Century of Truth: Hindustan Times marks 100 years as India's trusted voice
Indian hip-hop artist Smokes new EP Khel Kood is a collection of seven tracks featuring Umer Anjum, Yoki, Rebel 7 and OG Lucifer. It is now available on all major digital streaming platforms. Celebrated by fans as Indias Punchline King, Smoke reinvents the meaning of Khel Kood from playful to powerful, underlining that forging your own path is just as valuable as conventional success.

Two singles from the EP were released earlier this year Clout Chase and Filmy Freestyle.

Following two impactful albums and a mixtape, the Delhi based artist continues to channel individuality, resilience, and the courage to defy societal norms through his music. With Khel Kood, Smoke aims to deliver an empowering message to anyone who has ever been told their dreams are too big or their passions insignificant.

Talking about his new EP, Smoke shares, Khel Kood is more than music, its my truth. Its about embracing who you are and staying grounded, even when the world tries to box you in. I hope this EP inspires people to step out of the ordinary and find strength in their individuality.

The 27-year-old artist had also collaborated recently with popular Hip Hop artist Prabh Deep to write and perform the rap Cypher I for JioCinemas web series Khalbali Records based on the indie music industry.

Track Highlights:

1. A ONE

Opening the EP with vibrant UK-style hip-hop beats, "A ONE" delivers a playful yet personal narrative of Smokes journey. Reflecting on his childhood in Delhi, his growth, and his place in the music industry, the track sets an energetic and fresh tone for the EP.

2. Piracy (ft. OG Lucifer)

"Piracy" revives the bold energy of early 2000s hip-hop, inspired by Timbaland and Pharrell. With raw references to Indias lifestyle and its connection to piracy, Smoke and OG Lucifer deliver sharp, unapologetic verses in this hard-hitting anthem.

3. Clout Chase

A critique of the fame-driven music industry, "Clout Chase" emphasizes the challenges of staying authentic. Drawing inspiration from Eminem and J. Cole, Smoke contrasts fleeting trends with his own principles of patience, hard work, and staying real.

4. Gorilla (ft. Rebel 7)

Tapping into the competitive spirit of hip-hop, "Gorilla" is an adrenaline-packed anthem of triumph. Smoke and Rebel 7 go head-to-head, celebrating their hustle and achievements while capturing the essence of survival and friendly rivalry.

5. Bigda (Remix)

Teaming up with Qaab, Smoke breathes new life into the fan-favorite "Bigda." Qaabs carefree energy contrasts with Smokes grounded perspective, making the remix an engaging and dynamic addition to the EP.

6. Filmy Freestyle (ft. Umer Anjum and Yoki Muzic)

In collaboration with Pakistani rap star Umer Anjum and producer Yoki Muzic, "Filmy Freestyle" pairs Detroit-style rap with Bollywood-inspired beats. Smoke delivers a sharp critique of the music industry, while Umer adds his signature lyricism for a standout track.

7. For My Name

Closing the EP on an introspective note, "For My Name" explores themes of love, loss, and perseverance. With soulful production and heartfelt lyrics, the track, inspired by J. Cole, serves as a universal message of resilience and staying true to ones roots.

Also Read: Indian Hip Hop duo Ashmit & Steve share heartfelt journey message
This weeks ad showcase brings you a captivating mix of creativity, emotions, and inspiring stories. From the heartwarming tale of a marriage counseling session that turns into a lesson in trust and safety to thought-provoking campaigns on cyber awareness, each narrative blends humor, innovation, and purpose. Discover how experts embody versatility in addressing diverse customer needs, and how dedication fuels excellence in service. Dive into tales of personal spaces that reflect individuality, love, and roots, while dynamic conversations on relationships and boundaries challenge conventions. Explore stories that inspire connection, self-expression, and bold new beginnings!



Rungta Steel



Rungta Steel, one of Indias leading steel and integrated TMT bar manufacturers, has launched its fifth TVC series featuring the Bollywood icons and brand ambassadors Shahrukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, and Ranbir Kapoor.Set against the backdrop of a marriage counselling session, the narrative features a couple seeking advice from Therapist played by Shahrukh Khan. Alia takes on the feisty character of Safeena from Gully Boy, confronting the adventurous Bunny from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani played by Ranbir Kapoor from who struggles to keep his promises. The duo turns to Shahrukhs wise and composed Jahangir Khan from Dear Zindagi for guidance.





During the TVC, Ranbir express his discomfort, saying this home is not a safe and secure place to live. He narrates Us din Sunset dekhne Chhajja par chadha aur tute gaya, I dont feel safe. Alias keeping the humour intact replys Kisne kaha Ghar ke Deewar par Rock climbing karne Ko





Indian Bank has unveiled a digital campaign titled 'Khabar Nahi, Khabardar Bano' for educating customers about the increasing threat of cyber frauds and empower them with preventive measures. Conceptualized by Goldmine Advertising, the banks Digital Agency on Record, the campaign utilises relatable scenarios for addressing the social stigma and embarrassment, often accompanying falling victim to online scams.

With the rise in digital transactions across India, cases of cybercrime and payment fraud have become increasingly prevalent. Through this campaign, Indian Bank aims to create awareness about different types of fraud while equipping customers with practical tips to safeguard themselves. This series of engaging films highlights various cyber threats and underscores the importance of vigilance in the digital age.

Viva ACP, Asias largest manufacturer and supplier of aluminium composite panels (ACP), is proud to announce the launch of its new commercial featuring Bollywood superstar, Anil Kapoor. The commercial will be showcased across theatres, television, connected television, linear television, OTT platforms, and all digital mediums, delivering a fresh and dynamic approach to Vivas brand messaging.

In Viva ACP's new TVC, Anil Kapoor plays a triple role, embodying a Viva ACP Expert and two distinct customers to highlight the brand's versatility. The ad cleverly showcases how Viva ACP caters to diverse needs, from durable, accessible solutions to premium, sophisticated offerings, with Kapoor confidently stating, "We have it all here at Viva ACP.





Axis Bank

Axis Bank has launched the next chapter in its acclaimed Dil Se Open campaign. This latest iteration, har raah dil se open, pays tribute to the dedication of more than 100,000 bankers who work tirelessly for delivering exceptional customer experiences. Emphasizing a relationship oriented customer-first approach to banking in an era of transactional banking, the campaign reaffirms Axis Banks values of warmth, empathy, kindness, and openness, central to its Dil Se Open philosophy, first introduced in 2019.

From Gen Zs digital-first preferences to the specific requirements of Bharat and urban communities, the 2024 campaign showcases how the Banks core values adapt to meet changing dynamics. The new campaign, har raah dil se open is brought to life through five films, each focused on distinct customer segments: salaried, senior citizens, entrepreneurs, high-net-worth clients, and customers in Bharat. These films showcase how Axis Bank employees are committed to supporting diverse financial needs and aspirations across the Banks extensive network of 5,577 branches. This campaign also celebrates Axis Banks strengthened workforce, with the addition of colleagues from the Citi integration, enhancing its capacity to meet diverse customer needs.

Asian Paints returns with a fresh new season of Asian Paints Where The Heart Is, and the first episode whisks us into the warm, sunlit corners of Bollywood star Ananya Pandays cozy yet undeniably glamorous Mumbai home. Viewers are invited into a space defined by soft minimalist design, neutral tones and custom furniture. Her home exudes a unique "Ananya" charm  calm and understated yet infused with a bold elegance that reflects her signature glam aesthetic.

For the first time, the episode brings Ananya and her parents together, presenting two contrasting yet harmonious worlds - the familys lively, bustling home and Ananyas tranquil sanctuary. Ananyas serene apartment, curated with soothing palettes and minimalist decor, symbolizes her personal journey of self-discovery, while the family home reflects the joyous chaos of her childhood. This duality beautifully highlights how Ananya remains deeply connected to her roots while also carving out her own identity in the process of creating her home.

With the popular creator and actor,taking the drivers seat once again, each episode brought together a celebrity guest and a Tinder user for a girl gang chat that was equal parts fun and insightful. The girl trio spilled the tea on everything from spontaneous first dates to owning their relationship goals, setting boundaries, and creating the ultimate Tinder bio!Fromswooning over the rare magic of true chemistry, declaring, I'm an idealist in love but a realist in life. When you find true chemistry, seize it with both hands, tounapologetically urging young daters to ditch the strict dating rules and embrace the uniqueness of every relationship, boldly stating, I don't believe in compatibility, the season had many memorable moments.brought her signature flair when talking about her dream match, saying, I need a man with a good sense of humour. Someone who likes to have fun. Someone who's creative. I can't be with someone who is not creativebecause who wants ordinary? The finale capped it all withkeeping it real as she opened up about love and marriage, saying, I am not in a rush for anything... whenever it (marriage) may happen, ten years from now, 20 years from now, or even tomorrow, it should be (with) the right person. Talk about owning your timeline with charm and confidence!

Also Read: Elver spotlights mens unseen struggles with #ChanceToConnect
Police departments are increasingly using artificial intelligence to write up incident reports filmed on body cameras  to the concern of civil libertarians worried about transcription errors and issues around accountability and transparency. Napa County Sheriff

A new front in the battle over the benefits of artificial intelligence versus its risks is opening up in law enforcement, where police departments are increasingly using the smart software to write up incident reports  to the concern of civil libertarians.

Earlier this year, the Fresno Police Department began experimenting with a product called Draft One sold by body-camera maker Axon that uses software from San Franciscos OpenAI to transcribe video recordings taken on officers body-worn cameras and create a first draft of a police report. Its the largest police force in California so far to try the technology.

Police departments in San Mateo, East Palo Alto and Campbell are also using Axons Draft One and have praised its speed and time-saving capabilities. The San Francisco Police Department said in a statement it is not using the technology.

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Civil libertarians have misgivings about the nascent tool, raising concerns that AI could make mistakes as it works its way into the evidence room and the courtroom. At least one district attorney, in Washington state, has warned of the possibility of errors.

We think police departments should not be using this technology, and that introducing novel AI technology like this in the criminal justice context raises a bunch of civil liberties and civil rights concerns, said Matt Cagle, an American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California attorney who focuses on technology and civil liberties.

Fresno Deputy Chief Rob Beckwith said his officers are using Draft One under a pilot program and only to write up misdemeanor calls. So far, he said, the department hasnt had any problems with errors in transcriptions.

Its nothing more than a template for an officer to finalize, said Beckwith. Its not designed to have an officer push a button and generate a report, he said, adding his department has consulted with the Fresno County District Attorneys Office in training his 400-officer force to use the program.

Im hopeful that it expands beyond the pilot, Beckwith said.

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Fresnos experience comes as many other police departments across the country  and increasingly in the Bay Area  turn to AI to expedite and automate parts of the paperwork-heavy criminal justice process.

Though Axon is the market leader, rival products are also popping up. A startup called Abel offers a similar tool that police are using in Richmond, according to a report in TechCrunch. Neither Abel nor Richmond could be reached to confirm the details.

Aside from transcription of body-camera footage and drafting police reports, some California public defenders and a handful of prosecutors are using AI systems to more quickly parse mountains of evidence  sometimes resulting in speedier trials.

Not all district attorneys are onboard with the emerging technology. A Seattle-area prosecutors office recently warned local law enforcement against using AI programs like Draft One for creating police reports, saying the technology is still developing and can make small errors that are easily missed, even with human review.

Beckwith said the goal is to halve the number of hours officers spend writing reports so they can spend more time on patrol or other duties. The feedback we have gotten from officers has been they are saving a lot of time, he said, though the department did not have specific metrics on how much.

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The ACLUs Cagle said the time savings arent clear and that using only an audio track to produce a police report opens the door for potential inaccuracies.

Defendants have a right to confront their accusers and to scrutinize the case being made by the people in government who want to convict them of crimes, he said. When you introduce a computer product whose workings under the hood are not completely clear, you introduce serious accountability and transparency issues.

Not all district attorneys are onboard with using artificial intelligence technology for body camera transcription. A Seattle-area prosecutor warned local law enforcement against using AI programs for creating police reports, saying the technology can make mistakes that are easily missed. San Francisco Police Department

Axon did not respond to a request for comment about how the program is trained or how often it makes errors.

During an online event Wednesday, put on by the nonprofit Council on Criminal Justice to discuss the intersection of AI and criminal justice, Yasser Ibrahim, Axons executive for AI, said that programs like Draft One are not intended to replace human work. Instead, he said, the idea is to speed up repetitive tasks. The test of whether the technology is working well is, does it make the right thing happen reliably? Ibrahim said, or does it make the bad thing happen more often?

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During the same event discussing AIs role in criminal justice, UC Berkeley Law professor Rebecca Wexler said she worried that better-resourced police and prosecutors using AI might distort the adverse (legal) system if tools are developed for one side.

That is where the startup JusticeText comes in. The companys software is being used by mostly defense attorneys in places including Sacramento and Modesto and creates searchable transcripts of evidence in a case, such as body camera footage, 911 calls and police interrogations.

That kind of evidence is usually handed over by prosecutors in large tranches to defense attorneys such as Stanislaus County Public Defender Reed Wagner, who uses JusticeText to rapidly parse through it.

You are immediately playing catch up as it compares to the prosecution, when wading through voluminous evidence, Wagner said. The software allows him to move faster, and to zero in on the most important pieces of evidence. It doesnt change my responsibility, Wagner added. If Im in a serious trial, I still need to watch all of the footage from a body camera interaction for example, he said.

Wagner said all 30 attorneys in his office use the software, which costs $1,200 per attorney per year, to different degrees.

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The same issues of accuracy raised by Cagle, the ACLU attorney, could exist when AI programs like JusticeText process footage or audio into transcripts. But using AI for criminal defense compared to for policing is different, Cagle said, since good criminal defense attorneys are going to check the output of these kinds of systems every which way.
Devendra Fadnavis: The Brahmin Who Refuses to Crack 2

Lets be honestevery politician has their breaking point. Personal criticism? Thats their Achilles heel. Political jabs? Sure, theyll brush those off with rehearsed lines about democracy. But poke at their personal lives, and theyll whip up vendettas faster than you can say press conference. Except, of course, for Devendra Fadnavis, who seems to be made of Teflon-coated steel with a side of patience worthy of sainthood.

As a Brahmin, Fadnavis has been at the receiving end of a never-ending parade of insults so inventive they could win awards for creativity. Tarbujya, Anaji Pant, and Bamani Kawa arent just outdated nicknames; theyre the verbal equivalent of bar fights started by opposition leaders who double as amateur comedians with questionable timing. And yet, Fadnavis remains unruffled, like a monk calmly sipping chai while the world burns.

But lets rewind for context: Fadnavis didnt just drop out of the sky as Chief Minister. His story has all the right ingredientsluck, lineage, and a healthy dose of hustle. Sure, his father, Gangadharrao Fadnavis, was a BJP MLC and a Jan Sangh stalwart, but Devendra didnt ride any golden chariot to power. Instead, he worked his way up from shakhas and student activism, even staging a rebellion as a child by refusing to attend Indira Convent School after his father was jailed during the Emergency. If political messaging were an Olympic sport, young Devendra wouldve been a prodigy.

Fast forward to Maharashtras unique pastime: Brahmin-bashing. For some, its practically a hobby. When Fadnavis became Chief Minister, the critics came out in full force, equipped with insults that sounded like they were ripped straight from toxic WhatsApp groups. And Jarange Patil? His linguistic flourishes were so coarse theyd make even the most hardened troll blush. But while others might have crumbled or lashed out, Fadnavis channelled his inner yogi, calmly ignoring the cacophony.

Where other leaders wouldve thrown tantrums or Twitter storms, Fadnavis stayed stoic. He is, after all, a karmayogithe kind who probably meditates to the sound of political chaos. His restraint stands in stark contrast to leaders like Uddhav Thackeray, whose idea of damage control was storming into an actresss home for daring to critique him. Classy.

But Fadnavis isnt just about keeping calm; hes also the guy who plays political chess while everyone else is fumbling with checkers. Elections? Parliamentary maneuvering? Hes the wizard behind the curtain, turning long shots into sure bets with meticulous micro-planning. The man could probably turn Monopoly into a high-stakes strategic thriller. Whether its leveraging parliamentary rules to bring in sick MLAs for a vote or pulling off miracle wins, Fadnavis operates with a level of finesse that keeps his opponents awake at night.

Now, lets talk ambition. Every politician has it in spadesits practically a requirement. But what sets Fadnavis apart is how he tempers his ego with unshakeable loyalty to his party. Take Uddhav Thackerays betrayal, for example. Fadnavis couldve gone full Shakespearean vengeance, but instead, he regrouped, backed Eknath Shinde, and orchestrated a revolution. Even when he was demoted to Deputy Chief Minister, he didnt sulk or scheme. Why? Because for Fadnavis, its not about the title; its about the mission.

And then theres his rare ajatshatru (enemy-less) quality. Balasaheb Thackeray was blunt and fiery, while Sharad Pawars friendships were often transactional. Fadnavis, however, wins respect across party lines without breaking a sweat or resorting to intimidation. Its a rare trait that makes him both formidable and oddly likeablea unicorn in todays political jungle.

Lets not forget his fiscal wizardry. While others bankrupted the Treasury with lump-sum waivers, Fadnavis found a way to balance relief for farmers with economic prudence. His loan waivers helped small farmers while keeping the coffers intacta rare feat in a state known for its financial juggling acts.

In a political landscape overflowing with theatrics and egos, Devendra Fadnavis is a refreshing anomaly. Hes not just surviving; hes thrivingwith grace, intellect, and a level-headedness that feels almost otherworldly. Maharashtra politics would be a lot dullerand a lot less strategicwithout him.

So heres to Fadnavis: the karmayogi with a spine of steel and a chessboard for a brain. Long may his political checkmates continue.
EVM Controversy Sparks Drama: MVA MLAs Boycott Assembly Oath-Taking Ceremony 2

In a dramatic turn of events, Maharashtras political stage witnessed high-voltage drama on Saturday as opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) MLAs boycotted the oath-taking ceremony in the legislative assembly, citing allegations of electronic voting machine (EVM) misuse. The session marked the formal swearing-in of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, alongside other MLAs.

MVAs Protest Raises Eyebrows

The opposition members abstained from taking the oath, questioning the integrity of the recently concluded assembly elections that delivered a sweeping victory to the Mahayuti alliance. They alleged that the results, which saw the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawars NCP securing 230 out of 288 seats, were influenced by EVM manipulation.

Addressing reporters outside the Vidhan Bhavan, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray explained the boycott. When a government wins with such a massive mandate, its usually a cause for celebration. However, doubts persistwas this mandate truly given by the people or engineered through EVMs and the Election Commission? he questioned. Thackeray also highlighted unrest in Markadwadi village, Solapur, where residents demanded mock polls using ballot papers.

Oath-Taking Ceremony Goes On

Despite the oppositions absence, the assembly session commenced with pro-tem speaker Kalidas Kolambkar administering the oath of office to CM Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar. BJP leaders Chainsukh Sancheti and Jaykumar Rawal, along with Manikrao Kokate (NCP) and Ashish Jaiswal (Shiv Sena), were also sworn in as pro-tem speakers panel members.

CM Fadnavis, representing Nagpur South-West, took his oath for the sixth time since first being elected in 1999. His entry into the assembly was met with thunderous desk-thumping and chants of Jai Shri Ram and Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji from treasury bench members.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde received a similar welcome, with BJP leaders Ashish Shelar and Girish Mahajan leading the celebrations. Ajit Pawar, donning a traditional red pheta with a golden border, was cheered on by his supporters, who chanted, Ekach Dada, Ajit Dada!

Symbolism and Sentiments

The ceremonial attire of legislators also caught attention. Shiv Sena MLAs wore saffron phetas, emphasizing their Hindutva roots, while NCP MLAs sported pink phetas. Ajit Pawars preference for pink jackets during the election campaign has sparked speculation about his outreach to women voters.

Prominent Figures Take the Oath

Apart from the trio of Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar, prominent leaders such as former assembly speakers Dilip Walse-Patil and Rahul Narwekar, BJPs Girish Mahajan, and SPs Abu Asim Azmi were also sworn in. Notably, Mahajan took his oath in Sanskrit, continuing his tradition from previous terms. NCP leader Hasan Mushrif invoked Allah during his oath, reflecting the diverse cultural and religious fabric of Maharashtras legislature.

MVAs Strategy Ahead

The MVAs boycott has sparked debates about the fairness of the electoral process and its implications for democracy. While the ruling alliance basks in its landslide victory, the oppositions protest underscores deep-rooted concerns about electoral transparency.

As the session unfolds, all eyes are on how this political tug-of-war will shape Maharashtras governance and public trust in democratic institutions.
Samajwadi Party Walks Out of MVA Over Babri Masjid Row: 'No Difference Between BJP and Sena (UBT)' 2

In a significant political fallout, the Samajwadi Party (SP) announced its exit from the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance on Saturday. The decision came after a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, close to party chief Uddhav Thackeray, publicly hailed the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

Triggering the Rift

Maharashtra SP president Abu Asim Azmi expressed outrage over a controversial newspaper advertisement by the Shiv Sena (UBT) and a social media post by party MLC Milind Narvekar. The advertisement congratulated those responsible for the mosques demolition, while Narvekars post on platform X (formerly Twitter) featured a photo of the demolition alongside Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackerays statement, I am proud of those who did this. The post also included images of Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, and Narvekar himself.

Azmi did not mince words while announcing the partys decision. If anyone in the MVA speaks this language, what is the difference between the BJP and them? Why should we stay with them? he questioned. He also confirmed discussions with SP national president Akhilesh Yadav regarding the move.

SPs Stand

The Samajwadi Party, which has two MLAs in the Maharashtra assembly, has been a critical ally in the opposition MVA bloc alongside the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT). However, the party has made it clear that communal provocations, even within the alliance, are unacceptable.

This is a matter of principle, Azmi stated. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders actions directly contradict the inclusive politics we stand for.

Fallout and Political Implications

The SPs departure from the MVA could weaken the opposition alliance, already under pressure to counter the BJP-led government in Maharashtra. It also raises questions about the Shiv Sena (UBT)s strategy, as it risks alienating secular allies in its effort to uphold its Hindutva legacy.

With the 2024 general elections on the horizon, the incident underscores the fragile balance within opposition alliances navigating ideological differences. The move by the SP not only reflects a fracture in the MVA but also sends a broader message about the challenges of maintaining unity amidst diverging political ideologies.
Sammys has agreed to settle a federal wage theft lawsuit filed by current and former dancers of the Birmingham gentlemans club for more than $632,000, according to court records.

The dancers filed the lawsuit in April, alleging they were illegally classified as general contractors and forced to share their tips with workers who do not customarily receive gratuities in violation of federal labor laws.

Under the $632,100 settlement, the 26 dancers will collectively net $354,270; $277,830 is earmarked for court costs and attorneys fees.

In a Nov. 25 joint filing in federal court in Birmingham, the gentlemans club at 342 Valley Ave., near Homewood city limits, and the dancers asked U.S. District Court Judge Madeline Hughes Haikala to approve the terms of the settlement.

Haikala has yet to sign off on the agreement.

The settlement allocations to Plaintiffs reflect the potential recovery and strength of Plaintiffs cases given the uncertainty of any recovery at trial on the merits and due to the financial condition of Defendants. Had Plaintiffs continued and sought a greater recovery, there was a strong likelihood that any greater recovery, which could not be guaranteed, would have been pyrrhic as greater time and expense would have been incurred ..., reads the filing.

The $632,100 is greater than Defendants wished to pay and represents a compromise given the circumstances surrounding these matters, the filing went on to say.

Patricia Cantavespre, the owner of S.J.B. Corp., the company Sammys is registered under, could not immediately be reached for comment.

The lawsuit initially sought at least $100,000 in compensatory damages in addition to restitution, attorneys fees, penalties and interest and other damages.

In 2023, a federal judge ruled former dancers at The Furnace were employees of the Birmingham strip club, not independent contractors.

The dancers in that lawsuit claimed at 309 28th St. North, violated provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, including not paying them minimum wage or overtime.
Two Madison County strip clubs claim the county commission discriminated against them when it denied their requests for liquor licenses. The clubs stated in federal court filings this week that they have been deprived of nearly $1.5 million in revenue as a result.

The Madison County Commission unanimously rejected liquor licenses for Rocket City Show Girls and The Cheetah Club in February. The county attorney, Jeff Rich, said the clubs permit topless and bottomless dancing, which would violate the regulations of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, which regulates alcohol sales in the state.

In their complaint against the Alabama ABC Board and Madison County Commission members, the clubs said no one provided any evidence to support the allegation of non-compliance. They argued that commissioners were more worried about votes than fairness.

What weve run into here is a situation where we believe our clients are being treated differently just because of the type of business they are, Eric Artrip, the attorney for the clubs, told AL.com. That would be fine if they were doing something illegal, but theyre not.

Theyre operating a legal business, and just because the powers that be believe their constituents dont like that business, we believe there has been an unfair application of the law.

The clubs are owned by the same entity and the lawsuit referenced a phone call one of the owners, Jerry Westlund, allegedly received from an alcohol board supervisor.

...the State is not going to issue a liquor license to a strip club, the supervisor told Westlund, according to the lawsuit.

Westlund replied, ...but Im a restaurant adding that other strip clubs in Alabama have alcohol licenses.

Yeah, but you could have ten-year-olds go in there, the supervisor said on the phone, according to the lawsuit. Look, since you have taken over, you guys have done a great job, but we just arent going to issue a liquor license to a strip club.

Based on that alleged phone conversation, Artrip said that even if the Madison County Commission permits them to have the license, the alcohol board would not.

It doesnt make a ton of sense given that there are other adult clubs that allow the same kind of customer entertainment that we do, operating with a liquor license in other counties in Alabama, Artrip said. But for whatever reason, theyve made a determination that theyre not going to grant anymore and so we are something of a standard bearer, I think, for the idea that you cant make an arbitrary decision to not grant certain businesses liquor licenses based merely on the way that they conduct themselves.

So really then it comes down to personal preference, religious beliefs, and alleged morality and those are the kind of things that should not be coming into play when a governmental body is making a decision about how to apply the law.

Two Madison County commissioners declined comment for this story, while others did not immediately respond. County attorney Jeff Rich and the Alabama Beverage Control Board did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

The lawsuit estimates that the clubs have missed out on about $18,000 each week in revenue, and more than $1.47 million since February, because of the license denial.

Madison County is growing at an exponential rate compared with the rest of the State of Alabama and the majority of the United States, the lawsuit said. By failing to follow the law in violation of Plaintiffs rights, Defendants have cost, are costing, and will cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue and future opportunities.

The clubs seek reimbursement for the lost revenue and the liquor licenses they believe they qualify for.

The problem here is that right now we have operated a business for decades under a beer license and we are simply requesting to be able to sell a glass of wine or a wine cooler or a mixed cocktail, Artrip said. And I think thats not too much to ask given the numerous enhanced liquor sales licenses that have been approved by the Madison County commission.
A shooting at a bonfire in south Alabama has left a man dead and six juveniles injured, according to police.

The shooting happened shortly before 11 p.m., in the area of Bellingrath Road and Laurendine Road in Mobile.

Officials arent releasing the name of the man who was killed until his family has been notified, said Blake Brown, public information officer for the Mobile Police Department.

Two juveniles were transported to the hospital by ambulance, while four other juveniles arrived to local hospitals by personal vehicle, Brown said in a statement.

The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time, he said. In all, 7 individuals were struck by gunfire.

On Saturday afternoon, the Gun Violence Archive listed the deadly incident as one of 476 mass shootings in the U.S. and one of 25 in Alabama so far this year. A mass shooting is one in which four or more people are injured or killed.

Last month, one person was killed and 16 people were injured in a shooting during homecoming at Tuskegee University. In September, four people died and 17 were injured in another mass shooting outside Hush Lounge in Birmingham.

According to WKRG, the Mobile shooting happened as around 100 people were at a party with drinking games and a bonfire.

The shooters drove away while firing guns from their vehicle, the TV station reported.

If anyone has any information, theyre asked to call the Mobile Police Department at 251-208-7211, or submit an anonymous tip by text at 844-251-0644 or online.
Officials are requesting the publics help in locating a missing delivery driver with north Alabama ties.

The Decatur Police Department is seeking information on the whereabouts of 62-year-old Ann Theresa Kipp, who makes deliveries nationwide for a company called RXO.

Kipp was reported missing to the police department on Nov. 3, according to a news release. She is described as having strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes.

She is 5 feet 8 inches tall and around 350 lbs.

Kipp was last seen in Scottsburg, Indiana on Oct. 20, after calling in sick four days prior in Louisville, Kentucky.

Kipps last known delivery was in Corinth, Mississippi on Oct. 10.

She drives blue 2018 Ford Transit with a RXO decal in white lettering on both the driver and passenger doors, according to officials.

The license plate of the vehicle is is Michigan Tag 8QD B91.

While she does not physically live in Decatur, police said, Kipp has a mailing address in the city.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Ferizovic at 256-341-4614 or email him at jferizovic@decatur-al.gov.
In just over a month, TikTok users in Alabama and across the U.S. may no longer see dancing videos, cute pets and more if the app is banned in the country.

If TikTok is not sold off from its Chinese parent company ByteDance by Jan. 19, 2025, app stores could face major fines if they continue to host the app under U.S. law, according to CNN.

Though the app would continue to work on phones that already have it downloaded after the ban, the lack of updates might eventually render the app buggy and useless.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Friday unanimously denied TikToks petition to overturn the law and rejected the companys challenge of the statute.

TikTok and ByteDance are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court, according to the Associated Press.

Unfortunately, the TikTok ban was conceived and pushed through based upon inaccurate, flawed and hypothetical information, resulting in outright censorship of the American people, TikTok spokesperson Michael Hughes said in a statement.

Hughes added in his statement that the statute will silence the voices of over 170 million Americans here in the U.S. and around the world on January 19th, 2025.

Since the news, people have taken to the platform to voice their worries and fears if the ban in the U.S. takes effect.

Alabama TikTok star Ophelia Nichols, better known as Mama Tot, spoke on some of those concerns back in March of this year, while at a protest in D.C. calling for Congress not to ban the app.

I think they just dont understand what the app means to so many people, Nichols said in a TikTok video. For someone to take that away, yall better think about that.

TikTok could be thrown a lifeline from President-elect Donald Trump, though.

The ban takes place a day before his inauguration, but he could ask Congress to repeal the law, direct the attorney general not to enforce the law or he announce that TikTok is no longer subject to the law after Inauguration Day, according to CNN.

Trump has flip-flopped on his support for the app. He attempted to ban the app during his first term in office, but has more recently showed his support for the app.

Frankly, there are a lot of people on TikTok that love it. There are a lot of young kids on TikTok who will go crazy without it, Trump told CNBC earlier this year.
This is a guest opinion column

Despite some progress in reducing the number of cigarette smokers, smoking remains the leading cause of disease and preventable death in Alabama. Fortunately, there are some commonsense steps we can take to reduce smoking rates even further. As we head into the next legislative session, it is essential that we embrace free-market approaches that would further improve the health and well-being of Alabamians.

As a physician, this issue is incredibly close to my heart. We owe it to our friends and loved ones to work as a legislative body to embrace innovation and policies that help adult smokers transition away from cigarettes.

That is why I introduced legislation in the Alabama Senate that would make it easier for adult smokers to access products that are a much better choice than combustible cigarettes. The bill would create a new tax category for heated tobacco products, which are less harmful, smoke-free alternatives that have shown promise in other countries in helping people quit smoking. While these products are not yet widely available in Alabama, they are expected to enter the market soon.

My legislation, which I will be introducing again, would align our states tax code with the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) framework for assessing the relative risk of tobacco products. Simply put, we should ensure that less harmful products are taxed less, providing an important incentive for adult smokers to switch.

Obviously, the best choice for anyone who smokes should be to quit, but we all know that it is incredibly difficult for many people. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly half of smokers try to quit every year and fewer than 1 in 10 actually succeed. But that is where the marketplace can help.

Heated tobacco products provide a path for adults who smoke to transition to a less harmful option, offering a similar experience to smoking without the dangerous effects of inhaling toxic smoke. Studies show that these products have 90 percent fewer harmful chemicals than cigarette smoke, which is a critical step forward in our efforts to reduce smoking-related diseases.

The potential health benefits of this shift are enormous. Not only can we save thousands of lives, but Alabama stands to save billions of dollars in healthcare costs associated with smoking-related diseases.

Some critics argue that the loss in cigarette tax revenue might offset these benefits. As a public official and a medical professional, I can say with complete confidence that relying on revenue from a product that kills nearly half a million Americans annually is not sound policy from either a public health or fiscal standpoint.

I am proud to say that my legislation has obtained support from medical professionals and public health experts alike, including former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Tom Price, who called it a commonsense approach that will yield great benefits for the states future.

We have made great strides in recent years, but we can and must do more. Reducing the impact of smoking in Alabama means making safer products more accessible than cigarettes and ensuring that smokers have the support they need to quit.

After a decade of working in the Alabama legislature, I have learned that the best government policies are those that can get government out of the way of important free market solutions. This bill is a commonsense step in that direction.

Let us help Alabamians access the tools that can lead to healthier, smoke-free lives.

Tim Melson, a physician and retired anesthesiologist, serves in the Alabama Senate representing the Florence area.
By Samantha Delouya, CNN

(CNN)  Google sued the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Friday, challenging the agencys decision to place Googles payment division under federal supervision.

In a copy of the lawsuit provided by Google, the company said the CFPBs supervision would be a burdensome form of regulation imposed based on a small number of unsubstantiated user complaints. The CFPBs decision related to a Google peer-to-peer payment product no longer offered in the United States.

The lawsuit, filed in the US district court in Washington, DC, comes after the CFPB published an order announcing supervisory authority of Google Payment Corp. The agency alleged that Googles handling of its payment products may pose a risk to consumers. The CFPB cited customer complaints, including that Google failed to properly investigate instances where money was transferred in error.

The legal fight between Google and the CFPB, the government agency founded to enforce consumer protection laws, comes amid a push by big tech companies, including Google, Apple and Samsung, into financial products.

In a statement, Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said Googles payment products never posed a risk to users.

This is a clear case of government overreach involving Google Pay peer-to-peer payments, which never raised risks and is no longer provided in the U.S., and we are challenging it in court, he said.

In the companys lawsuit, Google argued that the CFPB committed a legal error by setting an exceedingly low bar for what it counts as sufficient risks to consumers.

As a matter of common sense, a product that no longer exists is incapable of posing such risks, the lawsuit said.

However, the CFPB said the discontinuation of Googles payment products did not release it from agency supervision.

Supervisory authority over Googles payments division would allow the CFPB to oversee its operations, ensuring they comply with consumer financial laws. In Googles lawsuit, the company alleged the CFPB would subject Google to on-site examinations and requests for confidential documents and information.

In 2022, the CFPB announced it would begin examining nonbank financial institutions that pose a risk to consumers.

This authority gives us critical agility to move as quickly as the market, allowing us to conduct examinations of financial companies posing risks to consumers and stop harm before it spreads, said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra in 2022.

This story has been updated with additional details and context.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
A man who vanished from prison in 2017 and was on the run for nearly eight years was arrested and indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday. He was found carrying multiple cellphones and debit and credit cards in different peoples names. Rafe Swan/Getty Images

A San Francisco man who vanished from prison in 2017 and was on the run for nearly eight years was arrested and indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday on charges of escaping from custody, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Eric Pree, 55, was discovered missing from the U.S. Penitentiary Atwater in Merced County on Jan. 29, 2017. He had been convicted of federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in 2012 and was serving a 101-month sentence for the crimes, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Pree was at large for nearly eight years until October, when investigators arrested him in Walnut Creek. He was found carrying multiple cellphones, identification cards, debit and credit cards in different peoples names, drivers licenses and a fake Harvard University student ID, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

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Pree is in federal custody serving the rest of his original sentence. If convicted of escaping from custody, he could face five additional years in prison and a $250,000 fine, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.










English News China's Juncao technology brings win-win outcomes to Fiji

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 5 Decembre 2024



In recent years, with the deepening of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, 'grass of happiness' has not only entered numerous households in Fiji but also helped cultivate a large number of local talents who have grown into the backbone of the Juncao grass industry, injecting new vitality into local agricultural modernization.

By Zhang Niansheng, Wang Yunsong, Bai Yuanqi, People's Daily In 2014, with the joint efforts of the leaders of China and Fiji, the China-Fiji Juncao Technology Demonstration Center was established. Nine years later, the China-Pacific Island Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Center (CPICJTDC) was unveiled in Fiji.



"The giant Juncao grass grows amazingly. It gets 5 to 8 centimeters taller per day in November," said Lin Xingsheng, team leader of the China-Fiji Juncao Technology Demonstration Center.



"We have built a modern agricultural science and technology park covering an area of 3 hectares, integrating the 'plant-fungi-animal' cycle. In addition, there is also a breeding base of about 10 hectares for Juncao seeds," Lin added.



The Chinese technical personnel at the demonstration center actively explored and, based on the local climate and soil conditions, cultivated a variety of mushrooms using high-quality Juncao grass as nutrients, bringing tangible benefits to local farmers.



"The establishment of the demonstration center has ended the history of Fiji's inability to grow mushrooms, making mushroom cultivation an emerging industry for prosperity," said Ateleni Kaloumaira Vuinakelo, area field officer from Fiji's Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, who closely collaborated with Chinese experts in 2012 to introduce Juncao technology to Fiji.



Under the careful guidance of Chinese experts, the Fijian people gradually mastered the skills of cultivating over 10 varieties of edible mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms, ganoderma lucidum, and termite mushrooms, leading to a significant increase in income.



"Juncao technology has changed the agricultural development pattern of Fiji. Juncao grass can not only cultivate high-quality edible and medicinal mushrooms but also serve as high-quality feed, driving the development of animal husbandry. It is a 'golden key' for the people of Fiji to get rid of poverty and become prosperous," Vuinakelo said.

Water systems are well developed within Fiji, but riverbank erosion is a major issue in the local riverside areas, leading to soil erosion and severe damage to the local ecosystem.



Sant Kumar, a former agricultural staffer now running a hectare of farmland on the outskirts of Nadi, Fiji, told People's Daily, "The government invests significant funds each year in river channel management, but the results are minimal."

During a technical training session, Kumar learned about the robust root system of giant Juncao grass and its ability to stabilize soil. Therefore, he planted this grass variety on the riverbank of his farm.



"They were like a dense net, firmly securing the fertile soil," he said. Today, lush giant Juncao grass grows along the riverbank, effectively preventing landslides.



"Giant Juncao grass has also brought additional economic benefits," Kumar said, pointing to the mature mango trees on the bank.



"The soil improved by giant Juncao grass is very suitable for growing fruits. Abundant fruits not only meet our own needs but can also be sold to multiple markets. The combination of Juncao grass and fruit trees has brought us substantial income. I recommend the government to vigorously promote this sustainable development model, so as to achieve a win-win situation for the economy and the environment," Kumar noted.



According to statistics, the land planted with giant reed grass has experienced a 97.05 percent to 98.9 percent reduction in soil erosion compared to corn fields, and a decrease of around 80.0 percent to 90.9 percent in water loss.

"Giant Juncao grass has enormous potential in promoting ecological restoration and sustainable development. Its well-developed root system acts as a 'barrier' against soil erosion and a 'remedy' for land salinization," said Su Ribai, an expert from the CPICJTDC.



"Many Fijians affectionately called Juncao grass as 'grass of happiness' because it has helped many farmers escape poverty, improve their lives. The Fiji-China Juncao grass cooperation is a livelihood project that every household can join, not only cultivating agricultural professionals in Fiji but also providing new ideas for ecological governance in Pacific island countries," said Vuinakelo.



In recent years, with the deepening of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, 'grass of happiness' has not only entered numerous households in Fiji but also helped cultivate a large number of local talents who have grown into the backbone of the Juncao grass industry, injecting new vitality into local agricultural modernization.



Up to now, the demonstration center has successfully held more than 50 training sessions in Fiji, training over 2,700 local Juncao grass technical personnel.



Zhou Jian, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji, said: "As a demonstration project of South-South cooperation, Juncao technology has been applied and promoted in 106 countries and regions worldwide, contributing to 13 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations, and providing Chinese wisdom and solutions for poverty alleviation and ecological protection in many countries."



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's economic resilience: overcoming challenges, advancing with confidence High-quality Belt and Road cooperation create opportunities for global growth Technological cooperation leads to closer China-Africa economic, trade ties Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!

Can anyone deny that these emphatic words spoken by President Ronald Regan in his speech at the Berlin Wall were some of his most notable (among many) from his stellar two terms in the White House? And, if you thought about it, wouldnt President Richard Nixon saying, I am not a crook, seem to be the words that spring to mind to sum up Nixons days in office? One president rises at Brandenburg Gate; the other falls from Watergate.

Before Nixon, who will ever forget President John F. Kennedys powerful expression, Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country?

Words from our presidents, whether simple phrases or entire speeches, paint a picture of the man in Americas highest office and can, rightly or wrongly, be used to label them either a good or bad leader. President Nixon, for example, accomplished much good for this country during his tenure, but the Watergate scandal, which by todays barometer might appear tepid, marked the event that chased him from the Oval Office.

Image by AI.

So, with Donald J. Trumps triumphant return to the White House and with many of his words still fresh in our collective consciences, what can we pare down as possibilities for his most memorable quotes?

Trump is nothing if not a showman. Even those who dont like him or didnt vote for him have to admit that, because his actions demanded so much attention, he was constantly foisted, willingly and unwillingly, onto center stage, both nationally and internationally. And more so than in any of the other two times Trump ran for the presidency, this time around, merchandise related to Trumpfrom T-shirts to buttons to bobblehead dolls to even a shot glass complete with bulletwent flying off the internet shelves. Many of these items, of course, contained his most memorable phrases. Plus, what president is responsible for creating a worldwide dance craze?

Setting aside Trumps iconic campaign slogan, Make America Great Again (which he first revealed in an interview as far back as 2013, three years before he rode down the Trump Tower escalator), and his powerful additional tagline specific to 2024, Too Big to Rig (a reminder of what were the obvious shenanigans back in 2020), Trump has been dropping meaningful expressions unabated, like a busted gumball machine.

Here, then, is a partial list of Trump Quotes, keeping in mind that some of my choices and their order of appearance here are based on a bit of whimsy and a dash of snarkiness:

Theyre not after me; theyre after youIm just in the way.

Trump tweeted this out back on December 18, 2019. This defiant blast came along with a black-and-white photo of the president pointing his finger and indicating that peoples attention should be focused on what was really going on behind the impeachment proceedings at the time.

Fight! Fight! Fight!

Perhaps Elon Musk summed it up best when he talked about this moment from Trumps life-on-the-edge-of-death experience on July 13, 2024. It was his natural, kneejerk response to a bullet that shaved off part of his ear and missed killing him by a hairs breadth. This was pure defiance, not the desire to hide or flee.

Many who watched the moment live, either in-person or on television as did I, reacted with starkly mixed emotions: Initially, we were filled with fear that Trump had been wounded or killed; then, when he raised his fist in defiance and shouted as a leader victorious in battle, we had a relieved feeling not only for our candidate but because we suddenly thought this must surely be the moment that the race, with almost four months yet to run, was won.

Do you want fries with that?

Okay, maybe McDonalds-employee Trump didnt actually say these words as he leaned through the drive-through window at the fast-food restaurant thats as American as mom and apple pie. However, when the jolly old grandpa who has been compared to Hitler can pull this one off, followed by sitting in the co-pilots seat of a garbage truck, what unknown person in the future wont be fooled by this application to President #45 and #47? (Future me is already saying, Im lovin it!)

As I was saying....

In Trumps return to Butler, Pennsylvania, anyone with half a brain could see this one coming. He opened his speech with these words, signifying that nothing was going to stop him from getting his message outnot even the bullet that this opening remark seemed to swat away like a fly. Of course, our once and future president properly paid tribute to the brave soul, firefighter Corey Comperatore, who lost his life protecting his family during Trumps first trip to that small western Pennsylvania town.

Down the hall and to the left.

Who can ever forget this oneespecially around this Christmasy time of year? Thats the one line Trump had when Macauley Culkin, in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, asked Trump where to find a restroom in the Plaza Hotel. (Okay, okay, I did warn you that some of these best-quote suggestions would be a tad snarky, didnt I?)

Finally, here is the quote that I think received the most traction because it hit the mark on so many levels:

Theyre eating the dogs. Theyre eating the cats... Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

During Trumps one and only debate with the hapless Kamala Harris, many crazy things were saidand many of these were baseless, even previously debunked, lies from the rambling thoughts of candidate Harris. The only real issue of substance to come from the long-winded and cantankerous contest was Trumps assertion that Haitian migrants were doing unspeakably unsavory things to peoples household petsa claim that proved true.

Trumps utterance could easily have been turned into mockery, but somehow memes (even a song with a catchy tune) soon appeared depicting Trump as savior of cats and dogs. Later, when bureaucrats in New York State exterminated PNut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon, this heartless trend of animal cruelty became the brush swiped across anyone who was part of the current ruling class. (Had the snuffed out squirrel been a tenant's pet in Trump Tower, and the execution enacted by a vicious doorman there, would Trump have fared so well?)

Well, that is my very short and narrowly focused collection of Trump verbiage, both as president and as a candidate. With his return to the White House for another four years, we can only anticipate additional witticisms to add to his already colorful verbal palate. (I mean, Trump has not even retaken his seat behind the Resolute Desk and hes gifted the world already with Canada could become the 51st state.)

We might even speculate that what the incoming president has promised to be a Golden Age of America could be the dawn of brand-new maxims that might very well be...

Yuuuuuuuge!

Albin Sadar is the author of Obvious: Seeing the Evil Thats in Plain Sight and Doing Something About It, as well as the childrens book collection, Hamster Holmes: Box of Mysteries. Albin was formerly the producer of The Eric Metaxas Show.
Since President Trump nominated Pete Hegseth as the next U.S. Defense Secretary, the knives have been out for him.



First, they belittled him by claiming he was merely co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend." Even now, in their myriad hit pieces, Hegseth is referred to as the former Fox News host, the implication being that he is a lightweight.



After graduating from Princeton University in 2003, Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard. He volunteered to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded the Bronze Star. Yet hes never referred to as a military veteran.



Let's look at the allegations so far.



NBC News reported that ten current and former Fox employees said Hegeseth drank in ways that concerned them. A media watchdog has rubbished these claims.



The New Yorker reported that Hegeseth drunkenly shouted Kill all Muslims! in the middle of a bar while serving as the president of Concerned Veterans for America (CVA). The same article claimed that Hegseth was completely passed out in a van and slumped over a female employee and had to be carried back to his room. Jane Meyer, the author of the piece, was also behind smears against Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

An undisclosed whistleblower report on Hegseths tenure as the president of CVA from 2013 until 2016, alleged misconduct during inebriation and that Hegseth sexually pursued female coworkers. The report also claims he was forced to resign from two different veterans groups because of alleged misconduct and mismanagement. An ex-CVA advisor revealed that Hegseth stepped down voluntarily and that there wasn't any fraud or misconduct.

It was also alleged that Hegseth sexually assaulted a woman at a California hotel in 2017. Hegseths attorney, Timothy Parlatore, revealed that the allegation "was investigated by the police at the time and they found no evidence.



The attacks aren't just restricted to Hegseth -- the WaPo belittled all Bronze Star awardees, claiming that Bronze Stars are "fairly routine and bureaucratic.

All of the above are claims made by unnamed sources.

Even if someone claims to be a witness or a victim, it isn't proof of wrongdoing.

Recently, reports surfaced that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis may replace Hegseth. This, too, was a falsehood -- President Trump has reaffirmed his faith in Hegseth.

But the news space is flooded with these allegations. The goal is to imply that there is no smoke without fire.



Now for some facts.



Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Mike Rounds (R-SD) support Hegseth, as do Senator-elect James Banks and Rep. Warren Davidson.

But the smear merchants of the swamp won't relent. They tasted blood following the ouster of Matt Gaetz and are hoping to repeat their feat.



Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) claimed that the allegations against Hegseth are very disturbing, which is ironclad proof that the swamp despises Hegseth.



This is a preview of what Hegseth's hearing is likely to be. It will be a kangaroo court. Despite not being charged with any crime, Hegseth will be treated as guilty. This isn't only a violation of the norms of any confirmation process but also due process in court, which mandates the presumption of innocence. This is the treatment Justice Kavanaugh and Justice Clarence Thomas received.



There will be 'protests' during these confirmations both in the arena and beyond, and the 'protestors' will confront individual senators. They will create an atmosphere where it appears that a vote for Hegseth is a vote for rapists and scare GOP senators.



The smear merchants also know that everyone has a threshold. If it isn't the nominee, it's family members.

The other goal is to scare the nominee such that even after confirmation, he will hesitate to act.



The reason for this staunch opposition is that Hegseth stands against the swamp. Hegseth is a staunch critic of DEI initiatives in the armed forces. In a recent interview, he pledged to sack Joint Chiefs involved in woke initiatives. He believes that the function of the armed forces is to protect the nation. Amazingly, this is a controversial opinion in contemporary D.C.



If nominees were to capitulate before smears, only swamp loyalists would receive confirmation.



This also raises questions about the Senate confirmation phase itself. President Trump received a landslide mandate on November 5th, i.e., a license to drain the swamp. A prolonged Senate confirmation process will impede the implementation of this key campaign promise.

The process seems counterproductive. Why should senators who receive mandates from half of their state be allowed to obstruct the choices of a President who received a national mandate? What about states that Trump won but have non-GOP senators?

Trump won Arizona, which has a Democrat and an independent senator. If these two senators vote against confirmation, it would undermine Trump's Arizona mandate, but the underminers will be those who also received Arizona mandates.

What if the Senate was controlled by Democrats? They wouldn't have approved of any of Trump's choices, and that would undermine his mandate.

Another reason confirmation may not be necessary is that cabinet secretaries aren't decision-makers; they are subordinates of the President whose function is to implement the President's vision for the nation. They follow orders. The only vetting needed is for a criminal record and conflict of interest.

In parliamentary democracies (UK, Canada, India, etc.), the head of state, the prime minister, appoints his cabinet without any confirmation.



A Senate confirmation hearing is required for judicial appointments since those are lifetime appointments, and Supreme Court rulings have a lasting impact on the nation.



The problem isn't the idea of a Senate confirmation but that the process has drifted away from its original purpose. Senate confirmations should be the equivalent of a panel interview, i.e., an objective and meticulous probe by various individuals to judge the merit of any nominee. Unfortunately, Senate confirmation and hearings have devolved into theatrics and partisan skullduggery.



The exchange is set to a stopwatch, preventing deep probing questions, thorough answers, and follow-up questions. The confirmation process is rendered meaningless because Presidents find ways to circumvent it. When Susan Rice withdrew her Secretary of State nomination, Obama appointed her National Security Adviser, which does not require Senate confirmation.

Individuals who receive confirmation are often sub-par. Examples include Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, etc.

The idea of Senate confirmations was conceived in an era when D.C. consisted of patriots who placed the nation's well-being first.

Alas, those days are long gone.



It's time to rethink this process. Perhaps Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk's DOGE will lead this essential change, which will require a constitutional amendment.



In the meantime, it is good to see President Trump remain steadfast in his support for Hegseth.



This insanity could be a crucial test of how the nominees act under pressure: do they capitulate or are they defiant and ready to fight back?

Hegseth seems to have passed this test -- he doesn't seem shaken or hesitant but determined.

Image: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
Who is legally responsible for a vehicle accident that happens on private property? The answer depends on several factors, but unlike accidents that happen on public roads where the state generally has no liability, a private property owner can be held liable if their duty of care has been breached.

Most people will never have to experience a car accident taking place on their private property. It seems a bit unlikely for a genuine accident to occur in your driveway or front yard, although it does happen. Surprisingly, there have been a handful of accidents reported where a driver lost control of their car, veered off the road, and crashed through someones house or garage. This sort of thing happens more frequently to businesses, like retail shops and liquor stores.

It's also not unheard of for a semi-truck to crash into a house, and many times, the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or is fatigued from driving long distances. If youre a homeowner and youve never considered this possibility, its time to start thinking about what youd do if this happened on your property since you can be held liable for damages.

If this happens to you, call an attorney right away

If you find yourself in a situation where a car or truck has crashed into your house or has hit a vehicle or person on your property, youll want to contact a lawyer after any injured parties seek medical care. If the accident involved a semi or tractor-trailer, you can hold the trucking company responsible. Regardless of what the police can or cannot do to help, a truck accident attorney will be able to help you sort out the legal aspect of your situation.

Whatever you do, dont look for advice on Google or use an AI tool to get advice. Both of these resources can be immensely helpful in other ways, but cant give you trustworthy advice like youd get from a lawyer.

Document the accident

Just like any other accident, document everything possible, including the date, time, and specific location of the accident. Take photos from every possible angle before anyone moves the vehicle(s) involved. Youll need this documentation to prove your case either to your insurance company or to a judge or jury if you take your case to court.

Be honest about what you think may have caused the accident. Property owners are legally obligated to maintain their property, inspect it, and fix hazards or warn people about known hazards. If the accident was directly caused by your failure to maintain your property or inform someone of a hazard, youll likely be held partially responsible, which will reduce your compensation by your percentage of fault. For example, crumbling pavement/concrete and potholes can cause accidents, even if its right in your own driveway. You might be used to navigating around these hazards, but your guests wont be, and that can cause an accident.

Beware of insurance company settlement offers

After the emotional dust settles and you start to deal with the situation, if youre covered, your insurance company will probably give you a settlement offer. This offer will be extremely low since insurance companies dont pay much for claims. Its unfortunate, but when you pay your insurance premiums every month, youre paying for the chance to be reimbursed only a fraction of what you should be compensated. Insurance companies are for-profit corporations that protect their profits by low balling offers. Each claim has a maximum payout assigned that the adjuster cant exceed. Trying to negotiate is a losing game from the start.

Never accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company because it will be far less than what youre entitled to receive. Instead of dealing with an insurance company, connect with an attorney to get a case evaluation. If you have a strong case, your attorney will use their experience and expertise to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Ask the police to create a police report

Lastly, get a police report. Depending on the state you live in, theres a chance that police wont even respond to a car or truck accident on your property unless its part of a crime in progress. Regardless of where you live, you have the right to get a police report.

Even if the police tell you they cant do anything about the accident, ask them to come out and document the scene. You will need a police report if youre going to claim the damage through insurance, so never skip this step. The police may not be able to issue citations or determine fault in your case, but they can (and should) write a report for you. No matter how you seek compensation, that report will help you win your claim.

Image: fourbyfourblazer
In 2000, Bill Clinton thought that he had the key to Middle East peace in his hands. Hed managed to bring Israel Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian Authority chairman Yasser Arafat to Camp David to talk peace. In Barak, Clinton had the perfect Israeli leadera man willing to give away huge chunks of land and Israeli sovereignty to gain peace. And Arafat said no. Clintons angry at the long-dead Arafat and at the new generation of activists who dont understand what Israel faces.

Im grateful for Clintons support for Israel and his justifiable hostility to the anti-Israel Arabs in Gaza and the West Bank. However, its frustrating to see that hes just as clueless now as he was then about whats really going on.

Ill let Clintona very old, frail-looking and sounding Clintontell his tale:

Emotional Bill Clinton describing Yasser Arafat rejecting a Palestinian state:

"I think what's happened there is one of the great tragedies of the 21st century.

I tell them what Arafat walked away from."



Bill negotiated with both sides, but one side was non negotiable. pic.twitter.com/xVADIAYXDz  Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) December 5, 2024

Both Barak (who should have known better) and Clinton (who maybe had an excuse for his ignorance) didnt understand that Arafat didnt want a two-state solution. What he wanted was for the Jews of Israel to be driven into the Mediterranean (which is what the phrase from the river to the sea means). Then, Arafat and his Muslim Arabs would reign supreme in the Holy Land. Arafat was not going to accept anything else.

Clinton is naive, again, if he thinks todays activists care about the lesson he learned. They dont care at all because, like Arafat, they, too, dont want peace. Theyre open in their embrace of the whole from the river to the sea genocide idea.

But what about those politicians? Have they learned anything?

In a word, no.

We know they havent learned anything because of how theyve negotiated. When the Arabs say no to a good offer, every politician other than one has increased the offer. Unlike politicians who learn nothing, the Arabs have learned that the more they say no, the more they get.

The only politician with the smarts to stop that insane treadmill has been Donald Trump. He had a different approach. Every time the Arabs said no, Trump took something off the table instead of adding to the pot. Thats the art of the deal.

Its to be hoped that when Trump returns to office, he continues to negotiate in the same way with Israels enemies. Or, even better, that he gives Israel a completely free hand to destroy her enemies militaries (i.e., Hamas, Hezbollah, and any other Muslim militias that attack Israel). And best of all, as long as Hama holds American hostagesor if it kills more of themthat Trump will make good on his promise to rain hellfire down on Hamas.

Image: X screen grab.
If not for double standards, fear-mongering, and projection, the Democrats would be lost for messaging, as they are devoid of original thought, particularly in support of their ideas for America.

But for all of Barack Obamas bluster, I believe that he has made a tactical error in coming out of the woodwork to bash Trump again. We should capitalize on his mistake.

Barack Obama derides the radical extremes of our two-party system, placing all the blame on Republicans (projection) for actions and behaviors perpetrated by him, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and the Deep State moles that Barack Obama has planted throughout the administrative and bureaucratic state.

But with his call to pluralism, an opportunity has been presented to (again) reach out to normies in the Democrat party and to isolate the extremists on the radical left.

Donald Trump should point out that many Republicans crossed the aisle to vote for Joe Bidens Cabinet picks. Lloyd Austin, current secretary of defense, was confirmed with a vote of 93-2.

Would Senate Democrats wish to work with Donald Trump by granting the same bipartisan civility to Pete Hegseth, Kash Patel, RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and his other picks that Republicans showed when confirming Alejandro Mayorkas (78-13)?

Pluralism, right?

Barack Obama criticized the election process. Outstanding.

Donald Trump should reach out (again) to normies in the Democrat party to work with his administration to ensure that elections are fair and secure, and that only registered voters vote, and that their singular vote is secure, and that states and counties complete the counting process on Election Day. How about voter ID, paper ballots, and an Election Day holiday?

Pluralism, right?

Many Democrats have expressed support for DOGE (the Department of Government Efficiency), being lead by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy  most recently Jared Moskowitz of Florida and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. These normie Democrats have apparently accepted the premise that government has become unwieldy, and that spending and inefficiency are the problem, not sufficient confiscatory revenues.

Lets pluralize conservatives, Republicans, independents, and normie Democrats under the MAGA tent, and isolate Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, AOC, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Gavin Newsom, J.B. Pritzker, Gretchen Whitmer, the dying media, and the radical left (Marxist) wing of the Democrat party to the ash heap of history.

Image: Ari Levinson via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped).
The Canadian government utterly despises the Canadian people.

According to a report out at Fox News today, Justin Trudeaus government just took dictatorial action to outlaw hundreds of firearms, adding them to the growing list of what the Canadian people are not allowed to have, despite a God-given right to self defense. And, in what should be a shockingly paradoxical turn of events:

Leaders in Canada also said that they are working with the government of Ukraine to see how the guns can be donated to support the fight against Russias invasion of Ukraine.

For Trudeau and his progressive parliament sees it, the fight in Ukraine is all about defeating tyrannyand they arrived at the logical conclusion that defeating tyranny means arming the resisters. Conservatives would agree, surviving tyrants equates to personal gun ownership; like John Rich said, The ability to have armed resistance to an oppressor is a prerequisite for liberty.

As you might recall, hard-left Democrat mouthpiece George Takei once unwittingly made one of the greatest arguments for the Second Amendment, or a peoples right to keep and bear arms:

Crazy thought, but those 20 million AR-15s now in this country could sure arm a lot of Ukrainians.  George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 7, 2022

Yet, they fail to recognize the unbelievable irony.

Some might argue that the weapons would go to the Ukrainian militarybut who fills the ranks? From NPR last month:

Ukraines military desperately needs more boots on the ground. Draft eligibility for men spans age 25 to 60. There are reports of raids on bars and restaurants trying to catch draft dodgers. And now the government has announced plans to conscript more than 160,000 Ukrainians.

Many Ukrainian citizens who started the war in the military are either injured or dead, which is why Volodomyr Zelenskyy is conscripting men as young as 25 and as old as 60, to replenish [a] huge troop shortfall.

Trudeau is disarming his own tyrannized Canadian civilians to arm Ukrainian civilians to fight tyranny  but whos the real tyrant of this historical conflict?

Im not claiming that ex-KGB agent Vladimir Putin is some champion of freedom and God-given rights, Im just saying that between the two sides and I had to pick? Id definitely opt for the aggressive nationalist with zero tolerance for pedophiles and jihadism over the guy thats selling his country to BlackRock, staunchly supports the progressive LGBTQ++ and abortion agendas, and sends young men to get devoured in the battlefield meat grinder all so he can maintain a flow of cash from Washington D.C.

If theyre both bad guys, one is certainly worseand hes got a friend in Canadas Trudeau.

Image: DonkeyHotey, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr, unaltered.
Remember those phobic and spooky days in 2020 and 2021 when Democrats and their charlatan MD/PhDs had nothing but scorn for herd immunity re Covid?

My favorite is Peter Hotez, MD/PhD, pediatric vaccine and infectious disease credentialed brainiac, who was wrong about nearly everything about Covidespecially lockdowns, mask-wearing, and child-age susceptibility. He was also central to the yapping hyenas spreading morbid hysteria, rejecting immunity via natural infections within non-vulnerable populations. Hotez has also been a champion of quashing and then jailing anyone who dares to publicly reject the incompetent, indeed corrupt arrogance of institutional medicine.

Dr. Hotez and his fellow Covid cover-up co-conspirators, namely Anthony Fauci et al. should be worried about being targets of serious investigations from the new administrationespecially driven by nominee RFK Jrs HHSfor alleged conspiracies in funding gain-of-function Covid research and then lying about their involvement.

Public domain image.

Of course, Democrat operatives inside the White House and amongst Democrat party-run media are proposing pre-emptive presidential pardons not only for Fauci & Co., but also for Nancy Pelosi, Liz Cheney, Adam Schiff, retired General Mark Milley, Alejandro Mayorkas, Merrick Garland, and dozens more.

Will Joe issue blanket pardons for thousands of deep state saboteurs and co-conspirators inside HHS, DHS, the Pentagon, and the Justice Department for unspecified criminal conduct before Trump 47s January 20 posse takes names and laundry tag numbers while employing Indian scouts to track them down?

But what would be the point of nibbling with a piecemeal lottery? As the crew from Commentary Magazines daily podcast quipped, Biden should give pre-emptive pardons to all 74 million Kamala Harris voters. Why shouldnt rank-and-file Democrats enjoy president-issued broad-spectrum immunity, too?

And so, only Joe Biden could be the first to Make Herd Immunity Great Again!
In early 2016, then candidate Donald Trump uttered these famous words:

I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters.

He was, of course, simply being hyperbolic about the unique loyalty of the MAGA base, but lets fast-forward now to the world of 2024; to the world of plenary pardons and re-examine exactly what that type of crime might mean in this new reality Joe Biden might make.

Its one thing to do as Joe Biden did with Hunters pardon; make all past crimes forgiven. That was broad and bad enough. But whats being discussed now wasnt ever even in the purview of kings!!! We decamped from England over King George IIIs tyranny but even his tyranny did not involve effectively immunizing his pals for all past and future crimes!

Joe Biden is claiming a right even kings never enjoyed!

Think of it!

King Henry VIII, famously had his star chamber through which the accused (including two of his wives!) passed before a pre-determined guilty verdict led them to their doom, with the lightly held veneer of a trial to pacify the peasants. But everyone knew the whole process was rigged in Henrys favor. If Henry wanted you gone, you were gone. Running through gauntlet of justice was just for show. Your life was subject to the kings whim and everyone knew it.

But that was for certain death, not eternal life! Or, more precisely for the potentiality at hand, eternal innocence! To my knowledge, casual though it is, neither Henry nor any other king  inside England or out  ever tapped an ally on the shoulder and conferred this kind of license upon him; to live the rest of your life free from any worry of the consequences of any crime!

Its quite literally unheard of and completely unprecedented for Joe Biden to actually do what he is considering doing for his deep state allies and fellow conspirators against Donald Trump and, by extension, us, the American people.

Past and future conspiracies would be outside the laws reach. And you know, as surely as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west that they are colluding even as I type this, to disrupt Trump 2.0, so gosh darn, those plenary pardons sure would come in handy and we can be sure thats exactly why they want them.

Conspiracy against rights? Nixed. RICO? Nixed. Sedition? Nixed. All the conspiring and colluding and perjury committed to get Trump and by extension, us, and our Liberty? Nixed. Gone. Kaput. Past and future.

If this vegetable actually does this, Democrats will have irrevocably, irredeemably sealed their own fate as the true authoritarians, a word which barely describes the breadth and depth of the wrong that would be done. Its not even the divine right of Kings Joe Biden would be claiming as no king ever claimed it!

It would be a new kind of tyranny, deserving of its own name or appellation. It would be that bad, that new. Not only un-American but un-civilizational. No civil society could survive this kind of power peacefully  for long. Its antithetical to everything a free people want and deserve and must be condemned not just here by Republicans and Democrats, but by every freedom-loving nation on earth.

The entire world needs to weigh in on this, but I wont hold my breath. Ironically? Its their very dependence on us that would prevent it, and whos the guy who wants to render them free to criticize? (Put more crudely, get them off our books?) One Donald John Trump. If they were only more free themselves, they could say publicly what we know they say privately about the barbarian from Queens. Freedom is healthy. Its cleansing. It self-rights and self-balances wherever it breathes.

Liberty is now roiling, agitating, trying to burst forth all over the Western world right now, and if Joe Biden grants these pardons, a foul wind will blow, not just here, but everywhere Libertys torch is held aloft on earth.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
A recent report revealed that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a US financial regulator, wants to put Google under a state supervision regime. This is similar to the strict supervision that authorities exercise over banking institutions. Googles lawsuit against the CFPB has now confirmed the news.

The report that brought the situation to light did not include specific details about the reason behind the CFPBs intentions. However, given the government agencys scope, one could surmise that the issue was related to a payment service. Although the first name that comes to mind is Google Wallet, it seems that the CFPB actually wants to punish Google for incidents with a discontinued peer-to-peer payment product.

Googles lawsuit says CFPB is seeking a burdensome form of regulation

Googles lawsuit calls the CFPBs intentions a burdensome form of regulation. The company highlights the fact that the financial product is no longer even available. As a matter of common sense, a product that no longer exists is incapable of posing such risks, the filing reads. On the other hand, the CFPB argues that the discontinuation of the product does not relieve Google of its responsibilities.

Google issued an official statement through its spokesman Jose Castaneda. This is a clear case of government overreach involving Google Pay peer-to-peer payments, which never raised risks and is no longer provided in the U.S., and we are challenging it in court, he added. The brand alleges that the CFPB is setting an exceedingly low bar for determining whether there is a potential risk to consumers since the decision is based on a small number of unsubstantiated user complaints.

So far, the CFPB has focused solely on banking institutions. If it succeeds against Google, the Mountain View giant will become the first fintech provider under state supervision. Its noteworthy that the CFPB has long wanted to expand the scope of its powers to tech companies. This authority gives us critical agility to move as quickly as the market, allowing us to conduct examinations of financial companies that pose risks to consumers and stop harm before they spread, said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra in 2022.

Trumps arrival at the White House could change things

However, the situation could change considerably once Donald Trump, the new US president, takes office. Trump and the Republican camp are against giving the CFPB more power. The new administration could even replace the director of the regulator with someone it likes. Whether Rohit Chopra succeeds in bringing Google under state supervision before the new president takes office is still up in the air. Trumps inauguration will take place on January 20.

Google has been racking up run-ins with regulators lately. Following an unfavorable court ruling in the US, the UK is also investigating the company for monopoly over its search engine. The US DOJ wants the brand to sell Google Chrome as a solution to the monopoly situation. Plus, there is a recent controversy related to potential violation of labor laws.
Oakland could lay off 120 city employees and cut more than $32 million from its police budget to address a widening budget deficit and prevent the city from having to declare a fiscal emergency. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Oakland could lay off 91 city employees, close up to six fire stations and slash police overtime, among other cuts, to address a widening budget deficit and prevent the city from having to declare a fiscal emergency.

The city administrator released a report Friday that lays out a plan to address a $129 million budget deficit in the fiscal year ending in June, which police officials lambasted, saying that the cuts are devastating to public safety.

The first phase of the proposal, which would be implemented before the end of the year, includes more than $113 million in savings from tapping into special funds and emergency reserves, closing two fire stations and instituting cost-saving measures from city departments. The plan includes cutting the police departments overtime budget by about $25 million and eliminating about $1 million in spending from the citys economic workforce and development community ambassador program.

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Layoffs and the closure of four additional fire stations would be part of the second phase in early 2025, for an additional $15 million in savings. One station that is under construction is already closed. Eighteen would remain open.

Prompt implementation of balancing measures is essential to stabilize the Citys fiscal situation, the report reads. While these actions are primarily focused on resolving the immediate deficit, they also represent a necessary step toward creating the conditions for long-term financial stability.

Oakland will end the fiscal year in June with a $115 million budget deficit in its general purpose fund, which pays for police, fire and other city services. The police and fire departments account for most of the overspending to date. Oakland Fire Department

The cuts as we understand them at this time will deal a devastating blow to a city already reeling from crime, said Huy Nguyen, the police union president. Oakland is a ship without a captain or a rudder. The council majority is creating a public safety disaster and has no idea how bad the problem will be or how to address it.

In a supplemental report posted on the citys website Friday, staff wrote that without the police overtime budget, maintaining the level of service that Oakland residents need would be extremely difficult if not impossible. The department has $5 million to spend on overtime for the remainder of the fiscal year.

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Zac Unger, the president of the firefighters union and an incoming council member representing North Oakland, called the city administrators plans to close fire stations absolutely reckless and that the union will vigorously oppose the closures.

Oaklanders depend on the Fire Department, Unger said. They have come to understand that when they call us we are always going to respond and that is something thats not going to be true anymore if we close the number of stations they are suggesting.

The City Council will vote Monday on a portion of the city administrators plan that involves tapping into reserves and other funding sources to balance the budget, while other cuts including the layoffs are at the administrators discretion. If officials fail to take action before the end of the year, the city risks insolvency.

The city is on track to end the fiscal year with a massive deficit in its general purpose fund, which pays for police, fire and other city services. The police and fire departments account for most of the overspending to date. The city was initially grappling with a $115 million deficit, but the number has grown due to costs from the previous year that carried forward.

I want you to hear clearly at this dais that we must take action over the next month and a half to preserve our solvency, Bradley Johnson, the citys budget administrator, said at a November City Council meeting.

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The proposal would draw $9.6 million from emergency reserves, about $500,000 from the citys rainy day fund, $14 million from the self-insurance fund, $5.7 million from the affordable housing trust and about $2.5 million from the citys sugar sweetened beverage tax revenues.

Most city departments would be affected by the layoffs. The city administrator is looking to cut about 29 positions in public works, 17 non-sworn police positions, nine positions in human services and six in the administrators office, among other departments.

If the city does not institute layoffs or come up with another solution with labor partners, the City Council would then have to vote to declare a fiscal emergency.

Residents have been concerned about cuts facing public safety departments. A recent poll by the Oakland Chamber of Commerce found that 86% of respondents said gun violence is a very serious problem in the city.

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Google has been interested in getting direct feedback from Google TV users lately. The platform is becoming one of the Mountain View giants most important products. 270 million Google TV device owners around the world support this statement. In a new development, the company is creating the new and exclusive Google TVs Advisors Community users, and some are receiving a direct invitation.

Ron Richards, co-host of Android Faithful, was among those chosen by Google. Richards got the invitation to the Advisors Community as a banner in the UI of its Google TV Streamer. The description says that it is an exclusive online community where you can help improve the Google TV experience. That said, theres a sign-up form available for anyone to apply.

The perks you will receive as part of the Google TVs Advisor Community

Before accepting the invitation, Google also tells you about the benefits you will get as a member of the community. First, the brand states that its main goal is to shape the development of the future of Google TV. They are looking for even more direct feedback than what they would receive in a traditional beta or preview program. Theyre also looking for deeper interactions than just asking users if they feel like theyre getting too many ads on Google TVs home screen, as they did recently.

Once inside the community, people will be able to participate in surveys, discussions, and fun research activities. Google sets the frequency of the communitys interactions at once or twice a month. Those who participate in the proposed activities will be eligible to win one of five $50 gift cards that Google will draw monthly. Plus, they will be able to access new Google TV features that are about to be released.

The drawbacks could scare off those most concerned about their privacy

That said, there are a few things you should know before applying or accepting the invitation to the Google TVs Advisors Community. First, the most privacy-conscious might not want to be part of the experience. The terms and conditions allow Google to collect audio, video, or photographs of you and your interactions with our products and services. The content captured by the brand may include your face, voice, physical features, mannerisms, likeness, and interactions.

The other condition for participating in the community is not to share information about the new features in development. Google prefers to keep these features secret, only sharing them with everyone when they deem it appropriate.
The deadline set by the US anti-TikTok bill is just weeks away. ByteDance, the parent company of the worlds most popular short-video platform, has been doing everything it can to prevent the implementation of the law. A recent court ruling against TikToks appeal limits its options to evade the US ban.

Recently, ByteDance filed an appeal of the bill in court. The outcome has been far from what the company expected, as the three-judge panel dismissed all its arguments. ByteDance argued that the law violates the First Amendments principles of freedom of expression and the Fifth Amendments equal protections. However, the judges determined that the bill is entirely constitutional.

The Biden administration signed the law in April, compelling TikTok to divest its US division. The law sets the deadline for January 19, 2025, just one day before Donald Trumps second arrival at the White House.

Judges dismiss TikToks appeal arguments against US ban

ByteDance has shown support for Trump with donations to his election campaign through Jeff Yass, an American businessman, and ByteDances first big backer. For reference, Jeff Yass Susquehanna International Group owns 15% of ByteDance shares, valuing his investment at about $40 billionstarting from an initial investment of just over $2 million. Meanwhile, Trump has opposed the removal of TikTok from the US market. This position is totally different from that of his first presidential term.

The US Constitution allows the president to issue 90-day extensions to similar cases. However, this measure applies in situations where the company is heading for a spin-off process. The biggest unknown currently is the potential impact of the upcoming Washington administration on the situation.

The Government has offered persuasive evidence showing that the Act is narrowly tailored to protect national security, said Justice Douglas Ginsburg on behalf of the court that ruled against ByteDances appeal.

TikTok says it operates separately from ByteDance, its Chinese parent company

US officials are concerned about the amount of US data that Beijing could access. Chinese law allows companies to request data if they claim dangers to national security. Another concern is the potential for manipulations in the platforms recommendation algorithm, which could potentially influence young Americans.

Meanwhile, TikTok claims that it operates independently of ByteDance. Plus, the company does not send American data to Chinese servers. However, this does not convince US legislators. They believe that China can use its laws to pressure ByteDance to give them sensitive US data.

Unfortunately, the TikTok ban was conceived and pushed through based upon inaccurate, flawed and hypothetical information, resulting in outright censorship of the American people. The TikTok ban, unless stopped, will silence the voices of over 170 million Americans here in the US and around the world on January 19th, 2025, said Michael Hughes, the TikTok spokesperson.

The bill was initially supported by Republicans as well

Although Trump wants to avoid the ban of TikTok in the US, Joe Bidens bill received overwhelming support at the time. Both US political sides agreed that it was a necessary measure to protect national security. This includes Republican representatives as well.

ByteDance still has a few opportunities to challenge the law. The company can appeal to both the DC Circuit and the Supreme Court. There is also Trumps current position as a potential wild card.
Coleen Rooney became emotional as she was reunited with two of her children during Friday nights episode of Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!

The remaining contestants on the ITV reality show met their loved ones ahead of Sundays final, with Rooney greeting her mother and sons young Kit and Cass.

The 38-year-old cried into the arms of her mother Colette, telling her: I dont want you to leave me now.

Im crying because Im happy! Tears flowing so freely in Camp theres a new risk of flooding! #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/vYZUQjxQ8T  I'm A Celebrity (@imacelebrity) December 6, 2024

Moments later Kit, eight, and his six-year-old brother Cass. joined them in the jungle camp, with the mother-of-four telling them: Ive missed you so much.

Rooney, the wife of former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney, told her children: Im crying because Im happy because Ive missed you so much.

Also during the show, former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse was reunited with her husband, Marius Lepure, who had brought her a babygrow worn by their daughter the previous day, which retained her scent.

She told him: Walking through the jungle, this beautiful face was the last face that I expected to see, but the best surprise ever. I cant believe youre here.

Lepure also gave Mabuse a ring to mark their 10-year anniversary.

Podcast host Grace Keeling, known as GK Barry met her mother in the jungle while McFly star Danny Jones was overwhelmed to see his wife Georgia and son Cooper. Presenter and author Rev Richard Coles and soap actor Alan Halsall both reunited with their brothers.

This is the perfect gift! A 10-year anniversary surprise in the Jungle  Oti and Marius are couple goals! #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/Kqzv9uyrSP  I'm A Celebrity (@imacelebrity) December 6, 2024

Keeling and Halsall were then voted off the show, leaving the four semi-finalists who are set to take on the Cyclone challenge during Saturday nights show.

During his exit interview Coronation Street star Halsall, 42, said the hardest parts of the show were missing his daughter and boredom.

Thats why I play practical jokes on people to entertain myself at times.

Keeling, 25, told hosts Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly: I never want to come back here but I just feel so much more comfortable, just in myself, being me.

I feel like I found myself in Thailand, she joked, comparing her time in the Australian jungle to coming-of-age gap year adventures.

Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! continues on Saturday at 9.30pm on ITV.
Cats are territorial animals. When the cats are indoors, their territory is their home, and when they wander, they lay claim to the entire neighborhood. According to Japanese folklore, if your cat is lost, you can ask the neighborhood strays to help direct it home, and this method apparently works, because local cats know where you as well as your pampered indoor kitty are supposed to be.

The cats in this video know exactly who belongs in their kitchen and who doesnt. And when a curious kitty ventures inside, they have strong opinions about whether or not hes going to be allowed to stay.

(Probably a no there, champ.)

In the video, a tabby and white cat and a black cat are frozen in place, watching warily as a large black cat sticks his head inside the cat door. This random cat just broke down our pet door and walked right in, reads the caption on the clip. I have no idea who he belongs to.

Related: Cat Has Back Door Face-Off with the Dog That's Just Too Funny

At first, the cat moves slowly, as if afraid the two resides felines are going to pounce. But when they do no more but watch the invader getting farther and farther into their home, he becomes bold, stepping tail aloft, as if to say that hes more than happy to challenge everyone else to the space.

This is, historically, how people came to get new cats.

The cat in this picture is clearly being cared for by someonehes wearing a collar, and appears to be well-cared for. And hes very unafraid of exploring new places.

Cats do not give a ____, writes someone in the comments.

Well, I dont see anyone telling this one no, either.

Cats and Their Territory

Cats, especially those who have not been spayed or neutered, have strong territorial instincts, They mark their home territories with scratching, urine, and scent-marking. Have you ever come home from petting another animals and found your cat being especially affectionate toward you, rubbing their cheeks along your legs or clothing? Thats actually your cat choosing to be territorial about you as wellsaying that you are their property too, not whatever other animal you may have been briefly flirting with.

Because of cats territorial instincts, it can often be a challenge to introduce other pets, or even people into a cats household. Familys need to be slow and patient when bring a new cat, dog, or baby into a cats home, making sure that they are each given their own areas and that initial interactions are supervised so that cat can learn to know the newcomer on their won schedule and recognize that they are part of the tribe as well.

How to Safely Use a Pet Door

When installing a pet door in your home, the positive is it easily allows your pet to come and go as they please. The downside is it also potentially allows in other animalsfrom strange cats like this one to woodland creatures like raccoons or foxes. How to let your pet take advantage of a pet door without letting animals from all over the neighborhood in is an ongoing challenge. Some people have taken to installing electronic doors that open only to a small transmitter or microchip that your cat or dog wears on their collar. But if your dog loses their collar or theres a mishap with the door, it may leave your pet stranded.

Alternately, you keep an eye on who is coming insideand actually say something when a strange cat invades.

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos.

Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
The family of an Elizabeth Line worker who died after an attack at an east London railway station have described him as the kindest soul.

Jorge Ortega, 61, suffered severe head injuries after being assaulted at Ilford station at about 8.50pm on Wednesday, British Transport Police (BTP) said.

Ayodele Jamgbadi, 28, has been charged in connection with the incident.

In a statement released by BTP on Saturday, Mr Ortegas family said: Our dad was the most loving person, the kindest soul you could have the pleasure of meeting. Everyone who has met our dad or who has ever worked with him over the years will tell you this.

Jorge Ortega died after an attack at a railway station (BTP/PA)

He had a brilliant mind, enjoyed cooking, loved drawing and was highly skilled in art.

He was an amazing family man and would always put other people first. He loved his grandchildren and, in turn, they adored our dad.

He was totally devoted to our mum and loved her beyond what words can describe. Having been together for over 38 years, he is an example of what a great man should be like and a role model that we highly look up to.

We can only hope to be like him. Dad is and will always be in our hearts.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in a post on X the incident was absolutely tragic, adding: Nobody should have to face any violence at work  and certainly not something as shocking as this.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said on the same platform: Devastating news. My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Jorge Ortega  who went to work on Wednesday to help Londoners and visitors to our capital but tragically never got to go home.

The RMT union said Mr Ortega was one of its members and worked as a customer experience assistant for MTREL, which runs the Elizabeth Line.

General secretary Mick Lynch said: We are deeply saddened by the passing of our member, who died following an attack while at work.

The whole union sends its condolences to their family, friends and colleagues at this awful time and everyones thoughts at RMT are with them.

MTREL said the man had been a dedicated member of the railway community for 24 years.

Mike Bagshaw, managing director of the transport operator, said: This is an unimaginable loss, and my heart goes out to his family, friends and colleagues during this profoundly difficult time.

He was a valued member of our team, serving the railway community with dedication and kindness for more than two decades.

We are devastated that such a senseless act of violence has taken the life of one of our colleagues.

He has lost his life simply for carrying out his job, everyone has the right to feel safe and protected at work and this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the unacceptable abuse faced by rail colleagues.

Londons Transport Commissioner Andy Lord said: This was an appalling attack whilst our colleague was doing their job helping customers travel around London.

Everyone should be able to go about their day without fear or intimidation and it is unthinkable that someone could lose their life due to unprovoked violence while doing their job.

The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues is paramount and we are fully supporting the British Transport Police with their investigation.

Jamgbadi, of Kingston Road, Ilford, appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on Friday charged with grievous bodily harm, affray and possession of a prohibited offensive weapon in a private place.

He was remanded to appear at Inner London Crown Court on January 7.

BTP said detectives would apply to amend the indictment to reflect the death of the victim.

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP on 0800 405040 or text 61016 quoting incident 699 of December 4.
Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has announced his retirement from touring with the heavy metal band.

It comes more than a year after the British musician, real name Michael Henry McBrain, revealed he was somewhere near 70% recovered after a stroke he suffered in January 2023 left him paralysed on his right side from his shoulder down.

McBrain, 72, who joined the band in 1982, said he will continue to be part of the Iron Maiden family through a variety of projects.

In a post to Iron Maidens socials on Saturday, he said: After much consideration, it is with both sorrow and joy, I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle.

Today, Sat, Dec 7th, Sao Paulo will be my final gig with Iron Maiden.

I wish the band much success moving forward.

I will, however, remain firmly part of the Iron Maiden family working on a variety of projects, my long-time managers, Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor, have in mind for me.

Ill also be working on a variety of different personal projects and focusing on my existing businesses and ventures.

What can I say? Touring with Maiden the last 42 years has been an incredible journey!, he added.

To my devoted fan base, you made it all worthwhile and I love you! To my devoted wife, Rebecca, you made it infinitely easier and I love you! To my kids, Justin and Nicholas, thank you for understanding the absences and I love you!

To my friends that are always there for me, I love you! To my bandmates, you made it a dream come true and I love you!

I look into the future with much excitement and great hope! Ill be seeing you soon, may God bless you all, and, of course, Up the Irons!'.

Last year, McBrain said in a social media post that he worried his career would be over after he had a mini stroke, known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

The band have been performing their Future World Tour since 2023 with their last date on the tour, and McBrains last gig with the band, taking place on Saturday.

In 2025 they will begin their Run For Your Lives world tour where they will play in countries including England, Scotland, Hungary, Norway, Germany, and France.

Iron Maiden formed in east London in the 1970s and are known for songs such as Run To The Hills and Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter.
MI5 has had to pare back its counterterrorism focus because of the growing threat from Russia and other hostile states, the security agencys boss has said.

Ken McCallum, the director general of MI5, said in an interview recording obtained by The Times newspaper that the agency has to look at its finite resources and make uncomfortable choices.

We now face much, much more aggression from nation states. In effect, we had the 20 to 30-year holiday from that kind of big player, sophisticated states in serious conflict with each other. Its back, Im afraid.

And so there is something quite profound about that  weve had to make some of those uncomfortable choices in recent years  how could we pare back a bit on the amount of our capacity we are spending on countering terrorism in order to be ready to meet these somewhat grander and more sophisticated, in some respects, threats from nation states.

He made the comments in an interview with Simon Case, the outgoing cabinet secretary, for a civil service podcast Mr Case is making, the newspaper reported.

He said: Well be looking at how much of our finite capacity can we spend on state activity from Russia or Iran or China, how much do we have to spend on various forms of terrorism, but also how much of our capacity can we spend on things that we think might be a threat tomorrow morning and how much do we have to keep back to plan for how we are capable to do what the nation needs us to do in five years time?

We need to invest in new technology, new skills. So you always have some version of these uncomfortable choices.

The MI5 boss recently warned that Russia is intent on causing mayhem on UK streets and that Iranian-backed plots that pose lethal threats to British people are ramping up at an unprecedented pace and scale.

In a speech in October, the security agencys director general said Britain should expect to see continued acts of aggression here at home from Russia, with its military intelligence agency, the GRU, on sustained missions, adding: Weve seen arson, sabotage and more.

The number of state threat investigations run by MI5 has shot up by 48% in the last year and 13% of people being investigated by the security agency for involvement in UK terrorism are under 18, he said at the time.

He called the rise in the number of children being investigated for terrorism in the UK staggering and warned of canny online memes drawing them into extreme right-wing ideologies.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: This innovative conversation series was provided on the civil service learning site to offer insight into the experience of senior leaders from across the civil service, to allow other civil servants to learn and develop, as is so vital throughout their careers.

The comments made by Ken McCallum, director general of MI5, reflect those he has previously made publicly. In his October threat update, he talked about the challenges of prioritisation.
China-UAE economic exchange center opens in Dubai

Xinhua) 10:19, December 07, 2024

Guests attend the inauguration ceremony of the China-UAE Economy and Trade Exchange Center at the China Pavilion of Dubai Expo City in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dec. 6, 2024. The inauguration ceremony of the China-UAE Economy and Trade Exchange Center was held on Friday at the China Pavilion of Dubai Expo City. (Xinhua/Wen Xinnian)

DUBAI, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The China-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Economy and Trade Exchange Center was officially inaugurated on Friday at the China Pavilion in Expo City Dubai, with the witness of over 100 Chinese and UAE dignitaries and guests.

In his opening remarks, Chinese Ambassador to the UAE Zhang Yiming praised the remarkable achievements of China-UAE economic and trade cooperation.

He noted that this year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE. The center's opening serves as the culmination of the anniversary celebrations, providing a platform for deepening bilateral economic ties, injecting fresh vitality into their relationship, and creating new opportunities for shared development.

Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, executive director of the Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, emphasized that Expo City Dubai is dedicated to building bridges for international cooperation and hailed the center as a vivid example of Dubai's commitment to diversified development.

Shi Dai, director and president of China Merchants Group Limited, underscored her company's role as an important witness, participant, and beneficiary of China-UAE friendship. She pledged to uphold the principles of openness and innovation, ensuring the efficient operation of the center.

Shi described it as a "window for trade exchange, a bridge for technological cooperation, and a hub for cultural integration," aimed at enhancing global understanding of China, its culture, and its enterprises.

The event also featured an exhibition that highlights the rich history and future potential of cultural exchanges between China and the UAE.

The China-UAE Economy and Trade Exchange Center, upgraded from the China Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, is operated by Sinotrans, a subsidiary of China Merchants Group Limited.

The center offers a range of services, including operational management, event planning, exhibition design and construction, logistics, and promotional support. It will serve as a key platform for advancing comprehensive cooperation between the two nations in trade, culture, and innovation.

Guests visit a cultural exchange exhibition at the China Pavilion of Dubai Expo City in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dec. 6, 2024. The inauguration ceremony of the China-UAE Economy and Trade Exchange Center was held on Friday at the China Pavilion of Dubai Expo City. (Xinhua/Wen Xinnian)

This photo taken on Dec. 6, 2024 shows the China Pavilion of Dubai Expo City in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The inauguration ceremony of the China-UAE Economy and Trade Exchange Center was held on Friday at the China Pavilion of Dubai Expo City. (Xinhua/Wen Xinnian)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Some of San Franciscos finest old apartment houses, such as 2500 Steiner St., are similarly proportioned to new housing that is being proposed. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle 2023

Like it or not, more housing construction is coming to more of San Francisco in the near future.

Sometime next year, the city will finalize a state-mandated rezoning for 34,000 homes in neighborhoods like the Sunset, the Richmond and Pacific Heights.

Many San Franciscans see these coming changes as catastrophic. Progressive activists affiliated with the Race and Equity in All Planning Coalition likened the rezoning to the mid-20th century redevelopment of the Fillmore District that decimated the Black community and displaced thousands. A group called Neighborhoods United SF has published ominous renderings illustrating the theoretical size of new buildings as crude gray boxes. One mockup shows a 30-story polyhedron at the corner of Geary and Masonic that is somehow even wider than tall.

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These words and images are hyperbolic and inaccurate. Now theres concrete evidence that the new construction ushered in by the citys rezoning will look nothing like critics worst fears.

Development isnt going to decimate entire neighborhoods for bulky megaprojects. Instead, San Francisco architecture is going to be tall and slim.

A handful of recent project proposals submitted to the Planning Department show us what the future will look like. Developers are taking standard, 25-foot-wide lots and proposing buildings of seven or more stories. One project, 777 Sutter St. in Lower Nob Hill, is going up to 240 feet on a 35-foot wide lot.

These projects preview what rezoning will make possible in more of the citys neighborhoods.

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Cobbling together multiple lots for a megaproject is expensive and time-consuming. Most city and state upzoning policies either outright prohibit or make it very expensive to redevelop properties occupied by tenants. That means developers are incentivized to build up, on a single lot, rather than out, onto multiple lots.

These projects are, for the most part, replacing marginal non-residential buildings. 777 Sutter will go up where a closed one-story restaurant stands. 1737 Filbert St. in Cow Hollow will rise over the site of an accessory garage while retaining a trio of existing apartments in the backyard. 2083 Ellis St. in the North of Panhandle area will replace a century-old house while preserving its ornate Victorian facade. 5172 Mission St. in the Excelsior is the site of a vacant commercial building.

From an urban design perspective, all of this is for the good.

Narrow buildings are far more visually interesting than wide ones. They allow for gradual, lot-by-lot neighborhood change, rather than the cataclysmic block-by-block redevelopment that the renowned urban theorist Jane Jacobs railed against.

Except for the larger 777 Sutter, these projects will contain nine to 10 units on lots that would typically fit just one single-family home. This kind of missing middle housing could enable neighborhoods to grow substantially while still retaining the majority of historic buildings. Skinny multifamily developments on commercial corridors, like a proposed project at 991 Howard St. in the South of Market neighborhood, create the potential for small ground-floor storefronts, appropriate for an intimate cafe or convenience store rather than a big CVS or a bank branch.

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Were seeing these proposals because of recent state laws. AB1287 supersized the state density bonus, allowing projects to grow twice as large as zoning technically allows. SB423, authored by San Francisco state Sen. Scott Wiener, essentially ended the citys regime of discretionary planning approvals. The law, which took effect in July, requires the Planning Department to approve all zoning-compliant projects and density bonuses shortly after applications are filed. If a project conforms to zoning, it gets approved  no Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors hearings necessary.

Though the laws that make these projects possible are new, the tall and slender building typology is not. Some of San Franciscos finest old apartment houses, dating from an era before strict zoning rules, are similarly proportioned. See 2238 Hyde St. and its neighbors on Russian Hill or 2500 Steiner St. facing Alta Plaza Park.

Narrow multifamily structures will become even more economically viable if the city legalizes single-stair buildings, which it appears poised to do under a bill from outgoing Supervisor Aaron Peskin. One stairwell in an apartment building, as opposed to the two currently required, leaves more space for tenants, lowering costs for developers and future residents. It also allows for much greater architectural flexibility and creativity.

Looming over any discussion of skinny buildings are the supertall skyscrapers of Manhattans billionaires row. These pencil towers are probably the nations most prominent urban development bogeymen. They scream out to the world that new housing is an obnoxious addition to the cityscape, available only to the super-rich, providing no benefit whatsoever to anyone else.

All of San Franciscos aforementioned projects likely will be compared to New Yorks pencil towers by those who do not wish to see them constructed. But economically and architecturally, these are different beasts.

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Rather than being safety deposit boxes in the sky, San Franciscos slender apartments will in all likelihood be considerably cheaper than nearby single-family homes.

About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies

Though they might be a bit visually jarring in neighborhoods that havent seen any new development in decades, they are much less of an aesthetic imposition than the block-wide buildings envisioned by Neighborhoods United SF. Even 777 Sutter, the largest and most controversial of these projects, will be less than one-sixth the height of the towers on Manhattans billionaires row and roughly equal in height to many of the nearby buildings on Nob Hill.

San Franciscos new breed of skinny buildings will hardly amount to the environmental or social catastrophe that some fear. Theyll represent the opposite: helping more people to live on less land for less money.
People wave a Syrian opposition flag after opposition fighters took control of the city of Hama, Syria, on 7 December. Photograph: Mohammed Al Rifai/EPA

The three key external national actors in the Syrian crisis tried to regain control of the rebellion on Saturday by calling for renewed direct dialogue between the countrys President Bashar al-Assad and opposition groups, adding that it would be inadmissible to use terrorists to gain control of the country.

Meeting on the margins of the Doha Forum, in Qatar, Turkey, Russia, and Iran urged the Syrian opposition to heed the call to end the fighting and to preserve Syria as an integrated and united country.

Amid reports that Russian diplomats are fleeing Damascus in the face of the lightning opposition advance, the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, said Russia was trying to do everything possible to prevent terrorists from prevailing even if they claim not to be terrorists.

He also suggested fresh efforts would be made to persuade Assad to normalise relations with Turkey, including over Ankaras demand that it can intervene to prevent Kurdish forces using northern Syria to mount attacks inside Turkey.

Earlier this year, Assad had refused to speak to Turkey so long as Turkish forces remained in Syria. This refusal led the President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to give the implicit green light to militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) last month to mount its stunningly successful attacks on Aleppo, and more recently into the city of Homs.

With Assads 24-year grip on power faltering, the Syrian leader will have no option but to make concessions to Turkey on the Kurdish issue. Ankara is convinced that the Syrian YPG, fighting under the flag of the Syrian Democratic Forces and backed by the US, is the same as the Turkish Kurdish group, the PKK.

But there is no guarantee that Turkey can control the Islamist HTS, or simply order the group to end an offensive that has proved far more effective than even the HTS expected.

Lavrov repeatedly pointed out that HTS is listed as a terrorist group by both the UN and the US. He questioned whether the group had moderated from its al-Qaida roots as its leadership claimed, saying the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Without naming the US, he said the opposition groups were being used for geopolitical purposes, and that the offensive was geared to undermine everything we have been doing.

He added: If the opposition is responsible and if they care about their country, they would not allow this altercation to continue. If a political vacuum was created, he said he feared that Syrians might suffer a repeat of the chaos seen in Iraq in 2003 and Libya in 2011.

Admitting that he could not forecast the outcome of the fighting, Lavrov said: Russia helps with the Syrian army with its air force to counter the attacks of terrorists.

Russia has one of its largest military bases outside the former Soviet Union in Hmeimim, and a prized naval port in Tartus, two assets it will be desperate to retain.

US administration officials, also wary of the speed with which Islamist groups were seizing land, had initially said they still expected Assad to remain part of the process.

However, the past fortnight has repeatedly shown military events on the ground have left diplomats confounded and struggling to keep abreast.

With opposition forces still making progress, and Assad trying to hold the line in the city of Homs, Syrian civil society present at the Doha Forum also demanded to be included in whatever form of transition foreign actors endorse. They argued that not just Assad, but his entire intelligence apparatus, must be dismantled and replaced with a transitional government representing all groups in Syria, leading to national elections, the demand that Assad has repeatedly blocked.

Turkey, Russia and Iran took hold of the Syrian peace talks in 2017 through the Astana Process, but the outcome of their 21 meetings has been a political deadlock and divided country in which different factions held sway in different areas, until two weeks ago.

Expectations of the Doha tripartite meeting had been low partly because Turkey has made it clear it is happy to see the mix of rebel, Islamist and pro-Turkish groups march on to the Syrian capital, Damascus, while Iran and Russia regards the HTS as terrorists.

In a flurry of diplomatic meetings before the Doha summit, the Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, was unable to convince Turkey that it is helping to create a dangerous power vacuum that will be filled by terrorists.

Iran also sees the hand of Israel and the US in the HTS advance, claiming Israel is using the conflict to shut down Irans ammunition supply routes through Syria into Lebanon.

In talks on Friday, Araghchi also failed to convince Iraqi leaders to intervene militarily to save Assad, leaving Iran and Russia largely alone in deciding how much to invest in saving Assad.

Araghchi insisted: There should be no distinction between terrorist groups. We do not have good terrorists or bad terrorists.

It remains unclear whether Erdogan has any real influence over the HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, and whether the recent HTS rebranding was genuine. Speaking in Doha, Charles Lister from the Middle East Institute said HTS rebranding away from international jihadism predates the current crisis by as much as eight years, but the organisation remained politically dictatorial using arbitrary arrest of critics, torture and imprisonment.

Lister said the writing was on the wall for Assad. Its a question of time and how that end comes. He added: if Homs were to fall, Damascus would be cut off from the coast where Assads Alawite heartland lies.

Russia was trying to hold the line in Homs, but he said neither Russia, Iran or Hezbollah have had a significant ground presence, and the Syrian military, a conscript army, has fragmented and corroded from the inside. Amos Hochstein, the US envoy to Lebanon said it seemed as if the weakening of Hezbolllah, the Iranian-backed militia in Lebanon but also active in Syria, was critical to the defeats of Assad and Iran.

Turkey will ignore Iranian accusations of a betrayal, but is under pressure to explain its future vision for Syria, and whether it also regards HTS as a viable Syrian national leadership. Its proxy army, the Syrian Defence Forces, could not aspire to rule the whole of Syria. Ankara craves political stability inside Syria since the 3 million Syrian refugees in Turkey will not return to their former homes unless Assad is crushed. Erdogan is facing domestic criticism for failing to secure the refugees return, and running a one man foreign policy.

 This article was amended on 9 December 2024 to correct a reference to the Syrian Defence Forces, when Syrian Democratic Forces was meant.
Australias political class has struggled to grasp the complexities and differences of the Indian diaspora. Illustration: Siddhesh Gautam/The Guardian

Mr Modi is The Boss!

Anthony Albaneses tortured Bruce Springsteen analogy got lost in the euphoria.

What the crowd heard, and what the world saw, was the prime minister of Australia genuflecting before a foreign prime minister on Australian soil: a foreign prime minister  Indias Narendra Modi  whose government was suspected to be running a network of spies in Australia, whose agents had been accused of stealing state secrets.

Inside Sydneys Qudos Arena, Albaneses effusiveness was greeted with rapturous applause by 20,000 fervent fans. Albanese waxed lyrical about the warmth and energy in the room, saying it was greater than that for rocker Springsteen when he trod the same stage.

But the whole story is far more fractured. To see only the rapture for Modi in the room misses those in the Indian diaspora who felt unwelcome within it, ignores the protests just outside, and disregards the fear that many in the Australian-Indian community live with every day.

Indias diaspora is one of Australias most vibrant and successful. It is now the second-largest diaspora group in the country  soon to be the largest, overtaking the UK. Over the past five years, India has provided more new Australian citizens than any other country.

And the rapid numerical growth has been accompanied by an increase in public visibility and political influence.

But the diaspora is disunited and factionalised, sometimes violently so. Fear has silenced many: a self-censorship borne of anxiety over surveillance or potential retribution. The growing schisms reflect the seismic faultlines dividing India itself.

And the apparent inability  perhaps unwillingness  of Australias political class to contemplate the Indian diasporas breathtaking complexity has exacerbated those divisions, and pushed them underground.

Indias vital, vibrant diaspora is deeply divided.

Caste discrimination systemic in Australia

Some of those divisions have ancient histories. Casteism has been exported to purportedly egalitarian Australia, where  according to new survey data  children are being excluded from birthday parties because their presence is considered polluting and low caste workers are being denied shifts by higher caste managers.

The Hindu caste system, which is assigned at birth and determines occupations and social status, is made up of four tiers, with Brahmins or priests and teachers at the top and Dalits at the bottom. Dalits are often tasked with scavenging and street cleaning, are considered untouchable and are outcast from Indian society.

Dr Asang Wankhede led the National Community Consultation on Caste Discrimination, involving interviews with 146 Indian Australians. His research found caste discrimination and prejudice is persistent and systemic in Australia.

It manifests in varying degrees in all aspects of public and private lives.

Wankhede says casteism has existed for centuries  irrespective of whatever the tides were back home in India  and persists despite a constitution that explicitly prohibits caste discrimination. But he says its export to Australia is shocking.

Caste discrimination in Australia

I have experienced caste-based discrimination at my job. My supervisor was an Indian Brahmin who is from an upper caste. She is very interested in knowing what caste the person belongs to when a new person starts the job. If the person is from lower caste she will behave differently ... She used to give overtime to people from her community but if the person is from a lower caste she might even cancel their shift  Every upper caste person that I have encountered behaved like this.

- Anonymous Canberra resident interviewed for a report into Caste Discrimination in Australia by AIM and SGRSS Inc

Kids (Dalit kids), when they go to other kids (upper-caste) birthday parties, and they (upper-caste) follow Hinduism and their own rituals, so sometimes what happens is that they are not allowed to enter that time when they follow the ritual. So, the children say why we are only going for the cake cutting time. (Note: the birthday cake cutting ceremony usually follows the Hindu ritual prayers which are held at the beginning of an occasion). With a sad face, our children (Dalit children) are prohibited from joining at the same time as other children and are made to wait outside of the place where the ritual is undertaking. Our children are not able to do the same ceremonies. They know which caste we belong to and thats how they think we are (polluting). We are Shudras/untouchables. If we attend their rituals, they and the ritual will get defiled/polluted.

- Anonymous Sydney resident interviewed for a report into Caste Discrimination in Australia by AIM and SGRSS Inc

Dr Jasbeer Musthafa Mamalipurath, a lecturer in media studies at Queens University in Belfast, who has studied Australias Indian diaspora for more than a decade, says high-caste expatriates dominate cultural organisations, and exclude low-caste Hindus or people of other faiths.

Caste-based divisions can lead to dangerous consequences because they perpetuate social inequalities, normalise exclusion and can even lead to significant psychological, economic and social harm to the marginalised communities.

Additionally, it poses significant threats to the societal ideals of equality and social inclusion that countries like Australia claim to have been adherent to.

Last month, the Australian Human Rights Commissions national anti-racism framework recommended the Australian government investigate options for legal protections against caste discrimination, including potential reform of existing legislation.

Competing visions of the same country

Other divisions in Australias Indian diaspora echo the political schisms that grip India.

Modi began his third term in office in June. Only two prime ministers  modern Indias first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and his daughter, Indira Gandhi  have ruled the country longer.

Modis Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) has espoused an increasingly muscular and unyielding Hindu ethno-nationalism, an ideology known as Hindutva. The right wing of his party is linked to paramilitary groups such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founded on a basis of Hindu supremacy.

Many of Modis policies, critics argue, are fundamentally discriminatory: his citizenship bill excluded Muslim migrants from gaining Indian nationality; the now-withdrawn farm bills to deregulate the agricultural industry were opposed most fiercely by Punjabs Sikh agriculturalists; and his governments efforts to bring Muslim-majority Kashmir under direct central government control resulted in dozens of political activists being arrested.

At stake are two competing understandings of what India is.

The Nehruvian vision is of India as a secular, pluralistic liberal democracy, home to a plethora of religions, languages and cultural traditions, and acknowledging Indias sprawling history of empire, conquest and multiculturalism.

The BJPs conception is India as Hindustan, a country for the subcontinents Hindus. The corollary, critics fear, is that the countrys significant Muslim population (India is the third-largest Muslim country in the world), and other minorities, such as Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and the hill tribes of the north-east, are marginalised, even disfranchised or oppressed.

This New India comes into your home to kill you

In 2020, Australia expelled two foreign agents, part of a nest of spies  in the words of Asio chief Mike Burgess  who were seeking to cultivate politicians and obtain classified information.

It was subsequently reported that the spies were agents of Indias Research and Analysis Wing (Raw)  the countrys foreign intelligence service.

In a 2021 speech, Burgess, who did not name a country of origin but is understood to have been speaking about India, said the spies developed targeted relationships with current and former politicians, a foreign embassy and a state police service.

They monitored their countrys diaspora community. They tried to obtain classified information about Australias trade relationships.

They asked a public servant to provide information on security protocols at a major airport.

Surveillance extends beyond government.

Indian-Australians report being watched, says Dr Priya Chacko, associate professor of international politics at the University of Adelaide, and Indias intelligence agencies are increasingly active in monitoring diaspora groups overseas.

It seems to be a policy, and it seems to me theres evidence of this happening in Australia, Chacko says.

While surveillance is meant to be covert, Chacko says its often anything but.

People know that theyre being surveilled  and its a form of intimidation. And so it leads to self-censorship, which is an infringement of peoples civil liberties.

So it is a threat to Australia in the sense that its undermining sovereignty, its undermining the governments ability to do its job, which is to protect peoples civil liberties.

The Guardian spoke to numerous members of the Indian diaspora in Australia who claimed they were being surveilled  at public or community events, even in the course of their work. Some declined to speak, citing fears it would inflame tensions.

Samar Kohli, a Sikh activist, says he has been overtly surveilled on several occasions.

Just days ago, I had a car following me, it just kept following me for a long time, and I kept circling around, and I parked somewhere to see if theyre going to circle around and come back. And they did that. And then I left, and they left. So, like, weird things happen.

Kohli says people have watched his home from parked cars, and others have reported almost identical incidents.

Surveillance of Indian-Australians

There are times Ive had to park my car at a distance and walk so that people dont know where my car is parked. There have been many times I know of, of peoples houses are being monitored: a new car will be parked across the road and left there. Sometimes there are people sitting there, they will just be sitting there watching us. And if you just go talk to them, they say, oh, were just looking for something or discussing something, then they just park. No one does that. These things do happen in Australia.

I can tell you so many people, we know for clear fact, might be working directly for India, and weve given evidence to the Australian Federal Police, to Asio and to everyone. Are we just waiting and seeing if and when that happens or what theyre going to do?

I wouldnt say there is fear. I would say theres cautiousness. [With the Asio disclosure of Indian espionage] I would say one part is relief that, OK, finally, people are seeing what weve been saying for so long. The other part is will Australia let this happen in Australia? Will Australia pick up its game even before India try to do what theyve done in Canada? Does someone need to die before Australia takes it seriously?

I know people, both in Sydney and Melbourne  either theyve been followed, or their house has been monitored, or random things have just happened at times.

Chacko says the fear in Australia is real.

Theyre afraid theyll be denied visas to go back to India, or that theyll be arrested in India. And, you know, this might be getting a bit paranoid, but they definitely feel like that, and they definitely self-censor for that reason.

In October, officials from Modis government were expelled from Canada, publicly accused of involvement in the murder of the separatist Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead in 2023. Canada says it has shown India credible and irrefutable evidence of ties between agents of the government of India and the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil.

India has rejected the allegations as preposterous and maintains Canada has provided no evidence to back its claims. But earlier this year, Modi made a public boast that he was able to extract retribution for dissent, saying: Today, even Indias enemies know: this is Modi, this is the New India. This New India comes into your home to kill you.

Demonising Islam online

A key element of Modis political success  a comeback that far surpasses Donald Trumps in America  has been his ability to harness social media, and exploit its reach directly to Indias vast and intensely online population.

Thousands of WhatsApp and Telegram groups in India are dominated by Hindutva ideology and aggressive political invective.

Chako says she sees evidence of the same rhetoric in Australia. WhatsApp groups and social media channels in Australia are dominated by polarising rightwing invective, often demonising Islam and other minorities.

Its coming straight from India, she says. Any agenda thats active in India flows into these WhatsApp groups.

Its interesting to see how quickly it permeates and that the people in these groups dont question it.

Chacko says WhatsApp groups in Australia are dominated by disinformation around Islam and Sikhism  about how Muslims are cultists, theyre a threat to Hindus.

Its worrying in the sense that its disinformation, promoting Islamophobia, but its also in terms of fragmenting an Indian community. These groups, they never talk about Indians, they talk about Hindus, they separate themselves from the 50% of Indians in Australia who are not Hindu.

Islamophobia among Australia's Indian diaspora

When I witness instances of far-right Hindu extremism in Australia, I am overwhelmed with a deep sense of fear, vulnerability, and distress. The chants of "Jai Shri Ram", now synonymous with violence against Muslims, carry a chilling message of hatred and bigotry. Its terrifying to see such rhetoric and calls for violence openly expressed in our communities, making it difficult to feel safe or welcome.

Hearing calls for violence against those who slaughter and consume beef, used as a thinly veiled threat against Muslims, fills me with profound vulnerability. Its not just about the words; its about the terrifying reality they represent for Muslims who live in constant fear of being targeted. We find ourselves increasingly alienated and marginalised, caught in the crosshairs of this growing extremism.

These events sharply highlight the impunity with which these extremist groups operate, further marginalising and isolating Muslim communities.

It leaves me questioning the safety of my loved ones and the inclusiveness of a society that allows such hate to flourish. The normalisation of this extremism is an assault not only on our physical safety but also on our sense of belonging and dignity in this country.

- Imam Waseem Razvi, Chair of the Alliance against Islamophobia

Minorities within minorities

Mamalipurath argues the idea of India as a monolithic, homogenised identity is a myth that needs to be busted.

She is far beyond Bollywood and butter chicken.

Across more than a decade living in Australia, Mamalipurath says he saw Indias diversity  across religion, caste, class, creed, culture, language  manifest in an intense communalism, even down to expat groups based on graduating from a particular Indian university.

He says conceptions of us versus them within the diaspora are used to further marginalise minority groups.

Indias recent obsession with a homogenised cultural heritage  One Bharat  as well as the recent shifts in the countrys political landscape, plays a key role in pressuring the groups to subscribe to one India; one identity and one sense about India.

It leads the minority communities to experience a sociological double marginalisation; they get pushed down to become a minority within the minorities.

Few in Australia  particularly Australias political class  are adroit at navigating the Indian communitys complexities and differences, Mamalipurath argues.

Numerous Australian politicians have been photographed wearing saffron scarves carrying the banyan tree logo of an ultra-nationalist Indian group, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), linked to alleged violence against Muslims; have chanted Jai Shri Ram, an ostensibly religious chant that has been used by Hindutva adherents during attacks on minorities.

Heedless politicians, Mamalipurath argues, find themselves co-opted by political interests within the diaspora, largely because they havent done their homework.

These heedless activities by mainstream leaders and officials contribute to the normalisation of the ethnonationalist disinformation purveyed by the far-right groups of India.

Sikh discrimination in Australia

Theres more and more and more hatred [against Sikhs]. You read the speeches of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister, and then to Indira Gandhi or Rajiv Gandhi or even Modi. It doesnt take much to see theres a clear hatred for Sikhs.

The problem is, now I see this feeling coming over to Australia. Ive been in Australia for 20 years and this isnt the country I came into. To some extent, Aussies are right: do not bring your problems here. But at the same time, unfortunately, these problems are following us. We left the country to be in peace, not for this to keep following us.

We already know these guys monitor Sikhs in Australia and across the world  even when you go to the Sikh events or any rallies, you will find these specific people who will come and start recording videos and taking photos of anyone whos holding a Khalistani (Sikh separatist) flag.

People who speak, people who raise questions, theyre the one whos been targeted the most  its basically to silence us.

Whats been coming on the news [of Indian espionage in Australia] is nothing shocking or surprising. Its just finally coming out for everyone to see.

The common thread  is authoritarianism

Chacko argues that Indias transnational repression needs to be understood in the context of a global shift towards authoritarianism.

It has to do with Hindu nationalism, but its also got to do with authoritarianism in general. Theres now this very firm alliance between authoritarianism and Hindu nationalism. Its not like the things that India is doing abroad are unique to India: Iran does it, China does it.

The common thread  is authoritarianism.

India remains a democracy, Chacko says, a vibrant if imperfect one, one capable of throwing up surprises. But the trend lines, she argues, point towards repression.

Indias always been a flawed democracy, thats always been the case. But its gotten to a point where its now an autocratic state, doing things or being accused of doing things that a country like Iran does. Its really sad, actually, that its come to this.
Ali Hassan al-Ali as a young man, and after he was freed from detention, aged 57. Composite: Guardian Design / Getty / Habeeb Habeeb @habeebhabeeb / Handout

Moammar Ali has been searching for his older brother for 39 years.

In 1986, Syrian soldiers arrested the university student Ali Hassan al-Ali, then 18, at a checkpoint in north Lebanon. Moammar has not heard from him since.

He spent the next three decades visiting different security branches in Syria, where he would receive conflicting information on the whereabouts of his brother.

There was no place in Syria we didnt visit. We went around the whole country asking what happened to him. One day they would admit they had him in prison, the next day they would deny it, Ali, a resident of Akkar, north Lebanon, said.

The last information Ali received about his brother was that he was being held in a military security branch in Damascus on charges of political agitation. Then, Syrias revolution and subsequent civil war began and Ali no longer received any updates on his brothers status.

Until Thursday night, when Alis phone started to buzz. Friends, relatives and family members began sending him the same picture: a bedraggled man in his late 50s, standing dazed in front of the Hama central prison in north Syria.

They said he resembled me. I told them: this is my brother! The feeling  its indescribable. Imagine that I havent seen him for 39 years and then all of a sudden his picture is sent to you, how would you feel? Ali said.

His brother, who entered prison as an 18-year-old, was now 57. He has come out of prison as an old man.

Alis brother was one of the thousands of prisoners released from Syrian government prisons in Aleppo and Hama after Islamist rebels led by Hayat al-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured the city. In the last week, HTS-led forces have routed those of the Syrian army in north Syria in a stunning offensive  the most serious challenge to Bashar al-Assads control of Syria since the revolution in 2011.

One of the first actions rebels took in newly captured cities was to release detainees from government detention centres. Videos showed stunned-looking people emerging from prisons, where joyous crowds awaited them.

Syrians prisons, where an estimated 136,000 people were detained up until this week, are to many emblematic of the government repression that earned Syria the title of the Kingdom of Silence. Thousands of protesters were arrested during the revolution for speaking out against the government.

Leaked documents showed the Syrian security apparatus viewed prisons as a key way to crush dissent and stop the momentum of peaceful protests. The vast network of security branches, detention centres and prisons grew notorious for their brutal torture methods, which rights groups said were applied on an industrial scale.

A lot of those who had been forcibly disappeared previously, we discovered that they had been killed. A considerable amount had been killed under torture, said Fadel Abdulghany, the founder of the Syrian Network for Human Rights who is originally from Hama.

Abdulghany said that while the release of political prisoners should be celebrated and encouraged, indiscriminate, mass release of prisoners could carry significant risk  particularly if violent offenders were also let out.

The sudden release of thousands of prisoners created renewed hope for families who had heard nothing about the fate of their loved ones for years. Grainy screenshots of released detainees circulated on WhatsApp groups around Syria and neighbouring countries, as family members tried to see if their relatives were among those released.

You cant imagine how it was yesterday; a lot of friends contacted me to ask about my father, said Jinan, a resident of a border village in south Lebanon who spoke under a pseudonym for fear of security repercussions for her family.

Jinans father was arrested in 2006 after crossing into Syria during the Hezbollah-Israel war to find refuge for his family. As soon as he arrived at our relatives house, there was a knock at the door and he was arrested, Jinan said. She had not heard from her father since.

Jinan and her family made several visits to Syria to inquire about her fathers release. After paying about $5,500 (4,300) to various intermediaries, she was told her father was either being held in Branch 235 or Sednaya prison  two detention centres in Damascus infamous for torture.

We still have hope, I feel like hes still alive and I think he will come back and live with us. I dont support any armed groups that are killing people, but if my father comes back  We need him, Jinan said.

Confusion has reigned as the fast-changing political dynamics in northern Syria make it difficult for authorities to identity who has been released  and return them to their families.

Ali has still not been able to make direct contact with his brother and has spent the past 24 hours trying to track down who took the photo of him after his release from prison.

When he comes home, we will have a big celebration. But until I smell him, until I can say, Here he is, my brother, nothing counts, Ali said.
Miko Peled argues at the Oxford Union debate that the acts of Hamas were not terrorism

Counter-terror police are investigating reports that an Oxford Union speaker broke the law by expressing support for Hamas during a debate on Israel.

During the debate, which took place last week, one of the speakers argued that the events of Oct 7 2023 were not terrorism but were instead acts of heroism.

Miko Peled, a pro-Palestinian activist, made the comments while speaking in favour of the motion: This house believes Israel is an apartheid state responsible for genocide.

The Telegraph understands several complaints have been made to police about the comments, which have been passed to specialist counter-terror officers to examine.

Expressing support for a proscribed organisation is illegal under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Jonathan Sacerdoti says the presidents refusal to act enabled Peleds support for Hamas in a room of impressionable students

During the debate, Mr Peled said: What we saw on Oct 7 was not terrorism  these were acts of heroism of a people who have been oppressed.

Jonathan Sacerdoti, the son of a Holocaust survivor and one of the opposing speakers, raised a point of order during the debate, saying that he believed Mr Peleds remarks constituted a criminal offence.

He told the Union president: I believe you should invite the police in. His depiction of the acts of Hamas on Oct 7 is, under UK law  the Terrorism Act 2000  illegal.

Ebrahim Osman Mowafy, the president of the Union, reportedly responded by saying: Im not legal enforcement.

Mr Sacerdoti has since accused the Oxford Union of disgracing itself by allowing the forces of bigotry, hatred and mob rule to breach a once proud institution.

He told The Telegraph: The Oxford Union became a platform for dangerous incitement with Miko Peleds grotesque glorification of the Oct 7 Hamas massacres as acts of heroism. This was not only morally reprehensible but seems to me to be illegal.

Mr Sacerdoti added that the presidents refusal to intervene effectively enabled Peleds support for and praise of a proscribed terror group before a room full of impressionable students.

Following the debate, a group of dons wrote to Lord Hague, the universitys newly elected chancellor, to complain that the remarks by Mr Peled broke the law.

Baroness Deech, Prof Sir Vernon Bogdanor and the philosopher Prof Peter Hacker were among 300 signatories of an open letter decrying the inflammatory rhetoric, aggressive behaviour and intimidation witnessed during the debate.

They said: We unequivocally condemn the incendiary remarks made by some speakers in support of Hamas and terrorist violence. Such statements are not only morally reprehensible but also in clear violation of the law.

The signatories of the letter called the debate a failure on all counts, suggesting that the debate subjected Jewish students to anti-Semitism and intimidation.

Yoseph Haddad, a pro-Israel activist, was ejected from the chamber after dismissing audience members as terrorist supporters, at which point he put on a T-shirt that read your terrorist is dead with a crossed-out face of Hassan Nasrallah, the former Hezbollah leader.

Mr Haddad later took to X (formerly Twitter) to describe Oxford as being occupied by anti-Semitic  and racist Middle East peoples.

In a statement, the Oxford Israel Society, representing Israeli students at Oxford, said: It was pure unfiltered hatred. We left the debate feeling physically ill and unsafe, ultimately deciding to leave together rather than alone.

The motion was carried 278 ayes to 59 noes.

A spokesperson for Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) said: CTPSE is aware of reports of a person expressing support for a proscribed organisation, namely Hamas, at the Oxford Union on Thursday Nov 28 and enquiries are ongoing.

Mr Osman Mowafy said: During the debate, the president, in accordance with the powers conferred on the chair in the rules of the Oxford Union, directed two individuals to withdraw from the floor of the house.

The first was a member who was repeatedly interjecting and disrupting the speech by Mr Jonathan Sacerdoti. The second was Mr Yoseph Haddad, who was intimidating a member seated behind him.

Mr Osman Mowafy added: Claims that the debate was badly chaired or that students were not wishing to participate are subjective claims; a debate as contentious as this one would have those unhappy with it no matter what had happened, as evidenced by the coverage of the debate long before it even took place.

All speakers on side opposition exceeded significantly their time, and at all times their ability to make their speech was ensured and any heckling was shut down by myself.

The video recordings of the speeches will be released on YouTube in the usual manner where these matters can be judged better.
After the NYPD offered a $10,000 reward, the FBI offered an additional $50,000. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters

The FBI has said it is offering $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gunman who fatally shot the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare in New York City, as efforts to identify and locate a suspect continue.

The FBIs reward, which is in addition to a $10,000 reward offered by police, come as investigators try to piece together the movements of the man suspected of what they called the targeted attack that killed Brian Thompson in Manhattan early on Wednesday morning.

After combing through surveillance video that shows the suspect fleeing the scene of the shooting on a bicycle before entering Central Park, police say they believe he may have fled the city by bus. Video shows him then walking and taking a taxi to a bus terminal that has interstate services.

Related: Brian Thompsons killing inspired rage  against the healthcare industry

We have reason to believe hes no longer in New York City, said Jessica Tisch, commissioner of the New York police department.

Police officers, aided by drones, have scoured Central Park and found a backpack believed to have been discarded by the suspected killer during his escape. Despite his apparent fleeing from the city, Eric Adams, New York Citys mayor, said that we are on the right road to apprehend him and bring him to justice.

Images of the alleged gunman during and after the shooting show that he was masked or wearing a hood, with an image circulated by police of his face taken at a hostel on Manhattans Upper West Side, where a person believed to be the suspect lowered his face covering to talk to the receptionist.

The identity of the suspect is still unknown, though, as is the motive. However, the apparently targeted nature of the attack and the words delay, deny and possibly depose written on the shell casings  along with bullets recovered from the scene of the shooting  have suggested it is linked to the healthcare insurance industrys routine denial of payments for medical services to many Americans.

Healthcare debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the US, with for-profit healthcare insurers such as UnitedHealthcare among the wealthiest corporations in the country. Thompson, who lived in Minnesota near the companys headquarters, earned $10m a year in his role as chief executive.

The shooting has caused deep shock within the health insurance industry. And UnitedHealthcare has since started looking to upgrade its security for staff. 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, the company said in a statement.

Other insurers have taken similar precautionary steps in the wake of the attack, with government health insurance provider Centene Corp changing its investor day to a virtual event. And Medica, a Minnesota-based non-profit healthcare firm that has about 3,000 employees, said it is temporarily closing all six of its offices. Staff will work from home in a measure the company said was due to an abundance of caution.
Qatar's prime minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, made his comments at the annual Doha forum. Photograph: Mohamed Hossam/EPA

Momentum has returned to the Gaza peace talks and an agreement is possible before Donald Trumps inauguration in January, Qatars prime minister has said.

Speaking at the annual Doha forum, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said the two key issues were whether there was willingness to have a prisoner hostage exchange, and whether there was a desire to end the war.

He said Qatar had stepped back from its role of mediator a few months ago because some countries were exploiting the process for political reasons, but added: There had been a lot of encouragement to secure a deal before the president comes to office so we are trying to get things back on track.

Al Thani implied that he had received assurances from the US president-elects advisers about their determination to reach a negotiated settlement. He said: We have sensed after the election that the momentum is coming back. Comparing Trumps approach with that of Joe Biden, he said: There will be some differences, but we did not see any disagreement on the goal of ending the war. That was very important for us to understand.

Related: Israel seeks Elon Musks influence in resolving hostage situation in Gaza

He said the gaps between Hamas and Israel were not substantial, but that he was trying to protect the negotiations because in the past everything had been put into the public domain, leading to disappointment.

It is understood the disagreements between Hamas and Israel largely revolve around whether Israel is prepared to accept that a ceasefire reflects a permanent end to the conflict, and not a temporary respite in which there is an exchange of Palestinian political prisoners and Israeli hostages.

This issue has dogged the talks for months, but the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, may feel his options are more limited if Trump insists he wants the war to be brought to an end. Israel has been silent on its future intentions for the administration of Gaza.

Referring to the spread of the conflict, Al Thani said: We have been trying to warn everyone in the world that the situation in Gaza is going to expand.
Friends and relatives protest near a reformed gold mineshaft where illegal miners are trapped in Stilfontein - Denis Farrell/AP

Ayanda Ndabeni and his associates were more than a mile underground, in the darkness of decrepit abandoned mine tunnels, when the police cut off their lifeline to the surface.

Determined to flush out hundreds of illegal miners trespassing in the disused gold mine, officers began stopping food and water going into the shafts and waited to starve the prospectors out.

At a stroke, Mr Ndabeni and his colleagues were cut off from supplies, leaving them with dwindling food, water and batteries.

However, the men had not gone into the mine lightly and did not want to leave.

Heading back to the daylight after weeks or months of work could mean arrest and the loss of illicit gold dug out at great risk, they feared.

Fighting off hunger with salt

A survival plan was hatched, the 36-year-old told the Telegraph. We survived on a mixture of water, sugar and salt. My other colleagues mixed vinegar and toothpaste to beat the hunger, he said.

For months, South Africas police have been in a stand-off with hundreds of illegal miners deep in the abandoned old Buffelsfontein gold mine, near Stilfontein, 90 miles south-west of Johannesburg.

Police have thrown a wide cordon around the warren of old workings. They say it is too dangerous to descend to arrest the miners, some of whom are alleged to be armed.

Ayanda Ndabeni said there was no training to enter the mines and the need to support his family kept him going - Kerry McQueeney

The confrontation, in a maze of deep workings stretching for miles, is the frontline of a nationwide government crackdown on illegal mining which Pretoria says costs the country huge sums and is controlled by criminal mafias.

Many gold mines that once made South Africa the worlds top gold producer are no longer viable and have shut down.

South Africa battles 32 per cent unemployment

But traces of gold remain in the sealed shafts and in a country with 32 per cent unemployment, plenty are desperate enough to take the risk of breaking in and trying their luck.

South Africa estimates the activity loses the country 3bn a year in revenue, while the miners, who are often from neighbouring countries, are accused of bringing crime waves to nearby communities.

The crackdown operation, called Close the Hole, began a year ago, and escalated in August, when police began preventing supplies from going down into the mine.

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, a cabinet minister, said last month that the government was taking a hard line against the miners and would smoke them out.

She said: They will come out. Criminals are not to be helped. We didnt send them there.

As the weeks have gone on, more than 1,350 miners have made their way to the surface, some obviously hungry and dehydrated, and have appeared in court.

Many more are thought to remain holding out in the mines 10 and 11 shafts and Margaret shaft.

Seven bodies have also been brought out, six of them last week.

Mr Ndabeni himself eventually could hold out no longer and made his way out, but claims in the eight weeks he spent underground, he managed to accumulate enough gold to sustain his family for months to come.

He is desperate to go back down.

He said: I hid my gold where no one would find it. It is there, waiting for my return. The gold underground doesnt belong to anyone. It is ours as residents; hence, we mine it.

We risk our lives to make ends meet, he said.

Police install pulleys and ropes over an entrance to a disused gold mine in Stilfontein - STRINGER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

While the government tries to force the miners out, residents and human rights groups have called on officials to let them lower down food, water and medication.

Miners have sent messages appealing for medicines and supplies, but otherwise there is very little glimpse of conditions in the mine.

The High Court in Pretoria last month ruled that police must now let humanitarian aid in.

The majority of those who have surfaced are from neighbouring countries, including Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, and now face deportation. It includes 96 children, the youngest aged 14.

Some of those who have emerged have alleged they were forced to work by armed gangs.

Promises to get tough on the miners, known as zama zamas, which translates roughly as those who take a chance or those who try, have become a mainstay of campaigning by anti-immigration politicians in South Africa.

The mining operations are said to be run by extensive criminal gangs who smuggle their finds onto the black market. Zama zama camps are accused of bringing robberies, murders and rapes to nearby communities.

Mr Ndabeni, originally from Eastern Cape province, is one of the minority of South Africans who have emerged from the mine.

He became a zama zama after losing his job in a shop in Klerksdorp, South Africa, and being unable to find any other work.

Police stand guard at the entrance to the mine and wait for people to emerge - Ihsaan Haffejee/REUTERS

He started prospecting for gold on the surface, but found meagre pickings, so decided to take the risk of heading underground.

No training was offered before going underground, he said.

We used abandoned cages. Others lowered with ropes heading to the belly of the earth.

There, experienced and retired mine workers showed us the ropes.

Falling rocks and hunger were the biggest dangers he faced, he said.

My four desperate children, wife, and family back home in the Eastern Cape, who rely on me for survival, kept me going against all the dangers.

He worked in a group, with one or two always staying to guard their stash of food and gold.

I will never return underground

Phatela Phoko was also once a local illegal miner, and last month volunteered to be lowered underground to report back on conditions beneath.

He says he was told there were 4,000 men working underground, though police estimate the number is more likely to be 300 to 400.

He said: I saw the worst. People were thirsty and hungry. Some have departed this world. The stench of decaying bodies was heavy. Others demanded essential medication such as antiretroviral drugs [for HIV treatment].

Some claimed they were willing to resurface but didnt have the strength due to hunger. I delivered a message of support that said help was coming. I will never return underground, Mr Phoko claimed.

The provincial government said it has hired an experienced mine rescue team to retrieve the miners, but little progress appears to have been made so far.
Ahn Cheol-soo was the only People Power Party lawmaker to remain in the voting chamber during the impeachment vote - Jeon Heon-Kyun/AFP

South Koreas president escaped impeachment on Saturday after most lawmakers from the ruling party boycotted a vote despite mounting pressure and mass protests.

After Yoon Suk-Yeol imposed a short-lived martial law for six hours on Tuesday evening, which was lifted after 190 lawmakers voted to reject the move, opposition parties filed an impeachment motion and scheduled a session to vote on it on Saturday.

The opposition holds 192 out of 300 seats in the national assembly but they needed 200 votes to pass the motion.

In a day filled with dramatic developments, most of the ruling People Power Partys (PPP) 108 lawmakers marched out of the chamber as voting on the impeachment motion began.

Only one lawmaker, Ahn Cheol-soo, who had revealed his intention to vote in favour of impeaching Mr Yoon, remained in his seat.

Protesters take part in a demonstration against the president following the martial law announcement on Tuesday - Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images AsiaPac

Protesters rallied outside the national assembly as lawmakers were to vote on the impeachment - Ezra Acayan/Getty Images AsiaPac

As opposition lawmakers began to call each PPP lawmaker by name, one, Kim Yea-ji, returned to cast her vote. And 30 minutes later, Kim Sang-wook, another PPP lawmaker, also came back to vote.

While waiting for more PPP lawmakers to return to the chamber, Woo Won-shik, the national assembly speaker, described their boycott as a great shame.

Public interest in this matter is very high. Koreas future is at stake. It is a great shame that we cannot even establish a vote, he said.

Kim Sang-wook, a member of the ruling party, casted his vote on the impeachment motion - Woohae Cho/Bloomberg

Eventually, at 9.26pm local time, Mr Woo reluctantly banged his gavel and closed the session. The impeachment motion failed because only 195 lawmakers cast their votes.

The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) has vowed to continue efforts to impeach Yoon every week.

Weve decided to break up special sessions on a weekly basis and continue [reintroducing the motion] in plenary sessions, Yoon Jong-kun, a DP spokesperson, told reporters on Saturday night.

Saturday nights outcome came after Mr Yoon apologised for invoking martial law as he bowed during his first televised address since Tuesday.

The decision was made from the desperation of me as the president. But it gave the people anxiety and inconveniences. I am very sorry and apologise to you, he said in a roughly two-minute address.

Mr Yoon also reassured the public that he wouldnt declare martial law for the second time despite widespread concerns. There are talks that martial law might be imposed again, but I state clearly: there will never be anything like a second constitutional crisis, he said before bowing to the camera to end the televised address.

Opposition parties quickly condemned his brief televised apology, describing it as disappointing.

There is no way to resolve the situation other than the presidents immediate resignation or an early departure through impeachment, said Jae-myung, DPs leader, during a press conference after Mr Yoons address.

Apart from criticism from opposition parties, Han Dong-Hoon, PPPs leader, also said the president could no longer perform his duties normally and that it was inevitable that he would have to resign.

Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered outside the national assembly to call for the impeachment of Mr Yoon, despite the sub-zero temperature.

He waited days to acknowledge his serious wrongdoings in front of the public and he fails to convince us that he plans to leave office as soon as he should, Keunchol Jung, a 40-year-old artist, told The Telegraph.

Others say Mr Yoon should be given the harshest possible punishment for posing serious threats to South Koreas democracy. He tried to abuse his presidential power and turn South Korea into an authoritarian country, so he should definitely be put into jail as soon as possible, said Cho Hyun-Sung, a 43-year-old engineer.

More than an hour after the national assembly closed Saturday nights session, dozens of protesters marched to the ruling partys headquarter and chanted slogans that called on PPP lawmakers to come out.

The failure of todays vote will lead to more pressure on Yoon to resign and more pressure on conservative lawmakers to vote for an impeachment that over 70 per cent of South Koreans support, said Ramon Pacheco Pardo, an expert on South Korean politics at Kings College London.

He said if the process to impeach Mr Yoon drags on, it may cause more ruling party lawmakers to vote in favour of his impeachment. These lawmakers will have to think not only about South Korean democracy but also about their own political careers if they continue to be seen as siding with a president that has lost all his legitimacy, Mr Pacheco Pardo said.
Chinese tour groups gather in Ubud, Indonesia. Chinese tourists have been slow to return to major holiday destinations after the pandemic, but Indonesia is aiming to double its numbers this year. Photograph: Helen Davidson/The Guardian

In the laneways of Ubud, three older Chinese women are laughing as they take photos of a friend posing under a cascade of tropical flowers. They are retired friends from Nanjing, and were frequent travellers before the pandemic.

Bali has good people and good scenery. Its cold in Nanjing now, so its a good time to come here, says Zhang Min*. Were going sailing tomorrow, climbing a volcano the day after, and snorkelling. I want to try everything.

The women have gone off on their own for a little walk, but came to Bali as part of what was once a ubiquitous site at global tourism hotspots  a large Chinese tour group.

When the pandemic shut down international borders, these tour groups  along with almost all other travellers  disappeared. Indonesia, which relies on tourism for as much as 6% of its GDP, is working hard to get them back, despite ongoing concerns about overtourism.

Since borders reopened, the world has witnessed waves of mass revenge travel as people try to make up for lost time, but people from China have been slower to rejoin. The country was one of the last to relax pandemic restrictions, and by then was also suffering an economic downturn and youth unemployment crisis.

In 2018, more than 2.13 million Chinese tourists visited Indonesia  more than those from all European nations combined, and second only to visitors from Malaysia. In 2021, the figure was just 54,000.

Of course, we would like to get back into the bonanza-era, pre-pandemic, says Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Indonesias deputy minister for tourism marketing. Ayu Marthini says she realised Chinese people were fascinated with her country when she came across a replica Balinese village in Chinas southern Hainan province.

Indonesian tourism officials are in China every second month, organising with major Chinese companies such as Huawei and booking giant Ctrip. Deals with Chinese airlines target a list of crown jewels across Indonesia and posts on Douyin market places like Pink Beach in Komodo national park and swimming with whale sharks in Sumbawa. Travel agency Komodo Trips says they have 100-150 Chinese clients taking three-day boat trips to Komodo island every month.

In 2023 there were 788,000 Chinese visitors  around four times the previous year. This year Indonesia has set a target of 1.5 million. Officials saying unplanned events like the recent volcano eruption have had an impact, but they think the total will exceed 1 million by Christmas  still around half pre-pandemic levels.

Zhang says she and her friends are lucky they can afford to travel, but its not so easy for younger people back home.

There are a lot of videos and content about young Chinese travelling around, but thats not the reality. Young people are under a lot of pressure, she says. Healthcare, education and housing are a big burden on their shoulders.

The Chinese government, increasingly concerned about foreign influence and espionage, is also tightening social and political restrictions for citizens at home and abroad. Media reports have documented some public service sectors confiscating employees passports so officials can control who gets to travel.

In Ubud, the Guardian meets one group of workers from a major state-backed baijiu liquor company. A middle-aged man in the group says he came to Bali to relieve his stress because of the fast pace of life in China. Then, wary, he defers questions to the tour guide who says hes taken Chinese people around the world but realised that our motherland is the best after travelling abroad.

Ayu Marthini says she hasnt confirmed the stories of passport confiscations, and doesnt appear to be worried about any potential impact on their targets. But she says its not just about the numbers.

The numbers are important, but so is [attracting] responsible tourists, who are spending big and having experiences, she says. Pre-pandemic we had more tour groups [from China]. Now its more young people wanting to do independent travel.

Ma Dan and her family are travelling with a tour group of 80, but say theyll plan an independent trip next time.

When we are travelling with a tour group, I cant stop to see many places even if I want to, says Ma. If Im travelling on my own, Ill slow down a bit and stay for a day if I like a place.

Its also hoped that a wider distribution of tourists could thread the needle between welcoming tourist dollars and preventing overtourism.

Bali remains the most popular Indonesian destination for Chinese visitors  almost 48,000 visited in July alone, about a third of all Chinese visitors to Indonesia that month.

Indonesias tourism minister, Sandiaga Uno, warned in August that even a 10% increase in visitors to Bali would push it into overtourism, and the government has suspended construction of new hotels, bars and villas in some parts of the island.

Marthini, herself a Balinese, says that on a per capita basis Bali doesnt get an extreme number of visitors, but they concentrate in the south and central parts of the island.

We need to balance. If you want to have Bali forever, you must protect the people, she said. You can copy it of course, but theres only one Bali.

*Some names have been changed
After a heart attack, Megan Rothbauer was left with a bill over $50,000 that her insurance refused to pay for

When Megan Rothbauer suffered a heart attack at work in Wisconsin, she was rushed to hospital in an ambulance.

Given the medical emergency  30-year-old Ms Rothbauer would end up spending 10 days in a medically induced coma  she was whisked to the nearest available facility.

It proved to be an expensive decision.

The nearest hospital was not in network, which left Ms Rothbauer with a $52,531.92 bill for her care.

Had the ambulance driven a further three blocks to Meriter Hospital in Madison, the bill would have been a more modest $1,500.

I was in a coma. I couldnt very well wake up and say, Hey, take me to the next hospital, she told WISC TV.

It was the closest hospital to where I had my event, so naturally the ambulance took me there. No fault to them.

Ms Rothbauer was in a coma for ten days

Although the hospital reduced the bill by 90 per cent, the incident laid bare the expensive complexity of the American healthcare system with patients finding that they are uncovered, despite paying hefty premiums, because of their policys small print.

In many cases the grounds for refusal hinge on whether the insurer accepts that the treatment is necessary and that decision is increasingly being made by artificial intelligence rather than a physician.

It is leading to coverage being denied on an industrial scale. Much of the work is outsourced, with the biggest operator being EviCore, which is used by insurance companies serving about 100 million people.

According to ProPublica, a non-profit investigative organisation, it uses AI to review  and in many cases turn down  doctors requests for prior authorisation, guaranteeing to pay for treatment.

Cynics call it the dollars for denial business, with some contracts providing incentives for cutting spending.

The controversy over coverage denials was brought into sharp focus by the gunning down of UnitedHealthcares chief executive Brian Thompson in Manhattan.

While no official explanation has been given for the killing, the casings apparently left on the ammunition  deny, defend and depose  are thought to refer to the tactics the insurance industry is accused of using to avoid paying out.

Figures compiled by ValuePenguin, a consumer research site, found that UnitedHealthcare rejected one in three claims last year, about twice the industry average.

Illegal scheme

Cigna, the fourth largest health insurance company in the US, rejected 18 per cent of its claims. It is being sued in a California class action over its mass denials of coverage.

According to the writ, Cigna operated an illegal scheme to systematically, wrongfully and automatically deny its insureds the thorough, individualised physician review of claims guaranteed to them by California law and, ultimately, the payments for necessary medical procedures owed to them under Cignas health insurance policies.

In response to the writ, Cigna said the lawsuit appears highly questionable and seems to be based entirely on a poorly reported article that skewed the facts.

It added: Cigna uses technology to verify that the codes on some of the most common, low-cost procedures are submitted correctly based on our publicly available coverage policies, and this is done to help expedite physician reimbursement.

The review takes place after patients have received treatment, so it does not result in any denials of care. If codes are submitted incorrectly, we provide clear guidance on resubmission and how to appeal.

Frequently, the insurers will deny claims on the basis that the treatment is unnecessary  despite the view of the patients own doctor.

According to the California claim, medical reviews were done by computer rather than another physician.

Algorithm used to deny claims

At the heart of the operation was PXDX, an algorithm developed by Cigna that enabled the companys doctors to automatically deny payments in batches of hundreds or thousands at a time.

The system meant claims were rejected without opening files, leaving thousands of patients effectively without coverage and unexpected bills.

In just two months in 2022, it is alleged, Cignas doctors denied more than 300,000 requests for payment, spending 1.2 seconds reviewing each request.

The company was also accused of using the PXDX system in the knowledge that only around 2 per cent will contest the denial.

I think they are all using AI to cost cut, Glenn Danas from Clarkson Law Firm, which is representing the patients, told The Telegraph.

Our position is not that AI has no role in the insurance industry, but it has to be used responsibly and in a way that does not supplant the doctor or individualised review.

There are huge financial incentives to use AI, not only in cutting payouts but through savings on staff.

Its also probable that they are saving money from people who do not bother to appeal, said Mr Danas.

Another major insurer, Anthem, ran into trouble over plans it had to cut reimbursements for anaesthesia during medical procedures.

It planned to refuse payment for anaesthesia if it went beyond an arbitrary time limit, irrespective of whether surgery was still going on.

Appalling behaviour

One angry anaesthetist asked whether he would have to stop in mid-operation, or leave the patient facing crippling medical expenses.

This is just the latest in a long line of appalling behaviour by commercial health insurers looking to drive their profits up at the expense of patients and physicians providing essential care, Donald Arnold, the president of the American Society of Anaesthesiologists said.

Its a cynical money grab by Anthem, designed to take advantage of the commitment anaesthesiologists make thousands of times each day to provide their patients with expert, complete and safe anaesthesia care.

Anthem climbed down.

Based on feedback received and misinterpretation of our policy change, it is evident that our communication regarding this policy was not clear, and as a result, we have decided to not proceed with this policy change, it said in a statement.

KFF, a nonprofit health policy research, polling and news organisation, found that six out of 10 Americans ran into problems when they tried to claim on their insurance.

They either had claims turned down, faced delays getting prior authorisation for treatment, or found that their approved network of doctors and hospitals was inadequate.

Worst hit were those who either got their insurance from their employer, or the marketplace set up by Obamacare.

The Telegraph has approached Cigna, Anthem, EviCore and AHIP, the health insurance trade body, for comment.
Attorney General Rob Bonta warned federal officials that his office had found serious failings at private detention centers in California, including the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego. Nelvin C. Cepeda/TNS

Attorney General Rob Bonta cautioned federal officials against renewing contracts  or signing new ones  with privately operated immigration detention centers in California.

The warning comes ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to carry out mass deportations.

Bonta sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security this week detailing serious failings at six detention centers in the state, including inadequate medical and mental health care, retaliation against detainees, and failure to prevent and address sexual assault and abuse. The centers are run by GEO Group, CoreCivic, and Management and Training Corporation, private security companies.

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The letter claims that reviews of the facilities found problems with security classifications and language barriers, among other issues. The Department of Justice has also received reports of poor conditions, inadequate medical care, and obstacles to access to counsel from advocates who work with detainees in California, the letter says.

The letter also voiced serious questions as to whether any of these contracts should be renewed or extended by the Department of Homeland Security given the prevalence and seriousness of the poor detention conditions.

A state law signed in 2017 requires Bontas office to conduct reviews and visits of all detention centers holding immigrants in California on behalf of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The law, Assembly Bill 103, was challenged by the federal government in 2018, but was largely upheld.

The letter urged federal officials to remind private operators that they must comply with the law without obstructions or delays, including in providing documents and allowing access to the premises, and for unannounced visits.

Bontas office claimed that reviews and reports had shown lack of psychotherapy at some facilities and deficient suicide prevention practices at all centers, as well as delays in referring detained immigrants for outside care.

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Inadequate mental health care has emerged as a consistent and serious issue at the facilities, the letter says.

The letter also outlined concerns with sanitization practices  particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic  in which cleaning surfaces often fell to the detainees.

The Department of Justice also said it was concerned with some facilities use of force and discipline, as well as the intrusive pat down search policy at Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center in Bakersfield.

Indeed, the policy has resulted in allegations of sexual abuse and numerous complaints from detainees, potentially exacerbating anxiety and other mental health issues, the letter says.

Bontas office also said that access to languages other than English and Spanish was inconsistent, and that translation services were limited at some facilities.

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A spokesperson for CoreCivic, which operates Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego, said the claims in the letter simply dont reflect the conditions in our facilities or the hard work our professionals do every day.

Our immigration facilities adhere to all U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) standards and are monitored by ICE officials on a daily basis, Ryan Gustin, of CoreCivic, said in a statement. Our facilities are also audited regularly and without notice several times a year, and they are routinely visited by elected officials, attorneys, families and volunteers.

Management and Training Corporation, which operates the Imperial Regional Detention Facility in Calexico, denied the claims of shortcomings at its detention center outlined in Bontas letter.

The allegation that we cut corners when it comes to health and safety is a common talking point that is not accurate, Emily Lawhead, a spokesperson for the company, said in a statement. Our staff treat each resident with respect and dignity, and we are committed to their safety and well-being.

The GEO Group did not respond to a request for comment.

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ICE issued a request for information  a prelude to potential contracts  in August seeking detention beds in California and other states, including available detention facilities for single adult populations (male and female) that could fit at least 850 detainees, and a facility within a two-hour drive of San Francisco, CalMatters reported.

Trump has vowed to launch the largest deportation program ever in the U.S. immediately upon taking the oath of office.

Vice President-elect J.D. Vance told the New York Times it is certainly reasonable to deport around a million people per year.

A surge in deportations would likely require more detention centers to hold immigrants awaiting final orders to leave the country, potentially bringing lucrative contracts to prison contractors like the GEO Group and CoreCivic.

California lawmakers have previously attempted to curb the proliferation of privately owned detention centers in the state, with a major defeat in the courts.

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In 2019, AB32, written by Bonta when he was a member of the Legislature, was signed into law, barring the housing of inmates in prisons or detention centers run by private contractors when those contracts expired, or by 2028 at the latest. But then-President Trumps first administration and the GEO Group filed suit, arguing that California was interfering with federal immigration authority. They ultimately prevailed over California.

California lawmakers have instead turned to legislation increasing state review of the centers  resulting in the reports cited in Bontas letter  and closing loopholes that allowed private companies to use localities and subcontracts to avoid a public procurement of federal contracts.

Bianca Tylek, founder and executive director of Worth Rises, an advocacy group seeking to dismantle the prison industry, said that immigration detention has remained the financial backbone for private prison companies as the Federal Bureau of Prisons under President Joe Biden has phased out the use of private prisons.

Tylek said she is concerned with the reliance on private detention centers given the lack of oversight compared with government-run facilities, especially when it comes to vulnerable populations like immigrants who might not know their rights or could encounter language barriers.
Gaie Delap cannot have a tag attached to her ankle because of a health condition and a device cannot be found that is small enough for her wrist. Photograph: Brian Farmer/PA

A 77-year-old activist is facing recall to prison because her wrists are too small for an electronic tag.

Gaie Delap, from Bristol, was sent to prison in August, along with four co-defendants, for her part in a campaign of disruptive protests on the M25 in November 2022.

Several months after she was jailed for the Just Stop Oil protests, she was let out after being told she qualified to serve the rest of her sentence under a home detention curfew.

But the company contracted to fit the tag to Delap was unable to attach one to her ankle because of a health condition, and there are no devices available small enough to fit wrists her size.

Now there is a warrant for her arrest after the company contacted the prison authorities to tell them she could not be monitored.

The terms of Delaps curfew prevent her speaking directly to the media so her brother, Mick, is speaking on her behalf. This is very cruel, he said. Gaie is sitting at home terrified with her suitcase packed waiting for a knock on the door from police. She has been unable to eat or sleep because of this.

She is hoping against hope that sense can prevail and that she wont have to go back to jail.

He said his sister had various health problems and continued to have no feeling in one finger after being handcuffed for a hospital visit during her time in prison. She could not wear an ankle tag because she was at risk of deep-vein thrombosis.

Of the five people Delap was jailed with, four have been released early and three have been successfully tagged. The tagging system is operated by Electronic Monitoring Services (EMS), managed under a Ministry of Justice contract.

On Thursday Delap was informed that a warrant for her arrest had been issued and that she was to be returned to prison due to an inability to monitor her. The same issue with tagging arose when she was on bail and a doorstep curfew was agreed from 7pm to 7am, with random checks incorporated. This alternative has not been offered this time.

Mick said: As family and friends we are aware of failures in the tagging system, and this case appears to be a miscarriage of justice. We have been in touch with the probation service, who are supportive of Gaie. But we believe that the matter has been taken out of their hands.

It is clear that Gaie is caught in a nightmarish triangulation of confusion and justice, involving EMS, the prison, and the probation service.

Delap was among several dozen Just Stop Oil supporters who, during a four-day campaign, climbed gantries over the M25, which encircles London, forcing police to stop traffic and leaving an estimated 709,000 drivers stuck in tailbacks.

At the time of Delaps sentence, her MP, Carla Denyer, said she had deep concern over the disproportionate sentence given to her constituent, whose actions were entirely peaceful and non-violent and designed to draw attention to the threat posed by the climate emergency.

Responding to news about the tag on Saturday, Denyer said: My jaw hit the floor when I heard about this case. Its beyond absurd. I have gone straight to the prisons minister, Lord Timpson, about this case. This is completely disproportionate and not good use of stretched resources. This is a disproportionate crackdown on climate protesters. Its clear that Gaie poses no threat to her fellow citizens.

The Ministry of Justice and Serco, which manages EMS, said they were looking into the issue.
Alon Penzel said he was challenged by staff while on his way to the departure gate - Instagram

One of Britains biggest airports has launched an investigation after an Israeli author claimed he was subjected to anti-Semitism by staff over a poster promoting a talk on the Oct 7 attacks.

Alon Penzel said he was challenged by an airport security guard while on his way to the departure gate to catch a flight from Luton Airport to Tel Aviv.

At the time he was wearing a T-shirt with the slogan End Jew Hatred and carrying an A3-size black and white promotional sign emblazoned with the title of his book, Testimonies Without Boundaries Israel: October 7th 2023.

Mr Penzel claims that after passing through security checks, a security guard stopped him and told him that his sign was offensive.

The 23-year-old campaigner and journalist had spent a week in London promoting his book, featuring first-hand accounts from Hamas hostages and survivors of the Oct 7 massacre, which killed 1,200 people.

He had also been invited to speak at a House of Lords event by historian Andrew Roberts.

The sign that Alon Penzel carried through Luton Airport when the altercation unfolded - Alon Penzel

Mr Penzel said: I had already been through security and I was walking to the gate when a security man came up to me, and asked me if I was a protester.

I was puzzled. I said no, Im just trying to catch my flight. He pointed at my sign and said that some people may find it offensive. I asked why and he said it was offensive because there has been an illegal occupation since 1948. It was then that I realised something else was going on.

Three other security guards and two police officers arrived on the scene and are understood to have taken Mr Penzel to one side, away from the departure gate, before asking him about the materials he was carrying.

Mr Penzel said he was detained in the airport for about 90 minutes and questioned before finally being allowed to catch his El Al flight. He said he was made to feel uncomfortable and intimidated during the incident, which took place on Nov 18.

I felt like this was pure anti-Semitism, he said. I was telling them I was not a protester.

They said they were reviewing CCTV footage of me because protests are not allowed in the airport. Eventually, they let me go. There was no apology, nothing.

Luton Airport has launched an investigation into the claims - LightRocket/SOPA Images

Mr Penzel, who previously served in the Israeli military as a press spokesperson and has spoken on behalf of Israel at international conferences, is now taking legal action over the incident.

UK Lawyers for Israel, which is representing Mr Penzel, claimed he was harassed and treated in an anti-Semitic manner and is demanding disciplinary action against the staff responsible.

In a letter to Luton Airport, UKFLI stated: [The security guard] was trying to make his own political point that somehow the massacre on 7 October was Israels own fault and was a kind of payback for Israels historic wrongs.

Moreover he appeared to blame Mr Prenzel for the imagined actions of past Israeli governments. He appeared to be punishing Mr Penzel, on the basis of his own antisemitic attitude, by detaining him.

[The security guard] appears to have harassed Mr Penzel, and caused him to be detained for over an hour, on the basis that he was obviously Jewish and Israeli.

The airport has now launched an investigation into the claims.

We will not condone intolerance

In a letter to UK Lawyers for Israel, Luton Airports general counsel, Mee-Ling Skeffington, told the group: An investigation has started and is ongoing. You will appreciate we cannot comment further on that process, however we can confirm it will be thorough and we will take appropriate action based on the findings. We will not condone intolerance, whether because of race or religion.

Airport sources say Mr Penzel was initially stopped after security staff monitoring CCTV became concerned a protest over the Gaza conflict was being planned in the departure lounge.

An airport spokesman said: Staff were alerted to the presence of a passenger who appeared to be carrying a placard at the boarding gate for a flight to Tel Aviv. To ensure the safety of passengers, police were asked to attend, before the man was allowed to board his flight and continue his journey.

The incident is the latest in a series of claims of anti-Semitic behaviour at British airports.

In March, two Israeli survivors of the Oct 7 Hamas terror attacks allegedly were subjected to anti-Semitic comments by a Border Force officer on arrival at Manchester Airport.

The following month, security guards at Heathrow Airport were accused of wearing Palestinian badges, which were said to have left Jewish passengers feeling unsafe.

Heathrow bosses later confirmed the Palestinian flag was a non-approved badge and said the policy would be enforced.
A person takes shelter under an umbrella as they cross the Sean OCasey Bridge in Dublin - BRIAN LAWLESS/PA

Millions have been warned to stay indoors, thousands are without power and trains have been cancelled as the rare red weather warning brought on by Storm Darragh came into force overnight.

The emergency alert for wind came into effect at 1am on Saturday for people in parts of Wales and south-west England.

The Met Office warned people could experience significant disruption and a danger to life because of 90mph winds on Saturday morning, with residents urged to avoid driving and to stay indoors.

Thousands of people across Northern Ireland, England and Wales were left without power as they braced for the storms impact.

As of 5am, National Grid reported more than 12,600 premises had lost power in the Midlands and south-west and more than 20,000 homes had been disconnected in Wales.

A note on the Northern Ireland Electricity Networks website said the authority was unable to provide estimated restoration times.

Due to the number of faults we are currently experiencing on the network, we are unable to provide an estimated restoration time for your electricity supply at this time, it read.

We are working to restore supplies as quickly and safely as possible.

National Highways said both the Prince of Wales Bridge, M4 and the Severn Bridge, M48, which connect South West England to Wales were closed due to strong winds.

Network Rail Wales said all train services west of Cardiff were suspended until further notice due to falling trees blocking the line.

Separate yellow and amber warnings for wind are in place for much of England, Wales and southern Scotland until 6am on Sunday. More than 60 flood alerts have been activated ahead of another stormy weekend.

Red warnings  the most serious weather alert issued by the Met Office  are reserved for very dangerous weather, where people should take direct action to keep themselves safe.

The red warning, which will be in place until 11am on Saturday, is the first to be issued since Storm Isha brought damaging winds to the north of England and Scotland in January. Two people died during the storm.

Cars became trapped in floods in Essex on Friday morning ahead of Storm Darragh - Stephen Huntley/HVC

Jason Kelly, the Met Offices chief forecaster, said: In the red warning area, we could see wind gusts of up to 90 miles per hour along the coasts of west and south Wales as well as funnelling through the Bristol Channel, with some very large waves on exposed beaches.

Although there is a lower likelihood of impacts outside of the red and amber warning areas, this doesnt mean you wont see them. We are likely to see impacts across the whole of the country and people should keep an eye on the latest forecast details and prepare for the bad weather, especially if planning to be out and about on Saturday.

Some areas are likely to have a relatively quiet start to Saturday, weather-wise, but winds will quickly increase from the west through the day.

Footage from Friday night showed heavy wind and rain hitting Wakefield, West Yorkshire, causing tiles to fall from roofs and bins to be blown across streets. Drivers were encouraged to postpone journeys and not park near large trees.

Alice Simpson, an RAC breakdown spokesman, said: A red weather warning is highly unusual and should be heeded as it can indicate a risk to life.

She added: We strongly advise drivers to postpone their journeys if they can. Anyone who must drive should stick to major roads, reduce their speed significantly, always keep a firm grip of the steering wheel and be on high alert for debris in the road.

Exposed rural and coastal routes will be particularly treacherous. Drivers in these areas should be wary of any high-sided vehicles as they are at risk of being buffeted off course or, worse still, blown over.

We also suggest parking well away from large trees due to the danger of falling branches or whole trees being uprooted.

The warning comes as communities are still recovering from the impact of Storm Bert. Met Office officials were criticised over the forecasting of the storm, when red warnings were not issued despite devastating floods across South Wales.

The largest ever use of the Governments Emergency Alert system was sent on Friday evening to the phones of around three million people living in areas covered by a red weather warning.

People living in Wales and the South West received a siren-like alert at 6:45pm, warning them of high winds expected overnight.

The alert sent to people on Friday night - ATHENA

A Cabinet Office spokesman said: The Emergency Alert system will send a message to every compatible mobile phone in the impacted areas, containing information about the red warning and guidance on how to stay safe into Saturday.

This will be the largest ever use of the system outside a test scenario.

Mobile phones will make a loud siren-like sound even if they are set on silent. The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.

The UK Government has well rehearsed plans in place for severe winter weather and is working with teams from devolved governments, local authorities, the emergency services and other public bodies to coordinate the response to any disruption.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk (right) watched a test launch of the SpaceX Starship together in Texas last month. Photograph: Brandon Bell/Reuters

Elon Musk appears to have many obsessions. The worlds richest man is evangelical about electric vehicles, space travel and Donald Trump. Another of his interests may yet have profound consequences for the UK: British politics.

The billionaire is reported to be thinking of becoming the biggest donor in history with a rumoured 80m payment to Nigels Farages Reform UK party.

Like so many who embraced Trumps bellicose brand of rightwing populism, Musk was radicalised by his frustration at lockdowns, according to Musk watchers.

Related: Musk and Ramaswamy tout Doge plan on Capitol Hill  how will it work?

Irritated at the way manufacturing was hit at his Tesla car plants, he started spending more time online, going on to test the boundaries of rules on misinformation laid out by Twitter, as it was then known.

Now, having helped to propel Trump into the White House, he is reportedly turning his interest to Britain.

Sources in Reform say they are unaware of Musks spending plans, while he has also denied it. But if the Tesla and X owner backs up his online criticism of Keir Starmers government with a mega-donation to Labours opponents, it could prove one of the most consequential political acts of this parliament.

Within two years of his October 2022 purchase of X, formerly Twitter, Musk had already become a darling of the international far right, who were grateful for his restoration of previously suspended accounts under the banner of free speech. But Musk then went further, using his own account to amplify the message of the far-right activist and convicted criminal Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson.

By the time of this years rioting in English cities, Musk was engaged in a full-blown onslaught against the Labour government, claiming civil war is inevitable and describing the prime minister as two-tier Keir in an echo of a position that police were treating white far-right protesters more harshly than minority groups.

Last weekend, however, came a suggestion that Musk could swap words for deeds in relation to Britain when the Sunday Times reported that he could be about to make a 80m donation to Nigel Farages Reform UK party and believed the MP would be the next UK prime minister.

Musk denied the claim on Thursday, but Reform UK had been conspicuously quiet about it, while Farage boasted last month that he was expecting to count on help from his new friend Elon in the next general election. A major donor to his party was even quite bullish, telling the Guardian this week: Watch this space.

Musks fortune has risen by $133bn (104.4bn) so far this year and stands at $362bn, coming from a shareholding in Tesla of approximately 13% and his ownership of a number of companies.

The reasons behind Musks apparent animosity towards Starmer  and interest in the UK  may be more complicated.

The range of theories for why the UK finds itself in Musks crosshairs includes the notion that he has come to view Britain as the centre of what he has described as the woke mind virus, which he blames for the gender transition of his estranged daughter.

A more exotic theory  partly based on the times when Musk has been active on X  is that his tweeting in response to breaking news in the UK is the result of a tendency to stay up late at night in the US.

I think I should not tweet after 3am, Musk told the BBC last year.

However, one of the most obvious explanations relates to the clear clash between Musks own libertarian, ultra-free speech vision of X being a true town square of the internet and Labours mission to clamp down on online hate speech.

Musk was accountable to no one, complained Peter Kyle, the science and technology secretary and the man directly responsible for British government engagement with social media companies, in August. What also may have irked Musk is the role of Labour figures including Morgan McSweeney, now Starmers chief of staff, in founding the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), a critic of Musks stripping away of what had been Twitters guard rails on hate speech. In October, Musk had issued a declaration of war on the CCDH, which he described as a criminal organisation that he would go after.

However, there is no indication that holding Musk to account will halt a foray into rightwing politics in the UK. Beyond a near-relentless torrent of tweets, just how Musk could amplify his footprint in British public life is more opaque.

Musk could get around strict regulations on overseas donations either by giving money through the UK arm of X or by securing UK citizenship, which his father, Errol, has said he is eligible for because his grandmother was British.

Musk may also be tempted to wade further into the debate with British industry and to engage further with Starmers government.

Musks last high-profile engagement in the UK was in November last year, when he attended the inaugural AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, home of the Enigma code breakers. Those who encountered Musk at the Bletchley summit said he was polite, chatty and surrounded by a surprisingly minimal entourage, seemingly handling a lot of the official emails about the event himself.

This has convinced one former government adviser that discussing AI policy is probably the best way Labour could build a serviceable relationship with Musk. The tech tycoon, who has established his own AI firm, xAI, has consistently warned about the dangers of unchecked development of the technology. Speaking at the summit, he said: There is some chance, above zero, that AI will kill us all.

The former adviser said the establishment of the UKs AI Safety Institute, by Rishi Sunaks Conservative government, a world first at the time, could carry some weight with Musk.

He cares about AI safety and has done for years. Having a grown-up conversation with him about the UKs world-leading work on the national security risks from AI feels like a good place to start, said the former adviser, adding that Rishi Sunak would be a good emissary even if Starmer found that politically unpalatable. Musk doesnt suffer fools and Sunak really knows his stuff on AI.

Another option would be to send Kyle, who has impressed with his grasp of his brief, and the national security adviser, Jonathan Powell. It would show seriousness, said the former adviser.

An indication of the current governments wariness of Musk can be gauged by the extent to which correspondence between Musks office and the Cabinet Office about the Bletchley Park summit was so heavily redacted when released this week to the Guardian after a freedom of information request.

It included an email from the office of Mr Musk to No 10 in November last year in which Sunak was informed that Musk would not be attending day two of the summit due to critical matters. At the time, Musks non-appearance had been spun as planned, since it was about heads of government instead.

Thats a shame. But of course we understand, No 10 told Musk, the emails show.

Musk could still build a bridgehead to Starmers government outside his provocative social media posts. X is now advertising for a regulatory legal counsel in London or Dublin, as well as a senior associate, government affairs to be based at its European headquarters in Dublin who would identify opportunities for X to defend freedom of expression.

The nightmare for Starmer is that Musk may heavily back Farage and bring his considerable resources to bear, even without giving tens of millions of pounds.

A former Twitter employee in London who was at the company when Musk took over said: At the back end of Twitter there were always ways to ensure people  we called them VITs [very important Tweeters]  could get amplified, though you would never do it. But I noticed not long after he fired lots of people that he had that amplification tag put on his own name, so whether you followed him or not he was appearing in everyones feed.

Thats something he could choose to do for anyone else, whether its an election in the US or the UK, whether its trying to influence peoples perceptions of, say, Keir Starmer, or boost someone like Nigel Farage.

I think Twitter and now X is like a crack addiction for him, though. He is clearly chasing a particular hit all the time and he has ended up self-radicalising himself with the platform he has purchased.

That platform has already had a tangible impact on the fortunes of Britains extreme right, which had been struggling to reach large audiences after it was de-platformed by major social media companies.

His takeover of Twitter changed that, according to Joe Mulhall, the director of research at Hope Not Hate, who notes that Yaxley-Lennon explicitly thanked Musk during a demonstration in July.

He said: A number of the most high-profile figures spreading disinformation during this years riots were given their accounts back on X because of Musks amnesty. Musks decision to platform, engage with and amplify extreme figures in the UK is having a tangible effect on our politics and on our streets.

Musk has been approached for comment.
Emmanuel Macron hailed France for achieving the impossible by returning Notre-Dame to glory - Thibault Camus/Reuters

The word Merci was projected on to the front of Paris Notre-Dame cathedral as it reopened on Saturday, in thanks for its salvation after a devastating fire that brought the 860-year-old building close to collapse five years ago.

The cathedrals bells rang out and the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, struck the doors of Notre-Dame three times with his crozier before symbolically reopening the building, as the ceremony started. First responders who helped preserve the Gothic masterpiece and some of those who subsequently restored it received a standing ovation.

I stand before you to express the gratitude of the French nation, our gratitude to all those who saved, helped and rebuilt the cathedral, President Emmanuel Macron said, adding that with the swift renovation, France had achieved the impossible.

Tonight we can together share joy and pride. Long live Notre-Dame de Paris, long live the Republic and long live France.

Emmanuel Macron organised a meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky before the ceremony - Sarah Meyssonnier/Getty

Minutes earlier, the cathedrals bells rang out and Mr Macron welcomed guests including Donald Trump, the US president-elect .

Notre-Dame has been meticulously restored, with a new spire and rib vaulting, its flying buttresses and carved stone gargoyles returned to their past glory and white stone and gold decorations shining brightly once again.

The awkward seating arrangements had Jill Biden close to Donald Trump - Thibault Camus/Getty

Five years ago, on the evening of April 15 2019, Parisians rushed to the scene and television viewers worldwide watched horrified as the fire raged through the cathedral, the spire fell and the roof collapsed.

Getting Mr Trump to attend the opening event and organising a meeting between him and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky at the Elysee Palace before the ceremony was a coup for Mr Macron as he faces a political crisis at home, after parliament ousted his prime minister.

Mr Trump shook hands with Prince William and heads of state and government as he made his way to the front of the cathedral.

He sat next to Mr Macron and the French presidents wife Brigitte in the front row. Jill Biden, the wife of outgoing US president Joe Biden, was on the other side of Mrs Macron.

Earlier on Saturday, guests stood and applauded as Mr Zelensky walked into the cathedral.

10:29 PM GMT

Thank you for joining us

Thats it for our live coverage of the historic and marvellous reopening of the Notre-Dame.

You can relive the ceremony as it happened below.

10:21 PM GMT

Trump shares fond memories of the late Queen

The Prince of Wales and Donald Trump have concluded their meeting.

The meeting at the residence of the British ambassador in Paris lasted around 40 minutes and finished at about 10.20pm local time.

The pair discussed a range of global issues but focused on the importance of the relationship between the UK and the US, with the President-elect sharing fond memories of the late Queen, Kensington Palace said.

09:14 PM GMT

Pictured: Prince William meets Donald Trump

Prince William meets US president elect, Donald Trump at the UK Ambassadors residence in Paris

The pair talk in the UK Ambassadors Residence - REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett/Pool

09:04 PM GMT

Prince William doing a fantastic job, says Trump

Prince William finally met Donald Trump shortly after 9.30pm local time at the UK ambassadors residence in Paris.

The two men greeted each other before posing for a quick photograph.

Mr Trump gestured to the Prince saying: Big man, this one, before jabbing his thumb in his direction and adding: Hes doing a fantastic job.

The Prince appeared more concerned about his cold toes, having spent several hours in the Notre Dame cathedral.

Have you warmed up? he asked the US president-elect.

Mr Trump said: Yes Ive warmed up. It was a beautiful ceremony.

As the two men then settled themselves on sofas in the Salon Jaune, they chuckled as the Prince said: Ill warm my toes up after the cathedral.

08:50 PM GMT

Prince William to meet Jill Biden

The Prince of Wales will now meet outgoing first lady Jill Biden at the Notre Dame ceremony due to delays caused by weather on his journey from the UK to France, Kensington Palace said.

They were previously scheduled to meet at another location in Paris.

08:29 PM GMT

Zelensky backs Trump over Ukraine in surprise meeting before Notre-Dame ceremony

Volodymyr Zelensky endorsed Donald Trumps drive to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible in a surprise meeting organised by Emmanuel Macron ahead of the reopening of Notre-Dame, Tony Diver and Victoria Ward write.

The three men met on Saturday at the Elysee Palace to discuss their co-operation on defence and offence in Ukraine, Mr Trump said, adding that the world was going a little crazy right now.

The president-elect also met the Prince of Wales on the sidelines of the ceremony, in his first contact with the Royal family since leaving office in 2021.

They were due to meet formally later on Saturday night to discuss the special relationship between Britain and the US.

Read more: Zelensky endorses Trump call to end war in Ukraine

Zelensky, Macron and Trump outside the Elysee Palace on Saturday - GETTY IMAGES

08:06 PM GMT

Pictures from the opening ceremony

Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich reads during the opening ceremony - LUDOVIC MARIN/Pool via REUTERS

US president-elect Donald Trump and French president Emmanuel Macron talking during the official reopening ceremony - LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Elon Musk looks up during the ceremony - LUDOVIC MARIN/Pool via REUTERS

08:02 PM GMT

What has changed?

Officials say the cathedral is more beautiful than ever, not only because its spire, roof and anything else destroyed by the fire was rebuilt by thousands of expert craftspeople, but also because the stone and paintings, which had blackened over the years, have been thoroughly cleaned. The furniture was also renovated and cleaned, or replaced.

Not everything was damaged in the fire. For instance, emergency workers formed a human chain to whisk gem-studded chalices and other priceless artefacts out of harms way.

08:00 PM GMT

Visitors can book free tickets online

Visitors can now book a free ticket online, on the Cathedrals website.

But on Saturday, the first day bookings could be made for the coming days, all tickets were gone, a message on the site said.

Group visits will be allowed next year, from February 1, for religious groups or from June 9 for tourists with guides.

The Catholic Church expects the cathedral to welcome 15 million visitors each year.

07:39 PM GMT

Pope urges free entry for visitors to Notre Dame

Pope Francis on Saturday weighed into a debate in France over whether visitors should be charged to visit Notre Dame cathedral after its post-fire restoration, saying entry should remain free.

The immense numbers set to visit Notre Dame should be welcomed generously and free of charge said the pope in a message read at the re-opening amid strong opposition from the church to a proposition from the French culture ministry to charge for entry.

07:36 PM GMT

A day of joy, celebration and praise, says Pope Francis

Pope Francis has called today a day of joy, celebration and praise.

The Pope has not attended the ceremony in person but, in a message read aloud during the reopening, said he hopes the rebirth of this admirable church would constitute a prophetic sign of the renewal of the Church in France.

07:27 PM GMT

Cathedrals renovation chief hopes the reopening is a moment of unity

Philippe Jost, Notre Dame cathedral renovation chief, said the reopening is an opportunity for unity as so many divisions remain in the world.

We hope it will be a great moment of unity for the French people, for guests from all over the world and for spectators from all over the world, he said. Notre Dame de Paris unites. There are so many divisive factors. An event like this must unite, must help concord and peace to grow throughout the world.

07:24 PM GMT

Notre-Dames organ is played

Notre-Dames famous grand organ, the largest in France, has been played again for the first time.

The organ consists of approximately 8,000 pipes, a console with five keyboards and pedals, and 109 stops. Its largest pipes stand an impressive 32 feet tall.

07:21 PM GMT

Groups gather in Paris to protest Trump

A small group of American expats gathered near Notre-Dame Cathedral on Saturday to protest the presence of US president-elect Donald Trump at the reopening ceremony, the AP reported. Organised under the banner Paris Against Trump, the group criticised French president Emmanuel Macron for inviting Mr Trump but chose not to organise a large demonstration to avoid disrupting the event.

We find this a bit shameful and sad that Trump is invited here, especially since he has gone against everything the Church stands for, said Ehlyr ORourke, 34, a spokesperson for the association. We dont understand why a criminal, a sex offender, a felon can actually be invited in here.

07:20 PM GMT

Archbishop knocked three times on Notre Dames doors to officially mark cathedrals reopening

With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a staff carved from fire-scorched beams, the cathedral roared back to life Saturday evening.

For the first time since a devastating 2019 blaze, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches.

07:14 PM GMT

Firefighters receive applause

Firefighters, rescuers and builders, involved in the restoration of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, receive applause from guests - LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

07:07 PM GMT

Macron expresses gratitude of French nation for Notre-Dame restoration

President Emmanuel Macron expressed the gratitude of the French nation for the restoration of Notre-Dame cathedral after the devastating fire, saying we have rediscovered what great nations can do  achieve the impossible.

We must treasure this lesson of fragility, humility and will, and never forget how much each person counts, and how the greatness of this cathedral is inseparable from the work of all, said Mr Macron at the re-opening ceremony.

07:03 PM GMT

Musk attends reopening event

Elon Musk arriving at Notre-Dame - AP Photo/Thibault Camus, Pool

07:02 PM GMT

Macron concludes speech

Notre-Dame de Paris has been returned to you, you have made this possible. Long live Notre-Dame de Paris, long live the Republic, long live France, concluded Emmanuel Macron to a standing ovation.

06:57 PM GMT

Brotherhood from all continents helped rebuild Notre-Dame

Emmanuel Macron thanks the brotherhood for helping to rebuild the Notre Dame. Brotherhood from all continents, from all religions, from all walks of life, all united in hope, he said.

06:53 PM GMT

We decided to take a leap of faith

We decided to take a leap of faith, we decided to rebuild Notre-Dame in five years, says Emmanuel Macron.

06:46 PM GMT

Macron begins speech

Emmanuel Macron expresses gratitude for the cathedrals reopening and begins his speech, saying: Once again, the bells of Notre-Dame have sounded.

06:42 PM GMT

In pictures

Guests stand as the doors to Notre-Dame Cathedral - LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Onlookers gather near the cathedral - DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images

06:40 PM GMT

Applause for firefighters

A minutes-long applause has been held for the 160 firefighters who were instrumental in saving and rebuilding the cathedral.

Outside Merci is projected onto the facade of the building.

06:19 PM GMT

Trump and Prince William ahead of the ceremony

Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte welcome US president-elect Donald J. Trump to the Notre-Dame - CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte welcome William, Prince of Wales, for the reopening ceremony of the Notre-Dame - CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

06:16 PM GMT

The reconsecration of France

Nicholas Boys Smith, Chairman Create Streets

From north to south, from east to west, in Paris and beyond, the French are coming home tonight.

Listening to my French in-laws, watching French television, time after time, variants of the same emotions repeat: beauty, emotion, pride, joy.

The fire was like watching your mother burn. France cried when it burnt. Tonight, we burst with Notre-Dames beauty says one Parisian. Its raining but we dont care says another. Its a pilgrimage to be here. I am overwhelmed.

Across France all the bells of all the cathedrals rang simultaneously to welcome Notre-Dame de Paris home. Its beauty and symbolism run through the nations history. Uniquely it speaks both to Catholic and to non-Catholic. Here, in 1944, began the police rebellion which ushered in Pariss liberation. Here, a few days later, came Charles de Gaulle to worship in an imperfectly liberated city. (A minor gunfight even broke out during the Te Deum). Edith Piaf sang lovingly of Notre-Dame.

France has been here before. During World War I, Rheims cathedral was eviscerated and recreated perfectly. Now Notre-Dame follows. The restorations chief architect has even had Viollet-le-Ducs restored fleche tattooed on his body.

It will be a unique joy in our lifetime to see a cathedral created by the genius of the mediaeval master masons but which is also perfectly new.

06:13 PM GMT

Trump arrives at Notre-Dame

Donald Trump has now arrived at the cathedral.

The US president-elect was hugged by Emmanuel Macron.

06:05 PM GMT

Zelensky says had a good and productive meeting with Trump and Macron

Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a good and productive meeting with US president-elect Donald Trump and French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Saturday.

We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace, Mr Zelensky said in a post on X.

06:04 PM GMT

Macron holds joint talks with Trump and Zelensky

French president Emmanuel Macron poses for photographers with US president-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky - Chesnot/Getty Images

Emmanuel Macron is hosting trilateral talks with Donald Trump, the US president-elect, and Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, all in Paris for the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame.

The surprise meeting at the Elysee Palaces - a diplomatic coup for Mr Macron - is seen as of huge importance given the fears in Kyiv that Mr Trump, who once boasted he could end Russias war on Ukraine in 24 hours, may urge concessions to Moscow.

Mr Trump has scoffed at the billions of dollars in US military assistance to Ukraine and has spoken of forcing a quick settlement.

Elon Musk, the worlds richest man and one of Mr Trumps closest allies, is also due to join the reopening ceremony attended by 40 world leaders and dignitaries, including Prince William.

The service will feature prayer, organ music and hymns from the cathedrals choir, followed by a televised concert - pre-recorded Friday night due to bad forecast weather - with a host of international stars.

05:44 PM GMT

Prince William to meet Trump after service

Prince William will now meet Donald Trump after the service, Kensington Palace has said.

05:35 PM GMT

Pictured: Celebrities and politicians arrive

Salma Hayek and her husband CEO of Kering Francois-Henri Pinault - Ludovic Marin

French Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, who on Thursday tendered his resignation - Blondet Eliot/ABACA/Shutterstock

05:31 PM GMT

Bell will mark beginning of service

To signal the beginning of the service, the cathedrals largest bell (bourdon) will ring out. The bourdon of Notre-Dame was cast in 1683 and named Emmanuel by its godfather Louis XIV. Macron will no doubt approve.

This bell, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, rings in F sharp. Its diameter at the base is 2.62 m and it is 21 cm thick. It weighs 13 tons, including 500 kilos for its clapper. It was the only one not to be melted down after the French Revolution.

05:24 PM GMT

Weather delays Prince of Wales meeting with Jill Biden

Prince William was due to meet Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States, ahead of the ceremony.

But because of delays caused by the weather, he will instead meet her at the service, Kensington Palace has said.

Rather than a private chat, as had been scheduled, they will instead chat on the sidelines of the ceremony.

The delays were caused to the Princes travel due to storm Darragh.

05:18 PM GMT

Trump leaves Elysee

Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky have shaken hands with Macron looking on in a potentially historic moment.

Mr Trumps motorcade has now left the Elysee for Notre-Dame, where the ceremony is due to commence in 50 minutes.

Emmanuel Macron, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky outside the Elysee Palace - JULIEN DE ROSA

05:09 PM GMT

A poignant moment

Bruno Retailleau, Frances outgoing Right-wing interior minister and the highest profile of Michel Barniers cabinet, has arrived.

Its a huge emotion (...). This is Paris, this is France, but its more than that, he said outside the cathedral.

Im very happy to be here this evening, its very poignant.

05:07 PM GMT

Seating arrangements revealed

Some of the seating arrangements for the ceremony at the Notre-Dame have been revealed on X, formerly Twitter.

Mr Trump will be sitting next to Mr Macron, according to photos shared online, with Mr Zelensky a little further down to the right.

Donald Trump will be sat next to Emmanuel Macron

Zelensky is reportedly further back in the cathedral

04:53 PM GMT

Watch: The world is, going a little crazy right now

Mr Trumps visit to France comes as Mr Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Mr Trumps favour and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defence against Russias invasion.

The French presidents office said Macron and Trump would discuss that as well as wars in the Middle East.

04:48 PM GMT

Guests begin to arrive

The reopening ceremony is still two hours away but guests have already started entering Notre-Dame to take their places, perhaps to avoid queues and forecast of harsh weather conditions.

This may cause controversy among staunch secularists in France: Emmanuel Macron will finally deliver his speech inside Notre-Dame.

The French president was initially due to speak at around 6.20pm UK time (7.20pm local time) outside the cathedral, out of respect for the separation between State and Church.

Because of the bad weather, the entire ceremony will finally take place inside the cathedral.

04:43 PM GMT

Ring of steel around Notre-Dame

Paris police expect around 2,900 people to gather in or near the cathedral, and 44,000 spectators on the Left Bank of the Seine, where a giant screen has been set up.

Given the 40 leaders attending, there is a heavy police present in the area around Notre-Dame on the Ile de la Cite. Access points to the riverside near the cathedral have been cut off.

According to police, 6,000 police officers, gendarmes and military personnel are mobilised are deployed. These include riot police and mobile gendarmerie squads, as well as specialist units such as the research and intervention brigade, the river brigade and specialist anti-drone units.

Several decrees have also been published authorising the use of two gendarmerie helicopters, and up to four drones simultaneously, to fly over the festivities.

For the entire weekend, an anti-terrorist perimeter will cover the whole of the Ile de la Cite and part of the Left Bank quays.

Outside this perimeter, police presence will be stepped up in the rest of Paris, close to this anti-terrorist zone, but also in tourist areas. The aim is to make patrols more visible and prevent the formation of crowds or the outbreak of violence, say police.

French military patrol through the security perimeter

04:33 PM GMT

Meeting will regild Macrons statesman credentials

Emmanuel Macron has said it is a great honour to welcome Trump for Notre Dame re-opening and Trump has returned the compliment, healing their great relationship.

It certainly is a coup for the French president as this is Trumps first foreign trip, but Macrons ties with the US president-elect has had its ups and downs. Remember that long, hard handshake between the pair?

Coming just three days after France lost its government, the Notre-Dame reopening is helping, at least temporarily, regild Macrons statesman credentials.

04:24 PM GMT

How much did the restoration cost?

04:23 PM GMT

Inside Notre-Dame

Radiance, grandeur and beauty. Walking through Notre-Dames great door and into the cathedrals vast, vaulted interior is an awe-inspiring and humbling moment.

Even before dozens of head of state, world dignitaries and monarchs were ushered into Notre-Dame for Saturdays great reopening ceremony, five years after the devastating fire, The Telegraph was taken on a tour of the Gothic masterpiece whose epic reconstruction at a cost of 800 million is the pride of France.

It is easy to imagine the amazement of the first worshippers 850 years ago as they stepped into an architectural jewel that has transcended the centuries as if in a time warp.

Not since then have the blond stone of its walls and soaring ceilings looked so light and airy, or the colourful stained glass so gem-like.

It is now more luminous than it had been since its last big renovation, conducted in the 19th century after Victor Hugo denounced its state of decrepitude.

It is mindboggling to think all this was done in five years.

Read the full report

04:00 PM GMT

Trump shakes hands with Macron

Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron shook hands outside the Elysee Palace before going inside for talks ahead of the ceremony.

Before they went inside, Mr Trump said, It certainly seems like the world is, going a little crazy right now. And well be talking about that.

When he accepted the invitation to travel to Paris, Mr Trump said Mr Macron had 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!

Mr Trump and Mr Macron shake hands outside the Palace - Jeanne Accorsini/SIPA/Shutterstock

The pair then went inside the Elysee Palace for talks - Piroschka Van De Wouw

03:47 PM GMT

Pictured: Paris prepares

Emmanuel Macron is preparing to play host to dozens of world leaders for the reopening of the Notre-Dame cathedral tonight.

President-elect Donald Trump has been welcomed at the Elysee Palace. Dozens of members of the French Republican Guard stood by awaiting Mr Trumps arrival.

Mr Macron and Mr Trump held talks ahead of the ceremony. Mr Macron is due to meet Volodymyr Zelensky after Mr Trump but it is not known whether the president-elect will meet the Ukrainian leader.

Guards prepare for the visit of Donald Trump - Oleg Nikishin

A red carpet is laid before the visit of President-elect - Oleg Nikishin

03:40 PM GMT

Prince William to meet Donald Trump

The Prince of Wales will discuss Britains special relationship with the US when he meets Donald Trump ahead of the re-opening of Notre-Dame on Saturday.

The Prince will travel to Paris at the request of the Government for the high-profile event celebrating the restoration of the landmark cathedral following a devastating fire in 2019.

It is understood the pair will hold a private discussion emphasising the importance of continued co-operation between the two countries.

The meeting will be Prince Williams first with the president-elect since Mr Trumps state visit to the UK in 2019, during his first term.

It comes as the Prince continues to build his reputation as a global statesman since becoming heir to the throne two years ago.

Read the full story here.

03:29 PM GMT

What was damaged in the fire?

The cathedrals interior has been painstakingly restored in the five years since a fire destroyed the buildings spire and forest of beams.

Below, we illustrate how the exterior was initially damaged.

Hannah Meltzer takes an in-depth look at what visitors can expect to see inside the renovated cathedral tonight.

03:19 PM GMT

What is happening tonight?

The Notre-Dame cathedral is being reopened tonight to celebrate its restoration following a devastating fire in 2019.

Around 40 world leaders and 1,500 guests are expected to attend the ceremony, which will be led by Laurent Ulrich, the Catholic archbishop of Paris.

The service will begin with a ceremonial reopening of the cathedrals great doors and the playing of its organ.

Part of the building was destroyed in 2019 after a fire broke out in the attic, where works had been taking place, and ruined the oak roof beams and supporting lead roof.

03:08 PM GMT

Hello and welcome to our live coverage

Were bringing you all the latest updates from the Notre-Dame reopening ceremony tonight.
A woman posts a Christmas card in a postbox on a snowy day

Nearly one in 10 people will stop sending Christmas cards this year after the price of a book of first class stamps surpassed 13.

More than one billion Christmas cards are sent to relatives and friends in the UK each year  with many raising valuable funds for charity, according to industry estimates.

However, a survey commissioned by The Telegraph has suggested that nearly one in 10 people who have bought cards in previous years will not be sending any this year.

And of those who are set to abandon the habit, 40 per cent said it was because stamps had become too expensive.

It comes after Royal Mail raised the cost of its first-class stamps by 22 per cent, from 1.35 to 1.65, in October. It means a book of eight first-class stamps costs 13.20, up from 10.80.

Second-class stamps will remain at 85p  having already risen from 75p in April.

The survey, conducted by the research company Consumer Intelligence, covered 1,000 UK adults.

More than half of respondents said they bought fewer cards than they once did and seven in 10 of those who would be sending them this year said they believed stamps were too expensive.

More than one billion Christmas cards are sent to relatives and friends in the UK each year - Jessica Ruscello/iStockphoto

The Telegraph previously reported how first-class stamps are now so expensive that it would be cheaper to fly to Europe to post cards from abroad, rather than the UK.

Analysis by The Telegraph and Skyscanner found six foreign destinations where posting 100 cards would be cheaper than in Britain  including the cost of a return flight.

The cost of sending 100 domestic Christmas cards first class is now 165.

About 60 per cent of people surveyed told Consumer Intelligence researchers they did not believe the Christmas card industry would be profitable in a decade.

And the poll also suggested a lack of trust in Royal Mails ability to deliver on time, with more than one in five saying they were not confident cards would arrive at their destinations before Dec 25.

It comes amid ongoing discussion on the future of British post and fears of the end of Saturday letter deliveries.

Royal Mail has repeatedly said its obligation of universal service is in need of urgent reform.

Fears for second-class post

Under its service terms, Royal Mail is legally obliged to deliver letters six days per week, Monday to Saturday, and parcels Monday to Friday.

It has also suggested reducing second-class deliveries to two or three days per week, which the regulator Ofcom is now considering.

Industry experts fear the reliability of the more affordable second-class post could be under threat.

Amanda Fergusson, the chief executive of the Greeting Card Association, said: Business owners and customers alike need an affordable and reliable postal service across the UK  but Royal Mail and Ofcoms plans could mean this was taken from them for good.

Our members are concerned that the planned shake-up of the service, which could happen without any parliamentary scrutiny, could create a further spiral of decline which could ultimately result in Royal Mail calling time on an affordable second-class stamp.

Ms Fergusson added: Our members rely on the postal service for deliveries and they, and their customers do not want to be left with a premium, uncapped, unregulated first-class stamp beyond their financial reach.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: Our posties across the country will be delivering millions of Christmas cards through the festive period. Customers are still able to send cards for 85p using a second-class stamp in plenty of time for Christmas, with the deadline for second-class post on Dec 18. Our stamp prices of 85p for second-class and 1.65 for first-class remain below the European average of 1.33 and 1.73 respectively.

A complex and extensive network is needed to get every letter and parcel across the country  travelling on trucks, planes, ferries and in some cases drones before it reaches its final destination on foot. Letter volumes have fallen from around 20 billion at their peak to around 6.7 billion today whilst the number of addresses Royal Mail must deliver to has risen by four million in the same period. This means the cost of delivering each letter inevitably increases as volumes fall.
The Prince of Wales was scrambled at very short notice to woo US president-elect Donald Trump

Kensington Palace sources often like to refer to the role of the Prince of Wales as an apprenticeship for the top job.

And theres been plenty of talk over the past two years about Prince Williams efforts to position himself as a global statesman.

But the Princes meeting with Donald Trump in Paris on Saturday suggests not only that his training period is over, but that he has passed with flying colours.

This tete-a-tete at the British ambassadors residence was no box-ticking exercise.

The Prince was scrambled at very short notice to woo a US president-elect whose fast approaching four-year term will have significant foreign policy implications for the UK.

Mr Trump with Prince William in the Salon Jaune room at the UK ambassadors residence - AFP

The details surrounding this hastily arranged diplomatic mission remain hazy but it appears clear that as soon as Mr Trump announced his intention to travel to Paris, the Government identified an opportunity that could not be wasted and calls were duly made to the palace.

That the Kings diary was already locked in was not a great concern; his son could travel in his place.

For the Prince of Wales is no longer seen as a young royal merely waiting in the wings. He has emerged as a global statesman in his own right.

The Prince of Wales and Mr Trump shook hands in the cathedral - Getty Images/Pascal Le Segretain

Mr Trump was the second world leader he had met within a week and the third in a month, following the state visit by the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and his meeting in Cape Town with Cyril Ramaphosa, the South Africa president.

He is extremely comfortable in doing this, a well-placed palace source acknowledged.

Mr Trump, who mingled with the Royal family in 2019 during his state visit to the UK, has been effusive in his praise of the late Queen, Charles and Camilla.

Melania, his wife, recently revealed that she was pen pals with the King, sharing with him an ongoing correspondence.

As well as meeting Donald Trump the Prince met with a host of world leaders including Emmanuel Macron, the French president, and Brigitte, his wife - Shutterstock /Christophe Petit Tesson

But in this game, nothing is taken for granted. The Government is acutely aware of the potential pitfalls of the coming presidency. Soft diplomacy is critical. A second state visit has not been ruled out.

The Prince knows all too well what is at stake.

His aides, on Saturday, acknowledged that the Paris meeting was extremely important.

As his presence at the Notre-Dame ceremony says, representing the UK is really important, one source said as the Royal party made its way to France.

But obviously the United States is an incredibly special partner to the nation.

One of the things that hell definitely be talking to both Flotus Jill Biden and president-elect Trump about is that special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States and it being so important to us as a nation.

The meeting was postponed due to traffic disruption caused by Storm Darragh - Aaron Chown

William has always been keen to support his father however he can, no less so as Charles continues to undergo weekly cancer treatment. But aides are also aware that optics are everything.

There is always one eye on that future role, whenever it may come.

Knowing the job that the Prince of Wales will have in the future, having a strong partnership with the leader of the US as a close ally and partner to the UK is, of course, extremely important, the source said.

Many observers remarked how comfortable Prince William was in France earlier this year, when he took part in the D-Day anniversary celebrations, standing shoulder to shoulder with 25 other world leaders.

Aides say such engagements do not faze him, that he is very comfortable in his own skin and was looking forward to his conversations with Mr Trump.

The large part of that discussion was due to take place behind closed doors and will, as always, remain private.

What Mr Trump does next is anyones guess. But those on the periphery, from royal aides to diplomats and Government mandarins, knew the importance of this mission and Prince William walked into that room with their full backing.
Prince William and Donald Trump

Donald Trump gave the Prince of Wales his seal of approval last night, stating that he was doing a fantastic job.

The US president-elect greeted Prince William warmly as they met at the UK ambassadors residence in Paris following the reopening of Notre-Dame cathedral.

Good man, this one, he said, before gesturing at the Prince and adding: Hes doing a fantastic job.

Scrambled to attend at short notice, the heir to the throne was tasked with holding a private meeting with Mr Trump as the UK Government sought to capitalise on the opportunity to cement the special relationship between Britain and the United States.

The 40-minute meeting was warm and friendly, Kensington Palace said afterwards.

The pair discussed a range of global issues but focused on the importance of the special relationship.

The Prince takes his seat in Notre-Dame - Pascal Le Segretain

Mr Trump also shared some warm and fond memories about the late Queen, for which the Prince was extremely grateful.

UK officials will likely be delighted that the Prince was received with such affection.

The encounter marked Mr Trumps first meeting with a member of the Royal family since he won the US election.

The apparent urgency with which the Prince was dispatched to Paris to flex his diplomatic muscles underlines the impact that the next Trump presidency will have on UK foreign policy.

The two men had been due to meet ahead of the cathedral ceremony but the Princes arrival was delayed due to Storm Darragh, meaning it had to be pushed back.

They eventually met shortly after 9.30pm local time, briefly posing for the cameras before the private meeting.

The Prince appeared largely concerned about his cold toes.

Have you warmed up? he asked Mr Trump.

Yes Ive warmed up, came the reply. It was a beautiful ceremony.

As the two men then settled themselves on yellow sofas in the Salon Jaune, they chuckled as the Prince said we can warm our toes up after the cathedral.

Right, youre right, said Mr Trump.

Earlier in the day, Volodymyr Zelensky endorsed Mr Trumps drive to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible in a surprise meeting organised by Emmanuel Macron ahead of the reopening of Notre-Dame.

The three men met at the Elysee Palace to discuss their co-operation on defence and offence in Ukraine, Mr Trump said, adding that the world was going a little crazy right now.

Donald Trump, the US president-elect, talks to the Prince of Wales at Notre-Dame - LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP

Mr Macron welcomed 40 world leaders to the reopening, five years after parts of the cathedral burned down in a fire.

The bells of the cathedral rang out, hailing the completion of a 630 million reconstruction that Mr Macron said proved France could achieve the impossible.

This cathedral is a happy metaphor for what a nation is and what the world should be, he said.

After meeting Mr Trump, Mr Zelensky said the pair had agreed to pursue a just peace, repeating the US president-elects mantra of peace through strength.

He said: We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace.

The meeting was Mr Trumps first with the Ukrainian president since his election victory last month. He has previously pledged to end the war in a day and is working on a strategy to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia.

Mr Zelensky had previously suggested he opposed Mr Trumps plan to reduce US military aid and begin negotiations with Vladimir Putin over territory in eastern Ukraine.

Singers of the Les Agites du Vocal choir perform at the Christmas market near the cathedral - Kevin Coombs/REUTERS

However, he has been keen to engage with the president-elects strategy, and has called for Ukraine to be given additional Western protections under the Nato umbrella as part of a peace deal.

He has also suggested he would be open to ceding four eastern regions currently occupied by Russia in exchange for an end to the hot phase of the war.

On Saturday, Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky thanked Mr Macron for organising the unexpected summit. Mr Trump described his invitation to the Elysee Palace as a great honour and talked about the great relationship between the two countries.

He said: It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now. And well be talking about that.

Mr Trump is reportedly considering establishing an 800-mile buffer zone between Ukraine and Russia, patrolled by European soldiers. The US would not contribute troops but could provide military aid to maintain peace.

Any deal would hinge on the future of eastern Ukrainian regions invaded by Putins forces in February 2022, where the war continues. Ukraine has since taken control of parts of the Kursk region, inside Russia.

Notre-Dame in Paris has been repaired after a fire destroyed part of its structure five-and-a-half years ago - Kevin Coombs/REUTERS

Some Nato members, including the UK, are concerned that offering territorial concessions to Putin would further embolden Russia.

Mark Rutte, the new secretary-general of Nato, has said other member states will try to increase military support ahead of Mr Trumps inauguration on Jan 20.

Mr Zelenskys chief of staff met with senior members of the Trump transition team, including vice-president-elect JD Vance, this week in Washington to discuss plans for an end to the war.

The ceremony to celebrate Notre-Dames reopening was transformed into a diplomatic event by Mr Macrons beleaguered government, which this week lost a confidence vote in the national assembly.

Addressing the ceremonys 1,500 invited guests, the French president thanked a brotherhood from all continents, from all religions, from all walks of life who helped with the reconstruction.

The cathedrals largest bell, cast in 1683 and named Emmanuel by Louis XIV, rang out to mark the beginning of the service.

Once again, the bells of Notre-Dame have sounded, Mr Macron said, adding: Notre-Dame de Paris has been returned to you. You have made this possible.
The British Army trials its new Archer Mobile Howitzer gun during training near Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle - Ben Birchall/PA Wire

Raising Britains defence budget will squeeze spending on other parts of government, Rachel Reeves has warned.

The Chancellor, who aims to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, said extra money for the Armed Forces would come out of the same spending envelope used for other priorities.

She told the Daily Mail: There is not some magic pot for any area of government spending  it has to come out of this (spending) envelope.

Labour pledged to set out the path to reach the 2.5 per cent figure in its manifesto but has not yet said when it will be achieved.

In an interview with the BBC last month, Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, repeatedly refused to promise it would be met in the next five years.

Ms Reeves said the plan for defence spending would be set out once the sector-wide Strategic Defence Review is completed next year.

She said: Were doing the defence review at the moment, being led by George Robertson, the former head of Nato, and that will be reported next year. And then well set out the trajectory for defence spending alongside that.

But she warned that other parts of government would have to be squeezed to fund the spending, saying: If you spend money on one thing, you cant spend it elsewhere. Theres not a magic money tree.

Ms Reeves said a one-year spending review she announced during the Budget would involve a line-by-line examination of every item of Whitehall spending in a bid to reduce waste and increase efficiency.

Its a good process, because well go through line by line, every spending item of every department, and then we will also use outside people to challenge that and look at that, she said.

Rachel Reeves plans to conduct a one-year review of Whitehall spending to reduce waste - Danny Lawson/PA

There is growing debate about when Britain should reach the defence spending threshold, further fuelled by the election of Donald Trump to be the next president of the US, who has repeatedly called for Nato allies to increase spending.

Government insiders, Labour grandees and defence industry sources all told The Telegraph last month they expect the timetable for hitting 2.5 per cent to be unveiled in spring 2025, just weeks after Mr Trump enters the White House in January.

The UK spends about 2.2 per cent of GDP each year on defence. That is above the 2 per cent target set by Nato for its members and puts Britain in eighth place for spending out of the 32 Nato members.

An uplift to 2.5 per cent would see the UK jump to fourth place in the Nato league table.

Military figures have called for increased spending on the military.

Gen Sir Roland Walker, the Chief of General Staff, used his first speech as the new head of the Army to warn in July that the UK needed to be ready to fight a major war in three years, double its ability to kill the enemy by 2027 and triple it by the end of the decade.
Gozen Soydag has more than 30,000 followers across various Instagram accounts - ladygozen/Instagram

A Christian school counsellor has claimed she was sacked for supporting traditional views on marriage on social media.

Gozen Soydag says she was dismissed from her role as a pastoral manager at a north London school after senior staff deemed the content misogynistic.

Miss Soydag has now launched legal action against St Annes Catholic High School for Girls for wrongful dismissal, harassment, discrimination and breaches of her human rights on the grounds of her Christian beliefs.

Ahead of the tribunal, which is set to begin on Monday, she said she felt persecuted by her former employer and completely excluded as a Christian.

Miss Soydag, 37, who has more than 30,000 followers across various Instagram accounts, says she posted  among other subjects  about the importance of the traditional nuclear family, not cohabiting before marriage and the biblical belief that wives should submit to their husbands as to the Lord.

Miss Soydag says she posted - among other subjects - about the biblical belief that wives should submit to their husbands as to the Lord

When she began working at St Annes in September 2022, Miss Soydag said she was heartened by its commitment to Christianity and the fact there were Bible verses and crosses in every room.

However, in February 2023, she claims she was called in for a meeting with a senior member of staff  who told her that elements of her online activity had been brought to the schools attention.

One video shared on Instagram, which she was told was of particular concern, involved a woman wearing Muslim attire talking about how she was happy to live in submission to her husband, Miss Soydag claims.

She claims the member of staff said this video was concerning because if the statements were made by a man they would be deemed misogynistic.

Accounts must be kept private

Miss Soydag says she was told at the meeting that all employees social media accounts must be kept private and to take down the video that included the woman in Muslim clothing.

A fortnight later she was summoned to another meeting after further complaints were made.

Miss Soydag was eventually sacked on her birthday despite attempting to make her accounts less visible, as a senior staff member said her accounts were global and it was too little too late.

She claimed an email sent to her said her dismissal was [due] to much of [her] extensive online profile being incompatible with the schools mission statement and ethos, and the fact that despite being asked to remove such incompatible information [her] profile appears to a large extent to remain unchanged.

However, Miss Soydag claims she was not given an opportunity to explain the purpose of her social media account and that sometimes she did not always agree on every video she posted, but shared them to generate debate.

Miss Soydag claims an email sent to her said her online profile was incompatible with the schools mission statement and ethos - Instagram

Miss Soydag, of Enfield, north London, said: I still do not know what I did wrong to warrant being dismissed.

I wanted to work in the education sector and make an impact for young people. This was a Catholic school, and they knew I was a passionate woman of faith.

She added: There is so much talk about diversity in the workplace, yet in this instance, my beliefs and who I am as a Christian were completely excluded I was persecuted. If this had been anyone else with a belief as part of the inclusive culture, I would not be sitting here, I would have been celebrated and promoted.

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: This is another example of schools, which on the surface have a strong Christian ethos, but appear to capitulate to secular orthodoxy [...] when told the Christian message on marriage offends.

Gozen unashamedly loves Jesus and is a brilliant advocate for women and Gods great and beautiful plan for marriage.

Gozen was doing a fantastic job in a tough area of London, supporting young women in a Catholic school and had had nothing but praise, until someone complained about the beliefs she expressed in her own time.

The Telegraph has approached St Annes for comment.
Roland Li covers commercial real estate for the business desk, focusing on the Bay Area office and retail sectors.

He was previously a reporter at San Francisco Business Times, where he won one award from the California News Publishers Association and three from the National Association of Real Estate Editors.

He is the author of Good Luck Have Fun: The Rise of eSports," a 2016 book on the history of the competitive video game industry. Before moving to the Bay Area in 2015, he studied and worked in New York. He freelanced for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and other local publications. His hobbies include swimming and urban photography.
Tulsi Gabbard is Donald Trumps pick to be the new intelligence chief - Jeenah Moon/REUTERS

Once is a mistake. Twice is a pattern. Thats the conundrum facing the Trump transition team right now, as rumours swirl that Tulsi Gabbard might be next on the senatorial chopping block.

The defenestration of initial Department of Justice pick Matt Gaetz, a man unpopular with beltway insiders for all the right reasons, signalled to some Democrats and moderate Republicans that Trumps election mandate perhaps isnt as impenetrable as first thought. A frenzied media cycle then set upon Pete Hegseth, another close Trump ally with an allegedly scandalous past.

I have written before that Hegseth is far more valuable to the president-elect than Gaetz (whose nomination may have been a clever MAGA bait-and-switch), and find it highly improbable that Trump will abandon him.

But a mob is a mob, and the president-elect may believe a sacrifice is necessary to smooth over the wider nomination process. But he would be unwise to let it be Gabbard. The former Hawaiian congresswoman was selected by Trump to serve as director of national intelligence, a broad role involving oversight of agencies like the CIA and the NSA.

As with others in Trumps incoming cabinet, Gabbard has been accused of lacking experience for the complex role. This is hardly a dealbreaker for Trump. Rather, her supposed closeness to Russia is what has really raised eyebrows: there is a sizeable minority within the party for whom her appointment is even more offensive than Gaetzs.

This faction may not be powerful enough to claim another scalp, however. When reporters claimed that Trumps election upset intelligence agencies, his supporters were only galvanised, glad to see the spooks get spooked back. The NSA in particular is little loved outside of the intelligence community, with many Americans still rankling over the post-Patriot Act imposition on their privacy. Allegations that some of these same agencies pushed to censor so-called Covid misinformation (particularly the now generally entertained Wuhan lab leak hypothesis) have only compounded their unpopularity.

Gabbard is, rightly or wrongly, considered by most to be an advocate for peace in Ukraine, rather than an appeaser. Besides, painting Gabbard as a Russian asset holds little water after the humiliating spectacle of Russiagate in the president-elects first term.

Her policy priorities aside, there is something narratively powerful about having a former Democratic congresswoman sign-on to MAGA to bring some of the most powerful instruments of government back under popular control. Gabbards true utility cant be overlooked  without a handle on the swamp, Trumps second term is doomed to be a failure.

With debate raging on Capitol Hill about Pete Hegseth, Donald Trumps pick to lead the Pentagon, less attention has been given to Tulsi Gabbard and her controversial views on Syria and the operation of the CIA.

The former Democratic congresswomans scepticism towards US intelligence agencies raised eyebrows in some quarters when she was nominated to be the director of national intelligence on Nov 13.

Some of her former colleagues have now claimed that she has been compromised by Russia, and briefed US media that she receives much of her news from RT, described by the American intelligence community as the Kremlins principal international propaganda outlet.

She has also been criticised in some quarters for her decision to meet Bashar al-Assad, and her scepticism about statements by the UN and others that he used chemical weapons against his own people.

However, Hegseth and Matt Gaetz before him have acted as something of a lightning rod for criticism from Senate Republicans, and it seems unlikely that concern about her views will translate into a lack of support when her confirmation is put to Congress.

In fact, her strident approach to the reform of the federal government  and the scope of the CIA and other intelligence agencies  fits well within the lean approach of many of her future Cabinet colleagues.

It is most likely that criticism of her appointment will come from briefings from the agencies themselves in the coming weeks, which will play into Trumps arguments that the deep state is trying to usurp his second administration.

For now, it feels as if her nomination as DNI is flying somewhat under the radar.
Keir Starmer sets out his plan for change last week. His trip to the Gulf states is in pursuit of overseas investment in green energy. Photograph: Darren Staples/PA

Keir Starmer will meet Saudi Arabias de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as part of a controversial trip to the region this week designed to drum up investment for his pledge to overhaul British infrastructure.

In his latest overseas trip, the prime minister will head to the Gulf this weekend. He will first travel to the United Arab Emirates for a meeting with its president, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, before travelling on to Saudi Arabia. Starmer will use the trip to push for a free trade deal with a group of six Gulf nations  Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Wooing Saudi Arabia will prove controversial due to widely held concerns over its human rights record and activities during its war with Yemen. Prince Mohammed is believed by US intelligence to have ordered the murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. In 2022, Starmer accused Boris Johnson of going cap in hand from dictator to dictator ahead of a visit to the kingdom that was pitched as an attempt to become less reliant on Russian energy.

However, officials said that the UAE and Saudi Arabia are already big investors in the UK. Trade with Saudi Arabia is worth 17bn, supporting almost 90,000 jobs across the UK. Starmer will also use the trip to push for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, the release of hostages and an acceleration of aid.

The government is seeking closer ties with the regimes in pursuit of investment needed to deliver the green energy Starmer has promised. Downing Street described them as among the UKs most vital modern-day partners to increase investment and deepen defence and security ties.

Driving long-term growth at home requires us to strengthen partnerships abroad, Starmer said. That is why I am travelling to the Gulf this week, to build a network of partners for the UK that is focused on driving high-quality growth, boosting opportunities and delivering for the people at home.

The government is engaged in a concerted pursuit of Gulf state investment. Starmers trip comes days after the state visit to Britain by Qatars emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Deals were agreed on a green energy partnership, and defence and security cooperation.
Tesla registered 2,540 sales in November, according to figures supplied by the Electric Vehicle Council, a drop of 35.5% compared with November 2023. Photograph: Jason Reed/Reuters

Elon Musk may be riding high in the US with Donald Trump just weeks away from taking office, but fortunes of his electric carmaker, Tesla, are fading in Australia.

Australian sales dropped again in November, contributing to the brands first annual decline.

Tesla registered 2,540 sales in November, according to figures supplied by the Electric Vehicle Council. Thats a 35.5% drop compared with November 2023 and contributes to a 20.9% sales slide for the brand year to date.

Globally, Tesla still remains just in front of its chief rival, Chinese automaker BYD, with 18.5% of the market compared with BYDs 17.5%.

Mike Costello, the corporate affairs manager at Cox Automotive, which runs Manheim Auctions and collates car market data, says the EV sector is evolving quickly and to some extent Tesla is caught in the upheaval.

Theres a lot more competition than there used to be and theres not a lot of new product coming out of Tesla, particularly at that more affordable end, says Costello.

Related: South Korean woman who grabbed soldiers gun says I just needed to stop them

That competition includes EVs from mainstream brands such as Ford, Toyota, Subaru, Kia, MG and Hyundai as well as a plethora of recently arrived or soon-to-arrive Chinese brands that include BYD, Deepal, Leapmotor, Xpeng, Zeekr and Geely.

Sales of hybrids  led by Toyota  are also surging and providing an alternative thats often more affordable than an EV.

All of which has put pressure on the EV market.

EV sales are still up for the first 11 months of 2024, but only by 3.1%  just 2,514 sales  according to figures supplied by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and EV Council.

Of the 82,960 EVs sold so far this year 42% of them  34,754  were Teslas.

The bulk of the EV growth has come from newcomer BYD, which has sold 13,389 EVs, 2,414 more than last year.

But some customers are also looking to other brands, including Kia, which has sold an additional 900-odd EVs this year. BMW is also pushing hard on EVs, with 30% of its Australian sales now fully electric.

Related: Why Christmas Day weather predictions this early in December are basically rubbish

Another thing that cant be ignored with Tesla is what some term the Musk factor. You dont have to venture far on social media to find those who see Musk as an objectionable character. Costello says Musk is controversial enough to be turning some off the brand.

Its spawned a niche online market in bumper stickers, from we bought it before he revealed his dark side to make this car less embarrassing again.

But before writing Telsa off altogether, its worth keeping the sales numbers in perspective.

Teslas product lineup is still quite small and its getting on a bit in age, Costello says.

The company only sells two models: the Model 3 mid-sized sedan and Model Y mid-sized SUV.

The two models play in the premium end of the market, priced from about $60,000, but each performs strongly in its respective market segment.

The Model 3, for example, was the top selling medium car last year and is still ahead of the Toyota Camry in 2024.

Its single-handedly breathed new life into the mid-sized sedan market that many had abandoned (Subaru Liberty, Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat among them).

Sales of the Model Y have dropped 29.3% this year but its 19,392 year-to-date tally is light years ahead of the nearest $60,000-plus SUV rival, the Lexus NX, with 5,619 sales.

And of about 50 mid-sized SUVs on the market the Model Y is the fifth-bestseller, behind only the Toyota RAV4 (53,599), Mitsubishi Outlander (25,622), Mazda CX-5 (21,237) and Kia Sportage (19,997).

It has outsold the Hyundai Tucson (17,743), Subaru Forester (12,386) and Nissan X-Trail (15,398) and the combined sales of the Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Karoq, Chery Tiggo 7 and MG HS.

The increasing popularity of hybrids with many of those rivals has provided healthy competition to the Model Y, which is expected to undergo a refresh in 2025.
Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy, Hackney: There is too much evidence for anyone to dismiss this, says Colin Diamond, professor of education. Photograph: Sophia Evans/The Observer

The government has expressed alarm at deeply distressing allegations of emotional harm at one of the countrys leading academy trusts after an Observer investigation.

Almost 140 parents, students and teachers have now spoken out about systemic and lasting emotional harm to children stretching back two decades at two schools in Hackney run by the Mossbourne Federation.

In response to the Observer story a fortnight ago into the treatment of children at Mossbourne Victoria Park academy (MVPA) in Hackney  based on testimonials from 30 parents  a further 70 parents, more than 30 former students and eight former teachers have now come forward with new evidence.

The testimonials centre on MVPA and the acclaimed Mossbourne community academy (MCA), also in Hackney, originally run by Sir Michael Wilshaw, the former chief inspector of schools for England who led Ofsted from 2012 to 2016. Both academies have been rated outstanding by Ofsted and are known for high examination grades and rigid discipline.

A dossier of allegations, shared with the Observer and sent to the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, included Mossbourne teachers being trained in healthy fear and screaming sometimes centimetres apart from childrens faces, several reports of children fainting in line-ups while being shouted at, and children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) being punished unfairly and pushed out to other schools. Many former students said they had suffered mental health issues due to being afraid in school which had lasted long after they left.

A spokesperson for the Department for Education (DfE) said: These allegations are deeply distressing. We are clear that schools should be a safe and supporting environment where every child, including those with Send, can achieve and thrive.

We are working urgently with the local authority and the Mossbourne Federation to establish the facts and any necessary action.

Hackneys independent child safeguarding commissioner, Jim Gamble, confirmed this weekend that he would convene an extraordinary multi-agency meeting to consider the allegations. The meeting will determine whether or not a child safeguarding practice review needs to be undertaken  something normally reserved for individual cases of serious child abuse.

Anne Longfield, chair of the Commission on Young Lives and a former childrens commissioner, said: I have been shocked to read so many upsetting accounts going back many years. No child should ever have to feel frightened or traumatised in school. These allegations must be investigated immediately.

A spokesperson for the Mossbourne Federation said: We treat all allegations of this nature with the utmost seriousness. We take any issues raised by parents seriously and investigate them fully. However, we believe we are being targeted by a vexatious campaign. They said the federation was proud of its record of achievement and [has] consistently demonstrated a commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

Colin Diamond, professor of education leadership at Birmingham University and a former Dfe adviser on academies, said: Every school has some tendentious parents raising issues, but this is way beyond that. There is too much evidence for anyone to dismiss this.

Many accounts reference teachers and senior leaders screaming at students. A teacher who left MVPA recently because she disliked this, told the Observer: The final straw was when teachers were given a training session entitled healthy fear. I was so shocked. It was just wrong.

A second teacher, who worked at MCA several years ago, attended a shocking teacher briefing about a transition day for primary pupils soon to move up. We were told, if there was ever an opportunity, could we shout at the children and make them cry, so they felt frightened and intimidated ahead of starting in September, he said.

Councillor Penny Wrout, who co-ran the parent campaign said: We believe we have unearthed systemic emotional abuse of children over two decades.

A father said his 10-year-old son was pulled out of the lunch queue on his year six transition day at MCA and screamed at in front of everyone about an alleged minor infringement of the school rules.

The father said: He was put in a corridor on a chair facing the wall, scared and alone, and left for three hours. A senior leader stopped and told him he was disgusting.

The father said his frightened son was also pushed to confess to something he didnt do. When he collected him from school the boy was deeply shaken and crying silently. He did not return in September.

When the first Mossbourne academy opened in 2004, with Wilshaw as its superhead, it was celebrated for transforming attainment in one of Londons most deprived boroughs through strict discipline. MCA was lauded in 2011 by then education secretary Michael Gove for its exceptional results and for sending children to top universities. Some local parents refer to it as the golden ticket.

But local GPs, child psychiatrists and parents have revealed that fear of breaking one of the long list of Mossbourne rules, including detentions for forgetting a particular colour pen, packing up too slowly or looking at the clock, caused some children to develop serious mental health problems.

A former student at MCA said he still struggles with anxiety at the age of 28. I was a well-behaved pupil but frequently found myself being screamed at, belittled and humiliated. I have nightmares about this, years on. My experience at Mossbourne haunts me.

Another pupil, now at university, said her ongoing anxiety was caused by MVPA and a lot of people leave with trauma. She said: I remember teachers shouting at children: You are nothing.

A third recent student at MVPA, who said the school caused her lasting damage, was admitted to a in-patient mental health unit with depression and anxiety. On her first morning back at school after a years treatment she went to her head of year while having a panic attack. She said she was told if she couldnt go into assembly she must sit at an isolation desk in the corridor.

I sat at one of these desks facing the wall and crying, she said. People walking past knew Id just come out of an in-patient unit. I felt so exposed.

Related: Teachers at top academy in Hackney screamed at and humiliated pupils, say angry parents

Many parents alleged that Mossbourne failed to make reasonable adjustments for their Send children. One MVPA parent said: Inclusion does not exist here. They punish children for their disability, sanctioning them for things they cannot help.

A head from a secondary school in a neighbouring borough said: We have been asked to take students with complex needs from MCA where its clear from the report that the school has punished the child instead of trying a range of strategies to meet their needs.

The federation said this weekend it had a strong record of supporting students with Send, and its academies had double the national average of students with education and health care plans.

Mossbourne added that its academies had previously been subject to rigorous scrutiny from multiple independent bodies including Ofsted, the DfE and Hackney council.

They also said the local authoritys independent safeguarding expert had previously specifically reviewed the complaints and determined they did not meet the threshold for further investigation.
Working from home NHS

Senior NHS bureaucrats are working exclusively from home despite being responsible for multi-billion-pound healthcare budgets, The Telegraph can reveal.

NHS organisations responsible for 177 billion of taxpayer money all allow staff to work from home for most, if not all, of the week.

Staff at NHS England and the countrys 42 integrated care boards (ICBs), which are responsible for running local hospital trusts, are all able to work remotely.

A fifth of the 30 ICBs that responded to requests said staff could work remotely all of the time.

The work-from-home culture comes as NHS productivity has significantly fallen since the pandemic.

Lord Darzi, who led an independent investigation into health service performance, found staff were doing less with more resources than ever before.

He recently told a Lords committee that surgeons were often spending mornings ready to work but unable to see patients because of a lack of beds, telling peers that productivity had crashed with 7.57 million people on the waiting list.

The responsibility to improve productivity and manage budgets falls to ICBs, which employ more than 22,000 people and are responsible for ensuring that trusts achieve key patient targets such as the 18-week wait for a hospital appointment, four-hour A&E wait time and the two-month wait between an urgent cancer referral and treatment.

But a Telegraph investigation has found at least six ICBs allow staff to spend their entire week working remotely.

Four require their employees to go into the office just one day a week and six only twice a week.

A total of 10 do not have a set number of days their employees must come into the office in their policies, while another four allow staff to work remotely but do not have a specific policy.

Earlier this year, NHS England ordered staff to return to the office for at least two days a week, but it is understood that some employees regularly flout these rules without reprimand.

Other NHS quangos admitted they had no method to monitor staff working patterns or productivity, raising the prospect that staff work from home unchecked.

Some ICBs claimed that working from home makes employees more productive, and that the policies help the NHS reach its net zero targets.

But experts say there is no evidence to support the claims.

Prof Len Shackleton, a research fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said the limited data available suggests hybrid working is more likely to be effective than full-time remote working.

Assertions about the benefits of home working are often simply subjective, he said.

In the public sector there are no obvious economic imperatives, with decisions on allowing working from home sometimes being made on flimsy grounds under pressure from ever-growing HR departments and powerful trade unions. This may lead to inefficiencies, communication glitches and difficulties inducting and mentoring new staff.

He added that there could be more subtle consequences such as creating a surge in applicants for work-from-home roles, and a shortage of those applying for on-site jobs.

John Power, a senior research fellow at Policy Exchange and former NHS manager, said: There are legitimate reasons for some staff to work remotely and it can boost opportunity, but the truth is that most people cannot be effectively performance managed through a screen.

Having worked as an NHS manager myself I know that the system is too complex  and often chaotic  to effectively hold individuals to account and to forge key relationships if staff are working remotely full-time.

Concerns over efficiency

The audit of NHS working from home practices is the final instalment in a Telegraph series looking at such policies across the Civil Service, police, town halls, BBC and health service, amid concerns over public sector efficiency.

Joe Robertson, Conservative MP and member of the Health and Social Care Committee, warned that allowing NHS staff to work from home unchecked compromised patient care.

Flexible working has a place in modern life, but the NHS must strike a careful balance to ensure public funds are used responsibly and services are not compromised, he said.

It appears to me to be an obvious omission that many trusts and ICBs fail to collect even the most basic data on staff working patterns  this lack of accountability is indefensible. Allowing substantial home working in the NHS to go unchecked, without proper oversight, is not fair to patients or indeed the taxpayers who fund these vital services.

NHS trusts and ICBs must record home-working patterns accurately. Without proper data, how can we understand whether the various working practices are effective and make improvements where necessary?

At least two in five of the 215 NHS trusts do not hold data on their employees working from home, a Telegraph analysis has revealed, despite some paying for staff to purchase equipment like desks, lamps and foot rests.

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust states that hybrid and remote workers can claim up to 100 on such items, but does not record data on work patterns.

A spokesman for the trust said: As long as an individual member of staff and their manager follow the homeworking policy and sign the homeworking agreement, there is no need for this to be recorded anywhere other than the individuals personal file.

Go on staycation

Some trusts policies also stipulate that employees must be based in the UK to be able to work from home, meaning staff can effectively go on a staycation, working remotely from a holiday destination within the country.

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB, which designates all 329 of its employees as home workers, does not require a percentage of time to be spent in person in the office  even though the board is currently running a budget deficit of 91.6 million.

In 2024, the board, which serves 1.1 million people, also spent nearly 24,000 of taxpayer money on 44 new laptops specifically for its staff to work remotely.

Dorset ICB said staff worked predominantly from the office prior to the pandemic. Since then the board has adopted hybrid arrangements with its 512 employees required to work in person just two days a week.

The board does not routinely monitor its employees working hours and has a 17.4 million deficit based on its latest accounts.

Changes in working patterns have led to some organisations moving premises because their offices were so empty.

Gloucestershire ICB admitted its building was only utilised 35 per cent of the working day after the pandemic, prompting it to move offices to a smaller site.

The board said its new space now allows all staff to work there in person on average two days a week, but employees are only actually mandated to attend the office once a week.

Northamptonshire ICB also relocated to a smaller office in September 2023 as fewer people were attending work in person, after it set out a policy that allows employees to work from home four days a week.

Open and transparent

ICBs claim working from home makes their staff more efficient and improves outcomes within the health service.

Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB does not have a work-from-home policy and said it trusts employees to work their contracted hours as the care board has a culture of having open and transparent communication with all colleagues and trusts employees to work their contracted hours.

It said: Colleagues tell us that this now widely accepted form of flexible working increases overall productivity and supports individual wellbeing.

The board oversaw a deficit of 9.9 million in the last financial year and its hospitals missed the NHS England 2023-24 target of 76 per cent of patients being admitted, transferred or discharged from A&E within four hours, as well as falling below the NHS England average that financial year.

An NHS spokesman said: The vast majority of NHS staff are based in clinical settings or in the office, and home-working arrangements should only be agreed by individual NHS organisations where there is no impact on patient care. All NHS staff must adhere to their local employee code of conduct and policies relating to working from home.

An NHS Gloucestershire ICB spokesman said: We are continuously working to improve productivity and reduce costs in order to maximise resources for direct patient care. The move to Shire Hall ensured efficient use of public funds on premises and supported integrated working by re-locating with a One Gloucestershire partner. Productivity is something we pride ourselves on and while supporting a hybrid approach, we actively require very regular office team working and attendance at various local health and care partner sites.

Flexible way of working

David Freeman, deputy chief executive officer of NHS Dorset ICB, said: Along with our partners we have adopted a flexible way of working that has become commonplace and reflects the shift across both public and private sectors in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This way of working enhances productivity, better supports staff wellbeing and helps us to retain and attract talent in an increasingly competitive employment market.

It has also allowed us to review our office space requirements and reduce expenditure on both property and travel expenses. Our approach balances flexibility with maintaining high standards of service delivery to the communities we serve.

A Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent spokesman said: Home working is contributing to greater efficiency by, for example, reducing unnecessary office space being used. Office rationalisation by NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB staff alone has saved the NHS approximately 410,000 per year since 2021.

Northamptonshire ICB was contacted for comment.
Kemi Badenoch warned that protests on Gaza and the environment had increasingly become about making other people feel unsafe - Guy Smallman/Getty Images Europe

Kemi Badenoch has said the Conservatives were too laissez-faire about the right to protest being used as a cover for intimidation.

The Tory leader warned that demonstrations on Gaza and the environment had increasingly become about making other people feel unsafe.

Her comments are the latest sign that she is looking to recast the partys approach to cultural issues following its landslide election defeat.

She made the remarks at a meeting with Pierre Poilievre, who has revived the Canadian Conservatives since taking over as leader.

Mrs Badenochs remarks are a sign that she wants to change the partys approach to cultural issues after its election defeat - David Rose, for The Telegraph

Mrs Badenoch said Tories needed to champion our values and voters had abandoned her party because it became unrecognisable.

We now have a scenario where all the liberal values are being hacked and free protest, or the right to protest, is now used as a cover for intimidation, she said.

The way that the protests happen are not about just talking about your grievance, its about making other people feel unsafe.

Mr Poilievre interjected that Marxists had repeatedly rebranded themselves through history before eventually deciding to call themselves liberals.

He said they had stolen a word that actually means the opposite of what they are.

Mrs Badenoch then replied: We as Conservatives have sort of sat back, had this whole laissez-faire well its free speech and people should be allowed to do that.

We should champion our values.

The remarks were a reference to protests by pro-Palestinian groups as well as disruptive action taken by climate activists such as Extinction Rebellion.

During the same discussion Mrs Badenoch said the Tories had drifted too far from their core values on social, cultural and economic issues.

Because we didnt fight for our values we ended up just being unrecognisable and thats why we lost, she told Mr Poilievre.

And my job now is to pick up my party, to dust it off and to rebuild.

An ally of Mrs Badenoch said that the pair agreed on the need to fight back against what the Tory leader has called the hacking of liberalism by the Left.

Pierre shares Kemis belief that we have allowed Left-wing ideas to smuggle themselves into institutions, pretending to be something else, and that this is the new frontline on all issues, whether economic or cultural, they said.

Mr Poilievre has become a poster boy of the global Right after reviving the Canadian Conservatives with a stridently Right-wing platform.

When he took over the party in September 2022 it was neck-and-neck with Justin Trudeaus liberals, but it now commands a 13 point lead.

It has been reported that even Sir Keir Starmers aides are looking at his success and what they can learn from how he has communicated his message.

Mrs Badenoch was meeting Pierre Poilievre, who has revived the Canadian Conservatives since taking over as leader - Blair Gable/Reuters

Mrs Badenoch faces an even bigger rebuilding job after the Tories were reduced to a 24pc vote share and a rump of just 121 seats at Julys election.

She has begun by admitting the previous government got it wrong on immigration and signalling a much more traditional stance on cultural issues.

During a speech in Washington DC on Friday she warned that Britain and other Western states are giving away our freedoms by stealth.

Mrs Badenoch told the International Democracy Union Forum that the Tories did not adapt enough, adding: If we dont defend our culture, who will?

She hit out at ideologies and beliefs that demand our tolerance even as they seek to undermine the very culture and institutions that create that tolerance.

The Tories are facing a growing threat from Reform on their right flank, with Nigel Farages party now regularly polling at over 20 per cent support.
Presidents Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron during talks in London in December 2019. Photograph: Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images

The restored Gothic spire of Notre Dame is to provide a dramatic backdrop for Donald Trumps return to the geopolitical stage this weekend, as the US president-elect prepares to make his first visit to Europe since the election to mingle with world leaders at an official reopening ceremony in Paris on Saturday.

The medieval cathedral, which was ravaged by a fire in 2019, has been reconstructed in a painstaking 700m (580m) effort that took just five years, involving the application of carpentry methods dating to the 13th century and enabled with donations from 150 countries.

Festivities will stretch over two days, starting with an address by the beleaguered French president, Emmanuel Macron.

Speaking before Saturdays opening ceremony, Macron said: The shock of the reopening will - I believe and I want to believe - be as strong as that of the fire, but it will be a shock of hope.

Macron had initially been expected to deliver the speech on the limestone forecourt outside the cathedral followed by a liturgical ceremony inside but late on Friday, Macrons office and the Diocese of Paris said heavy winds would force the celebrations to be held entirely inside.

The archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, will strike the 850-year-old edifices heavy door with his crosier, accompanied by the singing of Psalm 121, to symbolise the cathedrals reawakening. The service continues with the awakening of the great organ, which has not been heard since the fire, a solemn blessing and the singing of the Te Deum.

On Sunday, which marks the annual feast of the Immaculate Conception, the archbishop will hold an inaugural mass that Notre Dames rector said would be attended by people in need: the poorest among Parisians. The new main altar will be consecrated in a special ritual and the relics of five saints, including Saint Catherine Laboure and Saint Charles de Foucauld, will be sealed into the altar.

But for Macron, what should be a moment of triumph comes at a time of spiralling national crisis, just days after his prime minister was turfed out in a no-confidence vote and amid fears of a looming budgetary crisis.

Related: Why did Frances government collapse and what happens next?

Compounding Macrons misery, the European Commission on Friday finalised a long-delayed trade deal between the EU and South Americas Mercosur bloc that France says poses an unacceptable existential threat to its own farming industry.

Soon after the office of Ursula von der Leyen, the commissions president, said she was not planning to participate in Saturdays opening ceremony, where approximately 50 world leaders, including the outgoing US president, Joe Biden, and his wife, Jill are expected. Pope Francis will also not be in attendance, having announced in September to some surprise that he would be making a historic visit to the French island of Corsica instead. Prince William will represent the UK.

Trumps attendance may also prompt a visit to the ceremony from Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is keen to enter a dialogue with the US leader over the future of his war-torn country. In the run-up to the US election, Trump promised he would be able to settle the conflict within 24 hours of taking office.

The Republican was serving his first term as president when a fire erupted at Notre Dame on 15 April 2019. He commented on X, then known as Twitter: So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out?

Macron had an ambivalent relationship with Trump during the latters first term in office, with the French president initially setting out to woo and flatter his American equivalent in spite of their apparent political differences. He invited the USs 45th president to the Bastille Day parade on the Champs-Elysees, leading Trump to hail him as one of your great presidents.

But the cordiality began to unravel in 2018, as Trump attacked Macron over plans to build up a European army, in spite of the fact that his own declared intention to withdraw defence commitments in Europe had triggered them. On the campaign trail this year, Trump mocked the French presidents accent as he recounted one of their meetings.

After the US elections in November, Macron was one of the first global leaders to congratulate Trump, saying he was ready to work together.

Announcing his visit on the Truth Social network on Monday, Trump lauded the French leader in uncharacteristically positive tones: President Emmanuel Macron has ensured Notre Dame is restored to its highest glory  and even beyond, he said. It will be a very special day for all!

The Notre Dame fire was watched on live TV by millions of viewers around the world, who looked on as flames tore through the building, destroying most of the wood and metal roof and the spire. The precise cause of the blaze was never established but investigators believed it to be accidental, started by either a discarded cigarette or a short circuit in the electrical system.

In a televised tour of the renovated interior on 29 November, Macron promised: The shock of the reopening will be as great as that of the fire, but it will be a shock of hope. He thanked the craftspeople and donors who contributed to the restoration effort for healing a national wound.

Before the fire, about 12 million people a year visited Notre Dame. Visitor numbers are expected to be higher after the reopening. While entry to the cathedral will remain free, visitors will need to book a dedicated time slot through an online ticketing system.
Pete Hegseth has been meeting senators to attempt to gain their support for his confirmation in the top defence job - REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

Donald Trump has doubled down on his pick for the top job at the Pentagon by publicly backing Pete Hegseth.

The president-elect reiterated his support for his nominee for defence secretary citing the Ivy League-educated former Fox News hosts charisma and calling him a winner even as his nomination faces headwinds in Congress amid allegations of misconduct.

In an exclusive NBC News interview set to air on Sunday, Mr Trump will say that while people have concerns, Mr Hegseth is actually a young guy with a tremendous track record.

He went to Princeton and went to Harvard. He was a good student at both. But he loves the military and I think people are starting to see it so well be working on his nomination along with a lot of others.

A 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran, Mr Hegseth has vowed to continue fighting for the top Department of Defense job and spent the week meeting with senators after some key lawmakers said they were not yet ready to support him.

Mr Trump also expressed his confidence in Mr Hegseth in a post on Truth Social on Friday.

Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, he said.

He will be a fantastic, high energy, secretary of defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!

Thank you Mr President. Like you, we will never back down, Mr Hegseth responded.

The Republicans will take control of the Senate next month ahead of the president-elects Jan 20 inauguration. Even if the Democrats are united against Mr Hegseth, he can afford to lose support from three Republicans and still win Senate approval.

Despite Mr Trump coming out publicly in support of his defence secretary pick, Mr Hegseth has been told not to expect the president-elect to pressure Republican senators into getting him over the finish line, sources told The Washington Post.

Mr Hegseths best chance of being confirmed lies in showing the president-elect that he is prepared to fight for it, it reported. Thats the only thing thats going to save him, an insider told the outlet.

Trump has weighed up alternative Republican nominees, including Florida governor Ron DeSantis, Senator Joni Ernst and Representative Mike Waltz, whom Trump has already picked for national security adviser, sources told Reuters earlier this week.

Senator Joni Ernst, herself floated as an alternative to Mr Hegseth, has said he must ensure any allegations have been cleared in order to be confirmed - Reuters/Bonnie Cash

Mr Hegseths nomination raised controversy after a California police report showed a woman filed a sexual assault complaint against him in 2017. Mr Hegseth was never charged and has denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer told CNN late Thursday that they may take legal action against the woman if Mr Hegseth is not confirmed.

Responding to negative comments about his work habits from Fox colleagues, Mr Hegseth told Sirius XM on Wednesday that he had never had a drinking problem but would nonetheless not drink alcohol if confirmed as defence secretary.

Although Mr Hegseth served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and has two Bronze Stars he has also been criticised for lacking the management experience needed to lead 1.3 million active-duty service members and the nearly 1 million civilians who work for the nations military.

He has also said as recently as last month that women straight up should not serve in combat.

Ms Ernst, herself a combat veteran and a sexual assault survivor, said on Thursday there must be a very through vetting process and that senators wanted that any allegations have been cleared. Other Republicans offered tepid support.
Jordanian supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood gathe

There is no region where Donald Trump was and is more popular than the Arab world. He speaks a language of power they understand: using military strength and maintaining loyalty to friends. He is not a spineless politician.

To many in the Middle East, Trump appears more Arab than American: he rules from the centre, promotes loyal family members to political positions, speaks from his heart, owns prime real estate, holds grievances, and is able to feel the pulse of a situation instinctively. These skills will get him far, but Harold Macmillans warning about Events, dear boy, events will make or break Trumps legacy if he does not make the right choices in the months ahead.

A destabilising, anti-American, anti-Israeli poison is polluting the air of the Middle East and wider Muslim world. The political oxygen of the region is full of toxic substances spread by two entities: the (Shia) revolutionary government of Iran and the (Sunni) Muslim Brotherhood, born in Egypt. Hezbollah, Hamas, al-Qaeda, Isis and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria are all variants of a venom that violates peace and prosperity.

From the almost weekly hate marches in London to the anti-Jewish riots on American campuses since the October 7 attacks on Israel, the toxin of political Islamism is protected by the fact that it has now spread far beyond the Middle East. But Trump immediately banning the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliates in America would force Europe to reconsider the financial, media, and mosque networks used by Iran and the Brotherhood in their own countries to project power back into the Middle East. So a Muslim Brotherhood ban, not a Muslim ban, is needed urgently.

A policy shift from Washington under Trump to confront Tehran would also strengthen the Wests allies in the Middle East. Renewed sanctions on the Iranian regime, bold preparedness to destroy its nuclear weapons programme, and the removal or minimisation of its octopus-like imperial tentacles in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and Iraq would open the pathway to eliminating ideological pollutants and reshaping the region towards greater pluralism and tolerance.

Trump possesses the strength of conviction and military power, consolidated by his loyalty to his Arab and Israeli friends, to then build on the signature achievement of his previous presidential term: the Abraham Accords. But Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood have made his job of achieving greater peace and normalisation with Israel more difficult. Israels war in Gaza has radicalised millions of young people in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, making the need to see some form of a Palestinian state, guaranteeing Israels security and achieving dignity for Palestinians, more urgent.

Israeli polling does not show willingness for the creation of a Palestinian state. Palestinian schools and mosques teach a culture of Jew-hatred and killings. This is the deadlock that must be undone. With American security guarantees, Trump could mobilise Arab and Muslim nations to assist in this difficult process.

Trump will not persuade more countries to sign up to the Abraham Accords, but other nations could normalise their diplomatic and trade relations with Israel in other ways. Senegal and Morocco already have a peaceful relationship with Israel. Mauritania could be the next candidate for closer ties. It has an outsized influence on global Islamic scholarship, and Trump would find willing partners in the country seeking to normalise relations with Israel.

Similarly, in Indonesia, the largest Muslim nation in the world, there are major political parties and leaders willing to reach a rapprochement with the Israelis. Then there is Imran Khan in Pakistan, currently in prison on trumped up charges, but a friend of sorts to Trump and his wife. Could the president-elect call for his release and demand that Pakistan, in return for financial assistance and other help, re-imagine its relationships with Israel? It would outsmart India, too.

Trumps peacemaker impulse, however, must be encouraged and supported while knowing that within the ranks of his inner circle are influential men and women with dangerously misplaced views. Events could empower the wrong people at the court of King Trump.

Indeed, ahead of his January 20 inauguration, the balance of power in the Middle East is already shifting. Israel has weakened Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah, but the situation in Syria is again becoming dangerous. Assad is a mass murderer, but the Islamist rebels marching towards Damascus will not be any better in government and will provide a new base for Hamas, al-Qaeda, and other enemies of the West. Trump may have to find solace in Trotskys warning that you may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you.

But the broader conditions in the Middle East are conducive to a new approach by the president-elect. The West has partnerships now in the Middle East that are not dominated by the struggles of T E Lawrence, or by Churchills handling of Arab nationalists. The political and economic gravity is no longer in Cairo or Baghdad, but in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. These are pro-American cities and countries with which the West can advance common interests in security, trade and innovation.

In Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, I hear talk of joint Arab-Israeli space exploration and artificial intelligence-empowered medical advances. In Cairo, I hear talk of Gaza tunnels and terrorism. Trumps choices are clear.

Ed Husain is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a professor at Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service
Ronen Neutra, left, and Orna Neutra, right, with their son Daniel Neutra at a memorial service for Omer Neutra who was taken hostage and killed by Hamas - Spencer Platt/Getty Images North America

Donald Trumps choice for special envoy for hostage affairs once advocated using US special forces to rescue people held captive by Hamas in Gaza.

Adam Boehler, who helped negotiate a deal to normalise relations between Israel and some Arab states with the president-elects son-in-law Jared Kushner, was handed the role by the president-elect as part of a flurry of hires on Wednesday.

Around 100 hostages are believed to be being held by Hamas in Gaza after the Islamic terror cult snatched more than double that in the Oct 7 massacre.

Some have been released as part of prisoner swaps, while others have been freed by Israeli military operations.

Others have died in combat, including Omer Neutra, an American citizen, who was thought to have been being held in Gaza but is now understood to have been killed during the Oct 7 terror attack.

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, Mr Trump wrote online on Monday.

Donald Trump has appointed Adam Boehler as special envoy for hostage affairs - Alex Brandon/AP

It is not clear exactly what the president-elect has planned, and how it could differ from Joe Bidens approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

Western observers believe that the outgoing president has proven that attempts to negotiate peace, and a release of the hostage, has not worked because neither Israel or Hamas are particularly interested in ceasing their war.

This could be why Mr Trump has leapt towards a negotiator willing to pull the lever of military action in order to free those that remain in captivity, including five Americans.

Writing earlier this year in the Hill, the DC bubble publication, Mr Boehler suggested Joe Bidens administration had refrained from using military force to free the remaining hostages.

There are many potential reasons why the Biden administration hasnt launched similar operations to rescue the five American hostages who remain alive in Hamas hands. Perhaps it doesnt know where the hostages are or doesnt want to risk them being executed during a raid. Perhaps these are justifiable reasons for standing down. Either way, we have seen no American forces on the ground, he wrote.

If the Biden administration is holding back on a raid because it doesnt want American special forces personnel engaging in gun battles in Gaza, or because it wants to avoid losing the support of pro-Palestinian American voters in the event of civilian casualties, then it is putting politics ahead of American lives, he continued.

Difficulty in mounting armed assault

Mr Trumps hostage negotiator said American service members are more than equipped to pull off a rescue. In the wake of the failed mission to rescue Americans held hostage by Iran in 1980, US Special Operations teams were rebuilt to achieve what president Jimmy Carters aborted raid could not.

As recently as October, Mr Boehler voiced support for American troops being used alongside the Israel Defense Forces until the remaining US hostages are freed from Gaza.

This, however, is not an entirely new strategy.

Over 250 hostages were taken by Hamas and its Islamic allies during the Oct 7 massacre.

At least 73 hostages are reported to have died, either during the initial attack, in captivity or as a result of military strikes targeting Hamas.

On Oct 15, three hostages were killed accidentally by Israeli soldiers in Gaza during a firefight with their terrorist captors.

This incident demonstrated the difficulty faced by soldiers attempting to mount an armed assault to retrieve hostages.

It is widely considered that many of those remaining in captivity are being used as human shields for what remains of Hamas command structures.

Posters of Israeli hostages are displayed in New York - ADAM GRAY/REUTERS

Swapping out Israeli soldiers for US special forces may increase the skill level of the combatants conducting rescue missions, but does not immediately make the operations any safer.

It is not uncommon for hostages being held by US enemies to be killed during such attempts.

Luke Sommers, an American journalist held by Al-Qaeda in Yemen was killed during a US Special Operations raid in 2014. The terrorists killed the journalist when they learned of the approaching American troops.

A year later Barack Obama, the former US president, publicly acknowledged that two hostages, also being held by Al-Qaeda, had been killed in a drone strike near the Afghan-Pakistani border.

Because of the risks, it is normally US policy to attempt a diplomatic negotiation to free hostages.

But by appointing someone who supports using force to free hostages, it might just make Hamas think about stalling any future talks.
A thick haze engulfed San Francisco Saturday as air quality worsened, as seen from Twin Peaks. The bad air is expected to clear out Sunday. Anthony Edwards/Anthony Edwards/The Chronicle

Officials issued a Spare the Air alert Sunday as air quality moved into the unhealthy range across much of the Bay Area.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued the alert at about 10:30 a.m. Sunday due to higher than expected levels of pollution overnight and Saturday evening, said Aaron Richardson, a spokesperson for the district. The alert is in effect through Sunday, and no alert was expected to be issued Monday as winds were expected to pick up Sunday afternoon, making way for healthier air quality.

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Were going to get breezier northerly winds, and it should clear things out, Richardson said.

The district said concentrations of fine particulate matter, primarily due to wood smoke, were behind the decline in air quality, and that wood burning is illegal both indoors and outdoors during the alert. Lack of wind Saturday into Sunday morning made the problem worse, weather officials said. Independent readings showed improvement in air quality throughout the afternoon.

The district updated its forecast Sunday morning to indicate air quality was unhealthy for sensitive groups in areas along the Pacific coastline including San Francisco and much of the Peninsula and Santa Clara County, as well as western Contra Costa County including Richmond and northwestern Alameda including Oakland, Berkeley and the city of Alameda.

According to PurpleAir, a community-based system of air quality sensors that offers real-time pollution monitoring at the local level, air considered unhealthy moved over San Francisco and other parts of the Bay Area overnight continuing the trend over the weekend. Air considered unhealthy for sensitive groups (such as children, seniors and people with medical conditions) was present Sunday morning in numerous other parts of the region, including Marin, Danville and the bayshore areas of the East Bay  though by 3 p.m. those readings improved into a level in which the air quality was deemed acceptable but could be a risk for people who are sensitive to air pollution and have been exposed for 24 hours, according to PurpleAir.

When readings are unhealthy, people are encouraged to limit prolonged outdoor exercise, and children, seniors and those with medical conditions should generally avoid heavy exertion outside.

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Sundays levels werent the highest on PurpleAirs scale: there are two additional levels of increasingly unhealthy air, indicating what the site describes as a health alert and then emergency conditions.

Air quality was unhealthy in much of the Central Valley but remained relatively moderate in most of the North Bay and on the Peninsula coast, in a repeat of Saturdays pattern.

Roger Gass, a meteorologist with the National Weather Services Bay Area office, said Saturday that a stagnant air pattern in the region over the past several days was making winds very light and variable at many locations and thats basically helping to keep the air quality poor.

A thick haze engulfed San Francisco Saturday as air quality worsened, rendering the skyline hazy from a vantage point on Twin Peaks. Anthony Edwards/Anthony Edwards/The Chronicle A thick haze engulfed San Francisco Saturday morning as air quality deteriorated, rendering the Oakland skyline invisible from a vantage point on Twin Peaks. Anthony Edwards/Anthony Edwards/The Chronicle

Gass predicted poor air quality levels to clear up by Sunday afternoon as a cold front was expected to reach the Bay Area, increasing northerly wind speeds and offshore flow in higher terrain.

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Richardson of the air quality district said Sunday it was too early to say whether another Spare of the Air alert would be issued later this week as meteorologists expect the region to have stagnant weather on Wednesday and Thursday.

At this point, theyre not anticipating that things will get as bad as they did overnight, he said.

Signs of the poor air quality were visible from Twin Peaks Saturday, with low-lying haze so thick it obscured the Oakland skyline. The top of Mount Diablo remained visible.

Click here to use the Chronicles live air-quality tracker.

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Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky meet in Paris - Sarah Meyssonnier/AFP via Getty

Stopped on the streets of Lviv, a middle-aged man in a black windbreaker opened up about Ukraines prospects for peace.

I would rather live in a smaller Ukraine, but in a happier and safer one, he told a local TV reporter in the western city.

If Ukraine is to end the war in 2025, it will probably have to sacrifice portions of its territory. Moscow occupies parts of the eastern Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia regions and has demanded their entirety in any ceasefire agreement.

On the back foot across the front line, Ukraine has little chance of evicting Russias forces.

I ask myself this question all the time and I cant answer it, the Lviv resident said, reflecting on the dilemma now facing president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Those territories, it seems to me, have moved away from us so much psychologically that they have become non-Ukrainian, he said before being struck by doubt: Maybe so, maybe they were waiting for us to return.

Throughout the country, such talk is in the air.

Volodymyr Zelensky brings flowers to the Wall of Remembrance of Fallen Defenders - AFP via Getty

Donald Trump has promised to end the war within 24 hours of his inauguration next month.

On Saturday, he shook hands with Mr Zelensky in Paris ahead of the reopening of Notre-Dame cathedral. But getting the Ukrainian president to bury the hatchet with Vladimir Putin is an infinitely more complicated task.

Putins stated war aims include the demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine (in other words, stripping it of an army and changing its leadership).

Other war aims included a neutral status (banning it from Nato) and recognition of new territorial realities.

In November, Mr Zelensky for the first time suggested he would be open to temporarily relinquishing parts of the east in exchange for an end to the hot phase of the war.

But that does not amount to a willingness to stand down or recognition of Russia annexing huge swathes of eastern Ukraine. Instead, he has vowed to pursue the return of the regions through diplomacy.

And at the same time, Mr Zelensky demands Nato membership  or protection under the Nato umbrella  and enough military support to ensure that Putin cannot simply bide his time before launching another attack.

Clearly bridging such a divide will take longer than a single day. Mr Trumps plans, judging by his public remarks and those of the retired Gen Keith Kellogg, his Ukraine envoy, go something like this.

The lines are frozen along the current line of contact. That stops the fighting and prevents Russia from taking more land, but also stops Ukraine from liberating the territory it has lost.

Ukraine does not get Nato membership. This is partly as a concession to Russia and partly because America, Germany, and several other key members do not want Ukraine joining either.

In lieu, it might get a peacekeeping force manned by troops from European Nato members (because Mr Trump wont send US forces), including Britain, who will patrol no mans land and enforce the ceasefire.

Boris Johnson backed that idea in an interview with The Telegraph last week; Anna Baebocker, the German foreign minister, has refused to rule out sending German troops.

These form a hair trigger force that deters future Russian attacks.

Ukraine and (most) of its Western allies refuse to officially recognise Russian control over the occupied territories, including Crimea, but that makes little practical difference because the goal of military reconquest has been renounced.

Ukraine may get a peacekeeping force made up of EU Nato members such as Germany and Britain in lieu of Nato security - Sergey Kozlov/Shutterstock

In theory, there are benefits for everyone here. Losing chunks of the east and south would be bitter for Ukraine, but would secure peace and lasting independence.

Putin would get Ukrainian neutrality, de facto conquest of the land-bridge to Crimea, and a victory he can easily sell back home.

He does not need Ukrainian and Western recognition of his annexation to hold on to that, or to retain an irredentist claim over the lands he still covets.

Yet neither side really seems interested.

Russia is still advancing, apparently trying to seize as much extra land as possible before talks begin. Putin and other officials like Sergei Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, have ruled out compromising on their war aims.

For Ukraine, a ceasefire without the necessary security guarantees to enforce it would be almost pointless.

They can only stop fighting predicated on security guarantees from the West, said Sam Greene, a professor of Russian politics at Kings College London. But the kind of security guarantees that would work are not on the table.

So the negotiation that matters is the negotiation between Ukraine and the West. Until the West gives Ukraine Nato-style security guarantees  either full membership with Article Five, or pretty damned close to it  I dont see how we get there.

Otherwise, these ideas are just castles and unicorns in the sky.

Credit: 73rd Naval Special Operations Center

And what of the people on the ground?

Putin can sell pretty much any settlement he likes to the Russian public and elite. For them, the war is still a distant irrelevance. With full control of the media and all branches of power, the predictable grumbles of the hard-Right about surrender will easily be brushed aside.

Mr Zelensky, who runs a famously fractious democracy, has a much trickier job. His own approval ratings are already sliding, and exhausted Ukrainians are divided over whether to negotiate and what concessions to accept.

Ive been abroad for work for the past two weeks  I mean sleeping properly, with no air raid alarms, so I think Ukraine should continue fighting, said Katya, a Kyiv-based charity worker.

Whereas when you are in Ukraine and going insane because of sleep deprivation, constant bombing, no electricity  I say f*** it, please just stop the war.

So it heavily depends on your personal situation. How close to the front line you live, do you have loved ones in the army etc. One thing is for sure. Everyone is exhausted.

Vladimir Putin and Russian officials like Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister, have ruled out compromising on their war aims - Gavriil Grigorov/AFP

Can Mr Zelensky bridge the divide between Ukrainians willing to talk, and those who want to fight on?

Yes and no, says Volodymyr Fesenko, director of the Penta political science think tank in Kyiv.

The polls show about a third of Ukrainians are against talks with the Russians or concessions to Russia. About a third are for ending the war, including with big concessions. About another third support talks, but do not want to accept big concessions, he said.

The sharpest critic of Zelensky is, of course, former president Petro Poroshenko. But he is taking a very subtle position. He is not against negotiations, because he himself signed the Minsk agreements and he knows perfectly well that talks are inevitable, said Mr Fesenko.

Katya believes Mr Zelensky would not dare to sign away territories without a security guarantee. But if he gets one, thats a different matter.

Mr Fesenko, who has watched Ukrainian politics for decades, guessed a deal freezing the war but not amounting to surrender would deal a blow to Mr Zelenskys prestige, but would probably be accepted by the public.

The only person who could beat Mr Zelensky in a post-war election, Valery Zaluzhny, the former commander in chief and current ambassador to London, would be unlikely to reverse such a deal. He understands the dangers of continuing the war more than anyone, said Mr Fesenko.

Again, all this comes down to Putin. And while he may be willing to sacrifice the most expansionist of his goals in Ukraine, he also has more darkly pragmatic reasons for dragging on the war for as long as possible.

It sometimes seems strange, but Mr Putin is fundamentally a cautious person, said Prof Greene.

The war drives the economy, drives repression, keeps the elites and public focused on Putin, and is broadly popular. So Id be surprised if he felt he had to risk upsetting all that unless he really had to.
There are still concerns in LGBTQIA+ communities about the participation of police in the annual Mardi Gras. Photograph: Mark Baker/AP

Police will be able to march at Mardi Gras after attempts to ban the force from participating narrowly failed.

In a vote at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras annual general meeting on Saturday, members decided  493 versus 459 votes  against banning the NSW Police Force from marching in the parade until they demonstrate a commitment to improving relationships with LGBTQIA+ communities.

The failed resolution was moved by the Mardi Gras board and based on community consultation, which found 54% of respondents did not believe police should be allowed to march in the parade.

Related: Uniformed NSW police again face Sydney Mardi Gras ban

The consultation highlighted there were ongoing concerns about the NSWPF as an organisation not demonstrating a commitment to better relationships and policing practices with our communities, as stated in the resolutions memorandum.

It became clear the way the NSWPF interacts with our communities and other marginalised communities is not creating a sense of safety.

While many people respect and feel protected by NSWPF, many also feel threatened or marginalised.

A second resolution, brought by activist group Pride in Protest calling for police to be entirely banned, also failed, with 425 votes for and 522 against.

The NSW Police Force has a vexed relationship with our community  The original Mardi Gras in 1978 was assaulted by police, with many detained, charged, and then outed.

A diverse range of members of the LGBTIQ+ community shared story after story of their own mistreatment at the hands of the police, from profiling, harassment, physical violence, wrongful detention, and more  and their subsequent trauma as a result of police actions.

A third resolution calling for LGBTQ+ police to be permitted to march in plainclothes also failed.

NSW Police will need to apply to participate in the parade, along with every other participant.

Despite the failed motions, Damien Nguyen, a Pride in Protest leader, said Saturdays vote was a big step forward.

We obviously are disappointed that there has been a loss, but we know that its a question of when, not if, the police will be removed from the parade.

The margin for police out of Mardi Gras has never been closer, with over 46% supporting police to not be in the parade.

The turnout for Saturdays meeting, which lasted for five hours, was also extremely high compared to previous years, Nguyen said.

There is a lot of community resentment around the police.

There has been a long history of police attacking members of our community, and the injustice is very clear.

Nguyen said he believed the outcome of Saturdays votes was a result of the Rainbow Labor campaign.

The police were only saved by an intervention from the NSW Government, which has campaigned in the media, he said.

 With Australian Associated Press
Syrian opposition fighters ride past an overturned regime wreck south of Hama - Ghaith Alsayed/PA

Syrias President Bashar al-Assad flew out of Damascus for an unknown destination on Sunday, as rebels said they had infiltrated the capital with no sign of army deployments.

Syrian army units abandoned their positions on the outskirts of Damascus on Saturday night, fleeing the advance of rebel forces.

The military said it was reinforcing defensive lines around the capital, which appeared to have collapsed.

People ride a tank in the Syrian southern city of Daraa. Regime forces have left many weapons behind - Sam Hariri/AFP via Getty

Mohammed al-Rahmoun, the Syrian interior minister, earlier said there was a very strong security cordon on the outskirts of Damascus and no one can break it. But the Syrian opposition fighters early on Sunday disproved this, as they reached the capital for the first time since 2018.

The Syrian regime fell back from the cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs in quick succession since the rebel offensive began less than two weeks ago.

In the civil war of 2011 to 2016, the Assad regime turned the tide against opposition forces with the aid of Russian airstrikes and Hezbollah troops.

Both Moscow and Iran, Hezbollahs key sponsor, have their attention on conflicts elsewhere.

It has left the Syrian army without much support in the face of the lightning rebel offensive led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) group.

Analysts told The Telegraph that low pay and morale as well as little experience were hampering the effectiveness of the army.

The Syrian army has never been very good  it ruled by fear and terror, bolstered and backed up by Russians since 2015 who provided firepower and direction. Most of the officers were selected because they were close to Assad, said Hamish de Bretton Gordon, a retired British army colonel and a chemical weapons adviser to NGOs working in Syria and Iraq.

The commanders are more focused on smuggling and extortion than on actually creating defensive positions and leading their troops, said Greg Waters, of the Middle East Institute.

The army has largely avoided heavy combat since a ceasefire was struck with the rebels in 2020 at the start of the pandemic.

Opposition fighters remove a government Syrian flag from an official building in Salamiyah, east of Hama - Ghaith Alsayed/AP

The armys collapse is a reflection of a more general collapse in Syrian state institutions, said Jihad Yazigi, editor-in-chief of the Syria Report.

There is a deep sense in regime areas that things are not only not improving, but that there are no prospects of things getting better, he added.

Stephen Cook, a Middle East expert at the Council of Foreign Relations, told The Telegraph that the bulk of the Syrian army was made up of conscripts who did not want to be there.

Only the elite units like the Republican Guard could ever be relied upon to fight, he added. Thats why Assad brought in Hezbollah.

Mr Cook described president Bashar al-Assads army as a Soviet-style military that has huge problems with supply and logistics.

Syria has also become a major producer and supplier of drugs in recent years, which has led to state institutions like the army effectively becoming nodes of an organised crime network.

A giant portrait of the Syrian president overlooks emptying streets in Damascus - Omar Sanadiki/AP

With his soldiers retreating on all fronts Assad this week announced that he would raise their salaries by 50 per cent, a move that experts suggest was a knee-jerk attempt to address longstanding morale issues.

The fact that the security forces melted away is a bit of a surprise, but its not a huge surprise, to be honest, added Natasha Hall, a senior fellow of the CSIS Middle East Program.

They didnt have the sort of morale to stand up against something like this.

We forget that theyve also lost a lot of people throughout this war, we forget that, you know, [Assads] Alawite sect has been impoverished in the mountains for many, many decades.

Its not as if they have won a great deal from this regime. It is that the Assad regime has used the sectarian narrative to make them believe that this is an existential issue for them.

A regime military vehicle abandoned on the side of a road near Hama - Omar Haj Kadour/AFP via Getty

Good preparation, tactics and skilful use of propaganda on the part of the rebels also appears to have put the Syrian army into a state of shock. HTS has officers, special forces units, drone forces and night-time commandos.

The rebels fighting today are a very different force to those the regime fought before. They are better equipped and disciplined  I assume Turkey had a strong hand in this. They have the most to gain, said Mr Waters.

Large numbers of army deserters have laid down their arms and surrendered to the rebels, with a long queue forming in Idlib after they were offered amnesty.
Zelensky, Macron and Trump

Volodymyr Zelensky endorsed Donald Trumps drive to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible in a surprise meeting organised by Emmanuel Macron ahead of the reopening of Notre-Dame.

The three men met on Saturday at the Elysee Palace to discuss their co-operation on defence and offence in Ukraine, Mr Trump said, adding that the world was going a little crazy right now.

The president-elect also met the Prince of Wales on the sidelines of the ceremony, in his first contact with the Royal family since leaving office in 2021.

They were due to meet formally later on Saturday night to discuss the special relationship between Britain and the US.

Donald Trump, the US president-elect, greets the Prince of Wales with a handshake and a tap on the shoulder - Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Mr Macron welcomed 40 world leaders to the reopening of Notre-Dame, five years after parts of the cathedral burned down in a fire.

The bells of the cathedral rang out hailing the completion of a 630 million reconstruction that Mr Macron said proved France could achieve the impossible.

This cathedral is a happy metaphor for what a nation is and what the world should be, he said.

After meeting Mr Trump, Mr Zelensky said the pair had agreed to pursue a just peace, repeating the US president-elects mantra of peace through strength.

He said: We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace.

Mr Macron directs proceedings in the meeting of the three leaders at the Elysee Palace - Sarah Meyssonnier/AFP via Getty Images

The meeting was Mr Trumps first with the Ukrainian president since the formers election victory last month. He has previously pledged to end the war in a day and is working on a strategy to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia.

Mr Zelensky had previously suggested he opposed Mr Trumps plan to reduce US military aid and begin negotiations with Vladimir Putin over territory in eastern Ukraine.

However, he has been keen to engage with the president-elects strategy since his election victory last month, and has called for Ukraine to be given additional Western protections under the Nato umbrella as part of a peace deal.

He has also suggested he would be open to ceding four eastern regions currently occupied by Russia in exchange for an end to the hot phase of the war.

On Saturday, Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky thanked Mr Macron for organising the unexpected summit. Mr Trump described his invitation to the Elysee Palace as a great honour and talked about the great relationship between the two countries.

He said: It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now. And well be talking about that.

Mr Trump is reportedly considering establishing an 800-mile buffer zone between Ukraine and Russia, patrolled by European soldiers. The US would not contribute troops but could provide military aid to maintain peace.

Any deal would hinge on the future of eastern Ukrainian regions invaded by Putins forces in February 2022, where the war continues. Ukraine has since taken control of parts of the Kursk region, inside Russia.

Some Nato members, including the UK, are concerned that offering territorial concessions to Putin would further embolden Russia.

Mark Rutte, the new secretary-general of Nato, has said other member states will try to increase military support ahead of Mr Trumps inauguration on Jan 20.

Mr Zelenskys chief of staff met with senior members of the Trump transition team, including vice president-elect JD Vance, this week in Washington to discuss plans for an end to the war.

The US on Saturday announced a new $988 million (775 million) security assistance package for Ukraine as Washington races to provide aid to Kyiv before Mr Trump takes office.

The package features drones, ammunition for precision HIMARS rocket launchers, and equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks and armored vehicles, the Pentagon said in a statement.

The latest aid will be funded via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, under which military equipment is procured from the defence industry or partners rather than drawn from American stocks, meaning it will not immediately arrive on the battlefield.

It follows a $725 million package announced on Monday that included a second tranche of landmines as well as anti-air and anti-armour weapons.
Sir Keir Starmer will strive to strengthen trade ties with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in his first trip to the Persian Gulf as Prime Minister.

The PM will meet UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Saudi Arabias crown prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, after flying to the Gulf on Sunday night.

Sir Keir has said his visit will help to the UK build a network of partners focused on driving high quality growth.

Sir Keir is already facing calls from human rights groups to raise the escalating number of executions with Saudi leaders.

He said: Driving long-term growth at home requires us to strengthen partnerships abroad.

That is why I am travelling to the Gulf this week, to build a network of partners for the UK that is focused on driving high-quality growth, boosting opportunities, and delivering for the people at home.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are both major investors in the UK: trade with the Emirates is worth 23 billion, while trade with Saudi Arabia is worth 17 billion.

Saudi Arabia is also UKs largest defence exports market, worth 3.8 billion a year to British industry.

The Prime Minister added: There is huge untapped potential in this region, which is why, while here, I will be making the case to accelerate progress on the Gulf Co-operation Council free trade agreement, deepen our research and development collaboration and partner on projects of the future, whether that be in Artificial Intelligence or in defence and security programmes.

By doing so, hardworking British people will reap the rewards for generation to come.

Boris Johnson is welcomed by Mohammed bin Salman to Saudi Arabia in 2022 (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Human rights legal group Reprieve has called on the Prime Minister to raise what it described as an execution crisis with Saudi leaders.

Saudi Arabia has reportedly executed 300 people in 2024, its highest-ever toll in one year.

Reprieves deputy executive director Dan Dolan said: When Boris Johnson visited Mohammed bin Salman in 2022, three days after the mass execution of 81 people, Sir Keir Starmer was rightly scathing of Johnsons unconditional embrace of one of the worlds most prolific executioners of protesters.

Now he is the Prime Minister, he has the opportunity to address the escalating execution crisis in Saudi Arabia.

Mr Dolan urged the Prime Minister to raise the cases of two child defendants with the Saudi crown prince, as it could save their lives.

Following his Gulf visit, Sir Keir is expected to travel to Cyprus on Monday night.

President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides first met Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street in October (Dan Kitwood/PA)

In the capital Nicosia he will meet with President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday before meeting British troops deployed over Christmas.

The bilateral visit is the first by a British prime minister to the Commonwealth country in more than 50 years.

Sir John Major visited the Mediterranean island for the 1993 Commonwealth heads of government meeting, but this was not part of a bilateral visit.

The last visit of that kind to Cyprus by a prime minister was made by Edward Heath in 1971.

Sir Keir and Mr Christodoulides are expected to discuss co-operation on security challenges including Russian illicit finance and serious organised crime.
Few people have seen the true impact of the Los Angeles animal shelter crisis quite like those who work and volunteer at rescues. It's nearly impossible to find space for shelter dogs, especially large ones, and adoption rates are not as high as they used to be. Regardless, dedicated rescuers continue to advocate for dogs like Jack and Max, who are ready to go home with the right people.

These aren't just any rescue dogs, though--they were rescued from an LA shelter mere minutes before euthanasia, all thanks to the generosity of actor Chris Pine. A year later, they're still up for adoption, but their pals at Animal Rescue Mission (including Pine) and pet nutrition brand Zignature continue to advocate for their Happily Ever After. In fact, they've teamed up to offer their future adopters a year's supply of Zignature dog food to help get them started. Jack and Max really are ready to walk the red carpet straight to their forever homes!

Zignature/Animal Rescue Mission

View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article

These handsome boys have spent the last year becoming the best version of themselves, but their star-studded rescue story began with a simple phone call about Jack, the Mastiff mix, in November 2023.

"Jack is the reason that I got involved in all this," explains Pine. "A buddy of mine whos been involved with saving dogs for 15 years [ ] sent me this video of these pups at [Southeast Area Animal Control Authority ...] and Jack was in a cage. Hes about 115 pounds, and he was curled into a ball that made him look like this little 60-pound dog. He was past terrified. He was resigned to what was going to happen to him. [...] That video tore my heart out."

At the time the video was taken, Jack, Max, and several other dogs were less than an hour away from their scheduled euthanasia. Soon, however, Pine was at the animal shelter with some friends to give the dogs their freedom ride.

Jack's Just Getting Started

Over the last year, Jack has completely transformed. He was riddled with health issues like kennel cough, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal problems but has healed and thrived with the love and rest he's received since being rescued. Pine calls him a "giant puppy," and would love nothing more than to see him thriving in an adoring forever home.

View the original article to see embedded media.

At 115 pounds, he's an extra-large dog, so his friends at the Animal Rescue Mission know that he'll need a home with plenty of space to run and play. After having a difficult time at the shelter, Jack's forever family needs to be fully committed to caring for him for the rest of his life. Like all dogs, he needs unconditional love!

Max is Ready to Be the Main Character

"Cool surfer" boy Max is a large Siberian Husky and German Shepherd mix, but he's not as big or rambunctious as his BFF Jack. In fact, he sounds like a chill love bug! Animal Rescue Mission founder Shira Scott Astrof had nothing but praise for the fluffy dog.

View the original article to see embedded media.

"He is ready!" she gushed. "Hes stunning, hes amazing with everyone, hes great with dogshes really just a fantastic dog. This sweetie pie has become fast friends with everyone he's met, including kids, which makes him an excellent candidate for a family dog.

Clearly, anyone would be lucky to go home with either of these gorgeous LA dogs. Those who would like to meet Max or Jack can submit an application on the Animal Rescue Mission website so the rescue volunteers can see whether you'd be a good fit. Chris Pine, Shira Scott Astrof, and everyone who's met these rescue dogs can't wait to see them headed home with their forever families!

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos.

Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
The Prince of Wales has greeted US President-elect Donald Trump in Paris.

William travelled to the French capital on Saturday for the ceremonial reopening of Notre Dame cathedral following a devastating fire in 2019.

Among the world leaders at the event was Mr Trump, who gave William a pat on the shoulder before the two shook hands and spoke for a few seconds.

William was warmly greeted in the rainy French capital by President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron.

Spectators gather outside Notre Dame Cathedral (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

The prince is also due to speak to Americas outgoing first lady Jill Biden at the ceremony before meeting Mr Trump at another location in Paris.

William and Mr Trump had originally been scheduled to meet before the cathedral event.

The prince last met the 78-year-old in 2019 when the then-president made a state visit to the UK.

William is expected to discuss the importance of the US-UK relationship with Mr Trump and Mrs Biden.

His last official visit to Paris was in 2017 when he travelled with wife Kate for a two-day trip in the aftermath of the Brexit result.

Earlier this year, he joined world leaders in Normandy for the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Second World War D-Day landings.

Notre Dames reopening included the ritualised opening of the cathedrals massive doors, the reawakening of its thunderous organ and the celebration of the first Mass.

Tickets for the first week of Masses were snapped up in 25 minutes, the cathedrals rector said.

On Sunday, an inaugural Mass will be held featuring special rites to consecrate the main altar.
The Prince of Wales will meet US president-elect Donald Trump in Paris on Saturday as he joins world leaders for the ceremonial reopening of Notre Dame cathedral.

William will travel to France at the request of the Government for the high-profile event celebrating the restoration of the world-famous landmark following a devastating fire in 2019.

While in Paris, he will hold meetings with both Mr Trump and Americas outgoing first lady Jill Biden ahead of the ceremony, Kensington Palace said.

Mr Trump and dozens of heads of state and government accepted invitations from French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the ceremony.

William last met Mr Trump in 2019 when the then-president made a state visit to the UK.

The Notre Dame cathedral in Paris was devastated by fire in 2019 (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool Photo via AP)

The prince is expected to discuss the importance of the US-UK relationship with Mr Trump and Mrs Biden.

Williams last official visit to Paris was in 2017 when he travelled with wife Kate for a two-day trip in the aftermath of the Brexit result.

Earlier this year, he joined other world leaders in Normandy for the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Second World War D-Day landings.

Notre Dames reopening will include the ritualised opening of the cathedrals massive doors, the reawakening of its thunderous organ and the celebration of the first Mass.

William and Kate last officially visited Paris in 2017 (Victoria Jones/PA)

For both France and the Catholic Church, the televised and tightly scripted ceremonies will be an opportunity to display resilience and global influence.

Tickets for the first week of Masses were snapped up in 25 minutes, the cathedrals rector said.

In the first part of Notre Dames rebirth on Saturday evening, Archbishop Laurent Ulrich will lead more than 1,500 guests through a reopening service.

On Sunday, an inaugural Mass will be held featuring special rites to consecrate the main altar.
A Northern California community came together Friday night to pray for two little boys who underwent surgery and remain in critical condition after they were wounded in a shooting at a Christian school north of Sacramento, authorities said.

The boys, 6-year-old Roman Mendez and 5-year-old Elias Wolford, are being treated at a local hospital and have a very long road ahead of them in terms of recovery, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said at a Thursday news conference.

Mendez sustained two gunshot wounds and Wolford was shot once in the abdomen Wednesday, the sheriff said. Both suffered internal injuries and will undergo a number of surgeries, Honea said. They underwent surgery Friday.

A sizeable crowd gathered for the candlelight vigil in Oroville, with speakers offering religious-themed words of comfort.

Tonight were going to pray for Roman Mendez and Elias Wolford and we are going to pray for these families that have experienced a horrible, evil attack, said Butte County Sheriffs Office Chaplain Kenny Malone as people gathered around a holiday tree.

The suspect, named by authorities Thursday as 56-year-old Glenn Litton, was found dead at the scene from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The FBI is assisting with the investigation. Officials say he appeared to have targeted the school and used a meeting with administrators to gain access to the campus.

As students huddled in the school gym Wednesday, just feet away from the shooter standing outside, one student said she tried to keep the others calm by sharing words of encouragement.

The attack at the tiny Feather River Adventist School in Oroville is another example of the scourge of gun violence on American campuses, with at least 78 school shootings recorded so far this year in the United States. Guns are the leading cause of death for children in the US.

Roman Mendez, 6, one of two kindergarten students who was shot at the Feather River Adventist School in Oroville. He sustained two gunshot wounds and remains in critical but stable condition, according to Butte County Sheriff. - Butte County Sheriff

Elias Wolford, 5, one of two kindergarten students who was shot at the Feather River Adventist School. He was shot one time in the abdomen and remains in critical but stable condition, according to Butte County Sheriff. - Butte County Sheriff

I told the kindergartners to take deep breaths and just think of something happy, sixth grader Jocelyn Orlando told CNN affiliate KOVR.

I told the little graders to close their eyes and cover their ears because he was pacing back and forth from the window.

Feather River Adventist School is a private school that serves kindergarten through eighth grade and has an enrollment of about 35 students, according to the sheriff.

The school is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, part of the Protestant Christian denomination whose followers believe the Bible is the infallible word of God and in the second coming of Christ. Followers worship on Saturdays and promote a healthy lifestyle.

In a statement, a communications director with the Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists said they were deeply saddened by the incident.

Join us as we lift up these children and their families in prayer, the statement said. We are grateful for the brave officers of the Butte County Sheriffs Department who acted quickly to protect our students.

Suspect released from jail just weeks ago

Authorities were working to determine why the suspect targeted the school and whether he was acting alone, Honea said.

Litton is described as homeless and a convicted felon, legally prohibiting him from possessing a firearm, Honea said. He spent his time between Sacramento and the Chico area, had a lengthy criminal history and record of mental health issues, according to the sheriff.

Authorities had received information on Wednesday leading them to believe the suspect had targeted the school because of its affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Honea said.

School officials and sheriff's deputies gather outside Feather River Adventist School after a shooting in Oroville, California. - Terry Chea/AP

Before the shooting Wednesday, the suspect had attended a meeting with a school administrator, ostensibly to explore the possibility of enrolling a family member, the sheriff said. The meeting was described as cordial, he said.

No concerns were raised at the time and Honea said Thursday the meeting appeared to be a ruse for the suspect to gain access to the campus.

Litton attended a Seventh-day Adventist School near San Diego when he was a young man, and may have had a relative attend the school he targeted many years ago, the sheriff said.

However, authorities have not determined a current connection between Litton and the school in Oroville, he said.

Investigators were examining material written by the suspect that appeared to conflate American involvement in conflict in the Middle East with the church, Honea said.

Litton was first imprisoned in 1991 for theft and subsequently convicted of crimes including theft, fraud and forgery, Honea said.

The Butte County Sheriffs Office has not had any contact with Litton since he was booked into the county jail for forgery and fraud charges in 2003, the sheriff said. Most recently, Litton was a suspect in the theft of a U-Haul pickup truck in Chico after he did not return the rental to the company, which reported it stolen to police, Honea said.

Glenn Litton, 56. - Butte County Sheriff

After he was located inside the stolen U-Haul truck, the sheriff said Litton was arrested on November 12 by the South San Francisco Police Department on an outstanding burglary warrant in San Bernardino County and fresh charges of being in possession of a forged license. Litton was then booked into the San Mateo County Jail and transferred to the county jail in San Bernadino.

The fake license had a photo of Litton along with a fraudulent name that he also used to make appointments to meet with officials at the school he targeted, Honea said.

On November 21, Litton was released by the court on his own recognizance after he pleaded not guilty. He was then picked up by a family member and taken back to Sacramento, Honea said.

The shooting

On Wednesday morning, Litton was in the vicinity of a motel in the Chico area, where he had been staying for a few nights at various motels, the sheriff said. He took a bus to Oroville, arriving around 8:30 a.m. and carrying a large duffel bag, he added.

Under another alias, Litton then called an Uber and was dropped off at the school campus just after noon, Honea said.

Littons meeting with the school principal centered around what it would take for him to enroll his grandson in the school, Honea said. He made up a fake story that his daughter moved to the area and wanted his grandson to attend the school, the sheriff said, as a ruse to set up an appointment to gain access to the campus after the meeting.

Outside surveillance footage shows Litton with his hand inside his jacket, near his waistband, where he was concealing his firearm, the sheriff said.

Litton was caught on surveillance footage standing outside the Feather River Adventist School. He is seen putting his right hand inside his jacket, near his waistband, where he was concealing his firearm, according to Butte County sheriff. - Butte County Sheriff

Children at the school were finishing up their noon break and were heading back to the classroom when Litton pulled out the firearm and initiated the attack, the sheriff said.

Within two minutes, a state highway patrol officer had arrived at the school, where a handgun was found near the body of the suspected shooter, he said.

Several minutes later, sheriffs deputies arrived on campus and officers provided first aid to the two wounded students, Honea added.

Once the scene was secured, the remaining students were taken by bus to a nearby church to be reunited with their parents, the sheriff said.

Sixth grader Jocelyns father expressed his concerns about the shooting and the safety of his children attending a private school saying, the presumption is that its the safest place a parent can send their child.

Law enforcement agencies across the state were urged to be vigilant and ensure schools associated with the church are safe, Honea added.

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.

Family reunification was grief-filled event

According to recent data, there are about 1.2 million Seventh-day Adventist members in the United States and Canada combined, and nearly 22 million followers worldwide.

There are more than 7,500 Seventh-day Adventist schools worldwide enrolling more than 1.8 million students.

The lead pastor of the Oroville Church of the Nazarene, Travis Marshall, told CNN the reunification process between children and parents at the church continued through Thursday morning and was very emotional.

The church received the first call from the sheriffs office around 1:30 p.m., and 10 church representatives, along with dozens of county sheriffs came to the church to assist with reunification, according to Marshall.

A lot of outbursts, praise and tears, Marshall said. A lot of hugging going on. Yesterday was one of those events where you get a shared sense of humanity.

People hug at a reunification center at Oroville Church of the Nazarene in Oroville, California, on December 4, 2024. - KCRA

Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey told the news conference his office was assisting the students and their families.

The community announced plans for a chili buffet fundraiser Monday to raise money for the families.

The co-founder and co-CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, Nicole Hockley, said, An attack such as this goes against everything we stand for as a nation, in a statement following the shooting. Hockleys 6-year-old son Dylan was killed in the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

In the wake of this shocking and senseless act, our hearts are with these two precious children and their families as they begin a long road ahead dealing with their trauma. We wish them strength and stand with them in solidarity, demanding answers as to why and how this happened, Hockley said.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Kia Fatahi contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Getty

There are some adult dog breeds that look completely different as puppies. From the Bergamasco to the Tibetian Terrier, these pups have appearances that change significantly as they grow up.

The team at the Kennel Club have provided a backstory to each pup, explaining the reason behind their changing features. Take a look at the full list below and see how many you can recognize...

1. Briard

Getty

"Briards are herd and guard dogs which originate from Brie in France. They are very active and intelligent dogs which were used in both World Wars by the French army as pack dogs to search for wounded soldiers. They share ancestry with short-coated Beauceron, but the Briard's coat grows significantly as they get older," the team at the Kennel Club tells Country Living.

"They are known for a dry, wavy coat of either grey, tawny, or black, and an impressive head topped by a peek-a-boo hairdo parted naturally in the middle. A luxurious beard and eyebrows accentuate an expression described as 'frank and questioning'.

"The coat in the adult dog is long, about 7cms (2 ins) on the body. A fine dense undercoat required all over body. Head carries hair forming a moustache, beard and eyebrows, lightly veiling the eyes. In baby puppies, the distinctive coat will not have had time to get to its full length, so they sometimes get mistaken for similar breeds such as the Bearded Collie or Old English Sheepdog."



2. Bergamasco

Getty

"The Bergamasco is a sheepdog originally bred in the Italian Alps, easily recognizable by their heavy coat with mats, which protects them from the extreme climate typical of the Alpine pastures where they originally worked as herding dogs," the team tells CL.

"The Bergamasco has hair of three different textures that form naturally occurring loose mats, or 'flocks' (strands of hair woven together, creating flat layers of felted hair), covering the body and legs. The flocks provide protection from the fierce cold and wild predators of the Italian Alps, the breeds ancestral homeland.

"The coat in the adult dog is abundant and long. Harsh texture on front of body, softer on head and limbs. Short, dense undercoat obscures skin. Tends to form into strands or loose mats from the backline (not cords). The coat should be greasy to the touch. In baby puppies, the distinctive coat will not have had time to get to develop into the characteristic flocks, so they sometimes get mistaken for other breeds which work with livestock."

3. A Tibetan terrier

Getty

"The Tibetian Terrier, closely related to Lhasa Apso, belongs to the Utility group, despite its name. It was brought to the UK by a surgeon working on the Indian/Tibetan border in the early 1920s and was recognized by the Kennel Club in 1937," the team explain.

"A breed hallmark is the beautiful and profuse double coatwoolly underneath, with a long, fine topcoat. The adult dog has a double coat. Undercoat fine and woolly. Top coat profuse, fine but neither silky nor woolly; long; either straight or waved but not curly. In baby puppies, the distinctive coat will not have had time to get to its full glamorous length, so they sometimes get mistaken for other Tibetan breeds."

4. A bearded collie

Getty

"Bearded Collies are herding dogs which originate from the Borders and Highlands of Scotland. They are intelligent dogs and make a great family pet.

"The adult Bearded Collie has a double coat comprised of a soft, furry and close undercoat, and an outer coat which is flat, harsh, strong and shaggy, free from woolliness and curl, though slight wave is not unusual. Length and density of hair sufficient to provide a protective coat.

"Bridge of nose sparsely covered with hair slightly longer on side just to cover lips. From cheeks, lower lips and under chin, coat increases in length towards chest, forming typical beard. The lavish facial hair shouldn't obscure the characteristic expression, which is a dreamy, faraway gaze. In baby puppies, the distinctive coat will not have had time to get to its full 'hippy' length, so they sometimes get mistaken for other pastoral breeds," they continue.

5. Afghan Hound

Getty

"Since ancient times, Afghan Hounds have been famous for their elegant beauty. But the thick, silky, flowing coat that is the breed's crowning glory isn't just for show  it served as protection from the harsh climate in mountainous regions where the breed originally earned its keep.

"The coat in the adult dog is long and very fine textured on the ribs and limbs. In mature dogs, from the shoulder backwards and along the 'saddle', the hair is short and close. Hair long from the forehead backwards, with a distinct silky 'topknot'.

"On the foreface hair short, ears and legs well coated. The pasterns can have a lot less hair in some cases. In baby puppies, the distinct coat pattern will not have had time to develop, which often results in these ring-tailed bundles of mischief being mistaken for monkeys!"

6. Hungarian Puli

Getty

"As the name suggests, the Puli was originally a Hungarian herding dog which accompanied tribes as they travelled from East to West. Although their thick and distinctive coat can make them look big, underneath the locks the dog is lightly built and their agility makes them an excellent and active herding breed.

"The adult Hungarian Puli coat is comprised of cords, or 'dreadlocks', which are the instantly recognizable feature of the breed. The coat's naturally occurring cords are woolly, dense, and weatherproof. Either corded or brushed out, Puli coats require lots of attention. Correct proportion of top and undercoat creates, naturally, the desired cords. Matting and felting to be avoided, and a combed coat is as undesirable as a neglected one. Coat generally longest on hindquarters, shortest on head and feet.

"Some adult dogs will grow a floor-length coat. In baby puppies, the distinct coat pattern will not have had time to develop, so they can sometimes be mistaken for other breeds such as the Lhasa Apso or Tibetan Terrier."

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Simply Recipes / Getty Images

The first thing I learned to cook as a kid was an egg sandwich. My uncle showed me how to make eggs in the microwave. As someone who could barely see over the stovetop at the time, the discovery opened up a whole new world of possibilities.

As an adult, not only do I now use a skillet to cook my eggs, but Im also confident in what I consider to be a top-tier egg sandwich: bacon, egg, and American cheese on a hard Kaiser roll. This classic combination of ingredients makes up one of New York Citys most famous breakfast offerings, and you can order one in just about any bodega with a griddle behind its deli counter.

What makes this sandwich so iconic is its existence in the lore of New York City. Small, family-owned convenience stores and bodegas are the lifeblood of the city. In the words of the late Anthony Bourdain, they are the last place in New York where construction workers, doormen, hedge funders, black, white, Asian and Latin gather in one room, united by a single purpose: the bodega sandwich.

How To Make Anthony Bourdains Bodega Sandwich

It probably comes as no surprise that Bourdain had mastered the classic BEC. Heres how he does it: Start by cooking three strips of thick-cut bacon in a large, heavy-bottom skillet or cast-iron pan thats been heated on high. As the bacon cooks, adjust the temperature so they dont burn, cooking each piece until golden brown and crisp. Set the bacon aside on a paper towel-lined plate and use the leftover bacon grease to toast each half of the Kaiser roll face down in the skillet for two minutes.

For the eggs, the goal here is to make a sort of value-neutral omelet, as Bourdain would say, and you can do so using the residual bacon grease. Crack two eggs in a small mixing bowl, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and beat well. Pour the eggs into the skillet and cook through evenly. Add two slices of American cheese over half of the eggs before folding over like an omelet. Fold in half again to quarter it.

At this point, you have a couple of options to choose from. Sandwich the bacon in with the cheese, then fold the eggs over it or stack the eggs and bacon individually atop the Kaiser roll like a traditional sandwich. I personally like to lay my cheesy eggs on a bed of bacon, then top it all with hot sauce. A vast majority of New Yorkers will order theirs with ketchup. Some people also like to substitute Swiss cheese in place of the American one. All variations are welcomed in my book, with no judgment attached.

Simply Recipes / Nathan Hutsenpiller

Why I Love This Breakfast Sandwich

In my opinion, Bourdain expertly nails his take on the classic BEC. His choice of a Kaiser roll is spot on to what's readily available in all bodegas and his method of making it is exactly how Ive seen sandwiches being made behind the deli counter.

Some bodegas will have special methods that differ from others, but the resulting sandwich is always one of the tastiest, most affordable meals you can get in a city with a constantly evolving food scene.

This sandwich is the same today as it was when I first moved to the city in 2008, and that's what makes it so reliable. It's the everymans sandwich, featuring ingredients that are seemingly basic on their own, but when combined, form a New York City icon.



Read the original article on SIMPLYRECIPES
UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA)  The body of Elizabeth Pollard, the missing 64-year-old woman who fell through a sinkhole while looking for her cat in Unity Township, Pennsylvania, has been found, authorities announced on Friday.

Pollard fell about 30 feet below the surface of where the mine would have sat and was found about 12 feet away from where the original sinkhole opened up, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani said in a press conference Friday. She was found around 11 a.m. after crews spent days surgically excavating dirt from the old mine.

"This was quite a relief. I'll be honest with you, I felt a little defeated yesterday. It was difficult to go to bed and I wasn't the only one," Pleasant Unity Volunteer Fire Department Chief John Bacha said on Friday.

After Pollard went missing on Monday evening, troopers found her car around 3 a.m. Tuesday parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant on Marguerite Road. Her 5-year-old granddaughter was inside the vehicle, cold but unharmed. While searching the area, police said they found a sinkhole, which they believed opened up while Pollard was looking for her cat.

Since Tuesday, had been digging, shoring up and searching the abandoned coal mine that was below the sinkhole. The massive effort took about 80 hours and involved more than two dozen fire departments, several other groups and Ligonier Construction.

A search is underway for a missing woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in Unity Township. / Credit: Pennsylvania State Police

"When she fell through the shaft and she landed and struck that mound of  we'll call it a Hershey Kiss [shape]  it appears that she rolled or moved that 12 feet or so where our initial spot was," Limani said.

Rescuers held out hope she'd be found alive, but on Wednesday night, they informed Pollard's family that the operation was moved into a recovery phase. Authorities on Friday said they wanted a better outcome but were relieved they could at least provide some closure to the family after finding Pollard's body.

"I couldn't have been more happy for the family that we were able to find her because that was the only thing that they were concerned with after yesterday, was if they can have her so they can do what's right when it comes to a memorialized service and having a viewing and everything that everyone deserves to have if that's what your faith believes," Limani said.

As of right now, it's unclear whether the 30-foot fall killed Pollard, but Limani hopes an autopsy will reveal more answers.

Crews work to shore up abandoned mine

As the search for Pollard progressed, there were fears that the abandoned mine could collapse as they moved "a tremendous amount" of dirt, Limani said. Rather than sending people down, the incident commander said crews used machinery to retrieve Pollard's body, because even Friday, parts of the roof and sides were collapsing.

Now, Limani said engineers from the mining division will work on shoring up the mine.

"They're going to put the dirt back and then they're going to talk about putting a grout in there eventually and shoring up the entire area," Limani said.

He called the abandoned mine complex, saying, "It's almost like a mini town underneath this town, which is wild." Crews had to use hand-drawn maps from the 1940s to help navigate the recovery.

A sketch of maps layered together, recreated by mine experts, to help crews identify which area Elizabeth Pollard could have fallen into as well as other blocked or partially collapsed areas of the mine. / Credit: Pennsylvania State Police

Marguerite is an old coal patch town, and authorities said they've heard from residents who are concerned about the potential for more collapses. Pennsylvania is home to one-third of the nation's abandoned land mines, the state Department of Environmental Protection said. Anyone who sees any kind of depression in the ground or sinkhole opening can call the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation at 814-472-1800.

The DEP said in a press release on Friday that it has been working with the federal Office of Surface Mine Reclamation and Enforcement to ensure that contracts for reclamation work could be executed as soon as possible.

"DEP's Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation will be overseeing emergency work to fill the excavated area at the incident site, drill and pump a cement-like grout to stabilize the Marguerite Mine void in the immediate area to prevent additional subsidence, and eliminate the hazard," the DEP said in the press release.

Monday's Union Restaurant, which authorities thanked for all their help during the search, said it expects to be back open on Tuesday. Limani said he believes it's safe, citing all the heavy equipment crews had parked at the scene without a problem.

Pollard's family is asking for privacy at this time. No details about services have been announced. Limani asked people to keep the family in their prayers.

"We were made of several old coal mining towns and of course, Marguerite is one of them. And when people suffer, we all suffer. The people of Unity Township are sad today," Unity Township Supervisor Mike O'Barto said on Friday.

"My hope is that a tragedy like this never happens again," O'Barto added.

As for Pollard's cat, Pepper hasn't been found.

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WASHINGTON  As Democrats reel over how Vice President Kamala Harris' losing campaign spent more than $1 billion, a new campaign finance report confirms that the Democratic presidential nominee's campaign paid Oprah Winfrey's production company $1 million.

The records put an end to a monthslong controversy over whether Winfrey was paid for endorsing the former Democratic presidential nominee.

Rumors exploded in November that Harris campaign paid the former talk show host for her support after a story by the Washington Times cited Federal Election Commission finance records showing that Winfrey's company, Harpo Productions, received $1 million from Harris.

Oprah Winfrey speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center.

Winfrey denied all allegations that she received money from the Harris campaign when asked by paparazzi in mid-November about whether she was paid for her endorsement. "Not true. I was paid nothing, ever," she responded at the time.

But shortly after a video of the exchange was posted on Instagram, Winfrey sought to clarify. Commenting on the video, she explained that her company, Harpo Productions, was paid for its work helping produce Harris Unite for America livestream rally on Sept. 19.

The event, hosted along with the activist group Win with Black Women, featured major celebrities including comedian Chris Rock along with actors Ben Stiller, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep and Bryan Cranston. It was aimed at registering people to vote in swing states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia and Michigan  all of which Harris ended up losing in the election.

The company, Winfrey said, was asked to provide set design, lights, cameras, microphones, crew and producers, among other items for the event. Winfrey added that she did not receive a cut of the money.

More: Harris raised and spent twice as much as Trump in final days of 2024 election

I did not take any personal fee," Winfrey said in her comment. "However, the people who worked on that production needed to be paid. And were. End of story."

Aides from Harris' campaign quickly came to Winfrey's defense. Adrienne Elrod, a senior adviser and senior spokesperson for the former Democratic nominee, told the publication Deadline that the campaign had never paid an artist or performer at one of its events - other than for costs associated with travel or other "ancillary costs."

Companies, like Harpo, are not legally allowed to donate to political campaigns whether through cash donations or other expenses, like the costs associated with putting on an event, and must be reimbursed or paid.

Campaign finance records published this week confirm that Harpo Productions received two $500,000 payments from the Harris campaign for its work on the September event. The payments were part of millions of dollars Harris dolled out to major production firms and advertising agencies in her doomed effort to win the 2024 presidential campaign.

Harris spent an additional $575,000 to run a 90-second ad on the outside of the Las Vegas Sphere ahead of a rally she hosted before Election Day, according to campaign finance reports. The campaign spent millions more on television and digital advertisements throughout the election.

Much of that spending is now under microscope, as Democrats assess Harris loss and where her campaign went wrong in the 2024 election.

Contributing: Sarah D. Wire

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Harris campaign paid Oprah's company $1 million, records confirm
Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on the search for the CEO's killer for Saturday, Dec. 7. For the latest news, view our story for Sunday, Dec. 8.

"The net is tightening" in the search for the gunman who brazenly killed United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Saturday.

"We're going to bring this person to justice," Adams told reporters in a video published by MSNBC.

The search has stretched into its fourth day and appears to be expanding as police say they believe the killer successfully fled New York City after the shooting. The FBI said Friday it has joined the search and is offering $50,000 toward the reward for an "unknown suspect" seen in previously released photos.

On Wednesday morning, Thompson's killer covered his face and was waiting outside a Hilton hotel, where Thompson, 50, was set to speak at an investment conference, officials said. Surveillance cameras caught what happened next on video: When Thompson appeared, the shooter fired multiple times from behind him at close range at about 6:45 a.m.

Authorities haven't said whether they have identified the suspect.

"We don't want to release that now," Adams said. "If you do, you're basically giving a tip to the person we are seeking, and we do not want to give him an upper hand at all. Let him continue to believe he can hide behind the mask."

Adams' office did not immediately respond to an email seeking more information.

The shooting set off a massive search, with investigators now offering a total reward of $60,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Images posted by the New York City Police Department on its offical X account (@NYPDnews) on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 of a person of interest wanted for questioning in connection to the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan on Dec. 4.

Police recovered bullet casings inscribed with the words "deny, defend and depose," multiple news outlets reported. Though the terms are relevant to health insurance companies' strategies for rejecting claims, police have not yet said what the motive might have been.

"Every indication is that this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said earlier this week.

The crime also prompted a wave of public apathy and vitriol toward the health insurance industry and executives seen as gatekeepers to life-saving care for a handsome profit.

Reports: Backpack found in Central Park may be shooter's

Police found a backpack in Central Park on Friday that is similar to the one seen in surveillance footage carried by the shooter, the New York Times and CNN reported, citing anonymous law enforcement sources.

The contents of the backpack were still unknown because it was sent directly to a lab, the outlets reported. It was found near the 65th Street transverse bridge, along what could have been the route the gunman took when he fled the scene, the Times reported.

Who shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson?

Police on Thursday released photos of who they say is a "person of interest." The surveillance photos show a man wearing a hooded jacket and a black backpack that appears different from the gray backpack the shooter carried, but without a face covering.

Police are analyzing evidence found at the scene, including a water bottle and wrapper for a protein bar the shooter may have bought at a nearby Starbucks before the shooting. They're analyzing video with help from an extensive surveillance camera system in the city.

They think the shooter came into the city by bus on Nov. 24, and stayed at a hostel using a fake New Jersey ID, the New York Times reported.

New York Police Department officials believe he left the city after the shooting and may have again taken a bus out, according to CNN.

The shooter was likely "proficient in the use of firearms," NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny said. During the shooting, his gun appeared to jam at one point, but he managed to clear it and continue firing.

Experts told USA TODAY the gunman appeared calm and collected as he carried out the crime, and raised questions about whether this could have been a professional hit job, while others cast doubt on the theory.

"It looks like this guy may have had some experience, and I'm sure investigators are entertaining the possibility," said Michael Alcazar, a former detective with the New York City Police Department and a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. "It definitely crossed my mind."

Killing unleashes Internet vitriol aimed at health insurance industry

The brazen killing unleashed social media scorn at his company and a U.S. health insurance industry that serves as gatekeeper to the nation's $4.5 trillion health care system.

Although social media is often filled with hatred and good riddances after a high-profile murder, and there have been instances of violence against people involved in health care before, the reaction this time felt different, experts said.

The Midtown Manhattan killing tapped a groundswell of public anger over an industry the public often only knows through impersonal delays and denials to needed health care, said Wendell Potter, a former CIGNA executive who became a whistleblower against the health insurance industry.

"I've been hearing for years now from people who have been so frustrated because of denials or delays of care, and this was an opportunity for people to vent and to take out their anger against someone who just became known to them all of a sudden," Potter said.

Trying to file an insurance claim at UnitedHealthcare, among the nation's largest insurance companies, is a "humiliating and godawful slog," one commenter wrote. "Guessing this (killer) might be a disgruntled policy holder. Read more.

Who was Brian Thompson?

Thompson lived in Maple Grove, Minnesota, about 15 miles northwest of Minneapolis.

Thompson is survived by his two sons and wife, Paulette Thompson, a physical therapist of over 20 years who graduated from the same college as her husband, according to her workplace bio.

Brian Thompson was named chief executive officer for UnitedHealthcare in April 2021.

He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1997 with a Bachelor's in business administration and accounting, according to his LinkedIn.

Thompson started at UnitedHealth Group in 2004, and over the next two decades climbed up the ranks, working in several departments before taking up his most recent role overseeing its health insurance unit. The company on Wednesday described Thompson as "a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him." Thompson was named CEO in April 2021.

Mike Tuffin, president and CEO of AHIP, a commercial health insurance trade association, said in a statement he was "Heartbroken and horrified by the loss of my friend Brian Thompson."

"He was a devoted father, a good friend to many and a refreshingly candid colleague and leader," Tuffin said. "All of us at AHIP are thinking of Brians family and his UnitedHealth Group colleagues at this difficult time.

Contributing: Ken Alltucker, N'Dea Yancey-Bragg, Phaedra Trethan, Donovan Slack, Michael Loria, Christopher Cann, Jorge L. Ortiz and Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY; Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: CEO Brian Thompson shooting updates: NYC mayor pledges 'justice'
AFF-USA/Shutterstock Kate Hudson and Goldie Hawn at the November 2022 premiere of 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery' in Los Angeles

Goldie Hawn is reflecting on raising her daughter Kate Hudson  and how she "didnt know what to say" when Hudson posed a tough question to her at just six years old.

On Friday, Dec. 6, the 79-year-old Oscar winner spoke during a panel at The Wellness Oasis presented by Chase in Miami, where she shared a wholesome anecdote about motherhood, religion and a difficult line of questioning.

"My daughter Katie, she was six, and she said, Mommy is God my cousin? And I didnt know what to say," Hawn said while speaking at 1 Hotel South Beach during Art Basel week.

"I said, 'Actually, God could be your cousin. God is everywhere. But, maybe its better if I tell you what God feels like. You know the feeling you have just before youre going to laugh? Where all that joy is all in you? If you could just keep that in before you guffaw, thats what God is. Thats what God feels like,'" she added at the event, produced by 4B Advisory.

Amy Sussman/Getty Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson attend the 20th anniversary celebration of the Goldie Hawn Foundation and MindUP Gala in September 2024

Related: All About Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn's 4 Kids

Hawn welcomed Hudson, now 45, in April 1979 with ex Bill Hudson. The pair is also parents to Oliver Hudson.

Hawn is also a mom to son Wyatt Russell with Kurt Russell, who is also a dad to son Boston Russell with ex-wife Season Hubley.

Rich Fury/Getty Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson attend the Stella McCartney "Get Back" Capsule Collection and documentary release of Peter Jackson's "Get Back" in November 2021

Related: Goldie Hawn Is 'Heartbroken' After Death of Quincy Jones: 'One of the Great Loves of My Life'

Outside of reflecting on motherhood, Hawn has also been open about becoming a grandmother of eight.

During a Nov. 20 episode of Making Space with Hoda Kotb, The First Wives Club alum shared how being a grandmother impacted her after she first welcomed a grandchild to the family with the birth of Hudson's oldest child, Ryder, in 2004.

When Ryder was born, Kates first, I still had a kid at home, she said, referring to her son Wyatt, who was a teenager at the time.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Hawn then described the "unbelievable" transition from being a mom to being a grandmother. "Its an unbelievable weave that starts to happen when your children start to have children. But theyre the parents," she said. "And what one has to be careful is that we dont want to be a horn thats always saying, 'Whyd you do that?' and, 'They should do this,' and whatever. So Kurt and I give them full autonomy."

While she added that she does "miss being a mother," Hawn revealed that it's "important to cherish" that she was the "it girl" in her children's lives at one point.

"I do love being a grandmother, but Im not the boss. Im just the one that can deliver happiness to them, and also an ear if they need it," she said.

Read the original article on People
Syrian opposition forces claim to have taken control of Daraa city in southwestern Syria, inching closer to the capital Damascus.

Rebel factions representing the Druze sect in Daraas neighboring city of as-Suwayda also launched an offensive against Syrian regime forces there.

Syrias army said it is redeploying outside of the two southern cities after terrorists attacked military checkpoints.

Our forces operating in Daraa and as-Suwayda implemented a redeployment, repositioning and established a strong and cohesive defensive and security cordon in that direction, the regimes military said in a statement.

The rebels are battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assads forces from two directions; the north and the south, in an attempt to close in on Damascus. Daraa is where the Syrian uprising started in 2011.

The southern factions are different from factions in the north led by the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who have already taken two major cities during their offensive that started over a week ago. Still, those groups aim for the same goal, which is toppling Assad.

Our forces have taken full control of the entire city of Daraa and have started combing through its neighborhoods and securing its institutions and government offices, local rebel fighters known as the Southern Operations Room said in a statement late Friday.

A video, geolocated by CNN, shows rebels outside the Daraa administrative building.

The offensives have reawakened a civil war that had been largely dormant for years. The conflict began in 2011, after Assad moved to stamp out peaceful pro-democracy protests during the Arab Spring. The fighting swelled as other regional actors and world powers  from Saudi Arabia and the United States to Iran and Russia  piled in, escalating the civil war into what some observers described as a proxy war.

More than 300,000 civilians have been killed in more than a decade of war, according to the United Nations, with millions more displaced across the region.

On Friday, rebels in southern Syria also took control of a Syria-Jordan border crossing, after launching a fresh assault. The Nassib border crossing marks the southernmost point of the major M5 highway, which runs the length of the country from the northern city of Aleppo and through the capital. In a video geolocated by CNN, armed fighters were seen marching down a road by the Nassib border crossing, after wrestling it from government control.

The rebels in the north, after capturing Aleppo a week ago, have pushed south along the highway and on Thursday took the city of Hama. They have now set their sights on Homs.

And as anti-regime offensives gather pace both to the north and south of the capital Damascus, Kurdish-led fighters say they have moved into eastern parts of Syria.

Kurdish forces occupy the northeast of the country, having achieved hard-won autonomy during a decade of civil war. They fear that autonomy could now be under threat from the Syrian opposition insurgents. Although the stated target of the rebel offensive is the Assad regime, Kurdish fighters have said they fear the violence could spill over into their territory.

Fear of retaliation

Hundreds of people appear to have fled the central Syrian city of Homs overnight into Friday. Videos showed hundreds of vehicles lining the highway out of Homs, as the city braces for violence.

After capturing Hama to the north on Thursday, the rebels set their sights on the crossroads city of Homs which, if captured, would split the territory under the control of the regime in two.

From here we direct the last call to the regime forces, this is your chance to defect, said the Military Operations Media of the armed opposition groups led by HTS, in a statement.

Late on Friday, the rebels claimed to have seized the last village on the outskirts of Homs city, saying they are at the city walls.

The goal of Syrias rebel coalition, which has wrested two major cities from government control in just over a week, is ultimately to overthrow the decades-old Assad regime, the militant leader of HTS, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, told CNN in an exclusive interview on Thursday.

When we talk about objectives, the goal of the revolution remains the overthrow of this regime. It is our right to use all available means to achieve that goal, said Jolani.

Homs has a sizeable population of Alawites, co-religionists of Assad, many of whom fear retribution from rebels who accuse Alawites of dominating the country and supporting Assads quashing of the rebellion.

After bursting out of their pocket of territory in the northwest region of Idlib, the rebels captured Aleppo within three days and Hama within eight, meeting minimal resistance from regime forces which were caught flat-footed by the lightning offensive.

It is not clear whether regime forces will be able to defend the city of Homs, about an hours drive south of Hama.

CNN was unable to reach multiple contacts in Homs on Friday, amid reports of an internet blackout as the rebels approached the city.

The rebels progress has been met with celebration from many residents of the newly captured cities who had lived under regime rule for years. Videos geolocated by CNN showed rebel fighters cheering  almost in disbelief at their progress  as they entered Hama.

Guys, my country is being liberated. I swear to God, we are inside Hama city, we are inside Aleppo city, a fighter cheered as he filmed himself by Alaarbaen Roundabout in Hama.

The rebels led by HTS said they freed hundreds of those wrongfully detained from Hamas central prison. The city was the site of one of Syrias largest massacres in 1982, when President Hafez al-Assad  the current rulers father  ordered his military to quash a revolt.

Residents cheer as the rebels pour into the captured city of Hama on Friday. - Muhammad Haj Kadour/AFP/Getty Images

In the interview with CNN, Jolani said HTS aimed to create a government based on institutions and a council chosen by the people.

Although the prospect of the rapid collapse of the Assad regime was scarcely conceivable just over a week ago, Jolani said: The seeds of the regimes defeat have always been within it the Iranians attempted to revive the regime, buying it time, and later the Russians also tried to prop it up. But the truth remains: this regime is dead.

Regional concerns

The foreign ministers of Iran, Iraq and Syria met in Baghdad Friday and said in a joint statement that the advance of opposition forces in Syria poses a serious danger to the three countries, threatens the security of their peoples and the region as a whole.

The three countries described the Syrian armed opposition forces as terrorists, stressing that there was a need for collective action to confront it.

Then officials from Russia, Iran and Turkey met in the Qatari capital of Doha on Saturday to discuss the escalation in Syria.

Israel has instructed its forces to maintain a high level of preparedness and to continuously monitor the developments, in Syria as rebels advance, the countrys defense ministry said in a statement Friday.

The Israeli military is prepared for any scenario and is determined to protect the citizens of Israel and protect Israels security interests at all times, the statement said.

The US on Friday urged its citizens to depart Syria now while commercial options remain available in Damascus.

U.S. citizens who choose not to depart Syria or are unable to depart should prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods. The Aleppo International Airport is closed, the State Department said in a statement, citing the volatile and unpredictable security situation.

CNNs Lauren Izso and Avery Schmitz contributed to this report

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Catherine, Princess of Wales, offered a rare reflection on her cancer journey during an interaction at her annual carol service, Together At Christmas.

Kate hosted the fourth annual event at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6 with her three children and husband, William, Prince of Wales.

In a video shared by British broadcast station Channel 5 News on X, Kate is seen talking about her challenging year after singer Paloma Faith inquired about how she was doing.

Catherine Princess of Wales on Dec. 6, 2024 in London.

This year has been full of surprises, Kate can be heard answering.

The unplanned, Faith offered, to which Kate nodded and repeated, The unplanned, exactly.

But I know Im not alone. So many people have faced their own challenges this year, Kate added.

The private and often reserved 42-year-olds words offered a rare glimpse into her experience with cancer, a journey that prompted her to step back from public duties to undergo treatment.

In September, Kate announced that she had completed chemotherapy in a post shared on social media in which she described the journey as "complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you."

As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment," she continued in her message." The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.

(From L) Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Catherine, Princess of Wales, attend the "Together At Christmas" carol service" at Westminster Abbey in London on Dec. 6, 2024.

In March 2024, Kate revealed that she had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer. In November, William described the past year  which, in addition to his wife's diagnosis with cancer, saw his father, King Charles III, also diagnosed with cancer  as "dreadful."

Its probably been the hardest year in my life. So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult, he said during a trip to Cape Town, Africa, according to Sky News. But Im so proud of my wife, Im proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
The flight involved a KLM Boeing 777 (not pictured). Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

A KLM Boeing 777 flying from the Netherlands to South America turned around over the Atlantic Ocean.

The passengers were traveling to the small nation of Suriname but ended up back in Amsterdam.

Diverting back to an airline's hub can make it simpler to reroute passengers or make repairs.

A KLM plane U-turned over the Atlantic Ocean, leaving passengers with a four-hour flight to nowhere .

The Boeing 777 left Amsterdam for Paramaribo, the capital of the small South American nation of Suriname, on Sunday.

Data from Flightradar24 shows the flight departed on time. But two hours into the journey and about 900 nautical miles from Amsterdam, the Boeing 777 turned around over the ocean and headed back.

It landed back at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport about four hours after takeoff. The flight to Suriname, which was once a Dutch colony and still uses Dutch as an official language, typically takes just under nine hours.

The Aviation Herald, which first reported the incident, said the pilots told air traffic control the plane had a small leak, but it wasn't clear what type.

A KLM spokesperson told Business Insider there was a "technical malfunction," adding, "As a precaution, the aircraft returned after two hours of flying."

Passengers flew on a replacement aircraft about eight hours after the scheduled departure time.

The 777 was back in service the following day, according to Flightradar24.

It's not the first time passengers have been left with a flight to nowhere in recent weeks.

Last month, an American Airlines flight encountered turbulence on the way from Brazil to Miami. It turned back to Sao Paulo, and one passenger was taken to hospital.

In late October, a British Airways Boeing 777 experienced a problem over the Atlantic. It turned back to London and landed there nine hours after takeoff.

For carriers flying over the Atlantic, a flight to nowhere is often the best decision when something goes wrong. It's typically simpler for airlines to reroute passengers and fix planes back at their hub airports.

But sometimes diversions to non-hub airports are unavoidable. In May, for instance, an Air France jet made an urgent landing in Canada's far north, causing a different flight to be canceled to rescue the passengers.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Pedestrians walk past Notre Dame Cathedral a day before its ceremonial reopening in Paris on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, following the devastating fire of 2019. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

PARIS (AP)  Notre Dame is reopening its doors for the first time since a fire in 2019 nearly destroyed Paris' beloved 12th-century cathedral.

World leaders  including President-elect Donald Trump, Americas first lady Jill Biden, Britains Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy  gathered Saturday among more than 2,500 guests to celebrate the restoration of the landmark widely considered to be a pinnacle of French architectural heritage.

Saturday's events started with Archbishop Laurent Ulrich symbolically reopening Notre Dames grand wooden doors with three resounding knocks.

Following the 2019 fire, nearly $1 billion in donations poured in from around the world, a tribute to its worldwide appeal.

For more of APs coverage on Notre Dame, visit https://apnews.com/hub/notre-dame-cathedral

___

Here's the latest:

Macron welcomes Trump to Paris with presidential pomp, includes him in talks with Zelenskyy

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Donald Trump to Paris on Saturday with a full a dose of presidential pomp as the two held a hastily arranged meeting with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy before the grand reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The once and future American president was warmly embraced by Macron upon arriving at the Elysee Palace.

Its a great honor for French people to welcome you five years later, Macron told Trump. Welcome back again.

Trump said it was a very great honor to be there, while hinting at challenges ahead. It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now. And well be talking about that."

An actual red carpet was rolled out for Trump as Macron bestowed the kind of full diplomatic welcome that France offers sitting American presidents, complete with trumpets blaring and members of the Republican Guard in full uniform. It was a clear sign that even though Trump doesnt take office until Jan. 20, 2025, Macron and other European leaders are already working to win his favor and treating him as Americas representative on the world stage.

President Joe Biden declined an invitation to attend the Notre Dame ceremony, marking five years after a devastating fire, and first lady Jill Biden was the official U.S. representative. The White House cited a scheduling conflict.

Macron and leaders across Europe are trying to persuade the president-elect to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russias invasion. Macrons office said the war, along with conflicts in the Mideast, would be discussed.

Great organ of Notre Dame fills reborn cathedral with awesome sound

With a first deep rumble like a grumbling giant, the great organ of Notre Dame has awakened from its more than 5-year silence, its awesome sound once again filling the reborn cathedral.

Archbishop Laurent Ulrich roused it from its long sleep, intoning the words wake up, organ, sacred instrument. To which the gargantuan organ, perched high above the congregation, responded with a low rumble, like a dragon clearing its throat. Then, the four organists who took turns formulating improvised responses to the archbishops prompts literally pulled out the stops and let rip.

Eight times, the archbishop addressed the instrument. Eight times, it responded with a symphony of notes and sounds  as though rediscovering and relearning the joy and power from its nearly 8,000 pipes.

Macron praises the bravery of fire fighters

Macron praised the bravery of fire fighters and recalled how, at 10:47 p.m. on the night of April 15, 2019, the first message came through saying that the inferno was being beaten.

Notre Dame of Paris was saved. Disfigured but saved, he said. Moving onto the rebuilding effort, he detailed the toil of the more than 2,000 workers and artisans who worked to a 5-year reconstruction deadline set by Macron. We decided to rebuild Notre Dame of Paris even more beautiful than before.

Macron delivered the entire speech in French despite the multinational mix of VIP guests. At the end, Trump and Macron shook hands.

Macron expresses gratitude to those who saved, helped and rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed gratitude Saturday to those who saved, helped and rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral.

I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation, Macron said at the reopening ceremony.

Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken, sending the music of hope to Parisians, France and the world.

Macron spoke in front of more than 2,500 guests invited to celebrate the restoration of Paris 12th-century cathedral which was nearly destroyed by a fire in 2019. They included world leaders like President-elect Donald Trump, U.S. first lady Jill Biden, Britains Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Guests give standing ovation after short film documenting the rebuilding efforts

Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort by thousands of workers who labored  and ultimately met  a 5-year deadline set by French President Emmanuel Macron in the aftermath of the blaze. Outside, the word MERCI  thank you  was projected against the cathedrals iconic western facade in multiple languages.

The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno  the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional hand-craft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever.

We went from night to light, said one of the workers in the movie.

Notre Dame's largest bell, the 13-ton Emmanuel, rings out

The congregation inside the huge cathedral was ghostly quiet as its largest bell, the 13-ton Emmanuel, rang out into the Paris night, signaling the start of the ceremony.

Inside, Elon Musk gazed up at the renovated vaulted ceilings. Jill Biden was the last VIP welcomed outside by President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, before Archbishop Laurent Ulrich then took over.

Brothers and sisters, let us enter now into Notre Dame, he said as he stood outside, before its closed doors. It is she who accompanies us on our path to peace.

He then banged on the door three times with the base of his crosier, or bishops cross. Inside, the choir erupted into song, the crystalline voices filing what  until recently  had been a building site. Three times, Ulrich appealed to the cathedral to open its doors. Three times, the choir responded in song. He then pushed open the heavy door: Notre Dames rebirth was underway.

Archibishop Laurent Ulrich knocks three times on Notre Dame's doors, officially marking cathedral's reopening

With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a staff carved from fire-scorched beams, the cathedral roared back to life Saturday evening.

For the first time since a devastating 2019 blaze, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches.

While the ceremony was initially planned to begin on the forecourt, unusually fierce December winds whipping across the central Paris island, flanked by the River Seine, forced all events inside. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs are singing psalms, and the cathedrals mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, is thundering to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies.

The evenings celebration, being attended by more than 2,500 guests and dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, Britains Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscores Notre Dames enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon.

Groups gather in Paris to protest Trump

A small group of American expats gathered near Notre Dame Cathedral on Saturday to protest the presence of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at the reopening ceremony. Organized under the banner Paris Against Trump, the group criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for inviting Trump but chose not to organize a large demonstration to avoid disrupting the event.

We find this a bit shameful and sad that Trump is invited here, especially since he has gone against everything the Church stands for, said Ehlyr ORourke, 34, a spokesperson for the association. We dont understand why a criminal, a sex offender, a felon can actually be invited in here.

Later in the day, thousands marched through Paris, denouncing Trumps visit and expressing support for Palestine. Organized by left-wing parties, unions, and pro-Palestinian groups, the demonstration featured Palestinian flags, keffiyehs, and chants calling for Palestinian resistance, President Macrons impeachment, and criticizing Trumps alleged complicity in Middle East conflicts.

We are protesting every week to support Palestine, but whats special today is the arrival of Donald Trump, said Nadia Messai, one of the protesters in the crowd. Trump has been supporting Israel, much like the United States has been since the beginning of the creation of this rogue state that is occupying Palestine illegally.

Cathedral's renovation chief hopes the reopening is a moment of unity

Philippe Jost, Notre Dame cathedral renovation chief, said the reopening is an opportunity for unity as so many divisions remain in the world.

We hope it will be a great moment of unity for the French people, for guests from all over the world and for spectators from all over the world," he said. "Notre Dame de Paris unites. There are so many divisive factors. An event like this must unite, must help concord and peace to grow throughout the world.

Notre Dame's rector emphasizes the importance of the separation of church and state

rector of Notre Dame and chief of the reconstruction project: (credit to Mark Carlson)

Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, the Notre Dame rector called the reopening an important moment that has been awaited a long time.

Notre Dame de Paris is the very sign of the presence of a soul in the heart of our city. Its important for Parisians, its important for Catholics, its important for the French and for the whole world, he said.

In general, the sphere of politics doesnt enter the sphere of the religious, and shouldnt. In the same way, the religious sphere doesnt enter politics, he added. "The Archbishop of Paris invited the President of the Republic to speak inside the cathedral as a sign of the unity that could be seen in the reconstruction. The archbishop allowed him to speak inside because the weather conditions did not allow him to speak outside.

Guests file into Notre Dame Cathedral for the ceremonies

Guests gradually filing the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies are reveling at the renovated interiors, with many whipping out cell phones to take souvenir photos.

Its a sense of perfection, said Francois Le Page, who works for the Notre Dame foundation that raised nearly half of the nearly 900 million euros of donations. He last set foot in the cathedral in 2021, on a visit

Its night and day, said Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the The Cathedral of Saint Volodymyr the Great church in Paris St. Germain des Pres said it had been 10 years since he last stepped foot inside Notre Dame. God is very powerful, he can change things."

He expressed hope that the cathedral could help bring peace to his country and he drew heart from the expected attendance of Ukraines president.

I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict, he said.

French government security agents are helping to ensure Trump's safety alongside the Secret Service

Outside the Elysee Palace, the official residence of the French president, dozens of members of the French Republican Guard stood by awaiting Donald Trumps arrival.

Trump was in Paris on Saturday for his first international trip as president-elect, ready to join world leaders celebrating the renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral and meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and Britains Prince William.

More than 20 French government security agents have been helping ensure Trumps safety alongside the Secret Service, according to French national police. A special French police van was providing anti-drone protection for Trumps convoy.

Security was tighter than usual outside the U.S. Embassy and other sites around Paris for the Notre Dame reopening, where dozens of international VIPs were expected.

Macron, who has had an up-and-down relationship with Trump, has made a point of cultivating a relationship since the Republican defeated Democrat Kamala Harris last month. But Macrons office nonetheless played down the significance of the invitation, saying other politicians not now in office had been invited as well.

Trump was invited as president-elect of a friendly nation, Macrons office said, adding, This is in no way exceptional, weve done it before.

Notre Dame in numbers

Perhaps not surprisingly for such a big cathedral, some of the numbers that help tell the story of Notre Dames reopening are on the very big side, too. The bell that will sound to signal the start of the service weighs 13 tons, making it the cathedrals largest. It has a name - Emmanuel  given to it by King Louis XIV after it was cast in 1683. It rings in F sharp.

Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework were cleaned during the renovation  an area equivalent to roughly six soccer pitches. The first stone of Notre Dame was laid in 1163. The thunderous great organ of Notre Dame that will be heard in public at Saturdays service for the first time since April 15, 2019, has 7,952 pipes  the largest as broad as a human torso; the smallest no larger than a pen. The renovated giant console that controls the instrument has five keyboards of 56 notes each, foot pedals for 30 notes, and 115 stops.

Unseen, above the congregation and the repaired vaulted ceilings, is a framework of beams holding up the roof and spire  so dense and intricate that its nicknamed the forest. Some 2,000 oak trees were felled to rebuild it.

Trump to meet with Macron ahead of the reopening ceremonies

President-elect Donald Trump is to meet Saturday with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee presidential palace ahead of the reopening ceremony for Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. This is Trumps first foreign trip since the election.

Macrons office said both leaders will discuss global crisis, including wars in the Middle East and in Ukraine as well as French-American bilateral relations.

Macron is scheduled to have a meeting with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy right after his meeting with Trump.

Notre Dame celebrations comes as Macrons presidency now faces its gravest crisis after the governments collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier.

Devout Catholics say the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening will nourish us

For devout Catholics Patricia and Cyrille Brenner, waiting in the cold outside Notre Dame for its reopening service that they werent invited to was the place to be. The couple traveled by night train from Cannes on the French Riviera  famous for its movie festival  to be among the onlookers Saturday hoping for some of the 40,000 spots set aside for the public on the banks of the River Seine facing the cathedral. They bought their train tickets six months ago.

Im from Cannes. Its a bit like the festival. You have to be there to experience it, said Patricia, 65. Its a pilgrimage for us.

Cyrille, 66, said they were the only members of their parish to make the long trip. We like to be at the heart of things and, as Christians, it will nourish us, he said.

While Cyrille said theyd felt distress, sadness when Notre Dame burned, they both also noted how sacred relics, statues and the golden cross on the altar  almost miraculously  survived the inferno.

They both marveled at the renovation works that have not only eradicated nearly all traces of the fire inside but made it more resplendent than ever.

Some visitors hope talks on the sidelines will be good for Ukraine

Andrey Alexeev, a Ukrainian among onlookers gathering for the reopening of Notre Dame, hopes U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy can meet and talk on the ceremonys sidelines. Their host, French President Emmanuel Macron, was meeting with both leaders before they attend the reopening service for the cathedral.

Alexeev was hoping Trump and Zelenskyy would meet, too. I hope that meeting can change something in a good way for Ukraine, he said. Its good that Zelenskyy has a chance to speak with Trump and Macron. At least its an opportunity for Ukraine.

Alexeev, who lives in Poland, was visiting Paris with his mother, Olha, who travelled from Ukraine. They were hoping for two of the 40,000 places that were set aside for the public in fenced-off areas on the banks of the River Seine, facing the cathedral. Alexeev said hes agnostic but that it felt important for him to be as close to the ceremonies as possible. By coincidence, his sister was visiting Paris when Notre Dame burned on April 15, 2019.

Its one of the greatest places not only in Europe but also the whole world, he said. Such an occasion happens once in 1,000 years, I think. So we are part of history.

What to expect

Saturdays events will blend solemn religious tradition with an official presidential speech and cultural grandeur.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte will welcome the dozens of heads of state and government. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich will then take over  with a rite to symbolically reopen Notre Dames doors, kicking off the ceremonies at 7 p.m.

The ceremony that was to have been held outside will then unfold inside, with a film retracing the renovations, music and a speech by Macron.

Ulrich will then take over again, with a rite to reawaken Notre Dames organ and the rest of the religious service scheduled to last about 55 minutes.

Notre Dame reopening falls victim to bad weather

PARIS  After more than 5 years of renovation, the reopening of Notre Dame  like the Paris Olympics before it  has fallen victim to bad weather.

Forecasted strong winds have upended the running order of the reopening ceremonies on Saturday evening, and forced the whole thing indoors.

The original plan was for an initial outdoor state ceremony led by President Emmanuel Macron, after which Archbishop Laurent Ulrich was to have taken over, leading rites and a religious service inside the cathedral. Those plans would have emphasized Frances carefully policed divide between state and church.

But expected stormy winds prompted the Paris diocese and Macrons office to telescope the ceremonies together, now all to be held inside the cathedral.

Its the second time this year that weather has intervened in significant moments for Paris. Rains drenched the July 26 opening ceremony of the Summer Games, dampening the show and the spirits of some spectators.
December 6, 2024: Since early 2023 Russia has been moving ancient T-54 and T-55 tanks out of storage for use in Ukraine. The 36-ton T-54 was the first post-World War II tank. It used a 100mm gun and a four man crew. Introduced slowly in the late 1940s, it became more numerous during the 1950s. A major upgrade, the T-55, was introduced in 1958. About 100,000 T-54/55 tanks were built from 1948 to 1981. Two-thirds of these were T-55s. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Russia inherited over 10,000 operational T-55s and a few T-54s. The best of these were put into storage and there are believed to be over a thousand of these tanks still available.

Nearly all modern T-72/80/90 Russian tanks were destroyed or worn out in Ukraine during the early 2022 battles. Russia brought 600 T-62s out of storage to meet the needs of troops in combat and these tanks also suffered heavy losses.

These tanks were from the early 1960s. T-55s are easy to use and robust. They are adequate for supporting infantry although there is a shortage of 100 mm tank gun ammunition. The T-55 also has 7.62mm and a 12.7mm machine gun, for which there is plenty of ammunition. The T-55 is vulnerable to the simplest anti-tank weapons like the Ukrainian RPG anti-tank rocket or the American M72 LAW.
As bombs fell on Pearl Harbor during a shocking attack, transforming serene Hawaiian waters into a graveyard of twisted metal, burning wreckage and the roar of destruction, Earl Chuck Kohler did not hesitate to fight back.

He was 17 when Japanese bombers descended from the sky, killing 2,403 Americans and catapulting the United States into World War II. It was a brutal, unforgiving assault that left the US Pacific Fleet in ruins and the memory of that day seared into history as, in President Franklin Roosevelts words, a date which will live in infamy.

Kohler had disobeyed direct orders to shelter in a ditch and remain in place. Instead, he ran to retrieve ammunition. Armed and determined, he and his comrades fought fiercely to repel the second wave of Japanese bombers attacking Ford Island.

Maybe (I was) a dumb farm boy, but I know this is the beginning of that war that theyd been talking about and waiting for, and I know that if Im going to lose my life here, I dont want to lose it in that ditch, Kohler, a Minnesota farm boy turned sailor, said in an interview recorded by the Library in the Congress. Im going to want my family and my country to know I died fighting, not hiding.

Earl Chuck Kohler, wearing his old uniform, speaking about his experience surviving the Pearl Harbor attack. - Don Downey

Before joining the Navy, Kohler was the son of a sharecropping dirt farmer and the fourth of 10 children. There was so much work to do that there was no time for hobbies besides hunting and helping put food on the table, he told CNN in an interview. But when he turned 17, he voluntarily enlisted into the Navy because he felt it was right for him to be there.

I had learned early in life that you never run from a challenge or fight, you always run to it. You cant beat them by running from them, Kohler told CNN.

If I am to be considered a representative of people of my generation as Ive tried to be for all those that were lost at Pearl Harbor, I hope I have done it in a way that will have made them proud and brought to them the well-deserved honor and continued remembrance that they so rightfully deserve.

Now 100 years old, the veteran is believed to be one of only 16 Pearl Harbor survivors who are still alive, Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, confirmed to CNN. Of those killed, 1,177 served on the USS Arizona. Lou Conter, the last known survivor of the attack on the ship, died in April.

On Saturday, thousands will gather on the shores of Pearl Harbor for the 83rd anniversary of the bombing. They will honor members of the Greatest Generation, a tribute to Americans who lived through the Great Depression and then fought in WWII, for their sacrifice, courage, and indomitable perseverance.

In an email this week, Farley pointed to her organizations motto: Lest We Forget. We have not forgotten the 87,000 active military who were on the island of Oahu on December 7, 1941, said Farley, daughter of John Farley, who survived the attack while aboard the USS California.

Several events are planned to honor our beloved Pearl Harbor survivors, our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers who were there, and we know their stories, Farley said. May those who have gone before us, fair winds and following seas. We, the Sons and Daughters, will carry on with your history with pride.

Survivors attend anniversary events in Hawaii and California

At least two survivors  Ken Stevens and Ira Ike Schab Jr.  are expected to attend the Pearl Harbor Remembrance ceremony in Oahu, according to Pacific Historic Parks, which manages the USS Arizona Memorial.

Schab, 104, was greeted by the US Pacific Fleet Band and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Honor Guard upon his arrival at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Tuesday, according to a post published by the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. His family had raised more than $5,000 to help him travel to attend the Pearl Harbor Commemorations.

Initially, Schab did not want to return to the island because of how painful the memory was, his family told CNN affiliate Hawaii News Now. But years ago, after seeing the number of remaining survivors slowly dwindle, Schab changed his mind.

He said, As long as Im able to make the trip, I want to make the trip for the people that cant make the trip, his son, Karl Schab, told Hawaii News Now.

Sailors walk amongst the wreckage of the American destroyers USS Cassin and USS Downes after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. The battleship USS Pennsylvania is visible in the background. - Hulton Archive/Archive Photos/Getty Images

On the morning of the attacks, Schab was a musician in the Navy band aboard the USS Dobbin and had just finished his shower and sat down for his coffee, his daughter said on their GoFundMe page. He was waiting for his younger brother Allen, who was visiting, so they could explore Honolulu together.

But they never got to meet up that morning  and when the attacks began, Schab immediately started feeding ammunition to the gunners. More than anything else that day, Schab remembers being scared, he told Hawaii News Now. Wondering about my brothers. Where they were.

The attack occurred around 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning, carried out by 353 Japanese planes, 35 submarines and two battleships. More than 160 aircraft were destroyed.

The air was thick with smoke and the acrid scent of burning oil and metal. Ships, once proud and sturdy, were ripped apart by torpedoes and bombs, sending massive plumes of fire and debris into the air. The US battleships, anchored in the harbor, were struck with such force that their hulls buckled and split open, flames engulfing the decks in a blinding inferno.

Bodies of sailors, soldiers and airmen were thrown into the water, some burned beyond recognition, others left floating in the oily sea. The air was filled with the shrieks of men in agony, the crackle of machine gun fire, and the thunderous explosions that shook the ground.

Nearby, Kohler was in an airplane hangar, right in the center of Pearl Harbor, writing a letter to his mother on a typewriter when he heard an approaching aircraft continue to get closer and closer.

Suddenly and almost simultaneously there was this tremendous roar and bomb fragments and window glass came crashing into the back of my head, ears, neck and shoulders, Kohler said during the interview published by the Library of Congress.

Earl Chuck Kohler when he was 17 years old and had just enlisted in the Navy. - Kohler Family

Despite being threatened to be reported for disobeying his officers direct orders to stay sheltered in the ditch, Kohler kept running. He grabbed a 50-caliber machine gun and ammunition and helped shoot at attacking warplanes.

What affected me the most was seeing those ships explode, capsize, and knowing that with every one of those events there were a lot of lives being lost, Kohler said.

Kohler is not in Hawaii. Instead, he will be speaking at the annual Beacon lighting ceremony held by conservation nonprofit Save Mount Diablo in California to pay tribute to the lives that were lost and honor surviving veterans. The Beacon on Mount Diablo was installed and illuminated in 1928 to aid in transcontinental aviation. But it was extinguished during the West Coast blackout following the Pearl Harbor attack out of fear it may lead to an attack on California.

It stayed dark until Pearl Harbor Day in 1964, when Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief of Pacific Forces during World War II, relit the Beacon in a commemorative ceremony and suggested it be illuminated every December 7th to honor those who served and sacrificed.

In my way of thinking it gives the few survivors that are left an opportunity to reach back across the miles and the years and reconnect once again with our sunken shipmates and fallen comrades, Kohler told CNN.

Kohler says he believes that if those who were lost there that day had a voice of their own, they would say, Remember us.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The mother of a hostage who appears in the latest proof of life video released by Hamas has doubled down on her criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, making an emotional appeal for him to do a deal for the captives return.

In a video released by the militant group Saturday, the hostage Matan Zangauker  who appears to be speaking under duress  describes the grim conditions of the Gaza tunnels where he is being held and criticizes the Israeli leaders plan to offer a $5 million reward and safe passage to anyone returning one of the captives.

CNN cannot verify when the video was taken, though it appears to be recent as Zangauker says he has been held for more than 420 days and Netanyahus announcement of the $5 million reward was made on November 29.

In the video, Zangauker describes living with spiders and rats. He says he doesnt have soap and is suffering from skin diseases. He says he hopes the people of Israel will not forget him and he hopes to see his family again soon.

Zangaukers family say they want the world to see the video because it is a sign of life.

Zanguakers mother, Einav  who has previously criticized Netanyahus offer of the $5 million reward as bribes for the captors  on Saturday again called out the prime minister saying the only way to bring (Matan) and everyone back is through a deal.

The fact that Matan is alive today, doesnt mean hell survive the winter or the ongoing military pressure, a visibly shaken and tearful Einav Zangauker told the weekly rally in Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu  look my son in the eye, who has been dying in the tunnels for 14 months already  what if he were your son? she said.

In a message to her son, she cried, My Matan! My life! Moms here and is waiting for you and fighting for your return and everyones return.

If you hear me  hold tight! Know that were not stopping for a moment  stay strong.

Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker appears in a video released by Hamas on December 7, 2024. - Hamas Military Wing/Handout/Reuters

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid also called on the government to pursue a deal, saying in a post on X he was petrified by the fact Matan was still there and calling on Netanyahus government of destruction to wake up.

Netanyahus office said he had spoken with Einav Zangauker Saturday evening following the videos release. It said the prime minister had told her he fully understands the difficult suffering that Matan is going through and that he is acting fiercely and in every way to return Matan and all the hostages home - both the living and the dead.

Israeli authorities believe there are still 100 hostages being held in Gaza.

Zangauker and his partner Illana Gritzewsky were taken from Nir Oz Kibbutz  one of several kibbutzim, or small farming enclaves, that bore the brunt of Hamas ground assault on October 7. Nir Oz lost a quarter of its small community to Hamas bullets and kidnappers.

Gritzewsky was returned on November 30, 2023, as part of a short-lived hostage-ceasefire deal. She stood alongside Zangaukers mother and sister Natalie at the rally Saturday.

Speaking to Israels Channel 11, Gritzewsky said the video took me back to (my) captivity. It didnt give me any air, because I know that each moment can matter there, and the fact that hes alive now doesnt mean there will be life tomorrow or in five minutes. I saw his eyes with pain, with fear and uncertainty. I heard his voice crying out for help.

Former hostages Yocheved Lifshitz and Illana Gritzewsky stand by Natalie Zangauker, sister of hostage Matan Zangauker at a Tel Aviv rally on December 7, 2024. - Paulina Patimer

The latest video comes a week after Hamas released similar footage of the Israeli American hostage Edan Alexander, who also criticized Netanyahus $5 million reward and called on US President-elect Donald Trump to help free the hostages.

Zangaukers mother has been highly critical of the reward offer, saying at the time it was made that the prime minister was trading the hostages lives.

She criticized Netanyahu for offering money to Hamas and said his attempt to divide and rule in Gaza through bribes to the captors would put the hostages at risk.

She has long been outspoken in calling for a deal to return the hostages, speaking weekly outside the Israel Defense Forces headquarters in Tel Aviv, as well as outside Netanyahus residence in Jerusalem, at the Knesset (Israels parliament) and other locations.

In the video released Saturday, Zangauker appears to acknowledge his mothers efforts.

Mom, Im watching you, and Im hearing a lot about you, I am aware of the things youre doing. Im hearing about your activities. I am very happy to hear that you are fine. I hope to see you again soon, when we meet. I hope to sit with you again at the same table, eat with you, talk to you, drink with you, he says.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Every holiday dinner needs a proper holiday side to go with it. Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa with a dinner for friends and family, you need dependable side dishes everyone will love.

Finding a crowd-pleasing recipe shouldn't be stressful though. Rather, it should put a little excitement in your mind. Serving a recipe everyone raves about is a great feeling, especially when the recipe is easy to put together. It's your secretunless someone asks for the recipe.

If you need a side dish to serve up this December that stands out, there's one recipe that's proven to be reliable time and time again during the final holiday stretch. It's traditional, decedent, and loved by the Allrecipes community.

That recipe is Creamy au Gratin Potatoes. While potatoes au gratin may sound fancy, they're really not. Don't let the French words scare you away or the thinly sliced potatoes. This au gratin version is creamy and comforting, and it really isn't that hard. If that hasn't convinced you yet, then maybe the over 6,400 reviews and 4,200 5-star ratings by our community will.

Allrecipes Magazine

Plus, this recipe is technically a casserole, whether the French intended it that way or not. So, grab your favorite baking dish and a sack of potatoes and get cooking. There are sides to serve.

How to Make Our Most-Saved Potatoes au Gratin

You'll need Russet or Yukon gold potatoes, onions, Cheddar cheese, milk, flour, butter, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Slicing the potatoes is the hardest part of this recipe. A mandoline slicer will be your best friend if you own one. Try to slice the potatoes as evenly as possible in thickness, as this will allow them to cook more evenly.

If you like recipes with a rustic flair, a knife will work just fine. Slice the potatoes as best you can. It's not the end of the world if some of them are a little too thin or too thick. Save your perfectionist tendencies for the main dish.

Once the potatoes are sliced, layer half of them in a baking dish, then place sliced onions on top. Season this layer before adding the rest of the sliced potatoes.

Make the cheese sauce in a saucepan with butter, flour, and salt. Follow with milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Finally, add the cheese, mix thoroughly, and pour over the potatoes. Cover with foil and bake in an oven for about 1  hours.



Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Allrecipes Community Praise and Tips

This is easily one of our best potato recipes. And if you're looking for ways to make the recipe a bit more unique, see what our Allrecipes community recommends.

"This is a classic French dish that is a great comfort food. As for anyone who thought the taste was bland, you should know that you cannot use a mild or even medium cheddar with any Cheddar cheese sauce or it will be bland," says reviewer Michele. "You have to use a sharp/old cheddar to get the cheddar flavor to come through."

"Ten stars! Wow...these are so much better than the boxed au gratin potatoes could ever be," says reviewer SLJ6. "Served these potatoes with a pork loin and pan-fried asparagus."

"This is practically out of my mother's own recipe file! For a casserole-style dish, add some diced ham (or even spam!)" says reviewer Melindark.



"Dreamy! Diced the onions, used a mixture of Gouda, Swiss, and Parmesan, which definitely did not create a 'bland' flavor," says reviewer MichelleFehrmann. "Used 1/3 half and half, 2/3 milk and a large dash of chicken stock. Layered potatoes and onions with the cheese mixture. Uncovered last 20 minutes."

View The Recipe

Read the original article on ALLRECIPES
Europe is bracing for another energy crisis this winter, teeing up a high-stakes early test of how a newly inaugurated Trump administration will attempt to balance efforts to reset relations with Russia against the needs of U.S. allies seeking fuel to stay warm during whats forecast to be an unusually cold season.

On Jan. 1, 2025, the Russian state-owned gas giant Gazproms long-standing contract to ship fuel to Europe via Ukraines pipelines expires. With no renewal deal in sight as Moscow intensifies its assault on its neighbor and the U.S. ratchets up sanctions on Russias gas business, Gazprom is now planning for the total end of sales to Europe transiting through Ukraine next year.

The breakup has already begun. This week, Gazprom completely cut off shipments of gas to Austria for the first time in 50 years over a payment dispute. Unless Kyiv brokers an eleventh-hour deal to keep Russian gas flowing through Ukraine, Slovakia is expected to face major shortages in January, drawing supplies away from fellow European Union countries right as winter drives up demand. With Germany already burning through gas supplies to make up for the lost power from the nuclear plants it shuttered two years ago, Europe is increasingly relying on costly imports of liquefied natural gas to make it through winter.

Few places will feel the pinch as much as Moldova, one of Europes poorest nations and the one its own leaders have described as the most vulnerable country in Europe to Russian energy blackmail.

Russias invasion in 2022 sent shockwaves through the tiny former Soviet republic landlocked between Romania and Ukraine. Like Ukraine, Moldovas government is attempting to embrace the West and ultimately join the EU. But as in Ukraine and Georgia, Moscow has maintained some control in Moldova by propping up pro-Russia separatist forces in a breakaway province.

Russia has maintained a military base in the mountainous sliver of a region on Moldovas eastern border called Transnistria since the 1990s and provided the unrecognized government in the regional capital of Tiraspol with gas so cheap its practically free.

Gazprom is also the co-owner of the gas utility that serves all of Moldova and has threatened repeatedly over the last three decades since independence to cut off supplies amid disputes.

A woman walks past the Operational Group of Russian Forces headquarters in Tiraspol, the capital of the breakaway region of Transnistria, a disputed territory unrecognized by the international community, in Moldova, Nov. 1, 2021. via Associated Press

Over the last three years, the country almost quit buying Russian gas for heating, instead purchasing fuel on the market and shipping it into Moldova via Romanian pipelines. Moldova approved new transmission lines to Romania, too, clearing the way to buy more surplus nuclear power from its EU neighbor. The government in Chisinau even built some solar panels, boosting the limited supply of renewable power.

During an interview with HuffPost earlier this month on the sidelines of the WebSummit tech conference in Lisbon, Portugal, Dumitru Alaiba, the deputy prime minister in charge of economic development, said Moldova was no longer dependent on Russia for gas.

Three years ago, we were the most vulnerable country on the continent in terms of energy blackmail from Russia, Alaiba claimed. In three years, we have succeeded to essentially decouple our gas supply from Russia.

Over the next two weeks, however, members of Alaibas own administration ended up rushing to St. Petersburg for emergency meetings with Gazproms chief executive about how to increase the supply of gas from Russia, warning that looming shortages threatened a humanitarian catastrophe.

Thats because Moldova still relies on Transnistrias biggest power station for roughly 70% of its electricity supplies  and that plant depends on heavily subsidized Russian gas delivered through Ukraines pipelines. Chisinau has managed to pay for higher-priced gas shipped through Romania over the last three years, but now Moldova will be competing with Austria and other Central European powers for shipments via the EUs pipeline network.

Barring an unlikely last-minute deal with Ukraine to keep gas flowing, there are few good options for avoiding a supply crunch.

European proposals earlier this year for a deal to swap Russian gas shipped via Ukraine with gas from Azerbaijan ignored that the Central Asian nation does not have sufficient additional supplies in the short term to replace Russian gas volumes, a recent study from Columbia Universitys Center on Global Energy Policy found. Plus, virtually every pipeline route from Azerbaijan cuts through Russia or through war-torn territory Moscow controls in Ukraines east, raising doubts as to whether the damaged infrastructure could safely transit fuel even with the Kremlins reluctant blessing.

Moldova's current pro-EU president, Maia Sandu, casts her vote for the presidential election at a polling station in Chisinau on Nov. 3, 2024. DANIEL MIHAILESCU via Getty Images

Gas speculators could also buy shipments of gas at the Russian border and cut a separate deal to channel that supply through Ukraine. But those types of high-risk, short-term deals require a lot of upfront cash. Brokering those kinds of contracts could cost even more since the U.S. levied new sanctions on Gazproms in-house bank this month, forcing anyone looking to buy a shipment of fuel from the Russian gas giant to first obtain special permission from Washington.

Its unclear how the incoming Trump administration will handle a crisis analysts expect to continue past the Republican president-elects Jan. 20 inauguration.

The Biden administration aggressively sanctioned Russias gas industry, successfully stymieing the Kremlins efforts to open a new facility to export liquefied natural gas  the version of the methane-based fuel super-chilled to a liquid form for more efficient transportation  in the Arctic. Despite a failed Democratic attempt to pause permitting on new U.S. LNG terminals that Republicans roundly criticized, Biden oversaw higher levels of oil and gas production than at any point during Trumps previous term, vaulting the U.S. to the top spot as the worlds top LNG exporter.

Trumps promise to swiftly bring about a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv, and his public praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin, have been widely interpreted as a sign the Republican will champion the more radical, antiwar faction in his party that wants to end American support for arming Ukraine. By picking Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) as his nominee for secretary of state, however, Trump selected a potential top diplomat who has consistently wanted to punish Russia for its aggression in Ukraine but has come to believe that a negotiated settlement between Moscow and Kyiv is the only realistic way to end the war, according to a recent analysis by Harvard Universitys Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies.

One clear contrast in foreign policy may be the Trump administrations expected skepticism of foreign aid without what Republicans deem a clear U.S. interest.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the Biden administration has nearly doubled its aid to Moldova, giving close to $1 billion in funding for projects like the new transmission lines to Romanias electrical grid. The money, part of a cumulative $2.6 billion Washington granted Chisinau over the past three decades, served the Biden White Houses dual goals of weaning Moldova off Russian energy and slashing carbon emissions by redirecting the countrys electricity demand from a gas plant to a nuclear-powered system in Romania, a NATO ally.

If Moldova wants to save itself with a Trump administration coming on, its going to have to rethink its entire approach to many things  and soon.Suriya Jayanti, energy expert and fellow at the Atlantic Council

Analysts say that Trump is likely to end that support.

If Moldova wants to save itself with a Trump administration coming on, its going to have to rethink its entire approach to many things  and soon, said Suriya Jayanti, a lawyer and former U.S. diplomat who has worked on renewable and nuclear energy projects in Ukraine and Moldova.

With Moldova, I dont see what the clear U.S. interest is from a Trump White House perspective, she added. The Russia-is-pure-evil logic doesnt seem to hold in his world, and that was the only real logic to supporting Moldova, especially to the extent we have been.

Moldova is now preparing for difficult times, said Tatiana Mitrova, a research fellow at Columbias Center on Global Energy Policy who coauthored the report this summer on the barriers to replacing Russian pipeline gas with fuel from Azerbaijan.

Moldovagaz  the countrys monopoly gas utility, which is a joint venture between Gazprom, the Moldovan government and the Transnistrian administration  asked regulators for permission this week to hike consumer natural gas prices by 40% to raise money for what are expected to be more expensive supply contracts.

But those deals would likely only secure more gas for Moldovas pipeline network  not for Transnistria or the Moldovan towns on the regional border that depend entirely on electricity produced in the breakaway province with Russian gas. Plans to buy more electricity from its EU border may not prove as solid as before, either, now that a far-right, pro-Russia candidate has won in the first round of Romanias presidential elections.

Such a situation of interruption of the gas supplies would not be simply a crisis, said Oleg Serebrian, the deputy prime minister in charge of Moldovas relations with Transnistria, according to the countrys state news agency. I dare to say that it would actually be a humanitarian catastrophe.

Mitrova echoed that concern.

There are lots of unknowns, but for Moldova, Im afraid, its going to be a very difficult winter, she said. Thats why there are claims its catastrophic. I share those fears. Its really going to be very difficult.

Alaiba admitted that the last three years showed him you cannot really make a U-turn with an entire energy system. But he said the half of Europe that once saw Russia as a reliable gas supplier has now come to understand what Moldovans have experienced for three decades as the Kremlin routinely threatened to cut off gas during political disputes.

The process of decoupling is neither cheap nor happens overnight, he said. While breaking free from Transnistrias grip on Moldovas electricity supply is not technically possible at the moment, he said theres no turning back from his countrys westward trajectory.

At the start of this century, Moldova sold 70% of its goods to Russia. Now, that same percentage of exports heads westward into Europe and North America. Record plum exports vaulted Moldova to the No. 3 spot worldwide last year  making the country Europes undisputed top seller of the succulent stone fruit. Construction of the transmission lines to Romania, Alaiba said, is already underway.

You have to have a necessary degree of resilience and independence in order to ensure the long-term stability of your economy, and being dependent on one country that is prone to using the relationship as your one supplier has caused us to waste three decades, Alaiba said. Let that be the lesson from Moldova.

Related...
By Sarah Marsh

BERLIN (Reuters) -Alice Weidel, the chancellor candidate of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), is an unlikely public face for a male-dominated, anti-immigration party that depicts itself as a defender of traditional family values and ordinary people.

The 45-year-old is raising two sons with a Sri Lankan-born woman, a filmmaker, and speaks fluent Mandarin, having done a doctorate in economics in China. A west German leading a party that is strongest in the former communist East, she worked for Goldman Sachs and Allianz Global Investors and as a freelance business consultant before entering politics.

Weidel's unusual profile, however, is precisely what makes her an asset to the AfD, say political analysts, lending a veneer of well-heeled liberal respectability to a party that is suspected by authorities of being antidemocratic.

Typically sporting a dark suit, white shirt and pearls, she comes across as more poised and competent on various topics than some of her colleagues, they say. Her critics call her a ruthless opportunist and a "wolf in sheep's clothing".

"Weidel is someone who can appeal to a broader public than the typical AfD constituency, to the middle class bourgeoisie," said Oliver Lembcke, political scientist at the University of Bochum. "She seems like the adult in the room among all these lunatics and extremists."

As AfD co-leader, Weidel has overseen a surge in support for the party in recent years, benefiting from frustration with Chancellor Olaf Scholz's fractious coalition whose collapse is set to result in a Feb. 23 snap election.

The party is polling in second place on around 17%, after the conservatives on 33% but well ahead of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats on 15%, the Greens on 14% and the pro-market Free Democrats (FDP) on 4%.

This is the first time the AfD has nominated a chancellor candidate and Weidel has already acknowledged it is unlikely to enter government for now, given other parties refuse to work with it.

Weidel expects this firewall to crumble by the 2029 election as voters clearly want a right-wing coalition, she told German outlet Compact.

"Voters clearly want a coalition of conservatives and the AfD," she told reporters in Berlin on Saturday, warning the former of ignoring the voice of millions of voters.

NAZI GRANDFATHER

Weidel describes her upbringing as "highly political", although her parents did not belong to any party.

Her paternal grandfather was a prominent Nazi judge, Die Welt newspaper reported last month, and the family was expelled from Silesia, now in Poland, after World War Two.

The youngest of three, she recalls getting into trouble at school for being too argumentative as well as having uncomfortable encounters with Middle Eastern immigrants living in social housing in her west German town.

"You don't enjoy going to the outdoor pool anymore as a teenager when people are always calling you 'slut' or some such," she told WeltWoche.

After getting two university studies in parallel, in business and economics, she joined Goldman Sachs, grew bored and moved to China to do a doctorate on the Chinese pension system while working as a business consultant.

Weidel joined the AfD in 2013 over her opposition to bailouts during the euro zone crisis - before the party shifted rightwards to focus more on fighting immigration.

Her status in the party cost Weidel her friendship circle, prompting the family to move towns, she told Weltwoche.

An economic liberal, Weidel claims late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as her role model and wants Germany to push for a Brexit-style referendum on EU membership if it is unable to sufficiently reform the bloc to fix its "democratic deficit".

A climate change sceptic, she wants to lower taxes, end the minimum wage, slim down the state and end the costly shift to a carbon neutral economy.

She has also called for much tighter restrictions on immigration, tapping into a well of discontent in Germany with the large-scale arrivals from the Middle East in recent years.

"Burqas, girls in headscarves, knife-wielding men on government benefits and other good-for-nothing people are not going to ensure our prosperity," Weidel told parliament in 2018 in a speech that also referenced "The Great Replacement" conspiracy theory popular among white nationalists.

VERSATILITY

Her strength lies in her versatility, said Hans Vorlaender, a political scientist at Dresden University of Technology. She acts as a "moderating, well-mannered bourgeois politician" for established media, but then knows exactly how to reach her more extremist clientele elsewhere, in particular on social media.

Weidel has acknowledged some friction over her personal lifestyle in a party that opposes gay marriage and expanding laws to allow same-sex couples to adopt.

But she mostly does not focus on the issue of her identity - refusing to be called queer - and is adept at dealing with different wings of the party in order to maintain her position of power, tolerating rather than reining in the more extremist factions, said Lembcke.

When same-sex marriage became law in Germany in 2017, she dismissed the matter as trivial compared to issues like mass migration.

That same year Weidel said she was in the AfD "not despite her homosexuality but because of it" as it was the only party to address the issue of Muslim immigrants' hostility towards LGBT+ people, according to the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper.

(Reporting by Sarah MarshEditing by Gareth Jones and Helen Popper)
By Maximilian Heath and Daniela Desantis

BUENOS AIRES/ASUNCION (Reuters) - South America's agricultural sector, a key source of global food, celebrated on Friday as the regional Mercosur bloc and the European Union struck a free trade agreement, though farmers said they wanted to see the small print of the deal.

The agreement was reached after 25 years of negotiations, in Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, that were attended by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the leaders of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil, the four member states of the South American bloc.

The deal still faces a lengthy process to be ratified and go into effect, which could take years. It could get blocked with France a staunch opponent, in part over fears of increased South American farm goods arriving in Europe.

"Any market opening is favorable, I think it's an opportunity, but you have to look at the fine print, what the conditions are," Carlos Castagnani, president of the Argentine Rural Confederations, told Reuters.

"We have to ensure that our way of producing is respected."

Argentina is the world's top exporter of processed soy, the no. 3 for corn, and a key supplier of wheat and beef.

South American farmers and exporters are keen to have greater access to the huge European market. However, fears that environmental clauses will limit trade and opposition from some EU countries to the agreement have dampened expectations.

Among the European demands are limits on the use of genetically modified seeds and deforestation, which have been common practices in South America in recent decades.

Argentina's grain exporters and processors' chamber CIARA-CEC said that while the agreement was a positive step for the bloc, its real impact would not be immediate.

Products such as oil or biodiesel, will only see significant tariff reductions starting in seven to ten years, CIARA-CEC president Gustavo Idigoras told Reuters.

Argentina was over a decade ago the world's largest supplier of biodiesel, but was hit badly by European tariffs and other protectionist measures.

The agreement is important for South America's producers to stay competitive, with major economies around the world threatening protectionist policies, said Pedro Galli, member of the Rural Association of Paraguay, a key soybean exporter.

However, Hector Cristaldo, president of the Union of Production Guilds, the main association of Paraguayan soybean producers, called for calm as the final text gets finalised and emphasized the complexity of the process that awaits the deal.

(Report by Maximilian Heath and Daniela Desantis)
Keir Starmer is making a historic trip to Cyprus next week at a time when concerns are being raised over the future of the two crucial UK bases on the Mediterranean island in the wake of the deal to hand over Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

The trip by Sir Keir on his way back from a brief tour of Arab Gulf states will be the first time a UK prime minister has visited for a one-to-one bilateral meeting with the president of Cyprus for 53 years since Ted Heath visited the island in 1971.

Since then only John Major visited in his role as prime minister for a meeting of Commonwealth heads of government in 1993.

Starmers previous meeting with the Republic of Cyprus president Nikos Christodoulides (Dan Kitwood/PA Wire)

The trip is part of the post-Brexit reset to help build relations with EU leaders. However, Sir Keir arrives amid growing demands in Cyprus for the UK to hand back its two crucial bases on the island.

The demands have been fuelled by his controversial deal to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius involving the status of the Diego Garcia base. This has come at a time when protests over the UK bases in Cyprus have started up again.

While Downing Street sources have indicated that the future of the bases will not be up for discussion, the Tories are seeking public reassurances.

Tory shadow armed forces minister Mark Francois said: Given the ongoing instability in the Middle East, the strategic importance of our sovereign base facilities in Cyprus is plainly obvious. Having already attempted to surrender one vital British military installation - in the Chagos Islands - lets hope our prime minister is not about to commence the surrender of those in Cyprus now too.

Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel added: The threats to Britain are only growing and evolving. Having a strong international presence is becoming increasingly important, so we welcome strengthening partnerships with international allies.

"However, the prime minister must be clear that he has no intention to hand over another strategically important military base. This must not be another fiasco like the international embarrassment of the Chagos deal.

TRNC president Ersin Tatar with the president of the Republic of Cyprus (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The importance of the UK bases and their listening posts for the Middle East has been underlined in the last week over the latest outbreak of civil war in Syria. The government has previously said that the bases in Cyprus are not affected by the Chagos deal and are secure.

Added to that, The Independent has learnt that the president of the breakaway and unrecognised Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has been left surprised after claiming Sir Keir had not informed him of his visit.

The office of the TRNCs president Ersin Tatar is requesting a meeting.

In a statement released exclusively to The Independent, the office said: As one of the guarantor powers, the UK has an obligation to treat the two sides on an equal footing, notwithstanding the fact that the visit is being staged at a time when the UN Secretary-General will be hosting a broader informal meeting on the Cyprus issue, to which the UK will also be represented.

There are two sides in Cyprus and any settlement to be reached requires dialogue, cooperation and understanding between the sides. Simply ignoring the existence of Turkish Cypriot people and speaking to only one side of the conflicting parties will only undermine efforts to build trust and ways to paving the way for meaningful cooperation across different areas between the sides.

We expect for common sense and reason to prevail, and for the UK prime minister to accept meeting with President Ersin Tatar during his visit to the Island.

The visit is taking place in the year where both sides of the island have marked the partition following the outbreak of civil war and intervention by Turkey in 1974. Turkey has remained in bases there since in what the TRNC regards as a protective force and the Republic of Cyprus and United Nations describe as illegal occupation.

Tory shadow armed forces minister Mark Francois says Sir Keir mustnt surrender bases in Cyprus (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Archive)

This year Labours former foreign secretary Jack Straw, who was part of the Annan Plan to reunite the island, which failed in 2004 when Cyprus vetoed it, added his support for a two-state solution to recognise both halves of the island.

The prime minister arrives on Monday night and will meet President Nikos Christodoulides in the capital Nicosia on Tuesday, before travelling to meet British troops deployed over Christmas.

Downing Street said that the prime minister and president are expected to discuss how to deepen cooperation on shared security challenges in the region, including Russian illicit finance and tackling serious organised crime.

Cyprus deputy high commissioner to the UK Spyros Miltiades said: This is a historic visit by a British PM to the Republic of Cyprus. The two principals will discuss the reinforced bilateral UK - Cyprus ties, including defence and security, trade, education, investments, as well as the role of Cyprus in the region. They will also discuss the Cyprus issue and the process to restart negotiations.

The trip follows follows visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

Sir Keir will hold a bilateral in the UAE with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday morning, before flying to Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud later that day.

The prime minister is set to pursue closer ties with United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, some of the UKs most vital modern-day partners, to increase investment, deepen defence and security ties, and drive growth and new opportunities to deliver change that is felt by working people.

Ahead of the trip he said: Driving long term growth at home requires us to strengthen partnerships abroad. That is why I am travelling to the Gulf this week, to build a network of partners for the UK that is focused on driving high quality growth, boosting opportunities, and delivering for the people at home.

There is huge untapped potential in this region, which is why, while here, I will be making the case to accelerate progress on the Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, deepen our research and development collaboration and partner on projects of the future, whether that be in Artificial Intelligence or in defence and security programmes.

By doing so, hardworking British people will reap the rewards for generation to come.
An elderly dog who was rescued from undesirable living conditions is now "living his best life" in Florida, following a big retirement bash.

Rusty, a Lab/Chow mix, estimated to be between 10 and 12 years old, was rescued by PETA 10 years after he was found being kept in isolation, chained in a pen, in North Carolina.

"For almost ten years, PETA fieldworkers visited Rusty, who was kept tethered 24/7 in a tiny dirt pen in North Carolina to bring him food, toys, and insulating straw during winter months; give him as much comfort and socialization as they could; and work to convince Rustys owner to allow PETA to find him an indoor home as a member of the family," PETA said in a statement to USA TODAY earlier this week.

Rusty at his enclosure in North Carolina, where he was kept chained in a backyard.

However, Rusty's owner, who identity has not been revealed, refused to surrender the dog despite PETA's pleas and efforts. As a result, PETA officers did what they could by visiting him frequently with food, toys and treats, giving him lots of love and attention, providing him a custom-built wooden dog house, looking after his health and sterilizing him free of cost, Director of Local Affairs at PETA Rachel Bellis told USA TODAY this week.

"We're not law enforcement, so we're really only allowed to visit these animals as long as their owners will allow us to," Bellis explained. "We always pushed for surrender, and (asked the owner) to please give us Rusty, so that we can find him a home where he can live inside, but we can't legally take a dog unless the owner surrenders and signs them over to us."

Bellis said that situations like these are complicated and it's impossible to forcefully take away a dog from their owner, especially when there are no signs of extreme neglect or abuse as in Rusty's case.

"We did try, and we did help him a lot," Bellis said. "We tried to improve his life as much as we could throughout those years, and we were so happy when the when his former owner decided to surrender him to PETA."

The official added she believes Rusty's former owner "felt they were doing the best they could for Rusty and that they did care for him."

Rusty is now "living his best life" with his lovely new family in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Persistence pays off

PETA's efforts took almost a decade, but their persistence finally paid off when Rusty's former owner agreed to surrender him and let the organization find him a new home.

"Fieldworkers took a page from Rustys bookhe wasnt giving up, and neither were we," PETA said in a post on their website when Rusty was surrendered earlier this year in July. "Our shared hardiness paid off."

Rusty was finally free from the chains and isolation and after a brief period in foster care, during which he had a joyful retirement party with lots of pupcakes, PETA field officer Chris Klug, drove him from North Carolina to his new family in Florida. Rusty's adopter, Hannah Caldwell, "had fallen in love with Rusty after reading about him on PETAs website and couldnt wait to help him spend his golden years romping on the beach and snuggling on the couch," PETA said.

Rusty and PETA officer Chris Klug on their way to Florida from North Carolina.

'Living his best life'

Rusty is now "living his best life with his lovely new family in West Palm Beach, Florida," Bellis said.

"He's doing great. We receive photos from time to time, but we know that he is in the best possible home that he could be in, and we know that he is loved and cherished and respected, which is something that all dogs deserve," Bellis said. "It could not have been better. His adopters are absolutely wonderful."

Rusty with his new owners in Florida.

Not all dogs are as lucky as Rusty: Highlighting the plight of chained dogs

While luck shone on Rusty and he was able to get his happily ever after, not all dogs are this lucky, Bellis said.

"It's so it's hard to comprehend," Bellis said. "I didn't know that dogs could be kept chained outside, like we see every single day."

Bellis said incidents of dogs being chained and kept in isolation are not just limited to a certain county or state.

"It's all over the country - keeping dogs outside, either on chains or just outside in small, enclosed areas," Bellis said. "It's a national epidemic, and we are inundated with calls from all around the country from concerned residents who have seen dogs outside in extreme weather, especially now when it's so cold."

Bellis said PETA has been working to educate the public through billboards, radio ads and social media and have also been working closely with local and state officials to tighten laws and ensure protection for pets and animals but there's "a long way to go."

Merry Christmas from Rusty.

While PETA, on its own, has been working to rescue dogs and other pets in distress, it's a tricky road to navigate and officers have to tread carefully, Bellis said, explaining that they are sometimes hesitant to report cases to law enforcement agencies to avoid irking pet owners, who can then deny access to the animals.

"We have to be very careful when we report to law enforcement because that could mean that we will never have access to that animal again if the owners find out that PETA reported them," Bellis said, adding PETA doesn't "want to bother law enforcement until we've hit a brick wall and there's nothing more that we can do, or if we find a dog that is in desperate need of being seized."

"We've had situations where we have called law enforcement and for whatever reason, the owner found out we reported them, and then they don't want us on their property again," she continued. "We can only be there if they (owners) allow us to be there, so we have to be very careful about when we report, because we might lose access to that dog."

In Rusty's case, PETA did report his situation to animal control, but didn't go down too hard because they had "a good relationship with the owner" and didn't want to lose access to Rusty, Bellis said.

"We hoped that at some point we would be able to gain custody of him," she said.

Report cruelty to animals

Bellis urged the public to be vigilant and observe their surroundings and neighborhoods, especially in harsh temperatures, for any dogs or pets that may be facing neglect or abuse.

"Anybody who is listening or reading this, be on the lookout," Bellis said. "If it's cold in your area, be on the lookout for dogs who are outside and might need assistance. We always urge people (to) never turn (their) back on an animal in need."

Bellis said people can help pets in distress by reaching out to local law enforcement or to PETA, which is available 24/7 and 365 days a year, per Bellis, and even has an afterhours pager system, or by even having a conversation with the pet owner to encourage them to move their pet inside, where it's warm and safe.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elderly dog Rusty enjoys Florida retirement after rescue from NC home
taka4332 / Getty Images

The old way of making Japanese sake is finally getting its due.

This week, UNESCO officially added the Japanese rice wine to its list of the "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. More specifically, UNESCO added the "traditional knowledge and skills of sake-making with koji mold in Japan."

"Sake is an alcoholic beverage made from grains and water that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Craftspeople use koji mold to convert the starch in the ingredients into sugar. They oversee the process to make sure the mold grows in optimal conditions, adjusting the temperature and humidity as needed," UNESCO explained in its new listing about the drink that is estimated to be 2,500 years old. "Their work determines the quality of the sake."

As UNESCO noted, sake is viewed as a "sacred gift from deities" and has been poured at festivals, weddings, and other key cultural moments for centuries. And although you can find the product being mass-produced today, there are still people who continue to uphold tradition  and it's those people and practices that UNESCO wants to recognize and protect.





Related: It's Never Been a Better Time to Drink Sake

Those sake makers are known as "toji," who lead the work inside sake breweries and teach younger generations through hands-on apprenticeships. "Since sake-making requires many hands and strong teamwork, the practice promotes social ties among the craftspeople," UNESCO added. "It also unites them with local residents, including the farmers who provide the ingredients, thus contributing to social cohesion."

While the process of making sake  which includes rice, water, yeast, and the koji rice mold  is now recognized by UNESCO, so should the rice. As the Associated Press noted, in order for a product to be categorized as Japanese sake, the rice must be grown and produced in Japan. It's also a rather laborious process making sake, as it takes constant supervision and constant stirring of ingredients for days, weeks, and possibly months, all in a perfect balance to ensure what you get in your glass is perfection.

It means a lot to Japan and to the Japanese, Takehiro Kano, the Japanese ambassador to UNESCO, shared in a statement. This will help to renew interest in traditional sake elaboration.

And, as the director of the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association shared with the AP, they hope this recognition "will also be an opportunity for Japanese people to take another look at sake, shochu and awamori, which are the essence of their culture," after many moved to drinking imported beers and other alcohols. "I would like them to try it even once and see what it tastes like." If you've never tried it, or are looking for a new sake to taste, just check out our list of the best canned, cupped, and boxed sakes to try right now.

Read the original article on Food & Wine
Photos showing Rutgers University, student Catherine Tierney, and Donovin Williams.

They majored in drug dealing.

Six Rutgers University students and one alum were charged this week with running a sophisticated drug ring  and allegedly used a private social media network to sell narcotics to fellow Scarlet Knights.

Prosecutors identified Anudeep Revuri as the rings leader. FaceBook Anudeep Revuri

New Jersey prosecutors allege RU alumnus Anudeep Revuri, 23, of New Brunswick, developed the closed network used by the group to sell narcotics to other Rutgers students.

Student Donovin Williams, 22, was busted for selling drugs in a school zone, prosecutors said. FaceBook Donavin Williams

Catherine Tierney, 23, is also accused of money laundering. FaceBook Catherine Tierney

Through the social media app, narcotics distributors could post menus for drugs and solicit buyers from within the Rutgers University community, said Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone in a statement.

Rutgers students who established their affiliation with the school were allowed to join the network and once given access, they were able to browse menus posted by distributors and contact them in order to negotiate purchases, said Ciccone, who helmed Operation RU Pharm over several months.

Cops recovered substantial amounts of marijuana, LSD, cocaine, psilocybin or magic mushrooms, Adderall and Xanax in the bust. A gun and an undisclosed amount of cash was also seized.

Revuri was charged with leader of a drug trafficking network and conspiracy to commit drug distribution.

The narcotics ring also allegedly included students Joshua Duffy and David Nudelman, both 20, 21-year-old Noa Lisimachio, Zachary Petersen and Donovin Williams, both 22, and Catherine Tierney, 23, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office.

The students face charges ranging from money laundering and possession and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.

David Nudelman had a gun on him at the time of his arrest, prosecutors said. Linkedin David Nudelman

Nine counts, including money laundering, were filed against Joshua Duffy, 20. FaceBook Joshua Duffy

Zachary Petersen, 22, faces eight criminal counts in all. LikenIn Zachary Petersen

One is further accused of dealing drugs within a designated school zone.

The Post was unable to reach any of the defendants for comment.

Revuris attorney, Jason Seidman, said all his client did was create an online chat room the other students exploited in order to sell drugs.

The drug ring catered only to Rutgers students and alumni. Shutterstock

I havent seen anything that he coordinated or directed any sales, Seidman said. He maintains his innocence and looks forward to proving it in court.

Rutgers University is not commenting on the arrests.
December 6, 2024: The Russian Wagner Group mercenaries are shutting down operations in Ukraine and concentrating on its Africa operations. This came about because Vladimir Putin had to settle a dispute between the Russian generals in Ukraine and Wagners boss over who deserved credit for some minor victories in Ukraine. Putin sided with the generals and ordered the Wagner Group to concentrate on Africa. Wagner Group is a profitable international operation that reports directly to Putin. The Wagner Group was sent to Ukraine because the Russian army needed help, not competition and criticism.

Meanwhile the United States began imposing sanctions on members of the Russian Wagner Group and those affiliated with Wagner Group. The United States defines much of what Wagner Group does as a form of terrorism. Some of it definitely is. Most of the criminal offenses were committed by Wagner Group personnel sent to Africa, where the profits from legal and illegal activities were abundant.

More recently, a Chinese space satellite manufacturer and satellite operator was sanctioned for selling the Wagner Group satellite imagery of Ukrainian military units and facilities. These imagery services aided Wagner Group during an offensive against Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine. During these operations Wagner Group members committed numerous atrocities and war crimes. Wagner Group activity in Ukraine receives far more publicity than the more lucrative dirty deeds Wagner was guilty of in many parts of Africa. For Ukraine, the Wagner Group recruited convicts with the promise of a pardon if they served six months. This backfired when it became known that only about 20 percent of the first convicts recruited survived their six months and received their pardons. Recent recruiting efforts show that far fewer convicts are willing to volunteer and, justifiably, feel safer serving out their sentences. Russia then banned Wagner from recruiting prison inmates. Instead, the Russian military does the recruiting and offers more survivable terms of service as well as the pardon after the term of service is completed.
SEOUL, South Korea  A plan to impeach South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived declaration of martial law has failed after members of his governing party left parliament on Saturday ahead of the planned vote.

Lawmakers from the People Power Party (PPP) were shouted and cursed at as they left en masse after voting on a separate motion, leaving the 192 opposition lawmakers eight votes short of the two-thirds majority needed for the impeachment motion to succeed.

Opposition lawmakers had said that if the impeachment motion didn't pass they would come back to it on Wednesday, amid simmering public anger over Yoons bewildering order, which plunged the East Asian democracy and key U.S. ally into chaos.

Earlier Saturday, Yoon apologized for his actions in a brief nationally televised address, saying they stemmed from the urgency he felt as president but caused anxiety and inconvenience to the public.

An image of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is raised during a candlelight rally in Seoul on Thursday.

I deeply regret this and sincerely apologize to the citizens who were alarmed, he said.

I will not evade the legal and political responsibility regarding this declaration of martial law, Yoon continued, speaking for a total of just over two minutes before deeply bowing his head before cameras.

He said he would not declare martial law a second time, a concern that had been expressed by some opposition lawmakers, and that his party would decide how long he should stay in office and how state affairs would be managed.

Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the PPP, urged Yoon to step down, telling reporters after the address that it had become impossible for him to carry out his normal presidential duties.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the liberal opposition Democratic Party and Yoons rival in the 2022 presidential election, described the presidents address as very disappointing.

President Yoons statement was completely out of touch with the publics expectations and further fueled a sense of betrayal, Lee said.

There is no other way but to leave office early.

Protesters scuffling with police officers outside the headquarters of Yoons People Power Party in Seoul on Friday.

Six opposition parties began impeachment proceedings against Yoon this week. The opposition bloc holds 192 of the unicameral legislatures 300 seats, just under the two-thirds majority needed for the motion to pass.

But the conservative PPP also remained formally opposed to a bill appointing a special prosecutor to investigate corruption allegations involving Yoons wife. That bill was narrowly voted down on Saturday before PPP lawmakers left the chamber.

Opposition lawmakers, by contrast, are adamant that Yoon be removed from office, as is much of the public. Large crowds of protesters have called for Yoons ouster, while smaller ones have rallied in support of him.

You dont and cannot apologize only with words after attempting to stage martial law. The only way for President Yoon Suk Yeol to mean his apology is to resign now, Seoul resident Margie Kim said after Yoons address.

A Gallup Korea poll released on Friday showed Yoons approval rating at 13%, The Korea Times reported, down from 19% a week earlier.

Lee, the Democratic Party leader, said Yoons unconstitutional and illegal declaration of martial law had caused chaos and fear in the country of 50 million people, which spent decades under military-authoritarian rule before transitioning into a vibrant democracy and the worlds 10th-largest economy.

The democracy of this nation that has been achieved through blood, sweat and tears is now being wrecked by an unruly power, and our people have suffered serious wounds to their national dignity and pride, he said Friday.

Lee also expressed concern about how the martial law declaration might affect South Koreas relations with the U.S., noting that meetings of the U.S.-South Korea Nuclear Consultative Group that were planned in Washington this week had been postponed amid the turmoil.

Our national credibility, as well as diplomacy, has been severely impacted, he said.

Biden administration officials said they were not notified in advance that Yoon would declare martial law. But they have repeatedly reaffirmed the ironclad nature of the U.S. alliance with South Korea, which it views as an important bulwark against North Korea, China and Russia, and which hosts almost 30,000 American troops.

South Korea is facing significant political turmoil after Yoon declared martial law, only to lift the order hours later.

The U.S. relationship with South Korea transcends any particular president or government on both sides of the Pacific Ocean, State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said Thursday.

Before his address on Saturday, Yoon, 63, a former chief prosecutor who took office in 2022, had not made any public appearances since lifting the martial law order early Wednesday after lawmakers defied a security cordon to enter the National Assembly building and voted unanimously to reject it.

Since then, he has accepted the resignation of his defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, who said he took full responsibility for what happened. Many other officials, including Yoons chief of staff and all senior presidential secretaries, have also tendered their resignations.

South Korean police and prosecutors are investigating claims of insurrection and treason against Yoon, Kim and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min. The Ministry of National Defense has also suspended three top commanders from duty and requested overseas travel bans for them, Kim and seven other active-duty military officers.

Military officers and government officials described a chaotic six hours from the time Yoon declared martial law around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday to the time he lifted the order around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. Many of them said they learned about the martial law order, South Koreas first since 1980, from Yoons surprise TV address or from news reports.

In his address, Yoon accused the opposition-controlled parliament of paralyzing the government by seeking the impeachment of multiple government officials and slashing critical funding from next years national budget. He also accused his opponents of sympathizing with nuclear-armed North Korea, its reclusive communist neighbor that the South technically remains at war with.

A martial law proclamation issued after Yoons address banned all political activity, including demonstrations, and censored the news media. It also ordered the countrys striking doctors to return to work within 48 hours.

Officials said Friday that Yoon had ordered the arrest of prominent politicians including Lee, the leader of the Democratic Party, and Han, the leader of Yoons own party, along with other opposition lawmakers, a journalist, a former Supreme Court justice and a former Supreme Court chief justice.

Yoons office has not commented on the allegations.

Stella Kim reported from Seoul, and Jennifer Jett from Hong Kong.
A smiling James Craig appears online promoting his Colorado dental practice, saying his treatment philosophy begins with sincerely listening to the patient and wanting to find out more about where theyre coming from and what theyre looking for and what they want.

I love creating an environment where people are surprised at how comfortable they are, he says in the YouTube video.

A starkly different portrait of the dentist and father of six emerges in an affidavit of probable cause for an arrest warrant accusing him of killing his wife by lacing her protein shakes with poison in 2023.

In the lengthy affidavit, people who knew Craig, 46, described his purported descent: A risk taker with a dental practice that was struggling financially and a tumultuous marriage.

Over more than 50 pages, an Aurora Police Department homicide detective laid out evidence  including witness statements, text messages and computer search histories  revealing what the departments investigations division chief called a heinous, complex and calculated murder.

The affidavit of probable cause said, James has shown the planning and intent to end his wifes life by searching for ways to kill someone undetected, providing her poisons that align with her hospitalized symptoms, and working on starting a new life with another woman.

Craig has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges in the death of his wife, Angela Craig, who was 43.

Investigators uncover alleged plot to kill detective

On what was to be the first week of Craigs trial, prosecutors and police accused him of plotting murders from behind bars, including that of an Aurora detective who investigated the case.

Craig faces two additional felony charges including solicitation to commit first-degree murder, according to a court filing by prosecutors with the 18th Judicial District Attorneys Office.

The defendant attempted to convince a fellow inmate to carry out the alleged plot, according to police and the amended complaint. The document does not disclose the intended targets, but Aurora police confirmed to CNN one of them is a detective who investigated the case.

Neither the complaint nor the police department identified the detective. The 18th Judicial District Attorneys Office has declined to provide more information.

The new charges were filed November 22, one day after Craigs defense attorney, Harvey Steinberg, withdrew from the case. Court records show Craig has not yet retained a new attorney. His trial is on hold until he gets new legal representation.

The judge in the case approved the request of Craigs former attorney to leave after a closed-door hearing last month.

CNN has reached out to Steinberg for comment.

In his request, Steinberg cited two rules of professional conduct, according to prosecutors.

The first states, the client persists in a course of action involving the lawyers services that the lawyer reasonably believes is criminal or fraudulent, and the second that the client insists upon taking action that the lawyer considers repugnant or with which the lawyer has a fundamental disagreement.

Jury selection was supposed to begin the day Craigs attorney withdrew. Craigs next hearing is scheduled for December 16.

A fun puzzle to try to work out

A 2017 Facebook photo of Angela Craig. - Obtained by CNN

On March 15, 2023, Angela Craig complained of a severe headache and dizziness, and was later declared medically brain dead at a hospital, Aurora police said. The arrest warrant affidavit stated it was Angela Craigs third visit to the hospital that month.

Hospital medical personnel could not find a known medical condition that would have caused Angelas rapid medical decline, the affidavit said.

During a March 15, 2023, hospital visit, Craig sent a text message to Michelle Redfearn, the wife of his business partner, Ryan Redfearn, describing Angelas condition as grave, according to the affidavit. The couple are friends.

James Craig had been texting Michelle Redfearn regularly since Angelas hospital visit on March 9. Shes a professor with a doctorate in nursing and asked him to keep her updated, the affidavit said. Angela Craig had reported feeling dizzy and weak but doctors could not determine the cause. In the texts, James Craig included detailed information about the medical tests his wife received. He texted two photos of hospital personnel working on his wife in a crowded room.

If it wasnt my wife, this would be kind of a fun puzzle to try to work out! he wrote at one point.

Another text from Craig read: Its weird not being able to wake her up.

Michelle Redfearn told CNN on Friday that the couple declined to comment because they expect to testify at trial.

Her husband, who is also a dentist, told investigators he was business partners with Craig since August 2022, the affidavit said. He acquired Craigs practice, which was struggling financially. The two men attended dental school together and had known each other for more than two decades. Ryan Redfearn described Craig as a risk taker who was on the verge of bankruptcy again after filing for bankruptcy in 2021, according to the affidavit.

On the day of Angelas final emergency room visit, Ryan and Michelle Redfearn went to the hospital, where he told a nurse that he suspected his business partners wife had been poisoned, the affidavit said. Ryan Redfearn told the nurse James Craig had recently ordered potassium cyanide at their office when there was no medical reason or purpose for the lethal substance at the practice, according to the affidavit.

Please dont make this any worse

Michelle Redfearn told investigators about a call Craig made to her husband after the couples hospital visit, according to the affidavit. She overheard the conversation on the cars speakerphone: Craig said he heard some disturbing information and asked if Ryan had said anything to the hospital personnel, the affidavit said.

Ryan Redfearn told Craig he had told the hospital staff about the package delivered to their office. Craig initially said the package contained a ring for Angela but ultimately admitted what was in it. An office manager had opened the parcel and reported its contents to Redfearn, according to the document.

Craig told Redfearn that Angela had asked him to order the substance but he didnt think she (Angela) would actually take it. Redfearn told Craig to stop talking and get a lawyer, according to the affidavit.

In a text message to Redfearn, the affidavit said, Craig made an urgent plea asking his friend to not speak with law enforcement.

You are under no obligation to answer their questions  and you will do more damage than good to my family by continuing to insert yourself into this, Craig wrote, according to a screenshot of the text in the affidavit.

In the lengthy message, Craig accused Redfearn of unleashing a horrible storm on his family and pleaded that if there was ever any love in your heart for me, please dont make this any worse by talking to any officers, the affidavit said.

Craig concluded: Also, please do not respond to this text message until I text you again, according to the document.

I feel drugged

Investigators also uncovered text messages between Craig and his wife on the morning of March 6, 2023, when she first began to feel ill, according to the affidavit.

I feel drugged, she wrote, according to a screenshot in the affidavit.

Given our history, I know that must be triggering, he wrote back, the affidavit said. Just for the record, I didnt drug you.

In the weeks before her death, James Craig used a computer at his dental practice to research multiple undetectable poisons and make internet searches including how many grams of pure arsenic will kill a human and YouTube searches for how to make poison and Top 5 Undetectable Poisons That Show No Signs of Foul Play, according to the affidavit.

Angela Craigs sister told investigators the couples marriage was tumultuous and she was told by Angela that James Craig had previously drugged her because he was planning to attempt suicide and didnt want his wife to be able to stop him, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit said Craig told the Department of Human Services that his wife had been suicidal and had told fellow employees that his marriage was failing, and he was in financial turmoil. The document said none of the people interviewed by investigators suggested Angela Craig had expressed suicidal thoughts.

After Angela Craig was declared medically brain dead on March 15, her sister told investigators James Craig told her he did not want an autopsy to take place.

James said he felt if they couldnt figure out what was wrong with her when she was alive he wouldnt let them poke her more when she was dead, according to the affidavit.

The Arapahoe County Coroners Office found that Angela Craig ingested lethal doses of cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, listing arsenic poisoning as a significant condition related to her death, CNN affiliate KUSA reported, citing the autopsy report. She died on March 18, 2023.

The affidavit said Craig at the time had been communicating with a woman  about what appears to be a sexually intimate relationship. The document said Craig bought the woman a ticket for a flight to Denver while his wife and the mother of his children was dying in the hospital.

CNNs Andy Rose, Rebekah Reiss, Raja Razek, Elizabeth Wolfe and Hanna Park contributed to this report.

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Svetlana Dali leaves a federal hearing in New York on Friday after being released from custody. (Aaron Cooper/CNN)

A woman who stowed away on a Delta flight from New York to Paris last week has been released from custody after being charged in federal court, but with more than a dozen conditions.

Svetlana Dali, a US permanent resident and Russian national, is charged with one count of being a stowaway on a vessel or aircraft without consent. She appeared in federal court in Brooklyn Friday afternoon, where a judge detailed the conditions of her release without paying bail. She could face up to five years in prison if convicted.

Judge Joseph Marutollo ruled Dali cannot go to airports, must submit to GPS monitoring, surrender any travel documents and cannot leave the area where she is staying or facing charges. She must also abide by a curfew and be evaluated and submit to any recommended mental health treatment.

Dali, 57, will live in Philadelphia with an acquaintance from her church. The acquaintance told the court he was willing to let her live there as she had nowhere else to go.

The judge raised a number of concerns about releasing Dali, including her ability to travel without documents and no third-party taking legal responsibility for her, but her attorney noted although she had no one else in the United States, she did have family and a fiancee in Europe.

If you ask us for a third-party custodian, you are going to keep our client in jail, federal public defense attorney Michael Schneider told the court. We do not believe she is a serious risk of flight  Its not as if she can sneak on a flight every day.

Alternately, prosecutor Brooke Theodora said, We do believe she is a risk of flight, noting the incident was not a simple case of a three-dollar turnstile hop, but rather a security breach that raised national security and safety concerns.

Dalis attorney had previously likened Dalis offense to turnstile hopping and noted that she did pass security screening.

Theodora said Dali told investigators she had tried to stow away before at a number of airports. She highlighted a police report from February 2024 indicating Dali tried to enter a secure arrivals area at Miami International Airport and get through customs to the planes.

Dali appeared in court Friday wearing baggy, green khaki prison garb and a hospital bracelet, walking with a cane with a medical sicker on her arm. Prior to the hearing, the court staff noted she was taken to the hospital by ambulance Thursday night after complaining of chest pains. Schneider noted Friday there was little likelihood of her going to jail.

Dali, who French authorities identified as the rogue passenger, was arrested by the FBI Wednesday upon her deportation to the US.

She first appeared in court Thursday, where she did not enter a plea. During a Thursday hearing, Schneider said Dali complained about the conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center Brooklyn, the prison she was housed in Wednesday. She likened it to torture, according to Schneider, saying she was cold and that she didnt get medical treatment.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons, which runs the prison, said it doesnt comment on the conditions of confinement for any incarcerated individual, but is working to address staffing and other challenges previously raised during its improvement efforts over the last year.

Now that Dali has been charged, officials are sharing a clearer picture of how she made the extraordinary journey, which has raised serious questions about airport security. Heres what we know:

What happened?

Dali snuck onto Delta flight 264 from New Yorks JFK International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on November 26.

Dali stated that she did not have a plane ticket and that she intentionally evaded TSA security officials and Delta employees so that she could travel without buying one, the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York alleged in a criminal complaint filed Thursday.

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage at New Yorks John F. Kennedy Airport and noted Dali was turned away at a Transportation Security Administration security checkpoint because she didnt have a boarding pass, according to the complaint. But five minutes later she returned and was able to get past the TSA checkpoint by going to a lane for airline employees.

She proceeded to a departing gate where 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.

Attempting to stay undiscovered, she hid in the bathroom to remain out of the crews sight, according to one passenger account.

I overheard the flight attendants talking about it with the pilots, New York City real estate broker Rob Jackson told CNN. They said this person was in one lavatory and then would exit and walk to a different lavatory and go in there for a long time.

Crew members did not alert passengers to the stowaway in their midst until the flight landed in the French capital, Jackson said.

The first announcement to passengers that there was a problem was when we parked at the gate and they instructed us all to remain seated because French police were going to board the aircraft to deal with a serious security issue, he said.

In a video recorded by Jackson, a voice on the planes intercom says, Folks, this is the captain, we are just waiting for the police to come on board. They may be here now and they directed us to keep everyone on the airplane until we sort out the extra passenger thats on the plane.

Dali was detained by French police, who found she was ineligible to enter the country and ordered her to be sent back to the US.

Who is Svetlana Dali and what do we know about her?

Records indicate Dali once lived in the Philadelphia area.

Authorities have not said whether she had tried to sneak onto a plane before, or if she was previously known to law enforcement. It is unclear how long she had been in the United States.

Dali has filed two lawsuits in recent months alleging that she is the victim of military-grade chemical weapons and a kidnapping plot, according to court records.

She had applied for asylum in France a few years ago, a Paris airport official told CNN.

Following her detention at the Paris airport, she was scheduled to return to the US on Saturday  but was removed from a Delta flight to New York after creating a disturbance before takeoff.

She eventually took off on Wednesday. Wearing a black jacket, pale gray beanie and a pink scarf, Dali sat quietly in the middle aisle at the back of the plane, flanked by two French security officials.

During the flight, she occasionally leaned her head against the seat in front of her and stared at the floor or closed her eyes and listened to music.

Dali declined to speak with CNN after landing.

CNN has attempted to contact Dalis family and friends to find out more about her.

How did she get past security?

Dali bypassed an employee in charge of the Known Crewmember checkpoint at JFK Terminal 4, then got through checkpoints where her ID and boarding pass should have been verified, a Transportation Security Administration spokesperson told CNN.

At the gate, she placed herself in the middle of what appeared to be a family traveling together, according to a senior law enforcement official briefed on the investigation. She was not carrying any prohibited items, according to a TSA spokesperson.

Asked repeatedly to describe what took place at the gate, Delta has not commented.

The airline said it had reviewed its own security after the incident and insisted its infrastructure is sound.

Delta blamed the breach on a deviation from standard procedures, but did not specify how it strayed from its usual security practices.

We are thoroughly addressing this matter and will continue to work closely with our regulators, law enforcement and other relevant stakeholders, Delta said in a statement. Nothing is of greater importance than safety and security.

CNN has reached out to Delta to ask whether Dali will be banned by the airline.

TSA inspectors are also preparing a civil case against Dali after reviewing security video from inside JFK Airport, an agency spokesperson told CNN. The TSA cannot bring criminal charges, though it can refer them to the Justice Department.

The incident should serve as a wake-up call for the airline industry, according to a CNN aviation analyst.

Mary Schiavo, a former inspector general for the US Department of Transportation, said, Its a really big deal and it leaves our vulnerabilities exposed to the world.

CNNs Ray Sanchez, Pete Muntean, Alexandra Skores, Rebekah Riess, Holmes Lybrand, John Miller, Taylor Romine and Amanda Jackson contributed to this report.

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Global stakeholders now have to reckon with the geopolitical impact of a rebel offensive led by an Islamist group in Syria that could potentially threaten President Bashar al-Assads hold over the country.

Syrian rebels have made a lightning advance in the north of the country, taking two major cities: Aleppo, the second biggest city, and Hama, a strategically important city that lies on a vital supply route. The rebels are saying theyll advance further south to Homs, just over 100 miles from the Syrian capital of Damascus.

When we talk about objectives, the goal of the revolution remains the overthrow of this regime. It is our right to use all available means to achieve that goal, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the former Al Qaeda fighter who is now leading the rebellion, told CNN in an interview on Thursday.

While Assad has many enemies in the region and beyond, his fall wouldnt be welcomed by all.

Western and Arab states, as well as Israel, would like to see Irans influence in Syria curtailed, but none wish for a radical Islamist regime to replace Assad. For Russia, Syrias fall could mean losing its closest Middle Eastern ally and undermining its ability to project power while it fights a war in Ukraine. For Iran, it could shatter its so-called Axis of Resistance, comprising allied states and militias.

Heres how the events in Syria could impact key players in the Middle East:

Arab states

The rebel advances in Syria mark the first real test of powerful Arab states commitment to reconcile with Assad.

At the height of the Syrian civil war, Sunni Arab states, including regional powerhouses Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, broke ties with the Iran-allied Assad regime, moved to isolate it and threw their weight behind opposition groups trying to topple it, seeing it as an opportunity to curb Tehrans regional influence.

But Assad, aided by Russia, Iran and Lebanons Hezbollah, survived and reclaimed territory lost to the rebels. Under heavy US sanctions, Syria turned into what some experts have called a narco-state, fueling a drug crisis in neighboring countries.

Syrias new reality prompted Arab nations to extend a hand to the Assad regime, and over the past few years, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have led efforts toward his regional and international rehabilitation. In 2023, the Syrian regime was readmitted to the Arab League.

Over a decade after they backed the Syrian opposition, Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are now siding with Assad as he once again faces a rebellion.

In 2011, a very large number of countries rather quickly came to the view that they would be better off if Assad fell and they wanted to get rid of him but the Saudis, Emiratis and others in the region see this now as a challenging and destabilizing situation for them if Assad falls at this point, said Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Washington DC-based Quincy Institute.

In their annual Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit last weekend, Gulf Arab leaders called for the preservation of Syrias territorial integrity, declared respect for its sovereignty and rejected regional interference in its internal affairs. By contrast, the statement after the 2011 GCC summit called on Assad to immediately stop the killing machine, put an end to the bloodshed and release detainees.

Gulf Arab leaders attend the 45th Gulf Cooperation Council summit at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait City, Kuwait on December 01. - Amiri Diwan of the State of Qatar/Anadolu/Getty Images

We might see that many of these countries would want to take advantage of the situation to improve their own position inside Syria, particularly with Iran, but that necessitates that Assad is weakened but stays  a very different position from what they had earlier on when they were throwing everything at him to get rid of him all together, Parsi said.

Iran

Iran has used Syria to expand its regional influence through proxy groups stationed in the country. The Islamic Republic, along with its most formidable proxy Hezbollah, have proven instrumental in keeping Assad in power, by helping Syrian government forces regain lost territory, while sending its own Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders to advise Assads military.

After the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched its attack on Israel in October last year, Hezbollah began exchanging fire with Israel, prompting an Israeli retaliation that had the groups top brass assassinated and significantly debilitated its capabilities. As a result, Hezbollah pulled its forces out of Syria to focus on its war with Israel, leaving Assad exposed, experts said.

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad meets with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in Damascus, Syria, on December 1. - SANA/Reuters

In Syria, Israel has consistently targeted Iranian personnel and supply routes used to transfer weapons to its proxies. The fall of Aleppo and potentially other cities bordering Lebanon could further disrupt those routes, placing Iran in a difficult position. Last week, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the Qatari news outlet Al Araby Al Jadeed that Tehran would consider sending troops to Syria if requested by the Assad regime. However, escalating the war in Syria could undermine Irans efforts to pursue diplomacy with the West and Arab states.

Losing Syria would be a huge blow for Iran, Parsi said. The investment Iranians have made in Syria is very significant, its an important land bridge to Lebanon, but also the alliance the Iranians have with the Assad regime has lasted across the Islamic Republics history.

Iran may also use its proxies in the region as leverage in potential talks with an incoming Trump administration, Parsi said.

If Iran loses too much of their position in the region, will they be too weak to negotiate? But if they fight back to try and retain as much of that position as possible, do they risk escalating the war to the point where diplomacy may no longer be possible? he said. Theyre walking a fine balance,

Israel

Israel too is caught in a difficult position. Assad, who views Israel as an enemy, has not posed a direct threat to the country, opting not to respond to the regular Israeli strikes in Syria over the past year. But the regime has allowed its territory to be used by Iran to supply Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Hadi al-Bahra, a Syrian opposition leader representing anti-Assad groups, including the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), said rebels felt encouraged to make an advance for Aleppo last week after Israel debilitated Hezbollah and weakened Irans footprint in the region.

Due to the Lebanese war and decrease in Hezbollah forces, (Assads) regime has less support, Al Bahra told Reuters in an interview, adding that Iran-backed militias also have fewer resources, and Russia is providing less air cover to Assads forces due to its Ukraine problem.

The group leading the rebellion, however, is Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS) whose leader Abu Muhammad Al Jolani is a former al Qaeda fighter with an Islamist ideology that opposes Israel.

Israel is in between Iran, its proxies and Syrias Islamic rebels, Avi Melamed, a former Israeli intelligence official, told CNN. None of the choices are good as far as Israel is concerned but for the time being Iran and its proxies are weakened, which is good.

Israel has to make sure that the offensive will not evolve into a new challenge posed by HTS and the Sunni rebels leading the offensive in Syria, he added.

Russia

Assad was on a losing streak in Syria until Russian President Vladimir Putin intervened in 2015. Without Russian air support, the recapture of Aleppo in 2016, a turning point for the embattled Syrian president, would have been difficult, if not impossible.

The Kremlin said this week it will certainly continue to support Assad as Russian jets stepped up strikes on opposition forces in northern Syria.

Nicole Grajewski, a fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace with a focus on Russia, said the Assad regime was caught off-guard during the rebels latest offensive, and the rebels may have taken advantage of Russias distraction with Ukraine to take land in Syria.

Russian air force pilots, assisted by ground crew, climb into their fighter jet at Hemeimeem airbase in Syria on October 22, 2015. - Vladimir Isachenkov/AP

Moscow hadnt committed a large number of forces to Syria and may still be capable of supporting it, she added, but Russias ability to mobilize forces would be difficult given how quickly the rebels are advancing across northern Syria.

Overall, the rebels advance with the help of Turkey is a pretty big threat to Russia, Grajewski told CNN. Russia put far too much capital in Assad and the loss of Syria would be an even bigger loss as its broader status as a great power and its ability to maneuver in the Middle East.

Turkey

Turkey has tried to distance itself from the rebels actions in northern Syria, but it is the primary backer of the Syrian National Army, one of the groups pushing the offensive.

Ankara has also represented the opposition in negotiations with Russia over several years in the past decade, which eventually led to a ceasefire agreement in 2020 between parties in Syria each of them supports.

Despite its support for opposition forces, Turkey has not ruled out a rapprochement with Syria. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a meeting with Assad, the man he once labeled a terrorist, to reset relations. Assad has refused to meet him as long as Turkey continues to occupy parts of his country.

Turkey has also sought a solution for an estimated 3.1 million Syrian refugees it hosts  more than any other country. The refugees have become a major point of contention in Turkey, often leading to anti-Syrian riots and calls for mass deportation by opposition parties.

Until recently, the Syria situation was seen in Turkey as regime is winning, opposition is losing with the Iran-Russia axis defining the developments on the ground, said Galip Dalay, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House, a think tank in London. But the recent rebel push has changed that power dynamic.

Now its clear that Turks want to engage in a negotiation but showing Assad that he is entering the negotiation from a point of weakness. If negotiations now take place, the only way it will lead to anything is if Assad provides real concessions, not cosmetic concessions, Dalay told CNN.

Another goal for Turkey is to push back Kurdish insurgent groups located along the Turkish-Syria border and create a buffer zone. Erdogan has long opposed Kurdish nationalism and made it clear that his ultimate goal is to eliminate the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Kurdish far-left militant and political group based in Turkey and Iraq that has fought the Turkish state for more than three decades.

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Syrian rebels claim to have captured a fifth city and are closing in on the capital of Damascus as they carry out a lightning-fast offensive that threatens to further destabilize a region already convulsed by war.

The militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) claimed Saturday afternoon ET that it had captured Homs, the largest province in Syria, the borders of which stretch to Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon.

NBC News has not independently verified the claim.

If the rebel group were to control the Syrian-Lebanese border, it would cut off the road between Damascus and the Syrian coast, significantly weakening the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

HTSs senior commander, Lt. Col. Hassan Abdul-Ghani, claimed that within 24 hours, HTS had captured the cities of Homs, Sweida, Quneitra and Daraa.

Our operations continue to liberate the entire countryside of Damascus, and our eyes are focused on the capital, Damascus, Abdul-Ghani said in a post on WhatsApp.

It is very difficult for independent journalists to operate in Syria, and NBC News could not verify the rebels claims.

A senior administration official and a U.S. defense official said Damascus could fall soon, but did not specify a timeline.

Anti-government fighters parade in the streets of Hama Saturday.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based war monitor, said Saturday that Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from Homs, and that rebels have entered parts of the city, The Associated Press reported.

Thousands of people fled the strategically important city this week amid the rebel fighters advance.

The observatory said Saturday that Jaramana, a Damascus suburb, was no longer controlled by the Syrian government. Video verified by NBC News showed people in Jaramana tearing down a bust of Hafez al-Assad, the late father of the president.

On Friday, the monitoring group said that rebels in the south controlled more than 90% of the Daraa region, including Daraa city.

Daraa is a symbolic and strategic victory for the rebels as the place where pro-democracy protests in 2011 sparked the countrys ongoing civil war, while it is also an important crossing on the border.

Syrias army, meanwhile, accused HTS of spreading videos claiming that it had taken control of areas in rural Damascus in order to intimidate citizens.

In a separate statement, it said that its forces in Daraa had carried out a repositioning, and established a strong and cohesive defensive and security perimeter in that direction.

An anti-government fighter gestures from inside a vehicle patrolling Hama on Friday.

The fall of Homs, if confirmed, would leave three of the countrys five largest cities in the hands of the forces led by HTS, and no major cities between rebel forces and Damascus.

In less than two weeks, insurgents led by HTS have captured Aleppo in the north, as well as the central city of Hama, where government forces were forced out Thursday.

The collapse of government control in Daraa and the threat to Homs signals a growing vulnerability in Assads hold on power.

Russia and Iran have long supported Assad, with Russia maintaining a military presence including a naval base at Tartus. But both nations influence has been weakened by broader regional tensions, including Israels war in Gaza and clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Russias yearslong war with Ukraine.

H.A. Hellyer, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank, told NBC News on a phone call Saturday that its pretty much the endgame for Assad if the rebels take Homs.

Once they get Homs, then really Damascus is cut off and theyll all be centered around Damascus and Latakia on the coast.

But Hellyer said there was not yet a definitive outcome to the conflict despite the rebels rapid advance.

It comes down to how much fighting spirit there is left in this rump of the Syrian army, he added. How much they feel they can hold out in terms of support from the the Russians and the Iranians, which hasnt been forthcoming.

Various reports from around the country also suggested that the fall of Aleppo and Hama, as well other cities such as Idlib and numerous rural settlements, has significantly strained Assads forces as fighting between government troops and various rebel groups raged around the country.

Pro-Assad soldiers were also battling Kurdish forces who seized government positions in eastern Syria near the cities of Raqqa and Deir Ez-Zor, the observatory said.

An anti-government fighter poses for a picture in front of one of the waterwheels, or norias, of Hama.

To the south of the country, state media quoted Jordans interior ministry as saying that it was closing its Jaber border crossing to all outgoing traffic due to the security conditions surrounding southern Syria.

The observatory said Saturday that Syrian government forces had withdrawn from the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights for the first time since Israel captured the area from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it in 1981.

The observatory says more than 820 people, including 111 civilians, have been killed across the country since the rebels began their offensive.
(Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron shared an intense series of handshakes on Saturday, reminiscent of the white-knuckled grip-off that marked a meeting between the two leaders more than seven years ago.

Visiting Paris to attend the reopening of the Notre-Dame cathedral, Trump was greeted by Macron at the steps of the Elysee Palace. It was Trump's first foreign trip since winning the Nov. 5 U.S. election.

Exiting his vehicle, Trump pulled Macron's right hand towards his body as the two hugged and gripped each other with clenched fists, shaking firmly back and forth. While friendly, it appeared both men were holding on tight.

As they ascended the steps of the palace and turned again towards the cameras, Trump positioned his hand above Macron's and pushed down firmly as they locked hands for a second time.

The sequence triggered approval from some Trump supporters online, who saw in the president-elect's actions a concerted attempt to intimidate Macron.

"President Trump is back to dominating world leaders with his handshake," an account who goes by the username @BehizyTweets posted on the social media platform X. "Macron is going to need a hand massage after all that twisting and pulling Trump did to him."

The two men have a history of intense handshakes.

When they met for the first time in May 2017 ahead of a NATO summit in Brussels, each man gripped each other's right hand so firmly that their knuckles turned white and their jaws seemed to clench as they sat for a face-to-face meeting.

Macron told a newspaper in 2017 that the white-knuckle handshake was "not innocent" and "a moment of truth" aimed at showing his U.S. counterpart, whose first term ended in January 2021, that he would not be intimidated.

Trump and Macron were joined later on Saturday by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The meeting occurred with world leaders in Paris to celebrate Notre-Dame's restoration five years after it was ravaged by fire.

Trump and Macron shared another firm and prolonged handshake outside the cathedral, though it fell short of the intensity of the 2017 grip-off, according to social media influencer Collin Rugg.

"The handshake battle between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron continues," Rugg posted on X. "Their handshake at the Notre Dame Cathedral lasted for 17 seconds, coming short of their previous record of 29 seconds."

(Reporting by Nathan Layne in New York; Editing by Paul Simao)
Some of President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks are facing hurdle after hurdle on the road to confirmation but not those on his economic team (at least so far).

One early example is Scott Bessent, Trump's pick for the Treasury Department, who began to make his rounds to Senate offices this past week to almost no fanfare.

"Scott Bessent and I had an excellent discussion today about reigniting America's economy," posted Sen. John Barrasso, the Wyoming Republican and the No. 2 Senate leader, after his sit-down.

Scott Bessent, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Treasury secretary, arrives for a meeting with Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming on Capitol Hill on Dec. 4. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) (Andrew Harnik via Getty Images)

Another economic pick, Paul Atkins, is already showing signs of getting Democratic support to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

"Atkins could very well be a good SEC head," said Democratic New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in a Yahoo Finance appearance.

The contrast with some of Trumps other picks couldn't be more stark.

Pete Hegseth, Trump's pick for the Defense Department, has faced (and denied) a series of damning allegations and was mobbed by reporters outside his meetings this week.

Hegseth's goal at the moment  very much unlike Bessent and Atkins and others  is to simply hold together Republican support for his besieged nomination. Democratic votes appear to be out of the question.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Defense, speaks to a crush of reporters in between Capitol Hill meeting with Senators to discuss his nomination. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) (Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images)

But just because things are going according to script for Trumps economic advisers doesnt mean the incoming team is unified.

In fact, a drama-free 2024 could simply delay clarity for Wall Street and markets on some key economic debates set to define the early stages of Trumponomics 2.0.

Key policy answers to come, especially around China

The key (perhaps delayed) question will be how aggressive Trump will actually be toward China.

Many of Trump's choices appear set to bring hard-line perspectives on the world's second-largest economy.

"As I kind of peel back the areas," said Ed Mills, a managing director at Raymond James, in a recent episode of Yahoo Finance's "Capitol Gains' podcast, "you have a lot of folks who are very hawkish on China."

That includes not just economic figures but also some of Trump's national security picks, with Mills also mentioning another pick that appears to be on cruise control in the Senate: Marco Rubio for Secretary of State.

Bessent is expected to be a somewhat moderating voice on tariffs and has expressed a desire for duties to be implemented in a targeted manner.

But he has also said that a main target for him is China.

"The U.S. opened its markets to the world, but China's resulting economic growth has only cemented the hold of a despotic regime," Bessent wrote in a recent Fox op-ed. "Tariffs are a means to finally stand up for Americans."

The former (and now future) Trump White House adviser Peter Navarro spoke at the Republican National Convention in July just days after being released from prison. He served for 4 months for his refusal to cooperate with a congressional investigation into the events of Jan. 6. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images) (The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The trend toward a team of China hawks circling around Trump was also cemented this week when Trump announced that Peter Navarro would rejoin his administration as a senior counselor for trade.

"That's just the cherry on top," Mills said. Navarro has long been perhaps the most outspoken China critic in Trump's orbit, talking in years past about the nation's "deadly sins."

Policy signals from Trump's incoming team around other issues like taxes could also take time to be fully known if the nominees can play it safe with senators in the weeks ahead.

There is also rumbling that Capitol Hill's own tax debate could also be delayed until later in 2025.

Other unsettled questions around turf and priorities

A drama-free confirmation process could also delay answers on exactly who has Trump's ear.

Trade and tariffs are key examples, with Trump announcing that Howard Lutnick, his Commerce Department pick, would "lead our tariff and trade agenda" while also picking a variety of figures who could also be influential on trade.

Jamieson Greer will pick up the reins as US trade representative. David Perdue is Trump's pick for ambassador to China. And Bessent is sure to have input from his Treasury perch.

Perhaps the most questions swirl around Navarro, who has long boasted a close connection to Trump and will again be working inside the White House with easier access to the president.

David Sacks, center, is seen on the first day of Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) (Tom Williams via Getty Images)

Lines of authority are equally blurry in other areas.

On technology issues, Trump announced David Sacks this week as his "AI and crypto czar," but the venture capitalist's firm told the New York Times it would not be a full-time position and Sacks wouldn't leave his position atop his venture capital fund to take it on.

It immediately raised questions about whether Sacks or figures like Atkins at the Securities and Exchange Commission would end up being the primary driver of things like crypto policy.

But those might be questions for 2025, with many of Trump's economic picks, at least the ones who will be forced to face the Senate, quickly racking up GOP support and eyeing Democratic moderates.

One of Trump's most outspoken Capitol Hill critics on economic issues, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, has offered critiques of figures like Bessent and Atkins, but she notably hasn't yet pledged to oppose either of them.

Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

Every Friday, Yahoo Finance's Rachelle Akuffo, Rick Newman, and Ben Werschkul bring you a unique look at how U.S. policy and government affects your bottom line on Capitol Gains. Watch or listen to Capitol Gains on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
Property tycoon Truong My Lan was one of Vietnams richest businesswomen. She amassed an eye-wateringly valuable portfolio of luxury homes, hotels and commercial properties all over the country and abroad  allegedly by effectively turning a major bank into her own personal ATM.

On Tuesday, the 68-year-old lost her appeal against the death sentence for masterminding one of the biggest frauds in global history, in which billions vanished from Vietnams financial system.

She had been put on death row by a Ho Chi Minh City court in April for embezzling more than $12 billion  an amount equivalent to roughly 3% of Vietnams entire economy. The scale of the fraud rattled confidence in an economy which hopes to woo foreign investors away from competitors such as neighboring China, which could find itself hobbled by US tariffs under the second Donald Trump administration.

There is, however, a small glimmer of a reprieve for Lan  if she can afford it.

Her death sentence could be commuted to life imprisonment if she repays three-quarters of what she earned via the fraud, judges said in their ruling, state-run VnExpress International reported.

So, can she find $9 billion to spare, to save her life?

Humble beginnings

Born to a modest Sino-Vietnamese family in 1956, Lan started out selling cosmetics with her mother at Ho Chi Minh Citys oldest market, according to local and state media reports.

She steadily grew small businesses, but her wealth skyrocketed after she met Hong Kong investor Eric Chu. She set up real-estate company Van Thinh Phat in 1992, the year she married Chu.

By 2011, Lan was already a powerful yet low-profile business figure in Ho Chi Minh City. That year, she became involved in the merger of the struggling Saigon Joint Commercial Bank with two other lenders, in a deal coordinated by Vietnams central bank.

She was well on her way to riches, high status and, eventually, infamy.

More than a decade later, the manipulation of the banking system came to the fore when Vietnams property bubble burst and bad loans started stacking up as multiple Lan-linked businesses suffered financially during the Covid-19 pandemic, Nguyen Khac Giang, visiting fellow at the Vietnam Studies Programme of the ISEAS  Yusof Ishak Institute, told CNN.

Lans arrest in October 2022 sparked a week-long run on Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB), then the nations fifth-largest lender, over suspicions of its ties with Lans alleged financial crimes.

Lans arrest in October 2022 sparked a week-long run on Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB), then the nations fifth-largest lender. - Maika Elan/Bloomberg/Getty Images/File

Her arrest set off a ticking bomb that reverberated across the business and political elites which became too big to not recognize, Giang said.

On paper, Lan owned 5% of SCBs shares, the upper limit allowed under Vietnamese law. But prosecutors accuse her of indirectly owning 91.5% of the bank, according to state media reports of the trial. Prosecutors also alleged she bribed banking regulators and officials to cover her tracks.

Investigators accuse her and dozens of accomplices of taking loans and cash through a web of thousands of shell companies over more than a decade  siphoning off what amounts to a total of $44 billion.

By comparison, Malaysias long-running 1MDB state fund scandal that began in 2009, described as one of the worlds biggest financial crimes, involved the looting of about $4.5 billion. Even crypto entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Frieds $8 billion fraud is dwarfed by Lans case.

The sheer scale of the criminality meant the case was split into two trials.

Among the total losses, $12 billion was ruled to have been embezzled, for which Lan was sentenced to death. She was tried alongside 85 others, including former central bankers and government officials, as well as previous SCB executives.

Lan was also handed a life sentence in a separate trial in October after being found guilty of obtaining property by fraud, money laundering and illegal cross-border money transfers, VnExpress International reported, misappropriating roughly $27 billion.

When you have corruption of this scale, it signals that things are bad in the country because it means legislation is not good, supervision is not good and the financial system is actually quite vulnerable, Giang said.

Giang said Lan would likely not be executed immediately, adding her lawyers would probably request a review of the case or apply for a presidential pardon.

But the courts harsh sentencing shows the authorities commitment to making Vietnam more transparent and better placed to attract foreign investment, especially if the US-China trade war reignites, he added.

Former CPV secretary general Nguyen Phu Trong launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign in 2016. - Minh Hoang/AP/File

Lan, for her part, has repeatedly made pleas for mercy. During a trial in October, Lan told the court that she never intended to commit fraud but was prepared to take responsibility, according to a VnExpress International report.

I consider this my destiny, Lan was quoted as saying.

Upholding the death sentence this week, the appeal courts judges said Lans crimes caused grave consequences, and there are no mitigating circumstances to reduce her sentence, VnExpress International reported.

The blazing furnace

The real estate moguls downfall was stunning for the gargantuan scale of the fraud, rattling a country which has long projected an image of authoritarian stability.

Vietnams ruling Communist Party (CPV) has led the country of nearly 100 million people since it won the Vietnam War in 1975, priding itself on longevity, national unity and party loyalty.

The country transitioned away from a state-run economy towards a more market-oriented one in a series of reforms called Doi Moi in 1986, welcoming private businesses and foreign investors.

Lan's trial, which began in March, has played out publicly in state media - Maika Elan/Bloomberg/Getty Images/File

Now, Vietnam depends on manufacturing exports and foreign investment, and its leaders have been tightening the partys grip on power by clamping down not only on dissent but also on corruption.

Former CPV secretary general Nguyen Phu Trong launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign  dubbed the blazing furnace  in 2016, which has led to the indictments of thousands of people, including party top brass.

Business and politics have long been intricately entwined in Vietnam. In 2023, the country ranked 83rd out of 180 countries in Transparency Internationals Corruption Index. And the countrys opaque media-political ecosystem means access to information is tightly controlled.

Lans financial crimes have exposed just how shaky the nations financial system truly is, Zachary Abuza, a professor in Southeast Asian politics and security issues at the National War College in Washington, told CNN.

In Vietnam, the land is controlled by the state. Theres no way she could have done what she did without more official connivance, Abuza said.

Her trial, which began in March, has played out publicly in state media, and parts of it were live-streamed outside the court in Ho Chi Minh City, deliberately designed to show the public that the government is following through on its crackdown.

But bank regulators and financial ministers are poorly paid and notoriously corrupt, making them arguably culpable for allowing the fraud to snowball, Abuza added.

Vietnamese regulators were absolutely shocked at the extent and investigators were flabbergasted by the extent of the corruption, Abuza said.

But they did everything they could to make this case about her and have really tried not to draw lines linking her to communist party officials.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
West Ham United's Michail Antonio in match against Newcastle in November. (James Gill/Danehouse/Getty Images)

West Ham United star forward Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture after being involved in a traffic accident outside of London on Saturday afternoon, the English Premier League club said on Sunday.

Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days, West Ham added in a statement posted on social media.

On Saturday, the club had said that Antonio was conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.

At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family, it said.

The 34-year-old Jamaican became the first West Ham player to record 100 Premier League direct goal involvements (67 goals and 33 assists) when he assisted on a Tomas Souceks goal during a 1-1 draw at Brentford on September 28.

The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family and friends at this time, West Ham said earlier.

Antonio joined the club from Nottingham Forest in September 2015.

West Ham next play Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday at London Stadium.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Shares of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) fell for the second session in a row today as investors seem to be reckoning with the backlash against the company following the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Wednesday morning.

UnitedHealth stock finished the day down 5.1% after losing 5.2% on Thursday. Other health insurance stocks also slipped, even as the broad market gained on a strong jobs report.

A healthcare worker standing in front of other healthcare workers.

Image source: Getty Images.

Is the business model under threat?

Today's sell-off comes even as some analysts raised their price target in response to the company's earlier 2025 guidance, which it released after hours on Tuesday ahead of an investor conference that was canceled after Thompson, who headed the company's insurance division, was killed.

Across social media and in comments sections in news articles, there has been a substantial outcry against the company's insurance practices, in particular its denial rate and its use of AI to deny coverage. One widely shared chart showed UnitedHealth denies 32% of claims, more than any other insurer and double the industry average.

Dean Phillips, the congressman representing UnitedHealth's home district in Minnesota, acknowledged the insurance crisis in a post on X, and concluded, "The real culprit is Congress and money in politics, and it's time for change."

What's next for UnitedHealth?

It's unclear what the ultimate fallout will be from the event, or if anything will change for the health insurance industry. For the moment, however, the issue has captured the nation's attention, and investors seemed to be surprised by the level of outrage directed at the company.

There could be ESG-related calls for institutional investors to divest from UnitedHealth and other health insurance stocks, or there could be changes at the regulatory level that impact profits at UnitedHealth and its peers.

In its filing, UnitedHealth forecast adjusted earnings of $29.50 to $30 in 2025, up from the $27.50-$27.75 it's forecasting for 2024, showing the company continues to expect steady bottom-line growth even as it faces rising costs from an aging population.

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December 7, 2024: To keep their economy going in spite of the economic sanctions, Russia is depending on China and India. These are its most loyal trading partners. These two nations assist Russia in exporting its oil despite the sanctions. They can also obtain some items Russian can no longer obtain from Western suppliers. Care must be taken because many of these components can easily be identified and traced back to the last legal purchaser. Ukraine has been diligent about collecting debris from Russians weapons that are not supposed to exist because of the ban on selling Russian essential components. This has led to the discovery and elimination of several smuggling operations. This often involves sanctioning Chinese or Indian businesses and some of their key personnel. China, more than India, has to be careful about this because Western sanctions on Chinese firms means China can no longer obtain key components from Western suppliers. This sort of thing didnt start with Russian operations in Ukraine and has been encountered for decades as Iran copes with similar sanctions.

In 2023 China got credit for arranging a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran which involved these two long-time antagonists resuming diplomatic relations and, purportedly, halting military operations against each other. This was a major achievement for China. While this preliminary agreement makes for great headlines and indicates a decline in American influence in Saudi Arabia, it was not a done deal. The announcement was about intentions not actual accomplishments. Iran has a long history of violating agreements. Iran is still subject to economic sanctions by Western nations because of continued Iranian efforts to develop nuclear weapons. Armed like this, Iran could more easily intimidate neighboring countries and resume its historical role as the regional superpower.

Iran, China and Russia are now allies, diplomatically if not economically and militarily. Despite that, there are still suspicions. For example, Russia has sent troops stationed on border areas to Ukraine, but still keeps somewhat more than token forces on portions of its 4,200-kilometer Chinese border. There Russia faces, for the first time, a larger, better armed, trained and led Chinese army.

China has unresolved claims on most of the Russian Pacific coast territories. Russia also has a 17-kilometer border with North Korea and Russian troops are sometimes seen here as well. Since the Ukraine War began, fewer Russian troops have been seen on other foreign borders. Thats because the crisis in Ukraine demanded more troops to replace losses. The scale and scope of Russian army losses in Ukraine is unprecedented. While air forces and navy losses were relatively minor, the Strategic Rocket Forces or SRF and their thousands of nuclear warheads still have the same number of troops, so the Russian State is still secure. Neighboring China also has lots of nuclear weapons and keeps everyone guessing about who their missiles are aimed at.

Far more important is the Russian dependence on Chinese economic and military cooperation. China remains on good terms with Russia economically and militarily. China warned Russia to back off on nuclear threats over the Ukraine War and made it clear that China considered the Ukraine War a major mistake. Before 2022, Russia and China were seen as a powerful military and economic alliance. Now the Russian military is revealed to be much less capable than previously thought. Western sanctions have devastated the Russian economy and China will benefit from that at the expense of Russia. What happened to Russia in Ukraine also caused China to review its own military policies in the South China Sea, against Taiwan and, less obviously, the Russian Far East territories.

China insists it will continue to maintain pressure against its opponents in territorial disputes. Chief among this is the Chinese effort to gain control of Taiwan and Indian territory that China claims is illegally occupied by India. Then there is the most blatant claim of all ownership of the South China Sea. All these claims are vigorously opposed by growing coalitions of powerful countries.

China is most active on its border with India. China claims much territory that is now considered part of India. There have been several thousand armed and unarmed confrontations over the years as one side or the other accuses foreign troops of crossing the Line of Actual Control or LAC. The mutual troop withdrawal in Ladakh reduced tensions there but not along other LAC segments where there are still a lot of Chinese and Indian troops confronting each other.

China is slowly winning this border war because it uses largely non-violent tactics. China pushes its troops, often while unarmed, across the border and forces the Indians to try and stop them. This has led to casualties, but not from the use of military weapons. If the Indians fire on the unarmed Chinese troops, then India is the aggressor and China can shoot back. Often China does not and shames India into backing off. India realizes that China has a more powerful military and Indians do not feel confident about their ability to handle a large-scale battle on the border. India is still haunted by the last battle between Indian and Chinese forces. This took place back in 1962. In a month of fighting that began on 20 October 1962, India lost 7,000 troops. About 57 percent were prisoners and the rest dead or missing. There were 722 Chinese killed. China declared a ceasefire that India accepted. China actually advanced in two areas, a thousand kilometers apart and ended up taking 43,000 square kilometers of Indian territory.

The source of the 1962 war and current border disputes are a century old and heated up again when China resumed control over Tibet in the 1950s. From the end of the Chinese empire in 1912 until 1949, Tibet was independent. But then the communists took over China in 1949 and sought to reassert control over their lost province of Tibet. This began slowly, but once all of Tibet was under Chinese control in 1959, China had a border with India and there was immediately a disagreement about exactly where the border should be. Thats because, in 1914, the newly independent Tibet government worked out a border called the McMahon line with the British who then controlled India. China considers this border agreement illegal and wants 90,000 square kilometers back. India refused, especially since this would mean losing much of Arunachal Pradesh State in northeastern India and some bits elsewhere along the new northern border.

India feels more capable in opposing China because of growing Indian economic power. Indian GDP nearly doubled in the last decade; from $1.7 trillion to the current over $3.9 trillion now. This made India the fifth largest economy, surpassing Britain with $3.6 trillion and France with$3.2 trillion). The rest of the top five are the U.S with$29 trillion, China with $18 trillion, Germany with $4.7 trillion and Japan with $4 trillion. Chinese GDP growth is slowing although in the last decade it more than doubled from $6.1 trillion to $18 trillion. Over three decades of spectacular economic growth in China resulted in the Chinese GDP becoming over fourteen times larger than it was in 1989. In that same period the U.S. GDP doubled. After World War II India had a larger GDP than China and never felt the same urgency as China to modernize and expand its economy.

But India has not been as effective in keeping up with the Chinese military in terms of modernization. Indian threats to oppose Chinese military moves carry little weight with the Chinese or anyone else who analyzes the situation. Actions have consequences and, in this case, it means China can push India around on their mutual border. China intends to keep pushing until it regains its claimed lost territories. Currently the Indian GDP growth rate is increasing faster than Chinas. The Indian defense budget does not benefit and military modernization plans remain on hold as the politicians try to figure out how to enrich themselves from all the additional money now available for spending. China notices this and is encouraged to push ill-equipped and supported Indian troops back from the border.

Meanwhile China has been blaming NATO for the war in Ukraine but realizes that the Ukrainians are not going to give up and are now talking to the Ukrainians about how China can help in bringing the war to an end. China has already told Russia that the war is a mistake and damages the Russian-Chinese alliance.

Russia has been unsuccessful at persuading China to provide military aid. Any country that does send military aid to Russia faces heavy economic sanctions. This would cause substantial economic and political problems for China. Russia argues that military aid from China would enable Russian forces to deal with another Ukrainian offensive. With Chinese military support Russia believes it could turn the Ukraine War into at least a stalemate. This would also demonstrate that Russia and China have a robust and effective alliance. China is not so sure. Russian forces have performed so poorly in Ukraine that Chinese military aid would have little impact.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) walks off the court after an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

ATLANTA (AP)  Trae Young hit a 3-pointer with 7.4 seconds left in overtime and the Atlanta Hawks held on for their sixth straight win, beating the slumping Los Angeles Lakers 134-132 on Friday.

Young scored 31 points to offset a huge night by the Lakers' Big Two. LeBron James scored 39 points and Anthony Davis had 38, but it wasn't enough to prevent Los Angeles from taking its third straight loss and seventh defeat in nine games.

James had a chance to win it for the Lakers, but his long 3-pointer clanked off the rim.

With the score tied at 119, the Hawks had the final possession of regulation. Youngs 3-pointer was blocked by Max Christie and James collided with Davis going for the loose ball, sending the 39-year-old to a knee in pain.

After hobbling to the bench, James was back on the court for overtime.

Takeaways

Lakers: James & Co. could at least take solace from putting up a competitive effort. They had lost their two previous games by a combined 70 points  the worst back-to-back showing in franchise history.

Hawks: Atlanta is on a roll, putting together its longest win streak since a seven-game run from Jan. 17-30, 2022.

Key moment

Dyson Daniels came up with two huge defensive plays for the Hawks in the final minute of overtime. A steal didn't result in points  James made a huge block  but Daniels then tied up Davis for a jump ball. Davis won the tip, but James knocked the ball out of bounds battling for it with De'Andre Hunter. That set up Young's winning shot.

Key stats

Led by Hunter with 26 points and Bogdan Bogdanovic with 20, Atlanta's reserves outscored their Lakers' counterparts 65-17.

Up next

Lakers: Return home Sunday night to face the Portland Trail Blazers.

Hawks: Host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Y Hung Ayun, pastor of a house church in Tara Puor, shot in the knee by two men with covered faces in an ambush last Sunday. The government monitors independent churches it does not approve, seizing Bibles and equipment. In September, Y Pho Eban, 57, in Cue village, was also threatened; he laments that they are not allowed to gather.

Rome (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Pastor Y Hung Ayun, 62, was attacked last Sunday in Tara Puor, a village in the Vietnamese province of ak Lak.

They attacked me to warn that I should withdraw and return to the (government-approved) Evangelical Church of Vietnam, he told Radio Free Asia, showing the bruise on his knee caused by the rubber bullets.

The clergyman, who is an ethnic E-e (Rade), a local minority, oversees the village house church. He was ambushed on his way home by two men with covered faces  one pulled out a gun and shot him twice in the left knee with rubber bullets and then walked away.

It is not unusual for the authorities to closely monitor independent churches, and intimidate pastors and faithful.

According to the 2024 report on Vietnam by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), harassment includes disruptions and limitations of religious activities, as are seizures of Bibles, mobile phones, computers, and cash.

Pastor Y Hung did not file a complaint with the local police, but the day after the attack, agents did visit him at home, but he was not in.

The pastor spent nine years in prison for "undermining the national solidarity policy. After completing his probation, he enrolled in a training course to become a pastor in 2017.

Since then, he has been closely monitored by law enforcement who have installed security cameras to watch his home and asked him to inform them when he goes away on long trips, Radio Free Asia reports.

Another pastor, Y Pho Eban, 57, leader of an independent church in the village of Cue, was involved in a similar episode last 25 September. He was shot in the leg while cutting the grass in his coffee field. He fell to the ground, not knowing who had shot him.

The attack left him with a bleeding wound, a deep hole in his leg and a chipped bone. His family took him to a hospital where a doctor removed the bullet and treated the wound, but he still cannot walk.

Y Pho also did not report the incident to local authorities. They hate me because I worship at a house church, which they absolutely forbid, he told Radio Free Asia. They said we were not allowed to gather. Every time they summon me to the commune (municipal headquarters), they threaten to handle me and my family. Thats what they always say.

Y Pho said he believes he was shot because he heads an independent Protestant church with 200 followers in his village.

Y Quynh Bap, 32, son of the pastor in Cue and founder of the Montagnards Stand for Justice group, was tried in absentia by a Vietnamese court in January in connection with the June 2023 attack on two government offices in ak Lak province that left nine people dead.

He denied any involvement in the case, and fled to Thailand. Vietnam has asked its neighbour to extradite the activist, but there are fears that he could face torture or death if he is sent home.
by Melani Manel Perera

The bilateral initiative with the United Kingdom is designed to boost trade relations between the two countries, starting with the promotion of women-led companies. A platform for women entrepreneurs to contact UK buyers has been established. Participants stress the need for Sri Lanka to be inclusive to drive growth.

Jaffna (AsiaNews)  Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom are doubling up to support women's empowerment in the business field.

This follows a bilateral trade meeting in Jaffna on Wednesday between representatives of the two countries, organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).

The initiative highlighted the export potential of women-led businesses in Sri Lanka, particularly in the northern region.

According to sources in Jaffna, the goal is to enable women-led businesses to diversify their export markets, improve competitiveness, and drive sustainable economic growth in the country.

The meeting was part of the UK government-funded SheTrades Commonwealth+ programme, which provides a platform for Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs to connect with British buyers and explore new business opportunities.

Simon Calvert, head of Programmes in the Trade for Development Team at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, and EDB Director General Champika Dharmasena opened the event.

The two emphasised the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs and enabling their access to international markets to drive inclusive economic growth in Sri Lanka.

One of the key features of the meeting was the market information session, led by Simon Calvert.

During the session, participants gained valuable insights into the UK market, including sectoral opportunities, export volumes, and ways to leverage the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), the system of gradual tariffs on goods imported into the UK from many countries around the world.

The session conducted by Calvert also provided women-led businesses with the tools and knowledge to expand their reach in the UK market.

The meeting also included visits to women-led factory buildings in Jaffna, allowing British buyers to discover the skills and innovations of local women entrepreneurs in sectors such as agri-food and apparel.

These visits highlighted the capability of women entrepreneurs in Jaffna to deliver high-quality products to markets.

In addition, Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings were organised, giving women-led businesses the chance to engage directly with UK buyers. This led to the creation of a platform for establishing valuable business connections, discussing potential partnerships, and showcasing the products of Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs.

This programme represents an important milestone in strengthening UK-Sri Lanka trade relations, with a strong focus on the growth and development of women-led businesses in Sri Lanka.
by Stefano Caprio

The patriarch has tried to distance himself recently from the countrys political leaders, stressing his superiority in the relationship between Russias political and clerical power. At least two issues underscore a gap between Church and State, namely the response to the demographic crisis with monks criticised for being celibate, and the ban on organised prayers in private homes.

The Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow, Kirill (Gundyaev), chaired the 26th World Russian People's Council, centre on the theme the "Russian World: External and Internal Challenges", assisted by the Chancellor of the Patriarchate, Metropolitan Grigory (Petrov), and other Church and cultural figures, like Prof Alexander Shchipkov, rector of the Russian Orthodox University of Saint John the Theologian.

Few senior political leaders were present. One of Putins closest aides, Sergey Kirienko, read a hasty greeting from the president, betraying a certain jealousy towards the patriarch, who has tried lately to distance himself from the head of state, stressing his superiority in the relationship between Russias political and clerical power.

By contrast, senior Orthodox clerics could be seen in great numbers, including bishops, priests and monks, with some Members of the Duma (lower house of the Russian parliament), as well as academics and representatives of other religions.

The meeting began with the national anthem of the Russian Federation, broadcast live on Soyuz and Spas, two Orthodox-patriotic TV stations, as well as on the Moscow Patriarchates official website.

The patriarch thanked President Putin for his "participation in the formation of state policy, which is supported by the Church and the World Russian Peoples Council", giving a nod to the fact that the latter was created in the 1990s before Putin took power, at the initiative of then Metropolitan Kirill.

The patriarch is trying to highlight his role as the countrys ideological supremo, elaborating a "policy aimed at the affirmation of freedom, independence, the authentic independence of our homeland in freedom, and at the same time holding those traditional values that are the basis of our civilisation.

The patriarch has laid claim to the fundamental contents of Putin's policy, which the Church has proposed since the chaotic years of Yeltsin's openings to the West, noting that "tradition is the transmission of everything that is important, indispensable and useful for people, what constitutes the pledge of their well-being and their future.

To avoid misunderstandings, given the increasingly fanciful interpretations of "traditional values" by Russian politicians and propagandists, the patriarch said that "Orthodoxy is the traditional faith, and we affirm that the Church herself transmits these very important values and meanings from generation to generation over time, through the teaching of doctrine, prayer, the education of people's spiritual and theoretical convictions, and for this reason the Church is the main factor in delivering values to the contemporary world.

Kirill praises the "particular model of collaboration between Church and State in our country", which "has never been seen in the past", thus placing Tsar Putin above all princes, emperors, and party secretaries of previous centuries, with himself above all patriarchs, and not only of Moscow, so that today "the potential of the Church in holding values is realised at the highest possible level.

According to this interpretation, there has never been a more Christian state than today's Russia. Indeed, previous generations could only dream of such a perfect system", Kirill said, in which "the Church lives in absolute freedom, no one interferes in her activities, and the state addresses her mission with great respect", collaborating above all in educating children and young people and creating a healthy cultural climate in the country. For the head of the Russian Orthodoxy, without all these things, our people would lose their identity.

He emphasised the aspects of the special relationship between Church and State in Russia citing three notions, interaction (vzaimodeystviye, ), dialogue, and collaboration (sorabotnichestvo, , in archaic Russian), three parts of the same concept to enhance both practical decision-making, ideological harmony, and the "equality of effectiveness" of the two entities.

In reality, the Russian Orthodox Church has recently not been particularly in tune with state institutions at various levels on at least two topics.

The first concerns demographic growth, a topic Putin has stressed since the start of his presidency, a quarter of a century ago, without any results. In 2000, Russias population was close to 150 million, while at present it risks falling below 140, if the forcibly "annexed" populations of Ukraines Crimea and Donbass regions are not counted.

To stimulate the birthrate, Russias parliament has gone as far as to suggest subsidies and support of all kinds for girls aged 13 and over, regardless of their marital status, with an obsessive propaganda centred on "just get pregnant", then the state will take care of it, quite an unorthodox form of propaganda.

The Church would rather see a more incisive campaign to ban abortions even in private clinics, which all regional administrations reject.

This push for births at any cost has taken an unpleasant turn for the Churchs traditions when it comes to blasting "child-free propaganda," i.e. lifestyles that are not oriented towards couples having babies, like the great Orthodox monastic tradition, which only after much insistence was exempted from the new measures.

In the Russian Church, diocesan and parish priests must marry and have many children, constituting a de facto "priestly caste", but the Church leadership is drawn exclusively from the monks, who are the great preachers of patriotic faith and holy war, to be honoured and exalted without casting unnecessary shadows on their life, like having children.

The other stance that has greatly annoyed the Orthodox clergy was the absolute prohibition, reinforced by laws, of praying in private homes, which was intended to target Evangelical and Pentecostal communities, not to mention Jehovah's Witnesses and others, but ended up hindering the activities of Orthodox (and Catholic) priests who bless homes and meet the faithful, especially in winter and at Christmas.

In this case too, a considerable gap has developed between the way of thinking of politicians, many of whom very easily revert to Soviet habits, and Orthodox clerics, who do not limit themselves to simple propaganda in their relationship with the faithful, which is expected after more than 30 years of religious freedom, at least on a formal level.

These controversial aspects of the ideological-religious conception of the "Russian world" lurked in the background of the World Russian Peoples Council meeting, which included fresh celebrations of Russia's war and patriotic history, with more shows in St. Petersburg centred on the victorious Prince Alexander Nevsky, with calls for his solemn funeral urn be returned from the city of Vladimir to the northern capital, Kirill and Putins hometown, where every effort is being made to conceal the overture to the West" that lay behind its foundation by Peter the Great.

As was the case with the Trinity icon by Rublev, the patriarch stressed the efforts needed to "overcome the opposition of the staff of the museum where the silver urn is kept, directly involving the president to get the remains returned in the symbolic seat of the one who defeated the Swedes and Teutonic Knights, ancestors of today's Ukrainian and Western Nazis.

In ending his address, the patriarch noted how in the first years of the World Russian Peoples Council, he had called for a campaign against alcoholism, but no one listened to him, and instead cited the psalms on the "joy of wine" and Prince Vladimir of Kyiv's responses to Muslim emissaries, rejecting Islam because It is the joy of Russia to drink  we simply cannot exist without it!

Today, alcoholism in Russia has once again become a scourge that runs from the battlefields to peoples homes, as those who drink indulge in the "white death" of frost, without even realising it.

Kirill's latest jab was indirectly aimed at Putin himself, slamming the "vulgar language" that weakens the moral health of a person. The president is known in fact for his crass remarks. Even though he is a teetotaller, after listening to the patriarch he likely poured himself a glass.

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7 December 2024 13:51 (UTC+04:00)

By Farman Aydin

In recent years, Georgia has found itself at the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war, with the West making several attempts to influence its internal affairs. These efforts, often cloaked under the guise of promoting democracy and human rights, have failed to achieve their intended outcomes. Instead, they have highlighted the resilience and determination of the Georgian people to maintain their independence and sovereignty.

The Western strategy, which appeared to be aimed at orchestrating a color revolution in Georgia, unfolded in several stages. Each step seemed meticulously planned to destabilize the existing government and install a regime more aligned with Western interests. However, despite these efforts, the West's plans did not come to fruition. This article delves into the specifics of these attempts and critiques the Western approach, which has often been marked by hypocrisy and a disregard for the genuine aspirations of the Georgian people.

Political Interference through Parties

The first phase of the Wests strategy involved leveraging political parties to instigate change within Georgia. Western support for opposition parties was evident, with substantial funding and resources being funneled to bolster their campaigns. The goal was clear: to unseat the incumbent government and replace it with one more amenable to Western influence.

However, this strategy backfired when the opposition failed to win the elections. The Georgian electorate, wary of external meddling, voted in favor of maintaining their country's sovereignty and political integrity. The defeat of the opposition parties was a significant blow to Western ambitions, showcasing the Georgian people's commitment to self-determination. This outcome highlighted a critical flaw in the Western approach: an underestimation of the Georgian people's awareness and their desire to chart their own course without external interference.

The Role of Civil Society and NGOs

Undeterred by the electoral defeat, the West shifted its focus to civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These entities, often portrayed as independent, were effectively mobilized as instruments of Western influence. Funding and support were directed towards creating a robust network of NGOs that could exert pressure on the government and sway public opinion.

While civil society plays a vital role in any democratic setup, the blatant external backing of these NGOs raised suspicions about their true objectives. The Georgian people, known for their rich history and strong cultural identity, were quick to recognize this intrusion. Instead of fostering genuine grassroots movements, these efforts were perceived as artificial and driven by foreign agendas.

This phase of the strategy also failed to achieve the desired outcomes. The Georgian government's resilience and the public's skepticism towards externally funded NGOs prevented any significant shift in the political landscape. Once again, the West's efforts were thwarted by the very people they aimed to influence.

Infiltration of Government Agencies

In a further attempt to destabilize the government, the West reportedly sought to infiltrate key state agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other vital institutions. This involved nurturing and positioning individuals within these agencies who could serve as agents of Western interests. Resignations and internal disruptions were orchestrated to create a semblance of instability.

Despite these covert operations, the Georgian government managed to maintain its coherence and functionality. The attempted infiltration did little to shake the foundations of the state. Instead, it highlighted the lengths to which external forces were willing to go to impose their will on an independent nation.

The resilience displayed by the Georgian government in the face of such intrusion is commendable. It underscores a fundamental truth about sovereignty: it is deeply rooted in the people's will and cannot be easily undermined by external machinations.

Lessons in Sovereignty and Independence

The failure of the West's plan to instigate another color revolution in Georgia serves as a powerful testament to the importance of respecting national sovereignty. It is a reminder that genuine democratic change cannot be imposed from outside; it must be driven by the people themselves.

The Georgian experience also exposes the hypocrisy often inherent in Western foreign policy. While advocating for democracy and human rights, these same actors engage in tactics that undermine the very principles they claim to uphold. This duplicity not only erodes trust but also hampers the prospects for authentic democratic development.

For Georgia, the path forward involves continuing to strengthen its democratic institutions and fostering a political environment that reflects the true aspirations of its people. It is crucial for the international community to support these efforts genuinely, without resorting to manipulative tactics.

The West's failure in Georgia offers valuable lessons. It demonstrates that sovereignty and independence are not mere concepts but lived realities that are fiercely protected by the people. It underscores the need for a more respectful and nuanced approach to international relations, one that prioritizes genuine partnership over covert interference.

In conclusion, the West's attempts to meddle in Georgia's internal affairs have been met with resilient opposition from the Georgian people and government. These efforts, whether through political parties, civil society, or infiltration of state agencies, have only served to strengthen Georgia's resolve to maintain its sovereignty and independence. The failure of these plans is a clear indication that the Georgian people will not easily surrender their right to self-determination.

The international community must learn from these events and recognize the importance of respecting national sovereignty. True democratic development can only be achieved through the genuine participation of the people, free from external coercion and manipulation. Georgia's experience serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of national pride and the unyielding quest for independence.

The resilience of Georgia in the face of these multifaceted attempts at interference is a testament to the unyielding spirit of its people. They have demonstrated that true sovereignty is a function of national will and collective identity, which cannot be overridden by external powers, no matter how potent their influence might be.

What has transpired in Georgia is not merely a political episode but a significant lesson in the annals of international relations. It is a narrative of defiance against hegemonic aspirations and a reaffirmation of the right of nations to self-determination. The Western strategy, characterized by its multifaceted approach  from political machinations to the subversion of civil society and infiltration of state apparatus  failed to break the Georgian spirit.

The lessons from Georgias resistance are manifold. Firstly, it exemplifies the critical importance of an informed and engaged citizenry. The people of Georgia, aware of their historical, cultural, and political context, have consistently shown that they cannot be easily manipulated by external forces. They have underscored the significance of a strong national identity in protecting sovereignty.

Finally, Georgias experience calls for a re-evaluation of Western foreign policy approaches. It points to the necessity for genuine engagement and partnership, rather than coercive strategies that seek to impose political change from the outside. The Wests failure in Georgia should serve as a catalyst for a more respectful and constructive international diplomacy that honors the sovereignty and self-determination of all nations.
7 December 2024 13:16 (UTC+04:00)

We have received a proposal from a Chinese company for a 100-megawatt project in the Boyukshor area, which is currently being examined, Azernews reports, citing Javid Abdullayev, Director of the State Agency for Renewable Energy Sources under the Ministry of Energy, as he said in an interview with local media outlets .

The director noted that the proposal is quite interesting and is based on mixed technologies:

"The construction of a plant with a capacity of about 100 megawatts in the Boyukshor area seems possible in principle," he added.
7 December 2024 14:21 (UTC+04:00)

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Turkish Trade Ministry released the volume of exports of ready-made garments to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

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7 December 2024 17:25 (UTC+04:00)

In the first 10 months of this year, the volume of cargo transported via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, increased by 68%, while container shipments rose by 2.7 times, Azernews reports, citing Kazakhstan's Transport Minister Marat Kabayev, as he said at a meeting dedicated to the development of the Mangistau region.

Some 2.3 million tons of cargo were transported by rail and 6.3 million tons by sea, which is 3% more compared to 2023.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the necessity of developing an aviation hub in the Mangistau region.

The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and KazMunayGas, has been tasked with addressing the direct supply of aviation fuel to the region and increasing subsidized domestic flights to new destinations by attracting foreign airlines.

Olzhas Bektenov also highlighted the importance of intensifying efforts to attract potential investors for the expansion of the Aktau Sea Port free economic zone.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, connects China and European countries through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye.
7 December 2024 11:06 (UTC+04:00)

Participants of the international parliamentary conference on "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Perspectives," held at the Milli Majlis, visited the Alley of Martyrs on December 7, Azernews reports.

The memory of the martyrs, who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for Azerbaijan's freedom and independence, was honored with deep respect. Flowers were laid on their graves, and a wreath was placed in front of the "Eternal Flame" monument.

The guests, who viewed the panorama of Azerbaijan's capital from the highest point in Baku, were provided with detailed information about the history of the Martyrs' Alley and construction works carried out in the city.

Following this, the "Turkish Martyrdom" monument in Baku was visited. The memory of the heroic and self-sacrificing Turkish brothers, who died for the independence of Azerbaijan and symbolized the eternal and unbreakable brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, was honored.
7 December 2024 12:46 (UTC+04:00)

"Azafl" Azerbaijani Social Support and Culture Society and the Turkic World Cultural Center held an event on the theme "Shah Ismail Khatai: Life Path and Heritage" in Ankara, Azernews reports.

The event was attended by diplomats, scientists, experts, and public representatives from the two fraternal countries.

Opening the event, the head of the Ankara Turkish World Cultural Center, lawyer Arzuman Azafl, noted that the personality of Shah Ismail Khatai has long been mistakenly associated with Iran and Persia in Turkiye.

According to him, the foundations of the unified Azerbaijani state are connected with the name of the founder of the Safavid state.

"Shah Ismail raised the status of the Azerbaijani language to the level of the state language, wrote lyrical and epic poems in his native language under the pseudonym Khatai," Azafly said, calling for a refusal to distort historical truths.

Professor Abdullah Gundogdu of Ankara University, in turn, called Shah Ismail Khatai a figure who left a deep mark on the history of the entire region. According to him, the Safavid state was the fruit of the Turkic peoples who settled in the regions adjacent to the Ottoman Empire.

Then, researcher Dilgam Ahmad spoke about the understanding of the heritage of the Safavid state by prominent representatives of Azerbaijani intellectuals. As an example, D. Ahmad brought to attention the assessments of one of the founders of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, Mahammad Amin Rasulzadeh, who stated that the core of the Safavid state was the Turks.

"Official correspondence in the Safavid state was conducted in Azerbaijani. Turkic was also a means of communication between rulers," the researcher noted.

The event continued with the performance of musical compositions written to the words of Shah Ismail Khatai.
7 December 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

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Serbia expects to sign an agreement with Russia on gas supplies soon, Azernews reports.

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7 December 2024 18:51 (UTC+04:00)

The majority of MPs from the ruling Citizen Power party walked out of the plenary session of parliament where the vote on the president's impeachment was being held, Azernews reports, citing South Korean media outlets.

This move by the ruling party is seen as an attempt to boycott the vote on the impeachment of President Yeon Seok-yol.

The vote of 200 out of 300 deputies is sufficient to impeach the president. The ruling party currently holds 108 seats in parliament.
MBABANE  Crispy snacks are cleverly designed to be irresistibly addictiveonce you take a single bite, it's almost impossible to stop until the entire packet is gone.

These snacks are crafted with just the right balance of flavour, texture, and crunch to keep you reaching for more, making them a favourite indulgence for children and adults alike. However, as irresistible as they are, they are not safe for children and eating them can be lethal.

In South Africa (SA), it was recently reported that recently, 23 people, mainly children, died after eating crispy snacks. Many of the deaths were linked to snacks sold by foreign-owned spaza shops, with allegations of expired goods, counterfeit brands, and improper handling practices.The tragedy prompted that countrys President, Cyril Ramaphosa to order a crackdown, including the closure of implicated shops and a 21-day ultimatum for all food-handling facilities to comply with health regulations.

Senior Nutrition Officer, who is also the Head of Programmes at the Eswatini Nutrition Council, Siniketiwe Zwane, has warned of a growing health crisis, citing the absence of strict controls on imported snacks and their impact on childrens health. She revealed that the most affected were children because these snacks were sold at schools. Unlike in supermarkets around town where inspectors do random raids, this does not happen at spaza shops and children do not check whether the food is expired or not as it is repacked in plastics that are not labelled.

Zwane highlighted parallels in Eswatini, warning that many of the snacks consumed by children are potentially hazardous. She warned that generally, processed foods are not healthy to consume as they are known to contain chemicals in larger quantities than normal. There is no control of what type of snacks are entering the country or being sold to children, she said. Zwane further added that: These snacks are dangerous and, in the long run, have devastating health impacts.

She explained that processed snacks not only promote poor eating habits but also lead to obesity, loss of appetite for nutritious meals, and other health complications. The problem is particularly prevalent in schools, where children are buying snacks that have not been assessed for their nutritional value, she said. Also, Zwane revealed that an observation by the Eswatini Nutrition Council suggests that many children had fallen ill and that this was linked to eating of the crispy snacks.

She was then asked if there were any fatalities linked to consumption of the snacks in the country. However, Zwane noted that linking fatalities directly to snacks is challenging. Illnesses due to these snacks are not uncommon, but it is difficult to ascertain if fatalities have occurred because such cases may not be reported as directly linked to food consumption, she explained.

A major concern raised by Zwane was the sale of expired snacks, which she said could easily kill a child. She explained that chemicals used in the processing of these foods could become toxic once the products expire, posing significant risks to childrens health. Expired snacks are extremely dangerous and can easily kill children, she emphasised. Zwane then revealed that during a recent workshop, she urged parents to take a stand by monitoring what their children consumed while at school. She said parents should advocate the banning of the sale of snacks to children as they were not safe.

She then emphasised the need for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations. Zwane said as an organisation, they were advocating for a law which would ensure strict control of the food entering the country. She warned that currently, there was no check of what was entering the country in terms of whether it was safe for consumption.Meanwhile, the Mbabane City Council raided 15 shops and removed unhealthy food items. The Times of Eswatini News reported that 2 840 kilogrammes of unhealthy food items were confiscated from outlets within the city, during an impromptu raid on Tuesday.The food items are said to have been found in 15 shops across the streets in the capital city. This exercise was part of the Mbabane Food Safety Awareness Week 2024. The operation was jointly done with representatives from the Competition Commission, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade.

Eswatini Dairy Board, Inspectorate Team and the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS). Among the confiscated food items were a large number of big bags of crispy snacks which are usually repackaged and sold to children at spazas and outside school vendors.

....The impact on children

MBABANE  According to Zwane, the widespread availability of unhealthy snacks is eroding childrens eating habits in Eswatini.

These snacks cause children to lose their appetite for nutritious meals, she said.Zwane then stressed that parents, schools, and communities must also take responsibility. We need a collective effort to protect our children. This is not just a health issue but a matter of safeguarding the future of our country, she said.The recent events in South Africa underscore the importance of vigilance and proactive measures. By learning from their experience and addressing local risks, Eswatini can prevent a similar tragedy and ensure a healthier environment for its children.

On Thursday, the Times of Eswatini News reported that consumers were calling for stricter penalties for businesses found to be selling expired or damaged goods. The Eswatini Consumers Association (ECA) Chairperson Bongani Mdluli was quoted as saying that the public should be vigilant when purchasing goods, especially during the festive season. The Ministry of Health, through the Communications Officer Nsindiso Tsabedze commended the Mbabane City Council and stakeholders for the operation. He also said the Ministry was committed to conducting regular inspections so that food safety standards were maintained.
7 December 2024 22:02 (UTC+04:00)

Pakistans beleaguered national airline will resume flights to Europe on January 10 after European Union authorities lifted a four-year ban on the carrier, the company said in a statement on Saturday, Azernews reports, citing Arab News.

The statement from Pakistan International Airline (PIA), which was at the center of a pilot license scandal, said a PIA flight will depart from Islamabad to Paris on January 10.

Initially, two flights will be operated weekly (on Friday and Sunday), which will gradually be increased.

PIA was barred from flying to the EU in June 2020, a month after one of its aircraft plunged into a street in the southern city of Karachi, killing nearly 100 people.

The disaster was attributed to human error by the pilots and air traffic control, and was followed by allegations that nearly a third of the licenses for its pilots were fake or dubious.

The airline remains banned from operating in the United States.

After Europes ban was lifted last week, a spokesman for the carrier said they would strictly adhere to EASAs regulations and guidelines, referring to the European Unions aviation authority.

PIA, which employs 7,000 people, has long been accused of being bloated and poorly run  hobbled by unpaid bills, a poor safety record and regulatory issues.

Pakistans government has said it is committed to privatising the debt-ridden airline and has been scrambling to find a buyer.

Last month, a deal fell through after a potential buyer reportedly offered a fraction of the asking price.

The sale was also part of IMF demands in exchange for aid programs, including the privatization of public companies, establishing a broader tax base and ending subsidies for the 40 percent of Pakistanis who live below the poverty line.

In 2023, PIA had losses of $270 million according to local media. Its liabilities were nearly $3 billion, about five times the total worth of its assets. Last year, dozens of flights were canceled when it could not afford fuel for its planes.

While speaking to reporters last week, Pakistans aviation minister Khawaja Asif called the restoration of flights to Europe a major value addition that will make the airline more attractive to potential buyers.

PIA came into being in 1955 when the government nationalized a loss-making commercial airline and it enjoyed rapid growth until the 1990s.
7 December 2024 17:50 (UTC+04:00)

As the friendship between Azerbaijan and Turkiye develops, both states gain the opportunity to play a more significant role in the international relations system. We have gained the opportunity to demonstrate our strength to the world with more confidence, Azernews reports, citing the First Deputy Chairman of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly) Ali Ahmadov, as he said in the international roundtable discussion titled "The Role of Parliaments in Public Diplomacy: The Example of Azerbaijan and Turkiye."

He noted that Turkiye and Azerbaijan are recognized as strong states in the world community.

"Today's event is a testament to our friendship and brotherhood. Parliament is not just for passing laws; it also plays a crucial role in developing relations between states.

The international relations system, established to strengthen world order after World War II, is currently unable to adequately respond to new global realities. I believe that the world must accept this reality," he added.

Ahmadov emphasized the need to increase the role of parliaments in the processes involving various states: "Azerbaijan has not only liberated its lands from occupation but has also set an example of waging a just war against aggression. As a result, a real opportunity has emerged to strengthen peace and cooperation in the Caucasus. We see how much suffering is caused by the interference of states in internal affairs. Efforts need to be increased to strengthen the Turkiye-Azerbaijan brotherhood."

It should be noted that an international parliamentary conference on the theme "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Perspectives" was held today in the Milli Majlis.

The event was attended by nearly 100 representatives from the parliaments of 13 countries and international organizations. The conference included discussions on the role of parliaments in global processes, the development of parliamentary traditions, the capabilities of parliamentary diplomacy, and the contributions that parliamentary discussions can make to addressing modern global challenges.
A Congressional report reveals that under the Biden regime the government coersed banks to turn over data on their customers transactions to the government without any search warrants.. Warrantless searches was one of the things that led to the American Revolution. The Bill of Rights is supposed to protect American citizens against it. The targets appear to be political opponents of Biden.

A bank exercising its fiduciary duty to its customers would have firmly said NO, not without a duly issued search warrant. The real question is what did the Biden regime use to give the big banks as offer they could not refuse?

This is just another example of how dictatorial and authoritarian the Biden Democrats have been. As Orwell would have said "Big Brother is Watching You."

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14167011/pro-trump-feds-spy-americans-banks-transaction-report-congress.html
The latest in the parade of lawsuits by plaintiffs who were given gender transition drugs and / or surgery and later grew out of their gender dysphoria has now hit one of the top child gender transition surgeons. Dr. Johanna Olsen-Kennedy, Medical Director of the Center for TransYouth Health and Development at Los Angeles Hospital in California is being sued by Clementine Breen, now 20 and a de-transitioner now comfortable in her female body as she was born.

Breen was administered puberty blockers, male hormones, and finally a breast removal by Dr. Olsen-Kennedy between the ages of 12 and 14. She is now disfigured and infertile from the prosecures and drugs. Breen says she was rushed into the "treatment" without mental health examination or explanation of side effects. When her parents raised objections, they were told by Dr. Olsen-Kennedy that Breen had expressed suicidal thoughts if she did not get the "treatment". Breen says she never had any suicidal thoughts or expressed anything like that to the doctor, who then lied to her parents.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14167839/transgender-transition-sex-change-doctor-infertile-kaya-breen.html

The US Supreme Court recently heard a case where the ACLU objected to a Tennessee law that protects children from these gender reassignment drugs and surgery and is expected to uphold that law. Last year, the British National Health Service issued medical guidance that gender confusion in children was usually temporary and most of them grew out of it naturally, and recommended no drug or surgical treatment or even use of new names or pronouns.
S. Korean president delivers televised address

Xinhua) 10:27, December 07, 2024

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol delivered a televised address ahead of the vote on an impeachment motion against him at the parliament, the presidential office said Saturday.

Yoon delivered a live address to the nation at 10:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT), the office noted.

The president reportedly met with the leadership of the ruling People Power Party Friday night.

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 the motion to impeach Yoon on Wednesday, planning to vote on it on Saturday.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
MBABANE  When alcohol outpaces regulation, the consequences are inevitable.

Eswatini is facing just that: one inspector for at least 1090 liquor licences. This is just the official list of liquor licences. However, this publication has gathered that with several illegal drinking spots also locally known as tipoti or shebeens, the number of bars is estimated to be at least 2 000 around the country.

Eswatini News visited some of these places to establish the impact of this high number of bars in a country where there is only one inspector. The sole inspector, Nomsa Khumalo operates from Mbabane. Normally, the police also assist through random raids to control the influx of non-licensed bar owners. However, it is also now considered a norm that members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) complain about lack of transport even when called to respond to serious crimes such that they sometimes use private vehicles let alone respond to concerns that illegal bars are operating.

Noteworthy, Eswatini has a generally small population of about 1.2 million people in the region with the majority of these being young people aged 14 to 24 years old. In recent reports, not only by this publication but also via electronic platforms such as radio, it has been reported that the high number of watering holes, has resulted in bar owners competing over few customers such that they have become lenient and some reportedly turn a blind eye to underage children who abuse alcohol in that they do not ask for identification when selling beer or other alcoholic beverages to them.

This publication gathered that in rural communities, underage pupils consume alcohol to the point of getting drunk. It was established that this includes both girls and boys who do it freely, far from the watchful eyes of authorities.Noteworthy, some of the watering holes where pupils imbibe alcohol are not licensed. According to the regulations, a liquor licence holder is not permitted to sell alcohol to people under the age of 18 years. In some bars, this message is displayed at the entrance to warn especially children that they will not be served alcohol. However, in shebeens, this is not the case.

Despite the high number of watering holes both legally and illegally operating, the weight of monitoring these lies on the shoulders of a single liquor inspector, a situation that critics say is fuelling a crisis, particularly in rural areas.The Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Manqoba Khumalo confirmed that there is only one liquor inspector in the country. He said that as per the Act of 1964, the inspection was only designated for title deed land, particularly in urban areas. He noted that this had not been the case in rural areas where bars were now currently operating.

When asked what the Ministry was doing to resolve the issue of the shortage of inspectors, Khumalo stated that for now, the matter was being liaised with the relevant Ministry for the creation of posts so that more people could be hired.Noteworthy, the matter of the lack of a licence inspector was also raised in parliament as a concern for the country.

To establish the impact of having only one inspector, Eswatini News independently visited some of the communities around the country such as Vuvulane, Maphungwane and some parts of Northern Hhohho such as Buhleni and Ntfonjeni. In Maphungwane, it was discovered that the majority of the imbibers were youth including those who are adults but still in high school. In Vuvulane, it was also discovered that alcohol abuse is rife and that there is no authority to curb this such that underage imbibers even consumed the same without worrying about being arrested.

... 10 residents can petition closure of none-compliant bar

MBABANE  If you live within a radius of one kilometre from a bar which is non-compliant, you could mobilise nine others to petition the closure of that bar.

Unlike in urban areas where authorities respond quickly if there are concerns about the operations of a particular watering hole, this is not the case in rural communities. Shortage of resources such as transport makes it difficult for authorities to reach areas located on Eswatini nation land.

According to the Ministry of Commerce Trade & Industry, many complaints regarding the operations bars are said to be from rural areas.

However, according to the law, the Minister stated that 10 residents or more living in an area within a one-kilometre radius from the concerned bar or liquor provider could lodge a complaint about the business.

The Minister also stated that even chiefs have a right to lodge complaints regarding certain businesses whose licences could be revoked if it was found that they were violating the regulation.In urban areas, the municipalities also give consent on renewal of licenses, stated the Minister.

... Country needs at least 12 inspectors

MBABANE  To ensure that licensed liquor supplies are compliant and clamp down on illegal ones, the Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry needs at least 12 inspectors.

This is one of the responses the Ministry gave when asked how many inspectors would be ideal for the country, particularly since there is now only one person inspecting liquor licence compliance in the country.The sole liquor licence inspector is said to operate under overwhelming odds, covering the whole country to ensure that those who were provided with licences were complying with the regulations governing the selling of alcohol.

Responding to questions which were forwarded to the Minister of Commerce Trade & Industry, Manqoba Khumalo, the Communications Officer in the Ministry responded that there was a need to have at least three inspectors per region. This translates to 12 inspectors for the country.

Khumalo said with 12 inspectors it would be possible to do more random checks, especially with the assistance of the police, health inspectors, immigration officials as well as other stakeholders, it would be possible to do the inspections effectively.

Three per region can work for now, stated the Minister.Further, the Minister then revealed that the Liquor Act mandates Board Members of the licensing board in the regions to inspect. He said they also assisted the liquor inspector.Also, the Minister revealed that for all businesses, there are four inspectors, which translates to one per region. These check the other aspect of business such as whether the trading licence is valid.

... The impact in rural communities, children most affected

MBABANE  In urban areas, the availability of police stations as well as municipal councils makes it easy for authorities to monitor the compliance of bar owners.

Authorities such as the police or municipalities authorities normally pounce unnoticed when there are violations such as loud music or when a bar is operating illegally, without a permit.However, there have been concerns that this is not usually the case in rural areas where bar owners are far from police stations.

One such area is Maphungwane where there have been concerns about pupils engaging in consumption of alcohol. Speaking on national radio recently, a community police officer highlighted how children were now taking it as normal to consume alcohol.The community police officer stated that the consumption of alcohol there was so rampant that this resulted in the children becoming thieves who steal within the community to get money for buying beer.

Some parents also shared concerns about how children as young as 14 years old openly consumed alcohol. Our children are getting drunk while we are watching, lamented one mother, who requested anonymity. She revealed that some struggle to concentrate in class due to the alcohol.

The community police officer then revealed that to curb the abuse of alcohol in Maphungwane, they were now demanding that every person buying alcohol should produce an Identity Document (ID).The community police officer stated that some of the children are big-bodied and that as a result, they appear as if they are adults. You end up selling them alcohol only to find that the person is 15 years old, said a woman.

Meanwhile, the problem is not unique to Maphungwane. Across Eswatini, alcohol is readily available, with some communities hosting multiple bars within close proximity to schools, churches, and homes. The booming alcohol trade contributes significantly to the economy, but the lack of regulation raises concerns about its social costs.

Some of the residents blamed this on the COVID-19 pandemic. They said due to the pandemic, which resulted in lockdowns, more bars were opened locally, even in rural areas where this was not often the case.This, according to some residents in rural communities has changed the way people consume alcohol. They said unlike urban areas, the control measures to prevent children from drinking alcohol were not as affected as in urban communities.

In comparison to Eswatini, the neighbouring country, South Africa (SA) had in the recent past reports about children engaging in consumption of alcohol such that police raids often resulted in mainly children being apprehended from night clubs. There had also been reports about children dying inside bars.

The Minister was also asked about how the department is working to prevent such scenarios, to protect children. He stated that this is done with the assistance of other stakeholders, including the police, immigration officials, environmental health inspectors and other relevant stakeholders. He stated that they would have workshops to strategise on how best inspections can be done so to ensure the safety of patrons and at the same time protect children.

... Some bar owners have never seen an inspector

MBABANE  Some bar owners have never been inspected .

Normally, inspection is done when the bar is being opened to ensure that the licence is valid. Also, inspection can be done randomly.However, not all bar owners have seen an inspector. This was noted by some bar owners.

Bhekithemba Dlamini who is a businessman who is also a bar owner stated that there were too many licences being issued. Dlamini said this was saturating the industry and putting people in communities at risk of abusing alcohol. The bars are too close to the homesteads, said Dlamini.The businessman decried that there was no proper inspection taking place. He also lamented that the Ministry did not have the human resources necessary to reach rural areas and inspect licences.

Dlamini also accused the police of being selective when raiding bars adding. He said in rural areas, it is usually the police who arrive to close the bars but said they allowed some to operate after midnight yet this was against the law.





He further wondered why some bottle stores were allowed to operate on Sundays or public holidays yet this was not in line with the regulations as set by the law. Dlamini said in rural areas, Bottle Stores even hired Disk Jockeys (DJs) and continued their operations until after midnight. This is not right, said Dlamini.

Dlamini said for now, it had become so easy for one to acquire a licence that anyone could get it. He said this was a concern because it was making it difficult for bar owners to generate income. We cannot turn a blind eye and not admit that alcohol is destroying rural communities, said Dlamini.

... EmaSwati 3rd highest boozers on continent  WHO statistics

MBABANE  Eswatini has emerged as the third African country with the highest per capita alcohol consumption, according to statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO).With an average consumption of 7.68 litres of pure alcohol per year per adult, the nation trails only Seychelles and Tanzania, which report consumption levels of 9.48 and 7.81 litres, respectively.

WHO studies highlight that alcohol abuse can lead to increased risks of non-communicable diseases, accidents, and social problems such as domestic violence and underage drinking. Experts attribute Eswatinis ranking to cultural factors, ease of access to alcohol, and limited regulation.

In the report, consumers of alcohol cite it as a means to cope with stress and unemployment. Additionally, the proliferation of licensed and unlicensed alcohol outlets worsens the issue.
Twenty-three anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists connected with Beckers to discuss their thoughts.

Editors note: Responses were edited lightly for clarity and length.

George Anastasian, MD. Chief of Anesthesiology at White Plains (N.Y.) Hospital: By initially declaring it will no longer pay for anesthesia care if the surgery or procedure goes beyond an arbitrary time limit, Anthem signaled it will not pay anesthesiologists to deliver anesthesia to patients who may need extra care because their surgery runs into complications or is otherwise difficult. Anthems decision to reverse this proposed policy is a result of tremendous public pressure and negative publicity.

Emily Barton, CRNA. Certified registered nurse anesthetist at Mercy Fort Smith (Ark.): How could they think this would be acceptable? How can you blame anesthesia for the length of surgery? We are pushed so much to move and get done, but unless the procedure is complete, we cant stop the anesthesia. None of the CEOs are working for free. Anesthesia providers are now at a premium, so asking for anesthesia to again take the hit for profit after all the other cuts in reimbursement is just going to shrink the pool of providers. A reversal was absolutely necessary and all I can do is hope it signals a fresh look at the penalties being parsed out to drop reimbursement costs.

Robert Berndt, MD. Anesthesiologist in Beaumont, Texas: I applaud the recent decision not to implement the policy of not using actual time as a factor in determining reimbursement for anesthesia services. The rapid and vocal pushback by the ASA and individual leaders in the field of anesthesiology was to a large degree responsible for this. I think that Anthem was hoping to slip this under the radar and use a low average time conversion factor in order to reduce their costs and increase profit. Had they successfully implemented this policy, it probably would have been implemented in other states and by other insurance companies. It was pointed out that there is no evidence of any significant fraud involving misreporting of time units. This is typical behavior by the large insurance companies. They are in business to make a profit and do not feel a moral obligation to do the right thing by their insured patients if they can refuse to pay for care and get by with it legally. To them, it is a business decision and as long as it is legal and doesnt alienate a large number of their customers, they are OK with it.

The problem with redefining time is that there are a limited number of anesthesia procedure codes compared to the number of surgical CPT codes. Some of these surgical procedures are typically much longer than others. For example, a laparoscopic cholecystectomy would be expected to take an hour to an hour and a half whereas a colectomy involving upper abdominal dissection would be expected to take two and a half to three hours. Each of these surgeries use anesthesia procedure code 00790. There is also a significant difference in the time it takes different surgeons to perform the same operation. Some are very efficient and fast others are much slower but equally good outcomes. An unintended consequence of this policy could be preference for working with some providers over others. The ASA relative value code system uses time as a factor in calculating fees because anesthesiologists have no control over the time it takes to perform a surgical procedure but the time affects the amount of professional work involved.

Alan Bielsky, MD. Anesthesiologist at Childrens Hospital Colorado (Aurora): What I would say is that the reversal in their decision fails to address the real elephant in the room. Why are insurance companies continuing to pay less for the same work? Why do they seek to standardize their approach to payment when every case is different? Furthermore, when was the last time that any of their employees took a pay cut for the same number of hours worked?

Brian Cross, CRNA. Owner of CS Anesthesia (Youngstown, Ohio): The short answer is I am very happy they reversed their decision. However, Anthem has already done this in many states by capping what the reimburse anesthesia providers for gastrointestinal procedures at $200 no matter how long the procedure takes. This has been going on for several years. Additionally, several insurance carriers have cut reimbursement to nurse anesthetists by 15%. Our national organization, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, has filed a lawsuit last month against the director of HHS for not enforcing the current rules that keep insurance companies from discriminating against non physician providers who provide the same care to patients as their physician counterparts, which CRNAs do under our scope of practice.

Katy Dean, CRNA in Yorktown, Va.: It would be interesting to hear how Anthem BCBS came up with the policy in the first place. Who thought it was actually a good idea to limit pay for anesthesia based on a preset time for surgery? Who on the board at BCBS would want that policy applied to their loved one? I do not believe Anthem BCBS had any other choice but to reverse their decision. The bigger question is who will monitor insurance companies moving forward to assure that policies like this, which are directly detrimental to patient care, will not come up in the future.

Bob Ebener, DO. Anesthesiologist in Middleburg, Fla.: As an anesthesiologist, I am certainly glad that Anthem decided to reverse this decision. Reimbursement for anesthesiology services are undervalued as it is. Limiting anesthesiology reimbursement by putting a time cap on it is truly unfair and unacceptable, as we are committed to care when surgery is ongoing.

Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA. Editor-in-Chief of the AANA Journal and Professor at Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.): Obviously, the decision to base anesthesia billing on surgical time was ludicrous as anesthesia providers have no control over surgical procedure times. That is purely a surgical denominator, and as long as the surgery is ongoing, so should the anesthesia time. I am not sure what prompted such a huge misstep, but I am not surprised by the lack of commonsense policy. Most of us providers have gotten fairly used to arbitrary insurance carrier policies that impact the health system and really affect patient care in negative ways. The decision-makers were obviously completely disconnected from reality; I was glad to see they had reversed it.

Megan Friedman, DO. Anesthesiologist and Director of Pacific Coast Anesthesia Consultants (Los Angeles): Anthems decision to reverse its policy on anesthesia reimbursement is a critical win for patient safety and equitable care. The original policys time caps failed to consider key factors affecting surgery duration, such as patient-specific health conditions, unforeseen intraoperative complications and surgeon variability. No two surgical cases are the same, and these rigid limits could have discouraged anesthesia providers from taking on complex or longer procedures, potentially compromising patient outcomes.

The policy also posed significant financial challenges. Many facilities and ASCs already provide stipends to maintain anesthesia services due to insufficient reimbursement rates. Additional cuts could have increased these stipends, straining resources further for hospitals and ASCs. This financial burden would only compound the existing workforce shortage, with 78% of facilities reporting difficulties in anesthesia staffing and over half of anesthesia providers nearing retirement age.

Compounding these challenges is the growing demand for skilled anesthesia care driven by an aging population. Adults aged 65 and older account for a disproportionate share of surgical patients, often with complex comorbidities requiring advanced anesthesia expertise. The combination of workforce shortages, increasing procedural complexity and financial pressures highlights the need for policies that align with clinical realities and prioritize patient outcomes. Anthems reversal demonstrates the importance of such an approach, ensuring healthcare systems can continue to provide high-quality care in the face of growing demand.

Dewey Galeas, CRNA. Certified registered nurse anesthetist in Grovetown, Ga.: In regards to Anthem BCBS reimbursement policy, I can say  the motor- and skill-impaired surgeon is an eternal albatross to anesthetic practice. The anesthesia provider assumes a duty to the patient and cant end the anesthetic simply because we are out of quarters for the anesthesia pony. Tertiary and larger institutions/practices absorb this as a loss leader in the practice. Smaller, fee-for-service providers/ASC practices are unable to do so.

Robert Gordon, MD. Anesthesiologist in Ramsey, N.J.: Insurance companies exist to make money like any other business. In this case, the less they reimburse, the more they make. An already reduced anesthesiology community would have walked out. Anthem tried and were quickly shot down.

Matthew Gummerson, MD. Anesthesiologist in Dallas: It was completely appropriate for Anthem BCBS to reverse their anesthesia reimbursement policy. Like many other policies, this seems to have been made in haste by individuals who have clearly never been inside an operating room or taken care of surgical patients under anesthesia. As an anesthesiologist, we have no control over the surgeons technical efficiency, surgical planning or ability to deal with known or unanticipated complications. As fellow physicians, we trust that they will always do what is in the best interest of the patients, regardless of how long it takes  as we do. We simply would never turn off the anesthesia machine in the middle of the surgical procedure and walk out of the operating room when the arbitrary insurance coverage time is up. This was a laughable policy and Im glad that they reversed course, as this really wasnt a decision based in reality. We are honored to care for vulnerable patients and keep them safely under general anesthesia for as long as they need. As a last thought, I dont think this was a broader policy shift or statement as to anesthesia reimbursements across the board, but an experiment to explore what the possible fervent reactions might be from the anesthesia community. It was significant.

Bob Johnstone, MD. Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at West Virginia University (Morgantown): Anthems attempt to stop paying for anesthetics after specific durations was uninformed (anesthesiologists dont determine how long surgeries take), irritating (they didnt consult with anesthesiologists or surgeons beforehand) and possibly harmful to patients. It illustrates why patients and providers hate insurers.

Calvin Johnson, MD. Professor of Anesthesiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles): Anthem BCBS decision to reverse its anesthesia reimbursement policy is a positive step toward ensuring fair compensation for anesthesia providers. The initial policy raised significant concerns regarding patient access to care and the financial viability of anesthesia practices. By reversing the policy, Anthem is demonstrating responsiveness to the concerns raised by providers and stakeholders, which is crucial for maintaining trust and collaboration between payers and the healthcare community.

John Kezele, CRNA. Certified registered nurse anesthetist at Franklin County Medical Center (Preston, Idaho): First and foremost, unlike my surgeon colleagues, I only have control over procedure times that I directly perform. For example, acute pain block like an interscalene block, or chronic pain procedures where I am the primary provider performing the procedure. Whereas most of my time involvement during a surgical procedure is providing anesthesia for the patient and surgeon. This is where the challenge is. I cant control the surgical time of individual surgeries. Some surgeons perform the exact procedure faster or longer than other providers.

Historically, an anesthesia provider was fairly compensated for the individual time caring for the patient, from arrival in the OR to transferring care in the recovery room, which I call door swing time. From door to door we are the guardian angels. The surgical procedure is often timed from incision to closure  those times vary widely based upon the complexity of the procedure. The time from arrival in the OR to incision can be up to 60 minutes. Anesthesia is caring for the patient the whole time, and even after the surgeon finishes their part. The anesthesia provider is caring for the patient until they can be safely transferred to lesser acute care. This is what is called anesthesia time.

Apparently Anthem doesnt understand how everyone on the surgical team functions. As an independent CRNA practicing for 30 years, recently my QZ billing status has come under attack by many payers that think that because I am a nurse anesthetist providing care, I am subject to be paid less to provide the same service. In the face of rising cost, including wages, I find payers are reducing payments, including an additional 15% because I am an independent functioning anesthesia provider. Anthems policy was just another cost-saving tactic to help define a failed market. They arent the only ones. CMS has been doing the same.

Mike MacKinnon, DNP, CRNA. Owner of Mackinnon Anesthesia (Show Low, Ariz.): It is the right thing to do, but Im concerned about the decision-making process that led to this policy. My assumption is the recent murder of the UnitedHealthcare CEO and the subsequent outrage regarding commercial insurance companies had more to do with the reversal than anything else. At least the timing suggests thats the case, as they announced this policy in the second week of November and not until it hit the news again after the CEO murder was another light shed on this issue and they decided to reverse. My guess is this was to avoid more negative press eyes on them.

Matt Mazurek, MD. Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at Yale School of Medicine (New Haven, Conn.): I am deeply concerned and disappointed that Anthem, or should I say Elevance Health Inc., considered this proposal in the first place. My colleagues in the ASA and AANA feel the same way. The response on social media was immediate, forceful and broadly opposed. We were not in favor of their ridiculous and insulting proposal. If they thought it was a good idea, why did they decide to roll it out in only three states, including Connecticut, New York and Missouri? If they were confident, they would have rolled this out to all 14 states, not just three. I do not know how anyone at Elevance Health thought this proposal would be accepted by any anesthesiologist or CRNA or healthcare system. They did the right thing but only because there was overwhelming and immediate pressure. They messed around and found out.

These opinions are solely my opinion and not those of Yale School of Medicine or Yale New Haven Health.

Stan Plavin, MD. Anesthesiologist and owner of Oral Surgery Anesthesia Associates: Candidly, Anthem does these little tests in various marketplaces to see levels of tolerance and how the anesthesia community responds. It is deceptive and not without risk from a public relations stand point. Our reimbursement model is challenging in many ways and perhaps needs to be re-evaluated but for a policy to without any regard for patient care and focused only on the timing of an anesthetic reminds me more of riding an Uber than providing comprehensive medical care.

Rick Richter, MD. Anesthesiologist at Anesthesia Associates of Rock Hill (S.C.): I believe it was a retreat after testing the waters regarding reimbursement for anesthesia services. Anthem won the first round by curtailing payment for services of an unsupervised CRNA to 85% of a care team model payment. Anthem then reached for the stars by trying to eliminate the time component to reimbursement for anesthesiologists who have no control over the amount of time it takes a surgeon to perform the case. Anesthesiologists should resist any attempts to dilute the value of our services by insurance companies. Although the struggle for private practice physician groups (especially anesthesia groups) is real, transparency about the profit motives of insurance companies can maintain safe and comforting individualized care for patients that anesthesiologists and anesthetists have been known for. Otherwise, the supply of providers available will continue to dwindle.

Gerald Szelagowski, MD. Anesthesiologist at Buckeye Anesthesia Services and Consultants (Lima, Ohio): Its very interesting that Anthems policy was so egregious in how it attempted to not pay for anesthesia services that even had friends and family members who are not in the medical field texting me regarding this ridiculous policy. When the general public, who have no knowledge of how anesthesia time is billed, is reaching out to members of the medical community concerned, that tells you how far Anthem is going to go in order to increase profits.

James Stockman, MSN, CRNA. Past President of the Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists and CEO of Grasshopper Anesthesia Services: The reversal of BCBS decision is entirely appropriate. It should have never been considered. BCBS decision to cap anesthesia was shortsighted; anesthesia has little to no ability to determine the length of the surgery. It gave no consideration to mitigating factors such as having to convert a procedure from laparoscopic to open, or complications that might arise intraoperative. It essentially told a patient to choose a fast surgeon (regardless of skill). An insurance administrator shouldnt be determining the length of surgery.

Jeff Tieder, MSN, CRNA. Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga: The issue of anesthesia reimbursement is of great concern to me as a provider and a patient. Anesthesia reimbursement continues to decline as the shortage of providers continues to mount. This is a simple supply demand issue that passes the costs on to the hospital, ASC and patients. Anesthesia providers are at the mercy of the surgeons we work with. We have little to no impact on the duration of the surgical time. This has always been understood regarding why we are reimbursed on time units rather than procedure. This, along with the CMS decrease in reimbursement, is a disturbing trend. Insurance premiums continue to increase throughout the United States, yet reimbursement continues to decrease.

Jay Weller, MD. Anesthesiologist at Seven Hills Anesthesia (Cincinnati, Ohio): The real problem underlying reimbursement for anesthesia professional services in the United States is CMS conscious and intentional shifting of financial responsibility for the care of Medicare beneficiaries from the federal government to the private sector. With that said, sustainable payment reform will require a collaborative effort from providers and payers. Unilateral approaches like this one by Anthem BCBS are doomed not only to fail, but to add to the publics gross mistrust of the insurance industry. Anesthesiologists have no control over how long it takes to complete a surgical procedure, so the idea of cutting off payment at some arbitrary time made no sense from the beginning.
The money will fund the Transplantation of Human Eye Allografts program, which is researching science on transplanting the entire human eye, according to a Dec. 6 press release.

Daniel Pelaez, PhD, associate professor of ophthalmology at the Miller School, and David Tse, MD, an oculoplastic surgery and orbital disease expert at Bascom Palmer and professor of ophthalmology at the Miller School, will serve as co-principal investigators on the project.

Along with their team, the physicians are studying surgically recovering a live human eye and maintaining its function for vision restoration through organ transplantation.

For more than 100 years, physicians have successfully transplanted the cornea to treat specific types of vision loss, but transplantation of the entire eye, including the eyeball, blood supply and the optic nerve that connects it to the brain, is still considered a significant challenge.
Even with new leaders and new MPs, the immediate unpopular measures of the new regime in London, like scrapping the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners, increasing national insurance payments for employers and changes to inheritance tax for farmers, with their very extensive and negative repercussions, have met with only mild reaction in Stormont. In fact, politicians should aggressively be bringing pressure to bear in London on behalf of the whole of Northern Ireland as a distinct region. This is not Devon or Essex.
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Bands on parade at the Shutting of the Gates commemorations in Londonderry. Pic: Martin McKeown.

Apprentice Boys from Belfast on parade at the Shutting of the Gates commemorations in Londonderry. Pic: Martin McKeown.

Pride of the Orange & Blue flute band from Newbuildings, Co Londonderry. Pic: Martin McKeown.

On parade at the Shutting of the Gates commemorations in Londonderry on Saturday. Photo: Martin McKeown

On parade at the annual Shutting of the Gates commemorations in Londonderry. Pic: Martin McKeown

Pride of the Derg Flute Band from Castlederg on parade in Londonderry. Pic: Martin McKeown

The Apprentice Boys of Derry annual Shutting of the Gates commemorations in Londonderry on Saturday. Photo: Martin McKeown

The final parade of the year has taken place in Londonderry as Apprentice Boys took to the streets for the annual Shutting of the Gates ceremony.

But the traditional burning of the Lundy effigy was postponed due to bad weather caused by Storm Darragh.

Held on the first Saturday in December each year, the parade marks the anniversary of the Siege of Derry, which started in December 1688 when 13 apprentices locked the walled city's gates against the approaching army of the Catholic King James II.

The siege lasted 105 days and cost more than 10,000 lives.

The parade through the city usually involves around 25 bands, however, there were concerns attendance could be affected by the storm, with travel to and from Derry affected by bad weather and transport disruption.

Some of those on parade on Saturday were sporting woolly hats and coats to protect against the elements.

On Saturday afternoon organisers decided extreme gusts of wind made it unsafe to go ahead and burn the traditional Lundy effigy.

William Walker, the newly installed Apprentice Boys governor, said the burning would go ahead between now and December 18.

Mr Walker takes over the position from Graeme Stenhouse.

Mr Walker told the BBC: "It is humbling to reflect on being just the most recent in a long line of governors that stretches back more than 200 years, and with an Apprentice Boys heritage of more than 300 years.

Meanwhile, Mr Stenhouse predicted that the association would "continue to grow from strength to strength" under Mr Walker's guidance.

He told the BBC: "It's been an honour and a privilege for myself to occupy such a significant position in the organisation, and I will look back on my time fondly."

The main parade took place at 1.15pm around the city centre and finished with a service of remembrance at St Columb's Cathedral. The return parade began at 3.15pm and finished in the Waterside.
Top cop warns far right radicalising NIs young online

Policing Board told of increased threat following race riots during the summer

Police respond to disorder in Sandy Row, Belfast, in August (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Andrew Madden Sat 7 Dec 2024 at 08:50

A senior PSNI officer has voiced concerns about an increasing threat coming from the extreme right-wing in Northern Ireland.
Stormonts deputy First Minister has said the test for Sir Keir Starmer is whether he will listen to us after speaking to the Prime Minister during the British-Irish Council summit on Friday.

The meeting in Edinburgh with the Prime Minister and the leaders of all the devolved administrations marks the 25th anniversary of the first BIC which was held in London in 1999.
Officers were called to Ilford station in east London on Wednesday (Yui Mok/PA)

An Elizabeth line worker has died after an attack at a railway station in east London.

Officers from the British Transport Police (BTP) were called to Ilford station just before 8.50pm on Wednesday following reports of a serious assault.

The 61-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious head injuries but later died.

The RMT union said the victim was one of its members and worked as a customer experience assistant for MTREL, which runs the Elizabeth Line.

General secretary Mick Lynch said: We are deeply saddened by the passing of our member, who died following an attack while at work.

The whole union sends its condolences to their family, friends and colleagues at this awful time and everyones thoughts at RMT are with them.

MTREL said the man had been a dedicated member of the railway community for 24 years.

Mike Bagshaw, managing director of the transport operator said: This is an unimaginable loss, and my heart goes out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this profoundly difficult time.

He was a valued member of our team, serving the railway community with dedication and kindness for more than two decades.

We are devastated that such a senseless act of violence has taken the life of one of our colleagues.

He has lost his life simply for carrying out his job, everyone has the right to feel safe and protected at work and this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the unacceptable abuse faced by rail colleagues.

Ayodele Jamgbadi, of Kingston Road, Ilford, appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on Friday charged with grievous bodily harm, affray and possession of a prohibited offensive weapon in a private place and was remanded to appear at Inner London Crown Court on January 7.

BTP said detectives would apply to amend the indictment to reflect the death of the victim.

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP on 0800 405040 or text 61016 quoting incident 699 of December 4.
William will travel to France at the request of the Government for the high-profile event (Bernat Armangue/AP)

The Prince of Wales will meet US president-elect Donald Trump in Paris on Saturday as he joins world leaders for the ceremonial reopening of Notre Dame cathedral.

William will travel to France at the request of the Government for the high-profile event celebrating the restoration of the world-famous landmark following a devastating fire in 2019.

While in Paris, he will hold meetings with both Mr Trump and Americas outgoing first lady Jill Biden ahead of the ceremony, Kensington Palace said.

Mr Trump and dozens of heads of state and government accepted invitations from French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the ceremony.

William last met Mr Trump in 2019 when the then-president made a state visit to the UK.

The Notre Dame cathedral in Paris was devastated by fire in 2019 (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool Photo via AP)

The prince is expected to discuss the importance of the US-UK relationship with Mr Trump and Mrs Biden.

Williams last official visit to Paris was in 2017 when he travelled with wife Kate for a two-day trip in the aftermath of the Brexit result.

Earlier this year, he joined other world leaders in Normandy for the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Second World War D-Day landings.

Notre Dames reopening will include the ritualised opening of the cathedrals massive doors, the reawakening of its thunderous organ and the celebration of the first Mass.

William and Kate last officially visited Paris in 2017 (Victoria Jones/PA)

For both France and the Catholic Church, the televised and tightly scripted ceremonies will be an opportunity to display resilience and global influence.

Tickets for the first week of Masses were snapped up in 25 minutes, the cathedrals rector said.

In the first part of Notre Dames rebirth on Saturday evening, Archbishop Laurent Ulrich will lead more than 1,500 guests through a reopening service.

On Sunday, an inaugural Mass will be held featuring special rites to consecrate the main altar.
Romanian prosecutors have conducted raids linked to a man suspected of illegally financing a campaign to promote Calin Georgescus presidential run.

The move came a day after the countrys top court annulled the elections in which the far-right candidate had won the first round.

The raids at three properties in the central city of Brasov were based on suspicions of voter corruption, money laundering and cyber fraud, prosecutors said, and that the funds are suspected of originating from criminal activities.

The searches come after the Constitutional Court made the unprecedented decision on Friday to cancel the presidential elections, after a trove of declassified intelligence on Wednesday alleged Russia organised a sprawling campaign across platforms such as TikTok and Telegram to promote Mr Georgescu.

An official in the prosecutors office said the searches were conducted at properties linked to Bogdan Peschir. Intelligence alleged Mr Peschir is a key player behind a massive TikTok campaign that promoted Mr Georgescu.

Mr Georgescu had been in line to face Elena Lasconi in Sundays run-off vote (AP)

The secret services alleged that Peschir paid $381,000 (299,000) to TikTok users to promote Mr Georgescu content on the Chinese-owned platform.

Intelligence authorities said information they obtained revealed an aggressive promotion campaign to increase and accelerate Mr Georgescus popularity.

The charge is money laundering in connection with Georgescus financing, the official said. He added Mr Peschir will be brought to capital Bucharest for questioning.

There is no clear link between Mr Peschir and alleged Russian interference. Russia denies any meddling in Romania.

The courts published decision to annul the elections cited the illegal use of digital technologies including artificial intelligence, as well as the use of undeclared sources of funding.

Without naming Mr Georgescu, the court said one of the 13 candidates in the November 24 first round had improperly received preferential treatment on social media, which distorted the outcome of the vote.

Mr Georgescu also denounced the courts Friday verdict as an officialised coup and an attack on democracy.

Despite being an outsider who declared zero campaign spending, Mr Georgescu emerged as the frontrunner on November 24.

He was due to face reformist Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union party in a run-off on Sunday.

A pro-European rally was held following the first round vote (AP)

Thirteen candidates ran in the first round presidential vote in this European Union and Nato member country, and has been gripped by myriad controversies since the first round. New dates will be set to re-run the presidential vote from scratch.

In a televised statement on Friday, President Klaus Iohannis said he was deeply concerned by the contents of the intelligence reports, which indicated one candidates campaign was unlawfully supported from outside Romania and was a matter of national security.

The same candidate declared zero campaign expenditures, despite running a highly sophisticated campaign, he said.

Intelligence reports revealed that this candidates campaign was supported by a foreign state with interests contrary to Romanias.

Ms Lasconi strongly condemned the courts decision, saying it was illegal, immoral, and crushes the very essence of democracy and that the second round should have gone forward.

Many analysts were surprised by Mr Georgescus success (AP)

After Mr Georgescu topped the polls in the first round, his success left many political observers wondering how most local surveys had placed him behind at least five other candidates before the vote.

Many observers attributed his success to his TikTok account, which now has six million likes and 541,000 followers.

But some experts suspected Mr Georgescus online following was artificially inflated while Romanias top security body alleged he was given preferential treatment by TikTok over other candidates.

In a separate case on Saturday, prosecutors raided nine other properties in six counties investigating alleged extremists groups accused of promoting violence or hatred against individuals based on their ethnicity, sexual orientation, or political opinions related to the elections.

Prosecutors said they were investigating messages inciting violence against a presidential election candidate or their supporters, and the promotion of fascist, racist, or xenophobic ideologies.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Donald Trump to Paris on Saturday with a full dose of presidential pomp as the two held a hastily arranged meeting with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky before celebrating the grand reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

On a day that mixed pageantry with attention to pressing global problems, the once and future American president was warmly embraced by Mr Macron upon arriving at the Elysee Palace.

Its a great honour for French people to welcome you five years later, Mr Macron told Mr Trump. Welcome back again.

Mr Trump said it was a very great honour to be there, while hinting at challenges ahead.

French President Emmanuel Macron, right, welcomes President-elect Donald Trump as he arrives at the Elysee Palace (Michel Euler/AP)

It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now. And well be talking about that, Mr Trump said.

An actual red carpet was rolled out for Mr Trump as Mr Macron bestowed the kind of full diplomatic welcome that France offers sitting American presidents, complete with trumpets blaring and members of the Republican Guard in full uniform.

It was a clear sign that even though Mr Trump does nt take office until January 20, Mr Macron and other European leaders are already working to win his favour and treating him as Americas representative on the world stage.

President Joe Biden declined an invitation to attend the Notre Dame ceremony, five years after a devastating fire, with the White House citing a scheduling conflict. First lady Jill Biden was the official US representative in his place.

Emmanuel Macron points towards Germanys President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, right rear, as he talks with Donald Trump in Notre Dame Cathedral (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)

Mr Macron and leaders across Europe are trying to persuade the president-elect to maintain support for Ukraine in its defence against Russias invasion. Mr Macrons office said the war, along with conflicts in the Middle East, would be discussed.

As Mr Trump arrived at the official residence of the French president, Mr Macron went out of his way to project an image of close ties, offering handshakes and plenty of back-patting for the cameras.

In a video posted later on X, Mr Macron could be heard asking Mr Trump: You remember? as both men entered a reception room.I remember, Mr Trump answered.

Mr Trump spent about 90 minutes inside, meeting first with Mr Macron before they were joined by Mr Zelensky for about 35 minutes.

The French presidents office said the three-way talks were proposed by Mr Macron and arranged shortly before Mr Trumps arrival.

Mr Trump has pledged to end the war in Ukraine swiftly but has not specified how, raising concerns in Kyiv about what terms may be laid out for any future negotiations.

United States, Ukraine and France. Together on this historic day. United for Notre-Dame. Lets continue to work together for peace and security, Mr Macron wrote on X afterward.

Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and X who has spent considerable time with Trump since the election and spent millions to elect him, was also in attendance at Notre Dame.
MPAKA  It took robbers about five minutes to bomb and rob two ATMs over E1.3m and the Royal Eswatini Police Services (REPS) swift intervention saw some of them being arrested within an hour.

The incident took place at Mpaka Shopping Complex in the Lubombo Region, in the early hours of yesterday morning, around 1am, and the two affected automated teller machines (ATM) belong to First National Bank (FNB) and EswatiniBank. Apart from the E1 396 000 which the robbers stole, over E120 000 was recovered at the scene. Where the incident took place, there are three ATMs in close proximity and they belong to FNB, EswatiniBank and Swaziland Building Society. According to one of the security guards, who were on duty when the incident took place, it was around 1am when they heard a loud banging sound, the explosion, which was followed by several gunshots. At that time, he said there was a truck that made a stop, but after the gun shots, it drove off.

Rumbled

When describing the explosion, the security guard said it was so loud that it felt as if the ground he was standing on rumbled beneath his feet and the windows of the shopping complex and surrounding buildings made a rattling sound. The guard said when this happened; he was a stone throw away from the ATMs as his instincts kept on telling him to walk around. He said as he was sitting at his work station (near the ATM) and his instincts kept on telling him that he should move around, within 30 minutes, he heard the sound of the explosion. When he looked around, he saw the other security guard, who was in the bathroom, jumping over a wall fence.

When I turned towards the ATM, where the explosion sound came from , I saw two men rushing towards the ATM and I thought they were lighting fireworks, the guard said.

Thereafter, he said the other guard shouted that they should run away as robbers were bombing the ATMs, and as he was running towards his counterpart, he heard a second explosion.

When I looked back, I found that the lights of the ATM were off and that is when I realised that this was more serious than I thought, he said.

Fire

He said when he reached his counterpart, he realised that there was a man who was standing on the other side of the road, in front of the market stalls. He said he ran away together with his colleague for cover. I looked back again and I saw some fire. I thought they had now bombed the three ATMs, since they are so close to each other, he said. He said immediately they got to a safe place to hide, which was in between the houses adjacent to the shopping complex, on the other side of the gravel road, he called and reported the incident to his supervisors, who then contacted the police. Moments later, while they were hiding, he said they saw about three or four people crossing the road and they believe it was the robbers.

However, he said they did not see their car and where they had parked it. He said they just disappeared into the thick of night on foot, following the fact that it had been raining during the night.

Explosions

On the other hand, another source, who lives just behind the shopping complex, said when they peeped through the window after being woken up by the loud explosions, he first thought the complex had caught fire as it was covered in smoke. He said since they were afraid to come out of the house, they made some calls and were told that ATMs had been bombed and police were already on their way. He said they eventually went to the scene when they learnt that the police had arrived. He said upon their arrival, the senior officials from the Lubombo Police Regional Headquarters communicated with their equals from the other regions to mount roadblocks on all main roads from Mpaka.

Meanwhile, FNB Eswatini Acting Chief Marketing Officer Mncedzi Ngomane, confirmed that one of their ATMs located in Mpaka, along the MR3 Public Road, was targeted in a bombing incident which took place in the early hours yesterday. He said while the attack caused significant damage to equipment, they are relieved to report that no injuries or loss of life occurred. Thereafter, he assured their customers that their funds remain secure. He said although the perpetrators attempted to access cash, the advanced dye-ink security feature installed on all their ATMs ensured the cash would be unusable.

We remain committed to safeguarding our customers funds and maintaining the integrity of our banking services, Ngomane said. To mitigate any inconvenience caused by this incident, he said their customers at Mpaka and surrounding areas can continue accessing FNB cash services at FNB Cash Plus Agents around their area as well as nearby ATMs at Mafutseni Total Filling Station and at Lonhlupheko next to Engen Filling Station.

Investigation

Moreover, he said since this is a matter that is now under police investigation, FNB Eswatini will not be making any further comments about it.On the same note, EswatiniBank Executive Manager Marketing Lindiwe Shongwe, also confirmed the incident. She said it is unfortunate that this incident took place and highlighted that as a bank, they are still conducting their own investigation and working closely with the police.
Mary Lou McDonald is right: Sinn Feins decline hasnt undermined the chances of Irish unity

The party leaders argument after Republics general election seems implausible  but in fact it is correct... just not in the way she thinks

Mary Lou McDonald has presided over Sinn Fein's rise - but now its decline could be more beneficial to the cause of Irish unity. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty

Sam McBride Sat 7 Dec 2024 at 08:00

The cause of a united Ireland hasnt been set back by Sinn Feins failure to get into government, Mary Lou McDonald said this week. Shes right  although not for the reasons she claims.
Brethren jailed for historic sex attack on teen but walks free after lodging appeal

Creep (83) wrote victim letter of apology but later claimed it was all lies

Morgan Johnson

John Toner Sat 7 Dec 2024 at 19:02

A lifelong Brethren and ex-care home boss who tried to rape a teenager more than 30 years ago has been sentenced to four months in prison.
latest | H&W rescue deal could be signed within days

Agreement with Spanish shipbuilder would secure more than 1,000 jobs across companys four UK yards

The iconic Samson and Goliath cranes of Harland & Wolff

Christopher Woodhouse Sat 7 Dec 2024 at 14:17

A rescue deal for Harland & Wolff could be signed as early as next week with the state-owned Spanish shipbuilder Navantia.
Thug jailed for biting part of taxi drivers ear off charged with second attack on prison staff

Man (43) extradited from Thailand and caged for GBH on taxi driver back in court accused of another assault on warder

Jonathan Turley

Paul Higgins Sat 7 Dec 2024 at 14:26







An ear-biting thug jailed for attacking a taxi driver a decade ago is facing two charges of assaulting prison staff.
Adobe Stock

You put a star on top of your Christmas trees every Christmas and point to the Bethlehem star in your pageants. Its all part of commemorating the magic of the Star that guided the Wise Men to Jesus birthplace. Of course, reports of such an impressive sign in the sky are bound to inspire skepticism and uncertainty. What was the star? Did the Wise Men follow an actual star?

Beyond the wonder of it all, the story lends an element of wonder and anticipation to Jesus birth. They traveled so far, following the star to honor the birth of Jesus. But they also brought fabulous gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Why does the Wise Mens story still resonate with Christians today?

The Story of the Wise Men in the Bible

Matthew 2:112 details the story of the Wise Men as they saw the star in the east and set out on a journey to worship the King of the Jews. Of course, their search reached King Herod, who then questioned his scribes and priests about where Jesus had been born. They told him that prophets foretold that Bethlehem was the birthplace of a child who would rule the people of Israel.

Herod met with the Wise Men, asking when the star had appeared and telling them to go to Bethlehem to find the child. In what we now surmise was likely an act of trickery, he asked the Wise Men to come back and tell him where theyd found the child. He said he wanted to go worship the child as well.

So the Wise Men traveled to Bethlehem and found Jesus in a house with the star overhead. They worshiped the child, giving Him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They were warned in a dream not to return the same way they had come, so they went back home by a different route. They avoided reporting back to King Herod, but they dont appear to have stalled his wrath for long.

The Feast of the Holy Innocents is a memorialization and remembrance of the Massacre of Innocents. King Herod sent his soldiers to kill an estimated 14,000 young male children, aged up to 2 years old, in Bethlehem. These executions attempted to put an end to the perceived threat of the young Jesus as the King of the Jews. Christians now consider those children to be among the first martyrs.

Who Were the Wise Men (Magi)?

The Wise Men are sometimes known as Magi, which are prophets or soothsayers. Some depictions also say these three men were kings, possibly from Arabia, India, and Persia (although there was no Persian empire during that time period). They were individuals who likely had influence and money, but they felt compelled to pay homage to a child who was in a state of poverty.

In addition to our lack of clear understanding of where they came from, scholars dont have evidence about what the entire make up of their traveling party may have been. Matthew 2:112 mentions the three gifts, which immediately translates to the three Wise Men, or kings.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy

The prophecy in Numbers 24:17 mentions a star out of Jacob, while also referencing a scepter rising out of Israel, which refer to Jesus birth. Even as you dig into the prophetic mentions to determine the Old Testament links, you can see how far and wide the prophecies had spread.

In Daniel 2:24, we see Daniels wisdom and his gift for discernment in interpreting the kings dream. His gifts also allowed him the opportunity to save the lives of the Wise Men who had failed to interpret the kings dream. Daniel was in captivity for 70 years. Those years of captivity for Daniel and others were opportunities to share prophecies with other cultures.

Why Does the Wise Men's Story Still Resonate Today?

The Wise Men's story expands the scope of Jesus miraculous birth and early days to an international dimension. Beyond the local or even regional reach of Jesus appearance, dignitaries arrived from far and wide to give homage to the King of the Jews.

While the focus is often on His role as a Savior and King of the Jews, these men proved that He represented Jews and Gentiles alike. They sought Him out to honor Him, and throughout His life of service, His followers continued to flock to Him even as they still do today.

The story of the Wise Men still offers such mystery and inspiration even as we still peel back the layers of what we know and can determine from the threads of history.

Esther Lombardi is a dedicated writer, journalist, and author who writes about faith, spirituality, and Christianity. With a background in theology and a keen interest in ancient texts, she explores narratives that shape our understanding of spirituality.
BENNINGTON  A Pownal man initially charged with sexually assaulting a sleeping toddler before being released, then of violating his conditions of release twice by harassing the same victim before he was finally held in custody has taken a plea deal with prosecutors that can have him out of jail in two years.

Jonathan Gardner, 36, was charged on Sept. 16, 2023, with aggravated sexual assault and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child after a Sept. 13 Department of Children and Families (DCF) report stated that a 5-year-old was taken to the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center .

According to court documents, both violation cases plus the initial sexual assault against a child are all included in the deal.

Gardner pleaded guilty earlier this week to one count of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child. That charge has a minimum of two years behind bars. An upcoming contested sentencing hearing will decide how much more time Gardner will face after the two-year minimum.

Prosecutors have included, as mandatory, a successfully completed, incarcerated sexual assault treatment program as part of the deal. Gardner will also have to register as a sex offender for ten years if he completes the treatment program or for life if he does not. A psycho-sexual evaluation will also be part of the contested sentencing hearing. According to State Attorney Erica Marthage, the victim and her family, who now live in Louisiana, will make a victim impact statement at Gardners sentencing.

Gardner was initially scheduled to go on trial for two days before a jury this week. The plea deal and Gardiners guilty plea officially canceled that trial.

After his arrest on child sex charges, Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady, citing Gardners lack of criminal record, deemed him not to be a flight risk and released him on a $5,000 unsecured bond, with conditions, including an additional condition of not having anyone under the age of 16 allowed to visit or live in his residence.

A week later, Gardner was again arrested for violations of his release against the same victims  this time for allegedly cutting off electricity service at their home, having their trash cans removed from the premises, and, according to the victim, stealing their cat  all considered harassment of the victims, which is banned in his conditions of release.

Gardner was then charged with four counts, two of stalking and two of violating his conditions of release from the prior case. However, McDonald-Cady did not find probable cause for the two felony stalking charges due to the narrow scope of the definition of stalking in Vermont and because the original conditions did not mention stalking as a barred action.

After some legal maneuvering by State Prosecutor Jared Bianchi, one of the stalking charges was amended as a misdemeanor and reinstated. This was accomplished by removing the 5-year-old as one of the stalking victims because she, according to Judge McDonald-Cady, cannot own property; therefore, the charge does not fit the definition of stalking.

McDonald-Cady then added the word stalking to Gardner's current conditions of release. Gardner was again able to walk out of the courtroom. He was again released on the same unsecured bond.

The next violation charge, another misdemeanor weeks later, stemmed from two incidents where Gardner allegedly parked his car in front of the victims residence and sat there in violation of his condition of release that he stay a minimum of 300 feet from the victim and her residence.

After violating his conditions for the second time, Gardner was finally ordered held without bail by Judge McDonald-Cady, where he remains until his sentence is completed.

Gardner was originally charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child after a Sept. 13 Department of Children and Families intake report .

When the mother initially asked the child if anyone had touched her, she said yes but refused to talk about it. According to an affidavit in the case, the toddler then confided in another adult that Gardner had been touching her while sleeping. Other children were living in the residence, as well.

A forensic nurse at the hospital spoke with the victim in the SVMC Emergency Room, where the toddler confided that someone hurt her in private areas and that she wanted to tell what happened in those areas but wouldnt say anything. The nurse then reported her findings to DCF.

An interview with investigators later revealed the child was woken up from her beauty sleep, naming Gardner as the person who woke her up. When asked if anyone touched her, the child told police, Only Johnny.

Gardner initially faced a possible life sentence if convicted of felony child sexual assault. He faced an additional six months for each of the two violations of his conditions or release.

The contested sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for February 24th.
It is getting to be a regular occurrence. The U.S. Treasury runs out of money and warns Congress that they need more. Politicians on both sides strut and crow but delay until the 11th hour only to pass another "continuing resolution" for a few months. Will it ever end?
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PITTSFIELD  On Saturday, county residents gathered to remember a solemn, infamous date that saw the deaths of thousands and sparked the United State's entrance to World War II.

On Dec. 7, 1941, about 80 military service personnel from Berkshire County were stationed at the Pearl Harbor naval base in Honolulu when it came under attack from Imperial Japanese forces.

Two county natives were killed in the surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet  Roman Sadlowski, 21, and Edward Burns, 24, both of Pittsfield. Sadlowski, who was on the USS Oklahoma during the attack, now rests in Arlington National Cemetery, where he was given a final resting place thanks to advancements in genetic identification. His remains had previously been buried and unburied over the years as promising new developments arose and his family worked with Navy genealogists for over a decade, Ron Rousso noted.

About 40 people congregated at Pittsfields South Street Veterans Memorial Park to observe Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which was established by Congress in 1994 to commemorate the fateful day.

As snow fell softly on attendees Saturday, Skip Hoskeer began the proceedings by reading President Franklin Delano Roosevelts address to Congress on Dec. 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese attack killed 2,403 people, when he asked that war be declared between the U.S. and Japan.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory, Hoskeer said, quoting Roosevelt while addressing the crowd. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Saturdays somber event included a volley of gunfire by members of the Dalton American Legion Post 155, a performance of taps by Joseph DiFilippo, Doc Miller lighting the Christmas tree and Dick Kurek reading a closing prayer.

Rousso remembered the Berkshire natives who were there, including Sadlowski and Burns. He also read off a list of more than 40 names of people from Dalton and Pittsfield who were there on that fateful morning.

President Joe Biden offered remarks on the eve of the 83rd anniversary of the attack at the White House on Friday, describing the legacy of the attack and the country's response to it.

"It changed the future of the world," Biden said. "During World War II, we stood at an inflection point. We still stand at an inflection point, where decisions we make now, make in the next four or five years, will determine the course of our future for literally decades to come. ... Like our forebearers, we owe it to the next generation to set that course on a more free, more secure and more just path. To do that work Gen. [Douglas] MacArthur said all those years ago from which a better world for all will come."
GREAT BARRINGTON  Housatonic residents' reimbursement from the town toward expenses related to buying and installing water filtration systems, bottled water purchases and any laundry-related costs have doubled to $600.

The town made the increase in the months following a court ruling that stopped the town from forcing Housatonic Water Works Co. to supply bottled water to all its customers every day.

The reimbursement program is open to all the companys customers, and the application is available on the towns website, the town announced on Friday.

Customers who have already received the allotted $300 reimbursements can apply for another $300.

The Housatonic Water Works Water Reimbursement Fund is the result of a $100,000 state earmark secured in 2022 by former state Sen. Adam Hinds. After Hinds left office, state Rep. William Smitty Pignatelli worked to ensure the money made it to Town Hall coffers.

It is unclear exactly how much of the earmarked funds remain. Town Manager Mark Pruhenski could not immediately be reached for comment.

The money is intended to help residents who are struggling with the fallout of water quality problems  particularly discoloration that ranges from yellow to brown. The company says it is due to excess manganese that escapes from sediment in the Long Pond source when the weather warms.

Although the problems date at least a decade back, an uptick in customer complaints the last several years have forced town officials to act, and the company to start upgrading its aging system.

The state awarded a rate increase to solve the problems, but residents continue to struggle with expenses from water problems as well as worries about whether it is safe. The water currently meets state and federal guidelines for safety.

Meanwhile, the Select Board is interviewing attorneys who specialize in water utility acquisitions as it moves forward on a plan to purchase the private water company so it can be managed with all the advantages of public entities. Those include more government funding, according to officials and the waterworks owners.

Also, the towns Board of Health and the waterworks are dealing with a dispute in court stemming from water quality problems.

The town is appealing a Berkshire Superior Court judge's granting of an injunction to the waterworks that will stop a correction order it issued to the company.

The order would require the company to supply customers bottled water daily and allow the board to do extra testing at waterworks expense. Violations would result in fines of up to $1,000 per day.

On Nov. 18, the water companys attorney asked Judge John Agostini to make the injunction permanent in a final judgment, according to the court docket update. The judge said he would wait for the town to decide on its plan. On Nov. 20, the town filed its notice of appeal.

The board had a closed-door session planned with the towns attorney scheduled on Thursday night, but the board is delaying its closed-door session until January because there wasnt anything new to discuss, according to board Chair Michael Lanoue.
Citizen-led petition will bring Greylock Glen Commission to a vote at Adams' December special town meeting The home rule petition has exposed a rift between town leaders who say it's too soon for a commission to take over the finances of the glen development, and residents and state Rep. John Barrett, who say a commission is long overdue.

Our Opinion: It's worth repeating  where'd the Greylock Glen commission go? Based on the topic that took up the most time at Adams' annual town meeting, we apparently aren't the only ones asking "Whatever happened to the Greylock Glen Commission?" We add our voices to those in the Adams community wondering with increasing worry about the delay of a critical procedural step toward fully realizing a landmark project for the Northern Berkshire landscape.

Weve been on the record for months that its past time for Adams to turn over the Greylock Glen projects administration to a dedicated commission.

Creating such a commission to oversee the glens development and operations has always been understood as a necessary procedural step of this long-nurtured plan. Yet for at least half a year, some Adams officials have slow-walked this step. When Adams citizens inquired during their June annual town meeting as to why the creation of a Greylock Glen Commission hadnt been prioritized to take the projects management off their municipal governments plate, Town Administrator Jay Green argued now is not the time. Six months later, as a citizens petition has forced the matter to a vote at next weeks special town meeting, some Adams officials are still saying its not the right time.

Back in June, we laid out our argument for why we think a glen commission is needed sooner than later. Management and logistics for such a massive project are best handled by a dedicated entity that can be more responsive than Select Board votes and town meetings, which have important local matters to focus on. Its both more expedient and more responsible to remove from the shoulders of the Adams taxpayers the expenses and potential liabilities of the project. If we want to see this moonshot of responsible development turn into a regional draw on par with the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, history has shown us the formula: Establishing a commission before the project is fully off the ground to help get it to that point as quickly and sustainably as possible.

Normally when we evaluate a citizen petition on a town meeting warrant, we believe it is the petitioners burden to demonstrate why the measure is necessary. In this case, however, we think the burden is on those who oppose creating the commission, because a Greylock Glen Commission has always been a part of the plan. Moreover, such a commission would more quickly develop the expertise to handle the construction and management issues that are bound to arise in a project of this size and scope. Therefore, we call upon the petitions opponents to come forward and state solid reasons for why this overdue step should be delayed further.

Those opponents, including some top town officials, have offered up some reasons. Adams Select Board Chair John Duval and Vice Chair Christine Hoyt said they recommend town meeting members vote against the measure at Tuesdays special town meeting. They claim keeping the glens development in the hands of municipal governance is necessary to keep the process nimble (similar to Town Administrator Greens argument in June), and theyre also concerned with the prospect of relinquishing local control over the project.

To the first point, wed argue that in theory its much more nimble to let a dedicated commission handle the glens management and operations rather than leaving that work to be handled in spurts by town meetings and Select Board votes. And that theory has seemed to bear out in practice, since staffing up the Outdoor Center and forwarding campground development have stalled. Its likely the glen project would actually become quite a bit nimbler in the hands of a commission, which would have the added benefit of removing a big distraction from town business that demands local leaders focus.

That brings us to opponents second point: Yes, handing over the keys to a Greylock Glen Commission means giving up direct local control. We certainly agree with commission-skeptical local officials sentiment that the commission should have Adams community members so that town interests are still represented. Town leaders will be able to make that so, even if the state, which has kicked in considerable investment, gets to pick a seat or two. Even Select Board members Duval and Hoyt say they understand the need for a glen commission at some point. While delaying the commissions creation hamstrings the critical development work such an entity could foster, it wont negate the fact that the commission, which nearly everyone involved in the many years of glen development planning has acknowledged as necessary, will take away some local control by design.

The citizens of Adams were well aware of this tradeoff back in 2020 when town meeting representatives approved forming a glen commission, an effort that unfortunately faltered while awaiting the Legislatures approval of the requisite home rule petition. Town meeting representatives expression at Junes annual town meeting as well as the citizens petition that put the matter back on the warrant for next weeks special town meeting suggests the people of Adams understand the local control trade-off and are eager to seize the benefits to both the glens development and their municipal governments efficiency.

Typically, we dont use this space to wade into debates over individual items on a towns meeting warrant. Beyond our previously established stance on this issue well before it was a town meeting matter, were making an exception for the same reason that we believe a Greylock Glen Commission is necessary: This development  in scope and promise  is about more than Adams or any one town. That goes for not only the sources of investment (which includes significant state and federal dollars) but the dividends we hope to see this project pay out to the entire Northern Berkshire region.

Unless commission opponents, official or otherwise, can articulate a convincing reason to further put off an overdue procedural step toward toward realizing this long-nurtured sustainable development dream, it seems to us that theres no better time than the present to get on with the process of creating a Greylock Glen Commission.
Here are the biggest stories leading Saturdays front pages.

The Irish Times reports that some Independent TDs will seek ministerial posts as part of any deal to support the next coalition government.

The successful Marina Market in Cork is set to compete for a multi-million state aid package to deliver an event and conference centre in the city, according to the Irish Examiner.

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The Irish Independent says Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are leaving the door open for Labour to join coalition talks.

The Irish Daily Mail and Irish Daily Mirror lead with the impact of Storm Darragh after coastal counties were placed under a red warning on Friday night.

The Irish Daily Star reports on a shortage of the black stuff in Britain ahead of Christmas.

A variety of royal and political stories vie for the top spot on British front pages.

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The Sun, the Daily Mirror and the Daily Express lead on Britain's Princess of Wales and the royal family giving a heartwarming message of hope at a carol concert in London.

In political news, the Daily Telegraph reports that industry bosses want customers to pay for the cost of building new mini-nuclear reactors, which is at the heart of a new British government policy.

The i weekend says the UK government has dropped a promise to cut emergency waiting times to four hours for 95 per cent of patients.

British finance minister Rachel Reeves has warned boosting defence spending could mean cuts in other areas, according to the Daily Mail.

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The Independent splashes on calls from domestic abuse campaigners, who have accused Keir Starmer of putting violence against women on the back burner.

The Guardian reports the number of victims withdrawing from rape prosecutions has doubled in five years.

M15 has been forced to pare back focus on counterterrorism to deal with growing threats from hostile threats like Russia, The Times writes.

In international news, the FTWeekend leads on Romanias top courts decision to cancel Sundays presidential election following allegations of Russian interference.

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Lastly, the Daily Star says people are more likely to get a pay rise or a work promotion by sucking up to their bosses than by working hard.
The gunman who killed the chief executive of the largest US health insurer may have fled the city on a bus, New York City police officials told CNN on Friday.

Video of the gunman leaving the scene of Wednesdays shooting of UnitedHealthcare boss Brian Thompson showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN.

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We have reason to believe that the person in question has left New York City, Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

A backpack carried by the gunman was found in Central Park on Friday.

The attacker made sure to conceal his identity with a mask during the shooting yet left a trail of evidence in view of the nations biggest city and its network of security cameras.



A New York police officer stands on 54th Street outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson was fatally shot (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

A law enforcement official said on Friday that surveillance footage shows the suspect riding the subway and visiting establishments in Manhattan and provided more clues about his actions in the days before the ambush.

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The reason for the killing remains unknown.

New York City police say evidence firmly points to it being a targeted attack.

Investigators believe the suspect may have travelled to New York last month on a bus that originated in Atlanta, according to the law enforcement official, who was not authorised to discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.



Brian Thompson was a father of two (UnitedHealth Group via AP)

Once arriving in New York, he always appeared to pay with cash in establishments where he was captured on camera, the official said.

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Investigators have tested a discarded water bottle and protein bar wrapper in a hunt for his DNA.

They also were trying to obtain additional information from a mobile phone recovered from a pedestrian plaza where the gunman fled after shooting Mr Thompson outside his companys annual investor conference at a hotel just blocks from Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Centre.

Police have released photos of the suspected gunman that were taken in the lobby of a hostel on Manhattans Upper West Side.



Members of the New York police crime scene unit check evidence at the site of the shooting (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

The images, showing an unmasked man smiling in the lobby of the HI New York City hostel, add to a collection of photos and video circulated since the shooting  including footage of the attack itself, as well as images of the suspected gunman stopping at a Starbucks beforehand.

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Surveillance images from the shooting show 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.

Investigators have learned the man lowered his mask at the front desk of the hostel because he was flirting with the woman who checked him in, the law enforcement official told the AP, leading to a photo of his face.

The woman told investigators that during that encounter she asked to see his smile and he pulled down his mask, the official said.

Investigators believe the suspect used a fake New Jersey identification card, the official said, when he checked in at the hostel, which has a cafe along with shared and private rooms and is just blocks from Columbia University.

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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 walking by the front desk. The person wore a jacket that looked like the one worn by the man in surveillance images, the official said.

Investigators believe the shooter had at least some firearms training and experience with guns, the official said.

Security video shows the killer approaching Thompson from behind, firing several shots with a gun equipped with a silencer, barely pausing to clear a jam while the executive fell to the sidewalk.

The words deny, defend and depose were scrawled on the ammunition, two law enforcement officials told the AP on Thursday.

The messages mirror the phrase delay, deny, defend, which is commonly used by lawyers and critics about insurers that delay payments, deny claims and defend their actions.

Mr Thompson, a father of two sons who lived in a Minneapolis suburb, had been with Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as chief executive for more than three years.

The insurers parent company, UnitedHealth Group, was holding its annual meeting in New York for investors. The company abruptly ended the conference after Mr Thompsons death.

UnitedHealth Group said it was focused on supporting Mr Thompsons family, ensuring the safety of employees and assisting investigators.

While our hearts are broken, we have been touched by the huge outpouring, the company said.

UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for more than 49 million Americans. It manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programmes.

In October, UnitedHealthcare was named along with Humana and CVS in a Senate report detailing how its denial rate for prior authorisations for some Medicare Advantage patients has surged in recent years.

The shooting has shaken corporate America and the health insurance industry in particular, causing companies to re-evaluate security plans and delete photos of executives from their websites.

A different Minnesota-based health care company said on Friday it was temporarily closing its offices out of an abundance of caution, telling employees to work from home.
At least 29 people have been killed, including four medical staff, when Israeli strikes pummelled the area around one of the last remaining hospitals in northern Gaza, Palestinian officials said.

The situation in and around the Kamal Adwan hospital is catastrophic, according to Dr Hussam Abu Safia, the director of the facility.

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The dead included five children and five women, according to the hospital casualty list.

Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahiya is one of the few hospitals still partially operating in Gazas northernmost province, where Israeli forces are pressing an offensive that has almost completely sealed off the area from humanitarian aid for two months.



Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed (AP)

Israels military denied that its forces had struck the hospital or operated inside it.

The army said that in the past few weeks, coordinated efforts with international organisations have been under way in order to transfer patients, companions, and medical staff to other hospitals.

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An Indonesian medical team which had been assisting in Kamal Adwan for the past week said it was forced to evacuate on foot after the area was surrounded by Israeli soldiers.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the medical teams expulsion.



The humanitarian crisis extends to medical provision in Gaza (AP)

Dr Rik Peeperkorn, the World Health Organisation representative in the Palestinian territories, said an Israeli tank approached the hospital at around 4am on Friday (2am GMT). Although no official Israeli evacuation order was issued, people started to climb the wall to escape, and this panic attracted IDF (Israeli) fire, he said.

Kamal Adwan Hospital has been struck multiple times over the past two months since Israel launched a fierce military operation in northern Gaza against Hamas militants.

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In October, Israeli forces raided the hospital, saying that militants were sheltering inside and arrested a number of people, including some staff. Hospital officials denied the claim.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Qatar says he has seen new momentum in Gaza ceasefire efforts since the US presidential election, with the incoming Trump administration seeking an end to the conflict before it takes office.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, a key mediator in the efforts towards a truce, declined to give specifics of the negotiations but told an international conference in Doha that the gaps between the sides are not large.

Qatar, which has served as a mediator throughout the 14-month war, suspended its efforts last month in frustration over the lack of progress.

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But Sheikh Mohammed said his government has re-engaged in recent days after determining a new willingness by both parties to reach a deal.

We have sensed after the election that the momentum is coming back, he told the Doha Forum on Saturday.



Efforts to broker a ceasefire are continuing (AP)

He said has been in touch with both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration and found that while there are some differences in approach, both are committed to the same goal of ending the war.

We have seen a lot of encouragement from the incoming administration in order to achieve a deal, even before the president comes to the office, Sheikh Mohammed said.

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He declined to discuss details, saying he wanted to protect the process, but expressed hope for a deal as soon as possible.

If you look at the gaps and the disagreements, they are not something substantial that really affects the agreement, he said.

Elsewhere in the region, Lebanon said it is closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for a main one that links Beirut with the Syrian capital, Damascus.



The war has devastated the Gaza Strip (AP)

Jordan also closed a border crossing with Syria because of the security situation on the Syrian side.

Syrian insurgents have entered the central towns of Rastan and Talbiseh, just north of the central city of Homs, bringing them closer to Syrias third largest city.

A day earlier, jihadi-led opposition fighters captured the central city of Hama, Syrias fourth largest.

On Saturday, Syrian opposition and rebel commanders said insurgents had reached the suburbs of the capital, Damascus.

Israels war against Hamas has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced 90% of the population of 2.3 million, often multiple times.

The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel in October 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage.

Israels blistering retaliatory offensive has killed at least 44,600 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were combatants.

Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.
Burkina Fasos ruling military junta issued a decree on Friday dismissing Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela and announcing the dissolution of the national government.

The militarys leader, Ibrahim Traore, said officials in the dissolved government will continue to perform their duties until a new government is formed. No reason was given for the move.

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The junta in Burkina Faso seized power in September 2022 by ousting the military rule of Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba about eight months after it staged a coup to remove the democratically elected president, Roch Marc Kabore.

The country is one of several West African nations where the military has recently taken over, capitalising on popular discontent with previous democratically elected governments over security issues.

However, since its inception, the junta has struggled to end Burkina Fasos security challenges  the very reason that it claimed had prompted it to take power.

Growing attacks by extremists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group have devastated Burkina Faso where thousands have been killed in recent years and more than 2.0 million people have been displaced, half of them children.

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About half of Burkina Fasos territory remains outside of government control, analysts say.

The countrys transitional government has been running under a constitution approved by a national assembly that included army officers, civil society groups and traditional and religious leaders.

Under pressure from West Africas regional bloc known as Ecowas, the junta had set a goal to conduct an election in July to return the country to democratic rule.

However, in May it extended its transition term for five more years, the duration of one presidential term.

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Alongside the coup-hit nations of Niger and Mali, Burkina Faso has severed ties with longstanding Western and regional partners, including former colonial ruler France and Ecowas, which they quit early this year.
Frances historic Notre Dame Cathedral has reopened its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019.

The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is widely seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline  and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes.

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Under the luminous stained glass, many world leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers gathered in Paris in the evening to mark the occasion  a rare moment of unity against the backdrop of global divisions and conflicts.



The reopening takes place just five years after the devastating fire (AP)

The Prince of Wales, Americas first lady Jill Biden, and US President-elect Donald Trump, along with nearly 50 heads of state and government and personalities  1,500 guests in all  attended the reopening celebration under Notre Dames soaring Gothic arches, led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich.

Instead of starting from the cathedrals forecourt as initially planned and because of strong winds forecast for Saturday evening in Paris, the French presidential palace and the Paris diocese said on Friday the entire opening ceremony will be held inside Notre Dame.

Notre Dames rector, the Rev Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, said the cathedral is more than just a French monument and a beloved treasure of worlds cultural heritage.

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The fire led to shock across the world (AP)

The cathedral is a magnificent symbol of unity, the rector said. A sign of hope, because what seemed impossible has become possible.

Saturdays events will blend solemn religious tradition with cultural grandeur, starting with Archbishop Ulrich symbolically reopening Notre Dames grand wooden doors.

Tapping them three times with a staff crafted from charred wood salvaged from the cathedrals fire-ravaged roof, he declared the cathedral open for worship once more.

Psalms, prayers, and hymns will fill the cavernous space as the cathedrals thunderous organ, silenced since the fire, is reawakened. The 8,000-pipe instrument, painstakingly restored and cleaned of toxic lead dust, will respond to the archbishops invocation, with four organists performing an improvised interplay of melodies.

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The restoration marks a triumph for Emmanuel Macron  who has not has his troubles to seek, politically (AP)

Later in the evening, a star-studded concert will take centre stage inside the cathedral and pay tribute to its resurrection and to those who laboured to restore it, offering a universal message of harmony.

Pianist Lang Lang, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and soprano Pretty Yende are among the world-famous artists slated to perform.

On Sunday, Archbishop Ulrich will lead the inaugural Mass and consecrate the cathedrals new altar, designed by contemporary artist Guillaume Bardet to replace the one crushed beneath the flaming spire in the blaze.

Nearly 170 bishops from France and abroad will attend the Mass, alongside priests from all 113 parishes of the Paris diocese.

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The reopening marks a rare moment of international unity in a turbulent time (AP)

The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound unrest world over, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East.

For Catholics and Notre Dames rector, the cathedral carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.

It is a magnificent symbol of unity, a sign of hope, the Rev Dumas said.

Other dignitaries coming to Paris for Notre Dames rebirth include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, underlining the cathedrals significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace.

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The new baptistery was designed by French artist and designer Guillaume Bardet (Pool via AP)

The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to embattled Mr Macron, whose Prime Minister resigned this week, plunging the nations political scene into more turmoil.

The French President, who has called Notre Dames reopening a jolt of hope, will address the gathering. He had hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase Frances unity and resilience under his leadership.

The ambitious five-year restoration timeline, announced just a day after the 2019 fire, had seemed improbable to many but its achievement serves as a testament to Mr Macrons can-do attitude.

His presidency faces its gravest crisis after the governments collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier after just three months  the shortest tenure of any government in the history of the Fifth Republic.

The vote followed months of political gridlock after snap elections. Calls are now growing louder from centrists and opposition forces on the far left and right for Mr Macron, whose approval ratings have plummeted, to resign.



The stained glass rose window and the great organ have been fully restored (Pool via AP)

But he vowed in an address to the nation on Thursday night to remain in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he will name a new prime minister within days.

As France struggles with economic woes and mounting social unrest, Notre Dames rebirth celebrations is a stark contrast to the crisis.

Security will be tight all through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year.

The Ile de la Cite  the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame  will be closed to tourists and non-residents, with access restricted to invitees and those who live on the island.

Public viewing areas along the Seines southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens.

Archbishop Ulrichs reopening the cathedral doors will be followed by a liturgical service and the reawakening of the grand organ, ending with the celebratory concert that will honour Notre Dames cultural and spiritual significance.

For many, Notre Dames rebirth is not just a French achievement, but a global one  after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire.

Following the 2019 fire, nearly one billion dollars (784 million) in donations quickly poured in from every corner of the world, testifying to Notre Dames universal appeal.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Donald Trump to Paris on Saturday with a full dose of presidential pomp as the two men resumed the relationship they established during Trumps first term after a four-year hiatus.

Mr Trump, the once and future American president, said the two would be discussing a world thats gone a little crazy as they met one-on-one before a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after a devastating fire.

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Mr Trumps visit to France comes as Mr Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trumps favour and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defence against Russias invasion.

Mr Macrons office said that would be discussed as well as the wars in the Middle East.



Emmanuel Macron, right, and Donald Trump shake hands outside the Elysee Palace (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

As Mr Trump arrived at the Elysee Palace, the official residence of the French president, Mr Macron went out of his way to project an image of close ties, posing for multiple handshakes interspersed with plenty of back-patting.

Mr Trump said it was a great honour and talked about the great relationship they have had.

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At the palace, a grand red carpet was rolled in the same way the French welcome sitting American presidents.

Before they went inside, Mr Trump said, It certainly seems like the world is, going a little crazy right now. And well be talking about that.

Later, Mr Macron and Mr Trump sat down to meet Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mr Trump has pledged to end the war in Ukraine swiftly but has not specified how, raising concerns in Kyiv about what terms may be laid out for any future negotiations.
Donald Trump is making his first international trip as US President-elect, joining world leaders and dignitaries in Paris for a celebration of the renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral after a devastating fire in 2019.

Mr Trump wrote when he accepted the invitation earlier this week that French President Emmanuel Macron had 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!

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Mr Macron, who has had an up-and-down relationship with Mr Trump, has made a point of cultivating a relationship with the President-elect since he defeated Kamala Harris in the US election last month.

Notre Dame has been restored after a devastating fire in 2019 (AP)

But his office nonetheless played down the significance of the invitation, saying that other politicians who do not currently hold office had been invited as well.

Mr Trump was invited as President-elect of a friendly nation, Mr Macrons office said, adding: This is in no way exceptional, weve done it before.

President Joe Biden was invited as well but will not attend. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre cited a scheduling conflict and said that the US first lady, Jill Biden, will instead represent America.

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Mr Trump and Mrs Biden last encountered one another shortly after the election, when he visited the White House for the traditional meeting between outgoing and incoming presidents.

His visit to France comes as Mr Macron and other European leaders are trying to cultivate Mr Trumps favour and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defence against Russias three-year invasion.

The restoration marks a rare triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who had championed an ambitious timetable on the project (AP)

Ahead of the Notre Dame event, Mr Macron will meet Mr Trump and then separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the French Presidents office said.

It is not clear whether Mr Trump will meet Mr Zelensky. Mr Trump has vowed to end the war in Ukraine swiftly but has not specified how he will do so, raising concerns in Kyiv about what terms may be laid out for any future negotiations.

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In an effort to build trust with the incoming US administration, Mr Zelenskys top aide Andriy Yermak met key members of Mr Trumps team on a two-day trip earlier this week.

A senior Ukrainian official described the meetings as productive, but declined to disclose details.

Relations between France and the US during Mr Trumps first term began warmly enough but grew increasingly strained over time.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the event, but it is not known if he will meet Mr Trump (AP)

Mr Macron was the guest of honour at Mr Trumps first state dinner, and Mr Trump travelled to France several times.

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But the relationship suffered after Mr Macron criticised Mr Trump for questioning the need for Nato and raising doubts about Americas commitment to the mutual defence pact.

On the campaign trail this year, Mr Trump often mocked Mr Macron, imitating his accent and threatening to impose steep tariffs on wine and champagne bottles shipped to the US if France tries to tax American companies.

The vaulted ceiling has been fully restored  a marked contrast to the devastation that shocked the world in 2019 (AP)

But Mr Macron was one of the first global leaders to congratulate Mr Trump last month after the election.

Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump, Mr Macron posted on X the morning after the election.

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Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.

Mr Trump was president in 2019 when a massive fire engulfed Notre Dame, collapsing its spire and threatening to destroy one of the worlds greatest architectural treasures, known for its mesmerising stained glass.

The famous stained glass windows have been rebuilt (AP)

So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, he wrote on what was then Twitter, offering his advice to the city.

Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly! he wrote.

French officials appeared to respond shortly after, noting that all means were being used to extinguish the flames, except for water-bombing aircrafts which, if used, could lead to the collapse of the entire structure of the cathedral.

Last weekend, Mr Trump announced that he intends to nominate real estate developer Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Predecessors in that prestigious role include Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.
Denmark has delivered a second batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, as he travelled to Paris to meet top politicians and dignitaries.

In a message on Telegram, Mr Zelensky praised Denmark and lamented a lack of dedication from other allies.

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The first batch of planes provided by the Danes are already shooting down Russian missiles: rescuing our people and our infrastructure. Now our air shield is reinforced even further, he said.





The second batch of F-16s from Denmark has arrived in Ukraine. This is an example of leadership in defending lives that sets Denmark apart.



The aircraft from the first batch, provided by the Danish people, are already intercepting Russian missiles, saving our peoples lives and  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) December 7, 2024

If all partners were so determined, we would have been able to make Russian terror impossible.

The announcement comes as Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region marks a day of mourning for 10 people killed in a Russian attack on Friday.

A further 24 people, including two children, were injured when a missile struck a local service station, regional governor Ivan Fedorov said.

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Another three people were killed in a strike on the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih on Friday, Ukraines State Emergency Service said.



The war is dragging on into another year (Zaporizhzhia Military Administration via AP)

Addressing the attacks, Mr Zelensky said that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not seek real peace.

Mr Putin only seeks the ability to treat any country this way, with bombs, missiles, and all other forms of violence, Mr Zelensky added.

Only through strength can we resist this. And only through strength can real peace be established.

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Mr Zelensky is due to meet other world leaders on Saturday, including French President Emmanuel Macron, at an event in Paris celebrating the renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral after a devastating fire in 2019.

US President-elect Donald Trump is among those expected to be in attendance, with European leaders keen to cultivate the incoming leaders favour to persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine against Russias three-year invasion. Its not clear whether Mr Trump will meet Mr Zelensky.
The UNs special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an orderly political transition in Syria.

Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the talks in Switzerland would discuss the implementation of a UN resolution that called for a Syrian-led political process.

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Resolution 2254, adopted in 2015, called for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with UN-supervised elections.

Mr Pedersen said the need for an orderly political transition has never been more urgent and said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute.



Syrian opposition fighters ride along the streets in the aftermath of the oppositions takeover of Hama (Ghaith Alsayed/AP)

His call came as Syrian insurgents were reported to have reached the suburbs of Damascus as part of a rapidly moving offensive that has seen them take over some of Syrias largest cities.

It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of the Syrian capital since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the region adjacent to the capital following a years-long siege.

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It came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern Syria on Saturday, leaving more areas of the country, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters.

Later, on Saturday evening, a Syrian opposition war monitor and a pro-government media outlet said government forces have withdrawn from much of the central city of Homs.



A giant banner of Syrian President Bashar Assad hangs on the facade of a building, as pedestrian walk through an the empty streets of Damascus (Omar Sanadiki/AP)

The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syrias third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it.

Losing Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Syrias embattled leader, Bashar Assad. The city stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syrias coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus  the Syrian leaders base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base.

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Its capture is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama, as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer.

The rapid advances by insurgents is a stunning reversal of fortunes for Mr Assad, who appears to be largely on his own, with erstwhile allies preoccupied with other conflicts.



A convoy of insurgents in civilian vehicles arrives in Hama (Ghaith Alsayed/AP)

His chief international backer, Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine, and Lebanons powerful Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up his forces, has been weakened by a year-long conflict with Israel.

Iran, meanwhile, has seen its proxies across the region degraded by Israeli airstrikes.

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Amid the dramatic developments, Syrias state media denied rumours flooding social media that Mr Assad has left the country, saying he is performing his duties in the capital, Damascus.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents are now active in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya.



Residents flee the fighting in Hama carrying their belongings (Ghaith Alsayed/AP)

He added that opposition fighters on Saturday were also marching from eastern Syria toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta.

A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces have started carrying out the final stage of their offensive by encircling Damascus.

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He added that insurgents were headed from southern Syria toward Damascus.

Syrias military, meanwhile, sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syrias third largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts.

The shock offensive began on November 27 led by the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syrias largest, and the central city of Hama, the countrys fourth largest city.

The group has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organisation by the US and the United Nations.

HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani told CNN in an exclusive interview on Thursday from Syria that the aim of the offensive is to overthrow Assads government.

In the gas-rich nation of Qatar, the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey were scheduled to meet to discuss the situation in Syria. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels seeking to overthrow Assad.
Enforcement of the rules governing the estate tax has eased in part because the IRS has been decimated by years of budget cuts. In the early 1990s, the agency audited more than 20 per cent of all estate tax returns. By 2020, the rate had fallen to about 3 per cent. Newly elected Senate majority leader John Thune. Credit: AP The trend is likely to accelerate with Republicans controlling both the White House and Capitol Hill. They are already slashing funding for law enforcement by the IRS. The incoming Senate majority leader, John Thune, and other congressional Republicans for years have been trying to kill the estate tax, branding it as a penalty on family farms and small businesses. Yet, Huangs multibillion-dollar manoeuvre  detailed in the fine print of his filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and his foundations disclosures to the IRS - shows the extent to which the estate tax has already been hollowed out. An Nvidia spokesperson, Stephanie Matthew, declined to discuss details of the Huangs tax strategies.

The United States adopted the modern estate tax in 1916. In recent decades, congressional Republicans have successfully watered it down, cutting the rate and increasing the amount that is exempt from the tax. Today, a married couple can pass on about $US27 million ($42 million) tax-free; anything more than that is generally supposed to be taxed at a 40 pr cent rate. Can you dig it? In 2012, Huang and his wife, Lori, took one of their first steps to shield their fortune from the estate tax. They set up a financial vehicle known as an irrevocable trust and moved 584,000 Nvidia shares into it, according to a securities disclosure Huang filed. The shares were worth about $US7 million ($11 million) at the time, but they would eventually generate tax savings many times greater. The Huangs were taking advantage of a precedent set nearly two decades earlier, in 1995, when the IRS blessed a transaction that tax professionals affectionately nicknamed I Dig It. (The moniker was a play on the name of the type of financial vehicle involved: an intentionally defective grantor trust.)

One of the beauties of I Dig It was that it had the potential to largely circumvent not only the estate tax but also the federal gift tax. That tax applies to assets that multimillionaires give to their heirs while theyre alive and essentially serves as a backstop to the estate tax; otherwise, rich people could give away all their money before they die in order to avoid the estate tax. Loading In Huangs case, the details in securities filings are limited. But multiple experts, said it was almost certainly a classic I Dig It gift, loan and sale transaction. The $US7 million of shares Huang moved into his trust in 2012 are today worth more than $US3 billion ($4.7 billion). If those shares were directly passed on to Huangs heirs, they would be taxed at 40 per cent  or well over $US1 billion. Instead, the tax bill will probably be no more than a few hundred thousand dollars. The Huangs soon took another big step toward reducing their estate tax bill. In 2016, they set up several vehicles known as grantor-retained annuity trusts or GRATs, securities filings show.

They put just over 3 million Nvidia shares into their four new GRATs. The shares were worth about $US100 million ($156 million). If their value rose, the increase would be a tax-free windfall for their two adult children, who both work at Nvidia. That is precisely what happened. The shares are now worth more than $US15 billion ($23.4 billion), according to data from securities filings compiled by Equilar, a data firm. That means the Huang family is poised to avoid roughly $US6 billion ($9.4 billion) in estate taxes. If the Huangs trusts sell their shares, that will generate a hefty capital gains tax bill  more than $US4 billion ($6.2 billion), based on Nvidias current stock price. The Huangs can pay that bill on behalf of the trusts without it counting as a taxable gift to their heirs. Tax strategy Starting in 2007, Huang deployed another technique that would further reduce his familys estate taxes. This strategy involved taking advantage of his and his wifes charitable foundation.

Huang has given the Jen Hsun & Lori Huang Foundation shares of Nvidia worth about $US330 million ($516 million) at the time of the donations. Such donations are tax-deductible, meaning they reduced the Huangs income tax bills in the years that the gifts took place. Loading Foundations are required to make annual donations to charities equal to at least 5 per cent of their total assets. But the Huangs foundation is satisfying that requirement by giving heavily to what is known as a donor-advised fund. Such funds are pools of money that the donor controls. There are limitations on how the money can be spent. Buying cars or vacation homes or the like is off-limits. But a fund could, say, invest money in a business run by the donors friend or donate enough money to name a building at a university that the donors children hope to attend. There is a gaping loophole in the tax laws: Donor-advised funds are not required to actually give any money to charitable organisations. When the donor dies, control of the fund can pass to his heirs  without incurring any estate taxes.
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Handmade biscuits are the perfect way to spread some holiday cheer  delicious, fun, and a treat everyone will enjoy.

This is one of our new Christmas recipes for 2024. See all stories .

Emelia Jackson lives for Christmas baking. The Melbourne-based food writer has devoted an entire chapter to festive baking inspiration in her recently released cookbook, Some of My Best Friends are Cookies. But I could have expanded that chapter tenfold, says Jackson.

Christmas is a chance for Jackson to bust out treasured recipes and introduce new variations on favourite themes. There will always be a riff on gingerbread (this year, its spicy German pfeffernusse, see recipe), confectionary of some kind (perhaps nougat or almond toffee bark), and, in a nod to her Greek Macedonian heritage, crumbly kourabiedes crescents.

Many of these end up in hampers for the lucky adults in her immediate family, packaged alongside store-bought goodies such as wine, a jar of organic Pana chocolate hazelnut spread or salted caramel sauce, and cheese.

Packaging everything beautifully is part of the process she enjoys most.

Selecting an annual colour theme (this year its soft greens), Jackson looks for tins, transparent boxes, crisp brown paper, clear cellophane bags, and ribbons that showcase her handiwork. The important thing, she says, is to let the bakes speak for themselves.
The final touches on Lune Croissanteries Sydney store were done, and the grand opening was set for Saturday morning  five years after the famed Melbourne bakery started pursuing a NSW expansion.

But after such a stressful lead-up, founder Kate Reid was so burnt out that she didnt think shed have the energy to cut the proverbial ribbon.

Kate Reid at Lunes Sydney grand opening on Saturday. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone

Our social media looks like were flying and punching and kicking and just going, but my bodys been broken this week, said Reid, who first opened Lune in the Melbourne suburb of Elwood in 2012.

Just yesterday, I said: Im not sure if Im going to get through tomorrow with the energy required.
There is no better time to realise youre ungrateful than lying wide awake and scrolling through Instagram at 3am. Inevitably, you will come across someone who has posted one of those vaguely inspirational quote tiles designed to remind you exactly how good youve got it.

My personal favourite came from a girl who went to my high school that I will soon unfollow. She posted a picture of the ocean accompanied by text that read: If you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a nice place to sleep, you are doing just fine. The caption? Grateful.

Merry Christmas to everyone except the mosquito terrorising me each night. Credit: Michael Howard

I had most of those things  food in the fridge, clothes on my back, and a roof  but, unfortunately, my nice place to sleep was disturbed by an unmistakable buzz.

A tiny irritant, nearly invisible to the naked eye but so powerful it will jolt you from your slumber and leave you hate-scrolling the internet in the early morning hours.
Archax, the UKs first FCA regulated digital securities exchange, broker and custodian, today announced a new partnership with XDC Network, an enterprise-grade Layer-1 EVM-compatible blockchain. Under the partnership, the two firms will combine the power of a regulated digital asset platform with innovative blockchain solutions to enable financial institutions to access tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) cost-effectively and efficiently - and in the process broadening the adoption of digital assets and revolutionizing global financial markets.

The collaboration enables access to digital assets listed on Archax through the XDC Network platform. Archax is a leading innovator in the industry and recently announced adding money market funds from several more blue-chip asset managers to its platform. XDC is a network designed to power global payments and real-world assets focused on scalability, security and interoperability.

Were excited to partner with XDC Markets, a leader in the blockchain and tokenization space, and a firm that shares our vision to capture the next wave of the tokenized economy, said Keith OCallaghan, Head of Structuring at Archax. Innovation and evolution of digital assets has been at our core since inception. The underlying blockchain DLT technology and tokenization are set to reshape traditional financial markets by creating an entirely new set of financial and trading instruments. As a regulated player, were perfectly positioned to deliver institutional grade products, services and infrastructure that bridge TradFi into the digital world.

Momentum Building for Tokenization of Real-World Assets

According to a report by Standard Chartered, the market for tokenized real-world assets is projected to reach $30.1 trillion by 2034. Demand is growing for solutions like tokenized money market funds, enabling Fintechs and firms in the crypto space to access yield bearing instruments in digital form that can also be used to transfer value while maintaining flexibility.

XDC Networks latest upgrade now supports 2,000 transactions per second. The XDC Network was built with trade finance in mind, said Angus OCallaghan, Head of Markets at XDC Network. With our platforms robust performance and functionality, we have the ideal protocol for real world asset tokenization for institutions. Within the digital asset space, these institutions desire to work with regulated entities who can aim to ensure that transactions are both transparent and efficient, said OCallaghan. Partnering with Archax, an industry trusted name, brings our shared vision to life.

Our focus has always been to deliver top solutions to our customers, continued OCallaghan. With XDC Network, we're unlocking access to a diverse range of potential partners and issuers for our customers.

Archax has consistently been recognized as a leader in the digital asset space. In October, the firm received Ripples Innovation Award for its efforts to transform capital market infrastructure and drive adoption in the digital asset space.

About Archax

Archax is the first ever digital securities exchange regulated by the FCA in London. Targeted at institutions, Archax also has its FCA brokerage, custody and crypto permissions. Founded by experts from traditional capital markets and backed by an accomplished advisory board, Archax offers a credible bridge between the blockchain world and the existing investment space. The Archax team is used to working in highly regulated markets and has a deep understanding of the blockchain landscape and tokenization too  as well as a vision of how to evolve them and open up digital assets to institutions in a transparent manner. Archaxs solutions are built using proven, resilient, scalable, high-performance infrastructure, integrated into the existing institutional trading workflow. For more information, visit: https://archax.com/

About XDC Network

XDC Network is a blockchain specifically developed to support trade finance and RWA tokenization. A highly optimized, EVM-compatible Layer 1, XDC Network reaches consensus through a delegated proof-of-stake (dPoS) mechanism, which allows for a transaction time of mere seconds, near-zero gas fees, and a high number of transactions per second (TPS). Secure, scalable, and highly efficient, the XDC Network powers a wide range of novel blockchain use cases and provides state-of-the-art infrastructure for enterprise-grade blockchain applications. For more information visit https://XinFin.org or https://XDC.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241206845994/en/
Reuters

The European Union and four South American countries on Friday finalised a free trade agreement that took over two decades to negotiate.

Before implementation, however, the accord faces a key test in Europe amid initial resistance from Ireland, France and some other EU members.

What is the Mercosur trade deal?

Mercosur is a trade bloc of four South American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

The trade deal with the bloc would be the EU's largest in terms of the population of its partner and in terms of tariff reductions, which could amount to 4 billion annually, phased out over several years.

It is also the biggest deal for Mercosur, which has trade agreements with Egypt and Israel and has signed one with Singapore. The EU sees this as giving it an early-mover advantage.

It covers industrial goods, agricultural products, raw materials and services, and contains sustainability clauses.

What is the detail on agricultural products?

The EU will liberalise 82 per cent of Mercosur agricultural imports and Mercosur will remove tariffs on 93 per cent of tariff lines for EU exports. For some products, tariff-rate quotas will apply.

The EU will phase in over five years a 99,000-metric-ton quota of beef, with a 7.5 per cent duty. This represents 1.6 per cent of overall EU beef consumption per year. The EU already imports annually about 200,000 tons of beef from Mercosur.

There is a quota for poultry representing some 1.4 per cent of overall EU consumption. The four Mercosur countries together are already the EU's leading supplier, with Brazil number one, ahead of Ukraine.

There are also EU quotas for pork, sugar, ethanol, rice, honey, maize and sweet corn.

European farmers have repeatedly protested, saying the deal will lead to cheap imports of South American commodities that do not meet the EU's green and food-safety standards. The European Commission says the EU's standards will not be relaxed.

There are also potential safeguard measures to address possible market disturbances.

Mercosur will give the EU a duty-free 30,000-metric-ton quota for cheeses (now with 16-28 per cent tariffs), phased in over 10 years, with other quotas for milk powders and infant formula.

Mercosur will also phase in tariff reductions for EU wines (from 20-35 per cent now), spirits (mostly 20 per cent), olive oil, fresh fruit, canned peaches and tomatoes, pork products, chocolate and soft drinks.

Further, the deal recognises 350 geographic indications to prevent imitation of certain traditional EU foodstuffs such as parmigiano reggiano cheese.

What comes next?

The Mercosur bloc's four founding members have signalled support for the agreement, which each can implement once its national legislature approves.

In the European Union, the process is more complicated.

After legal review and official translation of the agreement in coming months, the EU may split it up to speed ratification.

The core trade deal could be fast-tracked with approval by a simple majority of EU lawmakers and a qualified majority of EU governments, meaning 15 countries representing at least 65 per cent of the EU population.

To block that process, at least four EU members representing more than 35 per cent of the EU population would need to oppose it.

What is the Irish Government's stance?

The Government said it would oppose the new Mercosur trade deal between the EU and South American countries because of the threat to Irish farming interests, setting up conflict with Brussels from the outset of Ursula von der Leyens second term at the helm of the European Commission.

Irish officials will examine the details of the agreement Ms von der Leyen signed in Montevideo, Uruguay, with the leaders of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

But a spokesman for Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin said Mr Martins opposition to the agreement remained unchanged.

Both the Tanaiste and Taoiseach Simon Harris vowed to oppose the deal in its then form during the election campaign. With formal talks on a new coalition led by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael set to begin next week, the two leaders came under immediate pressure not to waver from their election stance.

Will other EU countries block the deal?

Ireland may find an ally with key EU member France.

The French government, already facing a domestic crisis, will look to rally resistance and may find other support from Austria, Poland and the Netherlands. Together they account for around 30 per cent of the EU population, so they would need to find more opponents to block the deal.

Germany, Spain and nine other EU members, together home to about 40 per cent of the EU population, have urged negotiators to reach a deal this year.

Implementation of the wider political accord between the trade blocs, including new rules for cross-border investment, would likely require approval by national parliaments in the 27 EU member countries - a much longer process.

What is at stake?

Leaders have touted the accord as the world's largest trade and investment partnership, bringing together a market of more than 700 million people. Economists estimate the deal could do away with 4 billion of tariffs annually, which are likely to be phased out over several years.

The accord should help Europe export more autos and manufactured goods, while securing access to minerals crucial for its energy transition.

It should also lower trade barriers for South American meat and grains, which has angered Irish and other European farmers.

Why has the deal taken so long?

Negotiators agreed to a version of the trade deal in 2019, which European nations refused to ratify, citing environmental concerns after the election of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and a surge in Amazon rainforest fires.

The EU sought assurances on environmental policy in a side letter, which Mercosur countries took as fresh protectionism requiring other concessions in further rounds of negotiations.

Recent talks in Brasilia and Montevideo finally bridged the gap on environmental protections, government purchases and other hot button issues, clearing the way for the new deal to be signed.
The Bryan College Worship and Performing Arts Department embarked on a journey to New York City, where 21 students and four faculty members had the honor of singing at Carnegie Hall. This milestone experience marked the first time flying for four of the students, making it a truly memorable trip for everyone involved, said officials.

The ensemble joined the American Festival Chorus for the world premiere of The Blessing of Christmas, a composition by Phil Barfoot.

The tour also included a visit to the Brooklyn Tabernacle, where they participated in worship services. Additionally, the Bryan College choir held a concert at Gateway Church on Staten Island, aiming to encourage local churches and believers in the community.

Student Andrew Morris said, This was a wonderful trip! The whole experience was amazing and has created memories that will last a lifetime.

For more information about Bryan College Worship and Performing Arts Department and their upcoming events, visit https://www.bryan.edu/worship-arts.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation will conduct its quarterly testing and maintenance on the Market Street Bridge in downtown Chattanooga on Sunday, from 8 a.m. to no later than 8 p.m. The bridge will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic while testing is performed.

This work is weather dependent. Should inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances delay the testing and maintenance, it will be rescheduled to take place at a later date. Drivers are advised to use the Olgiati Bridge or the Veterans Bridge as alternate routes while the Market Street Bridge is closed.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel. Get the latest construction activity traffic updates from the TDOT SmartWay Map. Travelers can also call 511 for statewide travel information.

The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee carries the possibility of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500.




A U.S. Marine CH-53 aircraft will land at approximately 9 a.m. on Tuesday, at the Tennessee Riverpark in support of local U. S. Marines Toys for Tots efforts and Wreaths across Chattanooga. Also, for the past several years, the first Wreaths Across Chattanooga wreaths are placed to honor and remember the Fallen Five at the Wreath of Honor. The Wreath placement will take place at 10 a.m. at the Wreath of Honor.

The public is invited to the Tennessee River Park to make donations to Toys for Tots as well as to get an up-close look at the U. S. Marine CH-53 aircraft along with other U.S. Marine military assets. Additionally, the public is invited to attend the 10 a.m. Wreath of Honor wreath laying ceremony at each of the Five Pillars with wreath placements performed by four U.S. Marines and a U.S. Navy Sailor as part of the Wreaths across Chattanooga program.

Please dont miss an opportunity to donate to Toys for Tops and to Remember the Fallen Five.
The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga (ULGC) celebrated its 42nd Annual Equal Opportunity Day (EOD): State of the Movement breakfast at The Chattanoogan Hotel on Thursday. The event brought together community leaders, stakeholders and advocates to highlight the organizations impactful work and recognize outstanding contributions to advancing equity and empowerment.

The program was made possible by presenting sponsor BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, along with platinum co-sponsors EPB and TVA.

The morning featured reflections on ULGCs achievements and its vision for the future, with highlights including:

State of the Movement Address: Jennifer Fuller, ULGC board vice chair, outlined the organizations progress over the past year, which included serving more than 10,700 residents, earning national recognition as a high-performing affiliate and implementing impactful programs to address racial and economic disparities.

Jennifer Fuller, ULGC board vice chair, outlined the organizations progress over the past year, which included serving more than 10,700 residents, earning national recognition as a high-performing affiliate and implementing impactful programs to address racial and economic disparities. Youth Perspective Panel: Participants from ULGCs Project Ready initiative, a leadership and academic development program for high school students, discussed their perspectives on the movement and its influence on the community.

Participants from ULGCs initiative, a leadership and academic development program for high school students, discussed their perspectives on the movement and its influence on the community. Special Award Presentations: The Urban League honored individuals and organizations for their commitment to equity and justice: Spirit of the Movement Award: Ron Harris, former ULGC board member and BlueCross BlueShield executive, was recognized for embodying the principles of equity and justice in his contributions to the Urban League movement. Community Impact Award: Chris McKee and McKee Foods Corporation were honored for their sustained efforts to improve the communitys quality of life and elevate the standard of living. Inclusion by Design Award: Tennessee American Water was recognized for its dedication to diversity, inclusion, and support of ULGCs workforce development initiatives over the past three years. Whitney M. Young Jr. Award: Eric Atkins of the Unity Group received this honor for his outstanding leadership and advocacy for justice, social consciousness and civic engagement.

The Urban League honored individuals and organizations for their commitment to equity and justice: Scholarship Awards: The ULGC celebrated the achievements of outstanding high school seniors with the Warren E. Logan Jr. National Achievers Scholarship. This years recipients included: JaMya Rogan: A senior at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, planning to major in biochemistry to pursue her passion for science, research and medicine. Timothy Rice III: A senior at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, intending to pursue a degree in business. Meko Moss: A senior at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences.

The ULGC celebrated the achievements of outstanding high school seniors with the Warren E. Logan Jr. National Achievers Scholarship. This years recipients included:

The event concluded with remarks from ULGC President and CEO Candy Johnson, who reflected on her tenure and shared her vision for the organizations future.

Together as a 'movement' for racial, social and economic justice, we have maintained forward progress in our collective efforts to advance the vision of empowering communities and changing lives," said Ms. Johnson. "I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our community, our investors, the leadership of our board of directors and the passion and commitment of our staff to ensure our success. More importantly, the inspiration we've all gained from the individuals we serve who benefit from our daily empowerment programs. They make this work worthwhile. Together, weve made meaningful strides toward empowering individuals and families, and I am excited for the opportunities ahead as we continue building a brighter, more inclusive city for all.

Attendees were encouraged to deepen their support for ULGCs mission by making donations during the event. These contributions directly fund programs that create equitable opportunities and improve the quality of life for all residents.
District 11 Public Defender Steve Smith urged local lawyers and citizens to join him in brainstorming reform of the public defender system during his talk at the Rotary Club of Chattanooga on Thursday.

Distrust of police nationwide in recent years has spread to distrust of the whole criminal justice system, including judges and lawyers, but thats not the right direction, Mr. Smith said. Were losing confidence in our own institutions to resolve these issues.

He traced solutions to better post-incarceration data which tracks certain key indicators, and spending money to rebuild families.

That family is where people learn to be connected to one another, Mr. Smith said. Disconnection causes crime, he added.

The speaker asked the audience, and seemed to ask local governments, to spend money on non-profits that help teach families how to be families, echoing District Attorney Coty Wamps pleas to church leaders to engage in neighborhoods where teenagers are murdering each other.

I would have fewer clients, and I would appreciate it, he said. The courts system is not instilling family values, he stated.

The right to a public defender was established in the 1960s, a landmark for human rights at the time.

We dont want the government determining who is guilty, Mr. Smith said.

But some grumble that public defenders have used the courtroom for biased political advocacy, or that defendants are coerced to take plea deals, muddling those rights. Plea deals deprive the defendant and the community of public trial but save the courts system time and money, it was stated.

Mr. Smith said District 11 had 10,000 cases in 2023, which he compared to a hose spraying indiscriminately at a wall. Each of his offices 24 lawyers had 250 clients that year, or one whole case every day, and made $300 per case.

Do (defendants) come out better at the end of the process? he asked.

Our response to crime is more important than the crime, he told club members.

Mr. Smith, a former prosecutor, said the system takes emotional and knee-jerk reactions out of response to wrongdoing, so that crime can be somewhat controlled.

We have to manage crime, Mr. Smith said. (Crime) is a part of human nature.

Mr. Smith was elected in 2014 and oversees a staff of 32 who help defend members of the community who are indigent.

In his tenure he helped found the districts first mental health court, first recovery court and first juvenile recovery court.

Mr. Smith worked as a geologist after graduating from UTC, camping for weeks at a time to study rocks in Death Valley or Costa Rica.

I wanted to be a scientist, he said. It was on a backpacking trip with friends that he decided to run for public defender, on a lark, he said.

When he won, it was almost a dog-catches-car moment, he said.

Ive played music my whole life, on my couch, he joked. Mr. Smith plays guitar in 7th Street Band with Criminal Court Judge Barry Steelman and several prosecutors. The group is set in the regular lineup at Cherry Street Tavern this February.
Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report.

(If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com)

APPLEBERRY, XAIVIER DEWAYNE

4519 SAINT ELMO AVENUE CHATTANOOGA, 37409

Age at Arrest: 37 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

REGISTRATION, SUSPENDED***MUST APPEAR***

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY***MUST APPEAR***



ARMOUR, JOHNNY LEBRON

720 CHERRY ST Chattanooga, 374021909

Age at Arrest: 67 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

DISORDERLY CONDUCT



BERNABE LOARCA, DOMINGO

2808 E 45TH ST CHATTANOOGA, 374073011

Age at Arrest: 39 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD

DOMESTIC ASSAULT

THEFT OF PROPERTY

INTERFERENCE WITH EMERGENCY CALLS



BLAIR, HARRY LEE

1081 HOSS ST CLEVLAND, 37421

Age at Arrest: 61 years old

Arresting Agency:

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA



BROWN, ERIC MARSHALL

4946 HWY 151 LA FAYETTE, 30728

Age at Arrest: 40 years old

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff

POSSESSION OF METH (SELL, DEL.

OR MANUFACTURING)POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCEPOSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIADRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSEPOSSESSION OF LEGEND DRUGS W/O PRESCRIPTIONTAMPERING WITH OR FABRICATING EVIDENCECHACAJ CHIVALAN, FELICIANO3872 YOUNGSTOWN ROAD CHATTANOOGA, 37416Age at Arrest: 22 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffFAILURE TO APPEARFULTS, RONALD CODY102 DESTIN DRIVE DUNLAP, 37327Age at Arrest: 35 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDTHEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT INVOLV.MERCHANDISE)RESISTING ARREST OR OBSTRUCTION OF LEGAL PROCESSCONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IN SCHEDULE IIPOSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIAGLADDEN, KASANDRA LATRICE4309 13TH AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37407Age at Arrest: 39 years oldArresting Agency: Tenn Hwy PatrolDRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (2ND)SPEEDING 59/40DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSEDRIVERS TO EXERCISE DUE CAREDRIVING ON ROADWAYS LANED FOR TRAFFIC, VIOLATIONHALLMAN, JERRY SCOTT4013 CHATTANOOGA VALLEY RD. FLINTSTONE, 30725Age at Arrest: 34 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDTHEFT OF PROPERTY OVER $1,000.00HARTLEY, STEPHEN ANDREW5318 SPRIGGS ST CHATTANOOGA, 37412Age at Arrest: 41 years oldArresting Agency: East RidgeRECKLESS ENDANGERMENTDISORDERLY CONDUCTPOSS OF FIREARM DURING A FELONYPOSS.HANDGUN WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCEHINTON, KEVIN LEBRON1712 N HICKORY ST CHATTANOOGA, 37406Age at Arrest: 54 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffNONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANTJACKSON, ALAN JEROL9126 NORTH HICKORY VALLEY ROAD CHATTANOOGA, 37416Age at Arrest: 42 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffDOMESTIC ASSAULTINTERFERENCE WITH EMERGENCY CALLSMCCULLOUGH, KENNIJAH LANAE1020 ALTA MAHA STREET CHATTANOGA, 37411Age at Arrest: 22 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDFUGITIVE (CATOOSA CO GA)MCDANIEL, DAVID DEWAYNE904 N HICKORY ST CHATTANOOGA, 374063142Age at Arrest: 27 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffBooked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)MORRIS, OSHA TREMELL327 REIDSVILLE LN Chattanooga, 374112139Age at Arrest: 29 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffPOSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF DANGEROPOSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF DANGEROPARSON, NIKKI HEATHER NICOLE3414 CLAYTON AVENUE EXT CHATTANOOGA, 37412Age at Arrest: 32 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffVIOLATION OF PROBATION (BURGLARY)FAILURE TO APPEARPOSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIACONTRABAND IN PENAL INSTITUTIONSPOSSESSION OF LEGEND DRUGS W/O PRESCRIPTIONPOSSESSION OF METH (SELL, DEL. OR MANUFACTURING)RIDGE, KATELYN DENISE1695 FINALET DRIVE SODDY DAISY, 37379Age at Arrest: 35 years oldArresting Agency: Soddy DaisyBooked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)ROBERSON, DENZEL2105 MILNE ST CHATTANOOGA, 374064248Age at Arrest: 20 years oldArresting Agency:Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)ROBINSON, JAMES EDWARD4417 OAKWOOD DR APT 1305 CHATTANOOGA, 374115078Age at Arrest: 44 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDHEADLIGHTS ON MOTOR VEHICLES (INCLEMENT WEATHER)FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITYDRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSEROLLINS, JAYLON JWON1603 BAILEY AVE CHATTANOOGA, 374043002Age at Arrest: 24 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffPOSSESSING A FIREARM WITH INTENT TO GO ARMEDPOSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCESALVADOR, ABEL503 S LYERLY ST CHATTANOOGA, 37404Age at Arrest: 25 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffBooked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)SHACKLEFORD, MICHAELA CONCEPCION3322 WINDSOR COURTS CHATTANOOGA, 37411Age at Arrest: 28 years oldArresting Agency: East RidgeDUITRUSS, TIBERIUS LAMAR7095 LOVE HOLLAND CHATTANOOGA, 37406Age at Arrest: 28 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDTHEFT OF PROPERTYDRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALEPOSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIATRAILER REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Here are the mug shots:



APPLEBERRY, XAIVIER DEWAYNE

Age at Arrest: 37

Date of Birth: 04/14/1987

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Charge(s):

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

REGISTRATION, SUSPENDED***MUST APPEAR***

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY***MUST APPEAR*** ARMOUR, JOHNNY LEBRON

Age at Arrest: 67

Date of Birth: 08/23/1955

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Charge(s):

DISORDERLY CONDUCT BERNABE LOARCA, DOMINGO

Age at Arrest: 39

Date of Birth: 05/10/1985

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Charge(s):

DOMESTIC ASSAULT

THEFT OF PROPERTY

INTERFERENCE WITH EMERGENCY CALLS CHACAJ CHIVALAN, FELICIANO

Age at Arrest: 22

Date of Birth: 10/02/2002

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Charge(s):

FAILURE TO APPEAR GLADDEN, KASANDRA LATRICE

Age at Arrest: 39

Date of Birth: 12/18/1984

Arresting Agency: Tenn Hwy Patrol



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Charge(s):

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (2ND)

SPEEDING 59/40

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

DRIVERS TO EXERCISE DUE CARE

DRIVING ON ROADWAYS LANED FOR TRAFFIC, VIOLATION HALLMAN, JERRY SCOTT

Age at Arrest: 34

Date of Birth: 01/27/1990

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Charge(s):

THEFT OF PROPERTY OVER $1,000.00 HINTON, KEVIN LEBRON

Age at Arrest: 54

Date of Birth: 04/29/1970

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Charge(s):

NONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT JACKSON, ALAN JEROL

Age at Arrest: 42

Date of Birth: 10/19/1982

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Charge(s):

DOMESTIC ASSAULT

INTERFERENCE WITH EMERGENCY CALLS LIVARCHUK, DANIEL STANISVAL

Age at Arrest: 28

Date of Birth: 10/02/1996

Arresting Agency: Tenn Hwy Patrol



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Charge(s):

FUGITIVE (CATOOSA CO GA) MCCULLOUGH, KENNIJAH LANAE

Age at Arrest: 22

Date of Birth: 10/16/2002

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Charge(s):

FUGITIVE (CATOOSA CO GA)

MCDANIEL, DAVID DEWAYNE

Age at Arrest: 27

Date of Birth: 10/21/1997

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)

MORRIS, OSHA TREMELL

Age at Arrest: 29

Date of Birth: 11/20/1992

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Charge(s):

POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF DANGERO

POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING COMMISSION OF DANGERO ROBERSON, DENZEL

Age at Arrest: 20

Date of Birth: 03/01/2004

Arresting Agency:



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)

ROLLINS, JAYLON JWON

Age at Arrest: 24

Date of Birth: 04/30/2000

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Charge(s):

POSSESSING A FIREARM WITH INTENT TO GO ARMED

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE SALVADOR, ABEL

Age at Arrest: 25

Date of Birth: 01/05/1999

Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)

SHACKLEFORD, MICHAELA CONCEPCION

Age at Arrest: 28

Date of Birth: 01/15/1996

Arresting Agency: East Ridge



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Charge(s):

DUI TRUSS, TIBERIUS LAMAR

Age at Arrest: 28

Date of Birth: 01/25/1996

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD



Last Date of Arrest: 12/06/2024

Charge(s):

THEFT OF PROPERTY

DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

TRAILER REGISTRATION REQUIRED




Children in the Classroom. | Photo Credit: Pexels/ RODNAE Productions

A Christian youth organization has secured the right to hold meetings on every public school campus in Hawaii to ensure faith-based groups have equal access to school facilities.

Last month, the Christian conservative legal center, Liberty Counsel, announced that it had obtained a permanent statewide injunction allowing the Good News Club, a campus ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), to operate in every school district in Hawaii.

This injunction ensures that the after-school program, Good News Club has equal access to public school facilities, just like any other group.

This is a welcomed win not only for CEF Hawaii but for all Christian groups in the public square, stated Fred Pry, Acting CEF Vice President of Administration, in a statement shared with The Christian Post. Pry emphasized, The Constitution is crystal clear that the government cannot discriminate on the basis of religion or free speech.

Pry argues that all children deserve the opportunity to hear the truth about the life-saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. He affirmed that CEF will continue to fight for equal rights and access in public schools, noting that they have managed at least 200 cases and never lost one.

The case in Hawaii began when Liberty Counsel filed a lawsuit in January after four school districts in the state prevented Good News Clubs from meeting on public school campuses. The complaint argued that by granting comparable secular organizations access to facilities while denying this opportunity to the Good News Club, the school districts were violating the First and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Five months after the lawsuit was filed, Liberty Counsel obtained a preliminary injunction ruling that the Hawaii Department of Education and the six elementary schools named in the lawsuit must allow Good News Clubs to meet at school facilities, just like any other club. On November 19, a much broader permanent injunction was secured, ensuring that Good News Clubs are entitled to meet at any public school campus in the state.

The debate about whether Good News Clubs could meet on public school campuses reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 2001 with Good News Club v. Milford Central School. The justices ruled 6-3 that Milford Central School in Milford, New York, violated the First Amendment rights of the Good News Club when it kept the organization from holding after-school meetings on its campuses.

litigation over the rights of Good News Clubs to operate on public school campuses continues, extending beyond the now-settled lawsuit in Hawaii. Liberty Counsel has indicated that it is preparing another lawsuit against a school district in California, adding that in that district, every view is welcome  except for the Christian club.
PCUSA Headquarters Building in Louisville, Kentucky. | Photo Credit: PCUSA

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has experienced a decline of approximately 1 million active members since 2009 as it continues to face a years-long downturn.

The PCUSA released its annual statistics report on Tuesday, revealing that the denomination had around 1.094 million members in 2023. This marks a decrease of nearly 46,000 members compared to 2022, when the church reported 1.14 million active members.

The report also indicated a drop in the number of member congregations, falling from 8,705 churches in 2022 to 8,572 churches last year, resulting in a loss of 133 congregations.

This decline starkly contrasts with the church's figures in 2009, when it reported nearly twice as many members, totaling about 2.07 million, and had 10,657 congregations, over 2,000 more than in 2023.

I think it can be easy for us to see the decline in numbers and lose hope. We are certainly facing challenges, and we are trying to address those in various expressions of the denomination, stated the Rev. Jihyun Oh, executive director and stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Interim Unified Agency of the PCUSA.

However, there are also vital ministries and faithful discipleship represented in the statistics across the full range of faith community types and sizes. God continues to do new things in us and through us.

The 2023 statistical report highlighted that the largest age demographic within the denomination is comprised of members aged 71 and older, representing 33.46% of the total membership. In contrast, individuals aged 17 and younger make up only 3.99% of the congregation.

Regarding gender ratio, the report noted a slight increase in male membership, rising from approximately 348,000 in 2022 to around 365,000 in 2023. Additionally, members identifying as Non-Binary/Genderqueer increased from 1,317 in 2022 to 1,547 in 2023.

Like many other religious groups in the United States, the PCUSA has struggled with a significant decline in active members and affiliated congregations in recent years. A contributing factor to this decline has been the denomination's progressive theological direction, particularly concerning the acceptance of homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

In 2010, the PCUSA voted to allow regional bodies to ordain non-celibate homosexuals, a decision that prompted a few hundred congregations to leave in protest. In response to its ongoing decline, the PCUSA announced last month the cutting of several national staff positions and streamlining of its agencies and ministries.
Home News Human rights lawyers group condemn CCP's targeting of unregistered house churches with 'fraud' label

Lawyers, human rights activists and religious leaders in China have strongly condemned of the governments labeling of unregistered house churches as fraudulent organizations, decrying the accusations as violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief.

The statement, made public by the China Human Rights Lawyers Group this week, criticized the Chinese Communist Party for equating the collection of offerings by house churches with criminal fraud, arguing that such accusations undermine longstanding religious practices.

Citing scriptural references from both the Old and New Testaments, the signatories underlined that the biblical and traditional basis for these offerings show that church contributions are an integral part of worship for Christians.

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The statement called for adherence to Article 36 of the Chinese Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom, as well as international agreements like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which China has signed but not ratified.

Since the CCP updated its Regulations on Religious Affairs in 2017, authorities have increasingly used fraud charges to target unregistered churches, said the U.K.-based group Christian Solidarity Worldwide, supporting the joint statement by Chinese lawyers, activists and religious leaders.

According to the China Human Rights Lawyers Group, the CCPs process of repression involves three steps: first, prohibiting churches from registering as legal entities; second, declaring their gatherings illegal; and third, treating their collection of offerings as fraudulent. Church leaders convicted of fraud could face prison sentences exceeding 10 years.

CSW criticized laws that effectively divide Chinese Christians into government-approved churches and persecuted unregistered groups.

The Linfen Covenant Home Church has become a focal point in this crackdown.

In August 2022, the churchs pastors, Li Jie and Han Xiaodong, were detained after a police raid on a family event involving over 30 adults and 40 children, according to the joint statement. Both pastors were placed under a form of secret detention known as Residential Surveillance in a Designated Location and subjected to physical punishment and sleep deprivation.

The Linfen Yaodu District Procuratorate charged them with fraud in May 2023, but their trial has yet to begin. Four members of the church signed the joint statement condemning the charges.

The statement mentioned 12 other cases of house churches accused of fraud since 2018, saying they illustrate a pattern of persecution. The signatories said the Communist governments tactics threaten to criminalize all pastoral work in unregistered churches.

"In modern times, thousands of missionaries [in China] have preached the Gospel, built schools, hospitals" and carried out various Evangelical and charitable works, "benefiting millions of Chinese compatriots," all supported by numerous Christian donations, said the signatories.

Chinese home churches continue this tradition, adhering to Christ as the sole head of the Church and upholding the principle of separation of church and state, "giving to Caesar what is Caesars and to God what is Gods," they added. Through worship and donations, they glorify God." Whether pastors or lay believers, whether dedicating their lives to God or their possessions, all glory is given to God together, and grace is received from Him, they concluded.
Home News Trump stands by Hegseth as cabinet nominee vows to 'fight like hell' amid alcoholism allegations

President-elect Donald Trump is standing by his decision to nominate Fox News personality Pete Hegseth to serve as secretary of defense amid concerns that an alleged drinking habit might impact his ability to do the job.

Trump took to Truth Social on Friday to declare that Pete Hegseth is doing very well, insisting that His support is strong and deep, much more so than Fake News would have you believe. The president-elects remarks come after NBC News published an article Tuesday citing concerns from 10 current and former Fox News colleagues, all anonymous, about Hegseths alleged alcoholism.

Unnamed colleagues of Hegseth told NBC News that they smelled alcohol on the Fox & Friends Weekend co-host as he was about to go on air and reported hearing him talk about being hungover. Additional claims in the NBC News article insisted that Hegseth would show up 20 minutes before the show was set to go on air and would frequently need phone calls to make sure he was awake because his co-workers knew he would have been out late partying and drinking the night before.

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Trump touted Hegseths credentials and implied that he had no intention of withdrawing his nomination to serve as secretary of defense: He was a great student  Princeton/Harvard educated  with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of  Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!

Hegseth addressed the allegations against him in an interview with media personality Megyn Kelly, a fellow Fox News alumna. He characterized the assertions made about him as all anonymous, all innuendo, all rumor, nothing sourced, no verification.

They never asked the people closest to me. They never asked the people who were involved directly, he added. He acknowledged that when they do, the feedback they receive is much more positive, citing statements from his co-anchors of Fox & Friends Weekend, Will Cain and Rachel Campos Duffy, vouching for his character.

Hegseth added, Its a couple anonymous nuggets, usually from disgruntled people who were fired for cause, who are jealous or want a little bit of retribution, and so they peddle stuff to reporters who are not interested in the truth. Theyre interested in smearing someone who supports Donald Trumps agenda.

Im surrounded by a great team. I got a wonderful wife. We love this country, we love Jesus Christ, our Savior, and were going to fight like hell, he vowed.

Hegseths fate ultimately rests with the U.S. Senate, which will be in Republican hands at the start of the 119th Congress in January. The Senate will consist of 53 Republican senators and 47 Democrat senators. In order to secure confirmation, he must receive the support of a simple majority of senators. Hegseth can be confirmed with only Republican support, although he can afford no more than four defections from members of his own party, assuming all Democrats vote against him.

Hegseth expressed confidence that he will receive the votes required for confirmation, describing his meetings with senators as fantastic. He told Kelly, No one has looked me in the eye and said, I have concerns and I cant vote for you. To the contrary, he insisted, Most have said, lets take a picture and Im behind you all the way.

A CBS News poll of 2,232 American adults conducted last month found that 33% of respondents viewed Hegseth as a good choice to lead the Department of Defense, while 28% had the opposite view. A plurality of those surveyed (39%) indicated that they hadn't heard enough about Hegseth to form an opinion about him.
Home Books Armie Hammer's mother shares how faith sustained her through heartbreak, scandal

Dru Hammers life reads like a novel, one filled with dizzying highs, devastating lows  and most importantly, a journey of faith, forgiveness and perseverance in the face of betrayal.

Hammer is the ex-wife of Michael Hammer, grandson of Occidental Petroleum magnate Armand Hammer, and mother of financier Viktor Hammer and embattled actor Armie Hammer  and shes seen her family's life scrutinized and sensationalized in the public eye for decades.

In an interview with The Christian Post, the 62-year-old said she wrote her new memoir, Hammered, to shift the focus of her highly-publicized story to the faith that has carried her through.

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It took me 10 years to write this book, because if you write a book, I really believe that you have to bring in the good, the bad and the ugly, and in our family, there's just a lot of all of the above, she said. But that's what Jesus does; when you have problems and when you're going through all these horrendous things, God is faithful. And that's really the whole message of my book, is the faithfulness of God when our hearts get hammered.

In her book, Hammer recounts her upbringing in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where her father led a traveling healing ministry, influenced by evangelists like Kenneth Hagin and Oral Roberts. It was that foundation, Hammer said, that became her lifeline as she would go on to navigate a life of privilege and heartbreak.

When you grow up as a child, and that's what you see all into your adulthood, and you see people walk out of wheelchairs and the blind people receiving their sight, there's no way that I could ever limit God. He is the Creator of the universe. Who are we, as mere peons with our finite minds? Who are we to limit the God, the creator of the universe, who is infinite? So that really directed every step of my life, she said.

Hammer met Michael Hammer on a plane to Tulsa, and after a whirlwind romance, she found herself married into a world of glamour and privilege, complete with lavish dinners, servants and parties with royalty like Princess Diana.

Ten months after their marriage, Hammer became pregnant with their first child, Armie, and welcomed their second son, Viktor, three years later. Now residing in Los Angeles with her family, she also began renovating and selling houses, a business she said quickly blossomed.

But it wasnt long before her idyllic world was shattered. Her boys were still young when she found out her husband had been unfaithful, but, she writes, he seemed repentant, and not wanting her children to grow up without a father, she forgave him.

Her marriage of 25 years finally unraveled after she had a dream in which God revealed her husband Michael's infidelity  again. Confronted, Michael initially denied the accusation but ultimately admitted to years of unrepentant affairs, rooted, he claimed, in childhood trauma from severe abuse.

Financially blindsided, Hammer discovered that Michael had made her unknowingly relinquish her rights to their assets. Following her decision to leave him, his office canceled her credit cards and bank accounts.

During this time, she relied on her faith to sustain her, spending her days walking, listening to Scripture and praying. Although she fervently prayed for reconciliation, she ultimately faced the reality of an inevitable divorce.

When I came out of my divorce, I wasn't left penniless, thankfully, because I had renovated 27 homes during our marriage," she said.

When I walked down the aisle 40 years ago, I never in a million years dreamed that 25 years later I would be going through a very difficult divorce, she continued. My father was a very trustworthy person, and I loved my husband and I trusted him. Why would I stay in a marriage with a person that I didn't trust? That would be ridiculous, right? What's the point of that? But sometimes, again, God doesn't fail us, but people can fail us, and there can be deceptions.

Hammer eventually forgave her ex-husband, and before his passing from a glioblastoma brain tumor in 2022, the two had become friends, celebrating holidays together with their children.

I actually became very good friends with my former husband. [] Does God want us to be divorced? Absolutely not. God says He hates divorce and it leads to sin, and boy does it, but God can also restore as well."

I loved my husband, she said. I loved him till the day he died. I would go into his hospital room and crawl in bed with him and pray over him, and ask Jesus to heal him, of course, because I believe in healing, but he got the ultimate healing. He's worshiping the Lord in Heaven.

In her book, Hammer also touches on the scandal surrounding her son, Armie. In January 2021, multiple women accused Armie of sharing sexual fantasies with them that involved cannibalism, among other allegations. A prolific actor, Armies story made headlines in the tabloids and was highlighted in the 2022 documentary House of Hammer, though no charges were ever filed.

In 2023, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office announced Hammer would not face any charges related to the allegations.

When asked about the controversy, Dru Hammer said, Theres always another side, she recalled, adding: He just decided, I'm not going to speak out, that the truth always comes out, and that's what he did. So occasionally I would call him and go, Well, if you won't speak out, can I speak out? Because those girls stayed in my home, and they were in love with you. And if you were really that terrible of a person, they wouldn't have wanted to be with you like that.'

She recounted her approach with Armie during his public ordeal. I would remind him, People will fail you, but God never will. My role wasnt to be their friend but their guide, even when it wasnt popular.

Though she raised her children in the church, Hammer said she doesnt necessarily see her sons seeking the Lord deeply today. But she is confident theyll return to the faith she tried to instill in them as children.

I don't think they have a chance, because I pray every single day, and the best thing I can do is to be a godly example to them, and the rest is up to them. We're only responsible for ourselves, she said.

You have to rely on God for your joy, because the world could absolutely be falling apart around you, and you can still have joy if you trust God. I also have to think, wow, God, you must have something really fabulous for the Hammer family, because our entire family has been obliterated.

Motherhood, Hammer said, has been both her greatest joy and her toughest calling. Im a praying mom, she asserted. My sons know where I stand.

Though touching on public scandals and personal heartbreak, the major theme of Hammers book is forgiveness, something she says is crucial for emotional and spiritual health.

Bitterness eats people alive, she said. I had lunch with a woman once who was so venomous about her ex-husband I thought it had happened recently. Then she told me it had been 12 years. Forgiveness isnt about the other person  its about freeing yourself. Jesus says, I cant forgive you until you forgive others. I need forgiveness every day, so I dont have time to hold onto bitterness.

Today, Hammer uses her platform, experiences and resources to help others. Her nonprofit, Hammered Hearts, exists to help others spiritually, physically and mentally who have also experienced hardship, and shes also worked with the Dream Center, helping victims of sex trafficking and those struggling with drug abuse.

I just really believe that God gives us so much and He's so faithful, that my greatest joy now is to being able to go out and help other people that are going through the same thing, she said.

Shes also launching an innovative AI project, What Does the Bible Say? debuting at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 18. The project uses AI to answer over 1,000 questions rooted in Scripture.

Its not the Bible according to Dru Hammer, she said. Its what Gods Word says. My hope is to make Scripture accessible and clear for anyone seeking truth.

By sharing her story with the world, Hammer hopes to encourage others that they, too, can find hope, forgiveness and healing through faith, regardless of the challenges life throws at them.

We can have peace amongst chaos, and that's the word 'shalom,'" she said. "Jesus said, I am the Prince of Peace, so I just kept relying on Jesus as my source of peace and joy."
Home News Christians barred from singing Christmas music in Indonesia

SURABAYA, Indonesia  Muslims in a village in Indonesia stopped a church choir from rehearsing on Sunday evening for a Christmas service on the false premise that the Christians needed permission from community leaders, sources said.

In the predominantly Muslim Matajang neighborhood in Caile village, Ujungbulu District, Bulukumba Regency, South Celebes Province, the head of the local neighborhood association told members of the Catholic St. Yoseph Station church, Its important that the choir practice should be reported to the local government, according to a video that appeared on TikTok account @sellsellss and on other social media.

The neighborhood association head, Andi Arman, known as Aples, claimed to be mediating between the Catholic choir and the area Muslims, telling choir member in the video, First, I will tell the [Muslim] neighbors that there will be activities like this. If you ask permission, I can tell them there has been a report to the local government. If it is like this [without permission], I will say there is no permission.

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Later, he told news outlet radarselatan.jajar.co.id, The residents asked me to come because they thought there was a worship activity. It turned out to be a song practice for Christmas.

Aples said the Muslim residents and the church had a prior agreement prohibiting the Catholics from worshiping at the site, and that he was trying to protect them from mob violence.

I came to protect my Catholic friends, he told the news outlet. By having permission, I can ensure that other parties would not disturb their activities.

A parishioner told Morning Star News that the congregation has never used the multipurpose building where they were rehearsing as a place of worship; it was built for church worship but never used because of opposition by local Muslims.

We have been holding services in a congregation members house far from the Muslim community, she said. We do other church activities in this multipurpose building.

The Indonesian Movement for All, a leading moderate interfaith organization podcast, stated that it was sad to learn about the banning of the Christmas choir practice, asserting, The ban is incomprehensible. Since when does practicing choir for Christmas require permission from the local government?

The institution, which brings together several young Indonesian figures, stated that only the establishment of a house of worship requires people to obtain a permit based on the Joint Decree of the Two Ministers, Chapter 1, Article 3.

Choir practice needs no permit, the group stated. People who prohibit this must be handled immediately.

Local Muslim leader Ustaz Andi Satria said he regretted the incident.

Singing practice for Christmas celebrations must be protected, not intimidated, Andi Satria said. Islam teaches tolerance as a blessing for all humans, not just for the Muslims. 

Intolerance, he said, arises due to misunderstanding of Islamic teaching.

We sometimes understand religion too shallowly, so we ask permission even to practice singing. Our job is to protect, not to hinder, Andi Satria said, adding that the local government should be wise in handling reports from residents. Should the practice require permission, the government should be present as a protector, not as a party that stops the activity. It should be followed by a cool dialogue to find the best solution.

Stopping religious activities for any reason must be avoided, he said, adding, Our country is not a country of a particular religion, but a country of law that guarantees freedom of religion.

The head of St. Mary of Fatima Parish, Immanuel Asi, told Morning Star News, The problem has been resolved thanks to cooperation with several parties, but area sources said there has been no resolution, and the conflict continues.

The St. Joseph Station is a part of the St. Mary of Fatima Parish in Bentaeng Regency, South Celebes, and belongs to the Makasar Archdiocese. Serving approximately 50 families or around 215 members, it represents about 50% of the entire congregation of St. Mary of Fatima Parish. The station is about 30 to 40 minutes away by vehicle from the parish.

Indonesia ranked 42nd on the Christian support organization Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Indonesian society has adopted a more strict Islamic ideology and churches involved in evangelistic outreach are at risk of being targeted by Islamic extremist groups, according to the WWL report.

This article was originally published at Morning Star News
Home News Sheriff releases apparent motive of man who shot 2 kids at Christian school in California

The Butte County Sheriffs Office has disclosed the motive behind a shooting at a Christian school in California, where a man critically injured two young boys before taking his own life. Sheriff Kory Honea stated that the attackers writings indicated his actions were intended as a response to U.S. policies in the Middle East, particularly concerning Palestine and Yemen.

The shooter, identified as 56-year-old Glenn Litton, had a documented history of mental health struggles and prior criminal activity.

Sheriff Honea said investigators recovered Littons writings detailing his perceived rationale for the attack, which he referred to as a countermeasure, Action News Now reported.

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According to the writings, Litton claimed to act on behalf of an organization he called the International Alliance, purportedly in retaliation for Americas involvement in genocide and oppression of Palestinians along with attacks toward Yemen.

However, Honea clarified that authorities found no evidence supporting the existence of such an organization, describing Littons beliefs as likely stemming from a distorted reality. It appears that he pulled information from various sources, and it all came together in his mind to form a reality that perhaps is false or different than ours, of course, Honea said during a press conference, according to NBC Montana.

According Honea, Litton entered the Feather River Adventist School on Wednesday under the guise of enrolling a child. Surveillance footage revealed that he toured the school with the principal, displaying no signs of hostility during the visit.

However, upon exiting, Litton diverted toward the playground, where children were returning to class after a break. He then retrieved a handgun from his waistband and began firing.

The victims, Roman Mendez, 6, and Elias Wolford, 5, were struck by the gunfire and remain in critical but stable condition at a trauma center in Sacramento.

Following the attack, Litton turned the weapon on himself, dying near the playground equipment where the shooting took place.

The sheriffs office also revealed that Litton had arranged a visit to another Seventh-day Adventist school in Red Bluff, California, scheduled for the day after the shooting, suggesting the possibility of additional planned violence.

Litton had attended a Seventh-day Adventist school as a child and appeared to target institutions affiliated with the denomination.

District Attorney Mike Ramsey told Action News Now that if Litton had survived, prosecutors might have pursued hate crime charges, given the religious affiliation of the targeted school and the content of his writings. Its possible, Ramsey said, though he noted that drawing definitive conclusions would be speculative.

Littons background includes a long criminal history, primarily involving identity theft and property crimes, and he had served time in prison. He was recently homeless and reportedly living in motels.

Witnesses placed him at a Motel 6 in Chico the morning of the shooting.

The FBI has called on those familiar with Litton to come forward with information that could illuminate his motivations and ideological beliefs.

The Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists issued a statement expressing sorrow over the incident, stating, 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.

G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, condemned the violence as senseless. All levels of ministry are engaged in supporting members of our church and others in the community who are in crisis, he said, urging respect for the privacy of those involved.

The Feather River Adventist School, a small institution with fewer than 40 students ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade, has since resumed operations with enhanced security measures.
The Archbishop of Canterbury leaves office on 6 January. (Photo: Lambeth Palace)

The outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has apologised after his farewell speech in the House of Lords sparked anger from victims of abuse.

Welby delivered the speech ahead of his departure from office next month and was accused of making light of serious safeguarding failings by the Church of England after he joked that a head had to "roll".

"The reality is that there comes a time if you are technically leading a particular institution or area of responsibility where the shame of what has gone wrong  whether one is personally responsible or not  must require a head to roll. And there is only, in this case, one head that rolls well enough."

He added, "I hope not literally," referencing a 14th century archbishop who was beheaded.

Welby resigned last month over institutional and personal failings in the handling of horrific abuse by late Christian camp organiser John Smyth. The Makin Review that prompted his resignation concluded that it was possible more victims could have been saved if Welby had reported Smyth to the police after becoming aware of the abuse in 2013.

Welby's comments in the Lords sparked a backlash even from senior clergy within the Church of England who accused him of appearing to shun personal responsibility.

Welby has now apologised, saying, "I would like to apologise wholeheartedly for the hurt that my speech has caused.

"I understand that my words  the things that I said, and those I omitted to say  have caused further distress for those who were traumatised, and continue to be harmed, by John Smyth's heinous abuse, and by the far reaching effects of other perpetrators of abuse.

"I did not intend to overlook the experience of survivors, or to make light of the situation  and I am very sorry for having done so.

"It remains the case that I take both personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period after 2013, and the harm that this has caused survivors.

"I continue to feel a profound sense of shame at the Church of England's historic safeguarding failures."

Smyth's victims spoke out against Welby's Lord's speech, saying that it had struck an inappropriately "frivolous" tone.

A victim who wished to remain anonymous told the London Evening Standard, "I have never come across anyone so tone deaf.

"He has resigned in shame, burdened by the Makin Review with 'moral and personal responsibility' and all he can do is joke about rolling heads.

"There have been two suicide attempts. This is no time to joke.

"This should have been time for reflection and sorrow. I am just appalled," he added.

He continued: "The bottom line is that John Smyth was not stopped in 2013, after the Archbishop, other bishops and scores of clergy knew about the abuse.

"He should be ashamed, not joking about his mates in the Lords."

One victim, using the pseudonym Graham Jones, told the BBC that he had been "disgusted" by the speech and said that Welby's tone "did not appear to be one of sorrow which is what was required".

"This would have been an opportunity to look into the camera and say sorry but instead he talked frivolously about a matter that has led to suicide attempts by victims," he said.

Premier Christian News reports that the Church of England's lead safeguarding bishops, Rt Rev Joanne Grenfell, Rt Rev Julie Conalty and Rt Rev Robert Springett, have written to victims of Smyth to apologise for Welby's comments.

"Both in content and delivery, the speech was utterly insensitive, lacked any focus on victims and survivors of abuse, especially those affected by John Smyth, and made light of the events surrounding the Archbishop's resignation. It was mistaken and wrong. We acknowledge and deeply regret that this has caused further harm to you in an already distressing situation," they said.

"We know that the Church of England has seriously failed over many years at many levels in relation to safeguarding, and we are so sorry that yesterday's speech was the antithesis of all that we are now trying to work towards in terms of culture change and redress with all of you.

"As lead bishops for safeguarding in the Church of England, we apologise to you."

The Bishop of Newcastle, Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, who led calls for Welby's resignation over the John Smyth scandal, told Channel 4 News's Cathy Newman that she was "greatly disturbed" and "greatly ashamed" by the speech and that it "seems to put the focus away from personal responsibility to a sense of corporate responsibility".

Lambeth Palace confirmed this week that Welby's last day in post as Archbishop of Canterbury will be on Epiphany on 6 January.

The duties of the office will be shared by the Archbishop of York, Bishop of London and Bishop of Dover until a new Archbishop of Canterbury is appointed.

"With the gracious agreement of HM The King, Archbishop Justin's last day in post as the Archbishop of Canterbury will be on the Feast of the Epiphany, 6th January 2025," a statement from Welby's office read.

"From that date, his primatial functions will be delegated, mainly to the Archbishop of York, his metropolitan functions to the Bishop of London and his diocesan functions to the Bishop of Dover."